Holding the "Map" Steady

This week, Dierks Bentley's latest single "Draw Me a Map" holds steady on the charts, at #34 on Billboard, and #36 on Mediabase. It's now on 182 of approximately 220 stations, so it seems as though more stations are in fact playing it, I just don't think they are "quality" spins (meaning a lot of it's current airplay is likely in the overnight hours, rather than during the morning/evening drives and workday). However, in spite of not moving on the charts this week, it *is* still seeing modest growth in both its audience and spins, which indicates that radio hasn't quite given up on this one.

Billboard's update includes the Callout America chart, which is a music opinion chart similar to that of RateTheMusic.com (though RTM only panels people online). The difference, so far as I can tell, is that RTM gets opinions on the top 30 songs on Mediabase (so start looking for "Map" on your surveys soon!) whereas Callout compiles a list of the top 35 songs based on opinions. Last week, "Map" was #31, and this week, it moves to #27, with only .9% of the sample (450 persons) saying they "strongly dislike" the song. Roughly 51% said they like the song, and 35% are "neutral" on the song -- which could indicate that they aren't that familiar with it. "Map" is already higher on this chart than "Ridge" was, and I suspect that as more and more people become more familiar with it, it should go higher. Many program directors use charts like Callout America to get the "pulse" of what listeners want (though, personally, I think they could use it a bit more), and can use it to help determine what new music to play, etc. I'm optimistic that the higher "Map" can go on the Callout chart, the more it will help the song climb the charts as well.

Keep pushing for the Top 30, Congress. I'm fairly certain we should get there within the next few weeks. Aside from the fact that the song will then get more exposure on syndicated countdown shows, it will also be a part of the RateTheMusic surveys, and should get more exposure just by being a Top 30 song (the current difference between between #34 and #30 is 1.5 - 2 million people). We are oh-so-close!

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)