Doug Deutsch Publicity – Indie Voice Blog

It has been snowing every day since I returned from tour, although much of it has melted when the thermometer reaches the upper 30’s. It is a beautiful reminder that we are headed into the end of 2017, which has provided a plethora of great indie music. Just a few more weeks until Thanksgiving and then a few more until Christmas and before you know it, we’ll be announcing the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2017. We have definitely got our work cut out for us this time, as the quality and quantity of submissions are some of the best we have ever seen. We can’t wait to share our nominations with you. Until then, check out what’s currently happening in the indie music community.

INDIE ARTISTS PARTICIPATE IN SHOWCASES

This past weekend several of our favorite indie acts participated in showcases. Fan Favorite winner FlecHaus took part in Austin Strong, along with Of Sea and Stone and Deer Fellow, at the Sidewinder in Austin, Texas on November 2. Meanwhile, back in California, Floating Records hosted its “Fall Revue 2017,” featuring LA Music Critic Award nominee Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, as well as Marble Party and Graham Guest on November 4 at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley. Thanks to publicist Doug Deutsch for sharing.

BLAKE MORGAN HOSTS TRACY BONHAM

Blake Morgan has had an artist residence at Rockwood Music Hall for quite some time. This month he will host Tracy Bonham on Rockwood’s Stage 3 on November 15. If you are in New York City, you might just want to grab tickets for this show – grab your tickets soon cause this series has consistently sold out.

JACK TEMPCHIN CELEBRATES 45th ANNIVERSARY OF “PEACEFUL EASY FEELING”

Blue Élan Records artist and former Eagles hit songwriter Jack Tempchin has scheduled a trio of local Los Angeles shows to celebrate the 45th anniversary of one of his biggest hits, “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” which he co-wrote with Glenn Frey. The first one is scheduled for November 10 at Carruth Cellars in Solana Beach. Labelmate Cindy Alexander will open this show. Next will be a stop at the world famous McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica on November 26. Another labelmate, Chelsea Williams, will open this show. His final stop will be at Mozambique in Laguna Beach on December 2.

MARINA V TO CELEBRATE CD RELEASE

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner Marina V, recently returned from a tour of Germany and Moscow, will celebrate the release of her latest CD, Born to the Stars, with a show and party at the amazing Three Clubs on Sunday, November 12. Tickets are half-off if purchased in advance on her website. This is one show you don’t want to miss.

NEW SINGLES

First up today is blue-eyed soul singer Ashleigh Watson, with her new single “Little Love.” We love the sound of this song, and look forward to hearing more from Ms. Watson. We think she’s got a great vibe that will last for a long time.

Next is “Train to Nowhere,” a sure-to-be Americana classic song from The Sound of Ghosts. This one has everything you love in a great Americana song – great lyrics, vocals, fiddle and even some amazing horns. Let us know what you think.

Our final single today comes from Tim Maiden, with his beautiful song “So Far Gone,” a trip hop, electronic, R&B masterpiece. Enjoy this one.

NEW VIDEOS

LA-based alt-rockers Satellite Citi bring us their latest music video for “Undead.” It’s got great guitar riffs and a stunning visual story that brings the song to life. Video game lovers – this one is for you! Please let us know what you think.

Next up is a great lyric video from The Rebel Light for their song, “Where did all the Love Go?” We are constantly amazed at the creativity in the indie music community, and think this one is a hit.

Our final music video for this week comes from Elizabeth and the Catapult, which we recently reviewed in our Get it or Forget it series. Here is their video for “Ambrosia.” Enjoy your week!

Getting to know the 2016 LA Music Critic Award winners – Diana Rein

Welcome to our new series on Indie Voice Blog. Now that the winners of the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2016 have been announced, we decided to help you get to know the winning artists through a series of interviews/stories about them. Our first featured artist is three-time winner Diana Rein.

Rein won “Best CD – Female” for Long Road, “Best Blues Artist” and was the overwhelming selection for “Fan Favorite,” getting almost twice the votes of her nearest competitor.

All of these articles will follow the same format, so dig it and learn things about Ms. Rein and her music.

IVB: How long have you been performing?

DR: I officially started performing in 2007, although I have always loved music. Unfortunately, those early performing years took a toll on my vocal cords and I developed polyps, forcing me to take a break in 2011 for vocal surgery. I was doing an exercise during acting class where the teacher had me screaming. After the class, I couldn’t talk for three weeks. I realized I needed help, so I consulted a doctor, who scheduled me for the surgery. After taking time to heal, I started learning to play guitar in 2013, culminating in the recording of my album in 2015.

IVB: Who are your influences?

DR: I break down my influences into two categories. For my vocals, they would be Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. As a child I was also influenced by the music of Prince as a child. My uncle was a drummer in a band. When I was 8, I was at the Back Room in Chicago where he was performing and I invited to perform. The vocalist in the band taught me the blues signature and I got to improvise on stage. For my guitar playing, it would definitely be Stevie Ray Vaughan, although I was also heavily influenced as a child by the playing of Tom Kefer of Cinderella. Other contemporary influences are the blues legends, like BB King and Buddy Guy.

IVB: What made you decide to DIY?

DR: I just wanted to send it (my music) out into the universe and see what happened. At the time my son was only two, and I was with him almost 24/7, so I couldn’t leave him to go off to a studio and record. Doing my stuff the DIY way allowed me to work around my schedule and record when I was free without feeling guilty about it. I had the tools and the room to do it. I taught myself how to play bass and program the drum machine. I also reached out to friends and fellow musicians for advice on how to do it.

IVB: Are you seeking to be a mainstream artist?

DR: Right now I am very happy being an indie but would love to be more involved in the mainstream blues world. I love how Bonnie Raitt’s career has taken shape because she is a household name, but is also very revered in the Blues world. I truly love being surrounded by blues-loving people.

IVB: What are your future plans?

DR: I recently joined up with Kenny “Big Daddy” Williams and his band the Papermoon Gypsys. We will be performing at some upcoming blues festivals and charity events. We are also competing in the Temecula Valley Music Awards showcases. We are performing at the Real Blues Festival at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on August 14 at 4 p.m. Our set is just before James Harmon Band and KK Martin Band play. We are also playing at the Long Beach New Blues Festival in September. With the Papermoon Gypsys, we are working on a new album of more traditional blues.

IVB: Do you have any good stories from touring/recording/performing?

DR: I haven’t done any touring yet, but have recently learned not to wear leather at a hot outdoor venue. We recently played the Orange County Fair on a hot sweltering day and learned that (wearing leather) was a mistake.

IVB: Where can your fans find out more about you?

DR: I have the usual social media. They can follow me on Twitter and Instagram, like my fan page on Facebook, and check out my website. I love hearing from my fans. They can also subscribe to my YouTube channel. Also check out my publicist, Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, if you need a great one.

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