Ongoing History of New Music

The Ongoing History of New Music, Episode 738: 10 Terrible Career Moves

Ah, the career-limiting move. Coming to work drunk or high. The use of the “reply all” button at an inappropriate time. Getting as mad as hell and swearing not to take it anymore when you were just having a bad day. A leap to a new job only to discover that it’s much worse than the old one.

Everyone has regrets. Coke would like a re-do on New Coke. Ford’s Edsel. Mars refusing to allow M&Ms in ET, handing the gig to Reese’s Pieces. The Invasion of Iraq.

Then there are the dumb moves that have been made by music types. Decca turning down the Beatles. Everyone but Sub Pop turning down Nirvana. Anything Sinead O’Connor has done since 1992.

This week’s show will highlight ten terrible career moves, some transitory, some damaging and some fatal. Consider these cautionary tales.

The Ongoing History of New Music can be heard on the following stations:

We’re still looking for more affiliates in Vancouver, Kamloops, Kelowna, Regina, Saskatoon, Brandon, Windsor,  Montreal, Charlottetown, Moncton, Fredericton, and St John’s and anywhere else with a transmitter. If you’re in any of those markets and you want the show, lemme know and I’ll see what I can do.

If you’re in the US and you want to stream the show, I wish I could help. A performing rights organization called SESAC has made threatening noises about suing non-American radio stations who dare stream into the US without paying crazy fees. Most Canadian broadcasters had no choice but to geo-block their streams. But hey, if you know of an American station that would like to take the show, contact me and we’ll make it a priority.

As for posting playlists from the program, is everyone okay if we start using Spotify when Rdio goes away? Suggestions welcome.

Anyone else? Love to hear from you. Just email me at [email protected].

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38011 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

3 thoughts on “The Ongoing History of New Music, Episode 738: 10 Terrible Career Moves

  • Isn’t it supposed to be show 737 this week?

    Reply
  • Getting on a mic was your fatal career move. get off the air you fuckin twat

    Reply

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