Month: April 2018

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos from March 2018

Every Monday we bring you news from the indie arts world, as well as new singles and music videos.  Unfortunately, we receive so many requests that we are unable to accommodate everyone.  We decided to create a monthly listing of singles and music videos we thought were worthy but didn’t have space for in our Monday Mashup.  Here is our list of music videos for the month of March.

First up is a delightful indie rock lyric video from Krantz for their single “Run Away.”  This one is guaranteed to get your blood pumping and get you moving.  Enjoy.

Our second featured video is from a group that we recently reviewed, and also featured in our Ten Great Singles from February 2018 article.  Here is their lyric video for “My Force” from Freedom Baby.

Next up is a very retro sounding video from Jessica Risker.  The song is quirky, as is the video, so enjoy this one for “Cut my Hair.”

Another artist we recently reviewed was Ghost & the City.  Their video for “Living Room” is visually stunning, while the song is an amazing creation, with horns to die for and vocals that create shivers down your spine.  Enjoy.

Number five for the month of March comes from Bonander, who encourage us to “Quit Everything and Become a Princess.”  The retro disco beat will definitely get your blood pumping.  Check out this fun video.

For our next video, we travel to Norway, where Gundelach and ARY have created this stunning visual for their song “Past the Building.”  We love the entire vibe of this one, and think it definitely has legs.

Our seventh video is from Common Deer, a mellow chill band that offers us “Glass (Redux).”  Put this one on to relax and feel the tensions just melt from your body.

Next is another chill video for “Tuesday” by Hurt Parade.  The cinematography is amazing, as is the song, which features the line “Anywhere I want to be, as long as you’re with me.”

Stephen Michael Murphy encourages us to “Take a Trip,” his homage to the State of Colorado after they voted to legalize marijuana.  It’s a rocking, southern blues masterpiece, and the lyric video is pretty cool as well.  Let us know what you think.

Last but not least for this month is from the amazing Grace Blue, who will wow you with her video for “Nowhere to Go.”  We think this is the perfect video to close out this edition of Ten Amazing Videos.  We’ll see you next month.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten great singles from March 2018

Every Monday we bring you news from the indie arts world, as well as new singles and music videos.  Unfortunately, we receive so many requests that we are unable to accommodate everyone.  We decided to create a monthly listing of singles and music videos we thought were worthy but didn’t have space for in our Monday Mashup.  Here is our list of singles for the month of March.

Our first single comes from Toronto, Canada, and has that “Hotel Café” vibe of Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson.  We really love “Terribly True” by Deanna Petcoff, and think you will too.

Our second single comes from the opposite end of the earth, down under, and features the rocking blues sound of Steph Fischer-Ivancsy‘s “Warning Signs.”  Rock on Aussies 🙂

Back to Edmonton, Canada for our next artist, who is up for a Juno award, the Canadian equivalent of our Grammy award.  Here’s “Do it Right” by Nuela Charles.

Our fourth single comes to us courtesy of New Jersey indie rock band Young Rising Sons.  The song is reminiscent of fun. and The Lumineers, and gives us a hungering for “Whiskey.”  Check it out.

We next go to Sweden for our next single, the stimulating “Die” from Constine.  The amazing combination of electronica and vocals make this one instantly memorable and haunting.  Let us know what you think.

We next travel to the British Isles for the latest single from producer Tony Njoku.  Here is “Remain Calm,” which is exactly what this chill track will do for you, which its Nigerian rhythms and relaxing synths.

Next up is an American folk singer named Taana Rose, who brings us an “Unexpected Love.”  This song is so smooth, and Rose’s vocals are so sweet it may give you a sugar high.  Check out those amazing keys.

Our eighth single comes from the incomparable Mike Edel.  It is called “Finish Line,” and it is a definite winner in our minds.  We think it is one of his best efforts to date.

Next is a retro 80’s grove from The New Division.  Their single is called “One Night in Tokyo,” and we think this one will have you grooving late into the night.  Enjoy.

https://soundcloud.com/thenewdivision/one-night-in-tokyo-2

We leave you today with the amazing jazz/hip-hop sound of Tertia May, who we are totally floored by.  Her music is overwhelming and we think her single “White” is the perfect way to close out this edition of Ten Great Singles.  See you next month.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Amanda Mair, Average Dez, Saux, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, John Proulx

And the crazy weather continues in Montana, while we wait for the true arrival of spring.  In the meantime, let’s check out some more indie music, like these five artists.

Artist Name:  Amanda Mair

Album Name:  To the Moon Remix EP

Label:  Despotz Records AB

Genre:  Dance/Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  Rush (MVRE Remix); 2.  Empty Blockings (Dirty Nice Remix); 3.  Rush (Mountain Bird Remix); 4.  Empty Blockings (Kinship Remix)

Publicist:  Mystic Sons PR

Review:  We reviewed Amanda Mair’s incredible album this past January, and rated it as one of the best international EPs we have ever reviewed.  Three months later, and she’s back with brilliant remixes of two of those songs from four different sources.   As we said in that initial review, “”Rush’ would make a great house mix for the dance floor, (as would) . . .  the upbeat and danceable track “Empty Blockings.”  It is refreshing to have an artist follow up on our advice, and to take it to a whole new level.  Each of the four of the artists providing the remixes have added their special touches to these songs, while keeping the amazing original vibe of the originals.  We especially love what Mountain Bird has done with “Rush.”  We look forward to hearing these amazing songs on our local dance floor.

Recommendation:  Just like the original EP, this one is a no-brainer – Get it now!

Artist Name:  Average Dez

Album Name:  Beautiful Life

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter

Track Listing:  1.  You’re Alright (You’re Outta Sight); 2.  Yes (I’m Impressed); 3.  Beautiful Life; 4.  Heather

Publicist:  Skilled Social Media

Review:  He doesn’t have the best voice, but it does the job of conveying the words of these songs about living in these crazy times.  The acoustic guitar is strong and carries the melody, while the lyrics carry the mood.  Unlike many other British musicians, his native tongue comes through loud and clear, and at times is hard to understand by this American critic.  Regardless, we can understand the mood and the message, and are confident that this latest British import has the goods to attract attention in the Colonies.  His musicianship alone as he picks those notes on his guitar are worthy of industry attention.

Recommendation:  Definitely give him a chance. We think he’ll grow on you.

Artist Name:  Saux

Album Name:  Right

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Funk/Dance

Track Listing:  1.  Lukewarm (Only You); 2.  Trying to Remember (Nest HQ Premiere); 3.  LIWY #2

Publicist:  Fussy by Day

Review:  We have always been impressed by the talent coming out of the Netherlands, and Saux is easily one of the best we have reviewed.  His production skills are evident in these three amazing tracks that could easily form amazing dance tracks or be featured on R&B and urban radio.

Recommendation:  You simply must Get this one.  It will have you dancing in no time.

Artist Name:  Sarah Shook & the Disarmers

Album Name:  Years

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Good as Gold; 2.  New Ways to Fail; 3.  Over You; 4.  The Bottle Never lets me Down; 5.  Parting Words; 6.  What it Takes; 7.  Lesson; 8.  Damned if I do, Damned if I Don’t’ 9.  Heartache in Hell; 10.  Years

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Sarah Shook and the Disarmers are an amazing alt-country band from my home state of North Carolina, which has spawned so many great groups.  Her voice has a touch of country superstar Terri Clark while her band reminds us of The Mavericks, a truly winning combination.  She tells it like it is, without mincing words, and gives us music that is truly memorable and thought-provoking.  We can only imagine how magnificent her live shows must be, and we hope to make it to one of them on her upcoming 50-city tour.  This is another album that is perfect for repeat, as we simply love listening to her sound.  We love every song on this album, and are proud to say that there she has definitely avoided the sophomore slump.  Keep up the great work – we’ll be listening.

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and Get this one.  It is a treasure.

Artist Name:  John Proulx

Album Name:  Say It

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Gentle Rain; 2.  Scatsville; 3.  The Summer Knows; 4.  Watch What Happens; 5.  Say It; 6.  I Don’t Worry About a Thing; 7.  The Last Goodbye; 8.  Stained Glass; 9.  Something to Live For; 10.  Both Sides Now

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Great jazz singers are rare, but John Proulx is definitely one of them.  With a voice that combines elements of Andy Grammer with Harry Connick, Jr., and a jazz beat that is impossible to ignore, Proulx will quickly become your favorite contemporary jazz singer.  This is jazz for everyone, music that soothes and comforts as it surrounds the listener with an amazing array of aural bliss, especially “The Summer Knows,” which is one of our favorite songs on the album.  This is definitely the artist we will come back to when we are in the mood for jazzy goodness.  We strongly encourage you to do the same.

Recommendation:  One of the year’s best, we strongly recommend that you Get this one and put it on repeat.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 14

Happy 2nd Monday in April – we’re steadily moving through the first half of 2018, and the great music just keeps on coming.  Here are five new singles and music videos to get your week off to a great start.

NEW SINGLES

First up today is a band with the courage to call themselves Feel Alright.  Their latest single has the same name as my favorite cologne – “Cool Water.”  We think it sets the perfect vibe for the week.

Michael Paradise continues in that same vibe with his latest single, “Meant 2 Be.”  This one is an awesome groove, and should make your new week even better.

Our third artist, Rachel Caddy, slows things down with her soulful, folky voice on “Reach for You.”  We love her voice, and the words of the song will reach down deep into your soul.

Our fourth artist today is for fans of Norah Jones, Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan.  Her name is Christina Custode, and we believe you will be hearing a lot more greatness from her in the not too distant future.  Here is her single, “Light of Day.”  Enjoy.

Our final single today comes from the band Beachwood Coyotes, who encourage us to understand the benefits of “Discipline.”  Hard to believe it’s been almost a year since we featured them in this column, but they have definitely redeemed the time.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first new music video comes from Young Galaxy, which were part of one of our recognized best International EPs of 2017.  This powerful video is for their single, “Frontier,” and we love it.

While we’re on an international theme, check out this amazing video from DJ MOH GREEN (ft. Magasco) for their single “Por Favor.”  We believe it has the beat and the flair to truly start your week off right.

Next up is a lyric video from A Big Yes and a small no for their song, “Enough is Enough.”  You can definitely groove to this beat.

Our fourth video today is from The Cuckoos for their amazing song, “Heartbreak Paradise.”  This one has a uniquely indie rock vibe, and is wonderfully produced.  Let us know what you think.

Last but not least today we leave you with “Every Day,” the latest from The Holy Knives.  Have a wonderful week, and we’ll be back soon with more “Get it or Forget It.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – 070 Shake, Mr. Pong, Elise Wunder, Under the Oak, Dreamend

It’s been a very busy first quarter for new music, and it keeps on coming in.  This has been helpful in the wake of several setbacks we have endured in the past few days.  We are so thankful for the power of music, and there is no more powerful music than indie music.  Here are five more artists to check out.

Artist Name:  070 Shake

Album Name:  Glitter

Label:  G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Records

Genre:  Hip-hop

Track Listing:  1.  I Laugh When I’m with Friends but sad When I’m Alone; 2.  Somebody like Me (ft 070Phi); 3.  Lost in Love; 4.  Mirrors; 5.  Stranger; 6.  Glitter

Publicist:  Stephanie Gotch

Review:  The mainstream acceptance of hip-hop music has been steadily on the rise over the past decade, helped in no small part by two Fox series, Star and Empire.  The songs on Glitter could have been pulled directly from the soundtracks of those two shows.  They mix their hip-hop/rap sound with some of the finest R&B/soul music we have heard in a while.  We love the collaborative effort of the 070 artists, and especially 070 Phi, who adds a hard line rap to the smooth sound of 070 Shake.  This one is definitely worth the time to listen, and enjoy the beat

Recommendation:  You should definitely check this one out.

Artist Name:  Mr. Pong

Album Name:  Echoes Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Covers/Instrumental

Track Listing:   1.  What a Wonderful World; 2.  Lost Without U; 3.  I Can’t Feel my Face; 4.  Sorry; 5.  Hotline Bling; 6.  Happy; 7.  Let me Love You; 8.  Passionfruit; 9.  I Feel it Coming; 10.  Despacito

Publicist:  Presstown Media

Review:  Steel drums are such unique instruments.  This entire album is composed of steel drum adaptations of diverse mega-hits from Louis Armstrong’s classic “What  Wonderful World” to The Weeknd’s “I Can’t Feel my Face” to the recent world-wide hit “Despacito.”  It is a relaxing collection that can easily be put on repeat for an extended period of introspection, chilling or just having some great music in the background.  This one will make a sterling addition to your musical library, and we think you will pull it out time and time again.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Elise Wunder

Album Name:  Desert Lonely

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Empty is Blue; 2.  Icarus; 3.  In Your Arms; 4.  Stormy Weather; 5.  Desierto Solitario

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We have had this hot little EP in our possession for the past five months, waiting for its release so that we can review it.  It was definitely worth the wait.  Elise Wunder has a true country voice that enables her to do what every good country song should do – tell a story.  The stories are interesting, and the songs are well-crafted.  Wunder’s voice soars above the instruments, taking the listener to new heights as her lyrics tell that story.  This artist is on the rise, and deserves industry attention.  We expect great things from her in the future, and with the release of Desert Lonely, she is well on her way.

Recommendation:  You simply must add this one to your collection.  Get it today.

Artist Name:  Under the Oak

Album Name:  Big Sky

Label:  Winding Way Records

Genre:  Americana/Folk

Track Listing:  1,  Take in the Spring; 2.  You’re not Alone; 3.  Big Sky; 4.  Don’t Fall on Me; 5.  Beyond the Physical; 6.  Beautiful People; 7.  Wandering Around; 8.  Warm Sun; 9.  Bring me a Carpenter; 10.  Dream Song

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  From the first note of this breathtaking album, the sweet soulful voice of Maggie Pope soars, joined in orbit by her partner Adam Monaco.  Their harmonies are heavenly while the instrumentation, including strings, is simply divine.  This is the album we have been waiting for, with deeply moving arrangements, songs that are instantly memorable, and a message that no matter what life brings you, you don’t have to walk it alone.  It is filled with encouragement, strength, hope and inspiration, and deserves industry attention.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about this one – Get it NOW!

Artist Name:  Dreamend

Album Name:  untitled

Label:  Graveface Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  intro; 2.  falling; 3.  in tune we rest; 4.  a year and a day; 5.  PDM; 6.  inside the head of a monster; 7.  halfway between you and me; 8.  remember the first time; 9.  in my heart; 10.  to see this moment

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  From the beginning, it becomes quickly clear that this is not your normal album.  The eerie sounds emanating from the speakers indicate that this one is gonna be good, different and truly unique, as only great indie music can be.  Ryan Graveface, owner of Graveface Records has resurrected his band Dreamend after a six-year hiatus, and we are so glad he has.  Graveface is a true musician who truly understands what it takes to make a great album, not just from the producer/label side but also from the artist side, as this amazing untitled album demonstrates.  It is hard to pigeonhole this music into a genre, but we would put it in the generic indie rock category for now.  It truly belongs in its own as yet unnamed genre, but suffice it to say that these songs are unique and memorable, and will stay with you long after the final note.  They do bear a resemblance to the music of Blue October, mixed with ELO and arranged by Trent Reznor.  In other words, put this one on repeat.

Recommendation:  Get it ASAP.  It will become one of your favorite musical pieces.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Caitlin Canty, Soldat Hans, Malina Moye, Bill Bloomer, Joachim Cooder

We started writing this article on Good Friday, but the day turned dark and bad – lost our car keys and had to wait four hours for the locksmith, who charged us $220 because the key has a computer chip in it.  Then it was off to T-Mobile to switch accounts, which took another four hours, followed by hosting a concert at the VFW that kept us out until early Saturday morning.  Needless to say, there wasn’t any time to finish it on Friday, and we wanted to give those hard times a little space to breathe before completing the review.  Sorry for the delay, but here are five more artists we hope will get your April off to a good start.

Artist Name:  Caitlin Canty

Album Name:  Motel Bouquet

Label  Tone Tree Music:

Genre:  Roots/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Take me for a Ride; 2.  River Alone; 3.  Time Rolls By; 4.  Who; 5.  Leaping Out; 6.  Onto You; 7.  Motel; 8.  Scattershot; 9.  Basil Gone to Blossom; 10.  Cinder Blocks

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Caitlin Canty has a sweet sound due in no small part to the amazing production work of Punch Brothers banjoist Noam Pikelny, who has included some of Nashville’s finest musicians in his treatment of Canty’s well-crafted material.  This is Americana/Roots music at this core – pure instrumentation, soaring vocals, finely tuned stories and that feeling of down home goodness that permeates throughout.  This is Saturday honky-tonk music, with fiddles so crisp, a drum beat that is barely there and the sound of those amazing vocals soaring above it all.  We think you will put this one on repeat, and listen over and over again.  Canty’s voice is reminiscent of the sweetness of Alison Krause, while Stuart Duncan turns in some of the finest fiddle playing we have ever heard on any Americana album – indie or major label.  We can’t get enough of this one, which we think is definitely in the running for the best Americana album of 2018.

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk and grab this album.  If you only buy one album in 2018, it had better be this one.

Artist Name:  Soldat Hans

Album Name:  Es Taut

Label:  Wolves and Vibrancy Records

Genre:  Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Story of the Flood; 2.  Schoner Zerbirst Part I; 3.  Schoner Zerbirst Part II

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  The album is composed of only three songs, with the first track a staggering 26+ minutes long.  The sound is orchestral, with sustained guitar over crashing cymbals, creating a dark and ominous feeling of impending doom from this Swiss sextet, whose screaming comes in about three minutes into the track.  Absent that screaming, the music is melodic, although foreboding, but is definitely listenable.  If you aren’t depressed when you start listening, you will be by the end of the first track.  The second track starts off with actual singing, followed by more depressing mood music, before segueing into the second part of the song on track three, combining for another 27 minutes.  This album is sure to appeal to our younger crowd, as it feeds into their abandonment issues with this modern society.

Recommendation:  Unless you like prog rock mixed with heavy metal screaming, it might be best to just forget this one.

Artist Name:   Malina Moye

Album Name:  Bad as I Wanna Be

Label:  WCE Records

Genre:  Funk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Something 2 Say; 2.  Betta Than U; 3.  Jumpin’; 4.  Woman 2 Woman; 5.  If 6 was 9; 6.  Enough

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  The Electric Guitar has a new Empress and her name is Malina Moye.  With the sexiness of Janet Jackson meets Beyonce’, and guitar skills that are without equal, Moye brings it all together for her latest project.  From the first note of the album, it quickly becomes evident that Moye has “Something 2 Say,” and we want to hear it over and over again.  Moye would have been the perfect complement to Michael Jackson, and had she auditioned instead of Orianthi, she would have won the job hands down.  This one will definitely get you jumping with her R&B flavored rock, especially the truly empowering final track, “Enough.”

Recommendation:  If you love guitar, then this one is a must have.  Not only that, but Moye has vocals and looks to die for, so don’t hesitate to Get this one.

Artist Name:  Bill Bloomer

Album Name:  Jubilee

Label:  TDP Records

Genre:  Americana/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Whiskey Priest; 2.  Goin Electric; 3.  Can’t see it From Here; 4.  Gift of Love; 5.  Columbus; 6.  Roses, Bridge and Rain; 7.  Winter on the Road; 8.  Go Find Yourself; 9.  Animal Channel

Publicist:  Broken Juke Box Media

Review:  There is nothing as soothing as a deep voice over an acoustic guitar, and the latest from Bill Bloomer has both in spades.  His voice speaks volumes and clearly shows that he has lived a full life.  It is not smooth or silky, but raw and emotional, perfectly capturing the words of his songs.  Tracks 2 (“Goin Electric”), 3 (“Can’t see it From Here”) and 5 (“Columbus”) are the feature tracks of the album, but is definitely an album that is best played in the background.

Recommendation:  If you like Americana and folk, you will probably like this one.  Check it out.

Artist Name:  Joachim Cooder

Album Name:  Fuchsia Machu Picchu

Label:  Temple of Leaves

Genre:  Folk/World

Track Listing:  1.  Fuchsia Machu Picchu; 2.  Elevated Boy; 3.  Everyone Sleeps in the Light; 4.  Calm my Mind; 5.  Because the Moonlight; 6.  Gaviota Drive; 7.  Country Blues

Publicist:  Perpetual Media Relatiosn

Review:  We were wholly unprepared for the unparalleled sound of Joachim Cooder.  It is a mixture of so many styles, including funk, world, folk, and others that it should be its own genre.  The vocals are raw, much like Native Americana chants, but perfectly convey the well-crafted lyrics and make the sound as unique as the instrumentation.  The son of Ry Cooder, Joachim has lived his whole life surrounded by musicians and music, and that heavy influence is reflected in what he has created.  You can look far and wide, but we don’t think you will ever find anything like this sound.  We are so happy that Joachim has joined the elite, and his sound will live on forever.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one – we guarantee there is nothing like it in your current collection.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 13

Woke up to snow and it’s no longer April Fool’s, so we guess it’s real.  They’re also forecasting more snow on Wednesday – enough already.  Let’s see what’s happening in the indie world, and enjoy five new singles and videos.

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest single from BOYTOY, a Brooklyn-based trio, from their forthcoming album, Night Leaf, scheduled for release later this month.  The single is called “Static Age,” and we think it is the perfect one to lead off this month of April.

Next up is Catey Shaw, and we love the sound of her sweet voice.  Here is “New Day,” and we think this sound is a perfect ballad and radio hit.  Let us know what you think.

Our third single this week is “Naked,” and that thought was definitely on our mind after listening to this hot new track from Zaena Morisho.  We could definitely see this one on the Fox series Empire.

Next up is the soaring voice of Esmé, who takes her new single “I Wonder” to amazing heights.  Please let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/soundsofesme/i-wonder

Our final single this week is from an artist that grew up in the shadows of Saudi Arabia, but is finally free to share her creative vision.  Let’s give it up for tamtamsound with her single, “Blue.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video today comes from the John Flanagan Trio, with their single, “Something to Complain About.”  We love the bluegrass sound, and these guys and gals do it very well, especially since they’re from down under, instead of the deep south.

We previously shared the single, “Soldier of the Night” with you last month, and now we have the video to share as well.  We really love Belle and the Beats, and think you will too.

Here’s another upbeat video from Bossie for her single “Strawberry Moon.”  We can’t wait for her album to be released later this month.

Our fourth video for you today is from the UK duo Percival Elliott and is a rocking tribute called “Betty.”  Get up and feel the beat.

Last but not least this week is another look at the amazing Ashley Heath and her Heathens, with the video for “Same Ol’ Blue.”  Have a wonderful week.