You can imagine how nerve wracking and what a range of emotions it has to be for an artist when they’re about to release their newest single.
There’s the obvious excitement, of course. There’s also relief that the project is completed. He or she (or the band) also is hopeful that the song will be well received and, obviously, that listeners will buy it and/or pre-save it. Unfortunately, it’s also human nature that negative forces will try to chip away at one’s confidence and whisper, “What if people don’t like it, though?”
Certainly, when an artist sends out a song for review (just like authors do), it’s with optimism that their work will be met favorably and other people will, by extension, start spreading the word for them by way of their (for purposes of this example, written) compliments.
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Put me on the list of people carrying out that task. I was fortunate enough to get an early preview of a song that’s slated for release next month and am glad to have been in that exclusive company.
“I Just Want to Love You” by John Kemp will come out in June and I’m encouraging you to be on the lookout for it.
The track started off making me feel unsure yet still in a way that kept me interested to hear where it was going to go. Sure enough, 40 seconds in, it started to move and got better and better, despite its simplicity. I like that it's stripped down, piano and vocals, not overproduced. Nicely done, John.
I will say that the artwork for the song (above) probably could’ve been more elaborate, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying it. It was also submitted to me with no information about the song or the artist, which would make for a more complete presentation. Having said that, though, it’s an interesting balance that has to be struck as sometimes I’ve read a bad track description and gone into listening to a song with a chip on my shoulder as a result.
The lyrics are quite timely too. As we head into the homestretch of Mental Health Awareness Month and far too many people deal with broken hearts (among countless other challenges), it’s noteworthy that Kemp sings all about the things he doesn’t want to do, which implies that he, as the title says, just wants to love. We need more of that positivity with our country and the world in the shape that we all currently see.
As I mentioned, the song isn’t out yet, so for now I can only tell you to start getting ready for it by streaming Kemp’s other music.
As someone who advocates for indie music artists – as evidenced by my weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast being more than nine years old – I also strongly suggest that when it does come out, you follow my lead. No, I’m not saying that you need to write a blog about it, but, with both “I Just Want to Love You” by John Kemp as well as any other new release, don’t just listen, enjoy it, and keep quiet. Yes, the artist will always be thrilled when anyone tells a family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor, etc. about a song they need to listen to. But go out of your way to let the artist know too that you like the song. They’re counting on your feedback and in this day and age of technology and social media, it’s wonderful that it’s not very difficult (at all) for you to send a message to a music creator to give them a virtual thumbs up.
Are you an indie creator and looking for some guidance as you continue forward in your career pursuits? For almost 20 years now I have been helping indie music artists, authors, entrepreneurs, podcasters, small business owners, and more. And I’m just a phone call away so that you can benefit from all that experience. Let’s talk about the challenges you’re facing and make sure you’re pointed in the right direction. I’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you.