The Stats:
Name: Linda Kennedy, Mood Media (Los Angeles, CA)
Programs: J Crew, Nike, more…
Q: How do you find music for your programs?
I find music for my programs the same way that I do for my personal use. I pay attention to music –out in the world. I read music blogs, I look at great labels and I check out what people I like are listening to. Every week, I go down a list of labels I love and are putting out amazing music. The labels I check consistently are: Ninja Tune, Strut, Ghostly, Jalapeno and Warp. I also look at Tru Thoughts, Domino, Sub Pop. There are so many amazing labels. I also check new release every week. Piccadilly records in the UK –they have a weekly release page that’s killer. I look at Other Music‘s releases in NYC. Often for beats I’ll see what is charting at Juno. The blogs that I read everyday are: Pitchfork and Pretty Much Amazing, Nowness and Highsnobiety. I usually check weekend playlists coming from KCRW and KEXP. — I follow Giles Peterson, Danny Krivit and Adriane Young they always has amazing artists and I search the radio1 playlists. My clients are all very different and require a diversity of music – some want to be ahead of the curve and others want what is trending. By using this process I find the best music for everyone.
Q: What’s your all-time favorite track that you think works in just about every retail program?
Let’s see, one of my all time favorite tracks that I sneak into programs (when brand appropriate) is Greyboy “Got to be a Love (Paul Nice remix). It’s been around for a while but it’s relevant because it’s so good. I love this track because its a medium tempo’d jammer with tons of texture, funk and soul. It’s upbeat with swagger. Its not pummeling you in the face with forgettable beats. It’s back yard bbq, it’s poolside, its a good time.
Q: When you’re not programming music for stores, what are your interests and hobbies?
I playlist parties often. I still mix vinyl. Happiness is sharing music with my 5 yr old daughter. It’s the best when we get in the car and she says, “Gotta be House today mama” or if I hear her singing and it’s something random like Sister Sledge, “Lost in Music”. One of the things we do together is is head out to my studio and listen to records. Sometimes we dance. It’s everything. It’s the best when she says,”Oooo, play that again, I love it” (and its Arthur Russell).
Q: What Shoplifter release are you currently loving?
A current shoplifter fave is Bonobo. Playing it in Nike for sure. There is ton of great stuff coming from Shoplifter: Ting Tings,Ibeyi, Alabama Shakes, Tijuana Panthers are fantastic. From way back, but never-the-less killer, DJ Rudd “We Can Get it On.”