Tag: Honey County

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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 7)

Happy Presidents’ Day!  Here in Oklahoma, we’re in the middle of an artic wave that has plunged our thermometers down as low as -10 degrees.  We can’t wait for next week when the temps start inching up again.  We hope you’re not freezing too bad.  To keep you warm, here are some new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from one of our favorite indie country stars, the one and only Risa Binder.  This one belongs on country radio and is the perfect song to kick off Valentine’s week.  Binder’s sweet voice, combined with the perfect harmonies of Benji Harris, truly make this one feel “A Lot Like Home.”

A Lot Like Home · Risa Binder, Benji Harris (spotify.com)

In celebration of Black History Month, we present one of LA’s premier black voices, Chris Pierce, with his latest inspirational anthem, “Young, Black and Beautiful.”  Let the words of this song spur us on to true social justice.

Young, Black and Beautiful · Chris Pierce (spotify.com)

Our third single is from Matt Hartke and reminds us to never give up on our “American Dreams.”  His voice is as sweet as honey with a homey Pop/Americana sound, and we think this one is a true keeper.

American Dreams · Matt Hartke (spotify.com)

Back when we lived in LA, an indie country band was just starting to get a lot of attention from GoCountry and its predecessor, KZLA.  That band, featuring Dani Rose and Sofie Lynn, has quietly become a household name and we think their latest, “Love Hangover,” is their best song yet.  Expect to hear more of Honey County soon on Country Radio.

Spotify – Love Hangover

We close out this week’s new singles with another great song from the iconic BINX, perfect for repeated listens not only on Valentine’s Day, but year-round.  Check out “La La Love,” and let its good vibes get your week off to a great start.

La La Love · BINX (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

This week’s music videos kick off with the latest from Blue Élan Records artist Roan Yellowthorn.  This one is a quirky tune called “Little Love,” and we think it deserves a lot a love.

Next up is another Blue Élan artist, Chelsea Williams, with a performance video of her amazing Americana song, “Cornerstone.”  If this one doesn’t make you a fan, we don’t know what will.

Icons Creating Evil Art is fast becoming one of our favorite creators of indie music, and the latest from their NuGoth artist Bonander continues their tradition of giving a platform for breakthrough artists to present their talents.  Check out “Gone in the Wind.”

Last week we shared the lyric video and this week we have their official music video of Lucy & La Mer‘s soon to be mega hit, “Roller Coaster.”  We think you’ll love this one.

We close out this week with the latest psychedelic video from the mind of Huron John.  This one has a danceable beat and a style that is all his own.  Enjoy the sheer brilliance of “Arthur,” the first single off his new album.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 46

It’s our final Monday Mashup of 2017, since next Monday is Christmas day.  We wanted to thank you for checking us out this year, and are looking forward to sharing much more indie music news in 2018.  Make sure you drop us a line and let us know when you win an award, have a CD release show or other important event, so that we can share it with the world.

BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS MAKES CHRISTMAS MUSIC VIDEO

As we posted on December 5, Blue Élan Records released an album of Christmas songs by its artists, and donated the proceeds to the Alliance for Children’s Rights.  On December 11, those artists gathered in the studio to make a music video of a song written by Gina Sicilia.  We hope you have a wonderful Christmas season and applaud Blue Élan Records and its artists for giving us this special treat.

FIRST CALIFORNIA COUNTRY AWARDS A SUCCESS

The first annual California Country Awards were handed out on December 16, and many of this blog’s favorites took home trophies.  LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace took the award for Female Vocalist of the Year, and LA Music Critic Award winner Honey County took home awards for Band of the Year, Song of the Year for “Love Someone” and Video of the Year for “Love Someone,” while their producer John Spiker also took home Producer of the Year.  Other winners included Gethen Jenkins for Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Where the Honkytonk Belongs,  Joe Devenney for Musician of the Year, Scotty Mac for Entertainer of the Year, Cowboy Country for Venue of the Year, and Brad Johnson for CCM Excellence.  Shawn Parr, former KZLA and Go Country 105 DJ and creator of “Nash Nights Live” was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

NEW SINGLES

Mikey Wax has been a huge supporter of indie music in Los Angeles.  He is also quite the creative powerhouse.  Check out his latest single, “Spaceman” with Stash Konig.  We think you’ll love it as much as we do.

Here’s “Your Love,” the latest from Hannah Lucia.  Loving the groove of the tune and her vocals.  This one is a keeper.

Our final single this week is from Featurette, and it lives up to its name.  “Upside Down” will turn your musical tastes around as this electronica duo show us how it’s done.  Let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up today is the annual Christmas video from Redhead Express.  It is a cover of the Sara Bareilles song, “Love is Christmas.”  Enjoy our little gift to you.

Next is the music video for a song we introduced you to back on November 13, co-written by David Garfield and Smokey Robinson and featuring J. Paris.  We love this beautiful interpretation of the song, and are thrilled to feature “I Lied.”

LA Music Awards Icon winner Janey Street has created an amazing DIY music video for her song “Undone,” from her latest album “In my own Skin.”  Check out this amazing song.

Last but not least, here’s the latest from Dree Mon, with a truly stimulating video for her hit song, “Rebel Soul.”  If this one doesn’t get you pumped up, nothing will.  Thanks Dree!

 

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

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 22

Happy Monday.  It was a busy week of reviewing, and we still have a few more to do.  We are also busy preparing for the Hollywood Fringe Festival and our winners showcase for the LA Music Critic Awards.  We’re happy to be able to share some news with you and kick off another week.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL KICKS OFF PREVIEW WEEK

The 8th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival kicked off its preview week, and the majority of the previews were sold out.  According to my sources, the first four days of the week have been a huge success.  Not only that, but the Festival received a huge slice of press when the Los Angeles Daily News did a wonderful article on the Fringe.  Can’t wait until the 15th when our Fringe adventure begins.  #HFF17

CRIMSON CALAMITY FIGHTING FOR CHANCE TO OPEN

Our dear friends at Crimson Calamity have come a long way in the past year.  They are part of the 2017 Stadium of Fire competition and have managed to earn a spot in the Top 25.  If they reach the top 10, they will be considered for an opening spot for Little Big Town.  As of this morning, the band is at #11, and the contest ends tomorrow night.  Can you help them make it over the top?   By the way, the video they’re using is super hot.  Check it out when you vote.

NEW MUSIC

Check out “All About Love,” the new single from LA’s transplanted Danish artist Ronny Morris.  It has such a sweet dreamy feel that is perfect for your evening chill time.  What do you think?

https://soundcloud.com/ronnymorrismusic/ronny-morris-all-about-love

MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first new video this week is from Superet.  With the return of Twin Peaks, it seems like the perfect fit.  Let us know what you think.

Los Angeles country sensations Honey County recently debuted their new song “Love Someone” on Radio Disney Country.  Here’s the music video of the song – we love it!

Another of our favorite indie bands, Fort Atlantic, has just released a lyric video for their single, “Just Hold On.”  We love the sound and believe these guys belong on the radio.

Closing out this Monday is “User,” the latest video from six-time winners of the LA Music Critic Awards, The Spider Accomplice.  The band will be performing on June 20 as part of the Winners Showcase on the Hotel Cafe’s Second Stage.  We strongly encourage you to attend.

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Women in Entertainment

Women in entertainment: Danni Rosner, sweet country songstress

As we head into Thanksgiving, it is our privilege to present this week’s Women in Entertainment profile of Danni Rosner, former television host, singer-songwriter and founder of the future country wonders, Honey County, one of the brightest of country music’s newcomers.

Born and raised in Virginia, she relocated with her family to Tokyo, Japan as she was entering the fifth grade.  She remained abroad until high school, when her family returned to Virginia.  Rosner then attended Virginia Tech, where she graduated with degrees in English and Musical Analysis.

Her musical career truly began in 2009 when she won the legendary NYC Amateur Night at the Apollo with a rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools.”  Since then, she has been featured several times at the Sunset Sessions Radio Film & TV Showcase in Las Vegas and has performed live on a myriad of NBC, FOX & WUSA morning news and talk programs.  She was also the host for PBS’s music video program Strictly Global on the MHz Networks.  Her music has been placed in several television shows and indie films, including A&E’s TEACH:  Tony Danza, ABC’s General Hospital, and the indie film The Umbrealla Man.

In 2013, her solo single, “Didn’t Mean it That Way,” debuted at #6 on the iTunes POP ‘Hot Tracks’ and quickly followed with notable placements on iTunes New & Noteworthy Country and iTunes Rising Stars of Country.  Along the way, she also found time to tour as a solo artist in support of Grammy winners Leeann Rimes, Marc Cohn and current Top 40 artist Matt Nathanson.

In 2014, Danni founded the female pop-country trio Honey County.  The band has already had a song placed on the 2014 season finale of HBO’s True Blood, a pop-country trio.  In addition, the band was chosen as a semi-finalist on VH1’s Make a Band Famous.

After the band released their first self-titled EP earlier this year, their single, “99 Bottles” was selected to represent them in CMT’s contest to chose the opening band for country superstar Brett Eldredge.  Los Angeles-based country station Go Country 105 also sponsored the band in the 34th annual Country Showdown competition, where they finished second.  Go Country was so impressed with the band that they booked them for their Hot Country Nights cruise.  Rosner also found time this year to share her voice on Disney’s TV movie event Descendants.

What inspires Rosner?   “I’m constantly inspired by my younger sister, April.  With every day that she battles ulcerative colitis, she continues to remain upbeat and positive.  She is one of the most resilient and courageous people I know.”

Honey County has received airplay not only on popular Los Angeles radio station KCRW, but also on iheartradio station WPOC 93.1, and continues to perform throughout California, most recently at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood and Incahoots in Fullerton, as well as the legendary Troubadour on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood.

Where does Rosner see herself in the future?  “It’s hard to see 10 or 20 minutes down the road much less years, but I dream BIG!”

WPOC DJ St.Pierre said it best:  “I know it’s hard to compare anybody to this (speaking of Danni Rosner) superstar’s voice, but Danni has a ‘Carrie Underwood’ feel, and it’ really powerful.”
With an upcoming show at the newly relocated House of Blues on December 17, fans will have the chance to see why Honey County, featuring Danni Rosner is definitely on their way up the charts.
To find out more about Rosner and her band, check out their website and Facebook pages (solo and band), follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.