Author: lamusiccritic@gmail.com

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 12)

Got my Pfizer #2 last Thursday, so I’m only 10 days away from being fully vaccinated.  So glad that I can soon be out mingling again and dispensing hugs to worthy friends and family.  While we all wait for things to return to normal, here are some new singles and music videos to start your week out triumphantly.

NEW SINGLES

First up is an artist we discovered a few years back when she performed at the Zootown Fringe Festival in Missoula, Montana.  Sharon Knight is a true minstrel who combines her witty lyrical content along with ancient Celtic tunes to create a relaxing atmosphere.  Check out her latest, “Fireflies.”

Spotify – Fireflies

Continuing in that Celtic frame of mind with a touch of Americana, here is “Sunken Ships” from UK-based The Jode Gannon Band.  We hear a taste of Mumford and Sons in their sound, and are definitely adding them to our international group of amazing indie artists.

Sunken Ships · The Jode Gannon Band (spotify.com)

We never get enough of the 80s, so we were thrilled to learn about a Swedish artist that goes by the moniker The 80s Kid.  His latest, “Roots,” is a fun  throwback to those days and we are proud to share him with you.

Roots · The 80s Kid (spotify.com)

Our fourth single brings back memories of great country music from the late 90s and early 00s,, and we can’t believe we have never heard these guys before.  We think you’ll love this timely tune from Rene Russell and the Bottom End.  Here’s “Unheard of,” and we think you should pay attention to the words of this tune.

Unheard Of · Rene Russell and The Bottom End (spotify.com)

Our final single this week continues in that country vein with a throwback to the Outlaw Country of artists like Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart.  Welcome to Tucker Wetmore and his debut single, “Kiss my A$$.”

Kiss My A$$ · Tucker Wetmore (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last Friday marked the release of their debut self-titled album, but The Imaginaries are far from novices on the music scene.  They have previously released several amazing videos from the album, and their latest is another work of art, filmed entirely in their native state of Oklahoma.  Check out “Blue Sky.”

Our next video is based on the premise of what if that voice in your head was an actual person.  We love the creativeness of Michael Shynes‘ new video for “Still Take You.”  Check it out and listen carefully to the words.

Our third video is from an artist that is no stranger to this Blog, and the hits just keep coming.  We love this lady and this song in particular, as it brings back the gritty sass of some of her earlier work.  Check out Cindy Alexander‘s latest video for “Room at the Bottom.”

Our fourth video comes from a German band we introduced to you earlier this year.  The Flavians are back with an interesting visual concept that we love for their song “Blinded by the Scenery.”  This one is worthy  of repeated viewings.

We close out this week with this stunning video from Anna of the North, who we haven’t heard from since 2019.  We are overjoyed to have her back in our blog, and we think this song deserves some serious attention.  Check out “Here’s to Another.”

 

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

The Imaginaries slay with their streaming CD release concert

Oklahoma-based power couple Shane Henry and Maggie McClure aka The Imaginaries kicked off the release of their long-awaited debut album with a live streaming acoustic performance sponsored by American Songwriter Magazine.  The concert included the back stories for each song on the album, and lasted for more than 90 minutes, all of it pure joy.

One of my favorite moments was when McClure and Henry were explaining their individual career progression and McClure noted that she had begun with performances at Borders Books and Music.  You see, I was the booker for those stores back in the late 90’s/early 00’s, and it finally answered the question of where I had first heard her music.

Since the concert was essentially a listening party for their CD, we are including our Get it or Forget it review format.

Artist Name:   The Imaginaries

Album Name:  The Imaginaries

Label:   Self-released

Genre:  Americana/Folk

Track Listing:   1.  Revival; 2.  Walking on a Wire; 3.  Thinking ‘Bout You 4.  Trust Falling With You; 5.  There Will Come a Day 6.  Geronimo 7.  One Life; 8.  Enough of You; 9.  Blue Sky; 10.  You Remind Me

Publicist:   37 Media (Julie Lichtenstein)

Review:   The CD kicks off with two of their strongest songs, and never stops delivering powerful messages with memorable musical accompaniment.  In addition to their incredible creativeness in writing these masterpieces, The Imaginaries are also adept at conceptualizing the visualization of those songs, as evidenced by the numerous film festival nominations and wins that their videos have garnered.  We will be featuring their latest video for “Blue Sky” in our Monday Mashup column next week.

The album is produced by the duo and was recorded in the same studio in Muscle Shoals where the pair began their musical journey.  The album features bassist David Hood (Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Paul Simon), Little Richard guitarist Kelvin Holly (Jason Isbell, Gregg Allman, Neil Young), bassist Shonna Tucker (John Paul White, The Secret Sisters), and keyboardist NC Thurman (Hank Williams Jr, Gregg Allman, Little Richard), drummer Rob Humphreys (Leonard Cohen, Jason Mraz), keyboardists Chad Copelin (Sufjan Stevens, Christina Perri, Ben Rector) and Dan Walker (Heart).

Recommendation:   Drop whatever you’re doing today and get this album.  It will be the crowning jewel in your musical collection.

Thank you to The Imaginaries for an amazing showcase of your talent.  It was so refreshing to hear a band that sounds as good acoustically as they do when they have their entire band playing live.  They are further proof that indie music is the best music.  Can’t wait to see them live in person in the not too distant future.

 

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 11)

Glad to be back at home after a wonderful vacation with my family in North Carolina.  We had a great time visiting with our family there, learning more about our ancestry and looking at homes for our forthcoming move.  We’ll keep you informed as details firm up, but it looks like we will be settling in Scotland Neck in Halifax County, about 30 miles outside Rocky Mount.

Indie artists have been super busy creating amazing songs and videos, and we are overjoyed to be able to share some more with you today.  Enjoy these gems.

NEW SINGLES

One of our favorite LA indie artists is back with another new song.  We have known Shannon Hurley for more than 20 years, and she keeps getting better.  Between her solo work, her work with Lovers & Poets and her artistic endeavors, she continues to show that  indie music is the best music in the world.  Check out “Where we Belong,” and hop on board the train that never stops.

Where We Belong · Shannon Hurley (spotify.com)

Our next single comes from a long-time indie artist who gained fame as the songwriter of one of The Dixie Chicks‘ greatest songs, “Wide Open Spaces.”  Susan Gibson is back with a truly uplifting song that is so perfect for today’s pandemic climate.  Check out “Compassionate Combat.”

Compassionate Combat · Susan Gibson (spotify.com)

Our third single is a danceable tune that will get you toes tapping and your body aching to head out to the dance floor.  We have never featured her before, but with this release, we are head over heels for the music of Katie Welch.  Take a trip to the “BLVD” and enjoy.

Spotify – BLVD

Next up is a rocking country tune that features perfect harmonies and powerful lyrics from four amazing ladies who call themselves Highway Women.  This song should be headed to the top of the country charts and usher these ladies into the big time.  Here’s “Dead Man Walking.”

Dead Man Walking · Highway Women (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is from an entirely new artist to us that is unlike any we have heard before.  He goes by the moniker of Trunky Juno and his music is dream pop with a rhythmic beat.  His song speaks of abandonment and feelings we all have when life is just unbearable.  Check out “Daddy’s Gone for Cigarettes.”

Spotify – Daddy’s Gone For Cigarettes

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Cindy Alexander continues her cavalcade of hits from her forthcoming album While the Angels Sigh with the release of the breathtaking video for “Broken but Beloved,” featuring amazing choreography that perfectly captures the essence of this heart-wrenching ballad.  This one will stay with you long after the song ends.

Next up is the latest from Rachel Lorin.  This time around she covers the stirring Linkin Park song, “Numb,” breathing new life into the powerful lyrics with an emotional performance that truly brings this song to life.

Our third video brings new meaning to the term “one-man band.”  In the first video for his forthcoming album Solitaire, Ted Russell Kamp plays all the instruments in this moving tribute, “My Girl Now.”  This one will be pleasing to everyone who loves great Americana/folk music.

Next up is a timely video for our favorite time of the year.  “Wait for Spring” is a visually stimulating lyric video that showcases the talent of Shannon Clark & the Sugar, and leaves us wanting more of their forthcoming release, Marks on the Wall.

Our final video this week is from Andy Sydow, who has been relatively quiet since he burst onto the scene back in 2018, garnering nominations from the LA Music Critic Awards and a very positive review of his album.  His new song, “Mona Lisas Everywhere” is an upbeat tune with a fun video that shares the truth behind the lyrics.  This one is worthy of further exploration.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 10)

Sorry for the lateness but scheduling conflicts prevented us from publishing our weekly Monday Mashup column yesterday.  We will be off-grid next week but back again on the 22nd with another edition.

Speaking of our column, if you want to be included, please make sure that you include a public link from either Soundcloud or Spotify with your request.  Also please be aware that we do not preview the singles and videos before their release date, so please do not send follow-up emails before your single/video is released to the public.

With that housekeeping hint, and in honor of International Women’s Day, we present to you this week’s new singles and videos.  We hope you enjoy these tunes and that you take the time to check out the artists.

NEW SINGLES

Los Angeles is home to some of the finest songwriters in the world, and recently, six of them combined to form anall-female collaborative band.  Composed of Tawny Ellis, Pi Jacobs, Heather Anne Lomax, Amilia K. Spicer, Deb Morrison, and Manda Mosher, The Wild West have released their first single, “Better Way,” and we love it.  We can’t wait to see what they come up with next.  After all, “We are the change.”

Better Way · The Wild West (spotify.com)

Next up is a cover of the classic America hit, “Sister Golden Hair” that is a totally fresh vision.  Performed by Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams, the cover is part of an collection of covers by other labelmates in honor of the release of Gerry Beckley‘s long awaited greatest hits album, Keeping the Light On.  Prepare to have your mind blown.

Sister Golden Hair · Chelsea Williams (spotify.com)

It’s been a few weeks since we last heard from LA’s iconic songbird, Kris Angelis, but she’s back with a new single, “I’d Give Anything.”  Definitely add this one to your rotation of daily inspiration.

I’d Give Anything · Kris Angelis (spotify.com)

Our fourth single comes from rising star Casey Ahern with her ballad, “Bradley.”  We really love her thoughtful lyrics and the sweet easy vibe of this song.  We think she’s well on her way to stardom.

Bradley · Casey Ahern (spotify.com)

Last but not least this week is the latest from another Blue Élan artist, Car Astor.  She sings a moving ode to her friend “Sarah,” and we think this one will move you to your core.  Grab a glass of wine and enjoy.

Sarah · Car Astor (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we debuted her new single and this week we are happy to share the accompanying lyric video for “Try, Try, Try” from the iconic indie rock star, Cindy Alexander.  We think this is one of her best songs ever, and we hope you will check her out.  We especially love the hand drawn animation by Anik.

Next up is a chilling video for the latest by Rachel Lorin, a haunting cover of “The Killing Moon” by Echo & The Bunnymen.  The cinematography is stunning, and Lorin’s voice adds a memorable touch.  Don’t watch this one late at night.

Our third video is from another Blue Élan artist, Roan Yellowthorn.  Check out the thrilling video for her radio-worthy single, “Vampire.”

Next is the latest from one of our favorite duos, Aly & AJ.  We love the home video feel of “Pretty Places,” and their harmonies are to die for.  Enjoy this one and put it on repeat.  It really makes us want to hit the road again soon.

Our final video this week features a classic Betty Boop cartoon as background for the lyric video for “Thirsty” by Elizabeth and the Catapult.  Have fun with this one.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music

DICI’s debut EP proves that age is not a reflection of talent

photo courtesy of Ue3 Promotions

While this past year of COVID-19 and its resulting quarantine has prompted some serious reshuffling in the lives of many artists and musicians, 17 year old emerging rapper DICI took the time to be more creative and productive than ever.  Since he was out of school and free from his extracurricular lacrosse and weightlifting schedule, the multi-talented, Italian born (Milan) but Miami raised artist mastered his new Pro Tool rigs and began freestyling clever, incisive rhymes and whimsical, hard-hitting narratives.  These formed the foundation of the intuitive urban pop vibe he’s dropping publicly for the first time on his self-titled five track EP released on his own label, DICI Records, LLC.

Though his official rap influences are Eminem, Denzel Curry, Action Bronson and Mayhem Lauren, DICI says that it was a YouTube video by renowned producer Kenny Beats that fired him up and sparked the intense dedication that fueled this project.

During November 2019 he had gone to a friend’s house and learned how to make beats as well as the production side of making records.  Everything ground to a halt when COVID hit, and though he had plenty of free time, he just chilled out for months.

“By the end of July (2020), I was starting to feel restless,” DICI says. “Going through YouTube one day, I found the Kenny video.  He was talking about how before he was famous, he had locked himself in a room and worked all day long.  Everything was about work ethic.  It hit me that I’d wasted half the summer.  After I watched that clip, I literally dedicated 12 hours plus every day to music – waking up, doing music, going to sleep, on repeat.  I made a lot of progress on the tech front, too.  On the track ‘305-Interlude,’ which combines two different songs I wrote, I only used my computer and gaming headset.  I’d gotten Pro Tools in March and had learned it well enough to use it on the other four tracks of the DICI EP.”

The first track he created was “Bar for Bar,” which provides a master class in fusing a hypnotic, moody vibe, a densely percussive groove and a high spirited, clever rhyming freestyle all about having fun, cruisin’ and enjoying life.  It also comes with a clear mission statement of his plans for the future:  “Cruisin’ down the street with my new popped collah/I look like a scholar/And I got the gualla/So bitches they holla/They straight from Valhalla.  . .I’ve been cruisin’ in the whip going 30 tho/I’m with Johas that’s my bro/Ima keep on rapping to achieve my goals/And ease my soul…”

The other tracks on the EP include the energetic hype song and slightly dangerous joyride “4door” (“Hittin’ 200 I need more”), the ominous, psychopathic (probably fictional!) seduction “Vector” (which rhymes the title world with “Lecter,” among other things) and the aforementioned “305 INTERLUDE,” which is the dreamy, neo-soul respite from the percussive tracks, and also the most overtly sensual/sexual.

The EP was released in January and DICI has since released videos for three of the songs, including this one.

All of the videos were directed by Associated Press and Emmy winning director and cinematographer Brian Bayerl of Greendoor East Productions.  They are being promoted by The Syndicate.

The songs are quite explicit and not for the easily offended, but if you will listen carefully there is a lot of truth contained in his lyrics.  DICI has a unique cultural background (American dad, Japanese mom) and has completed numerous international trips, making him a true musical citizen of the world who can draw inspiration from a wide range of fascinating experiences.  The trilingual (Italian, Japanese, English) artist lived the first five years of his life in Milan, and though he’s been in Miami ever since, he’s traveled to Japan countless times and even went to school for a time in Tokyo.

The heavy Japanese cultural influence on his life inspired what he’s dubbing the EP’s “bonus track,” “Shibuya,” which features his witty, picturesque freestyle travelogue pinging off a jazzy rock vibe infused with traditional Eastern sonic touches.  When he raps, “I’m in heaven, feel like a God,” it’s no exaggeration.  He’s been there.  He’s felt it.

“I’ve always found satisfaction doing creative things and getting rewarded for it, and my rap career is no exception,” he says.  “My family has been super supportive of what I’m doing, and realizing that so many talented artists don’t have this kind of support makes me eager to use my future success to help others get started, including giving away free studio time and recording equipment to those who need it.  I enjoy reflecting on this crazy year, where so much seemed to happen by sheer coincidence to get me where I am right now – from recording on my headphone and X-Box to now.

“That YouTube video got everything rolling,” he adds, “and I am looking forward now to sharing my tracks with everyone. No one knows how 2021 will be for musicians and touring, but I hope to be out there performing and meeting new people very soon. In the meantime, I’m going to keep building my brand, creating new tracks and working with Giuseppe and keep releasing new music.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Women in Entertainment

Leni Black opens up her heart to let us know how she feels

Leni Black is an emerging Nashville-based singer/songwriter with a no-holds-barred songwriting style that has sprung up from such diverse inspirations as the Grateful Dead, Carole King and Carly Simon.   Even her stage name came from another inspiration – her grandfather, Leonard Epstein, who was a singer/songwriter in NYC that sounded like Frank Sinatra.  She combined his stage name “Lenny” along with her grandmother’s maiden name.

“How I Feel” is a song about the desperate feeling of not being able to say how to feel in the moment.  It came out of a chance writing session with three rookie Nashville songwriters,” explains Black.

“Israel (McFarland) and I met by chance through another Nashville songwriter who suggested we all get in a room and write together. An hour into the session the song was nearly finished. I came in with a melody for the chorus, and as soon as Israel hopped on the piano and sang “your eyes are the problem” I knew we were going to work well together. We both love pulling on heartstrings and being as emotional as possible. Greyson Campbell, who was the link between us, always kept us in check with where the song was headed as we could get off track pretty easily talking about our own experiences hiding feelings.
“I didn’t realize Israel was also a talented musician and producer.  We did a couple of takes of the song in his room and I came back the next couple of nights for background vocals, a couple of weeks later the song was finished.  We are both new to Nashville and passionate about writing, now with a couple more songs in the works.  What I love about working with Israel is that he also uses his own experiences and pours his heart into a song.  Whenever we write it is always an emotional hour or so.  The only good cries I had this year were with him in the room with a piano.”
McFarland is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter and producer with a growing portfolio of original songs and a passion for creating great music.   He explains, “This production really gave me the chance to stretch my creativity.  While it was influenced by our indie-pop roots, the main focus was creating something that felt new and authentic to the artist.”

Spotify – HOW i FEEL

Black likes to say that she doesn’t write a lot of love songs – but she’s written a ton of breakup songs.  That’s because when she’s in the throes of a relationship, riding the wave of joy and expectation, shes too in the moment to write reflectively about it.  Yet she has plenty of time post-breakup, when she’s engulfed in tearful emotions and in need of catharsis, to write her heart out.  Now that she’s going after her long-delayed dream of making music for a living, she’s got an incredible stockpile of emotional outpourings that she hopes will connect with everyone who has ever gone through these same types of experiences – which is pretty much everyone.

The Maryland native is the first to admit that she “kind of let life take me wherever I wanted throughout my 20’s.  I’m basically a runaway bride who doesn’t know what eggs she likes” – a reference to a hilarious scene in the 1999 film where Richard Gere accuses Julia Roberts of not having a mind of her own because her tastes change with every new guy she meets.

“I stayed inside weekend after weekend crying and writing, singing and playing music to heal from all the heartbreak I kept going through,” Leni says.  “I probably slipped into some sort of depression without many of my friends knowing.  I’m generally a very happy, easygoing and sarcastic person.  I don’t normally express my emotions verbally.  Songwriting has given me that outlet and I’ve been doing it since I got my first journal.  It’s always been a form of expression for me that I have kept to myself.”

We think this young lady has a whole heap of potential and we are thoroughly impressed with her new song, which debuted last Friday, February 26.  She reminds us of early Taylor Swift, and we can easily see Black on the radio for an extended period of time.  We can’t wait to see what comes next and we will be rooting for her success.

 

 

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 9)

Welcome to March and our weekly dose of new singles and music videos.  Just got my first vaccine shot and not experiencing any side effects so far.  Looking forward to this month as we finally get a vacation and will be heading off to North Carolina for a week to visit friends and look at possible homes for our upcoming move.  In the meantime, chill and rock out to these great indie artists.

NEW SINGLES

A lot of indie musicians have relied on his blog, Ari’s Take, as well as his amazing book about navigating the music business, How to Make it in the Music Business.  Ari Herstand is also an accomplished musician in his own right, and has recently released new music.  Check out this smooth and chill tune, “Drifting.”

Drifting · Ari Herstand (spotify.com)

Next up is the latest release from Gerry Beckley from his solo hits project, Keeping the Light On, from Blue Élan Records.  Last week we shared a cover of his song “Survival,” and this week we present “(I’m Your) Heart Slave.”  Enjoy!

(I’m Your) Heart Slave · Gerry Beckley (spotify.com)

Our third single is the latest from the amazing LA indie artist, Terra Naomi.  Looking back I can’t believe we haven’t featured her before, but we are rectifying that situation now.  “What we Do” was released on February 26, and we are so happy we are able to share it with you.  Grab a glass of wine, sit back and allow her peaceful voice to wash over your soul.

What We Do · Terra Naomi (spotify.com)

Several years ago we had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of some great female singer-songwriters during our So Cal Music Live competition.  Two of those ladies, Mallory Trunnell and Lauren Harding, went on to form the indie Country/Americana band, Crimson Calamity.  We are pleased to share their brand new single, “Due West,” which was also released on February 26. This one is perfect for country dancing or just chilling after a hard day.

Due West · Crimson Calamity (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is from a rising star, Ava Maybee.  Her voice is strong and refreshing, and the beat is steady with a trace of jazzy R&B funk.  Check out her latest, “See Me Now,” and we think you’ll want to bookmark this artist.  We expect great things from her.  Thanks to Ue3 Promotions for turning us on to her.

See Me Now · Ava Maybee (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week creates a unique situation for our blog – the first time we are debuting both a single and video from the same artist at the same time.  Crimson Calamity chose to simultaneously release their single, “Due West,” and the accompanying lyric video, and we are overjoyed to share both of them with you.  Enjoy this soon to be hit song and enjoy the California scenery.

We introduced you to Huron John a couple of weeks ago, and we are proud to feature another of his videos.  This time, he’s “Stuck in a Lava Light.”  Enjoy this one, which also debuted on February 26.

Our third video this week is the lyrical visualization of the latest from Shannon Clark & the Sugar‘s song, “Let it Ride.”  We introduced them back in January, and think this one belongs on Outlaw Country radio.  Let us know what you think.

Remember back in grade school when we used a zither in music class?  Well, Chelsea Williams brings that memory back with the video for “Skin and Bones,” her latest from Blue Élan.  Thanks Chelse for keeping it real and being a truly original indie artist.

We close out this week with a new one from People Club that is both trendy and retro, and we can’t get it out of our heads.  Head to the dance floor with “Take me Home.”

 

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 8)

Well, the Great Freeze of 2021 is finally behind us, leaving a path of chaos, snow and ice.  Good thing indie artists have been busy creating great art.  We are fortunate to premiere some great new songs this week, so let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

Back when I was getting started in the music business, I met a young singer-songwriter that impressed the hell out of me.  She was performing with her guitarist, Christian Nesmith, the son of Michael of The Monkees fame.  That artist went on to form her own label and win a major music contest before joining forces with Kirk and Connor Pasich to form Blue Élan Records.  We’re talking, of course, about the illustrious Cindy Alexander, whose new single, “Try, Try, Try” dropped this past Friday.  Check it out and put it on repeat.  Her tenth studio album, While the Angels Sigh, will be released on April 23.

Spotify – Try, Try, Try

Next up is another Blue Élan artist, Gina Sicilia, who has recorded a spectacular cover of the powerful ballad, “Survival,” from Keep the Lights On, the forthcoming album celebrating the career of her labelmate and original America member, Gerry Beckley.  We absolutely love this remake.  Turn it on and crank it up.

Survival · Gina Sicilia (spotify.com)

Our third single is from our dear friend and the co-creator of the Don’t Call us Tori showcases, Shannon Hurley.  She is back with another single, “Love in the Dark.”  This one is a true keeper and proves that this artist just keeps getting better.

Spotify – Love in the Dark

Next up is a hyperpop groove from Irish artist Apollo Monroe.  He will  have you ready to dance with his latest tune, “Soda Pop.”

soda pop · Apollo Monroe (spotify.com)

We close out our singles this week with a pair of singles from Jesse Barrera, Nieman and Melissa Polinar that are sweet as honey and powerful in their subtlety.  Their voices blend so effortlessly that we can’t wait to see what comes next.  Check out “What we Found” and “Tangle Up (Reimagined).”

What We Found · Jesse Barrera, Nieman, Melissa Polinar (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from an artist we have seen rise up from the unknown to become an amazing actress and artist.  She has never lost the ability to stir up emotions and her latest, “This is Home,” is exactly what we need to move on from the horrors of 2020.  Give it up for the one and only Kate Voegele.

Next up is the R&B stylings of Tayler Jade, with a chill-worthy tune that belongs on the radio and on constant repeat in your YouTube feed.  Don’t let this be ‘Temporary.”

Our next video goes country with a sweet voice that truly belongs on the radio.  We introduced her to you last December when she released our favorite cover version of “Hard Candy Christmas.” Alexandra Kay is a rising voice and we love the simplicity of her lyric video for “We Wouldn’t Be Us.”  We think you’ll fall in love with her as well.

Video number four is an interesting concept for the 80’s-inspired sound of Megan Nash and the Best of Intentions for their outstanding song, “Quiet.”  Trust us, we don’t expect you to keep this one to yourself.

Our final video this week is from the great new group Kids in America, which features our friend, Curtis Peoples.  This is the sound of Top 40 Radio, and it couldn’t happen to a more deserving artist.  Check out the video for “Afterlife,” featuring Luna Aura.

 

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 7)

Happy Presidents’ Day!  Here in Oklahoma, we’re in the middle of an artic wave that has plunged our thermometers down as low as -10 degrees.  We can’t wait for next week when the temps start inching up again.  We hope you’re not freezing too bad.  To keep you warm, here are some new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from one of our favorite indie country stars, the one and only Risa Binder.  This one belongs on country radio and is the perfect song to kick off Valentine’s week.  Binder’s sweet voice, combined with the perfect harmonies of Benji Harris, truly make this one feel “A Lot Like Home.”

A Lot Like Home · Risa Binder, Benji Harris (spotify.com)

In celebration of Black History Month, we present one of LA’s premier black voices, Chris Pierce, with his latest inspirational anthem, “Young, Black and Beautiful.”  Let the words of this song spur us on to true social justice.

Young, Black and Beautiful · Chris Pierce (spotify.com)

Our third single is from Matt Hartke and reminds us to never give up on our “American Dreams.”  His voice is as sweet as honey with a homey Pop/Americana sound, and we think this one is a true keeper.

American Dreams · Matt Hartke (spotify.com)

Back when we lived in LA, an indie country band was just starting to get a lot of attention from GoCountry and its predecessor, KZLA.  That band, featuring Dani Rose and Sofie Lynn, has quietly become a household name and we think their latest, “Love Hangover,” is their best song yet.  Expect to hear more of Honey County soon on Country Radio.

Spotify – Love Hangover

We close out this week’s new singles with another great song from the iconic BINX, perfect for repeated listens not only on Valentine’s Day, but year-round.  Check out “La La Love,” and let its good vibes get your week off to a great start.

La La Love · BINX (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

This week’s music videos kick off with the latest from Blue Élan Records artist Roan Yellowthorn.  This one is a quirky tune called “Little Love,” and we think it deserves a lot a love.

Next up is another Blue Élan artist, Chelsea Williams, with a performance video of her amazing Americana song, “Cornerstone.”  If this one doesn’t make you a fan, we don’t know what will.

Icons Creating Evil Art is fast becoming one of our favorite creators of indie music, and the latest from their NuGoth artist Bonander continues their tradition of giving a platform for breakthrough artists to present their talents.  Check out “Gone in the Wind.”

Last week we shared the lyric video and this week we have their official music video of Lucy & La Mer‘s soon to be mega hit, “Roller Coaster.”  We think you’ll love this one.

We close out this week with the latest psychedelic video from the mind of Huron John.  This one has a danceable beat and a style that is all his own.  Enjoy the sheer brilliance of “Arthur,” the first single off his new album.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 6)

We hope you survived Super Bowl weekend and are happy with the results of the game.  Since our favorite team couldn’t be there, we cared more about the halftime show.  Music always seems to make things better, doesn’t it?  In that vein, let’s check out this week’s new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

We kick things off this week with the latest from LA’s reigning indie singer/songwriter queen, Kris Angelis.  This beautiful pop/country tune will have you humming along in no time as you contemplate the truth of her lyrics.  We would find it an honor to “Meet you in our Dreams.”

Meet You In Our Dreams · Kris Angelis (spotify.com)

Next up is the perfect culmination of R&B and hip-hop contained in this instant classic from London artist IAMTHELIVING and producer Teon Gibbs from Botswana.  This song would have been the perfect addition to the soundtrack of Empire, and we are proud to share it with you in honor of Black History Month.  Let’s all remember to go the “Distance.”

Distance · IAMTHELIVING, Teon Gibbs (spotify.com)

Our third single is a chill cover from a voice we have not heard since before the Pandemic began.  Check out Melissa Polinar‘s version of “Try to Remember.”

Try to Remember · Melissa Polinar (spotify.com)

Thinking back on our days of hosting shows at LA’s famed Genghis Cohen, one of the many artists we featured was Eddie Cohn.  He performed quite a few shows for us but we had lost track of him until recently.  He has been busy during the quarantine with creating a new album (out in April) and has released a pair of new singles.  We wanted to share with you today the powerful dance track “Vs.”  Feel the vibe and get up and dance!

VS. · Eddie Cohn (spotify.com)

We close out this week with the latest single from the co-creator of the premier indie songwriting organization, Songsalive! – none other than Australia’s gift to America, Gilli Moon.  This one is truly hot, so don’t get burned by “Fire.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from an artist we introduced to you a couple of weeks ago, Jax Hollow.  This one shows an entirely different side of this impressive artist, and definitely makes us want to “Drift Together.”

Next is the latest lyric video from Hollywood artists Lucy & La Mer.  They tell us that love is a “Rollercoaster,” and we tend to believe it true.  We think you will love this tune with its profound truths.

Our third video comes from Indigo Sparke, and is instantly memorable.  Not only does she have a haunting voice, but the video has that “home movie” quality that is so nostalgic.  Listen carefully to the words of this song and remember we need to always be “Colourblind.”

Next up is the latest from Americana artist Ray Cardwell.  This one has a gospel feel, and the band kicks it into high gear on the truly memorable “Take me to the River.”  This one should be put on repeat.

We close out with a music video that was shot in Los Angeles by The Lickerish Quartet, one of our favorite indie collaborations.  This song brings back memories of the 90s sound of Journey, and definitely deserves repeated listens.  Check out “The Dream That Took me Over.”