New Bluegrass CHART Promises New Hope for Musicians!

TOP 66 INTERNATIONAL

BLUEGRASS CHART LAUNCHES TODAY

Bluegrass music has a new, weekly bluegrass album radio airplay chart, starting with an ALBUMS CHART, but plans are in the works for a future charts for SINGLES.  The principles involved are also interested in a BLUEGRASS CLASSICS chart, which will include both “deep catalog” songs and new music. 

Prescription Bluegrass Radio was contacted several weeks ago by Daniel Routh of Nu-Blu to participate in a trial run of the system's data input prior to the official launching.  Routh began the concept of this chart last year after the release of his well received "Nights" CD.  He said he was finding it extremely difficult to track where his CD was getting airplay.   We're happy to say that the beta testing of his new chart, using real-world data, went much more smoothly than expected.  Only minor adjustments were necessary and they were  quickly rectified.  Prescription Bluegrass Radio will be a regular weekly reporter to this chart.


The TOP 66 is not intended to duplicate or compete with existing monthly bluegrass airplay charts and surveys. It will offer a new source of information based on weekly spins of bluegrass albums. Data generated by the new chart will include number of spins by bands for THIS WEEK, LAST WEEK, and TWO WEEKS AGO. We’ll also be able to track the number of stations and spins (including your specific station and program info) for each album reported on the chart. In addition to helping to provide an easily accessible, accurate record of how many times and where new bluegrass albums are being played, the Top 66 International Bluegrass Chart will also generate useful information for bands and labels. 

 After releasing an independent album last year with his band, Nu-Blu and having a difficult time discovering where it was actually being played, IBMA member Daniel Routh started work on an internet-based weekly chart, with free participation and sharing of data generated.  The chart will be funded by online ads at www.thealternateroot.com; there are 15 available ad spots every week. Sammy Passamano at Rural Rhythm Records, has also been instrumental in helping to launch the chart. For advertising info, email nu-blu@nu-blu.com.

New DJ and station requests will be screened and approved by the chart administrator before they go live. A volunteer panel of label reps and artists will assist the administrator in reviewing requests to join the DJ/ Stations list. Only DJs are permitted to enter playlists.

DJs are limited to posting eight spins per broadcast hour at present, each week. This chart is for “new” albums, released during the past 12 months.  Record labels may also mail info on new albums to chart designer Daniel Routh at nu-blu@nu-blu.com.

The more broadcasters that participate, the more accurate the chart will be. It’s a win: win situation for everyone, and we hope you’ll join us! For more info: email Daniel Routh at nu-blu@nu-blu.com.