Phil Maq

If you go outside right now in the Detroit area, you’ll notice that some leaves have begun to change, foreshadowing lower temperatures to come. I can’t believe it’s already September!

But on the Philby calendar, September is November!

There are only a couple more months to go before I start making decisions as to what will be on this year’s Philbys lists! I already have about six hundred potential candidates out of the thousands that I have already checked out this year. So, my dance card’s pretty full. But, I don’t mind it being fuller. (Or brush, man!)

For the first time ever, I am accepting entries for Philby consideration!

Usually, I just bounce around serendipitously listening to albums that I run across, either at the station or what I encounter from exploration. I know I miss things, but I can’t possibly listen to them all. It’s impossible. However, I think I still have the physical capacity to listen to even more.

So, if you’ve made some music dating back as far as 2014, I will accept that music for consideration. When it comes to independent self-released projects, an artist may not know how to get their product marketed or recognized. It may take a couple of years to figure that part of it out.

If you have something older than 2014, 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 good single, send me that, too. Don’t forget that I also have a Philby Hot Songs list. But don’t send me an incomplete album. Don’t edit for me. I hate that and I would probably disqualify the selection.

Don’t send me links to listen to music. That’s not how I listen to music and I probably won’t listen if you send me a link to stream it. Either send me the album to download or request my mailing address for a physical copy.

More than likely, if your music came out later than May, it may not show up on the 2017 list. It’s not impossible, but I’m just being honest. I like to have music on my lists that I’ve been playing all year and not knock one thing off my list for something that I haven’t played. I hate it that many year-end lists by music magazines or other sources will often include several selections that were released in late November and early December. How convenient for those artists. An album is a piece of art that has to survive several listens to see if it should qualify as viable.

I will accept any genre of music. I like a variety of styles, even on the same album!

At the least, your music will either be your last chance for this year’s Philby lists, or a first call for next year’s.

Regardless please e-mail your mp3, 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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