Southern Rises
?Comedic online sensation Taryn Southern seeks to add noteworthy radio airplay to her budding résumé, as “Crush” (Buzz Records), her ode to Internet stalking, builds at mainstream top 40. Southern’s official YouTube channel boasts more than 200,000 subscribers and 18 million video views, and “Crush” has drawn 260,000 views since its May premiere. A former “American Idol” contestant, Southern says she much prefers building her audience online. “YouTube saved the day,” she testifies.?
?Honor-able Mention?
Rock band Honor by August is making inroads at radio with its single “Last Chance,” which is percolating under Adult Top 40. The anthemic tune, released on Noble Steed, is scoring support from SiriusXM’s the Pulse (209 plays through July 14, according to Nielsen BDS) and WIAD Washington, D.C. (with 92 plays in the group’s home city). The band is touring with Tony Lucca, a former contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” through August.?
?‘Swangin’’ Isn’t Missing?
Maybach Music wordsmith Stalley eyes his first airplay chart appearance as “Swangin’,” featuring Scarface, approaches Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop. The Block Beataz-produced cut, which samples Mint Condition’s 1993 hit “U Send Me Swingin’,” garnered 1.8 in audience at the format in the July 8-14 tracking week, led by his hometown WENZ Cleveland (56). Although Stalley’s debut album has yet to receive a release date, he’ll be featured on Maybach Music’s “Self Made 3” compilation, due Aug. 6.?
?‘Broken’ Breaks?
Worship leader Todd Galberth gains momentum just below the Gospel Songs chart with “The Curse Is Broken,” his debut single for James Fortune’s FIYA World imprint and the eOne label. The track is included on the compilation “James Fortune Presents: Kingdom Music, Vol. 1,” due July 30. Galberth, who is also an actor and songwriter, serves as the worship leader at World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham, N.C.??
(Reporting by Keith Caulfield, William Gruger, Wade Jessen, Rauly Ramirez and Gary Trust.)