Target Demo Formative Years

Researchers have observed many people lock in their popular music orientation in the 7 formative years between age 15-22. What was your target demo listening to back then? How does this impact your approach to win them in 2012?

Age 25: 2002-2009
Age 29: 1998-2005
Age 34: 1993-2000
Age 39: 1988-1995
Age 44: 1983-1990
Age 49: 1978-1985
Age 54: 1973-1980

These Hard Times

When times are tough, we want to hear fun party songs that help us shed our cares and worries.  Think of Disco's party-party  in the otherwise gloomy Carter era.

When times are good, we like songs of angst.  Think of the hugely appealing angst of Alanis Morrisette with Modern AC in the Clinton go-go economy   Think of Grunge's flannel and workboot response to the Reagan boom era.

Individual hits will come in all flavors.  But check the tone of your station, does it deliver the emotional relief your listener seeks in these hard times?

Sound Codes:  A Better Way to Think About Them

Often this dilemna is posed:  what is this song--is it pop or rock?  Is it hiphop or R&B?  You see, this song is hard to peg.  It's not just this one thing, it is several things wrapped into one.

A solution that works every time: code it according to what you do NOT want it to play next to.  If the song is both pop and rock,  but would not want it to play next to a rock song,  then soundcode it rock.

Similarly,  if one is on the fence about tempo: is this a medium or a slow?  Code it the same as the tempo you would not want it to segue into.

When it comes to soundcoding,  it's not about "what the song is" but "what I woudn't want to play it next to".

This way your computer is helping you to create the maximum variety within your niche, and you'll improve your accuracy in presenting your music recipe as it is intended to be.