Tag: Curtis Peoples

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.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 3

Happy Martin Luther King Day!  We had a blast last night at The Wilma in Missoula, where we were introduced to an LA band called Bikini Trill who was opening for Reel Big Fish and Tony Lovato and MEST.  We recently reviewed Reel Big Fish’s new album, and had previously reviewed MEST back in December 2017.   MEST also won the LA Music Critic Award for Best Folk Band for that album for the second half of 2017.  We will have the full review of last night’s concert soon.  In the meantime, here are five new singles and music videos from the indie world.

JACK TEMPCHIN ELECTED TO SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME

Blue Élan Records artist Jack Tempchin is part of the Class of 2019 and will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13 in New York City.  He wrote a plethora of songs that we’ve all danced and sung along to, including the Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Tequila Sunrise,” and “Already Gone,” Glenn Frey’s “The One You Love,” “Smuggler’s Blues,” “You Belong To The City” and “Sexy Girl,” and Johnny Rivers‘ “Slow Dancing.”

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from an amazing 15-year old future superstar named Bella Rios.  She received a nomination in the recent LA Music Critic Awards for Rising Star, and we guarantee this artist is on her way to the top of the charts.  Check out her latest single, “Under the Waves.”

Our second single is from another LA Music Critic Awards winner, Rod Melancon, who is a member of the Blue Élan Records family.  His latest song, “Goin’ Out West,” is a harder rocking Americana song that he usually does, and we totally dig it.

Our next single is likewise from a multiple LA Music Critic Award winner, who we hope will perform in our next Winners Showcase.  We have followed the career of Curtis Peoples for many years, and his latest single, “Tidal Wave,” is one of his best, and features the beautiful vocals of Holy Wars.  Let us know what you think.

Our fourth single is from another member of the Blue Élan Records family, who has recently rebranded herself and now goes by the name of Car Astor.  This one will get you up and dancing into the new week.  Check out “Don’t Stop, Don’t Speak.”

Our final single today is from another multiple LA Music Critic Award winning duo, Lovers & Poets.  We are also providing the bitmoji video they did for their latest offering, “Here and Now.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is a beautifully made lyric video for “Do What you Want,” the latest from the phenomenally talented Jess McAvoy.  Check this one out.

We don’t often post cover videos, but this one is so good that we had to share and features Fuel on Fire, one of the rising young pop bands from Nashville.  Check out their cover of U2‘s monster hit, “With or Without You, featuring the amazing children’s choir at Homer Pittard Campus School.  We’ll have a review of their cover album shortly.

Our third video is from steampunk-influenced singer-songwriter Elyssa Vulpes for her single “Front Line.”  We think this one could become an anthem for so many causes.

Our next video is from the collaborative efforts of the Americana Kitchen Band.  Check out this video for their single “All Dressed Up (and Nowhere to Go).”  This one will give you the strength to make it through the new week.

We close out this week with the latest video from Blues/Rock superstar guitarist Eric McFadden, “While You Was Gone.”  This one will surely give you a head start on the next great weekend.  Have a great week and we’ll see soon.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 28

What a wonderful weekend.  Spent it working the backstage gate at The Decemberists’ Travelers Rest Festival in Missoula.  Over the course of the weekend, I heard a lot of amazing music and made some great new connections, including three members of The Decemberists (Chris Funk, Nate Query and Jenny Conlee) and Colin Meloy’s mom), I’m With Her and their lovely families, indie bands Lenore, Matt the Electrician, Tune-Yards, Cardioid, Ural Thomas & the Pain and Whitney, NPR darling Gaelynn Lea, and fellow Virginian Lucy Dacus.  A full review will be coming soon, so stand by for another busy week of articles.  In the meantime, here are five new singles and five new music videos to get your week off to a good start.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from the creative minds of two amazing songwriters, Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil and Curtis Peoples, as recorded by Peoples.  Here’s one of our new favorite songs, “Castaways.”

Next up is the latest from Sheridan Reed.  We love the groove of “We Should Both be Here,” and are sure you will too.  Enjoy this tune.

https://soundcloud.com/sheridanreed/we-should-both-be-here

Our third single this week is from Americana/roots band HONEY RIVER, and we think this one is a potential mega-hit.  Check out “Peace, Love.”

Our next single is from Dutch band Money & The Man.  It has a harder alternative rock edge and should help shake up your Monday.  Here’s “This Season.”

Our final single today will get you body on the dance floor.  Let’s give it up for “When I Ask You Why,” the latest from dance pop artist and producer Fish Fox.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from the granddaughter of Willie Nelson.  She is also a member of the amazing country band mmhmm, which we recently reviewed.  Here is “Mama Cry” from her other band, the Raelyn Nelson Band.

Next up is the latest from Korean-American artist Tiffany Young, who has already accumulated more than 1 million hits on a video that was just released five days ago.  Check out “Over my Skin.”

Our third video is a blast from the past.  The Guess Who were huge back in the early 70s, and they’re back sounding like they never left.  Check out their latest video “Playing on the Radio.”

Next up is “Night After Night” from Rare Americans.  It is a punky indie rock tune which will help propel you into the new week.

We close out the week with the amazing voice of GABI.  This tender ballad will soothe all your troubles away.  Enjoy “Whole With You.”

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

Get it or forget it – Curtis Peoples, Lydia Loveless, Standing Before Kings, The Oxford Coma

Time is quickly running out and there is still so much to do.  Spent all morning going through my emails and found a ton of review requests.  Unfortunately, they will have to wait until I return from tour with Jerad Finck.  We should have time for one or two more articles before then, so here we go with four more reviews.

Artist Name:  Curtis Peoples

Album Name:  Five-Nine

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  All Hands; 2.  Love on Fire; 3.  Last Night my Favorite Band Broke Up; 4.  Damage Control

Publicist:  None

Review:  Curtis Peoples has been a favorite of this reviewer since he first saw him perform at the Roxy on Sunset when he was signed to Maverick Records.  Peoples has been spending most of his time recently penning hit songs for others (including Pierce the Veil), and it is with much joy that we have received this latest offering, even if it is only four songs.  Lucky for us all four are amazing and ready for radio.  Peoples has a strong smoky baritone that lifts his carefully crafted lyrics to new heights.  His musical accompaniment is first rate and shows further signs of the growth of this artist.

Recommendation:  If you love great music, then you must Get this EP.  Hopefully we’ll have a full-length CD soon :).

Artist Name:  Lydia Loveless

Album Name:  Boy Crazy and Single(s)

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  All I Know; 2.  All the Time; 3.  Lover’s Spat; 4.  Boy Crazy; 5.  The Water; 6.  Mile High; 7.  Blind; 8.  Come Over; 9.  Falling out of Love; 10.  I Would die 4 U; 11.  Alison

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Lydia Loveless has been making a name for herself, both as an individual artist and a collaborator on such project’s as Earwig’s award winning hit, “Wasted on You.”  Her latest project combines new songs with re-releases of previous material, and is a wonderful addition to this year’s indie offerings.  She has a country-tinged voice that reminds us of Martina McBride, mixed with a rock and roll flavor that is perfectly suited to her music.  From the first notes of “All I Know,” it become quickly obvious that we are in the presence of greatness, witnessing the rise of indie music’s next big star.  On top of her originals, she delivers a stunning cover of Prince’s hit, “I Would Die 4 U.”  While we love every track, we were especially drawn to “All I Know,” “Lover’s Spat,” the title track, “The Water,” and “Falling Out of Love.”

Recommendation:  This one is a requirement for all serious music lovers – Get. It. Now.

Artist Name:  Standing Before Kings (SBK)

Album Name: Standing Before Kings

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Euro Alternative Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Intro (Explosions); 2.  Explosions; 3.  In Your Eyes; 4.  Your World

Publicist:  None

Review:  Standing Before Kings, formerly known as SIKA, is an alternative rock band begun in Russia and perfected in North Hollywood, California.   They have a heavy but pure rock sound that resonates with the conviction of their faith-based lyrics, similar to the sound of Christian rock bands Skillet and P.O.D.  We can feel the anguish in their song “In Your Eyes” as well as the power in their other tracks.  We would definitely love to hear more from this band and look forward to the release of a full-length album.

Recommendation:  If you love rock, and positive lyrics, then definitely check them out.

Artist Name:  The Oxford Coma

Album Name:  Everything Out of Tune

Label:  Siggy Records

Genre:  Psychedelic Grunge

Track Listing:  1.  Trauma (Maybe I’m Forgetting Something); 2.  Inflatable Patriots (Touching People in their Sleep); Patterns of Though; 4.  Cartoons; 5.  Junkies & God; 6.  Everything is out of Tune My Only Victories are Other; 7.  Reciprocal Damage; 8.  Smack & Temporary Enlightenment; 9.  Good Job Boys

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  The Oxford Coma is frustrated with the current state of our country, and that frustration and angst comes through loud and clear on every dysfunctional track of their new album.  They wanted to create an album that would be the auditory soundtrack for a psychedelic hallucination, and they have achieved that goal.  They are also planning to release a feature film that will provide the visionary aspect of those hallucinations.  We think they definitely have the talent to pull off this multi-media project.

Recommendation:  If grunge and psychedelic music is your thing, then definitely check them out.  For the rest of us, just Forget it.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Bryan Stephens, Katie Costello, Gerry Spehar, Flood Coats

Happy Friday – looking forward to some rodeo action today as we head to the Western Montana Fair.  Yesterday’s trip was cancelled as we spent the afternoon in the ER.  Nothing to worry about.  Here are the last of the July releases.  Enjoy our reviews.

Artist Name:  Bryan Stephens

Album Name:  Village of Dreams

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  River Flows; 2.  In June; 3.  Turnabout; 4.  Revolution; 5.  Deprivation; 6.  Out of her Mind; 7.  No Time; 8.  Generations; 9.  Taking Time; 10.  Attrition; 11.  Wars Again; 12.  Dreams

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  OMG – smooth vocals, amazing musical tracks and noteworthy lyrics – this new CD by Bryan Stephens has it all.  The songs are perfect for radio and placement, and brighten up the listener’s day.  From the first note, Village of Dreams provides adequate proof that Stephens is the real thing.  Dave Darling has done it again with his production, creating a musical masterpiece that needs to be put on repeat.  There is not a weak track on this album.  Rumor has it that Stephens is already at work on his next project, an album of covers – we cannot wait to hear his interpretations.  Check out his cover of the classic song “No Time” for an example.  Look out music industry – we have a new superstar.

Recommendation:  A true no-brainer, you simply must Get this album.  What a perfect album to celebrate Friday!

Artist Name:  Katie Costello

Album Name:  New World

Label:  REBEL POP Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  New World; 2.  A Beautiful Mystery; 3.  Hearts on Fire

Publicist:  FAR Digital PR

Review:  What can we say that hasn’t already been said about the powerful pop princess named Katie Costello?  She has been the topic of quite a few articles on this blog, and the recepient of several LA Music Critic Awards.  She also performed at the recent Winners Showcase back in June, and brought the house down.  Costello has previously released “New World” and “A Beautiful Mystery” as singles.  Her new addition on this EP is “Hearts on Fire,” and it is just as powerful as her previous releases.  Costello is our choice to be the next Meghan Trainor – her music is ready for worldwide distribution and deserves to be on the radio and receive a Grammy.  Keep up the awesome work – we need more artists like Katie Costello!

Recommendation:  Get it NOW!

Artist Name:  Gerry Spehar

Album Name:  I Hold Gravity

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing: 1. Dirt; 2.  Muleshoe Mules; 3.  I Hold Gravity; 4.  Be Nemanic; 5.  Holy Moses Doughboy; 6.  Here in the Pass; 7.  Mr. & Mrs. Jones; 8.  How to get to Heaven From LA; 9.  God Lubbock; 10.  Into the Mystic

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Gerry Spehar brings a classic country vibe to his songs, which are well crafted lyrically and musically.  His tunes have a familiarity that makes them seem like you’ve heard them a million times.  They are truly radio ready and provide a sound that is missing on today’s pop country stations.  Listening to the first track, “Dirt,” feels like getting together with an old friend, and the album just gets better from there.  The entire album feels like it was heavily influenced by such country greats as Chris LeDoux and Garth Brooks, with Spehar’s own creative genius added in.  It is a loving tribute to his late wife, Susan.  While the entire album is great, we really love “Dirt,” “Muleshoe Mules,” “Here in the Pass,” “How to Get to Heaven From LA,” and “God Lubbock.”

Recommendation:  If  you love classic country music, you owe it to yourself to Get this album.

Artist Name:  Flood Coats

Album Name:  Vaquita

Label:  Hey Amigo Recording Co.

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Billowing Open; 2.  Hurricanes; 3.  Don’t Hold the Door; 4.  Ultraviolet; 5.  P-22; 6.  Window Seat; 7.  Magic Ones; 8.  Still Life; 9.  Vaquita

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Flood Coats is a collaborative effort from two of LA’s best indie musicians, Joel P. West and Darla Hawn.  While we are not familiar with West, we have known Hawn for quite a few years from her time playing drums for Curtis Peoples.  Needless to say, the collective sound of Flood Coats is rich and vibrant, with perfectly written pop melodies supporting strong lyrical content, topped off with the amazing harmonies of West and Hawn.  The entire album has that 80’s pop feel that uplifts and empowers the listener, and is just plain fun.  We especially love “Billowing Open,” “Don’t Hold the Door,” “P-22,” “Window Seat,” and “Magic Ones.”

Recommendation:  This album belongs to all true music lovers and will surely be the first of many that you add to your collection.  We strongly suggest you Get it ASAP!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 17

Happy May Day!  We’ve got a lot of news and new music videos to share with you today.  Let’s get to it.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL NEWS

The Eighth Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival will be held in Los Angeles from June 8 to 25, with previews starting on June 1.  Tickets go on sale today and the Festival looks to be bigger and better than previous years.  Fringe Central, the social “watering hole” for participants at the Festival, will be one of the first events at the venue that used to be Dragonfly on Santa Monica Boulevard.  We are looking forward to covering the Fringe again this year and will be attending from June 15-25.  We will publish reviews on every show we see.  Keep checking in with us for the latest in HFF17 news.

ALI HANDAL SIGNS RECORDING DEAL

Los Angeles indie musician and icon Ali Handal recently signed a recording deal with Red Parlor Records.  The label will release her next album “That’s What she Said,” in the near future.  We will let you know as soon as we get additional information.

OLIVIA MILLERSCHIN WINS SONGWRITING CONTEST

Michigan indie artist Olivia Millerschin recently won the Great American Song Contest in the singer-songwriter category with her song “We Know Not.”   Millerschin has always been one of our favorite teen musicians, and we love that she is finally being recognized for her talent.  She is currently on a west coast tour.  Catch her live if you live in or near Los Angeles, North Hollywood, Thousand Oaks, Phoenix or Las Cruces.

NEW MUSiC VIDEOS

We are proud to share several  new music videos – let us know what you think about them.

First up is the latest from LA Music Critic Award winner Alison Iraheta’s band Halo Circus, who are hard at work on a tour to support their latest EP The East Lansing Sessions.  Check out the video for “Band-Aid,” which we think is amazing.

Next up is another LA Music Critic Awards winner, Curtis Peoples, who has released a new video for “Damage Control,” featuring his wife, comedian and actress Tara Perry Peoples.  We think you’ll enjoy the chemistry between them, and the song kicks ass too.

Our final new video this week is from an artist we recently reviewed on Get it or Forget it – Single by Sunday.  We were very impressed with this band and think you will be too.  Check out their video for their first single, “Nevereverever.”