Month: April 2019

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

Monday Mashup 2019: vol. 17

Spent Saturday driving – took me 13 hours to get from Missoula to North Las Vegas, where I crashed for the night courtesy of Airbnb.  Got up early on Sunday morning and drove straight to Irwindale for the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire and a day of checking out all the wonderful music and reconnecting with old friends.  It’s been six years since my last Faire, and a lot had changed.  Check out my article later this week for the rundown.

ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO

This weekend, May 2-4, is the annual convention for the amazing folks at ASCAP.  We will be representing the Blog at the event, and hope to have lots of great information to pass on.  If you are an ASCAP member, or thinking about joining, check out the link for registration information.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is a song that will remind you of early No Doubt with a country/Americana twist.  Here is The OCN with their song, “Baby Blue,” and we simply love it.

Next up is an English alt-pop band called Peakes that we have featured previously on Indie Voice Blog.  We think that “Til we get Enough” is one of their best, and are very happy to share it with you.

Our next group combines the best of Sydney with Cologne and gives us a sound very similar to Maroon 5.  We are proud to bring you “Lovers” from KEØMA.

We switch things up a bit with our next single, which will compel you to get out on the dance floor.  The sound is electro-pop with a healthy dose of 90s new wave and comes to us from Amsterdam’s Sheila and the Kit.  Check out their dance track “Ruffhouse.”

We close out this week’s singles with a soulful and enticing R&B song from Annelise.  She tells us the story of her “Lonely Lover,” and we want to comfort her during her time of grief.  Let us know what you think of this amazing track.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video may have been released in early March, but we just discovered it.  It comes from an amazing vocalist who practices entertainment law by day and performs with her band, Riddle the Sphinx, by night, when she’s not being a mother to her three kids (including husband Sean).   Her name is Christiane Kinney, and the song is “Lullaby.”  This one will haunt you.

Back in 1992, Leonard Cohen released a masterpiece called “Democracy.”  Now indie artist Jake Clemons has released a stunning lyric video for his cover of this classic song.  Check it out and let us know what you think.

Video number three is an animated one that lovingly recreates the latest from multi-LA Music Critic Award winner Jerad Finck.  This one is for his latest single “Home,” and we think it is one of his most powerful songs yet.

Next up is an amazing indie rock tune that is all too timely.  The song talks about addition and rehab and is called “Recover // Relapse.” It comes to us from the band Falling Through April.  They just might become one of our favorites.

Our final video comes from She Made Me Do It, alt-rockers that we have featured before.  We love their latest, “Broken Morning,” and will be rocking out to this one for a while.  Enjoy it with our compliments.

 

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

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 16

Happy Earth Day.  It’s our final Monday Mashup from Montana, as we head down to California on Saturday.  We will be in Los Angeles until the end of June as yours truly presents his first solo show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival entitled Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey).  The preview is scheduled for June 7, with shows to follow on June 16, 20, 23 and 28 at studio/stage (520 N. Western Avenue).  We look forward to this new adventure.  Click on the link for more info.

PLEASE NOTE THAT, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, AND DUE TO OUR CURRENT COMMITMENTS, WE MUST TEMPORARILY SUSPEND  ACCEPTING REVIEW SUBMISSIONS FOR ALBUMS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE BEFORE JUNE 1.

We have quite the backlog of current release requests that need to be completed before May 31, the end of the current cycle for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Once we get caught up and complete those currently in our possession, we will let you know we are ready to again begin accepting all submissions.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Holly Tucker, a Top 6 finalist on NBC’s The Voice (Team Blake).  The song is sweet and pure and should get your week off to a sober start.  Check out “Country Music Won’t Let Me.”

Next up is a band with a similar sound to Maroon 5, and we totally dig it.  Here is indie-pop band Del Pelson and their latest single, “Oak.”

Our third single comes from one of our favorite international indie artists Zsuzsika Lencses, a past LA Music Critic Award nominee.  We love her soaring vocals, the retro dance beat and the incredible keys on “Storm.”  This one is guaranteed to get  you on the dance floor.

Our fourth single is hauntingly beautiful, with soaring vocals and perfectly written lyrics that paint incredibly vivid word pictures.  Check out “Looking for God” (I am Snow Angel remix) from the stunning Coyote Eyes.

We close out this week with the perfect hip-hop/R&B sound of Aussie wordsmith Stefan Rossi.  His single “Long Road” features the sweet voice of Kenyan Elsy Wameyo, and we can’t imagine a better collaboration.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video is an alt-rock gem from Italian duo Soaware, expressing their desire that “We Shall be One.”  Rock out to this one and let’s bring this request to reality.

Our next song is definitely a candidate for Song of the Year.  It has already been used on Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor, and we simply love this video that drives its message home.  Here is BANNERS and their mega-hit “Got it in You.”

Our third video is from one of our favorite Glee actors, Kevin McHale.  The video features a special cameo from Modern Family‘s Nolan Gould and is set in the world of virtual reality.  Check out “Help me Now.”

Check out the amazing vocal harmonies from Aly & AJ in their latest music video for their song, “Church.”  This is one of the best songs we have heard this year and should be blowing up your radio.

We close out this week’s videos with a look at the way society treats women, when Swedish band Girl Crush delivers their iconic “Blame Girls,” released on International Woman’s Day.  Think about this one as you jam to their sweet sound.

 

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

Get it or forget it (special edition) – Tony Campanella

In all the confusion of New Music Friday, it seems we missed one of the albums we had promised to review, so we are doing this special edition to make up for our oversight.

Artist Name:   Tony Campanella

Album Name:   Taking it to the Streets

Label:  Gulf Coast Records

Genre:   Blues Rock

Track Listing:   1.  Taking it to the Streets; 2.  Pack it Up; 3.  One Foot in the Blues; 4.  You Don’t Know; 5.  Good Morning Little Schoolgirl; 6.  Finger on  Your Trigger; 7.  Mr. Cleanhead; 8.  Checking on my Baby; 9.  Texas Chainsaw; 10.  My Motor’s Running; 11.  Those are the Times

Publicist:   Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Tony Campanella is an incredible electric blues guitarist with an amazing grasp of the genre.  He infuses his blues with electrifying rock and the perfect voice for his well-written blues lyrics.  You can feel his passion in every note, and relate to what he’s talking about.  On “One Foot in the Blues,” he shows that he can sling the traditional blues as well as the late BB King.  He even throws a tribute in for Jimi Hendrix on “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.”  We also love the jazzy feel of “Mr. Cleanhead” and especially “My Motor’s Running.”  He closes the album perfectly with the traditional sound of “Those are the Times.”  Overall, there is not a weak song on the album, and we plan to listen again and again.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it – run out and Get this one today!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Meg Williams, Nate Currin, L-space, Steven Blane, Heart Attack Man

Welcome to another New Music Friday.  With our move coming up next weekend, we are scaling back for a couple of weeks.  We decided to post just our Monday Mashup and New Music Friday Get it or Forget it articles, so you won’t miss us too much.  Here are five albums that dropped today.

Artist Name:  Meg Williams

Album Name:  Take me as I am:  The Muscle Shoals Sessions

Label:  Nola Blue Records

Genre:  Blues Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Come on Over to Me; 2.  Tell Everybody; 3.  Shame; 4.  Little bit of the Devil; 5.  Played by the Blues; 6.  Sometimes I Need you, Too; 7.  Take me as I Am; 8.  What About Me?; 9.  Can’t Keep Waiting on You; 10.  I Feel a Heartache Coming; 11.  Make a Move; 12.  Take a Chance on my Love

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  We reviewed her previous release back in January 2018, and fell in love with her sound, which has only gotten better since then.  It also earned her an LA Music Critic Award nomination for Best Blues Artist.  In addition, her skills on the guitar are second to none as she teaches her male counterparts how to play blues guitar, while her songwriting skills are head and shoulders above most of her peers.  Whether she’s rocking the blues or bringing you the traditional style, you will be enthralled from the first note to the last.  You can’t lose with this album, which is awesome from beginning to end, and which we bet you’ll be putting on repeat.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go Get this one!

Artist Name:  Nate Currin

Album Name:  Ashes & Earth

Label:  Archaic Cannon Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Ramblin’ Man; 2.  Heart on the Run; 3.  Guilt and Grief; 4.  Wander til I Die; 5.  When I was Younger; 6.  Ashes & Earth; 7.  Desert Skies; 8.  Oklahoma; 9.  Flowers on her Grave; 10.  1979

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Nate Currin has always been an incredible voice in the indie music singer-songwriter community, but he has outdone himself on his latest release.  This one is raw and honest, and cuts to the bone.  These are songs from someone who has lived, and is unafraid to share that reality.  There is not a weak song on the album, whether it’s the heartbreaking truth of “Ramblin’ Man” or “Heart on the Run,” or the rock n’ roll goodness of “Wander til I Die,” Currin is truly the voice of this decade.  His goodness needs to be on display for all to hear.  We also love the vocal harmonies on “Ramblin’ Man,” “Desert Skies” and “Flowers on her Grave.”

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  Run out and Get it!

Artist Name:  L-space

Album Name:  Music for Megastructures

Label:  Last Night From Glasgow

Genre:  Electronic instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  [Transport] Approaching an Arcology; 2.  [Transport] The Slow Descent of a Cruise Ship Into Port; 3.  [Transport] Morning Traffic Overhead; 4.  [Transport] Lots of Colorful Lights at all Times of Day and Night; 5.  [Transport] Approaching a Megastructure; 6.  [Work] A Small man Waits While the Rain Sizzles on the Tarp; 7.  [Work] A Sleepy Robot Watches Over a Rarely-Used Car Park; 8.  [Work] The Captains of Industry and Their Interests Outside of Work; 9.  [Work] An Aspiring Actor Works as a Barrista Under Hallogen Lights; 10.  [Work] Free Body Augmentations – No Questions Asked or Answered; 11.  [Health]  Lives are Getting Longer; 12.  [Health]  Biology is so 21st Century; 13.  [Health]  Browsing the Latest Pharmaceuticals at the Hospital Drive Through; 14.  [Health]  Stopping for Neon Ice Cream; 15.  [Health]  Getting Sick and Being Cured; 16.  [Life]  A Brief Moment of Triumph After a Period of Alienation; 17.  [Life]  Gambling in Virtual Reality with Real Life Consequences; 18.  [Life]  A Sense of Unease Descends Upon the Bar; 19.  [Life]  Sitting in a Crowded Basement Watching Automations Approximate Music; 20.  [Life]  Waking up Bathed in the Light of Things you Can’t Afford

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This one is definitely not what we expected.  The music is other-worldly and perfect for use in movies and television.  These tracks would also work well for mixing house music.  They hit you from all sides and the song titles are so very pretentious.  Our advice is to ignore them and just listen to this album from start to finish and let the waves of musical energy wash over your body and mind, relaxing and refreshing them.  This one needs multiple listens.

Recommendation:  Truly worth of being in your collection.

Artist Name:  Steven Blane

Album Name:  I Walk Alone

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Hot AC/AAA/Jazz

Track Listing:  1,  Look Who’s Crying Now; 2.  Bottoms Up; 3.  Incredible; 4.  I Walk Alone; 5.  Don’t Know You; 6.  My Baby’s Coming Home; 7.  Brooklyn Bridge; 8.  Dressed in Blue; 9.  Walk by Me; 10.  Please; 11.  Sacred Chain

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  If you’ve always been impressed by the sound of Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley, then you will simply love the latest offering from Steven Blane.  He pulls out all the stops in this retro tribute to the sound of Orbison and Presley, featuring simple accompaniment and Blane’s hearty tenor sound.  In particular, the title track is an homage to Orbison’s “Pretty Woman.”  Blane also does some of his signature jazz sound on “Incredible” and his Americana sound on “Brooklyn Bridge.”

Recommendation:  This one would make a fine addition to your collection.

Artist Name:  Heart Attack Man

Album Name:  Fake Blood

Label:  You Did This/Triple Crown Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1,  Fake Blood; 2.  Blood Blister; 3.  Low Hanging Fruit; 4.  Out for Blood; 5.  Rats in a Bucket; 6.  Moths in a Lampshade; 7.  Cut my Losses; 8.  Crisis Actor; 9.  Asking for It; 10.  Sugar Coated; 11.  The Choking Game

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  This hit this one hard with an edgy indie rock sound, well-crafted lyrics and excellent instrumentation that truly complements the overall sound.  This is a band that is different enough to stand out from its indie peers, and deserves industry attention, both from radio stations and music supervisors.  The title track sets the tone for the album, and it never lets up.

Recommendation:  Give these lads a chance.  We think they’ll win you over.

 

 

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

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 15

Happy tax day!  Two weeks from today we’ll be in Los Angeles to begin rehearsals for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey).  We open on June 7 at studio/stage in Hollywood, and will be doing five performances during the month of June.  If you believe in the arts, and want to help us put on this show, please visit our fundraiser page at GoFundMe and donate.  Thanks.

We are also making our final preparations for the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 18 at The Mint LA.  Tickets are on sale now at the venue website, as well as through PayPal.  If you want to purchase tickets through PayPal, use lamusiccritic@yahoo.com as the payee and indicate how many tickets you want.  The cost is just $10 per ticket.  Please help us showcase these amazing indie artists and raise funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from LA Music Critic Award winning country trio Southern Halo, who has been featured on numerous occasions in this blog.  We simply love their new single, which truly sets the stage for summer.  Give it up for these three young ladies, who are bringing us the “Sunshine.”

Next up is a band from Stockholm that will put you in a party mood, even though the words are nothing to laugh about.  The sound is so infectious and upbeat that you will enjoy it, even though it’s about sadness.  Check out “Cryin’ (such a disgrace)” from Delsbo Beach Club.

Our third single is the title track to the new album by Field Guide.  It’s called “Full Time,” and we think it demonstrates that this artist is ready for prime time.  We love the accompaniment and the honesty and integrity of the lyrics.  Enjoy it.

https://soundcloud.com/user-574887665/full-time-master

Next up is the sweet simple acoustic stylings of Hong Kong born singer-songwriter Allman Brown.  This artist has a perfect radio-friendly sound and we think he is on his way to the top of the charts.  Check out his single, “Lonely Hearts, Los Angeles,” and you’ll see what we mean.

Our final single this week is from the ever-impressive Jess Ribeiro, who consistently delivers quality music.  This is from her recently released album LOVE HATE, and describes her love/hate relationship with “Dylan.”  We’re sure you can relate.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from Broadway legend Eden Espinosa (Wicked), and is an incredible video for her single “Bed for 2.”  Her voice is electric and her songwriting is some of the best we have heard this year.  Enjoy this one – we think she’ll be riding the top of the charts in no time.

We think our next video, “Ring Ring” will definitely get you up and ready for the dance floor.  We love the sound of Nikki Paige, and were impressed that she has been a paid songwriter since the age of 11!  Let us know what you think about her.

Our next video is a well-shot film for the latest from Taveeta, “Chasing Feelings.”  She has an amazing voice and and hip-hop/R&B sense of style to her sound.

Our next video is the perfect segue and features R&B artist Àkin.  Check out the smooth sound of “Green Light,” with just the right amount of reggae goodness to take it over the top.

We close out this week with a beautiful remake of the classic Minnie Ripperton song “Loving You.”  We think T’Melle has the perfect voice for the song, and captures it perfectly.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Earthquake Lights, Berlin Taxi, Conor Donohue, Safari Room, Jeffrey Halford and the Healers

Happy New Music Friday!  We hope you had a great week and are getting ready for the weekend.  Here are five albums that dropped today to get  you in the weekend mood.

Artist Name:  Earthquake Lights

Album Name:  Distress Signals

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazzy Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Moonlight; 2.  The Eight – One; 3.  May Day; 4.  Friends of Mine; 5.  We Will Never be the Same; 6.  Open Ocean; 7.  This is as Far as you Go; 8.  So Far no Luck; 9.  Transmission; 10.  Were you Listening

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Earthquake Lights have a brilliant indie rock sound that they blend with jazz and soul to create their own special blend.  The music goes down smooth and should be a multi-genre hit as it has the flexible to be heard on several different kinds of radio stations.  This is music to chill to, to get ready to and is perfect for daily living mediations and reflection.  This is music that can stay in the background 24-7 and you will never tire of it.  If this is the quality they put into their debut, we can only imagine how great the next one will be.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Berlin Taxi

Album Name:  Contract

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Synth Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Everybody Changes; 2.  Middle Man; 3.  Backroads; 4.  Last Night; 5.  Level with Me

Publicist:  WolfieVibes Publicity

Review:  We introduced  you to Berlin Taxi back in February when we featured their video for “Last Night.”  They were back again in our Ten Great Singles of March with “Everybody Changes.”  Needless to say, we are happy for the chance to hear three more songs from this amazing band, who is taking synth pop to an entirely new level.  Hop on board this retro train, and let’ boogie, especially to those last two tracks.

Recommendation:  Go Get it.

Artist Name:  Conor Donohue

Album Name:  Let Love Contaminate

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Let Love Contaminate; 2.  Getting Better; 3.  Conversations; 4.  The Garden; 5.  Lost Weekend; 6.  Hedonist Glow; 7.  Gasoline; 8.  White Noise; 9.  Milk, Blood & Traffic Signals; 10.  Terrified Moon

Publicist:  WolfieVibes Publicity

Review:  Conor Donohue may have been raised on Long Island, but his time in South Carolina and New Orleans has transformed this singer-songwriter into a troubadour of all things roots rock.  You can feel the South Carolina breeze that brought us such treasures as Shovels and Rope and Alabama, and the NOLA influence that sets that sound free.  This album hits the ground running on that title track and never lets us, delivering a album that is great from start to finish and worthy of repeated listens.  Yo can’t go wrong with this one.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Safari Room

Album Name:  OOKO Session (Live)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Glass Box; 2.  Vices; 3.  Around the Bend

Publicist:   Self-promoted

Review:  What sets this indie record apart from its peers is the simultaneous release of both audio and video versions of each song.   The band recorded these songs live to show their growth as artists, and to spotlight one song from each of their prior releases.  Recording live is a gutsy move because playing the songs acoustically often reveals flaws in the songs themselves.  Thank goodness there are no such flaws in these three gems, and this band shows that their live performance is just as good as what they do in the studio.  We think you’ll want to hear these three songs on repeat.  Our only critique is that the vocals need a little more punch so they stay on top of the instrumentals.  All in all, this is a worthy effort.

Recommendation:  Grab this one today.

Artist Name:  Jeffrey Halford & the Healers

Album Name:  West Towards South

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  West Toward South; 2.  Deeper Than Hell; 3.  Dead Man’s Hand; 4.  Willa Jean; 5.  Three-Quarter Moon; 6.  A Town Called Slow; 7.  Sea of Cortez; 8.  Gallows; 9.  Geronimo; 10.  Ballad of Ambrose and Cyrus

Publicist:  Miles High Productions

Review:  Jeffrey Halford & the Healers have long been a favorite of this blog, having earned two LA Music Critic Award nominations (Best CD Group and Best Roots/Americana Band) for the first half of 2017.  They’re back with their latest offering, West Towards South, and they just pick up where they left off.  The title track is done spoken word style, reminiscent of Shawn Mullins‘ “Lullaby.”  Halford returns to his singing on “Deeper Than Hell,” providing perfect rhymes that paint vivid word pictures over an electrifying musical soundscape.  If Americana music is your thing and you love an artist that can create memorable stories, then Jeffrey Halford & the Healers belong at the top of your list.

Recommendation:  This one is a must for your collection – run out and Get it.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Woman’s Hour, Nominjin, Bony Macaroni, Leslie Becker, Eden Espinosa

Happy Wednesday – it’s our longest day, and we’re thankful to have such delicious music to wile away the hours.  We hope you continue to enjoy our reviews, and we’ll keep bring them unless you tell us to stop.  Sit back and enjoy these next five artists.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Although started on Wednesday, this article is being completed on Thursday.

Artist Name:  Woman’s Hour

Album Name:  Ephyra

Label:  Practise Music

Genre:  Indie

Track Listing:  1.  Don’t Speak; 2.  From Eden to Exile Then Into Dust; 3.  I Can’t Take you Seriously; 4.  Luke; 5.  Mirrorball; 6.  Heathen; 7.  It’s a Blast; 8.  Removal of Hope

Publicist:  Practise Music

Review:  We introduced them to you back in February when we featured their single “Luke.”  This amazing London-based trio is a band in flux, having already broken up once, and their future remains in doubt.  What’s not in doubt is the legacy they have left with their amazing music, a dreamy and delicious mix of pop, ambient, electronic and other elements of indie music.  You will not soon forget their sound, regardless of whether or not this is their swan song.  Listen to every track a few times and you will discover exquisite nuances each time.  This one is truly special.

Recommendation:  Definitely add this one to your collection.

Artist Name:  Nominjin

Album Name:  Free Soul

Label:  Radonai Records

Genre:  R&B

Track Listing:  1.  Kiss me at Midnight; 2.  Eternal Romance; 3.  If They Knew You; 4.  Woman Like Me

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  We introduced this Mongolian princess to you back in January when we featured “Kiss me at Midnight” in our Ten Great Singles from December, which went on to become a smash hit for her in Europe.  We are so happy to be able to bring you three more great songs from her.  The EP kicks off with “Kiss Me,” which will compel you to hit the dance floor, with the sound that combines the best of Bollywood and American disco.  The mood changes on “Eternal Romance,” which is a slow and sexy R&B song that will leave you in heat.  “If They Knew You” is likewise a smooth jam that is more on the jazzy side of the house, but no less incredible.  The EP closes with the upbeat “Woman Like Me,” and leaves us with hope that this phenomenon will continue.

Recommendation:  Go Get it.

Artist Name:  Bony Macaroni

Album Name:  Bony Macaroni

Label:  BERT Music

Genre:  Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Piece of Shit; 2.  Doom; 3.  Bony the Philosopher; 4.  France; 5.  Stranger Feeling

Publicist:  TCBYML

Review:  As soon as the first song started playing, I had to look again because it almost sounded like Flogging Molly, with a touch of Fun. thrown in for good measure. The Dutch punk band Bony Macaroni has obviously been heavily influenced by those bands, and it permeates every song on this amazing EP, which breathes new life into the punk genre, allowing it to cross genres and become more appealing to a larger cross-section of the music-loving public.  They totally shift gears on the third and fourth tracks, and sound closer to the Plain White Ts and/or Snow Patrol.  Other than the occasional explicit language, this one would be a fun additional at work.

Recommendation:  This one is worthy of your collection.

Artist Name:  Leslie Becker

Album Name:  Taboo

Label:  AP Music Group

Genre:  AAA/Adult Contemporary

Track Listing:  1.  Taboo; 2.  Slow Burn; 3.  Confidential; 4.  I Don’t See You; 5.  More Than All You Got

Publicist:  Crawford Promo

Review:  Leslie Becker is what they call a Triple Threat – she can act, sing and dance, and has done so on and off stage.  Her first single, “Slow Burn,” made it to #4 on the Billboard Hot AC Charts, and just a casual listen will have you hooked.  The songs are short and sweet but pack plenty of punch, especially “Confidential.”  “I Don’t See You” is an anthemic ballad that would be a great fit as a placement in film or television.  She saves the best for last, and her final track is radio friendly and commercially viable.  What a rocking way to end the EP.  Can’t wait for the next one.

Recommendation:  Definitely worthy of your attention.

Artist Name:  Eden Espinosa

Album Name:  Revelation

Label:  Borderlight Entertainment, Inc.

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Deadly Sin; 2.  Easy; 3.  Master of my Life; 4.  Bed for 2; 5.  Superman; 6.  The Answer; 7.  Ready; 8.  Keep On; 9.  The Night; 10.  Fireworks & Stars

Publicist:  Crawford Promo

Review:  While you may not recognize the name, you have definitely heard Eden Espinosa, who played the green-skinned witch Elphaba in the Broadway show, Wicked, taking over for Idina Menzel for the Los Angeles and San Francisco runs.  Her vocals are incredible and her musical style is radio-friendly pop.  In addition to her multitude of amazing roles on Broadway, she could be a huge pop star as well.  At any rate, this collection also shows her creative side, as she wrote eight of the ten songs on this, her sophomore album.  We simply can’t get enough of her voice and her musical style, and will be  playing Revelation on repeat for the next few days.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go Get this one – it just might help you when you try “Defying Gravity.”

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Aqualung, Marlene Oak, Tony Monaco, Saneit, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult

It’s been a very strange day here in Montana.  We’ve gone from rain to snow and back to rain again, as winter continues its relentless quest for domination  At least it will never overcome the power of music, and we have five very different artists for your review today.

Artist Name:   Aqualung

Album Name:   Additional Futures

Label:  AllPoints

Genre:  Indie

Track Listing:  1,  All she Wore, she Was; 2.  Complicated; 3.  Fingermouse; 4.  Use Me; 5.  Blues

Publicist:   Practise Music

Review:  Until last month, we hadn’t heard from Matt Hales aka Aqualung since we last saw him perform at the RockDrive 2010 fundraiser at The Troubadour in Los Angeles.  We got the chance to hear him again when we featured his song “Complicated” in one of our February Monday Mashups.  As we mentioned then, “Complicated” is an amazing song and a true indication of the greatness that is Aqualung and what you will find in the five songs of Additional Futures, the EP sequel to his 2015 album 10 Futures.  Every one of them is amazing, and this EP definitely deserves to be played on repeat.  So glad to have Aqualung back 🙂

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Marlene Oak

Album Name:  Silver Moon

Label:  Amuse

Genre:  Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Silver Moon; 2.  How can I Move On; 3.  In the Evening; 4.  Everyone; 5.  Come Home

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  We introduced you to Sweden’s own Marlene Oak back in early December when we featured her single, “In the Evening.”  We also featured the live video of that single in our final Monday Mashup of 2018.  To say we love that song would be an understatement, and our affection bubbles over to the other four songs on this EP.  We really love the horns on the title track and “Come Home.”  Oak is a treasure to her native Sweden, and we would like to share in her amazing talent here in the States.  Listen to this one a few times, and we think you’ll wholeheartedly agree with our assessment.

Recommendation:  Run and Get it.

Artist Name:  Tony Monaco

Album Name:  The Definition of Insanity

Label:  Chicken Coup/Summit Records

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Cars Trucks Buses; 2.  Ceora; 3.  Root Down; 4.  Never Let me Go; 5.  Quando Quando Quando; 6.  Non Ti Scordar Di Me; 7.  Awa Athar; 8.  Last Date; 9.  Truckin’; 10.  Triste; 11.  A Son for You

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  There is nothing like the sound of progressive jazz, especially when the sound includes the Hammond B3.  Tony Monaco has developed a reputation as a Master of the B3, and he pulls out all the stops on this album, an eclectic mix of songs written by others.  Amazingly, all of this great music comes from only a trio of musicians, albeit they are three of the best in the world, including guitarist Derek Dicenzo and drummer Tony McClung.  Monaco’s wife Asako, a gifted pianist in her own right, also contributes her talents to “Never Let me Go” while Monaco contributes his vocals.  This is truly a class act.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one if you love jazz.

Artist Name:  Saneit

Album Name:  Crush

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B

Track Listing:  1.  Sprung; 2.  One Desire; 3.  I’m Your Baby Tonight (remix); 4.  Candy Store; 5.  I Said So; 6.  Sprung Remix

Publicist:  Shannon Brown

Review:  Saneit is one of Chicago’s most promising artist, a rising R&B star that shines brightly with her soaring vocals and her perfect understanding and mastery of this genre.  She is a voice that sounds fresh yet familiar, and you are probably thinking she definitely belongs on the radio.  We couldn’t agree more.  Enjoy these tunes and hopefully she’ll be back soon with more candy.  So glad that she has a Crush on us.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re into urban/R&B.

Artist Name:  My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult

Album Name:  In the House of Strange Affairs

Label:  SleazeBox Records

Genre:  Industrial/Electronic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Gold to Grey; 2.  Forbidden Saints; 3.  Treat Street; 4.  The Chains of Fame; 5.  Strange Affairs; 6.  It’s me Holly; 7.  Studio 21; 8.  Year of the Klown; 9.  Royal Skull; 10.  Hanging Hearts; 11.  Under a Crown; 12.  Am I Dead

Publicist:  TAG Publicity

Review:  My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult (TKK) sprang from Chicago’s Wax Trax! Records and helped spawn the industrial music scene, along with label mates Front 242, Ministry and KMFDM.  We had the wonderful opportunity to learn all about them at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival screening of Industrial Accident:  The Story of Wax Trax! Records.  The music of TKK has continued to evolve, and today they are more closely attuned to electronic rock, a genre heavily influenced by disco and funk which includes spoken word samples from a variety of B movies.   Their music has been praised and used in countless movies due to the amazing cinematic style.  Trust us when we tell you that this is one of the most unique bands you will ever hear.   They could easily become a guilty pleasure.  We look forward to see how far these songs reach.

Recommendation:  If you love the dramatic in your music, then TKK is the band for you.  Run out and Get this one.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival indie music LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 14

What a crazy conclusion to this year’s March Madness – I never would have picked Virginia and Texas Tech as the two best in the country who will fight tonight for the National Championship.  At least baseball is more predictable, and my Brewers continue to dominate the division before heading out to the west coast to play the Angels and Dodgers.

Speaking of the west coast, we are making our final preparations for our trip to California at the end of April for the 10th annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  We have an AirBnB in central Hollywood near Theatre Row, and can hardly wait to begin rehearsals for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), which opens with a preview show on June 7 at studio/stage in Hollywood.  We have launched a GoFundMe page, and have begun to receive donations and could really use your help.  Please give if you can or at least share our need with your friends and family.

We are also making final preparations for the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 18 at the Mint LA, which will honor Women in Entertainment.  Our lineup for the night includes Emily Zuzik, Dree Mon, Constanza Herrero, Amilia K. Spicer, The HawtThorns, Brigitte Rios Purdy, Fanny Walked the Earth, Manda Mosher, The Spider Accomplice and Lawrence Lebo, with a very special appearance by Jordan Siwek.  Tickets are $10 in advance through PayPal and $13 at the door if there is space available.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Please buy your tickets now and help us support women and Sweet Relief.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Ugandan Suzan Mutesi, and we love the rhythm  and vibe of this cool song, and definitely agree, “This Feeling is Mutual.”

Our world-wide tour next takes us to Greece for the sweet and soulful sound of Eleni Drake and her song, “4.”  We think it’s definitely a “10.”

We return to Dallas, Texas for the debut single of the amazing Sydney Cope, who has a sound somewhere between Justin Timberlake and Ariana Grande.  We think she hits the nail on the head with this one, appropriately titled “Watch Out for Me.”

From the USA to the UK we travel for our fourth single from a singer-songwriter who mixes folk, pop, reggae and more into her amazing style.  Lucy Gallant has it all in her song “Not Normal,” and we simply love her style.

We close out our Women in Entertainment themed New Singles section with another debut single, this time from Cincinatti-based singer songwriter Shannon Garcia, who teams up with Josiah Wolf of Why? for “Spooky Action at a Distance.”  We would rather keep this one close to our heart.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video continues our world-wide tour as it was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa.  Check out this beautiful lyric video by Saul City for their song “Let Go.”

Next up is a band that reminds us of the sweet Americana sound of Suzanne Santo and honeyhoney.  We are pleased to introduce you to Boston-based Honeysuckle and their song, “Old Firestarter,” with its simple videography that so beautiful tells the story of the song.

Huge props to our next artist, Savannah Pope, for her ingenious portrayal of her song, “Rock n’ Roll No More.”  She truly brings the rock on this one, so we have to respectfully disagree that “nobody loves rock n’ roll no more.”  She definitely takes us to church on this one.

We introduced you to the song “Closer” by DAYLA in our Ten Great Singles of March article.  We are so glad to now share the stunning video of the same song, and think that you will fall in love with this amazing artist, just like we have.

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with Dutch pop star Maya Lavelle‘s intriguing video for her song, “Dancing with a Bottle.”  We introduced her to you back in February.  She uses text messages to convey the lyrics for the video, which was shot in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and makes us want to hang out with her.  Let us know what you think.

 

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

Get it or forget it – RJ Chesney, Luke Sital-Singh, The Suitcase Junket, Chris Koza, Ecce Shnak

Welcome back to New Music Friday.   We are pleased to present this five new albums dropping today, and love sharing brand new music with you.  This week the artists are primarily domestic, but no less entertaining, and we hope you enjoy broadening your horizons.

Artist Name:  RJ Chesney

Album Name:  Amateur Revolution

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Splendors of This Earth; 2.  Pull Down the Moon; 3.  A Place Just for Me; 4.  Amateur Revolution; 5.  Do you Remember Me?; 6.  Proud of you Child; 7.  No Reason Left to Stay; 8.  Da Mayor is on the Scene; 9.  Death, an old Widows Peek; 10.  Baby You’re not Dead; 11.  Never Give up on Love; 12.  Rise up and Sing

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  RJ Chesney grew up in the deep South and has kept those roots in his music.  He hooked up with Norway’s HP Gundersen in 2015, and the two became friends, leading to this album.  Gundersen not only co-wrote all but one of the songs on the album, but he also produced it and contributed electric and acoustic guitar to the mix.  Chesney does not have a good voice, but it fits for this type of music, which is very rootsy, twangy and folky.  If you love to hear old stories set to music, then this is the album for you.

Recommendation:  Worthy of your consideration.

Artist Name:  Luke Sital-Singh

Album Name:  A Golden State

Label:  Raygun Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Lover; 2.  Raise Well; 3.  Los Angeles; 4.  The Last Day; 5.  I Do; 6.  Silhouette; 7.  Almost Gone; 8.  Souvenir; 9.  Love is Hard Enough Without the Winter; 10.  Hearts Attach

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We introduced you to this artist back in January when we featured the video for his amazing song, “Los Angeles.”  He is a pop singer-songwriter in the style of such Hotel Cafe’ stalwarts as Andy Grammar, Keaton Simons and Tony Lucca, and should do well in the LA indie music scene.  He voice is crisp and clear, and floats on the atmosphere created with his beautiful arrangements.  He has great potential, and his songs are extremely radio friendly, as well as great candidates for placement opportunities in film and television.  Watch this one!

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one today!

Artist Name:  The Suitcase Junket

Album Name:  Mean Dog, Trampoline

Label:  Signature Sounds

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  High Beams; 2.  Heart of a Dog; 3.  Everything I Like; 4.  Stay too Long; 5.  Gods of Sleep; 6.  Dreamless Life; 7.  Son of Steven; 8.  Dandelion Crown; 9.  Scattered Notes from a First Time Homebuyers Workshop; 10.  New York City; 11.  What Happened; 12.  Old Machine

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Lorenz aka The Suitcase Junket is simply amazing.  He has a great voice, writes impeccable songs, and knows how to tell a convincing story that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.  It is by far one of the best albums to come out of 2019, and we believe there is a very successful future ahead for this artist.  This one is going on repeat while we listen for every nuance we can find.

Recommendation:  You simply MUST go Get this one!

Artist Name:  Chris Koza

Album Name:  Sleepwalkers Part 1

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Sleepwalkers; 2.  Anagram; 3.  White Lions; 4.  Music to Me; 5.  Hush; 6.  Red Cassette; 7.  Station Wagon Blues; 8.  Man of Stone; 9.  Hollywood Theatre; 10.  Where we Go

Publicist:  Youa Vang

Review:  Chris Koza is the consummate musician, crafting masterful songs from a myriad of sources.  On Sleepwalkers Part 1, he reinvents Americana music and shifts its focus from its rural beginnings to a more urban setting, keeping the vibe but making it more pop.  These are songs that would fit perfectly on Top 40 and college radio, as well as a plethora of placement opportunities.  This is an artist you will always remember, and enjoy the ride his songs take you on.  Put it on repeat and drink in the new Americana sound.  If you’re lucky enough to be in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area, he will celebrate the release with a show on April 26 at the Parkway Theater.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go Get this one!

Artist Name:  Ecce Shnak

Album Name:  Joke Oso

Label:  Records, Man Records

Genre:  Chamber Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Larry, Sleepover Friend; 2.  Spooky, Ruudplaad Homegirl; 3.  Xtina, a Foolish Prayer for the Broken Hearted, the Over-Pious and Queer Kids Worldwide; 4.  Drake’s Pictorial Aid; 5.  Harassment V:  18 Second Song; 6.  Harassment VI: Punctual Bir[d]thday Card; 7.  Harassment VII: One on Slav:  Party at Patrick Ewing’s Place; 8.  Harassment VIII: Finale:  Late Birthday Card; 9.  Dingleberry III:  One on Tito:  Trite Song; 10.  Dingleberry IV:  Finale:  Katy’s Wart

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Ecce Shnak is a seven piece art-rock collective based in New York City.  According to Billboard, their music incorporates “punk, ska, twee indie rock a la Belle & Sebastian, rubbery goofball funk in the tradition of Frank Zappa and crunching, Meshuggah-esque math metal — all liberally sprinkled with humor.”  Believe us when we tell you you have never experienced anything like them before.  The lyrics contain arcane references and inside jokes, with incredible musicianship in the arrangements.  You may scratch your head at their meaning, but you will listen to them over and over again because they are just that good.

Recommendation:  Go Get it!