 L*A*M*P Tunes into the Radio Market at Radio Mecca!
By Jimi Yamagishi
With about a dozen of the broadcasting world's most prominent players discussing the world of broadcast to the packed main
room at Hollywood's famous Knitting Factory, LAMP brought the realities of radio into the spotlight. Attendees were patiently waiting at the door in the cold early morning mist, before the
doors were even unlocked, eagerly awaiting their chance to learn the secrets of getting airplay. Starting off with a complimentary continental breakfast, "the Morning Became Eclectic" as Dan
Kimpel interviewed KCRW's Morning radio personality Anne Litt.
Anne explained the many differences between listener supported and regular radio, the reasons some artists get played, and compared the amount of power a program director has versus
the DJ in public radio. Personable and honest, Anne brought a real sense of humanity to what many perceive as the faceless corporate machine of radio. After a short break, the first panel got down to
business with a lively and animated discussion about radio promotion. Voices were raised as radically different opinions about how radio promotion should be done, and what it should cost.
The diversity of ideas had attendees scribbling notes furiously trying to keep up as the dialog on stage alternated between entertaining and educational.
pictured l to r: Radio promoters Jon Flanagan, Bryan Farrish, Howie Rosen, Music Connection's
Bernard Baur, Leslie Waller (L*A*M*P CEO), and Larry Weir.A quick catered box lunch allowed time to schmooze and network before the final panel,
discussing the Six Essential Radio Genres, once again bringing up many important issues while some of the panelists voiced their opinions about the state of their genres in no uncertain
terms, and the reasons why their specific markets were so important to consider. (sorry for the blurry pic!) pictured l to r: Emily Yanez, KXLU Program Director; Ted Leibowitz,
Bagel Radio; Kim Erin, L*A*M*P VP, Programming; Jay Frank, LaunchCAST; Leslie Waller, L*A*M*P CEO; Greg Stricklin, Unsigned Music Network; Travis Storch, Program Director, Live365.
Then it was time for the industry to listen. The pitch session was the most eagerly anticipated part of the event, where each of the
remaining panelists listened to the attendees work, more than just critiquing, but actually PICKING UP songs and cd's for further consideration and actual AIRPLAY. Every one of the
reviewers were amazed by the quality of work that was submitted. "Every one of the cuts we heard today is radio ready", was one of the comments "Even (the demo quality) unfinished one
is really close to what is useable in some markets, and in fact could get airplay as is!" True. Almost every cut submitted was picked up, and in fact several were picked up by several
of the panelists for their multi-market appeal. So stay tuned and you'll hear YOUR songs soon, unless of course, you missed this event…as
once again LAMP provides another step up for those that are serious about their music. ********
A note from Leslie Waller, L*A*M*P CEO: I was totally blown away by the quality of the tracks at the listening session, and so were the panelists. They said it was THE BEST listening
session they'd ever heard at any panel they had ever participated in. I am so proud of my L*A*M*P attendees. You prove to me over and over that you're some of the most talented artists
in L.A. and beyond. Keep up the good work. |
