So ABC is hopping on the country tour bus with a new show that features the Nashville music scene and an up and coming female artist that is paired with another artist on her way down. (Country Strong anyone?) How badly do you think they can mess up this Music Row Soap?
Here's hoping that industry consultants (if there are any) will stomp their feet and chase each and every stereotype back to Hollywood. Here's hoping the show works, and doesn't set the industry back 40 years. Gotta go, my rhinestone jacket is ready at the drycleaners. (sorry Porter) - TS
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Thursday, October 14, 2010
When it all seems hopeless...
Sometimes it IS darkest before the dawn. But you might be surprised what can happen with a lot of faith, hard work, willingness to try new methods and equipment. What can happen when you use digital advancements to your advantage, to not give up. What happens when you pool all the best resources into one mission. You'll be amazed at how your efforts become infectious and how those efforts can turn others into believers too! And in the end, you'll be thankful for the result and wonder why you ever thought about giving up.
PS- This mindset could also work for freeing 33 brave men from a mine deep beneath the ground in Chile.
PS- This mindset could also work for freeing 33 brave men from a mine deep beneath the ground in Chile.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Don't Judge a Septic truck by it's cover...
On the way in today, I'm following (and quickly pass) a truck with "XXXXX Spetic Service" on the side. As I cruise on by I notice the pumps, hoses and valves connected to the large tank.
It's not difficult to quickly jump to judgement. Wow! What a way to spend your day. How would you like to get up and face that every morning, day in and day out?
A little more thought brought about some perspective though. Here was a guy that not only gets paid...but HAS CREATED A BUSINESS & CAREER out of doing something that a lot of people have to do every day...FOR FREE!
What are you doing today?
It's not difficult to quickly jump to judgement. Wow! What a way to spend your day. How would you like to get up and face that every morning, day in and day out?
A little more thought brought about some perspective though. Here was a guy that not only gets paid...but HAS CREATED A BUSINESS & CAREER out of doing something that a lot of people have to do every day...FOR FREE!
What are you doing today?
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Everyday Poets
What an honor. From time to time, my job gives me great opportunities to meet some extremely interesting people. Last night, it was a privilage to be in the presence of 2 of country music's most prolific songwriters, Rivers Rutherford & Don Schlitz!
Appearing at the annual Fortune-Williams Music Festival in Staunton, VA, Don & Rivers told some jokes, shared some stories and played their music for an appreciative crowd.
During the intermission, I had a chance to chat briefly with both men, discussing a few mutual Nashville friends with Rivers and complimenting him on the first part of his performance.
Don Schlitz was a bit different though. I became tongue-tied, and probably rambled a bit. I managed to tell him how enjoyable his music is while he signed a copy of his greatest hits.
I never did get to tell him that over 30 years ago, "The Gambler", his first hit (and what a hit it is) helped me discover the power of a story song. That catchy tune stuck in the heads of so many people in the late 70's came to life for me when suddenly the line , "and somewhere in the darkness, the gambler, he broke even..." jumped out at me. The realization that the title character dies in the song gave me new ears to listen to it and so many other songs. Don Schlitz can take alot of credit for my love of great country story songs.
The passion that writers like Don and Rivers put into their music was evident as Rivers closed the show with a story about his relationship with his grandfather...that story, of course is a song, and huge hit for Brad Paisley, "When I get Where I'm Going." Rivers choked up a bit talking about his grandfather...and the song was real for everyone there.
I can only hope that someday when I get where I'm going, there will be a lot of "everyday poets" like Don Schlitz and Rivers Rutherford who can tell the stories of our lives in song.
Appearing at the annual Fortune-Williams Music Festival in Staunton, VA, Don & Rivers told some jokes, shared some stories and played their music for an appreciative crowd.
During the intermission, I had a chance to chat briefly with both men, discussing a few mutual Nashville friends with Rivers and complimenting him on the first part of his performance.
Don Schlitz was a bit different though. I became tongue-tied, and probably rambled a bit. I managed to tell him how enjoyable his music is while he signed a copy of his greatest hits.
I never did get to tell him that over 30 years ago, "The Gambler", his first hit (and what a hit it is) helped me discover the power of a story song. That catchy tune stuck in the heads of so many people in the late 70's came to life for me when suddenly the line , "and somewhere in the darkness, the gambler, he broke even..." jumped out at me. The realization that the title character dies in the song gave me new ears to listen to it and so many other songs. Don Schlitz can take alot of credit for my love of great country story songs.
The passion that writers like Don and Rivers put into their music was evident as Rivers closed the show with a story about his relationship with his grandfather...that story, of course is a song, and huge hit for Brad Paisley, "When I get Where I'm Going." Rivers choked up a bit talking about his grandfather...and the song was real for everyone there.
I can only hope that someday when I get where I'm going, there will be a lot of "everyday poets" like Don Schlitz and Rivers Rutherford who can tell the stories of our lives in song.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Why is this so hard?
On a day to day basis, I ALWAYS have plenty to say...trust me...just ask anybody. So then, why do I struggle to get into a groove with this blog? There are certainly things I want to share:
First, I think Steven Slater should get a medal. The JetBlue flight attendant went out in a blaze of glory, and I don't blame him. I've been on a plane with 120 idiots all trying to get off in ten seconds, it's not fun.
Next, I really don't think all that oil in the Gulf mysteriously dissappeared. How do you go from "the end of dozens of species as we know them" to "you know...it doesn't look too bad." BS.
Finally, lately I've been hooked on "American Pickers" on the History Channel. These 2 guys cruise around the country looking for valuable antiques and collectibles in old barns, sheds, houses. They enter some of the scariest places I've seen. Love the show, but really would like to see the outtakes of them running for their lives when some old coot holed up in his little shack pulls a shotgun when they knock on the door. Now THAT'S entertainment!
First, I think Steven Slater should get a medal. The JetBlue flight attendant went out in a blaze of glory, and I don't blame him. I've been on a plane with 120 idiots all trying to get off in ten seconds, it's not fun.
Next, I really don't think all that oil in the Gulf mysteriously dissappeared. How do you go from "the end of dozens of species as we know them" to "you know...it doesn't look too bad." BS.
Finally, lately I've been hooked on "American Pickers" on the History Channel. These 2 guys cruise around the country looking for valuable antiques and collectibles in old barns, sheds, houses. They enter some of the scariest places I've seen. Love the show, but really would like to see the outtakes of them running for their lives when some old coot holed up in his little shack pulls a shotgun when they knock on the door. Now THAT'S entertainment!
Friday, November 20, 2009
It's beginning to look a lot like...
It's been awhile since I devoted time to the blog...I promise I'll be posting more frequently:
Tonight in C'Ville they light the tree on the downtown Mall, Santa arrives during a parade
in the morning...and much of retail has been ready for the Holiday Season since...well about 2 weeks after Labor Day!
I commented to someone the other day, that for the radio biz...Christmas truly is "the biggest promotion there is..." If you can't attract attention to your stations, create some warm & fuzzies, AND make some revenue as we countdown to Christmas...maybe you should re-think things.
Get out and support Toy drives, food drives...adopt Santa like a long-lost relative. Candycane stripe your website...your vehicles...your logo. Be present at traditional community events, and find ways to take your clients along! It really is the "most wonderful time of the year!" Make the most of it.
I also invite you to follow Santa Claus @northpoletweet...yep even Santa is on Twitter, and take a few minutes to check out the holiday web pages I created within 4 of our station websites.
Country997.com HOT 101.9 Generation 102.3 1075tom.com
Some of our listeners fondest memories are those of the holiday season...tap into those memories!
Tonight in C'Ville they light the tree on the downtown Mall, Santa arrives during a parade
in the morning...and much of retail has been ready for the Holiday Season since...well about 2 weeks after Labor Day!
I commented to someone the other day, that for the radio biz...Christmas truly is "the biggest promotion there is..." If you can't attract attention to your stations, create some warm & fuzzies, AND make some revenue as we countdown to Christmas...maybe you should re-think things.
Get out and support Toy drives, food drives...adopt Santa like a long-lost relative. Candycane stripe your website...your vehicles...your logo. Be present at traditional community events, and find ways to take your clients along! It really is the "most wonderful time of the year!" Make the most of it.
I also invite you to follow Santa Claus @northpoletweet...yep even Santa is on Twitter, and take a few minutes to check out the holiday web pages I created within 4 of our station websites.
Country997.com HOT 101.9 Generation 102.3 1075tom.com
Some of our listeners fondest memories are those of the holiday season...tap into those memories!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Don't You Forget About Me
20-some years ago, I was in love with Molly Ringwald. OK, I still like her a little, don't tell my wife. The much too-early passing of 80's pop culture movie director John Hughes inspired me to
jot down some thoughts. Hughes taught a generation that high school stereotypes didn't matter...that the jock doesn't always get the girl and that the cheerleader doesn't always get the guy. Movies like "16 Candles", "Pretty in Pink", "The Breakfast Club" and of course "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" are staples of a generation. Ferris just wanting to have a little fun and break the rules was what everyone wanted to do. Director Hughes created characters and dialogue that we all remember, and quote. When we say those lines from those movies, nearly everyone knows the reference point. When you hear, "Bueller?....Bueller?" in that low monotone you instantly go back and remember. It was what Hughes said and how he said it that still strikes a chord.
Presenting something in an interesting compelling way that people remember certainly applies to our business of radio. Did you give your listeners a "Bueller" moment today?
jot down some thoughts. Hughes taught a generation that high school stereotypes didn't matter...that the jock doesn't always get the girl and that the cheerleader doesn't always get the guy. Movies like "16 Candles", "Pretty in Pink", "The Breakfast Club" and of course "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" are staples of a generation. Ferris just wanting to have a little fun and break the rules was what everyone wanted to do. Director Hughes created characters and dialogue that we all remember, and quote. When we say those lines from those movies, nearly everyone knows the reference point. When you hear, "Bueller?....Bueller?" in that low monotone you instantly go back and remember. It was what Hughes said and how he said it that still strikes a chord.
Presenting something in an interesting compelling way that people remember certainly applies to our business of radio. Did you give your listeners a "Bueller" moment today?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
