Tag: Corinne Cook

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 18)

Happy Monday – we’re back with another edition of Monday Mashup and we have some very interesting tunes to share with you this week, including a new single from a baseball legend.  Grab your coffee and let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

He’s a baseball legend and one of the best pitchers of the past 20 years.  We’re talking of course of the great Barry Zito | Facebook, who pitched for both the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s.  But he’s also a brilliant musician from a musical family (sister Sally Zito is an indie piano musician).  Check out his new single.

Our next single comes from an multi LA Music Critic Award winner, Katie Costello.  She’s got the right idea, as she talks about viewing the world through “Rose Colored Glasses.”

Jay Nash was one of the success stories that came out of the famed Hotel Café.  His latest is a beautiful acoustic cover of one of Tom  Petty‘s greatest hits.  Check out Nash’s version of “Won’t Back Down” with his band, The Contenders.

Our fourth single this week is a future blues classic from the brilliant Karen Lawrence and her band, Blue by Nature.  She’s under a “Bad Spell” and we couldn’t be prouder of this song.  This one bears repeating!

We close out our singles this week with this powerful song from the sultry Christina LaRocca, who reminds us about “The New Normal.”  Welcome to post-pandemic America.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from our favorite South African indie artist Cara Frew.  This is the perfect kick-off video for summer.  Check out “Falling.”

Video number two this week features the country sound of Corinne Cook as she discusses her dating life.  This humorous lyric video will have you ROFL with “Blah, Blah, Blah.”

For our third video this week we would love to introduce one of the fastest rising bands in the country.  Composed of Chip Moreland (husband of indie queen Cindy Alexander) and Gregory Markel, All in your head has captured the heart of music lovers with their incredible harmonies, creative videos and a retro sound.  Check out “How Does it Feel to be Real?”  We think you’ll be back for more.

On the pop country front, we stumbled across this amazing artist and we truly his sound, which we think could quickly rise up the charts and deserves serious radio airplay.  Check out J4 and be “Better.”

We close out this week with another future country smash from Seth Michael.  His latest belongs on country radio and the video is amazing.  Check out “She Got a Thing.”

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 7)

Sorry to have missed you last week.  Once again they changed our hours as a result of COVID-19, and I was supposed to only work three days.  Instead, I worked six days and didn’t have a day off until yesterday.  As a result, we are making this one a “double,” and including ten each of new singles and new music videos.  Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and let’s enjoy these new tracks.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single comes courtesy of publicist Kim Grant for her client, a rising Americana star named Kyle LaLone.  This one is perfect for today, and we wholeheartedly agree with his sentiments – “I’m not Gonna Drink Over You.”

Our second single comes from the uber-talented trio Lo Rays.  This song will leave a “Stain,” but it’s the type you don’t mind having.  Enjoy this modern indie rock song with a touch of the past, courtesy of this phenomenal band, currently based in Scotland.

Next up is the sound of Kadeema, which reminds us of the goodness of OneRepublic coupled with Imagine Dragons.  Check out their latest, “Good Lies,” and we think you’ll be a believer as well.

We next turn to a Washington, DC experimental-pop band for something positive in today’s bleak world.  We’re not sure exactly when this one came out, but we really dig their vibe.  Here is “Freaks” by The North Country.

Rounding out the first five singles is this new hip hop tune that deals with communication in a time of social distancing.  Check out Canadian buzz maker Ollie‘s latest, “Perfect Landing.”

Our second set of five kicks off with the debut single from UK alternative band In Earnest.  It’s entitled “Put me Under” and it perfectly describes the spell they weave with their beautiful sound.

Next up is the latest from Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams.  Hard to believe this is the third single from her upcoming album, Beautiful & Strange.  It may be called “Wasted,” but you’re definitely not wasting your time enjoying this track.

Single number eight is from War Strings, who offer us “Tragedy (Lovesong).”  This one has a great groove and deserves serious airplay on Top 40 radio.  Check it out and let us know what you think.

Next up is another amazing London artist, this time a young lady named Francesca Louise.  Although she may be “Out of Sight (Out of Mind,” her music will stay with you long after the song ends.

Our final single this week is another debut, this time from Swedish retro rock band Kurbitz.  We love the strong vocals, the thoughtful lyrics and the overall sound of “Mona Lisa.”  We think we’ll be hearing a lot more from this band.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last month we shared their lyric video for “Enough.”  Today we are proud to debut the official music video, which proves once again that The Spider Accomplice is the premiere indie modern rock band in the world.  Check out this amazing video and rock out to the uplifting vocals of the one and only VK Lynne, accompanied by the fiery chords of guitarist Arno Nurmisto.

We segue to another incredible rock band called The Recks.  Check out their interesting video for “The Milk’s Gone Bad.”

We really love this next music video, especially in these days of being apart.  Jont gives us an anthem for the future with his song, “I Think it Could be Possible.”  Let’s hope for the best.

Our fourth video comes from indie folk band Baneful Town.  This beautiful animated video brings life to their song “Flare Gun Eyes.”  We really love the harmonies.

Video number five is a poignant love song to the senior class of 2020.  Due to COVID-19, this year’s seniors are missing out on so much of the high school experience.  Teen sensation Maleena reminds us of what they’re thinking – “Don’t Forget About Me.”

Our next video is from our favorite Danish indie band, Belle and the Beats.  This one features an intriguing French rap from Reazun.  Check out “Habibi.”

LA singer/songwriter and actor Quinn L’Esperance also gives us a powerful lyric video for her song, “Human Connection.”  Listen carefully to the words of this one.  This one belongs on the radio.

Continuing in that same vein, Corinne Cook‘s latest, “Yes, I Can,” is a power anthem that states all things are possible if we simply believe.  Let this one resonate with your heart.

Next up is the rocking bluesy sound of Nicole Boggs and the Reel.  Their powerful video brings to life the words of “Money” and makes you stop and take account of your motivations.

We close out this week with an equally powerful and beautiful video from Scotland’s Baby Taylah that is breathtaking in its cinematography.  We definitely want to call those locations “Home.”

 

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indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 12

Welcome to our final Monday Mashup of the month.  As we leave behind the winter and enter into spring, we are being bombarded with review requests by both publicists and indie artists alike, so we ask for your patience as we process these requests.  We currently have a backlog of 126 requests, and we will get through them by the end of May, the current deadline for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2019.  Here is some indie music news as well as our selections for new singles and music videos for the week.

UNSIGNED ONLY VIDEO COMPETITION

Unsigned Only Music Competition is taking entries for its “Video Only” special promotion, running March 20-29.  This is your opportunity to enter a music video into Unsigned Only for the first time this year!  Original music and cover songs are eligible.  Two winners will be selected, and all entries will be entered into the overall 2019 competition.  Enter your music video today at https://bit.ly/2U3u9SZ 

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from former Poco front-man and winner of last  year’s LA Music Critic Award’s Icon Award Rusty Young.  The song is already garnering critical acclaim and we think you should just heed his advice and “Listen to Your Heart.”

Next up is an artist we have featured on quite a few occasions, as they consistently deliver great music.  Here is the latest single, “Gonna Leave It,” from Teddy and the Love Gang.  We think you’ll dig their groove.

We introduced you to our third artist, Karina, when we published our list of Ten Great Singles released in February 2019.  They’re back with a soulful ballad called “No Puedo.”  Let your Latin roots explode.

Our fourth single comes from Julia Zahra, and we really love the sound of her vibe, her voice and her music.  We think this is the perfect song to kick off the new week, so enjoy “Do You.”

https://soundcloud.com/juliazahramusic/do-you

Our final single this week is from SJae and features Sam Sparro.  We love the retro R&B feel of this track and think you will too.  Check out “The Avenue” and get down to this sick beat.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this week comes from one of the premiere Americana voices of 2019, Rebelle Roadshow artist Alice Wallace.  We simply love this stunning video of the title track of her latest release, “The Blue.”   Soar on the voice of beauty.

Next up is another amazing country voice, this time from newcomer Paige Peel.  Here is the lyric video for her song, “The Crown,” and we officially crown her the next queen.

Our third video is from one of our all-time favorite female artists, Kris Angelis, who has won multiple LA Music Critic Awards.  We love the beauty of the cinematography on her new video for “Reappear.”  Get lost in this one.

Corinne Cook provides a light-hearted look at break-ups with the humorous video for her song, “One Box of Tissues.”  We think she offers sound advice.

Our final video is a retro-laden song that will give you the chills, and comes to us from Canadian band Maybelleen.  Check out their tribute to “Emily.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – Autumn, YYNOT, Medeski Martin & Wood, Ken Sharp, Corinne Cook

Still on a high from last night’s concert featuring The Head & the Heart and The Avett Brothers.  It was simply phenomenal and one of the best concerts we have ever attended.  To continue with that high note, here are five artists for you to check out.

Artist Name:  Autumn

Album Name:  Chandelier

Label:  Sett Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Beginnings; 2.  The Maiden’s Child; 3.  The Fall; 4.  Soulsong; 5.  At Summer’s End; 6.  From Under the Waves; 7.  Damage; 8.  Just Before the Storm; 9.  Shadowgirl 2; 10.  Away; 11.  White Light; 12.  My Last Confession; 13.  A Vow Worth Keeping; 14.  Chandelier

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  Indie rock bands with strong female vocalists are rare, but Autumn definitely belongs in that category.  Lead singer Julia Plante has the same type of powerful pipes as Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, Amy Lee of Evanescence and Maria Brink of In This Moment.  Her band likewise has the musical skills to support that powerful voice.  This album takes off on the first track and never lets up.  Among the best tracks on the album are “The Maiden’s Child,” “The Fall,” “At Summer’s End,” “Damage,” “Shadowgirl 2,” “My Last Confession *with its retro Depeche Mode vibe),” and the title track

Recommendation:  Don’t hesitate – run out and Get this one.

Artist Name:  YYNOT

Album Name:  YYNOT

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Hourglass; 2.  Invisible Heart; 3.  Etheria; 4.  To Come Back Home; 5.  Kingdom Come; 6.  The Curtain Falls; 7.  Another Trip Around the Sun; 8.  Run on Love; 9.  YYNOT

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  YYNOT has a sound very reminiscent of Rush (which is should, considering they started the band as a way to pay tribute to the band) and even the sound of lead vocalist Rocky Kuner‘s vocals is eerily similar to the high pitched voice of Rush’s Geddy Lee.  Every song is a treasure, but especially “Invisible Heart” and “Etheria.”  All of the sounds and music were written by one of LA’s best indie musicians and producers, Billy Alexander, making this band so much more powerful because of their ability to mix original tunes with their catalog of Rush songs.  The album concludes with a killer instrumental that would truly made Mr. Lee proud.

Recommendation:  If you love rock, then you will love YYNOT.  Definitely add this one to your musical library.

Artist Name:  Medeski Martin & Wood (with Alarm Will Sound)

Album Name:  Omnisphere

Label:  Indirector Records

Genre:  Jazz Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Kid Tao Mammal (Unworldliness Weirdo); 2.  Anoymous Skulls; 3.  Coral Sea; 4.  Oh ye of Little Faith (Do you Know Where Your Children Are?); 5.  Eye of Ra; 6.  Northern Lights; 7.  End of the World Party

Publicist:  Calabro Music Media

Review:  Jazz/Funk trio Medeski Martin & Wood join with the orchestral 20-piece ensemble Alarm will Sound to bring us the amazing collaboration contained in Omnisphere.  These two entirely different bands have produced a gem, creating a jazz sound that delivers big time enjoyment.  Their collaboration has everything both jazz and classical lovers enjoy, retaining the best elements of both genres.  This greatness can be immediately felt in the first track, “Kid Tao Mammal,” and continues throughout the album.  This is the perfect album for relaxing and meditation.

Recommendation:  Don’t miss this one – Get it today!

Artist Name:  Ken Sharp

Album Name:  Beauty in the Backseat

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Rock Show; 2.  Mona Lisa Smile; 3.  Lemons to Lemonade; 4.  No One Seems to Stay Together Anymore; 5.  Closer; 6.  24 Hours a Day; 7.  Pull the Strings; 8.  The Day That David Bowie Died; 9.  The Hardest Part; 10.  Jet Fighter; 11.  Ring on Your Finger; 12.  Listen to Me; 13.  Sinking; 14.  I Wanna be David Cassidy; 15.  Philly Kind of Night; 16.  Miracle

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Ken Sharp is a multi-faceted New York Times best selling writer who just happens to also make critically acclaimed power pop music.  These worlds have collided with the release of his new album, Beauty in the Backseat, featuring the amazing guitar of Ace Frehley of KISS on the opening track, “Rock Show,” as well as the vocals of John Oates on “Philly Kind of Night,” a loving tribute to the music of Hall & Oates.  The album is co-produced by Sharp and the amazing award winning Fernando Perdomo, and has everything you want in an album that definitely qualifies as a “guilty pleasure.”   Enjoy this treasure trove of fun, especially “I Wanna be David Cassidy.”

Recommendation:  This is one of the best albums of 2018.  Get it before it’s gone.

Artist Name:  Corinne Cook

Album Name:  Yes I Can

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:   1.  Last Thing to Go; 2.  One Box of Tissues; 3.  Yes I Can; 4.  Trying not to Die; 5.  Devil’s Heaven; 6.  Mr. Mechanic; 7.  Seven White Stars; 8.  Those Few Dreams

Publicist:  Open All Nite Entertainment

Review:  Contemporary country artist Corinne Cook delivers a stunning album with her latest, Yes I Can.  Her powerful vocals draw comparison to those of Faith Hill and Martina McBride, and the title track is a female empowerment ballad that likewise belongs with the likes of McBride’s “Let’s Hear if for the Girls.”   Her first single, “Trying Not to Die” is likewise as powerful as McBride’s “Independence Day,” which was penned by the legendary Gretchen Peters.  This album is worlds beyond Cook’s debut album, and should help launch her into the elite level of today’s country music scene.  Cook also shows that she means business with the country rock sounds of “Last Thing to Go” and “Devil’s Heaven.”  There isn’t a weak song on the album, and we guarantee you’ll be putting this one on repeat, especially the beautifully patriotic “Seven White Stars” and “Those Few Dreams.”

Recommendation:  This one is a must-have, if you love country music, and believe in female empowerment.  Drop what you’re doing and Get it now!

 

 

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Reviews

Corinne Cook is ‘Dressed Up for Goodbye’

Corinne Cook may not be familiar to you, yet, but with the power of her latest CD, Dressed Up for Goodbye, she soon will be.  With a voice reminiscent of early Faith Hill, and the sassiness of Kellie Pickler, Cook is making a name for herself in Music City.

The title of the album is ironic in that although it is full of songs about heartbreak and goodbye, it also serves to say hello to a dynamic new voice on the indie country music scene.  Cook has had some success from her earlier albums, including a #1 song (“Uninvited Guest”) and a #4 song (“I’m Not Shy”) on the Inside Country chart.  

Unlike when she recorded her first two albums and lived in California, Cook now resides in Music City.  As such, she had more time to spend on the entire process of writing and recording.  This also allowed her to choose and record songs that not only did she like but which also allowed her to share chapters of her life story.

 Another advantage to living in Nashville was the opportunity to work with its elite songwriters and studio musicians.  Among those elite are The Warren Brothers (Brett and Brad), who wrote or co-wrote six of the tracks, and her producer, Denny Martin, who co-wrote three more.  The final two tracks she found through the Song Matchmakers Network.  Of those two tracks, “I Don’t,” a powerful duet with Paul Scott, a former opera singer, is one of the best tracks on the album.  Other songs worthy of consideration include the title track, “Little Miss Understanding” and “Who.”

According to her official bio, Cook was born in Walnut Creek and raised in the Central California towns of Tracy and Escalon, surrounded by a family that was intensely musical.  According to Cook, she doesn’t “remember a time when I wasn’t singing.”  Her family had many jam sessions with her mom on guitar, her step-dad on bass and her brother using the chairs for drum while she sang.  Although initially too shy to perform in public, she overcame that shyness and began performing in choir from middle school on, as well as solo performances in high school.  Singing also became a part of her time in the Air Force where she served four years during the Gulf War.

After she was discharged, she returned to California where she began singing at festivals in Northern California while working part-time as a radio DJ for classic country station 93.9 “The Ranch” in Ripon.  “Ranch Hand Jane,” as she was known, also hosted karaoke for the station at various venues, and introduced legendary country artists like Charlie Daniels and Johnny Lee when they performed in town. 

Cook later moved to Mt. Juliet, a small town about 20 miles east of Nashville, so she could focus on developing her career as a singer.  She participated in local community theatre productions while also performing at various songwriter nights in the Nashville area.  “I definitely enjoy performing live,” she says, “but my absolute favorite part of being an artist is being in the studio, feeling the energy and feeding off the creativity of all of these great musicians. Performing my vocals on top of all that during the sessions for Dressed Up For Goodbye was exhilarating and I can’t wait to go back in and start my next project!” 

“The biggest difference between my earlier albums and Dressed Up For Goodbye is the fact that on those, I didn’t have the opportunity to choose the songs I wanted to record,” continued Cook.  “I was able to pick some songs that applied to my life but overall because of the circumstances of my recording deals, I was not able to really paint a full portrait of who I am.  My new album is a much more vibrant and personal expression.  These 11 new tunes all reflect different parts of my life, and many situations and scenarios that I have actually experienced, from the strength and confidence of the ‘don’t mess around with me’ vibe of “Little Miss Understanding” through the vulnerability and heartbreak of the title song.”

Cook is an artist who is definitely worth checking out, while her new CD should be enjoyed with an ice-cold beer or a shot of Jack.

For more about this artist, check out her website and Facebook pages, follow her on ReverbNation, Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to her Soundcloud account, where you can stream her latest CD.  Her music is also available for download on iTunes, Amazon Music and Google Play.