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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 42

As we enter Thanksgiving week, Indie Voice Blog has so much to be thankful for.  It took us almost 27 months to reach our first 40,000 views.  In the past 12 months, we have doubled that number, with the majority of those views coming in January 2018 (9,098) and June 2018 (10,066).  As of this morning, we are sitting at 81,339 views, and expect to reach 90,000 by the end of the year.  Thanks to all the amazing artists who have submitted their music, and to the fabulous fans that continue to read our blog.

We’ve got a great week planned for you, including a special edition of Get it or Forget it featuring new Christmas music on Thanksgiving Day.  In addition, the nominations for the second half of 2018 will be announced on December 7, and we think it is our best group so far.  Here are five new singles and music videos to get your week off to a great start.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is the latest from Blue Élan Records artist Mint Trip.  Check out their sweet single “Jump Rope.”  We continue to love everything this band puts out.

Our next single is also courtesy of Blue Élan Records, this time from the resurrected band Mustangs of the West.  Here is a beautiful Christmas single that is wonderful for every day listening, “Everybody Wants Peace on Earth.”

Our third single is another Christmas one, this time from The Herron Brothers.  The single drops on November 30, so here’s a SNEAK PEAK of it.  We love their Celtic pop sound, and recommend you heed their advice and “Don’t be Lonely This Christmas.”

Our fourth single is from alt-rock band &Y Myles, who tell us that it’s “Your Turn.”  We like the sentiment of the song, and the driving rock beat ain’t bad either.

Our final single this week is the second one released from the EP You Up? by Fleurt.  We love her sound and look forward to seeing what comes next.  Enjoy “Goodnight (not Goodbye).”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Moving on to the latest music videos, we have some powerful ones for you this week.  First up is the latest from Americana sweetheart and poet Emily Clibourn, dedicated to the angels who guide our paths.  Check out “Green Hair,” especially those amazing dancers.

Our second video brings Blue Élan Records’ Jesse Dayton‘s protest song, “Charlottesville” to life.  This one is truly epic because “this ain’t no time for cowards.”

Next up is a beautiful homage to one of the worst disasters NASA ever had.  Check out “Challenger” by Canadian singer-songwriter Mike Edel.

Our fourth video speaks to the problem of homesickness, which affects a lot of our college students, especially at this time of year.  Here is another Canadian band, Dumb Angel, who remind us this feeling comes in “Like a Wave, Like the Tide.”

Speaking of powerful videos, our final one this week is from Aijia, who speaks up for those afraid to speak up for themselves.  Please share this video with anyone who is struggling to find their voice.  It reminds us of one our our favorite videos, Sara Bareilles’ “Brave.”  Here’s “For You.”

 

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

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 21

Back home in Montana after a wonderful week spending time with my dad and sister-in-law in Oklahoma.  I drove 3100 miles through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma, and enjoyed the trip.  Also got to stop in Denver and catch a performance of one of my best friends, Nina Storey, at The Soiled Dove Underground.

Speaking of the show, her opening act, Ian Mahan, was amazing.  The night was sheer perfection.  Loved the entire vibe of new songs, old songs, Beatles songs and the wit and wisdom of her brilliant on stage banter.  We have been friends for many years (won’t tell you how many but it’s more than 10), and this was the best show I have ever witnessed.  Be on the lookout for new material, as well as a new project that she shared with us.  If you loved her before, you will love her even more now.  If you haven’t discovered the magic that is Nina Storey, then now is the perfect time to come onboard.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL OPENS FOR PREVIEWS ON JUNE 1

The Eighth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival opens for previews on Thursday, followed by the Opening Party on June 7.  We will be arriving on June 15, and will provide daily coverage through the awards show on June 25.  We are so excited to present our first award this year, the Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence, in honor of our fallen friend, Larry Cornwall aka Alice in Cooperland.  Stay tuned for our list of the 10 most anticipated shows, which will be published later this week.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

The LA Music Critic Awards are celebrating five years of recognizing the indie music community with a showcase at the famed Hotel Café on June 20.  We will be honoring a special songwriter with the 2017 Icon Award, and will have performances by Wendy Sweetlove, Elyse Haren, Jon Mullane, Janey Street, Jerad Finck, Katie Costello, Lovers & Poets, The Spider Accomplice and Papermoon Gypsys.  Advance tickets are available on the Hotel Café website and are only $10 in advance and $12 at the door.  Come help us celebrate and support live indie music.

EMILY CLIBOURN DEBUTS ROCK-UMENTARY

Emily Clibourn has been a force in indie music for several years.  We are proud to announce the screening of her new rock-umentary, As the Wind Blows, the story of her recent cross-country tour.  The screening of the five part documentary will be on Saturday, June 3 from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at 1340 E 6th Street, Suite 402, Los Angeles.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with live music playing from 8:30 until 10 p.m.  The screening will follow.  Afterwards, attendees are invited to the Villains Tavern for the after party.  The event is BYOB, and it is recommended that you also bring a pillow for your own seating.

Please click here to RSVP and here for more details.

NEW MUSIC

Speaking of Jerad Finck, he has recently released his new single, on the heels of the success of “Criminal.”  His tune is called “New Kids,” and we think you’ll love it.  Check it out.

https://soundcloud.com/jeradfinck/new-kids-master

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Check out this interesting video from Brooklyn based Onesie of their tune, “This Minstrel.”  Please let us know your thoughts.

We haven’t forgotten about you hip-hop fans.  Check out the recent music video from Australian band 27 seconds of their song, “Forever Learning.”

Last  but not least this week is the debut video of an amazing new band fronted by our friend, Justin Foutz.  Check out “American Sweetheart” by the Rye Brothers.

 

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Get it or Forget it: Emily Clibourn, One From Many, Alexis Keegan

So much indie music has been crossing my desk lately.  I just realized today that I have 24 of them that need reviews, so I’m challenging myself to write reviews on them all in the next eight days.  With that goal in mind, here are the reviews of the first three.

emily-clibourn

Artist NameEmily Clibourn

Album NameBlow

Label:  None

Genre:  Singer-songwriter pop

Track Listing:  1.  Beautiful Girls; 2.  Blow; 3.  Burgundy; 4.  Fly; 5.  Fools Gold; 6.  Middle of the Night; 7.  Black Velvet; 8.  For the Love; 9.  Die to the Dream 

Publicist:  None

Review:  The first thing a listener will notice about Emily Clibourn’s music is her voice, which immediately grabs your attention with its sweet and tangy sound.  The lyrics also invade your mind and set upon their mission to let you know that Clibourn is a force to be reckoned with.   This album contains nine beautiful songs about love and its many facets, and is the type of music you want to hear when you are unwinding after a long day.  It provides the perfect soundtrack when you want to forget the past and clear your mind.  Every song accomplishes this mission, and every lover of good relaxing music should definitely have this one in their musical library.  Best tracks include the title track, “Beautiful Girls, “Fools Gold,” and “For the Love.”

Recommendation:  Clibourn is a natural storyteller with a killer voice that surrounds you with the pureness of fresh fallen snow.  We are happy to give this a most definite Get It rating.

ofm

Artist NameOne From Many

Album Name:  29:11

Label:  Olea Records

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Like a Ghost; 2.  These Three Words; 3.  Apology; 4.  Promise Forever; 5.  Afterglow 

Publicist:  Ue3 Promotions

Review:  One From Many, or O.F.M., may remind you of such groups as One Republic or Imagine Dragons, but with their own distinct approach to the music.   The music is pure anthemic rock with a power ballad mentality that is great to listen to while you are living life.  The vocals soar over just the right amount of acoustical instrumentation, creating a melody that grabs your attention and makes you want to sing along at the top of your voice.  Special recognition to “Promise Forever,” which features label mate Alexis Keegan, but every song on this EP is worthy of repeated listens.

Recommendation:  Most definitely, Get It.  You’ll be glad you did.

Alexis

Artist NameAlexis Keegan

Album Name:  Endless Road

Label:  Olea Records

Genre:  R&B-tinged pop

Track Listing:  1.  Empty Heart; 2.  Nobody Compares; 3.  Last Song; 4.  There Will be Love; 5.  Everything 

Publicist:  Ue3 Promotions

Review:  Alexis Keegan’s music is full of soul, and is reflected in this perfect collection, with a sound that is part Taylor Dayne, part Pink, but totally incredible.  These songs belong on the radio, with their catchy lyrics, grooving beat, and a voice that needs to be heard.  It is next to impossible to just sit and listen to these tunes which truly make the listener want to get up and dance.  Keegan is the voice of a new generation, and should be coming to a radio station near you in the very future.  This is definitely an artist to watch, and all five songs should be on your play list.

Recommendation:  Keegan has a special gift that she happily shares with every listener.  If you love music that makes you want to move, then this EP should definitely be on your Get It list.