The pairing of Calvin Harris with Rihanna has turned out to be a very good thing. “This Is What You Came For” (Columbia) is their duet that is killing at the format. If you don’t believe me, just ask any of our program and or music directors and they will set you straight. One of the strongest vocalist out there at radio is Andra Day. This San Diego native is really building a solid name for herself and with her current hit single in “Rise Up” (Buskin/WB) she’s guaranteed a spot among the better female recording artists out there. Look for a bright future ahead for this amazing recording artist.

Ellie Goulding seems to be pulling hit after hit. She does it again with the release of “Army” (Cherrytree/Interscope). Ellie has a flair for what is going on in today’s pop radio and it appears to be wearing her well. The Goo Goo Dolls are back at radio and that’s always a good thing. Make sure you save some room on your list for their current “So Alive” (WB/WEA) and you will not be disappointed. The band still has a huge following and with their past they can’t be denied on this new one for sure.

Recording artist Rachel Platten continues to search for higher ground. She may have gotten there with the release of her latest in “Better Place” (Columbia). The pairing of
Nathan Sykes and Ariana Grande is reaping solid dividends. “Over And Over Again” (Global Music/UMG) is a track that you really want to hear over and over again. I guess it sounds like I’m repeating myself but hey, too much coffee is a good thing right?

James Bay is turning his “Let It Go” (Republic/Universal) single into a radio anthem. Ever since his electric performance at this year’s Grammy Awards, James has been on a fast track to become the next Elton John. We’ll see how that all plays out for him in the years to come but so far so good for James Bay.  Twenty One Pilots have been taking the music industry by storm. Their latest in “Ride” (Fueled By Ramen/WMG) keeps them on a quest to becoming America’s next favorite band.

Pink is back at the format and in a very big way. “Just Like Fire” (Disney) pulled from a new film is breaking records out there. After a little bit of a break this multi-talented artist is back in fine form and ready to take on the radio world once again. The single is a breakout at both the Top40 and the Hot AC format so can you say “crossover”. Rihanna not only has a good thing going with her new best pal Calvin Harris, she also has a solo offering out there in “Kiss It Better” (Roc Nation/Universal). It might be interesting to see if both singles close into the Top 5 to compete with each other.

The American Nomads are getting a boost at the format. “Revelation” (Motovun) Is the jam that we are talking about and make sure to throw in a few extra spins for them this week. Leslie Becker is also getting in on the action. Her “Slow Burn” (AP Music) is on the move and make no mistake about that. I’m also happy to report that Eileen Carey keeps pulling in promising numbers for her “Bring On The Big” (Rolley Coaster).

Troye Sivan has been a slow and steady mover with “Youth” (Capitol) and it’s really starting to move up now. Lukas Graham has a monster hit in “7 Years” (WB/WEA) that won’ be denied. Zayn has hit first #1 with “Pillowtalk” (Syco/RCA). Meghan Trainor has her biggest single to date with “NO” (Epic).  Mirage Box, recent NMA winners, have been on fire with “Secret Smile” (Growlyman Endeavors) and there’s more to come.