Two hits are worth more than one hit, but regardless, one hit can generate lots of money. Toni Watson aka as Tones and I had one of most-played songs on Spotify with Dance Monkey. In fact, that monkey danced its way up to 2 billion streams and earned $12 million in royalties. Dance Monkey travelled faster than covid topping the charts in more than 30 countries. Can you believe Toni was busking on the streets before becoming one of Australia’s richest musicians?

I’m really liking the mid tempo electro ballad Let Me Go by L E A. According to the 25 year old singer songwriter, “Let Me Go is definitely a vulnerable piece that took me over a year to write. After visiting several revisions of this song, I finally landed on one after using a simple beat at like 4AM”. Originally from NJ, L E A now lives in Los Angeles and spends time creating social media content and writing songs. Although the latest song has a hint of R&B you would never guess she grew up listening to emo artists and fronting Robert Plant in a Zeppelin Tribute performance. Check it out on KOAR’s Indie Invaders Playlist.

Songwriters tend to stay behind the scenes avoiding the spotlight allowing the full spectrum to shine on the artist. That’s why writers are the most overlooked creative professionals in music. Spotify will shine the spotlight on the community of songwriters and has introduced the Songwriters Hub which allows listeners to follow their favorite songwriters. Spotify have added pages for songwriters including Sia, Ant Clemons, Bebe Rexha, Gregg Wattenberg, Noonie Bao, Ashley Gorley and Irving Berlin.
Songwriter Nija who worked with Ariana Grande on Positions says this: “Having a hub for songwriters is extremely important because people need to know who these people are who are helping create the soundtrack to our lives. Songwriters deserve to be praised for their contributions just as much as artists and producers. A lot of times we get the short end of the stick, so I’m glad that there’s a place where people can see who’s writing their favorite songs.”

Check out the video for Waterfalls by Reed. The song will hit the DSP’s tomorrow via 12/18 via Substream Records. He’s a producer/songwriter who’s from San Antonio and now resides in Los Angeles working with Jacob Sartorius, Lil Xan, Dying In Designer, Picturesque, and Stephen Puth. His new project includes features from friends including OG Maco, $teven Cannon, Myke Terry, lilbootycall and Ty Talaban.
Who is reed. influenced by? Everything from metalcore to emo to hip hop. reed. says, “All of my music is meant to be a collection of all the crazy things I think but I’m too afraid to say out loud. This new EP is about what it’s like to overcome all odds when everything seems darkest. It’s a letter to every outcast, nerd, overweight person who was ever told they weren’t good enough, to let them know the only barrier is themselves. I put my 100% raw honest thoughts in this record, I hope everyone can enjoy it and learn not to be afraid of being honest with their feelings.”

The most viewed artists on Tik Tok of 2020 happen to be the most famous musicians. Not surprising. The List includes Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Pop Smoke, DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, Melanie Martinez, Don Toliver, Dua Lipa, 24kGoldn, and Lil Uzi Vert.
Although not the most famous, these new artists made their mark on the platform:

24kGoldn, Flo Milli, ppcocaine, The Kid Laroi, Avenue Beat, Curtis Waters, Tate McRae, Natalie Taylor, and Corpse.
According to the video-sharing social networking service 70 artists that have broken on the platform have received major label deals, including Claire Rosinkranz, Dixie D’Amelio, Powfu, Priscilla Block and Tai Verdes
The biggest genre on the platform by far is Hip Hop/ Rap followed by Pop, Electronic and R&B.