Ed Sheeran has released one of his best to date. “Sing” (Atlantic/WEA) is such a huge hit that it’s busting out across multiple formats, This kid has come a long way from living on the streets and his story just keeps getting better. The Neon Trees are a real crowd pleaser. We are thrilled to see that their current single “Sleeping With A Friend” (Mercury) being welcomed with open arms. We wish this multi-talented outfit the very best with this fresh and exciting cut. Ingrid Michaelson is getting a real buzz out there at radio. It’s all due to the fun and exciting “Girls Chase Boys” (Cabin 24) that is just getting stated. Paramore is fast becoming one of the break-out bands so far this year. Their new and powerful “Ain’t It Fun” (Fueled By Ramen) is just what this band needed to going from underground to super pop band. You can bet you’ll be seeing and hearing some bigger things ahead from this amazing act. Andy Grammer is back at the format and that’s always a good thing. The single “Back Home” (S Curve/EMI) is just what he needed to get back on the charts and in a very big way. U2 can always light up a playlist and they will be doing it again. “Invisible” (Interscope) is the touch of magic that many of our AC music and program directors have been waiting for. Ethan Bortnick is a name that you may not be that familiar with but that is all set to chance. His new single “Anything Is Possible” (Symphony Of Keys) is nothing short of brilliant. It’s topped our “most added” chart for weeks now and the single is starting to break up the charts at record speed. Please remember that you heard about Ethan Bortnick first right here on the pages of NMW. Newcomer Susan Toney is also getting plenty of attention at the format. The single “The Trail Of Light And Dark” (Strange Child) is the song that is helping to make great things happen for her and for good reason. Better Than Ezra are back and proving once again that they are the real deal. “Crazy Luck” (End) is such a great record that we expect to see big things ahead. Some of our key programmers agree that this one has what it takes to break into the Top10. The magical duo of MacLear & Quinn are having an amazing run up the charts. “Only One For Me” (Meg) is the track that is making it all happen, Recording artist Sam Smith is off and running at the format. “Stay With Me” (Capp) is really a great track and watch for some special things ahead for this talented artist. His Dreams Of Lions are fast becoming a very big deal.

“Novel” (Droggmore) is their debut single and this track has had nothing but amazing weeks. The band is here to stay for awhile. British alto sax player turned super recording artist Ed Barker is on fire. He has teamed up with vocalist Lance Ellington for the brilliant smash “When You Smile” (EBR). Jennifer Ashley is beginning to make some major noise at the format. Her new single entitled “Back Where We Started” (SNMG/RED) is on fire and building steam fast. She’s an 18 year old singer from Long Island New York. Jennifer is currently is a first year business student at F.A.U. University in Jupiter Florida. The group Bad Mary is breaking fast with their stellar debut “Better Days” (Dead Pill) and it just keeps getting better for them. Allen D continues his magic as his “You & The Night & the Music” (New Terra) builds stronger each and every week. Marsha Jewell continues her #1 ways and we are so happy for her. The brilliant single “Butterfly” (Jewell Lane) has been impossible to beat, especially on our AC40 Indie chart. Her state of Arkansas got hit recently with some bad tornados and we wish her and the area a speedy recovery. All of us hope that you enjoy this very special Independent Music Issue as we all had a blast putting it all together, I’ll have more for you on the greatest AC hits across the good ole USA next time right here my good friends.