Month: December 2017

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

Holiday edition get it or forget it – Balsam Range, Jennifer Hanson, Bloodshot Records, Katie Garibaldi, Beth Marie Anderson

Almost forgot to share these new holiday albums with you.  We’ve received a lot of singles, and we’ve tried to share them via Monday Mashup, but still need to review these five new Christmas Albums.  Enjoy the spirit of the holiday.

Artist Name:   Balsam Range

Album Name:   It’s Christmas Time

Label:   Mountain Home Music Company

Genre:   Bluegrass

Track Listing:   1.  Christmas Lullaby; 2.  The First Noel; 3.  Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree; 4.  I’m Going Home, It’s Christmas Time; 5.  Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing; 6.  Jingle Bells

Publicist:   So Much MOORE Media

Review:  We love holiday tunes, and haven’t heard a lot of bluegrass arrangements.  We enjoyed Balsam Range’s interpretations of these classic holiday tunes, especially “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”  We are so happy to have a new version because we are tired of the original one.  We also love the banjo and fiddle on the Ralph Stanley/Michael Kelley tune “I’m Going Home, It’s Christmas Time.”  Thanks for brightening up our Christmas season.

Recommendation:  This one is a worthy addition to your holiday collection.  We recommend you Get it!

Artist Name:  Jennifer Hanson

Album Name:  Under the Tree

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop Country

Track Listing:  1.  Only Thing I Really Need; 2.  Under the Tree; 3.  Interlude; 4.  What Child is This?

Publicist:  Alliance Artist and Media Relations

Review:  Jennifer Hanson has written numerous hit songs for some of Nashville’s elite, and brings that songwriting prowess to contribute two new original songs – “Only Thing I Really Need” and the title track, “Under the Tree.”  Both songs are upbeat and the perfect addition to our holiday soundtrack.  The third track is a recording of Hanson when she was 3 1/2 years old, recorded by her dad, Larry.  She closes out her holiday EP with a moving interpretation of the classic, “What Child is This?”

Recommendation:  We think this EP belongs in everyone’s holiday collection.  You should definitely Get it.

Artist Name:  Various Artists

Album Name:  13 Days of Xmas

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Multiple

Track Listing:  1.  O Holy Night (Murder by Death); 2.  Papa Barrence’s Christmas (Barrence Whitfield and the Savages); 3.  Christmas Carol, Christmas Ray (Jon Langford and his men of Gwent); 4.  I Slept Through Christmas (Ruby Boots); 5.  The List (Ha Ha Tonka); 6.  Christmas is now Drawing Near at Hand (James Elkington); 7.  Dark Christmas (Dex Romweber Duo); 8.  Blue Snowfall (Kelly Hogan); 9.  The Pagans had it Right (Devil in a Woodpile); 10.  I’m Drunk Again this Christmas (Zach Schmidt); 11.  How to Make Gravy (All our Exes Live in Texas); 12.  White Christmas (Ron Gallo); 13.  Christmas in Oblivion (The Yawpers)

Publicist:  Josh Zanger (Bloodshot Records)

Review:  This compilation showcases 13 of the artists currently signed to Bloodshot Records.  There is something for everyone on this one, with genres ranging from Rockabilly, Americana, Pop, Torchlight, Ragtime, and Country.  Most of the songs are originals, with the exception of covers of Christmas classics, “O Holy Night” and “White Christmas.”  Of the originals, kudos to “I Slept Through Christmas,” “The List,” “Dark Christmas” (which sounds like it was lifted from Pulp Fiction), and “Christmas in Oblivion.”

Recommendation:  If you only buy one new holiday CD this season, make it this one – you won’t grow tired of it.

Artist Name:  Katie Garibaldi

Album Name:  Home Sweet Christmas

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Happy Married Christmas; 2.  Star in the East; 3.  Jesus Touched my Heart; 4.  Unhappy Holiday; 5.  The Times I Love the Most (California Christmas); 6.  Wonderful Mother Mary; 7.  Love on Christmas Day; 8.  Holy Spirit in my Heart; 9.  Safe and Warm (Lullaby for Jesus); 10.  Tomorrow is Christmas Morning; 11.  Our Home Awaits Us; 12.  Silent Night

Publicist:  None

Review:  Katie Garibaldi has had a tremendous 2017, winning numerous awards for her songs and videos.  It is only appropriate that she closes out the year with 11 original holiday songs and a superb cover of the always popular “Silent Night.”  Each song reveals a special part of the reason why Garibaldi is becoming a national icon and one of the most popular indie artists around.  We love the joy incorporated into her Christian songs, as well as her new holiday originals.  This is a great collection which we are sure will only grow in importance as the seasons go by.  Our new favorites include “Star in the East,” “Unhappy Holiday,” “The Times I Love the Most (California Christmas),” “Tomorrow is Christmas Morning,” and “Our Home Awaits Us.”

Recommendation:  Get it.

Artist Name:  Beth Marie Anderson

Album Name:  Christmas With You

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  That’s Christmas to Me; 2.  Kid on Christmas Day; 3.  Same Sky; 4.  Reindeer Reunion; 5.  The First Noel; 6.  Merry Christmas to Me; 7.  Tropical Christmas; 8.  Christmas with You; 9.  O Holy Night; 10.  New Year

Publicist:  Play it Loud Music

Review:  We love the soothing voice of Beth Marie Anderson, and she has our vote for the most original holiday album.  Her voice soars over the simple arrangements, and we simply adore these eight new songs.  We think they have the power to become a part of our holiday landscape, and strongly encourage the industry to check these songs out, as they would be perfect for placement in holiday television shows. films and commercials.   We especially love “Kid on Christmas Day,” “Same Sky,” “Reindeer Reunion,” “Merry Christmas to Me,” “Christmas with You,” and “New Year.”

Recommendation:  Don’t delay – Get it today!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 46

It’s our final Monday Mashup of 2017, since next Monday is Christmas day.  We wanted to thank you for checking us out this year, and are looking forward to sharing much more indie music news in 2018.  Make sure you drop us a line and let us know when you win an award, have a CD release show or other important event, so that we can share it with the world.

BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS MAKES CHRISTMAS MUSIC VIDEO

As we posted on December 5, Blue Élan Records released an album of Christmas songs by its artists, and donated the proceeds to the Alliance for Children’s Rights.  On December 11, those artists gathered in the studio to make a music video of a song written by Gina Sicilia.  We hope you have a wonderful Christmas season and applaud Blue Élan Records and its artists for giving us this special treat.

FIRST CALIFORNIA COUNTRY AWARDS A SUCCESS

The first annual California Country Awards were handed out on December 16, and many of this blog’s favorites took home trophies.  LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace took the award for Female Vocalist of the Year, and LA Music Critic Award winner Honey County took home awards for Band of the Year, Song of the Year for “Love Someone” and Video of the Year for “Love Someone,” while their producer John Spiker also took home Producer of the Year.  Other winners included Gethen Jenkins for Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Where the Honkytonk Belongs,  Joe Devenney for Musician of the Year, Scotty Mac for Entertainer of the Year, Cowboy Country for Venue of the Year, and Brad Johnson for CCM Excellence.  Shawn Parr, former KZLA and Go Country 105 DJ and creator of “Nash Nights Live” was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

NEW SINGLES

Mikey Wax has been a huge supporter of indie music in Los Angeles.  He is also quite the creative powerhouse.  Check out his latest single, “Spaceman” with Stash Konig.  We think you’ll love it as much as we do.

Here’s “Your Love,” the latest from Hannah Lucia.  Loving the groove of the tune and her vocals.  This one is a keeper.

Our final single this week is from Featurette, and it lives up to its name.  “Upside Down” will turn your musical tastes around as this electronica duo show us how it’s done.  Let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up today is the annual Christmas video from Redhead Express.  It is a cover of the Sara Bareilles song, “Love is Christmas.”  Enjoy our little gift to you.

Next is the music video for a song we introduced you to back on November 13, co-written by David Garfield and Smokey Robinson and featuring J. Paris.  We love this beautiful interpretation of the song, and are thrilled to feature “I Lied.”

LA Music Awards Icon winner Janey Street has created an amazing DIY music video for her song “Undone,” from her latest album “In my own Skin.”  Check out this amazing song.

Last but not least, here’s the latest from Dree Mon, with a truly stimulating video for her hit song, “Rebel Soul.”  If this one doesn’t get you pumped up, nothing will.  Thanks Dree!

 

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

Get it or forget it – Kate Steinway, Emmer Effer, The General Assembly, Maggie McClure, Ra Ra Ruby

The weekend is upon us.  Hope yours is relaxing and refreshing.  Here are five more reviews to entice you into supporting indie music.

Artist Name:  Kate Steinway

Album Name:  True North

Label:  Roscomare Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Hurricane; 2.  Tiny Home; 3.  True North; 4.  Wayfaring Woman; 5.  Young Heroes

Publicist:  None

Review:  Kate Steinway (yes, she is related to the founder of Steinway Pianos) is an amazing singer-songwriter who has chosen the ukulele as her primary instrument.  She writes strong songs that reflect her choice of accompaniment, and supplements that sound when necessary with quality musicians and backing vocals.  She starts off her short 5-song EP with the impressive and radio-friendly “Hurricane,” before simplifying with “Tiny Home,” which we understand may be used in one of the Tiny Homes shows on HGTV shortly.  The title track adds in a folky background that perfectly fits the lyrics and story with a Celtic vibe.  We especially love the alt-country/Americana vibe of “Wayfaring Woman,” which is also quite radio friendly.  Steinway closes out the EP with “Young Heroes,” a sweet lullaby that will quiet even the rowdiest of youngsters with its sweet sound and lush vocals.  We look forward to a full-length album from this truly original American songwriter.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – Get it while it is still available.

 

Artist Name:  Emmer Effer

Album Name:  From the Bottom Down

Label:  Felony Records

Genre:  Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Koch Bros.; 2.  Shredder; 3.  Prader Willi Syndrome; 4.  Soldier; 5.  What was Your Name?; 6.  Fight On!; 7.  Pick a Hand; 8.  Peanut; 9.  Futility; 10.  She Bite; 11.  Hands Off; 12.  Sure it Died; 13.  Copper; 14.  Sombreros to the Sky; 15.  Knuckle Smasher; 16.  Emmer Effer; 17.  Ten Days Gay; 18.  Houdini; 19.  Two-Timer

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  This is their debut album, and it shows much promise for lovers of punk rock.  The lyrics are understandable and highly political.  The songs are short and to the point, and less than two minutes each.  Unfortunately, all the songs seem to sound the same, and there is very little reason to listen to the entire album, as only the lyrics seem to change.  “Pick a Hand” does seem to be different, kind of like Floggy Molly on speed, but the next track goes back to the same fast-driving punk rhythm.  This album is definitely not appropriate for younger audiences, with a plethora of f-bombs.

Recommendation:  Unless you are a true lover of punk rock, you might want to hold off on this one.

Artist Name:  The General Assembly

Album Name:  Vanishing Point

Label:    Self-released

Genre:  Electronica/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Cape Grim; 2.  The Wild Child; 3.  Fever Dream; 4.  Things Fall Apart; 5.  Anatomy of Melancholy; 6.  Asleep with a Compass in our Hands; 7.  Forest Fire, White Walls; 8.  Black is my Colour; 9.  Return to the Bluff at Cape Grim; 10.  New Myth:  Siren Song; 11.  Vanishing Point; 12.  Field Recording 1977-2015

Publicist:  Penney and Logan

Review:  Most lovers of indie rock and electronica will love this effort by The General Assembly.  The music is melodic and big, with an intense bass foundation, wicked guitar riffs and soaring vocals.  The lyrical content is great, giving the songs a majestic quality.  We especially put “Things Fall Apart” into this category.  In addition, there are three instrumental tracks: “Fever Dream,” “Asleep with Compasses in our Hands,” and “Return to the Bluff at Cape Grim,” which serve as mile-posts on this auditory journey.   The final three tracks are more prog rock, and bring the album to a satisfying conclusion.

Recommendation:  If you love good music, then Get this one,

Artist Name:  Maggie McClure

Album Name:  Color it Up

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana/Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  You for Me; 2.  Do it Again (ft. Graham Colton); 3.  Coming Home; 4.  Be Right Here for You

Publicist:  Chloe Robinson

Review:  Maggie McClure is a gifted songwriter who has had success with placements on such shows as Dr. Phil, Cougar Town, The Real World, The Vineyard and The Hills, as well as the movie Cowgirls n’ Angels.  She has been co-writing with Blues rocker Shane Henry, and recently toured with him.  Her music belongs in the same category as Sara Bareilles, Suzanne Santos, Katie Costello, Alicia Witt and other “Hotel Cafe” type artists.  We are truly impressed with this EP, and only wish it had more than four songs.  Every song is a winner, especially “Do it Again” and “Coming Home” (which could have so many placement opportunities, and is truly radio friendly).

Recommendation:  Don’t delay – Get it today!

Artist Name:  Ra Ra Ruby

Album Name:  Dancing with Mannequins

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Her; 2.  Undress; 3.  I Need a Woman; 4.  Pam

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  This 4-song EP hits the ground running, with a steady beat, intense guitar riffs, and soaring vocals that perfect convey the powerful lyrical content.  This is a party band that will keep their fans on the dance floor.  The music grabs your heart and pumps it up, while the lyrics keep your brain engaged.  This debut EP provides hope that this band will be around for a long time.  We can hardly wait to hear what’s coming next.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth it to Get this one.

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

Get it or forget it – The Commotions, Fred Smith, Holy Hum, Katie Costello, Social Repose

Happy Friday – been a really crazy week, busier than I thought it would be.  The new job is fun, but there is so much to learn.  Really happy to be working again, though.  Sorry we missed our daily review yesterday, but here we come with five more reviews today.  Enjoy.

Artist Name:   The Commotions

Album Name:   Volume II

Label:   Self-released

Genre:   R&B/Funk

Track Listing:   1.  Good Enough; 2.  Bad Girl; 3.  Masquerade; 4.  Let me Kiss you Baby; 5.  Too Little Too Late; 6.  Say Yes to me Tonight; 7.  Right Kind of Wicked; 8.  Believe in Yourself; 9.  Don’t Walk Away; 10.  Last Look; 11.  Loving You; 12.  Take a Chance; 13.  Come Clean

Publicist:   Last Tango Production

Review:  At first listen, it was almost like Motown has returned with the amazing sound of The Commotions.  Reminded us of the Tower of Power backing up the Supremes.  The horns are powerful, the keys are as good as Grace Potter, and the vocals from both Rebecca Noelle and Jeff Rogers  are second to none.  This is the perfect soundtrack for any TGIF celebration, or any other party for that matter.  This band can jam and raise the funk.  All 12 members of this band are at the top of their class, and we could not be happier with the result.  There is not a weak track on this platinum collection.  This one definitely deserves repeated spins.

Recommendation:  Definitely one of the best albums of 2017.  Get this one like your life depends on it.

Artist Name:  Fred Smith

Album Name:  Great (double album)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana & more

Track Listing:  Disc 1:  1.  Some Lovers; 2.  Little Jimmy Boy; 3.  Wind and Wind; 4.  If I’m Free; 5.  Texas; 6.  Lover Like Me; 7.  Emily Rose; 8.  Ellie May; 9.  Raggedy Anne; 10.  Zeebrugge FOB; 11.  Greezy Spoon; 12.  American Guitar; Disc 2:  1.  What Could go Wrong; 2.  Nice to Meet You; 3.  Addicted to Addiction; 4.  My Girlfriend; 5.  Satisfied; 6.  Backwoods Burn; 7.  Sister Sandinista; 8.  Watch the Road; 9.  Sugar Boy; 10.  New York City; 11.  Go Fast Eddy; 12.  Frederique Q. Love

Publicist:  Penney & Logan

Review:  Australian singer-songwriter Fred Smith has also spent time as the first Australian Ambassador to Uruzgan, as well as spending time as a merchant marine and working alongside American soldiers in Afghanistan.  He turns his love of American history and literature into a double dose of songwriting bliss with this collection of story songs.  Smith dabbles in a myriad of genres, ranging from Americana, bluegrass and alt-country to rock, pop and blues, and even throws in a little glam rock and jazz for good measure.  His vocals have a Gordon Lightfoot vibe, and fit the quirky folk rock mixture to a “T.”   From start to finish, his lyrical content tells interesting story after story, making each song worth the time it takes to listen.  This one is a worthy addition to your Americana/folk collection.  We really love “What Could go Wrong,” the lead track on Disc 2, a rousing and hilarious look at the tirades and boasts of Donald J. Trump.

Recommendation:  A worthy effort by an outsider, who has captured the American spirit in storytelling.  We recommend you Get this one.

Artist Name:  Holy Hum

Album Name:  All of my Bodies

Label:  Heavy Lark Records

Genre:  Ambient Pop

Track Listing:  1.  All of my Bodies; 2.  Yoo Duk Lee; 3.  Flower in the Snow; 4.  Heavy Lark; 5.  Sex at 31; 6.  Joseph pt. 2; 7.  White Buzz; 8.  Sun Breaking; 9.  Ready to Have It; 10.  Space and Time; 11.  Mellotron Doom

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:    Andrew Lee aka Holy Hum creates a masterful blend of ambient noise to go with his keen mastery of instrumental music and brilliant lyrical content.  On this, his debut album, he shares that knowledge with his listeners in a most profound and interesting manner, creating songs that are complex in their structure but easy on the ears.  While not radio friendly, they provide an excellent musical background to keep you company when nothing else seems to fit.

Recommendation:  This one is different enough to hold a special place in your musical library.  Check it out.

Artist Name:  Katie Costello

Album Name:  Twice the Love

Label:  REBEL POP Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  New York Graffiti; 2.  Up in the Air; 3.  Why Does my Heart Break; 4.  New World; 5.  Roses; 6.  Silver & Gold; 7.  I’ll be Here; 8.  A Beautiful Mystery; 9.  Lights; 10.  Here & Now; 11.  Holiday

Publicist:  Far Digital PR

Review:  Katie Costello is the reigning Indie Pop Princess, and with the quality of this recording, is poised to take her place on the Indie Pop throne.  Two of the tracks, “New York Graffiti” and “New World” were featured on her New World EP released earlier this year, but bear repeating, as this lady knows how to write great radio-friendly songs that keep her fans entertained and glued to her musical treasures.  She also makes amazing videos, which have been a regular addition to this Blog’s Monday Mashup columns and a big hit on YouTube.  Quite frankly, Costello could release and re-release her songs monthly, and we would never grow tired of them.  Best tracks include “New York Graffiti,” “Up in the Air,” “New World,” “Silver & Gold,” “A Beautiful Mystery,” and “Here and Now.”

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, to your favorite retailer and Get this one.  Now.

Artist Name:  Social Repose

Album Name:  Empress

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alternative Electronic Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Chemistry; 2.  Empress; 3.  Filthy Pride; 4.  Mother; 5.  Villain; 6.  Behave

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Social Repose is the electronic alter-ego of YouTube sensation Richie Giese, who has amassed more than 140 million views on his channel.  He has a truly unique style that is instantly recognizable, filling your ears with auditory excellence that penetrates to the very cells of your body.  All six songs are masterpieces, and show a depth of songwriting and maturity that marks Giese as a visionary and an artist that will be around for a long time.  Empress is his sophomore release, and shot to #9 on the Alternative charts immediately upon release.  We can only hope for more of the same from this amazing musician.  Until then, enjoy Empress as one of the best EPs of 2017.

Recommendation:  Get. It. Now.

 

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

Get it or forget it – FXRRVST, The East Pointers, Dave Kerzner, Roslyn Moore, McKee Brothers

It’s been almost a month since our last album reviews, and as you can imagine, we have quite a few left from 2017.  We will do our best to get them caught up by the end of the year.  As such, we will now be reviewing five albums each time to help in that process.  Here we go.

Artist Name:   FXRRVST

Album Name:   May XXVI

Label:   Self-released

Genre:   Folk Rock

Track Listing:   1.  Road to Nowhere; 2.  Picture Frames; 3.  Drown Me; 4.  Parks; 5.  Tidal Wave; 6.  Lovely; 7.  Safe House; 8.  June 8th; 9.  Roofs

Publicist:   Last Tango Productions

Review:   The first thing that grabbed our attention was the amazing lead vocals of Holly Forrest and the harmonies of Matthew Fuentes, and the perfect accompaniment underscoring those vocals.  FXRRVST is a Canadian import that should do very well in the States.  They have already taken Canada by storm, and secured a nomination for Best Indie Act from the Toronto Independent Music Awards.  Their music is soothing with intelligent lyrics and a groove that incorporates the best parts of folk, indie rock and Americana.  Every single track is memorable – we love them all.  We especially love the obvious Blue October influence on “Tidal Wave.”  If this is the quality of their debut full-length album, then we can’t wait for the next one.

Recommendation:   Don’t even think about it – you simply must Get this one for your musical library.

Artist Name: The East Pointers

Album Name:   What we Leave Behind

Label:   Self-released

Genre:   Celtic

Track Listing:   1.  Tanglewood; 2.  82 Fires; 3.  Party Wave; 4.  Two Weeks; 5.  What we Leave Behind; 6.  Miner’s Dream; 7.  Pour Over; 8.  The Crossing; 9.  John Wallace; 10.  No Bridge too Far; 11.  Hid in Your Heart

Publicist:   Penney and Logan

Review:   OMG!  It’s no wonder that this band won the JUNO Award for Best Traditional Roots Album for their debut album back in 2015, and are surely in the running for another one for this album.  As a true connoisseur of Celtic music, The East Pointers definitely hit all our buttons – great fiddle and vocals, well crafted story songs and the added cherry of some amazing banjo and drums.  Although we are used to the mandolin in a Celtic band, Koady’s banjo skills more than make up for the lack of mando.  We love the mixture of instrumentals with story songs, in true Celtic tradition.  Here’s another album that is amazing from start to finish.  Consequently, we love every song, and especially “82 Fires” and “Party Wave.”  This one is perfect for the whole year, and not just to pull out in March.

Recommendation:   Get this one like there’s no tomorrow.  It is a MUST for every music aficionado.

Artist Name:  Dave Kerzner

Album Name:  Static

Label:  RecPlay

Genre:  Prog Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Prelude; 2.  Hypocrites; 3.  Static; 4.  Reckless; 5.  Chain Reaction; 6.  Trust; 7.  Quiet Storm; 8.  Dirty Soap Box; 9.  The Truth Behind; 10.  Right Back to the Start; 11.  Statistic; 12;  Millenium Man; 13.  State of Innocence; 14.  The Carnival of Modern Life

Co-Manager:  ACR Management

Review:  Dave Kerzner may be familiar to lovers of Prog Rock, as he was the co-founder of the band Sound of Contact, along with Simon Collins, son of Genesis drummer Phil Collins.  This album is a prog rock opera, and not since Jesus Christ Superstar have we heard anything this awesome.  There is perfect harmony between the guitars, keys, drums and vocals.  Special guests Steve Hackett (Genesis), Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), Nick D’Virgilil (Big Big Train) and Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) join regulars Fernando Perdomo, Randy McStine, Matt Dorsey and Derek Cintron.  The music has the distinctive flavor of Pink Floyd, and is a welcome addition to the indie rock community.  The music will provide the perfect soundtrack for a night of reflection and relaxing.

Recommendation:  Get. It. Now.

Artist Name:  Roslyn Moore

Album Name:  Tropic of Cancer

Label:  Borderline Musick

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Mermaid Heroin Prologue; 2.  The Burbs 17; 3.  Deep Blue; 4.  XO; 5.  Cream; 6.  Electric Pill Intermission; 7.  Hazy/Agents at the Ferris Wheel; 8.  The Great Escape/15 Rounds; 9.  Coke & Weed; 10.  Shampoo 17; 11.  The Beach; 12.  Mermaid Heroin Epilogue

Publicist:  None

Review:  Roslyn Moore subtitles her latest release “A Desert Opera.”  It is the perfect album to follow the masterpiece created by Dave Kerzner, and with its dark tones, underscores why Moore calls her music “Gloompop.”   Her vocals remind us of The Bangles meet Avril Lavigne, and despite the darkness of the music, are still upbeat.  These songs would be perfect for placement in numerous television shows, and deserve industry attention.  The harmonies are dreamy, with just the right amount of scoring beneath to portray a ship lost at sea, just before an encounter with creatures from the deep blue.  This is an album that would make your daily escape into a delightful musical journey.  Despite the numerous “F-bombs” on “XO,” the rest of the album is more or less appropriate listening material for all ages.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  You need to Get this one for your collection.

Artist Name:  The McKee Brothers

Album Name:  Moon Over Montgomery

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Delta Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Pig Feet; 2.  Confidential; 3.  I Feel Like Dynamite; 4.  Worried About Tomorrow; 5.  You Know how I Lie; 6.  Moon Over Montgomery; 7.  Kicks; 8.  Bayou Man; 9.  Go 2 Work!; 10.  Where you Gettin’ It?; 11.  Runaway Love; 12.  Late at Night; 13.  Remember When; 14.  Flat, Black & Circular; 15.  Blues of the Month Club; 16.  Celebrate me Home

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  What do you get when you cross blues with Americana, cajon rhythm & blues and New Orleans jazz?  Why, the McKee Brothers, of course.  Their sound is full and hearty, like Southern cooking, with a healthy dose of guitar and horns.  The vocals are authentic and fit the music perfectly.  Each song has a special place in this collection, and combine to form a solid soundtrack for a Louisiana Saturday Night.  Favorite tracks include “I Feel Like Dynamite,” “Worried About Tomorrow,” the title track, “Bayou Man,” “Go 2 Work!,” “Where you Gettin’ it?,” “Blues of the Month Club,” and the simply amazing cover of “Celebrate me Home.”

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and Get this one.  It’s the hottest thing out there right now!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 45

It only took us 825 days (or from September 7, 2015) to break 40,000 views on Indie Voice Blog, which we accomplished on December 10, 2017.  That’s an average of nearly 50 views a day, with our biggest day being July 11, 2017, when we had 1,100 views.  During that time we have posted 322 articles, including 88 “Get it or Forget It” reviews covering 304 EPs and CDs, as well as numerous artist profiles, Fringe and local theatre reviews and coverage of the semi-annual LA Music Critic Awards, with special features on the 2016 winners.  Not too shabby, right?

MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARDS TO BE HANDED OUT

The 10th Annual Media Excellence Awards will be handed out in a ceremony at the Laemmle Theater (8556 Wilshire Boulevard) in Beverly Hills on January 18, 2018.  The Red Carpet will start at 7 p.m. with the ceremony to follow at 8 p.m.  For more information, please send an email to the organizers, or give them a call.

LAST CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The LA Music Critic Awards have issued a final call for submissions for the second half of 2017.  If your single, video, EP or CD was released between July 1 and December 31, 2017, then it is eligible for submission.  Nominations will be announced during the second week of January, with the winners announced by the end of the month.  Several of the winners will be selected to perform at the annual LA Music Critic Award Showcase in June 2018.

NEW SINGLES

We love introducing new artists to you.  Check out the new single, “Wishing Upon a Star,” from Delsinki, which features the amazing Brooke Taylor.  We think you’ll love these vocals and Americana soundtrack.

Australian artist Zvchvrivh blasts onto the scene with a chill track for his new single, “Think of Me.”  We love the groove – let us know what you think.

Our final single today comes from one of our favorite performers, based in Nashville.  Heather Bonds is an amazing solo artist as well as the lead single for The Daybreaks.  We think her new single may be one of her best yet.  Check out “Keep it Quiet.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up today is the hot new video from Austin, Texas based  FlecHaus.  This band continues to amaze us with their harmonies and funky sound, especially on their latest tune, “Tell Me Something.”  Let us know what you think.

Check out this dreamy video from Kramies, shot in the incredible Shankill Castle in Ireland earlier this year.  The lyrics from the single, “I Wish I Missed You,” are haunting and perfectly fit the incredible cinematography of the video.  Let us know what you think.

Our final video for today is from The Zephyr Bones for their single, “Telephone.”  We think it’s the perfect way to close out this edition of Monday Mashup.  See you soon.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 44

And we’re back!  After 19 emotionally charged days, we’re back in Montana and ready to rock!  Although the circumstances were not the best, the time spent with family these past two plus weeks was worth the pain.  So much has been going on in the indie music world during our time away.  Here are some of the latest happenings.  Enjoy our holiday edition.

BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS TO SUPPORT ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

Blue Élan Records has released its annual Christmas album, featuring such Indie Voice Blog favorites as Cindy Alexander, Chelsea Williams, SEE, Rusty Young, Janiva Magness, Janey Street and Jack Tempchin, among others.  Please buy a copy today and help them support the Alliance for Children’s Rights.  All proceeds are being donated to the Alliance.

CHELSEA WILLIAMS LOVES CHRISTMAS

Check out her lyric video for “Peppermints and Mistletoe.”  We think it will put you in the mood.

JERAD FINCK WANTS A WHITE CHRISTMAS

Spokane native Jerad Finck has released a Christmas single, and is making it available for anyone to download.  Check it out below and head to SoundCloud if you want a free download.

https://soundcloud.com/jeradfinck/white-christmas-jerad-finck

KATE STEINWAY RELEASES VIDEO FOR “WHITE CHRISTMAS”

We recently discovered Kate Steinway when she was the featured artist at Songwriters at Play in Paso Robles.  Check out her lovely video for “White Christmas.”

PAM TAYLOR WANTS TO GET IT ON FOR CHRISTMAS

Blues artist Pam Taylor is ready to rock your Christmas season with a little bit of naughtiness.  Check out her new single and see what we mean.

ECHOSMITH SHARES THEIR CHRISTMAS YULE LOG

Indie darlings Echosmith have a Christmas EP, which they are sharing in their annual Yule Log video.  Check it out.

REBEL POP PRINCESS KATIE COSTELLO NEEDS A HOLIDAY

Here’s a new one from one of Indie Voice Blog’s favorite artists, Katie Costello.  Enjoy the holidays.

Here’s hoping you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy holiday season!