July 22nd, 2026
Just a Gentle Reminder to Keep It Clean!
Every few months, we like to send out this gentle reminder because it's one of the biggest reasons songs get rejected during the review process:
Keep it clean!
When you're submitting music to What's In-Store Music, please avoid songs with overly sexual themes, explicit drug or alcohol references, or lyrics involving weapons or excessive violence.
A good rule of thumb is to picture a mom pushing a shopping cart through a grocery store with one child in the stroller and another walking beside her. We want her to be able to shop without worrying that something inappropriate is playing overhead for her kids to hear.
Some formats are naturally a little more forgiving than others. Let's be honest, if a country song doesn't mention a beer somewhere along the way, is it even a country song? Even so, our programmers must consider where the music will be heard, and family-friendly environments are always a priority.
If you're unsure whether your song crosses the line, send it to one of us before you submit it. We'll be happy to listen, review the lyrics, point out any potential concerns, and let you know if anything should be addressed before it goes to the programmers. It's much easier to adjust things beforehand than to have a song rejected after submission.
If you're confident your song is clean and ready to go, we'd love to hear it. Submit it HERE and let's get it started!
Debuts
This week's What's In-Store TOO chart debuts.
Momo Boyd, Trevor Jackson & Smino
#35 "Gotta Be Us (Be The People)"
Newly Added to The What's In-Store Music Spotify Playlist
Mary Sarah
"Hate This"
Steelheart
"Without You (Radio Edit)"
Click the banner to stream on your favorite platform!
Featured Artists
Maithili Raelle
Used To Love
On KTD MUSIC GROUP
MAAPS
Spirit In The Sky
little image
THE NARCOLEPTIC
Kat DeLuna
MALA MÍA
On Cape Republic/BMG
IZ Divine
"Who Do You Think You Are"
“Who Do You Think You Are” was born from the moment IZ Divine decided to stop apologizing for taking up space and start chasing the life she knew she deserved. Written as an anthem of confidence and self-belief, the song introduces an alter ego that embodies fearlessness, resilience, and unapologetic ambition. IZ Divine has described the character as "my armor", the version of herself that doesn't shrink, seek validation, or ask permission to dream big. Blending cinematic soul, pop, and big-band influences, the song is an invitation for listeners to embrace their own power and become the boldest version of themselves. She explains that writing it was "deeply therapeutic," allowing her to be bold, dramatic, and completely self-assured without worrying about being humble. She calls the song the beginning of a new artistic era, one where she has fully found her voice, identity, and purpose.
Video of the Week:
Davis Mallory
"Baptized"
On The Move
Keep an ear out for these terrific songs playing overhead in stores everywhere.
Erick Sanders
"Flowers"
Out & About
with The Guess Who
Friday, June 17th 2026
At The Leader Bank Pavilion, Boston, MA
Well, THAT was fun!
Last week, The Guess Who thrilled a sold-out crowd-including What's In-Store Music's Scott Emerson-as their "Takin' It Back" Tour rolled into Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts. It's been years since Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman toured the U.S. together under The Guess Who banner, and both the band and the audience were clearly ready for the reunion.
When a band's career spans as many decades as theirs, it's easy to forget just how many timeless hits they've recorded. The evening became a musical trip down memory lane with classics like "These Eyes," "Clap for the Wolfman," "American Woman," "No Time," and "No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature," along with plenty of other fan favorites.
The band also treated the audience to three Bachman-Turner Overdrive staples-"Let It Ride," "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet," and the show's finale, "Takin' Care of Business"-turning the evening into a non-stop hit parade from the opening note to the final encore.
The tour takes a short break before returning to the road throughout August. If it comes anywhere near you, don't miss it. This is a show that's guaranteed to leave you smiling.
Have a great week,
Scott Emerson
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