Tech companies are about the data. For instance, when the techs discover that the photo of an A List celebrity gets less clicks while the ad spot without the photo gets more clicks; what is the answer? Well, the answer is simple, promote the ad spot without the celebrity photo. But that may hurt the celebrity feelings. In other words, technology can measure consumers desires and wants, and Hollywood is fighting against it. But will tech companies cave to Hollywood or will Hollywood cave to tech companies? The battle is raging.

For instance, Netflix Inc.’s executives were worried about ticking off Jane Fonda.

“After the streaming-video giant released the second season of the comedy “Grace and Frankie” in 2016, its product team put up an image to promote the show to U.S. subscribers that only included Ms. Fonda’s co-star, Lily Tomlin. Tests showed that more users clicked on the show when the photo didn’t include Ms. Fonda”.

The decision set off a high-pitched internal debate. The Los Angeles-based content team was concerned that Netflix risked alienating Ms. Fonda, and that the move could even violate her contract, while the tech group in the Los Gatos, Calif., headquarters argued the company shouldn’t ignore the data, according to people familiar with the discussions.”

In the end, Netflix chose to put images that included Ms. Fonda back in the mix”.

People in Hollywood aren’t numbers driven. What happens when numbers and provable tests are at odds with A-listers and image-conscious talent? CONTINUE READING

Maiya releases the new track Changes. Maiya tells Kings, ‘I wrote changes to show that we need to make a change and not just talk and argue about doing something, but actually taking actions to ensure Changes are made for the better”. At 18, Maiya keeps getting better and better. Her first two tracks Sidelines and No Stopping Me Now are fun, whereas her new single Changes is a bit more serious. Her debut Sidelines has clocked nearly 300k + streams on Spotify and won radio support from KDLW (106.3) Albuquerque, New Mexico, while garnering blog features in Unclear Mag and Vents. Give it a stream!
maiyamusicinfo@gmail.com, ryan@clutch32.com

London based singer-songwriter Lyves releases the track Tell Me That You Feel It Too. Musically, she mixes alternative pop and r&b. I like that Lyves has taken a different approach with her single releases. She dubbed the project ‘Eight Rooms’ in which she releases a song a month for eight months, with each song accompanied by a video. On how she sees herself as artist, Lyves tells Kings, “It’s about human connection. My biggest dream is that the music reaches people on a deeper level and that it helps people get in touch with their innermost feelings”. As far as songwriting, she likes to keep it personal. “Someone once told me that for every 10 days of songwriting you do, you may get one good day. That’s always stuck with me. As Joni Mitchell once said “a songwriter’s job is to show up at their instrument every day.” Laying a path to success, her tracks have clocked over 20 million streams winning support from music blogs and radio support from BBC 1Xtra, 6Music, and BBC I.  Moreover, Lyves supported Coldplay on 15 dates of their stadium tour last year. lyvesmusic@gmail.com

David Guetta recently broke down a formula for success. He said success is mostly down to hard work and luck — not talent. His  formula for success is “talent 20 percent, work probably 70 percent and 10 percent of luck.” In fact, he credits his long lasting career to hard work and persistence.

He goes on talk about his calloborations with Nicki Minaj and Sia.” I think we made records that were really life-changing together. And I feel like they became such huge stars and I think it’s amazing that they’re always here from me and really appreciate it.”

Unlike most DJ’s and producers, Guetta is motivated to make records because he loves the stage. “You know, like, I think a lot of new producers, DJs … they start by being producers and then because of having a successful record they go to [the] stage and become DJs. For me it’s the other way around. I go to the studio because when I’m making music, I’m imagining the moment I’m going to drop this record. And the amazing feeling of happiness … [is] what makes me want to work those 16 hours a day sometimes in the studio.”

Guetta’s dream collaboration is Adele. “There are many people that I want to work with. I would love to work with Adele, which I never did. But, at the same time, probably the biggest dream is to find a new Sia. Someone that can write and sing and that is unknown and that we can develop something together. That’s the ultimate dream really.

Medii releases the edm infused pop track “Drunk On You”. All in all, it’s an impressive production coupled with great songwriting. The production duo Ari Kyle & Adam Lilley had Joelina Drews take on the vocals and told Kings, “When Joelina sent us her demo of Drunk on You, it was just her and some piano. We immediately knew she had something special. The rawness of the lyrics and her amazing tone was a perfect starting point and inspired us to match her style with a bit of our own twist.” Additionally, the pair has worked on official releases for Tritonal, BRKLYN, Disco Fries, and Thomas Hayes. Give it a listen!