LimeWire Music Blog

Dear Ellen,

First off, congratulations on your appointment to the American Idol high court; joining that juggernaut must be exciting. Adding a music fan like yourself instead of another industry type should add some heart and soul to the panel — best of luck!

Secondly (and speaking of courts, I guess), I read about the Ellen DeGeneres Show being sued for using songs like “Thriller” and “Good Vibrations” during your popular dance segment. I’m sure that’ll all work itself out in (or out of) court, but the story got me thinking.

I started imagining how great it would be to tune in and see you getting down to some lesser-known, but equally danceable independent music. Although I understand the appeal of using universally-known megahits from folks like Michael Jackson and the Beach Boys, it might be fun to mix it up a bit more and turn yourself and your viewers on to some tunes they may not already know. Not only would the independent music community be thrilled to see you dancing to a track by the likes of Passion Pit or The Juan MacLean, they’d greatly appreciate the exposure.

The tracks would likely be easier and cheaper to license, too. Hell, I bet some would grant you use of the track gratis, if you asked nicely!

As I sat at my desk this morning, several such songs came to mind as perfect for your show. Then my coworkers chimed in with suggestions.

Some calls with record labels produced a few more submissions. And before I knew it, I had over a week’s worth of boogie-worthy independent tracks.

So, I propose Independent Music Week on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Below are just a few of the tracks I submit for your consideration (in no particular order).

I’d be happy to facilitate dialog with any of these artists and their labels, just let me know.

1. Phenomenal Handclap Band – “15 to 20”
2. Passion Pit – “Make Light”
3. The Juan MacLean – “Happy House”
4. Mexican Institute of Sound – “Alocatel”
5. Pump Friction – “That Sound”
6. Bran Flakes – “Mini Mountain Queen”
7. Sally Shapiro – “Moonlight Dance”
8. Coconut Records – “Nighttiming”
9. Betty Davis – “Shoo-B-Doop and Cop Him”

Best of luck on Idol and continued success with the daytime show; I can’t believe you’re in your sixth season already!

Sincerely,

Tom Monday
Director, Partner Relations
LimeWire Store

image via ellen.warnerbros.com