Radio Insider: Valpo Calling...

I'm heading out this morning for a radio thing in Valparaiso, Indiana. And since I'm not sure what the rest of the day holds, this may be my only chance to post. Now, I really didn't start this blog to be any sort of "insider" blog, but I figure when these strange radio things pop up, I'll give you a look inside the magic circle.

You'll notice I called it a radio "thing", that's only because I'm not exactly sure what the correct term is. Promotional Event? Junket? Treat radio programmers like royalty so they will play your music extravaganza? Whatever the case, here is the email I received less than a week ago.

TOP5 SECRET

M I S S I O N

FRIDAY, 06-08-07

THE EXACT LOCATION OF OUR RENDEZVOUS POINT STILL CANNOT YET BE REVEALED, BUT YOU CAN DISCOVER THE CITY IN WHICH THE RENDEZVOUS POINT RESIDES THROUGH THIS SECURE LINK:

http://maps.yahoo.com/

WE CAN ALSO REVEAL, THAT IN ADDITION TO OUR GROUND ASSAULT TEAM MEMBERS LIKE YOURSELF, WE ARE FLYING IN 6 SELECT AIR STRIKE TEAM MEMBERS FROM ACROSS THE US. WE PLAN FOR OUR GROUND ASSAULT TEAM AND OUR AIR STRIKE TEAM TO MEET UP (SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE MUNICIPALITY REVEALED BY THE LINK ABOVE) AT 14:30.

THERE WILL BE MUCH TO DO. WE WILL BE WORKING LATE. HOTEL RESERVATIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE IN YOUR NAME FOR THE EVENING OF 06-12-07. IN ADDITION TO YOUR MEALS AND LODGING WE WILL ALSO COVER THE ESTIMATED MILEAGE FOR YOUR VEHICLE.

WE COULDN’T BE MORE PLEASED TO HAVE YOU ON THE TEAM.

MISSION COMPLETION:
BETWEEN 11:00 AND 13:00 CST
06-13-07

E-MAIL YOUR HANDLER AT (xxxxxxx)OR CALL FROM A SECURE LINE: (xxxxxxx).

This was the second of these emails, and another would follow with a detailed rendezvous point.

What does it all mean?

Nothing, really. Except that a promoter has arranged a couple days to bring in reporting station PDs (that's Program Directors, the guys and gals who decide what gets played, for the stations who report there numbers to the charts) to pump up a band (usually new) and foster good will. Don't get me wrong, I love it! I enjoy getting to meet new artists and have an "experience", but for me the greatest plus is hanging with other programmers from around the country and catching up on what is working for other stations.

But why Valpo?

Well, that part is pretty simple as well. You may remember me mentioning in one of my GMA blogs about a band that still lives and ministers in Valparaiso. Their name is Sevenglory and I'm sure that's who we are going down to schmooze with. I met Fred, Caleb, Josh, and Gabe down in Nashville and they seem like great guys who make good music. I'm just not sure it's Fuse music, yet. Which is exactly why the promoter wants to bring me down.

By the way, if you are wondering how often this happens, the answer is not very. Maybe once a year, if that. In my 3 or 4 years as a reporting PD, I've been invited down to Nashville for this kind of thing twice before (both times to be introduced to new labels) so this offers something new in that we are headed to Valpo (hopefully we will have a meal at Bryce Drew's amazing Wing joint, mmmmmm, dessert wings).

I'll try and fill you in tomorrow on the whole event, and maybe still get a mini review up for Apocalypto (heads up, I liked it.... a lot, despite the usual Gibson gore)

(P.S. Let me know if this type of "insider" stuff is something you enjoy or not)