In a revealing new episode of Billboard’s Behind the Setlist, Shinedown frontman Brent Smith laid out what many upstart bands need to know: streaming may kick open the door, but radio is what builds a lasting career. Smith argued that while platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are essential for reach, they often lack the long-term muscle that traditional radio offers.
He touched on how radio play doesn’t just expose a song—it introduces an artist to multiple generations, car rides, morning shows, and local communities in ways that algorithms often can’t replicate. Smith emphasized that the momentum built via rock radio leads to touring opportunities, merchandise sales, and real-world connections with fans.
Smith’s reflections come amid Shinedown’s continued success: recent singles keep finding their way onto both streaming charts and mainstream rock radio, proving that both paths can work in concert. He urged newer artists not to ignore radio—even in the streaming era—because it still holds sway over how long a band sticks around.
For Shinedown, radio hasn’t just been a platform—it’s been a foundation. And as Brent Smith put it: without that foundation, a lot of popular acts would float—but few would land with impact.
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