I recently returned from the Country Radio Seminar held annually in Nashville, Tennessee. CRS (as it is called) is 3 days of seminars and networking with other radio and music industry professionals. But the highlight for so many attendees is the opportunity to witness incredible musical showcases. The record companies are able to introduce the radio the rising stars in country music, as well us give us the chance to reconnect with the stars that made us fall in love with country music to begin with.
On the final night of CRS is an event called the New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Show. This was the 40th anniversary of CRS, and this year's show began with an entertaining video recap of experiences from years gone by. Artists like Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, and many more told stories about how nerve-wracking their New Faces performance was. They described their fear of playing in front of "radio people" who might hate them, think they stink and who had control over their careers. Impressing those in the room, or blowing it might mean the difference between getting their song played on the radio...or not.
As I wandered out of the room that night after hearing performances of this year's crop of New Faces: Kelli Pickler, Chuck Wicks, James Otto, the Zac Brown Band and Lady Antebellum, I thought it mind-boggling that these talented people were probably relieved the night was over, and that like the many who came before them, they were probably nervous, to play that room in front of all of us.
And I realized, that no matter how famous or infamous, in the end we're all just people. We all put our pants on the same way--even though some of them might be a bit more expensive than others! We all have egos that can be crushed and feelings hurt by a harsh word or stinging criticism. And it's this understanding that turns some of the New Faces into superstars, because they can connect with real stories about real feelings and real life; and that is what makes country music so great.
That night, I may have been there a "radio professional".
But more importantly, I was just a music lover and a country music fan.
2 comments:
This post impressed me. Many times all we hear from some stars, country or otherwise, is how egotistical they are. You demonstrated the respect that these rising stars have for the radio people.
Of course what little I have come to know about you Sue, you are one who knows how to give respect and despite your successes in radio are not egotistical yourself. So it's fitting that people whom many love from a distance show you respect.
Thank you very much for your comment Sue. I am doing better, at least for the most part. Still have a way to go to recover.
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