New Releases on
RARadio:
"Darkness" by
Leonard Cohen; "Sweetbread"
by Simian
Mobile Disco and "Keep You"
from Actress
off the Chronicle movie
soundtrack;"Goodbye to Love" from
October Dawn; Trouble in Mind 2011
label sampler;
Black Box Revelation Live on
Minnesota Public Radio;
Apteka "Striking Violet";
Mikal Cronin's "Apathy" and "Get
Along"; Dana deChaby's
progressive rock
Who is the record industry considering the reigning
standard of excellence in each of the key genres? Below is RARWRITER.com's
survey of the trend setters based on the descriptions posted in various A&R
listings. When they write that "We want to hear tracks that sound like..." the
names below are the ones that are referenced most frequently. Use the links
provided for sample work from each artist.
CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY INSTRUMENTAL BEDS:
Brad Paisley - "Camouflage"
Justin Moore - "Bait A Hook"
Sunny Sweeney - "Drink Myself Single"
CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY: Songs
Keith Urban
Tim McGraw
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Kellie Pickler
Trisha Yearwood
Sara Evans
ADULT CONTEMPORARY:
The present day definition of "Adult Contemporary" seems weird
to someone who used to think that referred to Johnny Mathis. The
names that pop up under this genre belong to people who may be
"adult" in the technical sense, though they certainly are
contemporary. If you are over 40 it might not hurt to
recalibrate your day to these radio-friendly current standards.
Andy Grammer
- "Fine By Me"
South African model Dominique Piek.
And then also in this video is Chris Isaak's
only barely-younger uncle, Andy Grammer.
But Dominique Piek overwhelms whatever charms Uncle Andy may be
spinning. I spent so much time wondering who on earth could
merit the attentions of such a creature (as Dominique Piek, not
Andy) that before I knew it the song had ended. I guess it was
obviously not Uncle Grammer. On the other hand, he's a
Standard Bearer, with all that implies.
Hot Chelle Rae
- "I Like It Like That"
Seriously, who knew that there was a direct-to-Kidz
Bop connection? Apparently not fans of Hot Chelle
Rae, unless they are one and the same. That said, there are some
grins here.
Gym Class Heroes
- "Stereo"
Would you say that this was trending toward the youth
demographic? It has energy and optimism, and that same
direct-to-Kidz Bop quotient of sass and cute-osity.
Check back for updates and
leading standard setters from other musical genres.
