When I listen to music, the things I think about are the artist and their musical creation.

I rarely think about the record labels that work their butts off distributing, manufacturing, producing, marketing and promoting an artist.

I am fully aware of all the musical talent that stems from the city of Rockford. I was unaware that there is a popular record company called Independent Ear that formed in 2011. By 2014, it became incorporated as Independent Ear, Inc. As a corporation, they understand their role in the community is to help unnoticed artists become noticed. Many artists go their entire life without receiving any recognition. Independent Ear has worked alongside multiple musicians and has helped them become something much bigger than they were before. Phillip Ryan Block, the founder of Independent Ear emphasized that the importance of being a Rockford label is “seeing all the positive growth in our hometown.”

If you have time, I suggest visiting Independent Ears’ website http://www.independentear.com/ . As a corporation, they have accomplished a lot in the past six years and have helped many artists such as Adam Davenport, Bobby Danger, Cliz, Dylan Lloyd, Former Tides, Jerry Dale Harris, Julian Acosta, Nick Urb, Omega Diatribe and The Summit.

                                                       Independent Ear

 

As a matter of fact, Independent Ear just released “My Return Address is You,” by Adam Davenport which happened to land on the Top 50 of the Billboard Dance Club Chart. The song is currently #44 for the week of August 26. Having more than one genre, the song is considered to be radio-friendly EDM, indie pop and house music.

 

My Return Address Is You

 

The breakout single "My Return Address is You" was performed by Chicagoan Adam Davenport. Adam went to high school at Marian Catholic in Chicago Heights and then moved on to Yale University. After graduating from Yale University, he decided to move to New York City to pursue an acting career. He is an American film director, screenwriter, stage actor and music producer. When he decided to produce his newest hit, he collaborated with not only Emmy-nominated songwriter, Leslie Mills but he also worked with Shanica Knowles' vocal ability.

 

Adam Davenport

 

Block explained that all he wants from this publicity is to expand their reach and recognition within the community, which has helped them grow greatly. If you are a musician and wanting to be recognized, Block suggests that “you need to put in the work and most importantly be patient!”

It is truly amazing to me that according to Independent Ear, there hasn’t been any other record label in the city of Rockford to ever have an artist break into the Billboard charts. Independent Ear can now say that they were the first!

Check out the song on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, Soundcloud and iHeartRadio.