How Long is Too Long??

supercarz · 05-22-2011, 11:17 PM

Hey Guys

First post here.

Just wanted to get your opinion on how long the maximum length of a song should be when first played on mainstream radio?? And bear in mind im talking new here not anything like "light my fire" where it is long and established.

I would say 7mins maximum............

The reason I am asking is cos here in NZ I have recently tried to get one of my songs on mainstream radio but everyone I keep talking to says it;s too long and I have to cut it down. But I really don't want too. It's roughly just under 7mins long (and it's not boring!)

Has anyone ever gotten a long song on the radio from a new band?

Paedantic Basterd · 05-22-2011, 11:19 PM

Most mainstream hits are 3-4 minutes in length, and vocals begin within the first 10 seconds.

Freebase Dali · 05-22-2011, 11:26 PM

Super, unless it's a college radio station or some kind of special show or event, 7 minutes is not going to be accepted. Do I agree with it? Well, frankly I don't give a shit either way, and our opinions aren't going to change anything, but if you're looking for a pat-on-the-back acknowledgment from your Musicbanter peers, then you have mine... I just don't see how it's relevant, unless you're planning on starting your own station or something...

RVCA · 05-22-2011, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedestrian

Most mainstream hits are 3-4 minutes in length, and vocals begin within the first 10 seconds.

I'd say that's about right. Rarely over 4:30, eh?

As far as non-radio music, I generally feel overwhelmed when I see that a piece is 30+ minutes. (EG Basinski, Earth) That's a lot of time to devote to one song.

Freebase Dali · 05-22-2011, 11:29 PM

If I'm high, a song needs to be really interesting to be really long. If I'm sober, I don't really notice either way.

~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ · 05-23-2011, 12:14 AM

I'd say around 5 or 6 minutes is pushing it even of you're already a big name star. Try writing a few shorter songs (3:30 to 4:30 minutes) and see where they get you.

crash_override · 05-23-2011, 12:45 AM

About 5:30, and it has to be a good 5:30, you'll just be losing listeners after that.

Howard the Duck · 05-23-2011, 08:03 AM

these days I have a long attention span

so can appreciate songs that go over the 20-minute mark

s_k · 05-23-2011, 08:19 AM

Well I love songs that go on like 20 minutes if they're really good.
Like Pink Floyd's Echoes. Or Dire Straits' Telegraph Road.
I don't think I prefer a certain length.

Insane Guest · 05-23-2011, 03:59 PM

Longest song I've heard on the radio is a live version of Stairway to Heaven at about 11 minutes long.

A song has to be real interesting as everyone else said to be 10+ minutes. Echoes is a great example, as is Dogs and Atom Heart Mother.

05-22-2011, 11:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
supercarz Groupie Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 4	How Long is Too Long?? Hey Guys First post here. Just wanted to get your opinion on how long the maximum length of a song should be when first played on mainstream radio?? And bear in mind im talking new here not anything like "light my fire" where it is long and established. I would say 7mins maximum............ The reason I am asking is cos here in NZ I have recently tried to get one of my songs on mainstream radio but everyone I keep talking to says it;s too long and I have to cut it down. But I really don't want too. It's roughly just under 7mins long (and it's not boring!) Has anyone ever gotten a long song on the radio from a new band?

05-23-2011, 08:19 AM	#9 (permalink)
s_k Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,206	Well I love songs that go on like 20 minutes if they're really good. Like Pink Floyd's Echoes. Or Dire Straits' Telegraph Road. I don't think I prefer a certain length. __________________ Click here to see my collection

05-22-2011, 11:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Paedantic Basterd Music Addict Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 5,184	Most mainstream hits are 3-4 minutes in length, and vocals begin within the first 10 seconds.

05-22-2011, 11:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
Freebase Dali Partying on the inside Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,584	Super, unless it's a college radio station or some kind of special show or event, 7 minutes is not going to be accepted. Do I agree with it? Well, frankly I don't give a shit either way, and our opinions aren't going to change anything, but if you're looking for a pat-on-the-back acknowledgment from your Musicbanter peers, then you have mine... I just don't see how it's relevant, unless you're planning on starting your own station or something...

05-22-2011, 11:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
Freebase Dali Partying on the inside Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,584	If I'm high, a song needs to be really interesting to be really long. If I'm sober, I don't really notice either way.

05-23-2011, 12:14 AM	#6 (permalink)
~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,538	I'd say around 5 or 6 minutes is pushing it even of you're already a big name star. Try writing a few shorter songs (3:30 to 4:30 minutes) and see where they get you.

05-23-2011, 03:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
Insane Guest Music Addict Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: CA Posts: 1,322	Longest song I've heard on the radio is a live version of Stairway to Heaven at about 11 minutes long. A song has to be real interesting as everyone else said to be 10+ minutes. Echoes is a great example, as is Dogs and Atom Heart Mother.