What Is SiriusXM?
What Is SiriusXM?
In a nutshell, SiriusXM is a satellite radio service that covers the United States and Canada. The company was formed in 2008 after a merger between two competing Satellite Radio providers – Sirius and XM.
The great thing about satellite radio is the availability. As the radio waves are relayed via satellite, you have extended coverage as well as superior audio quality compared to FM or AM radio.
What Does SiriusXM Do?
SiriusXM has tons of different SiriusXM stations and channels. These include music, sports, news, entertainment, comedy, and even an exclusive deal with legendary broadcaster Howard Stern!
There are also specific channels wrapped around other factors, such as season. Including a whole host of SiriusXM Christmas Channels which are pretty festive!
However, what you have access to as a listener will depend on which SiriusXM subscription and hardware you have. Essentially, you can have access to over 350 different radio channels streamed via SiriusXM online at SiriusXM.com. With over 165 of these channels also available in your car or other audio devices via the SiriusXM App.
Satellite radio can be a little tricky, especially with the added component of pairing it to your car. Luckily, SiriusXM customer service is great and can help get you get up and running.
The SiriusAX App
The SiriusXM App makes for a much more engaging radio experience.
It allows you to connect SiriusXM to wireless speakers, smart TVs and also allows access to on-demand features. This allows you to listen to specific interviews and shows in your own time, rather than having to catch them live.
The app also has a great way of suggesting new content to you based on your likes, so it’s also great for new artist discovery.
What Does This Mean For Artists?
Radio has always been a huge part of an artists’ success. Getting on a national radio playlist was once the only way to have really meaningful success as an artist.
However, as the internet has transformed the way in which we consume media, outlets like SiriusXM provide a real opportunity for artists.
SiriusXM boasts over 350 channels. The music channels are categorised by genre, decade, hits, and new releases. This means that a consumer can seek out specific kinds of music and listen to all kinds of different artists.
For a new artist, that means a placement on a SiriusXM Playlist is really valuable. This is due to the fact that the listeners of that playlist are much more likely to be open to your music.
Furthermore, SiriusXM streaming caters for all sorts of user cases. From individuals who are passionate about radio, right through to businesses. The availability of SiriusXM in the air or at sea also means that the exposure for new artists can be really powerful.
There is also the opportunity to take advantage of SiriusXM Subscriber Perks. Here, fans can enjoy exclusive online performances, meet and greets, and much more, which gives artists yet another tool in their arsenal to engage with their followers.
How Much Does SiriusXM Cost?
There are many different SiriusXM plans. The foundation has three distinct offerings: Sirius XM ‘Premier’, Sirius XM ‘Select’ and SiriusXM ‘All Access’.
‘Premier’ is streaming only whilst ‘Select’ and ‘All Access’ also offer an in-car option. The main differentiator is the number of channels available, although, you still get a lot! These packages are available at $1, $5, and $8.25 per month, respectively.
For those unsure of which package would be best suited to them, there is also a SiriusXM Trial package both for the app and online. As well as for your car, for which you can sign up on the website.
The trial gives you three months. So it is a pretty good amount of time to decide whether or not it’s a service you might like.
