Shinedown’s Brent Smith and Zach Myers sat down with 105.7 The Point in St. Louis. The conversation quickly turned into a masterclass on radio’s enduring value.
What We Know: The band stopped by the station while rehearsing for their upcoming tour at Gateway Studios. Their new album, EI8HT, is the backdrop for their return. Moreover, the interview touched on radio, streaming, the Grand Ole Opry, and even arena pyro in small venues. Shinedown has consistently prioritized radio throughout their career.
What They Said: Smith didn’t mince words when making the distinction between platforms. “If you want a career, go to radio,” he said plainly. That one line captures what many in the industry quietly believe but rarely say aloud. Furthermore, the band remains committed to making full albums — not just streaming singles.
What Remains Unclear: Specific details about tour dates and markets haven’t been fully announced. Additionally, it’s unknown how EI8HT will perform on the charts relative to past releases. The band’s long-term radio strategy beyond this cycle also remains to be seen.
What It Means: For radio programmers, this is validation worth noting. A veteran rock act is still publicly championing terrestrial radio as a career-builder. That matters, especially as the industry debates relevance against streaming platforms. Shinedown’s endorsement, therefore, gives radio professionals a powerful talking point.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
