"Will I become a Mr. Rude too?"I'm officially becoming the Music Director* here at JQ this week. A position that I've worked very hard to obtain, and one that I'm extremely excited to take over.
*For those of you not in radio, the Music Director handles everything music related at the station. Tests songs, listens to songs, adds them into rotation, drops 'em too, and above all...works his or her hardest to make sure that the music side of the station is the best it can be.I received an email yesterday that at first made me say, "GO ME!", and then other thoughts had a chance to sink it, and before I knew it I was thinking, "Will I become a Mr. Rude too?"
Now...What's a Mr. Rude? Apparently other Music/Program Directors in radio. Not all...but apparently some. Let me explain...
Initially I received an email from an independent group who were sharing their Christmas songs with me, in hopes of me adding them to the station. Here was my response:
Being the Music Director here at the station, it's really hard sometimes NOT to play a song because I personally like it. I have to make sure that it's good for our listeners. The line I always say, "The station is not my personal juke box." (Even if I wish it was). All that to say, I really like the song. A lot. But at this point, I just don't think it's an add here at JQ. Not to mention we'll be done playing Christmas music as of Saturday. Anyway...Here's what I would like you to do. Hit me up next year right before Thanksgiving. That's when I'll be looking at Christmas songs again. I can't commit to playing the tune, but I'll take another fair look at it.
This was their response:
We are so thankful for your kindness. In all honesty, most Christian stations we have to deal with are very disrespectful and condescending to independent bands that are trying to get their music played. We've always felt that, but thought it was because our music wasn't good enough to be respected. I mention that because you have been the opposite and we are so blessed by you. Your turn-down was done very kindly, and with respect. So, we wanted to thank you for that. Keep up your good work.
Later in the email be mentioned what one station told them:
One big station in ______ told me, if your music isn't on the same level as Casting Crowns and Mercy Me, don't even try.
...
(Here comes a slew of rhetorical questions)Really? This is how we treat independents? Didn't most everyone start off as an independent at some point? Aren't we all working for the same team? Lastly...Music aside, is this really how we treat other people?Now...I'm not saying I'm perfect, but I do work hard to treat others better than I treat myself. Maybe it's the customer service guy within me that drives me to treat others that way, I dunno...I did spend 5 and a half years in retail.
Whatever the case may be, whether the radio station responses in this email were exaggerated or it really happened like they said, in the end, we need to take care of each other. So let this post be a reminder about that.
I guess the closing question I can ask myself is..."In a year...after having hundreds of these kind of requests...Will I still respond the same way, or will my attitude change?" I'll check back in a year and let you know!
~j
themusictest@gmail.com
