The Stats:
Name: Nick Bewes, KVHstudios, Leeds UK
Programs: ASDA, House of Fraser and so many more
Q: How do you find music for your programs?
Apart from the music that comes in from labels etc, I keep an eye on BBC Radio playlists, always good sources for new material. Then of course there are labels like Tru Thoughts and Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood among many others. A couple of colleagues in our office are always sending links to things that they like, which is good. I check out loads of blogs on a regular basis and of course Hype Machine is essential to help highlight the best tracks. I subscribe newsletters from the likes of Juno Records, and Resident Advisor and follow loads of DJ’s, producers, blogs and artists on Twitter. I would say that Twitter has revolutionized the way I hear about new music. An unusual way I find new music is from American TV shows like Greys Anatomy, The Following and Stalker. They have some great cover versions on their soundtracks. Just recently Stalker had a cover of “Better Together” by Spin, which was just amazing, and will be heading to our playlists soon!
Q: What’s your all-time favorite track that you think works in just about every retail program?
We don’t work on one size fits all, so what would work for one service might not work for another. Every song is taken on its own merits. Some clients just want the hits, others want to be ahead of the curve, and sometimes, a song or group will start out on those services and crossover to our hit playlists. I’m very proud of the fact that I playlisted both Years and Years and Clean Bandit on the upfront services a year before they hit the top of the UK charts.
Q: When you’re not programming music for stores, what are your interests and hobbies?
I have my own website where I write about the music, TV, films and books I like. I’m a big fan of ‘quality’ TV, like House of Cards and West Wing, and I like to relax with a good book. I also go to a lot of gigs. Music is always there or thereabouts!
Q: What Shoplifter release are you currently loving?
George Fitzgerald and Boxed In track Full Circle is a great track and has gone on to our upfront services recently and it sounds brilliant! Another track is very good is the Brooke Fraser “Kings and Queens” single has been added to our pop style, and is a great radio song.