Tag: indie music

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

Get it or forget it – Moist, The Hots, Amina, Bad Columbus, Defanico

So much music, so little time.  Yesterday’s reviews were so much fun to write and we can’t wait to share today’s five eclectic artists with you.  Here we go . . .

Artist Name:  Moist (ft Maria Marcus)

Album Name:  Lavine

Label:  I/O Music

Genre:  Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  Saga; 2.  Traces; 3.  Stars; 4.  Firefly; 5.  Words; 6.  Berlin; 7.  Cold; 8.  Worlds Collide; 9.  She; 10.  No One Knows

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  David Elfström Lilja is a producer, artist and remixer who goes by the moniker Moist.  On his sophomore release he has joined forces with singer-songwriter Maria Marcus to create this incredibly dreamy mix.  What makes his songs unique is that they are perfect for active listening and meditation, as well as ambient background music.   The hauntingly sweet voice of Marcus brings these electronic sounds to life, making the songs radio friendly as well as perfect candidates for placement in film and television.  There is so much good stuff on this album you will want to listen to it again and again.

Recommendation:  You simply must add this one to your collection. Go out and Get it.

Artist Name:  The Hots

Album Name:  The Hots

Label:  Marshmallow Pavement Records

Genre:  Hard Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Please Me; 2.  Before You; 3.  Shame the Devil; 4.  Nice Boys

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  Australian transplants Foxie Kelly (vocals) and Ronnie Simmons (guitar) aka The Hots bring a sound reminiscent of such bands as Divinyls, Joan Jet and the Runaways.  They have set the bar high on their debut EP, and we expect great things from this dynamic duo.  Featuring the blistering guitar riffs of Simmons and the soaring vocals of Kelly, The Hots deliver a rocking good time and deserve extensive airplay from such stalwarts as KROQ and other progressive radio stations for both “Please Me” and their debut single, “Before You.”  We bet their live show is just as entertaining and high energy.

Recommendation:  Get on this train early.  This band is about to hit the big time, and you need to go Get their EP now!

Artist Name:  Amina

Album Name:  Anacord

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Experimental Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  Regular Haunts; 3.  Across the Wasteland; 4.  Swamp Around; 5.  Caprichos; 6.  Mujer; 7.  Jinni; 8.  Connabalize; 9.  Bad Spirits; 10.  (It’s Happening); 11.  New de Lune; 12.  Under my Eyes . . . ; 13.  Bloody Rag

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Amina is not only a musician but an artist as well who has showcased his paintings in such cities as Seattle and his home base of Los Angeles.  In fact, the cover art is part of his collection of paintings entitled “Far Far Away.”  His voice is raw and reflective of the experimental rock soundtrack he uses to convey his message.  While not radio friendly, his music could find placement in film or television, or even the next iPhone commercial.   It is as unique as he is, and we hope that the world will stand up and take notice of this very eclectic musician.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Bad Columbus

Album Name:  More UNABASHED Rock from Bad Columbus

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Wyalusing; 2.  Benihana; 3.  I’ve Never Played This Version of Cards Before (Even the Stars); 4.  Asian!; 5.  Cooler by the Lake

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Wisconsin based band Bad Columbus are a group of friends from Illinois that are college seniors at Northland College.  Their music mixes elements of punk and ska into their rock and roll, creating a unique blend and sound that is uniquely theirs.  Best tracks include “Wyalusing” and “Cooler by the Lake.”

Recommendation:  Check them out.

Artist Name:  Defanico

Album Name:  In the Realm of Possibilities

Label:  Etna Recordings

Genre:  Rock/Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  Caravans; 2.  No Horizons; 3.  Integrity; 4.  Light Side of the Sun; 5.  Man from Another World; 6.  Someday We’ll Know; 7.  Theta; 8.  Fuego Interior

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We introduced you to this artist back in September when we featured his video for “You Make me Feel,” which featured the amazing voice of Avanti, in our August edition of Ten Amazing Videos.  The album hits the ground running with “Caravans” and “No Horizons,” and continues to shine and impress the deeper into the album the listener delves.  The sound starts off as pure prog rock before seguing into a more rave/electronic sound on “Integrity,” and is truly worthy of radio airplay, especially “Light Side of the Sun,” which brings back memories of some of the great songs of ELO.

Recommendation:  Worthy of your consideration.  Get it.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Derek Sallmann, Jet Plane, Melissa Phillips, Victory Chimes, Dambro

Welcome to our first Get it or Forget it of 2019.  What a weekend for football, as the team that scored first won all five games.  It was also painful to see the record breaking performance of Chicago’s kicker as he became the first one to miss field goals by hitting all three uprights in a single season.  Good thing we have some great music to share today to take that bitter taste out of our mouths.  Let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Derek Sallmann

Album Name:  Love, Future You

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Love, Future You; 2.  Sunup to Sundown; 3.  Breakdown, Breakthrough; 4.  T-Shirt Weather; 5.  Feels Like Home

Publicist:  Magic Tree Productions

Review:  Wisconsin power pop artist Derek Sallmann did his homework before recording his latest EP Love, Future You.  He chose two previous LA Music Critic Award winning songwriters, Kyler England and Garrison Starr, to write with as well as producer Bill Lefler, who has worked with the likes of Ingrid Michaelson, Cary Brothers and Joshua Radin.  The resulting EP is chock-full of positive and powerful pop songs that will lift you up and give you hope and inspiration.  All five songs are binge-worthy, and we can’t think of a better way to start the new year than with this five incredible tracks.  Enjoy “T-Shirt Weather” from “Sunup to Sundown” as this “Breakdown Breakthrough” just “Feels Like Home.”  signed with “Love, Future You.”

Recommendation:  Drop everything and run out to Get this one!

Artist Name:   Jet Plane

Album Name:   Falls Feather

Label:   Ricco Label

Genre:   Alt Rock Instrumental

Track Listing:   1.  All Through the Day; 2.  Ocean; 3.  Wildflowers; 4.  Morendo; 5.  Less; 6.  Tea

Publicist:   Self-promoted

Review:   From the barren cold of Bryansk, Russia comes some of the hottest alternative/post-rock tunes to ever warm up a winter’s day.  Featuring the amazing musicianship of Sergey Sapunov and Maxim Berezko on guitar, Dmitriy Bulavincev on drums and glockenspiel, Igor Zyuzko on violin, bagpipes, piano and voice, Konstantin Kiselev on bass, and the booming vocals of Vladimir Zyuzko on “Morendo,” Jet Plane takes off into the stratosphere, providing music that would be perfect for placements in television, film and commercial use.  If you love the music of Lindsey Stirling, then this is a perfect segue for you to experience that sound on a much grander scale.  This one is going on repeat.

Recommendation:   Don’t think twice – just go out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Melissa Phillips

Album Name:  Both Ways

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Folk/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Little Pieces; 2.  Both Ways; 3.  The Flame; 4.  Better Now; 5.  The Hardest Season; 6.  Family Heirlooms

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Melissa Phillips is a Bay Area singer-songwriter with a sweet voice, reminiscent of Sara Evans.  Her music has just a touch of country that flavors the folky pop sound, and makes her a perfect cross-over candidate.  Her music is extremely radio friendly, and we really love the bonus lift that the strings give it, especially on “Little Pieces.”  Truth be told, all six songs are worthy of your attention, and this artist deserves a place in your music collection.

Recommendation:  This lady is going far – grab her EP now while you still can.  This one is a definite keeper.

Artist Name:  Victory Chimes

Album Name:  Spinning Wheel

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Paradise; 2.  The Pelican; 3.  Halos; 4.  Blood in the Tracks; 5.  Disappearing; 6.  Bubbles; 7.  Emilia; 8.  40 Days on the Bridge

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  We introduced you to this band back in October when we featured their single, “Halos.”  This is the band’s first full-length album, and we continue to be amazed at just how good they have become.  The music is grand and glorious, with majestic instrumentation and soaring vocals,  This music would go perfectly as the soundtrack for your photo collection, especially landscape and wildlife photos, and could easily be placed in film, television or commercials.  You won’t find a weak track on this album.  Tour Managers need to check them out – them would be the perfect opening act for major players like The Decemberists and Blue October.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Dambro

Album Name:  Time

Label:  A&R Records

Genre:  Electronic Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Change; 2.  Same Feeling; 3.  What I’ve Become; 4.  Fire & Water; 5.  Goodbye; 6.  Don’t Tell me it’s Over; 7.  Sleepless Nights; 8.  Time; 9.  Fuck This; 10.  Where do we go Now; 11.  Take me Away; 12.  It’s You; 13.  I Won’t Cry; 14.  What Life Could Be

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  Melbourne electronica artist Michael D’Ambrosio aka Dambro has finally released his debut full length album, mixing elements of pop/rock, hip-hop and electronica to create an interesting mix of sounds and beats with a little retro throwback to the early sound of bands of Depeche Mode and Red Hot Chili Peppers.  There is plenty here to appeal to most music lovers.  Best tracks include “Change,” “What I’ve Become,” “Don’t Tell me it’s Over,” “Time,” “Where do we go Now,” “Take me Away,” and “What Life Could Be.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.  We think you’ll find something to like here.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 1

Welcome to our first Monday Mashup of the new year.  We thank you so much for your response to our year-end articles last week, including the announcement of the LA Music Critic Award winners for the second half of 2018.  Your responses pushed us over the 95,000 view mark, and set a new single-day record of 1,972 views on Friday.  We love sharing these amazing indie artists with you.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

Our third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners showcase is set for Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at The Mint in Los Angeles, and it’s shaping up to be another great one.  The showcase helps raise awareness and funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, and this year will feature our first international winner!  More details to come soon, but Save the Date!

ALICE WALLACE SET TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM

Four-time LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace will release her new album on January 18, her first on Rebelle Road Records.  We will be featuring her in our Get it or Forget it reviews on that date.  In addition, we are bringing back our Women in Entertainment series, and she will be the next artist to be featured.  Don’t miss this one.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this year comes from LA Music Critic Award winner for best EDM/Dance Artist/Band TNEO.  It is the third single from their album, Robotish, and the best one so far (IOHO).  Check out “Cold Grey Day.”  We guarantee this one will have you dancing into the new week.

Next is the latest from mother-daughter duo Cliffs and Caves.  They have a sweet indie folk/country sound with a full orchestra sound.  We really love the sound of “Goodbye for Good” and think you will too.

Our third single is a rock instrumental track from the forthcoming album by the Hedvig Mollestad Trio.  This one has everything lovers of rock and metal desire, and will also appeal to acid jazz lovers as well.  Check out “Bewitched, Drawfed and Defeathered.”

Our fourth single goes to the opposite end of the spectrum, with the haunting voice and lyrics of Rié Fu on her song “Mirror.”  She grew up in Tokyo, signed with a major label, but decided to forego that path, relocated to the UK and decided to go indie.  We think she made the right choice.

https://soundcloud.com/rie-music/06-mirror

Our final single this week is the latest from Teachers with Guns, who we introduced you to back in November.  This one is called “E.T.H.” and we like it a lot.  It has an amazing instrumental track to kick it off, followed by reflective lyrics sung by a voice that means business.  Check it out.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this year is from LA Music Critic Award nominees The Daybreaks.  It was recorded live at Pentavarit, and gives us another reason to love this Nashville-based band.  Check out “Flesh it Out.”

It’s been a while since we featured anything from the amazing young artist Olivia Millerschin.  Here is her cover video of Taylor Swift’s song “New Year’s Day,” which was recorded live in studio.  We think we’ll be hearing lots more great music from  her soon.

Although it technically came out on Christmas day, we love the latest from LA Music Critic Award winning rock band The Guess Who.  Here is their latest, “In America.”  We love that they are still rocking after 40 years!

Our fourth single is an amazing cover of the 1926 blues classic “John the Revelator” from LA Music Critic Award nominee Jason Robert, from his forthcoming album Death of Stone Stanley.  This one will appeal to lovers of classic blues rock.

We close out this edition of Monday Mashup with the brand new video from up and coming country star Kamber Cain.  We love her song “Love Story That I’ve Already Read.”  We think this one is going to be a hit!

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2018 Women in Entertainment

Forty best albums of 2018

What a year for indie music.  We received a boatload of review requests from around the world, and published reviews of nearly 1,000 CDs and EPs.  We culled through those we reviewed first to pick our nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards, and now to compile our list of the 40 Best CDs of 2018.

Due to the sheer volume, we only considered full-length projects for this list, but that doesn’t mean that quite a few of the EPs we reviewed weren’t also worthy of distinction.  We may yet put together another list of just EPs.

In the meantime, while we wait for the winners of the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards to be announced tomorrow, here are our favorite CDs of 2018.  You can find their individual reviews by searching for them on our blog.

40.  Kate Reid – The Heart Already Knows

39.  Deb Ryder – Enjoy the Ride

38.  Jeffrey Foucault – War on the Radio

37.  Katie Herzig – Moment of Bliss

36.  Eric Tingstad – Electric Spirit

35.  Fanny Walked the Earth – self-titled

34.  Wily Bo Walker – Almost Transparent Blues

33.  Buddy Guy – The Blues is Alive and Well

32.  Walt Weiskopf – European Quartet

31.  Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers – All I Got for Christmas is the Blues

30.  YYNOT – self-titled

29.  Peter V Blues Band – Shaken but not Deterred

28.  Delta Moon – Babylon is Falling

27.  The Textones – Old Stone Gang

26.  Ronny Morris – Sweet Silence

25.  Sydney Wright – Seiche

24.  Gleeson – The Years Have It

23.  Colin Devlin – High Point

22.  Everlast – Don’t Complain

21.  Zsuzsika – Start Again

20.  Michael Peterson – From Here to Eternity

19.  K. Michelle Dubois – Autumn

18.    Broken Bellows – I, Kaleidoscope

17.  Rachel Sage – Myopia

16.  Janiva Magness – Love is an Army

15.  John Flanagan Trio – Honest Man

14.  Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm – Shoot me Down

13.  Floods – Bad Times

12.  Frank Hannon (From One Place . . . to Another, vols 1 and 2)

11.  Keith Harkin – In the Round

10.  Southern Halo – Just Like in the Movies

9.  Cindy Alexander – Nowhere to Hide

8.  Kari Kimmel – Gold & Glitter

7.  Hymn for Her – Pop-n-Downers

6.  Jordan Siwek – Sun Inside You

5.  Slim Gambill – Fake Jazz

4.  Gina Sicilia – Heard the Lie

3.  Birds and Arrows – Arbitrary Magic

2.  Brigitte Rios Purdy – Still I Rise

and the Best Album of 2018 goes to

Norway Reloaded – My Longest Mile

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos released in December 2018

We hope you enjoyed our Ten Great Singles article yesterday, which we are following up with our Ten Amazing Videos today.  We had a wonderful New Year’s Day, watching the Rose Bowl parade and then heading off to the theater for the IMAX showing of Aquaman – what an amazing movie.  That was the best superhero movie we have ever seen.  Marvel could learn a few things from DC.

Our first video this month is from one of our favorite indie country bands, the Redhead Express.  It is also one of the most patriotic videos we have ever seen, and a fitting tribute to one of their major influences, Walk Off the Earth, after the death of Mike Taylor, The Beard Guy.  Here’s their cover of “Home We’ll Go.”

Next up is a blues rock smoker from The Spear Shakers, featuring the incredible guitar licks of Kelly Richey and perfect drums by Sherri McGee.  We think this one creates the perfect start to this “back to work” day.  Enjoy “Something’s Going On.”

Our third video is a beautiful cover of the Christmas classic, “O Holy Night” by the alter-ego of the Redhead Express.  Check out the beautiful cinematography and the stunning vocal harmonies of the PaperDolls, who recently performed at the White House Christmas party.

Our next video is from an up and coming hip-hop artist named Strick, a native of North Carolina now residing in Las Vegas.  Check out his latest track, “Slime Neighbors.”

Video number five comes to us via Send to Media for electro-pop artist Kitzi.  It is her debut release and we think it proves this young lady has a future in the business.  Check out “armadilla.”

Our second five kicks off with the soaring vocals of Milo Milone and her German neo-soul/R&B band Rhonda.  Set in a bar, various people sing Karoake to their single “I Couldn’t Say Yes.”  We’re happy to say yes to this amazing band.

We follow that one up with the latest from Justin Salter.  We love the comedy and the sound of this video, which features the lovely Bella Muse, and think you will likewise enjoy “You and Me.”

Our eighth video features the dreamy and sweet vocals of Maggie Lindermann and her incredible song, “Would I.”  If the question refers to whether we want more from this artist, the answer is a resounding yes.

Our next video also features stunning cinematography and the sweet sound of Australian Klara Zubonja.  We love the intricacies of the music on “The Winds of Life,” and think you will too.  Please let us know what you think about his artist.

We close out this month with the latest from another Australian artist, Cap Carter.  We love his vocals and the beautiful cinematography of “Thrill.”  Definitely check him out.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten great singles released in December 2018

Happy New Year – hope that 2019 is truly the year that indie music gets the respect it deserves.  We received more than 150 singles in December, and could only share 25 of them in our Monday Mashup series, so we’re sorry if yours was not selected.  However, here are ten more that we felt deserved attention.

Our first single comes from Brooklyn indie rockers Valentin Marx.  We love the retro sound and think it is the perfect song to kick off this month’s edition of Ten Great Singles.  Check out “Made Up” and let us know what you think.

Next up is the latest from Los Angeles duo YVR.  They have an interesting sound, part R&B, part pop, but totally cool.  Check out “Messy.”

For our third single, we travel to the UK for the latest from reggae/ska band Bare Jams.  This one has the horns and rhythms that make reggae so sweet and is called “Fish Bowl.”  We dig it.

Next up is some alternative rock from Richmond, Virginia band Illiterate Light.  They think “Nuthin’s Fair” and we say, “You just figured that out?”

https://soundcloud.com/illiteratelight/nuthins-fair

At the midway point, here’s some smooth R&B from Conrad the Third.  He gives us a wonderful reminder about moving on entitled “Don’t.”

We start off our second five with an incredible young lady from Mongolia named Nominjin.   We think that the R&B/soul/pop sound of this future superstar will get you up and dancing with “Kiss me at Midnight.”

Next up is some dream pop from British actress and artist Gillian Hills.  Check out her spooky track, “NeferTiti.”

Single number eight is another R&B/soul tune, this time from Afro-Swedish artist Felish.  She talks about “Lost Momentum,” so don’t let that happen to you.  Just get up and dance!

We follow her up with this amazing single from Australian Nat Smithson & Nights on Mayfair.  We love their amazing chemistry on “What Life Wants for Me.”

Our final single is “Beatrice” from folk singer Kentrails.  We think it is the perfect way to start out the new year.  Enjoy the indie artist of your choice.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 48

Happy New Year’s Eve.  We close out the year at Indie Voice Blog with our final Monday Mashup of 2018, along with the knowledge that we had a banner year.  We started out 2018 with just over 41,000 views and are closing it knocking on the door of 91,000, an increase of almost 50,000 views.  In other words, we had more views in 2018 than in the entire life  of our blog up to that point.  Thank you one and all for your support and your faithful readership.  We have some big changes coming in 2019, so please subscribe to our blog and let’s keep sharing the indie music love.

Enjoy your celebration tonight but be safe.  Many communities are having First Night celebrations, including one here in Missoula, Montana.  It’s going to be a cold one, with temperatures in the single digits, so bundle up and enjoy all the indie music available.

We thought it only fitting to kick off this final 2018 edition with a wonderful video by Colin Devlin that reflects our thoughts.  Here’s “On New Year’s Day.”

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from 2016 LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace, who drops her new album, her first on Rebelle Road Records, on January 19.  We can’t wait to review it.  Here’s a taste of what’s to come with “Santa Ana Wind,” her take on the recent California wildfires.

Next up is a Christmas single from multiple-LA Music Critic Award nominee The Fisherman & The Sea.  Check out “Christmas on a Mountain.”

They also have a new album coming out in January and we can’t wait.  Speaking of their new album, we also give you a sneak peak of the first single, “The Fairytale Waltz.”

https://open.spotify.com/album/0POmYo2PgJQ8j9I7I32cv3

Our third single is perfect for tonight, as Karmic gives us their interpretation of the classic song, “Auld Lang Syne.”

Single number four comes from the amazingly gifted guitarist, Ali Handal, and features the equally amazing vocals of Debby Holiday.  We strongly agree with her sentiments in “Love More.”

Our final single this week is the first one from the forthcoming new album by The Lighthouse.  Enjoy the pop stylings of “Catch Fire.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from the new solo project of the lead singer of a band we introduced to you earlier this month.  The band is called Cheat Codes and the lead singer is Dahl.  Here’s the video for his first single, “Think About Us.”

Next up is the video of Brian Mackey‘s latest single, “Don’t Own Much.”  It features some of the finest cinematography we have seen this year and was shot during his tour of Europe.  Enjoy this one.

Our third video has the hard edge of rockers Crashing Atlas, and is very timely.  Watch how they deal with their own obsessions in “Monster.”

Our next video slows it down with a live performance of up and coming Swedish artist Marlene Oak‘s single, “In the Evening.”  We introduced her to you three weeks ago, and we still can’t get enough of this song.

We close out 2018 with the latest video from LA Music Critic Award nominee Band of Silver.  Check out “El Magnifico.”

Take care tonight.  We’ll be back next year with more great coverage of indie music and theater, and the return of our popular series, Women in Entertainment.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Head Honchos, Ben Rice, Americana Kitchen, Scarlett Taylor, SKAND

Wow, the race for the LA Music Critic Award 2018-2 Fan Favorite has come to a close, and the final results may surprise you when they are revealed next Friday, along with the rest of the winners for the second half of 2018.  Next week we will also reveal our favorite albums of 2018 and our final Monday Mashup, as well as our Ten Great Singles and Ten Amazing Videos released in December.  It’s going to start the new year off with an indie bang, so make sure you catch every article by subscribing to our blog.  In the meantime, here are our final reviews for 2018.

Artist Name:  Head Honchos

Album Name:  Bring it on Home

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Not for Me; 2.  Old and Tired; 3.  Work; 4.  Come Strong; 5.  Next to You; 6.  Mean old World; 7.  Fire on the Bayou; 8.  Lucky’s Train’ 9.  Whiskey Devil; 10.  That Driving Beat; 11.  99 1-2 Won’t Do; 12.  Going Down; 13.  Soul Free

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  The blues are a dynamic art form, and when they are rocking they are even better.  Head Honchos truly deliver on both accounts in their latest release, Bring it on Home, with 13 outstanding blues rock tracks.  Every one is worthy of attention, making these songs perfect for radio airplay and placement consideration for television and film.  The blues guitar will grab your attention while the smoky vocals will keep your toes tapping and your ears on full alert.  This one belongs on repeat.  Even though it was released back in July, we think it will become a timeless part of your collection.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one if you love a rocking blues beat.

Artist Name:  Ben Rice

Album Name:  Wish the World Away

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Dirt Road Home; 2.  Peace will Overcome; 3.  Retreat; 4.  Mojo Hand; 5.  Wish the World Away; 6.  The One That Got Away; 7.  Hard Times; 8.  If you Ever Change Your Mind; 9.  Higher Ground; 10.  Run Around; 11.  Oh Lord; 12.  Get There; 13.  Don’t Worry Mama

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  Although this album was likewise released back in July, it is still on the major roots charts, and was #9 on the Roots Music Report released on December 22.   This album is down home roots, from the resonator guitar to the foot tambourine to the soulful vocals and folky lyrics.  He has strong lyrical content, with such on point songs as “Peace will Overcome.”  Other songs we loved include the soulful country pop tune “Retreat,” the delta blues sound of “Mojo Hand,” the amazing duet “Wish the World Away,” the bluesy “Hard Times,” the remarkable reworked cover of Stevie Wonder‘s hit “Higher Ground,” the harmonica laced “Run Around,” and the driving “Get There.”

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!  It is becoming a classic!

Artist Name:  Americana Kitchen

Album Name:  Come and Get it

Label:  Junk Records

Genre:  Music Compilation (various genres)

Track Listing:  Side 1:  1.  Hard Love (ver 1); 2.  New World; 3.  You Better Think Twice (ver 1); 4.  Blood of the Blues (ver 1); 5.  Run Little Red; 6.  In Real Life; 7.  Living Out Loud (ver 1); 8.  The Christmas Song (ver 1); 9.  Catch That Train (ver 2); 10.  Blood of the Blues (ver 3); Side 2:  1.   All Dressed Up; 2.  Hard Love (ver 2); 3.  Living Out Loud (ver 2); 4.  Just Fine for Now; 5.  The Christmas Song (ver 2); 6.  So Tired of Running; 7.  You Better Think Twice (ver 2); 8.  Jesus, I’ve Got a Friend in You; 9.  Catch That Train (ver 1); 10.  Blood of the Blues (ver 2)

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Danny Johnson wrote all of the songs on this amazing compilation that features “the best local musicians in San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles,” according to the album’s cover.  Johnson brought these musicians together to explore different sounds for his songs, two of which we previously shared with you in last week’s Monday Mashup.  “Hard Love,” “Better Think Twice,” “Living out Loud,” “The Christmas Song,” and “Catch That Train” are featured twice while “Blood of the Blues” has three different versions.  The remaining seven songs are each featured once.  There are a myriad of musical styles represented, ranging from Pop Rock, Cabaret Jazz, Funk and R&B to  to Modern Jazz, Broadway, Blues, Bluegrass and Rock ‘n Roll.    These resulting 20 songs show that Johnson is a prolific writer who sounds great in any genre.  Our favorites include “Blood of the Blues” (ver 1), “In Real Life,” “Living out Loud” (ver 1), “Catch That Train (both versions), “All Dressed Up,”  “Hard Love” (ver 2), and “So Tired of Running.”

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.  It has something for everyone.

Artist Name:  Scarlett Taylor

Album Name:  Crystal Poles

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Crystal Poles; 2.  Lakehouse; 3.  July 2nd; 4.  Independent; 5.  Left him at the Party

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We discovered this amazing artist back in 2016 when we reviewed her second album Churches.  We reviewed her again in 2017 when she released her EP III, and featured her music video for “I Can Fly” (from III) in our third Monday Mashup of this year.  Hard to believe she’s only 21 and already has recorded two albums and three EPs since turning 18.  She continues to blossom with each subsequent project, and still has not reached her potential.  As we previously pointed out, her music is dark but still pop, and worthy of consideration for placements in television and movies, although her lyrics this time around are more explicit than they have been in the past.  We still love them, as they are the perfect complement to our current collection.

Recommendation:  This artist continues to mature and deliver powerful songs.  We highly recommend adding her to your collection.

Artist Name:  SKAND

Album Name:  DIVE

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Stuck on the Floor; 2.  Shake me Up; 3.  Peaceful Love; 4.  Cycle Cycle; 5.  Down to my River; 6.  Have you Play with Me (live)

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This dynamic duo has amazing harmonies that lift these well-crafted songs into the pop stratosphere.  The songs have a classic rock sound underlying the soaring vocals, with lyrics that tell a story about the various cycles of our lives.  The songs stand on their own but taken as a concept, they each tell a portion of the story, enticing the listener to pay attention to each individual track.  This one is going to take numerous listens to capture all the nuances of their lyrics and their spectacular vocals.

Recommendation:  Don’t miss this one – this duo is definitely going places!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Electric Neon Clouds, Chris Peace, Horror Section, Ariel Gold, KOKOKO!

Today is the final day to vote for your Fan Favorites.  The standings have tightened up, and the race is on.  Don’t lose the momentum for your favorite indie artist.  Vote today but remember, you can only vote once per valid email.  The winners will be announced next Friday.  In the meantime, here are five new December 7 releases for your consideration.

Artist Name:  Electric Neon Clouds

Album Name:  Electric Neon Clouds

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Synth Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Two Birds; 2.  Elemental; 3.  I Don’t Know Why; 4.  The Ocean

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Canadian band Electric Neon Clouds deliver high quality synth-pop with an 80s new wave feel.  On this self-titled EP, they give us an appetizer of their full-length album coming early next year, and we can’t wait.  All four of this tasty morsels are fun and will make you want to get up and dance.  We really love “Elemental,” but could easily put all four of these tracks on perpetual repeat.   Even if only these four songs from the upcoming album are good, they are still worth the price of admission for the entire album.  We will bring you the entire new album as soon as we receive it.

Recommendation:  Get this one now – hopefully it will keep you occupied until the full-length album comes out next year.

Artist Name:  Chris Peace

Album Name:  Songcraft

Label:  Winding Way Records

Genre:  Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  The Worry (ft Sharon Little); 2.  Lawless (ft Maggie Pope); 3.  Eyes on You (ft Rob Pallet and Margo Cisneros); 4.  Silver Gun (ft Christine McAlister); 5.  You are the One  (ft Rob Pallet and Margo Cisneros)

Publicist:  Winding Way Records

Review:  Chris Peace is a mega-talented singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Philadelphia.  On this sterling EP, he joins forces with some gifted vocalists who bring his amazing creations to life.  The EP starts off with the unmistakable voice of Sharon Little on “The Worry,” and foretells the awesomeness that is in store for the listener as they make their way through this EP.  He joins in with Maggie Pope on “Lawless” and Christine McAlister on “Silver Gun,”  and the harmonies are a thing of beauty.  This entire EP is definitely going on repeat, as all five songs are simply some of the best we have heard in 2018.  Well done Mr. Peace – hurry back with another batch!

Recommendation:  Don’t let this train leave without you – Get it now!

Artist Name:  Horror Section

Album Name:  Horror Section

Label:  Eccentric Pop Records

Genre:  Punk Rock

Track Listing:  Side A:  1.  Six; 2.  They’re Inside; 3.  Are you There?  4.  Behind the Wheel; 5.  Forever Gone; 6.  First Kill; 7.  Somebody Else; 8.  I Want it Back  Side B:  1.  Rooms and Echoes; 2.  Make Them Pay; 3.  Murder; 4.  Wait for You; 5.  Resonator; 6.  Working Title; 7.  Remains; 8.  Don’t Know

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:   The debut album from Horror Section follows years of releasing 7″ singles and EPs at their performances.  The self-titled album has been simultaneously released on vinyl and CD,   As with most punk songs, these are short and sweet and offer an intriguing soundtrack for lovers of the horror film genre.  They would make great placements in horror films as well, or Halloween themed commercials.

Recommendation:

Artist Name:  Ariel Gold

Album Name:  Grace

Label:   Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Weather; 2.  Blue; 3.  A A; 4.  Grace; 5.  The Ballad of Codependency; 6.  Lullaby for the Unborn Child

Publicist:  Pendulum PR

Review:  We previously featured Ariel Gold’s single, “Blue” in our Ten Great Singles article last month.  Her music has an ethereal quality that is comparable to Enya, but with a more folky feel, similar to the indie Periscope queen, Clare Means or the magnificent Ingrid Michaelson.  Her sound is enticing and radio friendly, and she would be a great opening act for many Folk/Americana bands.  These are songs that will haunt you long after their final note, and become instantly memorable, especially “Blue” and “A A.”   Truth be told, all six songs are worthy of your attention.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Adult Man Gesture Stand Studio Portrait

Artist Name:  KOKOKO!

Album Name:  Liboso

Label:  Transgressive

Genre:  World Music

Track Listing:  1.  Blvd Lumumba; 2.  Azo Toke; 3.  Affaire a Mbongo; 4.  L.O.V.E. (ft Nyangombe); 5.  Longola ye Kupe

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  We had not been exposed to much world music until we experienced the incredible Moroccan sounds of Tinariwen at the Traveler’s Rest Festival last year.  KOKOKO!, which means knock, knock, knock, has more of a central Africa sound, specifically the Congo, but is no less stirring and riveting.  They create their own sound with DIY instruments and thus once heard, they are not easily forgotten.  This music might also be useful on the soundtrack for your next rave or EDM get-together.  They are definitely worth your attention.

Recommendation:  This is an intriguing addition to your eclectic music collection.  Give them a try.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Liz Fawcett, Karen Craigie, Brother Brad, Belly Squad, Ronny Morris

We’re heading into the home stretch for the 2018-2 LA Music Critic Award for Fan Favorite.  Voting ends tomorrow, so don’t miss the chance to recognize your favorite indie artist.  Winners will be announced on Friday, January 4, 2019.  In the meantime, here are five more reviews to check out.

Artist Name:  Liz Fawcett

Album Name:  Start Again

Label:  Lizzard Productions

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Start Again; 2.  Waiting; 3.  New Times; 4.  Why you Gotta Change Me; 5.  Let’s be Gone; 6.  Ohh la La La; 7.  Crazy Land; 8.  I Just Wanna Dance; 9.  It’s all Gone; 10.  Don’t Let Go; 11.  Somehow; 12.  Make it Through the Day; 13.  Never Before

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Liz Fawcett is an actress and singer-songwriter from Orange County, California.  While we have seen a large number of actors/actresses branch out recently into the music industry, this one truly has the goods to make it as an artist.  Her voice is heavenly, while her musical accompaniment is first rate and truly classy.  From the first notes of the title track, she announces to the world that she has truly arrived.  Although the overall sound is pop, there are so many nuances to her music that we think she could excel in any genre.  Her songs are radio friendly and also perfect for placement in television and film.  Best songs include the title track, “New Times,” “Why you Gotta Change Me,” “Ooh la La La,” “Crazy Land,” “I Just Wanna Dance,” “Don’t Let Go” and “Make it Through the Day” (both of which would make great Disney themes) and “Never Before.”

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Karen Craigie

Album Name:  Mountains of Gold

Label:  Buttercup Records

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Little Heartbreaker; 2.  Kill me Now; 3.  Bottom Line; 4.  Mountains of Gold; 5.  High; 6.  Game Face; 7.  Happy Ending; 8.  Lonely Town; 9.  So Long; 10.  Till it Gets Done

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Once again a rising country star has emerged from Australia with the third release from Karen Craigie, who reminds us of such country greats as Mary Chapin Carpenter and Patty Loveless.  Her songs are flawlessly written and should do quite well on American country radio, and have that classic country sound that endures, especially “Little Heartbreaker” and “Kill me Now.”  Other songs worthy of your attention include the title track (the perfect waltz),  “High,” “Happy Ending,” “Lonely Town,” “So Long” and “Till it Gets Done.”

Recommendation:  This one truly belongs in your country music catalog.  Go Get it.

Artist Name:  Brother Brad

Album Name:  Get Around

Label:  A&R Records

Genre:  Soul/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Gotta Be; 2.  Digital Revolution; 3.  Ger Around; 4.  Yesterday; 5.  I Gave you my All; 6.  My Girl

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  Combining elements of jazz, funk, reggae, R&B and pop, Sydney, Australia-based band Brother Brad create a fun and entertaining sound that deserves worldwide attention.  The horns truly shine through these six amazing tracks and clearly capture the chemistry and amazing songwriting that signal this is the band to see perform live.  There is not a weak track in the bunch, and this one is definitely going on repeat.  We especially love their first single, “My Girl,” and can certainly understand why everyone seems to love it as well.

Recommendation:  Get off your duff and Get this one now!

Artist Name:  Belly Squad

Album Name:  Bon Appétit

Label:  Self-released Mixtape

Genre:  Rap/Afro Swing

Track Listing:  1,  SOS; 2.  Best in Town; 3.  Jumpstart (ft Young T & Bugsey); 4.  Bag; 5.  Wanna Ride (Skr Skr); 6.  Ribena; 7.  Teamwork; 8.  Missing (ft Headie One); 9.  Say Nuttin

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  This mixtape clearly demonstrates why Belly Squad has risen to the top of the UK’s rap scene.  Their tracks contain great music and lyrics you can actually understand.  The first single “Missing,” which features Headie One, has amassed more than 8 million streams since it was released, and it is not the only great song in this collection.  Other memorable tunes include “Best in Town,” “Jumpstart” (featuring Young T & Bugsey), “Wanna Ride (Skr Skr),” “Ribena,” and “Say Nuttin.”

Recommendation:  If you love rap, this is a must-have for your collection.

Artist Name:  Ronny Morris

Album Name:  Sweet Silence

Label:  Warner Music Scandinavia

Genre:  Classic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  I’ll Survive; 2.  All About Love; 3.  Still; 4.  Windows; 5.  Sweet Silence; 6.  Purge; 7.  Hey; 8.  Lilly; 9.  Built to Last; 10.  Lost my Way; 11.  Every Time it Gets Real; 12.  So Young

Publicist:  Morris Music

Review:  Ronny Morris has already achieved success with his music, even before the release of his debut album Sweet Silence.  He has secured placements in such television hits as One Tree Hill, Brothers and Sisters and The Ghost Whisperer, to name a few.  Hooking up with Grammy-winning mixer Steve Thompson helped shape this composer into an artist, resulting in this album, which includes a dramatic score featuring the Czech Symphony Orchestra.  This helps give his music the same feel as ELO, making these songs extremely radio friendly.  His vocals are dreamy, seemingly floating on the musical accompaniment.  There aren’t any misses in this dynamic collection, and you just may want to put it on repeat.

Recommendation:  Definitely go Get this one!