Say what you will about all the streaming platforms and what it means for artist earnings, but, you have to admit that today’s technology has made music discovery so, so (SO) much easier. In fact, note to self – that’s a blog for another time, although I’m sure that I’ve likely talked about it with a few guests on my weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast.
If you’ve been reading my weekly blog for a while now, presumably you’ve seen the One Submit banner across the top of the page and a smaller version of it in the body of the post I put up each Monday and thus are aware of the ability to send me a song to consider writing a review of. Sitting in this seat, that’s a benefit that I have as it relates to a reactive way that I’m able to discover new music.
As such, “Sometimes (Backwood)” by eevi came my way and I happily gave it the green light.
What am I listening for when a new song is sent to me for review consideration? What did I like about this one in particular that made a good impression on me and prompted me to give it a Yes and write what you’re reading now?
Initially the track sounded like a lot of what's out there these days – which is a good thing, meaning, it has commercial appeal. I kept waiting for a transition to a big chorus and while it didn't seem to happen, I was okay with that, and that anticipation held my interest. I also like the lyrics being given room to breathe. In other words, the writer didn’t feel the need to overdo it with packing in words just for the sake of filling up space. It’s not unlike the chill vibe that can be found in the writer having resisted the temptation to add too many beats or effects to turn this into a dance (club) song.
And then in the arrangement, there are moments of isolation in the song, which is a nice touch to mirror the feeling being described about no longer being with the person that the character had been seeing.
It's a brand new track that’s not even a month old and already has more than 3,200 streams on Spotify, a number which I’m sure will continue to increase at a good pace, especially with a relatable lyric such as, “And I know you said you didn’t mean to make me cry, but I won’t believe that sometimes.” Addressing a subject like that with a mid-tempo beat is appropriate because of the contrast melodically and lyrically.
She is a Verified Artist (on Spotify) and thus gets the blue checkmark and (warning, pun ahead) I know you’ll want to check out her and the song.
What will also happen, by the way, is more forms of music discovery. Here’s what I mean.
She activated the aforementioned resource that enabled me to discover her music (or, at least, this song). I then write about, which, as a result, gives you, the reader, the opportunity for music discovery, meaning, “Sometimes (Backwood).” And now when you enjoy and tell others about it, they are gaining access through probably the oldest and first form of music discovery since back when the art form began – word of mouth.
This exercise did lead me to one final teaching moment, however, in that I strongly urge artists to fill out their Spotify bio, including adding links, which will allow for listeners to discover you even further – learn more about you, watch your videos, follow your socials, and so on.
Where are you in your music career’s journey? What feedback can I give to help you as far as challenges and/or burning questions that you have? I have been working with independent artists across the U.S. for close to 20 years now. Let’s get on a call and talk about what keeps you up at night so as to ensure that we keep things moving forward in your pursuits in entertainment.