My role as a blogger in the music industry since 2009 through the BILLCS Music Blog is to bring to the attention of fans, performers, and professionals international new music that is noteworthy for particular reasons, not only because I like it.
I'm from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and also have an extensive knowledge of the Canadian music scene. My first involvement in the industry goes back to 1979 in my college radio days at the University of Toronto, and I still provide the same enthusiasm and passion to my choice subjects as I did back then. I have heard thousands of recordings over the years, through my programming work in college radio for eight years in the 1980's and subsequently as a free-lance writer and author of two self-published books. I grew up on Top 40 radio in the 60's and 70's.
I look to bring out the positives in the music I write about. I am honest with performers who send me their songs and correspond back where possible, as it's impossible to write about or critique everything I receive. Providing constructive feedback and advice has won me over to a number of performers, who have said that my comments are thoughtful, knowledgeable, and most flattering, that "I get it" - whether it's understanding the song lyrics or how performers try to present themselves to fans and/or the industry.
Twitter has been the best way to market my presence online (as BILLCS) and I have made many great and long-lasting connections with performers, fellow bloggers, and industry professionals. Compiling my own BILLCS Top 30 of favourites since 1998 has endeared me to numerous chartphiles like myself online. Performers are delighted if I chart their songs. I attend many concerts to support and enhance my writing. I also mix with fans through my involvement as an administrator on a music message board for the last 10 years. I have also recently joined an internet radio station where I will be an on-air voice, as well as write and record profiles of performers both established and brand new.
On more personal notes, I have had a full-time career in education for 31 years as a human resources professional. I am also a father of two children who are now in their teens or older. In a few years, I will be seeking opportunities in the industry. I believe my business savvy and professionalism combined with my knowledge and expertise in pop music will find its place there, and I cannot see my life in the future without music or being involved in the industry in some way.
Blog: http://billcsistunedon.wordpress.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/billcs
Linkedin: ca.linkedin.com/pub/bill-smith/2/b24/72a/ - not used often at this time
The Hookblast Podcast is a weekly, 10-minute show where we discover a few new catchy songs - all sourced using Music Xray's proprietary combination of music analysis software, machine learning, crowd-sourcing of industry professionals, and fan feedback.