Hello to all!

 

If you receive mail from the 313 or Tech-House lists, I'm sure you've seen my postings regarding my idea for a radio show which plays records straight through and gives the listener the artists, titles, and other important info. I admire the work of cats like Andrew on Cognition Audioworks, and Javier on Flyfm, as I feel both are well respected, and intelligently prepared programs. I would like to contribute on a regular basis in some manner (in addition to the mix shows) a segment where I can just play records straight out in the format I've just mentioned to these or other programs over the internet, as well as over the local Detroit airwaves.

 

I think this is a very necessary thing that's needs to be shared beyond the airwaves of Detroit radio. When aspiring djs and other general fans have difficulty finding out who made certain records, it hurts the overall sales of records. (especially the smaller underground labels) What most people don't understand is that now the entire dance market is flooded (overloaded) with labels & artists. This makes it hard for distributors to keep up with all the product, so they order records very conservatively! And if the distributor is not familiar with the artist, or label's history regarding strong sales, they wont order that particular record at all! This is making it very, very hard on the smaller labels, and up-and-coming artists to establish a place within the market. Worldwide, there are approximately a minimum of 3000 new release a week. The average life of a 12 inch record from the moment that it is

available to the public is ten (10) days, after which, the record dies out (I bet y'all didn't know that)!!!

 

Smaller labels who don't have the proper budget for advertising are forced to rely on djs to introduce and promote their music to the public. Unfortunately, the first and formost thing on the minds of MOST djs is SELF-PROMOTION! especially the locals, and up-and-coming djs! They want the popularity, and to be able to travel and develop a name as a "world-class" dj, and they want all the perks that comes along with being a popular dj (money, women {or men}, drugs, etc.). But unfortunately, the most important ingredient seems lost with a lot of these cats . . . .THE MUSIC!!!!!

 

I'm not saying that cats shouldn't have the desire to do what I, and many others like myself have been blessed to do over the years. I remember back in the day when I was homeless, sleeping in my 1983 Mustang GT when the temp was 10 degrees below zero, having no food to eat, and most of my friends who said that they would be there if I ever needed anything were suddenly no-where to be found. In the mid to late 80's, I was known as one of the hottest local jocks with mad turntable skills, and was ranked right up there with cats like Jeff Mills, Gary Chandler, Dj Dangerous, Ray Berry, Reckless Ron Cook, The

But my desire to achieve was based 100% on the music!!!! I love the music!  Anyway, with most djs concerned with getting a spot on the mix shows, or playing a gig in the clubs or at the popular raves, their 1st agenda is to promote themselves!!!

 

You'll be lucky if they mention your record at all. (Back in the day, djs

would use markers, and other creative ways to conceal artist, title, and label information so that no one else could play the same record!!!!)

You can't rely on the distributors because they are so overloaded with product that they can't keep up with all the releases. Therefore, depending on where you are in the world, some records may never, ever reach your local record shop!

 

You can't rely on certain recordshops because of the "in store politics" that goes on amongst the djs and/or other employees who deal with both the customers and the music. Many djs who work in recordshops unfortunately use their position as a point of advantage to get certain records first, and keep these titles to themselves for a number of weeks. They do this so that they can introduce the record locally at parties, on the radio, etc. Thus adding to their own status or popularity as the cat who started "the buzz" on that record. Meanwhile, other cats who want to by the record, can't do so for several weeks until that dj at the recordshop finally decides that enough time has passed where he can now safely make it available to his local "competition"!!!! But keep in mind that with distributors being so overwhelmed with labels, titles, etc., they've noticed that in several weeks, this same record only sold 2 or 3 copies per this, and/or many other shops. Then guess what happens next????? That's right! The distributor decides that this record

is a "flop" and returns its remaining stock back to the label. This is why

after a cat has searched for months and finally finds out the info on that

special track, it's no longer available. The dj at the record store tells him

that the track is "OUT OF PRINT"! In some cases this is a flat out lie becuase they don't want the "competition" to play the same record!

 

In other cases it is the absolute truth. Wanna know why??? It's because now the small record label has lost so much money on the returns, and can't find another distributor to sell off his remaining stock, that he's forced out of business. (Oh Yes!!! Distributors share information about what's hot and what's not!!!)

 

I have been a long supporter of bringing the undergorund vibe to the airwaves, and I support anyone whose intention is to do so. However, there has to be an equal balance! The scales are tipped in favor of the mix jock! I want to add balance back to the radio market, and encourage others to do the same. What I am proposing will benefit all: the general consumers, the djs, artists, labels, distributors, and even publishing companies. I'm not trying to dog anybody, or say that all djs have foul intentions. I know several cats worldwide who have done great things for their scenes both locally and worldwide! I'm just saying that it's time to bring REAL LOVE back to this!!!  I've been asked to do a guest spot on Carl Craig's Detroit:Technology show (89X) under the format which I've discussed. I'm also talking with some other stations about doing this on a regular basis in Detroit. But as I stated earlier in this letter, I want to do the same on the net. If you can assist in anyway(radio or internet), I'd love to hear from you!!!

 

Since first posting this idea on various lists, I have over-whelmed with

positive support for this idea! In this same spirit, I am looking forward to

receiving your comments!!!

peace!

 

Terrence Parker

e-mail: jovanblade@aol.com

fax: 1-248-435-2983

yelling by screaming "and i don't give a fuck about bloody Underground Resistance!" my ears were ringing from the tongue lashing i had just got, yes, but i was quite impressed that she at least remembered one of the electronic music acts in my life (and one that isn't plastered all over the place (like portishead, massive attack etc)) enough to use it against me:)that's certainly progress in my world ;)

my girlfriend hit me this morning, while i was asleep, with: 'why do you

love robert hood more than jeff mills?'  all i could reply was "jeff mills is for the mind, robert hood is from the heart" boy am i going to get the piss ripped out of me.