Monday, April 30, 2012
Music Director Notes 4-30-12: Picks of the Week
Hey, all!
No pressing studio news this week, so on to the fun stuff:
We had a nice haul of new releases this week. Here are some of the highlights:
JAZZ:
Arturo Sandoval, native of Cuba, is a protege of Dizzy Gillespie, and it shows. Man, does this guy ever put out some serious noise. You can check out his bio here: http://www.arturosandoval.com/artist.html. And you can check out his latest CD, Dear Diz, right here at KRZA!
ROCK:
I put Norah Jones's latest album, Little Broken Hearts, in the "Rock" section, because it sounds more like the rock ballads that came out in the 50's than jazz or any other genre. However, you can enjoy it during a variety of shows!
ECLECTIC: On the other hand, instead of putting Mickey Hart's new album, Mysterium Tremendum in the "Rock" section, where fans of the Grateful Dead and Widespread Panic would think it belongs, I put it in Eclectic. This album crosses genres in sound...and does so quite well, I might add. Enjoy!
More news next week. In the meantime, have a great one!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Music Director Notes, 4-24-12: Playlist Sumbission
Howdy, all ~
YEAH!!
LIBRARY NUMBERS:
EMPTY CD CASES:
We've had a little rash of empty CD cases of late, and I actually found a CD from the Alamosa Public Library in the preview station a few weeks ago. Let me just remind you gently to be more mindful when putting away CDs after your show!
If anyone knows the whereabouts of the following disks, either put them on my desk upstairs or drop by the station during business hours and leave them on my desk with a note. I'll reunite them with their cases and put them away:
Finally caught up on previewing from the backlog left from the Spring Fund Drive and Sound Exchange reporting! Woo hoo! Here's the pick of the litter:
World Music: Amadou & Mariam Folila are known as "The Blind Couple of Mali", and they do upbeat, even rocked-out version of traditional music from Mali in at least three different languages. Very cool!
Jazz: Man, oh, man, Hailey Niswanger can blow a serious sax of many sizes! Like her CD title, she's "The Keeper"!
Rhythm and Blues/Soul: Okay, I'll admit that I associate this kind of instrumental retro-funk with Sesame Street, but definitely check out The Sugarman Three for your next mix-up show. Good booty-shakin' jive!
Bluegrass: I am pleased to announce that KRZA is now the proud owner the latest Carolina Chocolate Drops album! Booyah! And also, if you feel like updating your bluegrass show a little, check out The Punch Brothers. Hot, hot, hot!
Right-o, I think that's it! As always, if you have a question or need some help, feel free to give me a shout: 589-8844 or 1-800-290-0887.
Thanks!
YEAH!!
A Gold Star to the DJs on Wednesday April 18th for submitting ALL of their playlists, ON TIME, and IN SPINITRON! Woo Hoo!
A Silver Star to the DJs on Tuesday April 17th: only one paper playlist kept you from Gold Stardom!
Way to go, folks! We're totally getting it!
LIBRARY NUMBERS:
There are two (2) or three (3) DJs who still don't quite get the library number thing. I'll bet they don't read this blog. BUT in case they do:
My Dear DJs Who Are Using The Wrong Numbers On Your Playlists: Please see my last post on this blog. There's a neato diagram and everything on where to find the library number and where to enter them in Spinitron. Thanks.
EMPTY CD CASES:
We've had a little rash of empty CD cases of late, and I actually found a CD from the Alamosa Public Library in the preview station a few weeks ago. Let me just remind you gently to be more mindful when putting away CDs after your show!
If anyone knows the whereabouts of the following disks, either put them on my desk upstairs or drop by the station during business hours and leave them on my desk with a note. I'll reunite them with their cases and put them away:
- "Klezmer! Jewish Music from Old World to Our World"
- Ruben Naranjo y los Gamblers: "El Mero, Si Senor"
- Arvil Bird, "Live Arvil"
NEW RELEASES
Finally caught up on previewing from the backlog left from the Spring Fund Drive and Sound Exchange reporting! Woo hoo! Here's the pick of the litter:
World Music: Amadou & Mariam Folila are known as "The Blind Couple of Mali", and they do upbeat, even rocked-out version of traditional music from Mali in at least three different languages. Very cool!
Jazz: Man, oh, man, Hailey Niswanger can blow a serious sax of many sizes! Like her CD title, she's "The Keeper"!
Rhythm and Blues/Soul: Okay, I'll admit that I associate this kind of instrumental retro-funk with Sesame Street, but definitely check out The Sugarman Three for your next mix-up show. Good booty-shakin' jive!
Bluegrass: I am pleased to announce that KRZA is now the proud owner the latest Carolina Chocolate Drops album! Booyah! And also, if you feel like updating your bluegrass show a little, check out The Punch Brothers. Hot, hot, hot!
Right-o, I think that's it! As always, if you have a question or need some help, feel free to give me a shout: 589-8844 or 1-800-290-0887.
Thanks!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Music Director Notes 4-17-12: What Is A Tracking Number?
Greetings and Felicitations! (Remember that Star Trek episode? Or am I dating myself again?)
Table of Contents:
SPINITRON
New Release numbers: Okay, there still seems to be some confusion as to what numbers to put where in Spinitron when doing the data entry. Let's see if this blog will let me upload a screen shot...
Cool! A little fuzzy, but you get the idea. Learning new stuff every day...
So, here's the scoop. When you play a track off of a new release CD (on the shelves behind the DJ's chair), in Spinitron, you need to:
(a) Check the NEW box.
(b) Type the KRZA library number into the "Song Note" field.
I know you can do this, because I do this every week for Swingtime in the Rockies. And if I can do it, anybody can.
Remember, you can also upload a playlist from another program. Instructions -- including iTunes instructions -- can be found here: http://www.spinitron.com/user-guide/guide.php?p=import#playlists. The field headings take a little finagling, but it's doable. Stay tuned for more detailed instructions in upcoming blogs.
MUSIC
Okay, now on to the fun stuff. I'm finally beginning to catch up on previewing, and here are a couple of CDs that stood out:
SOUL: If you looked up "Soul Music From the 70's", in the dictionary, there would be a picture of "The Right Now" in there, smiling and waving. Awesome!
ECLECTIC/CLASSICAL: All right, video game junkies, this one's for you: the greatest video game music, including classics such as Tetris, Super Mario Brothers, and--yes--Angry Birds (my personal addiction) has now been immortalized by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This will have your classical music listeners--at least the ones 50 and younger--cocking their heads and saying to themselves, "Hey, I KNOW that tune..."
Have fun!
Table of Contents:
SPINITRON
- New Release Numbers
NEW MUSIC
- Uploading playlists from other programs
SPINITRON
New Release numbers: Okay, there still seems to be some confusion as to what numbers to put where in Spinitron when doing the data entry. Let's see if this blog will let me upload a screen shot...
Cool! A little fuzzy, but you get the idea. Learning new stuff every day...
So, here's the scoop. When you play a track off of a new release CD (on the shelves behind the DJ's chair), in Spinitron, you need to:
(a) Check the NEW box.
(b) Type the KRZA library number into the "Song Note" field.
I know you can do this, because I do this every week for Swingtime in the Rockies. And if I can do it, anybody can.
Remember, you can also upload a playlist from another program. Instructions -- including iTunes instructions -- can be found here: http://www.spinitron.com/user-guide/guide.php?p=import#playlists. The field headings take a little finagling, but it's doable. Stay tuned for more detailed instructions in upcoming blogs.
MUSIC
Okay, now on to the fun stuff. I'm finally beginning to catch up on previewing, and here are a couple of CDs that stood out:
SOUL: If you looked up "Soul Music From the 70's", in the dictionary, there would be a picture of "The Right Now" in there, smiling and waving. Awesome!
ECLECTIC/CLASSICAL: All right, video game junkies, this one's for you: the greatest video game music, including classics such as Tetris, Super Mario Brothers, and--yes--Angry Birds (my personal addiction) has now been immortalized by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This will have your classical music listeners--at least the ones 50 and younger--cocking their heads and saying to themselves, "Hey, I KNOW that tune..."
Have fun!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Music Director Notes 4-10-12: Picks of the Week
Howdy, all!
Well, we survived yet another Fund Drive, and I want to thank all of you again for your hard work. All in all, the KRZA staff thinks that this was the most smoothly-run drive ever (at least in our collective memory!) and we couldn't have done it without all of you! You rock!
This will be short and sweet, since, now that Sound Exchange is done, I have a lot of previewing to catch up on! :-)
NEW IN THE LIBRARY:
ECLECTIC: Montana Skies is a classical/rock crossover duo featuring cello and guitar. If you love the 2Cellos CD, you're going to dig these two!
ROCK: Freshkills sounds like David Bowie, the B52's, and the Cars all rolled into one. Good, tight playing, great lyrics; just watch out for Track #3.
JAZZ: A KRZA fan donated a four-disk Quadromania compilation of Miles Davis. In my experience, these collections have more than their fair share of bad takes by the great names--which is probably why this donor decided to unload it--but there are usually a few gems worth digging for. And if you're looking for a particular song, it's almost guaranteed you'll be able to find it here, so it's an easy place to look for requests.
Thanks as always, folks, and we'll see you next week!
Well, we survived yet another Fund Drive, and I want to thank all of you again for your hard work. All in all, the KRZA staff thinks that this was the most smoothly-run drive ever (at least in our collective memory!) and we couldn't have done it without all of you! You rock!
This will be short and sweet, since, now that Sound Exchange is done, I have a lot of previewing to catch up on! :-)
NEW IN THE LIBRARY:
ECLECTIC: Montana Skies is a classical/rock crossover duo featuring cello and guitar. If you love the 2Cellos CD, you're going to dig these two!
ROCK: Freshkills sounds like David Bowie, the B52's, and the Cars all rolled into one. Good, tight playing, great lyrics; just watch out for Track #3.
JAZZ: A KRZA fan donated a four-disk Quadromania compilation of Miles Davis. In my experience, these collections have more than their fair share of bad takes by the great names--which is probably why this donor decided to unload it--but there are usually a few gems worth digging for. And if you're looking for a particular song, it's almost guaranteed you'll be able to find it here, so it's an easy place to look for requests.
Thanks as always, folks, and we'll see you next week!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Music Director Notes 4-3-12: iTunes and Spinitron
Howdy, all ~
Due to the Fund Drive and Sound Exchange reporting, I'm way backed up on previewing new releases, so nothing new on that front yet.
In the meantime, here's some Spinitron stuff:
There are at least 32 shows per week that feature live music. For the week of March 26 to April 2, I only received 16 playlists!
Folks, I REALLY need your playlists--Spinitron or paper-- before you leave the building at the end of your show. Late (or nonexistent!) playlists are absolutely useless to me.
If you're having trouble with Spinitron, PLEASE either
I don't mean to sound alarmist, but the FCC can fine KRZA if we don't report all of the music that airs. Those annoying playlists are one of the most important parts of your job here (aside from your showing up with your lovely voice and music).
Now, that said, here is some Spinitron stuff that has come up:
1. There is no need to keep track of your talking breaks to make the timing of your show exactly one hour long. All the FCC is interested in is:
2. If you are using your computer, iPod, or other mp3 player and can't locate label information:
3. iTunes users: you can upload your playlist! Instructions are here: http://www.spinitron.com/member/help_pop.php?hf=import_itunes.html. Just be careful about your file headings; make sure they match the Spinitron headings. Again, if you have any trouble, either call the on-call phone or submit a paper playlist.
Thanks everybody for your patience with this new system. I know it seems persnickety and cumbersome right now, but in the long run, once we get everybody up to speed, it will allow you to make your playlist available to our listeners on the web...and make my job a heck of a lot easier (yeah, I'm selfish! :-)
Thanks, all! You rock!
Due to the Fund Drive and Sound Exchange reporting, I'm way backed up on previewing new releases, so nothing new on that front yet.
In the meantime, here's some Spinitron stuff:
There are at least 32 shows per week that feature live music. For the week of March 26 to April 2, I only received 16 playlists!
Folks, I REALLY need your playlists--Spinitron or paper-- before you leave the building at the end of your show. Late (or nonexistent!) playlists are absolutely useless to me.
If you're having trouble with Spinitron, PLEASE either
- Call the on-call phone number or
- Submit a paper playlist.
I don't mean to sound alarmist, but the FCC can fine KRZA if we don't report all of the music that airs. Those annoying playlists are one of the most important parts of your job here (aside from your showing up with your lovely voice and music).
Now, that said, here is some Spinitron stuff that has come up:
1. There is no need to keep track of your talking breaks to make the timing of your show exactly one hour long. All the FCC is interested in is:
- the approximate time the song aired (between 11 AM and 12 PM, for instance),
- the length of the song,
- the name of the song,
- the artist,
- the album,
- and the label.
2. If you are using your computer, iPod, or other mp3 player and can't locate label information:
- GREAT place to look up label information: www.allmusic.com.
- If you can't find the label, you can always type in "label unknown"
3. iTunes users: you can upload your playlist! Instructions are here: http://www.spinitron.com/member/help_pop.php?hf=import_itunes.html. Just be careful about your file headings; make sure they match the Spinitron headings. Again, if you have any trouble, either call the on-call phone or submit a paper playlist.
Thanks everybody for your patience with this new system. I know it seems persnickety and cumbersome right now, but in the long run, once we get everybody up to speed, it will allow you to make your playlist available to our listeners on the web...and make my job a heck of a lot easier (yeah, I'm selfish! :-)
Thanks, all! You rock!
Monday, March 12, 2012
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:
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...
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...
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
DJ Handbook in the Mail!
Greetings from the office manager, Laura.
I've hacked the DJ blog today, to tell you that the DJ Handbook is in the mail and should arrive at your house within the week.
The contents of the envelope include the handbook itself, a letter from Luis and Holly and a sticker!
Sit down with a cup of coffee or your beverage of choice and read the handbook and enjoy your sticker. If you've got comments or if we missed something in the handbook...let us know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)