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. By: Geneva Relf
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?
Q: The protest that took place at the radio stations for equal play, do you think it had a impact?
Q: Why do you think Local stations don't play a lot of local artist, but the same artist over and over?
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.
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: Who do you think is more to blame the Dj's, Radio Stations Directors, or maybe the material artist want played?
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: Listening to Snoop Dogg's comments he was passionate about playing local talent, Why do you think he's so passionate about this?
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: Do you think that money is a factor or is image a factor behind the lack of playing local artist?
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: Take me through a typical day of networking and doing business in the industry?
A: People are afraid of change, but I think a lot of people want to hear something different.
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: 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: What is the other alternative if radio's won't play local artist?
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 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: Yes I do! Or at least have a upcoming artist segment or night or something.
Q: Do you think that radio stations should offer special slots for upcoming local artist to be played on air?
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: 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: 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: Being an upcoming artist on the Rise what advice would you give to other artists not in your shoe yet?
A: Being heard by the correct people
Q: What do you think is the biggest hurtle for those breaking into the music industry?
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
Q: If you could make three major changes to the music game what would they be and why?
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?
Q: Why do you think Local stations don't play a lot of local artist, but the same artist over and over?
Q: Do you think if more artist in the industry stood behind the protest it would change things?
Q: Who do you think is more to blame the Dj's, Radio Stations Directors, or maybe the material artist want played?
Q: Listening to Snoop Dogg's comments he was passionate about playing local talent, Why do you think he's so passionate about this?
Q: Do you think that money is a factor or is image a factor behind the lack of playing local artist?
Q: Take me through a typical day of networking and doing business in the industry?
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?
Q: What is the other alternative if radio's won't play local artist?
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?
Q: Do you think that radio stations should offer special slots for upcoming local artist to be played on air?
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?
Q: Do you think that because Radio stations aren't playing local talent they are missing out on a bigger market?
Q: Being an upcoming artist on the Rise what advice would you give to other artists not in your shoe yet?
Q: What do you think is the biggest hurtle for those breaking into the music industry?
Q: If you could make three major changes to the music game what would they be and why?
