Stop Isolating Yourself

A little courtesy goes a long way. Many times the way we

communicate can set the tone for any conversation. Artists must

communicate in ways that are professional – remember that no

radio station or deejay owes you airplay. On many occasions

being on the playlist has nothing to do with being forceful and in

some cases harassing deejays with unwarranted phone calls

and unwelcome chain messages.

On many occasions I have received aggressive messages from

artists with the sole intention of getting airplay. Reading from the

emotion it's clear that these artists feel aggrieved and short

changed but how does one respond to messages like

"MaDeejays makutijairira, why are you not playing my music?"

Aggressive messages will automatically put the recipient of said

message on the defensive. It is better to talk in a courteous and

professional way so that you do not inadvertently generate

personality clashes between you, the artist, and the deejay.

Engage but do not confront. Enquire, ask questions and build

professional relationships with stakeholders so that your brand

can have the best chances of success.

Lately I have been amused by the number of artists who send

me messages giving reference to the apparent success of their

music on rival radio stations. "Deejay did you know that my song

is now number 5 on Radio Station X, I thought maybe you can

also play it on your station". It's foolhardy to think that a reference

to playlisting on Radio Station X will accelerate your ascent on

Radio Station Y. Nobody cares about the inroads that you have

made elsewhere, stop making yourself the brand that belongs or is supported by that ONE radio station. Artists must not be

fanatically loyal to any radio station, don't be so enamoured by a

deejay or radio show that you start making reference to them in

your music or in your communication with other broadcasters.

Treat all stakeholders with the same level of courtesy. Don't aim

to be so and so's favourite artist, aim instead to have widespread

influence and airplay on every radio station available to your

intended audience.

The way we interact with each other can sometimes lead to self-

isolation. Even the lyrics in our music can have dire

consequences when it comes to playlisting on any radio stations.

The rule of thumb is to stay clear of divisive narratives and avoid

any form of hate speech in your music. Keep the language clean

and respectful – remember that you are an entertainer and your

music is supposed to entertain and not aggrieve or distress the

listener.