Tag: new music

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 30

Happy Monday.  We survived the Western Montana Fair, and enjoyed some nice performances from Seattle’s Miller Campbell and other local bands.  This week we’re headed to Livingston to see our friends Redhead Express  at Music Ranch Montana, as well as to Polson for the Women of the Blues salute at the Flathead Lake Blues Festival featuring LA Music Critic Award winner for Best Blues Band, Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method.  Should be a great week.

INDIE NEWS

Seems like you can teach an old dog new tricks, at least in the case of veteran performer Frank Shiner.  A recent convert to Spotify, Shiner’s music has been blowing up lately, with nearly 25,000 streams of his latest single “Drink You Away” in just the past two weeks.  Shiner is averaging more than 22,000 streams a month.  Check him out on Spotify.

Nashville’s Risa Binder is another indie artist who is blowing up on the charts.  She recently reached #77 on the Music Row Chart with her current single “You Haul.”  Check out the video for the song.

NEW MUSIC

Check out this new single, “Money on it” by together PANGEA, from their new album Bulls and Roosters which will be released on August 25 on Nettwerk Records.  We think you’ll like it.

Like the haunting sounds of artists like Tori Amos and Enya?  Check out the latest single from Hannah Park, “Not Like You.”  Please let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We mentioned we were going to see Redhead Express this week.  They have recently released a new music video as an entry into Ryan Seacrest’s “Best Cover Ever” contest.  It is a cover of “I Got You” by pop artist Bebe Rexha, and we think you will love it.

Blue Élan artist Chelsea Williams has released a live studio video of her new single, “Anything Worth Saving,” from her recently released album Boomerang.  Please let us know what you think.

Last but not least this week is the first Christian music video from Spokane native Chris Chilton, co-written and produced by another Spokane indie legend, Jerad Finck.  Please check out the lyric video for “Adonai,” an amazing song of worship for today.

 

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

Get it or forget it – DieAlps!, Emily Zuzik, Andrea Stray, Johnny Paglino

Well, the weekend is here and so are more album reviews here on Indie Voice Blog.  We hope you will check out these artists, and continue your support of indie music.

Artist Name:  DieAlps!

Album Name:  Our City

Label:  New Granada Records

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing: 1.  Running into Walls; 2.  Invincible; 3.  Mayfly; 4.  Trust Me; 5.  Our City; 6.  Dwight; 7.  Get Yours; 8.  In the Country; 9.  I Can See it Now; 10.  Battles; 11.  Hands Up; 12.  We Fought the Sea

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  DieAlps! is a spirited foursome from Florida led by Austrian-born Connie  Calcaterra and her husband Frank.  The band’s name, which translates to The Alps, is an homage to their native Austria.  Their music has a true 90’s vibe, and is perfect for lovers of such groups as Pavement and Radiohead.  Connie and Frank split the lead vocal duties, while the rest of the band provides the perfect musical soundtrack for their thought-provoking lyrics.  They have brought their best on this debut album, and clearly show why they are such a crowd-pleasing hit in central Florida.  The entire album is noteworthy, but we think the best tracks are “Invincible,” “Mayfly,” “Trust Me,” the title track (with its surf rock vibe), “Dwight,” and “Get Yours.”

Recommendation:  We love this CD and think you will too.  Don’t waste any time – go Get it!

Artist Name:  Emily Zuzik

Album Name:  Tender

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots/Rock/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Tender; 2.  Ernst Kirchner; 3.  Winter in California

Publicist:  None

Review:  Tender is a short and sweet three-song EP that merely whets our appetite for more of this amazing Americana artist.  We recently reviewed her last release, Angelenos, and have nothing but good things to say about her continuing growth as a musician.  This time around her music has a little bit more bluesy soul, especially the title track, which is topped off with classy horns and the sweet sound of Zuzik’s voice.  “Ernst Kirchner” has a spooky vibe, while “Winter in California” has a rockier beat and is a beautiful story song with sweet harmonies and a memorable sound, with a vibe reminiscent of the Mommas and Poppas.

Recommendation:  Zuzik truly brings it every time, and always leaves us wanting more.  Grab this tasty hors d’ouevres to tide you over until her next full length release.

Artist Name:  Andrea Stray

Album Name:  Into Blue

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana/Roots/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Into Blue; 2.  Don’t Cry; 3.  Little Word; 4.  Forgive and Forget; 5.  You’re the Kind

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Andrea Stray is the kind of musician that thinking people love.  She recently won the lyric writing contest for American Songwriter Magazine, and this album is further proof of her lyrical prowess.  Her well-crafted lyrics give you plenty of food for thought, and allow her to craft music around those words to bring you a story, not just a song.  This also allows her to not be confined to any particular genre, but simply write the perfect music for the story.   A prime example of this is “Into Blue,” which incorporates some amazing guitar riffs into a perfectly told story, while “Don’t Cry” brings in a rich piano sound in the style of Bruce Hornsby.   “Little Word” brings a sassy, jazzy sound to Stray’s words, while “Forgive and Forget” is pure Americana, with acoustic guitar and pedal steel.  “You’re the Kind” keeps that Americana vibe, but adds some amazing guitar riffs, which serves to bring this amazing EP full circle.

Recommendation:  Get this one like your life depends upon it.  It is one of the best we’ve reviewed this year.

Artist Name:  Johnny Paglino

Album Name:  21

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  SynthPop

Track Listing:  1.  Today is Tomorrow; 2.  Sunset Key; 3.  Anna; 4.  Kant at the Dinner Thing; 5.  When Xanax Came to Rule the World; 6.  Juan was Pistol Whipped; 7.  South Chicago; 8.  Heroin; 9.  I Will Kill Myself; 10.  I Could Forgive You; 11.  21

Publicist:  None

Review:  This album has a soothing mellow sound that belies the hard-hitting lyrical content.  If you listen carefully, however, you will hear tales of triumph over drug addition, and of living a better life, despite what’s going on around us.  This is an album that needs to be listened to repeatedly, first just to enjoy the music and then to concentrate on the stories that Paglino is telling about living in this crazy world of child trafficking, drugs and political unrest.  We think that the listener will feel empowered after hearing these songs, and encouraged to make a difference.  Best tracks include “Sunset Key,” “Juan was Pistol Whipped,” “South Chicago,” and his current single, “Heroin.”

Recommendation:  Take a chance on this new artist and Get his debut album.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 29

Happy full moon Monday!  We had a wonderful road trip last week, travelling to Casper, Fort Collins, Denver and Billings before returning home.  Along the way we met with Amanda from Music Promotion, Inc. and Gina Sicilia, winner of Best Blues Artist from the most recent round of the LA Music Critic Awards.  We also got to hang out with Australian blues queen Anni Piper at the Magic City Blues Festival, as well as Miranda Lambert’s new fiancée Anderson East, review their amazing performances, and catch some of Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot show too.

This week we’ll be heading out to the Western Montana Fair to see what music they have going, and hopefully catch some of Melissa Forrette‘s show at the annual Chicks and Chaps rodeo clinic.

K-SYRAN’S “DIZZY” CONTINUES TO CLIMB THE CHARTS

K-Syran continues her climb up the charts with her latest song, “Dizzy,” produced by Amanda’s husband, Eric Alexandrakis.  She currently sits in the #32 spot on the BDS/Billboard Mainstream Top 40 Indicator chart.  Check it out and tell us it doesn’t remind you of some of the great hits of ABBA.

DAN TEDESCO IS ‘CHASING THE LIGHTNING’

First Denny Tedesco brought us The Wrecking Crew, the untold story behind so much of the music of the 60’s.  Now Dan Tedesco brings us Chasing the Lightning, the story of an life on the road as an independent musician.  Check out this new film as he heads out to share the film before Festival season begins.  The film is amazing and we highly recommend you go see it when it comes to your town.  For more info, check out his website.

NEW MUSIC

Check out this new track from The Crowleys, “LA Sunset,” with its multi-genre sounds.  The vocals are raw, the soundtrack is sweeping, but the potential for this band comes through loud and clear.  Please let us know what you think.

Australian band Cloning the Mammoth will be releasing their new single “San Francisco” on August 11.  We really dig this song, and think you will too.  Please let us know if we’re right.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Here’s the latest video from LA Music Critic Awards winner Amilia K. Spicer for her second single “Lightning.”  Enjoy this Americana jewel.

Speaking of new videos from LA Music Award winners, you simply must check out the latest from FlecHaus.  Their video for “Pitter Patter” simply kicks ass, foretelling the greatness that is in store for this band.  We strongly encourage to check them out and grab a copy of their music – you will definitely not be sorry 🙂

Last but not least this week is another Australian artist, Josh Johnstone.  We love his video for “Just What it Is.”  It is infectious, upbeat and the perfect song to kick start your new week.

Have a great week.  We’ll be back soon with more “Get it or Forget It,” as well as some live performance reviews.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 27

Happy Monday as we enter the final full week of July 2017.  It’s been extremely busy in the indie world, so we’ve got a few things to share with you this week.  Please keep supporting indie music.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARDS

Speaking of which, tomorrow is your last chance to vote for the Fan Favorite for the first half of 2017.  Among the current leaders are FlecHaus, Polly O’Keary, Janey Street, Wendy Sweetlove and Dario.  To vote just click on this link, scroll to the bottom and add your comment.  The winners will be announced on Thursday, July 27.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

Last week was filled with great indie performances, as we travelled to Stevensville to see The American West and Maita, to Darby for Melissa Forrette and Mabel’s Rage, and to Spokane for Chris Chilton and Jerad Finck.  The American West review is up, and the rest will be published shortly.

This week Melissa is performing twice (The Ranch Club on Wednesday and at Highlander Brewery on Saturday, both in Missoula), while Shakewell will be performing at Missoula’s Downtown Tonight on Thursday.  The biggest event, though, will be Missoula’s annual Celtic Festival on Saturday in Caras Park, which will feature several indie acts including Spokane’s Broken Whistle, The Gothard Sisters, RUNA and headliner, Young Dubliners.

KELLY McGRATH

Kelly McGrath moved to Nashville about two years ago, and her music has taken off since.  Her last single, “You and Me Today,” debuted at #1 on CMT, and her next single,  “All That I Want,” looks to be even better.  Here’s a sneak peak of the new music video, debuting soon.

MUSIC VIDEOS

We’ve got a few great videos for you this week, and leading the pack is a past LA Music Critic Award winner, The Daybreaks.  It’s a highlight video from their recent CD Release Party in Nashville.  Check out our review of the album 🙂

Next up is one of our favorite artists on Blue Élan Records, and one of the hardest working Americana artists working today, Rod Melancon.  His past videos have been impressive, and his new one for “Dwayne and Me” will not disappoint.  Let us know what you think.

Last but not least this week is the latest from Amie Mirello, who has also found success after moving from Los Angeles to Nashville.  We are excited about this new direction for Mirello, and think you will be impressed as well.  Here’s her latest video for “Move Me.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Women in Entertainment

Lexie Rose makes ‘wrong’ feel right

Photo courtesy of Sarvey T. Rector

We just discovered this amazing young artist, and felt it was the perfect time to introduce to you a future member of the Women in Entertainment family we started covering a few years ago.

Lexie Rose is a young lady with a killer voice.  She made her live debut at the tender age of 13.   Now 17 and on  the verge of releasing her debut EP, she has released an amazing first single, which we predict will be a huge hit on radio stations nationwide.

“Wrong” is a stand-out Americana/pop masterpiece featuring the sweet voice of Rose singing some hard-hitting lyrics that belie her young age.  The song is upbeat and radio ready, and makes this reviewer look forward to the opportunity to see her perform it live.  Her music evokes comparison to Fiona Apple and Martina McBride, with a little Lana Del Rey thrown in for good measure.  The melody is memorable and the chorus of “I was wrong, I was wrong, I was wrong,” will have everyone relating to the song.

“Listeners can find what they want in them,” she says.  “Like a lot of young songwriters, I’ve been on an extended circuit these past few years co-writing with many others,” Rose says. “The songs I want to sing are those I write about myself, reflecting my own life experiences and worldview. I always want my work to be personal yet universal, and relatable to anyone.”

https://soundcloud.com/lexierosesongs

Rose has become something of a favorite on the LA club scene, which she entered four years ago.  She regularly plays such hip joints as The Hotel Café, Genghis Cohen, the Hi Hat and The Troubadour, and recently performed at The Peppermint Club.  In addition to her solo and band shows, she also plays keyboards and acoustic guitar in her brother’s alt-rock band, Night Talks.  She is exactly what this industry needs, an artist that is staying true to her style and her soul, with her heartfelt lyrics.

“I love the time I spend songwriting,” she says, “but there’s nothing more enjoyable for me than playing live and feeding off the audience’s energy in those moments when they truly connect with my songs.  It’s also a mind blowing experience to be in the studio and be part of the process as a song that started in a raw, simple form comes to life as a full blown production.  After writing and recording material for so long, I’m really excited about finally having the opportunity to officially release my music and share it with a wider audience than ever before.”

We look forward to hearing what Rose and her producer, Max Allyn, have cooked up for her EP.  In the meantime, enjoy this first taste in her single, “Wrong.”  As the old song goes, “If loving you is wrong, I don’t want to be right.”  We await the release of her EP with baited breath.

To keep up with this dynamic artist, check out her Facebook and  web pages, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to subscribe to her Spotify and SoundCloud channels.

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 26

Welcome to another week of summer.  This was one of the weekends we wished we were still in Los Angeles, because we definitely would  have been at Dodger Stadium for the amazing Classic West festival which all our friends are talking about.  To those of you who attended, hope you had a great time with The Eagles, the Doobie Brothers, Steeley Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Journey and Earth Wind and Fire.  We’re so jealous!!!

INDIE NEWS

Heather Jacks, author of The Noise Beneath the City, creator of the Drinking from the Jug blog, as well as a huge supporter of indie music has announced that she is joining an artists’ collective and opening her first brick and mortar store, Rock A Record, at the Sea Hive, an artisan marketplace located at 1555 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside.  The new location will open next month, so please go out and support this true patron of the arts.

Montanan Melissa Forrette continues her busy July with an opening slot for the legendary country band Sawyer Brown at Darby Logger Days on July 21.  Tickets are still available at the event’s website.

Several of the nominees for the LA Music Critic Awards are visiting Montana or the surrounding area in the near future, and we plan to get out and support them.  This Wednesday (July 19) we will be heading to Stevensville, Montana to see The American West at the Blacksmith Brewery.  We will also be attending the performance of Jerad Finck at Bellwether Brewery Co. in Spokane, Washington on July 22.  Then on August 3, we will be seeing Gina Sicilia at The Gold Room in Colorado Springs, Colorado before heading to Billings, Montana to catch Australian Anni Piper at Magic City Blues on August 4.  We also hope to catch Redhead Express when they play at Music Ranch Montana in Livingston, Montana on August 17.

Other artists on tour in our area include Nina Storey at the Marmelade Concert Series in Salt Lake City on July 20 and Trevor Hall headlining at the Top Hat on November 7.

NEW MUSIC

Here’s an amazing track from Space4Lease entitled “Must be Something” that should help kick-start your Monday.  Please let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/space4leasemusic/must-be-something

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

There have been a boatload of new music videos released in the past week or so, and we have selected three to share with you.  Please also check out “You!” by Floco Torres, “Snitches get Stiches” by Wieuca, “Learn to Be” by Bryan Mackey and “Concrete Angels” by Scarlett Taylor, as well as “Coldplay” by David Ryan Harris.  All are available at YouTube.com.

First up today is the latest from one of our favorite singer-songwriters and close friends, Kim Divine.  Her new lyric video is entitled “This Time Around,” and we definitely think you will enjoy it.

Next up is “Underneath,” the latest single from Rosi Golan, one of the many amazing artists represented by publicist Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR.  We just reviewed the album, and definitely think this one is a keeper.

Last, but definitely not least, is the latest from California Country artist and multiple LA Music Critic Award nominee  and past winner, Calico the Band, with their latest, “The 405.”  Everyone in the greater LA area will be able to relate to this video.  Have a great week.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Wieuca, Daley, Mike Younger

Happy Friday.  Hope your week has been as awesome as ours.  Indie music rules, and we are happy to get your weekend off to a good start with these three artist.  Please let us know what you think.

Artist Name:  Wieuca

Album Name:  Guilt Complex

Label:  Land of the Freak

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Snitches get Stiches; 2.  Slow War; 3.  Atrium; 4.  Enamel; 5.  Building a Shrine; 6.  Broke; 7.  Gas Giant; 8.  Canadian Tuxedo; 9.  Cold Beach; 10.  No G*d; 11.  Polyp 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  This band wastes no time in letting the listener know that they have come to rock, with the first track (and current single), “Snitches get Stitches,” hitting on all cylinders in a style reminiscent of The Clash.  The second track, “Slow War,” which was the first single, reminds you of early Genesis.  Both of these tracks lay the foundation for what is to come, and we believe that listeners will enjoy the ensuing tracks just as much.  After the first two tracks, the vocals are not as polished, but they fit with the indie rock feel of the musical accompaniment, which borders on punk rock.  Best tracks include “Snitches get Stitches,” “Enamel,” “Building a Shrine,” “Gas Giant,” and “Canadian Tuxedo.”

Recommendation:  These boys deserve your attention, even if you’re not a huge fan of punk/metal/indie rock.  They have interesting things to say and an interesting way to say them.  For that reason alone, we think you should Get the new album, which is being released today.

Artist Name:  Daley

Album Name:  The Spectrum

Label:  BMG

Genre:  Soul/R&B

Track Listing:  1.  Introlude; 2.  Until the Pain is Gone (ft. Jill Scott); 3.  Selfish; 4.  Temple; 5.  Slow Burn; 6.  Sympathy (ft. Swindle); 7.  The Only One; 8.  On Fire; 9.  Second to None; 10.  True; 11.  Distance; 12.  The Fabric; 13.  Careless (ft. Chiiiild) 

Publicist:  The End Records PR

Review:  We don’t ordinarily review albums released by major labels, but this one was just too good to pass up.  The first single, “Until the Pain is Gone,” features the voice of the one and only Jill Scott and has reached the top 10 on the Billboard R&B charts.  Daley’s voice is dreamy and the addition of Scott to the mix makes it a track that deserves to be put on repeat.  Once again the UK has given us an artist for the world, and his songs are some of the best we have heard in quite a while.  It is no wonder that his music has attained more than 25 million streams on Spotify and over 17 million views on YouTube.  This artist is so good that even Simon Cowell would have difficulty finding fault.  We especially love the funky sound of “Sympathy” (featuring Swindle), but honestly, there’s not a weak song on the entire album.  Even the closing song, “Careless,” (featuring Chiiiild) has a funky R&B beat, begging you to listen to the entire album again and again.

Recommendation:   This is one of the finest albums we have ever heard, and we strongly recommend you Get it when it is released today.

Artist Name:  Mike Younger

Album Name:  Little Folks Like you and Me

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots/Americana/Country/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  If I was a Wheel; 2.  Never was a Dancer; 3.  Poisoned Rivers; 4.  Drifter’s Lament; 5.  Rodeo Queen; 6.  What Kind of World; 7.  With Every Heartbeat; 8.  How to Tell a Friend Goodbye; 9.  Walk in the Mud; 10.  The Living Daylights 

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Mike Younger likens himself to the social justice musical pioneers like Woody Guthrie, John Lennon and Bob Dylan.  After listening to his latest project, we would tend to agree.  His voice has that perfect swagger that makes you stop and listen to the words of the song.  Definitely check out “Poisoned Rivers,” which talks about the damage being done to our environment.  The album was produced by the legendary Bob Britt (Leon Russell, John Fogerty, Bob Dylan, Delbert McClinton), and that brilliance shines through every track.  We especially like “If I was a Wheel,” “Never was a Dancer,” “What Kind of World,” “With Every Heartbeat,” and “The Living Daylights.”

Recommendation:  Don’t think twice, just Get this album when it is released on July 14.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – The Daybreaks, Wendy Sweetlove, The Raft, Paradise Kings

We are so humbled by the response to our announcement of the nominations for the first half of 2017 for the LA Music Critic Awards.  You guys are the reason we recognize and share the incredible talent in the indie music scene.  Thanks for your support.  Here are four more great acts, one of which has already been nominated for three LA Music Critic Awards.  Please let us know what you think about them.

Artist Name:  The Daybreaks

Album Name:  Meet me at the End of the World

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  The Machine; 2.  Do Whatever Gets you High; 3.  Stranger; 4.  Cruel Summer; 5.  Panic; 6.  Hypnotized; 7.  Hold on to Me 

Publicist:  Think Press

Review:  It was just supposed to be a collaboration to write songs for placement in television and media, but the undeniable chemistry between Heather Bonds and Kaleb Jones led to the formation of The Daybreaks, one of the hottest groups in Nashville.  The release of their debut EP will only add to that exposure, as these guys are phenomenal.  They have already garnered one LA Music Critic Award for their stellar cover of “Cruel Summer,” and we believe they will get a few more during their career.  Kicking off with their single, “The Machine,” they hit the ground running and deliver a stunning debut that deserves world-wide attention.   There is not a weak song on this debut, and the EP should be placed on repeat.

Recommendation:  If you love well written songs, amazing harmonies and a musical background that heightens your senses and perks you up, then you should immediately Get this EP.

Artist Name:  Wendy Sweetlove

Album Name:  Dirty Sunday

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Modern Soul/Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Babysitter; 2.  Delilah; 3.  Come to Momma; 4.  Dirty Sunday; 5.  Shadow Son; 6.  Sharp Dressed Man; 7.  Burn it Down; 8.  I Bring the Word; 9.  Come Inside; 10.  Left of You; 11.  Sucker Punch; 12.  El Cubano 

Publicist:  None

Review:   From the first notes of “Babysitter,” it will quickly become evident that Wendy Sweetlove is a powerful performer who will quickly become a household name.  Sweetlove calls her music “Modern Soul,” but we simply call it magnificent.  It deserves to be played on every radio station and will surely continue to gain her new fans.  On top of that, she knows how to put on a great live show, and if you were lucky enough to be at the LA Music Critic Awards Winners Showcase last month in Los Angeles, you know what we’re talking about.  She is currently nominated for three awards, and we believe that she will receive many more during her career.  We are really impressed with her cover of ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man,” which she has turned into a funky jazz standard.  Favorite tracks include “Babysitter,” “Delilah,” “Come to Momma,” “Dirty Sunday,” “Come Inside,” and “Sucker Punch.”

Recommendation:  If you like your music down and dirty, then this is the perfect album for you.  Although it is not yet available, you can stream three cuts on Sweetlove’s website.  The minute it comes out, we strongly urge you to Get it.

Artist Name:  The Raft

Album Name:  Coming up for Air

Label:  SoLar Records

Genre:  Indie Pop/Dream Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Glad I Don’t Know; 2.  Coming up for Air; 3.  Anarchy in our Guitars; 4.  Regrets 

Publicist:  None

Review:  Phil Wilson, aka the Raft, is a UK artist whose music should do well here in the States.  His sound is smooth, with his sweet voice and musical backing that would be the perfect fit for radio airplay.  His four-song EP delivers the perfect taste that begs for more.  From his first song to the last one, we simply love this EP especially “Glad I Don’t Know.”  Give him a listen and we think you’ll agree.

Recommendation:  Definitely head over to the Bandcamp website and Get your copy now.

Artist Name:  Paradise Kings

Album Name:  Controlled Burn

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Rockabilly

Track Listing:  1.  ’69 Chevy; 2.  I’d Sing the Blues if I had Em; 3.  Three Strikes; 4.  Slow Down; 5.  Butter me Up; 6.  Patience; 7.  Poor me, Poor me, Pour me Another Drink; 8.  Money Ain’t my Friend (live) 

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  The album starts out with a rocking instrumental intro before launching into an incredible vocal that gets your toes to tapping before an uncontrollable urge to dance takes control of  your body.  You can fill the heavy influence of greats like Chuck Berry and BB King in the sound of Paradise Kings, and we think that this band has the potential to take the blues genre by storm.  Best tracks include “’69 Chevy,” “I’d Sing the Blues if I had Em,” “Slow Down” and “Butter me Up.”

Recommendation:  If you love great blues music, then you simply MUST Get this album.  It will be a valued addition to your musical library.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Reviews Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 25

Are you ready for another week to celebrate the awesomeness that is indie music?  The nominations for the first half of 2017 for the LA Music Critic Awards will be announced on Tuesday, and we can hardly wait to share them with you.  It’s been a super busy time for indie artists, and we combed through a lot of submissions, even writing reviews on every one of them.  Do a google search for “Get it or Forget it” and check out our reviews.

In the meantime, let’s check out some great tunes and music videos that have recently been released.  Have a great week!

NEW MUSIC

Here’s a couple of new artists we recently discovered courtesy of the A&R Department, and we really like their first singles:  Oddie Room Project‘s “Do You Know” and Tom Walters’ “Marlborough.” Check them out and let us know what you think.

Like many of you, we are also big fans of British bands, and we have recently discovered a new amazing band out of Leeds.  Give a listen to “Saint,” the first single by Peakes, and let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/peakesmusic/saint

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Groovetonics music is music that makes you move, and Ellee Ven is the mistress and creator of this genre.  Check out her latest video “Sun Up,” featuring rapper Prodéje.  This should help you get over the Monday blues.

Here’s another discovery that comes courtesy of multiple LA Music Critic award winners Lovers & Poets.  Birds and Arrows are friends of theirs who have recently moved to the west coast, and we are sure glad they did.  Get your Monday rocking with this groove.

Speaking of Lovers & Poets, we’ll close out this edition with the latest from lead singer Shannon Hurley, off her recently released album New Day.  Check out her video for “Number One” – if this one doesn’t put you in a good mood, nothing will.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Carrie Lane, Echo Underground, Breaking Grass

We discovered a few more June releases that were submitted recently, so we thought we’d get them reviewed before we announced the LA Music Critic Award nominations for the first half of 2017 on Tuesday.  We think you’ll like this eclectic group of indie musicians.

Artist Name:  Carrie Lane

Album Name:  California Freaks

Label:  FACTION Entertainment

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Florida Keys; 2.  Drowning; 3.  If I Can’t be with You; 4.  Think About It 

Publicist:  Total Assault

Review:  We discovered Carrie Lane when she was featured by Balcony TV, and we instantly took a liking to this young indie artist.  Now that her latest EP has been released, we have even more to love.  She has a sweet sound and a voice that rises above the music to connect with our auditory senses.  The four-song EP is simply too short, and we can’t wait until she releases a full length album.  This is the kind of music that deserves to be on the radio instead of the usual drivel.  Her songs are thoughtful while at the same time fun to listen and dance to.  We think that she’s gonna be on the music scene for quite a while.  Our favorite track is the one we heard on Balcony TV, “If I Can’t be with You.”

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you grab this one while you still can.  Stream it on Spotify and then purchase it from iTunes.

Artist Name:  Echo Underground

Album Name:  Vows

Label:  Self released

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Have a Little Faith in Love; 2.  Let it Linger; 3.  Fell for You; 4.  Vows; 5.  Find you Again 

Publicist:  None

Review:  Echo Underground is a side project of one of LA’s best rock bands, Sleep Machine.  Composed of vocalist Alisha Zalkin and guitarist/bassist Dan Kalisher, the project is named after Kalisher’s recording studio.  The EP is an acoustic throwback to the music that brought them together, and led to their recent marriage.  It is smartly written, with amazing guitar riffs and perfect harmonies between Zalkin and Kalisher.  It is the ultimate tribute to the power of love, and we adore them for sharing it with us.  Zalkin shines on the first track, while Kalisher shows his stuff on the third track.  It is a wonderful EP to listen to on repeat.

Recommendation: Get it now!  This one is a true keeper and will become one of your most treasured musical memories.

Artist Name:  Breaking Grass

Album Name:  Warning Signs

Label:  Mountain Fever Records

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Cold Rain; 2.  Stay; 3.  Nobody Knows; 4.  Sweet Ava; 5.  Warning Signs; 6.  House of Cards; 7.  The One She Adored; 8.  Short Shorts; 9.  Annie; 10.  Taking and Giving; 11.  Waking up with You; 12.  Faith Moved a Mountain 

Publicist:  East Public Relations

Review:  Not since Nickel Creek have we been this excited about a harmony singing bluegrass band.  The young men who make up Breaking Grass include Cody Farrar on guitar and vocals; Britt Sheffield on bass and vocals; Jody Elmore on banjo and vocals; Zach Wooten on mandolin and Tyler White on fiddle.  They are making bluegrass music cool again.  I grew up in Southern Virginia, where I was surrounded by some of the bluegrass greats like Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, The Osborne Brothers and Roy Clark, and Breaking Grass belongs in the same class as these legends.  Their music is an homage to the grand history of bluegrass with a modern twist, and deserve all the accolades that will surely be given their music and talents.  The harmonies are pitch perfect, and the soothing sounds of the fiddle, banjo and mandolin create the perfect musical background for life.  Favorite tracks include “Nobody Knows,” “Sweet Ava,” the title track, “House of Cards,” “The One She Adored,” and “Annie.”

Recommendation:  If you love great music, then this is a no brainer – Definitely Get It!