One thing I have learned in my years of Radio: Being first on a track is not always best! On Hot 96, we do try to break new music as much as possible, but sometimes we get a week or two behind some of the release dates. I would rather be a little late to the party on a track that is performing well in the clubs, than taking too big of a chance on something that is "iffy."
I know some are gonna blast for that last statement, but it is true in every format. Format leaders are usually not first on tracks or early adds (of course there are a lot more factors involved as well..)
It's not that I am against new music, it's just that not all listeners to dance music are DJ's. When I DJ'ed in clubs, every DJ was all about getting the new music, hence why White labels were such a big deal. Stay with me here...One complaint that has plagued dance music for years, is that it seems like its a bunch of faceless artist that no one can keep track of. While there are many artists that change their name with each release (almost more than they change socks,) there are a few that remain constant. If 80% of my playlist was new music, I would have close to 300 songs each month with entirely new artist from the last month that every listener would have to build familiarity with. But by slowly bleeding in new music with established acts like Cascada, Natasha Bedingfield and such, it becomes easier for listeners to intake the new artists/music. I know this rambling probably doesn't make a bit of sense, but what I see is that when stations try to out do each other by be first on a new track, it can alienate or turn off some of your P2 and up listeners.
I agree that Ego's can hurt a format. I didn't want to add the Jonas Brothers (god I hate them..) but the Jason Nevins remix tested well, and I sucked up. Every week, there are dozens of tracks that come accross my desk, but usually I only have between 2-4 add slots. Sometimes, there is a record I hear or get that is one of those,"Awwwe Hell yeah!" Those are ease ones. Other times, there will be a track I have sat on, but I see it doing well on other stations, or in the clubs, or in music tests, but I am not such a fan of, but I suck it up and add it, because it's not about what I like.
I am not saying I don't have an Ego as well, there are certain songs I can't stand, that I will banish to dayparting just so they won't track high on the spin reports, but if the response is too good, I have to relent.
Here's a simple test you can perform to see how in check is your ego. Play a dance song for some one who is not a fan of dance music (perhaps someone who is a huge fan of Hip hop.) Gauge your reaction when they describe the track you play as "That Techno stuff.."
How did you reply back?
A) "Yes its techno, but I think you might enjoy it if you give it a chance.."
B) "Hey dipsh*t, it's not Techno, it's freakin' (House/trance/breaks) music, get it right you clueless bastard!!"
c) Your head exploded because you just couldn't understand how they can't enjoy it as much as you.
did you say B? Most on this board would (including myself..)
Well, I think I have rambled on enough, back to the bottle.
