The Industry

2011 Flower Count Correspondent

I wanted to share this little mash up with you. A couple weeks ago the annual Flower Count took place in Victoria. Basically the idea is that the city is embracing Spring… and what better way then by counting flowers. I was sent on assignment by the JACK FM morning show to help count the flowers and this is what happened.

I’m still suffering from the pollen… does anyone have any Claritin? I would like to be Claritin clear now!

Mitch

Sure Shots: Round 5

There’s a procedure to this post, as with all Sure Shots. First press play on the audio above this post and then come back and read this… seriously, click it. Did you click it? Alright, wasn’t it awesome?! So now that you know all of the songs and hopefully had a good head bob, you can read my predictions on how long it is going to be before we hear it on the radio. You can also click on the title of each song to hear the full track. 

4. Rock Mafia - The Big Bang
      - This song has a ton of potential. I like to think there are two branches of top 40 music. The first branch is your dance-pop. The songs like Rihanna and Lady Gaga that are crazy popular and played in clubs all over the world. Then you have the ballads. Also popular, but perhaps only played in public at grade seven dances to entice the genders to mix and do that awkward zombie dance… This is the latter, but also a great song. However, once it get’s on air, I don’t think it will last long, so enjoy.
Countdown to Air: 2-3 Weeks.  

3. Adele - Rolling in the Deep (Jamie XX Remix)
     - I want to meet Adele so bad. Her music is mind blowing. Every single stands on it’s own, but the great thing about her latest single is that it can be played on both lite A/C stations as well as Top 40, just by chosing to play a remixed version like this one. So stations, ya I’m talking to you, what are you waiting for? Seeing as how it was just released less then a week ago, I’ll give this a bit more time then normal, as they might choose to wait for the full album to be released.
Countdown to Air: 5-6 Weeks.

2. Natalia Kills - Mirrors
     - This is a short and sweet one. She embodies everything that is Top 40 right now. She’s got the looks, and a catchy hook. That’s all there is to it… oh and she is already doing massive tours with UK pop icon Robyn. This is an easy one.
Countdown to Air: 3-4 Weeks

1. Martin Solveig and Dragonette - Hello
     - This one is hard because it is a little too techno-esque to be traditionally played on a Top 40 station, however like I said in the audio I’m issuing a challenge to all radio stations. If you play this song, I will personally call you to tell you what a fantastic taste in music you have. That’s a great prize if I do say so myself. It’s almost to awesome…almost.
Countdown to Air: I would be surprised if it ends up on air so I’m going to say it will take 15-16 weeks, because by then we will all already have it on our iPods and be growing tired of it… Sorry Martin. 

YAY!

Remember to leave a comment with what songs you think are going to be a big hit, or just your favorite song on your iPod right now! Or send me other feedback about this post or others to feedback@theradioindustry.com

-Mitch

Sure Shots Round 4

Click play above to hear the Sure Shots in Countdown form. To hear the entire track click the title below.

4. Deadmau5 - Sofi Needs a Ladder

Countdown to Air: 2-3 Weeks.  This one is a little tricky. Yes it does have some catchy vocals and a really great beat, but is it to much techno? I think that the best outcome for this particular song will be used as transitions and fill-in for live on-air mixes. That way they can use just the hook without the 2 minute intro. 

3. Flo Rida ft. Akon - Who Dat Girl?

Countdown to Air: 2-3 Weeks. This song, although it sounds exactly the same as every other Flo Rida song out there, it will still get massive amounts of air play. It’s just a matter of when to bring it into rotation seeing as Flo Rida has the song “Club Can’t Handle Me” out right now and it is doing very well. 

2. Taio Cruz ft. Kylie Minogue - Higher

Countdown to Air: 4-5 Weeks. I would love to say that this track is going to be played right away but like I mentioned in the clip Taio is still near the top of the charts with his song “Dynamite”. Once that comes down, this one will be added for sure.

1. David Guetta ft. Rihanna - Who’s That Chick?

Countdown to Air: 3-4 Weeks. Of all the songs this round, I want this one to be played immediately the most. Although I would deem this a pretty “safe” song (meaning nothing unique about it), there will be some stations that will hold out, again, because Rihanna has “Only Girl in the World” out right now and it’s rare to have more then one single out at a time.

Make sure to leave me a comment in the section below about what you thought about the audio version of this round of Sure Shots and also what songs that you think are going to become number ones! 

-Mitch

Extra - Top 4 Songs of the Week (August 17, 2010)

This is me attempting to get back on track with the good ole’ blog. Back to the regular stuff that I have promised. SO! This is another list of my Top 4 songs of the week (because Top 5 lists are for losers!). These are the ones that I can’t stop humming even when someone told me “if you don’t stop butchering those songs with your pathetic excuse for humming, then you’re going to find out why the Slap Chop guy went to prison!”. To which I replied “Are you calling me a hooker?”. To which it got really quiet… and awkward.

As always, have a listen to the mash-up and read my thoughts on each song below and then in the comments leave me your favorite songs of the week! 

Number 4: Flo Rida ft. David Guetta - Club Can’t Handle Me

• Although I don’t understand the name “Flo Rida” or why it is even semi-cool to have your rap name resemble the state where old people go when they retire, the song is pretty good. It’s off the newest dance movie (which I have no intention of watching) Step Up 3D’s soundtrack . I saw the trailer on TV and the song got stuck. Next thing I knew it was on my computer and already raked up 30 plays.

Number 3: N.E.R.D ft. Kelly Furtado - Hot ‘N’ Fun

• N.E.R.D. had their first single “Everybody Nose (All the Girls Standing in the Line for the Bathroom)” and it did so… um… well, great, horribly! Yes. It was perhaps the most stupid song I have ever heard. With lyrics like:

A hundred bills look - Ashoo! Ashoo! (x4)
Because
All the girls standing in the line for the Bathroom!
All the girls standing in the line for the Bathroom!
All the girls standing in the,
All the girls standing in the,
All the girls standing in the line for the Bathroom!

• Who knew it wasn’t going to do well. However, despite this horrible first attempt at song writing, they came back with this hot new song with Victoria native Nelly Furtado and it is MUCH, MUCH better!

Number 2: Mike Posner - Cooler Then Me

• I like when a song tells me that I am cooler then the famous person singing it. I mean sure, that’s probably not what Posner is talking about, but I like to think that I am cooler then a guy who’s first video is centered around magical sunglasses… but the song is great and he is definitely the next big thing. However, Mike let me level with you. For your next video I suggest no magical accessories, stick to money, expensive cars and the whole degrading women thing… ZING! 

Number 1: Kelly Rowland ft. David Guetta - Commander

• Here is another person that had fame as a backup to Beyonce in Destiny’s Child, lost it, tried to come back solo (unsuccessfully) and is now teaming up with the new DJ prodigy, David Guetta, in hopes of reigniting her musical career. I personally think it’s working. This is Rowland’s second song with Guetta that has become popular, her first being “When Love Takes Over”. This song has amazing bass and really gets me wanting to break out in some awesome (and classic) white people moves. Just saying… if this song comes on, I’m not taking any responsibility for the ensuing “Sprinkler”, “Lawnmower” and most likely a failed attempt at “The Worm”. You’ve been warned.

That’s it for this week. I hope you enjoyed it. I realize David Guetta is on this list twice… he is just that good right now. Leave your thoughts on these songs in the comments below. Also if you have an idea for a Top 4 (like Top 4 90’s songs, Guilty Pleasures etc.) leave those also and I will try and do one of them for next weeks list.

Second post in a row HUZZAH!

-Mitch

Extra - Top 4 Songs of the Week (Guilty Pleasure Edition)

Last week I promised to go through my music library and showcase some of the songs that I wouldn’t want people to know I have on my phone. Through this process I realized I have a TON of songs that fall into this category. If you like this list, let me know and I can do a part two of my guilty pleasure list. First of all, no judging this list, because you and I both know you have a list of your very own and I would love to hear yours.

4. Jennifer Lopez - Do it Well
     - Oh J-Lo, I never really understood you. Are you a dancer, an actress or a singer? Because even after all of these years I have no idea. This song is one of her most recent releases and for some reason I heard it once and before I knew it, it was on my phone. It’s not horrible, but it’s embarrassing to just say I’m one of the few people that know she did more then those gross 90’s chick flicks.

3. S Club 7 - S Club Party
     - I do not want to hear a peep about this song. I can almost guarantee that when you were a kid and this song came on the radio, you sang along and drew ‘S’s in the sky with your finger, just like in their pathetic excuse for a music video. That is probably why I still have the song, because it allows me to think back to my days jumping on a trampoline, again like their music video, and pretending I was Australian and in a pop band… good times. 

2. Sisqo - The Thong Song
     - Talk about a one hit wonder. I bet you can’t describe what Sisqo looked like without Googling it… let me refresh your mind. White hair, one bedazzled glove (that only covered a couple fingers) and a vest… that sums it up. I like to consider this song the anthem of the 90’s. When butt floss was super cool and saying things like “she’s got dumps like a truck, truck, truck” was considered flirting. 

1. Will.i.am ft. Snoop Dogg - The Donque Song
     - This song is only a couple years old, but that fact that I, as a pasty white guy listen to a song centered around a really bad euphemism for an ass… a donkey. Yup, nothing screams sexy like thinking about a big, stinky, dirty donkey. However, I am not going to lie to you, this is not going to stop me from busting out the rap if I ever hear anyone else quietly playing it in their car so no one else hears it like I do.

That’s the list for right now, like I said I have more guilty pleasures and I’ll share more with you later. I think the worst part about this list is the fact that I can literally sing every word from every song… even Snoop’s rap, it’s ridiculous, but I’m not that ashamed haha.

-Mitch

Extra - Top 4 Songs of the Week (July 19 - 26 2010)

I know, I know, before your knickers get twisted into an untie-able knot let me explain. Now normally I would go on to tell you that the reason that I didn’t post the top four songs yesterday (Monday) like usual, was due to the dragon that has been terrorizing me. However, this week I’ll be completely honest and say, it was that damn troll. Seriously annoying! ANYWAYS! It’s hear and it’s a good one. So remember, if you like the song and want to purchase it, click on the link and it will take you directly to the song on iTunes (you’re welcome). 

4. The Mama Papa - Plants and Animals
     - This song has been out for a little while, but you know, sometimes it just takes time to get around to really enjoying a song. There is something about the chorus of this song that just gets my head doing the whole head bob thing, which is good.

3. Dancefloor - Hannah Georgas
     - Yup, I’m still going through a Hannah Georgas phase and I’m not going to apologize for it because she is awesome and she’s Canadian! Dancefloor is her single that is being played on the alternative stations and I have to admit, that is probably why it is drilled in my head right now. Highly recommend this song and her entire album; This is Good!

2. The High Road - Broken Bells
     - Another band that has been on my top 4 before and I have to say, again, with good reason. Broken Bells is comprised of two well known musicians. One by the name of Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) and the other is the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Shins, James Mercer. Although this duo only started back in September of 2009, they are already gaining so much popularity, it’s ridiculous. Both of their singles (The High Road & The Ghost Inside) are on repeat on my iPod right now and what’s not to like about the soothing vocals and attention grabbing beats?

1. Little Lion Man - Mumford and Sons
     - I know another song that has been out for a couple months however I have really liked this song since its debut, but, like I have explained I go through music phases. When I like a song, I buy it and then listen to it over and over until I can’t stand it any longer. I did that initially to Little Lion Man and then rediscovered it and now it is back on repeat! YAY!

There you have it… my top four songs that I can’t get enough of this week. If you have a song you think I might like, send me a link. I like so many types of music it’s crazy. Next week I’m going to change it up a bit and instead of posting my top four favorite songs, I’m going to share with you my top 4 guilty pleasure songs. Yup, you’ll know what songs are on my computer that I have re-named in hopes that no-one will ever find them!

Until then, party on!

-Mitch

Extra - Top 4 Songs of the Week

Seeing as it is Monday, the start to the business week I thought I would try and start a weekly Extra, my top 4 songs of the previous week. Top four because everyone does a top five… who has a list of only four… that’s right, ME! As I’ve said before I like such a wide range of music it’s almost ridiculous. So have a listen to the audio mashup and if you want more info on the songs read below… it’s just that easy, and if you have a song you want me to check out leave it in the comments or send me a link on my twitter (@mitchhawes). If you want to buy the music (be a good citizen, support talent) click on the title and it will take you to the iTunes page!

4. Hawksley Workman - Not Your Parent’s Music 
       - Seriously, what’s not to like. An awesome and unique beat, plus ridiculously catchy vocals. I’m all in. Plus the music video is awesome, non-creepy puppets! Hawksley Workman has been busy this year and they continue to pump out awesomeness.  

3. Kaskade ft. Dragonette - Fire in Your New Shoes
       - I love a good techno-ish beat. It is the way Top 40 is going and I have to say I’m not hating it. Dragonette recently made a brief Hot A/C crossover song, Pick up the Phone, and now they are going deeper into the genre of dance anthems. This song is off of Kaskade’s latest album Dynasty, which features a bunch of awesome guests like Dragonette, Hayley and Mindy Gledhill.

2. Broken Bells - The Ghost Inside
       - Rhythmic. That sums it up for me. It’s a song that I put on my iPod to just relax and bob along. It’s incredibly soothing but still has a great hook and if you are a Mad Men fan you might like to know that Christina Hendricks stars in the music video as a woman who is soaring through space. The twist…she has to sell her body parts for fuel… At least thats what I think is happening.

1. Hannah Georgas - Chit Chat
       - After going to her show this past weekend I haven’t been able to stop listening to Hannah Georgas. She has an amazing voice and she is fantastic live. Chit Chat is the first song off of her album “This is Good” and the whole album lives up to the name!

Check out next Monday for the songs that are on repeat on my iPod throughout this week!

-Mitch