Local music on local radio

Something very big is happening on Alaska radio. To some people, it may not seem like that big of a deal, but it is. A local radio station is playing local music!

Alaska has, in the past, had several stations that occasionally would play locals, but this is different; 94.7 The End is giving airplay to local musicians, but more than the occasional airplay that is usually given to locals. The End is doing more than throwing local musicians a bone; it is giving local musicians a chance at regular airplay — or should I say “fairplay?”

Normally, airplay is anything but fair. Local musicians rarely get the chance to be heard on local stations, but now they have a chance to be heard five times a day. That’s heavy rotation, and the kind of airplay that gets a band noticed by listeners. That’s the kind of support that validates national artists to the listening audience. That’s what it takes to create real awareness.

I can’t help but be excited, even though this opportunity will probably still conform to the hard rock format of the station. That’s not a big deal. Every station has format restrictions, which obviously will benefit certain musicians in our community, and maybe not others.

Regardless, this station is setting a precedent that could very well encourage other stations to do the same. I can dream, can’t I?

Every week the station is playing a different local artist, and that artist will get a week of heavy rotation for his or her song. The audience can show support for this new program, along with suggesting and requesting favorite local artists, by calling in at 907-522-5963.

This week, the station’s playing a Valley favorite, Dopiate.

I can’t help but rave about this new development. It’s huge!

If local radio stations started playing local artists, listeners would have the chance to hear about musicians from the source they depend on for the listening needs. New artists, no matter their locale, depends on radio play to validate them to their potential audience. Without this support, local music is like a tree falling in the woods: does it make a sound?

Not if no one hears it.

I also can’t resist pointing out the irony here that 94.7 The End may well be “the beginning” for local musicians who want to get their music out there. All the folks at the station need is a little support from the community to let them know that Alaskans support Alaska music. Give them a call.

Make-a-Scene!

Josh Fryfogle is a local professional musician who owns 212 Music Group and operates Make-A-Scene in Wasilla. He writes about music every Friday.