Check out the song Love-Aholic by Crush Club, a two-man based pop/rap group from Boston, MA. Both members, Nicholas Shanholtz and Bryce Ross-Johnson, are currently students at Berklee College of Music and cite Kanye West and John Legend as influences. Contact Dan Friedman.

Pop act Just Surrender signs to Razor and Tie. Listen to the track Crazy. Contact: Dan Friedman

Unsigned Shaman’s Harvest is currently charting on active rock radio with the song Dragonfly but our favorite track is Strike The Slate. If you are a fan of radio friendly rock then some of these tracks that come off the independent release ‘Shine’ could find a way onto your iPod. The band has an upcoming show at The Knitting Factory in Boise, ID. Also, #1 phones in Springfield, MO – Q102.1 KQRA and Top 10 phones in Salt Lake City, UT – 97.5 The Blaze. Contact: danielrfriedman@aol.com

Whitney Houston tops the US pop chart selling 304,801. Houston’s previous album, “Just Whitney,” debuted at No. 9 in 2002 with 205,000 copies. In fact, It’s been Houston’s best opening sales week since 1991. Her first ‘Million Dollar Bill’ single is not taking off at radio or iTunes, but her opening week was fantastic due to marketing, promotion, and a strong fanbase. This could be a hit album without a hit single.

The indie Dutch Pop band The Colourist who hails from Orange County will be performing at the Troubadour in California on September 13th. Check out the track Oh Goodbye. Contact: Andy@smashingyounglad.com