Now That’s What I Call What’s Next

NEXT BIG THINGS? Some clichés became clichés because they’re so patently obvious. Case in point: New talent is the lifeblood of the industry. Speaking of which, a new iTunes-only Now compilation coming next Tuesday (8/27) sheds light on the thought processes of series partners UMG and Sony regarding newer acts they appear to have identified as having the biggest commercial and artistic upsides. The 10-song collection, Now That’s What I Call What’s Next, went up for pre-order yesterday at the iTunes store. Here are the selectees:

1. We Are Twin, “The Way We Touch”
2. The 1975, “Chocolate”
3. Haim, “Forever”
4. St. Lucia, “All Eyes on You”
5. Bonnie McKee, “American Girl”
6. Timeflies, “I Choose U”
7. Mikky Ekko, “Kids”
8. Tom Odell, “Another Love”
9. The Colourist, “Little Games”
10. American Authors, “Best Day of My Life”

iTunes exposure by way of a series with a proven track record—that seems like a logical way to build brand awareness. Hmm… this seems suspiciously like a modern-day version of artist development. (8/21a)