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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews Women in Entertainment

K-Syran’s latest release is making us ‘Dizzy’

It has been two years since Norwegian artist K-Syran released her last album, Smoke in my Veins.  We interviewed her last year after her single, “Hello” achieved some success on the Billboard chart, and she has been mentioned in four of our Monday Mash-up articles.

When we first heard the U.K. version of her new material, we were not impressed.  Her initial single felt incomplete, like it was recorded unprofessionally in a garage.  The vocals did not seem to be in sync, and the only thing going for the song was its incessant beat, making it a good dance track since no one would be listening to the vocals anyway.

Enter Eric Alexandrakis, critically acclaimed musician and producer.  When he finished remastering the single “Dizzy,” it was completely transformed into a radio ready hit song.  All of the problems we had with the U.K. version had been corrected, and we were beginning to see why K-Syran was becoming such an in-demand performer.

Her new album Dizzy was released in its remastered version on September 29, along with her new single, “Temptation.”  Here’s the music video for that song.

K-Syran also recently hosted  a live event to commemorate World Peace Day on September 21.

Artist Name:   K-Syran

Album Name:   Dizzy

Label:   Intimacy Records

Genre:   Pop/dance

Track Listing:   1.  Dizzy; 2.  Temptation; 3.  Skin; 4.  Hudson River; 5.  Staring at the Wall; 6.  Show Me; 7.  My Angel Tonight; 8.  LA; 9.  Call out my Name; 10.  Peace Song

Publicist:   Jennifer Allison Publicity

Review:  K-Syran is not just a creator of dance music.  A thorough listen to her latest album, Dizzy, will attest.  Her songs are well written, and help propel her beyond her dance music beginnings.  The first two tracks have both been released as singles, and we think that there is other material on the album that would also make good singles, including “Skin.”  The songwriting skills have definitely improved, possibly as a result of K-Syran’s desire to be an activist for change, as indicated in her song “Peace.”  Other songs that caught our interest include “Staring at the Wall,” “Show Me,” “My Angel Tonight,” “LA” and “Call out my Name.”

Recommendation:  Kudos to collaborators Phillip Larsen and Chris Smith of Manhatten Clique on their work on this album.  We recommend that you grab this one, and also check out her live performances at her upcoming CD release shows in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Interviews Women in Entertainment

Interview with Kris Angelis about her new EP ‘Heartbreak is Contagious’

One of our favorite things to do is to interview indie artists, and Kris Angelis is one of our favorites.  We got the chance to preview a portion of her new EP about a year ago, and can hardly wait for the completed EP to be released on June 2.  Click on the presale link here.  The first ‘draft’ already won the “Best EP (female)” LA Music Critic Award for the first half of 2016.  Consequently we had to sit down with Angelis and find out the details.  Hope you enjoy our talk – we definitely enjoyed it.  

IVB:  Why did you wait so long to release Heartbreak is Contagious to digital platforms?

KA:  I had the album done a while ago and I was waiting before releasing t.  I was trying to see if I could get a placement on a TV show to get the album known.  I did get the Optimus placement and put the title track up on iTunes as a single.  I was also working on the “Kevin Bacon” song and trying to get him into a music video.  I talked to him at Sundance and asked him to be in my video in a cameo role.  There are still so many things being done to get this EP ready for placement.  I’m hoping that this will be an exciting new thing for everyone with the new song I recorded for the EP.

IVB:  What have you been doing since Heartbreak is Contagious was first released last year?

KA:  I’ve been working on getting representation for licensing, getting co-writes, and advertising.  Made a music video for the title track, which was released as a single.  The song also won first place in the International Acoustic Music Awards, and “Built this House” is a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition.  I’ve reach the top 15 in voting.  I’ve done some limited touring at events like NAMM Winter show in Anaheim and several festivals including Mondo, as well as in NY and along the east coast.  I also did the Mesa Music Festival in Arizona.  I’ve also started setting up house concert tours that enable me to garner new fans that are unfamiliar with my music.

IVB:  Do you prefer acting or singing?

KA:  I really enjoy both because they are similar but different.  I truly love the interaction with the audience when I’m singing.  With acting, I get to embody someone different, but I get to be myself with music, which makes me enjoy it a bit more.  There is nothing wrong with escaping but for me there is more freedom when I’m writing or recording a song.  Film also requires more resources to get your content out and do what I want as opposed to just writing and recording a song.  I do love acting and some things have come up that I can’t talk about yet.

IVB:  How can your fans get involved with the success of your new release?

KA:  The current plan is to sell 1000 copies of the EP between May 12 and June 2.  The importance is that it will automatically put us on the iTunes charts upon release ,which will put it in front of more industry people. In particular I am trying to get on the Billboard Heatseeker chart.  So I’m asking my fans to purchase my EP, either for themselves or to give to someone else, and share the link to the presale with their friends.  I would like them to reach out and encourage their friends to get involved.  Please post about the presale on social media, including their own personal touch.  I believe that truly makes a huge difference.  They can also follow me on Spotify, stream the songs and add them to their playlists.

What makes this EP so unique is that tit tells a cohesive personal story.  It tells my story of hurt, sorrow, hope and joy.  It is for anyone who has ever been in love, to encourage them in their struggle.  During our launch party on May 12, I’m going to play the songs, tell stories about them and encourage my fans to not give up.  I want them to know that they should just let go cause it’s not their fault, but allow their hearts to be open and available for whatever may come in the future.

If they join the mailing list at my website, they will get a link to the launch party at 7 p.m. PDT tonight (May 12).  They can also get involved by becoming one of my supporters on Patreon.

IVB:  What are your future plans?

KA:  Hoping to make a music video for “Kevin Bacon” as well as other songs.  I would love Kevin Bacon to be a part of it, but I’m doing the video either way.  I want to do more house concerts and touring, as well as put together my management, licensing and PR team, which will help to further my career.  I would also love to go on tour with a national act that will expand my fan base.

IVB:  What social media do you use?

KA:  I primarily use Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, but have recently begun branching out with Busker, Periscope, live streaming, and Spotify.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews Women in Entertainment

Discover the magic that is Susan Calloway

Gamers will probably know this, but for the rest of us the discovery of the magical qualities of the voice of Susan Calloway will come as a sweet surprise.  After making a name for herself as a featured vocalist in the Final Fantasy XIV sci-fi and fantasy media franchise, Calloway is now gearing up to share a deeper part of her artistry with her thousands of fans worldwide.  She is returning to her roots as a singer-songwriter and is set to release her first single, “Time for This,” on March 24, courtesy of Nashville distributor Tone Tree Music.

Calloway, who hails from Detroit, wrote this amazing song, which was produced by her friend, the legendary producer  Gerard Smerek, whose resume of pop/R&B icons includes Aretha Franklin, R. Kelly, Kid Rock, Natalie Merchant, Bob Seger and Diana Ross. 

Smerek also produced Calloway’s solo debut EP, Chasin’ The Sun.  The title track was released as a single, reaching the Top 40 on the national Radio & Records charts.  It can still be heard on numerous Top 40 and Hot AC stations, as well as on Pandora radio.  In addition, “Don’t Fall in Love” received a nomination from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA) for Best Pop Song.  Calloway has licensed several of her songs for placement on such television hits shows as Dawson’s Creek, Summerland and One Tree Hill.

Her new single, “Time for This,” is destined to return Calloway to the Top 40 charts.  This song is absolutely beautiful, and a perfect vehicle to develop the intimate relationship Calloway has with both her old fans and the new ones that have come from her participation in the world created by Final Fantasy.

“I want my relationship with the fans to be a journey of inspiring people and building trust, and that begins with honesty, integrity and allowing myself to be vulnerable in the songs I write and perform,” Calloway says.  “My song ‘Time for This’ gives me the opportunity to let my guard down, make a meaningful emotional connection and let people know how I really feel about things.  The scariest risks we take in life seem to be the ones that involve our hearts.”

Calloway originally came to the attention of Grammy winning conductor Arnie Roth and Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu, who is known in gaming circles as the “Beethoven of video games music.”   Uematsu requested that Susan sing his new theme song, “Answers,” for Final Fantasy XIV.  The game was released in 2013, and the overwhelming response by fans to Calloway’s first track led to other recording and performing opportunities within the world of Final Fantasy.

 “You can’t always control who you love or who loves you,” she adds.  “This makes moving on and letting go harder than we would like.  There are moments where it hardly seems worth the effort to put yourself out there when you know the potential will always be there for someone to leave.  I wrote ‘Time for This’ about a single moment, that moment when you feel like you wasted so much effort on a relationship, only to lose in the end.  Pain and heartbreak can take down the strongest among us if we let it.  We go back and forth between moving on and looking back . . . until we humbly realize that even when you lose something you wanted, time keeps moving whether we like it or not.  But, for every dark moment time forces us to walk through, it also heals us with the future it wants to usher in, if we let it and if we keep moving forward with faith.”

For more information about Calloway, check out her Facebook and website pages, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to her channel on SoundCloud and YouTube.

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Artists Worth Checking Out

Artists worth checking out: Streets of Laredo

Hot on the heels of their first two singles, “99.9%” and “Silly Bones,” indie folk rock band Streets of Laredo plan to release their sophomore album, Wild, on Friday, October 21.   Before we publish our review of what we think is an amazing effort, we thought their fans might like to learn more about them.  Please enjoy our interview with Dan and Sarahjane Gibson, two of the founding members of the band.  We’ll be back on Friday with our review.

IVB:   How long  have you been performing as a band?  How long for each member individually?

Dan:  Dave, Sarah and I started the band in 2011 back in New Zealand.  We recorded a five-track demo, played one show as a three-piece, then packed our bags and moved to New York City.  Since moving to Brooklyn, we’ve added band members along the way.  Andrew McGovern and Sean McMahon joined the band in 2013, and Cameron Deyell joined us in 2014, so now we’re a six-piece.
Sarahjane:   All told, about five 5 years – just a little longer than we’ve been in New York City.   After we moved here, we started playing every dive bar and house party you could throw a stick at.  Cam is a long time friend who played with Dave in a bunch of previous projects, including their first ever band in high school, superbly named “strider.”  Cam arrived in NYC with no idea about Streets of Laredo and played his first show with us a few days later.
IVB:   Who do you consider to be your influences?
Dan:  I really like John Lennon’s solo effort after the Beatles.  He’s definitely been my guy for the last little while.  I have a lot of siblings, so there was always a lot of records laying around the house, like Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Radiohead’s The Bends and Cat Stevens’ Teaser and the Fire Cat, to name a few.  I remember those albums were laying around when I was growing up and they still influence us today.  Sonically, two records from Talking Heads really inspired us, especially on the new record.  Those albums were Remain in Light and Speaking in Tongues.
IVB:  What makes your new release so special?
Dan:  Tracking at the magnificent Dreamland Studio upstate, then mixing it through the Neve at the Magic Shop makes this record special.  It was our first time working with John Agnello as well.  He pushed us sonically and he brings a real X factor to our sound.
Sarahjane:  Part of what makes this album so special is that it was a true collaboration.  There are  four songwriters in the band and the heart and soul of each of us is on this record.  It’s the age old story of being more that the sum of your parts.  I think we really believed that going into the album, and as a result, brought the best out in each other and made something really unique.
 
IVB:  What are your future plans?
Sarahjane:  World domination.
Dan:  We’re heading out on tour with Nick Valensi’s new Band CRX in November, which we’re excited about.  Since our record comes out October 21st, it’s going to be good to get out on the road right after the record comes out and play the new songs.
IVB:  Do you have any stories you want to share about your band – touring, recording, or fan interaction?
Dan:  I sold my 1992 basketball dream t-shirt for $200 to a fan in Houston.  He wanted it so bad he got the money out in cash and just handed it to me after the show.  I couldn’t say no.
 
IVB:  What types of social media do you use?
Dan:  All the usual culprits:  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube.
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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

Captiva reminds you to ‘Check Your System’

Kansas City, Missouri based alternative indie rock band Captiva is back on the scene with the release of their latest single “Check Your System” on September 27.  The band debuted their self-titled EP in December 2015, and have not stopped writing, recording and performing since then.  Check out this interview with the band by the amazing Piper of Kids Interview Bands.

The band, composed of Pat McQuaid on lead guitar and vocals, JJ Ries on guitar, vocals and percussion, Nick Riffle on bass and Hank Wiedel on drums, was formed in October 2013.  They first started gaining national attention in early 2014 at college campuses in the Midwest before appearing at such music festivals as Backwoods Music Festival, Fashion Meets Music Festival, SXSW, Boulevardia, Audiofeed Festival and Middle of the Map Fest.

Captiva began getting serious airplay on college radio stations across the nation in 2015 and came to the attention of the Warner Music Group.   Since then they have opened for major acts including Twenty One Pilots, The 1975, The Expendables, The Wild Feathers and The Lonely Biscuits.

They joined up with Tim Gutschenritter (National Fire Theory) and producer Jeremy Wilson (Temple Sounds) to record their debut EP.  The EP has received critical acclaim and spawned two singles, “Road to Ruin” and “Chemicals.”

Captiva has been working on their debut album, Pay No Mind, which has spawned its first single, “Check Your System,” a hard rock song that bodes well for the band.  Next up will be the release of their Daytrotter session, followed by an appearance on the television show 38 the Spot and their very own Sofar Sounds session in nearby St. Louis.

For more on the boys of Captiva, check out their website and Facebook pages, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to subscribe to their 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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Women in Entertainment

Indie artist/activist K-Syran seeks to conquer US

Born in Norway and currently based in Switzerland, K-Syran is an indie artist on a mission.   She released her latest album Smoke in my Veins on August 6 on Intimacy Records.  The record contains 12 tracks including “Intimacy,” which was selected as the anthem for the 2016 United Nation’s International Women’s Day, and “Hello,” which is currently riding the Billboard Dance Charts.

The album was recorded at Metropolis Studios and produced by Tom Nichols (Celine Dion, Kylie Minogue) and Charlie Thomas (One Direction, Nick Mason), who are credited as The Secret Agents.  But what sets the album apart from others is the fact that it combines seductive dance tunes with a thought-provoking message in a style that has become the trademark of K-Syran.

“The power and joy of song has the ability to comfort and inspire each individual.  Music can offer hope when people need it most – that’s what I want to give,” says K-Syran.  “I wrote some of the material on Smoke In My Veins with women in mind, but the ideas and emotions behind my songs strive to be universal.  I think it’s a mistake to think that lyrics in dance music cannot deal with anything of substance.  Dance was a form of spiritual activity for human beings throughout the history of our kind, a powerful form of emotional and physical expression.  That’s why I want my music to give audiences music that would move their bodies while engaging their minds. ”

In an effort to learn more about this intriguing artist, Indie Voice Blog interviewed her.  Check out the results of that interview below:

IVB:  How long have you been performing?

K-S:  When I was five, I told my parents that I would become an actress.  I have been performing ever since and never looked back!  Performing is my life, and without it, I believe I would die.   I have experienced short periods of not performing in my life, and I felt as though my soul was dying

IVB:  Who do you consider to be your influences?

K-S:  As a female artist it must be the one and only Madonna!  What a woman she is!  I believe she will go down in history as a revolutionary, a strong female artist who conquered the entire world with her charisma and determination!  She is a true artist and business woman, and a legend who still has children singing her songs!

IVB:  What makes your new release special?

K-S:  Smoke in my Veins is full of excitement and pleasure because it contains rhythmic chanting with depth!   I believe that losing yourself in rhythmic movements that get your pulse racing can induce a mood of frenzied exhilaration.  In addition I hope that my vulnerable lyrics will reach you deep inside.

IVB:  What are your future plans?

K-S:  I’m working on a new album which I’m super excited about.  Because of the success of my  single “Hello,” which reached #38 on the Top 40 Billboard Charts, and my album in the United States and the UK, I am planning a mini-tour.  In addition to my music, I’m still working as an actress.  I am filming a psycho thriller at the moment, and my part is exciting and challenging.

I am also producing my play, Breaking the Silence, in Geneva next January.  I wrote the play for an amazing cause that we should all be more aware of called Human Rights Watch.

In Africa, young girls are getting married between the ages of 13 to 14, and are starting families.  Medically speaking, they are far too young to give birth,  and often end up with vaginal fistulas, resulting in their rejection by their husbands and the community.   This condition can be corrected with a tiny, inexpensive operation that can save these girls.

IVB:  Do you have any stories you want to share about your band – touring, recording, or fan interaction.

K-S:  While touring with Blue on their UK tour, my dancing DJ’s system completely broke down on set, forcing me to sing a cappella in front of an audience of 4000!  I loved every second.  It was such a treat being on this one month tour with Blue’s four guys, Duncan James, Lee Ryan, Simon Webbe and Antony Costa.

IVB:  What types of social media do you use?

K-S:  I love Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, as well as YouTube.  In fact, the music video for my song “Hello” was recorded using some of the tech from Snapchat.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out

Jon Mullane set to release new album and documentary

Jon Mullane is an award winning rock/pop singer and songwriter who is originally from Canada.  Mullane is releasing is new album, Shine, on Friday, September 16.  In celebration of this event, and the soon to be released documentary of his life, entitled Shine On, Mullane is hosting a show at the Acoustic Playhouse at the Dragonfly in Hollywood, California.  The doors will open tonight at 8:30 p.m., with the documentary screening starting at 9.  The screening will be followed at 9:45 p.m. with a full band concert featuring all the songs on the new album.

A videographer will be in attendance and the footage from the release show will be added to the documentary before it is submitted for international distribution by documentary filmmaker John Rosborough of RPM Productions.

Mullane is also one of the founders and one of the performers for the “Live The Dream Tour,” which recently held a successful fundraising show at the Wilshire Ebell Theater.   You can find out more about this organization, the fundraiser, and its goals by visiting their website.

Check out Mullane’s music video for his latest single “Born Beautiful” by clicking here.  The single serves as the catalyst for Jon’s partnership with the Campaign to Change Direction, an organization dedicated to changing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.  As a result of this partnership, Mullane’s image appeared in Times Square, and he is featured prominently on their news page along with news about other partners including Prince Harry, Michelle Obama, Richard Gere, and Chris Stapleton.

In addition, the video has been nominated for an International Music & Entertainment Award (IMEA) as Best Music Video, while Mulane has also been nominated for Best Pop Artist.   The video is also being considered for a Hollywood Music in Media Award (HMMA) and has been submitted to the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) for consideration for a Grammy, of which Mullane is a voting member.

Have fun at the premiere and join us again soon as we review the new album and publish our interview with Mullane.  In the meantime, check out his website and Facebook pages and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Camille Bloom’s newest release exposes her talent

Seattle-based indie artist Camille Bloom is an open book in her latest offering, Pieces of Me, which she released on September 9.  Over the years, Bloom has released five full length albums (including this one) and three EPs, but she has never exposed herself as much as she does on her very personal Pieces of Me.

Armed with this new release, Bloom has hit the road again on a 15 city tour in support of her new material.  Bloom also intends to hit a few more cities afterwards, including our hometown of Missoula, Montana, on her release tour.  Her travels will take her to Utah, Colorado, Arizona and California, with stops at such venues as Avogrado’s Number in Fort Collins, Colorado; Blackboard Café in Prescott Valley, Arizona; Uptown Billards in Flagstaff, Arizona; The Gallery in Phoeniz, Arizona; Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood, California and Lestat’s West Music Venue in San Diego, California.

Music Connection Magazine said it best, “It doesn’t take too long to fall in love with Camille Bloom.  She is funny, down to earth and just an excellent songwriter . . . whether solo or supported.  Bloom’s touring career has a bright future.”

From the gentle soothing sounds of “Lift me Up” to the closing notes of the dance remix of the same song, Pieces of Me provides a close personal look into the genius that is Bloom.  Every song continues that theme, with the title track, “Hit the Road,” and “Turn Back to You” as some of the strongest tunes.  We especially love the sound of Zak Borden’s mandolin in “Turn Back to You,” which adds the perfect supporting touch to underscore the truth of her lyrics.

We strongly recommend this album, which has reset the bar high for other indie artists to attain.  This album is once again definitely in the running as one of the best of 2016.

For more on Bloom, check out her website and Facebook pages, follow her on Twitter, and subscribe to her YouTube channel.  If you’re on the west coast, make sure you get to one of her shows – you will definitely not be disappointed in the quality of material Bloom brings to each show.