Artists You Probably Haven’t Heard of

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There’s so much music out there, sometimes I feel like artists can go amiss. They stand out but aren’t getting buzz because maybe they don’t have a label, or radio stations aren’t giving them a chance, or whatever else may be the reason. But my ultimate focus is that I love to hype up those artists that you may not have on your radar. Artists that deserve some recognition.

Cal (from Timeflies)

You may know this fella if you were a follower of his band, Timeflies. But Cal recently has been dropping some solo music that is absolute FIYAH. He recently released his solo project called “The Identity Crisis,” a song titled “Dressed Up in White” that he wrote & sang to his now wife at their wedding. His latest release is called “Catch” and my goodness, you have to check it out. He made it really hard to search for him on music platforms (love you Cal!) so try looking him up by his song titles, lol. Definitely worth the listen.

Christian Burghardt

So I discovered Christian when I went and saw Phillip Phillips on tour years ago. He was absolutely amazing, & his songs were so catchy. Except, I never think he got the recognition that he deserved. I’m pretty sure he had issues with his label & seemed to go quiet the past couple of years, but he recently put out a few new songs, “Pineapple Rum” & “Throwback,” which are absolutely perfect for the summertime. They also have a more sultry vibe than his old songs (“Safe Place to Land” got some good traction) that I am absolutely here for. You HAVE TO add these songs to your summer playlist.

Misterwives

You may already know them, as they have a good following & are really hip in the festival scene, but I always like to shoutout Misterwives, because they just are feel good vibes. I’ve been keen on them since they released their first project “Reflections” which featured my favorite song of theirs, “Kings & Queens.” They’ve released some more recent music, an EP titled “Minibloom” with their next album releasing in July, titled “Superbloom.” Two of the members of the band had gotten married a couple years ago & recently decided to split, so I anticipate a lot of break up songs / songs relating to this break up. Hopefully some strong, independent hype up songs that encourage us that we can in fact, get over it! I’m excited for it, to say the least.

Coin

I’d say Coin got some major radio play for their single “Talk Too Much,” which is how I found out about them on a local Nashville radio station. But but but, their album, “How Will You Know If You Never Try” really got me hooked. They’ve got the quirky, alternative, hipster ish vibes. I’ve seen them a good amount live & they kill it every time. I even got to meet Ryan (on the right) the last time I saw them at Red Rocks (which was so dope, btw). They just released an album, “Dreamland,” which I still need to dive into but YOU SHOULD TOO!

Loote

Wowza. These two are something else. I saw them open for Camila Cabello when she was on tour in 2018. Little did I know, they seem to write songs for some big artists, Demi Lovato being in there. They have a song called “High Without Your Love” that I am sooo obsessed with it’s insane. They just released an EP titled, “heart eyes,” so give that a listen, I INSIST.

Spencer Sutherland

Guys. If you don’t know Spencer, I’m not sure we can be friends. He has the most amazing voice – his high notes KILL ME. He has appeared on UK’s X-Factor (THAT’S CRAY) & gone on tour with In Real Life. He has accomplished so much, but still think he deserves a lot more love than he gets credit for. It seems he recently-ish opened up about trying to fit a mold when it comes to this industry, trying to make his music sound like others, dress like others, etc. His latest music has really given us a different sound & he’s been upping his style game, giving me a mad 70’s vibe (photo does not reflect, just check out his instagram). But ultimately, listen to his music, PUH LEASE.

Shy Martin

Originally from Sweden, she came onto my radar by collabing on a song with Timeflies, titled “Raincoat.” Her voice gave such a magic to that song that it’s one of my favorites. Someone else did an acoustic cover of it, & it just didn’t sound the same because it wasn’t her voice on the track. She’s got loads of streams on Spotify, so I ain’t lying when I say, you gotta listen. Her latest release is a single titled “Nobody Likes Moving On.”

Public

Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Public provides a fun-loving music vibe, also perfect for summertime. Ironic, as their latest single, “Honey in the Summer,” just dropped & is already on my playlist. Perfect for a day by the pool (or on the beach, if you wish). I came across them at a college show I went to years ago, and fell instantly in love. I’m almost guaranteed that you will too. They definitely are talented & you should love on them, will ya?

So there you have it, folks. I hope you have some new artists you can (& will) be listening to from here on out. If you’re not satisfied or need more, feel free to caruse my Spotify playlists to find more: here.

Is There Space for More Black Executives in the Music Industry?

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The obvious answer to that question is, yes. But let’s have a conversation. I wanted to look into the diversity of the music industry higher ups. Billboard puts out a list every year acknowledging people working in the industry who have made big strides, accomplished big things that past year, or are just shining at what they do. There are only 19 of 212 people listed that are black, which is 8.9% of the list. THAT IS INSANE.

There are only 19 of 212 people listed that are black, which is 8.9% of the list.

Looking at the major record labels (Sony, Universal Music Group, & Warner Music Group), all 3 CEOs are white.

  • Sony executives, out of 12, 1 is black.
  • Universal executives, 1 of 11 is black.
  • Warner executives, none of the executives are black.

Jumping over to other facets of the industry, the biggest radio name being IHeartRadio, their CEO is white. Ryan Seacrest is also a heavy influence for that company. Carson Daly has also been a player in the industry, having hosted TRL and I believe the forefront to radio.com (a quick google search shows he left radio in 2017 to focus on family). Spotify & Apple Music are run by white men. The major music magazine(s) – mainly Rolling Stone – is headed by a white male.

But let’s not forget, there’s some big names who represent the black community who have made waves in the music industry: Beyonce & Jay-Z created a music platform called Tidal, have sold out stadiums/tours, and Jay Z has a music entertainment business (Roc Nation). We also have Drake who has his own label (but under the umbrella of Warner Music) & Lil Wayne does as well (but under the Universal umbrella).

These artists have been given some control and have been influential in bringing talented artists into the music scene, but they still have to answer to the white man & power that this country was built on. I am not saying that is how these labels are run, but if you look at who is in charge, there is not even close to enough executives who represent the black community. If we want to get anywhere in this country, we have to give opportunities to those who can speak for the community, who can stand up for what’s right, who can put out content/music from personal experience to fully represent the diversity in our country. If we continue to stay divided, and a majority of the space at the top is coming from white voices, well we aren’t going to get very far are we?

If we continue to stay divided, and a majority of the space at the top is coming from white voices, well we aren’t going to get very far are we?

Billboard has some great information about what labels, executives, artists, are doing to support the Black Lives Matter movement & helping to dismantle & fight systemic racism. Check it out here: Artists Urge Music Companies to Donate to Fight Racial Injustice: Here Are the Ones That Have

Signed,

Post Concert Depression

Drive-In Concerts

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An idea, inspired by an event Keith Urban put on for healthcare workers just outside of Nashville recently. Now this is a concept I can get behind.

Just imagine it, we can all enjoy the experience of a live concert, safely inside our vehicles. The stage could be set up just like it would be at a festival, at a drive-in theater location, or even in a random field outside of the city. Put up two screens on either side of the stage, so those who are not close can still see the artist, while the speakers still protrude the voice of the artist, live in the flesh.

It’s not through a screen. It’s not prerecorded. We still get the lights, the instruments, the background vocals, that we would for a live show. Artists could go on tour, safely. They could still make an income. We could get that concert fill.

So…anyone want to start a new concert venue with me? Leave every work day/shift with post concert depression?!