BLACK FRIDAY RADIO PROTEST!

Protest for  Radio Play and Equal Broadcast
By: Geneva Relf

Over the decades music has changed and has taken on many new faces. However it’s the faces of music we do not see that are now wanting answers for why! Many radio stations are only playing those of big names, and not putting local talent in rotation for play. Many new upcoming artist with the numbers to support there play aren’t being played either. Many rallied in protest in front of Power106 in Los Angeles and wanted those very answers for why? The questions that are heavy on many artist minds are who’s at fault for not playing their songs? Is it the lack of payment that seems to push so many other artist? Or maybe just maybe it’s the stations fault and not the air DJ’s? These are just a few questions that have been brought to the radio stations that do not broadcast local talent.

One of the biggest artist known to the game Snoop Dogg joined in the protest on his on-air interview. He understands what it’s like to be an upcoming artist and not get the air time you need. He also knows the importance industry wise in getting these young upcoming artist air time. He is not new to the game and he says that there are several stations that do not play upcoming artist. Many questions the theory behind the radio’s constant play of the same artist. One would have to question what would the stations do if they were boycotted? What if the protesters took it to the level of extreme until we are played? Imagine how much these radio stations would loose if we just simple stopped listening to them? Forcing them to play the upcoming local talent that is making major waves in music. Besides that money is always a factor loosing or gaining the question of is it because they aren’t are huge as the constant replay artist they aren’t heard? However the problem will not be solved over night in anyway there has to be middle ground for both the stations and the artists that want play.

BJIZZLE 

Interview Questions:

Q: What do you think is the hardest part about breaking into the industry?

A: Honestly, the hardest part for me being an up and coming from Memphis, TN is actually being heard. And I don't mean heard in the sense of getting your music out there, I mean being heard by the right people.  Its a lot of musical talent in my city from all genres, but 90% will never be heard  by the right people. Just as I realized with sports, talent will only take you so far and the people that need to help.... don't. Its all about who u know and what they'll do for you.

Q: The protest that took place at the radio stations for equal play, do you think it had a impact?

A: Here NO! I actually don't see it working in a lot of cities Ive lived in, one being Birmingham where I went to college. But Atlanta, YES. I spent a lot of time in Atlanta while I was in school and they do take chances on artist, and for the most part the artist support one another.  More cities, radio stations, and artist need to take not of what they have done and is currently doing.

Q: Why do you think Local stations don't play a lot of local artist, but the same artist over and over?

A: One thing is money.....  They would rather charge for a couple of spins instead of giving an underground artist a chance.They would rather play an industry artists music over and over again because its what the listener is supposed to like.  Even if you don't like the song, you'll hear it so much they make you like it.

Q: Do you think if more artist in the industry stood behind the protest it would change things?

A: It would have a better chance. If you see this big time industry artist standing behind a lot of local artist, it would give the radio stations more of a reason.

Q: Who do you think is more to blame the Dj's, Radio Stations Directors, or maybe the material artist want played?

A: Everyone!  Djs and radio station director are money hungry and music is how they make money, just like an artist.  But Djs and the radio stations are the ones that get the music to the people. Yeah there is the internet but if your not known whose going to listen to you?

Q: Listening to Snoop Dogg's comments he was passionate about playing local talent, Why do you think he's so passionate about this?

A: I think hes so passionate because hes been there. Yeah he was blessed to have known Warren G and had the help of Dr. Dre, but he knows how starving underground artists feel.  Everyone doesn't grow up in the game like a lot of these artist do now and doesn't have the chance to get close to big named artist.  So its harder to be heard.

Q: Do you think that money is a factor or is image a factor behind the lack of playing local artist?

A: Both image is very important. If you don't have an image you don't have an identity for you or your music, kind of like not knowing who you are.  And everyone in music makes money off of music, But I think there's times chances can be taken to play local artist.

Q: Take me through a typical day of networking and doing business in the industry?

A: The internet is a HUGE networking tool, you can reach people through the internet that you would normally not have the pleasure of meeting or reaching, but it shouldn't be abused.  The more people u meet in the business the more your contacts increase, the better chances you have to be heard by the correct people.

Q: Do think maybe the public isn't ready for all the new sounds in music? Do you think Perhaps maybe the new generation of music is too much for radio's?

A: People are afraid of change, but I think a lot of people want to hear something different.

Q: What is the other alternative if radio's won't play local artist?

A: Internet! You can reach a lot more people and of course as an artist u still have to interact with your fans..... i.e. hitting the streets and handing out cds.

Q: Do you think radio's have lost the bigger picture? What if the artist they are not playing get signed to a major label, or what if these artist are already signed but need the play?

A: Its a lot of artist signed and not signed that need and deserve radio play.  As an example, one of the best rappers in Memphis is just now getting radio play and hes been on the scene locally for over 10 years. Most say hes the best rapper in Memphis, but hell never go national because radio station refused to play his material early in his career.

Q: Do you think that radio stations should offer special slots for upcoming local artist to be played on air?

A: Yes I do! Or at least have a upcoming artist segment or night or something.

Q: Many local artist are claiming that's the money not the talent, so if it's all about the money does that mean it triumphs over talents?

A: Talent only takes you so far. If you don't  have the money or money backing you, you'll never get anything done.  It takes money to make money.

Q: Being an upcoming artist on the Rise what advice would you give to other artists not in your shoe yet?

A: Not to get discouraged.... Never let anyone stop you from doing something you want to do. And as an artist BE YOURSELF! Music you an art form and this is your art, so don't try to be something your not or gimmick someone because their hot. Just do you!

Q: What do you think is the biggest hurtle for those breaking into the music industry? 

A:  Being heard by the correct people

Q: If you could make three major changes to the music game what would they be and why?

A: 1. Stop labels from being so controlling: I don't want to be made into something or tell someone I have to make a certain "type" or music, I just want to be me. This is one reason you see more independent artist and artist with their own labels now. 2. Stop radio stations from being region haters: If the musics good then play it.3. Stop all the copy cat artists.  Its a copy cat industry, whatever is hot every artist wants to do it or be it

JAYY STARR 

Q: What do you think is the hardest part about breaking into the industry?

A: The politics. It's more so about business and not talent so it doesn't matter how dope you are at music making, it's all about how marketable you appear to be. If the label isn't confident in your work then they won't back you. Now on the other hand if you have a really booming commercial single then they're all for it.

Q: The protest that took place at the radio stations for equal play, do you think it had a impact?

A: Honestly, not really. It opened peoples eyes a bit, but as far as stations listening and changing what they play I think it'll take a little more than that.

Q: Why do you think Local stations don't play a lot of local artist, but the same artist over and over?

A: Chance. They don't want to take a chance on a new local artist unless they already have a substantial buzz or someone big backing them. They're so used to the same artist so whether or not the song is really as hot as they make it seem they'll spin it a million times.

Q: Do you think if more artist in the industry stood behind the protest it would change things?

A: I think it would definitely change things.

Q: Who do you think is more to blame the Dj's, Radio Stations Directors, or maybe the material artist want played?

A: DJ's have the power to break anybody. At parties, on air since they do give a couple hours for hot new songs no ones ever heard, and by word of mouth. The stations directors could easily give anyone the chance to shine, but that's where the politics come in again. Also, some of the artist demanding play aren't putting out radio friendly music. No one wants to hear about drugs or guns or how much money you claim to have all the time.

Q: Listening to Snoop Dogg's comments he was passionate about playing local talent, Why do you think he's so passionate about this?

A: He was where we are now at some point in time and knows what we're going through to possibly get where he is.

Q: Do you think that money is a factor or is image a factor behind the lack of playing local artist?

A: Money rules everything, sadly. So most artists that have the talent but lack the capital can't afford to fully push their music like they wish to.

Q: Take me through a typical day of networking and doing business in the industry?

A: When I'm networking I'm careful about who I let in because some people aren't in it for the artists best interest. Good talkers, but don't deliver. Nonetheless, I network with other artists with good music, collaborate, get to know DJs since they are the ones who really break artists, Indie and online radio stations also, they show tons of love. I just don't stick to the local stuff, I venture out to diff states and even countries cause sometimes you may get more love from those places.

Q: Do think maybe the public isn't ready for all the new sounds in music? Do you think Perhaps maybe the new generation of music is too much for radio's?

A: The new generation of music is raw & uncut. It's the truth, in some cases. It's what we can relate to. Old ears aren't used to that new sound just yet, but they have to adapt in order for us all to progress into something greater than we can imagine.

Q: What is the other alternative if radio's won't play local artist?

A: We cut them out. Right now radios are the middleman. It's the artist > radio > labels. They can either make or break us. If they don't comply soon we can always go to the online or satellite radio stations. It's too easy. They show tons of love.

Q: Do you think radio's have lost the bigger picture? What if the artist they are not playing get signed to a major label, or what if these artist are already signed but need the play?

A: They don't really care honestly. I think there's certain artists that come in and depending on how big their debut was determines how much love they'll get from radio.

Q: Do you think that radio stations should offer special slots for upcoming local artist to be played on air?

A: They absolutely should.

Q: Many local artist are claiming that's the money not the talent, so if it's all about the money does that mean it triumphs over talents?

A:  In this case it does. The industry is 80% business and 20% talent.

Q: Do you think that because Radio stations aren't playing local talent they are missing out on a bigger market?

A:  They are. It's so much good music out there that people worldwide may never hear because radio stations won't take a chance and spin it. One spin could change a lot of lives. What do they honestly have to lose?

Q: Being an upcoming artist on the Rise what advice would you give to other artists not in your shoe yet?

A: Just keep at it. Network, do shows, build a buzz then find a team of people that sincerely believe in what you have and are willing to work countless hours to take it to the next level. Prayer also helps (lol).

Q: What do you think is the biggest hurtle for those breaking into the music industry? 

A: Being lovable. If people aren't feeling your music, persona whatever they won't support you. You need to get a strong backing.

Q: If you could make three major changes to the music game what would they be and why?

A: I would make it less political. Music used to be about the love for the art. Now it's about money, rank, women, men, liquor. All stuff that has nothing to do with good music. I'd take it back to the times when you heard a good song you fell in love at first listen. I'd give artists on the come up a chance to at least be heard once, then if they're liked or not it is what it is, the people have spoken. I'd also have a "please make sense" clause (lol).