It takes a lot of courage to share this embarrassing tale. But here goes. Robert Plant was bigger than life as Led Zeppelin’s front man. After the band split up, he released a solo album and hit the road with his new band. A few days before Plant’s opening night show, his record label rep …
We’re living in a red-hot news cycle, and no media outlet has benefited more than NPR. Their reliable, unbiased reporting has given stations a huge ratings boost. All well-deserved. I just wish NPR’s presentation weren’t so stiff and elitist. It’s intentionally obscure, geared toward old, white, highly-educated listeners. I feel like I’m being talked at, …
More than 100 advertisers paid $6+ million for their Superbowl moment…only to be immediately forgotten. The top-rated ad showed Meadow Soprano driving a Chevy. Did it inspire anybody to buy one? It’s time we call out the elephant in the room. Mass marketing is just eye candy that rarely moves the needle. So, what does …
I was strolling in the sunshine down Colorado Boulevard when I saw it. Just standing there, hiding in plain sight. Pasadena Presbyterian Church…the birthplace of progressive rock. The story goes that this southern California parish inspired John Phillips, leader of the Mamas and the Papas, to write their most iconic song. In the late 60’s, Phillips …
One morning, I walked into my radio station and saw two DJs rolling a watermelon down the stairs. One was stabbing it while his partner recorded the action…as rock stars roamed the hallways. It was just another day at the office. Being outrageous was our station’s culture and that collective energy made us better. Another …
The Eagles are touring again. But, it’s not really The Eagles anymore. Now, it’s just a money grab. Thankfully, they still have Joe Walsh. Joe is the heart and soul of the Eagles. I first met Joe when he filled in as the afternoon DJ on KISW in Seattle. He was bored during The Eagles’ …
I don’t live through the rearview mirror. But I’m sure that life used to be more fun. I was reminded of that on a recent Zoom call with some radio friends. We recounted the crazy things we did at KISW in Seattle, during rock’s heyday. We shredded the rule book and weren’t satisfied until listeners …
By all rights, Keith Richards should be dead several times over. After decades of abuse and outrageous behavior, he’s still the poster boy for decadence. Keith shrugs it off, “yeah, it’s just me and the roaches now.” But beneath the gnarled, wrinkled façade, there’s deep wisdom. Keith is savors the gifts of life. I can …
After decades of ignoring music research, Warner Music Group will now recruit computers to find promising, new stars. Good luck with that. WMG might analyze data about Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. Their Sodatone software will create algorithms that find catchy beats and whale-catching hooks. Copycat acts will get signed while ‘different’ music gets discarded. …
Have you heard? Radio is free! In case you missed it, there’s no charge for AM/FM radio. Now, 100 years later, stations will start touting their ‘freeness’, like it’s a revelation. It’s a reminder that while radio sucks, at least you don’t pay for it. Like there’s no other reasons to listen. Sadly, it’s a …
