https://youtu.be/Exo9xLf4iDQ
Apparently, we’ve all been nicer than naughty this past year. That’s how you might interpret the present the streaming world received yesterday. The Beatles’ catalogue has finally become available on streaming services.
According to Pitchfork, the Fab Four’s music will be available on Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Prime, Rhapsody, Slacker, and three others. This is good news for Beatles’ fans, of course. But if you’re one of those streaming services, how do you compete against all these other outlets? What is it about your streaming Beatles category that sets you apart?
That’s a question that many radio programmers ask themselves when a big concert comes to town or an event like the Super Bowl or the NCAA Tournament is held locally. How can your coverage and treatment uniquely capture the moment, while setting a station apart from the pack?
Of the aforementioned streaming services, it is noteworthy that Slacker’s approach revolves around DJs and curation. To celebrate the release of The Beatles’ streaming assets, Slacker has created five streaming stations, all themed around the band.
These include a very different approach to “The Beatles A-Z” that is a musical walk-through covering the Fab Four’s journey from Liverpool to America. “The Beatles DNA” is about the Fab Four’s musical influences, while “The Beatles Covered” focuses on Fab Four songs performed by others.
But a key Slacker differentiator is the presence of DJ curators who help make these classic nuggets come alive in ways that just aren’t possible when listening to a service that simply strings one song (or album) next to each other.
We know the value of passionate commercial curation when it comes to The Beatles from the broadcasting side, too. Many Classic Rock stations don’t just feature the music of the Mop Tops – they provide the expert guidance of DJ sherpas who bring the music to life. Andre Gardner (WMGK/Philly) and Doug Podell (WCSX/Detroit) are two prominent examples of jocks who aren’t just fans, they’re fanatics. They’re collectors, trivia buffs, and unabashed fans of The Beatles. When you listen to their shows, you know you’re tuned into the real deal.
Whether it’s Internet or broadcast radio, the human touch trumps the algorithm every time.
Happy Crimble and a Fab Four New Year!
P.S. I’ve added a link so you can see the work that Paul Ingles, a true Classic Rock musicologist and Beatles expert, has done at PRX. Paul and I worked together back at WNCX/Cleveland when the format was just getting going. He’s another vivid example of how public radio has excelled in the music space.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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And then there are these, Fred. I know it appears that I keep feeling a need to self-promote, but you keep blogging about things that I’ve actually done something in. That little boy in me keeps wanting to get picked for the team… I admit it. https://www.prx.org/playlists/94298 These programs, set public radio even apart from commercial radio, which hasn’t been convinced to go as deep. Yes, have a “Happy Crimble” all. I’ve used that several times this holiday season and have to keep explaining myself most of the time.
Paul, did not mean to overlook your work. There are many in the radio space who have a Fab Four focus, but your work in the area has been exemplary. I added an addendum to the blog linking this page, too. And Happy Crimble to you. No explanation needed.
It doesn’t get any better than John, Paul, George, Ringo & Andre.
Yeah, yeah, yeah!