Tag: America

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 10)

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

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

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

NEW SINGLES

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

Better Way · The Wild West (spotify.com)

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

Sister Golden Hair · Chelsea Williams (spotify.com)

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

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

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

Bradley · Casey Ahern (spotify.com)

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

Sarah · Car Astor (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

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

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

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

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

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

 

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 8)

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

NEW SINGLES

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

Spotify – Try, Try, Try

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

Survival · Gina Sicilia (spotify.com)

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

Spotify – Love in the Dark

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

soda pop · Apollo Monroe (spotify.com)

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

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

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Get it or forget it – New Music vol. 3

With our work schedule so crazy, we have found it very difficult to publish an article every week day, so we are instituting new guidelines for categories, which can be published whenever we have a chance.  Today we are publishing under the New Music, but it will not be restricted to just albums published this past Friday.  Enjoy these great new albums, all of which have been released this month.

Artist Name:  Gerry Beckley

Album Name:  Five Mile Road

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Life Lessons; 2.  Something to Remember; 3.  Home Again; 4.  Five Mile Road; 5.  Hang Your Head High; 6.  So Long Marni 7.  Vegabond; 8.  Heart of the Valley; 9.  Stop Feeling Sorry; 10.  Calling; 11.  Sudden Soldier; 12.  Two People at Once

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  Once again Blue Élan Records has resurrected a piece of our childhood and reinfused it with new life.  Today’s excellent example returns the sound of America with the release of Five Mile Road from Gerry Beckley.  From the first note of “Life Lessons,” all the memories of listening for hours to such songs as “Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway,” and more came rushing back.  Beckley sparkles and his songwriting is better than ever.  Every song on this comeback masterpiece is simply amazing and deserves heavy rotation on radio.  His new sound is also perfect for placement opportunities in film and television.  There is not a weak track on this collection of 12 potential hits, and we strongly suggest you just grab a glass of wine and put this one one repeat.

Recommendation:  You had better get this one NOW!

Artist Name:  Jay Katana

Album Name:  Bleeding Boyfriend Mixtape

Label:  Fretmonkey Records

Genre:  Rock Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  . . . Your Eyes; 2.  I’m Done; 3.  KissClosed; 4.  Letter from Child; 5.  Mixtape; 6.  Shadows From my Eyes

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Once again, Jay Katana has proven that he is one of the premier guitar players in rock music today.  His music brings peace and harmony to your chaotic day, with riffs that would make Jimi Hendrix proud.  Pop this one in and get your chill on.  Best tracks are “KissClosed,” “Letter From Child,” “Mixtape,” and “Shadows From my Exes” (for when you really want to rock out).

Recommendation:  Definitely worthy of your time.

Artist Name:  Jake Clemons

Album Name:  Eyes on the Horizon

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Swan Song 2.  Consumption Town (ft Tom Morello); 3.  Mom Deserves Better; 4.  ¡Ayuda! (When the Sun Goes Down); 5.  Nothing Left; 6.  Regression (Wasted in London); 7.  Democracy; 8.  We, The People; 9.  Eyes on the Horizon; 10.  Goodnight

Publicist:  DRPR

Review:  Probably best known for his time as a saxophonist with Bruce Springsteen‘s E Street Band, Jack Clemons is a multi-instrumentalist who adds his vocal abilities to this amazing collection of powerful songs like lead track “Swan Song” and his amazing cover of Leonard Cohen‘s “Democracy,” which we featured in our Monday Mashup article back in April.  His second single, “Consumption Town,” contains a powerful message that just might make Clemons the modern day equivalent of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, but with a much harder edge to his music.

Recommendation:  This one belongs in your library – go Get it today!

Artist Name:  Frankiie

Album Name:  Forget Your Head

Label:  Paper Bag Records

Genre:  Indie/Dream Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Funny Feeling; 2.  Dream Reader; 3.  Compare; 4.  Easy Breezy (Je Sais) 5.  Corner 6.  Glory Me; 7.  Nowhere Days 8.  Don’t be Low; 9.  Along Again; 10.  Sun Queen; 11.  Stone Song

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Frankiie is all-female band from Vancouver that delivers the best in dream rock, with heavenly voices that soar, harmonies that give you goose bumps, and a sound reminiscent of such bands as Heart and Fleetwood Mac.  They do not disappoint on their debut release, and we think they have the chops to ensure a lengthy career.  This one is definitely going on repeat.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it – just go Get it!

Artist Name:  Lisa Rich

Album Name:  Highwire

Label:  Tritone Records

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  High Wire The Aerialist (for Phillip Petit); 2.  Contessa; 3.  Celeste Prelude to a Kiss; 4.  Bud Powell; 5.  Stardancer; 6.  Lonely Woman; 7.  Songbird; 8.  The Jinn; 9.  We’ll be Together Again; 10.  The Silence of a Candle

Publicist:  Doreen D’Agostino Media

Review:  This is the perfect album for jazz standards lovers, as the rich voice of Lisa Rich (no pun intended) breathes new life into these songs by such artists as Chick Corea, Ralph Towner, Duke Ellington, Ornette Colemand and Loonis McGlohon, as well as the standard “We’ll be Together Again.”  These songs are perfect for relaxing with a choice glass of wine, and will ease the day’s troubles as the sweet sounds soothe your soul.

Recommendation:  This one is a must for all true jazz lovers.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Morgan Washam’s ‘Blood Moon’ is pure classic rock

“Classic rock” is more than just a musical genre.  It encapsulates a sound and a generation where social ills were addressed in powerful lyrics over a screaming guitar riff.  It is not ashamed of its country roots, and incorporates elements of bluegrass, country and folk into its mix. 

Morgan Washam has captured that sound with his debut solo record, Blood Moon, which was released in September 2015.  Like true classic rock, his music combines the essence of folk, country, blues, rock and jazz under the Americana umbrella, while his lyrical content is inspired by his life experiences as well as his views on spiritual and political events.

Washam is a singer/songwriter and guitarist hailing from the Appalachian hills of Ohio who has been performing music since the age of 11 when he first picked up his mom’s guitar.   During his early career he played in many groups, with the most notable being the jam band Peach Melba with whom he toured throughout the Midwestern United States from 1996 until 2004, when the group disbanded.  During that time, the group recorded three albums.

Washam is a big advocate of music education, and has spent much of his free time working with youth in public schools, teaching and inspiring them to immerse themselves creatively in the arts through music.  He also worked with his home town arts advocacy organization, helping them to renovate a performance theater.

In 2007, Morgan launched his own production house called Wildwood Media.  The company continues to produce creative projects for regional artists as well as for educators and organizations throughout southern Ohio.

From the first notes of “On Down the Road,” the listener will think he has stumbled onto a classic track by The Marshall Tucker Band, The Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd.  This sense of familiarity permeates the album and makes it seem like you are listening to an old friend instead of a new artist.

 This album is worthy of repeated listens.  The lyrical content is full of meat and words to ponder, unlike so much fluff in today’s music scene.  We highly recommend our viewers check out this artist and enjoy Blood Moon for what it is:  a true classic.  The music is available for streaming on Spotify and for download through Google Music, iTunes and Amazon Music.

For more info, you can check out his website and Facebook pages, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube channel.