THE POWER OF COUNTRY MUSIC

I've been saying for several months now that “Country music is bigger and better than it’s been in over a decade.” Proof of that is what has happened this week on three of the most popular shows on TV (Idol, Celebrity Apprentice and Rascal Flatts being the last musical guest on Oprah).

If you are in sales and pitching new clients (or dealing with people) who don’t think country music is mainstream, part of pop culture and extremely popular, you may want to remind them of John Rich, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, and Rascal Flatts.

Nearly 30 million people watched the finale of American Idol and over 122 million votes were cast. A new record.

America knows that these two are all about country music and will be heard ONLY on Country radio (they are the most Country sounding songs ever to come off of Idol, IMHO).

While I work with multiple formats, I'm extremely proud today to be a part of Country music and Country radio.

Spread the word of Country music and Country radio's power!

A REALLY BAD CRUTCH

I’m not sure what to call it, so for lack of a better term, I’ll call it “Playing With Song Titles.” It sucks. If you do it on air, stop.

I’ll explain what I mean.

I always hear jocks come out of a song (all different formats) and try to be cute and clever and tie in the title of the song they are announcing to something they are saying. In working with stations all over the country, here’s a couple of actual examples I’ve heard on the air:

“Travis Tritt’s T-R-O-U-B-L-E. You’ll be in some trouble if you don’t listen this weekend to win…”

“Lady Gaga and Born This Way. Hey, I was born this way and there’s nothing you can do to change it. Hahahaha…”

Really? That’s the best you’ve got? You basically have said nothing. Real people don’t talk that way. Where’s the listener benefit? Listeners don’t mind talk, as long as it’s relevant, relatable and focused. Tying in the song titles are none of those. It’s just a bunch of extra words that make you sound dated, unprepared and like you have nothing better to say.

In my opinion, there’s no exception to this rule. Just don’t do it. It’s not needed.

Don't waste the listener's time. Say something more meaningful.