For the last several years, MTV’s Video Music Awards (now the mask awards) has been trying to bolster its viewership and recapture the glory it once had over the public. The execs were hoping they would announce a spike in audience viewership, instead they walked away with a 5% drop. In fact, only 1.3 million watched on the MTV channel. To put this in perspective, America has a population of 330+ million people. The other channels (MTV2, Country Music TV) that broadcasted the award show averaged around 222,000 viewers.
The show was very predictable with no surprises. It barely made headlines, not uncommon for the times we are in now. The acts that performed got the trophies which makes sense. I can’t blame them, I would want a trophy, if I’m going to rehearse, hire some choreographers, a stylist, and a makeup artist. Lastly, the show had no effect on the music charts, but that’s not to say the artists didn’t benefit. Just the fact that some parts of the show with Gaga wearing a mask was a Twitter trending topic makes it all worth it. I suppose…

Have you heard of Cassie Marin?  She released a EP—titled ‘Sellout’which blends R&B, Pop and Electronic. Her new EP is edgy and dark which is rare for a new artist. Most artists come out the box reserved and work into music that has more attitude. Before covid rolled in, the 23 year old singer would gig around Los Angeles. She also landed on Spotify’s “Born In The USA” playlist. You can get to know her more in this interview.

I’m liking Before I lose You by Cate Tomlinson. It has an early Ellie Goulding vibe which I love, not Ne-Yo that has a song that shares the same title. She’s 18-year-old and from San Francisco. Obviously she’s finding her way, but I like the road she’s on. She’s also attending Northeastern University as a Music Industry major which I love because the music industry needs change. Right? Bring it on…

Check out The Accents and their latest track Talk It Over. They’re a alternative pop duo from Toronto. You’ll like itespecially if you’re a fan of The 1975, and Future Islands. It landed on Spotify’s ‘Fresh Finds: Indie’ playlist and now on KOAR’s Indie Invaders Playlist.

I’m really liking Brand New by singer songwriter Taylor Holyfield. It’s a cool indie electro track. It was early in 2020 when she stepped in a studio for the first time. I find  some of the earliest songs written are some of the purest. The Flint, Michigan native moved to Austin and is currently working on her first EP which she is planning on releasing October 2020. Give it a stream on KOAR’s Indie Invaders Playlist.