One of my favorite bands as of late has been the Neon Trees. This is a great “live” band that is building a huge following and their latest single “Lessons In Love” (Island/UMG) should help to add to their already impressive numbers. One Direction is taking the label “boy band” to another level. Their latest single entitled “Kiss You” (Syco/Columbia) has all of the girls going wild and for good reason. Simon Cowell has to be very proud of his latest project. Recording artist Lupe Fiasco has teamed up with Guy Sebastian for a very stellar track. “Battle Scars” (Atlantic/WEA) is the one that is fast becoming a favorite among our music and program directors at the  Top40 format. Watch for some big weeks ahead as this powerful song continues to build. Nelly is back at the format and that’s always good news. His latest “Hey Porsche” (Republic) is one of his best to date but does he still have the magic to take this single “all the way“? Calvin Harris, the super DJ turned songwriter/ producer seems to be somebody that everyone wants to work with. He has now paired up with Florence Welch and the end result is the strong “Sweet Nothing” (Columbia/Sony). Following in that same “team thang”, Icona Pop has joined forces with Charli XCX for the big bad single “I Love It” (Big Beat/Atlantic). Keep playing that one loud and you will no doubt wake up all your neighbors. Another of my band favorites, Paramore, is pulling in some rather impressive add and spin numbers for their track “Now” (Fueled By Ramen). We’ll keep you posted. Justin Timberlake and his new best friend Jay Z are one unlikely duo. Together they make beautiful music and fashion as they take the single “Suit & Tie” (RCA/RLG) out for a spin. The hottest act on the planet according to this year’s Grammy Awards in the band Fun. Their latest offering in “Carry On” (Fueled By Ramen) will no doubt take them to even greater heights. Bruno Mars is as hot as any artist at the format. He continues his major winning ways” with “When I Was Your Man” (Atlantic/WEA). This track is just a guy and his piano and that seems to be all that you need when you are a stellar vocalist. Afrojack has paired up with Chris Brown and they seem to be just fine with it. The single entitled “As Your Friend” (Wall) showcases that Chris can be on his best behavior as long as his girlfriend is not around. And speaking of that, Rihanna is pulling in much love for her latest single. “Stay” (DefJam/IDJMG) must be her latest request to Chris Brown but if you ask me, she’s just asking for it. Maroon 5 keep things rolling strong into 2013. Adam Levine could not be any hotter and that makes the latest single “Daylight” (Octone/A&M) a very appealing track to all of us that follow the Top40 format. My good pal Michael Damian is getting a good run with his latest single. “Rock My Heart” (Weir Brothers) is the one that many of our music and program directors are moving into “heavy” this week. Kesha continues to make magic at Top40 radio and why not. With Lady Ga Ga taking a break, Kesha gets all of her base as the single “C’mon” (RCA) takes flight. We’re also happy to see that Owl City is keeping a solid pace. Their new track “Shooting Star” (Universal/UMG) is just another reason to turn on your radio. Will I Am is having a good solid run with his new best friend Britney Spears. Together they make beautiful music with “Scream & Shout” (Interscope). Ludacris has teamed up with his good friend Usher. Together the two are getting the job done as they join super mixer/producer David Guetta for “Rest Of My Life” (IDJMG). Train has another winner in “Mermaid” (Columbia/Sony). NMA “winner” Marsha Jewell continues strong with “Ragged Angel” (Jewell Lane). Another NMA winner Tommy Roe and Melissa Hooker continue to move up with “It’s For You I’m Me” (Airebelle Records). Matt Backer & Julian Lennon are also New Music Award “winners” for their #1 Hit single “All That You’ve Wanted” (Right Records). As of this writing I’m here at the CRS in Nashville Tennessee. It’s great to be with all of my radio friends and artists. Now back to the party!