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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Reviews

Jesse Macht lays it all out on Hotel Cafe Second Stage

Several years ago our friend Laura G. Falls (Red Boot PR) turned us on to one of her clients, Jesse Macht.  At the time he had just released what became one of our favorite albums, Suitcase Heart, which we reviewed back in January 2015 on AXS.com.

Macht’s father is actor Stephen Macht, and his brother is Gabriel Macht, star of USA’s Suits.  Although he isn’t an actor, he has still made a presence in Hollywood with the placement of his music in a multitude of shows, including The Next Great American Band, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, LA Ink, The Voice, and much of Viacom’s programming.

Through his publicist, Macht became affiliated with Keaton Simons and his step-father, Eric Roberts.  As a result, Simons placed his song “When I Go” on the Suits season 5 episode “Faith,” while Roberts became a recurring character on the show.

Macht brought his “A” game to the intimate Second Stage at the renowned Hotel Café.  His band included Rob Humphreys on drums Kenneth Belcher on guitar, Jeff Liffmann on piano and Tyler Carroll on bass.

During the show, he played songs from his diverse catalog, including the title track to his latest album, I Was Born, which was become one of his most successful songs, and “Broken my Faith,” which is one of our favorite songs off Suitcase Heart.  Despite some technical difficulties mid-set, Macht and his band turned in a superlative set, culminating in one of the best covers we have ever heard of the Tina Turner classic, “What’s Love Got to do With It.”

All in all it was a wonderful night of great music and catching up with friends, as Roberts and his wife Eliza were among the audience members, as well as Alisha and Dan Kalisher of Sleep Machine, another Red Boot client.  We highly recommend going to his live performance if he ever makes it to where you live.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 25

Happy Monday!  So glad to have another opportunity to share new music with you.  It’s gonna be busy now since I just started working full-time as of yesterday, but we will still get  you lots of great music to review and consider.  Here is what’s new this week.

WORLD PREMIERE SNEAK PREVIEWS

We have been asked to premiere a couple of songs for you this week.  Both of these songs will be available for purchase or streaming on Friday, July 20.

First up is Liron, who reminds us of the best of Arianna Grande but with her own passion.  Please enjoy her new song “Pina Colada” and don’t forget to visit your favorite retailer (itunes, Spotify, etc) on Friday to download it or stream it for yourself.  Definitely check out her website for all the links.  We think you’ll be hearing a lot more from this future pop princess.

Our second premiere is from the sophomore album of Chelsea Gill, a pop-country artist from Nashville, courtesy of our friend, Gayle Davidson.  Expectations are high for this bright young artist, and we think she has a definite chance at making it big.  Check out “Ray-Bans” and visit her website for links to more of her music.

NEW SINGLES

Our next single today comes from Australian Tom Ugly, who wants to know “Who is the real villain?”  Check out his upbeat and funky “Villain” and watch for the music video to come soon.

Kris Angelis is one of our favorite artists from Los Angeles, and we have followed her career since the beginning.  Her latest single, “Stained Glass,” was released last Friday, and we think it is one of her best ever.  We can’t wait for her upcoming EP, and think you should definitely check her out.

Our final single this week is from one of the best blues singers in the country, Gina Sicilia.  Her eighth studio album will be out August 31, and we can’t wait.  In the meantime, enjoy “Heard the Lie.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from a vegan who has reached her limits.  Junk Wave premieres their spicy and audacious video “Dirty Fat Burger,” and we think you’ll be extra hungry for it.  This one comes courtesy of our friends at Red Boot PR.  Let us know what you think.

Our next video is from Ninja Sex Party and features Finn Wolfhard from the popular Netflix series Stranger Things.  Check out “Danny Don’t you Know,” which we absolutely love!  The new album will be out August 7.

Our third video is from the amazing Ivory Layne, whose new album just dropped.  We love her pop sound, and think you will likewise love “Committed.”

Our next video finds Kid Bloom at your “Parents House.”  Enjoy this pop-rock smash and stay tuned for more from this up and coming band.

Our final video today is from Dead Ceremony.  We featured the single version of “All This Noise” back in May and are happy to now share their lyric video.  Have a great week.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Durango Songwriters Expo Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Canyon City, Monica Chapman, Marc Berger, Alex Mabey

We were so amazed at the level of talent at this year’s Durango Songwriters Expo.  It was our first trip since we moved to Montana, and the talent pool, which has already spawned such acts as Meghan Trainor, Alissa Moreno, Tim Fagan and others just keeps getting better.  Two of our reviews today are artists we saw perform at DSE.  We think all of these reviews will encourage and entice you to continue supporting indie music.

Artist NameCanyon City

Album NameConstellation

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Our Way; 2.  Find You; 3.  Midnight Flight; 4.  Like I Did; 5.  Train; 6.  For the Day; 7.  Oh my God; 8.  Satellite; 9.  Run; 10.  Be Scared With Me

Publicist:  Red Boot PR

Review:  Canyon City aka Paul Johnson has a sound smooth as silk, with a dreamy voice that will soothe the listener’s soul and provide the perfect background for a major chill session.  His music goes down like a fine glass of wine, warming your body as his vibe eases your tensions and stresses, creating a truly relaxing feel.  This is music that would be at home on Hot AC and AAA stations, as this music demands radio airplay.  From the first track onwards, Canyon City gives you song after song that will change your mind about indie music.  There are no weak tracks on the album, but we really love “Our Way,” the title track (which is also the first single), “Train,” “For the Day,” and “Satellite.”

Recommendation:  This is a must have for your musical collection.  It will soon become one of your favorites, so Get it now and play it often.

Artist NameMonica Chapman

Album NameSmall World

Label:  Live Records

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  A Shine on Your Shoes; 2.  Goldfinger; 3.  Piel Canela; 4.  Small World; 5.  Caravan; 6.  Baby It’s Cold Outside; 7.  Big Spender; 8.  What Kind of Fool am I; 9.  So in Love; 10.  Orange Colored Sky; 11.  Don’t Explain; 12.  A Foggy Day

Publicist:  None

Review:  Monica Chapman is a Canadian artist who was born in Romania, and teaches jazz in her spare time.  She has gathered a stellar collection of jazz standards and incorporated the incomparable voices of Mike Murley, Reg Schwager and Kevin Turcotte into her sound.  Jazz standards never go out of style, and Chapman has the perfect voice for these songs.   We love great horns, and she uses them to perfection, especially on “A Shine on Your Shoes.”  This is a great soundtrack for your daily or weekly happy hour, and the tunes will surely put a smile on your face.  We love her take on the James Bond classic “Goldfinger,” as well as the Duke Ellington classic “Caravan.”  Other impressive gems are “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Big Spender,” and “Orange Colored Sky.”

Recommendation:  If you love jazz, then this is a great album for your collection.

Artist NameMarc Berger

Album NameRide

Label:  Real Records

Genre:   Americana/Roots

Track Listing:  1.  Nobody Gonna Ride on the Railroad; 2.  Take it on the Chin; 3.  Ride; 4.  Time Waits for no Man; 5.  Montana; 6.  Twister; 7.  Heavenly Ancients; 8.  Object of my Affection; 9.  Long way from Vixenburg; 10.  A Bottle of Wine, a Suitcase, an Umbrella; 11.  Object of my Affection (instrumental)

Publicist:  None

Review:  Marc Berger has the perfect voice for roots/Americana – full of gravel, spit and determination.  He underscores his gritty sound with a musical background that is soothing, smooth and pure.  The underlying mandolin, accordion, slide guitar and harmonica flow seamlessly with the percussion and acoustic guitar.  This album takes off from the first note and never disappoints.   While every track is wonderful, we particularly love the title track, “Time Waits for no Man,” “Montana,” “Twister,” and “Long Way from Vixenburg.”

Recommendation:  This one is a worthy addition to your Americana collection – Get it.

Artist NameAlex Mabey

Album NameEnough

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Bravest Daughter; 2.  Enough; 3.  Wild and Free; 4.  Soldier’s Wife; 5.  Run to the Edge; 6.  Jesus Was

Publicist:  None

Review:  We met this artist at DSE, and were immediately overcome with the beauty of her voice and the power of her words.  That amazement continues from the opening notes of “Bravest Daughter,” the first track of her EP Enough, as it becomes quickly clear that Alex Mabey has arrived as the new voice in folk/Americana music.  Her songs are well crafted, her voice soars like a bird, and the musical accompaniment is first rate, especially the cello on the first track and on “Soldier’s Wife.”   Our only complaint is that this six-song EP is simply too short – merely teasing us with her greatness.   The title track has such potential for placement in television and film, and creates a yearning for Mabey’s music that can never be fully quenched, but will keep bringing the listener back for more.  “Wild and Free” and “Run to the Edge” likewise grabbed our attention, and deserve serious radio airplay.

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and Get this one now.  It is an absolute must have for your musical library.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 36

Happy Monday.  Looking forward to my trip to Oklahoma tomorrow to visit with family.  I will have my laptop with me, so I’ll still be writing articles while I’m there.  Still have about 13 more albums to review for the month of September, so prepare to be wowed by these impressive indie artists.

RACHEL ARIANNA LAUNCHES ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN

We first learned about Rachel Arianna when she was nine years old, and released a song that truly touched our heart, “Walking Away With Your Heart.”  Well, four years have passed and Arianna, now 13, has released her new video for “Imperfect” which was spotlighted in the Huffington Post on Friday.  We are so proud of the stand this young lady is making, and we believe she will be making music for a long time to come.  This video brought us to tears.

JAY TINSKY AND FRIENDS SHOW LOVE TO HARVEY VICTIMS

Long-time booker Jay Tinsky, like so many of us, was impacted by the tragic events of Hurricane Harvey.  He reached out to some of the myriad of artists that have played his venues, and set up several benefit shows at Molly Malone’s in Los Angeles and Dante’s in Portland.  He still has one show left on September 26, if  you missed the first one on September 17.  Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner Shannon Hurley was one of the artists who played that first show.  Not only did she donate her talents to the benefit, she also wrote a song and made a lyric video of the song, “Love Wins.”  Thank you to all who performed and especially to Tinsky for organizing the events.

NEW MUSIC

If you’re like us, you need something dreamy to get your week off to a good start.  If that’s the case, check out the new single from Nightshifts, “All Along.”  We think it might give you the chill needed to get through your Monday.

Now that you’ve been chilled, here’s something upbeat and electronic to jump start your day.  We really love the sound of this single, and hope you will too.  Here’s “Drive” by Lael.

Our final single today should guarantee a good musical day, with its upbeat groove, impeccable vocals and overall musical excellence.  Check out “Ayo” by Isac Elliot.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video today comes from one of our favorite publicists, Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR.  It is from the group Pet Fangs, and is their first video,  “Gold Coast Dreaming.”  We think it’s another winner for the reining queen of indie promo.

Next up is the new single from Emma Cairo which we reviewed last week.  Here is her video for “L.A.,” one of the best songs on her new album.  We think you’re gonna love it as well.

Last but not least this week is the latest from indie pop icon and multiple LA Music Critic Award winner Katie Costello, who has consistently delivered some of the best videos in the world.  Here’s her song, “Hearts on Fire,” from her current album, New World.  Turn this one up!

 

 

 

 

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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 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 Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it: Year of Suns, Fort Frances, The Show Ponies

Happy Tuesday.  Time now for the 19th installment of Get it or Forget It.  Today we’re featuring music from a pair of clients of the uber amazing indie PR firm Red Boot PR, as well as a long awaited review of a truly outstanding artist from In Music we Trust.  Grab a cup of coffee and join us as we discuss these three new releases.

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Artist NameYear of Suns

Album NameSounds of Silence

Label:  Milk + Gum

Genre:  Indie Rock/Singer-Songwriter

Track Listing:  1.  Rode the Darkness Home; 2.  Hard to Forget; 3.  Once it Comes; 4.  Plain Sight; 5.  Autumn Light 

Publicist:  Red Boot PR

Review:  Chris Matthews aka Year of Suns has had an interesting year.  According to his publicist, Matthews moved from one unstable living scenario to another, this relative died, that relative died, then another, and another, in what would become a tragic comedy of biblical proportions . . . except it wasn’t ever funny.  To top it all off, he also had an intimate relationship fall into dissolution, and was hit by a car in the San Fernando Valley.  Despite all of this, he has created a masterpiece of simplicity with an honesty and rawness that cuts through the crap to deliver powerfully inspiring music.  All five tracks deliver a message of hope, enthroned on a simple musical backdrop that focuses the listener on the lyrics.  It is in our opinion one of the premier indie releases of 2016.  We also discovered this gem from earlier in the year.  Check it out and we think you’ll agree that this artist is the real deal, whether simple and intimate as on the EP, or with a full soundtrack as below.

Recommendation:  Don’t stop, don’t think, just Get It!

ff-alio

Artist Name: Fort Frances

Album NameAlio

Label:  Roadblock Records

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing: 1.  You got the Wrong Man; 2.  Take the Wheel; 3.  Days get Heavy; 4.  Best of Luck; 5.  Sigh of Relief; 6.  Anonymous; 7.  Everything is Starting to Make Sense; 8.  Building a Wall; 9.  These are the Mountains Moving; 10.  The Light Years; 11.  This Year is Yours 

Publicist:  In Music we Trust

Review:  On first listen, you might confuse Fort Frances with Maroon 5, as they share a great lead vocalist and an ‘in your face’ musical style that is instantly memorable.  But on closer examination, Fort Frances separates itself in a way that only indie bands can.  They recently completed a very successful tour in support of their new album, Alio.  Listening to this amazing disc confirms the reason why – this band simply rocks!  Every song is radio ready, and keeps the listener occupied with its dynamics and great lyrics.  We could easily put this album on repeat and never get tired of listening to potential hit song after potential hit song.  Best tracks include “Take the Wheel,” “Days get Heavy,” “Best of Luck,” “Anonymous,” “Building a Wall” and “These are the Mountains Moving.”  So glad we were able to introduce you to this band with an exclusive preview of their video for “Going to California” back in October.  These guys are gonna be around for a long time to come!

Recommendation:  Another no-brainer.  If you love quality rock with great musical backdrop to brilliant lyrics and a lead singer that is fast becoming one of the premier voices in indie music, then get off your butt and Get It.

photo by Daley Hake
photo by Daley Hake

Artist NameThe Show Ponies

Album NameHow it all Goes Down

Label:  FreeMan Records

Genre:  Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  The Time it Takes; 2.  This World is not my Home; 3.  Kalamazoo; 4.  Someone to Stay; 5.  Shoulda Showed Him; 6.  Folks Back Home; 7.  Only Lie; 8.  Something Good; 9.  Sweetly; 10.  If you Could Break That Chain; 11.  Don’t Call on Me; 12.  Bravery be Written; 13.  How it all Goes Down 

Publicist:  Red Boot PR

Review:  Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR has introduced this writer to a few amazing artists over the years, but none of them compare to this amazing band.  The Show Ponies combine the fun of Mumford & Sons with the lyrical brilliance of Bruce Springsteen to create musical genius that is destined to propel this band to the head of the pack and make them a household name.  Their video for “The Time it Takes,” which was formed from tour footage, is simply amazing.  The second track, “This World is not my Home,” rocks as only a true gospel bluegrass song can.  It is impossible to pick the best tracks, as every song delivers in its own way.  The multiple lead singers (Andi Carder and Clayton Chaney) make every song like a Christmas present that you can’t wait to open.  One thing that truly stands out is the amazing fiddle work of Phil Green, as well as the banjo of Carder.  Add to that the perfect percussive foundation of Kevin Brown on drums and Chaney on bass, coupled with the guitar and piano of Jason Hawk Harris and it is easy to see why we are so in love with this band.  If they ever come within 500 miles of your home, you owe it to yourself to get out and see them perform.

Recommendation:  This album is not scheduled to be released until January 20 2017, but we highly suggest you pre-order it NOW so you don’t miss out.  Here are the links:  iTunes or Google Play.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup

Monday Mashup: what’s happening in the indie world?

Welcome to our third installment of Monday Mashup.  The year is drawing to a close and indie musicians are as busy as ever.  The LA Music Critic Awards are on the horizon and this one appears to be one of the strongest ones we’ve seen in recent memory.  If you have released an album, EP, single or video since July 1, or plan to release one before December 31, please contact us so we can consider it for one of the awards.  In addition, we will have some great news to share in January regarding the Awards.  You don’t want to miss that announcement, so make sure you’re subscribed to our blog.

Jerad Finck wins grand prize in US Songwriting Competition

We reported last Monday that Jerad Finck had won the Best Pop Song in the annual US Songwriting Competition for his title track to his latest album, Criminal.  We have since learned that he also won the overall Grand Prize for the best song of 2016.  We are so proud to have introduced you to this amazing artist, and look forward to seeing what comes next.  Finck is a client of Ue3 Promotions.  Congratulations to you both.

Teen sensation Meresha releases new single “Together”

Meresha has released a new single.  According to Meresha, “In today’s world, we can’t let ourselves be divided because of our skin color, national background, religious practice, sexual preference or other beliefs.”  We wholeheartedly agree.  We think this song is great in many ways, and should be a part of your daily dose of healthy music.  Meresha is another client of Ue3 Promotions.  Download her song on iTunes or Google Play.

LA Music Critic Award winner Rod Melancon scheduled to play Hotel Café

Americana artist Rod Melancon, a two-time LA Music Critic Award winner will be playing a special show at the world famous Hotel Café in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 10.  He will be performing at 11 p.m. after the set by The Vegabonds.  Melancon is signed to Blue Élan Records and is a proud client of MAD Ink PR.  We only wish we could be in LA next weekend for this show.

Blue Élan Records releases A Blue Élan Christmas

LA Music Critic Award winner Cindy Alexander is among the artists with singles on the new Christmas release from her label, Blue Élan Records.  Check out her cover of the Dave Matthews Band’s “Christmas Song” below:

https://soundcloud.com/cindyalexander-me/christmas-song?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook

Video Releases

Red Boot PR client Lucy Woodward has released a video for her hit single “Live Live Live.”  We think you’ll agree this is an amazing song and an even more amazing video.  Check her out.

Multi LA Music Critic Awards winning trio The Spider Accomplice has released the latest in their video series supporting their album Los Angeles:  The Abduction.  Check out their video for “You Still Lie.”  We think you will see why this blog and LA Music Critic are so in love with these indie rockers.

 

That’s it for this week.  Please let us know if you have any news you want us to share.  Until next Monday . . .

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup

Monday Mashup: what’s new in the indie world?

Hope you all survived Thanksgiving week.  We’re back with another look at what’s new in the indie world.

Un5Gettable release cover of ‘NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas Happy Holidays”

Comedy/parody group Un5Gettable has released their own version of ‘NSYNC’s holiday song “Merry Christmas Happy Holidays.”  Winners of the Best Video (Comedy) for the first half of 2016, these boys have proven that there are no sacred cows in their lives.  But believe it or not, these boys can really sing, as demonstrated by this track.  Please enjoy it with our compliments.

Jerad Finck wins USA Songwriting Competition

Jerad Finck, winner of the Best CD (Male) for the second half of 2015, has another laurel to put on his mantel.  He recently won the award for Best Overall Pop song for the title track of his latest CD, Criminal.  Here’s the stripped down acoustic version of his song, recently posted to YouTube.  We think you’ll agree that this song deserves all its accolades.

Brian Mackey releases new Christmas single, “Just One Night”

We introduced you to Brian Mackey back in October when his single “Are You Listening?” was getting a lot of traction in the business.  Now Mackey has released his Christmas single, and we think you’ll dig it.  Check it out and download it from Apple Music.

Jess Penner releases lyric video for “Together”

Jess Penner, the solo singer-songwriter persona of Jessica Treskon, and one half of the dynamic duo of Kayjez, recently released a lyric video for her song “Together,” off her EP Good Times.  Check it out and see why we are so jazzed about the future of  this amazing artist.

Marina V launches food and travel blog

International indie artist Marina V has recently launched a food and travel blog.  As an musician who travels and tours around the globe, Marina V is the perfect person to be able to also report on her travels and the food she encounters while on tour.  Check out her blog here.

More video releases

Here are two more amazing videos released in the past week.  The first is by outstanding Americana band The Show Ponies, who are preparing for the release of their new album in January.  Check out their video for “The Time it Takes,” filmed while they were recently on tour.

Alexis Keegan has been a favorite of this blog and this writer since she first burst on the scene.  She recently released the video for her monster hit “Empty Heart.”  Expect a lot more great music from this artist as we head into 2017.

Please let us know if you have any news you want to share.  We’ll be back next Monday with more from the amazing world of indie music.  Thanks to Jen Lyneis of Ue3 Promotions and Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR for introducing us to some of their amazing clients.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Spiritual Rez new release brings reggae sunshine

Over the years we have had the pleasure of working with various publicists who have brought us numerous indie masterpieces, but no one has been more consistent in championing the best of the best than Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR.  Her latest client may be one of her best and we are proud to review the new cd for reggae fusion sextet Spiritual Rez, which drops on Friday, October 7.

Setting in the West is the fourth studio album for the boys from Boston, and is produced by Kenny Carkeet, the founding member of AWOLNATION.  The album also features Duddy B of The Dirty Heads, HIRIE, and Billy Kottage of Reel Big Fish, as well as co-writing with John Feldman of Goldfinger, and co-producing by Max Collins of Eve 6.

Composed of Toft Willingham on vocals, Ian “Meat” Miller on drums, Jesse Shaternick on bass, Mohamed Araki on keys, Quinn Carson on trombone and Julian Dessler on trumpet, Spiritual Rez takes reggae music further than it has ever gone before.  Check out their music video for the first single “Sober” if you doubt me.

Spiritual Rez has embarked upon a torrid tour that will take them to Oregon, Washington, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine before culminating in a show at the Ardmore Music Hall in Pennsylvania on December 16, where they will perform with Badfish, a Sublime tribute band.  The band has previously shared the stage with such greats as George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Steel Pulse and Jimmy Buffet.

The album opens with the aforementioned “Sober,” and takes off from there.  “Red Room” features Duddy B, “Together Always” features HIRIE, and “Bad Girl” features Billy Kottage, and that’s just the first four songs.  Talk about taking the listener by storm.  Check out the just released music video for the second single “Together Always.”

Speaking of “Bad Girl,” this song is a true homage to some of our favorite ska bands like No Doubt and Reel Big Fish, which is only fitting since it features Fish’s Kottage.

The best tracks of the rest of the album include “Whiskey,” “Tidal Wave,” and “Surface Tension.”  This is truly a great album for anyone who loves cutting edge reggae or ska.

Indie Voice Blog is proud to recognize the talent of Spiritual Rez and to highly recommend you immediately grab yourself a copy of Setting in the West as soon as it becomes available on October 7.