Tag: Black Mamba

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Artists Worth Checking Out Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 7

Mother Nature has made it clear these past few days that she’s not ready for spring yet here in Montana, as we have been bombarded with snow, high winds and sub-zero temperatures.  Regardless of the weather, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival kicked off last Friday night with a sold-out screening of the film Dark Money, attended by our very own Governor.  Attendance at other screenings on Saturday, Sunday and today have been high, including quite a few sell-outs, including Forever B, the one I attended tonight about kidnap victim Jan Broberg, a child kidnap victim and author of Loss of Innocence.

We have a bit of news for you today, as well as four new singles and three new music videos, so let’s get to it.

DIANA REIN LAUNCHES CROWD-FUNDING CAMPAIGN

Referred to as the “The Six-String Siren,” LA Music Critic Award winner Diana Rein has announced the launch of a crowd-funding campaign for her upcoming album, Queen Of My Castle. The follow-up to her critically-lauded 2016 release Long Road, Queen Of My Castle is being co-produced by Michael Leasure (drummer extraordinaire with the Walter Trout Band).

“The new album is a collection of 15 songs, with one of those songs being a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan,” says Rein, just back from representing Guitar Girl Magazine at the 2018 NAMM Conference.  Rein is the featured artist for the month of April in their 2018 Calendar.  “There’s a lot of traditional blues, as well as high energy, upbeat, and blues-rock songs that I know you guys will love. This album will be lucky #3 for me and my first full-band album.  I loved making my last record on my own, but I am really looking forward to challenging myself this time around and collaborating with the pros.”

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL NEWS

The Hollywood Fringe Festival is getting ready for their ninth run June 7-24, and is looking for interns and volunteers, specifically in the areas of Fringe Central Set Design, Events, Volunteer Coordinator and Cabaret.  Interning with the Fringe is the best way to get hands on experience behind the scenes of the largest performing arts festival in the west.  Interns work directly with Fringe staff to help run various aspects of the festival.  Click the link for position details.  If you are interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to internships@hollywoodfringe.org.  Please specify which position you are interested in.  The deadline to apply is April 1.

NEW SINGLES

Here’s the first single from the forthcoming album People Person by Everett Bird.  The single is entitled “Bucket of Dark Meat,” and we think you’ll like it.  It is different from many of the songs featured here, so get ready to try something new.

https://soundcloud.com/royalmountain/03-bucket-of-dark-meat/s-5vsqk?in=royalmountain/sets/everett-bird-people-person/s-TOwD8

Next up is “The Monster” from LA based garage rock band Bird Concerns.  This one truly rocks.

Our third single today is from folk singer songwriter Brown Kid.  It is definitely a step down energy wise from the previous song, but it is different enough to pass on to you.  The song is entiled “Sunrise” and we want to hear your feedback.

https://soundcloud.com/brown_kid_music/sunrise-single

Our final single today is from another LA Music Critic Award winner, Sleep Machine.  They are releasing their newest album one song at a time.  Here is “Mother.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our favorite Italian rock band is back with another hot video.  Check out “Never Obey” from Black Mamba.  We guarantee this one will rock your sock.

Our next video is the latest from Allison Iraheta and Mathew Hager, aka Halo Circus.  It is a video for their single “Narcissist,” which we debuted two weeks ago.  Please let us know what you think.

Blue Élan Records continues to bring back classic bands, and the latest to return is Fanny Walked the Earth.  Here is the video for “Lured Away,” their first single in 34 years.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018 – vol. 4

Hope you all got to watch the Grammy Awards last night.  That was an impressive show, especially the performance by Kesha, Cindy Lauper, et al. of her song “Praying.”  It really brought tears to my eyes with its sheer beauty and power.  Let’s all try to honor the message that came through loud and clear – no more harassment and discrimination – just work together in unity.  Here’s our column today.

INDIE ARTISTS WIN GRAMMY AWARDS

While most of these indie artists didn’t get credit, several of them were instrumental in helping someone else get a Grammy win.  Kyler England co-wrote five of the songs on Lisa Loeb’s winning Best Children’s Album, while Ross Hogarth was part of the production team that worked on Taj Mahal and Keb Mo’s winning Best Contemporary Blues album.  Great work indies!

In addition, LA Music Critic Award nominee The Jerry Douglas Band lost their Grammy bid for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album to Jeff Lorber, while fellow LA Music Critic Award nominee John McLaughlin won his Grammy bid for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for “Miles Beyond” from the album Live at Ronnie Scott’s, which we previously reviewed in December.

The winners for the LA Music Critic Awards will be announced at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018.

LYNN CAREY SAYLOR WINS SONGWRITING COMPETITION

Congratulations to indie songwriter Lynn Carey Saylor, who recently won the Song Door International Songwriting Competition in the Hard Rock/Alt Rock category for her song, “Tidal Wave.”  Saylor has been a hit songwriter for many years,

NEW SINGLES

It’s been a busy week for indie artists, including several past and present nominees for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Here are a few of the latest singles to be released.

The first one is from former nominee Crimson Calamity, which released their latest single, “Fool’s Gold.”  We love their sound and think you will too.

Next up is past LA Music Critic Award and Grammy nominee and Blue Élan Records artist Janiva Magness with her new single, “Down Below.”  We expect this one will qualify her for additional nominations.

Next is the latest from Austin band Signy, featuring Delaney Gibson, with their single, “Human.”  We love how different this is from her solo material, and think you will too.

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and nominee Katie Costello has lent her voice to the new single “Bon Air” by Hardsoul.  This one is an amazing dance track that will have you on the floor in no time.

Last but not least this week is the latest single from another multiple winner of the LA Music Critic Awards, Keaton Simons.  His new EP 1-2-3 Go will be released on March 9, and he is whetting our appetite with “Crane City.”

MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from Italian rock goddesses Black Mamba, who we reviewed last week.  This video is for their single, “Loop.”  Get ready to rock out.

Next up is the latest from the songwriting guru, Kari Kimmel of her song, “Voices.”  Check out the amazing cinematography of this one.

Our third video this week is from former San Diego Music Award winner Gayle Skidmore for her song “Pale Ghosts.”  Once again, the cinematography is first-rate.

Our next video comes from first-time LA Music Critic Award nominee Ryan Sims, who we also reviewed earlier this month.  Here is his vision of his song, “Black and Blue.”

Last but not least is the new video from Lucy Levinsohn, former lead singer for Lily’s Siren and Waiting 4 Wyatt.  She has returned to a solo career and brings us “Dear God.”

Thanks for joining us today.  We’ll be back tomorrow with five more Get it or Forget it reviews.

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

Get it or forget it – Bashful Hips, Drifting in Silence, Red’s Blues, Caleb Michael, Black Mamba

What a gorgeous day it is in Missoula, Montana,  The perfect day to share five more artist reviews with you – let’s check them out.

Artist Name:   Bashful Hips

Album Name:   People. Nature. Death

Label:   Self-released

Genre:  Alt-pop

Track Listing:  1.  Editors & Obits; 2.  Slept it Off; 3.  A Dog’s Humanity; 4.  Host of a Ghost; 5.  With you Gone; 6.  Retirement Centers; 7.  Not Myself; 8.  The Gambler; 9.  The King; 10.  Predatory Fish; 11.  Trash Can Fire; 12.  Plans

Publicist:   Self-promoted

Review:  Bashful Hips is the brainchild of musical genius Ian Fellerman, whose often hilarious and poignant observations create music that is fresh and focused.  He is a modern day beatnik, with songs that don’t easily fit into any genre.  This is one of those albums that needs to be listened to from start to finish so that the listener can follow the story and not feel lost.  As good as it is, it is not very commercial, and will probably find its best audience in live performances.  It is, however, well worth listening to and should be a part of your musical library.

Recommendation:  This one is definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Drifting in Silence

Album Name:  Dawn

Label:  Labile Records

Genre:  Ambient/Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  without; 2.  verses; 3.  cursive; 4.  sentiment; 5.  dawn; 6.  remember; 7.  anotherway; 8.  october; 9.  cycle; 10.  adieu

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Sometimes you just want some music that will surround you with its beauty, without the lyrics.  Drifting in Silence provides that much needed musical backdrop for your daily chill time.  The music is soothing, relaxing, and totally needed in our stressful daily lives.  This music is ripe for placement in television and film and would be great for documentary films.  Sit back and enjoy this one.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get it.

Artist Name:  Red’s Blues

Album Name:  You Knock me Out

Label:  Little Red Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  There’ll be a Day; 2.  Poor Girl; 3.  Lookin’ the World Over; 4.  That’s All; 5.  Ain’t That Lovin’ You Babyb; 6.  Baby Walk On; 7.  Stone Broke; 8.  Why Don’t you Stop It; 9.  Pat’s Blues; 10.  Lonesome Road Blues; 11.  I’m Trouble (Hillbilly Bongo Blues); 12.  Somewhere Down the Line; 13.  Mother Earth

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  As soon as Beth Grigsby opens her mouth over the harmonica and blues guitar there is no doubt that this is traditional blues music.  Based in Sacramento, California, Red’s Blues is busy sharing that traditional blues/roots sound, which has been perfectly captured on their latest release.  The bass work by her husband adds tremendously to the sound.  With a mix of original and cover songs, Red’s Blues is the cure to those in need of a traditional blues fix, and those that want their roots/Americana music to include traditional blues.  Best tracks include “Poor Girl,” “Lookin’ the World Over,” “Baby Walk On,” “Stone Broke,” “Why Don’t you Stop It,” “Lonesome Road Blues,” and “Somewhere Down the Line.”

Recommendation:  This one is a must for all traditional blues lovers.  We highly recommend you Get it.

Artist Name:  Caleb Michael

Album Name:  Keep it up, Good Job

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Truth or Consequences, NM; 2.  Bathroom Stall; 3.  Ruin; 4.  South Philly; 5.  Drop the Bomb; 6.  Your Call; 7.  Who do you Fear?; 8.  Monument; 9.  Taxes; 10.  American Terrorist

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Caleb Michael is a former teacher from Philadelphia who has decided to share his experiences in the form of a political musical statement.  According to his press release, he has discovered the two greatest motivators of people – Fear and Greed – and his songs address those issues.  The entire album is a statement on the state of our economy and the social issues surrounding that status.  His songs are well written, with strong lyrical content and just the right amount of musical accompaniment to get his message across.  He reminds us of some of the protest music of the 60’s, updated to present day issues.  Best tracks are “Ruin,” “South Philly,” “Your Call,” “Taxes,” and “American Terrorist.”

Recommendation:  Definitely give this one a listen.

Artist Name:  Black Mamba

Album Name:  Heritage

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Heritage; 2.  Never Obey; 3.  Loop; 4.  Wreckage; 5.  Lost in Translation; 6.  The Lie; 7.  Pills in the Sun; 8.  Revenge; 9.  The Golden Cat; 10.  What is Untold

Publicist:  Continental Music Agency

Review:  This Italian trio is ready to rock and show America how it’s done in Italy.  Not only are they extremely photogenic, they are packed with talent, from the amazing guitar, bass and drums to the awesome lead vocals of Irma Mirtilla and extremely well-written lyrical content.  From the first note of the title track until the final note of “What is Untold,” Black Mamba rocks it with some of the best rock we have heard in quite a while.  We definitely need these guys in America.  Every song rocks, so put it on repeat and listen over and over.

Recommendation:  Get it like your life depends on it.  This band is going places, so grab it while it’s fresh.