what's going on with Pulse?? They sound amazing now!?!

[DXMeister]

They're going to end up sounding like KTU if they don't change course.

 

[myke25]

Ok..... another legitimate gripe about Pulse..

Seriously people, enough with the friggin Chris Brown "With You" song. I'm growing hatred more and more each day. There's no reason why I should hear that song more than 5 times within a 5-6 hour period.

I thought Pulse was trying to be different and unique. WRONG! They're playing this out as bad as Z-100 and KTU. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!

 

[TonySantiago]

Ok..... another legitimate gripe about Pulse..

Seriously people, enough with the friggin Chris Brown "With You" song. I'm growing hatred more and more each day. There's no reason why I should hear that song more than 5 times within a 5-6 hour period.

I thought Pulse was trying to be different and unique. WRONG! They're playing this out as bad as Z-100 and KTU. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!

I've been "hatin" on Chris Brown for quite a while. Another annoying thing, they are calling David Guetta's "Love Is Gone" as BRAND NEW. A song that was out two years ago as "BRAND NEW". I am going to write a list on the unofficial Pulse 87 bboard on material that they should consider. Though I have noticed a pick up on material that hadn't been heard on New York radio since 'KTU did that format tweak.

I can understand about the repetition of radio..but yeah, enough is enough with some songs! Even when they play the 20 year old stuff! I mean, we DON'T want another 'KTU...but with the "classic" freestyle present on Pulse 87, I think we're holding ourselves back, especially when we can move progressively forward! I'd love to hear a deep house/lounge groove style specialty show. Perhaps something regarding trance/electro. Freestyle....yeah, a specialty show would be good...WITH NEW MATERIAL ONLY!!!!!

I am getting concerned, believe me...I've been hearing it left and right now. I gotta talk with them.

 

[moshewx]

Tony Santiago-- I have been following what you are trying to do with dance music in this city for quite some time. Since KTU, the relaunch of the dance music coalition, up to now with Pulse. While the heydays of the New KTU and Party 105 were my favorites, I think Pulse is doing great musically. As to their choice of on air talent, not too pleased with that. Again, they seem to be doing great with the music. As someone familiar with dance music and NYC radio, allow me to ask you one question please. Do you think that an all dance music format on a regular station here in NY will work? Remember please, the New KTU was never an all dance music format, even when they played a majority of dance music. They always added in slow jams. Your thoughts please.

 

[myke25]

If I may interject here for a brief moment.... When the new KTU launched, their focus was on more current dance with a smaller lean towards disco and the freestyle explosion. The slow jams they threw in were mostly midday fluff for Diane Pryor's show. Today, it's the exact opposite. I think there is a market for pure dance. Then again, changing things up and throwing into the mix 10-20 yrs of dance here and there adds a little bit of variety.

Pulse can be a greater station if they'd stop playing less pop remix garbage and stop beating to death the new songs on a very tight rotation. If they continue on their current path right now, they'll never be able to go anywhere else except 87.75/6fm. I'd be willing to lend any help at all possible to Pulse for free right about now if it meant removing the lid off the can they call condensed material. It's like government canned beef to the ears- not at all appetizing but needed nourishment.

I used to like David Guetta. Now, thanks to the played out saturation of XM, AOL Top Dance, other dance stations and recently Pulse, I'll be quick to shut it off and put on KTU to sing along to their staple classic, "If I Can't Have You".

Tony, your comment about Love is Gone, old, but presented as new... this is what I hate about traditional commercial radio. Do they ever do research on tracks before throwing them on air? Don't tell me, hey, new shyt from Bob Sinclar, World Hold On (made it on Z-100 last summer for a brief stint), when it's been out almost 3 yrs prior and took too long for morons at these stations to play it.

 

[musik187]

Tony Santiago-- I have been following what you are trying to do with dance music in this city for quite some time. Since KTU, the relaunch of the dance music coalition, up to now with Pulse. While the heydays of the New KTU and Party 105 were my favorites, I think Pulse is doing great musically. As to their choice of on air talent, not too pleased with that. Again, they seem to be doing great with the music. As someone familiar with dance music and NYC radio, allow me to ask you one question please. Do you think that an all dance music format on a regular station here in NY will work? Remember please, the New KTU was never an all dance music format, even when they played a majority of dance music. They always added in slow jams. Your thoughts please.

I know I'm not Tony, lol... but still I would like to take a stab at that question. I too am an avid dance music fan however I must say I don't feel that we're at the point yet where an all out dance music station (strictly) would succeed, at least not quite yet. I could be very well be wrong about that but it seems to me that even in HOT 103/97's heydays, they STILL had pop and slow jams mixed in with all the groundbreaking dance at the time. I think that format is great and definitely works. NY has been starving for that long enough. However an overriding of pop remixes is NOT what should be the case on Pulse and definitely something that seriously NEEDS to change. THEY NEED TO ADD MORE DANCE CURRENTS, lol... People will accept dance music more when mixed with the pop and r&b stuff too. That's what was the case even with HOT 103/97, and that's what gives such stations that extra variety that people love when all is said and done.

 

[TonySantiago]

Tony Santiago-- I have been following what you are trying to do with dance music in this city for quite some time. Since KTU, the relaunch of the dance music coalition, up to now with Pulse. While the heydays of the New KTU and Party 105 were my favorites, I think Pulse is doing great musically. As to their choice of on air talent, not too pleased with that. Again, they seem to be doing great with the music. As someone familiar with dance music and NYC radio, allow me to ask you one question please. Do you think that an all dance music format on a regular station here in NY will work? Remember please, the New KTU was never an all dance music format, even when they played a majority of dance music. They always added in slow jams. Your thoughts please.

Actually, between you moshewx, Myke and Muzik..I have a lot on the plate to cover here! LOL So...here we go.

When the new 'KTU came out, I do not remember the station leaning all new like Pulse did when it launched. The new 'KTU was the disco, freestyle and older pop. The new add on 'KTU for the first week was Lina Santiago but not much else. And to that, yes the new 'KTU wasn't an all dance format...it was "pop-rhythm". Hot 103/97 was known as "Top 40/Urban" because even though they did break out new dance at the time, they had pop...which is exactly the type of station Pulse is.

Now to the main question about an all dance format. As much as I hate to admit it, dance music in general is not as strong in this country as hip-hop, pop, rock and even reggaeton for that matter (although that is starting to slip). And even within dance music you have so much regionality with the sound (NYC would want more freestyle, Miami with more of their sound, L.A. with their sound, etc.) that to even attempt to try to incorporate that all into one umbrella would be difficult. I mean, the freestyle fans are complaining about Pulse 87 now! Go figure. As such, since dance music in general isn't strong.....YET....you have to intersperse the pop-remixes, R&B and slow jams to get a broader audience. Starting it up now as all dance won't work in regards to the common/casual fan (to which there are more of that, than core fans like us).

While I do think the mixture of music is fine for the station that Pulse 87 is, I do think Pulse (and this can actually apply to any current leaning radio station) needs to loosen up a bit regarding the tight playlist that they are running already. That's why it seems as if everytime I turn Pulse on, there's Chris Brown or Sean Kingston or what appears to be a glutton of pop-remixes. For that matter, I think they are murdering the heck out of Ida Corr (and I like that song!). I'm still urked that Ercola & Heikki L "Deep At Night" still isn't on rotation!

I had mentioned about songs that didn't get NYC airplay in the past year and a half since the 'KTU tweak. IMHO, instead of calling David Guetta's "Love Is Gone" as "new", maybe their sweeper (with the British female voice) should come off as.....

"Here's ANOTHER song that OTHER radio station kicked to the curb (sound of a car screeching), before WE came to town!"

When I'm done here, I'll go over to the unofficial Pulse board (run by me...not Mega Media) and post my thoughts on tracks that SHOULD get on the station (and get your opinions too since it is VITAL that you get heard!) - http://pulse87.yuku.com - and hopefully they will get some airplay.

But beyond ALL THIS, Pulse 87 needs to GET OUT THERE!!! I know they are planning some sort of advertising campaign via subways, billboards, commercials, etc. When exactly that is launching, I don't know. They also have to get the specialty shows on (Saturday Night "Pulsation" or something like that) where you have the DJ's spin the latest stuff. And, yes, a Sunday night freestyle show....with an emphasis on NEW! Not those 1988 classics that I was dancing to over at La Mirage, in the Bronx, and Emerald City!

I do know the staff and management at Pulse reads these posts. And to that I do say in comparison to when 'KTU launched...I LOVE THIS STATION! But then again, I also have to look out for the best interests of dance music fans as well so to that, whatever we say here (and I think we can all agree on this) is not meant as a bash, but as constructive criticism.

Staffers....you can e-mail me, if you don't want to discuss matters here, at [email protected]. All correspondence will be kept in strictest confidentiality.

 

[myke25]

I'm not trying to plug another station or show.... (heh, i kinda am...) but if you'd like to hear the ideas that I have in mind for a good 2 1/2-3 hrs worth of music, please check me out tonite...

Tony Santiago, I cordially extend the invite to you, anyone else on this board and the lovely people at Pulse.

Friday Nite Fresh Beats- today's freshbeats, yesterday's backspins. 90.3 The Core (listen live @ thecore.fm) WVPH FM Rutgers Livingston Piscataway, NJ

I'll be on from 7:30ish-10, if not later. My emphasis is on new music you won't hear anywhere else, with some throwbacks and things that'll make you say, "Oh Wow!" I'm under the weather and extremely tired as of lately, so I cannot guarantee that I'll be the most entertaining air talent out there, but just listen to the music.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. If it all ends up well, more power to Pulse. :-D

 

[DXMeister]

Quote from Mid West Clubber:

"Also, one more thing and I cant stress this enough,,,, While I like Dance music as well as Rhythmic and Mainstream music, I dont personally care for stations that position themselves as Pure Dance, that tells the average listener that Dance is all you play and also pigeon holes you to where you cant play a popular Hip Hop or Rock track if the need comes, see where im getting at here..."


Posted by BRH:

" I would have to definitely disagree with you on that one (at least as far as my own personal tastes go). I actually prefer the stations that really identify with dance music and the culture and make it very well known that that is what they do. That's why I really love KNGY "Energy 92.7" San Francisco and really prefer them over stations like "Pulse 87" New York, or "Party 105" Long Island. I like the fact that Energy is really proud to be "pure dance" and they promote dance music. Where as, it seems like Pulse 87 and Party 105 play a lot of dance music but try to position themselves more as "pop" stations and almost go out of there way to avoid the "dance" label. It's almost like they are ashamed that they play dance.

I guess I can understand it a bit. If you position as "pure dance" and really get into the dance culture, a lot of people, even though it isn't really the case, will view it as a gay station. And even though there is a huge gay population in NYC, really the main targets for Pulse 87 are Italians and Hispanics. And even though it shouldn't be an issue, it still is and if it was positioned as pure dance, it would turn off some of those groups. (which as I said is kind of sad in this day, but I'm guessing that's why J. Salkowitz has always stayed away from the "pure dance" image with his stations (Pulse 87 now and Hot 103/97 back in their dance days).

Anyway, I'm getting off topic here on the LA board I guess, but as far as my own personal preference, I really prefer the full-on dance format with no apologies for being pure dance (the way Energy 92.7 does it)."



Does anyone agree wit that assessment above? That Pulse really isn't dance but Pop/CHR instead, that having a pure dance image will invite gays into the picture?

 

[TonySantiago]

Posted by BRH:

" I would have to definitely disagree with you on that one (at least as far as my own personal tastes go). I actually prefer the stations that really identify with dance music and the culture and make it very well known that that is what they do. That's why I really love KNGY "Energy 92.7" San Francisco and really prefer them over stations like "Pulse 87" New York, or "Party 105" Long Island. I like the fact that Energy is really proud to be "pure dance" and they promote dance music. Where as, it seems like Pulse 87 and Party 105 play a lot of dance music but try to position themselves more as "pop" stations and almost go out of there way to avoid the "dance" label. It's almost like they are ashamed that they play dance.

I guess I can understand it a bit. If you position as "pure dance" and really get into the dance culture, a lot of people, even though it isn't really the case, will view it as a gay station. And even though there is a huge gay population in NYC, really the main targets for Pulse 87 are Italians and Hispanics. And even though it shouldn't be an issue, it still is and if it was positioned as pure dance, it would turn off some of those groups. (which as I said is kind of sad in this day, but I'm guessing that's why J. Salkowitz has always stayed away from the "pure dance" image with his stations (Pulse 87 now and Hot 103/97 back in their dance days).

Anyway, I'm getting off topic here on the LA board I guess, but as far as my own personal preference, I really prefer the full-on dance format with no apologies for being pure dance (the way Energy 92.7 does it)."



Does anyone agree wit that assessment above? That Pulse really isn't dance but Pop/CHR instead, that having a pure dance image will invite gays into the picture?

Well, yeah, Pulse 87 is a Rhythmic CHR....meaning pop material with a dancier edge to it. To that I can understand why they have the pop-remixes and the R&B. Why it's the same 6 being played too frequently is another issue.

But with the GLBT (gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender) issue, I definitely want to state my thoughts on this, deeper, on my next blog post on the coalition MySpace. However I will cover certain aspects in here. Though I will disclaimer, even though based on knowing what I have known regarding dance music, since I am "straight" my answer can only be deemed as a hypothesis. Since I do not live the gay lifestyle, while I can certainly understand and am tolerant of those that are gay/bi/lesiban/transgeder I can't truly "know" since I don't personally live that life. So to that, take my comments for what they are because a person that is gay can (AND SHOULD) answer this better than I ever could. So here goes.....(and pardon the length)

------

The GLBT culture have always been loyal to dance music (then again, EVERY genre out there). You would think now, that in 2008....with television networks such as Logo, Q, and here! as well as formatted radio stations on HD-2 "Pride Radio" (not in NYC though) as well as Sirius and XM having a gay formatted channel, that one would think that terrestrial radio may open up a bit and place programming of interest to gays and this time around make major profits out of it. And as sad as it may be, even though things might have gotten somewhat better...definitely WAY better since the days of "Stonewall", there is still that sense of "homophobia" going around.

Yeah, there was that enormous backlash during the disco era from those that hated the "Studio 54" scene and a lot of gay artists that have appeared during that time (Sylvester, The Village People). A lot of those guys that were disco haters are the "suits" in radio corporations and are STILL scared of catering formats to a gay population because of their own personal fears of that time (though they'll never admit it) And even up to 1988, while I certainly don't agree with it, I could see why advertisers would be rather apprehensive of dealing with a radio station that catered to a gay clientele...and thus Hot 103/97 mainly pushed the Latino and Italian images. Add to the fact that AIDS was a big issue that we didn't know much about during the 80s, it was almost as if dealing with the gay population was rather "taboo". No station wanted an AIDS image associated with it...as ignorant as that may sound today.

However, we are in 2008. And this time around....one CANNOT ignore the impact of the gay culture regarding dance music. It had always been there....it now needs to be presented without fear because quite honestly...there is NOTHING to fear! Advertisers would come...if anything, they would WANT to place their ads to an audience that has a high amount of disposable income, are mainly professionals and do travel, take care of themselves (work out, personal hygiene). You would get MAJOR money targeting this crowd. Bottom line....$$$$ cannot be ignored.

I would hope in due time that Pulse 87 would start considering doing shows or playing certain underground sounds that cater to the GLBT audience...even down to a talk show on Sunday mornings (for public service programming). Because quite honestly (and I can say this being Latino)...you really CANNOT depend on us (or Italians) if things are kept status quo and while playing new material, still stay with that 80s/90s freestyle or pop with that "mentality" attached to it. This time around, for Pulse to succeed, it has to branch out (and it looks like they are in terms of bring in the African-American audience).

Pulse has to expand their audience reach beyond the GLBT, Latinos and Italians, which includes more house music....especially a specialty show dealing with the "lounge" aspect of house (a la Cielo's and small venues that are extremely popular here.) With that, you will also get a high concentration of Asians tuning in (they are into dance music but don't necessarily share the same view of the music as Latinos/Italians or African-Americans) since they are more into house and electro sounds. Also, as more people from around the world are moving into New York City, it is due time to expand dance music to include more European sounds. It was tapped on a bit back in the Hot 97 days with "Planet Trax". That type of show has to come back again as well as that music being part of the scene. And while you already have the Italian population as one aspect of the European background, let's not forget the Greek community (mainly in Astoria), the Albanian community, Armenians, Russians as well as the former "Eastern Bloc" countries.

But back to topic, this time around, gays should and MUST be included into the demographics. There should not be any "homophobia" by the media this time around. I don't see this as a "negative" and I don't think the general population would care nowadays about the gay culture. Pulse would be wise to embrace this audience somehow.

 

[DXMeister]

Tony:

I would agree there have been strides made with the imaging of GLBTs but at the same time I don't believe that much as truly changed. The issue of gay marriage was forced out in the open..not wanting to be in the closet anymore..along with same sex benefits and in certain states not being able to discriminate against people due to sexuality though it's still legal in many. The Defense of Marriage Act was passed and debates almost each year about banning gay marriage. Homophobia is still alive and well out there, just because it's 2008 doesn't mean anything. There are plenty of people out there that still view the GLBT culture as the same as it was back in the 80s and 90s. The AIDS label is still given to them. Just because they come out and want their way of life to be more mainstream doesn't mean it's accepted.

That being said, just because they are cable and radio channels/shows geared toward them doesn't mean it's accepted as a whole. Most people in broadcast media want to steer clear of any controversal topics. Having DJs on the air announcing shows geared to GLBTs and having that out in the open isn't family friendly or office friendly. I doubt we'll see that on FM around here period as a result.

 

[myke25]

ahhh.... lemme chime in..

First off, Tony, I am still in shock that I had the privilege to speak w/ you during my show. Even with all of the glitches that seemed to plague me, the equipment and my laptop, the 90 degree studio, my show still had to go on... I am glad that you listened and hope that what we talked about turns towards an even more positive direction.

As you know Tony and now the rest of the radio-info people, I'm gay and dance music has been a bigggggg part of our culture. To cater to the GLBT community w/ specialty shows, certain air-talent, celebs, etc., it's a start and certainly would be more welcomed in places like NYC, Philly and SF. I loved RuPaul during the heydays of KTU's rebirth and I enjoy more dance artists that embrace the gay community- Amber, Kristine W., etc. Of course, shows specializing in GLBT issues, music, nightlife, etc. might not fare well with families, holy rollers, etc. If that's the case, then they shouldn't be listening.

Regarding the comment "Having DJs on the air announcing shows geared to GLBTs and having that out in the open isn't family friendly or office friendly. I doubt we'll see that on FM around here period as a result." I honestly doubt someone that close-minded, ignorant or homophobic wouldn't tune in. Maybe the main targets for dance are guidos and the latinas who have big booty's and love freestyle. KTU seemed to reel them in just fine. We didn't need to be reeled in or sold on the station. We were drawn automatically to it- without question. They're the same demographic that flock to clubs weekend after weekend and the Beatstock themed concerts/venues. So do we...If they're the bread and butter to that demographic, then the gays are the strawberry preserves on that bread. We're here, we're queer, we like the dance music and wish that companies wouldn't steer away from supporting/advertising/mentioning our group because of a stigma that needs to be let go of. I don't think the GLBT population, an ever supporting group of dance music, is still a controversial subject or matter. (Unless you're a midwestern hick and touting around the same philosophies as that lady pig in Oklahoma.) Pulse wants to expand and attract on all avenues- then give us homos some love and show that you want our loyalty. They forget that gays have this disposable income that night after night goes towards some sorta entertainment- music, food, drinks, clubs, etc. We're no longer deemed taboo and we're no longer this ridiculous AIDS carrying threat. We like the same music as the latinos and the gotti look-a-likes. (Except our hair doesn't resemble porcupine spikes and we don't douse our bodies in gallons of Tag/Axe body spray). Just give the GLBT some honorable mention and remember- if it weren't for the GLBT community embracing the dance music industry, many, many acts would've died out long ago. Dance artists acknowledge their loyal and gay fan bases for keeping them going strong.

As far as gay marriage, I'm for it. Let us finally have the same pain, strife and frustration that all you straight couples have. Instead of fighting over the house and kids, we'll fight over who gets to keep the gravy boats, cats and paintings lol.

Anyhow, I'm done ranting. Tony knows my position on Pulse is firm and my only hope is that it takes off fast, spreads like wildfire and beats all odds!!

 

[TonySantiago]

Tony:

I would agree there have been strides made with the imaging of GLBTs but at the same time I don't believe that much as truly changed. The issue of gay marriage was forced out in the open..not wanting to be in the closet anymore..along with same sex benefits and in certain states not being able to discriminate against people due to sexuality though it's still legal in many. The Defense of Marriage Act was passed and debates almost each year about banning gay marriage. Homophobia is still alive and well out there, just because it's 2008 doesn't mean anything. There are plenty of people out there that still view the GLBT culture as the same as it was back in the 80s and 90s. The AIDS label is still given to them. Just because they come out and want their way of life to be more mainstream doesn't mean it's accepted.

That being said, just because they are cable and radio channels/shows geared toward them doesn't mean it's accepted as a whole. Most people in broadcast media want to steer clear of any controversal topics. Having DJs on the air announcing shows geared to GLBTs and having that out in the open isn't family friendly or office friendly. I doubt we'll see that on FM around here period as a result.

DX...you are right!

There definitely is still a way to go regarding the GLBT culture, especially with other related issues such as marriage. In that sense, props to Massachusetts for having the guts and wisdom to allow actual marriages on record, not just "civil unions" (though there are a lot of states out there that have NEITHER). And yes, homophobia is still out there. But in comparison to, lets say pre-Stonewall, where gay clubs were so EXTREMELY underground that there had to be a "look out" in case the cops show up and gays/lesbians had to dance with each other, to show the image of "straight", things have gotten somewhat better.

Back to the media, yeah....no one wants controversy. And that can be in a wide spectrum of issues (racism, sexism and yes, homophobia). But then again, the media also knows that there is a market out there and those of the GLBT lifestyle have a BIG amount of disposable income. In that sense, controversial or not...money is the key. And if Pulse does a show, musically that targets the gay audience....yet, if they feel they have to avoid "controversy" by not blatantly coming out and say so...then why not. And I'm just guessing on that.