missaddicted first of all thanks for the website information I will pass it along. You have in fact answered part of the comment by looking for websites and exploring
the unknown. Idol gives people the reassurance that other no name people can
sing and provide a talent base far beyond what they are used to. Think about it
this way. Every day we hear the same crap. Yes a lot of it is good but it is all just
kitty cutter stuff they pump it out for a six week run and it drops of the chart and
the next novelty comes along to take its place. We see it and hear it and switch
stations to hear the same stuff. People assume that is all there is. Stars get to
put songs out some good, and then they get to skate with a couple of junkers
until people move on Britney Spears is an example. Along come Idol, or the
British Talent Show. Someone comes off the street just like Elvis did at Sun
Records and becomes a sensation. Sometimes these folks do a better job on
a song than the modern artist. People begin to wonder what else is out there,
and not just younger people either. All of a sudden there are people listening
to talent they never heard of, songs that would normally never be heard. For
example the Pat Savage Dream of Odin CD, For those who don't think it will
work are those who would have bet against the Internet being successful.
More and more people are checking out alternative websites finding new material
and buying it. There are thousands of CD titles listed on all these sites and the
major record companies that once ruled the roost are starting to see sign of
trouble. In addition these obscure folks get their songs on CD and that allows
them to be recognised by publishing houses and seek the protection representation
they need. The big companies can no longer steal the song royalties from kids
trying to get started. What is happening is a music revolution, and even the radio
stations will be forced to change their habits in time. Satellite radio is good in fact
it forces local radio station markets to be more responsive to their listeners. Its
already happening in television thus the media wars over who pays.
In the near future local and regional talent will get heightened billing like they did in
the old days because local radio will need to find the niche market concept to survive
This is only the beginning of radio not the end, they are looking for purpose, a reason
to exist and survive. People will force the agenda by listening to websites and demanding their favorite music if station want listeners they will turn more and more
tor regional and local talent. It is a ways off but not that far, Now for those who are
in the advertising business, or smaller market promotion if they grasp the concept they will do very well as will the first stations who begin to chance. But I have been
around too many years, I see it coming but what do I know?