BY AJA DIONNE

Dear Radio,

It has been quite some time since we last linked up with each other and actually saw the world from the same perspective. We were always together, Music and Radio, forever. I am not too sure where we started to go our separate ways but I miss the way we used to be…

Do you remember when we would wake up together every single morning? I would come across your speakers at the crack of dawn and you would blast me at crazy volumes? You were so proud of me and you let everyone know that I belonged to you. People would play us all day in their headphones, cars and boom boxes. The music on the radio was played at parties, BBQ’s and picnics because we were so in synch. Remember the times when we stayed up all night just so we didn’t miss our favorite song because the DJ would only play it 5 times a day? Morning, noon and night…man, we were always together! I was so loyal to you; and you promised me that you would never change! You said that you only wanted Real Music in you. Radio, you lied! You have changed to the point where, half the time, I don’t even recognize you. One minute you are playing Quik and Kweli, and then the next minute, you are Tooting and Booting It.  Look, I don’t want this to come off as an attack, but have you listened to yourself lately? How come you never play music music? I mean, you play “music” but not mu-zik! I know that regulations have changed, and that program directors have their hands tied, or even worse, have no insight into the communal makeup of that station, but it has turned what used to be so sacred into a big joke. Have you heard what people are saying about you Radio? They want to know why you call disco hip hop. They are asking me why you play the same songs over and over and over. They want to know why the R&B station has no talent, just auto tune and the musical version of Photoshop. I am all about inclusion, you know that. I come in many genres, people are free to do what they want with me, but at some point, I have to take a stand for myself! I am Music! I won’t be taken advantage of for quick money or some ridiculous fad. I am an art form, you, Radio, are supposed to be my gallery. You are supposed to protect my integrity and make the people happy. How come you are only catering to musical rookies and untrained ears? It seems like you have turned your back on me and left me with the short end of the stick. People are trying to say that Music is failing when I think it is you Radio! The reason why our relationship is so strained is because of you. Think about it…You never play our local artists anymore. There was a time when the DJ’s used musicians from the hometown to do drops and intros. They would even feature new artists every day just to maintain a bond. What happened to that? Why do you think the radio personalities and DJ’s are creating mixtapes that are completely different from the type of music they are allowed to play on their shifts? It is because you have put them in a cage! I just want us to go back to the way we were. I am starting to feel bitter about the whole situation. People are resorting to the internet to hear new music; musicians have lost faith in you. We are both suffering! Aren’t you tired of the slander? My name is being dragged into your mess! I am good! Rappers and singers are still doing right by me and there is still real talent in the world but why do you refuse to display it? Why do I have to stay underground when I should be played for the masses? I need you to tell me something! Can you show all of my sides Radio? Can you keep a solid rotation going? Can we agree to play less crap and more quality? I really want us to be friends again, I miss you!

Love, Music

SPEAKERS UP!