Music Director Notes 3-12-12: DJ Handbook

Howdy, all!

I certainly hope that you are out enjoying this gorgeous weather we're having!  Well, at least when you're not  sharing great music with our listeners in the KRZA on-air studio ;-)

THE DJ HANDBOOK
Just a reminder that yes, the new DJ handbook is out!  This has been a big investment of time and energy on the parts of many people, and I hope that you have already read it cover-to-cover, because there is tons of great information in there...including some stuff, I daresay, that even old-timers might not know.  I know I certainly learned quite a few things reading it!

NEW RELEASES: FIVE PER SHOW REQUIRED
Okay, it's my job; I have to pester you about new releases.  I'd like to gently remind you that all on-air hosts are REQUIRED to air at least five (5) new releases per show.  Don't believe me?  See Page 6 in the handbook.  Now, most of you are really good about this, but there are four of you who aren't.  Not to go all Big Brother on you here, but you four know who you are...and so do I.  (Hey, I can manage to air new releases during the Swingtime show, which focuses exclusively on jazz from the 30's and 40's. Talk about genre-specific!  So if I can do it, anybody can.)

Why are new releases important?  There are three reasons:

• First, new releases contribute to the fresh sound of the station.  The valley doesn't need another radio station that plays nothing but the same old, tired stuff from 20 and 30 years ago.  We want a listener who is passing through to be able to distinguish us from KGIW.      
• Second, KRZA prides itself on supporting new and upcoming artists. We crow about this during our fund drives. Hard to do that when we're not airing their music.
• Third, when we can say that we have aired music by this or that new artist, the music promoters send us more great albums from similar artists. For free.  Free music is good.  We like free music.  

And, okay, I only said three reasons, but there are actually four.  The fourth reason is: if you're always airing the same old songs, you are SEROUSLY missing out on some really great new stuff.  Case in point:

THIS WEEKS NEW RELEASES
Rockers: Check out Lucero!  The horn players have played with folks like Solomon Burke, Ray Charles, and Al Green.  Man, these guys will have your booty shakin' fit to take the place down!

Bluegrass/classic country folks: I am overjoyed to announce that we have added Clyde Moody, the Bailes Brothers, and a great compilation of classic southern gospel and bluegrass to our collection.  I grew up listening to this kind of music, and previewing them was a real treat!

Bluesists: Janiva Magness deals with some dark, difficult subjects in "Stronger For It", but man, can this woman ever sing.  You KNOW she knows what she's singing about.  Good stuff.

Thanks!  Until next week...