U2, Pirate Radio, and Fan Feedback
So as I search for more news and info on the upcoming U2 album, I encountered an interview with David Fanning, the guy who gets first dibs on playing new U2 material.
He got behind the band in their early days, playing them on his pirate radio station.
One thing really struck out at me about the interview:
Yes, it’s hard to believe that thirty years ago they came into my show, all four of them every night for a week, and we played three of their songs a night and asked the audience to decide what the single should be. Out of Control got it, with Stories for Boys as a b-side and we threw in Boy-Girl too. I remember a thousand copies of the single were pressed and we launched it at Windmill Lane and about 15 people turned up.
U2 tested all the material out on listeners and asked them to help decide what the singles should be, BEFORE doing any real promotion.
You play live right? You have friends and fans in your town who will give you their honest opinion right? What’s stopping you (besides your ego) on asking them what songs are single worthy?
Singles are important. They are the songs most likely to connect and get people interested in finding out more. If the rest of your material is great, then my friend, you’ve made a fan.
Take Control of Your Music,
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Category: Digital Music, Music Business Commentary, Music Career
Great post Hoover. You’re fans are ultimately the reason you are making your music so going with what they want is the way to go.
From the title, I was HOPING this post was about Chris Sheppard’s pirate radio. Boy was I disappointed.
Interesting post nonetheless.