Tag: Mint Trip

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 42

As we enter Thanksgiving week, Indie Voice Blog has so much to be thankful for.  It took us almost 27 months to reach our first 40,000 views.  In the past 12 months, we have doubled that number, with the majority of those views coming in January 2018 (9,098) and June 2018 (10,066).  As of this morning, we are sitting at 81,339 views, and expect to reach 90,000 by the end of the year.  Thanks to all the amazing artists who have submitted their music, and to the fabulous fans that continue to read our blog.

We’ve got a great week planned for you, including a special edition of Get it or Forget it featuring new Christmas music on Thanksgiving Day.  In addition, the nominations for the second half of 2018 will be announced on December 7, and we think it is our best group so far.  Here are five new singles and music videos to get your week off to a great start.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is the latest from Blue Élan Records artist Mint Trip.  Check out their sweet single “Jump Rope.”  We continue to love everything this band puts out.

Our next single is also courtesy of Blue Élan Records, this time from the resurrected band Mustangs of the West.  Here is a beautiful Christmas single that is wonderful for every day listening, “Everybody Wants Peace on Earth.”

Our third single is another Christmas one, this time from The Herron Brothers.  The single drops on November 30, so here’s a SNEAK PEAK of it.  We love their Celtic pop sound, and recommend you heed their advice and “Don’t be Lonely This Christmas.”

Our fourth single is from alt-rock band &Y Myles, who tell us that it’s “Your Turn.”  We like the sentiment of the song, and the driving rock beat ain’t bad either.

Our final single this week is the second one released from the EP You Up? by Fleurt.  We love her sound and look forward to seeing what comes next.  Enjoy “Goodnight (not Goodbye).”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Moving on to the latest music videos, we have some powerful ones for you this week.  First up is the latest from Americana sweetheart and poet Emily Clibourn, dedicated to the angels who guide our paths.  Check out “Green Hair,” especially those amazing dancers.

Our second video brings Blue Élan Records’ Jesse Dayton‘s protest song, “Charlottesville” to life.  This one is truly epic because “this ain’t no time for cowards.”

Next up is a beautiful homage to one of the worst disasters NASA ever had.  Check out “Challenger” by Canadian singer-songwriter Mike Edel.

Our fourth video speaks to the problem of homesickness, which affects a lot of our college students, especially at this time of year.  Here is another Canadian band, Dumb Angel, who remind us this feeling comes in “Like a Wave, Like the Tide.”

Speaking of powerful videos, our final one this week is from Aijia, who speaks up for those afraid to speak up for themselves.  Please share this video with anyone who is struggling to find their voice.  It reminds us of one our our favorite videos, Sara Bareilles’ “Brave.”  Here’s “For You.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 9

March has arrived so spring shouldn’t be too far behind!  What did you think about the Oscars last night?  Besides the fact that it was long, we were delighted to see the focus shift onto the hard-working ladies and minorities who have contributed so much and received so little recognition.  With that in mind, let’s look at what’s happening in the indie world.

UM CIRCUS CLUB TO HOST FIRST EVER RENAISSANCE FAIRE

The University of Montana Circus Club is hosting their spring fundraiser, and it’s a mini-Renaissance Faire!  The event will occur on Sunday, March 11 from 2-5:30 p.m. in Schreiber Gym on the campus of the University of Montana.  It is right next to the Library on the southeastern corner of campus.

There is a $5/person suggested donation, or $15 per family (bring all the kids!)  Please pay at the door with cash!

The faire will include food and beverage (of course), a costume and “Best Knees-in-a-Kilt” contests with prizes, live weapons and combat demonstrations, archery and axe-throwing activities, circus performances, face painting, crafting workshops, and a photo booth with costumes and props.  Costumes will also be available for rent.

THE AUDIENCE AWARDS ANNOUNCE BIG SKY WINNERS

The recently concluded Big Sky Documentary Film Festival included a Native American Doc Challenge this year, which was run by the Audience Awards.  Here were their winners:

The First Place Jury Winner was Derrick Lamere, with his film United by Water, while the Jury Honorable Mention went to Anthony Florez for Generations.

Check out the top eight films which are competing for the $5,500 prize by clicking here.  Voting runs April 4-10.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from a band we have previously reviewed who has recently signed with Blue Élan Records.  Please check out “Tip of my Tongue” by Mint Trip.

Next up is a young artist named Ashley Delima, who has a lot to say with her single, “Stay in America.”  She is a living example of a Dreamer, and wants to tell everyone why she wants to stay here.   She is an American born child who was raised in Brazil but has now settled in New Jersey.  The song is a shout-out to those struggling to stay in the U.S. at a time when DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival) is being threatened.  The song was produced by two-time Grammy winning producer Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Hillary Duff) and mixed by Mark Needham (Imagine Dragons, Fleetwood Mac).  Please share her story.

Our final single today comes to us from Amsterdam and features Belle and the Beats with their single, “Soldier of the Night.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we had the pleasure of reviewing Floods.  They have now released a music video for their first single, “Heavy Hearts.”  We hope you dig it as much as we do.

Our second new video features acclaimed actor Danny Trejo in the latest video from The Zephyr Bones.  Check out “The Arrow of our Youth.”

Our third video is from Blue Élan Records’ latest revival artist, Fanny Walked the Earth.  We simply love this video for the amazing single, “Lured Away.”  Don’t forget to check out their review as well.

Our final video this week is from Little Stranger for their single, “Sing it High.”  this should get your week off to a great start.

Belle

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it: The American West, Mint Trip, Low Society, Splitbreed

Good morning.  We’re trying to get through all of the indie albums that are releasing between now and the end of June so that we can begin gathering the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2017.  We have received a total of 80+ album submissions that meet that criteria, and will be writing reviews on every one prior to making our nominations known.  I still have 33 or so to do after this batch, so it’s gonna be a little busy around here for the next few days.

Artist Name:  The American West

Album Name:  The Soot Will Bring us Back Again

Label:  Tortoise Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing: 1.  Ghost Town; 2.  Heart of Stone; 3.  Let me Love you Like a Pauper Does; 4.  Looking for You; 5.  Patience, Young Conquistador; 6.  Ritalin; 7.  Roadsick Blues; 8.  Voices; 9.  Westward Man 

Publicist:  Max Porter

Review:  Matthew Zeltzer is the force behind The American West, having written most of the songs while living in an Airstream trailer on an organic farm in Northern California.  With the help of engineer Jordan Richter (Band of Horses, Legendary Shack Shakers, Plastic Ono Band), the bulk of the record was recorded to two-inch tape in only three days, but you would never know that from the quality of the recording.  The backing vocals and violin of Maria Maita-Keppeler add so much to Zeltzer’s steady lead vocals and guitar, creating the perfect combination of sound reflective of life on the frontier.  From the opening notes of “Ghost Town,” it becomes obvious that the listener is in for a treat, as every song builds upon another, creating a masterpiece of Americana music while telling the story of the American West – its history, land, and future.  Our favorite tracks were “Ghost Town,” “Heart of Stone,” “Patience, Young Conquistador,” “Roadsick Blues,” and “Voices.”

Recommendation:  The American West are a treasure to be savored over and over again.  We love this album and strongly encourage you to Get It ASAP.  You won’t be sorry.

Artist Name:  Mint Trip

Album Name:  Ghosts (7″ Vinyl)

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  Side A – Ghosts; Side B – By the Sea, Virga 

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  Although the five-song EP was originally released in August 2016, shortly after the trio signed to the label, this three-song vinyl was just released in April 2017.  All three songs are strong and representative of a band that has a long future ahead.  We especially love “Ghosts,” and believe it belongs on the radio.  We are proud to add this limited release to our music library.

Recommendation:  Mint Trip is a band that is going places.  With that in mind, you owe it to yourself to make them a part of your music library as well.  We encourage you to Get it now.

Artist Name:  Low Society

Album Name:  Sanctified

Label:  Rezonate Records, Icehouse Records

Genre:  Blues, Americana, Roots

Track Listing:  1.  Angel From Montgomery; 2.  Raccoon Song; 3.  The Freeze; 4.  Sanctified; 5.  River of Tears; 6.  Nina; 7.  Drowning Blues; 8.  New York Boy #3; 9.  Here Comes the Flood; 10.  I’d Rather go Blind 

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  From the first note of this album, all of your senses come alive as the beat, the voice and the song instantly transport you to a time in the deep south where great blues music originated.  You can imagine a crowded dance floor, sweltering heat and music that seems to flow from every corner of the room, creating a rhythm that your body simply must submit to.  These songs could just as easily have come from Muddy Waters or BB King or Etta James.  Low Society simply shows their mastery of the genre and deliver a truly great album.  We believe you will enjoy this album from start to finish.

Recommendation:  Simply put, just Get it.  One listen and you’ll be hooked.

Artist Name:  Splitbreed

Album Name:  The Free Energy Store

Label:  Simplify Recordings

Genre:  Hip-hop, dance

Track Listing:  1.  Get Down (feat. Jonate); 2.  Go Deep; 3.  Drippin; 4.  Lose Control; 5.  Pain (feat. Jonate with Le Castle Vania); 6.  Prey (with Twin Moons and Loud n’ Killer); 7.  Better Days (feat. Akyla); 8.  Almost Home

Publicist:  Simplify Recordings

Review:  Hip-hop has a new master, and that is Splitbreed.  These three boys know how to kick it and bring a sound that’s hot and hip.  From the driving beat to the funky vocals, Splitbreed delivers some of the best dance music we have heard in a long time.  This music demands that you get up and jam, and will breath new life into your day.  It is perfect for walking, running or getting your groove on.  While the lyrical content is not the most politically correct, the driving beat will overtake you and overwhelm your senses, reminiscent of the sounds of LMFAO.  These songs are definitely NSFW, but great for the rest of the time.

Recommendation:  If you love to dance and dig hip-hop music, then we suggest you boogie on out and grab a copy of The Free Energy Store.  It will make your day brighter.