One of the best parts of this gig is new music discovery.
I’ve been fielding music calls from record promoters since 1998. I remember chatting with Nashville based insiders about new artists like Eric Church, Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, PinMonkey and Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band.
As you can probably tell by that list – some go on to mega-stardom. Some do not.
Confession: I LOVE all of the above artist because of their talent, creativity and they sounded like no one else when the “broke out”.
So, when I heard Kane Brown was coming to Sioux City, I was intrigued and I felt a wee bit ashamed as a country music station program director I had never heard a single song from the artist. I am usually acutely aware of the top 100 or so artists on the current country chart.
But, Mr. Brown wasn’t in the Top 100. As a matter of fact, he’s an independent artist whose music is loved by many, not because of a record company’s marketing plan, but rather, he’s loved by fans because of his music. What a concept.
How do I know he’s loved? I sent a tweet to him to welcome him to Sioux City when the concert was announced. I received about 25 new followers after my tweet. For the record, I could announce I was giving away $100 bills at 4th and Jackson Street in downtown Sioux City and I would not get 25 new followers. His fans are tech-saavy and passionate. (You would think a record company would like that huh?)
Confession number 2 – I’m a cheapskate. If you listen to KSUX for any length of time (or see me at Taco Johns’ Taco Tuesday or $5 movie day at the Promenade) you probably already came to that conclusion.
I purchased Kane Brown’s “Closer” after hearing “Used to Love You Sober”. He’s the real deal. Genuine. Gritty. Smooth. Talented. Unique.
In early December, we added “Used to Love You Sober” to the KSUX playlist. I believe we are one of 3 stations in America playing the song. Rumor has it, he’ll be opening up for some big acts this year. My guess is by the end of the year, the “cool country radio stations” list will extend beyond 3.
I’m really looking forward to the sold out show at Anthem. I missed his appearance on “The X Factor”, but it’s pretty clear he will be a factor in 2016.
Tony Michaels
KSUX Program Director
Kane Brown enthusiast
