“Inside the Music” on AiiRadio.net
A New Adventure in Internet Radio
A couple of months ago I was approached by Nick Katona of Melodic Revolution Records (owner of my indie label) about co-hosting an internet radio show with him. Even though radio is something that I’ve often thought about doing, at the time, I really didn’t think that I’d have the time to dedicate to a show and give it the attention it deserved. This blog is all about how this new venture came about and about how I discovered that in the process of doing the show, it could potentially help to further our long-term goals while also possibly helping others at the same time.
Development
When I first signed with Melodic Revolution Records, Nick and I began spending many hours online talking shop via Skype. Literally, we would talk for hours on end about the state of the music industry and how we could work to make the label and the overall family of artists more successful. What we both agreed on almost immediately, was that the issues were industry wide problems and not just problems facing the label. The music industry in a massive state of flux and no one really knows yet where things might ultimately be going.
We both found it extremely comfortable talking to each other and found that our conversations were, if nothing else, hard to stop. We’re both very passionate about accomplishing the same goals and we are constantly trying to develop ideas about how to get the music heard and develop the fan bases for everyone on the label. It was these conversations and this team spirit, that would later inspire the concept for the show.
I should back track a bit here and elaborate on our original introduction to AiiRadio.net. It was around the time that we released the digital single for “Alpha and Omega” that Nick was introduced to Tony Romero (aka DJ Tony) and discovered AiiRadio.net. When DJTony picked up the track and started playing it, Nick and I started logging in and joining the chat room during his show. What eventually evolved was a monthly Melodic Revolution Records special hosted by DJ Brian Dade, featuring all of the artists of the label, that brought us even more into the fold of involvement with AiiRadio. It was shortly after this time that Nick was asked if he would like to do a show of his own. Since he had never done anything like this and didn’t much like the concept of doing it solo he started to wonder if there was anyone that would be interested in doing the show with him. ultimately, he posed this question to me and I, at first, was fairly hesitant about it.
Concept
It wasn’t until Nick and I had a Skype conference call with Tony Romero and Fred Inman (aka DJ Mountainman) of AiiRadio.net (Artist Independent International Radio) to discuss the possibilities of doing a show, that I truly began to see the potential of what we could do with this show. It was on that conference call that the concept for “Inside the Music” truly came into focus.
The concept we decided on would focus on topics surrounding the music business, something that Nick and I are obviously quite passionate about and had already been discussing together in great lengths. Our plan is to talk about using New Media to promote and distribute music and all of the pros and cons that come with the territory. We will also be talking about many other aspects of the industry such as music production, do it yourself techniques, getting gigs, making videos and virtually anything else that may come up during the course of the show. We’ll be having special guests on from time to time that are involved in all facets of the industry, giving their own unique perspectives and sharing their personal experiences.
You might think it’s just a talk show but we actually do all of this while still promoting and playing independent music from independent artists. Not just Melodic Revolution Records artists but artists that we come across that are unsigned and have talent and passion for what they are doing. Our goal is to keep the shows organic by letting the conversations unfold naturally, hopefully passing along some useful information that others can benefit from and in turn sharing what we believe to be some truly great music. Bands interested in having their music played on AiiRadio should complete the following form and then submit their music to the station. All genre’s are played by different shows on the station. Our show focuses mostly on rock, pop and prog.
So the reality of what Nick and I do on our show, is truly just an extension of the Skype conversations we have been having on our own but by integrating them into AiiRadio.net, we bring into the conversation a global audience that can respond and interact with the conversation.
Equal Voices
AiiRadio.net truly shines by also incorporating a chat room into the show which allows anyone that wants to, the ability to actually become part of the show! Anyone in the chat room can talk to each other as well as to the DJ’s that are on the aiir during the course of the show.
Let me just say that the people who I’ve met and interacted with in this chat room are beyond welcoming. The overall vibe is like walking into a party full of friends that you’ve known for years. It was like that for me the very first time I logged on. Everyone that hangs out on this station is there for the love of the music and it’s always a respectful environment. If you’re leery of chat rooms or you’ve never experienced what a cool one is like, I encourage you to give this room a go! Come on by and join us and our friends from all over the world! It truly is an awesome time!
In the event you’re on the go, possibly out and about having lunch, you can also tune in via your mobile smart phone at http://mobile.livestream.c
So that’s about it on how this whole thing came about. I do hope you can all join us from time to time. The show truly shines when we have participation. The more the merrier!
We are currently on every Wednesday at 12 pm to 2 pm (EST) 11am (CST) 5 pm (UK) 6 pm (CET) 9am (PST)
We also have a Facebook group where the conversation goes on 24/7! Join Us!
A big thanks to everyone at AiiRadio for your help and support in this new endeavour! Kat, Tony, Fred, Yorkie, the Aiir Street Teamers and everyone in the chat over the past few months!! Much love and respect music lovers!
