Steve Zap & Gino Barletta, co-founders of Artbeatz, recount the rise of the label's breakout signee, Daya. Barletta also talks about co-writing "Hide Away" & "Sit Still, Look Pretty."
"'If I'm gonna date, I wanna make sure that guy really respects me. I'm not willing to compromise on certain morals, ethics and standards,' " Daya told Gino Barletta in a writing session more than a year ago.
While praising the young artist's values, Barletta also thought, "That's a really great song." Soon after, "Hide Away" was written (with Brett McLaughlin and Britten Newbill). In early 2016, it became Daya's first Billboard Hot 100 hit, reaching No. 23, and her first of three top 10s, climbing to No. 7, on the Pop Songs airplay chart.
Not only did it mark Daya's breakthrough, it also signified a successful launch for new label Artbeatz, founded by Barletta and major-label vet Steve Zap, both of whom join Billboard Chart Beat Podcast host, and Billboard co-director of charts, Gary Trust to trace the rapid rise of Daya and Artbeatz over the past year. In both the artist and label's latest milestone, Daya's debut full-length Sit Still, Look Pretty arrived Friday, Oct. 7, and is set to launch on the next Billboard 200 albums chart (highlights of which are scheduled to be announced Sunday, Oct. 16, on Billboard.com).