Carter Alan

[epsilon]

These days it seems almost that a song has to be used in a commercial before it gets played on classic rock (case in point: The Clash vs. early Elvis Costello).

You hear the Ramones more often on Verizon and Pepsi(!) commercials than on "Classic" rock radio. I'm always bemused at how I hear bands like The Jam and Big Audio Dynamite on the sound system at the local Outback Steakhouse, but never on the radio.

 

[Lucylu]

You would think that BCN and AAF would both play the Jam or at least BAD. It would be a history lesson and still fit the format. They could even consider it part of the public service commitment.

 

[content]

I personally LOVE The Jam, and BAD is not bad either. However, I belive both bands would test relatively unfamiliar at both stations...especially AAF. FNX (or even BOS would be a better target for those bands).

 

[Lucylu]

How would that be any different than breaking a new act, something they try to do from time to time?

 

[content]

The Jam won't be available to play their Christmas show.

Additionally, its hard for an act to break through single station airplay. They really need cross-media, touring, endcap, iTunes front page, etc.

As great as those bands are, the newer generation of rock/alt fans will not discover their music unless The Killers cover them, or the original is included in a commercial or movie soundtrack.

 

[Lucylu]

As long as John Cusak keeps making movies they'll be remembered.

 

[epsilon]

The Jam won't be available to play their Christmas show.

Additionally, its hard for an act to break through single station airplay. They really need cross-media, touring, endcap, iTunes front page, etc.

As great as those bands are, the newer generation of rock/alt fans will not discover their music unless The Killers cover them, or the original is included in a commercial or movie soundtrack.

Ain't that the truth. Why is it not considered payola when the quid pro quo is established that if a band doesn't play at a station group's Christmas show / Summer picnic they'll have their record pulled from the station's playlist?

I hear more new bands on the David Letterman show than I do on any commercial radio station.

 

[content]

We're getting off the Carter Alan topic, but...
Depending on the logistics of the business agreement, its possible that some deals could be looked at as Payola

With that said, its important for bands to get involved with the radio stations that support their music, for the purpose of:

• • Puting a face on a nameless band
    developing a relationship with the radio station's audience community
    supporting a radio station which takes a shot on a new band's potential future.

You'll be hard pressed to find an FM radio station with a business plan focusing on exposing new music. Therefore, if record labels/bands don't want to create partnerships with their radio supporters, there will be even more reasons for radio not to support new music.

 

[Varulven]

what year was it that Limp Bizkit got airplay when Intescope purchased airtime from American Radio Systems as ARS was selling to CBS? That payola was on the front page of Billboard May of 1998 or 1999. Pretty slick, payoff a radio station congolmerate which was about to fold.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limp_Bizkit

You see the result of Corporate Rock. Bad music force fed to the public eventually fades quick.

MUSICIAN MAGAZINE had an important article on Corporate Rock back in the day. Wonder if GOOGLE has it.