May 19, 2023

What’s your opinion on the current state of Pop music and where do you think it’s heading?

Rich Davis, KDWB: There’s not a bunch of new music I’m currently overly excited about. You have to use your gut, metrics, target-fit, all of that, and make smart choices. It just feels slow. There’s a challenge with established artists because of options coming from streaming. But I’m always optimistic and KD just had a big week in ratings with our target and music definitely contributes to that.

Valentine, WBHT: I think it’s a constant roller coaster, so if there aren’t a ton of “big hits” at this moment…give it some time.

Adam Rivers, WKCI: I’m disappointed with where we are at. We need a One Direction reunion or Fifth Harmony back together giving us some bangers.

Jon Zellner, iHeartMedia: There definitely aren’t as many mass appeal hits as we’ve had in the past and it’s taking much longer for songs to become familiar. That said, there is some great music out now and coming out soon from pop superstars that we should let listeners hear.

Guy Zapoleon, Zapoleon Consulting: Collectively the streaming platforms are the gatekeepers because they have the power. Consensus is the key component in the hit music process and consensus has been hard to achieve because of the proliferation and versatility of the platforms. It’s caused radio to become stragglers (somewhat) and lag behind the curve. This dynamic has contributed to a long stretch of the doldrums. Much of the music has also been very tech-manufactured and has led to the “track sound” with very little variation to Pop songs. Much of Pop, R&B, and Dance/Pop are all one-note songs without a lot of depth to them. We’re missing music variation and more harmony, which always made all the great songs great.

Bob Patrick, WXLK: On the business side, songs are not given nearly enough time to become hits. Or, at the very least, become familiar enough to even have a shot. It’s frustrating, TBH. Sonically, I’d like to hear a bit more variety. Not saying the format has to go wild but there’s plenty of room for something that sounds even a little bit different.

Toby Knapp, WASH: Current state: Conflicted. Why? Too many people are concerned about how the format should sound. I think we need to get back to seeing “pop” as “popular.” I think music is heading in the right direction. Why? Because the fans all formats need will insist on it if broadcast radio is to remain viable in the age of “I’ll get what I want on demand from wherever I can find it.”

JB King, KLUC: Although there have a been a few incredible tracks over the last few months, Miley Cyrus “Flowers” and Post Malone “Chemical,” overall pop music has been flat. Not many current pop songs will make it to recurrent or gold. SAD. The future…..fingers crossed.

Matt Johnson, WPLW: If I had a crystal ball, I would tell ya. It might be the worst place we’ve been in the last 20 years. Just waiting on the next trend.

Rick Vaughn, KENZ: The current state is about as rough as I can remember. If we’re going to viable Pop stations ten years from now, We have to start testing music on the right people. We can’t keep following an audience that’s leading us off of a cliff. We have to fight the fight on the young end.

Mike O’Donnell, WKRZ: I think Pop music’s in the poorest cycle it’s been in a while. One of the bigger problems is we need to focus more on A&R and start building artists and not just looking for streaming songs.

Lee Abrams, mediavisions: The Pop music paradigm has changed radically in the past 5 years and indescribably in the past 20. It’s a whole new game on pretty much every level. New rules, new leaders, new M.O. Those who don’t adapt to the new realities will be lost sooner than later. Contemporary music was a lot more fun in the early years but they’re noy coming back.

Brian Mack, iHeartMedia: With respect to the Pop music paradigm, a big song leads to brand awareness for an artist. A big artist gets more time on stages/media/PR. That profile still gets in front of more people than the person who has yet to have the big hit. In conclusion, the rich have the BEST POSSIBILITY to get richer, but they still need to make the right moves!

Dom Theodore, Radio Animal Media Strategies: This is one of the longest “doldrums“ cycles in history, but it’s slowly improving. Programmers are learning a valuable lesson: TikTok shouldn’t be the sole arbiter of hits, unless you only want a format compromised of novelty songs with no recurrent value.

Jeff Hurley, iHeartMedia: The climate is challenging these days. There’s soooo many places that influence our consumption of music. We’re not in the days of opening an envelope that contains the next single, which is being worked for the next 32 weeks.  You’re digging, searching, and listening more. It’s hard to find those ‘critical mass’ singles that have excitement and energy but continue to build their profile after the initial streaming buzz.

Java Joel, WHBC: It’s terrible and has been for the past 6 years. If we had more artists out here trying to hone their songwriting and production craft, perhaps we’d be in better shape. Seems like they care more about cultivating the perfect TikTok, IG story or Reel than they do creating anything interesting, musically. There are exceptions, of course, but I’m starting to think management and labels need to start taking phones away. Meanwhile- Radio needs to do a better job finding hits on our own. Oh, and burn your callout. It’s not helping.