America: Child stars start with The Shining

Chapter 103: Are the opponents the Rolling Stones and Queen?

Ovitz shrugged and said, "Here's what happened."

On the surface, each radio station seems to operate independently, with its own audience, its own program style, and its own DJs.

"But in reality, these radio stations are often connected to record companies, distributors, local forces, and even more complex networks of relationships."

At this point, Ovitz paused, then continued, "For example, many Black DJ radio stations have some connection with street thugs."

"Whether it's the Tumor Gang or the Blood Gang, they may not directly operate radio stations, but they definitely have channels that can influence these radio stations."

"White-owned radio stations were no exception."

"However, the resources there are not controlled by street gangs, but by the big companies that are truly at the top of the record industry."

Charles nodded.

He certainly understood that.

In the early 1980s, the American record industry was completely dominated by five music companies.

The dominance and monopolistic practices of these five companies in the record industry are unmatched by any other independent label or record company.

Columbia, Warner, Universal, EMI, RCA.

They control almost all the core distribution channels, radio stations, sales networks, and media relations.

Columbia Records and RCA were later acquired by Sony Music, while EMI was divided up by Warner, Sony, and Universal.

Independent labels wanting to release an album must first figure out how to get the record into the hands of a DJ.

But these large companies are different.

They can buy prime airtime slots on radio stations in advance, or have record stores display a particular album in the most prominent position.

This is true industry dominance.

Moreover, Charles was well aware that these giants would continue to merge and reorganize, eventually forming Sony Music, Warner Music, and...

Universal Music Group has formed a three-way competition.

These three companies have an outrageously large market share, and their every move affects the direction and dynamics of the entire industry.

In comparison, Huamei Records has far too few resources.

Charles thought for a moment and asked, "So, the trouble we're in this time is related to those five companies?"

Ovitz nodded and said, "When I was in contact with a white rock radio DJ I had a relatively good relationship with, he gave me a little inside information."

"For the next few months, most of the airtime on white-owned rock radio stations was booked by Warner and Universal."

"Both the Rolling Stones and Queen will release a new album this year."

Charles clicked his tongue; just hearing the names of those two bands was enough to give him a headache.

These are all veteran rock bands that have accumulated a large number of loyal listeners worldwide, and they are not the kind of bands that AC/DC can easily compete with.

Even by today's standards, the Rolling Stones would be considered veterans in the rock scene; they are the kings of traditional blues rock.

Their early career was not smooth, but since they switched to Atlantic Records, their new albums have topped the charts almost every year.

As for Queen, needless to say.

They became a global sensation a few years ago with "Bohemian Rhapsody," and now wherever they go, radio stations are eager to pursue them.

In contrast, while AC/DC has gained some fame in Australia and the UK, they are still not a top-tier band in the US market.

Charles rubbed his temples and asked, "So, if we go through the normal process with those white-owned rock radio stations, it'll be very difficult to get prime time slots?"

Ovitz shrugged, sighed, and said, "It's not just difficult, it's almost impossible."

He picked up the cigarette box on the table, took out a cigarette, but didn't light it immediately. He just held it between his fingers and shook it gently.

"Those prime-time slots have long been monopolized by big companies."

"The morning commute, the afternoon after-get off work hours, and the evening rock shows—any slots available for new song premieres are basically booked up."

"If you take the sample discs to them now, the most likely outcome is that they'll politely accept them, and then just throw them into a cabinet to gather dust."

"It's simply unrealistic to expect to secure decent airtime in the next few months."

At this point, Ovitz paused, a hint of helplessness in his voice: "Whether it's financial resources or reputation, we can't compare to companies like Warner or Universal."

Charles remained silent for a moment.

He certainly knew all this, but the problem was that the most important thing in album promotion was building initial word-of-mouth.

If things don't start well, it becomes extremely difficult to salvage an album's reputation and sales later on.

Especially for hard rock music like "Backin Black," it's a typical AOR album, and it's essential to get enough people to hear it on the radio as soon as it's released.

Only by attracting the first audience can word-of-mouth continue to spread.

But if an album can't even pass the test of a rock radio station, then even the best album will just end up lying in a warehouse.

Charles sat on the sofa, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest.

Since they couldn't directly counter the offensive from Warner and Universal, they had to change their publicity strategy.

Charles thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Do we have a chance to start with Black DJ radio stations?"

Ovitz finally lit the cigarette in his hand. The smoke rose slowly, and he squinted as he took a puff. Then he said, "I can give it a try."

"The white rock radio stations have already taken up most of their time slots because of the Rolling Stones and Queen. If a small company like ours tries to squeeze in now, we'll only get smashed to pieces."

Charles nodded.

He planned to contact some influential people to see if there were any connections he could make over there.

After all, Andrei had made a promise to him personally last time, and now it was about time to take advantage of that relationship.

But then Ovitz added, "However, Charles, you'd better be mentally prepared."

"Black radio stations might not necessarily like white hard rock bands like AC/DC."

Upon hearing this, Charles laughed and shook his head, saying, "No, Ovitz, if you've heard the album 'Back in Black,' you'll take back what you said."

Ovitz raised an eyebrow.

Is there anything special about this album?

He wasn't a hard rock fan and didn't listen to it much, so he didn't immediately understand what Charles meant.

Charles didn't continue explaining. He stood up and slowly exhaled.

So, the next step is to launch the album's promotion and distribution.

come on.

Whether it's the Rolling Stones or Queen.

Now that we're on the opposite side, let's get ready to face the challenge from Huamei Records!

Charles will not be intimidated before the battle even begins, just because his opponent's name is prestigious.

The business market never values seniority, nor will it make way for someone just because they were once successful.

Moreover, the album "BackinBlack" should never bow down to any rock band.

In Charles's opinion, it absolutely deserves to be a trump card that can turn the table upside down!