July 23rd, 2025
Winter is coming, and along with it, the 10th Annual What's In-Store Music Holiday Program! We bring this up now because programmers start working on their holiday playlists in September, which, when you start flipping the calendar, is right around the corner. This is a unique program that not only caters to some of the biggest artists in the business, such as Dolly Parton, The Eagles, Rob Thomas, Smokey Robinson, and more. It can be especially helpful for independent artists seeking exposure during the busiest shopping season of the year. We take all genres of holiday music, pop, alternative, religious, covers, and the classics. Original songs are also in demand. Traditional holiday reporting radio stations take very few risks and tend to lean into the classics; In-Store play allows indie artists with original music to shine in this space. Oftentimes, indie artists are the ones topping our charts by the end of the program. Holiday music begins playing in stores right after Halloween and grows from there. It's never too early to reserve your spot. Several labels/artists have already. if you have a holiday song that you'd like to include in this year's program, you can submit it HERE.
Candice Night
"Unsung Hero"
Debuts
This week's What's In-Store Music chart debuts.
Alwyn Morrison
"Chained" #16
Kelsey Hart
"Fireworks" #27
Newly Added to The What's In-Store Music Spotify Playlist
Akon ft. Simien
"Never Really Mattered"
Loukas
"SOY TUYO"
Melanie Pfirrman
"Take Me Back"
On Curb Records
DRMAGDN
"OLE! OLE! OLE!"
DRMAGDN recalls: "My DJ friend actually started singing the OLE! OLE! OLE! Chant after a show while on tour. We looked at each other and I asked if anyone remixed the soccer chant yet? He and both realized no, so I got to work quickly since the World Cup is coming to the USA right in the NYC area where I'm from."
About 4 hours later that week, the track all came together quickly as an EDM Anthem that they have both been playing on their separate tour dates worldwide and crowds love it.
On The Moves
Keep an ear out for these terrific songs playing overhead in stores everywhere.
Laura Bryna
"Blue Jean Crazy"
Coffey Anderson
"Blue Jean Queen"
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What's In-Store Music has added a new Spotify playlist called What's In-Store Music Hits The Gym. It features the fantastic artists and songs placed in the What's In-Store Music Gym Program. Please enjoy responsibly.
Chris Trapper
"Campfire Symphony"
On Starlit Records
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Video of the Week:
Gary LeVox, Akon ft. De La Ghetto
"Hold The Umbrella"
Arctic Wave
"Hole in My Heart!"
Out & About with Toby Lightman
September 16th 2025 at Joe's Pub in New York City, NY
The Out & About section is generally reserved for events that have occurred, but we're so excited about this that we wanted to alert you so you can attend. Our friend Toby Lightman, whose song "Higher" can be heard in retailers across the country, is announcing a 2025 US Tour. Here's the lady herself to tell you more about it.
"Friends! I am heading back out on the road in the fall and want you there with me!! First show in NYC is not so far for me, but stay tuned as more cities are coming! Go to tobylightman.com or the link in my profile to see where I’m headed!!"
Have a great week,
Scott Emerson
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