Month: March 2019

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Kim Cameron and Side FX, Andy Leon and the GMP, Only Yours, Atomic Road Kings, Lullwater

It’s a special Saturday edition of Get it or Forget it, since we have sooooo many reviews to do.  Check out these amazing indie artists and choose your favorites.

Artist Name:  Kim Cameron and Side FX

Album Name:  Carpe Musicam

Label:  Side FX Partners

Genre:  House/Dub/Chill/Trance/EDM

Track Listing:  1.  Fearless Lovers (Bimbo Bahamas Mix); 2.  Fearless Lovers (Bimbo Bahamas Radio Mix); 3.  Fearless Lovers; 4.  Fearless Lovers (Bimbo New X Dub); 5.  Let Me Ask You; 6.  Share My Pillow (Bahner Remix); 7.  Share My Pillow (Deep House Session Serkan Demirel); 8.  Share My Pillow (Wow Jones Remix); 9.  Share My Pillow Remix (Halo’s Stretch The Sky Mix); 10.  Share My Pillow; 11.  Side FX Share My Pillow (Serge Voluminus Remix); 12.  Sometimes; 13.  Take Me Back; 14.  Forever (acoustic)

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  Unlike many EDM artists, Kim Cameron has a voice and knows how to sing, as demonstrated on the closing acoustic track, “Forever.”  She contributes six songs and eight remixes to the project, and leaves us with a desire to get up and dance.  Of the dance tracks, our favorite is “Share my Pillow,” especially the version with her band Side FX.  If you love to dance, this is the perfect collection for you.

Recommendation:  Definitely check her out.

Artist Name:  Andy Leon and the GMP

Album Name:  The Great Mouse Parade

Label:  1112827 Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Sweetness; 2.  Suave; 3.  Follow; 4.  The Morning After

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We have far too few pure voices within the indie music circle, but we have to put Andy Leon in that group.  Along with her band, the Great Mouse Parade, Leon has crafted and sings perfect songs that combine elements of indie rock, pop, jazz and folk to form the perfect platform for her music.  We simply can’t get enough of her sound and look forward to checking out the band live.  All four of these songs are attention-worthy and serve as tasty appetizers for what we are sure is yet to come.  Of the four, our favorite track is “Follow.”

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.  This band is going places.

Artist Name:  Only Yours

Album Name:  Overrun

Label:  Pirates Blend Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Doubts; 2.  Different; 3.  Overrun; 4.  By Now; 5.  Hamburg; 6.  Surely I; 7.  Everlasting; 8.  Half Alive; 9.  Haunted by Love; 10.  Stay

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Toronto-based indie pop/rock band Only Yours has delivered a masterful gem of a debut album with the release of Overrun.  Behind the stunning vocals of Lowell Sostomi, the band turns in great songs that are radio friendly and make you want to hear them again and again.  Kicking off the album with the future hit “Doubts,” Only Yours soars and hooks the listener from the first note.  This album is ripe with radio singles like the title track, and should propel them into the spotlight as one of the best new acts of 2019.

Recommendation:  Don’t hesitate to go Get this one!

Artist Name:  Atomic Road Kings

Album Name:  Clean up the Blood

Label:  Bigtone Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  I’ve got Time; 2.  Rumors; 3.  In Arms Reach; 4.  Have Your Way; 5.  My way Back Home; 6.  Clean up the Blood; 7.  Candy Man; 8.  Ain’t for Me; 9.  You got to Change; 10.  Two Sided Story; 11.  Vibrations; 12.  Back Down South

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Atomic Road Kings, started by Eric “Jailhouse Von Herzen (Social Distortion), mixes classic gospel, blues and rock and roll to create a down home feeling that would fit perfectly with an evening of good food and drink down in the Mississippi Delta.  The raw vocals and guitar playing of Big Jon Atkinson combine seamlessly with Von Herzen’s driving harmonica, coupled  with the rhythm section that includes Bill Stuve on double bass/electric bass and Malachi Johnson on drums.  This is down and dirty blues, and the shear sexiness of it will make  you sweat.  If we only could listen to one blues band, it would be the Atomic Road Kings.

Recommendation:  Run and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Lullwater

Album Name:  Voodoo

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock/Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Curtain Call; 2.  Dark Divided; 3.  Empty Chamber; 4.  Similar Skin; 5.  This Life; 6.  Godlike; 7.  Buzzards; 8.  Fight of Your Life; 9.  Into the Sun; 10.  Yellow Bird; 11.  Suffer Not

Publicist:  Tom George PR

Review:  We introduced you to this band earlier this month as their video for “Empty Chamber” was featured as one of the Ten Amazing Videos of March 2019.  They have an instantly recognizable hard rock sound that borders on metal, but with the southern rock groove of bands like Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd.   Their songs are perfectly suited for placement in film and television, especially the first track “Curtain Call.””Empty Chamber,” “Similar Skin,” “Godlike,” and “Into the Sun.”

Recommendation:  If you like your rock hard and love the sound of metal, you will love this band.  Definitely check them out.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Tony Lucca, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, Lindy Vopnfjord, Mekons, Minka

We made it to New Music Friday again, and we have five brand new ones to review and share, including the latest from a former Mousketeer.  It’s been a rough week on the home-front, with an simple puncture wound turning into an infection, but we think this music is just the medicine to make things better.  Let us know what you think.

Artist Name:  Tony Lucca

Album Name:  Ain’t no Storm

Label:  Off the Road Adventures / Rock Ridge Music

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Everything’s Changing; 2.  Come Around; 3.  One Less You; 4.  Frame by Frame; 5.  Restless Heart; 6.  Empty Headed Blues; 7.  Room with a View; 8.  Other Side of the Clouds; 9.  Frame by Frame (radio edit)

Publicist:  Skye Media

Review:  Tony Lucca is known for lots of things, including being a Mousketeer along side of Christina Aguilera, being a member of Team Adam on Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice, and being the artist who gave his slot with NSYNC to fellow Mousketeer Justin Timberlake.  But with the arrival of his latest album, it is truly evident that Lucca has definitely “arrived” as a hot songwriter and future Grammy winner.  From the upbeat opening track, “Everthing’s Changing” to the radio edit of his first single, “Frame by Frame,” Lucca hits us right between the ears with emotional lyrics and vocal delivery and incredible musicianship.  This is without a doubt his best album ever, and should finally elevate him to the level that he deserves – super stardom.  We have already featured “Restless Heart” and “Everything’s Changing” in our Monday Mashup, and think this album is jam packed with songs worthy of being released as singles.

Recommendation:  Drop whatever you’re doing – Go Get this one today!

Artist Name:  Chris Jones & the Night Drivers

Album Name:  The Choosing Road

Label:  Mountain Home Music

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Your Remarkable Return; 2.  Letters to Brendan; 3.  Looking for the Bridge; 4.  I Can’t Change the Rhyme; 5.  Back in the High Life Again; 6.  Nyhan’s Regret; 7.  I’ll Watch her Soul; 8.  Bend in the Road; 9.  I Shouldn’t Even be Here; 10.  Who you Want me to Be; 11.  Own the Blues; 12.  Glimpse of the Kingdom

Publicist:  Crossroads Label Group

Review:  Sit down Rhonda Vincent and Alison Krauss – there’s another band in bluegrass that is ready to ascend the throne.  The new album from Chris Jones & the Night Drivers has everything you want on a bluegrass album – great story lyrics, a strong voice with perfect harmonies, and great performances on mandolin, banjo, fiddle and bass, with amazing guitar thrown in for good measure.  Composed of Chris Jones on guitar and lead vocals, Gina Clowes on banjo and backing vocals, Mark Stoffel on mandolin and fiddle and Jon Wiesberger on bass, this band should be the standard for all budding bluegrass players.  We love every song, especially “Your Remarkable Return,” their amazing cover of Steve Winwood‘s classic “Back in the High Life Again,” the sterling instrumental “Nyhan’s Regret,” the soulful “Who you Want me to Be,” and the gospel-tinged “Glimpse of the Kingdom.”

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Lindy Vopnfjörd

Album Name:  You Will Know When It’s Right

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Love me Like That; 2.  Standing on the Sea; 3.  Give Some Love; 4.  Our Greatest Irony; 5.  How did we get Away; 6.  Everlasting Odyssey; 7.  I’m so Hi; 8.  Love Sister (live in Reykjavik with Nydonsk)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Talk about dejá vu!  As soon as the album started with the first track, “Love me Like That,” it felt like classical rock artists like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan were speaking through the voice of the lead vocalist.  The songs are well written and hit the ground running.  They are perfect for radio and inspiration, beginning with the first track and continuing on.  “Standing on the Sea” almost feels like Brit Pop.  Each song brings back a piece of musical history and puts this artist squarely on a track to the top of the charts.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Mekons

Album Name:  Deserted

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Lawrence of California; 2.  Harar 1883; 3.  Into the Sun; 4.  How Many Stars; 5.  In the Desert; 6.  Mirage; 7.  Weimar Vending Maching; 8.  Andromeda; 9.  After the Rain

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Mekons come to us from the UK, combining elements of punk, psychedelica and indie rock to their sound, hitting us over the head with a tidal wave of sound that quickly envelops the listener.  This is rock as it was intended and perfect for those time when you want to drown out the world and totally immerse yourself in the music.  If you want some sentimental folk, they have that on “How Many Stars,” so don’t think they can only rock.  We also love the sweeping strings and “cool” feel of “Andromeda.”

Recommendation:  Get it.

Artist Name:  MINKA

Album Name:  Mysteries of the Heart

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B

Track Listing:  1.  Mysteries of the Heart; 2.  Something Special; 3.  Rollerblades; 4.  Parties; 5.  You Knew I was a Freak

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We introduced you to MINKA in April 2017 when they released their live album.  We again reviewed them in mid-February for the first of their EP trilogy, and are back again with the second in that trilogy.  While they maintain their overall R&B groove, this set if more upbeat and perfect for the soundtrack of your next party, especially if you like the sound of Prince.  The title track is a sure-fire hit, as is “Rollerblades.”  You can’t go wrong with this one.

Recommendation:  Definitely add this one to your party playlist!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Pikes, Whisperado, Matt Pless, Hhoogg, Comfort Club

Happy Tuesday.  We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it, and this one is truly unique.  We have a lot of reviews to do to catch up, so let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Pikes

Album Name:  Pterodactyl 1994

Label:  ART:ERY / Shir Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Pterodactyl 1994; 2.  Weightless Tears; 3.  Trends; 4.  Pinnacle; 5.  Forgive Myself

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We reviewed their previous EP back in January, and they’ve already got another one out.  We stand by our initial impressions, which have only been strengthened by this new EP, and we firmly believe that we are witnessing the birth of an international star.  Once again he has delivered five sterling songs that are commercially viable, as well as  radio friendly, and we look forward to the opportunity to catch him in concert.  We especially love the jazzy goodness of “Trends” and the majestic grandeur of “Forgive Myself.”

Recommendation:  Time is running out – Get this one now!

Artist Name:  Whisperado

Album Name:  Bang One Out

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Bear Suit; 2.  Fourth of July; 3.  All the Truth I Need; 4.  Bang One Out

Publicist:  Oren Hope Marketing

Review:  Of all the musical genres we review, Americana and roots/rock are two of our favorites, and Whisperado is a first class addition to that genre.  With their first new music in six years, Whisperado delivers four classic songs that are memorable and point to more great things from this premiere band.  Included with the three original tunes is their own rocking cover of the Dave Alvin tune “Fourth of July.”  Whether original or cover, this band knows how to rock, and we can’t wait to hear the rest of the album when it is released later this year.  In the meantime, we’re just gonna put the title track on repeat.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one – hopefully it will tide you over until the full-length album comes out.

Artist Name:  Matt Pless

Album Name:  Tumbleweed

Label:  Wembleway Music

Genre:  Singer-songwriter/Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Ashtray; 2.  Piggy Bank; 3.  My Crooked Ways; 4.  Mad Child’s Lament; 5.  What You Will; 6.  The Book of You and I; 7.  Portland; 8.  Talkin’ Information Blues; 9.  The Crayon Song; 10.  White Picket Fences; 11.  My Idea of Heaven; 12.  In the Past Tense

Publicist:  TAG Publicity

Review:  Originally released acoustically in 2013, Matt Pless has returned and improved on the sheer simplicity of Tumbleweed and made it even better, keeping it fresh for today’s political climate.  Mixing the best of Bob Dylan, The Violent Femmes and Flogging Molly,  Pless finds a way to use these diverse styles to create protest music that the listener will not soon forget, especially the lead track, “Ashtray.”  He is truly the voice of this generation.

Recommendation:  Give this one a listen – we’re sure something will strike a chord with you.

Artist Name:  Hhoogg

Album Name:  Earthling, Go Home!

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Improvisational Psychedelic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Ccossmmooss; 2.  Rustic Alien Living; 3.  Journey to the Dying Place; 4.  Star Wizard, Headless and Awake; 5.  Eaten on the Frontier; 6.  Recalled to the Pyramids; 7.  Infinitely Gone

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  If you love to listen to great rock guitars, complete with a healthy backbeat and blistering guitars, then Hhoogg has the perfect album for you.  Billing themselves as a psychedelic rock band from outer space, they provide a sound that is truly out of this world.  This songs will satiate your desire for great music, and are the perfect companion to everyday chores.  Sit back or just keep moving to these impressive sounds.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth getting.  We love their sound.

Artist Name:  Comfort Club

Album Name:  Lone Cactus Motel

Label:  Comfort Club Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Better Than Me; 2.  Kindness; 3.  Not in Love; 4.  Rearview Mirror

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Colin Tracey aka Comfort Club has a strong presence on the guitar, providing radio friendly vocals that squarely put him in an Indie Rock style.  We love the slight funkiness in his guitar and the pop feel of his lyrics that make us believe that he could have a successful radio career.  His riffs are amazing, and lift the songs to a new level, especially on “Better Than Me.”  His rock borders on roots on “Kindness,” and we think he has the chops to give that genre a run for its money.

Recommendation:  Give him a listen.

 

 

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indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 12

Welcome to our final Monday Mashup of the month.  As we leave behind the winter and enter into spring, we are being bombarded with review requests by both publicists and indie artists alike, so we ask for your patience as we process these requests.  We currently have a backlog of 126 requests, and we will get through them by the end of May, the current deadline for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2019.  Here is some indie music news as well as our selections for new singles and music videos for the week.

UNSIGNED ONLY VIDEO COMPETITION

Unsigned Only Music Competition is taking entries for its “Video Only” special promotion, running March 20-29.  This is your opportunity to enter a music video into Unsigned Only for the first time this year!  Original music and cover songs are eligible.  Two winners will be selected, and all entries will be entered into the overall 2019 competition.  Enter your music video today at https://bit.ly/2U3u9SZ 

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from former Poco front-man and winner of last  year’s LA Music Critic Award’s Icon Award Rusty Young.  The song is already garnering critical acclaim and we think you should just heed his advice and “Listen to Your Heart.”

Next up is an artist we have featured on quite a few occasions, as they consistently deliver great music.  Here is the latest single, “Gonna Leave It,” from Teddy and the Love Gang.  We think you’ll dig their groove.

We introduced you to our third artist, Karina, when we published our list of Ten Great Singles released in February 2019.  They’re back with a soulful ballad called “No Puedo.”  Let your Latin roots explode.

Our fourth single comes from Julia Zahra, and we really love the sound of her vibe, her voice and her music.  We think this is the perfect song to kick off the new week, so enjoy “Do You.”

https://soundcloud.com/juliazahramusic/do-you

Our final single this week is from SJae and features Sam Sparro.  We love the retro R&B feel of this track and think you will too.  Check out “The Avenue” and get down to this sick beat.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this week comes from one of the premiere Americana voices of 2019, Rebelle Roadshow artist Alice Wallace.  We simply love this stunning video of the title track of her latest release, “The Blue.”   Soar on the voice of beauty.

Next up is another amazing country voice, this time from newcomer Paige Peel.  Here is the lyric video for her song, “The Crown,” and we officially crown her the next queen.

Our third video is from one of our all-time favorite female artists, Kris Angelis, who has won multiple LA Music Critic Awards.  We love the beauty of the cinematography on her new video for “Reappear.”  Get lost in this one.

Corinne Cook provides a light-hearted look at break-ups with the humorous video for her song, “One Box of Tissues.”  We think she offers sound advice.

Our final video is a retro-laden song that will give you the chills, and comes to us from Canadian band Maybelleen.  Check out their tribute to “Emily.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – The Cleverlys, Taali, Kat Holland, Newscast, Blue Angels

Happy New Music Friday!  We hope you had a wonderful week and are ready to let  your hair down for the weekend.  We have some powerful music for you today which has been released today, and we are happy to share it with you.  Enjoy the mix.

Artist Name:  The Cleverlys

Album Name:  Blue

Label:  Mountain Home Music Company

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1,  Baby; 2.  Milkshake; 3.  Girl in the Sky; 4.  Blue (Da Ba Dee); 5.  She’s Not (Ain’t) There; 6.  Wait a Minute; 7.  Party Rock Anthem; 8.  Irreplaceable; 9.  What’s Up; 10.  I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles); 11.  Oh Death; 12.  The End of the Record

Publicist:  Crossroads Label Group

Review:  The Cleverlys are what happens when Justin Bieber and Beyonce get drunk and create a baby at a bluegrass concert.  They mix the best of pop and hip hop with comedy and bluegrass to create their signature Ozark sound.  They give that treatment to such well-known songs as Justin Bieber‘s “Baby,” Beyonce‘s “Irreplaceable,” LMFAO‘s “Party Rock Anthem,” The Zombies‘ “She’s Not (Ain’t) There,” and The Proclaimers‘ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).”  Even the title song is a cover of that incessant song about a world that’s blue.  This one is unique and belongs in every music collection, regardless of your favorite genre.

Recommendation:  Rush out and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Taali

Album Name:  I am Here

Label:  Rainbow Blonde Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Release; 2.  I Held my Breath; 3.  Hear you Now; 4.  I Have Seen it for Myself; 5.  Let the Light In; 6.  Star (ft José James); 7.  For Michal; 8.  Right Sized; 9.  Los Angeles; 10.  A Lack of Color; 11.  Peace be Upon You; 12.  Hope of my Own; 13.  Erev Shel Shoshanim; 14.  Plunge; 15.  I’ll Meet You

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Taali is a gifted singer-songwriter who recently founded her own label, together with José James (who she features on her song “Star”), and decided to become the debut artist.  Her sound is familiar yet fresh, with upbeat and positive songs about love and life.  She shows that flair on “I Held my Breath,” and it continues through the end of the album.  We think quite a few of the tracks would sound great on radio and in dance clubs, especially “Hear You Now” and “Star.”  We also love the Jewish/Middle Eastern musical influence on “I Have Seen it for Myself.”  We can’t wait to hear what comes next from the creative genius that is Taali.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Kat Holland

Album Name:  Retrovision

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Stay; 2.  Losing Balance; 3.  Happy Pill; 4.  The One

Publicist:  Gramophone Media

Review:  Kat Holland’s voice is husky and full and fits perfectly with her mix of pop and jazz, creating music that is radio-friendly across a host of genres.  All four of these tracks rock and will help cement her place as an artist on the rise.  Her voice is not easily forgotten, and her vibe will make you want to hear her again and again.  We already shared her first single, “The One,” and think she’s definitely The One that will make it.

Recommendation:  Don’t think about it – grab this one today!

Artist Name:  Newscast

Album Name:  5

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Synth Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Late Night Queen; 2.  Blur; 3.  Banana Smoothie; 4.  Olive; 5.  Undercover

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Newscast is a duo composed of Hayden Boyd and Salar Almakky that hit all the right buttons in delivering a smooth, fun, upbeat sound that will keep you ready for the dance floor.  The sound is retro and groovy and will keep you interested from start to finish.  The EP is a collection of the first five songs the group wrote together as Newscast, and were recorded between April and December 2018.  We look forward to their next 500 songs.

Recommendation:  These guys belong in your library.  Go pick it up today!

Artist Name:  Blue Angels

Album Name:  Sue

Label:  UNO NYC

Genre:  Ambient Dance

Track Listing:  1.  Gil; 2.  Ceo; 3.  Dislocation; 4.  Cryin

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  Blue Angels bill themselves as “ambient dance” but the music doesn’t do it for us.  The band has no social media presence and next to nothing is provided in the press release.  The music is interesting, but does little to stand out from the crowded indie music scene.  This one just doesn’t deliver.

Recommendation:  Forget it.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – JP Ruggieri, Dewinter, Merely, Hugh Marsh, Dimitri K

We’re back with some more new releases to review for your pleasure and enjoyment, and we have a truly eclectic mix for you today from around the world.  We hope our reviews help you when deciding where to invest your time and money in sharing indie music.

Artist Name:  JP Ruggieri

Album Name:  Waiting on You

Label:  Benafue Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Waiting on You; 2.  The Meaning; 3.  Bumble Bee; 4.  Don’t Break my Heart; 5.  Gone Again; 6.  How can a Man Live his Life Without a Broken Heart?; 7.  I Don’t Want to Grow Up; 8.  That I Do

Publicist:  PRESSED PR

Review:  JP Ruggieri is a storyteller with love on his mind.  In this beautiful collection, he opens up his heart and sings of his desire to love without fear of hurting.  These songs contain elements of his Nashville influence, with some country, folk and Americana mixed in, but they are truly works of art.  He connects with his honesty and the simple truth that we have all loved and lost and how much it hurts.  He is celebrating the release of his album with a tour of the UK and we wish him every success.  We hope he finds the love he’s looking for, and continues to bring us more treasures.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Dewinter

Album Name:  Cold Like the Winter

Label:  Musarañas Records

Genre:  Synth Pop

Track Listing:  1,  Mayflower; 2.  A*Ny*Way; 3.  My Actions; 4.  Substitutions; 5.  You Won’t; 6.  Things I Said

Publicist:  Musarañas Records

Review:  Barcelona’s Dewinter brings their beautiful synth pop sound to the rest of the world on their latest EP, Cold Like the Winter.  These songs are upbeat, breezy and so refreshing, and are nothing like the drivel we have to endure on the radio.  They deserve serious industry attention, and we are thankful to Spain’s Musarañas Records for giving them a chance to shine.  We love the retro feel and can’t help but feel better just listening to their groove.

Recommendation:  Go Get this one.

Artist Name:  Merely

Album Name:  Hatching the Egg

Label:  Year 0001

Genre:  Synth Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Vixen’s Scream; 2.  Mystery Garden; 3.  Crazy Heart; 4.  The Magic Shrine; 5.  In the Wizard’s Eye; 6.  Sacrifice; 7.  The Sunset Beach; 8.  Oracle’s Dream

Publicist:  MOTORMOUTHMEDIA

Review:  Continuing our world-wide reviews, Merely is another of the amazing artists we have discovered from Sweden.  Her music is ethereal and light, reminiscent of the sound of Enya.  Her songs are relaxing and fresh, and will ease the listener’s mind as they chill after a long day of work.  Just don’t play them while you’re driving.  We think her music is universal and should help her become more well-known.  Definitely pay attention to this amazing artist.

Recommendation:  Worthy of adding to your collection.

Artist Name:  Hugh Marsh

Album Name:  Violinvocations

Label:  Western Vinyl

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  I Laid Down in the Snow; 2.  Miku Murmuration; 3.  Thirtysix Hundred Grandview; 4.  The Rain Gambler; 5.  A Beautiful Mistake; 6.  Da Solo Non Solitaro; 7.  Across the Aether; 8.  She Will

Publicist:  MOTORMOUTHMEDIA

Review:  Hugh Marsh is a gifted violinist and composer who has contributed to numerous movie soundtracks, including The Da Vinci Code, Armageddon and The Chronicles of Narnia.  He is a four-time winner of the Jazz Report Award and three-time winner of the National Jazz Award, and has worked with the likes of Iggy Pop, Robert Palmer, Peter Murphy, Jon Hassell, Hanz Zimmer and many others.  This album is not your typical classical violin instrumental, but a boundary blurring expression by a master violinist who understands the depth of sound that can emanate from his instrument.  Enjoy this one if you like something different.

Recommendation:  If you like experimental music, then you will probably enjoy this unlikely instrumental mix.

Artist Name:  Dimitri K.

Album Name:  7/8

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Contemporary Jazz Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  7/8; 2.  Inferred; 3.  Interpretation of a Dream; 4.  Fashion Etiquette; 5.  Blue Room; 6.  Subtle Speculation; 7.  Intuitive; 8.  Your Way; 9.  Oculus; 10.  A Day in Paris; 11.  Dusky Light; 12.  Set in Motion

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We love jazz, and we love the sound of Dimitri K.  All of these songs have been written and performed in the “7/8” time signature, and we would love to listen to the entire album.  Unfortunately, the artist only provided us with snippets of the songs, so we were unable to completely evaluate them.  However from what we could hear, we think he is head and shoulders with his more well-known jazz peers, and definitely worth checking out.

Recommendation:  Give him a listen.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Women in Entertainment

Women in entertainment – The Spear Shakers deliver a healthy dose of the blues

So it’s been about six weeks since our last Women in Entertainment feature, and this time up we’re bringing you a pair of amazing ladies – guitarist Kelly Richey and drummer Sherri McGee, who together are known as The Spear Shakers.

Born in Lexington, Kentucky but living in Cincinnati since 2000, Richey started playing guitar at the age of 15.  The late Lonnie Mack was so impressed with her hyper-muscular playing and singing that he described her as “Stevie Ray Vaughan trapped in a woman’s body.” Listed among the “top 100 gifted guitarists” by the influential Truefire Community, Richey frequently draws comparisons to guitar icons from Stevie Ray to Jimi Hendrix.  Throughout her career, Richey has shared the stage with legends like Mack and Albert King and has opened for Boston, Heart, Joe Cocker, Lita Ford, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Walter Trout, Little Feat, Foghat, REO Speedwagon, George Thorogood, Average White Band, Robben Ford, Warren Zevon, and James Brown.

When it comes to touring, Richey has earned the title “Queen of the Road Warriors,” as she has covered the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia in her 30-year career.  During that time, she played over 4,000 shows, logged a mind-boggling 1 million road miles (and counting) and released 16 albums on her private label, Sweet Lucy Records, earning her a reputation as a master guitarist and singer/songwriter.

On the other side of the band, McGee knew she wanted to play drums since she was a toddler.  Before getting a real drum kit, she played along to Tom Jones and Monkees records using two hairbrushes on a green Naugahyde recliner, and one of her earliest influences was watching Karen Carpenter on television.  McGee has been called a cross between Patsy Cline and John Bonham.

She started playing drums when she joined the 5th-grade school band in Glasgow, Kentucky.  By the time she entered high school, she was in marching band, concert band, stage band, and pep band as section leader and lead snare drummer.  At the age of 15, she joined The Flying Scotsmen, a 17-piece swing/big band of male adults. After high school, Sherri moved to Lexington, where she played top bass drum in the University of Kentucky marching band.

After graduating from college, McGee quickly became part of the Lexington local music scene as one of three females fronting a Motown-type band called the Twinkettes, as well as being part of Spree 33, a versatile new wave cover band.  She was also a founding member of Velvet Elvis, an original pop/rock band that released an EP and a full album before securing a record contract with Enigma Records.  They later released a record produced by Mitch Easter and toured extensively; shot two videos for MTV, and were favorably reviewed in Musician Magazine and Rolling Stone, among many other industry publications.  They opened for Let’s Active, Adrian Belew and the Bears, and UB40, to name a few.

We asked the band to tell us what inspired them, and Richey had this to say:  “The gift of music has been a constant source of inspiration in my life, it’s provided me a bridge to my soul, and a common language for connecting with those around me.”

The Spear Shakers have just completed their first release which consisted of three songs in both audio and video format, all of which were previously featured in this blog.  The songs came from Richey’s extensive catalog and were recorded live in the studio.

As for their future plans, Richey says:  “The Spear Shakers rock and will continue to roll with a fire that ignites peoples souls.”

If  you want to keep up with the latest happenings with The Spear Shakers, you can follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook or subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Fantasticboom, AG Weinberger, Family Animals, Luna Neptune, Sepsiss

The new releases keep coming, so we’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it.  We hope you enjoy these five diverse artists.

Artist Name:  Fantasticboom

Album Name:  How to Build a Hole

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock/Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  The Sound of Cutting Ties; 2.  Gabby; 3.  I Thought I Could Save You; 4.  All the Words I Know; 5.  this; 6.  How to Build a Hole; 7.  All of the Above; 8.  Meg; 9.  The Flavor of Regret

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Mark Cuthbertson aka Fantasticboom is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who plays almost all the instruments on his latest project except the drums, which are contributed by Bucky Wheaton of Land of Talk.  The album was co-produced by Cuthbertson and The Besnard Lakes’ Jace Lasek.  Other than the very experimental sound of the first track, the album is pure indie pop/rock.  The songs are well written, with strong vocals perfectly mixed with the impressive musical accompaniment.  These songs would do well on college radio, and should be on the radar of smart program managers, especially “I Thought I Could Save You,” “All of the Above” and “The Flavor of Regret.”

Recommendation:  Skip the first track, but enjoy the rest.

Artist Name:  AG Weinberger

Album Name:  Reborn

Label:  BigFoot Records

Genre:  Jazz/Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Wang Dang Doodle; 2.  Sweet Little Number; 3.  On the Wrong Side; 4.  The Fool’s Lucky Day (ft Bob Margolin); 5.  It Wouldn’t be Enough; 6.  Slippery Slope; 7.  Just One Minute; 8.  Cadillac Blues; 9.  Shoot; 10.  Caroline; 11.  Reborn; 12.  I am the Water

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Dracula may be the most famous of all Transylvanians, but inside the country of Romania, AG Weinberger is a close second.  On his tenth album, he mixes elements of jazz, blues, cabaret, psychedelic rock and folk to create music that put him in the elite of all blues guitarists in the world.  In his spare time, he’s also a composer and playwright and has written 19 plays for the Romanian theater companies.  While Weinberger does not consider himself a blues artist, but an artist who infuses blues into everything he plays.  We tend to agree, and think his album is a treat from start to finish, especially the title track.

Recommendation:  Get it if you love the blues.

Artist Name:  Family Animals

Album Name:  The End is Mere

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Psychedelic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Push Play; 2.  Gimme Jim-Jims; 3.  Nuclear Confusion; 4.  Voyage to Nowhere; 5.  Chivalrous Idiot; 6.  The Modern Life; 7.  Captain Z Bop’s Friendly Friends; 8.  Guitarbot 4000 + the Two Tongued Twins (Live at Magnitard’s Tavern); 9.  The March of the Megaherd; 10.  Exploding Light; 11.  A Speaker in Your Stereo

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The sound of Family Animals is very retro, no doubt heavily influenced by The Beatles‘ Yellow Submarine and similar material.  The psychedelic undertones are almost mesmerizing and relaxing, especially on “Nuclear Confusion,” “Chivalrous Idiot” and “Captain Z Bop’s Friendly Friends” (which both sound like they could have come from The Doors), their first single “The Modern Life,” and the final track, “A Speaker in Your Stereo.”  On the other hand, “The March of the Megaherd” is more reflective of Jimi Hendrix.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth your attention, especially if you love 60’s influenced psychedelic rock.

Artist Name:  Luna Neptune

Album Name:  Reverse the Hexes

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alternative Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Sons of Adam, Daughters of Eve; 2.  Your Gods; 3.  Old Christine

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We last reviewed Luna Neptune when she released her EP Next Automated Wave back in August 2018.  She’s back again with another three-song EP that once again proves she is an artist on the cusp.  Her vocals are heavenly and the songs conjure up memories of such great songs as Heart‘s “These Dreams.”  The sound is very retro, sort of a cross between Heart and Fleetwood Mac, and very appealing, especially the first single, “Your Gods.”  We can’t wait for her to give us a full length album, because these appetizer EPs are so tantalizing and tempting while leaving us wanting so much more.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Sepsiss

Album Name:  Fair to Say

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Fair 2 Say; 2.  Eyes of Empathy; 3.  The Swarm; 4.  To Write Hate on His Arms

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Sepsiss has a traditional heavy metal sound with a sweet twist, the powerfully crisp and clean vocals of Melissa Wolfe, which belong in the same category as Amy Lee.  This band has the potential to go head to head with the giants of metal, and come out ahead because of those memorable vocals.  We especially love “Eyes of Empathy.”  This is hard-hitting metal at its best, and we look forward to hearing more from these monsters.

Recommendation:  If you love metal, you will love Sepsiss.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 11

It’s finally starting to show signs of the coming spring up here in Montana, and it’s about time!  Hopefully this week will be better than last week, and we hope to get yours off to a great start with some outstanding new singles and music videos.  Check them out!

NEW SINGLES

Our first single comes from Belle and the Beats, winners of the Best Single (International) category in the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2018.  They are back with another great song, and we think you’ll love it – here’s “Qetesh.”

https://open.spotify.com/album/07byAt08ZyYa6ABu9abMsn

Our second single is from an amazing band out of Washington State that we had the privilege of recently reviewing.  If you close your eyes, they almost sound like Montgomery Gentry, and trust us, we think they will be just as successful.  Here’s “Red Rock” from The Lowdown Drifters.

https://open.spotify.com/album/4i9Hdy71eHRfsbjGXMrc6i

Our beloved Jack Bauer is back, but this time, he has a new album and single, and his strong vocals will surprise you.  Keifer Sutherland is amazing, and we can’t get enough of his new single, “Something to Love.”  We want to hear what you think of this song.

https://open.spotify.com/album/4SCQVJSvSPYZTbjvgnMc7k

Our fourth single is from another LA Music Critic Award nominee, Gigi Rich, and it shows an incredible amount of creative growth since we last heard from her.  Her vocals are powerful and the song is so upbeat and positive.  Check out “Silver Lining.”

Our final single this week is from an artist who debuted on The WiMN (Women in Music Network).  In light of our upcoming LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 18, which will highlight Women in Entertainment, we couldn’t think of a better way to spotlight them both than with the latest effort from Rachel Lynn, “Didn’t I,” which we think is a mega hit.  We love the retro Motown feel, as well as the vocals and overall vibe of the song.  We hope you feel the same.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this week comes from the dreamy sound of Hush Pup.  This one is perfect for those times when you want to forget the world.  Check out “Oasis.”

If you love the sights and sounds of New York City, you will love our next video, with views of such iconic places as Coney Island.  Here’s UK-based Scott Lavene with the visualization to his song, “Methylated Blue.”

Our third music video this week is from a band we introduced to you last December.  We really love the sound of this duo, and this is their very first music video for their song, “Down to my River.”  We proudly present to you the band Skand.

Next up is a rocking duo from London based duo She Made Me Do It.  This one has everything a great rock song needs, and we think it’s definitely worthy of your attention.  Check out “Bones.”

We slow things down and close out the week with the amazing harmonies of America’s Got Talent stars We Three and their simply beautiful song, “Lifeline.”  Have a great week.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Aiden Hatfield, Oz Noy, Wardrobe, The Lowdown Drifters, Rob Snarski

What a week is has been.  We were short-handed at work, so had to pull a few extra shifts, leaving little time to write.  As a result, we are late (again) with our New Music Friday edition of Get it or Forget It, but we hope this one will have been worth the wait.  All of these albums were released on March 15.

Artist Name:  Aiden Hatfield

Album Name:  Chapter One

Label:  In Music We Trust Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  This is Never Ending; 2.  Say it Again; 3.  I Never Cared; 4.  Fallen to Pieces; 5.  This Horror in Me

Publicist:  Memphia Music PR

Review:  Aiden Hatfield should be the poster child for the power of music to heal.  He has suffered from depression for years, but it is the music that helps me to live day to day.  It also inspired him to create his own label, In Music We Trust, to share the healing power with others.  Hatfield has truly achieved his mission with the five powerful songs on this EP, and we feel privilege to assist in spreading the word.  His songs reflect what he’s dealing with in  his personal life, showing others suffering from depression that they are not alone in their struggle.  Although all five songs are impressive, we felt the most powerful ones were “This is Never Ending” (his first single) and “This Horror in Me” (his new single).

Recommendation:  If you believe in the power of music, then run out and Get this one and share it with your friends.

Artist Name:  Oz Noy

Album Name:  Booga Looga Loo

Label:  Abstract Logix

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  A Soul Thing; 2.  Bemsha Swing; 3.  Booga Looga Loo; 4.  Boogaloo Fever; 5.  Chocolate Souffle; 6.  Eight Days a Week; 7.  God Only Knows; 8.  I Got a Woman

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  Israeli guitarist and composer Oz Noy has long been one of the best and most sought-after guitarists and with his latest collection, his fame will only grow.  Not only does he give us four original tunes, but he reinvents four more that will totally change what you think about jazz music.  First, he adds a modern day twist to the Thelonious Monk classic “Bemsha Swing” before tackling The Beatles‘ “Eight Days a Week,” the Beach Boys‘ “God Only Knows” and the immortal Ray Charles tune “I Got a Woman.”  This is an album for every music lover, and we strongly encourage you to add it to your collection.

Recommendation:  Go Get it Today!

Artist Name:  Wardrobe

Album Name:  Giving up a Ghost

Label:  Dox Records

Genre:  Indie Alternative

Track Listing:  1.  Armchair Critic; 2.  24 Weeks; 3.  King of Clay; 4.  Someday; 5.  Live Forever; 6.  Distance; 7.  Long Gone; 8.  Back Doubles; 9.  Off the Reel; 10.  Nothing’s Ever Gonna Change; 11.  Ice Box Man; 12.  Come Back and Stay

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This band is based in Antwerp, but is already getting noticed in America.  Their song “24 Weeks” was recently featured on the Netflix series Terrace House, and they have other songs that are equally suitable for film or television placement.  They have a bright upbeat sound that is worthy of serious industry attention, and we think they would do well on the college radio and touring circuit.  We really love the retro in their music, especially on tracks like “Someday,” “Distance,” “Long Gone,” and “Come Back and Stay.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth your attention.  We think this band is going places.

Artist Name:  The Lowdown Drifters

Album Name:  Last Call for Dreamers

Label:  Gold Towne Music

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Red Rock; 2.  We Three Kings; 3.  Won’t Find me Anymore; 4.  Last Night in Denver; 5.  Fire in her Eyes; 6.  Diesel Smoke; 7.  Diamonds and Rust; 8.  Between the Bottom and the Bottle; 9.  This Old House; 10.  Black Hat; 11.  Barstools; 12.  The Road; 13.  Empty Bottles

Publicist:  Gold Towne Music

Review:  The Lowdown Drifters may be from Washington State, but they are just what is missing in country radio today.  With vocals as powerful as those of Trace Adkins and Zac Brown, and a full country sound reminiscent of Jason Aldean meets Montgomery Gentry, The Lowdown Drifters truly deserve to be at the top of the industry’s list of future superstars.  Every song is incredible, and many of them would be great on country radio, including the first single “We Three Kings,” “Red Rocks,” “Won’t Find me Anymore,” “Fire in her Eyes,” “Diesel Smoke” (reminiscent of “Eight Days on the Road”), “Diamonds and Rust,” “The Road,” and “13 Empty Bottles.”

Recommendation:  Run don’t walk and Get this one Today!  This band will be filling stadiums in no time.

Artist Name:  Rob Snarski

Album Name:  Sparrow & Swan

Label:   Teardrop Records

Genre:   AAA/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Sparrow & Swan; 2.  Robert Mitchum at Mitcham Station; 3.  All God’s Creatures; 4.  Chasing Van; 5.  Number 44; 6.  Equine Dreaming; 7.  That Whole Summer Long; 8.  Conversation with a Brisbane Cab Driver; 9.  Have you Ever Been to Helsinki

Publicist:  Penney and Logan

Review:  A founding member of The Blackeyed Susans, Rob Snarski has just released another great solo album.  With a voice laced with honey, he has that calming sound of great vocalists like Michael Bublé and Perry Como, and his songs will soothe your weary soul.  They are incredibly well written, creating picturesque stories that are easy to see in your mind’s eye.  You’ll want to listen to this one over and over again, especially after a long day of work.  Grab some wine, put this one on and watch the tension wash out of your mind.

Recommendation:  This one is a must-have.  Get it.