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

Get it or forget it – The Empty Pockets, The Well Pennies, Sarra, Mozes and the Firstborn, The Fisherman and The Sea

Welcome to New Music Friday.  As promised, we have five artists that are all dropping new projects today, and four of them should be very familiar to readers of this column.  Enjoy these new tunes.

Artist NameThe Empty Pockets

Album NameTanglewoods

Label:  MT Pockets Music

Genre:  Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  The Grind; 2.  Deerfield; 3.  Asleep on the Subway; 4.  Wolfpack; 5.  Brand new Eyes; 6.  Fill it Up; 7.  Island Queen; 8.  Papergirl; 9.  Tanglewoods; 10.  Over

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We introduced this band to you back in September 2017, and knew then that they were special.  That first album we reviewed earned them an LA Music Critic Award nomination, and now The Empty Pockets are back with another album, their best to date.  It flows easily within the Americana, folk and country music genres, with spotless musicianship and incredible harmonies.  The songs are well crafted and the lyrics are amazing.  They are indie music’s answer to Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town, with a more folky sound.  There is not a weak track on this album, and we plan to listen to it again and again.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go Get this one today!

Artist NameThe Well Pennies

Album NameMurmurations

Label:  Golden Bear Records

Genre:  Folk/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Ooh La La; 2.  On my Blue Sky; 3.  My Morning Star; 4.  The Wonderkind; 5.  If Anyone Breaks my Heart; 6.  Nobody Loves me Like You; 7.  Calliope; 8.  When I was the Ocean and you Were the Moon; 9.  December; 10.  The River; 11.  Wedding Song; 12.  If you Were Mine; 13.  The Starling

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We first met the dynamic duo of Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool a few years back shortly after they arrived in Los Angeles from Boston.  They were one of the amazing artists that performed monthly as part of the Blue ‘n Green showcases created by Mikal Blue and Angelique Sheppard and David Garner of Green Roots Productions.  We have been friends ever since and we are so happy to review their latest offering.  This one hits the ground running with a breezy folk/pop sound that is truly radio friendly and deserves maximum rotations on everything from AAA and Americana to Top 40 and College radio stations.  It is also perfect for placement opportunities in television and film.  You will be singing along to these songs in no time at all, especially the first track, “Ooh La La,” among others.  The album closes with the sweeping instrumental “The Starling,” which gives the album its name.  It would be perfect for placement in wildlife documentaries.

Recommendation:  Don’t think about it, just Get it today!

Artist NameSarra

Album NameSarra

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Invitation; 2.  Bloom; 3.  Your Name; 4.  The Saint; 5.  The First Time; 6.  Invisible; 7.  Beautiful Disaster; 8.  The Fall; 9.  Going Crazy; 10.  Kerosene; 11.  Confession; 12.  Natural; 13.  Reprise

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We first introduced you to Sarra last August when we featured her single “Kerosene” in our Ten Great Singles article in September.  We also featured her single “Your Name” in our Monday Mashup column in November, which garnered her an LA Music Critic Award nomination for “Rising Star.”  We are so proud to be able to review her debut album, which has exceeded even our highest expectations, from the dreamy “Invitation” to the jazzy smoothness of “Secrets” and “The Saint.”   You can’t go wrong with this one, and will find yourself listening from start to finish, again and again.  These songs are radio friendly and perfect for placement in film and television.  We guarantee this young lady will soon become a household name.

Recommendation:   This one is going to become one of your favorites, so run out and Get it right now!

Artist NameMozes and the Firstborn

Album NameDadcore

Label:  Burger Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  d; 2.  Dadcore (ft together PANGEA); 3.  a; 4.  If I; 5.  Baldy; 6.  d; 7.  Sad Supermarket Song; 8.  Fly Out I; 9.  Blow Up; 10.  c; 11.  Hello; 12.  o; 13.  Scotch Tape/Stick With you (ft Kelsey Reckling); 14.  We’re all Saints; 15.  r; 16.  Amen; 17.  c; 18.  Fly Out II

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  This is the only artist on today’s Get it or Forget it that we are unfamiliar with, that is before listening to this intriguing mix of grunge, shoegaze, power pop and indie rock.  This marks their third full-length album since signing with California based Burger Records.  They are currently on tour in the US in support of this album, and so far have released a pair of singles, “If I” and “Sad Supermarket Song.”  This band would be popular on college campuses world-wide, and could easily become a staple on college radio.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist NameThe Fisherman & The Sea

Album NameThe Hurt & The Humour

Label:  Neck of the Woods Records

Genre:  Indie Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Hurry; 2.  Stuck With a Rhyme; 3.  The Fairytale Waltz; 4.  Beggar Princess; 5.  The Undertaker; 6.  A Song for the Hills; 7.  Skinny Dip; 8.  Ugly; 9.  The Bear; 10.  Homesick; 11.  Life in the Service of Others

Publicist:  Neck of the Woods Records

Review:  This band is no stranger to our blog, as we have reviewed all three of their previous EPs:  Beggar Princess in November 2017, Stuck With a Rhyme in January 2018 and I Can’t Alone in August 2018.  They have also accumulated two nominations and one win in the LA Music Critic Awards, and took #5 on our list of Best International EPs of 2017 for Beggar Princess.  Needless to say, our expectations for their debut full-length album were pretty high, and they blew them out of the water.  This is not just a collection of previously released material, as only four of these songs were included on the three previous EPs.  This is a fresh look at those great songs and seven new ones, and we are as happy as a clam, especially with the first single, “The Fairytale Waltz.”  We are definitely going to put this one on repeat, because every track is worthy of multiple listens and likes.  Take our advice, this is one of the best international bands we have ever heard.

Recommendation:  If you only buy one international album in 2019, this one should be it.  Go Get it.  Now!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 48

Happy New Year’s Eve.  We close out the year at Indie Voice Blog with our final Monday Mashup of 2018, along with the knowledge that we had a banner year.  We started out 2018 with just over 41,000 views and are closing it knocking on the door of 91,000, an increase of almost 50,000 views.  In other words, we had more views in 2018 than in the entire life  of our blog up to that point.  Thank you one and all for your support and your faithful readership.  We have some big changes coming in 2019, so please subscribe to our blog and let’s keep sharing the indie music love.

Enjoy your celebration tonight but be safe.  Many communities are having First Night celebrations, including one here in Missoula, Montana.  It’s going to be a cold one, with temperatures in the single digits, so bundle up and enjoy all the indie music available.

We thought it only fitting to kick off this final 2018 edition with a wonderful video by Colin Devlin that reflects our thoughts.  Here’s “On New Year’s Day.”

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from 2016 LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace, who drops her new album, her first on Rebelle Road Records, on January 19.  We can’t wait to review it.  Here’s a taste of what’s to come with “Santa Ana Wind,” her take on the recent California wildfires.

Next up is a Christmas single from multiple-LA Music Critic Award nominee The Fisherman & The Sea.  Check out “Christmas on a Mountain.”

They also have a new album coming out in January and we can’t wait.  Speaking of their new album, we also give you a sneak peak of the first single, “The Fairytale Waltz.”

Our third single is perfect for tonight, as Karmic gives us their interpretation of the classic song, “Auld Lang Syne.”

Single number four comes from the amazingly gifted guitarist, Ali Handal, and features the equally amazing vocals of Debby Holiday.  We strongly agree with her sentiments in “Love More.”

Our final single this week is the first one from the forthcoming new album by The Lighthouse.  Enjoy the pop stylings of “Catch Fire.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from the new solo project of the lead singer of a band we introduced to you earlier this month.  The band is called Cheat Codes and the lead singer is Dahl.  Here’s the video for his first single, “Think About Us.”

Next up is the video of Brian Mackey‘s latest single, “Don’t Own Much.”  It features some of the finest cinematography we have seen this year and was shot during his tour of Europe.  Enjoy this one.

Our third video has the hard edge of rockers Crashing Atlas, and is very timely.  Watch how they deal with their own obsessions in “Monster.”

Our next video slows it down with a live performance of up and coming Swedish artist Marlene Oak‘s single, “In the Evening.”  We introduced her to you three weeks ago, and we still can’t get enough of this song.

We close out 2018 with the latest video from LA Music Critic Award nominee Band of Silver.  Check out “El Magnifico.”

Take care tonight.  We’ll be back next year with more great coverage of indie music and theater, and the return of our popular series, Women in Entertainment.

 

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

Get it or Forget it – Meg Williams, One Time Jupiter, The Fisherman and the Sea, John Hufford, Jay Katana

Yesterday was in the 40’s and sunny, today it’s snowing – if you don’t like the weather in Montana, just wait a minute.  Here are five more reviews to warm up your Thursday.

Artist NameMeg Williams

Album Name Maybe Someday

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Rock/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Not my Problem; 2.  Bad Lovin; 3.  Little bit of the Devil; 4.  Maybe Someday; 5.  You let me Down; 6.  I Feel a Heartache Coming

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  Meg Williams brings a freshness to the rock and blues world with her cool vocals and amazing guitar riffs.  From the first note of “Not my Problem,” it becomes quickly obvious that this young lady intends to take Nashville and the rest of the country by storm.  The comparison to Susan Tedeschi and Bonnie Raitt are spot on.  There aren’t any weak tracks on this EP, but we really love the soulful title track, and the rocking “You Let Me Down” and “I Feel a Heartache.”  This one belongs on repeat, and we think you’ll love it more with each listen, especially that guitar work.

Recommendation:  This lady is going places.  Get on board and support her now.

Artist NameOne Time Jupiter

Album NamePop Destroyer

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Modern Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Goodbye Halo; 2.  Cigarette; 3.  Moving Forward; 4.  Broken; 5.  Alive; 6.  Ocean Blue; 7.  Come Unarmed

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  A great rock album from the first note, with some blistering guitar riffs to set the mood, and a true retro classic rock vibe.  This debut EP shows a lot of promise and potential from this Louisiana band.  Their music is ripe for placement in television, film and commercials, and would also be a good fit for radio airplay, especially on stations like KROQ.  If they are half as good in concert, then this band has the goods to make it in today’s music market.  We like all the songs, but “Broken” and “Alive” really stand out as potential hits.

Recommendation:  Don’t think about it – just Get it.

Artist NameThe Fisherman and the Sea

Album NameStuck With a Rhyme

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Stuck With a Rhyme; 2.  Marina; 3.  The Funny One; 4.  Dancing With Daisies

Publicist:  Neck of the Woods Records

Review:  Their last EP Beggar Princess earned them a nomination for Best International Artist/Band in the LA Music Critic Awards, and this one is no less of an amazing EP.  This band continues to amaze us with their well-written lyrics and music, and the sheer brilliance of their musicianship.  This is a band that is prime to tackle the American music scene, and should have no problem doing just that!  They split their time between their native Helsinki and Hamburg, and deserve a break.  Our favorite track is “The Funny One,” which is a sure-fire hit.

Recommendation:  Make sure you Get this one – it will be a treasure for years to come.

Artist Name John Hufford

Album NameSleep

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk

Track Listing:  1.  It Kicks; 2.  Chicago; 3.  You’re not Here Now; 4.  Shadow; 5.  Sleep

Publicist:  Working Brilliantly

Review:  Soothing, mellow folk music reminiscent of the 60’s, and guaranteed to ease your stress and help you chill.  John Hufford has been compared to Neil Young, and the comparison is much deserved.  This five-song EP is a true breath of fresh air in the often-times crowded indie music scene, and we are proud to have this opportunity to review his music and to share it with you.    We really love the vibe of “Chicago” and “Shadow.”  This one is a keeper.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you Get this one.

Artist Name Jay Katana

Album NameBrighter Than Your Future

Label:  Fretmonkey

Genre:  Instrumental Rock

Track Listing:  1.  FreeStyler; 2.  I Need you Now; 3.  K-Koda; 4.  No Time 2 B Sorry; 5.  Sand’s Ex; 6.  When She Dies

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  From the first listen of this EP, the obvious comparison is to Dire Straits’ guitarist Mark Knopfler.  The sound is reminiscent of Top Gun, and quite frankly we would love to see Jay Katana shredding his guitar in concert.  Every song on this too short EP rocks and we can only hope that he gives us more soon.  We really love the sound of “I Need You Now” and “No Time 2 B Sorry.”

Recommendation:  Add this one to your outstanding rock guitar collection.  Get it now.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Best of 2017 Get it or Forget it Women in Entertainment

Best international EPs of 2017

We have reviewed a total of 338 albums and EPs this year.  As you can imagine, there have been quite a lot of great ones along the way, and we plan to share some of them with you over the next four days.  We are breaking our “Best of 2017” lists down into four categories – Best American EPs, Best International EPs, Best American Albums and Best International albums.  Today we will share our Top 10 Best International EPs.  Individual reviews are available as part of our blog’s “Get it or Forget it” series.

10.  Elephant Stone, Remix of Fools.  This five-song EP contains remixes from the band’s Ship of Fools album,  The best of those songs is the Young Galaxy remix of “The Devil’s Shelter.”  Check out these lads from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

9.  Amber Run, Alaska.  This four-song EP contains two songs from the band’s sophomore album For a Moment, I was Lost, as well as two cover songs, including Maggie Rodgers’ “Alaska.”  This band hails from the UK.

8.  Strange Boy, Annunciation.  The band released their debut EP with four songs.  They are also from the UK.

7.  TYA, No Money, More Love.   Queensland, Australia is responsible for this amazing band, who has brought us five new songs.

6.  The Raft, Coming up for Air.  Phil Wilson aka The Raft is responsible for two of the best EPs of 2017.  This one was released back in August.  Wilson hails from the UK.

5.  The Fisherman & the Sea, The Beggar Princess.  This EP is part of a group of four scheduled to be released before their debut full-length album later this year.  We can hardly wait.  Our first band from Finland.

4.    The Raft, Orion.  Gift number two from Phil Wilson.  This one is the best of the three EPs he released in 2017.

3.  Hundreds, Wilderness (Akustik Edition).  German siblings Eva and Philipp Milner have brought us a true treasure with an acoustic version of some of their hits, along with an acoustic cover of Bon Iver’s “Plume.”

2.  Wolf & Moon, Frames.  Stefanie and Dennis met at a party in the Netherlands, and now travel the world sharing their dreampop material.

1.  Cara Frew, Dance.  Cara splits her time between her native South Africa and the US, bringing great electro pop dance music wherever she travels.

We’ll be back tomorrow with the Top 15 American EPs.  See ya then.

 

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

Get it or forget it – 61 Ghosts, Rich McCulley, The Fisherman & the Sea, Never Ending Fall

We have spent the last two days organizing review requests for the remainder of the year, of which we have now received 97, including three holiday releases.  This will bring our total reviews for 2017 to a staggering 331, two-thirds of which will have been written in the second half of 2017.  Needless to say, it’s time to get writing.  Here are our next four reviews.

Artist Name61 Ghosts

Album Name . . . to the Edge

Label:  Bluzpik Media Group

Genre:  Blues/Roots

Track Listing:  1.  Heartbeat; 2.  No One at Your Door; 3.  World Gone Crazy; 4.  If Tears were Dirt (ft. Joe Mazzari); 5.  Show me Your Scars; 6.  Passion Tipped Arrow

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  With a raspy vocal delivery like Bruce Springsteen, 61 Ghosts lay down a roots rock and blues vibe that delivers.   Composed of Joe Mazzari on vocals and lead guitar and Dixie Deadwood on drums, this band from the upper left hand of the United States mixes blues and roots rock into their own secret formula, creating stimulating songs that just plain rock.  Check out the guitar riffs on “If Tears Were Dirt.”  This one is great from start to finish, and we guarantee you will want to listen to it over and over.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get it.

Artist NameRich McCulley

Album NameOut Along the Edges

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Hey Trouble; 2.  Eventually; 3.  Burn a Hole in the Sky; 4.  Summer Storm; 5.  The Pilot; 6.  When I Get to Memphis; 7.  Come Home Mama; 8.  Out Along the Edge; 9.  Midtown; 10.  Sinking Sun; 11.  Chase the Sun

Publicist:  None

Review:  Rich McCulley is not only the guitarist for Great Willow, one of the best Americana bands we have recently reviewed, but also an incredible solo artist.  From the first notes of “Hey Trouble,” it becomes quickly obvious that this album is a keeper.  The songs are well crafted, with above-average vocals and a musical accompaniment that rises above his Americana peers.  The music is easy-going and relaxing, providing a perfect background for daily chill time.  Our favorite tracks include “Eventually,” “Burn a Hole in the Sky,” “The Pilot,” the title track and “Sinking Sun.”

Recommendation:  If you like Americana, give this one a listen.

Artist NameThe Fisherman & The Sea

Album NameBeggar Princess

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Beggar Princess; 2.  Sea of Pleasantries;  3.  Trail of Lies; 4.  Sick Song

Publicist:  Neck of the Woods Records

Review:  Great harmonies, upbeat musical soundtrack with above-average vocals and songwriting give this debut EP the status of a rich appetizer.  This Europe-based band is planning on releasing four EPs in advance of their debut full-length album in May 2018.  Based on this EP, we can hardly wait for more.    Our mouth is watering and our ears are buzzing at the prospects of what is yet to come.  There is so much wonderfulness about this EP.  We are so glad the band decided to share their music with us.

Recommendation:  This band should definitely be on your radar.  Get their EP now and enjoy it until the next one comes out.  It will be May 2018 before you know it.

Artist NameNever Ending Fall (NEF)

Album NameStart Livin’

Label:  Montauk Music

Genre:   Indie Pop/Rock/Reggae

Track Listing:  1.  Sao Paolo; 2.  Hold Tight; 3.  Desperate Times/ Desperate Measures; 4.  Devil in Red; 5.  Black Magic; 6.  Manhattan; 7.  Give it Away; 8.  Simmer Down; 9.  Forget About It; 10.  Nashville; 11.  Feel Your Love

Publicist:   Jeff Schad

Review:  Reggae has always been one of our favorite genres, and NEF definitely is head and shoulders above their peers in their interpretation of this international musical form.  Combining elements of indie rock, pop and funk into their mix creates a unique form of reggae that is sonically pleasing while cementing their status as one of the best we have reviewed this year. We especially love the horns.  In addition, every member contributes vocals, and we are truly impressed by those of Madeline St. Clair on “Hold Tight.”  Other amazing tracks include the aforementioned “Hold Tight,” “Desperate Times/Desperate Measures” (check out the guitar riffs),  “Devil in Red,” “Black Magic,” “Manhattan,” and “Simmer Down,” although there really aren’t any weak tracks on the album.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – you simply MUST Get it.  Now.