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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Michael Peterson returns to drink swear steal and lie

Yesterday we shared our interview with country music great Michael Peterson to catch you up on what he’s been up to these past 20 years since he burst onto the country music scene with an album that spawned three #1 hits.

His latest album has just been released, entitled Drink Swear Steal & Lie.  The title track was one of those three earlier hits.  The album was produced by pop songwriting legend Steven McClintock, with the assistance of country music legend Billy Yates, and released on McClintock’s 37 Records label.

Peterson assembled some of the best players in Nashville for this project, including Eddie Bayers on drums, Eli Beaird on bass, Troy Lancaster on electric guitar, Scotty Saunders on steel guitar, Larry Beird on acoustic guitar, Larry Franklin on fiddle and Steven Nathan and Buddy Hyatt on keys.  Michelle Poe, McClintock and Yates provided backing vocals.

Artist Name:   Michael Peterson

Album Name Drink Swear Steal & Lie

Label:   37 Records

Genre:   Country

Track Listing:   1.  Lookin for Love; 2.  Wichita Lineman; 3.  The Most Beautiful Girl in the World; 4.  A Boy Named Sue; 5.  Friends in Low Places; 6.  When the Bartender Cries; 7.  Mama’s Don’t let Your Babies Grown up to be Cowboys; 8.  Drink Swear Steal & Lie; 9.  From Here to Eternity; 10.  Too Good to be True; 11.  Borderline; 12.  I’m my own Grandpa (bonus track)

Publicist:   Self-promoted

Review:  Michael Peterson is an award-winning country artist, who hit the top of his game on his first release on Warner/Reprise back in 1997, garnering three #1 hits, and five Billboard Top 40 hits, among other accolades.  He has now joined the ranks of indie artists with his latest album, which has already produced a #2 song (“Lookin for Love”) as well as the current #1 (“Drink Swear Steal & Lie”) on the European charts.  “Lookin for Love” has now been released in the United States as well.

What we love about this album is that Peterson has combined his tunes (including previous #1 hits “Drink Swear Steal & Lie” and “From Here to Eternity” with new songs “When the Bartender Cries,” “Too Good to be True” and “Borderline (written by producer Steven McClintock)) with his interpretations of classic country hits like Johnny Lee’s “Lookin for Love,” Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman,” Charlie Rich’s “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue,” Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” and the classic Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson smash “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Cowboys,” which was in itself a cover of the original Ed Bruce tune.  Peterson joins with producer Billy Yates on the duet, which makes this version a classic in its own right.

This is truly an album for all lovers of classic country music, and should easily restore Peterson to the top of his game.  The album even includes a bonus track, featuring Peterson on the classic 1947 Lonzo and Oscar novelty song, “I’m my Own Grandpa,” which was made famous by Ray Stevens.  Peterson’s version was recorded live during his performance at Branson, Missouri.

Recommendation:  You can’t miss with this one.  If you love classic country music, then this one is a MUST for your collection.  Get it today!

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Artists Worth Checking Out Interviews

Catching up with country artist Michael Peterson

Twenty years ago you couldn’t turn on country radio without hearing the strong voice of Michael Peterson.  Like many of his peers, he was a victim of the major labels’ quest for more profits.  Fortunately for music lovers, he has just released his first indie album, and is giving this new music generation a taste of his greatness.  Before we review his album tomorrow, we wanted to spend some time and catch up with him.  Here’s our interview.

IVB:  What is your background?

MP:  I was born in Tucson, Arizona and raised in Richland, Washington, where I was an athlete and a singer in high school.  I was offered scholarships for both music and football at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, and I chose football.  Our team became the 1980 NAIA Division II National Champions. Ironically, that decision opened the door to my career in the music business when a team mate married pop star Deniece Williams (“Let’s Hear It For The Boy”), who signed me to my first publishing/management and record deal.

I started going to Nashville in 1988, and moved there in 1996.   I got a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music in late 1996 and my record deal with Warner/Reprise in 1997.  The first three singles off that album went #1 on CMT, as well as made it to the Tot Ten on Billboard.  I was the top new airplay artist of 1997 and the top selling new male artist of 1997-1998.

I was a finalist for both the 1998 CMA “Horizon Award” and the ACM top new male artist of 1998.  I was the recipient of the TNN/Music City News (now the CMT Awards) “Star Of Tomorrow” award and Country Weekly Magazine’s “Golden Pick” award for the best new male artist of 1998.

Currently, that first album I released on Reprise is only 18,000 units or so away from 1 million in sales.  The 18 albums I have released so far in my career have sold about 1.3 million copies.

IVB:  What was the music scene like back in the early 2000’s as opposed to today?

MP:  When I started in the music business in 1985, cassettes were the new technology. Hahaha.

Back then, the dream was to get signed by a major label and build a career with their help.   Nowadays, the dream and effort of young artists is to get 5 million streams on YouTube for a video you shot on your iPhone.  Major labels are still important to artists’ careers, but Indie artists have so many more opportunities to find an audience than ever before.  It is exciting!

IVB:  Remembering when we first met back at Fan Fair, how has that event changed?

MP:  FAN FAIR – What a fun time.  So glad I got to experience that.  It was at the Fair Grounds (in Nashville) and it felt like a fair.  It was all in one place and that made the event feel more like a reunion of sorts.  I loved it.  Nowadays, the CMA Music Fest feels like a “BIG TIME” event.  So fun to see country music become so popular that it grew to such an enormous platform.  I have loved experiencing both.

IVB:  Why did you decide to make your comeback as an indie artist instead of going back to a major label?

MP:  It is a great time to be an “Indie Artist.”  The previous stigma many indie artists felt is eroding because they are succeeding in greater numbers than ever before.

IVB:  How did you connect with Steven McClintock?  Was his pop music background a challenge or a help?

MP:  Steven McClintock and I have known each other for nearly 20 years.  When it came time to make this new record, he and I had already been speaking about working together.  I’m so blessed to be working with him.  His depth and breadth in many genres of music gives him a real advantage when it comes to marketing the album, which we produced together with Billy Yates.  Steve is an amazing guy with a great track record of success as both a writer and publisher, and I see us doing a lot together in the years to come.

IVB:  What are your current plans to promote your new album?

MP:  Our first single on the HOT DISC Chart in Europe was my remake of the classic Johnny Lee hit, “Lookin For Love,” which spent 10 weeks in the Top Ten before peaking at #2, where it stayed for two weeks.  My second single is my former #1 hit, “Drink Swear Steal & Lie,” which debuted at #24 before jumping to #4 the second week.  We just found out that it went to #1 today (April 24)!

We are planning to release several more singles off the album for the European market as we head towards a month long tour of Europe in August.  We are currently scheduled to perform in Poland, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.

Here in the States, we just shipped “Lookin For Love” on CDX, and already have 36 stations playing it after just two weeks, a great start.   We have a lot of great songs on this album and we look forward to playing a LOT of shows in the next two years to share this music with the fans of classic country music.

The album is now available on nearly every major platform.  You can purchase physical copies, download it or stream it on Apple Music, Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes, Spotify, and my label’s website.  It’s pretty exciting!

IVB:  What are the best ways for your fans to connect with you?

MP;  I LOVE connecting with the people who are enjoying the music. These days the best ways to connect with me are through my Facebook page, as well as on Instagram.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 34

Good morning, world.  As we reach the 16th anniversary of 9/11, may we all stop to reflect on how our world has changed since that fateful day.  I was preparing to spend the day with my friends from SHeDAISY at a concert they were having in California when I was told by my ex-wife to turn on the TV.  Just as the picture came into focus, I watched in horror as the second plane hit the towers, and then was glued to my set like most of us the remainder of the day.  Alan Jackson summed it up best when he sang, “Where were you when the world stopped turning?”

It was music that helped us recover, and it is music that keeps us going forward.  That is why this blog exists, and why we scour the world to find music that speaks to us.  Make sure you thank those that bring us hope and peace through their music.

GAYLE DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES ZOO MUSIC SERVICES

Australian American Gayle “Giraffe” Davidson has announced the formation of a new service for indie musicians.  Zoo Music Services provides “the basics of a manager, a booking agent, a publicist, and an assistant.  In a music world that no longer requires a label, artist services are more important than ever.   From the simple to the heavy lifting, Zoo Music is your most efficient and cost effective solution,” explains Davidson.  She has offices in Nashville, London and Los Angeles.  Check out her new service here.

WIXEN MUSIC AUTHENTIC VOICES FESTIVAL SET

The Festival, which highlights the artists currently working with Wixen Music Publishing, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24 from 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. each day in the Smothers Theatre on the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu.  Tickets are $50 each day and can be obtained by calling (310) 506-4522 or visiting arts.pepperdine.edu.

Saturday features an Alternative Voices-focused line-up of alternative rock band Wildling, International Folk Music Awards Artist of the Year Parker Millsap, influential acoustic guitarist Jonathan Richman, and multi-instrumentalist and whistler Andrew Bird.
Sunday features an Americana Voices-focused line-up of wicked country lyricist Mike Stinson, the genre-bending dark folk storyteller The White Buffalo, Nashville country music outlaw Elizabeth Cook, and singular Grammy-winning songwriter Lucinda Williams.
NEW MUSIC
First up today is a new duo called Freedom Baby, which combine elements of orchestral music with electronica and the sweet voice of Brianna to bring us “melancholy tunes to soothe your souls.”  Let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/freedombaby/video-daydream

 

NONA brings us “Father’s Day,” and we like it.  It has a great beat and heartfelt lyrics.  Let us know what you think.

 

Our final single today comes to us from one of our favorite bands of this year, FlecHaus.  Check out their fourth single, “Lie to Me,” from their upcoming album.  This should definitely put a skip in your step today.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We think you will simply love this innovative video from The Flatliners for their single “Indoors.”  And the song’s not bad either 🙂

For those of you who love the more soulful sounds, check out Matt Allen‘s “Last Time.”  It has a great groove that is much better than the video.

Last but not least today is the latest video from our friend and one of country music’s rising stars, Kelly McGrath.  Her last video met with much success, grabbing the #1 slot on CMT, and we have no reason to doubt that this new video will do just as well.  Here’s Kelly with “All That I Want,” courtesy of Vevo.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Interviews Women in Entertainment

Artists worth checking out: Interview with Montanan Melissa Forrette

A couple of months ago we had the chance to see Jason Michael Carroll in concert at our local honky-tonk.  His opening act was a young Montanan named Melissa Forrette.  We were impressed with her stage presence and original material, although we felt her set had a few too many covers.  We got the chance to meet her later, and were impressed with her enough to want to do an interview and introduce her to you.  Please welcome former Californian and now Montanan Melissa Forrette to our list of up and coming indie artists.

IVB:  What is your musical background?

MF:  I played piano for about ten years growing up.  When I was a senior in high school, I was given an old Fender acoustic guitar by my uncle, which was his when he was a kid.    I stayed up all night learning my first three chords.  Having the guitar spurred me to do more songwriting, which has always been my passion.  I grew up in Santa Clara, California, and moved to Montana after I graduated from high school.  I had met a boy, a “cowboy,” headed to Montana, and decided to move here to work on ranches.  The relationship didn’t work out, but I got a great song from it – “You were a Cowboy when you were Mine.”

IVB:  How long have you been performing?

MF:  Actually I’ve only been performing for two years and my first show was at the Bitterroot Brewery in Hamilton.  I went to Nashville the year before I started to participate in the American Country Star competition as a songwriter, where I won the award for Singer/Songwriter of the Year for “I Made him Your Man.”

IVB:  Who are your influences?

MF:  Obviously, Merle Haggard.  I’ve also been influenced by Gary Stewart, George Jones, Vern Goskin, Randy Rogers,  and Turnpike Troubadour.  I love classic country, not the country music of today.

IVB:  What made you decide to DIY?

MF:  I didn’t really have a choice.  I’m not rich and was just learning how to be a musician.  It seemed the best way to do that was to just do it.

IVB:  Do you want to be a mainstream artist?

MF:  In a word, yes, although I’ve always considered myself to be more of a writer than a performer  However, I’ve reached the point where I refuse to sell myself short, and I want to see how far I can go.

IVB:  What are your future plans?

MF:  I will be going into the studio soon to record my first EP.  I’ve picked out five of my original songs to be included.  I eventually want to do a full length album, and have enough songs to do two albums.  I also plan to continue booking shows, maybe go on tour and get into some music festivals.  I am scheduled to open for Sawyer Brown on July 21 at the Darby Logger Days, and for classic country artist Moe Bandy for the 4th of July Roundup Rodeo.  I also want to go back to Nashville and play the Bluebird Café.  Last but not least, I want to put a band together, but it will have to have a steel guitar player.

IVB:  Any good stories from touring/recording/performing?

MF:  Once a police officer named Brian McPhillips contacted me on Facebook.  He had heard my song “Old Guitar” and wanted to cover it.  He did an amazing job and recorded a video on YouTube.

I also finally got to participate in a songwriter’s round at Douglas Corner in Nashville.  I flew in and got the slot around 1 a.m.  It was a fast trip but something I had always wanted to do.

IVB:  What kind of social media presence do you have?

MF:  Of course I have a Facebook account, and I recently created both Twitter and Instagram accounts.  I also have a website, which is still  under construction.

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

Get it or forget it – Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, Single by Sunday, Polly O’Keary and The Rhythm Method

Happy Friday – welcome to our final Get it or Forget it of the week – can you believe this will make 12 album reviews this week?  We continue to be overwhelmed by the amazing indie music being released and are proud to introduce you to these artists.  Enjoy your Friday and join us again next week as we continue our journey through the world of indie music.

Artist NameJeffrey Halford & the Healers

Album NameLo-Fi Dreams

Label:  Shoeless Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Two Jacksons; 2.  Elvis Shot the Television; 3.  Door #3; 4.  Good Trouble; 5.  10,000 Miles; 6.  Last Kiss; 7.  Bird of Youth; 8.  Sweet Annette; 9.  Looking for a Home; 10.  Great Divide 

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  If you can imagine Tom Petty singing vocals for the Eagles while BB King plays dirty blues, then you have a taste of the awesomeness that is Jeffrey Halford.  On his eighth CD, Lo-Fi Dreams, he strips down his sound and lets the magic erupt.  The first track, “Two Jacksons,” sets the stage, and every song thereafter continues the story with amazing vocals, lyrics and musicality.  We simply cannot say enough about this album, which truly shines.  Every song is worthy of accolades, but we are especially fond of “Two Jacksons,” “Door #3,” “Bird of Youth,” “Sweet Annette,” and “Great Divide.”

Recommendation:  Jeffrey Halford should definitely be on your list of favorite artists and his latest album deserves a preferred spot on your playlist.  We are proud to recommend Lo-Fi Dreams, and strongly encourage you to Get It when it is released on May 19.

Artist NameSingle by Sunday

Album NameWatch out World

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Punk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  22.5.16; 2.  Nevereverever; 3.  It is What it Is; 4.  I Can’t go on Like This 

Publicist:  Neon Tetra Music PR

Review:  If we could package the energy exuded by Single by Sunday, we would be no energy crisis.  These four lads from Scotland have an immense amount of talent, and although they have taken the UK by storm, they are still relatively unknown in the States.  With the upcoming June 2 release of their latest EP, that could drastically change.  The band has already gotten airplay on KROQ in Los Angeles, and other stations are sure to follow their lead.  All four songs are powerful radio songs, and the first single, “Nevereverever” has also been released as a music video.  The beat is driving, the vocals are tight and the songs are upbeat and fun.  Their music is just what commercial radio needs to wake up and grab ahold of their listeners.

Recommendation:  We think that this band has a bright future in American music, and are happy to recommend you Get their EP ASAP.

Artist NamePolly O’Keary and The Rhythm Method

Album NameBlack Crow Callin’

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Hard Hearted World; 2.  A man who can Stand; 3.  Red Light; 4.  Black Crow Callin’; 5.  Yours to Lose; 6.  One Life; 7.  Reconciled; 8.  I Don’t Understand; 9.  Plan B; 10.  I am the One 

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Long a bastion of male musicianship, the blues is becoming more enticing for female musicians.  Case in point is Polly O’Keary and The Rhythm Method, who are breaking down the door that separates and busting into the forefront of the genre.  With powerful pipes like Bonnie Raitt and Etta James, bass licks worthy of Sir Paul or Sting, and a musical chemistry that is head and shoulders above many other bands, these cats have come to sing.   They immediately grab your attention from the first note of the album, and never let up.  O’Keary provides bass and vocals, while she is complemented by guitar and vocals from David Miller and drums and vocals from Tommy Cook.  The combination of rich guitar and bass riffs and soaring blues vocals creates music that will stimulate your senses and make you want to move.  Our favorite tracks are “Red Light,” the title track (with its sassiness and downhome dirty sound), “Yours to Love,” “One Life,” and “I Don’t Understand.”

Recommendation:  This is our favorite album reviewed this week, and strongly encourage you to Get up and Get out and get it when it is released on May 19.  You’ll thank us later.

 

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

Get it or forget it – King Washington, Sara Petite, The Wild Now

We are really excited about this edition of Get it or Forget it.  We get to review new material from a rising Los Angeles band, a new album from an old favorite, and introduce you to a new band that we think is going to be huge.  All three albums are also being released on the same date, May 19.  So grab your coffee and sit back as we review these three albums for you.

Artist NameKing Washington

Album NamePotential

Label:  The End Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  My Reflection; 2.  Superman; 3.  Interval; 4.  Evelyn; 5.  Love be Gone; 6.  Hey Boy; 7.  Nowhere’s Hard to Find; 8.  I Wouldn’t Laugh About It; 9.  The Other side; 10.  Be Where you Belong; 11. The Great Disguise; 12.  Interlude; 13.  New Meaning; 14.  Climb out the Valley

Publicist:  The End Records PR

Review:  From the first notes of “My Reflection,” King Washington reminds us why they have been designated as one of the best live acts by LA Weekly.  The vocal harmonies hit you right off, with a driving beat that propels you into musical nirvana and force your feet to get up and dance.  King Washington forges its own sound from the influences of the masters, like the Beatles, CSN and the Talking Heads.  Their music is uniquely California while still being universal.  The second track, “Superman,” is their latest single, and we think it was a wise choice.  They have also released music videos for those first two tracks, which we previously shared in our Monday Mashup series.  This is definitely an album you want to listen to from start to finish.  Best songs include “My Reflection,” “Superman,” “Love be Gone,” “Hey Boy” (which sounds a lot like CSN), “Nowhere’s Hard to Find,” “The Other Side,” and “Be Where you Belong,” while “The Great Disguise” also shows great promise as a future single.

Recommendation:  We think that the album title is very apropos for this band.  They have always had ‘potential,’ and this album just shows the accomplishment of that potential.  We strongly recommend that you Get It as soon as it goes on sale on May 19.  You might want to pre-order it now to ensure you don’t miss out.

Artist NameSara Petite

Album NameRoad Less Traveled

Label:  Self-released

Genre:   Country/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Road Less Traveled; 2.  It was Just a Kiss; 3.  Blackbird; 4.  Getting Over You; 5.  You Don’t Care at All; 6.  Patchwork Quilt; 7.  Good 2 B Me; 8.  Sweet Pea Blues; 9.  Monkey on my Back; 10.  I Will Rise; 11.  Sweet Pea Patch; 12.  Road Less Traveled Reprise 

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Back in 2010, we feared that we had heard the last of Sara Petite after she released her third album.  She had just graduated from college and was headed down the corporate path.  But fate intervened with the death of her partner, and music provided the only path for her to deal with this.  We are happy to see her return to her musical roots, and she has compiled an extensive musical library since then to convince her that she has a career in music.  Road Less Traveled is her fifth studio album, and it firmly sets Petite within the musical elite of country music.  She is obviously greatly influenced by classic country, which permeates the album from start to finish.  Her lyrics cut deep as she uses her music to talk about life, including brutally honest songs about love and heartache.  Her pure voice provides the perfect conduit for these songs to grab hold of the listener and implant her truth deep within.  Best tracks include “Blackbird,” “Getting Over You” (her first single), “You Don’t Care at All,” “Good 2 B Me” (with its Tom Petty feel), “Sweet Pea Blues,” and “I Will Rise.”

Recommendation:  We are happy to recommend this album, which is surely one of the best country albums of 2017.  The Academy should stand up and take notice that Sara Petite is back, stronger than ever.  You should definitely Get It as soon as it is available.

Artist NameThe Wild Now

Album NameAfterglow

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Afterglow; 2.  Run for Your Life; 3.  Spinning; 4.  Troubled Paradise; 5.  Tongue Tied

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Composed of Taylor Baker and Drew Walker, this Austin-based duo create music that is upbeat, real and life-changing.  The musical background creates the perfect foundation for the rising vocals of Baker, which create an atmosphere of audio perfection.  The lyrics are thought-provoking and the total package is worthy of a much broader market.  These guys are better than the majority of what you hear on commercial radio today, and deserve their chance to spread their music to the world.  “Afterglow” is a rousing number that kicks the EP off to a glorious start, and foreshadows the taste of things to come.  All five tracks could easily reach the top of the pop charts, and we strongly encourage Programming Directors to add The Wild Now to their regular rotation.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get It as soon as it is available.  We strongly encourage you to follow these guys on all social media platforms and hop on board now.  They are definitely going places.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Women in Entertainment

Grief brings out the best in Kelly McGrath

Everyone deals with grief in their own way.  Kelly McGrath has found a way to bottle that emotion in a powerful song that just about everyone can relate to.

We have been a fan of McGrath for many years and it has been an incredible gift to see her growth, both as a person and as a musician.

Great things have been happening to her since she moved back to Nashville from Los Angeles.  She recently signed a publishing deal with Ole’ Music Publishing, is releasing her new single “You and Me Today” tomorrow, October 14, with the accompanying music video to premiere on CMT later this fall.  Pretty amazing considering the fact that McGrath is an indie musician with no label backing.

Although McGrath has written many songs with others, this one was conceived and created entirely on her own.  “I wrote it about my daddy, and the experience of living with the loss of someone you love,” explained McGrath.

Musically, the song is a mid-tempo country song, similar to many of the songs currently on the radio.  The strength of the song is in the message.  McGrath has found a way to make her grief universally felt by anyone else who has suffered loss in their life.   She likens it to an old coat that her father gave her when she was young.  Her chorus is especially gut wrenching, with these words closing it out:  “It don’t fit anymore, but I can’t seem to throw it away.  Cause it’s all I’ve got left of you and me today.”

Trust us when we tell you that the music video is even more powerful.  Don’t miss its premiere on CMT on October 25.

For more info on McGrath, check out her website and Facebook pages, follow her on Twitter, and subscribe to her YouTube channel.

 

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Redhead Express burn up the stage at Northwest Montana Fair

Redhead Express (RHE) is a country/bluegrass/pop quartet composed of sisters Kendra, LaRae, Alisa and Meghan Walker, originally from Palmer, Alaska.  They are based out of Nashville, Tennessee with a summer home base of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, since so many of their summer fair shows are on the west coast this year.

These gifted ladies are no strangers to this reviewer, as he has been following them since being introduced to their music almost two years ago.   A review of the first concert he saw was published on AXS.com on September 17, 2014, followed with the publication of an interview with the band on November 27, 2014.

RHE has also amassed quite a few nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards, and won the award for best video (cover) in 2015 for their version of OneRepublic’s hit song “I Lived.”

Montana has seen a lot of RHE this year at fairs across the state.  Indie Voice caught up with them during their performance at the Northwest Montana Fair in Kalispell on August 17.  The ladies did a pair of performances that day, with their evening slot being the opener for country superstar Trace Adkins.  This review is of their afternoon slot on the Huckleberry Stage.

photo by Chelle S Imaging
Kendra and Alisa work their magic

The ladies kicked off their 45 minute set with a stirring cover of Alabama’s song “I’m in a Hurry.”  As always, harmony is king (or is it queen?) when RHE hits the stage, and this performance was no exception.  Instrumentally, Kendra is on acoustic guitar and mandolin, LaRae is on banjo and acoustic guitar, Alisa is on fiddle and mandolin and Meghan is on Eddie, her trusty double bass.

photo by Chelle S Imaging
Meghan performs on Eddie, her bass

RHE mixed their own stirring cover versions of such popular songs as Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” with original songs, including “Roots,” a song they wrote about their childhood  home in Alaska, and “Lose My Mind,” a song about the craziness of getting married.  They even played a request by yours truly for one of their latest cover songs, Meghan Trainor’s “Better When I’m Dancing,” from the Peanuts movie.

photo by Chelle S Imaging
LaRae kills it on the banjo

While every member of RHE is accomplished on their respective instruments, on this day LaRae truly shined.  She played with such confidence it was as if she owned the stage.  In the two years since this reviewer last saw RHE perform live, LaRae’s performance skills have truly grown, allowing her to shine next to her sparkling sisters.

photo by Chelle S Imaging
Kendra joins the Walker Boys for a stirring cover of Mumford & Sons’ “I Will Wait”

Even the brothers, Sean, Joseph and Ammon, who are usually in the background supporting their sisters, got the chance to shine when The Walker Boys took the stage for a short two-song set during their sisters’ show.  Like their sister LaRae, The Walker Boys have grown in their performance skills and nailed their short set.  Besides the wonderful harmonies and impressive musical skills of Ammon on bass, Sean on banjo and Joseph on mandolin, Sean truly wowed the audience when he lept from the stage and played his banjo throughout the crowd before returning to the stage.

photo by Chelle S Imaging
Sean impressed the crowd with his banjo skills

The performances of both RHE and The Walker Boys were stellar and worth well more than the cost of entry into the fair.  Although we were unable to catch their opening slot later that night, we did catch snippets of the performance through a live recording done for members of RHE’s Patreon supporters.

photo by Chelle S Imaging
Kendra & LaRae blend their instruments and voices.

To find out more about RHE, check out their website and Facebook pages, follow them on Twitter, subscribe to their YouTube channel and support them on Patreon.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards

Getting to know the 2016 LA Music Critic Award winners – Brian Whelan

We are having such a blast interviewing the winners of the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2016.  Today’s feature is on Brian Whelan, former sideman for Dwight Yoakum and the winner of Best Country/Americana album for Sugarland.  Thanks to Melissa Dragich-Cordero of MAD Ink PR for the nomination.

Sit back, enjoy the interview and learn things about one of Americana’s new generation of amazing artists.

IVB:  How long have you been performing?

BW:  Basically my whole life.  When I was in kindergarten I first got up on stage at an Assembly.  I convinced them to let me do three songs with a Karaoke machine.  I got the music bug early on and just wanted to be on stage.   I first learned piano at the age of 8, followed by electric bass and electric guitar in my early teens, as well as singing all along.  I consider my as my main instrument.   When I was working with Dwight, I learned pedal steel, mandolin and accordion, but don’t consider myself an expert on those instruments.  These days I prefer to play piano and guitar.

IVB:   Who are your influences?

BW:  My first influences were the stars of 50’s rock and roll, like Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, and Eddie Cochran.  As I grew up, I was influenced by the British Invasion bands and then country and bluegrass during my 20’s.  Since I attended high school in the 90’s, I also love the bands from that era.

IVB:  What made you decide to DIY?

BW:  Watching Dwight perform was such an inspiring experience that I decided to quit the band and do my own stuff.   I found it hard to juggle being a side man with being my own front man.   I finally realized that at one time Dwight had to do the same thing to get started, so I went out and did it too.

Working with Melissa (my publicist) has been a blast.   I love that she represents so many great guitarists, like  John Fogerty, Joe Satriani, and Jeff Beck, to name a few.  It is so cool to be a part of her team.

IVB:  Are you seeking to be a mainstream artist?

BW:  The short answer is yes, but probably not.   I think most indie artists want it but think that it would be too much trouble to have someone else dictating where your career is heading.  I want to be able to do what I want without limit and make enough money doing it to be able to live comfortably.  Studio work, side man work and the like have helped pay the bills lately, but I still want to be able to tour more on my own without losing control (of my career) by being a mainstream artist.

IVB:  What are your future plans?

BW:  The big news is that I’m heading out during the month of September on tour.  I’m planning 15-20 shows during the month.  I’ll be visiting places I’ve been a few times before, plus a few new places including AmericanaFest 16, where 200-250 acts are scheduled to perform.  It seems like most of the acts are relatively new, but there are some more experienced legacy acts performing, including Dwight, Rodney Crowell, John Prine, Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  Another one of Melissa’s clients, Alice Wallace is performing.  Not sure why Rod Melancon (also Melissa’s client) isn’t.  He would be a great addition.

I do want to do a tour through Seattle, Montana and the Northwest.  I played Salt Lake City last year – the audience was great, very polite and attentive to the music.  It was a special show.

IVB:  Any good stories from touring/recording/performing?

BW:  Once I was the voice of an actor in an episode of Mad Men.  The cast was at a show for a Lenny Bruce like comedian, which was followed by a Bob Dylan like singer.  I was his voice.

I do have quite a few stories from the road, but most of them can’t be published.  My favorite one is getting to play piano for Chuck Berry at a casino show on April Fool’s Day.  My friend was playing the drums for him, and got me the gig.  I thought it was a joke because I never heard from the Casino or from Chuck’s band, but it was real and it happened, fulfilling a childhood dream.

IVB:  How can your fans keep up with you?

BW:  Well, the best places are my website and Facebook pages.  I also have Twitter and Instagram accounts.  Although I don’t yet have a YouTube channel, some of my performance videos have been posted by other people.

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Artists Worth Checking Out

Tamara Laurel is a ‘Runaway’ success

Country music is an American art form which has given birth to other great musical genres like rock and roll, Americana and roots.  Over the years it has also spawned a generation of female musical legends, like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Reba and Taylor Swift.  You can now add to that legacy the amazing voice and music of Tamara Laurel.

Although her debut album Runaway was released a year ago, this writer was just recently introduced to this bright new future star, who has quietly been making a name for herself while flying under the radar.

We recently had the opportunity to talk to Laurel about her music and career.  Here’s what she had to say.

IV:  What is your musical background?

TL:  I grew up learning flute and violin in my elementary school band. I also learned about  musical backgrounds while doing arrangements for school musicals, which also taught me to love the essence of songwriting.  I never had any formal music education, although I did take a guitar course in college.  I simply fell in love with music.  I graduated with a business degree, moved to Dallas and began working for News Corp.

Even though I loved my job,  I just couldn’t quiet the desire to be an artist, so I quit working and became one.  I was writing songs at night and studying songwriting in Nashville, Dallas and Seattle.  I just really wanted to do this, so I moved to Los Angeles in 2011 and took classes at the University of Southern California.  I spent a full year trying to get over my fear of performing live, so I would head down to the Santa Monica Promenade after midnight when no one was there, and perform to the open sky.  I also ran the circuit of open mics.  My big break came when I won a contest sponsored by Live Nation to perform at a showcase at the Hollywood House of Blues.  I did about 20 more open mics to prepare for this showcase, starting in Malibu, and have never been nervous about performing live since.

IV:  Who are your musical inspirations?

TL:  Growing up it was Elton John and Bruce Springsteen – I loved the way they told stories with emotions, and  I loved their songwriting styles.  Some of my current favorites are Jason Isbell, Ray LaMontagne, Virgil Simpson, Grace Potter, Emmylou Harris and Allison Krause.

IV:  What else inspires you?

TL:  I’ve always been drawn to write about what evokes a strong emotional reaction, especially relationships.  I took the last year off to be alone and to figure myself out.  Lately it’s about travelling around the country and doing shows, about growing up, while learning a kind of stability about relying on yourself and being responsible.  It’s not just about a broken heart or the fun of being in early 20s.  I can talk to someone who tells me a story which leaves an impact that forms a song.

IV:  Tell us about your debut album.

TL:  Runaway was a product of a very difficult and interesting growing experience.  One day I decided that my life was not going the way i wanted it to and so I just picked up and left.

The first track,”Whiskey,” which was also my first single, is so fun to play live.  I’ve had a lot of exposure for that song.  I was doing two shows in Chicago, and the fans were singing most of the songs back to me.  The song captures that feeling of “I know this is bad for me, but I’m doing it anyway.”

The title track is my type of track – raw, emotional and painful to say – and it sums up the essence of album   It is a good description of what that year meant to me.

I am also now the official artist and spokesperson for Pikolino, a Mexican shoe company.  My first song “I Want You” was used in their  winter campaign about two years ago.  It’s been an incredible partnership.

IV:  What are your future plans?

TL:  I have completed writing my next album, and I’m looking for a new producer/  I’ve been touring, formed my own record label, and simply love making music and playing out.  I believe in the slow and steady build of a long career.  I’m spending time collaborating and working with Nashville writers – I simply love just being in the room when the magic happens.

IV:  Where can we find out more about you?

TL:  Check out my website and Facebook, follow me on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to my YouTube and SoundCloud channels.