04 Feb How Did Independant Artists Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Hit #1 With “Thrift Shop”?

Here is hoping that in 2013 and beyond, we see more independent artists hit number 1 with or without distribution deals like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. If I find out that Justin Bieber’s manager is behind this like “Call Me Maybe” and “Gangnum Stlye”, I’m going to be upset!

Yes, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have hit number one with “Thrift Shop” after the video was released in August and the single made available in October. How did it hit number one and how may it change the music industry?

The song reached number one in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand before the U.S. where radio play is more determined by what label you are on unlike the other countries where the D.J.’s and listeners have more of a say of what gets played instead of controlled program director’s here.

Unfortunately, this is only the second indie single to ever reach number 1 on Billboard because of what I stated before.

Because of the word of mouth from overseas charts and a video that now has over 77 million views, radio could not ignore the song. Heaven forbid the people who used to run radio find out that the corporations are the reason you hear the same 6 songs on the lame radio.

The power of Youtube and with social media being world-wide, you have people from Australia sharing the video through their Twitter and Facebook feeds that unlike radio, hit every market. When you have a fun video mixed with some Bat-Man pj’s, the sky is the limit. Interesting enough, the only TV appearance they have had is on Ellen 2 weeks ago. Hmm. Ellen supporting Indie artists over Kimmel and Fallon? Someone better get on that!

Terrestrial radio is scared of Sirius radio. So much so that the Black Eyed Peas song from 2009 “Boom Boom Pow” censored the words “satellite radio”…..

Here are the “free” radio lyrics:

Here we go, here we go, satellite radio
Y’all gettin’ hit with boom boom
Beats so big I’m steppin’ on leprechauns
Shittin’ on y’all with the boom boom

Here are the “censored” lyrics:

Here we go, here we go, s******** radio
Y’all gettin’ hit with boom boom
Beats so big I’m steppin’ on leprechauns
S******’ on y’all with the boom boom

So the “Satellite” radio line is just as bad as the “S***”. Hmm. Well, maybe if “FREE Terrestrial” radio wasn’t so “S***” then maybe satellite wouldn’t be censored.

Right now, “Thrift Shop” is the exception when it comes to indie singles hitting number one. Sirius and Terrestrial radio are both taking hits while YouTube surges in popularity due to social media and being able to play what you want when you want.

Once radio puts the actual music back into the listener’s and fans hands, only will you see growth in listener-ship, advertising, and with youth. If they don’t wise up soon, you might be able to find radio stations in the “Thrift Shop” next to R. Kelly’s former blankets.-DocFB

Diagnosis: This cold ass funky honky knows what he is talking about…

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