Music Software Angst

Music is your primary programming product (unless you're News-Talk). You cannot give music selection too much attention. Any song can be a tune-out, so music programming is by nature "playing the odds." Playing the right songs requires (a) creating the perfect library and (b) getting the rules and software settings right.

Over 90% of stations are plagued by music problems of which they are unaware. The music software, while sophisticated, doesn't perform perfectly. We have most often found these four big glitches:

• Review play history. To insure proper rotation without becoming a monk, pick 10 songs at random daily from active categories and review the visual play history (graph or chart). Are the replays staggering properly ... usually displaying diagonally?
• Make sure the rules work. In most software, rules (or policies) are normally a two-step process. You add rules, but you must also set the parameters for each rule (such as tempo).
• Unscheduled leftovers? If you have unscheduled songs later in the day, rules may be too restrictive for the available library.
• Song Repetition. If songs repeat in the same hour the next time they're played, check sensible "same hour" rules. Use "Yesterday rules" for songs that play daily, like recurrents and currents. "Prior Day rules" look back to the last play and not just yesterday, if your software is set properly.

Music software is complicated, but once perfectly tuned it provides what listeners expect: Excellent music selection. Consider hiring an outside firm to analyze your software and make enhancements. To play the right songs in the right order, consider these suggestions:

Decide what's important for your format and listener. Tempo is less of a factor with Classic Rock, but a big concern with Country and AC. Keeping the right balance of song types is huge with Top 40 and Rhythmic. If the big things are handled first in scheduling rules, you'll be more likely to achieve your desired sound and mix.

Have realistic rules. If your sound codes or tempo rules instantly exclude half your library, the rules are not workable. Use only the rules you need, and if you don't know why the rule is there, kill it.

Look at rule failures. Use proper editing to "fix" what the computers don't. Strive for the perfect blend and feeling every hour.

Elastic is good. Use rules to move songs to other time periods and hours, and repeat songs from midday to overnight to stretch the library.

Play superstars. They drive nearly every format. Use rules to limit unknown acts; focus on selling star power.

Familiarity Breeds Content! Familiarity is a vital ingredient in the music mix of successful stations. Even people who claim they are "all about new music" want familiar artists and songs. And so the conundrum: Kow do you sound fresh and still be familiar?

Play Core Artists Frequently. These are the ones your listeners can name without recall. John Mayer is familiar to AC fans, just as George Strait and Alan Jackson are with Country partisans. Formats like Country and Top 40, with so many unknown artists, really need this treatment. Consider using a non-core artist "type command" in your music software to put some space between the lesser-knowns.

New songs and artists are a great variety tool for formats that play current music, but many stations fail to acquaint the listener with the new songs. Consider the use of showcasing elements that spotlight new music, and put bio info on your website to add familiarity. Providing consistent title and artist information is wise, as listeners universally love it! One final hint: spot check music schedules for core artists or songs in every sweep. Quality control is essential.