The Case For Collin McLoughlin

Posted by Juicebox on September 29, 2010

I get a lot of submission e-mails a day. I mean, a lot. It’s almost nauseating. I get an e-mail everyday telling me that it would be “in my best interest” to post their song on my site or “my music is really popular so you should post it”. Yada yada yada… To be frank, music blogging has jaded me slightly. I got into this game because I truly had a deep seeded passion for music. Now, I frantically sift through emails and various sites looking for the newest song to post on time so I don’t have to hear it on the chat box. In a sense, blogging has taken a lot of the fun out of the music for me.

I remember the first time I received an e-mail from Collin’s camp. Not only was his e-mail short and to the point, it wasn’t pushy. It wasn’t prideful. It certainly wasn’t arrogant. He simply let the music speak for itself.

When I clicked “play” Collin’s voice jumped out of my g-mail and hit me in the face like a train. I was stunned. I was surprised. I was impressed. As “Back To The Wall” played through my speakers, I knew I was listening to a talent that was not only special but unique. That night, I went through countless youtube videos of him performing. (The one above is perhaps one of my favorites). I knew when I laid my eyes and ears on Collin’s music, he was something special.

Part of the fun of this site is seeing artists come and go. It’s fun to watch them employ their “market strategies” and extend their friendships to me via a social networking site even though it’s simply artificial. I don’t fault them, they’re just trying to get on “another” blog. I mean common, how hard can it be to get a post? I realize most artists are friendly to bloggers out of obligation. I know what they’re after. I don’t mind making posts, I just don’t like the fakery. (If you are fake, try to make it less obvious next time).

I have chosen to put the spotlight on Collin because I feel he stands for everything that isn’t fake. Collin McLoughlin’s music and person have a central theme in common, they’re authentic. Not only do I believe in his music, I believe in him as a person. This is what the music industry lacks these days. It’s just a bunch of money hungry label execs looking for a quick buck to make in a slowly dying industry. To eloquently quote Kanye West, “Does anyone make real s*** anymore?”

To make it in this industry, you have to have solid music. It’s a prerequisite. You either have it or you don’t. No amount of social networking, posts on Fresh New Tracks, or clothes can get you a record deal. You are either talented enough to make it or not.

That’s kind of how life works doesn’t it? Whether you’re an aspiring artist making songs in your bedroom on garage band, or you’re a Political Science major trying to get into Law School, it comes down to talent. That’s not to say that hard work isn’t necessary (it is) but there’s an intrinsic amount of talent that is given to us upon birth. We shape our destiny by cultivating our talent and using it to the best of our abilities.

Collin has chosen a difficult but potentially rewarding path. It’s a path that will invariably have its ups and downs. However, I am of the strong opinion that Collin will come out on top. Why? Barring the fact he’s a shoe in for record labels based on his talent, he’s also a quality person. It’s not enough these days to just be a good artist. You have to also be well rounded. You have to know how to relate to others. You have to have the humility to let the music simply speak for itself.

Every once in a while artists like Collin re-energize my passion for music and remind me why I blog. Collin is currently working on his debut EP that is slated to drop sometime this year. I want to share with you in advance that’s is truly something special. I believe in Collin McLoughlin. I hope that as he drops more songs in the near future, you come to believe in him too.

Tags: artist, believe, eyes and ears, fun, make it, music, night, person, post, site, song, time