Every journey begins with a single step. But for some, the journey begins even before the first step is taken. To commemorate ARASHI’s special 100-minute program scheduled for July 24, 2023 on Wpvr Platinum Vibes Radio, we share a story about how over a hundred of ARASHI’s songs came to be played on a NYC radio Station.

Ritz, who is passionate about discovering radio stations around the world, also talks about the factors that contribute to her accomplishments.

The first step. On August 10, 2022, WPVR Platinum Vibes Radio tweeted an announcement that “Turning Up” by ARASHI would be played twice on the next day at 12am and 2pm EST.

NEW MUSIC on WPVR NYC this THURS. by ARASHI, HYOLYN, NAV FT. TRAVIS SCOTT & LIL BABY, PABLO (SB19), QUEEN MILLZ and SB19…12AM & 2PM@arashi5official @QueenMillzLC @officialhyolyn_ @SB19Official @sb19echoes @beatsbynav #嵐 #ARASHI #SB19 #SB19_PABLO #nav #효린 #HYOLYN #wpvr pic.twitter.com/EVANtRFos4

— WPVR NYC – Platinum Vibes Radio (@platinumvibes8) August 10, 2022

ARASHI – Turning Up [Official Music Video]

A giant step. Soon after a few more ARASHI’s songs had been added to the rotation, an hour-long ARASHI’s Anniversary Special was scheduled for September 15, 2022.

Hello #Arashian & #Arashic, please join WPVR NY in celebrating the anniversary of ARASHI, first formed in Hawaii on Sept. 15, 1999. WPVR will present a 1-HOUR program of @arashi5official music on Thur. Sept. 15, 5:00 and replay at 19:00. #を世界に連れて行こう#wpvr #ARASHI #嵐 pic.twitter.com/oMTjqOrZxr

— WPVR NYC – Platinum Vibes Radio (@platinumvibes8) September 6, 2022

And then, more steps… “Bazuri Night” from ARASHI’s 16th album “untitled” marked the 100th song played at WPVR Platinum Vibes Radio during its weekly special program “REQUEST LIVE” on June 28, 2023. 

Wow!!! On June 28, WPVR NY aired the 100th song by ARASHI, "バズりNIGHT" during REQUEST LIVE. The first ARASHI song was aired on August 11, 2022 with "Turning Up".

As such, we will celebrate this momentous occasion with a special 100-minute broadcast to be announced soon! Thank… pic.twitter.com/NLNwJUBgwG

— WPVR NYC – Platinum Vibes Radio (@platinumvibes8) July 1, 2023

So how did ARASHI fans make this happen!? This interview is not only for ARASHI fans, but also for all fans who want to support artists’ global expansion. Check out some of the useful hints and behind-the-scenes stories of how ARASHI’s songs are requested by fans and played on radio stations around the world!

Interview

― What made you decide to send a song request to WPVR?

Ritz：A few months before I started sending requests, there was a time when I decided to focus on requests for international radio stations as my method of support. When I decided to take another step forward from the activities I had started there, I found WPVR. 

There were other potential radio stations, but WPVR fit several criteria I had set. Then I read the top line on their official website, “We are WPVR-DB New York, NY, Platinum Vibes Radio aka The Extraordinary, because this is where extraordinary happens!” When I read this, I knew this was the place for me.

― How much airplay are ARASHI’s songs getting on international radio stations?

Ritz：I request ARASHI’s songs to roughly 10 different overseas radio stations weekly, and I listen to all of them to find out if the songs I’ve requested will be played. If I add up the radio stations to which I send requests irregularly, the radio stations that have been putting ARASHI’s songs on their playlists based on my previous requests, and the radio stations that regularly play ARASHI’s songs regardless of my requests, the total number of radio stations would be more than double that.

― What is your approach to the radio stations that you’ve requested but have not yet been playing ARASHI’s songs?

Ritz：I’ve been ignored more times than I can remember. On rare occasions, I would get responses stating that they couldn’t accommodate my requests. As for radio stations not playing ARASHI, I haven’t followed them in depth at this point. The reasons and circumstances may vary from radio station to radio station, and I am sure that these days they are approached by a really large number of fans like myself, especially from all over Asia.

― Do you have any methods or is there anything you can do to get DJs to play requested songs?

Ritz：No methods. Lol. The process of the request itself is simple, as I’m not fluent in every language where the radio stations are located.

I often add the song pages on Genius to my requests. It is easy and useful to promote the song because the site includes Apple Music player and YouTube video link, as well as various other information about the song and artist.

The first thing I do is listen to the radio stations I find and then research them thoroughly. Distribution of royalties to the artists is the key factor, and I always make sure of that. I rely on translation tools in the process, but I make sure that I can rationally explain radio stations to ARASHI fans who send in requests with me. I also make sure that radio stations can communicate through social media so that fans are well informed of the airplay schedule for the requested songs.

― Please let readers know your goals and advice for continuing to make song requests, not only for ARASHI fans but also for fans who support other artists!

Ritz：In any case, what you do should be fun and easy! It is important that the radio stations and listeners maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for both parties. It would be nice if listeners could interact with each other by making song requests in compliance with the rules of the radio stations. Circumstances related to supporting artists may change, but building a good, long-term relationship with radio stations is rewarding.

This concludes the interview with Ritz. For more information about WPVR Platinum Vibes Radio, please check the official website and follow us on social media. For a Japanese translation of this article, please check the updates on TeamARASHI Information website.