Tag: Sofar Sounds

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Theatre

Monday Mashup Vol 4: What’s new in the indie world today?

Happy Monday – can you believe there are only two more Mondays after today left in this year?  Has it been a good one for you?  If not, what are you doing to change the future?  Indie artists are our hope for a brighter tomorrow, so get up, get busy, and let’s change the world for the better.

Kari Kimmel releases new album

Indie artist extraordinaire Kari Kimmel is one of the most well-known of indie artists, since her music has been heard in countless television shows, movies and commercials.  Hot on the success of her last release, Poppyfields, Kimmel is releasing an album of covers on December 15.  Check back for our review of the new CD.  In the meantime, get out and add it to your collection.  You can pre-order now on iTunes.

Foxtrax plays Sofar Sounds Los Angeles

Foxtrax, who we introduced to you in August, performed at last night’s Secret Holiday Show for Sofar Sounds Los Angeles, which was the 300th Sofar Sounds show.   They previously had performed a residency at Sofar Sounds in October.  Unfortunately we couldn’t be there, but we are sure it was a smashing success.  If you are an indie artist, you owe it to yourself and your career to become part of the Sofar Sounds experience.  Congratulations to Sofar Sounds on 300 shows.  Thanks for all you do for indie artists!!!

Alexis Keegan set to perform at The Mint

The music of Alexis Keegan was born in the soulful sounds of Motown and R&B, and Keegan wants to go back to those roots.  If you’re lucky enough to live in Los Angeles, you can get an early taste of the new sound by attending her performance on January 28, 2017 at the world famous Mint.  We think you will be pleased with the new sound.

Cindy Alexander to open for Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin

Speaking of upcoming concerts, two of the best artists on Blue Élan Records will be performing together in a special show at Hollywood’s famed Hotel Café on January 22, 2017 on their Second Stage.  Don’t miss this opportunity to hear some of the best music in Los Angeles when Cindy Alexander opens for the famed Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin.

Congrats to Janiva Magness for her Grammy nomination

And speaking of Blue Élan Records’ artists, we send out our heartiest congratulations to Janiva Magness for her recent Grammy nomination for Contemporary Blues for her album Love Wins Again, a first for both Magness and Blue Élan Records.

StageCrafts, L.L.C. to take over management of Stage/Sound

Theatre Unleashed Managing Director Gregory Crafts and his talented wife Jenn Scuderi Crafts have launched a new venture, StageCrafts, L.L.C., which will take over management of Koreatown’s Stage/Sound venue, effective January 1.  This is an amazing venue where we were able to catch Round Rock a few years ago.  We wish them the best as they continue to keep intimate theatre alive in the Los Angeles area.

Video Releases

Redhead Express, one of our favorite indie groups, has released their latest music video, just in time for Christmas.  This one is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit, as Kendra, LaRae, Alisa and Meghan cover “Away in a Manger,” bluegrass style.

Patrick Joseph has released a live video of his amazing song, “Piece of Your Love.”  This one gives us goosebumps.  Enjoy.

Come back tomorrow for another edition of Get it or Forget it.  Until then, keep it indie!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out

My Brothers and I bring their music south

Portland, Oregon based pop quintet My Brothers and I are headed south for their first-ever acoustic trio performances.   Composed of brothers David Wurgler on lead vocals, Erik Wurgler on bass and Scott Wurgler on drums, along with childhood friends Jordan Roach on guitar and Johnny Iliyn on keys, they have been burning up the country on their recent tour, in preparation for the release of their new album, Live at Mississippi Studios.

The trio will be performing at Sofar Sounds in Venice Beach on Thursday, August 25 and The Hotel Café in Hollywood on August 26 before heading off to Phoenix (August 27) and Tucson (August 28) for two more Sofar Sounds showcases.

Their debut full-length album, Don’t Dream Alone showed their wide range of influences, with a sound that is melodic, soulful, and danceable.   “We’re influenced by pop, hip-hop, the blues, Motown, funk, and soul,” says bassist Erik.  “This album has soul.  We’re influenced by modern artists and the classics.  Our songs fit into the current musical landscape but with throwback vibes.”

The band, which is signed to Expunged Records, has already garnered placement in TV shows like ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars, received airplay on numerous radio stations, and launched a successful national tour in support of the album, which was recorded at Miracle Lake Studios with Skyler Norwood at the helm (who’s produced Blind Pilot, Priory, and Horsefeathers) and brings the energy that floods their live performance.
 
“I think the best part of being a band is that you collaborate.  Don’t Dream Alone is a combination of how these songs sounded in all of our heads, so naturally some ideas stayed while others had to be left behind. But we are all absolutely amazed by the final product; it’s something we’re all very proud of,” says Scott, the band’s drummer and eldest brother.
 
Don’t Dream Alone represents the idea of dreaming unselfishly.  “People dream for themselves everyday,” comments lead singer David, “but when you dream with or for other people amazing things can happen.”  
 
“With Don’t Dream Alone, the challenge was to bring and capture the same energy from our live shows, in to the studio; capture what fans love about our performances and put it on record.  Skyler did an amazing job of that,” adds Erik.  “The vocals and harmonies are the highlights of this record,” continues Erik.  “Unleashing David in the vocal booth was special.  This was David’s first time ever recording in a studio.  Multiple times he would do something with his voice and we’d look at each other in awe.”  
Los Angeles radio station KCRW even went so far as to say “lead singer David Wurgler’s rich voice will remind you of John Legend.”
 
With the success of Don’t Dream Alone, their label is planning to release a remix EP featuring several tracks off of the album, commemorating the one year anniversary of the release of Don’t Dream Alone on September 23.