June 17th, 2026
Calling All Genres
Summer is here, and businesses everywhere are seeing an increase in customer traffic. Restaurants, big box stores, malls, service providers, and retail outlets are all filling up as people get out and enjoy the season. That means one thing for us at What's In-Store Music: it's time to refresh those summer playlists.
We've been asked by our programming team to reach out to the music community and let you know exactly what kinds of songs they're looking for this summer. While upbeat Top 40 and pop music continue to be the backbone of many playlists, we're also looking for a variety of genres to help create the perfect in-store soundtrack for businesses across the country.
Country Music
We're looking for modern, pop-leaning country songs with strong hooks and plenty of energy. Think less twang and more broad appeal—songs that fit perfectly in restaurants, big box stores, and waterfront destinations from coast to coast.
Dance / EDM
High-energy dance tracks are always a great fit for younger retail environments. We're looking for songs that help create a fun atmosphere and keep shoppers in a great mood while they browse, shop, and try on the latest summer fashions.
Adult Top 40
Upbeat, accessible, and familiar. These songs work well in malls, phone stores, grocery chains, restaurants, and a wide variety of retail settings. We want tracks that are energetic without being overpowering.
Pop Alternative
We're looking for songs that blend seamlessly with the alternative-pop favorites already playing in many retail environments. Catchy, approachable, and widely appealing is the goal.
Indie
Many of our clients love discovering music that isn't being heard everywhere else. We have a substantial number of locations looking for independent artists and emerging talent. This is a fantastic opportunity for indie musicians looking to expand their audience and gain exposure.
Jazz
Several healthcare-related locations, including chiropractors, massage therapy offices, medical labs, and similar businesses, are looking for instrumental jazz and other relaxing instrumental music to help create a comfortable environment for their customers.
Latin Pop
Latin pop continues to be a great way to add excitement and energy to both Top 40 and dance playlists. We're always looking for strong Latin tracks that can help spice up our programming.
These are just a few examples of the music we're currently seeking. If your music fits any of these categories, we want to hear it.
Submit your music to What's In-Store Music today and get your songs playing in businesses across the country all summer long.
Debuts
This week's What's In-Store Music chart debuts.
almost monday
#27 "No More Regrets"
Newly Added to The What's In-Store Music Spotify Playlist
MAAPS
"Spirit In The Sky"
Iz Divine
"Who Do You Think You Are"
Click the banner to stream on your favorite platform!
Featured Artists
Davis Mallory
Throw Some Prayer On It
On Lionboy Records
Rob Tirea
All Along
On Servana
England Dan & John Ford Coley
I'd Really Love To See You Tonight (50th Anniversary Edition)
On Melody Place
Mary Sarah
Hate This
On 144 Entertainment
Maithili Raelle
"Used To Love"
"Used To Love" explores the emotional tug-of-war that happens when someone from your past keeps finding their way back into your thoughts. Built around the feeling of revisiting a relationship that’s long over, the song captures the mix of nostalgia, attraction, and uncertainty that comes with remembering what once was. Maithili Raelle reflects on the temptation to reconnect, even when you know the relationship may no longer be right for you. With its blend of modern R&B and early-2000s influences, the song is ultimately about the challenge of letting go of a love that still feels familiar whenever it reappears.
Video of the Week:
Sarah Lightman
"Baby I Love You"
On The Move
Keep an ear out for these terrific songs playing overhead in stores everywhere.
Roseanna
"Help Me"
Out & About with little image
at The Echo in Los Angeles, CA on June 12th
It was a real treat to see Hollywood recording artists little image perform for a packed house at The Echo in Los Angeles last week. The show was one of the final stops on their Kill The Ghost Tour, a two-month trek that took the band coast to coast with stops in Cambridge, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and plenty of cities in between.
From the moment they hit the stage, the energy was undeniable. The band left it all out there on the stage and in the crowd, as they delivered songs from their new release, Kill The Ghost, alongside fan favorites from their 2023 album, Self Titled. The connection between the band and the audience was strong throughout the night, making for an unforgettable performance.
A special thank you to Kate Hackman and the entire Hollywood Records team for the invitation and for an amazing night of live music.
Have a great week,
Scott Emerson
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