September 2, 2010 • Vol. V, Iss. 31

Like Yoda, this first sentence, Dead Air Dave, known as Agent 0013, has written, is.

Hey, it's been about a month since we've launched our new version of the "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" e-zine, and as you may know, it's not only available via your email, but online 24/7 at kkbbezine.com, too! That said, we at U.N.C.L.E. HQ have received a few questions, so I thought I'd do a FAQ 'round 'bout now to make sure that all of you, our cronies, are up to speed on all things "K.K.B.B." e-zine and "K.K.B.B." Specialty Tracker.

Q: Why is the "K.K.B.B." e-zine online now?

A: Hey, that's a great question! For years, U.N.C.L.E. has been the only Alternative promo company to publish a weekly e-zine and Specialty chart for the radio-record-management-music biz. It's been e-mailed directly to the 'In' boxes of our cohorts in the industry. Well, we decided it was high time to spread the good vibes to all music lovers out there by lifting the curtain a bit, so people can see what's what. In the process, we're also significantly broadening the level of exposure for bands. Now, let's try to keep the questions simpler, so I don't have to type so much.

Q: Why do we need more Specialty charts?

A: Not quite as good a question, but here we go. There really aren't a lot of Specialty charts out there that the industry recognizes, and others charge a subscription fee for full access. U.N.C.L.E. believes in supplying vital information to support the Alternative format community. So, anyone (labels, managers, bands, other promo companies) can use the "K.K.B.B." Tracker system free of charge to find current information about any band receiving spins on Alternative radio Specialty shows across the U.S. You can search by band, station, artist, or album or singles charts. Check it out at kkbbezine.com/charts.

Q: Don't you guys just 'cook the books' so that bands you work with rank higher on the chart?

A: Fuck no! What are you some kind of a**hole?

Q: Then how do you compile the "K.K.B.B." Specialty Chart?

A: Every week, we receive playlists from scads of Specialty show hosts. Our Tracker team also culls playlists that are posted on Alternative stations' Web sites—which is quite painstaking, so we reeeeally like it when you send them to us—and compile all of these playlists into the "K.K.B.B." Tracker system. Fred Huang, Agent 00143, sometimes feels like he's grading spelling assignments, so come on, keep the typos to a minimum and get the band names right, will ya! Weekly deadline for a host to get a playlist in is Tuesday, 10:00 p.m. EST.

Q: How does someone become a "K.K.B.B." Tracker reporter?

A: Our "K.K.B.B." reporters are 'tastemakers' in the world of Alternative music. If a Specialty host has a weekly or daily show, or feature show, and would like to become a reporter, they can contact me at deadairdave0013@mac.com. They need only to commit to making a weekly playlist available to U.N.C.L.E. by the weekly deadline. We'll make sure their station and show are represented for the industry to check out. You can see who the active reporters are at kkbbezine.com/charts/reporters.php.

Q: When's the playlist deadline?

A: I answered that question two questions ago. You really are an a**hole aren't you?!

Q: How do I access the "K.K.B.B." Tracker?

A: We're making it easy for you. Just scroll down for the first page of the charts, click any link, and you can navigate through all of the wonders that are the "K.K.B.B." Tracker.

The TOP 50 Artists at Specialty programming on Alternative Radio are listed below. To see the TOP 100 Artists, TOP 100 Specialty Singles Charts, or to track a specific artist, click here.

The K.K.B.B. Tracker/Chart reflects Specialty programming playlists from key tastemakers at the Alternative Radio format (predominantly Commercial stations) across the country. To find out who reports, click here.

NOTE: This is a weekly Tracker/Chart posted each Thursday. Our deadline for station playlist submission is Wednesday at 12:00 noon, ET. For answers on how the K.K.B.B. Tracker works, click here.