Today's "Beautiful" Music

[jmtillery]

Sometime ago I had asked about the possibility of Full Service MOR having a place on the radio dial today, and the discussion became quite popular with many comments from many participants. I'd like to thank everyone who participated in that discussion with your comment, insights and general overall perspective on Full Service MOR radio.

Now I'm asking for comments and suggestions regarding a modern day beautiful music format that is really more in line with soft adult contemporary with select non-hit singles and select smooth jazz tunes in the mix. This is not the typical "elevator music" of yesteryear, but, rather, the softer lite contemporary hits of yesterday and today. It may be considered more appropriately labeled Contemporary Easy Listening rather than soft adult contemporary.

Here's an example short playlist of what I have in mind:

Chris Rea - Fool if You Thin It's Over
Deon Estus - Heaven Help Me
Pat Metheny - Here to Stay
Chicago - Wishing Your Were Here
Santana - Aqua Marine
Sheena Easton - You Could Have Been With Me
Steely Dan - Doctor Wu
Marilyn Mccoo and Billy Davis, Jr. - You Don't Have To Be a Star
Enya - Orinoco Flow
Seals and Crofts - Get Closer
Cher - We All Sleep Alone
Ray Parker, Jr. - That Old Song

The above is not all inclusive, but it is a short example of the type sound the format will have. Your comments, criticisms or suggestions are most welcome.

 

[Whiplash]

I like it! Would it be viable on AM, or just FM? I look forward to seeing those opinions.

 

[davideduardo]

Now I'm asking for comments and suggestions regarding a modern day beautiful music format that is really more in line with soft adult contemporary with select non-hit singles and select smooth jazz tunes in the mix.

Many considered Smooth Jazz to be the inheritor of the Beautiful Music legacy. The one problem that the format had, as Mike McVay said once at a convention, is that it is "music you've never heard by people you've never heard of". And that's why it was a low cume, high TSL format that occupied a niche that was not sustainable in the PPM.

There is, thus, no heritage base for a Beautiful Music modification to build on.

A number of former Smooth Jazz stations tried to morph into soft AC / smooth jazz hybrids, and none has worked. The last, KTWV in LA, is now rumored to be about to shift formats under a new PD.

The real issue is that for most people under 55, "smooth" anything is not appealing. Remember when WFEZ tried to do smooth AC in Miami? Dreadful 25-54 numbers, so they killed the older stuff and upped the tempo and are now doing extremely well.

 

[Whiplash]

Example in Florida of the format your talking about.

http://www.wavv101.com/station.html

 

[jmtillery]

I like it! Would it be viable on AM, or just FM? I look forward to seeing those opinions.

What I have in mind is better suited for FM although in select cases an AM signal may work fine. The idea is to attract an older skewing listening audience above the average 25- 54 adult. What I have in mind essentially will bridge the gap between adult standards and mainstream adult contemporary. I remember years ago working for a small market FM station that had previously programmed Top 40 (which was an anomaly in the late 60s and early 70s) which later morphed into Contemporary Easy Listening similar to what I described here. That format lasted for many years.

 

[jmtillery]

Example in Florida of the format your talking about.

http://www.wavv101.com/station.html

WAVV is an excellent station in my opinion. It reminds me of the traditional beautiful music format that was very common in the '70s.

 

[jmtillery]

Now I'm asking for comments and suggestions regarding a modern day beautiful music format that is really more in line with soft adult contemporary with select non-hit singles and select smooth jazz tunes in the mix.

Many considered Smooth Jazz to be the inheritor of the Beautiful Music legacy. The one problem that the format had, as Mike McVay said once at a convention, is that it is "music you've never heard by people you've never heard of". And that's why it was a low cume, high TSL format that occupied a niche that was not sustainable in the PPM.

There is, thus, no heritage base for a Beautiful Music modification to build on.

A number of former Smooth Jazz stations tried to morph into soft AC / smooth jazz hybrids, and none has worked. The last, KTWV in LA, is now rumored to be about to shift formats under a new PD.

The real issue is that for most people under 55, "smooth" anything is not appealing. Remember when WFEZ tried to do smooth AC in Miami? Dreadful 25-54 numbers, so they killed the older stuff and upped the tempo and are now doing extremely well.

David. I always look forward to and appreciate reading your comments. What you described with WFEZ has similar characteristics to what I have in mind although my format is not an exact copy. I agree that those younger than 55 for the most part are not interested in anything smooth or easy; however, my format idea is to bridge the gap between adult standards and mainstream adult contemporary essentially targeting an older skewing adult.

 

[Whiplash]

I'm working on a similar format right now JMT. Lets compare notes perhaps. Hit me on FB. We're friends there!

 

[davideduardo]

David. I always look forward to and appreciate reading your comments. What you described with WFEZ has similar characteristics to what I have in mind although my format is not an exact copy. I agree that those younger than 55 for the most part are not interested in anything smooth or easy; however, my format idea is to bridge the gap between adult standards and mainstream adult contemporary essentially targeting an older skewing adult.

The original WFEZ format could not survive in Miami, as most business is transactional.

So my question is whether your idea would work in markets where transactional might be nice to get but is not 100% necessary... Daytona, Naples / Ft Myers, the Treasure Coast, Sebring, etc.

Even WAVV has moved a bit from the WDUV model... which is why I mention Lee / Collier counties. And like WDUV, they are #1 12+ but not even in the top 15 in 25-54.

I recently saw the traditional station in Palm Springs move from FM to AM due to decreasing revenue and the owner's retirement from radio. And the Palm Springs area is one where merchants are well aware of the buying power of the rather affluent seniors in the community; still, the format could not sustain itself on an FM and looks doomed on AM, too.

I think you have to get a strong 55-64 to make advertisers take notice of results. And those under 65 tend to like a bit more contemporary sound. That seems to be the key to the WAVV billing, which was 6th in the market last year... good performance compared to WDUV.

(I ask because I have so little experience with older demo stations since I have pretty much always been in rated, transactional markets that have 30 or so signal choices...)

 

[jmtillery]

I'm working on a similar format right now JMT. Lets compare notes perhaps. Hit me on FB. We're friends there!

We are? I'll be very pleased to compare notes with you. PM me and tell me who you are because I don't remember having anyone on Facebook as 1250WTAE.

 

[jmtillery]

David. I always look forward to and appreciate reading your comments. What you described with WFEZ has similar characteristics to what I have in mind although my format is not an exact copy. I agree that those younger than 55 for the most part are not interested in anything smooth or easy; however, my format idea is to bridge the gap between adult standards and mainstream adult contemporary essentially targeting an older skewing adult.

The original WFEZ format could not survive in Miami, as most business is transactional.

So my question is whether your idea would work in markets where transactional might be nice to get but is not 100% necessary... Daytona, Naples / Ft Myers, the Treasure Coast, Sebring, etc.

Even WAVV has moved a bit from the WDUV model... which is why I mention Lee / Collier counties. And like WDUV, they are #1 12+ but not even in the top 15 in 25-54.

I recently saw the traditional station in Palm Springs move from FM to AM due to decreasing revenue and the owner's retirement from radio. And the Palm Springs area is one where merchants are well aware of the buying power of the rather affluent seniors in the community; still, the format could not sustain itself on an FM and looks doomed on AM, too.

I think you have to get a strong 55-64 to make advertisers take notice of results. And those under 65 tend to like a bit more contemporary sound. That seems to be the key to the WAVV billing, which was 6th in the market last year... good performance compared to WDUV.

(I ask because I have so little experience with older demo stations since I have pretty much always been in rated, transactional markets that have 30 or so signal choices...)

David, you make many excellent points. I agree market size does make a huge difference. My background is in multi-sized markets, having started in a very small unrated market and eventually working my way to top 10. I left programming to enter sales and sales management while with a major 100kw FM in Orlando, Florida in the mid '80s. I never pursued New York or L. A. although I did consider both markets at one time. Now that I am much older, I tend to be happier in smaller to medium size markets which is where I'm considering the Contemporary Easy Listening format. I'm working with a station that is currently in another format and isn't performing very well. In fact it is losing money every month. It's failure is due to a combination of things including the wrong format. It isn't located in a PPM market but it is diary rated which I believe will be kinder to the format.

 

[davideduardo]

Now that I am much older, I tend to be happier in smaller to medium size markets which is where I'm considering the Contemporary Easy Listening format. I'm working with a station that is currently in another format and isn't performing very well. In fact it is losing money every month. It's failure is due to a combination of things including the wrong format. It isn't located in a PPM market but it is diary rated which I believe will be kinder to the format.

That makes total sense. Particularly, if there is a hole in the market and it can be quantified: "seniors from 50 to 70 make up 25% of the market, have 35% of the CSI in the market and are not reached passionately by any station. Mr. Advertiser, do you want to miss your chance at increasing your sales by 50% by inviting those seniors to your business?"

This is an adaptation of the successful retail pitch that Spanish language stations have used to break down advertiser resistance... it views ethnicity in a positive way for the business person and makes it work for the station.

 

[klutch00]

Sometime ago I had asked about the possibility of Full Service MOR having a place on the radio dial today, and the discussion became quite popular with many comments from many participants. I'd like to thank everyone who participated in that discussion with your comment, insights and general overall perspective on Full Service MOR radio.

Now I'm asking for comments and suggestions regarding a modern day beautiful music format that is really more in line with soft adult contemporary with select non-hit singles and select smooth jazz tunes in the mix. This is not the typical "elevator music" of yesteryear, but, rather, the softer lite contemporary hits of yesterday and today. It may be considered more appropriately labeled Contemporary Easy Listening rather than soft adult contemporary.

Here's an example short playlist of what I have in mind:

Chris Rea - Fool if You Thin It's Over
Deon Estus - Heaven Help Me
Pat Metheny - Here to Stay
Chicago - Wishing Your Were Here
Santana - Aqua Marine
Sheena Easton - You Could Have Been With Me
Steely Dan - Doctor Wu
Marilyn Mccoo and Billy Davis, Jr. - You Don't Have To Be a Star
Enya - Orinoco Flow
Seals and Crofts - Get Closer
Cher - We All Sleep Alone
Ray Parker, Jr. - That Old Song

The above is not all inclusive, but it is a short example of the type sound the format will have. Your comments, criticisms or suggestions are most welcome.

Interesting selection! Would you consider adding music from artists such as "Celtic Woman"?

 

[bturner]

I think a broad 'lite music' format would work. I always felt smooth jazz leaned toward too many African American artists. Artists I never heard of was never an issue. People know good, bad and mediocre music. I won't unlike a song because I never heard of the musician but in fact I might like that station better because I learn of more good music.

Smooth Jazz seemed to ignore compatible songs by white artists. I noted the smooth jazz station in a small market had a wide playlist that on the fringe might include Quiet Village by Martin Denny and Summer Breeze by Seals and Crofts as well as some tracks from artists like Stevie Wonder mixed with the smooth jazz at near a 50/50 mix in drive times and 25% vocal mix middays and nights.

I think the real emphasis is on how the format presents itself. If you bill yourself as a somewhat new 'hip' station, you might be able to put yourself in a position where you're not seen as just a 50+ demo station. Age is such a strange thing. When you're outside the 'money demo' due to age, you feel just as much a part of life around you as you do when you were in that demo. About the only difference is you've improved your financial situation and typically have learned a few hard knocks lessons along the way. I can't say I feel my age compared to what I thought I'd feel like.

One other thing I really liked about the small city smooth jazz was they really did sets of music. No liner between every song. Nobody saying I was listening to smooth jazz when I knew I was. I recall album rock, beautiful music stations and some others did 15 to 20 minutes in sets without IDs...and I sort of miss that.

 

[kevtronics]

Smooth Jazz seemed to ignore compatible songs by white artists.

NYC's "CD 101.9" played "Every Breath You Take" by The Police. But that was in their later years when they had become quite adventurous with the playlist, in an attempt to get away from Smooth Jazz's "nothing but saxophone instrumentals" image.

 

[vchimpanzee]

NYC's "CD 101.9" played "Every Breath You Take" by The Police. But that was in their later years when they had become quite adventurous with the playlist, in an attempt to get away from Smooth Jazz's "nothing but saxophone instrumentals" image.

WZTK in the Greensboro, NC market played that one too, but that doesn't make it right.

 

[CTListener]

Last month, WKFY (Koffee 98.7) launched on Cape Cod (Mass.) with a music mix much like yours, but with a more hit-based lean. Here's the last 45 minutes:

I Won't Give Up -- Jason Mraz
Sir Duke -- Stevie Wonder
What Hurts the Most -- Rascal Flatts
I Just Can't Help Believing -- BJ Thomas
Can't Help Falling in Love -- Elvis Presley
Night Moves -- Bob Seger
What a Wonderful World -- Louis Armstrong
More Than a Woman -- Bee Gees
Bad Day -- Daniel Powter
Spanish Eyes -- Al Martino
Open Arms -- Journey
Use Me -- Bill Withers
Just My Imagination -- Temptations

I've also heard album cuts like Steely Dan's "Aja" and Van Morrison's "Crazy Love" played, usually one an hour. I can't imagine anyone who was attracted by "Spanish Eyes" staying tuned once "Use Me" kicked in, so maybe a little tweaking is needed, but this certainly isn't AC or Classic Hits by any current definition.

 

[Robert Bass]

RE: Cher - We All Sleep Alone... IMHO that's not an "easy" tune. It's more like soft rock and Cher screams a lot.

Beautiful music formats in the past were primarily instrumental versions of pop songs, and I wonder if that type of music is still being produced today.

R

 

[michael hagerty]

RE: Cher - We All Sleep Alone... IMHO that's not an "easy" tune. It's more like soft rock and Cher screams a lot.

Beautiful music formats in the past were primarily instrumental versions of pop songs, and I wonder if that type of music is still being produced today.

R

It's not. In fact by the early 80s, the biggest syndicators were having cover versions recorded exclusively for them because there was no commercailly-available product.

This stuff's been over a long time, guys. It's only improved human longevity that has it on the air where it still is.

 

[CTListener]

It's not. In fact by the early 80s, the biggest syndicators were having cover versions recorded exclusively for them because there was no commercailly-available product.

This stuff's been over a long time, guys. It's only improved human longevity that has it on the air where it still is.

There's a Swiss pianist/arranger named Alain Morisod who's still recording "that stuff." A lot of it gets played on Sirius XM's "Escape" channel. Just looking at a 2011 collection of his on Amazon, I find easy listening versions of "My Heart Will Go On" and "I Will Always Love You." Nothing more recent, though, so I guess any neo-Beautiful Music startup needing a piano-and-strings work-up of "Call Me Maybe" or "California Gurls" will have to keep looking.