Bucky Covington's second album, USA Today's Idol Chatter, and the road ahead (long editorial...go get coffee!)

Bucky Covington in a promo photo for his upcoming second album, I'm Alright. (Credit: Lyric Street Records)

The biggest buzz this past weekend came courtesy of Brian Mansfield's Idol Chatter blog at USA Today, where the following short note was posted on Friday: I'm hearing that Bucky Covington's next CD may not come out until 2010. No confirmation yet as to whether that estimate is solid or not (although the countdown widget at Bucky's official site has reflected the two previous changes pretty promptly), but looking back over history is enlightening.

Bucky's first single, "A Different World", officially hit radio in January 2007, and was #24 on the Mediabase charts and climbing when Bucky Covington, the debut album, was released in April of that year. Bucky himself spoke to the York Dispatch about the timing of singles for I'm Alright: "I do believe we might be releasing another song to generate some buzz for the album. I don’t know a timetable. Maybe in the next month, month and a half, give or take." Could it be that the label is (understandably) looking to magnify the next album's splash with another Top 20-something and rising, CMT/GAC video-visible indisputable hit?

We can't change the past, we can't control the charts--or steer the radio/record industry, or dictate whether or not and when videos get made, and so on--but we have an extraordinary opportunity to make a positive impact on Bucky's future career with what we can do.


Bucky Covington on stage in Indianapolis last month; thanks to Judy Lang for the terrific shot.

Record companies and radio stations know that there are "superfans"--people who are deeply engaged in making sure a favorite singer or band succeeds and thrives--and they factor in our participation, especially for an artist's debut. But after a couple of years, they take a second look. Are the "superfans" in it for the long run, and can they spread enough word-of-mouth buzz to help get casual fans or general fans of the genre on board for a song, an album or a live show? Are they only listening to one station long enough to make sure a request gets played, then switching off to request elsewhere, or are they true local country radio fans who just happen to have a strong favorite act? When things don't go their way for reasons beyond their control--a song doesn't catch on, a show doesn't sell out--do they get panicky and adversarial, or do they hang in there and focus on the big picture? (When it comes to Bucky's fans, the answers to those questions are pretty good--we generally have a reputation for being as hardworking, friendly and easygoing as our favorite singer.)

Long story short--sophomore album time is where the rubber meets the road. If you're a regular visitor to a blog called Buckymania (or Buckytown USA, or Buck Wild, or BuckyCovington.com, or It's Good to Be Us, et al), chances are you're very interested in Bucky getting that thirty-year ride he's after. No one ever said the road wouldn't have a bump or two, and it sounds like Bucky is taking the current music-biz potholes in stride. If Bucky's long-term interests are best served by this album being delayed a few months, we can take that in stride, too--but like Bucky, we tend to back up that laid-back "long run" confidence with lots of fiercely determined effort. (Look at that tour schedule--packed, and still growing...)

What we passionate fans do best is to make sure that those casual fans and genre fans have a chance to fall in love with a song, an artist, or an album. Radio requests and word of mouth get the music to the ears of the general public. Sometimes they'll be as enchanted as we are, sometimes they'll be less enthralled (or more!), but they have to hear Bucky before they can decide--and hits don't happen without both casual listeners and passionate fans giving thumbs-up. That's why we pester each other so much about the phones. Do requests guarantee the reaction we're after? Nope. But they help
enormously.

Bucky Covington in Merced, CA; thanks again to Minnie for her kindness.

If we're feeling a little exhausted after this summer's rollercoaster ride, if our first chart challenge (with a really terrific song, no less!) has got us dazed, that's understandable. But with so much on the line, it's important to let radio, Bucky's label and each other know that we're in it for the long haul. Supporting the current single until the very moment when it's officially the "previous" single is a smart move, buzz-wise, no matter what's happening on the charts. Supporting the next single (if there's a "test track" or "pick or flick" feature at your local country station, keep an ear out!) is wise as well, and if there's an overlap on your airwaves, well, there's room in our hearts for two great Bucky Covington tunes...

Basically, Bucky's label, CMT, GAC and country radio need to see now that our fondness for his music is much more than a passing Idol fancy. When there's a single, we'll support it; when there's a video (pleaseohpleaseohplease), we will cheerfully vote it up on GAC's and CMT's respective Top 20 shows and help get his voice and face out to as many country fans as we can; when they sponsor a live show, we'll come and we'll bring our country-loving friends. (Bucky and his band and their incredible high-energy goodness will take it from there.) Whether Bucky's second album comes out in November or early next year, the industry needs to understand that we're here, we're loyal, we're in it for the long, long run...and as long as our favorite singer is out there working hard at this thing, we'll be doing the same.

Keep the faith, y'all!