Tag: ISC

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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 Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 18

Happy Monday – hope you are all recovered from your Cinco de Mayo celebrations.  I spent the weekend working at a Grizzly track meet, played our first softball game of the year, handed out water at a half-marathon to support Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention, and got hired by CMS to work the summer concert series at Big Sky Brewery.  I’ve also been working on my schedule of shows to review at the ninth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival, and already have 21 shows confirmed.  Hope to see 40-50 during my two weeks in Los Angeles next month.   We will be publishing our list of most anticipated shows later this month.

We’ve got some news for you today, as well as five new singles and music videos to check out.  Let’s get going.

INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION UPDATE

After reviewing more than 16,000 entries, the 2017 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) has concluded, and a Denver-based indie EDM artist has won the Grand Prize.  Nick Miller, better known to his fans as Illenium, takes home the Grand Prize for his song, “Crawl Outta Love ft. Annika Wells.”  The song was co-written with Annika Wells, Kate Morgan and Michael Blancaniello, and was released on his sophomore album Awake.  Wells and his co-writers will receive $25,000 in cash and more than $35,00 in additional prizes.  Here’s that award-winning song.

STACY JONES BAND TOURING EUROPE AFTER WINNING MORE AWARDS

The Stacy Jones Band, who we reviewed back in September, continue to pile up the accolades.  They recently took home 10 awards at the Best of the Blues, including Best Blues Band, Best Blues Recording (“Love is Everywhere”), Best Female Vocalist, Best Songwriter, Best Harmonica, Best Blues Bass, Best Blues Drummer, Best Blues Writer, Keeping the Blues Alive and Best Non-Festival Blues Event.  To celebrate, the band began their European tour on May 4, playing their first of eight shows in Switzerland.  The band will perform in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands before heading back home next weekend.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single, “Everything Nearly Comes Apart Completely,” comes from Dante Matas.  We love his sound, and think you will too.

Our second single comes all the way from Stockholm, Sweden, and is the debut for Sabine Women.  Here is their song, “Buenos Aires.”

Moving over to Germany for our next single, here is Bonnie Li with “Décroche.”  We love the mix of English, French, and Mandarin.

We rock it up with our fourth single this week from Feel Alright.  Here is their single, “Truth About Us,” from their new album set for release on May 18.

Our final new single today is from one of our favorite up and coming singer-songwriters, who we have been following for several years.  We really think you will love “Sonic Baby” by Santa Barbara-based indie artist Jamey Geston, which just had its radio premiere last night.

https://soundcloud.com/jamey-geston-music/sonic-baby-final/s-sAVqT

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from  YouTube darling Megan Davies for her single, “Doesn’t Matter.”  We think they’re on to something, as we are adding this artist to our hot list.  We don’t mind jumping on the bus for her.

Next up is “Dino” by The Mountain Carol.  It is a raw rock song with powerful cinematography.  Definitely check them out.

Our third new music video is an homage to The King.  Check out Australian Susie Scurry and her tune, “The Elvis Hour.”

Our next video is the final single from the debut album for All for Darcy.  Check out “Ordinary Life.”

Our final video this week is “I See You Among the Stars,” a chill tune from Jessica Risker.  Have a wonderful week.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 10

Well, here we go with another week.  Did you miss that hour of sleep you lost on Saturday?  Hopefully, our indie news, as well as the latest singles and videos will make up for it.  Have a wonderful week.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL RETURNS WITH OFFICE HOURS

Join Hollywood Fringe staff and participants for weekly casual meet-ups at different bars around Hollywood.  If you’re wondering what the fuss is all about, check out this FringeTV video.

Office Hours takes place on Wednesdays, starting March 28.  The times and locations are listed below, and you can check out this blog post and the #drinkingaboutfringe hashtag on Twitter and Instagram (as well as #hff18, the official festival hashtag) for drink specials and updates.

ROB DRABKIN REACHES FINALS IN 2017 ISC CONTEST

Congratulations to Colorado native Rob Drabkin, who has reached the finals in the 2017 International Songwriting Competition for the music video of his song, “Someday.”  Let us know what you think about the tune.

NEW SINGLES

Manda Mosher, from Americana supergroup Calico the Band, has released a solo single that is featured in the new Dakota Fanning movie, Please Stand By.  Please check out “Cold Cold Love” and give us your feedback.

Los Angeles artist Dree Mon is back with the follow-up to her smash hit “Rebel Soul.  Check out “No Chill.”  It should get your week off to a rousing start.

Two-time Grammy winning and  iconic artist Rita Coolidge has released her first single from her forthcoming Safe in the Arms of Time album on Blue Élan Records.  She is joined by the also iconic and multi-Grammy winner Keb’ Mo’ on “Walking on Water.”

Our final new single today is from Words in Flight.  It is a delightful but eclectic tune called “The Ravenous Affair.”  Don’t forget to check back on Wednesday for our “Top 10 New Singles” feature.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video comes from Becky Buller, an amazing bluegrass/Americana artist who we reviewed last week.  Check out the video for “Speaking to that Mountain.”

Our next video is also from an artist we reviewed last week.  Here is LadyChild with the rocking song “Out of Breath.”

Last but not least, here’s a fun video from Harts for his single, “Ain’t Nothing on Me.”  We think it will get your blood flowing and your feet moving to start the week.  See you again soon!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 14

Welcome to April.  Winter is (mostly) behind us and it won’t be long until summer is here, with its outdoor concerts, vacations and travel.  Here’s some news from the indie world to start your week off right.

REDHEAD EXPRESS SIGNS WITH SSM NASHVILLE RECORDS

Photo courtesy of Broadway World

We talked about it last month, but finally the official announcement has been made.  Redhead Express, composed of sisters Kendra, LaRae, Alisa and Meghan, have been signed to SSM Nashville Records.  The ladies will make an appearance at this year’s CMA Music Festival in June, and release their first single to country radio in the very near future.  Congratulations and well done to four of the sweetest indie musicians in the world.  We are very proud of you.

KRIS ANGELIS MAKES THE TOP 25 FOR THE ISC

Local LA musician Kris Angelis has made the Top 25 of the International Songwriting Competition.  Fans can vote for her once per day by clicking on this link.  Her song “Built This House” is in the AC (Adult Contemporary) category.  Please help support this most worthy artist.

In other news, she has also released a new music video, featuring several ASL interpreters, which is directed by her twin sister, Alix.  We think it is pretty amazing, and definitely stand by the message that “It’s Gonna be Alright.”

PENTATONIX COVERS QUEEN

Bet you never thought you’d hear that, did you?  Pentatonix has released their music video of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and it will blow your mind.  It is one of the best music videos we have ever seen, and truly recreates this classic song for a new generation.  Prepare to have your mind blown as you check them out.  If you want to see their videos before they are released to the public, become a Patreon today.

See  you soon.  We’ll be back with more Get it or Forget it reviews soon.