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The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) convention begins next
Wednesday, February 15th, 2006, in Nashville. It is called
the Country Radio Seminar (CRS). This is always a great
meeting between radio and music. I attended my first CRS a
few years ago…yep, I WAS THERE…and decided at that time
never to miss another CRS.
There is something special about a CRS. Radio and music aim
for the same purpose…to serenade a radio listener with the
very best country music. However, it is more often than not
that the radio and music people disagree on how to get
there. There will always be disagreements between radio and
music…and some of them very basic. Here are two: First, the
radio people may believe that cut 5 of a CD should have been
released as the initial release. Second, music people
believe that cut three should be the initial release, and
that all radio stations should play it. So, the disagreement
begins there…who has the best ears?
As I have written in the past I have always supported the
music industry. I have some friends there…good friends!!! I
have good ears, but do not own the only good ear franchise
for programmers. I am always listening for something new…and
distinctively different. The great thing about the CRS is
that a radio programmer can hear a lot of just that…new
music ideas, production techniques, etc. And, if that
programmer is smart he/she can retool his/her radio station
for a new country music sound.
Ed Salamon, the Executive Director of the Country Radio
Broadcasters, does a great job directing the CRB. In his
annual State of Country Radio he simply writes, “More
Country Stations and more Country Listeners in 2006”. You
are correct Ed!!! And there is a reason for that…and that
reason is that country composers, producers, and vocalists
are serving their current and potential listeners with some
fabulous music. I mean great stuff! Within the last two
weeks I was played a country demo written and produced by
one of “the” Nashville greats. It only took fifteen or
twenty seconds to know this will be a number one record
after final production…and it is a probable cross over. The
composer has a streak of number one hits over a decade or
more…and has the unique ability to come with that mysterious
“distinctively different” greatness to which I referred. I’m
not going to identify him/her at this time, but I will when
the CD is released in the next few months.
Take a look at the CRB site, and look at the CRS agenda. It
is loaded with wonderful subjects and entertainment
elements. You will quickly determine that this is a meeting
to attend…and I hope to see you there.
As for me, I will certainly be attending the WCRS Live on
Thursday afternoon. The legendary song writer/producer Bob
DiPiero will host. Also, Thursday morning there is a panel
called Extreme Makeover: Radio Edition which sounds
interesting.
And, I do have two business meetings of importance…hey,
maybe I can make a deal or two, who knows????
One thing I know for certain…this is a meeting that is
educational, exciting and fun!!!
See you there, and I will be writing next week's column from
Nashville…maybe with a country music/artist scoop or
two!!!!!
e-mail Kent
kent@kentburkhart.com
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