Perfect Pop Songs

Art by: Phil Fung

Hi Friends,


Much like a delicious treat - the perfect pop song can stir-up feelings of guilt, regret and even embarrassment.  Perhaps a bit of an exaggeration - but I'm guilty of turning my own headphones down on the subway from fear that the people around me might be judging.  I do it less and less these days.


It's sometimes called a guilty pleasure and can even be classified as an ear-worm.  At the end of the day they're simply AMAZING songs designed for mass appeal and make people happy.


Be it a whistling hook like in Peter Bjorn and John's 'Young Folk' or Foster The People's 'Pumped Up Kicks' - an anthem like Jay Z's 'Empire State of Mind' or something with repetition like Martin Solveig's 'Hello' or Rihanna's 'Umbrella'.  These are all PERFECT pop songs.


Here are a few that have come out in recent years I love...

• Carly Rae Jepsen - 'Call Me Maybe' so big and about to get bigger :)
• Miley Cyrus - 'Party In The U.S.A.'
• LMFAO - 'Party Rock Anthem'
• Pitbull feat Neyo, Afro Jack and Nayer - 'Give Me Everything'
• The Backstreet Boys - 'I Want It That Way' *my personal favourite perfect pop song

Creating hits is no easy task and so if there's a secret formula then so be it.  Keep it coming - this stuff makes the masses sing, dance and smile.

Thanks for reading/listening

Gregg Stewart

New Music

Hi Friends,


I'm not sure what's going on - but 2012 has already started on a high note when it comes to new music releases.  Maybe it's The Grammys, The Brit Awards or just the time of year in general - but right now there's some damn good music coming out.


I'm going to keep this short and simply recommend 5 awesome tracks to you.  


Here they are...

Bahamas - 'Lost In The Light'

Emeli Sande - 'Heaven'

Lana Del Rey - 'This Is What Makes Us Girls'

Childish Gambino - 'Heartbeat'

Morning Parade - 'Us & Ourselves'

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

The Cure Mixed Up

Hi Friends,

I heard The Cure's 'Pictures of You' on NME radio today and was instantly transported back to 1990.  It was the summer between grade 8 and 9 for me when music was everything.

The Cure 'Mixed-Up' was a cassette in my older brother's collection at that time.  I remember fondly reading each and every lyric while playing the hell out of it on his ghetto blaster.  The strange thing was this was my first introduction to The Cure but the whole album was remixed.  This version of 'Pictures of You' was actually and 'Extended dub mix'.

I was already a massive fan of Depeche Mode at the time - so this was an easy addition to my repertoire.  Robert Smith was scary, daring and down right sad.  I loved every note of this album.

It's amazing how music has the ability to take you back, spark old emotions and do so in the most innocent of ways.  It's truly what keeps me going each day.

This is also why radio, television and a voice behind the music will always play a vital role in the business.  It's human emotion and recommendations that bring these memories and help create new ones.  My brother was my DJ and gateway to music growing up - I can't thank him enough for that.

This is a just a quick nostalgic post as I reflect upon the 13 year old version of myself.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg

Masterpieces

Hi Friends,


BBC Radio 1 do an annual series entitled 'Masterpieces'. It's a show where they highlight 4 albums which their music team have deemed to be 'Masterpieces'. They've been showcasing these for the past 5 years with artists like Nirvana, Amy Winehouse, Led Zeppelin, Oasis, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Metallica and The Clash - to name a few.

I believe albums are created in a very particular way and therefor meant to be heard in the order they appear on track listings. In a era of singles it's sad but most albums will not be experienced this way for future generations.
I recently asked my 13 year old niece what her favourite album of all time was. She was quick to respond with No Doubt's 'Rock Steady' and that was awesome. She would have only been 2 when it came out - but she grew-up with it and knows it as a full body of work from start to finish. She restored my faith.

I've taken a stab at a few albums I've come to love over the years - to which I consider masterpieces in every sense of the word.

Here goes nothing...

Led Zeppelin - 'IV'

This is classic Led Zeppelin album originally came out in November of 1971. It's a particular favourite of mine as it was my introduction to the band. The first track on side A is 'Black Dog' which comes right out of the gate with killer vocals and guitar riffs to smack you in the face. It's chalk full of hits and is also home to arguably their most recognizable tune 'Stairway To Heaven' as well as the amazing 'Going to California'. This album is 40 years old and will still sound amazing in another 40 years.

Guns n' Roses - 'GN'R Lies'

This album is off side. This album uses words that I find offensive today and I wouldn't feel comfortable singing along to songs like 'One In A Million' or 'I Used To Love Her'. Having said that 'Lies' truly is a masterpiece of an album. It came out in 1988 at a time when hair metal reigned. The difference between these guys and other hair bands was that they were hard core. These were angry anthems that didn't pander to radio. The band came out with a full throttle album that acted as an anchor to GN'R on the world stage.

I'm certain that every single person I grew-up with could recite the words to this verse from 'Patience'

I've been walking the streets at night
Just trying to get it right
Its hard to see with so many around
You know I don't like being stuck in the crowd
And the streets don't change
But maybe the names
I ain't got time for the game cause I need you
Yeah, yeah, yeah, 'cause I need you
Ooo I need you, whoa I need you
Ooooh, all this time

Tom Petty - 'Full Moon Fever'

Tom is one of the coolest men to have ever walk this earth. His first solo outing came out in 1989 and housed songs like 'Free Falling', 'I Won't Back Down', 'Love Is A Long Road' and 'Yer So Bad' to name a few. This album is fantastic complimented with some great videos showcasing Tom's sense of humour and creative sides. This man can do no wrong and 'Full Moon Fever' is one of the greatest rock n roll albums ever recorded.

The Tragically Hip - 'Fully Completely'

I almost wish they weren't Canadian as this album would have and should have gone global. It was the band's 4th album and from the second the needle drops on 'Courage (For Huge MacLennan)' through 'Pigeon Camera' and 'Wheat Kings' on through until it ends with 'Eldorado' this album gorgeous. It made time stop for me when I first heard it in grade 10.

I've never stopped loving this band's body of work and could safely place all 12 of their studio albums on a list of Masterpieces.

Blind Melon - 'Blind Melon'

In 1992 the world was taken over by this little girl tap dancing while wearing a bee costume in the video for 'No Rain'. It was the introduction to a short lived music career for their lead singer Shannon Hoon. After only 3 albums it was all over but their self-titled debut had it all and solidified this album as a true masterpiece. Other notable tracks on the album included 'Change' and 'I Wonder'. I personally wonder what they would have sounded like had they not lost Shannon at such a young age.

Depeche Mode - 'Violator'

Album #7 for Depeche Mode is far and away my favourite from them. Perhaps it has something to do with it being the tour I first saw them on and coincidentally the very first concert I had ever been to. This album is phenomenal. From 'The Policy of Truth', 'Personal Jesus', 'World in My Eyes' to 'Enjoy The Silence' it was beyond new wave - this was the future. Check out the link to a rare version of 'Enjoy the Silence' filmed atop the World Trade Center.

Long live the ALBUM whatever shape or form it comes in.

Thanks for reading/listening,

Gregg

2012 Predictions

Hi Friends,

I'm optimistic 2012 will bring about great transformation for the music business. With all this talk of SOPA, PIPA, Facebook teaming up with Spotify & Rdio to the 4 majors becoming 3 - there's bound to be some serious change.

To head in the right direction will require GREAT music. If it's singer songwriter, dub-step, guitar rock, hip hop or even a combination of genres - it will need to be fantastic and real. The music business is so transparent to its consumer and I believe that in order for things to become great the REAL musicians will need to see the spotlight.

Here's a few acts that I think will shine this coming calendar year. Give them all a listen I think you will agree that they are the real McCoy.

Here's a play list of the music I'm speaking about below. Give it a spin while you read the rest.

Emeli Sande

Newcomer Emelia Sande is making waves in the UK with chart topping singles. The Scottish native has the power (IMHO) to crack the coveted US airwaves. She's got the look, the style and one of the most powerful voices in the business. If her single 'Heaven' doesn't start popping in North America - then there's something wrong with the Music Directors and PDs at radio. Just give this a listen - I'm sure you'll agree.

• Total Official YouTube Hits = over 4,000,000
• Twitter followers = 90,000

Snow Patrol

This band had their highest debut in Canada last week and currently sit at #31 on the iTunes album charts. They sold out their forthcoming show at Massey Hall in Toronto as well as a Terminal 5 show in NYC. It's Snow Patrol's year to shine on this side of the pond. I predict another Grey's Anatomy music sync that will garner these Irish lads the credit they deserve allowing them to become a household name in America.

• Total Official YouTube Hits = too many to count
• Twitter followers = 70,000

Ed Sheeran

Already a monster in the UK, 2012 will see Ed cross the Atlantic and become a star. His first single The A Team and second Lego House will become the new 'Beautiful' by James Blunt. Coincidentally Ed will be opening for Snow Patrol across North America in the spring:)

• Total Official YouTube Hits = over 37,000,000
• Twitter followers - over 1,200,000

Gotye

This one is a no brainer as he's already got millions of hits and wide spread attention from the original as well as this cover on YouTube. It's simply going to be one of those tracks that continues to spread and tip to everyone. It's just a matter of time. Your cousin in rural Alberta will post it on your Facebook wall some time around mid March.

We're all going to get very sick of it (I'm already very sick of it) - but at least we can sleep knowing it's a truly great song.

• Total Official YouTube Hits = over 49,000,000
• Twitter followers = 36,500

Drake

Already hip hop royalty with platinum selling albums the world over - Drake has yet to scratch the surface. His latest album 'Take Care' has so many monster hits and collaborations on it. Check out the title track with Rihanna here it's a glimpse to how talented this guy and his team are.

Drake really is the whole package and deserves more credit than he's received thus far. He's raised the bar for R&B, Hip Hop and Pop music alike - so watch out for Toronto's own to take his rightful place on the throne.

• Total Official YouTube Hits = way too many to count
• Twitter followers = over 5,400,000

Thanks for reading/listening.

Gregg Stewart

Digital Singles

Hi Friends,

Now that digital music has surpassed physical music sales things around the industry are going to have to change.

Although it's only 50.3% - it's still over half of all sales - so perhaps this is a wake-up call to an industry.


Do the people buying digital music spend their money on the same music as those that go into record stores? It appears so when you look at the Top Songs Chart on iTunes but we need to remember digital music is very singles driven. So make up for the money being lost on albums will need to come in ten fold from singles. How will the record companies adapt?


I can tell you one thing - and that is they need to make music available for purchase the second it's released to radio and online. There's no waiting when it comes to music. If someone likes it then they need to be able to buy it right then and there. The impulse buy needs to be as easy as grabbing a snickers bar at the check-out of a grocery store.


Whether it's links on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, MySpace, Official sites, Newsletters, Blogs, Articles or more - they need to be made available ASAP if they want to change the habits of music lovers.


Record companies are already doing a good job of promoting iTunes - but as traditional retail continues to let them down they'll need to look at putting their marketing money elsewhere. I mean spending $5k to rack something in an HMV hoping people walk to the back of a store?? WTF. Perhaps heightened awareness with direct links is a better way to go. I know this is how I buy my music.


I say this knowing fine well that the lion's share of revenue still comes from the CD itself. It's only a matter of time until it isn't and so something needs to be done now to keep their heads above water.


Here are a few digital singles I think you should check out and buy. Trust me as I wouldn't steer you wrong.


Azealia Banks feat Lazy Jay - '212'


Kanye recently tweeted that she's the future of music and this track is absolutely massive. It'll likely never see the light of day on TV or in mainstream media, based on lyrical content, but it's getting her noticed. BBC's Radio1 have actually created their own clean version of this track and it's now in a regular rotation - so look out. Buy button


*Hats off to some girls in my office for being on this track back in September.


Ed Sheeran - 'The A Team'


This gents been putting out massive hits in the UK and Europe for a couple of years now. His voice is beauties and this particular track makes me smile. Buy button


M83 - 'Midnight City'


Victoria Secret used it in an ad. HBO's How To Make It In America used it in a key scene and it's bloody gorgeous. This track just needs a mainstream push and it could very well change the game for the months ahead. Buy button


Emeli Sande - 'Heaven'


First off you can never go wrong with the funky drummer beat used at the top of this song. It's legendary and full of so much energy. Emeli Sande is sure to be a household name this year - if not for her pure talent then for this single alone. I had the pleasure of seeing her perform it live in the UK recently and fell in love. Not Available In Canada Yet


Gotye feat Kimbra - 'Somebody That I Used To Know'


With already over 30 million hits on YouTube it's not surprising the label have bumped it up on the list of priorities for 2012. It truly is an amazingly song and the video is super cool too.


The cover by a collective called 'Walk Off The Earth' is making the rounds now and has already garnered over 3 million hits.


It's been a band to watch for sometime in the music industry and feels like something very special indeed. Buy button


One Direction - 'What Makes You Beautiful'


This is one of the few British boy bands that will resonate here in North America this year. The single itself isn't available to buy at this time - but the video is. I like to think that this it's a genius move on the labels part - as it's all about the heartthrob boys running around a beach. Buy button


We Were Promised Jetpacks - 'Quiet Little Voices'


A good friend of mine told me about this band ages ago. They are very Scottish and you can hear that in the vocals. I saw the movie 'Hall Pass' this week and it used this particular track in a party scene. Buy button


Snow Patrol - 'Symphony'


I can't say enough about these guys. Their latest album 'Fallen Empires' is in-stores and online this Tuesday - so whether you go to record stores or grab tracks digitally I recommend this new album. Buy button


Contrary to popular belief music is not free. There's a lot that goes into the promotion and creation of GOOD music - and without that the future may be very bland and boring. Auto-tune anyone?


Thanks for reading/listening.


Gregg

Dear 2011...

Hello Friends,

As 2011 came to a close I took time to write down some of the personal highlights. 2011 reminded me many times why it is I got into this business. Magical moments, special places, awesome people and of course the music itself. I'm very lucky.

I have no problem asking the question "What are you listening to these days" as I truly am interested but when someone asks me that same question I find myself visualizing my iTunes, iPod, CD and Rdio collections. It's never an easy thing to answer as I find my appetite for new music growing with each passing year. The most recent albums I find myself going back to are Amy Winehouse's - 'Lioness: Hidden Treasures', Drake's - 'Take Care' and The Jezabels - 'Prisoner'. Oh yeah - and these 2 tracks Gotye and Azealia Banks but I digress.

2011 didn't disappointed and so I took a stab at listing a few things I did this year as a recap.

January

Much like any January you struggle to get back into things and set goals for the year ahead. It's a time for lots of club shows in Toronto and this year was no exception.

The highlight for this particular January was having The White Lies come through and play in the MuchMusic studio on a Friday night. The band had just released their sophomore album 'Ritual' which featured some fantastic hits including 'Strangers' and 'This Is Bigger Than Us'. Probably the best video released in 2011 BTW.

February

February is always a favourite of mine as it's the month I was born. It's that much closer to Spring and it's far enough away from the beginning of the year that you're back in the swing of things.

This February was simply exciting as Scotland's own Biffy Clyro were coming to town. Not only were they playing The Garrison but they were also coming to perform on MuchMusic. It was 2 days of pure energy and epic performances. I barely recall The Garrison show as a bunch of us made a night of it with the boys from the band. Classy Scotsmen with a great sense of humour and the ability to melt your face off on a stage. Please give this song a spin as it's one of my favourites of all time now.

February saw The Streets released 'Computers and Blues' in North America. When I had first heard of The Streets back in 2002 I was floored. This guy's beats and story telling ability are mind blowing. He's released 5 full length studio albums and this was said to be his last. It's a shame as each was a story taking you on a roller coaster ride throughout. This final one did just that as it showed a maturing Mike Skinner as he prepared to become a father in tunes like A Blip On The Screen. I hope it's not his last album - but if it is then he has gone out on a high note in my books.

March

Like every March the Canadian music industry comes to The Royal York in Toronto for Canadian Music Week. It's the one time of the year that you see everyone face-to-face and get to share the new music. There are dinners and of course the festival portion where bands from around the World come to showcase their music.

This year I saw Bombay Bicycle Club for the first time. I was introduced to them and didn't think anything of it. I wish that I could go back to that moment now as their album 'A Different Kind Of Fix' has become one of my favourite albums from the year. Do yourself a favour and give this track a spin.

From Canadian Music Week I flew to Austin Texas for my virgin year at South By South West Music Festival. Now if you've never been I can't express how amazing it is and how you must at least experience this once if you like music at all.

It's hot, it's hip and the city has a pulse like nothing I've ever seen before. 6th Street in Austin is literally hundreds of bars that showcase thousands of acts over the course of a week. From the second you walk out of your hotel to grab a coffee at 9am - until the moment you put your head down to sleep - it's all music all the time. Oh yeah and majority of it's free.

From outdoor shows featuring The Strokes to indoor afternoon showcases with City and Colour and of course the famous Stubbs BBQ. I discovered enough music for a lifetime on this trip and enjoyed every second of it. Artists like Eliza Doolittle, Data Rock, Tinie Tempah and The Boxer Rebellion were a few that won me over. I also had the pleasure of experiencing this with my best friend and girlfriend Raffy - so SXSW is a standout for the year for sure.

April/May

Adele is the clear winner when it comes to music sales in 2011. She deserves it and everyone should own this new album '21'.
I had the pleasure of seeing her twice this year including her sold out show at Air Canada Centre and a special intimate performance at MTV's Masonic Temple - WATCH THIS. Adele is the Queen.

June

Summer means the MuchMusic Video Awards and that means many long days at work. It's also the most exciting time of the year as this show is World class and right in our backyard. The weekend itself starts at 7am and each night ends around 2am. It's well worth it and makes that beer taste that much better Sunday night once it's a wrap.

This year's awards proved to be the biggest to date and boasted the likes of Justin Bieber, Drake, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Selena Gomez, The Black Keys and Far East Movement featuring Snoop to name a few. It was magical and made me very proud to be involved. Bring on June 2012:)

As tiring as The MMVAs are - I knew that the next day would also be a lengthy one. Liam Gallagher's band Beady Eye were in Toronto for their first show post Oasis. It wasn't the best show, by any stretch, but damn does that man know how to command an audience. My label friends invited me to join them after the show and say hello to the band including the man himself Liam Gallagher. We stuck it out to no avail and decided to call it a night at around 2am.

The next morning I received a call from the record label inviting me to the penthouse of The Four Seasons to meet the band as they did interviews with local press. I jumped on it and shared conversations with band members over coffee and muffins. The elevator door then opened as Liam sauntered out wearing John Lennon sunglasses and a ridiculous Peter Pan haircut. He walked right over and shook my hand. He was in fine form and answered all his interview questions with sarcasm and attitude. We then took a quick photo and I got the hell out of there as to leave on a high note without making an arse of myself. I had just met rock royalty and it was perfect. Thank you Darryl, Moe and Matt - it truly was a highlight.

July

I would say that Saskatoon band The Sheepdogs had a pretty amazing year is an under statement. They entered a contest to be the first unsigned act to grace the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and won. The build up was long and this band worked to earn every bit of it. From Bonaroo, SXSW, Jimmy Fallon, The MMVAs and across Canada a couple of times to the rooftop of The Empire Hotel in NYC.

The band received the nod from Rolling Stone at a lavish party in Manhattan atop the roof of Chuck Bass' hotel. Ice T and Coco were on hand as was Larry David and music executives from across America. Oh and lots of pretty ladies. The band walked red carpets with style and grace and showed international press class and rock all in one.

Our cameras were on hand to capture it all for a special entitled 'Under the Cover with The Sheepdogs'. That meant I too was in NYC for their crowning and I can safely say that the after party under the hotel was epic. The jukebox was cranked and the Jager was flowing. The next 2 days hurt but it was well worth it as these things don't happen all that often.

The band have since gone on to sell out tours, sold a Gold record in Canada and are currently in the studio with Patrick Carney from The Black Keys as he produces their follow-up album. Congrats to these guys and their team...can't wait to see what comes next.

August

Summer Stage Central Park is a pretty fantastic event. It's a free concert series each summer that showcases some of the World's biggest names to up-and-coming acts like Naked and Famous and Cults.

I was at a few but this one muggy day in August was pretty wild. Friendly Fires, The Naked and Famous and Cults on one bill in a park filled with hipsters on the hottest day I can remember. These 3 acts can be found on most 'Best of' lists the World over.

September

Summer was still in full swing as September hit. Pearl Jam were coming to town for shows as well as to introduce a film at TIFF. The movie entitled PJ Twenty Movie was directed by none other than Cameron Crowe and is a must see if you lived through the 90s.

The day I saw this film was special as Sony Music invited media partners to a screening and then took us by bus to Air Canada Centre to see the band in concert. I must have listened to this song 100 times since that night. Pearl Jam were my Nirvana and define the early part of my high school life. Thanks for this day Stephen and JD.

September was also the month for Canada's annual Polaris Music Prize to be awarded. I was asked to be on this year's Grand Jury - meaning I was 1 of 10 members that had the final vote to determine the winner. I wrote about this back in September, as seen here, but have to reiterate that it was truly the purest and most amazing experience I've had in my career. The people, the music and the process were picture perfect.

October

I have a ticket stub for El Macambo that says Mumford & Sons from February of 2009. The venue got changed at the last minute and it was moved to Lee's Palace based on the buzz. Who would have known that 2 years later they'd be selling out Air Canada Centre on that very same album?

That night in October was great - but the best part was seeing friends from the record company including Randy, Tony, Deddy, Ivar, Paul, Madelaine as well as Daniel Glass, of Glassnote Records, smiling from ear-to-ear. It was a U2 sized moment and the crowd hung on that band's every note.

November/December

The other Oasis brother brought his own project 'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' to Toronto in early November. His first stop was a secret show at Virgin MOD Club were I stood centre of the room with my brother and 2 friends singing every track word for word. We may or may have not gone to Mag Pie on Dundas Street after the show from a twitter tip that he was going for a drink.

That Monday was the first of his 2 sold out nights at Massey Hall. It was incredible to see him belt out new tracks and some Oasis classics like 'Supersonic', 'Wonderwall' and 'Don't Look Back In Anger'. He's my favourite songwriter of all time and so these few days were among the best of the year by far.

November also brought me to London, England for a few days with my friends at EMI. It was a showcase for new acts on their roster and it was at none other that Abbey Road Studios.

I had goosebumps walking into studio 2 as it's the room in which some of music's greatest records were created. From The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, U2, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Oasis, Travis, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Stevie Wonder this floor has seen hundreds of artists write and record anthems, ballads and HITS. It was religious and will be a moment I shall cherish forever. Thank you Nathan and Paul.

Bucket list - Go to Abbey Road Studios - CHECK

The year ended much the way it began - with great music. The Kooks were in town and tore the roof off Sound Academy on front of the most amazing crowd I'd ever seen in this city. Lead singer Luke is a rockstar, as seen here, and it was the perfect show to end 2011.

This year taught me that the music industry's future is in good hands. The people working in music today are in it for one reason and it's the right reason - they truly do love the music.

Thank you for the memories and here's to 2012.

Gregg