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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 16)

We hope you enjoyed our review of The Imaginaries‘ live concert and are ready for some more great new singles and videos.  Here are this week’s selections.

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest from one of our absolute favorite indie musicians, Nina Storey.  She’s been busy during the pandemic and recently released her third single.  Once again, her heavenly voice and brilliant songwriting have delivered an instant masterpiece.  Check out “The Bones.”

Continuing the theme of arising out of the ashes of this pandemic is the latest from Michael McFarland, an upbeat inspirational pop tune called “The New Contagion.”  We love the energy and the hopeful lyrics.  Let us know what you think.

As we recently celebrated World Mental Health Day, our next song is truly relevant.  Toronto artist X. Ari presents her latest single, “Lifting Up,” from her new EP which is all about mental health issues.  Listen to the words as the energizing beat gets your spirit up.

Our fourth single comes from the smooth blues/jazz/rock sound of Goldflēce, who is planning to “Tie One On.”  This one is perfect for chilling down after a long day of work.  David Goldflies is one half of The Allman Goldflies Band, and we cannot get enough of this solo effort.

We close out our singles this week with the latest sweet treat from LA’s iconic BINX.  This time around, she tells us “I’m in Love With a Rapper,” and is joined by Mata Atoms.  We are in love with her and her amazing body of work.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up this week is the latest from the reigning queen of the LGBTQ musical movement in Los Angeles, the incomparable Abby Posner.  Check out the debut of Frupert, the amazing bass-playing character in Posner’s video “Where I Wanna Be.”

This next video was released a couple of months ago, but we felt it was perfect for today.  We love the sweet harmonies of sister act Southern Halo, and we stand by the sentiments expressed in this lyric video for their masterpiece, “Don’t Let Another Day Go By.”

Our third video is a rocking lyric video from LA’s infamous rocksters Rocket.  They’re “Losing Breath” over the state of our nation, and encourage you to vote.

Next up is an Americana tune that is sure to propel LA’s sweet Kris Angelis into the national limelight.  It is a timely song called “Ghost (I’m Alive and Breathing),” and makes us giddy with the possibilities.  Angelis has paid her dues and her music is ripe for worldwide acceptance.  We truly dig this tune.

We close out this week with a sweet song about that annual event in the life of each person, their “Birthday.”  We can never get enough of the music of Kensington Moore, and we can relate to the sentiments of this song.  Until the next one, “raise a glass.”

 

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 9)

Hard to believe that I started writing this article back on May 4.  The Covid-19 pandemic has been hard on me, and I’ve been less motivated to write.  I have been averaging around 50 hours a week working at Pizza Hut as a shift manager, and my few off days are usually spent resting up.  As a result, I have not published anything in the past nine weeks.  What really hurts is that no one seems to have noticed, as not one single person has checked up on me.  The review requests just keep on coming, but there has been no personal touch, and I almost feel like I’m wasting my time here.

Don’t get me wrong.  A lot of great music has been released in the past two months, and I still think that more than ever, we need good music to help us survive and persevere during these trying times.  But just because we have to be socially distant outside doesn’t mean that we can’t still be close on line.

In the midst of this chaos, here are five new singles and music videos that we hope will give you the strength to carry on, whether you are still on quarantine or an essential worker.

NEW SINGLES

This first single sums it up for us, and I’m sure many of you are in the same boat.  We have proud to present Magnus Bechmann with his new single, “Uneasy,” which is truly how we feel right now.  It’s super sweet, but listen carefully to the words.

Our next single comes from Finland, advocating “The Next Great Holiday.”  We love this song and think this new band, Fan Theories, has a great future ahead of them.

One of LA’s most unique artists is back with another sure-fire hit.  Check out “Diamonds,” the latest from the one and only Binx.

Single number four comes from BBC favorites, The Trusted.  We love their sound and are moved by their lyrics.  Here is their latest, “The Innocent.”

Our final single this week is also from the UK and features the 80’s influenced sound of Ben Hobbs.  We could listen to this one all day, and we think you’ll really dig the sound of “Own Arms.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We just celebrated our Independence Day, and the best fireworks were provided by our favorite LA rock band, The Spider Accomplice.  They have truly set a new bar with their latest epic song, “Crawl.”  Our first reaction was a comparison to Evanescence meets Queen.  What do you think?

Next up is our favorite singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, the sweet and prolific Kris Angelis.  She has just released a beautiful lyric video for her song “Ghost (I’m Alive and Breathing),” and we think it’s her best song ever, with the perfect country vibe.  Take the lyrics to heart.

Speaking of lyric videos, the folks at Life.Church Worship have released their latest, “Heaven’s All Around.”  We think this is one of the best worship songs ever written.

Our fourth video features one of LA’s brightest LGBQT+ performers, Abby Posner.  She speaks her mind in her song “Blind Spots,” doing the song with multiple versions of herself.  Definitely listen to the lyrics and shine a light on your own blind spots.

We close out this week with a timely video from Lucy & La Mer, who remind us that we are all in this “Together.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – new music vol. 5

We’ve got a rare free morning, so we thought we’d share some reviews.  Here are five new releases that we think you’ll like, so grab your coffee and get ready to meet some new artists.

Artist NameAbby Posner

Album NameReturn

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Return Home; 2.  Cooking Wine; 3.  Heavy; 4.  Snow

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Listening to Abby Posner is like finding that rare vintage book in the bargain bin of the thrift store – its value isn’t determined by its surroundings.  Of all the indie artists we have encountered during our 20+ years supporting music, she is one of the most talented and unique, and never fails to deliver.  Adept on every instrument she plays, she weaves her incredible life into every note and word.  She is supported on this project by The Queertet (one of the best string sections we have ever heard), and they add so much to her sound.  Our only regret is that this long-awaiting EP is only four songs, but we know that she will continue to provide us with amazing music.  We shared the video for her first single, “Return Home,” last month and we are here to tell you that the other three songs are just as amazing.  We love the acoustic sound and will keep this one on repeat.

Recommendation:  This is the best EP released in 2019, and absolutely MUST be in your collection.  Go get it now!

Artist NameTombstones in Their Eyes

Album NameMaybe Someday

Label:  Somewherecold Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Open Skies; 2.  Maybe Someday; 3.  I Want You; 4.  Today; 5.  Down in the Dirt; 6.  The Demon; 7.  Behind my Mind; 8.  The One; 9.  I Believe; 10.  I Can’t Feel it Anymore; 11.  Up and Down; 12.  Dreams

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  This LA band has drawn comparisons to Pink Floyd, and they are well-earned.  Their sound is obviously influenced by that classic rock band, although they have updated and modernized the sound.  These are songs that stop you in your tracks, mesmerizing your ears with that classic rock sound while the words tantalize and entice your mind.  This is a band that is going places, and they show that with a collection of songs that hit the target dead-on.  Put this one on repeat and chill.

Recommendation:  If you love classic rock and especially Pink Floyd, then this one is a must-have.

Artist NameBINX

Album NameBee From Mars

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Dance

Track Listing:  1.  Phantom; 2.  Neighbors; 3.  Love on Mars; 4.  Milk; 5.  Anthem; 6.  Shock Waves; 7.  How do you Like Your Eggs?; 8.  Crying in California; 9.  Space DJ; 10.  The Hills

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We met BINX at last year’s LA Music Critic Awards showcase, and were immediately enamored with her personality and style, which is becoming just as iconic around Hollywood as Evangeline‘s pink Corvette.  We shared her first single, “Milk,” last month.  Now, with the release of her latest album, she shows that she is not just stunning stylistically, but is also incredibly talented and deserving of heavy rotation on radio and inclusion in the dance tracks of every intelligent DJ.  She is the natural successor to early Lady Gaga, with a style that sets her apart from so many indie artists.  In addition, her songs are better than so much of the current Top 40 songs, and will immediately capture your attention and affection.  You will want to hear them over and over again, and we strongly encourage you to put this one on repeat.  South Africa’s loss is truly America’s gain.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go get this one.

Artist NameJack Broadbent

Album NameMoonshine Blue

Label:  Creature Records

Genre:  Folk/Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Moonshine Blue; 2.  If; 3.  The Other Side; 4.  Everytime I Drown; 5.  This Town; 6.  The Lucky Ones; 7.  Tonight; 8.  Wishing Well; 9.  Too Late

Publicist:  E2PR

Review:  We have shared a pair of his singles with you (“Wishing Well” and “Everytime I Drown“), and believe this British import is about to make a huge impact on the American music scene.  He is already getting praise from the jazz/blues festival circuit for his incredible slide guitar work, and we think every accolade is well deserved.  If you love sax, then you will be blown away by “The Other Side.”  But don’t stop there – enjoy every track of this amazing album.

Recommendation:  Definitely worthy of your attention – grab it!

Artist NameKaty Hobgood Ray featuring Dave Ray

Album NameI Dream of Water

Label:  Out of the Past Music

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Lollie Bottoms; 2.  Washed Away; 3.  Oh Devil; 4.  I Dream of Water; 5.  House Divided; 6.  Dirty Water; 7.  Little Children’s Blues; 8.  Des Allemands; 9.  That Really Matters; 10.  Kings, Queens, and Jesters

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  From the first notes of “Lollie Bottoms,” you can feel the influence of the Big Easy on the down-home sound of this music, which would make the perfect soundtrack for an episode of NCIS: New Orleans, or any other show or movie about the south.  These songs create a truly relaxing atmosphere – all that’s missing is the beer and crayfish.  This album should be enjoyed from start to finish and then just let it play over and over again while you kick back and relax.

Recommendation:  The perfect background for a relaxing weekend – get it and enjoy it today.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 30

Well, it’s official – we are now residents of Midwest City, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City.  We move into our new apartment tomorrow, although most of our stuff is still in storage in Missoula, Montana, where it will stay until the spring when the snow leaves and it is safe to move it.  Until then, we will get by on borrowed items and cheap substitutes, but we have the essentials we need.  Hopefully, our work schedules will become more firm and we will be able to schedule time to get back to regular posts here on Indie Voice Blog.  We ask for your patience until we are truly “back to normal.”

Last week we attended the Andy Grammer concert, and will be posting our review tomorrow.  In the meantime, here are five new singles and music videos from some amazing indie artists.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week will drop tomorrow, but we are giving you a sneak preview of it today.  We love the dreamy sound of Doter Sweetly, who were previously known as Grandpa Grew Trees.  We reviewed their last album, and are pleased to share the new sound of the band contained in their latest single, “Baby Boy.”  Let us know what you think.

Next up is a beautiful cover of The Rolling Stones‘ classic song, “As Tears go By” from LA Music Critic Award winners and Blue Élan Records artists Mustangs of the West.  This song has never sounded better.

Single number three comes from down under and features the folk sound of Eric Prod.  The single is called “From me to you (part 2),” and we love it.  This one would do well in our Americana market.

Next up is A Choir of Ghosts from Scandinavia with an idyllic folk sound that would do quite well in the American folk/Americana scene.  Check out “An Ounce of Gold” and let us know what you think.

Our final single is from BINX, one of the most unique indie artists in LA.  Her latest is called “Milk,” and we need to hear this sweet song on Top 40 radio.  This one is deserves repeated listens.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video is a simply beautiful arrangement by one of our favorite LA indie artists who is usually known more for her rocking sound than as a mellow songwriter.  We love the creative growth she shows in her latest project, “Return Home,” and think you will likewise fall in love with Abby Posner.

Our next video is short and sweet and gives us just a taste of the brilliance that is Jay Katana.  His concept for “Letter From Child” has has salivating over the release of his next project.  Enjoy this dark sweet tidbit.

Video number three is from the dreamy Kat Cunning and is equally as cinematic and dramatic as her soaring vocals.  We think this one would be great on the radio and would be perfect for placement in movies and television.  Check out “For the Love.”

Video number four is from another LA Music Critic Award winner, Dree Mon, and is as equally dance-compelling as her last two videos.  Get up and dance to the sound of “When it Goes Down.”  We guarantee you won’t be able to sit down for this one.

Our final video this week is an animated one from People Club for their song, “Kil Scott.”  This one is a keeper, and we suggest you put it on repeat.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Abby and the Myth, Ray Goren, Lighthouse Sweden

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  Just finishing my fourth week of unemployment, and decided it was the perfect time for sharing new music.  It is our pleasure to present an old favorite as well as introduce you to a couple of new artists.  We think they will provide the perfect soundtrack for your weekend.  Enjoy and let us know what you think.

Artist NameAbby and the Myth

Album NameWhen you dig a Well

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Delicate Parade; 2.  Butterflies; 3.  Grey Halls; 4.  Not Afraid; 5.  Who Have I Become; 6.  Last Hours; 7.  Shelter; 8.  Oh December; 9.  Darker Side; 10.  Roadman; 11.  Morning Sonnet; 12.  The Path

Publicist:  None

Review:  They have been compared to the Lumineers and Mumford and Sons, but Abby and the Myth are so much more.  With the unmistakable vocals of Abby Posner, the band sounds more like a country version of Raining Jane than those other bands, but still manages to create their own unique identity in the ever-growing Americana landscape.  We have been fans of Posner for many years, and we believe this manifestation is the best yet.  We believe that Abby and the Myth will soon become a household name for lovers of folk and Americana music.   This album flows so naturally from song to song that you can put the whole album on repeat and enjoy every song over and over again.  It is impossible to pick the best songs because they are all incredible.  Give it a listen and we think you’ll agree.

Recommendation:  You owe it to your self to Get It now.  This album would be Number 1 on our list of desert isle music.  Don’t wait another minute – grab your copy today.

Artist NameRay Goren

Album NameFree

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Back to Me; 2.  Don’t Know Better; 3.  Emergency; 4.  Free; 5.  Love Gone Wrong; 6.  Manners 

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Blue-eyed soul has a new voice in Ray Goren.  His vocals are crystal clear, soaring above the music to take the listener to new heights, reminiscent of Shawn Stockman.  His lyrical content belies his chronological age, and makes his songs insightful and delicious, a definite fresh voice in today’s indie music market.  They are radio ready, and deserve air time on commercial stations.  This six-song EP whets our appetite and makes us want much more.  We love the entire package, and plan to keep this one on repeat, especially the upbeat “Emergency” and the rocking title cut.  We also love the duet between Goren and Hewan on “Love Gone Wrong.”  You cannot lose listening to this music, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Los Angeles on May 12, we strongly recommend you get down to Genghis Cohen to hear Goren live.

Recommendation:  No thought required on this one – Get it and enjoy the sweet sounds of indie music greatness.   Ray Goren is destined for greatness.

Artist NameLighthouse Sweden

Album NameSilence in the City

Label:  Moody Maraccas

Genre:  Rock/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Love can Seriously Damage Your Heart; 2.  Neon Signs; 3.  Everybody’s Been a Fool; 4.  Easier to Lie; 5.  Hole in my Soul; 6.  Silver & Gold; 7.  Silent City; 8.  We Used to be Lovers; 9.  Can’t Find my Way; 10.  Window to the Sky; 11.  Angels 

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Swedish-born Mats & Linda Brandemark burst onto the scene with a musical style that marries indie rock with Americana, creating their own unique offering to indie music today.  Like that other Swedish pop band of husbands and wives, Lighthouse Sweden gives us music filled with soaring vocals, music that makes you move, and more goodies than you can list, like the intriguing “Neon Signs.”  “Everybody’s Been a Fool” brings on the full Americana experience as Mats provides those down-home vocals, coupled with great harmonica, that immediately give rise to comparisons to Bob Dylan.  We especially love how the band takes turns at lead vocals, with each song giving us a different piece of this incredible cake.  We are truly impressed with the way they have captured the essence of a true American musical genre, and made it their own.  Check out the guitar riffs on “Hole in my Soul.”

Recommendation:  Three cheers to Lighthouse Sweden for giving their fans a true taste of American music.  Silence in the City is a must-have for every true audiophile and a worthy addition to your Americana collection.  You should definitely Get it.