Copyright is a protection that covers published and unpublished literary, scientific and artistic works, whatever the form of expression, provided such works are fixed in a tangible or material form. This means that if you can see it, hear it and/or touch it - it may be protected. This video below will give you more details about copyrighting.

Many independent artists think that getting their music on BDS radio stations is harder than it really is. For those who do not know what BDS is, here’s a brief description. Broadcast Data Systems (BDS) is the world-leading provider of off-the-air music recognition for the record and radio industries. Employing pattern recognition technology, BDS identifies songs played on over 1100 radio stations in the US and Canada in real-time… 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Radio stations use BDS Radio to program their stations, while record companies use BDS ENcore and BDSexpress.com to enhance their promotion, sales and marketing efforts. Performing rights organizations like SESAC, ASCAP, and BMI use BDS information to calculate music royalty payments.” -BDS

Now, to get your music on BDS stations, it is as simple as calling the radio station program director and asking them how to get independent music aired on their station. Most of these stations have websites with this information on them. As long as your music is good, edited for radio,  mixed and mastered you shouldn’t have any problems. Here is a link to radio stations throughout North America for you to get started. Do not forget to register your song with Soundscan and Neilson  BDS before you get your music aired on the radio.