Live on CBC Radio: Top 5 Must See Live Gigs with Jeremy Fisher, Said The Whale, and... International Music on R3? CBC Music - Free Streaming Radio, Videos, Songs, Concerts & Playlists

#1 posted by
Silvorgold
on Jun 05, 2009

I'm all for Canadian music, but I enjoyed back a few years back when Radio 3 played a limited amount of international music, like the Peter Bjorn and John, they were actually on the R3-30 for quite a while, but I don't want it to get the point where Radio 3 plays x band from the US the same amount as they play Plaskett (and that's alot).

but what I love about Radio 3 is that they promote exclusively Canadian Music right now, it gives Radio 3 listeners a certain kind of pride to realize that the music played on Radio 3 is all home grown.

All I hope is that there won't be a day where there's a poll question asking "Should Nickelback and Avril Lavigne be played on Radio 3?"

#2 posted by
SChappellaz
on Jun 05, 2009

No! The reason why I like R3 so much is because it's all Canadian. Please don't turn into every other radio station. Even with an 85-15 split, that's too much. If I want to listen to International music, I'll tune into every other station. R3 is unique and should stay that way!

#3 posted by
Halcyon
on Jun 05, 2009

It's not snowing yet..... yet....

#4 posted by
silentpat
on Jun 05, 2009

There are hundreds of other stations online or elsewhere that I can tune into to hear international artists. I like CBCradio3 because it's where I can hear Canadian artists. There isn't another place like it.

#5 posted by
Silvorgold
on Jun 05, 2009

I agree fully where it should stay Canadian-based, but I think for international music.. there should be a weekly "international music" segment, maybe something not during Grant's slot but maybe something like before Vish/Lauren's show or after Lisa's

#6 posted by
AlexOfAnders
on Jun 05, 2009

I had to think for a minute about it but I also voted no. One of the reasons I love R3 is how I know it's all Canadian, all the time. It's what makes it so special I believe.

On the flip side, I do feel like I missing out on great stuff outside of Canada. Plus, I haven't felt it detracts too much on the Sirius feed.

Still, we play 85 percent Canadian 100 percent of the time doesn't have the same ring to it. You're our non-stop Canadian music station!

#7 posted by
stueyyyyyy
on Jun 05, 2009

Jeremy Fisher a "pop musician"? Pssh! Catchy doesn't mean "pop." You're a silly man, Grant, but I love you.

I saw Jeremy in Hamilton several years ago and also took guitar lessons from his old friend, Adam Ostrosser.

As for international artists on Radio 3... are you serious? No. A million times no. I'll listen to other stations for the White Stripes. Please!!! What are you doing!!!

#8 posted by
SamSpade
on Jun 05, 2009

I like the idea of integrating the CBC Radio 3 stream and Sirius feed as it would be easier to have one program stream to tune to and hopefully know that you guys are live in the studios. :-)

I would like to see the R3-30 stay Can-con if possible, since it's a podcast I love to download and get exposed to new things that I'm not hearing down in the 'States.

Thanks,
Ben in Seattle

#9 posted by
jillfunk
on Jun 05, 2009

no international artists, no no no no no no no no.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. i love canadian music.

#10 posted by
SDRRRR
on Jun 05, 2009

On the condition that R3 is only pulling music from international independent artists as well. This would benefit artists, promoters and listeners broadening everyone's listening pallettes.

#11 posted by
magnum777
on Jun 05, 2009

Sorry... No international music... True Patriot Love!

#12 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Jun 05, 2009

Not sure how you define pop, but I would consider Jeremy's songs to be PURE POP!

#13 posted by
alex.werenka
on Jun 05, 2009

I agree.

PLEASE GRANT DON'T DO THIS TO US!!!

Although the bands you compared are fantastic I think it would take away from the show... and I love the show.

#14 posted by
Absotively
on Jun 05, 2009

I think I'd support the international music thing if there were more sources for Canadian music. If there was a variety of 50% Canadian stations, then I wouldn't be so attached to having one that's 100%. But that's not the case.

#15 posted by
JoeGinClark
on Jun 05, 2009

I'd be okay with some international artists - especially when there is a tie-in to Canadian music. It makes sense to play the White Stripes if they are playing Pop Montreal - or when they cover Tegan and Sara. But I'm not sure they should be in rotation, and the R3-30 should definitely stick to Canadian artists only.

#16 posted by
prankfurter
on Jun 05, 2009

as long as you dont stop supporting/playing the great indie Canadian artists you do currently.

being able to hear the decemberists, modest mouse, death cab,laura viers, ect on r3 wouldbe great alongside joel, wintersleep, arcade fire, buck 65 ect.

#17 posted by
RichardCunningham
on Jun 05, 2009

If I want to listen to international artists I'll listen to last.fm. I like the current format because it gives me the opportunity to expose myself to Canadian music. After all isn't that what Radio 3 is all about?

#18 posted by
posterofagirl
on Jun 05, 2009

the 100% canadian makes r3 so unique!!!! but i def think the idea shouted out above abt an international segment??? that would be cool and not take away from the canadian, but add some internationalness.

#19 posted by
doug the canuck
on Jun 05, 2009

I have to whole heartedly agree with the folks who have already voted NO. CBC R3 is a refreshing change from any of the other commercial stations out there, online or not.

My show is constantly inspired by whats going on at Radio3. Please keep it 100% Canadian Content.

I mean, seriously Grant.....remember, it wasn't too long ago that it was nearly impossible to meet the CAN CON requirements for any show we hosted.

But NOW - the great quality Canadian music is flowing like the mighty Red River during flood season....DONT DAMN IT UP!!!

cheers!

#20 posted by
petersm
on Jun 05, 2009

Hi everybody,

Nobody likes cliques, and nobody wants to feel like they're being snooty and exclusive, so I get why you want to open up the web-radio to non-Canadian music.

There are, however, lots of venues for non-Canadian indie music out there. There's only one content provider out there that plays *only* Canadian indie. That's you guys.

cheers

Peter

#21 posted by
spacemanspifj
on Jun 05, 2009

I love listening to R3 and knowing that I am enjoying great Canadian music, no questions asked. I think the regular playlist should be all Canadian, but a set international slot would be interesting. Also, if for some a particular international song fits in with a theme or a story that would be cool too.

#22 posted by
Gibsonguitarist
on Jun 05, 2009

I love international artists!!! But I love Canadian music even more!!!!! In fact I find with the help of CBC Radio 3, things can only get better for Canadian music. By adding international artists we will be taking away the originality of this station. There may be many future duplicates down the road, but there can only be one all Canadian Indie CBC Radio 3.

#23 posted by
AlexOfAnders
on Jun 05, 2009

I'm just curious what the driving force for the 85/15 split on the website is? Is it due to the entire station soon to be simucast and you're trying to decide which format should stay? Are there other pressures or arguements to add international content?

I hope you'll give us some of the back story.

I will say I like the idea that maybe one or two show a week has a little international flavour but not daily rotation and definitely not the R3-30 although I thought the list already had some international content but it doesn't get played...

#24 posted by
dawn.h
on Jun 05, 2009

I vote 'no' to international. I like the content as is. I'll look elsewhere for non-Canadian music.

But I like JoeGinClark's idea (if the international content change is final already) - only play international when it relates directly to Canadian indie music.

#25 posted by
rocknrollloser
on Jun 05, 2009

I don't really have anything to add that hasn't already been said, but I would cry a little if this happened. Not because I'm against international artists (and in all fairness I could do with a little more international exposure) but because the Ceeb is just so gosh darn unabashedly Canadian and that's what I love about it!

#26 posted by
kermitology
on Jun 05, 2009

It's a slippery slope isn't it?

Canadian music has so much to offer, and having a venue like NMC and CBC Radio 3 is awesome for Canadian artists. But by the same token, the best music is not always Canadian.

As long as the devotion to Canadian artists doesn't change, then what's wrong with international artists? It's probably better if those artists are more of the indie variety though.. IMO.

#27 posted by
Goose42
on Jun 05, 2009

I voted yes on the poll, but I'd like to stipulate that I think this should only occur as long as the focus remains on independent artists.

To take it even further, it would be preferable if the international contingent that would spring up here should also be limited to the more obscure and less popular artists, just to keep Radio 3 unique in the broadcasting world. Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails are technically independent artists (and I'm huge fans of both), but if they came up on a Radio 3 playlist I'd be quite taken aback, and it would definitely feel odd and out of place.

#28 posted by
axis
on Jun 05, 2009

I voted no. Sure, there are a pile of non-Canadian artists I enjoy, like Andrew Bird, Gomez, Silversun Pickups, and Spinerette. But the all-Canadian lineup of R3 is one reason I prefer it to other stations. Conversely, the large number of international (esp. British) guests is one of the few criticisms I have of Q.

Would you consider having one show per week featuring international talent, as an alternative?

#29 posted by
Absotively
on Jun 05, 2009

I could maybe support 95/5. I think that would be closer to what some of the other commenters are suggesting, that the occasional international song when there's a reason for it would be fine but having international music in rotation wouldn't be so great.

#30 posted by
Frankus
on Jun 05, 2009

Yes.
I love independent Canadian music. I like listening to it a lot.
But if there is a cool song that comes along but is not Canadian, I would like to hear it too.
The Peter, Bjorn and John song is a good example of the kind of song that could/should be played.
I want independence. If Grant or Craig or Lauren hear a song that is cool and would fit, then play it.
I don't want a strict ratio but I expect mostly (90% ?) Canadian music.
I don't like the idea of not being able to play a good piece of music because of the birth place of the artists.

#31 posted by
Halcyon
on Jun 05, 2009

Not digging it. Keep it 100% Canadian. That's what makes it what it is!

#32 posted by
ollydolly
on Jun 05, 2009

Please no. If you must, and I feel y'all at Radio 3 would like to, do what Silvorgold suggested and have "international" hour once a week.

#33 posted by
rocknrollloser
on Jun 05, 2009

There is just so much great Canadian music. It's not like we need to look to international artists to fill up the playlists and keep things fresh.

#34 posted by
TheRadioHead
on Jun 05, 2009

No, to international music.

This is also beneficial to the international listeners, to know that R3 is the source for ENTIRELY Canadian music.

They have options for their own music in their home countries.

Personally, I think this would be a great step backwards.

#35 posted by
boders
on Jun 05, 2009

Geez this really has me torn; a big part of me wants to scream NO!!, as many others have already noted, it makes me very proud to think of the web feed being 100% Canadian and anything less feels strange. If it were to happen I think a few important caveats would have to apply: Only indie international artists. No international artists on the R3-30. Maybe only international stuff during one hosts show even...

#36 posted by
dawn.h
on Jun 05, 2009

#37 posted by
rdickie
on Jun 05, 2009

I don't think CBC3 should do 15% international. If we play any music we should have a rule saying that they must be on tour in canada.

What I think cbc3 really needs to do is mix up the playlist. Quite frankly, I've heard the same songs over and over again. I would love to mix in a lot more songs that I haven't heard in a while. One thing I like about Bande à part is that they'll throw in some 3 or 4 year old songs all the time.

#38 posted by
OneA
on Jun 05, 2009

Grant,
Yes! Yes! Yes! I seem to be one of the only yes votes, but hey whatever. Here's my reasoning: I have virtually shunned all forms of non-R3 radio and therefore am completely out of the loop on the world-indie scene, but lately I've been trying to get back into the loop and I LOVE what I've been hearing (lots of the Ting Tings, umm Yeah Yeah Yeahs, hmmm I'm sure there are hundreds). I KNOW you guys will be playing the best that the world indie scene has to offer and for that I am uber-stoked! Plus I think 85/15 is a good, solid split to keep it real Canadian. So, YES!

#39 posted by
tjwolfe
on Jun 05, 2009

Speaking of Canadian music, Dave McCann and the Ten Toed Frogs are playing the Slice in Lethbridge tonight. Making the trip south from Calgary. Hooray!

#40 posted by
rocknrollloser
on Jun 05, 2009

Okay I take back my solid "no" and turn it into a passive one. I think an international hour, or show would be kinda neat. It would allow us to get out of our norm for an hour a day or whatever and learn some new stuff, but then we'd know that any other time we were listening would be 100% Canadian.

#41 posted by
OneA
on Jun 05, 2009

Can you make the international tracks a different color on the playlist so we can tell which ones they are? That would be wicked.

#42 posted by
124th Street Beat
on Jun 05, 2009

I love the purely Canadian content of R3 - but the US, Europe, etc. also have great music scenes that are underrepresented by their local radio stations. So why not showcase a few poorly represented but amazing international bands on R3? I think if R3 goes this route it will be important to stay away from the White Stripes and go for more artists like The Dutchess and The Duke. Or perhaps focus on bands that have a Canadian connection or have been influenced by the great imaginative music coming out of the great white north. I am sure they are out there!

#43 posted by
karbog
on Jun 05, 2009

I'd like CBC Radio 3 to stay 100% Canadian. I like having one source to find all my AMAZING Canadian music. There are other places to find international artists such as BBC Radio 6 and Triple J (in Australia). So please keep this the place for 100% Canadian content!

Thanks from an American who wants to move to the Great White North.

#44 posted by
flare
on Jun 05, 2009

I absolutely DO NOT want to hear international artists on radio 3! I listen to CBC Radio 3 because I want to hear Canadian content. If I wanted to hear international artists I'd listen to another station. Please please don't change it!

If Radio 3 were to start playing non-Canadian content, I might just stop listening. I'm not kidding. What would be the point? It would be very disappointing.

#45 posted by
TheRadioHead
on Jun 05, 2009

I fear that "international" is code word for "American".

We are loosing enough of ourselves to American culture, and I do fear this is a slippery slope.

#46 posted by
badkaren
on Jun 05, 2009

i love tuning into all canadian, all the time. when i travelled through europe, it was so great to be able to tune in online and keep up with my fave canadian bands who didn't get much, if any, exposure elsewhere. and now that i'm back in the great green northwest, i still appreciate because i still can't hear most of them on any other radio station. if/when i want to keep up with the joneses, i can go to every other radio station.

xo from powell river
bad karen :)

ps: canadian artists who had to migrate elsewhere to get record deals etc still count as canadian!

#47 posted by
Frankus
on Jun 05, 2009

Like OneA said, this is about all I listen to so I am out of the loop in terms of other music.
Maybe a show or even a song here and there won't kill anyone. Jeesh!

#48 posted by
SDRRRR
on Jun 05, 2009

with what goose & rdickie are saying

#49 posted by
kks
on Jun 05, 2009

Today its 85%/15%, tomorrow its 60%/40%, next week its only top Canadian indie artists. A slippery, slippery slope. Sound like CBC on TV anyone?

How long until a non-canadian is featured in the podcast? An R3 session? X3 artist of the month? These are distinctly R3 initiatives that should be kept to promote the best of Canadian indie music.

We are but a small country of ~30 million people. The United States have ~300 million. They have so many more outlets for all their music, we dont need to become another one for them.

The fact that I can listen to only Canadian indie artists, from the little guy up to well-established artists is a very big reason why I caught on and have kept on listening to R3, _every day_. I've already seen, and have tickets to see, tons of artists I found through R3, and I'm a newbie compared to most veterans on the blog.

Sure, indie artists deserve exposure anywhere they can get it, Canadian or not. And there is definitely no shortage of amazing talent coming from the states as well (TV On The Radio whom i saw on tuesday is an excellent example). But the scenes are too different between our countries. Americans have very little trouble crossing the border, whereas Canadian indies have a much harder time crossing the border. Even though they were referring to an older time, This Book Is Broken by Stuart Berman describes the situation quite well in the early chapters. It has gotten better, but not by much.

And let's just say that I do agree.. the White Stripes? Because they really need any more air time. The Dead Weather is already getting massive media exposure and their album isnt out for another month.

You have to wonder why this is coming about.. is R3 not getting enough listeners? More income required? Being pressured by american counterparts? Alien conspiracy? How about that law going through the states requiring more royalties from radio for playing artists?

Please, R3, the last remaining purely Canadian outlet, stay your awesome self. All Canadian, all the time.

Massive, enormous, gigantic NO.

#50 posted by
Absotively
on Jun 05, 2009

Yeah, me too.

Are there any numbers on what nationality of non-Canadian artists get played on the Sirius channel?

#51 posted by
kermitology
on Jun 05, 2009

rocknrollloser has a great idea.. international hour!

Let's you play interesting things from around the world, or might as well be Canadian's like Neko Case.

#52 posted by
posterofagirl
on Jun 05, 2009

i agree with TheRadiohead... i hope if it goes international..its actually international and not american. and like oneA suggested, diff colors for int'n tracks would be sweeeeet!

#53 posted by
SChappellaz
on Jun 05, 2009

When is the new website going to be up and running?

#54 posted by
vancouverita
on Jun 05, 2009

i think..

it would be great to have a bit o' international noise in with our canadian mix (or, alternately, an "int'l program")--- that being said having white stripes would be a stretch, to say the very least. i think it would have to keep with the "breaking new sounds" in that they would be indie bands to avoid the fear that cbc would be a clone of other radio stations.

i think the 85% 15% split is reasonable, (though i might even suggest a 90-10 split) i don't feel that the int'l artists would be a threat to canadian artists in any way, as listeners of cbc 3 are conscientious and are making a point of supporting canadian music, going to their shows, etc. give yourselves some credit!

canadians are world travellers (in fact, many of us have immigrated to this great land), and active and interested in the world around them (beyond our borders), so naturally we're interested in the indie sounds coming from all corners of the globe? a little bit? i can only speak for myself, but i don't see the harm.

either way, we lovvve radio 3, and we'll be keepin' it locked.

#55 posted by
Halcyon
on Jun 05, 2009

I could be convinced to go from the solid "no" to the passive "no" on your argument. An international hour (or less) wouldn't be a bad thing. I'd just hate to see it go farther than that and it seems like a slippery slope.

#56 posted by
WildWorks
on Jun 05, 2009

Just in case Grant is trying to call me out to weigh in on the blog. At the moment, I have no answer because I am listening to RTHK's overnight program. As I write this, I just listened to Leonard Cohen's Dance Me to the End of Love live track. The fill-in DJ was playing the usual Chinese (Cantopop), some 90s R&B and Korean (K-Pop) songs.
Friday to Sunday is the only time I listen to the Hong Kong radio station. Friday, just 2-6pm (am their time) and then I get time to listen to Lana Gay afterwards. :D
I can't wait to listen to the Said The Whale interview if I get the chance. :)

#57 posted by
Colin Medley
on Jun 05, 2009

For the past few years, I've listened almost exclusively to Canadian music. However, lately I've been discovering more and more international acts that I really enjoy. Nevertheless, adding non-Canadian artists to the playlist might take away what makes CBC Radio 3 so unique. In addition to that, there is just so much music to choose from around the world, how would you decide what gets played? What I like right now is that the playlist has a decent mix of major-indie acts and smaller, truly independant bands. Would you guys really be able to get the same mix from the rest of the world? Would we start getting Pitchfork-approved hype bands shoved down our throats just for the sake of it? I don't really think it's necessary, at least not at this point in time. Would the changes only affect the playlist or would the rest of the website also showcase international bands? Hmm, thinking about this some more, this might be a good idea. I'm not exactly sure how large the audience for CBC Radio 3 is outside of Canada. 15% isn't a lot really, if you think about it, and it might draw in some international listeners to the website. It's a loaded question for sure, and it seems most people on here are against it. Maybe if you can assure us that the content will remain primarily Canadian, and if you stick to it, it could really help the site grow!

I guess I just talked myself into supporting this idea. Though if anyone wants to sway me the other way, I'm open to that too.

#58 posted by
OneA
on Jun 05, 2009

I think everyone's a little too worried they're going to turn on R3 and hear Lady GaGa or something, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! (Right, Grant, please don't tell me I'm going to hear Lady GaGa on R3, pleeeease!)

#59 posted by
Hazel
on Jun 05, 2009

I think we Just need a place where we can hear "all" the best Canada has to offer. If I want to hear a mix of Canadian and International music I turn on my radio to the normal CBC one or two play. CBC radio 3 is just great the way it is.

#60 posted by
rocknrollloser
on Jun 05, 2009

I think everyone is freaking out about music from the states. But I think this would go over better if it was indie music from NZ, Aus..etc.

While living in NZ i was shocked at how huge Canadian music is there. Also, the mainstream music they get is mostly of British influence whereas we are of American influence. It was neat to see the huge differences. I did feel bad for NZ indie artists because they have little to no outlets and their only hope at success is to get to England and tour there. The country is 4 million people and once you've toured a couple times that's about all you can do. If the CBC dedicates it's 15% to helping bands like that rather than bands that are already exploding on the indie scene in the states then I think it would be much better received by listeners.

#61 posted by
kks
on Jun 05, 2009

The fact that you have shunned yourself from other stations and are out of the loop is no fault of R3. I listen to R3 for about 9 hours a day (work + home) but I get tons of exposure from international (not just meaning american, british) artists by other means. It is unbelievably easy to find indie artists from other countries, but it is just as unbelievably hard to find a great source of purely Canadian indie music.. and most of those reference CBC3!

#62 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

Keep it just the way it is, 100% Canadian + Neko Case. There needs to be a place on the spectrum where we can get all Canadian and Only Canadian music.

The split would be the end of R3 as R3 - it wouldn't be all Canadian anymore and once that happens it would eventually become 80-20 then 75 - 25 then 50 - 50 etc.,

You're basically asking if it's ok to kill CBC Radio 3 and the answer is a resounding NO. It wasn't ok for the CBC to kill it, and it's not ok for it to commit suicide either.

#63 posted by
Steve Pratt
on Jun 05, 2009

Hi gang,

Grant asked me to post here with a bit more detail on the background of the decision we have to make. We currently have 2 separate stations with some overlap between them - Sirius and web radio.

We're probably going to move to a single station on Monday, June 15th (result of CBC budget cuts from the financial troubles plaguing us all), but first, we have a big decision to make: which of our 2 current stations' music mixes should we choose?

In our office, there is a fairly good divide and not a clear answer. And we don't want to make a big mistake by assuming we know the answer - we want to know what YOU think since you're the ones who will (hopefully) be listening to it regularly.

Our Current Sirius Mix:
As a condition of license, we play a minimum of 85% Canadian artists, which means that roughly 15% of our playlist is made up of international acts. In addition to the best of new Canadian music, you also get some great non-CanCon (ie: Decemberists, Shins, Beck, Vampire Weekend, etc)

Web Radio Mix:
We play 100% Canadian music. Every song we play is available as an on-demand stream on New Music Canada, you can click on the songs that are playing and visit the artists' pages, and you can add songs on web radio to your personal, on-demand playlists.

Some of the arguments for keeping the Sirius mix:
-it will help draw in a bigger audience that will then be introduced to new Canadian acts
-we can showcase the best of international music side-by-side with the best from Canada and show how we stack up
-it better reflects what our audience might actually be listening to.

Some of the arguments for keeping the Web Radio mix:
-our 'brand' is very, very clear (100% Canadian)
-every song works with full interactivity on the website (international artists do not have pages on New Music Canada, would not be available for inclusion in personal playlists, etc).
-web radio supporters believe that as a public broadcaster, we should be playing as much Canadian music as possible.

BUT WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Tell us whether you want the mix we currently use on Sirius or the Web Radio mix and why?

Is 100% CanCon too much or exactly what makes us special?

Does anyone listen exclusively to music from one country?

Is there a third option we should consider?

Thanks for all your feedback on this big decision for us - we REALLY appreciate it.

Steve

Steve Pratt
Director, CBC Radio 3

#64 posted by
SDRRRR
on Jun 05, 2009

Is because the jangly guitar sound that is overwhelmingly associated with Canadian music drives me crazy. Maybe it's because I've lived in big cities my whole life, but sometimes Canadian music feels so stuck in the 90s. The most interesting stuff only seems to get exposure when it's received international exposure (eg Crystal Castles, Thunderheist, Japandroids , even Leslie Feist ended up going to France for a year just some examples) . So I'd hope that if there was some exposure to stuff like Buraka Som Sistema, La Roux, etc Canadian ears would get more open.

#65 posted by
Conri
on Jun 05, 2009

I think it would be great to have some international artists, there are many great artists here and around the globe.

#66 posted by
anabanana
on Jun 05, 2009

a bit of a side note:

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What: roller derby
When: Saturday 6pm
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:)

sorry promoting the team.

#67 posted by
InfinityMedia
on Jun 05, 2009

I love music and I don't care where it comes from. But when I come to CBC radio 3 I'm here for the Canadian Music. If it were not a government funded institution i would say go for it, but you have the BEST radio station ANYWHERE right now and it's because you are true to your niche!!! I say partner up with some other sites and put permalinks to those songs on your blog. They can do thje same. it will help everyone's SEO and drive traffic from other countries to your site. BUT WHATEVER YOU DO DON'T DILUTE YOUR SOUND. Other countries have great music but you're here by Canadians for Canadians and we LOVE it!!!

#68 posted by
darbarspecial
on Jun 05, 2009

I will put in a vote for the yes side. A minority here it seems. I agree with some of the comments already. Keep it independent and keep it primarily Canadian, but I love music and would like to hear a bit of what is going on in the rest of the world. I don't listen to anything but R3 all day at work and don't want to leave here.

Darlene

#69 posted by
ottawateeth
on Jun 05, 2009

Yes...as much as I love CBC Radio 3, it gets pretty tiresome hearing the same song every 3 or 4 hours. ie. I heard the Classified and Joel Plaskett song twice in as many hours. I'm not sure if playing international artists will be the remedy for this, but it might help freshen things up.
While we're at it, can I just say that it would be nice if there was more "classics" played on R3...or maybe a show dedicated to the classics...a show where you can tune in to and hear the inbreds, change of heart, doughboys, pluto, salmonblaster, gandharvas, thrush hermit, superfriendz, eric's trip, chixdiggit!, zumpano, et al. Just a thought.

Speaking of Zumpano...Grant, could you please play 'Let's fight"?

cheers

#70 posted by
ottawateeth
on Jun 05, 2009

and may I just add that I have a sirius sat. radio and I enjoy the format (with the odd international artist thrown in)...

#71 posted by
boders
on Jun 05, 2009

would this change generate more revenue? i'm all for R3 being better funded. My understanding was that part of the cuts R3 would face would be having it's budget for live broadcasts and sessions joined with Radio2's budget. Maybe Tariq could host an international podcast weekly if this change happened.

#72 posted by
cmcavoy
on Jun 05, 2009

ooo. love it.

#73 posted by
mcfflyer
on Jun 05, 2009

As an American, I listen to radio3 on line almost every day, and am completely comfortable with the 100% Canadian content. Matter of fact, I was in my daughter in law's car who had Sirrus, and when I listened, I kept hearing music that I didn't recognize - and frankly didn't like it - but it might have been sheerly from unfamiliarity. As I've said before, all I listen to is Canadian music, and there may be great American indie music, but I don't know where to find it - and I'm not looking at all, because I've found what I like right here.

I understand TheRadioHead's concern, although in this music, I think there's probably just as much indie music coming from other English speaking countries as there is the US.

One last thing. Can-Con. In 1977, I took the train from BC to NS and back. I brought along my tape recorder to record the radio stations, gathering the airchecks that I find intersting to listen to. But it was so, uhh, disappointing to come to Canada and hear the same stuff that I heard back home, with only a few exceptions. And it was the same from Vancouver to Halifax. There were differences, true, but not many. And that's so unfortunate. However, I did hear a Burton Cummings song that never was played down here.

My vote - don't change this. 100% Canadian.

Gee, seems like I should immigrate, doesn't it?

Lee Hower
Sacramento, California

#74 posted by
rocknrollloser
on Jun 05, 2009

Yes you should immigrate already!!!

#75 posted by
nicole.n
on Jun 05, 2009

The last time I checked Jeremy Fisher was from Hamilton. Westdale Secondary School.

#76 posted by
dawn.h
on Jun 05, 2009

In Toronto as part of the Luminato Festival..

"NEIL YOUNG’S HELPLESS VOTED TOP SONG FOR LUMINATO’S THE GREAT CANADIAN TUNE. Bring your guitar and help get Toronto into the Guinness Book of World Records!"

They give you the lyrics and chords online and you register that afternoon to play along.

#77 posted by
Moses
on Jun 05, 2009

I'm in favour of more international artists. The reason Radio 3 is successful is because it plays a variety of artists. The greater the variety the better. I can only stand hearing so much of The Arcade Fire and Metric. Radio 3s lack of variety is one of the reasons I enjoy The Virge on XM so much more. Most of the time it's the same artists, but they have a larger variety because they play multiple tracks from the artists rather than just the latest thing. Take The Dears for example. I have yet to hear Crysis 1&2 on Radio 3, but a lot of Money Babies. On The Virge I'd hear them both just less frequently. The variety makes it better.

Radio 3 can either play a larger variety of the same artists, or play a wider variety of artists.

#78 posted by
TheRadioHead
on Jun 05, 2009

You clearly were born on the wrong side of the 49th!

#79 posted by
Moses
on Jun 05, 2009

I agree with Grant that The Magician (Cameilo) is the song of the summer

#80 posted by
Halcyon
on Jun 05, 2009

Question: If the Sirius mix is chosen over the Web Radio mix, what would be the rough setup of the website? Would we be loosing the ability to create play lists and all that jazz?

Is it really expected that 15% international content will bring in a larger audience? If it is "international" then that's well less than 1% per country. Put your self in the international shoes of the listener. Would you listen to an international radio station that only played one song from your country every hundred if you weren't interested in the music of that country in the first place. And if you were, they why not just choose one that has 100% content from the country of interest?

I like expanding my musical conscience but there are many ways to do that while the current content of radio 3 is doing it's best to fill a very big, very important and very empty space.

PS, I've listened to both mixes and I vastly prefer the web radio version. Infact, after being an avid radio 3 listener for several years before hearing the Sirius station, i was rather disappointed in it's content. Maybe I'm bias but I'm sure there's a reason why.

#81 posted by
SChappellaz
on Jun 05, 2009

I think R3 has alot of Canadian options if it wants to spice up its playlists. I agree a little with Moses about the variety. R3 should delve into the NMC pages more and get a variety of music from there - not internationally.

#82 posted by
kks
on Jun 05, 2009

On the points "-it better reflects what our audience might actually be listening to." and "-it will help draw in a bigger audience that will then be introduced to new Canadian acts" (which are really the same thing btw), I hate these arguments, and it is 100% the wrong way to think about media. This is exactly the same argument constantly used by CBC TV to get more american programming where Canadian should be. People want better programming, so lets get it elsewhere. And of course, the numbers show when you get a top show and put it in place of a dud Canadian show, but TV is a very different medium than music.

There is no shortage of awesome Canadian indie music, of all genres. R3 should continue to showcase the best in Canadian music. Thats the identity of this station. Thats the personality of this station. That, in a perhaps more indirect way, determines the content. We know when we listen to R3 we're getting awesome Canadian music because thats what we know R3 is. When you start to impose these artificial splits, it hacks at what we know is R3 and creates a very slippery slope.

Sure, we still trust the hosts and producers to serenade us with ear-pleasing tunes, but how long before R3 starts to lose its identity and turns into every other chart topper station. It happened to 102.1 The Edge in toronto. And if you want to go to the extreme, there are plenty of stations in the states who refuse to play anything but seasoned hits for fear of losing their ratings. I know R3 will never get there, but thats the end of the slope that we can slip ever further into.

Btw NMC is the single coolest thing ever on any music site. Anyone who I've shown it to was instantly impressed, and I've got several people hooked on bands that ive sent song permalinks to.

100% Canadian. Please don't taint R3 :)

#83 posted by
frenchick.eh
on Jun 05, 2009

Honestly? I listen to R3 because you guys play really good Canadian music.

I live in a Classic Rock town and it's, well maddenning. If R3 didn't exist I never would have discovered Hey Ocean!, Hot Panda, Jason Collett, Sebastian Grainger, Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees, Elliott Brood, Thunderheist, Radio Radio . . . and a whole whack of other exceptionally talented Canadian artists. Where else am I going to hear Metric and The Sleepless Nights?

That said, I also happen to enjoy international artists (Peter Bjorn and John, Shout Out Loud, Aurevoir Simone, Regina Spektor . . .) and wouldn't mind hearing from those artists and discovering new ones once in a while.

I guess what I'm saying is this: Go Canada! first, and "Oh, you guys too" second.

#84 posted by
canad ian
on Jun 05, 2009

Gotta say I love the 100% Canadian content, it was my homesickness remedy for years while I was abroad, and I'd hate to see that change.

But that said R3 can surely be trusted to incorporate the best of the best from overseas. And even the international tracks could carry a Canadian thread, like playing Peaches' remix of Ladyhawke's "Paris Is Burning" track or something.

I'd still prefer it stay 100% Canuck though.

#85 posted by
124th Street Beat
on Jun 05, 2009

When the website switches over, are we going to loose our playlists? I really don't want to loose mine, I listen to it a lot to get through the late nights of work.

#86 posted by
TheRadioHead
on Jun 05, 2009

I wouldn't confuse the problem of R3's programming being repetitive, with their needing to be a greater spectrum of artists to choose from.

They have a huge library to choose from, past and present, and for what ever their reasons are, choose not to.

They have gotten the complaint that R3 has a "top 40" playlist many times before, the change would be that 15% of it would be international.

#87 posted by
keydive
on Jun 05, 2009

Jeremy Fisher been on yet? I heart Jeremy Fisher <3

#88 posted by
cmcavoy
on Jun 05, 2009

Tom Dobranski and Zach Gray from Lotus Child are now The Zolas :
http://www.myspace.com/thezolas

They're touring with Said The Whale to NXNE and back starting next week.
It's great stuff and my new favourite lyric from them is: "I met her at The Biltmore, she was cold and over-styled"
<3

#89 posted by
mcivor74
on Jun 05, 2009

I like the idea of playing some more classics, not just modern rock. The reason I love Radio 3 (other than the great music) is the fact that if I can hear a new band and know that there is a very good chance that they will be around my neck of the woods for a show in the next few months.

#90 posted by
metoo
on Jun 05, 2009

I agree that there is great international music out there. But CBC is the CANADIAN broadcasting corporation. Let others fill the international niche. No one else will fill the niche for promoting canadian music. If I want to listen to music from other countries I can always change the station (not that I do, radio 3 all day for me!)

#91 posted by
kks
on Jun 05, 2009

This question reminds me of something that I see becoming more and more relevant every day:

Do one thing really well, or do many things marginally well?

Jack of all trades, master of none?

You can extend this into many situations and in the vast majority of cases, it makes much more sense to do one thing really well.

(and yes i realize steamwhistle uses that as a slogan)

#92 posted by
bj
on Jun 05, 2009

I like the idea of international music only if:

a) it's independent. I don't want to hear bands like the White Stripes on R3 because I can get that anywhere. Play artists that we wouldn't otherwise get a chance to hear.

b) it's kept to a reasonable amount. 15% sounds like a lot, maybe 10%? If you start playing too much, I might start complaining. A lot.

#93 posted by
Crystal Dee
on Jun 05, 2009

NOOOOOOOOO - there is only one station in canada that is dedicated to canadian music - CBC - many of the artists played here woulnd't get airplay on any other station and consequentially no $$ from SOCAN for their music. So what if you here the same song twice - have you listened to private radio lately - you'll here the same song 4 or 5 times a day. At least the $ is going into the pockets of artists who need the $

#94 posted by
Absotively
on Jun 05, 2009

Is there any way for the Radio 3 hosts to tell when a song was last played when they program it? I'm starting to wonder whether they even know that a given track was played less than two hours ago.

#95 posted by
Russe
on Jun 05, 2009

I love this site because it's a place for me to feel at home. It's my favourite for the Can-con not stuff I can't hear other places!

Though I suppose it wouldn't be bad if you put up independent international artists in concerts and sessions when they perform in Canada. That could be a cool thing, right?

#96 posted by
dawn.h
on Jun 05, 2009

"Does anyone listen exclusively to music from one country? "

I do now. Ha. And I'm actually happier.

Not that I didn't listen to A LOT of Canadian indie artists before. But for the last year or so I've listened to very little non-Canadian and, exclusionary as that is, I sort of prefer it. Maybe it's a phase but I'm happy with my phase.

I know where to go for non-Canadian acts when I want them back (although they're not as good as Radio 3 is now at promoting the acts they play or making me feel part of a community).

#97 posted by
BigRockFan
on Jun 05, 2009

I wouldn’t object to maybe 5% non-Canadian content. As others have said, I think it would be nice to be able to play the odd non-Canadian song from time to time. It would be great to be able to play Neko Case, for example, and there are other songs that that might be relevant to Canadians for some reason. We’re in the process of assimilating Elvis Costello and it might be nice to be able to play him from time to time, as another example.

#98 posted by
Peeing with Daddy
on Jun 05, 2009

So where should I go next if R3 isn't 100% cancon? I think zunior has a song stream. There's probably a zillion podcasts.

I'm looking for new music 100% cancon. Anybody? Hey, maybe just keep me an up-to-date Canadian playlist here.

#99 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

Steve the arguments for the Sirius mix are pure b.s.

"Some of the arguments for keeping the Sirius mix:
-it will help draw in a bigger audience that will then be introduced to new Canadian acts
-we can showcase the best of international music side-by-side with the best from Canada and show how we stack up
-it better reflects what our audience might actually be listening to."

Radio 3 is not going to attract more listeners with 15% international music. People who want to hear the best international indie music have hundreds of options and will say that at 85/15 R3 is too Canadian.

People listen to R3 for the best Canadian music, not the best international music. If you were considering changing to the reverse (15% Canadian) then you might have a shot at being an international station - but you'd be getting into some very crowded waters and going after an entirely new audience.

Throwing in the 15% token international artists will not appease those who want an international playlist, will piss off some of your core audience and will kill Radio 3's current brand

#100 posted by
metoo
on Jun 05, 2009

I don't listen to CBC radio 1 or 2. I'll download the odd podcast from them. But primarily I don't listen to them because they don't have the all canadian indie appeal that radio 3 has.

#101 posted by
FundyEd
on Jun 05, 2009

I wouldn't say no to a weekly showcase of international indy music as chosen by Canadian acts -- maybe in rotating guest hosting duties?

#102 posted by
frenchick.eh
on Jun 05, 2009

I might have spoken too soon. Because the more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards keeping R3 %100 Canadian.

Because it's the reason why I listen: it's Canadian, it's fresh and it's not the same old crap you hear on every other station across the country.

There you go, my two cents worth!

#103 posted by
Wyssel
on Jun 05, 2009

I would prefer that if it has to happen that it be kept separate from the regular programming. Just like there's a show dedicated to French music, this international music could be part of an 'international spotlight' show. This way, people who don't want their canadian programming 'polluted' with non-canadian music know when they need to avoid listening and you'll still get to expose those who are interested in this music to it.

I think I'd tune in :)

#104 posted by
John Paolozzi
on Jun 05, 2009

"If the Sirius mix is chosen over the Web Radio mix, what would be the rough setup of the website? Would we be loosing the ability to create play lists and all that jazz?"

No!

In fact, quite the opposite. You will be able to create a personal profile, with multiple playlists. We haven't worked out the details, but non-Canadian tracks will appear in the player, but you most likely not be able to add those tracks to your playlists.

#105 posted by
124th Street Beat
on Jun 05, 2009

Oh Grant,

It brought a tear to my eye to hear you mention the old Radio 2 on Saturday nights. I love radio 3, but nothing will ever replace those shows. I remember when you were the mailman and David Wisdom still hosted. Then your coupe to host, Alexis... Sigh.

Re: Justin Beach and his rant -
I beg to differ, I have a few friends who rarely listen to r3 anymore because it is only Canadian, and I am sure they would tune in more often if there was more of a mix - which includes not just more international acts, but as others have mentioned, less repeats and more different songs from the same band.

#106 posted by
frenchick.eh
on Jun 05, 2009

I went to university with that dude! Now, I ask you: WHERE would I hear this stuff if it wasn't for R3?

Okay, now I'm done

#107 posted by
frenchick.eh
on Jun 05, 2009

I went to university with that dude! Now, I ask you: WHERE would I hear this stuff if it wasn't for R3?

Okay, now I'm done

#108 posted by
124th Street Beat
on Jun 05, 2009

BUT will be be able to maintain our present playlist??

#109 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

Part of the reason for starting NxEW.ca was that even with R3 being 100% Canadian - there are still great Canadian acts not getting enough attention and not getting enough (or in some cases any) airplay.

So at NxEW we have (as of today) more than 100 volunteers helping to pick up the slack (and we still need way more). But you're talking about creating more slack.

#110 posted by
oldhat
on Jun 05, 2009

If there was room on the old (and much lamented) Radio 2 Saturday night show for international artists, which was on just once a week, why wouldn't there be room for it in this 24-7 format? I think the Canadian music is strong enough to withstand an onslaught (15% at that) of foreign invaders. I remember discovering Belle and Sebastian through David Wisdom on the old Saturday night show. It seemed like that was the right kind of place to discover artists like that. Did I mention the old Saturday night show is much lamented?

#111 posted by
OneA
on Jun 05, 2009

Oooooh multiple playlists - I'm in love with that idea ;)
Also, I think a little international flavour will be awesome, I'm behind you guys 100% (since I have a feeling it's happening no matter what we say, haha).
OR, you could just add a host to the R3 roster with a hot sexy Aussie accent or something, haha. That would keep my ears tuned for sure, but I'm a sucker for an accent :)

#112 posted by
Mark MacArthur
on Jun 05, 2009

The way we have Sirius set up currently, 15% international equates to a maximum of 2 songs per hour during 'hosted shows' - and zero during any other time.

(I'm one of the Music Programmers for both the Sirius and the Web networks)

#113 posted by
Aly.B
on Jun 05, 2009

Those saying that international music will ruin R3 do get it that there is actually independent music being produced elsewhere in the world, right? It actually all sounds basically like the Canadian stuff.

This nationalist musical supremacy thing is kinda creeping me out.

#114 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

"I have a few friends who rarely listen to r3 anymore because it is only Canadian"

I doubt they would listen if it was 85% Canadian.

#115 posted by
Munkie
on Jun 05, 2009

What if there was some stipulation that an international musician had to be within 1 or 2 degrees of separation of a Canadian band in order to be played? I mean, Neko Case is practically a Canadian anyways, right?

#116 posted by
utopisteservile
on Jun 05, 2009

I'm definitely all for keeping the R3 website Canadian. When I listen to it on Sirius, I don't mind the International stuff but I definitely prefer the Can-Con. I get so sick and tired of mainstream radio playing Nickelback and Hedley as their Can-Con. Baloney. So... I vote for keepin' it real.. er, Canadian. Please!

#117 posted by
Wyssel
on Jun 05, 2009

Ahhh, it seems I did not read enough earlier posts before chiming in.... I am not the only person to suggest an international spotlight show instead of mixing it up.

#118 posted by
utopisteservile
on Jun 05, 2009

I like it! I would be okay with that. *nods* mmhmm.

#119 posted by
mono
on Jun 05, 2009

DON'T SELL OUT RADIO 3
STAY CANADIAN, STAY PROUD

#120 posted by
TheRadioHead
on Jun 05, 2009

My fear may come to be realized.

International=American!

#121 posted by
kks
on Jun 05, 2009

the math?

60*.15 = 9 min .. more like 2/3 songs, or a truncated freebird

#122 posted by
OneA
on Jun 05, 2009

"This nationalist musical supremacy thing is kinda creeping me out. "

My thoughts exactly.

#123 posted by
124th Street Beat
on Jun 05, 2009

actually, they would, but like i mentioned in my post, it isn't just international music that would get them to tune in more often, but less repeats and and more songs from each band. I am a huge R3 listener and talk about it a lot with my music lover friends (i.e. I try to get them to listen to it) and those three points are their biggest complaints.

#124 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

We get that, there are hundreds and hundreds of stations that play them. Wanting one station that only plays the best Canadian stuff doesn't mean we hate everyone else.

#125 posted by
savvie
on Jun 05, 2009

There's lots of opinions going on about this,
but my thoughts are that there are so many artists that are great that aren't yet on the radio3 playlist, that adding international acts takes away those opportunities from the canadian acts. (They took our jeeerrrbbbsss! anyone?) It would be a cool station, but there are others on Satalite radio that do that (what is it, underground college radio or something like that?)

Not being snobby, but Let's keep CBC Canadian :O)

#126 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

I'd still bet you they wouldn't. People may say "I might like it better if .... X, Y, Z" but generally if they know about it and they don't listen they aren't going to listen regardless. If Radio 3 changed it's playlists = more international, more diversity, they'd come up with some other reason why they didn't listen or they'd still say "too Canadian, too repetitive..."

#127 posted by
AlexOfAnders
on Jun 05, 2009

How many songs fit in an hour? About 15?
So 2 international and 13 Canadian an hour, right?

I'm still with Justin, this kind of dirties the brand. I will admit as much as I don't mind the 15% non-Canadian in the mix on Sirius, I always kind of wished I was just getting the web feed. The Sirius hosts are still great, just the web radio is 90-95% of my R3 listening.

I really don't think you'll get more listenership. I listen to mostly Canadian music now and I like it. My lack of international exposure is my choice, I decided to be a Bucky Booster. As much as R3 plays tastemaker a little in my life, I come here for Canadian tunes. I like knowing that everything is Canadian. If the "International Super Happy Funtimes hour" isn't an option then I stand strong on my no. As we all worry, it's a slippery slope and I will say that most of the "International" songs I've heard on the Sirius feed were American (but I'm only driving maybe less then 3 hours a week).

#128 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Jun 05, 2009

don't forget to account for my yakking!!!

#129 posted by
124th Street Beat
on Jun 05, 2009

My friends I am discussing are people who used to listen, not new listeners or those who visit occasionally. They are listeners that R3 has lost, or almost lost.

#130 posted by
Wyssel
on Jun 05, 2009

Thanks for the clarification. I'm sad to hear this grouping of the international music can't be done. If that's the case then unfortunately I have to put myself in the no category.

I really love that I can listen and always know that what I'm hearing is canadian; both so I don't look like an idiot when I talk about a band I've recently discovered and so I can be reasonably sure that they will eventually swing through my town. How will I know if a particular song is canadian or not with that sneaky 1 international song per hour?

#131 posted by
Andru
on Jun 05, 2009

Dearest Grant,
Your genius has been finding Canadian Music that is listenable and often fantastic.
This poetry of yours and Radio 3 is like rhyming in verse... This absurd constraint has driven you to new heights.
When I was a kid I spent my time trying to find music to listen to that was punk enough. Now I turn on r3 and there is a mighty gush of worthies... thanks!
I'd like to see you be able to cover international bands and play them when you go to say, Australia.
But having your hands tied behind your back makes you better.

I think there is probably a pretty reasonable compromise that will keep your hands tied and allow you to stumble forward off-kilter in excellence. ... only allow international songs that reference canada, or are recorded by R3 engineers at shows you folks go to following Canadian bands.
There is another niggling thing though... 15% ... would the 15% canadian songs and bands that get the axe... would they include bands I grew up with in Edmonton... Would it inhibit Canadian talent and exposure.
Finally I have a question I'd like you to answer on air. Do you think International content would make radio 3 better? How and Why?
I'd like you to answer in Rhyming verse.
Andru McCracken

#132 posted by
John Paolozzi
on Jun 05, 2009

"BUT will be be able to maintain our present playlist??"

Yes!

The first time you login after the launch of the new site, you'll find your user name and playlist intact. How you proceed is up to you. You can keep the status quo, butcher your old playlist to make new ones, whatever you want.

#133 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

I understand that, doesn't change what I said. Ask anyone who does market research, the only way to get back customers you've lost is with an entirely new product, not a slightly revamped version of the old one.

#134 posted by
kks
on Jun 05, 2009

oh i did grant, your voice is just as sweet and aurally pleasing as any song you play ;)

#135 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

I understand that, doesn't change what I said. Ask anyone who does market research, the only way to get back customers you've lost is with an entirely new product, not a slightly revamped version of the old one.

#136 posted by
124th Street Beat
on Jun 05, 2009

Thanks! That is good to know.... I will definitely be taking advantage of the multiple playlist option!!

#137 posted by
TheRadioHead
on Jun 05, 2009

He works in the US music industry.

He once told me that he could not quite put his finger on why he loves Canadian music, and why the sound was different than what he heard in the USA, but that it was very different.

Don't dilute our uniqueness!!

#138 posted by
124th Street Beat
on Jun 05, 2009

well I guess it is good that I am geologist and not in marketing!

I still say go for the change!

#139 posted by
nsgal
on Jun 05, 2009

Keep R3 the way it is, 100% Canadian. I feel like an all Canadian playlist is the station's raison d'etre, and a move away from that would only diminish its appeal. There are so many other options for hearing international acts, but not a lot of options for Canadian.

If anything, there should be an effort to mix up the playlist with some older, less played songs. It seems like the same couple of songs are repeated every hour sometimes!

#140 posted by
AlexOfAnders
on Jun 05, 2009

Just to back Justin up here, think of when you tried a restaurant you used to like. After they lost you, what would bring you back? Either someone has to force you into it or the restaurant changes hands completely.

@ others - What's with the "This nationalist musical supremacy thing is kinda creeping me out. " I don't think any of us have been arguing that Canadian music is better so only play it. I feel most of us are very passionate about supporting our artists and that R3 is very special in how they cater to this need. I agree, there are hundreds of fantastic international acts but why do they need to be on R3? How does that help Radio 3? It won't solve the repetition problem, that's a whole different animal.

#141 posted by
AlexOfAnders
on Jun 05, 2009

*think of a restaurant you used to like

Take out that "when you tried"

#142 posted by
124th Street Beat
on Jun 05, 2009

you're right, but that is why I am here to tell them about the changes and get them to check it out.

#143 posted by
AlexOfAnders
on Jun 05, 2009

But your scenario is a rare case. I would argue that most people in your friend's situations don't have someone who's going to try to drag them back. Plus, this is just getting them to try it again. Whether the changes make the desired impact is another question.

Although, I know I'm biased as a lot of the regular commenters who listen all day M-F. We are the super fans, I'm not sure if the 15/85 split will be enough to make any of us leave but you never know. I just don't see it gaining any extra fan base, the biggest thing that would help would be more coordination between shows to increase the playlist variety during the day and the week.

I understand it is very very hard to coordinate between pre-recorded and live shows made across the country and with different producers. But this is the number 1 complaint I've seen. Like I said, this 15% won't help that problem.

#144 posted by
OneA
on Jun 05, 2009

If it feels good, do it!

#145 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

I'm sensing that math is not your strong suit and that you are one of the people pushing for the 15% American. Even your music director Mark MacArthur says it means "2 songs per hour" are you saying that you should play two Neko Case songs/hour all the time? I love Neko but people might get tired of that (especially if they aren't fans.)

#146 posted by
crimewaves
on Jun 05, 2009

I AM VERY OPPOSED TO THIS IDEA.

COME ON, CBC IS canadian BROADCASTING! WE HAVE TO PROMOTE OUR OWN ARTISTS!

SO, NO!

#147 posted by
AlexOfAnders
on Jun 05, 2009

I assume it will be made before the June 15th switch right? Any idea when we can hear what's going to happen?

#148 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Jun 05, 2009

Believe me, with the amount I talk, it would only be one song per hour!!

#149 posted by
calculust
on Jun 05, 2009

Ideally, I'd like to see R3 stay with its 100% Canadian format. I will say though that I'm not totally against having international artists played here and there. I could probably deal with having one or two international songs per three hour show, but I don't know if I could handle the full 15%.

I really like the idea of keeping everything tied together. I'd prefer to hear about international artists playing in Canada, collaborating with Canadian artists, or those who have Canadian artists opening (or headlining!) for them.

One of the things I like about the current web format is the interactivity that Steve Pratt mentioned. It seems to me that by adding international artists, we would lose some of the functionality of the website. I like being able to add songs to my personal playlist, and I love that the playlist is linked to the artist's NMC page. This way I'm only a click away from learning more about those artists that intrigue me.

#150 posted by
JoeGinClark
on Jun 05, 2009

twitter versus poll results: Could it be that regular web radio listeners want things to stay the same because they like it that way, whereas people on twitter - which probably includes more occasional listeners, sirius listeners, podcast listeners, or old radio 3 on radio 2 listeners - are more open to international music. So do you risk alienating the former to appeal to the latter group? Tough one - especially when some people are so "vehement".

#151 posted by
MusicSoop
on Jun 05, 2009

I like it 100% (Mostly) Canadian. There's already too much good Canadian music you guys don't have time to play. Why play less?

As for the weekend, I have Holy F**k at the Troubadour Saturday night. As long as it isn't sold out. Can't wait!

#152 posted by
syndica
on Jun 05, 2009

I'm not a music expert familiar with all the performers you play on Radio3, but I love to listen whenever I can.
I grew up in a time when it was rare to hear Canadian musicans on air. I don't know why I should be, but I'm amazed at all the great Canadian music available today. It is part of the fun of listeing to Radio3 over the Net, knowing the great band I've just heard was home grown. So keep surprising me and keep it Canadian _ Syndica

#153 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

One more point, I don't know if anyone will read it now that Grant's show is over but the landscape from where I'm sitting looks like this:

What makes NxEW work is community. The entire music business/industry/scene has changed over the last decade or so. Canada, is a smallish (population wise) country so people actually know musicians. They know what their lives are like and they know what it is like for them to get started (they go to the early shows that are populated entirely by friends of the band.) So it's with that backdrop that people come together on NxEW and at Radio 3.

People go to shows, even when they are broke and tired to support the artists they love. People buy CDs not because they have to (they could likely get it for free online) but to support the artists. If they already have the CD they buy the t-shirt too.

Zunior has done as well as it has (5th anniversary coming up) because they give far more of the money to the artists that iTunes does. Radio 3 has tapped into and become a part of that community. Even if people don't like everything on Radio 3 people keep coming back because Radio 3 plays exclusively Canadian artists. R3 gives more coverage to the artists we like (and in many cases the artists we know) than anyone else, so Radio 3 gets respect for that.

By becoming international Radio 3 would risk withdrawing from it's position in that community. It would risk becoming just one of many, many outlets and it would leave a hole open for someone else to be 'exclusively' Canadian. Right now R3 has it's niche sewn up and I absolutely cannot understand why R3 would risk that position.

#154 posted by
calculust
on Jun 05, 2009

For many of the international artists being used as examples as those that might be played on R3, I can already hear them on my local commercial radio station. They already play bands like Vampire Weekend, Death Cab for Cutie, Peter Bjorn and John, the White Stripes, and Modest Mouse. I have not once heard that same station play artists like Chad VanGaalen, Said the Whale, the Evaporators, Hayden, Stars, the Weakerthans, Joel Plaskett, ... probably about 85% of the stuff played on R3.

You guys offer a unique service that I can't find anywhere else. I would definitely miss the 100% Canadian format if you do choose to change it up.

-Michelle

#155 posted by
MusicSoop
on Jun 05, 2009

Yeah I was at Mongolian BBQ for lunch and it took longer than expected. Now that I've read through some of the 1,000,000 comments Grant got today I saw yours. I'm with most everyone I've read saying keep it Canadian.

#156 posted by
saskatchewansounds
on Jun 05, 2009

thanks.
true patriot love, and la la la la la.
keep one heart beating Canada.

#157 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

meant to throw this in somewhere - when I was talking about how people buy music to support, not because they have to:

Radio has been upstaged by technologies that let people program hours and hours of whatever they want and take it with them anywhere. People listen to R3 not because they need radio, but to support the community.

#158 posted by
chadmanley
on Jun 05, 2009

cbcr3 should keep playing 100% Canadian content.

we needn't worry about overzealous fears of becoming too nationalistic; the point is that cbcr3's all-canadian content is not about suppremacy, but instead about opportunity. if the 100% canadian content brand stays strong, so to will canadian music and the musicians who try to make it in this country.

aside from the debate, i just wanted to say i appreciate John, Steve, Grant, and everyone else for opening up some decision making power to the public. as far as i know, we didn't have that chance when the magazine closed down, so its nice to see it now.

good luck deliberating!

#159 posted by
AlexOfAnders
on Jun 05, 2009

And if the Searchlight contests have taught us anything, it's that community counts big time.

#160 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Jun 05, 2009

The show is over for today but we'll continue to read these comments and we'll be keeping the voting poll live, collecting votes all weekend. At the closing of the show today, (Fri June 5 @ 3pm PT / 6pm ET) the results were:

76% NO to International artists on Radio 3
24% YES to International artists on Radio 3

That's pretty lopsided so far! We'll reveal the final count on Monday's show. Interestingly, the twitter response has been more in favour of the international flavour. (??)

Thanks to EVERYONE for showing their passion on this subject, for or against! It's awesome and we hugely appreciate it!!

Grant Lawrence
CBC Radio 3

#161 posted by
Andru
on Jun 05, 2009

My main concern is this: Grant seems pretty bummed at the response.
I've changed my mind.
It seems stupid just to ignore what's happening musically in the rest of the WHOLE DAMN WORLD!
How narrow minded have we become?
I support 85% 15%. There are 24 hours in a day a couple songs an hour aren't going to 'pollute' r3(?!?!). They'll enrich it. Cross pollination. It might open opportunities for CDN bands to tour.
This will encourage Canadian bands with diverse sounds.
Including INT on the radio will encourage the spread of CDN artists world wide.
I vote YES and I want you to as well.
here are two points that will convince you:

1)It's stupid that Grant goes to these international festivals and all we hear about is how Canadian bands do there! It's a WIDE WIDE WORLD people, what else cool is happening....
2) You can't be a Smuggler without a border!
3)* Bonus point: At music fests it is always great to see these international artists ie: Shane Phillips or Aurora Jane or ....

#162 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Jun 05, 2009

Hey Andru - thanks!!! ...but how could you (and Justin Beach) construe that I am "pretty bummed"?!?!

#163 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

It is a wide wide world, but this is the ONLY station in that wide wide world that is all Canadian. There are hundreds and hundreds of others out there where you can hear what's going on elsewhere. Why is it that anytime anyone suggests that anything at all should be all Canadian - anything - there are people who claim that it's overly nationalistic and too narrow.

#164 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

Throughout the show you were basically arguing for the yes side. You kept saying "but we used to on radio 2" and "but what about this point..." but it was all for the same side of the argument. You'd read other people's posts against, but all of your points were for the yes side of the argument.

#165 posted by
tb3
on Jun 05, 2009

Radio3 for me is a platform for all things Canadian. Its what got and continues to get me excited about music. And I would think that the 15% drive is merely to placate or create an audience in the US to which leaves me wondering if that is the drive, to create an audience than why not just go 100% wherever?

The reason that the web side is a huge success is because of the current state of the content. We don't need 15% of anywhere to fill up the hours, because we have 100% good content right here. You shut the door to 15% Canadians creating music, and you effectively tell them, to stop creating.

You dilute what you are offering now, and it slowly makes you less unique and way more like everything else.

#166 posted by
MattMorrison
on Jun 05, 2009

Though I do appreciate all sorts of music...I think it would be a poor choice changing the mandate of the live stream site. So...don't do it.

#167 posted by
silentpat
on Jun 05, 2009

I agree with Justin Beach.

Radio3 serves a purpose : introducing the world (and canadians) to canadian indie music. I can go a hundred other places to listen to international artists, why would I come to Radio3 if it's just going to be like every other generic indie radio station on itunes? I come here specifically because I want to listen to canadian artists.

If you absolutely must have international artists, then for goodness sake please stay away from the huge american bands that I can hear absolutely everywhere else (I'm looking at you White Stripes and Kings of Leon). I like their music fine, but Radio3 shouldn't become a generic "we play the same big american artists as everyone else" station.

I also cannot support the argument that the point is to broaden the audience as generally when someone says they want to "broaden the audience" it means they want to take away edge, creativity and originality. Our local radio stations have very broad audiences, sure, but they also play the same bland music over and over. Broad appeal does not equal quality (ex : Nickelback).

Also, I think of local Sudbury artists like Nathan Lawr, the Statues, Kate Maki, etc. who already struggle to get radio time and international exposure. There are so many of these types of artists that rely on Radio3. They have enough competition for the ears of listeners on every other radio station out there. Let canadian artists have their own stage.

#168 posted by
silentpat
on Jun 05, 2009

Exactly!

#169 posted by
Grant Lawrence
on Jun 05, 2009

that is ridiculous! you are completely making an assumption. never was I "arguing for the yes side". what I did say was that we did it on the Radio 2 Saturday night show from 2001 - 2007 and people enjoyed the mix, there was never a complaint, but I also said that if we were to do this split NOW and put in say one American artist (take for instance " + Neko Case") that means one Canadian artist would be dropped. I did not opionate on it, I simply stated that is what would occur, and are we as Radio 3 and you as fans, willing to drop those one or two Canadian artists per hour to be replaced by something from Seattle or Stockholm? That's the debate!

#170 posted by
Colin Medley
on Jun 05, 2009

I still love ya GL. When are we going for those patio beers? You in town next week for NXNE? Is it alright if I just follow you around one night, like you did to me in Texas? Eh?

#171 posted by
cshefman
on Jun 05, 2009

I'm going to take the yes side on this one.

The reason I love CBC Radio 3 (the main reason anyways) is because it's an incredible way to *discover* new Canadian music. That's the key thing for me. It's about finding new artists and promoting new talent. Radio 3 isn't like the big corporate radio, where they play the same music over and over again (usually Nickleback unfortunately!) so why not help us to discover other emerging artists?

I've been living in the UK now for almost a year, and there are some incredibly indie artists out here that get so little recognition in Canada. Glasvegas, Frightened Rabbits, Editors, My Latest Novel, Ryan Keen, and so many more. I'm lucky enough to have found that by coming here, but why not play some good indie music from abroad on Radio 3? Will it mean that we discover less Canadian artists? Doubtful.

Finally, and this is the clincher for me, wouldn't we want Canadian indie artists to be played by Radio 3's "sister stations" abroad? I know I hope similar programs in other countries embrace Canadian artists, so why not do the same for them?

#172 posted by
MusicSoop
on Jun 05, 2009

A little off topic I know, but just yesterday I was thinking "Kate Maki Rocks".

#173 posted by
loweeda
on Jun 05, 2009

It's called playing devil's advocate, people. Provoking debate and ensuring both sides get aired is just good journalism - and a good journalist (and yes, I consider radio hosts to be journalists) would never air his/her own opinions on a poll topic.

Plus, I don't think anyone who has a cabin in a place called Desolation Sound could or should be accused of being anti-Canadian.

@cshefman: Frightened Rabbit is a great band! That, incidentally, I discovered right here in Canada, without any help needed from my beloved R3

#174 posted by
silentpat
on Jun 05, 2009

MusicSoop : Kati Maki most definitely rocks.

cshefman "will it mean that we discover less Canadian artists?" I would argue that yes, it would...about 15% less. Artists are already clamoring to get airplay, and this just means that there is less room for diversity.

I'm not saying I don't want to listen to British, American, Swedish, etc. bands. I can listen to them : everywhere else. There are other places where I can discover those artists. For instance I love the NPR All Songs Considered Podcast, but it's just not the same. We are consistently bombarded with media from every other place in the world (well, okay 95% of it is from the US) and so I'd like to have a place where I can listen to something from home, to listen to an artist that is touring in my city and that I can go check out at a local tavern, to discover a home grown artist that I can go out and support. CBCRadio3 is the place where I can do that.

(btw, I do quite like the Editors)

#175 posted by
silentpat
on Jun 05, 2009

When I say less room for diversity, I mean a diversity of Canadian artists.

#176 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

Sorry but that's what I heard throughtougt the show, devils advocate maybe but always devils advocate for the same side. - One more point to consider was always about the "Yes" side. Maybe I misunderstood some of your points, I don't know, but that was what I heard and apparently it wasn't just me.

#177 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

I don't think Grant is anti-Canadian and Colin I certainly don't dislike Grant. It just seemed to me, listening to him, that he was leaning strongly toward a particular side on this issue.

#178 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 05, 2009

Not sure how it's a part of this particular discussion, but since it apparently is - Kate is awesome.

#179 posted by
kristina.brown
on Jun 05, 2009

but with all the GREAT Canadian music how can you even find room to fit in international music? I would love to see an additional station with ONLY INDIE international music (obviously with some stellar Canadian content) but I worry about what might be lost from the current Radio3 programming if time was cut away to make room for international music as well. I think I hear a great new (to me) Canadian band almost every time I listen to Radio3 - would emerging or obscure indie artists really have an equal chance to have their voices heard with time given to a selection of likely "popular" international music? (I already have a list of artists who are just not played enough!) CBC Radio3 makes my everyday brighter - please keep it just the way it is!

#180 posted by
STRO1
on Jun 06, 2009

!100% Canadian is a must esp. on CBC!!!! There are plenty of International outlets we need completely Canadian outlets to be able to see out uniqueness.

#181 posted by
Chris Kelly
on Jun 06, 2009

We read out far more comments for the "no side" that the "yes side".

#182 posted by
Justin Beach
on Jun 07, 2009

It would've been hard not to. I wasn't really talking about other people's comments that were read though.

It just seemed to me that when grant had a point to make, or a point that we should think about that they were always on the 'yes' side of the argument. Which made it seem like that was the side he was on.

#183 posted by
Fanattack
on Jun 07, 2009

I want my taxes to go to promoting Canadian Artists, so I think keeping Canadian content is important. You can go anywhere else for international artists.

#184 posted by
jessica
on Jun 08, 2009

I think R3 has great rotation and keeps songs around for just long enough. If you cycle through albums too quickly, people don't get a chance to hear it, and a new artist doesn't get that time to build up to the point where they end up on the R3-30. Remember, not everyone listens 8 hours a day every day.

If anything, I'd like to see R3 break out more oldies and slow it down a bit. I write this as they're playing something off the old Dog Day album, so maybe I'm full of it. The other day I was listening to KEXP and they randomly played a Jale song and it was kind of awesome.

#185 posted by
le w
on Jun 08, 2009

If you do choose to play a percentage of int'l artists, perhaps add a rule that a percentage of the BAND MEMBERS must be a born & bred Canadian (ie, melissa auf der maur comes to mind immediately, although her participation may be too commercial.. but you get the idea)...

#186 posted by
pah1971
on Jun 09, 2009

15% international and I say it must be from Europe so sorry no USA reg radio already plays music from USA. So if it;s 15% choose Europe we use to be a British colony and I would love to hear that Indy scene over the USA Indy scene any day.

So my vote is Europe and only Europe should the radio 3 get their 15%.
pah1971

#187 posted by
2468
on Jun 17, 2009

Thank you for the random shout out. Made my night. Ok, my month actually...

blog post Live on CBC Radio: Top 5 Must See Live Gigs with Jeremy Fisher, Said The Whale, and... International Music on R3?

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