Radio Requirements -- Part 2

In my last blog I began to identify some essentials for Hit Songs -- songs that may actually receive a hearing by 21st Century Radio program directors, and possibly a spin in their rotation. (See blog for March 4)

In addition to the all-important HOOK and the need for SIMPLICITY, here are a couple more things to consider as you aim your song toward radioplay.

3) Radio Songs Are Time-Conscious

Nowhere is the clock more a part of the action than in radio and television. Programs are timed to the second and within a certain segment, a specific number of time slots must be allotted for the advertisers. This simply means that you as the songwriter must also be very time-conscious if you hope to hear your song on the radio. While there is no hard and fast rule for song length, most radio-friendly songs run from 3 to 3½ minutes. If the song goes over 4½ minutes, it is usually too long.

Think about the clock as you write and record your songs and be a ruthless editor of your work. You may have to shorten or even eliminate that killer instrumental bridge that goes on for a solid minute. You will have to watch the intro length of your song as well – both because of the total time consideration as well as the fact that long intros often lose listener interest. Even jazz numbers that contain lots of improv sections and instrumental solos usually will need a “radio edition” if they are to be considered for airplay. Remember…..less is usually more when it comes to radio songs.

4) Radio Songs Are Genre-Specific

Most radio listeners realize that mainstream stations today are very genre-specific. That is, they play ONLY songs that are consistent with the musical style they represent. While it is true that “a good song is a good song” no matter the style, it is the wise songwriter who thinks before he/she writes (and records). Ask yourself: Which stations might play this particular style of song?

If your song is recorded with a jazz/pop arrangement, for example, it probably will not be considered for a country station. Sometimes it is possible to “straddle the fence” and arrange the music so that it is acceptable to two different formats, but this requires very savvy production skills by someone in-the-know about radio and about song production. It is always wise to consider these factors before you begin approaching radio stations with your next creation.

5) Radio Songs are Discreet

While we as American songwriters are protected by the First Amendment and have the right to say almost anything we want in our creative works, it is usually not that smart to send your most uncensored song to radio. If your song contains offensive lyrics or profanity...if the subject matter is too controversial or politically charged...if it is too far to the Right or to the Left, you will probably find it difficult to get airplay. It is wise to gain radio’s attention – not by being controversial, but by being absolutely excellent at what you do.

To summaraize, Songwriters and Radio live in a symbiotic relationship – in other words, we need each other! Songwriters need Radio to bring their songs to the world and Radio needs great songs to attract the all-important listeners. As in any relationship that is mutually beneficial, each partner must consider the other’s needs and interests. If we as songwriters are conscious of what is important to Radio, Radio will usually be open and interested in what we are writing.

Songwriters…….Start your engines!