Tag: indie music

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music New Music Friday

Get it or forget it – New Music vol. 3

With our work schedule so crazy, we have found it very difficult to publish an article every week day, so we are instituting new guidelines for categories, which can be published whenever we have a chance.  Today we are publishing under the New Music, but it will not be restricted to just albums published this past Friday.  Enjoy these great new albums, all of which have been released this month.

Artist Name:  Gerry Beckley

Album Name:  Five Mile Road

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Life Lessons; 2.  Something to Remember; 3.  Home Again; 4.  Five Mile Road; 5.  Hang Your Head High; 6.  So Long Marni 7.  Vegabond; 8.  Heart of the Valley; 9.  Stop Feeling Sorry; 10.  Calling; 11.  Sudden Soldier; 12.  Two People at Once

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  Once again Blue Élan Records has resurrected a piece of our childhood and reinfused it with new life.  Today’s excellent example returns the sound of America with the release of Five Mile Road from Gerry Beckley.  From the first note of “Life Lessons,” all the memories of listening for hours to such songs as “Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway,” and more came rushing back.  Beckley sparkles and his songwriting is better than ever.  Every song on this comeback masterpiece is simply amazing and deserves heavy rotation on radio.  His new sound is also perfect for placement opportunities in film and television.  There is not a weak track on this collection of 12 potential hits, and we strongly suggest you just grab a glass of wine and put this one one repeat.

Recommendation:  You had better get this one NOW!

Artist Name:  Jay Katana

Album Name:  Bleeding Boyfriend Mixtape

Label:  Fretmonkey Records

Genre:  Rock Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  . . . Your Eyes; 2.  I’m Done; 3.  KissClosed; 4.  Letter from Child; 5.  Mixtape; 6.  Shadows From my Eyes

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Once again, Jay Katana has proven that he is one of the premier guitar players in rock music today.  His music brings peace and harmony to your chaotic day, with riffs that would make Jimi Hendrix proud.  Pop this one in and get your chill on.  Best tracks are “KissClosed,” “Letter From Child,” “Mixtape,” and “Shadows From my Exes” (for when you really want to rock out).

Recommendation:  Definitely worthy of your time.

Artist Name:  Jake Clemons

Album Name:  Eyes on the Horizon

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Swan Song 2.  Consumption Town (ft Tom Morello); 3.  Mom Deserves Better; 4.  ¡Ayuda! (When the Sun Goes Down); 5.  Nothing Left; 6.  Regression (Wasted in London); 7.  Democracy; 8.  We, The People; 9.  Eyes on the Horizon; 10.  Goodnight

Publicist:  DRPR

Review:  Probably best known for his time as a saxophonist with Bruce Springsteen‘s E Street Band, Jack Clemons is a multi-instrumentalist who adds his vocal abilities to this amazing collection of powerful songs like lead track “Swan Song” and his amazing cover of Leonard Cohen‘s “Democracy,” which we featured in our Monday Mashup article back in April.  His second single, “Consumption Town,” contains a powerful message that just might make Clemons the modern day equivalent of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, but with a much harder edge to his music.

Recommendation:  This one belongs in your library – go Get it today!

Artist Name:  Frankiie

Album Name:  Forget Your Head

Label:  Paper Bag Records

Genre:  Indie/Dream Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Funny Feeling; 2.  Dream Reader; 3.  Compare; 4.  Easy Breezy (Je Sais) 5.  Corner 6.  Glory Me; 7.  Nowhere Days 8.  Don’t be Low; 9.  Along Again; 10.  Sun Queen; 11.  Stone Song

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Frankiie is all-female band from Vancouver that delivers the best in dream rock, with heavenly voices that soar, harmonies that give you goose bumps, and a sound reminiscent of such bands as Heart and Fleetwood Mac.  They do not disappoint on their debut release, and we think they have the chops to ensure a lengthy career.  This one is definitely going on repeat.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it – just go Get it!

Artist Name:  Lisa Rich

Album Name:  Highwire

Label:  Tritone Records

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  High Wire The Aerialist (for Phillip Petit); 2.  Contessa; 3.  Celeste Prelude to a Kiss; 4.  Bud Powell; 5.  Stardancer; 6.  Lonely Woman; 7.  Songbird; 8.  The Jinn; 9.  We’ll be Together Again; 10.  The Silence of a Candle

Publicist:  Doreen D’Agostino Media

Review:  This is the perfect album for jazz standards lovers, as the rich voice of Lisa Rich (no pun intended) breathes new life into these songs by such artists as Chick Corea, Ralph Towner, Duke Ellington, Ornette Colemand and Loonis McGlohon, as well as the standard “We’ll be Together Again.”  These songs are perfect for relaxing with a choice glass of wine, and will ease the day’s troubles as the sweet sounds soothe your soul.

Recommendation:  This one is a must for all true jazz lovers.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 25

It’s another week and we’re celebrating my brother’s birthday today.   It’s the last official week of summer, and it’s finally starting to cool down in Oklahoma City as we head into the fall.  So many great songs and videos have been headed our way, and we’re glad to share these with you.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is “Fine,” courtesy of The Honest Heart Collective.  We love this powerful and uplifting rock and roll song that deserves heavy rotation on the radio.  Let us know what you think.

Our next single is no less powerful although it comes from the singer-songwriter side of things and sounds closer to the style of Enya.  Listen carefully to Yvonne McDonnell and her song, “Mud,” all the way from the UK.

Single number 3 comes from S+C+A+R+R, a French up and coming R&B artist.  His first single, “White Lies,” is a great start to his future career.  Check it out here.

Single number four is “Reclaim” from Baby Taylah from Glasgow.  We love the beauty of the arrangement and think this one belongs on Top 40 radio.  Let us know what you think.

We close out our list of singles with the latest from American Matt LeGrand and Venezuelan Mestiza, “I’ve Been Watching You.”  It’s smooth and trendy, with its mixture of Latin hip-hop, soul and R&B.  We think it’s a solid hit.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is a song that I can totally relate to, because it’s about the loss of your father, which I just experienced about 22 months ago.  This song is so well written and introspective but make sure you have some tissue handy.  Here is “Again for Me” by Kasador.

Our next video came out during our “black-out” period, but is worthy of sharing with you.  It is half-blues/half-classic rock and we love it.  Grab some “Lemonade” from Bobby Messano.

Combine the surf attitude of Huntington Beach, California with the rastafarian feel of Jamaica and you have DENM, who’s “Blowing up.”  This tune will provide you with the perfect farewell to summer song.

Video number four is a stunning interpretive dance for the latest from the amazing Erin K – “Sometimes.”  If this one doesn’t inspire you, then nothing will.  Hats off the the incredible dancing of Alex Neuff.

We close out this week with the unbelievable songwriting and voice of Los Angeles’ own Katie Ferrara.    Her voice says it all and the cinematography is absolutely beautiful, truly capturing the essence of her song “Loud and Proud.”  Come join the party.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music New Music Friday Reviews

Get it or forget it – New Music Friday vol. 2

We made it through another week, and have some great rewards for you, including the latest by a recent Grammy-nominated artist who is covering the library of a Grammy legend.  Let’s get this weekend started.

Artist Name:  Sarah Lightman

Album Name:  Interlude

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Interlude; 2.  Let Your Light In; 3.  Graduating 4.  Alright; 5.  Until I see you Again; 6.  Shell; 7.  I Can’t Be; 8.  So Good; 9.  Home; 10.  We are the Same; 11.  Letter to my Father

Publicist:  Elisa Tapia

Review:  Sarah Lightman came to Los Angeles to be an actress but gave it up to become a singer-songwriter.  If her debut album, Interlude, is any indicate, she made the right choice.  Her songs offer hope and are sung with such a sweet voice that the listener can’t help but be drawn up.  Her music deserves heavy rotation on radio stations nationwide, and her songs should be highly considered for placement in television and film.  We especially love “Graduating,” “Until I See You Again” (with its jazzy undertones and amazing co-vocals from WOLVES), “I Can’t Be,” and “So Good.”  She may have made her start performing on the streets of City Walk, but she’s ready for a larger audience.  Don’t miss this train as it leaves the station for super stardom.

Recommendation:  Definitely RUN out and get this one.

Artist Name:  Jimbo Pap

Album Name:  It can Always get Worse

Label:  Fiesta Red Records

Genre:  California Country/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Submission (Nice Pants); 2.  On my way to the show 3.  Long Kiss Goodbye; 4.  Nothing’s Quite the Same; 5.  Queen of my Lonely Little World; 6.  String of Pearls; 7.  Yard Sale; 8.  Long Time Movin’; 9.  Another Ticket on the Windshield; 10.  It can Always get Worse; 11.  Someone’s Gonna Love me Again

Publicist:  Devious Planet

Review: A recent edition to the Los Angeles Americana scene, Jimbo Pap provides the perfect tongue-in-cheek approach to incorporating their unique blend of country with a folk-style message about current events.  Their voices create incredible harmonies that deliver their message without offending the listener.  You will quickly find yourself tapping along to the beat while you process the words, and will leave with a better understanding of what you can do to improve the world around you.  Don’t forget to grab a beer and tool around the dance floor as well.

Recommendation: A brilliant release that deserves a place in your library – go get it!

Artist Name:  Sarah Rogo

Album Name:  Smoke and Water

Label:  Funzalo Records

Genre:  Blues/Roots

Track Listing:  1.  Pieces; 2.  Here Goes Nothing; 3.  Smoke and Water; 4.  Will you Still Love me Tomorrow 5.  Run; 6.  Jolene; 7.  Love and be Loved; 8.  Take me to the Water 9.  Which Wolf; 10.  Voodoo Child

Publicist:  Independent Music Media

Review: Hard to believe it’s been nearly two years since we reviewed an album from Sarah Rogo (Live at Lestats West), which was her first album published by Funzalo Records.  She was signed after meeting them at the Durango Songwriters Expo, one of several up and coming superstars that emerged from the annual affair in Denver, Colorado.  From the first notes of “Pieces,” you can quickly hear her maturity and growth as an artist.  She is the voice of a new generation of blues and roots singers, and we believe she is heading for tremendous success.  Her songs cut to the heart and deliver a touching message, accompanying by Rogo’s mad resonator guitar skills.  This one deserves to be on repeat, especially her beautiful interpretations of the classics “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” and “Jolene.”

Recommendation:  One of the best we’ve heard from any Durango alum – run out and don’t stop until you get this one.

Artist Name:  Janiva Magness

Album Name:  Change in the Weather:  Janiva Magness Sings John Fogerty

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Blues Covers

Track Listing:  1.  Change in the Weather; 2.  Lodi (ft Sam Morrow); 3.  Someday Never Comes; 4.  Wrote a Song for Everyone; 5.  Don’t you Wish it Were True (ft Taj Mahal); 6.  Have you Ever Seen the Rain 7.  Bad Moon Rising; 8.  Blueboy; 9.  Fortunate Son; 10.  Deja Vu (All Over Again); 11.  A Hundred and Ten in the Shade; 12.  Lookin’ out my Backdoor

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  As someone who grew up on the music of John Fogerty and Credence Clearwater Revival, it was quite an honor to be asked to review these amazing covers of those songs we grew to love.  Janiva Magness takes her stellar blues skills to turn these songs into instant blues classics, and we are sure that Fogerty would be totally ok with that.  Our favorites include “Lodi,” “Have you Ever Seen the Rain,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son,” and “Lookin’ out my Backdoor.”

Recommendation:  If you love Fogerty and the blues, you will simply adore these interpretations.  Run out and get it today!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Unknown Wednesdays vol. 2

We started this article more than a week ago, and needed to get it out to you today, even though it’s Friday.  Enjoy these unknowns, who we hope will spark your interest in finding new music.

Artist Name:  Julie Haven

Album Name:  Fool’s Gold

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  See me Cry; 2.  Love and War; 3.  Dust; 4.  Fated

Publicist:  AGD Entertainment

Review:  Julie Haven is an up and coming artist who sings from her heart about love and loss.  Her vocals soar on this short four song EP which introduces listeners to her powerful delivery and excellent songwriting abilities.  Her songs are textbook perfect for placement in television and film, especially for chick flicks and rom-coms.  In addition, these songs deserve heavy rotation on radio, especially college radio.  Hop on this train now – this artist is definitely going place.

Recommendation:  Don’t hesitate – get this one today.

Artist Name:  Creature and the Woods

Album Name:  J Tree

Label:  Blind Owl

Genre:  Folk Psych Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Widows Waltz; 2.  Head Above Water; 3.  Oh Well; 4.  Two Golden Coins

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  This is a band of brothers who have chosen San Diego as their home and recorded this EP in Joshua Tree.  The sound is a throwback to the music of the 60’s (Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors) but with a fresh approach that captures the spirit without duplication of the message, although many of those message are still relevant.  The harmonies are exquisite and the guitar riffs would surely pass the “Hendrix test.”  The music deserves radio airplay and should definitely be considered for placement opportunities.  We see great things ahead for this band.

Recommendation:  Definitely worthy of your attention, we highly recommend you get this one.

Artist Name:  Bambi Lee Savage

Album Name:  Berlin-Nashville Express

Label:  Hoof & Antler Records

Genre:  Country/Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Honey; 2.  This Blue Heart; 3.  Get out my Pillow (I’m Comin’ Home); 4.  Demon Alcohol; 5.  Baby Come Back; 6.  I Can’t Count on my Man; 7.  I’ll Have to Leave Town (to get Over You); 8.  Drinker of Gin; 9.  Walk in Love; 10.  Darlin’ (Savannah Remix)

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Americana has a new country twang with folk undertones in Bambi Lee Savage.  Her music brings back that classic country feel with a swinging soundtrack.  Her music has that same feel as Emmylou Harris, and the resulting songs are a welcome addition to the otherwise pop country music of her peers.  She also takes a number of cliches and turns them into thoughtful and well-written songs that bring those old sayings to life.  This one is perfect for your Saturday night dancing as you boot scoot around that floor.

Recommendation:  If you love classic country, this one is a must-have.

Artist Name:  Jon Gindick

Album Name:  Love at the All Night Cafe

Label:  Old Chimney

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  I was Born to Wail; 2.  Feeling her Gone; 3.  Baby’s got the Blues; 4.  The All Night Cafe; 5.  Load me up Baby; 6.  Mississippi Moods; 7.  Happy Wife, Happy Life, Happy Home; 8.  The song I Couldn’t Write; 9.  I Love the Feminine Girl; 10.  Hand Holding Man; 11.  Can’t get That Girl off my Mind; 12.  In the Land of You

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Jon Gindick has to be the best harmonica player in music today.  Not only that, his stories should be part of our musical heritage as they recount the history of American music, keeping the legacy alive.  His form of the blues is unique and most worthy of a place in your musical library.  It is more upbeat and jazzy than most blues songs, but after just one listen it will be obvious that he is inspired and influenced by the early blues giants.   As long as Gindick is around, musical history will never be forgotten.

Recommendation:  If you love American music and respect the history of its development, then this one is a must-have.

 

Artist Name:  Blue Canoe

Album Name:  Overbored

Label:  4000 Holes

Genre:  Classic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  It’s on You; 2.  Sorry Won’t Help; 3.  Kissed me Once; 4.  Cover Me; 5.  Scotch 6.  Her Love to a Bottle 7.  Don’t get Around Much Anymore 8.  Standing in the Cold; 9.  4000 Holes; 10.  My Mistake

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Blue Canoe, composed of Mike May, Greg Kane and Bob Gallagher, bring back classic rock with abandon.  This is the music we grew up on, and they truly capture that feel with their righteous interpretation of the genre.  This is music that was made for parties, and could easily go on repeat for the duration of your good times.  These melodies will stick in your head and you’ll be thinking about them long after the song is over.

Recommendation:  We are adding these guys to our rock essentials library, and highly recommend you do the same.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Tuesday treats vol. 2

Well, the work schedule has finally firmed up and now we can try to get back into a regular publication schedule.  We have some treats for  you today from artists who have already appeared at least once in Indie Voice Blog.  Here is our second edition.

Artist Name:  Katrina Parker

Album Name:  Stars

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  I Will Never Leave; 2.  Ring of Fire; 3.  Carry me Away; 4.  Strange World; 5.  Until  you Come Again; 6.  Stars; 7.  Follow Me; 8.  Without You; 9.  Don’t Give it Up

Publicist:  Working Brilliantly

Review:  Our relationship with Katrina Parker goes back nearly 15 years, long before she became a household name with her appearance on NBC‘s The Voice.  Her new album is by far her best work to date, and includes an amazing cover of Johnny Cash‘s classic hit “Ring of Fire” that we guarantee is totally different from anybody’s else’s version.  The other eight songs are all originals and every one deserves massive radio airplay.  Parker is just coming into her own, and we can’t wait to see where her new album takes her.

Recommendation:  Get this one like your life depends on it, and put it on perpetual repeat.

Artist Name:  Lovers and Poets

Album Name:  Sugar High

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Synth Pop/Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  Nevergonnastop; 2.  Barbarella; 3.  Here and Now; 4.  Keep Breaking my Heart; 5.  Sugar High

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Although this one won’t be released until September 20, we just couldn’t wait to share its awesomeness with you.  Lovers & Poets have won numerous LA Music Critic Awards, and their latest is better than anything they have done before.  Shannon & Ben have truly found their stride and deliver five amazing tracks that will make you feel like you just stepped into the 80’s.  These songs are just feel good masterpieces, and we guarantee you’ll want to put them on repeat, especially “Here and Now.”

Recommendation:  If you need a quick pick-me-up, just put this one on repeat – Run out and get it when it is released.

Artist Name:  Greg Laswell

Album Name:  Covers II

Label:  Leg Graswell

Genre:  Cover songs

Track Listing:  1.  Something in my Heart (ft Molly Jenson); 2.  Never let me Down Again (ft Molly Jenson); 3.  A Place Called Home; 4.  Crank; 5.  Lucky Man (ft Molly Jenson); 6.  Without You I’m Nothing; 7.  Love my Way; 8.  Don’t Give Up (ft Molly Jenson

Publicist:  Perpetual Media Relations

Review:  Ten years after the release of Covers, Greg Laswell returns with another set of amazing rock covers of songs from The Verve, PJ Harvey, Depeche Mode, Peter Gabriel, Placebo, The Psychedelic Furs, Catherine Wheel and Röyksopp.  Laswell is assisted on the project by the amazing Molly Jenson, who contributes sweet vocals and harmonies on four of the eight songs.  These songs will haunt you and stay in your mind long after the song has ended.

Recommendation:  Be the first in line on Friday the 13th to get this one when it is released.

Artist Name:  Dudley Taft

Album Name:  Simple Life

Label:  American Blues Artist Group

Genre:  Blues/Americana/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Give me a Song; 2.  Simple Life; 3.  I Can’t Live Without You; 4.  In Your Way 5.  Don’t let Them get Away; 6.  Death by Bliss; 7.  Bombs Away; 8.  If Heartaches Were Nickels; 9.  Never Fade; 10.  Pouring Down; 11.  Shine; 12.  Back to You

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  We featured Dudley Taft’s music video for “Give me a Song” in our Monday Mashup column last month, and immediately fell in love with his raucous guitar and gritty vocals.  The remainder of the album is just as good if not better than that song.  If you love a mix of blues, Americana and good old fashioned rock and roll, then you are going to have a blast listening to all 12 tracks on this album.

Recommendation:  Don’t miss out on this one – it is definitely worthy of being a part of your musical library.

Artist Name:  Walt Weiskopf European Quartet

Album Name:  Worldwide

Label:  Orenda Records

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Entebbe; 2.  Back in Japan; 3.  Soultrane; 4.  Russian Roulette; 5.  March by Moonlight; 6.  Back in Brazil; 7.  Oceans; 8.  The Pawnbroker; 9.  Scottish Folk Song; 10.  Coat of Arms

Publicist:  SW Marketing

Review:  We met Walt Weiskopf last year when he was performing with Steely Dan, and immediately fell in love with his amazing musicianship.  His European Quartet released an album shortly thereafter and we reviewed it then and are super excited to review their latest album.  Weiskopf is joined in the quartet by Carl Winther, Andreas Lang, and Anders Mogensen.  The album picks up where the last one left off, and is thrilling from the first to the last note.  Put this one on, pour a glass of wine, and chill.  You will truly feel your cares melting away.

Recommendation:  If you love jazz, then this is a must-have addition to your collection.  It sets the standard for modern jazz.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 24

It’s been crazy here in Oklahoma lately.  ICYMI, we have relocated to Midwest City, a suburb of Oklahoma City.  We’ve been trying to get back into the groove here at the blog while finding and getting used to new employment and finding a place to live.  Sorry that we’ve been kind of random in our articles but we do hope to settle down into a regular rhythm soon.  In the meantime, here is some news on the indie music front, as well as five new singles and five new music videos to get  your week off to a great start.

UNSIGNED ONLY ANNOUNCES WINNERS

Unsigned Only has announced the winners for their 2019 competition.  The winners list can be found here.  Special congratulations to Anna Wolf of South Africa for taking home the Grand Prize.

ISC DEADLINE APPROACHES

If you’re interested in competing in this year’s International Songwriting Competition (ISC), the deadline for entry is September 18, 2019.  To enter, click here.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

We will try to let you know about indie artists coming to Los Angeles.  If you’re planning on coming to LA, please let us know at least FOUR WEEKS in advance so we can publish them.  Here are some of the upcoming dates we have received:

September Mourning – 9/18 – Whiskey-a-go-go

The Dude Ranch – 10/3 – The Viper Room

NEW SINGLES

Our first single is an amazing work of art from classical band Little Kruta, who have reimagined the bulk of Metallica‘s work as classical songs with amazing female vocals.  Here is their first single, “One.”

We totally shift gears for our next single, a rock masterpiece that deserves heavy rotation now.  Check out “Animals” from Of the Wild, and put it on repeat.

Our third single features the amazing banjo sound of Union Duke.  Here’s their latest single “1-2-3,” and we’re putting this one on repeat.

Next up is the chill groove of Brainstory with their new smooth track, “Breathe.”  This one is perfect for your daily wind-down time.

Our final single this week is another chill tune, this time from Harrison Caldeira.  He tells you to “Man Up,” and we think you better listen.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the latest from UK superstar Effie and visualizes her song “Worship.”  We think this R&B slow groove will be super-helpful with your daily wind-down.

It’s a new month and Adera has another video treat for you.  Check out their latest, “Uneasy.”  These guys are on the fast track to the top of the charts.

Our third video this week is one we almost missed from 13-year old pop prodigy Anna Cole.  We think this one will have you dancing all over the house.  Check out “No Regrets.

Our fourth video is from the country rocking band Silver.  We really love this one and believe it deserves heavy rotation in country, Americana and pop radio.  We don’t think they will have to “Wait” for long to hit the top of the charts.

Our final video this week was made for kids, but we like it and think you will too.  Check out the amazing Laurie Berkner and her song “A Dollar.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Amazing Videos

Ten (plus five) amazing videos released in August 2019

We hope you liked our 15 Great Singles published earlier today.  Here is our list of 15 Amazing Videos released in August 2019.

We kick things off with a video from an artist more often considered part of the music business than a working musician.  Many of you subscribe to his podcasts, follow his twitter or have read his book, but in his alter ego as Copper Jones he is also part of an amazing collective with the multi-talented Ursa Major called Brassroots District.  Here is their latest video, a cute animation that reminds us of The Archies.

Next up is an acoustic video from the Dreamers for their current hit single, “Die Happy.”  Despite the somber tone, the song is very moving.  Let us know what you think.

Our third video brings back the classic 60’s rock sound, and extols us to “Like Everyone.”  Check out The Be Positives from the UK for your daily dose of positivity.

New Dialogue brings us our fourth video this month with their acoustic rendering of the single, “Fake Smile” from the Warehouse Series.  We love their songwriting skills which hold up to the stripped down acoustic challenge.

Video number five is an upbeat and positive pop/Americana tune from Mark Oblinger and we truly dig it.  Here’s “No Regrets,” and that’s how you’ll feel watching it.

Our next video is a progressive pop/rock song from Santa Cruz-based Watch me Breathe.  Check out their lyric video for “Don’t Think I Haven’t Thought About It.”

We next feature the latest from punkers The Dollyrots with the video for their song “I Know how to Party.”  We think they nailed it.

From punk rock we go to hard rock for the latest from Versus Me, a song entitled “Heavy Breathing.”  We think there will be a lot of that going on after viewing this one.

We totally change gears for the latest lyric video from Honey River, featuring the vocals of Holly Bisala.  We share in the sentiments of “I Don’t Want to Own You.”

Video number ten is a sweet “home movie” video from one of our favorites, Hannah Trigwell.  Check out “We’re all Gonna Die.”  It will give you a lot to think about.

We start our final five videos with the latest from LA Music Critic Award winner Fred Hostetler.  He used an amazing collage of subway graffiti for the visual of his protest song, “You Don’t Know What you Don’t Know.”  This one will definitely make you think.

Next up is the latest from LA’s own Beth Hart, who has truly found her niche in the blues world.  Here is her latest video for “Bad Woman Blues,” and we think she is the perfect protagonist.

Video number 13 features the groovy sound of Ex Norwegian for their song, “Life.”  This one deserves to be put on repeat while you relax and let the music take you away.

We really believe Darro when he says “You’re not Insane.”  However the video is impressive, and gives you a lot to consider.

We close out this week with the killer sound of psychedelic rockers Between Suns and their smashing “Sun Ra.”  If this one doesn’t pump you up, nothing will.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Great Singles

Ten (plus five) great singles released in August 2019

After nine straight days of work, we finally have a day off (more or less, as there is an orientation session this afternoon for a new job).  We thought it an appropriate time to post our Ten Great Singles and Ten Amazing Videos article for the month of August.  We’re also throwing in an extra five for each one to make up for our inability to post earlier this month.  Definitely check each one out and let us know what you think about them.

Our first single comes to us from London with the emergence of The Valla.  The group has only been together since January of this year, but has already recorded an album and released a pair of singles, including “Anymore.”  We love the groove, and think you will too.

Next up is the latest from Right Coast Music recording artist Kicking Sunrise.  It’s called “Underneath” and reminds us of Maroon 5 – we dig it, and think it belongs on Top 40 radio.

Our third single comes from Roofers Union and reminds us of the Beatles.   They are a NYC-based collective and their latest is “Friends.”  We hope to hear a lot more from them.

Next up is the latest from The Hunna.  It is mildly explicit but seems to hit a chord of truth in the title “I Get High to Forget.”  It’s definitely worth checking out.

We’re one-third through our list with the latest from Australia’s Pat Tierney, a sweet tune that has plenty of meat.  Check out “My Sweet Love.”

Upbeat pop/rocker Veronica Fusaro kicks off our next set of five songs with “Rollercoaster.”  We are putting this one on repeat.  It will definitely put some zip in your step.

Next up is the latest from LA Music Critic Award winners Laini and the Wildfire.  Check out the fun and upbeat future Top 40 hit “DeLorean.”

Our next single is hot, with the K-POP sound of Polatropica on their single “Can’t Hold us Back.”  This one is made for dancing.

Next up is another great artist from Norway, Secret Treehouse.  Check out the serious subject matter contained in their latest single, “Sinking.”  Let their words “sink in” as you enjoy their groove.

 

We round out this set of five with The Needs, another Norwegian band composed of multi-award winning musicians.  We think you’ll love “Hey Wake Up.”

Our final set begins with the amazing teen singer-songwriter Noella Rain‘s latest single, “Black and White.”  Check out her soaring vocals and amazing songwriting skills.

Next up is the gritty country/folk sound of A&R Records’ PHIL.  This one belongs on American country radio, and we love it.  Check out “Me N my Guitar.”

A&R Records scores another placement with the latest from Olivia I Barker and her upbeat and funky tune, “Change Your Mind.”  Get your groove on with this one.

Film actress (Ouija) and amazing musical artist Sierra, along with her band The Radicals, bring us a fun Top-40 bound hit, “I Like You.”  This one is going on my repeat list.  If you’re in LA, check them out at the show at The Mint on September 14.

https://soundcloud.com/sierraandtheradicals/i-like-you-052919/s-4iwfQ

Our final single this month is “Fuck Your Cool” from Folk Road Show, a band that features LA Music Critic Award winner Dom Fricot.  This one is a rocking end to this month’s feature.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards indie music LA Music Critic Awards

Announcement of winners for LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2019

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that this will be the last LA Music Critic Awards for the foreseeable future.  Due to our current work schedule, and the lack of support from the committee, we find ourselves unable to continue with the awards.  We will continue to support the indie music community with our reviews, but will be cutting back to just our current five review articles per week, plus our monthly Ten Great Singles and Ten Amazing Videos articles.

As far as this year’s Fan Favorite competition, for the first 10 days it looked like it was going to be a one-horse show with all votes being cast for Cherie Currie & Brie Darling.  Out of nowhere came votes for four more artists:  Susan Santos, Neverwonder, Dee Miller Band and Niecie, and when the dust cleared, we had a surprise winner, which will be revealed below.  Unfortunately more than 100 votes could not be counted because fans did not follow the instructions and voted on Facebook, or tried to vote for music categories instead of Fan Favorite.  Among the artists who lost votes was previous LA Music Award winner Brigitte Rios Purdy.

Without further adieu, here are the winners:

BEST EP (Male) – PAehNE (beautyandpain Part 1)

BEST EP (Female) – Kat Holland (Retrovision)

BEST EP (Group) – NIIGHTS (Hellebores Part One & Two)

BEST EP (International Artist) – Marcus Haran (A True Story:  A Soundscape to In-Difference)

BEST EP (International Group) –The Fisherman & The Sea (The Hurt & the Humour)

BEST CD (Male) – Tony Campanella (Taking it to the Street)

BEST CD (Female) – Susan Santos (No U Turn)

BEST CD (Group) – The Empty Pockets (Tanglewoods)

BEST CD (International Artist) – Ronny Morris (Sweet Silence)

BEST CD (International Group) –Bahuki (Tell it to the Worms)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Male) – Jerad Finck (“Home”)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Female) – Kensington Moore (“I Don’t Like you Anymore”)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Group) –  Taco Mouth (“The White House”)

BEST VIDEO (LYRIC) –Paige Peel (“The Crown”)

BEST VIDEO (COLLABORATION) – Americana Kitchen Band (“All Dressed Up”)

BEST VIDEO (COVER) – Cherié Currie & Brie Darling (“The Motivator”)

BEST VIDEO (INTERNATIONAL) – Girl Crush (“Blame Girls”)

BEST SINGLE (Male) – Keifer Sutherland (“Something to Love”)

BEST SINGLE (Female) – Brigitte Purdy (“Blue Collar Woman”)

BEST SINGLE (Group) – The Rembrandts (“Broken Toy”)

BEST SINGLE (INTERNATIONAL) –  Belle and the Beats (“Qetesh”)

BEST SINGLE (COLLABORATION) – William Shatner, Jeff Cook & Neal McCoy (“Why Not Me”)

BEST BLUES ARTIST – Diana Rein

BEST BLUES BAND – Dee Miller Band

BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST/BAND – Balsam Range

BEST COLLABORATION – Americana Kitchen Band

BEST COMEBACK ARTIST – The Rembrandts

BEST COMPILATION ALBUM – Born to Uke (Various Artists)

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST – Kamber Cain

BEST COUNTRY BAND – Lowdown Drifters

BEST EDM/DANCE ARTIST/BAND – Dree Patterson

BEST FOLK ARTIST – David Huckfelt

BEST FOLK BAND –   Bettman & Halpin

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST –Ronny Morris

BEST INTERNATIONAL BAND –Straw

BEST INSTRUMENTAL ARTIST/BAND – Tommy Emmanuel & John Knowles

BEST JAZZ ARTIST/BAND – The Charlie Wooton Project

BEST LATIN ARTIST/BAND – Constanza Herrero

BEST POP ARTIST – Sarra

BEST POP BAND – We Three

BEST POP/ROCK ARTIST/BAND – Curtis Peoples

BEST PUNK ARTIST/BAND – Taco Mouth

BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST/BAND –Billy Price

BEST ALT ROCK ARTIST/BAND – Neverwonder

BEST ROCK ARTIST/BAND –Odds Lane

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA ARTIST – Ted Russell Kamp

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA BAND – Jason Robert Band

BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER – Fred Hostetler

RISING STAR –Katile

FAN FAVORITE – Niecie

MOST SUPPORTIVE PUBLICISTS – Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, So Much Moore Media, KG Music Press, Effective Immediately PR, Blind Raccoon, MAD Ink PR

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music New Music Friday Reviews

Get it or forget it – new music Friday vol. 1

It’s finally Friday.  We hope you’ve enjoyed the debuts of our new review series this week, which we are culminating today with New Music Fridays.  We have some great ones that are being released today, including the first album in 18 years for The Rembrandts.  Let’s do this!

Artist Name:  Mark Cameron

Album Name:  On a Roll

Label:  COP Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Trouble Brewin; 2.  On Your way to the Top; 3.  Dirty Biscuit; 4.  Ridin the Rails; 5.  On a Roll; 6.  Dicey; 7.  Next Stop is the Blues; 8.  Where I got you From; 9.  Movin Out; 10.  Back Seat Boogie; 11.  Here we go; 12.  What Lucy Says; 13.  Mojo Shuffle; 14.  Dreams

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Mark Cameron is a gravel-voiced guitar-slinging blues man from Minnesota who has been belting his songs for the past 30 years.  His voice sounds like he’s been living his words, while his guitar stylings would make B.B. King proud to play with him.    This is music you can sink your teeth into, and perfect for that weekend wind-down.  Each song is juicy with the blues, and worthy of multiple listens.  His killer band features Sheri Cameron on saxophone, Scott Lundberg on bass, Dan Schroeder on drums and Rick Miller on harmonica.

Recommendation:  This one definitely belongs in the music library of every serious lover of the blues.  Add it today.

Artist Name:  The Rembrandts

Album Name:  Via Satellite

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  How Far Would you Go; 2.  Broken Toy; 3.  Me and Fate; 4.  Count on You; 5.  Traveling From Home; 6.  Come to Califor-i-ya; 7.  Now; 8.  Off of the Edge; 9.  You’d Think I’d Know; 10.  On my Own

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  We are so overjoyed to share the first new album from The Rembrandts in 18 years.  We teased  you with “How Far would you Go” back in April and “Broken Toy” in May.  Every other song on this album is equally amazing, and we would not be surprised to see them win another Grammy.  We really love both of their singles, as well as “Count on You,” ‘Come to Californ-i-ya,” “Now,” “and You’d Think I’d Know.”  We’re so glad that they kept their promise when they said “I’ll be There for You” – welcome back.

Recommendation:  If you love great pop-rock, then this one is a no-brainer – go get it.

Artist Name:  Claire Courchene

Album Name:  The Happiness of Being Sad

Label:  DoubleMayjah Records

Genre:  Neo-classical

Track Listing:  1.  Insupportable Loneliness; 2.  Flirting with Melancholy; 3.  Strange Impending Doom; 4.  Sweet as an Untimely End; 5.  Escape the Memories; 6.  Atmosphere of Sorrow

Publicist:  DoubleMayjah Records

Review:  Nothing soothes the savage beast like beautiful music, and these tracks prove that old adage.  Claire Courchene is a gifted composer and musician and her music, which is somewhat dark and moody, is still sweet.  These songs are perfect for relaxing and for bedtime, but can also be enjoyed whenever the stresses of the world become too much to bear.  This one is going on repeat.

Recommendation:  If you love to fall asleep to music, or just need to relax from a stressful day, get this one and put it on repeat.

Artist Name:  Jason Hawk Harris

Album Name:  Love and the Dark

Label:  Country/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  The Smoke and the Stars; 2.  Cussing at the Light; 3.  Confused; 4.  Giving Up; 5.  Phantom Limb; 6.  I’m Afraid; 7.  Blessed Interruption; 8.  Red Room Blues; 9.  Grandfather

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Many of you may remember Jason Hawk Harris from his days with The Show Ponies, but he’s been tearing it up as a solo artist since November 2017 after beginning his career as a classically trained composer.  His brand of Americana has all the pain of great country music, from the woeful lyrics to the perfect accompaniment.  So much has happened to him since that debut solo album, and he shares it with us on this new project.  Harris delivers music that stays with you and is not easily forgotten.  He hits home like a punch to the stomach, followed by a full body massage, leaving the listener wiser to the ways of the world.  Believe us when we say you will remember his words long after the songs have ended.

Recommendation:  This is one of our favorite albums of 2019.  Go Get it now!!

Artist Name:  The Atom Age

Album Name:  Cry Til You Die

Label:  Tiger Dream Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Love is a Numbers Game; 2.  We Disappear in the Night; 3.  Never Looking; 4.  Blink Twice; 5.  Walk Through Walls; 6.  Bloodletter; 7.  Lost on Me; 8.  Bad Seas; 9.  When I Crawl Back; 10.  Cry Til You Die

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Punk has always been considered to be the energetic form of rock music, until now.  The Atom Age ushers in a new form of indie rock that makes punk music seem like geriatric fodder.  They burst forth from the first note and announce that they have arrived, and their energy is contagious.  One listen to this album and you will be re-energized and ready for anything.  Put this one on whenever you need a lift – it’s better than a gallon of coffee.

Recommendation:  Perk it up and put this one on.  You’ll be glad you did.