Tag: Grammy

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Brick Nova, John Daversa, 500 Miles to Memphis, Dylan Rodrigue, Travellin’ Blue Kings

We made it to hump day again, and the music keeps flowing.  We have five more to check out today, including the latest from three-time Grammy winner John Daversa.  Let’s get started.

Artist Name:  Brick Nova

Album Name:  Overgrown

Label:  1851 Records

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  8 to 3; 2.  Overgrown; 3.  Stay all you Want

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review: Brick Nova was created in 2014 with Tom Drakeford on vocals and guitar, Paul Dallas on lead guitar, Jared Filer on bass and Eric Lesinski on drums and percussion.  After playing the Philadelphia rock scene for the past four years, they finally released their first EP in December 2018.   Their version of alt rock combines elements of power pop, rock, punk and alternative rock.  They have a smooth vocal delivery with intricate guitar and rhythm undertones.  The songs are well written, and should allow the band to make the transition to radio.  The first track is reminiscent of The Beatles‘ White Album, and is very radio friendly, but all three tracks have potential.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  John Daversa

Album Name:  Concerto for Jazz Guitar and Orchestra

Label:  ArtistShare

Genre:  Jazz/Blues/Classical Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Lost, Found and Lost; 2.  Life and Times; 3.  Terraforming

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  This amazing jazz concerto was written by Justin Morell, and features the jazz guitar of Adam Rogers along with the Frost Concert Jazz Band directed by multi-Grammy winner John Daversa.  The concerto is composed of three movements, and adds a jazz and blues element to a classical masterpiece.  Get away from the world and enjoy the smooth sounds of this album.

Recommendation:  If you love classical music, as well as jazz and blues, then you will love this modern day piece.

Artist Name:  500 Miles to Memphis

Album Name:  Blessed be the Damned

Label:  Deep Elm Records

Genre:  Folk/Punk Rock/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  The River; 2.  Bonnie; 3.  Hold on Tight; 4.  I Said Babe; 5.  Blessed be the Damned; 6.  No Doubt About It; 7.  Piggie Boy; 8.  In my Chest; 9.  Save Me (ft Philip Peeples); 10.  What a Waste; 11.  I’m a Bastard (ft Philip Peeples)

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  We were skeptical when we read the press release about a band that mixed punk, folk and Americana, but we are here to tell you that it works beautifully, much like Flogging Molly mixes Celtic and punk.  We simply love their sound and every song on this fifth studio album works and deserves industry attention, both from radio and music supervisors.  Just from the energy we can hear in their music, we bet they also put on a hell of a live show.  We also love the two songs that feature Philip Peeples of the Old 97’s.

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and Get this one immediately!

Artist Name:  Dylan Rodrigue

Album Name:  Cat’s Game

Label:  Palomino Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1. White Moon; 2.  Self-Love; 3.  Some Kind of Heaven; 4.  The Money Game; 5.  Living This Way; 6.  If You’re not my Lover; 7.  It’s so Funny (ft Sie Sie Benhoff); 8.  Minimize the Damage; 9.  Living in Color

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Dylan Rodrigue mixes acoustic folk with Neil Young-inspired electric guitar rock and punk to create his own version of music that is at times emo and sadcore like the first three tracks and others straight on indie rock, like “The Money Game.” and “Minimize the Damage.”  His lyrics are introspective and each song is set to the perfect accompaniment to match the mood of the song.  This is his first studio album, and we think he shows a lot of potential.  We can  hardly wait to see what comes next.  We really love his vocal harmonies with Sie Sie Benhoff on “It’s so Funny.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.  Keep an eye on this one.

Artist Name:  Travellin’ Blue Kings

Album Name:  Wired Up

Label:  Naked

Genre:  Blues Rock

Track Listing:  1,  I Don’t Wanna Stop; 2.  About This World; 3.  The way it Used to Be; 4.  I Cannot Believe; 5.  Straight Eight; 6.  I’m a Good Man; 7.  Wired Up; 8.  Ninety Minutes; 9.  Get it Done; 10.  Your Being; 11.  Into the Night

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This Belgian band delivers a rocking  and rousing dose of pure American blues as they do on the opening track and “I Cannot Believe,” along with touches of R&B, as shown on “About This World,” “The Way it Used to Be and “Good Man.”  This album is great from start to finish, with the kind of freshness and energy you want to experience live.  It could easily become one of our favorite blues albums.  We definitely think this one has legs.  We really love the surf rock instrumental title track.

Recommendation:  Go Get it!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Reviews Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 16

April is winding down and summer will be here soon (we hope!).   Here is the latest indie news, as well as some new singles and music videos which have been recently released. Have a great week and come back tomorrow for our interview with acclaimed country artist Michael Peterson.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL

The 9th annual Hollywood Fringe Festival runs June 7-24, with previews running the week before.  Check their Facebook page for pre-festival events, and mark you calendar for May 1, when tickets go on sale for this year’s event.  We will be there from June 12 to the 25, and can hardly wait.  Hope to see you all around LA.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

Plans are complete for this year’s showcase, which will be held on June 19 at the Mint on Pico Boulevard.  Tickets go on sale on May 1, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Come out and support indie music and support our most worthy charity.  We have some great plans for the evening, including the bestowing of the 2018 Icon Award, so don’t miss out.

NEW SINGLES

Up first this week is the latest from the soulful Sam Hammerman, with this masterful song “Miss the Days.”  It is a sweet and smooth way to start your week, so check him out.

Next up is an indie rock tune from South Village, an Australian band from Melbourne.   We think you will like these guys, who are reminiscent of the Gin Blossoms.  Here’s “Say it Now.”

Originally signed to Elton John’s Rocket Records, UK standout Johnny Stimson reveals his first single with “End of Time.”  It is a dreamy pop song that will give you chills.  Please let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/antifragile_music/end-of-time-johnny-stimson/s-wLpLJ

Our fourth single today is a special preview and comes from Canadian troubadour Craig Cardiff, who brings us a double dose of his song “Okay Cupid.”    We love the instrumentation, and the smooth voice, which reminds us of Cat Stevens.  Watch for its release next Friday, April 27.

Our final single today comes from Lachlan Vines, an artist we featured last year.  Here is his current single, “Take it Back.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first one today comes from Grammy-nominated blues artist Janiva Magness, and is a lyric video for her protest song, “Home.”  We think this one will give you the strength and resolve to stand up for your beliefs.

Next we travel to Amsterdam for Not.Your.Regular.Boy‘s latest video for “Crazyland.”  This one has enough energy to get your going strong this week.

Our third video today is one of the most creative we have viewed since Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way you Are.”  Check out the amazing artist Andy Sydow and his hand-drawn animation for “Reasons for Departure.”

Fourth on our list today is from the groovalicous sounds of ellee ven.  The cinematography on this one is delicious, and the story is well told.  Check out “For Your Love.”

Last but not least this week is the latest powerful video from multi-award winning Americana artist Alice Wallace.  Check out her moving female empowerment video for “Elephants.”

 

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

Monday mashup 2018 – vol. 4

Hope you all got to watch the Grammy Awards last night.  That was an impressive show, especially the performance by Kesha, Cindy Lauper, et al. of her song “Praying.”  It really brought tears to my eyes with its sheer beauty and power.  Let’s all try to honor the message that came through loud and clear – no more harassment and discrimination – just work together in unity.  Here’s our column today.

INDIE ARTISTS WIN GRAMMY AWARDS

While most of these indie artists didn’t get credit, several of them were instrumental in helping someone else get a Grammy win.  Kyler England co-wrote five of the songs on Lisa Loeb’s winning Best Children’s Album, while Ross Hogarth was part of the production team that worked on Taj Mahal and Keb Mo’s winning Best Contemporary Blues album.  Great work indies!

In addition, LA Music Critic Award nominee The Jerry Douglas Band lost their Grammy bid for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album to Jeff Lorber, while fellow LA Music Critic Award nominee John McLaughlin won his Grammy bid for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for “Miles Beyond” from the album Live at Ronnie Scott’s, which we previously reviewed in December.

The winners for the LA Music Critic Awards will be announced at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018.

LYNN CAREY SAYLOR WINS SONGWRITING COMPETITION

Congratulations to indie songwriter Lynn Carey Saylor, who recently won the Song Door International Songwriting Competition in the Hard Rock/Alt Rock category for her song, “Tidal Wave.”  Saylor has been a hit songwriter for many years,

NEW SINGLES

It’s been a busy week for indie artists, including several past and present nominees for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Here are a few of the latest singles to be released.

The first one is from former nominee Crimson Calamity, which released their latest single, “Fool’s Gold.”  We love their sound and think you will too.

Next up is past LA Music Critic Award and Grammy nominee and Blue Élan Records artist Janiva Magness with her new single, “Down Below.”  We expect this one will qualify her for additional nominations.

Next is the latest from Austin band Signy, featuring Delaney Gibson, with their single, “Human.”  We love how different this is from her solo material, and think you will too.

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and nominee Katie Costello has lent her voice to the new single “Bon Air” by Hardsoul.  This one is an amazing dance track that will have you on the floor in no time.

Last but not least this week is the latest single from another multiple winner of the LA Music Critic Awards, Keaton Simons.  His new EP 1-2-3 Go will be released on March 9, and he is whetting our appetite with “Crane City.”

MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from Italian rock goddesses Black Mamba, who we reviewed last week.  This video is for their single, “Loop.”  Get ready to rock out.

Next up is the latest from the songwriting guru, Kari Kimmel of her song, “Voices.”  Check out the amazing cinematography of this one.

Our third video this week is from former San Diego Music Award winner Gayle Skidmore for her song “Pale Ghosts.”  Once again, the cinematography is first-rate.

Our next video comes from first-time LA Music Critic Award nominee Ryan Sims, who we also reviewed earlier this month.  Here is his vision of his song, “Black and Blue.”

Last but not least is the new video from Lucy Levinsohn, former lead singer for Lily’s Siren and Waiting 4 Wyatt.  She has returned to a solo career and brings us “Dear God.”

Thanks for joining us today.  We’ll be back tomorrow with five more Get it or Forget it reviews.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Monday Mashup Theatre

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 7

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone in love.  Thought we ‘d kick off this week’s Monday Mashup with the latest music video from our friends at Redhead Express.  This original song was written by lead singer Kendra and features her husband Kelly and their son in a simply beautiful homage to love.  Check it out and share it.  If you love what they’re doing, please consider becoming one of their Patreon supporters.

INDIE ARTIST MAKES HISTORY AT GRAMMY AWARDS

Chance the Rapper, an unsigned independent artist who has never recorded a physical album, took home three Grammys last night from his seven nominations.  He won for best rap album for Coloring Book, best rap performance for “No Problem,” and best new artist.  What sets him further apart is the fact that this award winning album is only available through streaming.  Way to set the bar high, Chance.  Here’s to the future of the music industry!

Speaking of the Grammys – huge shout out to a couple of indie artists who performed at the show.  Adrienne Woods played her cello during John Legend’s performance, while indie triple threat actress Tiffany Phillips was a part of the Beyoncé performance.  Way to go!

BALCONY TV HOSTS STREETS OF LAREDO

We introduced you to the amazing sound of Streets of Laredo back in October 2016.  Balcony TV recently hosted them and filmed a music video for their hit single “99.9%,” which they released today.  Check it out.

MORE MUSIC VIDEOS

Two more indie artists recently released music videos.  First up is the amazing Shannon Hurley, who released a stunning Max Headroom-esq video of her forthcoming single “Someday.”

Our second video is a premiere from a new artist we were recently introduced to.  We like what we see so far – please let us know your opinion.  His name is Dario and his tune is called “Good Morning World.”

Enjoy your week!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews Women in Entertainment

Indie artist Janiva Magness deserves the hype

The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, otherwise known as NARAS, gives out the Grammy Awards each year for the best in recorded music and spoken word.  While almost all winners are signed to one of the major labels, every now and then The Academy stands up and takes notice of indie artists or shines the spotlight on a legend making a comeback.

The trend began in 2012, when Linda Chorney became the first truly independent artist to secure a Grammy nomination in the Americana category.  Although she did not win, she did open the door for others like Omar Akram, an independent new age artist who won the Grammy for best new age album in 2013.

This year The Academy has shined its spotlight near and far, resulting in quite a few nominations of artists who are previously unknown or obscure, and at least one more indie artist.   Although she is signed to Blue Élan Records, a major independent label based out of Los Angeles that is also home to such legends as Gerry Beckley of America and Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin, Janiva Magness is a relatively unknown indie artist whose music demands attention.

Believe it or not, Love Wins Again is the 12th album Magness has released in her career, and the fifth time she has worked with producer Dave Darling, who has personally garnered four Grammy nominations for his work with such artists as Glen Campbell, Brian Setzer, John Waite and the Stray Cats.

From the first notes of the title cut, Magness shatters the barriers between genres and unleashes an album that must be sonically experienced, with a healthy heaping of indie rock, soul, jazz, gospel and funk to sweeten the overall blues feel.

The album progresses with a stop on the Soul Train vibe of “Real Slow,” before kicking it singer-songwriter/ indie rock style on “When you Hold Me,” which just happens to be one of our favorite cuts.  The album continues with a gospel, soul feel on “Say You Will” before the almost Americana/indie rock feel of “Doorway.”   Magness kicks in with her full blues regiment on “Moth to a Flame” and “Your House is Burnin'” before dialing it back down with “Just Another Lesson,”  “Rain Down,” and “Long as I can see the Light.”  She closes out with the moving ballad “Who Will Come for Me,” to which we state the obvious – your fans.

Magness is a true artist who has mastered the art of bringing a message that transcends musical genres and ties an album together.  She definitely has our vote for Grammy and for providing one of the best albums of 2016, indie or otherwise.  We can hardly wait to see what’s next.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 6

Never in my life have I witnessed a collapse like that of the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI.  The only positive about the game was the half-time show, which Lady Gaga nailed!  Considering she began her career as an indie artist playing the mean streets of Los Angeles, we should be proud of her ultimate accomplishment – playing her music before a world-wide audience.  Way to go Gaga!!!

For the rest of us who haven’t quite reached our goals yet, we encourage you to keep at it.  Keep singing, writing and creating.  Treat those three people in the audience as if they were the most important three people in the world.  You never know who might be listening, and the doors they are capable of opening.  Keep up the fight!

GRAMMY TIME FOR MAGNESS

This time next week we’ll be celebrating the Grammys.  Since we have at least one indie artist in the running, and a local one at that, let’s give a hearty and rousing cheer for Blue Élan Records artist Janiva Magness and her blues album Love Wins Again.  We hope you take home the prize.

INDIE ARTISTS SHINE AT NAMM

A few years back a visionary named Kerry Getz thought it would be a great opportunity for local indie artists if they would put on showcases at the hotels near the convention site.  It was such a great idea that NAMM decided to take over and expand the opportunity to stages within the event itself.  Getz likewise recruited Tim Moyer to assist her, and Moyer runs this major music event now.  One of the artists who was selected to perform at the 2017 event was Los Angeles country/Americana artist Alice Wallace.  Check out her sterling performance of “I Just Don’t Care Anymore” from NAMM’s Grand Plaza Stage.  You can find the official music video of the song on her YouTube channel.  Enjoy.

RYKKA DEBUTS NEW MUSIC VIDEO

European indie artist Rykka has released her latest music video for “Runnin’ Away” from her new album Beautitudes.  If this video is any indication of the quality of music on the album, then you should definitely check it out.  We will be reviewing the album here soon, so check back with us.

See ya next week.

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Fringe Shows

HFF16 – Day Five

Wednesday was another beautiful day in Los Angeles which started off with a much needed visit to the home of my friend, Grammy winning musician Dave Yaden.  It was so relaxing to just sit in his backyard and catch up on his career, while enjoying the company of one of my oldest and dearest LA friends and his sweet son, Wolfie.  Wolfie (age 2), who I had never met before, came out and greeted me as soon as I arrived, and made me feel very loved and accepted.  Our time together could not have been more therapeutic, and set the tone for the rest of my day.

Not wanting to sit on the 5 Freeway, I decided to take the scenic route home and wandered through downtown LA via 7th Street, veering over to Wilshire and taking it west.  I took a detour and stopped at the La Brea Tar Pits for a bit before continuing my journey, and arrived at the world famous Johnnie’s Coffee Shop which had been converted into “Bernie’s” (i.e. Sanders) for the California primary.  From there I turned north towards Santa Monica Boulevard and then east to the Fringe, arriving just in time to be able to park for free on the street near Sacred Fools.

My first show of the night was Please Stand Clear, the Doors are Closing at the Lounge Theatre.  This one-man show was profound and funny as David Harper took us along on the Metro, introducing 12 amazing characters with a myriad of things to say.  My favorite was the Grim Reaper commuting to work, but the entire show is non-stop fun.  Christopher Game did a great job of directing this show which belongs on the “must attend’ list of all Fringe attendees.

Stand Clear

We are proud to recommend this show, which has two shows remaining on June 24 at 6 p.m. and June 26 at 11:55 a.m.

Next up was the latest from another of my favorite Fringe performers, John Grady.  I met John back at the first fringe when he was performing Dog Years at Theatre of NOTE.  His latest, The Old Woman, is a brilliant piece of theatre, and reinforces my belief that some of the best work in theatre comes from the Fringe.

Old Woman

There are actors and there are storytellers, and Grady is most definitely a storyteller.  His latest masterpiece is a loving look at his mother’s influence and her struggle with dementia, capped off with the most moving ballet I have ever seen.  The audience was packed with Fringe participants, past and present, including Alex Knox, Michael Shaw Fisher and Bill Ratner (one of the best storytellers of all time), and every one of them stared in wide-eyed amazement at this performance.  This is what Fringe is all about.

Do whatever you have to, but DON’T MISS the one remaining performance of The Old Woman on June 18 at 8 p.m. at the Lounge Theatre.  You’ll thank me for it later.

My final show for the evening was the virtually sold out performance of All the Best Killers are Librarians at the Sacred Fools Second Stage.  I had been looking forward to this show, which took home the trophy at Season 10 of the Serial Killers series at Sacred Fools.

Killers

The play had previously been performed as seven separate episodes of the Serial Killers competition, and Fringe was the first time that all the story was told in a single performance.   This may account for the show’s only flaw – pacing that was too slow and which took away from the comedy and humor of the show itself.

Despite the pacing issue, and some technical difficulties that all Fringe shows experience, the brilliant script by Bob DeRosa and the incredible cast, led by Lauren Van Kurin in the title role, with assistance from Eric Giancoli, Pete Caslavka, Jennifer C. DeRosa, Carrie Keranen (star of Lamprey), Mike Mahaffey and Monica Greene, saved the day and kept the packed house in stitches throughout.

Sacred Fools not only has a beautiful theatre complex, but their company of actors is top notch.  It has been a pleasure to attend shows in their spaces and to see the level of quality that epitomizes their shows.  Thank you Sacred Fools for your graciousness, your friendliness and for making this Montana writer feel like he never left the Fringe.

Catch one of the two remaining performances of Librarians on June 18 at 4 p.m. or June 25 at 3:30 p.m.

Happy fringing!!

 

Categories
Women in Entertainment

Future women in entertainment: Hannah Madison Taylor

Hope you all survived Super Bowl Sunday.  Now that the big game is history, let’s turn our attention back to music.  Today’s spotlight falls on a young lady who is already attracting major attention.  Singer/songwriter and musician, Hannah Madison Taylor, grew up in a family with a rich musical heritage with ties back to Sergei Ivanovich  Taneyev and Tchaikovsky.
HMT, as she is known to her fans, began her musical training at the tender age of 5, and has now become an accomplished vocalist, guitarist, and violinist in multiple genres.
She began by writing songs for commercials, in addition to working in sessions with Trina Harmon, Marlow Rosado, and Tim Lauer.  She currently writes independently for several labels and publishers, including BMG Chrysalis, Universal Music Gr oup,and Atlantic Records, as well as writing music and singing for multiple film and television projects, including the theme song for VH-1’s Candidly Nicole.
She has also performed in film and television, beginning with a small featured role in Pitch Perfect.  Since then, she has worked on projects with Cedric the Entertainer, appeared in Kelly Clarkson’s “People Like Us” music video, as well as on Cowgirl Up Season 2, Common Law, a Nokia Lumia commercial, and the Gap 1969 Denim Campaign.
Hannah just finished her first EP 5 with Grammy-award winning producer, Mikal Blue, and can be seen performing at select venues in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, Dallas-Forth Worth, and Orlando.
The EP shows tremendous promise, with all three tracks written by HMT, including a co-write on the title track with LA superstar songwriter Athena Marie.

What inspires HMT?  “I think the one thing I musically draw inspiration from the most is people and their stories. When someone opens up and starts telling you about a crumbling relationship or an insanely crazy and all night party – that’s what it’s all about. When I write a song, I don’t want to just tell my own stories, I want to tell someone else’s, too.  In that way, we’re all connected.”

What are HMT’s future plans?  “When I look at my future overall, I would love a 60 year career that patterns itself after one of my biggest icons – Carole King.  She’s done it all – artist, songwriter, actress and author, and she’s still relevant today.  In the near future,  I am looking forward to signing with a label or publisher and going on tour.”

To find out more about this future superstar, check out her website and Facebook page, follow her on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram and subscribe to her YouTube channel.