Radio Request Day
Posted By Alan Cohen in Soundcheck on May 11, 2006
I'm tired of local music being relogated to Sunday radio shows during throwaway hours. I argue that people would be more interested in hearing local music if DJs would find some songs that they liked by local artists and put them into their regular rotation. If you think thats way to logical to actually happen, then you are right. The radio stations will argue that they play what the people want to hear. So my proposal is that we pick a day next month and have listener request day. You may be asking "But Alan - what is listener request day?". To which I would respond "No problem (insert your name here), I'll tell you...Listener request day is when all the people who are interested enough in local music to read TexasGigs get together and all call a single radio station throughout the day and request the music of a single local artist."
Lets see if we can get a radio station to put one local artist in rotation. Once that has happened, lets try for another. The Sunday shows just aren't good enough. With the talent we have in DFW, we need the local artists played side by side with the mainstream artists.
Alan.. this is the BEST post I've seen on Texas Gigs.
Keep this on top, if you can. Have someone bump it, or make it a story, whatever. But this is a brilliant idea!
The first thing that has to happen, though, is for said band, to get thier song accepted by the station. Am I right? I'm not completely sure, but they add to the rotation based on what the station decides, then, the request line can determine how much it gets played.
But seriously, I love this positive approach. And the Observer said it best, when they wrote about the Adventure Club... is IS sad to see local/indie music get such a small place on Dallas airwaves. We have WAY too much quality local music here in Dallas to be forced to listen to an hour of Metallica on the "Alternative" station.
Repost this x30.
Gregory Anonymous
3 years, 6 months ago
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I think that may be right Gregory. But I think that there are artists that may already have their music in "rotation" officially just because of those Sunday local shows. The main thing is that no one can get their feelings hurt if they are not the artist everyone pushes behind. We have to all understand that everyone getting behind one single artist will help ALL local artists in the long run.
Thanks for the support. Thats all I needed to push forward with this idea.
Alan Cohen Staff
3 years, 6 months ago
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I would just like to note that my show is on Wednesdays at 6pm EST and I play local artists, in fact, DFW bands make up like 60% of my show easily with a smattering of East Texas and Austin bands as well as like...two bands from El Paso, one of them is At the Drive In...on El Paso...livin' on a man made line.
Andrew Johnstone Verified
3 years, 6 months ago
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No doubt Andrew is a friend to DFW musicians. We just need more DJs that are willing to open their ears to local music as you have.
Alan Cohen Staff
3 years, 6 months ago
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For the most part, the "DJ's" have no say in the playlist with the exception of a few shows...on...Sundays.
Playlists are generated by much higher-ups.
KHYI 95.3 The Range plays local music regularly.
KNON 89.3 plays local music of all genres on a regular basis.
These stations are either family-owned and operated or publically funded and run by volunteers. These stations need our support, since they support local artists.
I suggest you contact Josh Venable or Chris Ryan, both of whom host local radio shows, yet they work for 102.1 The Edge - a Clear Channel owned station. They might offer insight as to the right channels or steps to take to put this plan in motion. Otherwise, I'd start at the top (Clear Channel/Infinity/etc.) and find out the right avenues to take other than bombarding weekly DJ's with music they aren't authorized to play.
You have to understand, most local radio stations are corporations - they are also governed by - well - government regulations, FCC rules, etc., etc., etc. I'm relatively certain the Lawry Mays & Mark Mays aren't sitting in their executive offices at Clear Channel concerning themselves with whether or not local bands are being played on their stations. However, if it'll net them more revenue, you might get a meeting.
It's not like local DJ's aren't aware of the local scene - they are aware - that's why Josh does what he does and Chris Ryan does what he does and Tom Urquhart does what he does and Frank Hejl does what he does and Justin Frazell does what he does and J-Stone does what he does from way the hell up north.
Check out Ayo's 9 O'Clock Cock Fight in which he puts local (and otherwise) bands up head-to-head and listeners call in with their favorite pick. The winner goes on to the next night. Once a song plays all week, it wins a chance to go into regular rotation. For example, Black Tie Dynasty's "Tender" won all week recently. Ayo's show - 6-10 PM M-F on KDGE 102.1 The Edge. THAT'S your start!
"The radio stations will argue that they play what the people want to hear."
Unfortunately they do play what people want to hear - at least the millions of people who are buying the millions of CDs from the artists they have in regular rotation. The listening public is much more savvy than years past. They are going to the Internet to find independent music in their preferred genre.
Perhaps a meeting with folks in radio and in local bands:
Trey Johnson- Clear Channel - Sorta
Chris Ryan - The Edge (midday) & The Local Show - Meathammer
Chris Cloutier - Webmaster for Kidd Kraddick in the Morning - Monkeyshyne
Danny Balis - producer of the Hardline on The Ticket - Sorta
I think it's very VERY important to support the shows that ARE playing local music - Sunday or not - because the more of an audience they build, the more the local music will get heard, the more CDs the bands will sell and hopefully one day they'll find a place in local rotation.
Cindy Chaffin Verified
3 years, 6 months ago
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on a serious note (a first for me here at texasgigs) I support your concept, I have always believed that a popular movement is the surest path to change, but I have to agree with Cindy. So long as fat cats at Clear Channel, Infinity, Entercom, and CBS radio own well over half of the radio stations in the country (and more than 80% of the high-watt towers) attempting to effect change through the medium of radio is a task I don't think we can accomplish without surgical strikes on key party members. Local artists sell 10,000 records, national artists sell 10 million, who stands to get the most listeners and therefore the most advertising money? And if you wanna jockey for position on the lower end of the dial, forget it, most people don't turn the dial that far (I should know I hang out at 88.1 FM) and again the sole purpose of having a station at a dial that low is because they don't have the resources to get a high-watt tower so they need a frequency that can travel on 100 watts, so, they still aren't going to get heard. I think also we should sit and wait to see what digital radio does, promises of less advertising and such makes it seem like radio may not go quietly into that good night. I will however disagree with Cindy's suggestion of trying to break into Clear Channel's playlists. Yes go talk to Venable, and whatever guys are already spinning tracks, but personally I say forget CCC and their money grubbing. We need an alternative, and when I don't have 4 final exams on my plate, I'll pitch one.
Andrew Johnstone Verified
3 years, 6 months ago
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I didn't say break into their playlists, I think that's what Alan was saying. With all the other ways to get your music played out there, I honestly wouldn't waste my time on this type of action.
However, with blogs like Gorilla vs Bear, IndieInterviews - and the fact that shows like Lonestar State can stream via the Internet - avid music fans have outlets to learn about new music from local/regional/national up-and-comers and are actively going out in search of it.
I strongly feel that radio as we know it is going to change radically in the coming years - they'll have to in order to keep up with public demand and increasing competition from the XM's/Sirius/et al.
I dunno - I've mananged to find out about the entire local music scene and I rarely, if ever, listen to the radio (with the exception of Sundays of course).
Honestly - I say screw 'em. If a band markets it's music correctly via the Internet, indie magazines, music blogs, MySpace, etc., then they'll get heard.
Cindy Chaffin Verified
3 years, 6 months ago
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I hate fat cats. <img src="http://static.flickr.com/45/145188607_77122a9a2d_m.jpg">
Blair Lovern Staff
3 years, 6 months ago
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No one is asking for the radio to go all local. What this idea attempts to do is inch forward. I think you might be surprised what mainstream media will do if pushed. It seems to me that its very little effort for a potentially nice statement and reward. If you dont have 2 minutes to call into a request line, or its too much of a "waste of time", then thats a personal decision. If it fails, it fails. But making that call will take less time than it did to write out a response on why it wont work so we shouldnt try. Personally, I'd rather say I tried even if it is an uphilll battle.
You build a house brick by brick. You can't start a fire without a spark. (insert more lameass metaphors here).
Alan Cohen Staff
3 years, 6 months ago
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I offered some suggestions on my initial comment as how to go forward. Take 'em or leave 'em. My point is that there are other even bigger and better ways to get your music heard - not just locally - but globally, for example on..oh...say...TexasGigs.com. The Edge has and does keep some local bands in rotation - The Vanished, The Feds, The Burden Brothers, Minority, Greatness in Tragedy...etc... However, more power to ya if you wanna start a campaign. Nothing that helps the local music scene is a "waste of time." But staying abreast of the way the music scene is evolving (radio and whatever else) is important for bands to do. The Internet is bringing no-label, relatively unknown bands to the forefront of the national music scene, not the occasional play on local radio stations.
However, like I said - let the campaign begin!
Need a starting band and song? Black Tie Dynasty is well on their way already - get to callin'!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thanks to all of you who have been requesting our new single, "Tender" on 102.1 The EDGE. We're getting feedback that indicates these requests are working, but we need to keep them coming and flood those lines with requests for "Tender"! Please make one request to any of these EDGE dj's today... jessie@kdge.com ayo@kdge.com chris@kdge.com lou@kdge.com djmerritt@kdge.com bretx@kdge.com You can also call (214) or (817) 787-1102 With this request, you will be doing your part to get good music back on the radio! Thanks for your support! xoxo BTD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cindy Chaffin Verified
3 years, 6 months ago
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I, personally, think this would be an even BIGGER movement, than intended. I think it would make a statement that "we will not be force fed music that a bunch of guys in stuffy suits decided we would like, according to 'research'". I mean, the Black Tie Dynasty letter is proof that Alan's idea is a good one. And, not only the EDGE. Call ALL the stations and request the one band (whoever it may be coughHendrickcough).
Another avenue, that not many people think of, is talk radio. 105.3, the station that Pugs and Kelly are on, used to throw bones to local bands... they even had Chaz on, after he was off The Eagle... but then the 105.3 programming dept. decided people didn't like local music.
I know for a fact that Pugs and Kelly AND the Jagger Show, LOVE LOVE LOVE local music. If they had their way, they'd spotlight it whenever they could. But unfortunatly, their bosses say now. Try sending letters, e-mails, and phone calls their way, and telling those stations that it'd be nice to hear some Dallas music on Dallas area talk shows.
The internet is a powerful tool, but its not the only tool. And still not the most powerful.
Gregory Anonymous
3 years, 6 months ago
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I agree thats its important. I agree, the BTD letter shows just how important radio play is to them. Otherwise they'd focus their attention elsewhere. I think its equally as important to many bands out there.
That being said, I think the idea needs a little tightening up. Its evolved in my head the past few days, and now I'm thinking even bigger. Its gonna take a little bit of work on my end though. More to come later.
Alan Cohen Staff
3 years, 6 months ago
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I also agree that radio play is important, of course it is important. I was just pointing out that there are already several ways to get your music played on local radio already in place, and other ways to get your music heard. BTD utilizes every possible outlet available to them, as should all bands and artists.
Alan, to help initiate your plan, I've already contacted the GM's of several local stations and will report back to you post haste. My part in this is already in the works!
Cindy Chaffin Verified
3 years, 6 months ago
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Radio is truly the Holy Grail that we all seek as musicians. No questions about it and if a musician tells you he doesn't care about being on the radio, then ask him why he doesn't just sit in his room play with himself (and I mean that both ways). I not only work for Kidd Kraddick, I also work as a DJ in Wichita Falls for the Buzz as the overnight guy (Christian) on their alt rock station. Since no one wanted to play my band on the radio (monkeyshyne) I had to see for myself if radio was really that controlled. And it is. I have no say in what gets played during my shift on the Buzz.
What we all want to pretend is that bottom line isn't about money and that it is about art. We always want to think as musicians we are above the "business" part of the whole deal. The business part is what drives the machine as we know it. Radio stations do pay attention to demand and what people want. But the reality is more people are going to call in and request "Coming Undone" by Korn then they are "Gone Mad" by monkeyshyne. More people know about Korn and are familiar with them. If you could get enough people calling in you might be able to sway a PD to give is a spin. But honestly will that make a band huge? Probabl not, with the over saturation of music these days you need a lot of luck and a even more money.
klewta Anonymous
3 years, 6 months ago
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Klewta:
Those are all good arguments -- and an excellent reason why radio as we know it is as on the ropes as the newspaper industry as we know it.
They are eating their seed corn -- it remains to be seen whether or not they discover the value of the "long tail" before it is too late.
Mike Orren Staff
3 years, 6 months ago
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My question to Gavin Spittle - Vice President of Talk Programming for Infinity Broadcasting Dallas/Fort Worth - Programming for Free-FM Live 105.3 and NewsRadio 1080 KRLD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QUESTION:
TexasGigs: What are the chances of 105.3 supporting the local music scene a bit more?
Even if one band was featured a week like on Pugs & Kelly, that would make such a huge difference for the local scene. I've really enjoyed Big Dick Hunter the last few days, perhaps that's something he might do?
I know Live 105.3 is a talk station, but I thought perhaps you could slide in a segment somewhere once in awhile that would highlight the local music scene.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ANSWER
Gavin: " I think we try to support it as much as possible. That's why I book the Feds and bands like that. We try as much as possible but you said it best, we are a talk station. We also just hosted the Dallas Observer Music Awards and we'll be the host next year as well. I think we are one of the larger supporters of local music on the radio. We'll keep trying."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Feds and Back in Black will perform at http://1053freefm.com/pages/26348.php - Live 6 on Friday, May 19th at Gilley's. Both bands have, and continue to, get airplay on Live 105.3.
Cindy Chaffin Verified
3 years, 6 months ago
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The keys to call-ins working is frequency...validity of call(i.e. them not figuring out it's the same person more than every 15 min)...and consistancy over a period of time(usually 4-6weeks of call patterns either increasing or spreading to other time slots is what they look at)...
I have a song "Bussa Move" that has gotten great support on KNON from Bobo/Fish/Pik's show the DSBP and was as high as #5 among all songs in the club scene in Dallas(big in the strip clubs too!)...It's been on mixtapes by the most popular mixtape DJs here and out of state on many mixtapes such as DJ Envy and DJ Kool Kid in NYC...The song got good BDS/MEdiabase spins in OKC/Tulsa/Little Rock/Shreveport/El Paso/Abilene/on KPFT in Houston/Jackson/SC and a lot of places online...
The ONLY thing that got it on K104 was Steve Nice giving it a try and the overwhelming response that came in when he gave it a chance on the K104 Uncut show and folks called in in droves...They've given it support pretty much weekly and the calls keep coming in...BUT, with big radio being VERY hard to get thru to as far as request lines...People get tired of trying (literally sometimes for an hour straight back to back with no answer!)...people just don't call...and even though all that is behind a song...sometimes folks just don't pay attention to it at the station....I mean...check 97.9...pretty much ALL of their DJs have the song and play it in their club sets...a few had it on their own mixtapes...BUT, when it came up in their music meeting, no one moved on it...I was told I needed to "keep making noise" (this is with all of the above mentioned buzz on the record!)...
SteveAustin Anonymous
3 years, 6 months ago
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TO get on regular rotation at K104 it would probably take folks calling in and GETTING THRU at a rate of about 15-30 requests per day...THIS would need to be carried on for at least four weeks to even get noticed AND have their DJs who play it in clubs get requests for it IN their sets during that time span(THIS IS CRUCIAL!)
Lastly...as great as we all feel a lot of "local" (I hate that designation) songs are, they honestly have to be able to compete with the "national" songs on air and in club on more than just an aesthetic level...That is something we as artists who havent broke yet, need to address and make sure of...As far as a release date, actively marketing and promoting our product past flyers and a few webpages, along with getting the word out PAST our own tens or hundreds of fans intot eh general population who is the target demographic for these big stations is a key in us being viable players on the radio...
I do have faith though, through the actions of this site, and a lot of other entities that things will change soon...
and...If yall really wanna make a move...
Call 214.787.1104 or 800.817.1104 and Request "Bussa Move" by Steve Austin (u can also request "What It IS by Usher feat. Steve Austin if u like a sthey've played it b4) OFTEN!!!
and if you want to let them know they need to open their doors...Call 97.9 the beat and let them know they should have BEEN playing it as theyve had the opprtunity and passed it up even though their DJs thought it was hot...
SteveAustin Anonymous
3 years, 6 months ago
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Be sure to see Cindy's interview with Josh Venable on this topic here: http://www.texasgigs.com/news/2006/ma...
Mike Orren Staff
3 years, 6 months ago
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KNON has been the best place to go for local music for decades now. Support the heck out of them. Listen to all the shows, too -- you never know what you'll find out you like.
As for the rest of them -- turn 'em off. That's all they look at...the ratings book. You can't make the radio people listen any other way. Turn 'em off, stick in a CD. Tell your friends to turn 'em off, too. Turn 'em off when you're in your friend's car. Carry a CD full of local music to stick in your friend's player. The radio guy's will likely never notice you left, but at least you'll feel better in the morning for not having listened to nationally programmed crap all day.
ScottChaffin Anonymous
3 years, 6 months ago
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Problem is that I enjoy national level artists. Playing local artists side by side with national artists is what I envision.
Alan Cohen Staff
3 years, 6 months ago
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Therein lies the "local music on radio" conundrum. What do you want more? Better question -- what matters more?
As a hayseed, there are really freaking rare moments where a national, Nashville-driven act impacts my synapses. I'd be perfectly happy with a local (Texas) music station that spun naught but independents. I know for a fact that's programmable. Not much money in it, but it's easily doable.
The same could be said for most every other genre, too, I bet. The problem is that there's no enormous money in it, so no one will stick their neck out there. Everybody bitches about Clear Channel, but everybody wants the Clear Channel baksheesh, too. Kind of a disconnect there that no one wants to address.
BTW, the answer is interweb radio. The Long Tail. Eating the crumbs that fall of the Clear Channel table. Like I said, quit relying on broadcast to do the job you want done...go out and do it.
All right, then...
ScottChaffin Anonymous
3 years, 6 months ago
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Waiting for someone to put up the money (and keep putting it up without getting it back pretty much) for a radio station that would achieve the all independent playlist suggestion mentioned above....
Hell I'd bet 99% of people who've read this topic and who listen to the station (KNON...which is the closest thing to the all indy thing we have) don't pledge to help keep that station going...
ALL artists want their music projected to the masses...If folks care about "local" artists getting shine they THINK they deserve, then put forth the effort to place them into contention for slots on the major stations...the more doors opened like that, the easier it will be in the future fior other deserving acts...
SteveAustin Anonymous
3 years, 6 months ago
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Good post
DSBP KNON 89.3 FM 10pm to 12am Saturday nights
We on it............
VERBBBBBBBBbb
Pikahsso allen Poe Verified
3 years, 6 months ago
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