Over the last two weeks, I've carefully chosen some stations to monitor, and then I've zeroed in on a particular DJ and either called or emailed them after I've listened to their show a couple of times so I can say something topical to PROVE I am a listener and not a "drive-by" fan.


With women DJ's I talk about what a hottie Elliott is compared to last year. (Suzy Tavarez from KIIS FM in LA is waiting for me to email her pix, since their web site has old AI photos.)

In Sacramento, I took the approach of "who's the guy who sings Wait For You," and had a very nice email from the music director telling me all about Elliott and his new CD.

This afternoon, I decided to call the radio station in Oxnard, CA who has reportedly already played WFY once, and the female DJ, was, are you sure you don't mean Daughtry? :tantrum:

Imagine me taking a very deep breath, and cheerfully replying, "oh no, I'm certain it's the guy Elliott Yamin from American Idol last year....his new song is embedded in my niece's MySpace." The DJ was really nice and I believe she is going to check with the Music Director on Wait For You.

But, the REALITY CHECK for me IS that DJ's don't know this song is out there. We assume that they are following Billboard, ITunes and the reviews like we are. :unsure:

They need a nice call, with a "Hey have you heard this song yet?"

I have been lucky so far in that all of the DJ's I've talked to have been very nice and willing to talk music. They want to be IN THE KNOW. So, please call your local DJ with a call-in request for WFY. You'll be performing a public service to the DJ's of America. :shakehands:

sk8888

Very good advice. I've had some back and forth with one particular DJ here in Detroit. We talked a little music, and I think I've at least planted the seed that "Wait for You" is a great new song she could check out.

Like you say, Sk8888, I'm not sure she even knew the song was out yet.

This is a good project to pursue. And I don't know about others, but I'd also like to hear even more feedback from everyone who's spoken with actual DJs. What are they saying? Do they know Elliott or the song?

I've been calling 99.5 in Washington DC for the past couple of days. I actually got through to one of the DJ's on Tuesday evening around 5:30 - he said he "loved Elliott Yamin" and would try to get his record on. Unfortunately it did not come on while I was still in the car, so I don't know if he played it or not. Now that I have his CD I am finding that I listen to that rather than the radio - I'll have to go back to listening to the radio I guess to see if they are playing WFY.

I'll be the first to admit that I was a nervous about calling the DJ's directly. I like to have a hook, other than calling in a music request.

Evening DJ's have the most time on their hands and freedom. The morning DJ's are the busiest and less likely to spend more than a minute with you.

I've upped the ante slightly by focusing on female afternoon drive dj's, and that's when I realized we still have some communicating to do about WFY....I thought DJ's -- of all people -- would be glued to the ITunes charts. Not so.

I just want to say that whatever people feel comfortable with is what they should do. If you're too shy to talk to a DJ, but don't mind re-arranging Elliott's CD's for better placement in a store, then go for it! Whatever suits your style. :grouphug:

Sk8888

Bailey,

I think you raise the most important reality of what is happening with the existing fanbase -- we are listening to his CD and not the radio.

I'll have to think on that, because we should all be allowed some time to just ENJOY the music. It's hard to tear yourself away when you already have the CD and can play that continuously isn't it?

Sk8888

100% correct. Go to itunes and you'll quickly realise one thing. Singles drive CD sales, not the other way around. If you have one hot single, people will buy an entire album.

Elliott is #2 on the Itunes album list and you can bet that's his fanbase. However, in the top songs section, Elliott is at 90. This can only be remedied by getting more people to listen to the single.

Want Proof? Check this out:

"Kat Fan, Bought Elliott's CD, WOW!

I have to admit, I was never an Elliott fan on Idol. He has a beautiful voice and seems like the sweetest guy in the world, but was never really my style. However, I heard "Wait for You" on the radio and immediately had to have it. What a beautiful song. To my surprise, almost the entire CD is excellent. Great job Elliott, and congrats to his fans!"

We HAVE to get the single on the radio and the video on MTV/VH1, That is the only effective way to promote large sales.