Category: Women in Entertainment

A series of articles on leading indie women

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 11

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

NEW SINGLES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 10

Hope you all survived the start of Daylight Savings Time yesterday.  Hopefully today’s great music will give you the jump start you need (that and several cups of coffee).  We’re getting really excited about our return to LA next month, and looking forward to the Hollywood Fringe Festival, our debut solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), and celebrating women at the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  We hope to connect with all of our LA peeps at at least one of these events.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from one of the scheduled performers at this year’s Showcase, Brigitte Purdy, who took home wins for Best Blues Artist and Best CD (Female).

Our second single comes from the cold vastness of Denmark.  The Straw Family Band have been thrilling us since we introduced them to you back in July 2017.  Their latest, “Perfectly Fine,” is another prime example of why we love them so much.  The tune is melancholy while still upbeat and features stirring vocals that uplift and give the song its intended positive vibe.

Next up is the first single from Americana/Indie Rock duo Anana Kaye.  We love the harmonies and the intriguing vocals, and think this song should do well in both Americana and Indie Rock/College radio circuits.  Check out “Blueberry Fireworks.”

We had intended to feature our next single a few weeks ago, but it got lost in our email.  We are very pleased to present it now, as it is pure classic country that we can’t get enough of.  Check out Marty Brown‘s “Umbrella Lovers” and we think you’ll love it too.

Our final single this week is an amazing work of R&B smoothness, featuring the amazing vocals of Dominique Tey.  Her EP will drop next month, and this tasty appetizer should get you ready for it.  Here’s “Every Part.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick off this week’s music videos with this torch song from the amazing Fiona Grey.  We definitely agree with her assessment that we need more “Girls Like Me.”

Our next video comes from Kakkmaddafakka, which we introduced to you in our Ten Great Singles of February.  Here is the video of that same song, and we love it.  Get up and dance your cares away.

Likewise, our third video is the latest from Blue Élan Records artists Red Wanting Blue, featuring the stunning vocals of Liz Brasher.  We introduced this song to you a couple of weeks ago, and we can’t get enough of it.  Check out “I Got a Feeling it Hurts.”

We featured Kat Holland‘s song “The One” in our post-Grammy Monday Mashup, and she has now released a music video for it.  We love the sound of her voice, which is elegant, airy and full of life.  See what we mean.

We close out this week with the heartfelt sound of Cameron Hawthorn, who likes to be “Dancing in the Living Room.”  Sounds like a great idea, don’t you think?

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos released in February 2019

Time now for our monthly feature of the best music videos we have received.  While we do not get as many video submissions as we do for singles, we still had nearly 100 to review this month, and we bring you what we consider to be the best 10 that were not already featured in our weekly Monday Mashup column.  Let’s get going.

First up is a visually stimulating video from Flamingods.  This one is upbeat and intense and we love it.  Check out “Marigold.”

Lullwater provides us with our first true rocking song of this month.  You can feel the bass from the hard-hitting song “Empty Chamber.”  This one will wake you up.

Just when we think rock is taking a break we get another one, this time from KilliT.  This London-based band is a hard-rocking quintet that have truly got it going on, and are destined to rise to the top of the rock pile.  Check out “Love is the Chemical.”

Music video number four comes from Scotland’s Astrid, who have been absent for the past 15 years.  We are so glad they’re back, and have set the bar high with the release of “Poison Reaction.”  Let us know what you think.

Jenny Teator is a blazing hot indie rock singer who is also drop-dead gorgeous.  All of her best traits are on display in her latest video for “Surrender,” and we gladly accept her terms.

We kick off the second five of our Ten Amazing Videos with a powerful one from Jesse Pepe for his rap single, “To the Kids.”  This one will change your perception.

Next up is some smooth island sounds from Kauai with the Phil Jones Band‘s stunning video for “Wild Honey.”  Please enjoy the cinematography and the vibe of this one.

Our eighth video this month is for fans of X Ambassadors and OneRepublic with this thrilling new chapter in the career of Ships Have Sailed.  We think they have truly nailed it with the release of “Escape.”

Our next video is a heartbreaker from singer-songwriter TJ Patrick.  Here is his latest, “Falling.”  The cinematography perfectly underlines the brilliant lyrics of his song.

We close out this month with the amazing vocals of Piper Hays on her song “For You.”  We can’t think of a more appropriate song to end this article, as everything we do here is for you.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten great singles released in February 2019

We continue to be bombarded with a plethora of singles, and received another 200 or so this month.  We wish we could feature more, but we are trying to share the best of them with you each month in our Monday Mashup and Ten Great Singles columns.  Here are our picks for this month.

We wanted to start off with a bonus selection, as we just featured this artist a few weeks ago.  Fred Hostetler is a huge part of the driving force behind Blue by Nature, and he continues to evolve with his current solo effort, “Taming the Wolf.”  The song has a true acoustic delta blues vibe, and Hostetler tells a great story you’ll want to hear more than once.

Our first single this month comes from Norwegian band Kakkmaddafakka.  They have a very retro 80s sound which we truly dig.  This one is just plain fun.  Enjoy “Runaway Girl.”

French-born but London-based alternative folk singer Amelle Rose brings us our next single.  This one is a slow-cooking power ballad that will rile up your emotions and take you on a spectacular ride.  Here’s “Rain.”

Our third single comes from a group with a heavy Maroon 5 vibe.  “Strange Love” is the latest from The Unlikely Candidates, and we think it deserves heavy radio rotation.  Let us know what you think.

Next up is “Not Alright,” the debut single from 2 Paper Dolls.  These two ladies have incredible chemistry and their vocal harmonies are to die for.  We can’t wait to see what comes next, and believe we will be seeing a lot more of this band in the future.

Our fifth single this month is from Scottish folk rocker Jamie Sutherland.  This one is upbeat and will get your toes a tapping and compel you to the dance floor.  Check out “Be Careful Don’t Break my Heart.”

We start off our second set of five with Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Liam Grae.  This one is full of sex appeal, and the sultry blue-eyed soul vocals will have you swooning over “Typical.”

Next up is another LA-based singer with powerful pipes.  Check out “Winter Doesn’t Wait,” the latest smash from Zachariah.  We really think he has the chops to go all the way to the top of the charts.

https://soundcloud.com/zachariahh/winter-doesnt-wait/

Our eighth single is full of Scandi-pop and 90s R&B and would be a perfect fit for American Top 40 radio.  We love the sound of Girl Crush and think this just might be the song to break them out.  Check out “Baby Steps.”

Alt-pop duo Karina bring us our ninth single with the tantalizing “My Skin.”  It has an upbeat and danceable feel that will get you moving while the sweet vocals will thrill your ears.  Check them out.

Our final single this month comes from The Lighthouse.  This band has an enticing vibe that would do well on radio, especially college radio, and we think they deserve industry attention.  Here’s their single, “Tel Aviv.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 9

Welcome to our first Monday Mashup of March.  We’re counting down our final two months in Montana, as we will be in Los Angeles for the entire months of May and June before packing up and heading for the east coast in July.  Until then, we will continue to bring you amazing new music, including these five singles and music videos which were recently released.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from our old friend Tony Lucca, a former cast member of The New Mickey Mouse Club, as well as a member of Team Adam on Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice (the most watched season to date).  The single is called “Restless Heart,” and it’s already exploding up the charts.  One listen and we think you’ll understand why.

Next up is a clever pop/rock tune from The Slow Drag.  Check out this tongue-in-cheek song called “God Roots for my Team.”

https://soundcloud.com/the-slow-drag/god-roots-for-my-team-1/s-pxYSD

Our third single comes from West Australian folk singer-songwriter Scott Riley.  We really love the carefree sound of “Hard Luck,” as well as the message of the song.  Let us know what you think.

Single number four is “Warriors” by Danish band Rainbrother.  This one has the goods to make it on American radio, with its retro sound and driving beat.

Our final single this week is from the powerful and haunting vocalist Luvia.  Her single “Hunted” will send chills down your spine.  Enjoy this gift.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week features the PaperDolls Band in their dressing room warming up with an amazing a capella cover of “Billy” by The Bearfoot Band.  Enjoy this insightful look into what makes this band so amazing.

Next up is the latest video from Blue Élan Records future superstar, Amy Wilcox.  We simply love this visualization of her song, “Fortune Teller,” and think you will fall under her spell as well.

Video number three comes from Shiragirl, who were a featured act at last year’s LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  Check out “I Must be Dreaming” and get your rock on.

Our fourth video comes from the pop-noir mind of Shayfer James, who we reviewed earlier last month.  If you’re in New York, his EP release show will be this Friday at Rockwood Music Hall at 8:30 p.m.  This beautifully shot cinematic masterpiece perfectly captures the tone of his song “Ophelia.”

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with the latest hip-hop video from 18 year old Londoner AMA.  Check out “Slip.”

 

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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 Name:  Maria Somerville

Album Name:  All 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 Name:  Derek Schmidt

Album Name:  Major 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 Name:  JD Simo

Album Name:  Off 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 Name:  Kerchief

Album Name:  Fluke

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 Name:  Powder for Pigeons

Album Name:  Over & 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 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 Name:  Kathryn Grimm

Album Name:  Blues 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 Name:  Kenny Parker

Album Name:  Hellfire

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 Name:  Beautiful Things

Album Name:  Dream 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.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Big Sky Documentary Film Festival indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2019: vol 8

The 16th annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival has come to an end, and judging from the crowds that continued to come to the films on closing day, it was a very successful run.  Over the past week we were able to view two more films, as well as working in the box office nearly every day.  We made a lot of new friends, had fun at the daily parties, and are now looking forward to slowing down the pace.

On Wednesday we had the privilege of witnessing Fire on the Hill:  The Cowboys of South Central LA, a truly inspiring film from director Brett Fallentine.  The film, which started out as an investigative piece to discover who burned down The Hill stables in South Central LA, shifted to become a compelling profile of several of those black cowboys who ride their horses through the streets of South Central LA and Compton.  The goal of their group is to teach the skills and values of horsemanship, as well as give inner city kids an alternative to a life in the gangs and on the streets.  Definitely check out their website for ways you can contribute to meet that goal.

The director, along with four of the subjects from the film – Ghuan Featherstone, Calvin, Will and PRCA professional bull rider Chris Bird, arrived just as the film credits rolled and gave us an amazing Q&A.    The film screened again to another packed house on Saturday, and the Q&A for that one was truly off the hook.  Ghuan, who is also an amazing singer-songwriter who contributed songs to the movie, sang a stirring a capella version of one of his songs, resulting in a standing ovation.  We also enjoyed having the time to get to know Ghuan and Brett during the week, and look forward to taking a ride with Ghuan when we are in LA this summer.

The second film we watched was Desolation Center, a film about the punk rock movement in LA in the early 80s.  What made this film so unique was that Stuart Swezy, the creator of Desolation Center, was not just the subject of the film, but also directed and produced it.  The film began with the infamous riot at The Ramones concert at the Hollywood Palladium led by former police chief Darryl Gates, who was forced to resign after the 1992 riots.  Realizing that it was not safe to organize large punk rock events in the city of Los Angeles, Swezy created several site specific concerts in the Mojave Desert and on a boat in San Pedro harbor that featured some of the biggest acts of that time, including local band The Minutemen, The Meat Puppets, Sonic Youth and more.  These shows spawned other alternative festivals, including Burning Man and Coachella, and left a legacy that will never be forgotten.  The film brilliantly captured this tumultuous time and shone a light on both the music and the people who attended these concerts.

We had intended to view ..So Good I Can’t Take it, but the screening was sold out and we had to turn away people.  Director Kirk Leclaire has promised to send us a link to screen the film, and we will write our review thereafter.

On Friday night, the winners of Big Sky’s four competitions were announced.  In addition to the four winners, the juries honored one film in each category with Artistic Vision awards.  Winners of the mini-doc and shorts categories are eligible for consideration for an Academy award.  One of the shorts shown at this year’s Festival, Lifeboat, was a nominee at this year’s awards which were held last night.

BEST FEATURE
Winner – PARIAH DOG – Jesse Alk
Artistic Vision – DARK EDEN – Jasmin Herold & Michael Beamish
BIG SKY AWARD
Winner – THE BLESSING – Hunter Robert Baker & Jordan Fein
Artistic Vision – FIRE ON THE HILL: COWBOYS OF SOUTH CENTRAL L.A. – Brett Fallantine
BEST SHORT
Winner – ST. LOUIS SUPERMAN – Smriti Mundhra and Sami Kahn
Artistic Vision – EL DESIERTO – Carly Jakins and Jared Jakins
BEST MINI-DOC
Winner – SCENES FROM A DRY CITY – Francois Verster & Simon Wood

Artistic Vision – LOTUS – Mohammadreza Vatandoust

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from the Insomniac Bears.  We love the retro sound of their song “Passing Trains,” which we think could be a hit on college radio.  Check it out.

Our next single is a feisty dance track from Nikki’s Wives.  This one is guaranteed to get you up and dancing as you enjoy the groove of “Lemonade.”

Our third single today comes from LA Music Critic Award winning electronica duo Lovers & Poets.  We continue to be amazed at the growth of this band, and think you will love “Nevergonnastop.”

https://loversandpoets.bandcamp.com/track/nevergonnastop

Next up is the latest from Blue Élan Records artists Red Wanting Blue, who have joined up with Liz Brasher for their latest single, “I’ve Got a Feeling It Hurts.”  This one is an amazing collaboration and we think it belongs on radio stations everywhere.

Our final single this week is from Australian artist Philip la Rosa, an amazing R&B/pop artist with a dynamic flair for the incredible.  Here is his song “Fable,” which we think is simply one of the best singles we have heard this year.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from LA Music Critic Award winner Keaton Simons, and was inspired by the book and film A Chance in the World.  We love this inspiring song and video, and are so proud of the growth of this artist.  Check out “Find Us.”

Next up we have the last segment of three live videos featured the driving blues sound of The Spear Shakers.  We think “Leaving it all Behind” is the perfect song for the culmination of this project.

Our third video is from European rockers Ivan & the Parazol.  They have created a rocking lyric video for their song “When I was 17.”  Rock on!

Nashville’s premier punk band and LA Music Critic Award winners Taco Mouth have created a powerful video for their protest song “The White House.”  This one captures the energy and the powerful lyrics, so be prepared to be rocked out.

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with the latest from glam rocker Jess Weimer.  It is a visually stimulating video for her insightful song “Glass Tower.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – Burn the Treaty, Satellites, California Hearse, TOZ Antonio Piretti, Magela Herrera

Welcome back to our hump day edition of Get it or Forget it.  It’s gonna be a very busy Wednesday, as the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is still going strong and Shooter Jennings comes to town for a concert at The Top Hat.  We will be attending the screening of Fire on the Hill:  Cowboys of the South this afternoon and then hanging with our LA musician friend Ted Russell Kamp, the bassist for Shooter Jennings, before attending the concert tonight.  Let’s get this day started with five reviews.

Artist Name:  Burn the Treaty

Album Name:  Sticks and Stones

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Murky Moon Sky; 2.  Volcano; 3.  Grateful; 4.  Sticks and Stones; 5.  Fool’s Gold

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Burn the Treaty is a Nashville-based duo consisting of Morgan Bracy and her husband.  We met Bracy a few years ago at the Durango Songwriters Expo, and were impressed by her sound, which has exploded on their debut EP.  This is music that can easily compete in today’s Americana-loving market, and this band deserves major attention from  the industry, both radio and music supervisors.  These songs would be a huge hit on the radio, especially “Volcano,” “Murky Moon Sky,” and the title track, and are ripe for placement opportunities in television and film.  You don’t want to miss the opportunity to catch band that is destined to rise to the top.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one now!

Artist Name:  Satellites

Album Name:   Love and Disaster

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Love & Disaster; 2.  Breathless (ft Martha Wainwright); 3.  Sucker; 4.  Take Me; 5.  We got Lost (ft Paul Cargnello); 6.  Only Two; 7.  The Butcher; 8.  Just a Trace; 9.  Back for More; 10.  Love Sweet Love

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Jasmine Bleile aka Satellites is a funky and soulful pop artist from Montreal.  She has a carefree sound that is soothing and playful, yet full of hope and joy.  Every song began as a poem that was then set to music.  The title track kicks off the album, and it only gets better from there.  The music has a wonderful retro feel to the feel good music of the 70s, and deserves heavy rotation on American radio.  Bleile’s vocals are legendary and she proves that she was born to sing this funky material.  We really love the beautiful duet with Paul Cargnello on “We Get Lost.”

Recommendation:  Don’t think about it, just Get it!

Artist Name:  California Hearse

Album Name:  California Hearse

Label:  1078380 Records

Genre:  Pop Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Welcome Home; 2.  Used to Be; 3.  Best Worst; 4.  Dissection; 5.  Half to Death; 6.  No Seoul

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  California Hearse is otherwise known as the rhythm section of the band Gentlemen Prefer Blood, who sing about such diverse topics as depression, death and surfing.  We love these short ditties that make the lyrics come to life and get the listener moving to the beat.  We love the energy contained in these tracks, and would love to catch the band performing live.  We strongly encourage college radio programmers and intelligent music supervisors to give this band serious consideration.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth your attention – go Get it!

Artist Name:  TOZ Antonio Piretti

Album Name:  #STRONGER

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Heroes; 2.  Another Place for Us; 3.  Together; 4.  You Have Been the One; 5.  We all are One; 6.  E Tutto in Un Si; 7.  Quella Scheda Era La . . .

Publicist:  Press Town PR

Review:  This Italian born and Canada-based artist is a gifted vocalist with a powerful sound that is not only pop but also cinematic in its scope.  It would be an amazing addition to any music supervisor’s library and could easily be placed in a myriad of television, film or commercial application.  It is also the perfect music to experience life, as it draws the listener in and blows them away.  From the first note of “Heroes,” it becomes quickly crystal clear that this artist has something to say, and the creativeness to make it something the listener wants to hear.  This one is definitely going on repeat.  We also love the bi-lingual songs and look forward to learning more about this truly original artist.

Recommendation:  Be an intelligent music consumer and add this magnificent album to your collection.  Get it today!

Artist Name:  Magela Herrera

Album Name:  Explicaciones

Label:  Brontosaurus Records

Genre:  Latin Jazz

Track Listing:  1,  Two Sidewalks; 2.  Que te Pedi; 3.  Principios; 4.  Explicaciones; 5.  Ahora; 6.  Besame Mucho; 7.  Danson Para Papa; 8.  My One and Only Love

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Magela Herrera is an incredible Cuban-born vocalist, flautist and composer who blends her Latin heritage into incredible works of jazz. On her debut album, she mixes her original tunes with Latin standards to bring this amazing music to the world.  She was formerly a member of Mezcla, one of Cuba’s best jazz and fusion bands.  These songs will take away your worries and cares and are best heard with a glass of wine and the time to unwind.  Sit back and enjoy the awesomeness that is Herrera.

Recommendation:  You simply must have this one in your jazz collection.  Go Get it now!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Tiffany Pollack and Eric Johanson, NIIGHTS, Harlem, MINKA, Lisa Papineau

Welcome to our belated New Music Friday edition of Get it or Forget it.  Due to our hectic schedule with the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, we were unable to review these brand new releases last Friday, so we are doing them today.  Thanks for your patience during one of our busiest times.  Enjoy these five new releases.

Artist Name:  Tiffany Pollack and Eric Johanson

Album Name:  Blues in my Blood

Label:  Nola Blue Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Blues in my Blood; 2.  Memories to Forget; 3.  Keep it Simple; 4.  Michael; 5.  Diamonds on the Crown; 6.  No Expectations; 7.  Do I Move You?; 8.  Slave of Tomorrow; 9.  Get Lost With Me; 10.  River; 11.  If I Had a Hammer

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Vocal duos are all the rage in other genres, but relatively rare for blues lovers.  Thankfully, New Orleans jazz sweetheart Tiffany Pollack and former guitarist for Cyril Neville Eric Johanson have teamed up to show the world that great blues songs can be done by two harmonious voices.    Amazingly recorded and produced by multi-award winner Jack Miele at The Music Shed Studios, Blues in my Blood is one of the best blues albums of 2019.  come out of blues music.  This duo brings an indie roots-based depth to their blues, and could easily become a force to reckon with in that genre.  Pollack also channels her inner Nina Simone on her gut-wrenching cover of “Do I Move You?”  She is joined by Johanson for a thrilling cover of the classic Pete Seeger freedom anthem, “If I Had a Hammer,” sending this album off to a perfect conclusion.

Recommendation:  Run and Get this one!

Artist Name:  NIIGHTS

Album Name:  Hellebores Part Two

Label:  Tragic Hero Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  It Was; 2.  Hellebores; 3.  With Bated Breath; 4.  Segue; 5.  Sylvia; 6.  Caterpillar

Publicist:  Tragic hero Music Group

Review:  We brought you Part One of this two part release last month, and are happy to complete our review with Part Two.  Both parts are now available on a single album, available on BandCamp.  Part Two picks up the powerful strand created in Part One with “It Was,” a song that begs for heavy rotation on the radio.  The title track is heavier and darker than the rest, with an almost metal feel, and that vibe continues on “With Bated Breath” and “Sylvia,” before closing out the album on a more upbeat and beautiful vibe with “Caterpillar.”  All in all, this one is a keeper.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Harlem

Album Name:  Oh Boy

Label:  Female Fantasy Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1,  All Men are Dogs; 2.  Smoke in Mirrors; 3.  Dreams is Destiny M; 4.  Swervin; 5.  Lana; 6.  Click Your Heels; 7.  Elegant and Sophisticated; 8.  Blonde on Blonde; 9.  Cry Now Cry Later; 10.  Oh Boy; 11.  Me and the Boys; 12.  Queen of Mosquitos

Publicist:  Wolfievibes Publicity

Review:  It only took them nine years, but Harlem is back with their latest release, Oh Boy.  They have a mellow almost acoustic sound like Snow Patrol and Plain White Ts, and should be a big hit on the college radio circuit.  They have obviously been influenced by the sound of The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel, because you can feel it in their vibe.  They have released three of the songs as singles so far (“Swervin,” “Cry Now Cry Later,” and “Queen of Mosquitos”) and we think there is plenty of material remaining for several more.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth adding to your collection.

Artist Name:  MINKA

Album Name:  End of the Affair

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B

Track Listing:  1.  Introduction; 2.  Sugar & Cream; 3.  Sentimental Girl; 4.  Secret Lover; 5.  That Look; 6.  All I Ever Had

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We last heard from MINKA back in April 2017 when when reviewed their album Born in the Viper Room.  This time around, MINKA is a solo act, returning to a more 80’s sound similar to his idols Prince, Hall & Oates, Todd Rundgren and The Stylistics.  The first track sets the mood for the music to follow, and the gloves come off with “Sugar & Cream.”  The soothing R&B sound continues with “Sentimental Girl,” while “Secret Lover” and “That Look” are more upbeat but no less danceable.  The final track returns to the smooth R&B sound, and leaves us with a feeling that we haven’t heard the last from this amazing artist.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Lisa Papineau

Album Name:  Oh Dead on oh Love

Label:  Team Player

Genre:  Alt pop/rock

Track Listing:  1.  Beautiful; 2.  Little Hell; 3.  Oh Dead on oh Love; 4.  Hey Lord Take me Over; 5.  Endless Story; 6.  Seasons with Marilu; 7,  The Last City; 8.  Waystation; 9.  Bent to Bow Down; 10.  Been a Long Time; 11.  Endless Story Cumbia Olindense (bonus track)

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  It is difficult to place the music of Lisa Papineau into a specific genre, although it reminds us of Dido.  It has smooth and majestic instrumentation, soaring vocals and the ambiance and vibe of great meditative music.  The lyrics are a combination of English and her native French, and are as smoothing as a good glass of wine at helping you relax and chill.  This one will be best enjoyed after a long day when you need some down time, and we recommend you listen to it from start to finish.

Recommendation:  This album makes a great addition to your chill collection.  Grab a glass of wine, put it on, and relax.