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?

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

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...

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.

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.

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.

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

these days I have a long attention span

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

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.

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.