A question from a disillusioned radio DJ

[darlaireland]

The radio station that I've been working at (WRJB Camden, TN) has changed formats from classic rock to country music recently, and I must admit that I am having some difficulty handling the transition. We now play country music from all eras, with a heavy emphasis on newer country...Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, etc. Ever since the changeover occurred, I feel my enthusiasm greatly waning because frankly, I really can't stomach the majority of the material in my playlist.

The only saving grace is that I have been given latitude to play....shall we say, "country-adjacent" music at my discretion in limited doses. I've been slipping in some slower Skynyrd, some select Allman Brothers and music by The Outlaws, Marshall Tucker Band and Ozark Mountain Daredevils as well. I find that discovering ways to seamlessly integrate this music is a lot more gratifying than trying to feign excitement over the latest Jelly Roll track.geometry dash lite

My question is this - for anyone who has had this happen to them, does it ever get any easier? I do find myself 'tuning out' a lot more than usual. I love working in radio, and I really don't want this development to cause my love for music to diminish.

Also, what other "country-adjacent" artists or tracks would you recommend for airplay? I've been pondering maybe adding some Atlanta Rhythm Section, and tempted fate this afternoon by playing "Rumbleseat" by John Cougar Mellencamp. Any suggestions are most welcome!

[JMac]

Hi! Been there. Felt your pain. For the majority of my FM career, I was slingin' Top 40 hits in So. CA. Mergers. Acquisitions. Format flips. Bub, bye. After one LA station flipped to Español, adios. At this time, I wasn't looking for a full-time gig, BUT as most radio peeps will agree, needed a radio fix! SO, I reached out to my network and found a weekend gig at a large radio syndicator. Cool! Oh, it was Hot Country. Yee-haw?? 12 years later...Yeeeeee-haw, baby!!!

I could give two sheets about the music. I just wanted a signal to transmit my nutty ideas. From Top 40 to Hot Country, as long as I had a place to do phoners, fun bits and blast high energy, that's all I needed. SO, I'd say, focus on the YOU factor. Who cares what you're playing, as long as you can have fun with what you're saying.

Hey, I get it, though. Early on, those fiddles and banjos took a toll. BUT, after a while, I really leaned in and started liking the music. It doesn't mean music became a priority. Nope, the listener experience has always been job numero uno. (and who says I couldn't have made it on el station de Español?) Today, listeners have access to every song ever recorded. That's not our unique selling point, anymore. To me, all we have to offer is our personality and passion. Thankfully, that's ripe for the pickin' on any format. Best!