The Stats:
Name: Leo Da Estrela, Couture Media / Montreal, Canada
Programs: Steve Madden Canada, Iris, iStore
Q: How do you find music for your programs?
The majority of my new music discovery comes from the Digital Distribution Networks we are subscribed. Noon Pacific, Official.FM and Upbeat provide for great weekly surprises and newsletters like NoiseTrade round out the adventure. My wife Shazam’s just about every song she likes on TV so I her “My Shazams” as another tool for my music discovery.
Q: What’s your all-time favorite track that you think works in just about every retail program?
There are several tracks that I try to crowbar into our channels. They are not only tracks I love but they’ve proven to be so versatile for the retail environment. In the last 6 months, The Knocks – Classic is one of those tracks because, not only is it infectious upon the first listen, but it combines guitar with a great rhythmic beat. There is also Amy Winehouse – Valerie (ft Mark Ronson) again because the track contains so many elements from soul/r’nb to pop and a light dance groove. You can pretty much slide it in anywhere.
Q: When you’re not programming music for stores, what are your interests and hobbies?
When I’m not programming music I’m playing it on one of my guitars. I also love NFL football, (I really really really love NFL football and wish we had a team up here in Montreal) and I get to share these passions with my two sons.
Q: What Shoplifter release are you currently loving?
De Lux – Someday Now brings me back to the mid-80s and that’s a good thing!.Purity Ring – Bodyache is finding itself on several channels and, the more I hear it the more I love it, Alabama Shakes, I don’t wanna fight.