Gary_Trust

I'd wanted to work at Billboard since learning, in the late '80s, that "American Top 40" was based on the Hot 100. As cheesy as it sounds, it's still such a thrill to be a part of Billboard and help tell the story of what's popular on the charts and report on trends in the business, including radio (where I worked first). Weird Al-wise, I like his originals best, like "Melanie" - he writes catchy songs :)

Also, Family of the Year's "Hero" is now top 20 at Alternative - so catchy, and great harmonies. Could be a perfect crossover to top 40 and adult radio.

An 18-year-old folk/rockabilly singer/songwriter named Jake Bugg just had a No. 1 album in his native U.K. His U.S. debut is due this spring. Triple A (adult alternative) radio is already getting into his first single, "Two Fingers." Also check out our weekly "Bubbling Under" feature in the magazine and online - last year we noted the early buzz on acts like the Lumineers, Cher Lloyd and Trinidad James before they broke mainstream.

Lots of '80s, '90s pop/rock/country in my iPod. Loved when music was so melody-based ... and glad that it's swung back to that in recent years. Folk singer/songwriter Liz Longley is my favorite new discovery!