Tag: holiday music

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 38

Only nine days away from our first Christmas in Oklahoma, and the weather is reminding us that it’s winter.  Still waiting to see if we’ll get anything white, but in the meantime, it’s bitterly cold.  Seems like the perfect time to warm up with some great new music and videos, so let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

First up is a beautiful collaboration between 23rd Hour and Caley Rose, who we recently introduced you to.  This one is called “Get me Home for the Holidays,” and it is making us wish that Christmas was tomorrow instead of next Wednesday.  Hope it lifts your holiday spirits as well.

Next up is the latest from one of our favorite LA songbirds, the one and only Kris Angelis.  This time it’s the time track to her upcoming EP, “That Siren, Hope.”  We think it’s the best she’s ever recorded, and would love to know what you think.

Single number three spotlights another bright young songwriter named Katarina Cain, and is entitled “Promised Land.”  We think she’s headed there, as evidenced by her excellent showing on Season 15 of The Voice, and we are proud to tag along.  This one will definitely get your week going strong.

https://soundcloud.com/user-914489524/promised-land/s-U6D1l

Next up is the latest from the amazing voice of Sofia Evangelina.  This one is called “Smile,” and it has us grinning from ear to ear.  This one is going on perpetual repeat.

We close out this week’s new singles with the latest from the uber-talented Kensington Moore.  She gets her revenge in the form of “Karma,” and we’re glad we’re not on her bad side.  Enjoy this one.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Well, since the ladies were featured in the Singles category, we’ll give the guys their due and feature them in the Music Video category.  First up is Feudale‘s lyric video for their song “Teenager.”  We bet this one will bring back some memories.

Next up is another lyric video, this time from the hard-rocking metal band Runescarred.  This one is called “Mammoth,” and it’s huge.  Go ahead and head bang to your heart’s content with this one.

Our third video is called “A Thousand Years Away,” and we’re glad we don’t have to wait that long for the rest of the album to be released.  We love the melodic rock sound of Atlanta rockers The Endangered Species, and will definitely keep our eyes on these lads.

Next is the latest video from the incredible rock band Violates/Violets.  This one is called “Soft Core,” and it’s get everything you want in your rock music video.  Enjoy this holiday treat.

We close out this week with a stimulating animated video that captures Johnny Stranger‘s tribute to that holiday classic The Nutcracker Suite.  Here is “Marche.”

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 33 (rev.)

Happy Veterans Day to all of those who have served and provided the freedoms we enjoy.  I am proud to be counted among you.  Take advantage of all the free food available today – you’ve earned it.  In the meantime, we’ll share some new singles and music videos, including the return of our Pop Princess, Katie Costello.  Let’s get going.

NEW SINGLES

We are overjoyed to share the latest from multi-LA Music Critic Award winner and Pop Princess Katie Costello.  It’s the first new music from her since December 2017, and we could not be more ecstatic.  Check out “Polaroid” and welcome her back with open arms and ears.

Our second single comes from the creative mind of former LA artist Amie Mirello.  Somehow she found time between touring as a back-up singer for Sugarland to form a new band called Boys Club for Girls.  They have released their first single, and it is smokin’ hot.  Check out “The Weatherman.”

We continue sharing amazing new holiday songs from Blue Élan Records‘ artists, including  this stunning cover of the classic “A Marshmallow World” from the one and only Scout Durwood.  We think this one will quickly become one of your favorites.

If you love stunning harmonies, we have a treat for you from another Blue Élan Records artist, Mustangs of the West.  Check out their take on the song, “2000 Miles.”  We think it’s one of the most beautiful holiday songs we have ever heard.

Our final single this week is especially poignant and special to me, as I lost my father two years ago this Thanksgiving.  He is tall. from Denmark gives a stirring tribute to his father in his single “Dad.” and we are happy to share this one with you.  Make sure you have some tissues close by.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from the creative mind of Jay Katana, who has created a new band called Violates/Violets.  Here is their first single, “Retake (Believe).”  We think they definitely have something special and can’t wait to hear more.

Next up is the latest from budding pop queen Maggie Miles.  Check out this fun video shot at a roller skating rink for her song, “Shiver.”  Enjoy!

If you grew up in the 70s, you will enjoy this nostalgic video from Paul Mosley and the Red Meat Orchestra.  Enjoy “The 1970s.”

Our fourth video is from LA quintet The Mowgli’s, who offer sage advice in this fun video for their song, “Fighting With Yourself.”  We can easily see this song becoming an anthem and a radio hit.  What do you think?

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with this new video from Jack Broadbent, who we introduced last month.  Here is his new tune, “Everytime I Drown.”  Let the words of this song further strengthen your resolve to be a better you.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 47

Merry Christmas.  Welcome to our special Christmas Eve edition of Monday Mashup.  We hope you have accomplished all of your Christmas shopping and are preparing to spend tomorrow with family and friends.  Don’t forget to vote for your Fan Favorite, with voting to close this Friday.  Currently, YYNOT remains in first place with 146 votes, but Jordan Siwek is coming on strong and currently has 102 votes, followed by Mindi Abair and Reloaded Norway, both with 43 votes.  Winners will be announced on January 4.  In the meantime, here’s some new music to get you in the mood.  We’ll be back on Wednesday with Get it or Forget it.

INDIE MUSICIANS CELEBRATE THE SEASON

There have been a lot of ingenious indie artists sharing the holidays with their friends, and we salute them for their efforts.  This year’s award for best campaign goes to Jennifer Vazquez for her “12 Days ‘Til Christmas.”  She created a group for her fans, and serenaded them every day with a different a capella Christmas song.  Way to raise your awareness, Jen!

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from the sweet pop sound of mobil avenue.  We really like their song, and look forward to seeing what they come up with as they anticipate releasing a lot of singles in 2019.  Here’s “Hearts.”

Next up is a cover of the classic song “Christmastime is Here” which we have all heard over and over again in the classic Christmas show A Charlie Brown Christmas.  Hats off to Grayshot for a splendid job.

Our third single is another holiday classic.  This time around, Matt LeGrand brings us his pop version of “White Christmas.”  Enjoy.

Next up is the latest from LA’s own Standing Before Kings.  Check out this historically accurate song, “St. Helena” and let it rock your holidays.

For our final single this week, we bring you YouTube sensation Arlene Zelina.  We shared her beautiful Christmas song two weeks ago, and now bring you her new single, “Dream of Me.”  We can’t get enough of her voice and hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this week encourages everyone “Don’t be Lonely This Christmas” with the sweet Americana sound of The Herron Brothers.  We think that’s great advice.

Next is the latest from Family Jools.  We love the feel of “Don’t Know.”  Please let us know what you think.

Last week we had the privilege of reviewing the latest album from SoutherlandAyers.  Today we are proud to share the music video for their first single, “Great Flight Home.”  We think this one is perfect for this season.

Our fourth music video comes from electro-rock artist MORRISON.  Here is her song “Heart on Fire,” which we think is smoking hot.  This girl can siiiiiing!

We close out the week with the latest one-man “boy band” in the person of Dylan Dunlap.  Fresh off his opening slot for OneRepublic, check out his video for “LiarLover.”  We think this one will get your week off to a great start.

 

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

Holiday edition get it or forget it – Balsam Range, Jennifer Hanson, Bloodshot Records, Katie Garibaldi, Beth Marie Anderson

Almost forgot to share these new holiday albums with you.  We’ve received a lot of singles, and we’ve tried to share them via Monday Mashup, but still need to review these five new Christmas Albums.  Enjoy the spirit of the holiday.

Artist Name:   Balsam Range

Album Name:   It’s Christmas Time

Label:   Mountain Home Music Company

Genre:   Bluegrass

Track Listing:   1.  Christmas Lullaby; 2.  The First Noel; 3.  Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree; 4.  I’m Going Home, It’s Christmas Time; 5.  Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing; 6.  Jingle Bells

Publicist:   So Much MOORE Media

Review:  We love holiday tunes, and haven’t heard a lot of bluegrass arrangements.  We enjoyed Balsam Range’s interpretations of these classic holiday tunes, especially “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”  We are so happy to have a new version because we are tired of the original one.  We also love the banjo and fiddle on the Ralph Stanley/Michael Kelley tune “I’m Going Home, It’s Christmas Time.”  Thanks for brightening up our Christmas season.

Recommendation:  This one is a worthy addition to your holiday collection.  We recommend you Get it!

Artist Name:  Jennifer Hanson

Album Name:  Under the Tree

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop Country

Track Listing:  1.  Only Thing I Really Need; 2.  Under the Tree; 3.  Interlude; 4.  What Child is This?

Publicist:  Alliance Artist and Media Relations

Review:  Jennifer Hanson has written numerous hit songs for some of Nashville’s elite, and brings that songwriting prowess to contribute two new original songs – “Only Thing I Really Need” and the title track, “Under the Tree.”  Both songs are upbeat and the perfect addition to our holiday soundtrack.  The third track is a recording of Hanson when she was 3 1/2 years old, recorded by her dad, Larry.  She closes out her holiday EP with a moving interpretation of the classic, “What Child is This?”

Recommendation:  We think this EP belongs in everyone’s holiday collection.  You should definitely Get it.

Artist Name:  Various Artists

Album Name:  13 Days of Xmas

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Multiple

Track Listing:  1.  O Holy Night (Murder by Death); 2.  Papa Barrence’s Christmas (Barrence Whitfield and the Savages); 3.  Christmas Carol, Christmas Ray (Jon Langford and his men of Gwent); 4.  I Slept Through Christmas (Ruby Boots); 5.  The List (Ha Ha Tonka); 6.  Christmas is now Drawing Near at Hand (James Elkington); 7.  Dark Christmas (Dex Romweber Duo); 8.  Blue Snowfall (Kelly Hogan); 9.  The Pagans had it Right (Devil in a Woodpile); 10.  I’m Drunk Again this Christmas (Zach Schmidt); 11.  How to Make Gravy (All our Exes Live in Texas); 12.  White Christmas (Ron Gallo); 13.  Christmas in Oblivion (The Yawpers)

Publicist:  Josh Zanger (Bloodshot Records)

Review:  This compilation showcases 13 of the artists currently signed to Bloodshot Records.  There is something for everyone on this one, with genres ranging from Rockabilly, Americana, Pop, Torchlight, Ragtime, and Country.  Most of the songs are originals, with the exception of covers of Christmas classics, “O Holy Night” and “White Christmas.”  Of the originals, kudos to “I Slept Through Christmas,” “The List,” “Dark Christmas” (which sounds like it was lifted from Pulp Fiction), and “Christmas in Oblivion.”

Recommendation:  If you only buy one new holiday CD this season, make it this one – you won’t grow tired of it.

Artist Name:  Katie Garibaldi

Album Name:  Home Sweet Christmas

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Happy Married Christmas; 2.  Star in the East; 3.  Jesus Touched my Heart; 4.  Unhappy Holiday; 5.  The Times I Love the Most (California Christmas); 6.  Wonderful Mother Mary; 7.  Love on Christmas Day; 8.  Holy Spirit in my Heart; 9.  Safe and Warm (Lullaby for Jesus); 10.  Tomorrow is Christmas Morning; 11.  Our Home Awaits Us; 12.  Silent Night

Publicist:  None

Review:  Katie Garibaldi has had a tremendous 2017, winning numerous awards for her songs and videos.  It is only appropriate that she closes out the year with 11 original holiday songs and a superb cover of the always popular “Silent Night.”  Each song reveals a special part of the reason why Garibaldi is becoming a national icon and one of the most popular indie artists around.  We love the joy incorporated into her Christian songs, as well as her new holiday originals.  This is a great collection which we are sure will only grow in importance as the seasons go by.  Our new favorites include “Star in the East,” “Unhappy Holiday,” “The Times I Love the Most (California Christmas),” “Tomorrow is Christmas Morning,” and “Our Home Awaits Us.”

Recommendation:  Get it.

Artist Name:  Beth Marie Anderson

Album Name:  Christmas With You

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  That’s Christmas to Me; 2.  Kid on Christmas Day; 3.  Same Sky; 4.  Reindeer Reunion; 5.  The First Noel; 6.  Merry Christmas to Me; 7.  Tropical Christmas; 8.  Christmas with You; 9.  O Holy Night; 10.  New Year

Publicist:  Play it Loud Music

Review:  We love the soothing voice of Beth Marie Anderson, and she has our vote for the most original holiday album.  Her voice soars over the simple arrangements, and we simply adore these eight new songs.  We think they have the power to become a part of our holiday landscape, and strongly encourage the industry to check these songs out, as they would be perfect for placement in holiday television shows. films and commercials.   We especially love “Kid on Christmas Day,” “Same Sky,” “Reindeer Reunion,” “Merry Christmas to Me,” “Christmas with You,” and “New Year.”

Recommendation:  Don’t delay – Get it today!