Advice From The Pigeons & Planes Team, An Exciting New Artist Discovery, and The Versatility of Jean Dawson

The latest edition of The Next Wave has landed 🐦✈️ [Pigeons Planes ](#) How can an artist get noticed by writers, labels, and media outlets? It's simple: don’t even worry about that. Get noticed by fans first.
 Artists used to rely on gatekeepers to build a fan base. Now it's the other way around—if you build a fan base, the so-called gatekeepers will pay attention. For better or worse, media outlets, influencers, and record labels are all looking at the same things: social media following, streaming data, engagement. If you can build a wave, they will come.
 This is a game-changing development in favor of the artist, or a massive step backwards, depending on how you look at it. It’s a lot of added pressure for artists—on top of making good music, artists are now expected to build a brand, churn out content, and grow an audience themselves before anyone’s going to care. This is a heavy burden on creators who are great at making music but not natural marketing masters and salespeople.
 On the positive side, artists have more control than ever. They can make the music, record the music, distribute the music, and market the music themselves. And there are a million ways to do it, from TikTok to Discord to Clubhouse. Artists no longer have to rely on bloggers or journalists to tell their story—they can tell their own, and they can do it in the format they prefer. With nearly a song per second being added to Spotify, grabbing the attention of even a small following is a daunting task. But at least it’s now in the hands of the artist. Who needs blogs anyways? —[Jacob Moore](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UBMUTWaHR0cHM6Ly9hcHAuaGl2ZS5jby9lbWFpbC9lbHQvP2hfc2lkPTdiYjQ1NzIwNjQtNWE4Zjg0ZmRmYmQ5OWI3MDY0OWQwMTE3Jmhhc2g9M2YxYjAzM2NlZmE3ZjNkJm5leHQ9aHR0cHMlM0EvL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL0NPTkZVU0lPTmlzREVBRCUzRnV0bV9zb3VyY2UlM0RoaXZlJTI2dXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNEaGl2ZV9lbWFpbF9pZF82Mjc0NVcDc3BjQgpgRysJSWDcdQe2Uht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MkBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAA~), Founder and GM at Pigeons & Planes [Image](#) [Image](#) Photo by Saru Hagher Paris Texas Few artists make the kind of introduction that South Central duo [Paris Texas](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UBNETYaHR0cHM6Ly9hcHAuaGl2ZS5jby9lbWFpbC9lbHQvP2hfc2lkPTdiYjQ1NzIwNjQtNWE4Zjg0ZmRmYmQ5OWI3MDY0OWQwMTE3Jmhhc2g9M2YxYjAzM2NlZmE3ZjNkJm5leHQ9aHR0cHMlM0EvL3d3dy5pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL3BhcmlzdGV4YXMvJTNGdXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzRGhpdmUlMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24lM0RoaXZlX2VtYWlsX2lkXzYyNzQ1VwNzcGNCCmBHKwlJYNx1B7ZSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkyQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAA~~) do on “HEAVY METAL.” It’s an eccentric blend of punk, grunge, metal, and rap as both artists trade aggressive verses over the guitar driven instrumental. Members Louie Pastel and Felix each have their own artistic identity, storytelling expertise, and distinct vocal delivery, but it’s the common vision they share that makes Paris Texas so engaging. The cinematic music video for “HEAVY METAL” is a Tarantino-esque peek into the ominous world that the duo is building. Directed by Austin-Taylor Richburg, the video presents a dichotomy between wild hostility and melancholic self-reflection, suggesting that Paris Texas are just starting to reveal the full extent of their range. This duo does not follow a blueprint or allow themselves to fit neatly into any box. Instead, they make music that draws from a wide array of styles and influences, but still sounds personal. “HEAVY METAL” is just the foundation, but it’s an exhilarating indication of what Paris Texas has coming in the near future. [WATCH "HEAVY METAL" MUSIC VIDEO](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UBNUTPaHR0cHM6Ly9hcHAuaGl2ZS5jby9lbWFpbC9lbHQvP2hfc2lkPTdiYjQ1NzIwNjQtNWE4Zjg0ZmRmYmQ5OWI3MDY0OWQwMTE3Jmhhc2g9M2YxYjAzM2NlZmE3ZjNkJm5leHQ9aHR0cHMlM0EvL3lvdXR1LmJlL1RvY09SVU5Lemg0JTNGdXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzRGhpdmUlMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24lM0RoaXZlX2VtYWlsX2lkXzYyNzQ1VwNzcGNCCmBHKwlJYNx1B7ZSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkyQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAA~~) [Image](#) Dear Pigeons is our new advice column. We put out asks on social media for questions from the readers, and we'll do our best to give sound advice, guidance, or recommendations based on our own experiences. We're keeping it simple to start, but in the future we'll be bringing in some special guests to help with answers. Dear Pigeons, My friend started rapping, but how do I say his social media presence is cringy enough to hurt his image? He’s talented but can get defensive with criticism. - Anonymous via Instagram Dear Concerned Friend, There is no right or wrong here—everyone's different and if your friend is especially sensitive to criticism, keep that in mind because the last thing anyone needs right now is more reason to feel shitty about themselves. The world is cruel enough, so if rapping is just a fun hobby or distraction and it's not hurting anyone, let him do his thing. If he's serious about launching a career in music, then you're doing him a disservice by not sharing your opinion. It's up to him whether or not to change the way he moves based on your feedback, and what's cringey to you might be appealing to other people—just look at how many popular artists are also extremely corny. But if he's not getting the results he wants, it can't hurt to switch things up and see what works for him. Instead of just pointing out the negatives, give him some suggestions or alternatives. Maybe one good song with a better presentation will set him on the right track, and if it does he'll be way more likely to take your advice in the future. - [Jacob Moore](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UBN0TWaHR0cHM6Ly9hcHAuaGl2ZS5jby9lbWFpbC9lbHQvP2hfc2lkPTdiYjQ1NzIwNjQtNWE4Zjg0ZmRmYmQ5OWI3MDY0OWQwMTE3Jmhhc2g9M2YxYjAzM2NlZmE3ZjNkJm5leHQ9aHR0cHMlM0EvL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL0NPTkZVU0lPTmlzREVBRCUzRnV0bV9zb3VyY2UlM0RoaXZlJTI2dXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNEaGl2ZV9lbWFpbF9pZF82Mjc0NVcDc3BjQgpgRysJSWDcdQe2Uht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MkBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAA~), Founder & GM at Pigeons & Planes Dear Pigeons, [What are some] standout application factors for internships? - Kiara (@kiarafairbro on Instagram) Dear Kiara, As someone who’s applied to hundreds of internships, I can say that there’s no one thing anyone can do to stand out on an application. A lot of the time, it’s about who you know and being in the right place at the right time. That being said, here are a few key pieces of advice I learned during my time in college: 1. Your resume should always be geared towards the specific job. Search the job posting for key words and skills and work those onto your application. Also, always make sure your resume file title includes your name. On your laptop, the file might read “Resume,” but on the recruiter’s, it’ll probably say “Resume (267).” 2. If you’re applying to a larger company, search for employees who went to your high school or college, or might be able to relate to you in some other way. (LinkedIn is your friend here.) Send them a message asking to get on the phone with them sometime. Maybe you’ll receive some great advice on how to apply to that company, or even better, get a referral. 3. Do some research on small companies that you would like to intern with. While smaller companies hire a lot less, they might be more willing to create a position for you. When I started applying for internships in music, I did a lot of research on small independent labels with great rosters. I emailed a few and asked if they would be willing to take on a remote intern (this was pre-Covid). What surprised me was that almost every label I reached out to got back to me. While most of them responded that they didn’t need the help, I also received some amazing feedback, and all it took was one “Yes.” - [Maddy Quach](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UBOETQaHR0cHM6Ly9hcHAuaGl2ZS5jby9lbWFpbC9lbHQvP2hfc2lkPTdiYjQ1NzIwNjQtNWE4Zjg0ZmRmYmQ5OWI3MDY0OWQwMTE3Jmhhc2g9M2YxYjAzM2NlZmE3ZjNkJm5leHQ9aHR0cHMlM0EvL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL21BQWR5Y2l0eSUzRnV0bV9zb3VyY2UlM0RoaXZlJTI2dXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNEaGl2ZV9lbWFpbF9pZF82Mjc0NVcDc3BjQgpgRysJSWDcdQe2Uht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MkBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAA~), Jr. Social Media Editor at Pigeons & Planes Dear Pigeons, What happened to the Michael Cera love? - Jay (@son.of.kunta on Instagram) Dear Jay, Our love for Michael Cera is a lot like a volcano. Sometimes it may appear dormant. No longer spewing passionate hot lava, but standing docile—a monument to something that once burned so bright. But don't worry, deep beneath the surface the liquid hot love for Mr. Cera still bubbles and one day, when the time is right, it will erupt so mightily that a volcanic ash of Michael Cera album covers will devour your timelines and turn your Instagram feed into Pompeii. - [John Walaszek](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UBOUTQaHR0cHM6Ly9hcHAuaGl2ZS5jby9lbWFpbC9lbHQvP2hfc2lkPTdiYjQ1NzIwNjQtNWE4Zjg0ZmRmYmQ5OWI3MDY0OWQwMTE3Jmhhc2g9M2YxYjAzM2NlZmE3ZjNkJm5leHQ9aHR0cHMlM0EvL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL2p3YWxhc3playUzRnV0bV9zb3VyY2UlM0RoaXZlJTI2dXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNEaGl2ZV9lbWFpbF9pZF82Mjc0NVcDc3BjQgpgRysJSWDcdQe2Uht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MkBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAA~), Director of Content Strategy at Pigeons & Planes Dear Pigeons, What’s the best album to listen to that will help get over heartbreak? - Ngabo (@nm.myra on Instagram) Dear Ngabo, If you want to wallow in sadness and have your music match your mood (which is a perfectly acceptable strategy) you could listen to something absolutely devastating like Mount Eerie's [A Crow Looked At Me](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UCMTBE8Wh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLmhpdmUuY28vZW1haWwvZWx0Lz9oX3NpZD03YmI0NTcyMDY0LTVhOGY4NGZkZmJkOTliNzA2NDlkMDExNyZoYXNoPTNmMWIwMzNjZWZhN2YzZCZuZXh0PWh0dHBzJTNBLy9wd2VsdmVydW1hbmRzdW4uYmFuZGNhbXAuY29tL2FsYnVtL2EtY3Jvdy1sb29rZWQtYXQtbWUlM0Z1dG1fc291cmNlJTNEaGl2ZSUyNnV0bV9tZWRpdW0lM0RlbWFpbCUyNnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbiUzRGhpdmVfZW1haWxfaWRfNjI3NDVXA3NwY0IKYEcrCUlg3HUHtlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTJAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAAA) or The National's [song "Sorrow" on loop for 6 hours](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UCMTFEz2h0dHBzOi8vYXBwLmhpdmUuY28vZW1haWwvZWx0Lz9oX3NpZD03YmI0NTcyMDY0LTVhOGY4NGZkZmJkOTliNzA2NDlkMDExNyZoYXNoPTNmMWIwMzNjZWZhN2YzZCZuZXh0PWh0dHBzJTNBLy95b3V0dS5iZS8tWlpmVlExNzhFWSUzRnV0bV9zb3VyY2UlM0RoaXZlJTI2dXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNEaGl2ZV9lbWFpbF9pZF82Mjc0NVcDc3BjQgpgRysJSWDcdQe2Uht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MkBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAA~). However I'd suggest something brighter, and the loose, sunny sounds of Nigerian funk musician William Onyeabor's [Who Is William Onyeabor?](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UCMTKEEgFodHRwczovL2FwcC5oaXZlLmNvL2VtYWlsL2VsdC8_aF9zaWQ9N2JiNDU3MjA2NC01YThmODRmZGZiZDk5YjcwNjQ5ZDAxMTcmaGFzaD0zZjFiMDMzY2VmYTdmM2QmbmV4dD1odHRwcyUzQS8vbXVzaWMuYXBwbGUuY29tL3VzL2FsYnVtL3dvcmxkLXBzeWNoZWRlbGljLWNsYXNzaWNzLTUtd2hvLWlzLXdpbGxpYW0tb255ZWFib3IvNzA4NDE4MTMyJTNGdXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzRGhpdmUlMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24lM0RoaXZlX2VtYWlsX2lkXzYyNzQ1VwNzcGNCCmBHKwlJYNx1B7ZSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkyQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAA~~) have as good a chance as anything of injecting some light into your life. Forget about them and rebuild to the sound of joyous synth-driven funk. - [Alex Gardner](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UCMTNE1Gh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLmhpdmUuY28vZW1haWwvZWx0Lz9oX3NpZD03YmI0NTcyMDY0LTVhOGY4NGZkZmJkOTliNzA2NDlkMDExNyZoYXNoPTNmMWIwMzNjZWZhN2YzZCZuZXh0PWh0dHBzJTNBLy90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9UaGVDb25zdGFudF9HJTNGdXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzRGhpdmUlMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24lM0RoaXZlX2VtYWlsX2lkXzYyNzQ1VwNzcGNCCmBHKwlJYNx1B7ZSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkyQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAA~~), Director of Strategy & Operations at Pigeons & Planes [Image](#) 2 Up, 2 Down looks at a couple things we like and a couple things falling out of favor. This week we're talking wings and music apps. [Image](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UCMTVEz2h0dHBzOi8vYXBwLmhpdmUuY28vZW1haWwvZWx0Lz9oX3NpZD03YmI0NTcyMDY0LTVhOGY4NGZkZmJkOTliNzA2NDlkMDExNyZoYXNoPTNmMWIwMzNjZWZhN2YzZCZuZXh0PWh0dHBzJTNBLy95b3V0dS5iZS9ZZzFpekdmOEVGUSUzRnV0bV9zb3VyY2UlM0RoaXZlJTI2dXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNEaGl2ZV9lbWFpbF9pZF82Mjc0NVcDc3BjQgpgRysJSWDcdQe2Uht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MkBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAA~) [Image](#) [Image](#) In today’s music landscape, versatility is a must. Jean Dawson’s boundless world-building goes way beyond simply making good music—but he does that too. “I really dislike absolution so I try not get into the habit of being too comfortable with one form of thinking or work flow. I guess the most recurring part of me in making music is simply making music. The format changes as much as I change in any given circumstance. The language is always the same but the words and sounds I choose will most times have a life beyond my mouth.” - Jean Dawson [READ FULL STORY](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UCMThE8Wh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLmhpdmUuY28vZW1haWwvZWx0Lz9oX3NpZD03YmI0NTcyMDY0LTVhOGY4NGZkZmJkOTliNzA2NDlkMDExNyZoYXNoPTNmMWIwMzNjZWZhN2YzZCZuZXh0PWh0dHBzJTNBLy93d3cuY29tcGxleC5jb20vcGlnZW9ucy1hbmQtcGxhbmVzL2plYW4tZGF3c29uLXZlcnNhdGlsaXR5JTNGdXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzRHR3aXR0ZXIlMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEc29jaWFsJTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNEcGFwc29jaWFsdHdXA3NwY0IKYEcrCUlg3HUHtlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTJAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAAA) [Image](#) [Instagram](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UCMjBE1Wh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLmhpdmUuY28vZW1haWwvZWx0Lz9oX3NpZD03YmI0NTcyMDY0LTVhOGY4NGZkZmJkOTliNzA2NDlkMDExNyZoYXNoPTNmMWIwMzNjZWZhN2YzZCZuZXh0PWh0dHBzJTNBLy9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL1BpZ3NBbmRQbGFucyUzRnV0bV9zb3VyY2UlM0RoaXZlJTI2dXRtX21lZGl1bSUzRGVtYWlsJTI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduJTNEaGl2ZV9lbWFpbF9pZF82Mjc0NVcDc3BjQgpgRysJSWDcdQe2Uht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MkBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAA~) [Twitter](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UCMjFE02h0dHBzOi8vYXBwLmhpdmUuY28vZW1haWwvZWx0Lz9oX3NpZD03YmI0NTcyMDY0LTVhOGY4NGZkZmJkOTliNzA2NDlkMDExNyZoYXNoPTNmMWIwMzNjZWZhN2YzZCZuZXh0PWh0dHBzJTNBLy90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9QaWdzQW5kUGxhbnMlM0Z1dG1fc291cmNlJTNEaGl2ZSUyNnV0bV9tZWRpdW0lM0RlbWFpbCUyNnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbiUzRGhpdmVfZW1haWxfaWRfNjI3NDVXA3NwY0IKYEcrCUlg3HUHtlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTJAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAAA) [YouTube](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UCMjJE4Gh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLmhpdmUuY28vZW1haWwvZWx0Lz9oX3NpZD03YmI0NTcyMDY0LTVhOGY4NGZkZmJkOTliNzA2NDlkMDExNyZoYXNoPTNmMWIwMzNjZWZhN2YzZCZuZXh0PWh0dHBzJTNBLy93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vdXNlci9QaWdlb25zQW5kUGxhbmVzJTNGdXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzRGhpdmUlMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24lM0RoaXZlX2VtYWlsX2lkXzYyNzQ1VwNzcGNCCmBHKwlJYNx1B7ZSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkyQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAA~~) [Facebook](~/AAJOsQA~/RgRiK44rP0UCMjNE1Gh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLmhpdmUuY28vZW1haWwvZWx0Lz9oX3NpZD03YmI0NTcyMDY0LTVhOGY4NGZkZmJkOTliNzA2NDlkMDExNyZoYXNoPTNmMWIwMzNjZWZhN2YzZCZuZXh0PWh0dHBzJTNBLy9mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vUGlnc0FuZFBsYW5zJTNGdXRtX3NvdXJjZSUzRGhpdmUlMjZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtJTNEZW1haWwlMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24lM0RoaXZlX2VtYWlsX2lkXzYyNzQ1VwNzcGNCCmBHKwlJYNx1B7ZSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkyQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAAA~~) [Image](#) © 2021 Complex Media Inc. 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