Had some time to check into my usual radio haunts online to see what was shaking in the alt rock world. And there is a lot of shaking going on. First, let’s look at the alt rock charts, shall we?
1. Cage the Elephant - Back Against the Wall
2. Muse - Uprising
3. Phoenix - 1901
4. Flyleaf - Again
5. Muse - Resistance
6. Rise Against - Savior
7. 30 Seconds to Mars - Kings & Queens
8. Alice in Chains - Your Decision
9. Crash Kings - Mountain Man
10. Pearl Jam - Just Breathe
Best of the rest:
12. Paramore - Brick by Boring Brick
20. Vampire Weekend - Cousins
23. Metric - Gold Guns Girls
24. Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition
30. Silversun Pickups - The Royal We
32. Gorillaz - Stylo
35. Phoenix - Lisztomania
38. Broken Bells - High Road
Are you kidding me? Cage the Elephant with a #1? That’s pretty awesome for them. Also refreshing to see in the mix are two Phoenix songs - it only took a Cadillac commercial for the rest of the country to be entranced with this great band that some of us have loved for years. And nice to see Crash Kings in the top 10 as well - once I heard Mountain Man on XM/Sirius I figured it would get some traction on terrestrial radio and so it did. It took a little longer for the Paramore single to break than I had guessed previously, but it should not surprise you faithful readers as you know I have been singing their (especially Hayley’s) praises for a loooong time.
Ratings update:
So did KBZT’s move to bring Mikey over from KIOZ result in a ratings coup? Even though the numbers from January only include a week of the show, the answer is a resounding yes. Can these numbers continue? Of course. Sorry, guys, the move did exactly what it was supposed to do. No turning back now.
(Ignore the fact that I haven’t been writing, I’ve been super busy with real life and the only reason I have time to write this is because I am out of town.....)
The things I do out of curiosity....I signed up for the mailing list for KCSF (better known to most as Sophie 103.7) and one of the things they send is a music listener survey. They play a song snippet and you rate each one with what you think about the song and if you are tired of hearing it. I mostly take the survey (even though it is torturous at times) to see what crossover from alt rock happens and to have a vague idea of some of the popular music that people are talking about. So I thought it would be interesting for you to see what songs I rated this time around:
1 Just Breathe - PEARL JAM
2 Hey Soul Sister - TRAIN
3 Never Gonna Be Alone - NICKELBACK
4 Fifteen - TAYLOR SWIFT
5 Uprising - MUSE
6 Human - KILLERS
7 Fireflies - OWL CITY
8 Haven’t Met You Yet - MICHAEL BUBLE
9 Tik Tok - KE$HA
10 I’ve Got A Feeling - THE BLACK EYED PEAS
11 Closer - NINE INCH NAILS
12 Say Hey - MICHAEL FRANTI
13 You Belong With Me - TAYLOR SWIFT
14 All The Right Moves - ONEREPUBLIC
15 Breakeven - THE SCRIPT
16 paparazzi - LADY GAGA
17 Big Girls Don’t Cry - FERGIE
18 Sex On Fire - KINGS OF LEON
19 Live Like You’re Dying - KRIS ALLEN
20 Better In Time - LEONA LEWIS
So as you can see, there is definitely an alt rock crossover - Pearl Jam, Muse and of course, the biggest crossover of last year, Kings of Leon. The song that really surprised me when it came up was the NIN song. Seriously? I love that song but am so tired of it as being the song that most people hear/know about when they think of NIN. It just seems wrong to hear it within seconds of KE$HA and Taylor Swift. The other thing I want to mention is that “Closer” is 16 years old - do you really see anything else on that list being able to withstand the test of time and actually still be played on the radio in 16 years? (Well, besides “Sex on Fire” because that is also going to be one of those songs in 15 years....)
I guess the purpose of this post is two-fold - to drive home the point that alt rock crossovers do happen and will continue to happen and that when you write a great song, shitty pop stations will try to co-opt them, even if it is 15 years after the fact. Sigh.
So what’s a music lover to do when you are done with terrestrial radio but still want to listen to music online? I think most people default to Pandora, but I don’t because I HATE their recommendations and apparently there is a limit on how many hours you can listen to for free. FAIL. Here is a rundown of some options and the pros and cons of each.
Sirius/XM
Pros:
- A gazillion choices by genre and decently programmed
- You can listen in your car, online or via iphone and Blackberry apps
Cons:
- lack of on air personalities for music stations
- not free (obviously)
Slacker Radio
Pros:
- Best programmed stations online - the stations are programmed by radio professionals who know the genre and have excellent taste (I’m talking to you Scott Riggs, Mat Diablo, Marco Collins and Kallao - you guys pretty much rule.)
- You can ban songs/artists - never listen to Sublime, Incubus or RHCP again!!!
- You can favorite songs/artists - hear more of what you like
- You can skip songs
- iphone and Blackberry apps for portable listening
Cons:
- Because your experience is customized, you won’t hear the same music as anyone else listening to the same station.
- the actual player you can purchase is just okay - it won’t replace your mp3 listening device.
Legitradio
Pros:
- A relative newcomer on the scene but started by radio industry vet, Chris Cantore
- Decent playlist and users can vote songs up or down
- Interactive experience with other listeners through live video, chatroom and twitter
- Specialty programming hosted by radio vets and social media saavy people
Cons:
- No apps to listen via iphone or BB
- Other listener’s bad taste in music (example: someone gave Cat Power a thumbs down? WTF?)
I guess I’m not really endorsing one choice over another since I do listen to all three of these alternatives to terrestrial radio; what I listen to depends on what I feel like listening to at the time. Also, there are some terrestrial stations that you can listen to online that aren’t horrible - KCRW and KEXP if you weren’t already hip to them, you should check them out. If you know of any other sites I should check out, let me know and I will take a listen and do a similar rundown.
I didn’t think I would be writing again so soon, but the official word about Mikey (formerly of KIOZ) going to KBZT came down yesterday. I spent a lot of time reading reactions from both sides of the equation. I know a lot of long time listeners of KBZT are unhappy and feel somewhat betrayed (especially with this coming on the heels of Halloran’s contract not being renewed.) While I understand that completely, I also understand why it had to be done.
For those of you who don’t keep up with the industry news, the parent company of KBZT recently had some changes to their management here in SD - a new GM. Now think back over the past 7 years - did you ever really hear about their old GM? Um, no. And I think it is telling that the announcement via All Access has his quotes before Garett’s. Draw your own conclusions as you may. The bottom line is that decisions were made that will either make or break this station. The morning ratings at KBZT have always been their weakness. I can see why someone coming into the situation would want to fix that pronto.
Now as far as this Mikey character ("shock jock turned born-again Christian") - I’ve never listened to his show and I don’t think I ever will. I don’t begrudge anyone their belief system, but at the same time, I’m not down with media personalities making their relationship with God a central part of their schtick.
Garett is making assurances that the rest of the day will be business as usual. “There are no plans to adjust what we do on the radio station after 10 a.m. If I had the money to put up a billboard, it would say, ‘Mikey in the mornings, music all day and night.’” (My note - well, except Halloran, but yeah.) I will continue to support KBZT during the music part of their programming because I still think that they are the best option available in terrestial/commercial radio.
That being said, I didn’t touch on satellite radio in my last post because it wasn’t really relevant to my discussion. I will discuss now because I thought it was interesting that Halloran was a guest on Tony Hawk’s satellite radio show yesterday. I was only able to catch about 30 minutes of his on air time - nothing earth shattering and way more talking then I am used to hearing on satellite. The whole time I was listening, I thought, “wouldn’t it be great to have Hal on satellite?” I’ve been debating biting the bullet on getting satellite radio because I enjoy it so much when I am on the road. If he actually got a show, I would totally be down with listening there. Whatever happens with Hal (check out this week’s Reader for some ideas on what is next), I’m sure it will be interesting. Some people have bounced the idea of him going back to 91x, but I don’t see that - mostly because of the economics. So we shall see.
Ah, so much for my self imposed retirement, right? I guess the truth of the matter is that I care too much not to write, but at the same time, I don’t want the pressure of writing. So I think I’ve come to the conclusion that I will try to write at least once a week, kind of like a weekly column and throw in other stuff if I can’t get my point across on twitter. (Because everyone that reads this is on twitter, right? Get with the program my twitterless peeps.)
You might have guessed what is on my mind from the last few posts. San Diego radio is seriously turned upside down and I can’t really just let that slide. While changes on Star and 105.3 don’t really affect me, losing Hal on KBZT was really a shock. And then the whole Finest City news and the subsequent purchase by John Lynch’s BCA was another major event. All of this really changes the radio landscape in San Diego. (Duh.) I guess the real question is why do I care? With the internet, who needs commercial/terrestrial radio? My answer is this - I do. Some of us can’t stream radio online at work and let’s face it, that’s where most of us spend our day. And yeah, with apps for iphone and blackberry (hopefully soon) google droid, conceivably, you can listen to all your favorite online radio even if you have restricted access online. But that’s not as easy as just turning on radio when I am at work or in the car. I know I’m not the only person that feels that way because obviously there are still people that listen to the radio. And there are plenty of articles/industry research you can read if you want to debate that point. I think the real issue at hand is who is listening to the radio and why. I see industry research that says most people still get their new music from the radio. Serously? Not in my world. Most people who consider themselves music lovers do not listen to the radio. (I love to use Jeff Motch’s quote at NXNP 2008 for emphasis: “Anyone who really loves music in this town doesn’t listen to the radio” - see in context here.) So you have this whole disconnect with the people who love music/buy it/go to shows and the people who listen to radio but are not actively engaged in the music “scene”.
Okay, so hopefully I haven’t lost you yet and you are asking the same question I am. So what does terrestrial/commercial radio have to do to reach out to people who do love music? And how do you mix their needs with the people who currently listen and are not engaged? Tough, right? I think for the most part, KBZT has been doing this for seven years. They do it with a combination of “alternative gold”, newer somewhat mainstream alt rock and a smattering of indie rock. Their other strength has always been their specialty programming - FTP, coup d’etat, Local 94/9 and especially Big Sonic Chill appeal to specific music loving audiences. With Halloran no longer on KBZT and the rumours of Mikey coming there and/or a format flip, SD music lovers have reason to be worried that soon our only respite from the crap on other stations will be gone as well.
So now what? I really don’t know. It will be interesting to see how things shake out at KBZT and 91X. In the meantime, there are plenty of other non-commercial radio alternatives in this town for those of you who can stream online. I’m excited to see how this Sounddiego collaboration with Chris Cantore and NBC shakes out. And can I get an amen for Rosey being involved too? Props to Cantore/NBC for recognizing that what Rosey does is legit (haha) media and should be recognized as such. And then there’s Slacker (run by SD radio vet Scott Riggs). They made big announcements this week at CES - 3.0 + Canada support + a collab with ABC for a news channels.
So yeah, plenty of stuff to keep me interested and writing. See ya guys next week or on twitter.
I was shocked (like everyone else in this town) to hear about your exit from KBZT. It was only two months ago when we celebrated KBZT’s 7th anniversary and I proclaimed you and Garett the best PD/MD combo in the country. I meant it then and I mean it now. In my mind, I could never imagine KBZT without the both of you. This station was borne out of a shared vision of two radio professionals who wanted to push the alt rock radio genre to new levels. You did this with inspired radio programming that really helped change the alt rock landscape into something that even a music lover could appreciate. And while I didn’t always agree with your programming choices, I always felt that I could support you and the station because you *got it*. To me, you weren’t someone I just heard coming out of my radio, you were a person that I saw around town, that I could talk to (read: give you crap) and someone I respected deeply. You have given me moments to remember - like not trying to lose my shit when you introduced me to Lol Tolhurst from the Cure at a Nada Surf show or even my coup d’etat where Garett had to call the back line to tell us to stop fighting on air or when you would play The Lovemakers on the Dog Dare because of our heated discussions of whether or not they suck. These are experiences I would never have without you being on the radio. It makes me weepy and nostalgic to think of these things - like when I realize I will miss when you play a song twice in a row because you love it so much. Who does that? Um, yeah, that would be Hal. You are one of a kind. And I will miss you on KBZT.
Lyn is always rawking to the song in her head, which she would be happy to sing to you. Just ask.
Music posted is for sampling purposes and is only available for a limited time. If you like what you hear, support the artist and buy the album or go to a show.
Where in the world are Minnie and Ox?
San Diego, CA
Next stop on the tour:
Dallas, TX
Future stops:
Atlanta, GA
Lansing, MI
Chicago, IL
Dayton, OH
Baltimore, MD
Harrisburg, PA
(latest photos here)
ugh, I agree about Pandora. Major suck. Sometimes I’ll listen to Last FM if I’m in the mood for a certain style or genre. They do an okay job, though not super awesome.
Dear Chick Rawker,
Thank you for taking our survey. The purpose of these surveys are two-fold.....to find out what ALL listeners think about the music we play, along with songs that we think listeners might be interested in hearing on our station. The songs on the list below are not necessarily in rotation on our radio station. We have a lot of fun here and sometimes we have specialty weekends and features that songs on this list might or might not fit into. I hope that you continue to take our surveys and give us your opinion because it helps us program our station to give listeners what they want.
Yes alternative music crosses over to the pop world, it always has and always will. I think it’s great when an artist or group reaches this level. They release there music and are labeled “Alternative” and then they become “Popular” and the masses want to hear them. If managed correctly this will allow them to create and be more artistic with their music in the future. For example NIN....yes “Closer” is a “Popular” song, but without it, would Trent Reznor have been able to create and work on the many projects he has that appeal to a “Music Connoisseur” like yourself? We don’t know for sure but we can guess the answer is “Yes.”
There is a purpose and place for POP Music. I hope that from now on you take this into consideration when you listen to and judge the formats that this type of music is featured on.
Thank you,
Cristy Westfall
Music Director
KSCF – Sophie @ 103.7
These are the same things I have been thinking about for awhile now, starting when Chris left. Radio is still relevant and will be for a while. The other competition aside from online is satalitte radio. Many people listen through Sirius and XFM. It is all splintered. Partnerships, collaboration, engaging with fans are the way to go and survive. Hard core music fans like most of our crowd may end up left to scrounge for the good stuff. But really, is that so new?
