You’re right on the money there. Bravo. I certainly don’t expect today’s ‘name’ acts to put out three, four or even five albums A YEAR, as did Sinatra, Elvis, Brian and The Beach Boys, and Sir Elton. After all, it’s a different time. However, an album every two and a half to three years is too far in the other extreme–as is a single languishing 25 to 35 weeks on the chart, then played for another six months as a ‘re-current.’

Can’t we get rid of these singles any quicker? Why not open the airwaves to a broader variety of artists, including new acts? And radio wonders why satellite has 12 million subscribers and counting. It’s certainly NOT because there are no commercials. It’s because radio has become so boring that people are looking to satellite radio, the Internet–and even shows like American Idol and Nashville Star–to hear new and emerging artists.

Basically, people are now willing to pay $12.95 a month for something radio used to give us for ‘free.’ Variety.

Meanwhile, the labels are not doing much better: six months to a year of ‘pre-production,’ followed by six months to a year of touring, followed by three to four months in the studio. It was not that long ago that all the great artists recorded ‘live.’ No overdubs, no three to six days to mix one song. No Pro Tools to tune the vocals.

Each morning at 9:35, our local #1 deejay, Gerry House (WSIX-FM), plays what he calls ‘new music.’ The audience is invited to call in and vote–on a scale of 1-10–how they like the track. However, instead of it actually being ‘new music,’ it is more often than not, a track that is already out on a CD. I love it when a listener calls the show and tells Gerry: "Yes, I love that ‘new’ single. In fact, I loved it two years ago when it came out on their album!"

Have a great weekend, Bob!!

Fred Vail
Treasure Isle Recorders, Inc.
Nashville, TN