Tag: Prince

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

Get it or forget it – DJ Lag, Scott Sharrard, Risky Motion, Mall Grab, Nika Cantabile

Winter is coming soon, but we’ve got some hot music to keep you warm.  Check out these five new artists, and keep coming back for more.

Artist Name:  DJ Lag

Album Name:  Stampit

Label:  Goon Club Allstars

Genre:  Gqom

Track Listing:  1.  3 Step Culo; 2.  Let’s do This; 3.  Drumming; 4.  Switz

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  This is our first encounter with the music genre of “Gqom,” and we find it to be percussion-intensive dance music, originating from South Africa.  DJ Lag is considered the king of this form of music that is taking the European continent by storm, and we can see the appeal.  It is the perfect soundtrack for dance clubs and should definitely be on the radar and in the mixes of all smart DJs.  When you hear this incessant beat, the listener can’t help but get up and dance.  It might also be appropriate for some interesting commercial placements, as this music grabs your attention as it takes over your ears and brain.

Recommendation: Definitely worth checking out, especially if you love to dance.

Artist Name:  Scott Sharrard

Album Name:  Saving Grace

Label:  We Save Music

Genre:  Blues/Southern Rock

Track Listing:  1.  High Cost of Loving You; 2.  Faith to Arise; 3.  Saving Grace; 4.  Everything a Good Man Needs (ft Taj Mahal); 5.  Angeline; 6.  Words Can’t Say; 7.  She Can’t Wait; 8.  Sweet Compromise; 9.  Tell the Truth; 10.  Keep me in Your Heart; 11.  Sentimental Fool

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Grammy-nominated artist Scott Sharrard may be familiar to fans of the Gregg Allman Band, as he served as its Musical Director.  On this amazing solo album, he is joined by some of the best in the business, including Hi Rhythm, The Swampers of Muscle Shoals and Taj Mahal, the latter joining Sharrard on Allman’s last known original tune, “Everything a Good Man Needs.”  The album kicks off with the tune “High Cost of Loving You,” which is the perfect segue between Allman’s southern rock sound and the new bluesy sound of Sharrard.  He follows that up with a beautiful ballad “Faith to Arise” before completing blowing us away with the title track, and everything that follows, including an amazing cover of the Allman Brothers‘ classic, “Angeline.”  This one should appeal to all lovers of southern rock and the blues.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one today!

Artist Name:  Risky Motion

Album Name:  Wide Open

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Psychedelia/Funk/Groove/Synth

Track Listing:  1.   Get it Going; 2.  Thrillest Night; 3.  Bedrock; 4.  Tranquillamente; 5.  Trip my Play; 6.  Wide Open; 7.  Vilified; 8.  Rise Up; 9.  Bring it Down; 10.  Bring it Down (radio edit)

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We introduced you to this incredible band in our Ten Great Singles of September article, and believe us that the rest of the album is just as great.  They have already been named as Artist of the Month at Austin, Texas radio station WUTX, and every other radio station should be adding them as well.  David Rosenboom has truly captured the spirit of Prince in this amazing collection of dance tunes that would likewise be at home on your favorite radio station.  We really love the instrumental intro on “Tranquillamente,” as well as “Get it Going,” “Trip my Play,” “Wide Open,” and “Bring it Down.”

Recommendation:  You need this one in your collection, so hurry out and get it soon!

Artist Name:  Mall Grab

Album Name:  How the Dogs Chill, Vol. 1

Label:  Looking for Trouble

Genre:  Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  Liverpool Street in the Rain; 2.  Bust; 3.  Looking for Trouble; 4.  Get Impetuous

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  Mall Grab lays down some grooves that will definitely get you up and moving towards the dance floor.  His imprint is aptly named, as his music could definitely get you in trouble.  It has such a catchy beat that you will not be able to stop yourself from grooving to it,   This one is just plain fun and should be on the radar for every smart DJ compiling his or her next mix tape.

Recommendation:  Get it and dance!

Artist Name:  Nika Cantabile

Album Name:  Naked Soul Opus 2

Label:  Dance Plant Records

Genre:  Art Rock Fantasy Violin

Track Listing:  1.  Alchemia Story; 2.  Black Clover; 3.  Full Moon; 4.  Magi the Labyrinth of Magic; 5.  Code Ceass – Colors; 6.  Boruto – Naruto Next Generation; 7.  Neon Genesis; 8.  Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso – Hikaru Nara; 9.  Boruto End 5; 10.  Major 2nd; 11.  No Game No Life; 12.  Black Clover End 2; 13.  Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso – Orange; 14.  The Legend of Zelda – Gerudo Valley; 15.  Laputa the Castle in the Sky; 16.  Shokugeki no Soma San no Sara; 17.  Alchemia Story (acoustic); 18.  Attack on Titan

Publicist:  Presstown PR

Review:  Just when you thought Lindsey Stirling had the market on violin, along comes Montreal virtuoso violinist Nika Cantabile to challenge the queen.  Cantabile is doing for anime music what Stirling has done for pop, and is making this amazing sound quite popular.  We love that the violin is fast becoming an instrument that is truly respected outside of the country/Americana scene, as it is capable of adding so much intensity to any song.  We simply love this album, which is being added to our daily soundtrack, and obviously going on repeat.

Recommendation:  If you love music, you simply must check this one out and Get it today!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Sterling Infinity, I See Rivers, The Chamanas, Rocket 3, Escape Goat

We’re back on a Wednesday for another round of Get it or Forget it.  We have five new bands for you to check out, so let’s get this party rolling.

Artist Name:  Sterling Infinity

Album Name:  Sterling Infinity (Deluxe)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  EDM/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Sterling Infinity (Calling); 2.  Put me in Your Mouth; 3.  Wolf Sex; 4.  #Hypnotized – #SexDrone Remix; 5.  Say Hey 2U;  6.  You’ve Changed; 7.  #XWeveLanded – Soul Raptured Remix; 8.  The Infinite One -1- Sterling Infinity; 9.  #Hypnotized (Pyramid Black Club Remix); 10.  #Hypnotized (Baby Girl); 11.  #Hypnotized – #SexDrone Remix (radio version); 12.  Xstacy We’ve Landed

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  Listening to the lyrics of these intense dance tunes, it’s hard to believe that Sterling Infinity was a former gospel singer.  What he is now is the reincarnation of Prince, and his lyrics are filled with sexual images and innuendos, superimposed over a driving dance beat.  These songs will definitely get you moving on the dance floor.  Apparently, he is hoping you really like “#Hypnotized,” as there are four versions of the song on this album.  It is hard to get an accurate impression of the singer from these dance tunes, and we hope that he releases some more lyric-driven songs in the future like “Say Hey 2U” and “You’ve Changed,” which could do well on the radio.

Recommendation:  If you love to dance, then this is your album.  If you prefer songs with substance, then you might want to forget this one.

Artist Name:  I See Rivers

Album Name:  I See Rivers

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Play it Cool; 2.  Give Up; 3.  I Don’t Know; 4.  I Think I Like You

Publicist:  Lander PR

Review:  The first thing that grabs you about I See Rivers is the incredible harmony of their voices.  The songs are well written and would do well on the radio and as placements on television and film.  These ladies could SING, and could probably sell copies of them singing the phone book.  They remind us of such wonderful girl groups as Wilson Phillips, Raining Jain and Redhead Express.  Our only regret is that there are only four tracks on the EP, because we want to hear more.  This one is definitely going on repeat.

Recommendation:  I See Rivers is heading to the top of the charts.  Get this one now.

Artist Name:  The Chamanas

Album Name:  NEA II

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Latin Pop

Track Listing:  1.  La Verdad; 2.  Wedding Cake; 3.  Un Tulipán; 4.  Primera Vez; 5.  Descansar; 6.  Feel it Still; 7.  El Farol; 8.  Saltar; 9.  Alma Ciega; 10.  Desprender

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  The Chamanas hail from the bordertowns of El Paso, Texas and Cuidad Juarez, Mexico, and have already garnered a Latin Grammy nomination for their debut album.  On NEA II, they have re-recorded their sophomore album NEA, and added their first English language songs to the mix.  Behind the amazingly silky smooth vocals of Paulina Reza, the band, composed of Manual Calderon on keys, Hectro Carreon on guitar and Alejandro Bustillios on drums continues the rich musical heritage of Selena, making this incredible Latin pop available to America.  Regardless of whether you know Spanish or not, you will love the sound of this band, and will want to hear them again and again, especially their Spanish cover of Portugal. The Man‘s huge hit, “Feel it Still.”

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one, the sooner the better!

Artist Name:  Rocket 3

Album Name:  What’s the Frequency?

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  I Choose Love; 2.  Echoes; 3.  What If; 4.  Hip Shot; 5.  Favorite Thing; 6.  Slow Your Roll; 7.  Giving Up; 8.  I Don’t Need You; 9.  Evershine

Publicist:  In Music We Trust

Review:  Portland-based pop-punk band Rocket 3 has been burning up the local music scene since 2012, and released their debut album Burn in 2014.  The album reached #76 on the CMJ Top 200 album charts, and earned the band critical praise.  They return for their sophomore release with further proof that they are not a fluke.  With a sound similar to No Doubt, these guys could just make as huge a splash on Top 40 radio as they have on College Radio.  The songs are generally upbeat, despite the heavy tone of the lyrics.  Overall, the songs are generally relatable, as we have all been through the ups and downs of love and most of us addictions as well.  Listen carefully to the lyrics and be encouraged that you are not alone.

Recommendation:  This one deserves to be in the music library of every pop music lover.  Get it.

Artist Name:  Escape Goat

Album Name:  Escape Goat

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Funk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Imaginary Saint; 2.  Prisoner’s Dilemma; 3.  Beehive; 4.  Autopilot; 5.  Fortify; 6.  Writing on the Wall

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Edmonton, Canada has provided us with another dose of great alternative indie music in the form of Escape Goat.  Their music is strong, with well-written lyrics, a funky bass beat from Erin Dobbin, and memorable vocals from lead singer Scott Renton.  The band also features amazing guitar licks from guitarist Neil Jackson and a steady drum beat from Kyle Anderson.  The album starts off strong with “Imaginary Saint” and continues to impress all the way through.  Their music contains the best of rock combined with funk, and should make them even more accessible to the American radio scene, especially college radio.  We think the band would do well touring the States, and look forward to the opportunity to catch their live performance.

Recommendation:  If you love to rock, or just love great music, then you simply must Get this one.

 

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

Get it or forget it – The Charlatans, MINKA, Gina Sicilia

Working our way through a massive hill of review requests and found these three new artists to share with you.  While we are familiar with one of them, the other two are brand new to us.  Grab your coffee and check out what we think of their new releases.

Artist Name:  The Charlatans

Album Name:  Different Days

Label:  BMG/The End Records

Genre:  Brit Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Hey Sunrise; 2.  Solutions; 3.  Different Days; 4.  Future Tense; 5.  Plastic Machinery; 6.  The Forgotten One; 7.  Not Forgotten; 8.  There will be Chances; 9.  Over Again; 10.  The Same House; 11.  Let’s go Together; 12.  The Setting Sun; 13.  Spinning Out 

Publicist:  The End Records PR

Review:  It’s hard to believe that Different Days is the 13th album released by The Charlatans, and we have never heard of them before.   But thanks to our friends at BMG and The End, they are now on our radar and we are overjoyed for the chance to review their latest collaboration, featuring such a diverse list of special musical guests as Paul Weller, Johnny Marr, and Sharon Horgan, as well as writers Ian Rankin and Kurt Wagner, who provide spoken word tracks that complement the album (“Future Tense” and “The Forgotten One”).  The band has a core of Tim Burgess, Martin Blunt, Mark Collins and Tony Rogers, and has never been afraid to supplement that core with special guests, resulting in an auditory experience that warms the heart, stimulates the mind and keeps the toes tapping.  The album has a 90’s vibe that is refreshing yet familiar, and features such strong songs as “Solutions,” the title track,  “Plastic Machinery” (the first single), “Not Forgotten,” “There Will be Chances,” and “Spinning Out” (the masterful conclusion to an amazing work of art).

Recommendation:   Different Days will be released on May 26 on all digital platforms, as well as in hard copy CD and vinyl.  We highly suggest you pre-order it so that you will be sure to Get It as soon as it is available.  In the meantime, check out their Facebook page for more information.

Artist Name:  MINKA

Album Name:  Born in the Viper Room

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jam/Dance

Track Listing:  1.  I Can’t Shake This Feeling; 2.  Josephine; 3.  Gravity; 4.  Company Man; 5.  Still Waiting 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  OMG!  We were not prepared for the magic that is MINKA, a jamming dance band out of Philadelphia.  Where have these guys been hiding?  Borrowing heavily from the 80’s with a healthy dose of Bowie and Prince, their music compels you to get up and dance.  It has a great beat and a feel good vibe that makes everything better.  It is easy to see why they have become one of the best dance bands on the East Coast.  We just wish there were more than five songs on the EP.  If the band intended to entice their listeners with just enough to make you want more, then they have succeeded.   While we seriously love the lead track, “I Can’t Shake This Feeling,” we also love “Josephine,” their first single.  You can’t go wrong with this EP.

Recommendation:  We sincerely recommend this EP and suggest you pre-order it to ensure you are first in line when it is released on May 26.  Do whatever you have to do but you simply must Get It.

Artist Name:  Gina Sicilia

Album Name:  Tug of War

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter Blues/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Don’t Want to be (in Love); 2.  Damaging Me; 3.  He Called me Baby; 4.  I’ll Stand Up; 5.  Never Gonna End; 6.  I Cried; 7.  They Never pay Me; 8.  Abandoned; 9.  Tell Him; 10.  All my Lovin’; 11.  Heaven 

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  Already a rising voice in the blues community, Gina Sicilia shows her songwriting chops on Tug of War, her seventh album in the last 10 years.  Her voice is unique, with a strong soulful sound, and the depth of her lyrics shine through every track on the album.  From the first notes of “I Don’t Want to be (in Love),” it quickly becomes obvious that this young woman is a force to be reckoned with, and someone who most definitely will have a long career ahead.  Her vocals are soothing while delivering honest and personal lyrics with universal themes that instantly connect with her listeners, especially the second track, “Damaging Me.”   The production efforts of Grammy-winner Glenn Barratt and Grammy-nominated Dave Darling bring out all the warmth of her voice, combined with a can’t-miss musical accompaniment that should cement Sicilia’s place on the musical landscape.  We dig every track on the album, which should be in the library of every serious audiophile.  There’s also a couple of hidden gems in her covers of the 60’s songs “Tell Her” and “All my Loving.”

Recommendation:  Surely a candidate for best album of 2017, Tug of War has everything a true music lover wants and needs in an album.  We are proud to offer our highest recommendation for this album, which will be released on June 2, and urge you to pre-order it so that you will be sure to Get It before it’s gone.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: vol 16

Welcome to the last week of April.  We have been getting so much response from indie artists lately, and are proud to be able to introduce you to some new artists that are definitely worth checking out.  Grab your coffee, put on your headphones, and check out what’s happening in the world of indie music and theater.

MCT’S PRODUCTION OF ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ OPENS THIS WEEK

The final production of the season for the Missoula Community Theater, The Wizard of Oz, opens to the public on Friday, April 28.  Featuring a large cast and directed by local dance icon Heather Adams, the show is scheduled for three weeks of performances.  Tickets are available at the MCT Center for Performing Art Box Office, as well as online at MCTink.org.  We’ll have a review of the opening night performance this weekend.

ALEXIS KEEGAN HONORS PRINCE WITH LATEST LIVE VIDEO

Hard to believe that Prince has been gone for a year.  Multi-LA Music Critic Award winner Alexis Keegan recently honored Prince during her concert at the world-famous Mint in Los Angeles.  Check out her amazing cover of “When Doves Fly/Purple Rain.”

ADHOC RELEASES VIDEO FOR ‘MY CITY’

Adhoc is a band out of Montreal that has reached out to debut their new music video for “My City.”  Check it out and let us know what you think about these guys.

K-SYRAN IS BACK WITH THE VIDEO RELEASE OF ‘DIZZY’

Norway’s K-Syran is back with another dance tune that has been very popular in Europe.  Check her out and let us know your opinion of this interesting artist.

BIRDSWORTH PROMISES TO ‘TREAT US GOOD’

Just learned about this promising British group Birdsworth, who record all their music in a shed and toss out their own blend of tea bags at their shows.  We think you’ll like their latest music video, which was released last month.  Let us know what you think.

MESALFIE RELEASES VISUALLY STUNNING MUSIC VIDEO

Rome-based indie pop artist MesAlfie has released a beautiful, artfully stunning music video for his single, “Must see New York.”  We think you will love it for the amazing artwork, but we love the song as well.  Let us know what you think and we’ll see you next week.