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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 17)

We have officially moved to North Carolina and the renovations have begun on our new home.  We just got our internet installed last Thursday, and I had a job interview as well.  Going through the background check right now, and hope to hear from them soon.  In the meantime, let’s get back to sharing new singles and new music videos with you.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is a beautiful and harmonious duet featuring our friend Melissa Polinar and the other worldly sound of the one and only India.Arie.  With our country finally coming back alive and a full concert schedule for the summer, let’s celebrate with their joyous tune “We Started a Song.”

Spotify – We Started a Song

Another voice that has led the revolution has returned with a powerful new ballad that is inspiring a whole new generation.  Check out “I Belong,” the latest anthem from MILCK.

I Belong · MILCK (spotify.com)

It’s never a bad time for a new tune from the golden boy Gabe Dixon.  His vocals drip with honey and his mastery of the keys is second to none.  Sit back and enjoy his musical style and “Lay it on Me.”

Lay It on Me · Gabe Dixon (spotify.com)

We are pleased to introduce you to a new voice in indie music who has a song that hits hard, especially in our current situation.  Please check out Kimi Kazee and her introspective “Live With It.”  We want to know what you think.

Live With It · Kimi Kazee (spotify.com)

We close out this week’s new singles with a fresh country voice from someone who just may be the female version of Brad Paisley with her humorous tongue-in-check tune “Normal Girls.”  Give it up for Crystal Leigh.

Spotify – Normal Girls

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Blue Élan Records resident funny lady Scout Durwood is back with another great video.  Laugh along to her antics as she laments “Now That UR Gone.”  Warning – explicit lyrics.

Our second video is from another Blue Élan artist, who also was responsible for getting the label off the ground.  Cindy Alexander‘s latest album While the Angels Sigh has generated one great song after another.  Her latest is “Alizarin Crimson,” and the music visualizer is stellar.  Enjoy another taste of our favorite Pnut.

Next up is one of our favorite British guilty pleasures – Single by Sunday.  In their video for “Hey Boy,” they remind us that age is just a number – just because we grow up doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun.

Video number four is dedicated to the Pride community and comes from one of LA’s most intriguing duos – Lucy & La Mer.  “Ooh La La” – Happy Pride Month.

We close out this week with the latest from the one thing we will miss most about Oklahoma – The Imaginaries.  This husband and wife duo is at the top of their game, and recently collaborated with Cheryl Ladd on a movie.  They close out the week with “Trust Falling With You.”  See you next week.

p.s.  I got the job.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 15)

This will be our last Monday Mashup this month as we will be on the east coast next weekend finalizing a major deal.  We can’t wait to share the news with you.  In the meantime, here are some great new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

It’s been a while since we heard anything new from LA Music Critic Award winner Gabe Dixon, but with the release of his latest single, it has obviously been worth the wait.  His sound is part Phil Vassar, part Billy Joel and all-in-all extraordinary.  Check out “Something Good.”

Something Good · Gabe Dixon (spotify.com)

She may be a blues goddess, but Gina Sicilia is also a skilled vocalist who brings life to everything she sings.  Her latest is a brilliant acoustic cover of the classic Simon and Garfunkel hit, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”  Let her sweet honey vocals pour over you and soothe your soul.

Bridge Over Troubled Water · Gina Sicilia (spotify.com)

We are always happy to hear new music from our favorite rising country friends Honey County, and their latest does not disappoint.  The say they “Got it From my Momma,” and we are glad they chose to share it with us.  This one should be a quick ride to the top of the country charts.

Got It from My Mama · Honey County (spotify.com)

If you haven’t figured it out yet, our favorite indie label is Blue Élan Records.  Whether they are breaking new artists like Chelsea Williams or bringing back great ones like Fanny Walked the Earth, Kirk Pasich and company definitely have a way with recognizing and finding talent.  The latest from The Vegabonds is no exception.  Check out “Juke and Jive.”  This one will hit you like Led Zeppelin.

Juke and Jive · The Vegabonds (spotify.com)

Last but not least is our favorite iconic LA voice, BINX, who has provided us with a powerful song in the fight against depression with the release of her latest, “Bloom.”  Listen carefully to the words of this song and remember, you are not alone.

Bloom · BINX (spotify.com)

This past week we lost an amazing voice from pop radio with the death of Poco founding member Rusty Young.  We wanted to take the time to remember his legacy with this beautiful video released by his Blue Élan Records family for the hit song, “Crazy Love.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from another LA Music Critic Award winner, Ted Russell Kamp.  While he may primarily be known for his work with Shooter Jennings, he is a master songwriter and storyteller, and his latest says “You can go to Hell, I’m Going to Texas.”  Enjoy this one.

We follow up that Americana goodness with a new bluegrass tune from Jesse Brock, courtesy of So Much Moore.  Check out the harmonies on “Kiss on a Cold Cold Stone.”  This one will haunt you.

Next up is a rocking tune from the incomparable X. ARI.  It is an ode to her girlfriend called “She Knows It,” and we’re glad she shared it with us.

We introduced you to The Highway Women about a month ago and we are proud to now share the video of their song, “Dead Man Walking.”  Enjoy this taste of the next major indie country cross-over band.  We think you will want to watch this one on repeat.

Our final music video this week is from  relative newcomer Chris Moreno with his beautiful tribute to “Somebody New.”  Enjoy this smooth country pop tune.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 1)

It’s a new year – welcome 2021.  Here’s hoping that we will see a return to live music and much success for indie artists worldwide.

Speaking of live music, we just learned of the passing of long-time indie music supporter Lina La Rosa to ALS.  We are dedicating this week’s column to her memory.  RIP, Lina.

After waking up to a blanket of white on New Year’s Day, we wanted to kick off the new year right with some great new singles and music videos.  Here’s what we found this week:

NEW SINGLES

Our first single is from an artist whom we’ve known since the 90’s.  She is a survivor of COVID, and probably our favorite redhead on the planet.  We’re talking about none other than Nina Storey, and her first song of 2021 will definitely get you on the dance floor.  Check out her latest groove and get ready to “Fly.”

Fly · Nina Storey (spotify.com)

Next up is a beautiful holiday song from another friend from our time living in San Diego.  She has since moved to Nashville where she has become a popular host of a music show, an actress and a force of nature.  Check out “Somethin’ ‘Bout the Snow” from the original lady of blue, Alyssa Jacey.

Somethin’ Bout the Snow · Alyssa Jacey (spotify.com)

Our third song pretty much sums up the feelings of quite a few people concerning 2020.  Meiko is another long-time friend who says what many of us feel, “This Year can Kiss my Ass.”

This Year Can Kiss My Ass · Meiko (spotify.com)

Gabe Dixon is a past winner of the LA Music Critic Awards, and has become the natural follow-up to such amazing “piano men” as Billy Joel, Elton John and Phil Vassar.  We simply love his holiday song and echo its sentiments, so let’s bring in the “New Year Just With You.”

Spotify – New Year Just with You

We close out this week’s singles with the latest from the multi-talented actress, songwriter, crafter and co-creator of the “Don’t Call us Tori” showcase and podcast, LA’s own Shannon Hurley.  In answer to her question, “Am I in This Love Alone,” we respond with a resounding, “Hell No!”

Am I in This Love Alone · Shannon Hurley (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick things off with a video from the amazing duo Dauzat St. Marie.  We think this powerful ballad sets the perfect message for 2021 – “In it Together.”

ROCKET is another group with powerful female vocals.  They have just released a lyric video for their empowering song, “Giants,” and we think you should take their lyrics to heart.

Our third video is from a new artist we have recently discovered courtesy of Tarsier Records.  Enjoy this beautiful and soulful visual for “Best Wishes” by Markus.

Christmas may be over, but the spirit of the season lives on in this stirring video cover of one of our all-time favorite classics, “What Child is This.”  Check out Dan Hegarty and metal maven VK Lynne in this stunning visual shot by Sean McHugh.

We close out the first week of the year with this remarkable lyric video that brings back so many memories.  Lend your ear to the amazing songwriting of Michael Shynes and meet us at “Sundown.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews

Get it or forget it – Riley Smith, The Grascals, Istanbul Hippodrome, Gabe Dixon

Welcome to September.  We have a special edition of Get it or Forget it, featuring the debut EP from one of our favorite actors, Riley Smith, star of Nashville and Frequency.  In addition, we have the latest from The Grascals, as well as LA Music Critic Award winner Gabe Dixon.  Have a wonderful Friday, and let’s get cracking.

Artist Name:   Riley Smith

Album Name:   Riley Smith

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country/Pop /Rock

Track Listing:  1.  I’m on Fire; 2.  I Can’t Keep on Missing You; 3.  Break Somethin’; 4.  Mad Love; 5.  Selfish; 6.  Change of a Season

Publicist:   Chloe Robinson

Review:  With a soulful voice over country tinged pop music, Riley Smith bursts forth on the indie music scene with “I’m on Fire,” the first single off his latest EP.  Smith has the kind of sound that is truly radio ready and is perfect for both country and pop/rock formats.  He has chosen a strong group of songs that showcase his voice and bring out the best possible sound.  Every song on this EP is amazing, and worthy of repeated listens.  We are pleased to welcome Smith to the club of artists with amazing voices, including the entire cast of Nashville, Lukas Haas, Minnie Driver and others.

Recommendation:  You simply must add this one to your musical library.  We think that Smith will become a very important member of the exclusive club of actors that can sing.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  The Grascals

Album Name:  Before Breakfast

Label:  Mountain Home Music

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Sleepin’ with the Reaper; 2.  Demons; 3.  Delia; 4.  I’ve Been Redeemed; 5.  Lonesome; 6.  Beer Tree; 7.  Pathway of Teardrops; 8.  Lynchburg Chicken Run; 9.  He Took Your Place; 10.  Lost and Lonesome; 11.  There is You; 12.  Clear Corn Liquid

Publicist:  So Much Moore Media

Review:   The Grascals have earned their reputation for quality bluegrass music by choosing the right songs and arrangements.  Since they were introduced by Rounder back in 2005, they have thrilled bluegrass fans around the world.  On this collection, they have chosen to cover some of the classic songwriters of bluegrass and country music, like Bill Anderson, Jon Randall, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Paul Overstreet and Tim Stafford, while also showing their skills at writing (“Lynchburg Chicken Run”).  Composed of John Bryan (guitar, clawhammer banjo and vocals), Terry Eldredge (guitar and vocals), Terry Smith (bass and vocals), Adam Haynes (fiddle), Danny Roberts (mandolin) and Kristin Scott Benson (banjo and guitar), this dynamic sextet take bluegrass to h\new heights, thrilling old fans and creating new ones.  The Grascals continue to set the bar high, and every song on Before Breakfast only strengthens their position as one of the premier bluegrass bands in the world.

Recommendation:   Lucky for you, this album is being released on September 1.  We strongly recommend that you Get it before it sells out.

Artist Name:  Istanbul Hippodrome

Album Name:  No Way Home

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Electronica/instrumental

Track Listing:  1,  Overlord; 2.  No Way Home; 3.  Servovar Vent; 4.  Diet of Worms

Publicist:  Neon Tetra

Review:   Istanbul Hippodrome is a British band with an entirely different sound.  Their music is not so much songs but soundscapes, with a cinematic sound you would expect from your favorite movie soundtrack.  Their music is eerie and ethereal, encompassing all your senses.  It is music that you feel even more than just hear, as the unique yet cohesive sounds envelop you from head to toe, transforming your environment and setting your mind free to wander through the vast possibilities set forth in the notes.  Their music is perfect for your solitude and meditation, when you want your thoughts to wander free.

Recommendation:  This unique blend of sounds and moods is a perfect addition to your musical library.  We recommend you pre-order it so that you will have it when it is released on September 8.

Artist Name:  Gabe Dixon

Album Name:  Live in Boston

Label:  BirnCORE

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Holding her Freedom; 2.  Crave; 3.  If I Love You; 4.  Flow Like Wine; 5.  Five More Hours; 6.  Last Fool; 7.  Find my Way; 8.  All Will be Well; 9.  Till You’re Gone

Publicist:  Berklee College of Music

Review:  This live album was recorded on the independent label of Berklee College of Music in Boston from a performance by Gabe Dixon, who is no stranger to indie music lovers.  Dixon won Best Single for “Crave” and Best Male Pop/Rock Artist in the 2016 LA Music Critic Awards, and has been nominated for Best CD (Male) and Best Video (Live).  We also reviewed his last album, Turns to Gold, and interviewed him after his LAMCA win.  In this stellar live performance, Dixon shows his major piano chops as he brings to life nine of his best songs.  He has that mastery of the ivory that was previously exhibited by the legendary Bruce Hornsby, as well as an uncanny ability to capture emotions in his songwriting.  If you’ve never had the opportunity to attend one of his live shows, then this is the next best thing to experience Dixon’s brilliance.  It is obvious even from this live album why he was chosen to appear on the Carson Daly show last year.  Although every song is amazing, we simply love his live arrangements of “Holding her Freedom,” Crave,” “Flow Like Wine,” and “Find my Way.”

Recommendation:  If you love great music, then this one must be included in your musical library.  We strongly suggest you pre-order it so that you will be among the first to have it when it is released on September 8.  You can find it here.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards

Getting to know the 2016 LA Music Critic Award winners – Gabe Dixon

Continuing on with our introductions of the winners from the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2016, our featured artist today is Gabe Dixon, the winner of “Best single” for his hit song “Crave,” as well as Best Pop/Rock Male Artist.

When we reviewed his album Turns to Gold back in May, the comparison was made to Dixon’s music being akin to that of Bruce Hornsby and Phil Vassar.  Come to find out during our almost one-hour interview that Dixon has connections with both of these superstars.  The Gabe Dixon Band once opened a concert for Bruce Hornsby, while Dixon and Vassar are friends, having shared the stage at a huge gala in their native Nashville.

Ready to learn more about Dixon and his music?  Sit back, dig in and learn things.  Let me warn you – this is a long one (I did mention the interview ran an hour, right?)

IVB:  How long have you been performing?

GD:  I started performing pretty young, around the age of 12.  I had started learning piano at the age of 7, and got into the music of Elton John, Ray Charles and the Beatles.  I grew up in Nashville, and my mom encouraged me to audition for a teen band.  I did and was selected to be a part of the band Six Shooter, signed to Curb Records.  We were basically a country version of a boy band.  I wasn’t a big fan of the music, but they did keep us on tour a lot, with weekends during the school year and then all summer long.  The touring gave me a lot of experience and the ride lasted about four or five years.  It also gave me the confidence to start writing my own stuff, which I did around age 15.  It also gave me the confidence to start playing whenever I could, mostly keyboards in other people’s band.  By the time I got to college at the University of Miami, I was doing my own stuff.  After graduation, I moved to New York City, and I have been playing off and on ever since.

IVB:  Who are your influences?

GD:  My early influences were blues and songwriter based musicians like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elton John, The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as stuff my parents listened to, late 60s and early 70s artists like Joe Cocker, Ray Charles, Paul Simon, Michael Jackson and U2.  Their music gave me a sense of songwriting and the basics.  That style was planted deep within me.  Everything I do now springs from that.  As I matured I got into my own stuff and loved jam band and improvisation stuff, and artists like the Dave Matthews Band and Phish, which led to Jeff Buckley and Radiohead.   Since those early days there have been so many influences that I can’t identify a single source.

IVB: What made you decide to DIY?

GD:  I’d never done it before and many of my friends had done it their whole careers.  I had previously signed with both Warner Brothers and Conchord Records, and had shopped my stuff around and gotten offers.  I just didn’t feel there was strong interest anywhere, so I decided to sever ties and try it as an indie.  I have never owned my own masters before so that’s a different experience.  Basically, I just wanted to try it all out and wanted to take charge of what I was doing.  I was intrigued by the whole crowd funding model of working directly with my fans.  I raised the funds I needed and got to become closer to my fans.  It was a good learning experience for me, allowing me to be more extroverted and interact with my fans.  When I was signed to a label, I never had this much say in who was working for me, so this is a great new experience.  I even left my old management firm after 10 years.  Doing it DIY has allowed me learn to trust myself and my intuition.  When it came time to get a publicist, I interviewed a bunch of them but never felt that connection until I met Laura (Goldfarb of Red Boot PR).   I want those who represent me to all be good people.  I never understood this before when the label did everything for me.

IVB:  Do you want to go back to being a mainstream artist?

GD:  I’m not sure at this time.  Just released my last album (Turns to Gold) in April.  (Going back) will depend on who the label is and what type of services they provide.  Their business models have all changed.  Right now my managers also own a publishing company and everything is more centered around me.  I’m transitioning more to being a songwriter, and I like not having to be on the road all the time.  I’ll never stop being an artist.  If it makes sense next time around, then I’ll probably go with them.

IVB:  What are your future plans?

GD:  I’m going on tour with David Ryan Harris (Twobadours) around most of the US.  I’m planning to take some time in late fall/early winter to do more songwriting and then maybe another short run in December.  I’m also hoping to go overseas next spring to Europe and the UK.  I want to work this album as long as I can.  I am doing a show with my friend Kenny Loggins.  I spent two tours opening for Loggins & Messina.  Someone is doing a documentary retrospective on the band and I was asked to be part of the taping in Chicago this weekend (July 29-30).  Other than that, my main focus right now is writing songs for my own project.  I will probably do something else in the next couple of years.

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

GD:  I have lots of embarrassing stories, but we won’t go there.  I never can come up with these on the spot.  I’ve spent so much time on the road.  There was this one time in high school when I was playing in a blues band and we had a regular gig on Tuesday nights.  One night we were playing along and we heard that The Black Crowes would come by.  They showed up on our last song so we decided to continue playing.  They watched us and clapped and then got up and sat in with us for a “shake your money maker” jam session.  I was 16, and never thought they would remember me.  Many years later I was performing at SunFest in West Palm Beach.  We were coming off the stage when they showed up.  I went up and introduced myself and they totally remembered me.  They said I was a legend in their band and they kept telling people about this young kid who was killing to on blues piano.  Today, my son and the son of their drummer go to the same school.

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

GD:  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.

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Reviews

Gabe Dixon is turning gold

Over the past few years this reviewer has been fortunate to know Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR, one of the premier publicists for indie musicians.  During that time, we have learned about many up and coming musicians who are and were her clients, and have covered quite a few of them.  The latest offering is Gabe Dixon, who recently released a new CD, Turns to Gold.

Dixon’s star is definitely on the rise, with the release of his first single, “Holding her Freedom,” which has received numerous favorable critical reviews, and his upcoming appearance on Last Call with Carson Daly, set to air on May 11, 2016.

Produced, engineered and mixed by Paul Moak at the Smoakstack and mastered by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters, Turns to Gold is a true work of art.   Its 12 tracks are flawless, with lyrics that connect and musicianship and instrumentation that turn those lyrics into some of the best songs this reviewer has heard this year.

The piano accompaniment especially evokes comparisons with two superstars, namely Bruce Hornsby and Phil Vassar, while the upbeat message of each song belongs right next to Andy Grammar on the radio.

Favorite tracks of this reviewer are Track 1 “Holding Her Freedom,” Track 2 “Crave,” Track 5 “Flow Like Wine,” and Track 10 “These Wheels,” but all of the tracks are amazing.

Don’t miss you chance to catch Dixon tonight on Carson Daly.  For more info, check out his website and Facebook pages, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube channel.