As we continue our back-to-basics series, let’s review how to add a song in GSelector. We’ll review some of the basic metadata fields, as well as where to control more advanced music scheduling functions, like the differences between Global versus Station Specific attributes and where to find the User Defined Fields. In addition, we also broke down how to customize the brand-new Custom Song / Link Window, introduced in GSelector 5.1, out now.
Let’s begin with outlining the two ways to add a song in GSelector and yes, these techniques are also replicated on the Linker side. From the Library | Browse, note the green + icon to add a song. Think of this as a “quick add” that opens the Add Song window. Programmers can define a Media ID, Title, Artist and other required metadata fields. You’ll find the same green + icon within the Library | Song subtab. The only difference between the two is that if you’re working within the Song subtab, after clicking ok, GSelector will return you to the Song window to continue to add other scheduling attributes, whereas the Library | Browse + will create the song with basic metadata and return the user to the Browse subtab. Typically, we recommend using the Song +, but if you’re in a rush, the Library | Browse works just as well. We should add, although we didn’t cover this in the video, users can also duplicate existing songs with the “Clone Current Asset” icon.
Reviewing the Library | Browse | Song window, remember that Global settings are on the left and Station Specific settings are on the right. For example, Ed Sheeran will always be a Vocal: Male, so you may want to mark Vocal as a Global attribute. Whereas the content of each Ed Sheeran song may be different, so we use Station Specific attributes. Use the Edit icon to add or remove any desired attributes and note the same Edit icon for the Station Specific attributes.
If you’re looking for additional metadata, use the tabs at the top. Additional features User Defined Fields, including Custom Defined Fields, Notes will display any notes (the same Notes from the Notes tab), and Audio Analysis will analyze a song, as long as GSelector can view the file, offering advanced scheduling attributes like BPM, Tempo, and more. Adjustments is an important subtab as it displays any scheduling adjustments to a song. Finally, Multi Station will allow users to copy attributes from one station and activate the same song on another station within the same GSelector database.
Now that we understand some of the basics of how to add a song and where to define multiple scheduling attributes, let’s review the brand new GSelector 5.1 Custom Song / Link Window, which can be enabled via the Tools | Global Settings | Song/Link Window and switch to the Custom option. After a quick reload, you’ll now have access to the Custom window, specifically the Edit Layout and Layouts icon. If the Layout icon allows programmers to toggle between multiple layouts, then use the Edit Layout icon to switch to the Layout Editor. In this video, we demonstrated how to build a brand-new layout from scratch.
Once the Edit Layout is enabled, the Design icon is broken down into Attribute Panels and Attributes, which are included within Attribute Panels. In addition, there’s Static Panels, which feature the most common GSelector panels, like History or Dayparts. Like Zetta, users can drag and drop their desired panels, locking them into a grid. Start by creating an Attribute Panel, define its name, and then left click to drag Attributes into your desired panel. There are no rules on how a programmer can customize their workspace. So, label the panel whatever makes sense to you and include any specifics attributes, organizing your layout with as many Attribute or Static panels as you wish. Empower yourself by organizing the layout based on the metadata you wish to prominently display. If you have different requirements based on the station or workflow of the day, then create multiple layouts and use the Layout icon to toggle between them, highlighting the primary information and tasks.
For example, as a programmer who primarily cares about a song’s history, we created a layout that showcases the History Static Panel, with corresponding Primary and Secondary scheduling attributes. Whereas if you are a Global programmer, you may want to include a Multi Station Static Panel and make that the focus of your layout. Again, users can freely toggle between layouts, as well as import or export additional layouts. Best practices; once you design your perfect layout, don’t forget to export that layout so that you have a secure copy.
As you can see with the Custom Song/Link Window’s flexibility, GSelector can cater to any programmer’s music philosophy and workflows. If you’re interested in upgrading to GSelector 5.1, reach out to your local RCS contact for assistance upgrading. Or, if you’re going to be at one of the many 2023 radio conferences, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule one-on-one time to review your GSelector database and potentially offer scheduling tips or tricks. RCS is also hiring! Check out the latest music scheduling careers here and don’t forget to send your station photos to marketing@rcsworks.com to be included in our #StudioSpotlight, and we’ll catch you Thursday at 11am ET for another RCS Live!