Emergence of the Emerging Artist
Could the grocery store be the new hotbed for music? Probably not – but I have been noticing a trend. I was walking through Publix supermarket when Fleet Foxes’s Mykonos - (recently dubbed part of the “bearded folk” movement) was playing on the overhead speaker. Then, I heard a song by a Nashville-based emerging singer/songwriter named Griffin House. What? When did these unknown artists overthrow the Top 40 mainstays that dominated retail stores’ airwaves?
Now that the general public has access to more music than ever before, people’s tastes have broadened in a very big way. According to this article published by Artists House (http://bit.ly/7ZyjSn), the avenues where people can find new music are infinitely more vast. As soon as Atlanta’s highly rated Top 40 radio station, Star 94 started playing former indie jewel, Kings of Leon, in heavy rotation, I knew the tides of the music industry had changed. Even A-list actor, Scarlett Johansson is recording with indie fave Pete Yorn (she actually has a REALLY good sultry and sexy voice)!
Behold the emergence of the emerging artist! For the musicians who are desperate to have their music heard, your time is right now.
You see, my roots have always been in expanding audiences for artists. I have a degree in broadcasting and I fell in love with radio. Music is my true passion and sales is in my blood. As I find exceptional talent, I’ve always had an instinctive drive to help them find a much larger audience. RadioPotato’s purpose is to be an extension of that drive.
There’s a magic in watching an artist who is so fresh – just POUR their heart and soul into performing for just a handful of people. You learn more about who the artist is as they tend to interact with the audience and tell stories. If the artist is really good, you will connect with them and have an experience is virtually impossible to replicate if they were playing a large arena. There’s almost an untapped innocence and gratitude that pulls you closer.
Always excited to only pay $10 bucks to see such a mind-blowing show, I know it’s only temporary before the world catches on. I’ll do my part to help bring this music to the masses and encourage you to do the same. In the meantime, here is a quick list of artists you NEED to see live before they go mainstream (I’ve also included their Twitter names, if they have them). When you go to a show, you expect to be entertained, but these special bands really rocked it out:
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Tony Lucca (@luccadoes) – Singer/Songwriter that has a voice that will knock you off your feet
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Gareth Asher (@garethasher) – Singer/songwriter – women love him and men wish they had his powers
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Nathan Angelo (@nathanangelo) – sounds like a white Stevie Wonder…boy has got soul!
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Eric Lindell -gritty, bluesy rock
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Helio Sequence – Electro-pop rock duo…crazy good live and the drummer is a spectacle on his own
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Katie Herzig (@katieherzig) – Singer/songwriter with an unforgettable voice and Grey’s Anatomy sweetheart
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Greg Laswell (@greglaswell) – Singer/songwriter with a melodic melancholy baritone that stirs your soul
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Matthew Mayfield (@matthewmayfield) – Emotive and passionate singer/songwriter
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Needtobreathe (@needtobreathe) – Really fun rock/pop band…almost like a revival! Stomp your feet good
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Susan Tedeschi – captivating tiny little white redhead singing blues like a big black lady singing gospel in church
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Morning Teleportations – weird as hell live but incredible musicians (opened for Cage the Elephant)
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A Fine Frenzy (@afinefrenzy) - You can’t help but be rocked by her vocals and piano playing
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Marc Broussard (@marcbroussard) – Wow! What a show he puts on. Bluesy and powerful
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Gabe Dixon Band (@gabedixonband) – Great bluesy jam and rocks the piano. Got a Billy Joel feel to it
In the interest of brevity, there are way too many artists I left off of this list and I encourage you to put some of your favorites in the comment section below. Most importantly, keep supporting these bands and the indie artists you love! In fact, look who is seeing at a local venue nearby and just GO tonight! You never know…you might find a new favorite.
In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a few memorable video clips of some of the best shows I’ve seen live and happened to record (is it even legal?):
Helio Sequence – “Don’t Look Away”
Tony Lucca w/Matt Lowell – “Pretty Things”
Matthew Mayfield – “Element”
Thanks for being a part of the emergence. Support indie!
Allison Rizk
You have such a good ear for songs that grab your soul! Stereophonics, “Maybe Tomorrow” is one you recommended to me and I still listen to it often. You introduced me to Gareth’s music and talent is an understatement! His music pierces your soul! Jamie Cullum is another one you got me into, now we’re going to his concert! You are a talented, beautiful person! Keep spreading the musical joy with the world! It needs YOU!