Target Demo Formative Years

Researchers have observed that many people lock in their worldview of music in the 7 formative years between age 15-22.  How do you think this might impact your approach to your target demo in 2010?

Age 25: 2000-2007
Age 29: 1996-2003
Age 34: 1991-1998
Age 39: 1986-1993
Age 44: 1981-1988
Age 49: 1976-1983
Age 54: 1971-1978

What music did they love then?  How does that impact what they might enjoy hearing tomorrow?

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.