forums : Jungle Scene

"New KROQ Music - Pendulum - Propane Nightmares"

So I'm driving listening to KROQ and hear "New KROQ music - Pendulum - Propane Nightmares" and I'm like WTF?! Then sure enough they played it.

I don't know how I feel about this. On one hand I'm stoked because Drum N Bass is getting more exposure, but on the other hand I don't know if I really want it to become mainstream. Also I've never really been a fan of that song so I don't like that its spearheading what the mainstream thinks DNB sounds like.

Either way props to Pendulum for being the first DNB act to get mainstream radio rotation. Thats a hug achievement in my opinoion.

Any thoughts?

[ joshmayhem - 26 Oct 2008 17:55 ]

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Well, do you mean mainstream radio rotation in America? Cause I think there's been some big dnb hits that have gotten heavy rotation in radio in Europe. I think it's a good thing for sure. Regardless of whether the tune is in the style that I like or not, it's a good thing. There are many different styles of dnb that I enjoy and for that 1 tune that actually makes it to the top to be a style I personally like isn't guaranteed. Besides, let's suppose that one song is of the style that I like. I guarantee there is a person out there who wouldn't like that style and would think 'Of all the tunes, why that one?!" My point is that you can't say 'oh that style shouldn't be the style to represent dnb' because people might actually like that style even though you are not about it.

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yeah I meant US radio. I guess you're right, it is a good thing, but I guess I always imagined that if I ever did hear DNB on US radio it was gonna be something I was into.

So I wonder if this is gonna be a one time thing, or if its gonna open the door for more DNB to be played on the radio. I guess only time will tell.

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According to devoe ...

Well, do you mean mainstream radio rotation in America? Cause I think there's been some big dnb hits that have gotten heavy rotation in radio in Europe. I think it's a good thing for sure. Regardless of whether the tune is in the style that I like or not, it's a good thing. There are many different styles of dnb that I enjoy and for that 1 tune that actually makes it to the top to be a style I personally like isn't guaranteed. Besides, let's suppose that one song is of the style that I like. I guarantee there is a person out there who wouldn't like that style and would think 'Of all the tunes, why that one?!" My point is that you can't say 'oh that style shouldn't be the style to represent dnb' because people might actually like that style even though you are not about it.
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I think there is a disconnect between the way dnb artists represent themselves and the way other artists represent themselves. What does Jay-Z do after making an album (or even during). He calls up all the press contacts he can, sends cd's to all the major communication channels he can think of etc... What does Break or Teebee do when they are done with an album. Do these people send music to US radio stations? Probably not. They send cd's where in the past they have been worthwhile to send to. Knowledge Magazine, DOA, BBC etc...These are guaranteed to cover the album. A U.S. radio station will probably not. Maybe that is the case because we as artists haven't actually sent music to these people.

Maybe it's our narrow view of where our music is appropriate that keeps our music off the airwaves? What if all the artists who will finish albums next year sent their album to KROQ and then made calls to ask the station if they recieved the album and what they thought about it? Do you think KROQ might think twice about not playing some dnb? They just got thousands of cd's of a relatively new genre of music, with high quality radio ready production, high quality artwork, and artists (with loyal fan bases) that generally care about what the station thinks.

Pendulum is on the radio because they are with Warner Music. What does Warner Music do with new albums. They send them to radio stations and meet or call back people from the radio station to ask what they thought about it (this is simplistic, but that's the gist of it). It's their marketing efforts (and the fact they have established themselves with their talent) that have allowed them to be heard and placed on the next level!

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I say the more people know about drum n bass the merrier. HOWEVER i think dnb (as with other non-vocal musics) Pendulum getting run on KROQ will help Pendulum moreso than dnb (which in all honesty it should).


"i don't wanna be famous just successful, but if i am famous off of my success so be it"

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I work in Radio. In fact for the KROQ and a slew of others. The way radio is, is that music is tested, and tested, and tested. We are constantly doing music research on what the trends are, who is up and coming - but also what is going to get people to listen and then listen through commericals. We have a new measurement of ratings now called PPM. No more written diaries now. Now during mid month we can see how well the station is doing ratings wise and make adjustments. Also which music gets the better ratings too.

You should see what the Music director gets. All kinds of music every day. The big companies do send over their music as well; and most of the staff have deep relationships with agents, and managers. However when it comes down to it; it is what can make our ratings and brand cutting edge and on top. Much like when they put Daft Punk's Around the World in rotation; Pendulum has a song that can cross over and yet still keep its drum and bass roots. This is a good thing. Any air play is good.






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According to devoe ...

I think there is a disconnect between the way dnb artists represent themselves and the way other artists represent themselves. What does Jay-Z do after making an album (or even during). He calls up all the press contacts he can, sends cd's to all the major communication channels he can think of etc... What does Break or Teebee do when they are done with an album. Do these people send music to US radio stations? Probably not. They send cd's where in the past they have been worthwhile to send to. Knowledge Magazine, DOA, BBC etc...These are guaranteed to cover the album. A U.S. radio station will probably not. Maybe that is the case because we as artists haven't actually sent music to these people.

Maybe it's our narrow view of where our music is appropriate that keeps our music off the airwaves? What if all the artists who will finish albums next year sent their album to KROQ and then made calls to ask the station if they recieved the album and what they thought about it? Do you think KROQ might think twice about not playing some dnb? They just got thousands of cd's of a relatively new genre of music, with high quality radio ready production, high quality artwork, and artists (with loyal fan bases) that generally care about what the station thinks.

Pendulum is on the radio because they are with Warner Music. What does Warner Music do with new albums. They send them to radio stations and meet or call back people from the radio station to ask what they thought about it (this is simplistic, but that's the gist of it). It's their marketing efforts (and the fact they have established themselves with their talent) that have allowed them to be heard and placed on the next level!
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i dont thing dnb in the states will be anywhere near as big as it is in the uk for another 10 years(?)....its like what the evolution of hip hop was to the rest of the world....and even then, its hard to get into a 180 bpm breakbeat no matter how much exposure you get to it

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I'm all for mainstream dnb on the radio... but WHY GOD WHY does it have to be that trainwreck of a track? I admire Pendulum for their ambition, but that song just lacks any kind of musicality. It's boring to listen to... it just sucks! There are so many other more deserving tracks, and so many more deserving artists, than what KROQ played.

However, just cause KROQ played it doesn't mean its gonna go MSM. Anyone recall about 8 years ago record labels tried to shove eurodance down our throats? DJ Sammy or ATC playing on Channel 93.3/KISS FM/etc anyone? It didn't last very long.

[ luciphercolors - 26 Oct 2008 23:57 ]

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For one, Propane nightmares has the most lyrics and words out of their list of songs. Instrumental songs just dont' do on KROQ. It is all about hooks. verse chorus verse!!!! muy importante

Some lables release singles at that is what played on radio; and sometimes the requests for another not yet released song is considered because of the requests. Like the furious five at nine requests.

Eurodance will never be on KROQ - because it is not is type. Our brand is "Alternative" meaning music against the mainstream. Which is an oxymoron really because when a song does hit the airwaves.. it is mainstream. Pendulum's track is a kick ass track, not my favorite one; however it is still a heavy heavy sound. Roq' has it as new music, so people can see it through the website at www.kroq.com.

Now what will happen is that people are exposed to a new artist/band. They will check out other tracks. If things go well, KROQ could consider adding them to one of our shows like acoustic christmas, or weenie roast, etc.

This means that more people will be introduced to our scene. They will go to the RESPECT's, the Bassrush events, etc. More money pumped into the nights, and ultimately in your pockets as artists yourself.

I believe not everyone just jumped into the drum and bass pool head first. What were some of your first experiences with it? I am sure more mainstream top 40 dnb dj's first then you found your niche and taste from that.

IMO - dunno

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According to luciphercolors ...

I'm all for mainstream dnb on the radio... but WHY GOD WHY does it have to be that trainwreck of a track? I admire Pendulum for their ambition, but that song just lacks any kind of musicality. It's boring to listen to... it just sucks! There are so many other more deserving tracks, and so many more deserving artists, than what KROQ played.

However, just cause KROQ played it doesn't mean its gonna go MSM. Anyone recall about 8 years ago record labels tried to shove eurodance down our throats? DJ Sammy or ATC playing on Channel 93.3/KISS FM/etc anyone? It didn't last very long.

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i think drum'n'bass/jungle will become mainstream only after it has a movie made about it that shows our subculture.... (examples of other genre's: Beat Street, Krush Groove, Rockers, Purple Rain, and there are many more examples with punk music, skater movies, etc...

..but a pendulum song on kroq is a big step in the right direction out here.

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its just a really subpar rock song

its not going to expose anyone to dnb
kroq would be well advised to take it off their playlist

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This is a truth.


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according to beatfreak...

I believe not everyone just jumped into the drum and bass pool head first. What were some of your first experiences with it? I am sure more mainstream top 40 dnb dj's first then you found your niche and taste from that.
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I was in part, first attracted to d&b music because of some cheesy hip-hop remixes, or hip-hop influenced tracks such as P.O.T.'s "Battlemaster." Then, from there I developed a taste for d&b - dug further in the genre and my musical interests expanded to include more and more d&b.

Like old school jump-up tracks crossed over/appealed to a bunch of hip-hoppers - artists like Pendulum have cross over appeal with people who like rock oriented music. Sure, some of them will never get past a few Pendulum songs, but others will explore and find drum & bass and be forever hooked (like we all are).

My roommate Mike, who doesn't listen to drum & bass, or even really know what it is, heard Pendulum on the dance music station on Time Warner Cable. He really liked it, and asked me if I knew who Pendulum was, and wanted to hear more about Pendulum and about drum & bass after that. I tried to get him to go to the Pendulum show at the Mayan, but it was his GFs bday and he was already busy. But, you can bet that I will be playing him some more Pendulum, Chase & Status, and over time more and more d&b artists.

Re: Re:

That is truth dude. Dude.. look at DR. DRE... before he was doing a 187 on a motherf*cking cop, or burning trees.. that guy was in THE WORLD CLASS WRECKING CREW IN A PURPLE PRINCE LIKE JUMPSUIT!!

we all evolve, our tastes too. I like how many of you junglists listen to KROQ.. like it or not.. it is making us talk about it.. both good or bad.. but it is all the same..

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According to djwhizard ...

This is a truth.


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according to beatfreak...

I believe not everyone just jumped into the drum and bass pool head first. What were some of your first experiences with it? I am sure more mainstream top 40 dnb dj's first then you found your niche and taste from that.
*********

I was in part, first attracted to d&b music because of some cheesy hip-hop remixes, or hip-hop influenced tracks such as P.O.T.'s "Battlemaster." Then, from there I developed a taste for d&b - dug further in the genre and my musical interests expanded to include more and more d&b.

Like old school jump-up tracks crossed over/appealed to a bunch of hip-hoppers - artists like Pendulum have cross over appeal with people who like rock oriented music. Sure, some of them will never get past a few Pendulum songs, but others will explore and find drum & bass and be forever hooked (like we all are).

My roommate Mike, who doesn't listen to drum & bass, or even really know what it is, heard Pendulum on the dance music station on Time Warner Cable. He really liked it, and asked me if I knew who Pendulum was, and wanted to hear more about Pendulum and about drum & bass after that. I tried to get him to go to the Pendulum show at the Mayan, but it was his GFs bday and he was already busy. But, you can bet that I will be playing him some more Pendulum, Chase & Status, and over time more and more d&b artists.
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when you tell people you listen to dnb, they will automatically think of this really bad rock song.

wee!

Re: Re:

i like the VIP more.



Are you all ready for the wave of KROQ-bred dnb heads starting a pit at your next show?
;]

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it's quite a stretch to call Pendulum "drum & bass" anymore anyway so i'm not bothered about it. i doubt Propane Nightmares will really bring any new people into drum & bass because anyone who looks into d&b after hearing this track will most likely come across some breaky stuff and think "this isn't what i was looking for".

so basically i think Propane Nightmares on KROQ will just introduce more people to Pendulum rather than drum & bass. either that or people will think d&b is just really cheesy, electronic rock music.

Re: Re:

i give pendulum props for doing what they are doing....they changed the game with VAULT, cant front on that tune (and some others)...the only thing i can complain about is that they changed from a digi-drum drum kit to a regular acoustic drum kit so that changed the sound and made it more (too) ROCKY.....but at the end of the day i give them props, they are doing big things for DNB worldwide and thats good

Re: Re:

Any promo for DnB is good promo, the way I see it. I mean, just because your first show is LTJ Bukem doesn't mean you can't later grow into the biggest Tech Itch fan . . .

the hardest part is just getting people to hear (and enjoy) the sound AT ALL. I mean, I would LOVE to have some "normal" friend tell me they love Pendulum, so then I could give them a Bryan G mix, and turn them on the B2B series, and take them to see Andy C; etc.

[ thecolonel - 27 Oct 2008 15:36 ]

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Re: Re:

Exactly!

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According to thecolonel ...

I mean, I would LOVE to have some "normal" friend tell me they love Pendulum, so then I could give them a Bryan G mix, and turn them on the B2B series, and take them to see Andy C, etc.
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BHAHAHHAA.. OH MY G*D D@MN.. SEE.. EVERYONE EVOLVES DUDE.. MUSIC WISE, SEQUINS AND ALL!!!


..."AND LET ME RIDE... "



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According to eecue ...


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Re: Re:

BHAHAHHAA.. OH MY G*D D@MN.. SEE.. EVERYONE EVOLVES DUDE.. MUSIC WISE, SEQUINS AND ALL!!!


..."AND LET ME RIDE... "



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According to eecue ...


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Re: Re:

i didn't read all the posts but seriously this can't be anything but good for exposure to our scene... and bring people to it that maybe would have never had a chance to hear it otherwise....


ps.... dont say you didnt brock the f**k out to pendulum - vault....

Re: Re:

yea i heard that ish too...

you can vote for it @ http://www.kroq.com/

Furious 5 @ 9

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According to djjeffk ...


ps.... dont say you didnt brock the f**k out to pendulum - vault....
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yeah but Vault was actually a great track and Propane Nightmares is horrible.

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According to donny ...

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According to djjeffk ...


ps.... dont say you didnt brock the f**k out to pendulum - vault....
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yeah but Vault was actually a great track and Propane Nightmares is horrible.
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agreed. no one ever said they never brocked out to Vault. but i sure as hell never brocked out to propane.

[ joshmayhem - 28 Oct 2008 01:58 ]

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hey its a start.. no matter what the track was someone is gonna dislike it.. (im not a fan of the track but who cares)

you cant just slam some techy ass dnb on people and have it go over.. gotta ease em in..

i think the push is great everything has to have a starting point!

[ mainframe - 28 Oct 2008 07:03 ]

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According to mainframe ...

hey its a start.. no matter what the track was someone is gonna dislike it.. (im not a fan of the track but who cares)

you cant just slam some techy ass dnb on people and have it go over.. gotta ease em in..

i think the push is great everything has to have a starting point!

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my point... thanks for making it sound better

Re: Re:

yeah, my starting point included some pretty cheesy/aweful jump-up that i wouldn't listen to today, but having a starting point was the important thing - and my tasted evolved from there. =]

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According to djjeffk ...

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According to mainframe ...

hey its a start.. no matter what the track was someone is gonna dislike it.. (im not a fan of the track but who cares)

you cant just slam some techy ass dnb on people and have it go over.. gotta ease em in..

i think the push is great everything has to have a starting point!

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my point... thanks for making it sound better
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When Pendulum is booked for an event in LA, that crowd will be introduced to "Real" Drum & Bass by the opening acts.
Of coarse im talking about their dj'ing gigs (if those even happen anymore).
So yes, this will open up more heads to Drum & Bass weather they want to hear it or not.

Re:

its cool to have some commercial success i'm sure when they are ready to comeback to dnb they will. But this song is pretty good imo, so the fact that kroq is playing it means they have some taste

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when someone that knows nothing about dnb flips through a music/trend mag and looks up pendulum, thats going to be their association to dnb. tough!!!

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Pendulum's opening act was Guns n' Bombs... and funny thing is.. he dropped dubstep in his electro and hard dance set. The kids loved it. Pendulum's LA crowd was tons of scenesters, college kids, couple of mosh pit f*ckers, and emo's along with us. The face of music is just changing dudes.

"Cross Over" hits are really just the progression of music not being able to be categorized and can be considered in several formats. And now it can be several radio formats.

Last night, the KROQ DJ did a NICE piece on Pendulum after they played Propane Nightmares. Nicole Alvarez came on after it and connected the core audience who saw Linkin Park and mentioned that if you saw Linkin Park.. then you saw Pendulum open up for them on their tour. Then she mentioned In Silico is where Propane Nightmares is on, but she said if you really want to hear Pendulum then you must get Hold Your Colour and that was the album that put them on the map.

So it is not about a song, its about the opportunity. With all the marketing meme and dynamic digital tags, you run Pendulum through Last.FM, or Pandora and they will give you a slew of "real" drum and bass artists when creating the station you listen to. KROQ's ratings are more than the Spanish stations and in the demo of 18-35 in the morning and late afternoon. That is huge. huge. If their success is possible, the next artist that is pushed to them, they will consider.

imo -

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now all subfocus needs to do is to is lose any taste that he has, and maybe hire adam sandler and to do some guest vocals on his new album and dnb can blow up for real


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According to beatfreak ...

Pendulum's opening act was Guns n' Bombs... and funny thing is.. he dropped dubstep in his electro and hard dance set. The kids loved it. Pendulum's LA crowd was tons of scenesters, college kids, couple of mosh pit f*ckers, and emo's along with us. The face of music is just changing dudes.

"Cross Over" hits are really just the progression of music not being able to be categorized and can be considered in several formats. And now it can be several radio formats.

Last night, the KROQ DJ did a NICE piece on Pendulum after they played Propane Nightmares. Nicole Alvarez came on after it and connected the core audience who saw Linkin Park and mentioned that if you saw Linkin Park.. then you saw Pendulum open up for them on their tour. Then she mentioned In Silico is where Propane Nightmares is on, but she said if you really want to hear Pendulum then you must get Hold Your Colour and that was the album that put them on the map.

So it is not about a song, its about the opportunity. With all the marketing meme and dynamic digital tags, you run Pendulum through Last.FM, or Pandora and they will give you a slew of "real" drum and bass artists when creating the station you listen to. KROQ's ratings are more than the Spanish stations and in the demo of 18-35 in the morning and late afternoon. That is huge. huge. If their success is possible, the next artist that is pushed to them, they will consider.

imo -
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Didn't one of the dudes from Pendulum diss the dnb scene? Also saying something along the lines of them wanting to do rock music in the first place? I don't think they are trying to convert any one to dnb heads at this point. Playing alongside Linkin park? kidding me? I will admit I liked their first album way back when, but now they make me want to jump out my car when listening to them on the radio. I do listen to Kroq when loveline is on though, gotta love the special guests.

I don't think you have to be "eased in" to dnb. It all depends on what your musical history is like. If you like punk and heavy metal, tech step and hard dnb will probably draw you in. Funk, soul, rnb, then liquid is your answer. If you like ringtone sounds, then clipz is your answer. :p This holds true when I let my friends(who don't necessarily listen to jungle) listen to the dnb tracks I produce. The rock heads like the harder stuff and the rap/rnb heads like the soulful, funky stuff. I first got in to dnb in 2001 by the harder darker techier side of dnb. Through all the motions, liquid is my genre of choice now.

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yeah i think it was Rob Pendulum on DOA who basically said they're not concerned with making D&B anymore..... and it shows.

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I cannot think of any one group/artist that has brought on more exposure for drum and bass than Pendulum. Honestly they are doing for DnB what people want... exposure right? Pendulum is set to go down in history as those guys who brought drum and bass to the masses. Nothing worng with that. Thank you pendulum for getting drum and bass the exposure it deserves.

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It didn't get received well on Jonesy's show on Indie 103 (A highly regarded and respected show) a few weeks back. I'm not sure but I think it's because the song...well, sucks.

I think if someone that listens to kroq that has never heard of dnb and likes the song are gonna like it more so because they like what they hear from the rock element in the song. Its hard to imagine someone, who's not familiar with dnb, is gonna be receptive to the dnb element considering many styles of rock have a fast tempo anyway. The dnb might go unnoticed...well, besides the cheesy electronic sounds weaving their way through the song.

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*cough reprezent *cough

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According to kellyd.....

Of coarse im talking about their dj'ing gigs (if those even happen anymore).

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i really hope they keep on djing out in between all there Live shows. but if they choose to keep on with the way things are then oh well.

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i just think they shouldnt have dropped the digi-drum, drum kit...

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Indie has its own format and well most of any dnb wouldn't go over well during his show anyways - even Subfocus with Adam Sandler doing vocals. Jonesy's show is a niche show that draws in a specific demo. If The Crystal Method played the track during their Community Service hour on Indie.. there might be a slight difference.

KROQ has the best ratings in Cali, and the nation. Their online streaming and combined airwaves and syndication in the states, and now in Pendulums native land Australia mean exposure beyond what a Rave, or club night could do for them and the new sound spinning off from drum and bass. It is being pushed by programming directors who have won awards year after year after year for the being the best programmed radio show in the U.S.


So for the record. What tracks do you think best represent *cough* reprezent DnB then? What would be a good track that should be pushed on KROQ, or Power, or Indie, or KCRW?





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According to djmedium ...

It didn't get received well on Jonesy's show on Indie 103 (A highly regarded and respected show) a few weeks back. I'm not sure but I think it's because the song...well, sucks.

I think if someone that listens to kroq that has never heard of dnb and likes the song are gonna like it more so because they like what they hear from the rock element in the song. Its hard to imagine someone, who's not familiar with dnb, is gonna be receptive to the dnb element considering many styles of rock have a fast tempo anyway. The dnb might go unnoticed...well, besides the cheesy electronic sounds weaving their way through the song.
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the sales and exposure for pendulum are more than reprezent. if that is what you are referring to.

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According to donny ...

"either that or people will think d&b is just really cheesy, electronic rock music."

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I thought thats what Drum & Bass was?? ?

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According to soulidify ...

I cannot think of any one group/artist that has brought on more exposure for drum and bass than Pendulum. Honestly they are doing for DnB what people want... exposure right? Pendulum is set to go down in history as those guys who brought drum and bass to the masses. Nothing worng with that. Thank you pendulum for getting drum and bass the exposure it deserves.
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really? Roni Size/Reprazent, LTJ Bukem, Goldie and Shy FX have all brought more mainstream exposure to drum & bass with real music that people will still remember in 10 or 15 years. i don't think the same can be said for Propane Nightmares.

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aw you guys sound like I did when I heard Atmosphere on KROQ.


"keep it secret, keep it safe"

lol

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People who are interested in drum and bass yes, the artists you mention have had a greater impact on drum and bass, but they will not get the exposure to the masses as Pendulum will.

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I mean really... pendulum blows big fat donkey dick, but honestly now is the time to ride on them breaking through to the masses. Think about it... Pendulum is breaking through, if you produce dnb now would be the time to exposure your sound to the masses. why not?!

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kill your radio!

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Let Pendulum do the work for the scene. LOL! Seriously thanks Pendulum for promoting drum and bass This could increase attendance at shows, increase digital sales as well as a revival of vinyl. Who knows... anything is possible. I would say now is the time to make moves within drum and bass. Just my outlook on it.