April 29th, 2026
Feedback VS. Submissions
Hey Guys, we wanted to send out a little refresher. We've received a lot of submissions this spring from some terrific first-time clients with a lot of great music, only to discover later that the artist was simply looking for feedback. Here's a little rule for sending to What's In-Store Music. If you'd like feedback to see if the song would fit in our system, you can always send those songs directly to me at scott@whatsin-storemusic.com. I'll be able to go over lyric content (keep it clean), length (try to keep it to 3:30 or less), and any edits you might need, to successfully get your song placed. The submission form is used when you're ready to go. That's where we collect everything to present in our weekly music meeting. Once the song has made it to the meeting, if it's accepted, the programmers take it with them and upload it into their system to begin populating stores. That's when the process begins. So remember, for feedback send your song to scott@whatsin-storemusic.com, to submit your song, you can do that right HERE!
What's In-Store Music has added a new Spotify playlist called What's In-Store Too. It features the fantastic artists and songs placed in the What's In-Store Too Program. Please enjoy responsibly.
Newly Added to The What's In-Store Too Spotify Playlist
Sarah Lightman
"Baby I Love You"
The Lords of Easton,
Stan Medley
"Billie Jean"
Click the banner to stream on your favorite platform
Featured Artists
Sarah Reeves
"The Second Time"
On Curb Records
Rodney Atkins
"The Years Are Short"
On Curb Records
Paper Money
"Pretty Faces"
On Lakeside / Above Da Rim
John Roberts
"Body Talk"
On X-Bop Records
Don't Care
by, Soulchess
"Don't Care is a raw, unapologetic anthem of independence set to a relentless pulse. Rejecting the expectations of others, Soulchess delivers a searing critique of conformity. Fueled by a driving 4-on-the-floor kick and a funk infused unison riff, the music pushes forward with the same stubborn intensity as the lyrics. With a chorus that hits like a mantra for the self-reliant, the track reminds listeners that true freedom isn't given—it's taken."
- Soulchess
Video of the Week:
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"THE REAPER"
On The Move
Listen for this terrific song beginning to play in retailers
Temper City
"Self Aware"
Davis Mallory
"Baptized"
Out & About
With Scott Emerson
Michael at the AMC – IMAX theater
in Woodland Hills
I was seven when I bought my first album by The Jackson 5, ABC. I remember putting the needle on the record. Track 1: "The Love You Save," Track 2: "One More Chance," Track 3: "ABC," Track 4: "2-4-6-8." By the end of that fourth song, I was hooked. From that moment on, I was all in. I bought everything they released, along with Michael Jackson's early solo albums, Music & Me and Ben.
So, when I heard there was going to be a Michael Jackson movie, I was there.
Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson in the title role and Juliano Valdi as a young Michael, did not disappoint. The film transports us back to Gary, Indiana, where it all began. Under the iron-fisted management of their father, Joe Jackson, brilliantly portrayed by Colman Domingo, it's clear from the start that the Jackson 5 was a family business.
The film walks us through the challenges of breaking away from that tight grip and stepping into a solo career, something far easier said than done. Along the way, it offers an intimate look at the creative process behind some of pop music's most iconic songs.
While Michael Jackson's later life became the subject of endless tabloid headlines, this film steers clear of that territory. Instead, it focuses on celebrating his early years and meteoric rise, exactly what a lifelong fan like me was hoping to see.
It was worth every penny and then some. Run, don't walk, to the theater. You'll be glad you did.
Have a great week,
Scott Emerson
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