(By Buzz Knight) As I have embarked on this exciting journey with my Takin’ A Walk podcast, I’ve been fortunate to speak with new artists trying to find their path to success along with Hall of Famers who have built an enduring legacy.
All of the stories are unique to each individual, but they do carry similar themes. It got me thinking about what lessons could be applied to the air talent of today and how they could benefit from these stories.
Hard work is one theme that immediately jumps out.
The disciplines of practice, touring, and the intensity of creating and performing are crucial to success. Musician Amanda Shires put it brilliantly on our time together when she said her discipline came from her younger years playing in one of her first bands and the band leader told her, “Play it like it’s the last time you’ll ever play it.”
Isn’t that applicable to how air talent should approach every break, every show, and every opportunity to connect with their audience?
Resilience in the face of failure is another consistent thread from musicians that applies to on-air talent. Think of the many musicians who toiled away in anonymity before they found success. Duke Fakir is the last surviving member of The Four Tops and when I talked with him he explained how difficult it was for him to carry on with his music when he lost his bandmates.
If you have an air staff that is resilient, equally hungry for greater impact, better ratings and more connection with advertisers and the listening community isn’t that optimum?
Collaboration and teamwork are key for musicians, especially those who are part of a band.
Every member of the band needs to know their role and show up prepared for every session or performance. Too often in radio, it becomes a singular mission for talent, and they need to remember that the sum of the parts of the whole operation is more important.
Diverse interests are a common theme for many musicians that I spoke with on Takin A Walk.
Singer/Songwriter Peter Himmelman said, “I start my workouts and I put on Claude Debussy, it’s a very dream-like way to wake up, I might move into a little Lightnin’ Hopkins, then some Nina Simone, and on to Tower of Power.” Many of the progressive rock musicians I spoke with like Steve Howe from Yes also related their diverse interests in styles spanning classical and even early country influences.
I think it is important to encourage talent to have diverse interests whether it be musical or cultural. Makes for a more interesting persona for sure.
The most important lesson from every musician on Takin A Walk is their passion for their craft.
This is a calling for them in every sense of the word and Mark Rivera, famous sideman for Billy Joel expresses gratitude for his good fortune in life. Passion is the most vital cog for air talent and anyone in the business of radio.
Buzz Knight can be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. Read Buzz’ Radio Ink archives here.
