Texas Music as a Radio Format

Radio and Records: "DALLAS--A group of Texas music industry insiders joined a pair of the genre's leading artists for a discussion about the state of the music at the R&R Convention 2006. At the 'Texas Music: Boon or Bane' session, panelists generally agreed that the Texas music scene remains a vibrant country music subculture, whose artists are gaining notoriety on a national level. ...

"While panelists agreed on how the music is being defined and shared similar opinions about growth potential, opinions were evenly split as to whether Texas music is the basis of a viable, competitive format.

"Stratton and Shane Media Services' partner, Ed Shane, says it is more of an attitude and an extra ingredient for country programmers' playlists. 'We're not at the point where Texas music could be considered a format, because there's still no consensus about what defines it,' he says.

"KFWR/Ft. Worth (95.9 The Ranch) PD Rick Lovett, whose station plays primarily Texas artists in what he terms a '60-40 mix of new and gold songs,' thinks Texas music is a viable format. 'We aren't at a place where there are generally accepted parameters and definitions about what a Texas music station is, but that's the beauty of the format -- it is constantly trying to figure itself out, which keeps it vibrant and keeps the listeners engaged.'...

"Dualtone artist Deryl Dodd commented that in Texas, he can remain true to the style of country music he plays without compromise. 'I've never wanted to play clubs where I have to play covers in order to excite people. I can do that in Texas, because the fans expect originality.'"