I’ve always planned to do a post about Philby submissions in the spring, if not sooner, for as long as I’ve been doing them.
This is the earliest I have ever done one!
If you’re unfamiliar with what I’m talking about, the Philbys are my annual personal recognition for brilliant musical achievement!
There are two lists: One for songs and one for albums.
The album selections are made from a sliding four year pool of records.
This year that pool is 2017-2020.
The song selections are usually from the same years, too, but I’m a little more open to almost anything, since over time, there have been plenty of older songs that have found new life years after they’ve been recorded, even ending up on a hit movie soundtrack.
Needless to say, this year is going to be unlike any year.
However, I have arrived at the realization that there will be issues every year no matter what I plan.
One of the reasons that I use a multiple year submission scale is that just getting music out to the world is sometimes difficult for an artist.
A lot of them are not really wired for self promotion.
Making music is totally different than drumming up interest in it, especially for independent musicians.
Yes, there are promoters that can help with that. And nothing against promoters because they have a role to play. But they cost money, and the artist already had to pay to record the music, and may not be prepared for the process of promoting it.
After looking at how some other independent awards are handled, I figured a four year window allows me enough time to serendipitously run across someone’s music.
I have told this story several times, but I try very hard to listen to everything that I get my hands on.
There’s about seven months left in the calendar year.
Although I work on my list starting literally on January 1st, with my four year sliding window, I carry over what would qualify from the prior years.
This year, the total number of albums that I might seriously consider from day 1 is the largest ever at six hundred!
Five months into the year, that number has swelled to seven hundred and forty which is close to where last year left off!
At the time, that was the largest number of albums I had ever considered.
There’s still seven months of the year left!
But let’s talk about this year, which is absolutely the weirdest year ever!
I haven’t even done a show for almost three months!
I haven’t any idea how this will affect either list.
However, I will come up with something that makes sense.
And as large as my working list is, I know I have room for more.
I can never have enough!
Therefore, I am accepting entries for Philby consideration!
So, if you’ve made some music dating back as far as 2017, I will accept that music for consideration.
If you have something older than 2016, send that, too, but identify the release date. I’m always looking for GREAT music.
For the Philbys, I’m looking for full albums.
However, if you only have a single, I’ll accept that, too. Don’t forget that I also have a Philby Hot Songs list, and more artists are releasing singles these days.
But please don’t send me an incomplete album if you have one.
So, please don’t edit for me.
I hate that and I might not even check out the item. I don’t know why anyone would only send selected songs instead of their whole work of art for consideration.
Please don’t send me links to listen to music. That’s not how I listen to music. And I probably won’t listen to it if you send me a link to stream it. Either send me the album to download or request my mailing address to send a physical copy.
I usually say that if your item came out later than May, it may not end up on this year’s list.
This year will be totally different than other years. I have not received any where near the amount of releases that I normally do.
It might be an excellent year to send a submission.
I will accept any genre of music. I like a variety of styles, even on the same album!
So, please e-mail your mp3s, and please make sure it is an mp3 only, to phil@philmaq.com.
If you want a physical address or have other questions, please e-mail me at the same address. Because selections will be considered for more than a single year, there isn’t an expiration date at the present.
If you want someone who will actually listen to your music, I am that person.
If you want some recognition for working hard and baring your soul, that might be me, too. I can’t make any promises, but I will listen to your music.
If you are reading this and are not a musician but know someone who is, please forward this to them.
Good luck to all who participate!
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My weekly radio show “Prime Time Theme Attic,” can be heard Mondays, 8P-10P ET when it returns.
(Here’s the link for when that day comes: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu)
It almost always includes a weekly countdown of my favorite albums or songs and some shows feature two countdowns!
If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!
