Tag: music video

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews Women in Entertainment

Suzanne Santo at the Top Hat – live performance review

Last night we attended the solo show for Suzanne Santo of honeyhoney, who performed to a packed house at the Top Hat Lounge in Missoula, Montana.  Mapache opened the night for her.  They are a duo of acoustic musicians on guitar and dobro who possess some of the best harmonies we have ever heard.  They just released their debut album in October, and we will be reviewing it next week.  These guys were so good that Santo brought them up during her set to do a trio with them that was breathtaking as they did a cover of “Helplessly Hoping” by Crosby, Stills & Nash.  We highly recommend you check them out.

Santo took the stage about 10:35 p.m., along with Blaine on rhythm guitar and foot bass and Paul on drums.  Santo used three different guitars and her fiddle during her nearly 90 min set, which included a two-song encore.

Santo previously released her debut solo album Ruby Red back in August, and we reviewed it here on our blog on August 23.  She released a music video for the lead single, “Ghost in my Bed,” which garnered a nomination for the LA Music Critic Awards for Best Video Official (Female), while Santo was nominated for Best Roots/Americana Artist (Female).

Santo and her band played nearly all of the songs on her album, as well as an amazing cover of Johnny Cash’s “Give my Love to Rose,” and a medley of honeyhoney songs, including “I Don’t Want to Fight,” “All on You,” and “Burned me Out,” which she performed solo.

She apologized for her late start, and explained that they had played the Tractor Tavern in Seattle on Thursday night and had a hard commute over, arriving after their scheduled sound check.

Among the highlights were performances of “Ghost in my Bed” (featuring some outstanding fiddle), “Blood on Your Knees,” “Bullets,” and “Yours or Mine.”  Blaine was also amazing on guitar and playing bass with his footboard.

Santo talked about her performances last year with honeyhoney, including stops at the Top Hat Lounge and a performance at the Bob Marshall Festival in Seeley Lake.  In fact, there was a large group from Seeley Lake at the show that had gotten hooked on her sound when she performed there.

Santo also informed the crowd that Ben Jaffe, her partner in honeyhoney, would be releasing his solo project soon, and encouraged everyone to check it out.

It was an amazing evening of music.  We strongly encourage you to check out both Santo and Mapache the next time they stop in Missoula.

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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.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Britroyal encourages us to ‘Change’ with their latest single

Just when you thought the British Invasion was over, along comes an indie group on a mission.  Composed of twin brothers Kais and Mazin Oliver, BritRoyal is taking the US and the world by storm.

They first came to light when they recorded their first EP with renowned Grammy-winning producer Mikal Blue (Colbie Cailat, Jason Reeves, FiveforFighting, Jason Mraz, OneRepublic, Carrie Underwood) and J.R Richards (Dishwalla), both of who shared in the songwriting.  That EP opened the doors for them to tour across the Continent and exposed their music to the masses.

In late 2015, they partnered with PledgeMusic to raise funds for their first full length album, London, which was released in February 2016.  The album has spawned several singles, including “Tears,” which was just featured on BBC, as well as “Count on Me” and “Love’s Burning Out,” which have been featured in Macy’s stores across the US.

“Change (Dream Mix)” is the latest offering from the album to be released as a single, and it is one of the most powerful songs we have had the privilege of reviewing.

The chorus tells us “It’s never too late to change your life,” while the song tells us in terms easily relatable, that we have the power to rise above our otherwise routine life and be something better.  The song is reminiscent of those provided by other great British bands like Spandau Ballet’s “True” and Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.”  The simple piano accompaniment is the perfect backdrop, allowing the listener to focus on the words, which easily reach deep within and take root in the heart of the receiver.

The song is instantly memorable and the catchy chorus will run in your mind and become a mantra for social awareness and change.  BritRoyal practices what they preach, and are an active participant in the fight against cancer through the Cancer Research Campaign.

To find out more about this amazing group, check out their website, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube, SoundCloud and Spotify channels.  You can purchase London on iTunes.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 6

Never in my life have I witnessed a collapse like that of the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI.  The only positive about the game was the half-time show, which Lady Gaga nailed!  Considering she began her career as an indie artist playing the mean streets of Los Angeles, we should be proud of her ultimate accomplishment – playing her music before a world-wide audience.  Way to go Gaga!!!

For the rest of us who haven’t quite reached our goals yet, we encourage you to keep at it.  Keep singing, writing and creating.  Treat those three people in the audience as if they were the most important three people in the world.  You never know who might be listening, and the doors they are capable of opening.  Keep up the fight!

GRAMMY TIME FOR MAGNESS

This time next week we’ll be celebrating the Grammys.  Since we have at least one indie artist in the running, and a local one at that, let’s give a hearty and rousing cheer for Blue Élan Records artist Janiva Magness and her blues album Love Wins Again.  We hope you take home the prize.

INDIE ARTISTS SHINE AT NAMM

A few years back a visionary named Kerry Getz thought it would be a great opportunity for local indie artists if they would put on showcases at the hotels near the convention site.  It was such a great idea that NAMM decided to take over and expand the opportunity to stages within the event itself.  Getz likewise recruited Tim Moyer to assist her, and Moyer runs this major music event now.  One of the artists who was selected to perform at the 2017 event was Los Angeles country/Americana artist Alice Wallace.  Check out her sterling performance of “I Just Don’t Care Anymore” from NAMM’s Grand Plaza Stage.  You can find the official music video of the song on her YouTube channel.  Enjoy.

RYKKA DEBUTS NEW MUSIC VIDEO

European indie artist Rykka has released her latest music video for “Runnin’ Away” from her new album Beautitudes.  If this video is any indication of the quality of music on the album, then you should definitely check it out.  We will be reviewing the album here soon, so check back with us.

See ya next week.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 5

Wow – five weeks into 2017, and indie artists are really making noise.  Milck, an artist we introduced you to back on September 21, 2015, is truly blowing up!!!  In the past seven days, her official music video for “Quiet” has gone from just over 142,000 views to more than 400,000.  She has been featured in Billboard, Allure, ET Online, Twitter and Facebook, and made several appearances on national TV, including her appearance on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.  The YouTube video of that appearance has already drawn more than 75,000 views in less than three days.  We are so proud of you Connie Lim aka Milck.  Thank you for having the courage to bring your message of hope in a time of increased insanity.  We are proud to support you!!!  We are also proud of her PR effort, spearheaded by the Big Kahuna herself – Go Laura and Red Boot PR as you champion another worthy indie cause!!!!

KEATON SIMONS JOINS WITH BACKBONE POSSE

LA Music Critic Icon Keaton Simons has been busy, but not in the typical way.  Always a firm believer in collaboration, Simons has lent his talents to the Backbone Posse on their new music video for “Supawaz Gaz,” which also features the talents of Slimkid3 and Adam Vadel.  Please be warned this video is NSFW or young kids.  Enjoy.

GRAMMY NOMINEE PERFORMS AT THE TROUBADOUR

Indie artist Janiva Magness, nominated for Best Blues Album for Love Wins Again, is having a birthday today.  She recently performed before a packed house at the world famous Troubadour in Los Angeles, and posted several videos of her live performance.  Please enjoy this one and make sure to send her best wishes.

NEW MUSIC VIDEO

We are proud to spotlight this incredible new indie video.  Watch for us to review her new release soon.  Please give it up for Emily Zuzik from Los Angeles with the amazing release of “Alone,” which has garnered more than 25,000 views in the past four days.  We think this one is a definite keeper!!!

We look forward to chatting with you again next month.  Have a great week!

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017, vol 4

OMG what a weekend.  Were you as impressed with the million woman march as I was?  So many indie artists participated in the marches across the globe, but none of them had the impact of one young woman from Los Angeles.  Connie Lim, aka MilCk, has written an anthem that has become the voice of the Women’s March.  Her music video, which was released just one week ago, already has almost 142,000 views.  Check it out and see why this song has struck such a chord with people across the globe.  #ICANTKEEPQUIET.

NAMM ONCE AGAIN A SUCCESS

If you’re like me, then your Facebook was blowing up all weekend.  So many friends performing at NAMM, running into old friends at NAMM, running into new friends at NAMM, and witnessing those wonderful NAMM moments.  My long-time friend Tim Moyer, who helps schedule, host and maintain the nightly musical entertainment at the Marriott and Hilton Hotels during NAMM posted a video by a friend that captured one of those moments.  Check it out. Thanks to Marcy Kraft for the video.  Thanks to Rolling Stone for spreading the word.

THE SHOW PONIES CELEBRATE THEIR NEW CD

Tonight’s the night when The Show Ponies and special guest Freddy & Francine celebrate the release of the new album by the Ponies, How it All Goes Down.   Tonight’s show is at the world-famous Troubadour in West Hollywood.  If you are in LA, we highly advise you to get down there and enjoy the show.  Here’s the link for tickets.

SHANNON HURLEY ANNOUNCES NEW KICKSTARTER

Los Angeles Indie Music Queen Shannon Hurley announced this week that she has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund her fifth studio album.  She celebrated the moment by releasing a video of an acoustic version of her song “Number One,” which will be the first single released.  Check out the video and support indie music by contributing to the campaign.

Have a great week and we’ll catch you next Monday.  If you have anything coming up that you want to promote, please let us know.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Women in Entertainment

Grief brings out the best in Kelly McGrath

Everyone deals with grief in their own way.  Kelly McGrath has found a way to bottle that emotion in a powerful song that just about everyone can relate to.

We have been a fan of McGrath for many years and it has been an incredible gift to see her growth, both as a person and as a musician.

Great things have been happening to her since she moved back to Nashville from Los Angeles.  She recently signed a publishing deal with Ole’ Music Publishing, is releasing her new single “You and Me Today” tomorrow, October 14, with the accompanying music video to premiere on CMT later this fall.  Pretty amazing considering the fact that McGrath is an indie musician with no label backing.

Although McGrath has written many songs with others, this one was conceived and created entirely on her own.  “I wrote it about my daddy, and the experience of living with the loss of someone you love,” explained McGrath.

Musically, the song is a mid-tempo country song, similar to many of the songs currently on the radio.  The strength of the song is in the message.  McGrath has found a way to make her grief universally felt by anyone else who has suffered loss in their life.   She likens it to an old coat that her father gave her when she was young.  Her chorus is especially gut wrenching, with these words closing it out:  “It don’t fit anymore, but I can’t seem to throw it away.  Cause it’s all I’ve got left of you and me today.”

Trust us when we tell you that the music video is even more powerful.  Don’t miss its premiere on CMT on October 25.

For more info on McGrath, check out her website and Facebook pages, follow her on Twitter, and subscribe to her YouTube channel.

 

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews Women in Entertainment

Indie-pop princess Katie Costello reveals her mystery

If you’ve followed this writer’s past articles, then you know that one of his favorite indie artists is Katie Costello, a young lady who calls New York her home, and who is truly the Princess of indie pop and artistic activism.

REBEL POP Records and Indie Voice Blog are pleased to announce that Ms. Costello has revealed another of her masterpieces with the release of her latest EP From the Vault and the accompanying music video for her single, “A Beautiful Mystery.”

This five-song EP is a teaser for Costello’s upcoming full-length album, which is scheduled for release in early 2017.  The new album will be her first full length project since Lamplight was released in 2011.

“Silver and Gold” kicks off From the Vault with the kinetic energy fans have come to expect from Costello.  It is fast and upbeat, and is the perfect opening salvo for this musical treat.  Costello’s pure sweet voice rises above the musical accompaniment to lift the spirits of the listener.

The second track, “I’ll be Here,” is a softer ballad, but it still evokes hope as Costello promises that she will always be there.   It is a fitting description for Costello, whose activism and  social work continue to bring hope in a time when many things are going wrong.

“A Beautiful Mystery,” the third track, has already received placements in the Claire Danes’ film As Cool as I Am, as well as on MTV’s hit show Teen Wolf.  As you can see and hear from the music video above, this song is amazing and fun.

Maia Sharp, a gifted songwriter who has penned hit songs for such artists as Bonnie Raitt, joins with Costello to write the fourth track, “Lights,” which has a distinctly jazzy sound.  Costello’s airy voice and lyrics fit the mood perfectly.

Last but certainly not least, the final track, “Here & Now,” has also gotten some advance publicity with its use in a Kellogg’s commercial.  It’s impossible not to smile as you listen to this positive message and memorable beat.

Costello has once again given us music with substance in a world of plastic candy-coated crap that passes for popular music.   Indie Voice Blog is proud to highly recommend From the Vault, as well as anything else Costello has ever written, for anyone looking for real music with a message.  We can hardly wait for the release of her full length album, and will bring you all the details as soon as we can.

If you want to learn more about the princess of indie pop, check out her website and Facebook pages, follow her on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram and be sure to subscribe to her YouTube channel, her blog on Tumblr, and her email list.  Join the revolution.

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Artists Worth Checking Out

Sleep Machine premieres music video for ‘Animal High’

Sleep Machine is an amazing rock band based in Los Angeles, featuring Alisha Zalkin on lead vocals, Dan Kalisher on guitar and Kiel Feher on drums.  If you’ve been following this writer’s posts, then you know that the band has been nominated for several LA Music Critic Awards, and won the award for Best Video (live) in 2015.

The band has been hard at work on their sophomore EP, Animal High, which is set to drop on September 20.  It is our pleasure today to help those efforts by premiering their new music video for the title track, which the band released yesterday, September 5.

According to their website, the band touts itself as a modern-day female-fronted Led Zeppelin.  Although many bands fall short of their hype, Sleep Machine is right on with their assessment.  Take a listen to their video, and we are sure you will agree.

Sleep Machine has already garnered an impressive list of placements from their debut EP, Cover me in Gold.  Those placements include Quantico, Finding Carter, Younger, and The Royals.   That trend continues with placement of two of their new songs in a recent episode of The Fosters.

Besides the TV placements, Sleep Machine has also been featured in Entertainment Weekly and was chosen by Myspace as the “Artist of the Day.”  Individually, they have each performed on global tours and on such stages as The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The View and the MTV Movie Awards, as well as at such famous Los Angeles venues as the Hotel Café and the Viper Room.

These guys are the real thing.  Check them out through their website and Facebook pages, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out

Artists worth checking out: FOXTRAX

Indie alternative pop act FOXTRAX has landed on the scene with the release of their new EP The Cabin.  Formed in early 2015, the trio of Long Island, New York natives is composed of Ben Schneid on lead vocals and guitar, Jon Stenz on drums and Jared Stenz on bass.  They began performing together after they had each graduated from college, after deciding that pursuing music as a profession was a better alternative than finding traditional employment.  They sequestered themselves in a small cabin in the woods of North Carolina, resulting in the tunes that comprise the new EP.

Their name came from watching the fox tracks in the snow outside their cabin.  They came to realize that the tracks reminded them of their own unpredictable and meandering journey into the music business.

They moved to Los Angeles in late 2015, and began to work on their live show.   After only a few months on the scene, they were approached by producer/engineer Ben Roulston, who had worked with Florence and the Machine, who believed that he knew the perfect label for them.  Rouston added production and a fresher mix to the EP and got Brian Lucey (Artic Monkeys, Cage the Elephant, Black Keys) to master the tracks.

The band celebrated the release of their EP with the almost simultaneous release of their first music video, which debuted on Vevo.  They have already achieved the No. 1 position on Apple Music’s New Music Spotlight and recently were named by LiveNation as part of their “Ones to Watch” series.

If you are fortunate enough to live in California, the band has two upcoming dates in the near future:  On September 6 in San Francisco at the The Rickshaw Stop and on September 8 at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.  They will be providing support for Barns Courtney at both shows.  Tickets are available here.

Check out their website and Facebook pages, follow them on Twitter and Instagram and by all means subscribe to their YouTube Channel.