Active/Alternative Rock

[Mike Sheridan]

A frequent comment here is: "Charlotte needs an Active Rock station."

In looking at the charts of Alternative Rock and Active Rock on R&R the two formats have a few differences but not many. Looking for a definition of Alternative Rock I found that stations which are labeled Alternative don't really fit the definition of a "free form home grown college rock station".

So help me understand the difference between these two formats and what kind of audience you think they would attract.

While you're at it I assume Charlotte needs Active Rock because you like it. To be objective for a moment, what other formats does Charlotte need that you might not be inclined to listen to.

Thanks!

 

[amfmradio1]

Hey Mike,

Good subject.

Since I'm one who has recently been posting that Charlotte needs an Active Rocker, please let me opinionate & elaborate on some of the points you made.

As far as Active Rock is concerned, the artists you will hear mostly are Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Korn, Ozzy, Tool, Nickelback, Disturbed, Buckcherry, Godsmack, Puddle Of Mudd, etc.

We might notice that Active Rock artists are hard-rocking, with heavy electric guitar, bass driven, & a heavy beat.

The music is familiar.

The format has energy.

In my opinion, the format caters to 20+ Males.

On the other hand, in my opinion, Alt. Rock artists are somewhat obscure - rhythm-guitar based, not very bass-driven, or much of a heavy beat.

The artists, IMHO, are somewhat not well-known, & the format caters to college-aged people.

You're right - "the stations that are labeled "Alternative" don't really fit the definition of a "free form home grown college rock station".

IMHO, the record companies have alot to do with it.

In 1980 @my college station, you'd be amazed how many Alternative LPs' we threw in the dumpster because we knew they were stiffs, & the record execs. knew they were, too.

Was the first free-form station 102.7WNEW/New York?

Seems like WFUV @Fordham Univ. in the Bronx is now that.

WTPT is #6 in Greenville, & shows up in the Charlotte book. WEND is #10 in Charlotte, & doesn't show up in the Greenville book.

You do assume correctly that Charlotte needs Active Rock because I like it. There are no other formats that I can think of that I might not be inclined to listen to.

On the other hand, even though WXRC plays some good songs, it's a shame that a 100kw outlet/facility had to flip from WROQ - they had a great blend of Howard in the AM, &, even if they didn't have him, the music made up for it. Great blend of Active & Classic Rock. That's what 106.5 was somewhat doing w/it's "Everything That Rocks" weekend. Charlotte desperately needs a format such as this on a freq. in this city. It would give great competition to WRFX & WEND - playing music that both of them play.

Thanks

 

[BIG APE]

;D AM/FM said As far as Active Rock is concerned, the artists you will hear mostly are Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Korn, Ozzy, Tool, Nickelback, Disturbed, Buckcherry, Godsmack, Puddle Of Mudd, etc. Man, I must be getting old..I haven't heard of any of these "Knuckleheads" but Ozzie.. Can't really believe that many others have either except "Boppers".. Sheridan.. I know your my age too or close, so I know this isn't your speed!.. BIG APE!

 

[Mike Sheridan]

Thanks for the input on Active Rock. I'll give you one Active Rock if I can have one Smooth Jazz and one decent oldies station. I'm really disappointed in the HD oldies stream we have in Charlotte. About 60% of what they play is the same tired songs they play on the main channel which is A/C. You'd think in it's early stages they'd have some fun with it and program something different.

XM might be the answer for both of us!

Hey Ape, you're right I'm not in the Active Rock demographic but I think everyone should have a favorite station they can get excited about!

My taste in music skews even older than most of my age. It's a curse!

Oh one small point...WROQ is now WNKS Kiss 95.1 not WXRC.

Thanks guys!

Mike

 

[NewsNow]

The last market I worked in had both an active and alt rock station. The alt rock station was almost an exact clone of the active station, the one difference being that they had one female jock. Neither station played any female artists.

The record companies realized what Clear Channel knew from the outset; it's easier to make a profit off of less variety than more. The average music buyer will still buy the product, so there's no reason to groom more talent if they'll take share from our current roster.

I think the saddest example of this is what's happened to KDGE in Dallas. Back when there were a whole bunch more labels out there pushing their product, KDGE sounded fresh and funky. They recorded children doing their legal ID, and had great talent who knew the music. Now, like every other CC "alt" rock station, they have no community involvement, a syndicated morning show based in Dallas, but talks about Jacksonville, and their playlist consists of all the same "I hate my dad I'm messed up my girlfren left me" crapola.

/soap box

 

[The danimal]

10-15 years ago, there was a distinct difference between active and alternative rock, just like there used to be a distinct difference between metal and punk.

These days, an active rock station plays a lot of newer hard rock bands such as Nickelback, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, Bush, Stained, etc. along with old favorites such as Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Black Crowes, Van Halen, 80's hair metal, etc. Alternative stations play the former, but none of the latter. Atlernative radio is not near as 'alternative' as it used to be, but there are still a few gems out therethat carry the independent spirit. WFNX in Boston is a good example. Indie 103.1 in LA (ironically owned by Clear Channel) is another. They're not exactly as groundbreaking as college radio, yet still very fun stations to listen to.

As for Charlotte, I wish 106.5 would make up its mind. The've never been that great of an 'alternative' station to begin with. Their playlist has always been way to tight and stale. Why not revamp and go with a complete new identity? The Planet is far superior radio, even with the static.

A station similar to WAAF or WBCN in Boston, or even the old WXRC back in the day would be awesome!