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

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

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

Artist NameJP Ruggieri

Album NameWaiting on You

Label:  Benafue Records

Genre:  Americana

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

Publicist:  PRESSED PR

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

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist NameDewinter

Album NameCold Like the Winter

Label:  Musarañas Records

Genre:  Synth Pop

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

Publicist:  Musarañas Records

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

Recommendation:  Go Get this one.

Artist NameMerely

Album Name Hatching the Egg

Label:  Year 0001

Genre:  Synth Pop

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

Publicist:  MOTORMOUTHMEDIA

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

Recommendation:  Worthy of adding to your collection.

Artist NameHugh Marsh

Album NameViolinvocations

Label:  Western Vinyl

Genre:  Instrumental

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

Publicist:  MOTORMOUTHMEDIA

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

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

Artist NameDimitri K.

Album Name:  7/8

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Contemporary Jazz Instrumental

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

Publicist:  Self-promoted

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

Recommendation:  Give him a listen.

 

 

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

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

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

Artist NameFantasticboom

Album NameHow to Build a Hole

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock/Electronica

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

Publicist:  Self-promoted

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

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

Artist NameAG Weinberger

Album NameReborn

Label:  BigFoot Records

Genre:  Jazz/Blues

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

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

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

Recommendation:  Get it if you love the blues.

Artist Name Family Animals

Album NameThe End is Mere

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Psychedelic Rock

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

Publicist:  Self-promoted

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

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

Artist Name Luna Neptune

Album NameReverse the Hexes

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alternative Folk

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

Publicist:  Self-promoted

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

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one.

Artist NameSepsiss

Album NameFair to Say

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Metal

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

Publicist:  Self-promoted

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

Artist NameAiden Hatfield

Album NameChapter One

Label:  In Music We Trust Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

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

Publicist:  Memphia Music PR

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

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

Artist NameOz Noy

Album NameBooga Looga Loo

Label:  Abstract Logix

Genre:  Jazz

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

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

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

Recommendation:  Go Get it Today!

Artist NameWardrobe

Album NameGiving up a Ghost

Label:  Dox Records

Genre:  Indie Alternative

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

Publicist:  Self-promoted

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

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

Artist NameThe Lowdown Drifters

Album Name Last Call for Dreamers

Label:  Gold Towne Music

Genre:  Country

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

Publicist:  Gold Towne Music

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

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

Artist NameRob Snarski

Album NameSparrow & Swan

Label:   Teardrop Records

Genre:   AAA/Folk

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

Publicist:  Penney and Logan

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

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

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Live Concerts Reviews

Shooter Jennings packs them in at Missoula’s Top Hat Lounge

As you can imagine, after being part of the music industry for the past 30 years, we’ve made quite a few friends along the way.  One of those special friends is Ted Russell Kamp, who was one of our performers at last year’s LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  Besides his indie activities, Kamp is also the bassist for Shooter Jennings, who recently brought his tour to Missoula, Montana for a show at The Top Hat Lounge on February 20.

Kamp invited us to come see and review the show, and to hang with him before, so we gladly accepted his invitation.  We had a great time catching up and having dinner together before the show.  When we arrived for sound check, we were also pleasantly surprised to discover that another of our friends, Aubrey Richmond, was playing fiddle at the show.  Besides occasionally playing for Jennings, Richmond is also a member of Blue Élan Records recording artist Mustangs of the West.

photo by Chelle-S Imaging

The opening band was Texas-based Quaker City Night Hawks, and they brought their country rock sound to provide the perfect wake-up call for Jennings.  The band combines elements of ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynryd to create their own brand of southern rock  The two guitarists traded lead vocal duties, while the drummer and bassist laid down the perfect foundation for the jamming indie rock sound.  The crowd was whipped into a frenzy and totally enjoyed this opening act, which lasted about 45 mins  We really loved their funky guitars which are also highlighted on their recently released self-titled album, which came out on March 1.

After a brief intermission, the lights came up on Jennings on the piano, Kamp on bass, Jamie on drums, John on guitar and Richmond on fiddle.    The show started with a rousing honky-tonk blues number called “Bound ta Git Down,” which was the first single from his most recent album, Shooter.

The standing room only crowd loved every minute of the show, as Jennings played songs from all of his previous releases with an emphasis on his latest offering.  He showed his musicality by moving from piano to guitar and back again numerous time throughout his set.  He also showed how proud he is of his roots, with tributes to some of the country greats like George Jones and his father, the late Waylon Jennings.

Photo by Chelle-S Imaging.
Photo by Chelle-S Imaging.

Among the amazing songs he performed were new ones “D.R.U.N.K.,” the perfect country song, “Rhinestone Eyes,” “Denim & Diamonds,” and the classic “Steady at the Wheel.”  Truth be told, every song was solid country gold and kept the audience joyfully singing along and dancing.

Another thing that we appreciated was that Jennings was not afraid to share the spotlight, as he highlighted the contributions of each member of his band, especially Richmond and Kamp.

We will definitely be back to see Jennings again soon.  This was a wonderful night that we will never forget.

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

Get it or forget it – Shouldies, Dean Everett Jackson, As Within so Without, Fred Abong, Sunbathers

We’re back with our New Music Friday edition of Get it or Forget it, with a pair of albums released on Tuesday and the other three released today.  Enjoy this eclectic mix.

Artist NameShouldies

Album Name 🙂

Label:  NeverNotGoth

Genre:  Goth Synth Punk

Track Listing:  1.  mother; 2.  statue; 3.  u die i die; 4.  dancing; 5.  bed; 6.  useless; 7.  leave the light on; 8.  queer american; 9.  running

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Graveface Records has decided to launch a new imprint, and Atlanta-based Shouldies are the first artist to be featured on that imprint.  With a mixture of goth, synth and punk sensibilities, the Shouldies add a dance groove to their sound to make it more relatable.  We think they definitely hit the mark, especially on “u die i die,” and we look forward to what comes next from this intriguing imprint.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist NameDean Everett Jackson

Album NameHer Cane Season

Label:  Church of the Good Hustle

Genre:  Roots/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Her Cane Season; 2.  Silver Linings; 3.  Cristina (Sugar Ya-Ya); 4.  Parish Moon; 5.  Quiet Eye; 6.  Feu Follet; 7.  Take a Step Back; 8.  Send the Light; 9.  Lean into the Wind

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  On his debut album, Dean Everett Jackson throws in everything but the kitchen sink to capture the entire Louisiana music scene, from jazz to roots, blues to funk and Americana to country.  The title track gets this party rolling, and makes you miss those humid nights around the campfire, enjoying the crawfish and a cold brew.  The album is all about the stories that keep us involved in our family histories, and the music that transcends generations.  There is not a weak track on this album, and we love it from start to finish.  There is a lot of radio-friendly material here, as well as the perfect songs to set that Cajun vibe for television and film placement.

Recommendation:  Run don’t walk and Get this one!

Artist NameAs Within, So Without

Album NameInto Oblivion

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Metalcore

Track Listing:  1.  Departure; 2.  Alone; 3.  A Disease Called Man; 4.  Sleepy Hollow; 5.  Anchor; 6.  The Torch; 7.  Whats Left of Me; 8.  Hate Me; 9.  What You Said

Publicist:  TAG Publicity

Review:  Just what we don’t need, another screamo metal band that sound exactly like everyone else.  Granted, there are moments when they try to break out, like actual singing on portions of the chorus on “Departure,” but all in all, this one will appeal to only the truest of metal fans.

Recommendation:  Only check it out if you love metal.

Artist NameFred Abong

Album NamePulsing

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Footprints; 2.  Firefly; 3.  Pulsing; 4.  Sun; 5.  Meet Me; 6.  The Wire

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  After gaining fame as the bass player for Throwing Muses and Belly, Fred Abong took time off to pursue a Ph.D. before becoming an adjunct professor of Religious Studies, Philosophy and English.  His new EP follows his return to music last year, and commemorates his second UK tour with Kristin Hersh.  The sound is acoustic driven lyrics that dig deep to deliver his message, which never gets lost in the music.

Recommendation:  Worthy of your consideration.

Artist Name Sunbathers

Album Name A Heat Wave

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Honeysuk; 2.  Bare; 3.  Intimacy; 4.  Sugar

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  The Sunbathers are a hip indie pop/rock quartet with an amazing sound that is radio friendly and just plain fun.  This is music that belongs on the radio, and the energy emanating from the tracks would make them a great band to check out in concert.  We only wish there were more than four tracks, because this band caught our attention and we want more!  This is the first of a pair of EPs and we will wait with baited breath for the next one.  We’ll spend the time dancing to these tracks, especially the explosive “Bare.”

Recommendation:  These guys are going places.  Hop on this train now and Get this one!

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Reviews

The Chordaes hit the right note with their latest release

New York City based trio The Chordaes released their latest offering What we Breathe In on February 22 on Riverine Music, and we are so happy to be able to share this amazing EP with you.

The band launched their career in 2014, the culmination of years of musical camaraderie between Leo Sawikin and Ethan Glenn, which began in seventh grade at Churchill School in Manhattan. They added Kevin Foley to the mix and quickly earned the praise of numerous music publications, including Elmore Magazine, which cited their “diverse array of sounds and ideas, inspired by the freewheeling experimentation of Radiohead and late period Beatles while retaining a strictly pop essence.”   They were voted the Best New Alt Rock Artist (NY) in 2015 by Deli Magazine.

As they continue to grow their fan base with regular live performances at NYC spots like Rockwood Music Hall and Mercury Lounge, praise for their music has rolled in.  Substream wrote of In Itinere (their previous EP from 2017) that it was “packed with some of the best low key, guilty pleasure pop-rock jams of the year.”   They received comparable praise from All Things Go Music, who said:  “Burning slowly like the first stages of a fire . . . the New York outfit blends the raw, candid lyricism of early alternative rock with the expertise of classic Americana and doesn’t spill a drop.”

The band used a Wrecking Crew-inspired recording process, led by producer Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Roger Daltrey).  Most of the  instruments were captured live with minimal overdubs, resulting in a timeless sound.  The songs are driven by the insightful songwriting of Sawikin, and are reflective of the struggle of young millenials trying to find their way in today’s culture.  They speak of a rising sense of powerlessness – both in the world and in their own personal relationships.

The album’s infectious, soaring lead single, “Venus,” was mixed by Mark Needham (The Killers, The Revivalists), and is about longing for someone who is out of reach but who holds power over one’s heart.  Sawikin explains:  “The idea of the song is that like two neighboring planets, we are locked in place by forces greater than we are. It’s about being in limbo with someone, being powerless to move closer to or further from them.”

The title track is a true generational anthem and a declaration of our
common humanity in a time when leaders sow fear and hatred. Helping to create the song’s driving sound is mixer Kevin Killen, whose countless credits include U2’s indelible “Pride (In the Name of Love).”  In fact, comparisons to the sound of early U2 would be most appropriate for this amazing collection of songs, which are truly radio friendly and begging for industry attention.

Similarly, they use the sound of British Invasion bands like The Kinks and The Zombies on their track, “Tuesday Afternoon.”  Sawikin’s lyrics are spot on, reflecting the conflicts of everyday living and of needing “some time alone” to sort things out.

There are no weak songs on this EP, and we think that you will want to listen to them over and over again.  The EP closes with “Miles Across the Sea,” which is centered around Sawikin’s 12-string
guitar and piercing vocal.  It is a flat out heartbreaker that explores the perennial question: “Why can’t we master our emotions and simply move on?”

The EP is available for streaming on Spotify and for purchase on Bandcamp and other retailers.

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

Get it or forget it – Maria Somerville, Derek Schmidt, JD Simo, Kerchief, Powder for Pigeons

Happy New Music Friday.  So good to be back with another edition as we kick off the month of March with five amazing releases that dropped today.  Let’s get going.

Artist NameMaria Somerville

Album NameAll my People

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Eyes Don’t Say It; 2.  This Way; 3.  Undoing; 4.  Dreaming; 5.  All my People; 6.  All too Much; 7.  Brighter Days

Publicist:  Promo Jukebox/Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  Maria Somerville transforms the listener into her ethereal soundscape with a sound that is part Celtic, part folk, part pop and post-punk, and altogether unique.  The haunting melodies speak of her Irish background and provide an intriguing backdrop for these modern-day folk songs.  These songs provide a fitting background for your periods of meditation and winding down from a long work day.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist NameDerek Schmidt

Album NameMajor Arcana

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Electronic folk

Track Listing:  1.  The Fool; 2.  The Magician; 3.  High Priestess; 4.  The Empress; 5.  The Emperor; 6.  The Hierophant; 7.  The Lovers; 8.  The Chariot; 9.  Adjustment; 10.  The Hermit; 11.  Fortune; 12.  Lust; 13.  The Hanged Man; 14.  Death; 15.  Art; 16.  The Devil; 17.  The Tower; 18.  The Star; 19.  The Moon; 20.  The Sun; 21.  The Aeon; 22.  The Universe

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  Derek Schmidt is a composer and singer-songwriter who has created an intriguing album based on the Major Arcana of the Tarot, which are the 22 primary cards in the deck.  Each song is inspired by his interpretation of the message of that card.  He uses electronic samples and vocals to convey his feelings on each card.  This album is unlike anything else you have heard before in the indie music scene, and for that alone, he is to be commended.  This is definitely a niche record.  We’re just not sure exactly where it belongs.

Recommendation:  Check it out, if you dare.

Artist NameJD Simo

Album NameOff at 11

Label:  Crows Feet Music Group

Genre:  Psychedelic Blues/Rock/Soul/Jam

Track Listing:   1.  Boom Boom, Out go the Lights; 2.  Off at 11; 3.  You Need Love; 4.  I Got Love if you Want It; 5.  Temptation; 6.  Mind Trouble; 7.  Sweet Little Angel; 8.  Accept

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  We featured “You Need Love” in our first Monday Mashup of February, which gave us just a taste of the greatness of this incredible artist.  This album marks his debut as a solo artist and showcases the virtuosity of this guitarist at his most electric. The eight tracks are a journey through the ghosts of the blues masters, the psychedelic arrangements of the 60s, the guitar gods of the 70s and beyond.   Acid rock, traditional blues, folk, soul, and free form jazz are all brought to new life with this amazing kaleidoscope of sound.  You can’t go wrong with this one.  We really love the intense title track, which is one of the best instrumentals we have heard this year, but every track is worthy of attention.

Recommendation:  Definitely go Get it.

Artist NameKerchief

Album NameFluke

Label:  Mint 400 Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Evil Parts; 2.  States; 3.  Tiny Bomb; 4.  Erase Me; 5.  Bad Math; 6.  Til the End; 7.  Growing Teeth; 8.  In Between

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Tennessee based Kerchief is fronted by the brilliant singer-songwriter Britt Hill and backed up by Tommy (bass) and Trevor (drums) Nicholson.  Their indie rock sound is perfect for college radio and placement opportunities.  The sound is smooth while the lyrics are well-written and perfect sung by Hill.  This is a band on the rise, and we expect nothing but super stardom for this trio.  You can’t go wrong with any of the tracks on this one, especially “Evil Parts,” “States,” and “Til the End.”

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist NamePowder for Pigeons

Album NameOver & Out

Label: Tunecore

Genre:  Alt-Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Catapult; 2.  Personality; 3.  Lay it On; 4.  Shitstorm City; 5.  Expectation; 6.  Better Days; 7.  Over and Out

Publicist:  Dr. Music Promotion

Review:  This amazing Australian couple bring straight ahead alt-rock with a touch of punk energy and guitar heavy metal to their latest album, which is intended to share the Australian Outback with the rest of the world.  This one will get your heart racing and compel you to get up, jump around and enjoy life.  You won’t be able to sit still while listening to this groove, so just give in and get on the dance floor, especially their first single, “Personality.”

Recommendation:  Give this one a spin.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – James Buddy Rogers, Vandoliers, Sister John, Dominic Silvani, Misery

The weekend is almost here and the snow has finally stopped.  Today is the last day of February and we are ready for spring and the changes that are ahead.  Check out these five artists, which we think will give a kick-start to your weekend enjoyment.

Artist NameJames Buddy Rogers

Album NameEverytime

Label:  JBR Records

Genre:  Blues Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Puddle Jumper; 2.  Come Back to Me; 3.  Everytime; 4.  Can’t get you off of my Mind; 5.  All I Need

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  James Buddy Rogers offers up some thrilling blues guitar  on his latest five-song EP.   He kicks it off with the instrumental tune “Puddle Jumper” before rocking it out with “Come Back to Me.”  This is blues at its core, and you can feel the emotion of the song in both the vocals and the smoking hot guitar.  The greatness continues with the title track.  In fact, all five of these songs are worthy of repeated listens.  This album belongs in your collection alongside the best of Stevie Ray Vaughan and BB King.

Recommendation:  If you love the blues, you will love this EP.

Artist NameVandoliers

Album NameForever

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Alt-Country

Track Listing:  1.  Miles and Miles; 2.  Troublemaker; 3.  All on Black; 4.  Fallen Again; 5.  Sixteen Years; 6.  Shoshone Rose; 7.  Bottom Dollar Boy; 8.  Cigarettes in the Rain; 9.  Nowhere Fast; 10.  Tumbleweed

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review Forever represents the label debut of the Vandoliers on Bloodshot Records.  They are Texas-based with punk roots who have ventured into the alt-country scene with a sound that is truly unique.  Their first single, “Troublemaker,” which highlights those punk roots, debuted on Rolling Stone Country, while the second one, “Cigarettes in the Rain” debuted on American Songwriter.  They have been called the future of Texas music, and we believe the hype is well deserved.  There is a touch of southern rock in their mix, and we simply love this album, from the first notes of “Miles and Miles” through the final track, “Tumbleweed.”  The fiddle is especially hot, as are the vocals.  This one is definitely going on repeat.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist NameSister John

Album NameSister John

Label:  Last Night From Glasgow

Genre:  Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Eight Years; 2.  Airport; 3.  Nothing Else; 4.  Waiting for the Sun; 5.  Lost and Won; 6.  The Other Side of Love; 7.  Love me or Not; 8.  I’m the One; 9.  Where she Came From; 10.  Love me or Not (reprise); 11.  Silver Whistle

Publicist:  Rave Child

Review:  Scotland has given us a unique gift with the  arrival of Sister John on the scene.  On their latest self-titled release, they combine elements of folk songs with a driving indie rock beat to deliver a delectable addition to the indie music scene.  The music is smooth with hints of retro 70s rock and killer vocals that will give your ears a musical treat.  The songs are radio friendly, and would add depth to any film or television show they receive placement.  There is not a weak song on the album, and we love it from start to finish.  Our favorite tracks include “Airport,” “Nothing Else,” and the first single, “I’m the One.”

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one and put it on repeat.

Artist NameDominic Silvani

Album NameThe Impatience of a Sinner

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt-folk

Track Listing:  1.  Roman Road; 2.  Secrets; 3.  Always You; 4.  Focus

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  With a vocal delivery similar to Leonard Cohen, and musical accompaniment of violin and cello, Dominic Silvani shows off his incredible songwriting abilities on this short four-song EP.  It is meant to be a teaser for his upcoming debut album, Anatomy, which will be released later in 2019.  We love these alt-folk songs and will patiently await the full length album.  We think Silvani definitely has something to say and is a welcome addition to the indie music scene.

Recommendation:  Go Get it.

Artist NameMisery

Album NameDown to the Bunker

Label:  Tenacity Music

Genre:  Alt-Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Mother; 2.  Misery; 3.  The Asylum; 4.  Chrysalis; 5.  Ethics; 6.  Waves; 7.  Lost in the Desert; 8.  Machine; 9.  Alive

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  Unlike most metal music, this band actually sings their lyrics, making them fully understandable, which is a good thing because they definitely have a lot to say.  When they scream it is still understandable  They sit atop an impressive drum foundation with the usual screaming guitars, creating a wall of sound that sets them apart from most metal bands.  The songs are definitely hardcore, but they retain the melodic content of indie rock   This is still music for headbangers, but other rock lovers will also enjoy their vibe.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Alright, Astrophobos, Tender, About-Face, Isolated Youth

Happy hump day from snowed in Missoula!  The snow continues to fall but we have more hot music to share.  Check out these five artists.

Artist Name Alright

Album NameOn the Outs

Label:  Black Numbers

Genre:  Indie Rock/Pop Punk

Track Listing:  1.  On the Outs; 2.  Ghosts; 3.  Someone Else; 4.  Flowers

Publicist:  Part Time PR

Review:  Alright has been burning up the local Charlotte music scene since 2014, and released a tasty morsel of an EP back in December.  We love the energy of these songs, and the retro feel on the title track.  We only wish this one was more than just four songs, because it only teases the listener with the potential for greatness.  We love this band, and hope that that deliver more of this amazing groove soon.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.  It will remind you of what true indie music is like.

Artist NameAstrophobos

Album NameMalice of Antiquity

Label:  Triumvirate Records

Genre:  Black Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Fire of Catharsis; 2.  Begotten in Black; 3.  Descending Shadows; 4.  Abattoir for Flesh and Faith; 5.  The Summoning Call; 6.  The Wolves Between the Stars; 7.  Until the Red of Dawn; 8.  The Nourishing Hate; 9.  Imperator Noctis

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  Lately we have received a lot of great music from Sweden, most of it in the blues genre.  Astrophobos is another band from Sweden, but their sound is definitely not the blues.  They play heavy black metal music that will tear apart the silence and usher in a darkness that is full of energy and power.  Although the vocals are screamo, at least in this case you can actually understand them as they sit perfectly on the foundation of screaming guitars and pounding drums, telling their stories of the dark side.  While this music is not for everyone, it should be very popular for fans of the heavier side of metal.

Recommendation:  If you are a fan of metal, you will love this album.

Artist NameTender

Album NameFear of Falling Asleep

Label:  Partisan Records

Genre:  Electronic/Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Handmade Ego; 2.  Bottled Up; 3.  No Devotion; 4.  Fear of Falling Asleep; 5.  Can’t Show my Face; 6.  When They Come for You; 7.  Slow Love; 8.  Closer Still; 9.  Tainted; 10.  More or Less

Publicist:  Practise Music

Review:  The UK’s Tender released their sophomore album last month, and we love the vibe of this album.  Sprinkled with electronica, it’s full of indie rock goodness and songs that will stay with the listener long after they are done.  This music is screaming for heavy rotation on American college radio stations, and should also receive consideration from music supervisors for music placement opportunities.  Our favorite tracks include “Bottled Up,” “No Devotion,” the title track, “Slow Love,” “Tainted,” and “More or Less.”

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you Get this one!

Artist NameAbout-Face

Album Name:  The Coming of Age

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Waste Your Time; 2.  As Expected; 3.  Sleeping Pill; 4.  Wisdom Teeth; 5.  The Optimist (Reprieve); 6.  Rollcall; 7.  As I am Now; 8.  Shrug; 9.  You Would; 10.  Ticking Time Bomb; 11.  The Optimist

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Omaha, Nebraska is home to About-Face, and we think this band deserves a much wider home.  Their music is pure indie rock, and definitely deserves serious attention from industry executives, including radio station managers and music supervisors.  We don’t think their music is a “Waste of Time,” because, “As Expected,” we believe “You Would” love their sound.  You don’t need to pull your “Wisdom Teeth” or “Shrug” to love this “Ticking Time Bomb” from “The Optimist.”  Their soothing rock sound is better than a “Sleeping Pill” and will definitely be something you can dig “As I am Now.”

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist NameIsolated Youth

Album NameWarfare

Label:  Fabrika Records

Genre:  Post-punk

Track Listing:  1.  Oath; 2.  Warfare; 3.  Safety; 4.  Gold Lane; 5.  Seasons

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Our second band today from Sweden is neither blues nor metal, but unmistakably post-punk, although the songs are not as short as most punk songs and the energy is more intense and less frenetic.  You can still feel the angst in their vocals and the urgency in their lyrics.  The title track is especially powerful.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – The Reverend Shawn Amos, Kathryn Grimm, Kenny Parker, Beautiful Things, Paul Nelson

We got over a foot of snow in the past 36 hours, with more on the way.  At least we have a break today, but we had to dig ourselves out so we could go to the store this morning.  Good thing we have some hot albums to review to keep us motivated.  Check out these amazing artists.

Artist Name The Reverend Shawn Amos

Album Name Kitchen Table Blues Vol. 1

Label:  Put Together Music

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Ooh La La; 2.  Hold On; 3.  Whip It; 4.  Have Love Will Travel; 5.  Jesus Gonna be Here

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  The Reverend Shawn Amos has been a pillar of the blues community for many years.  Back in 2016, he began cooking breakfast for his friends and then entertaining them with blues covers of some of his favorite songs.  These sessions were recorded and turned into his Kitchen Table Blues series.  On Vol. 1, he shows his amazing and diverse talents through some interesting song choices, including “Ooh La La,” which has become famous on the Alexa commercials, “Hold On” and “Whip It.”  We love the Roots/Americana vibe he puts on “Ooh La La,” and love the overall sound of the entire EP.  This one belongs on repeat.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go get this amazing EP, which belongs in every collection.

Artist NameKathryn Grimm

Album NameBlues Tools

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Best of Me; 2.  Blues Tools; 3.  C’mon Home; 4.  Empty Space; 5.  God is Testing Me; 6.  Gone; 7.  Hot Date with Buzz; 8.  Lovegun; 9.  Miss Celie’s Blues; 10.  Talking to the Wind; 11.  Trouble of this World; 12.  You Make me so Happy, I Can’t Sing the Blues

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Kathryn Grimm is an amazing electric blues/rock guitarist who is also a great storyteller and songwriter.  On this blazing hot CD, she tackles such subjects as domestic violence (“The Best of Me”), theft of her van with all of her gear inside (“God is Testing Me”), talking to people who don’t listen (“Talking to the Wind”), the regret of mistreating someone (“C’mon Home”) and vibrators (“Hot Date with Buzz”), which also includes a smoking slide guitar solo by the late Jeff Buckley.  The songs are both serious and light and deserve serious industry attention, reflecting a myriad of musical styles including jazz, blues, gospel and rock.  Put this one on repeat.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!  It will quickly become one of your favorites.

Artist NameKenny Parker

Album NameHellfire

Label:  Rock-a-While Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  I’ve Got my Eye on You; 2.  Baby Come Back to Me; 3.  Blind and Paralyzed; 4.  Bye Bye Baby; 5.  Hellfire; 6.  Goin’ in Circles; 7.  Dance with Me; 8.  I’m Missing You; 9.  But Then we Danced; 10.  Half Crazy; 11.  Back up Plan; 12.  Hard Time in the Land of Plenty

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  The blues world has some distinctive styles, from Chicago to the Delta, and Detroit is no exception.  Kenny Parker brings us the best of Detroit blues rock on his latest collection.  From the rocking guitar and vocals of “I’ve Got my Eye on You,” to the soulful sound of “Baby Come Back to Me,” this album is jammed packed with some of the best blues you have ever heard.  Every song is worthy of attention, and should be on the radar of every successful music supervisor for potential placement opportunities.  These songs likewise belong on blues radio.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist NameBeautiful Things

Album NameDream World (Revisted)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Dream Pop/Alt-Rock

Track Listing:  1,  Dream World (Sky Mix); 2.  Hey Hey Hey (Electric Mix); 3.  When the Night Comes Down (Bliss Mix); 4.  Astronaut (Space Mix); 5.  Astronaut (Acoustic Mix)

Publicist:  Paula Berg

Review:  On this beautiful reimagining of their debut 2009 album, which was just released yesterday, singer and songwriter Dina D’Alessandro aka Beautiful Things has been joined by former Screams for Tina bass player Grahame “Billy” Budd and keyboardist/guitarist Sean X.  This strange pairing has rerecorded D’Alessandro’s favorite songs from that album, breathing new life into them with a sound that is more electronic and contemporary than the original versions.  The album was engineered and produced by alternative rock legend Michael Rozon (Ministry), resulting in an album that is rich in  context, as the musical accompaniment elevates the vocals and lyrics to a new level.  You can’t go wrong with any of these five amazing tracks.

Recommendation:  This is a must-have for all true music lovers, and we guarantee that you will love these songs on the 100th listen as much as you do on the first one.

Artist Name Paul Nelson

Album Name Over Under Through

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Folk/Roots

Track Listing:  1.  Go Down Ezekiel; 2.  Ghost in the Basement; 3.  Color it Blue; 4.  Secret; 5.  Lay a Little; 6.  Alice Mullin; 7.  I Walk the Line; 8.  Relative Work; 9.  Silent Majority; 10.  Over Under Through; 11.  There is Weeping

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Paul Nelson hails from New Hampshire and captures that rugged sound with his latest release, infusing his storytelling with the sound of folk, blues and roots music.  He should not be confused with the other Paul Nelson, a multiple Grammy-winning modern blues/rock guitarist, although he has just as much talent as his namesake.  Unlike the other Paul Nelson, this one writes songs that are haunting and moody while carrying on the rich folk tradition of telling compelling and memorable stories.  You will not easily forget his songs or his talent, and we believe you will thoroughly enjoy these folk songs.  We especially love his treatment of the classic Johnny Cash song, “I Walk the Line.”

Recommendation:  If you love great songs in the rich folk/roots tradition, then Get this one for your collection.