Three Interesting Trends in Modern Music

I’ve always been a bit of a fan of rap, hip-hop and R&B. When my Deadhead friends were saying “rap is crap” I made them listen to an old recording of a young Bob Weir rapping the lyrics of “Throwing Stones.” When my feminist friends bemoan the subjugation of women in some rap lyrics and the lack of serious female rap artists I point out that the rock world is no different, and direct them to artists like Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott.

I know the music we hear on urban contemporary radio is a far cry from the energy and creativity of the movement that started forty years ago, but I still appreciate it. It’s interesting to see how music changes from year to year, and to speculate on how it reflects our society.

Here are three trends I’ve noticed recently.

1. Humor and decent music aren’t mutually exclusive.

We know this. In the rock world we had Frank Zappa. In the pop world we have Weird Al. Hip-Hop has a sense of humor, too. Consider the popularity of LMFAO. Their name and appearance mark them as a comedy duo rather than a serious musical act, but their tracks “Party Rock Anthem” and “I’m Sexy and I Know it” are still popular in the clubs and on the airwaves.

The rap world has always placed a high value on clever rhymes, wordplay and cultural mockery, proving that you can be funny and danceable at the same time.

2. Hip-hop is losing its hate.

Maybe something shifted the day Eminem decided to record with Elton John.  Yes, there was a time when the hip-hop world seemed to align themselves with an anti-gay agenda. To those who want to dredge up those unfortunate lyrics now, I have two words for you - Adair Lion. And here’s another two words – Same Love.

3. What a difference a real estate crash makes.

It’s interesting to see how the economy drives cultural trends, and how cultural trends are reflected in music. In 2002 at the height of the housing bubble I had to tell my middle-schooler that we would not spend $100 on a pair of Air Force Ones for him, even though Nelly had to have two pair.

Now, in 2013, post-crash, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are off to the Thrift Shop with $20 in their pocket and it’s effing awesome.

At my age it would be easy to bury myself in music from my youth, or to stick to one favorite genre to the exclusion of all others. If I did that, though, I think I would be missing some cool stuff.

The masses may sometimes be asses, but just because something is popular or mainstream doesn’t automatically make it shallow and cheap. Listening to the tight rotation of modern FM radio is annoying, and, yes, overly commercial. But America’s favorite songs reflect where we are right-now-this-minute as a culture. Today during morning drive we hear “no freedom ‘til we’re equal” and that it’s awesome to thrift shop. I’m good with that.

Eighteen Steps to Better Radio: How to Be Amazing on Internet Broadcasts

By Christiana Gaudet

The proliferation and accessibility of broadcast opportunities on the internet has created a new world in which anyone can create their own podcasts, radio show or television show.

The internet is a meritocracy.  It’s huge, so no matter how narrow, obscure or arcane your subject matter may be, you can find your audience.

The good news is that creativity is no longer limited to the lucky and the rich.  You can shoot a feature film with your cellphone.

The bad news is that most internet broadcasters don’t bother to learn even a little bit about what makes a good broadcast.

I’m not a media expert, but I am quick study.  I have worked as a morning co-host on three FM radio stations, and I’ve been a guest on countless more.

I’ve been featured on television news shows several times.  And, when asked to appear on a BTR show, or an internet TV show, I always say yes!

I’m not sure why so many would-be internet broadcasters don’t take the time to learn some broadcast fundamentals.  In actuality, some of them don’t even take the time to learn the subject matter on which they are promoting themselves as expert.

So how do you make sure your production is everything it could be?  Here are eighteen tips.  They are some of the basics that I learned from the highly competitive world of Arbitron-rated radio.  They will help you make all your internet broadcast projects, whether audio or video, the best they can be.

1. Less is more.  Use sound effects, sounders and imaging in appropriate places only.  Keep everything short.  Never say in ten words what you can say in five.

2. Avoid stall-sounds like “um” and “er”.  No, not everyone says these non-words.  Yes, you can train yourself not to say them.  If you are going to ask the public to listen to you speak, you owe your listeners at least this.

3. Speak in normal, conversational tones.  Do not slow your speech for drama or clarity; it just doesn’t work that way.  Neither should you accentuate inflection. 

4. Smile!  Even in radio, your smile comes through loud and clear.

5. If you are trying to generate listener phone calls, give the phone number repeatedly, especially before and after each call you take.  (Ex. “John’s calling in on 1-800-555-1212, let’s go to him now.” Or, “The number’s 1-800-555-1212, do as John just did and give us a call.”)

6. Never suggest that people aren’t calling in, or don’t want to call in.  I actually heard one host say, “Not everyone feels comfortable calling in.”  Don’t give people an excuse not to participate, or suggest that calling in isn’t the most fabulous thing they will do all day!

7. Don’t spend a lot of time explaining the technology your are using, even if it malfunctions.  No one cares.

8. Don’t call attention to a mistake or a malfunction.  Simply move on.

9. Broadcasting, especially radio, is theatre of the mind.  Make sure everything your listeners hear supports your creation.

10. Prepare your material, and plan your show.  This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s not.  Many people like to wing it.

11. Don’t over-prepare.  Sometimes it’s best to get a natural reaction.  Plan your topics, but play off your guests spontaneously.  Whether or not your conversation is planned, make it sound spontaneous.

12. Conflict and controversy make for great shows.  Be able to present more than one point of view in a polite way that makes listeners think.

13. Practice saying your name, the name of your show, the call-in number, and other pertinent information.  Say it as often as you can.

14. Don’t over-talk a topic.  It’s better to leave listeners wanting more than wanting less.

15. Don’t refer to your listeners/viewers as “audience.”  As in “Good morning, audience, we have a great show for you.”  You can call them folks, friends, or even listeners or viewers. 

16. Keep up the pace.  Don’t let the show drag.  Your job is to move things along.  No one should be bored during your show!

17. Set up your guests for success.  Give them all the information they need, off air, to be the best guests ever!

18. Let your passions show! The more excited you are about a subject, the more your listeners will connect with you, and the more they will be excited about your show.