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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 20)

Happy Monday – as we head for next weekend’s Fourth of July celebration, we are looking forward to celebrating the freedom we  have achieved as new homeowners.  Let’s also celebrate the amazing indie music out now with these five new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

First up for this week and the last week in June is the other Hilary Scott (not the one with two “l” from Lady A).  She released her new 5-song EP Kaleidoscope last Friday, and this is the first track.  We really love it and feel it is a fitting sample of the entire project.  Check out “Just a Shame.”

Our second single comes from an artist we loved before she signed with Blue Élan Records and released her latest album Moth to the Flame on June 18.  Here’s the latest from Natalie Gelman, “Photograph.”  We think she’s just beginning to tap into her immense talent.

Next up is the latest from the Ben Reddell Band, with his sassy Chris Stapleton-esque vocals and a classical country Americana sound.   He will be releasing his new EP LA Story on July 9.  In the meantime, stop and listen awhile when he says “Hey,”

Our fourth single comes from all-female Americana band Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters, who released a live album on May 18.  This is the most popular track, which is also track 1.  Check out “How the West was Won.”

Our final single this week is from 2016 LA Music Critic Award-winning band Carly and the Universe.  They’ve been relatively quiet since then but have returned with abandon.  Their latest single offers “Salvation.”  Maybe we should take them up on it.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video is from an artist that is no stranger to Monday Mashup, and with each new song we continue to be amazed at her artistry.  Rachel Lorin is in top form in her video interpretation of the classic A-ha hit, “Take on Me.”  This one needs to be put on repeat.

Our second video is from our resident funny lady, none other than Blue Élan Records artist Scout Durwood.  This time around she uses a SIM to create the perfect background for her hilarious “Scout it Out.”  This one will definitely have you ROFL.

Music video number three is from the next big LA band, none other than Kids in America.  We love this animated visualizer for “My Escape,” which features Sam Tinnesz.  The song reminds us of Fitz and the Tantrums, and we are in love with it.

Next up is a video we are dedicated to talented songwriter Warren Sellers because of the totally rad skateboarding moves.  It’s from Filipina artist YUZON, and it’s a truly chill tune called “Oh my Days.”  If you don’t like this one, we’ll give you your money back.

Our final music video brings back memories of Rick Astley and the 90s sound and is from relative newcomer Ferris Pier.  Check out the upbeat and stimulating tune, “Everything,” featuring Galen Disston.  This one will definitely power your week.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 19)

Hope you enjoyed this past weekend of Juneteenth and Father’s Day.  Are you ready for a new Monday Mashup?  We got some great new singles and music videos, so let’s get this party started.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single is a powerhouse collaboration between two of the most soulful indie artists we have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  We’re talking about vocals from the one and only Debby Holiday and the incomparable Chris Pierce, combined with a sizzling soundtrack from Brett Oosterhaus.  Check out the radio edit of their hot new tune, “Love and Beats.”

Next up is the latest upbeat treat from LA’s iconic BINX.  She just keeps getting better and better.  In fact, she’s “Glossy,”

Track number three is the latest country offering from the classy Casey Ahern.  This one brings back so many memories and we love all the references to great country classics.  Here’s “Heartbreak Radio.”

Here’s a Monday Mashup extra – hard to believe that it was 30 years ago when CCM artist Amy Grant set the music world on edge with the release of her first pop album, Heart in Motion.  To celebrate she has re-released the album, complete with new songs.  Here’s “Don’t Ever Want to Lose It (Wind in the Fire).”

Next up is a sweet upbeat tune from Bella Paton.  We love her light and airy sound and her sweet vocals.  Check out “Spacey,”  We hope to hear more from her soon.

We close out this week’s singles with this soulful and reflective ballad from Swedish American duo Flora Cash.  This one will stay with you long after the song ends.  Here’s “Don’t You Look at me That Way.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

It’s been a few years since we last caught up with LA songstress Scarlett Taylor.  We have previously reviewed three albums and featured three songs on Monday Mashup. and we think her latest music video is one of her best.  Here’s “California Dreamin.”

Next up is the latest from 2018 LA Music Critic Award nominee Andy Sydow.  This one has a pure country radio-friendly sound and a humorous video.  Check out “Just One More Time.”

Our third video is the final one from her album While the Angels SighBlue Élan Records artist Cindy Alexander has done it again with a stellar lyric video for her song “Chiaroscuro.”

Next up is a video from hot British duo Superlove.  This one will definitely get your juices flowing.  Celebrate “The People You’ll Love Forever.”

Closing out this week’s music videos is this feel good tune from Canadian group Parks N’ Rec that will definitely get you ready for summer with its reggae sound.  Time to bid “Adieu” to the past.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Ponderosa Grove launches The Debut

It’s New Music Friday, and we are pleased to bring you a new Get it or Forget it of an amazing new band that features one of our long time friends in the indie music world – Candace Devine.

For those of you who don’t know, I spent quite a few years working in the music business as a publicist and manager.  One of the artists that I used to manage was Devine, who I combined with another long-time friend, Dave Yaden, to form David and Devine.  Twelve years ago this month we launched them with a tour of NYC and the east coast.

Devine went on to get married, move to Prescott, Arizona and start a family.  She has now hooked up with Johan Glidden and Drew Hall to form Ponderosa Grove, and we couldn’t be more impressed with their debut album.

Artist Name:   Ponderosa Grove

Album NameThe Debut

Label:  Farasi Records

Genre:  Folk/Americana

Track Listing: 1.  Slowing Down in Real Time 2.  Freedom Ride; 3.  Waterline; 4.  It Never Rains; 5.  Til Tomorrow; 6.  Save my Soul; 7.  You Got Me; 8.  One Seat; 9.  Love; 10.  Holding me Back; 11. Into the Blue

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Every so often a new band hits the market that stops you in your tracks and makes you take notice.  The last band that stopped me was Sugarland with the release of their debut album Twice the Speed of Life . . . until today.  This amazing new album has everything that propelled Sugarland to super-stardom, including great songwriting, impeccable musicianship, and a powerhouse female lead vocalist.

Ponderosa Grove features Devine on lead vocals, sharing the mic with Hall on guitar/vocals and Glidden on guitar/violin/vocals.  They are joined by Cosimo Bohrman on bass, Shawnee Snaketail on keys/synthesizer, Kenneth Crouch on organ/Wurlitzer, Bryan Taylor on drums/percussion, Steph Griffin on trumpet, Paul Ruffner on saxophone, and Vince Porter on tuba/trombone.  Devine also wrote or co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks, which were produced by Dylan Ludwig and mastered by Hans DeKline.

There is not a weak song on the album, and we wouldn’t be surprised to hear quite a few of them released as singles.  Although the vibe of the album is folk/Americana, there are subtle hints of R&B, jazz and blues, which gives the band a great cross-over window of opportunity.   We do love this entire album, but the tunes that grabbed our attention the most were “Slowing Down in Real Life,” “Waterline” (with obvious inspiration from Fleetwood Mac), the powerful “Save my Soul,” the soulful ballads “You Got Me” and “Into the Blue”, the jazzy “Love” and “Holding me Back.”

Recommendation:  Drop whatever you’re doing and go get this one NOW!!  If you’re lucky enough to be in Prescott, Arizona, they’re celebrating tonight with a Record Release show at Downtown Square at 6:45 p.m.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 18)

Happy Monday – we’re back with another edition of Monday Mashup and we have some very interesting tunes to share with you this week, including a new single from a baseball legend.  Grab your coffee and let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

He’s a baseball legend and one of the best pitchers of the past 20 years.  We’re talking of course of the great Barry Zito | Facebook, who pitched for both the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s.  But he’s also a brilliant musician from a musical family (sister Sally Zito is an indie piano musician).  Check out his new single.

Our next single comes from an multi LA Music Critic Award winner, Katie Costello.  She’s got the right idea, as she talks about viewing the world through “Rose Colored Glasses.”

Jay Nash was one of the success stories that came out of the famed Hotel Café.  His latest is a beautiful acoustic cover of one of Tom  Petty‘s greatest hits.  Check out Nash’s version of “Won’t Back Down” with his band, The Contenders.

Our fourth single this week is a future blues classic from the brilliant Karen Lawrence and her band, Blue by Nature.  She’s under a “Bad Spell” and we couldn’t be prouder of this song.  This one bears repeating!

We close out our singles this week with this powerful song from the sultry Christina LaRocca, who reminds us about “The New Normal.”  Welcome to post-pandemic America.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from our favorite South African indie artist Cara Frew.  This is the perfect kick-off video for summer.  Check out “Falling.”

Video number two this week features the country sound of Corinne Cook as she discusses her dating life.  This humorous lyric video will have you ROFL with “Blah, Blah, Blah.”

For our third video this week we would love to introduce one of the fastest rising bands in the country.  Composed of Chip Moreland (husband of indie queen Cindy Alexander) and Gregory Markel, All in your head has captured the heart of music lovers with their incredible harmonies, creative videos and a retro sound.  Check out “How Does it Feel to be Real?”  We think you’ll be back for more.

On the pop country front, we stumbled across this amazing artist and we truly his sound, which we think could quickly rise up the charts and deserves serious radio airplay.  Check out J4 and be “Better.”

We close out this week with another future country smash from Seth Michael.  His latest belongs on country radio and the video is amazing.  Check out “She Got a Thing.”

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 17)

We have officially moved to North Carolina and the renovations have begun on our new home.  We just got our internet installed last Thursday, and I had a job interview as well.  Going through the background check right now, and hope to hear from them soon.  In the meantime, let’s get back to sharing new singles and new music videos with you.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is a beautiful and harmonious duet featuring our friend Melissa Polinar and the other worldly sound of the one and only India.Arie.  With our country finally coming back alive and a full concert schedule for the summer, let’s celebrate with their joyous tune “We Started a Song.”

Spotify – We Started a Song

Another voice that has led the revolution has returned with a powerful new ballad that is inspiring a whole new generation.  Check out “I Belong,” the latest anthem from MILCK.

I Belong · MILCK (spotify.com)

It’s never a bad time for a new tune from the golden boy Gabe Dixon.  His vocals drip with honey and his mastery of the keys is second to none.  Sit back and enjoy his musical style and “Lay it on Me.”

Lay It on Me · Gabe Dixon (spotify.com)

We are pleased to introduce you to a new voice in indie music who has a song that hits hard, especially in our current situation.  Please check out Kimi Kazee and her introspective “Live With It.”  We want to know what you think.

Live With It · Kimi Kazee (spotify.com)

We close out this week’s new singles with a fresh country voice from someone who just may be the female version of Brad Paisley with her humorous tongue-in-check tune “Normal Girls.”  Give it up for Crystal Leigh.

Spotify – Normal Girls

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Blue Élan Records resident funny lady Scout Durwood is back with another great video.  Laugh along to her antics as she laments “Now That UR Gone.”  Warning – explicit lyrics.

Our second video is from another Blue Élan artist, who also was responsible for getting the label off the ground.  Cindy Alexander‘s latest album While the Angels Sigh has generated one great song after another.  Her latest is “Alizarin Crimson,” and the music visualizer is stellar.  Enjoy another taste of our favorite Pnut.

Next up is one of our favorite British guilty pleasures – Single by Sunday.  In their video for “Hey Boy,” they remind us that age is just a number – just because we grow up doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun.

Video number four is dedicated to the Pride community and comes from one of LA’s most intriguing duos – Lucy & La Mer.  “Ooh La La” – Happy Pride Month.

We close out this week with the latest from the one thing we will miss most about Oklahoma – The Imaginaries.  This husband and wife duo is at the top of their game, and recently collaborated with Cheryl Ladd on a movie.  They close out the week with “Trust Falling With You.”  See you next week.

p.s.  I got the job.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 16)

Welcome to our final Monday Mashup from Oklahoma because . . . (drumroll please!) . . . we’re moving to North Carolina!  My wife and I have purchased a beautiful home built in 1900 in the sleepy little town of Scotland Neck, North Carolina and are in the process of moving there.  We hope to be back up and running by the first of June.  In the meantime, enjoy these great new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest from a group we discovered at a show in Spokane a few years ago.  Hailing from Portland, the BGP are fun pop that is uplifting and will definitely put a smile on your face.  Check out “20 Ways.”

20 Ways · The Bgp (spotify.com)

The pandemic has brought out some of t he best from indie artists and this next single is living proof.  Check out this collaboration from Lucy Schwartz, MILCK and KPH & the Canary Collective.  They want us to know that despite the restrictions placed on us because of COVID, we are “Not Alone.”

Not Alone (Tiny Paper Clips) [feat. MILCK, KPH & The Canary Collective] · Lucy Schwartz, MILCK, KPH & The Canary Collective (spotify.com)

Our third single is from the effervescent Sonia Rao, who has not graced our pages in far too long  We have always loved her music, and this song was recently selected by the City of Los Angeles as one of the best.  We wholeheartedly agree.  Check out “Louder.”

Louder · Sonia Rao (spotify.com)

Powerful women have always had a place in country music, and a new voice has appeared on the horizon.  We are proud to present the debut single from Allison Cipris, and we could not agree more – “She’s a Queen.”

She’s a Queen · Allison Cipris (spotify.com)

We close out our new singles with this hyper-pop offering from Binny which is perfect for your work-out soundtrack.  Please send us “Feedback” on this great new tune.

Feedback · BINNY (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Cindy Alexander is back with another stellar video for the never ending amazing collection of songs on her latest, While the Angels Sigh.  We are humbled that this truly gifted talent continues to provide some of the best music and videos in the indie world today.  Here’s “Walking Constellation.”

Another Blue Élan Records artist is also back with a new video and it is beautiful in its simplicity.  We love the toy piano and the sentiments expressed by Chelsea Williams with her song “High Speed Chase.”

Switching gears to the high energy rock of the band ROCKET, we are proud to present their latest offering.  Filmed during a sold-out show at LA’s El Rey theater, this band shows not signs of “Fading Out.”

Our fourth video comes from one of LA’s resident guitar bad asses, none other than Ali Handal.  Her latest visual and sonic treat is a lyric video for her song, “Pour me Another.”  All we can say is “Yes, please.”

We close out our videos with another lyric video, his time from our Nashville friends, Crimson Calamity.  Let their vocal harmonies roll over you as they bring us this ode to “My Best Friends.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 15)

This will be our last Monday Mashup this month as we will be on the east coast next weekend finalizing a major deal.  We can’t wait to share the news with you.  In the meantime, here are some great new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

It’s been a while since we heard anything new from LA Music Critic Award winner Gabe Dixon, but with the release of his latest single, it has obviously been worth the wait.  His sound is part Phil Vassar, part Billy Joel and all-in-all extraordinary.  Check out “Something Good.”

Something Good · Gabe Dixon (spotify.com)

She may be a blues goddess, but Gina Sicilia is also a skilled vocalist who brings life to everything she sings.  Her latest is a brilliant acoustic cover of the classic Simon and Garfunkel hit, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”  Let her sweet honey vocals pour over you and soothe your soul.

Bridge Over Troubled Water · Gina Sicilia (spotify.com)

We are always happy to hear new music from our favorite rising country friends Honey County, and their latest does not disappoint.  The say they “Got it From my Momma,” and we are glad they chose to share it with us.  This one should be a quick ride to the top of the country charts.

Got It from My Mama · Honey County (spotify.com)

If you haven’t figured it out yet, our favorite indie label is Blue Élan Records.  Whether they are breaking new artists like Chelsea Williams or bringing back great ones like Fanny Walked the Earth, Kirk Pasich and company definitely have a way with recognizing and finding talent.  The latest from The Vegabonds is no exception.  Check out “Juke and Jive.”  This one will hit you like Led Zeppelin.

Juke and Jive · The Vegabonds (spotify.com)

Last but not least is our favorite iconic LA voice, BINX, who has provided us with a powerful song in the fight against depression with the release of her latest, “Bloom.”  Listen carefully to the words of this song and remember, you are not alone.

Bloom · BINX (spotify.com)

This past week we lost an amazing voice from pop radio with the death of Poco founding member Rusty Young.  We wanted to take the time to remember his legacy with this beautiful video released by his Blue Élan Records family for the hit song, “Crazy Love.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from another LA Music Critic Award winner, Ted Russell Kamp.  While he may primarily be known for his work with Shooter Jennings, he is a master songwriter and storyteller, and his latest says “You can go to Hell, I’m Going to Texas.”  Enjoy this one.

We follow up that Americana goodness with a new bluegrass tune from Jesse Brock, courtesy of So Much Moore.  Check out the harmonies on “Kiss on a Cold Cold Stone.”  This one will haunt you.

Next up is a rocking tune from the incomparable X. ARI.  It is an ode to her girlfriend called “She Knows It,” and we’re glad she shared it with us.

We introduced you to The Highway Women about a month ago and we are proud to now share the video of their song, “Dead Man Walking.”  Enjoy this taste of the next major indie country cross-over band.  We think you will want to watch this one on repeat.

Our final music video this week is from  relative newcomer Chris Moreno with his beautiful tribute to “Somebody New.”  Enjoy this smooth country pop tune.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 14)

Sorry for the late posting, but I was awakened yesterday to the news that I had to work a double shift because my boss had an adverse reaction to his second Moderna vaccine.  We think this week’s post will be worth the wait, as we have some great singles and music videos to share.  Let’s get right to it.

NEW SINGLES

We kick things off this week with the latest from one of LA’s premier songwriters who is proving once again that she is a phenomenal performer as well.  This new single reveals the “Inner Me” from songstress Melissa Polinar who is joined by Jaime Woods on this radio-worthy tune.

Inner Me · Melissa Polinar, Jaime Woods (spotify.com)

Next up is the Americana sound of Ada Pasternak.  She sings about “Expectations” and what we should do about them.  Check out this amazing rising artist.  Her violin rivals Lindsay Sterling.

Expectations · Ada Pasternak (spotify.com)

Our third single this week comes from Alexandria Corn aka ACORN, whose sound is a combination of Pink, Gwen Stefani and Demi Lovato.  Her latest is “Anti-Social,” and it deserves serious radio airplay as well as a spot in your heart.

Anti-Social · ACORN (spotify.com)

Our fourth single requires you to turn it up.  Hailing from the Ukraine, Vinok turns their mental health prowess into a powerful story of redemption and hope.  Check out “River.”

River · Vinok (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is actual a two-fer from up and coming band Hands Down.  They debut with an awesome pair of tunes, “Paintroller” and “Too Late.”  We think you’ll be putting these two tunes on repeat.

Paintroller · Hands Down (spotify.com)

Too Late · Hands Down (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Guess who’s back with another great new video?  None other than LA’s own pop princess, Cindy Alexander.  This time around she gives us the hard-hitting “Lightning,” and once again we’re hooked on the amazing songwriting and performing chops of Ms. Alexander.  This one is a keeper.  Three cheers to the amazing dancing of Emphis.

It’s been a minute since we last featured the music of Sonja Midtune, but she’s back with abandon on her latest music video for “Los Angeles.”  As a long-time resident of the City of Angels, it is wonderful to take this trip down memory lane as she brings to life this incredible song she co-wrote with Katie Ferrara.  We love it.

Our third video is from the multi-talented Kat Cunning, who has spent time on both the Broadway stage and your television set, as well as stopped traffic with her powerful singing voice.  Her new video may be called “Could be Good,” but we think she’s a shoo-in.

We last featured Tayler Jade back in February, and we are happy to spotlight her latest video for “WYA (where you at).”  Her soaring vocals and chill musical soundtrack will make this one an instant classic.

We close out this week with a lyric video from the Russian songbird, Marina V.  Our relationship goes back quite a few years, and her songwriting and performing skills continue to blossom and grow.  Check out “Rain my Love.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 13)

We’ve got something in the works that has us pretty excited.  We will reveal it in about three weeks.  Needless to say, it will be a definite game changer.  We can’t wait to share the news, so stay tuned.  In the meantime, here’s our first Monday Mashup of April, as the indie music community continues to amaze us with its creativity.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is the latest from Kris Angelis‘ forthcoming album, The Skies we Look To.  It is a sweet soothing ballad with a serious message about growing old, and we could easily see this one as part of a Hallmark movie.  Grab a glass of wine, settle back in your favorite chair and check out “Sunset.”

Sunset · Kris Angelis (spotify.com)

Indie artist Matt Hartke continues to impress us with his feel good pop music and his latest is one of his best to date.  Get comfortable with his upbeat musical accompaniment and stirring lyrics in his latest “St. Augustine.”

St. Augustine · Matt Hartke (spotify.com)

Our third single comes from Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams, and it’s a cry in your beer country classic.  Reminds us of classic Patti Griffin and we are in love with Williams’ continuing growth as an artist.  Here’s “Moonshiner,” part of The Cave Sessions album soon to be released.

Moonshiner · Chelsea Williams (spotify.com)

It’s been three years since we introduced you to the music of Band of Silver, and it sounds like they have been perfecting their craft.  They’re back with a pair of singles that we are so happy to share with you.  Check out “Looking for a Friend” and “Are We Are We Not.”  They will definitely get your heart rate up and propel you to the dance floor.  Rock out!

Looking for a Friend · Band of Silver (spotify.com)

Are We Are We Not · Band of Silver (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is from Aubrey Toone, who we introduced you to last August.  Her latest is powerful and sounds like a cross between Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande.  Enjoy “Gold” – it lives up to its name.

Gold · Aubrey Toone (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

This week’s new music videos kick off with another Blue Élan artist, the incomparable Scout Durwood.  She combines amazing music with comedy and never fails to deliver.  Here’s her latest, “Millennial Malaise.”

Back in March we shared Kris Angelis’ single, “I’d Give Anything,” and she’s just released a music video for the song which truly brings it to life.  This one will definitely get your week going strong, and truly belongs on CMT.  Say hello to the next great country superstar.

If you like harmonies, you will love the latest from Bryan Lanning and Brennley Brown, two rising country singers.  We wholeheartedly agree with the words of this song, and think they could indeed help us remain “Steady.”

The Greys get real with their latest video for their single, “Get Lonely.”  We can all relate to this one.  So nice to hear from them again – it’s been a long two year wait.

We close out this week with the new video from another Blue Élan artist, Roan Yellowthorn.  She takes us on an “Acid Trip,” and we are happy to tag along.

 

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

Katie Knipp shows her depth of talent with the release of The Well

In recent years, there has been an increase in the visibility of indie music.  Indie artists are being nominated for and winning major awards like the Grammys, as well as being exposed in television, movies and radio.  Today we explore one of those artists, Katie Knipp, and her latest EP masterpiece, The Well.

Knipp wrote these songs during the turbulent times of 2020, and captured the feelings and frustrations of that period.  She accomplished this feat by working with such talented musicians as Zack Proteau on electric bass and rhythm guitar, Neil Campisano on drums and percussion, Chris Martinez on electric guitar and Otis Mourning on saxophone and clarinet.  She also convinced Mick Martin (harmonica), Justin Au (trumpet), Brandon Au (trombone) and Keith Cotton (Hammond organ) to provide guest instrumentation.  Knipp supplied the vocals, piano, Rhodes, Hammond and dobro guitar to the mix.

We previously featured her first single, “Chamomile and Cocaine,” last July.

The Well debuted last week on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart at #4, one of the highest debuts ever by an indie artist.  It’s easy to see why.

Artist Name: Katie Knipp

Album Name:   The Well

Label:  Self-released

Genre:   Blues

Track Listing:   1.  Sad Eyed Lover; 2.  The Gospel of Good Intentions; 3.  Better Me; 4.  Chamomile and Cocaine; 5.  Bullet Train.

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:   What can we say.  Her voice is delightful, and perfectly suited to the blues.  Her songwriting chops are some of the finest currently on display anywhere and the chemistry she has with her band members is to die for.   They may call it the blues, but there’s nothing depressing about the quality of sound and music that Knipp exudes.  The EP kicks off with the toe-tapping sound of “Sad Eyed Lover,” and truly takes off from there.  This one is the perfect pairing with the Chicago blues sound made famous by The Blues Brothers.  She takes it back a step with the moody and jazzy sound of “The Gospel of Good Intentions,” before roaring back with the delta blues sound of “Better Me.”  Our favorite cut is “Chamomile and Cocaine,” but truthfully, you can’t go wrong with any of these musical gems.  “Bullet Train” just puts an exclamation point on this work of art.

Recommendation:   This is a no-brainer.  You simply MUST add this one to your music collection.  We wouldn’t be surprised to see this one up for Grammy consideration.