"OW" was number 8 last week on Sirius Hits 1 countdown, but was abruptly pulled out of the whole countdown this weekend, and spins ceased.

With XM taking OW off their top 20 on 20 just as abruptly, I am wondering if the PTB think we are an extremely pushy fan base/street team.

But wouldn't Elliott's team let us know? I used to follow Taylor Hicks myspace and his management team told his fanbase to let up on the requesting because it was ticking off the radio stations.

I am sure other bands/artists just do not have the fans that former AI contestants do. I know we would do anything we can for Elliott, but I am wondering if our efforts backfired with OW.

I have wondered the same thing !

I was listening to Sirius for the first time this weekend. And as soon as the countdown came on they said that Elliott Yamin is off the countdown. I thought it was very strange. I hope we can get some feedback from Elliott's team about this.

I asked my son what the dj said exactly because I had fallen asleep, (we were in the car). When I woke up I said 'oh good the count down is on, I'll get to hear One Word'. My son said, no you won't hear Elliott. The DJ said "say goodbye to Elliott Yamin".

I don't understand!! These request lines are open for the purpose of requesting....that's what we are doing, can we help it if Elliott has a dedicated fan base...it seems to me if they are blackballing Elliott's songs because we are requesting it too much....that is so wrong! We can't win for losing. The PTB always seem to try and make it so hard for Elliott to catch a break.
We will do whatever we are asked to do to benefit Elliott. Hopefully, someone in his team will give us some direction.

It has nothing to do with them not liking Elliott. The song is getting ZERO support for the most part and Top 40 is very culture driven. They aren't going to play a song that is not anywhere near the Top 40 at this stage.

All we do is hope that it picks up again, if not we have to wait until the next single is released or OW gets a push on AC/HAC

Also, I know we are Elliott's fans but you have to stop requesting like crazy. If you don't believe me this happened to Hanson fans and Taylor's fans and also to Kat fans to a degree. We don't want to hurt Elliott's future by becoming rabid.

ONE call per DJ per shift, we can't say that enough.

I still am questioning Sirius because of the frequent plays of "Take Me There" (which was #8 this week) and "Falling Down". THey are the ONLY top 40 station playing them!!

So I can't help but wonder if it has something to do with US or Elliott, ya know?

Good point, but they are dropping both of those in spins. I can't answer your question though. I really don't want to have a negative impact on Elliott's career though.

I doubt that Elliott's dedicated fan base had much effect at all on the decline of airplay of OW. After listening to Top 40 music for almost a year, I'm surprised that some good songs actually find success. I'm also surprised that radio stations would play songs like some that I have heard.

---As an aside---

Just yesterday, I was reminded of just what Elliott is competing against in the music business. I set my TV tuner to record the ET program which was scheduled for 12 AM. There must have been something that caused a program delay because when I watched it yesterday, I had the last part of the Jimmy Kimmel show before the start of the ET program. I have no idea who the singers are or what they are "singing," but I was amazed at the size of the crowd and how almost everybody was joining in. I was also surprised that Jimmy Kimmel would allow a song with so many bleeps in it. If you're curious, I uploaded a 1 minute clip:
http://fanencounters.com/elliottscompetition.wmv
------------

I can say I never heard that song and if I did, i'd turn it off quick.

Elliott's joking about "being rabid" aside, I think we've been pretty even-keeled and cool in how we request and in how we try to get airplay. I will never regret the faceoffs, and the only regret is that we allowed one bad instance to negate our efforts there. Sirius and other stations have given the song a lot of support since its release on pop radio. However, after over 2 months in circulation, the song had its chance.
Sadly, it simply did not take off like we had hoped. That's not to say that we might not have some impact over at AC (if they shop it there), but stations can't be expected to support a song that is now well outside the top 40.

My hope is that he gets a third single, but who knows? The label and Elliott himself may think it best to get something completely new out, and to get working hard core on the next album.

A final note: I don't think we need to be "rabid", only "smart". Passion and zeal are welcome, with a dash of common sense.


KEEP PUSHIN'!

Elliott if you read this I have two words for you:

MOVIN' ON!

Q94 Richmond had dropped One Word. It is now playing again! After the song is over they say to call or go online to let them know what you think. They are doing this for all "the new" songs they began to play today. :1word:

In my short experience reading and communicating with people in the radio business, I'm 100% convinced that these pullouts at XM, SIRIUS, and Boise have little to nothing to do with us. In fact, I think our requesting actually helped a little bit at both XM and SIRIUS while the song was still in rotation.

The fact is, we're really not all that big of a fanbase. Elliott has a lot of fans, of course, but how many people regularly visit here or some of the other main sites? And how many of those people regularly pick up the phones, call, and request? When we're talking nationally, I don't think we have quite as big an impact as we think we do. Now, VH1 is different, and it's obvious that Elliott's got a very committed core of people who will vote indefinitely for him.

And like Ohioguy said, it's actually a GOOD thing that we're not swarming stations. I was told that modest increases in requests for a song that's been played on a station are what usually tip DJs off that it's gaining steam. A deluge of calls suggests fanbase or label shenanigans, and no calls suggests lack of interest.

But this is really besides the main point: the two biggest criteria for airplay have nothing to do with our requesting. What matters most are the whims, biases, and preferences of Program Directors, and callout.

In the case of "One Word," it didn't get played enough at most stations to even have a fair shot at good callout. What killed the song was PDs' lack of interest, their doubt that the song was the right fit at top 40. The song really suffers from lack of edge, IMO. And that doesn't mean cuss words or bad attitude, necessarily. It just doesn't seem all that distinct, and there's very little room at the format for generic "sweet" songs. Also, it may be possible that some PDs thought it was a similar but lesser version of WFY.

I'd wished they'd gone with Movin On or Alright to begin with, but I really did think One Word was going to do better than it did. There really wasn't anything we could do about it, to be honest.

Let's keep our chins up and hope the next single gets more of a fair shot.

That . . . is just bizarre. It was in power rotation for over a month. How could it be "new"? Hmmm... maybe they're just trying to detect if there is still interest.

Obviously, Richmonders should call if/when they get a chance. At least they let people know they wanted some feedback on the song!

Sirius is just following what is happening with the song. The problem with losing the bullit is because a few high spin stations dropped drastically leaving Elliott with a negative bullit thus other programmers passed on a song with a negative bullit.. That is what the problem is when a high spin station drops quickly. With the bullit gone and the song is in negative mode.. good strong station support is everything in the beginning. Once the stations start dropping it is double hard to get stations to pick the song up. Having good timing is also a dimension that can add and take away from a song.

We can still request and I advise to request. A fann base should support with requests. I call Sirius once a day and write in once a day. I leave my name and town so they know who I am and once a day is enough.

If something breaks for Elliott getting him on fire again , this song can again gain momentum. I only wished Elliott had gotten a nomination for a Grammy. But we never know what could catapult Elliott into the limelight and radio stations once again could get interested in the song ONE WORD. :1word: :awe:

Personally (and this is just my opinion), I don't think it's all that useful to request the song once it's "out of context." Here "out of context" could mean a station that has never played the song, or a station that hasn't played the song in weeks. Now, a few requests here and there won't ever hurt, but I don't really think they help all that much. This is why I'm not going to request "One Word" anymore, unless I see some indication that the song is gaining interest again. At present, all signs seem to indicate that his team has pulled their efforts.

But I can understand why some feel the need to request wherever they are. As long as we aren't badgering them (beating a dead horse, so to speak), requests are fine.

I agree with Taratova about the timing issue. And I have to say, in all honesty, the entire promotional lead up to "One Word" seemed incredibly disjointed and uncoordinated. Radio surged way fast in some places, way slow in others. There was very little plugging of the song on national TV appearances or radio visits. The video came out awfully late--in fact, as stations were stalling out (and some declinig). And the video never even appeared on his official you tube page, where "Wait for you" has over 6 million views.

I don't get what's going on behind the scenes, to be frank.

Alien...good post. I think you're right. I don't think OW got a fair shot at pop but no doubt for reasons other than fanbase or lack thereof--most likely because it was too ballady or similar to WFY and maybe pop is burned out on the Stargate sound. It didn't stop them from playing his holiday songs so I think they still like him.

Right. And it's important to compare last Xmas to the current one. "This Christmas" got almost no airplay last time around. And now, the EXACT same song got played all over the country. What changed? Elliott's status in the industry.

He's in a much better place than he was a year ago with getting his music out, and I'm really grateful for that fact.

I just hope that he can get more broad success with future singles. too. He improves pop radio, and I'd like to see him bust into Rhythmic.

Elliott, if you're reading this, please do at least one duet or "featuring" single on the next disc, or on a remix of Movin on or Alright. It definitely seems to help get airplay these days . . .

It is with good judgement we request . If a station abruptly stops playing Elliott of course we should request letting the station know we did enjoy the song when it aired and we want to hear it again. But as Alienhamster said, use good judgement in requesting. We can request but lets not keep requesting after the song is way gone off the air- beating the dead horse isn't going to revive it. Good judgement is also needed in requesting.

Nancy is right on the money. I heard the same thing today after Q94 played One Word. I've actually heard it 3 times on there today - another top 40 push maybe?

Maybe the push will be in 2008????

Why push to a station that already played it? You push to a station that hasn't played it yet. I'm sorry I don't buy the whole argument.

Not pushing. Just showing gratitude.

I agree with some of the stuff Alienhamster posted. OW is a nice song but just doesn't stand out on the album. If you listen to the first few notes, it sounds a lot like other songs whereas WFY was more unique and distinctive. The air time for Elliott's Christmas songs predict future hits. Also agree with her post that the push for OW did seem poorly timed and disjointed.

Hang in there, everybody. I predict 2008 will be great! :xmasetrain:

Elliott and Co. didn't release this single in October for a "push" and "promo" in 2008. Where did people get this idea? It seems to be a popular one, but it is wrong.
I think the song has deserved a better fate, but it is what it is. I say we try to give it some success on VH1 and then hope that the next single does better. Elliott hinted at a third, but plans may have changed.

Elliott actually knows people at this station (Q94) so maybe just maybe they're stepping it up to try and help him on the charts now that the holidays are over. Nancy and I weren't implying that it was being pushed at that station but that maybe his team was going for one more push nationally for the single. ( didn't mean to speak for you Nancy)
Elliott got some great play over the holidays so now would be a good time to strike while the iron is hot. I admit I'm completely ignorant about the radio industry but I cant help but think Elliott's peeps may go for one more push - especially since they sunk money into that video.

I wonder if Elliott can write off OW and its video as a "business loss" for tax purposes? He darn sure didn't get a financial return on that one.

I hope OW will still pick up and do good.

I REALLY hope he releases "at least" 1 more single from the album.
There are SEVERAL songs on there that at worthy of being a single.
(hint hint.....Alright and Movin On to name 2)

Personally, I think the release of the single and the video was just not good timing. It didn't have enought time to get "kick started" before Christmas came along and many stations turned to holiday music.

I think given a few months, we will see it sky rocket back up the charts. I agree with making calls to local stations to request...But use discretion and don't burn up their phone lines...That will only cause them to become more resistant. Maybe a nice cordial call along the lines of...

"You know now that the holidays are over, do you think maybe you could play Elliott Yamins new single "One Word" I have sure missed hearing it and am eager to hear it again" Just a suggestion...and just because "One Word" may not make it to the top of the charts...

Elliott Yamin is not going away any time soon. As far as I am concerned Elliott's career has only just begun and he has a very secure future in the music industry. He is by NO MEANS a one hit wonder...he is here to stay!!!

Love you Elliott and we are here to support you forever,

Theresa

Hi hon;) I know that Duran Duran has some kind of "deal" with Sirius radio, so maybe that has something to do with Falling Down being up there on their chart...if that is the Falling Down you are referring to;) I know from being an active member on the Duran Duran boards for almost 3 years now, that if the fans there wanted to get the video for Falling Down on the top 20 countdown, (which I have seen posts for on their boards) with the HUGE fan base they have, it could be done no problem, so I honestly think a lot of it has to do with the song itself standing on its own;)

I know we all seem very "rabid" here on the boards, because we feel like we have invested so much for such an amazing man and talent, for instance like maybe when it comes to voting etc. I think we also all know when too much is too much, and not enough is not enough;) I for one will only call and request a song on radio if I have already heard it, or I will call and let them know I really liked it and would love to hear it again but wouldn't even dream about doing it every single day. When I was living in New Hampshire, Wait for You was number 1 on the top 9 at 9 for a record amount of weeks, beating out even Justin T who is HUGE there (and everywhere) and I only voted once a day, and some days didn't even get around to doing it and he still hit number one night after night. I know for a fact that there are a whole lot of Elliott fans out there who may not belong to the train, and who are younger, as my daughter is 14 and a ton of her friends love Elliott. As much as I want to see Elliott succeed and reach #1 over and over again I would like to think I know when to support hands on, and support hands off...so to speak, lol;)

Supporting Elliott in ANY way, shape, or form is an absolute honor if you ask me, and I for one would not dream of ruining any chances Elliott would have at success;)

xo

Oh I totally agree that a 2008 push wasnt the plan but now I wonder if they may give it a try - especially since he had success with so much Xmas play... I'm sure they were hoping for a big take off in October.


ETA: Great post yellin!

I don't see the fans "rabidness" as a reason for Sirius's sudden drop of One Word. The song peaked on Top 40 charts more than a month ago, and that was a pretty low peak of about #48.

I see the relative ease of public access to radio spins and charting (and some callout data) information as a double-edged sword. We have near-immediate knowledge of new radio play so we have the chance at putting in a higher volume of timely requests.

We also know how well a song is doing and can, I think, get overly confident about our role in both the success and failure of a song. I think we played a part in WFY's success but I don't think we were the primary movers there. Same goes, on the flip side, for OW. Just because we can so closely track a song's progress doesn't mean we're responsible for it.

There are so many factors at play in a song's success as has been discussed here before. Among them, are label pull, buzz, callout, timing at many levels simultaneously, resources to promote, and of course, the song's strengths itself. My view is that requests can't force stations to play a song. All they can do is help booster the song when all the other elements are already lined up.

If a song just does not have forward momentum and fans get desperate with requesting, that's when we can do more harm than good. This is why I think it is sound advice to refrain or, at least slow way down, on OW requesting. There are currently only a handful of stations playing OW across the country right now. Of course, it's great to request at these stations.

They are:
Richmond VA, WRVQ
W. Palm Beach FL, WLDI
Atlanta GA, WSTR
Honolulu HI, KQMQ
Sirius, 001
Colorado Springs CO, KVUU

It will be interesting to see what happens come January. The majority of Top 40 stations had little to no holiday programming so, although many would like to believe that was the reason for OW's decline, it really had no influence. It certainly looks like OW just didn't take off with Program Directors - but we'll see. If there is no revival of the song, I just hope that E and team learned from the experience. As we all know, sometimes failures are the best teachers of all.

As far as another single goes, I don't see another Top 40 single release from this album. Definitely AC material, but I'm not sure the team wants to go there. Who knows? We're just really observers here, not radio industry insiders.

I just want to see us use the information we do have access to with intelligence. And also to realize that this radio play world is largely out of our hands but we can choose to use wisely the influence we do have.

I agree with everything Movin' said. We simply cannot force radio stations to play something they don't want to spin. WFY had broad appeal beyond the fan base....something OW apparently lacked, or was never given the chance to enjoy.
I think there's at least one good HAC song on the CD, but AC itself is dead water unless you're Jones or Buble.

I know top 40 stations in these parts DID play Christmas music.....
I had a great laugh hearing Burl Ives singing "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas"... and then having the DJ immediately follow it with Amy Winehouse's "Rehab".
A riot! :-)

We had Xmas music on top 40 here as well. I'm still pretty baffled about what happened with One Word but am still keeping my "glass is half full" mentality until Elliott says otherwise. He still talks about One Word being his new single. He still performs it every chance he gets. I personally hope he goes into the studio in January and records some upbeat stuff for his next cd. I love his ballads but every one knows he can sing those. Unless they've seem him live, people have no idea how much Elliott can rock!

^^ what mike said. ^^ i absolutely feel u. spot on. Movin On!!!! :bounce: :bounce:

three outstanding, very tasty + funkay singles left on dat album, imho:

1) Movin' On !! THUD!!! :thud: :bounce:

2) Alright - hawt! MO + Alright r smokin! ;)

3) Train Wreck - oh yeah! :thud:

we luv u Elliott!!! :bounce:

I just cannot believe that Sirius just dropped OW..stopped playing and dropped it off of the Survey ! I listen to pop radio all the time and OW is a very good fit...sounds great...I simply do not understand why the PDs decided early on that they were not going to play it ... and those that started playing it just dropped it all of a sudden. It all does not add up for me !

In the "Inspired By Diabetes" tape # 5 from 11/6, Elliott talkes about WFY and OW a lil' bit in the beginning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJwusNtvWIs&feature=related

I know a lot aren't prone to radio industry techniques and how programming works, that is what Alien, OG, myself and others are here for. I was telling you that OW was in trouble because it was. It might not have been the most popular opinion but it was the most accurate.

I want Elliott to succeed just as much as the next, but we can't keep hoping for something that isn't there. There is no more push coming, even if there is it won't work. It has been out for months not weeks, it is not coming back. I hope Elliott faces the facts and realizes OW is dead. They must release Movin On or Alright for two reasons.

1) They are totally different styles and show people that Elliott is not a one trick pony sappy love ballad guy
2) This CD still has a lot of life left, we can't wait 6 months for a new Elliott song, especially when there are so many great ones on the album. Top 40 is very much what have you done for me lately, and that is why Rihanna, Fergie, Justin etc. always release song after song.

They need to release one of those two with a full radio and media push. They did it with WFY, they can do it again and they must. OW was handled very poorly and I'm sorry if you don't agree, but it was.

Anyways, I'll be here to support him no matter what and I know the rest of us feel the same.