Month: December 2018

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 46

Christmas is only eight days away, and the indie music just keeps coming in strong.  We have already reviewed some stunning new releases, and continue to get stellar submissions.  As far as the LA Music Critic Awards goes, 20 artists have been nominated so far for Fan Favorite, with YYNOT, Mindi Abair, Reloaded Norway and Jordan Siwek the current top four vote getters.  Don’t forget to vote.  Deadline is December 28.

We’re keeping the spirit of Christmas alive with several new songs today, so let’s check out these five new singles and videos, right after we give you the latest news.

MARINA V IS MAKING AN ALBUM

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and dear friend Marina V is making a new album and needs your help.  The album will be called In V Minor, and we love what we’ve heard so far.  You can help by either pre-ordering a download or a  personalized, numbered, hugged and kissed CD at MarinaV.com.  There are multiple contribution/ sponsorship levels and perks, so please check it out and help her if you can.

ARE YOU READY TO BE DISCOVERED?

Danish loudspeaker specialists Dynaudio will offer FREE recording sessions to unsigned artists as part of the global gathering this January at the NAMM Show.  There are only 12 slots are available, so time is of the essence if you want to take advantage of this opportunity.  The Dynaudio Unheard studio is a state-of-the-art pop-up recording facility built inside a shipping container.  The studio contains the latest tech from the world’s best equipment makers.  To sign up and/or get more information, click on the link.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today, “The Christmas Song,”  comes courtesy of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services’ client Americana Kitchen and is an original Christmas song.  They have provided two versions of the song and we can’t decide which one we like better.  What do you think?  The first version is country pop and is from Francesca Capasso and the other is a pop rock ballad by Andee Avila.

Next is a beautiful folk ballad from the Swedish duo Drops of Indigo.  Check out “Days of Grace.”  We think you’ll like it as much as we do.

Our third single is an ambient/electronic number from Canadian band  Galaa.  The lead vocals are lovely and the song is powerful, so let us know what you think about “Ender.”

https://soundcloud.com/user-119314571/02-ender/

Next is the latest from Paper Bag Records artist Royal Canoe from their forthcoming 2019 album.  We love the sound of this band and have featured them previously.  Here is their latest, “Peep This.”

Our final single of the week is a holiday song from Jangling Sparrows, courtesy of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services.  Check out the awesome Americana sound of “Bring a Little Christmas Spark.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is another standout song from The Darcys.  We think “Chasing the Fall” will lift you up and get you ready for the remainder of the holiday season.

Next up is the latest from The Vegabonds, who are set to release their fifth album through Blue Élan Records next month.  We love this animated lyric video and especially love the song.  Check out “Everything I Need.”

Our third video comes from Australian band Arm in Arm.  It is very creative and strange, and perfectly fits the words of their song, “Nightfly.”

Video number four is another lyric video, this time to the amazingly upbeat song “Release” from Parish f/t (ft Daphne Willis).  This one will get you up and dancing in no time flat.

We close out this week with the stunning 360 video of the latest from Sci-Fi Romance.  Here is their song “Dreamers & Runaways.”  This is the future of videos, and gives a wonderful overview of the City of Angels.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it, Robby Baier, Engram, Beans on Toast, Filippo Dall’Asta, Roxy Rawson

Happy Saturday.  We meant to publish this article on Friday, but got stuck pulling a double shift.  It’s been a week since the nominations for the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards were announced, and we have a good race for Fan Favorite.  The current leader is YYNOT with 65 votes, followed by Jordan Siwek with 29 and a tie between Reloaded Norway and Paper Gliders with 20 votes each.  Make sure your vote counts.  Simply leave a comment on the announcement page, share and encourage other fans to do the same.  Let’s add five more great artists into the mix with this eclectic collection.

Artist Name:  Robby Baier

Album Name:  Making Space

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Love you for That; 2.  Got This Feeling; 3.  Animals; 4.  Even Now; 5.  Easy With You; 6.  New Day; 7.  Slip Away; 8.  Don’t Look Away; 9.  It’s Happening; 10.  Making Space

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Robby Baier is the latest in a string of amazing indie artists we have met because of our involvement with the Durango Songwriters Expo.  By day Baier is a songwriter, producer and composer for SubStation Studio in Housatonic, Massachusetts, but he is an amazing artist on his own.  On his latest album, he delivers a stunning collection of radio-friendly songs that should put him on the music industry radar.  Best tracks include “Love you for That,”  “Got This Feeling,” “Easy With You,” “New Day,” “Slip Away,” “Don’t Look Away,” and the title track.

Recommendation:  Definitely worthy of your attention.  Get this one.

Artist Name:  Engram

Album Name:  Das Kapital

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  New/post Wave Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  Divine Plan; 2.  Karl Marx; 3.  The Good Life; 4.  Highgate part 2; 5.  The Razor Inside; 6.  Law of Betrayal; 7.  Hi Teikei No; 8.  What am I?; 9.  Point of no Return; 10.  Eyn Irren Tot; 11.  Exquisite Corpse

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The latest project by John Costello and Martin Bowes (Attrition) is called Engram.  After 22 years as an idea, the project has finally taken shape and their debut album has been released.  The music is a throwback to the new and post wave music of the 80s and 90s, and would make great material for DJ mixes for raves and dance clubs.  The songs include political statements that make for interesting listening, including the live broadcasts from President John F. Kennedy on “Karl Marx.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out, especially if you like electronic music.

Artist Name:  Beans on Toast

Album Name:  A Bird in the Hand

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Another Year; 2.  Good Health & Happiness; 3.  Magic; 4.  Here at Homerton Hospital; 5.  Alexa; 6.  1980s Sagittarius; 7.  Bamboo Toothbrush; 8.  Watching the World go By; 9.  Please Give Generously; 10.  Miss you Like Crazy

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  British folk artist Beans on Toast has launched his 10th studio album, which was produced by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons.  We featured his music video for “Alexa” in  our Ten Amazing Videos of November article, and it is a good representation of the randomness of this album, with folk ballads, punk and political statements throughout.  “Another Year.” “Good Health & Happiness” and the latest single, “Magic” are beautiful folk ballads about his experiences and the birth of his child, while “Alexa” is more punk and provides a tongue-in-cheek warning about the dangers of online purchasing and reliance on AI applications like Alexa.    “Bamboo Toothbrush” is likewise a warning about our reliance on disposal plastics.  We also love the carefree style of “Watching the World go By,” and the sweet homespun wisdom it contains about remembering to stop and smell the roses in our busy lives.

Recommendation:   This one is a welcome addition to any music library.  Go Get it today!

Artist Name:  Filippo Dall’Asta

Album Name:  Mediterasian

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Gypsy Jazz/Indian Music

Track Listing:  1.  Alap; 2.  Mediterasian; 3.  Brazil; 4.  Nothingland; 5.  Django’s Castle (ft Lollo Meier); 6.  Cristina; 7.  Prelude No. 2 in C Minor; 8.  La Javanaise; 9.  Insaaf Ki Dagar Pe

Publicist:  Reversed Tornado

Review:  The luscious music of India meets the gypsy jazz sound of Italy on the debut album from guitar virtuoso Filippo Dall’Asta.  The result is breathtaking and these relaxing instrumental grooves will soon have the listener in audio nirvana.  This is one of the best instrumental albums of 2018, and an early favorite for an LA Music Critic Award for the next cycle.  You will want to play this one from start to finish, and relish in the beautiful guitar playing of Dall’Asta.  He even brings in renowned Gypsy guitar legend Lollo Meier on “Django’s Castle” to put the cherry on top of this musical treat.

Recommendation:  If you love music, you will want this one in your collection.  We strongly recommend you Get it.

Artist Name:  Roxy Rawson

Album Name:  Quenching the Kill

Label:  561867 Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Black Eyed Soup; 2.  Rounded Sound; 3.  The Good Shepherd; 4.  Born Again; 5.  Golden Heart; 6.  Bouncing Boots; 7.  God’s Got Bones; 8.  Iron Shoes; 9.  Freckled Agencies; 10.  Teardrop for Rosa

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  The debut album of Roxy Rawson proves first and foremost that the voice is the most versatile instrument of all.  Born in the UK, Rawson currently resides in San Francisco, and the influences of both English and American music permeate her sound.  She has been compared to a mix of Florence + the Machine and Feist, and we think the comparison is spot on.  Her voice rises and falls like a string quartet as she weaves her listeners into her story line, delivering on all fronts, shifting from one genre to the next like a finely tuned Porsche changing gears.  We could listen to this one over and over again.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one – your life may very well depend on it.

 

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

Get it or forget it – John Fedchock Quartet, Li-sa-X, Pierre Guerre-Vallee, Money and the Man, LAW

We announced the nominations last Friday, and we already have more than 2300 views and 100 votes for Fan Favorite.  Have you voted yet?  We have a very eclectic line-up for you today, so let’s get started.

John Fedchock

Artist Name:   John Fedchock Quartet

Album Name:  Reminiscence (Live)

Label:  Summit Records

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  The Third Degree; 2.  Loose Change; 3.  Lament; 4.  The End of a Love Affair; 5.  You’re my Everything; 6.  If you Could see me Now; 7.  Brazilian Fantasy

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Jazz is a living, breathing form of music, and having a live album is almost like being there in person.  John Fedchock and his band ( John Fedchock on trombone, John Toomey on piano, Jimmy Masters on bass, and Dave Ratajczak on drums, with special guest Billy Williams on drums for “Brazilian Fantasy”) have created a masterful performance of some of the best traditional jazz we have heard this year.  The CD flows easily from one track to the next, and will obviously soon be a favorite for true jazz lovers.

Recommendation:  If you love jazz, you must have this one in your collection.

Li-sa-X

Artist Name:  Li-sa-X

Album Name:  Will

Label:   Sony Music Japan

Genre:  Rock/Metal Instrumental

Track Listing:  1,  Little Wings (ft YOYO); 2.  Pale Pink Monster; 3.  P.R.O.; 4.  Fluctuation; 5.  Serendipity; 6.  Hammock; 7.  Fragment of Cake; 8.  Daisy; 9.  World Football Anthem (bonus track)

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Li-sa-X is a 13-year old guitar prodigy who has been electrifying music fans for the past five years, becoming a YouTube viral phenomenon.  She kicks off her debut album with a duet with the equally talented 11-year old YOYO.  She goes on to deliver a stunning album of some of the best guitar playing ever recorded, and is well on her way to becoming one of the greatest guitar shredders in the world.  Earlier this year she got the chance to perform at NAMM alongside Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro.  We can’t wait to see how far her abilities will take her, but rest assured, you are looking at the future of metal.

Recommendation:  This is one train you simply MUST be on.  Get this one today before it burns up!

PGV

Artist Name:  Pierre Guerre-Vallee

Album Name:  L’Age des Nuages

Label:  Shore Dive Records

Genre:  Electronic Shoegaze

Track Listing:  1.  Stratus; 2.  Pileus; 3.  Altostratus Ondulatus; 4.  Arcus; 5.  Cummulonimbus; 6.  Cumulus; 7.  Cyrus; 8.  Mammatus; 9.  Nimbus; 10.  Cumulus Humilis

Publicist:  Shore Dive Records

Review:  French musician Pierre Guerre-Vallee has released an incredible collection of songs about clouds, recorded solely on his mini-korg over a two-month period.  This is a concept album, and each track reflects a different kind of cloud, mirroring the movement of the cloud as it continuously and mysteriously changes its shape and form.  The music is soothing and refreshing, and would make a perfect soundtrack for meditation and reflection.

Recommendation:  If you love meditative music, then this one needs to be in your collection.

Money & the Man

Artist Name:  Money & the Man

Album Name:   Money & the Man

Label:  BERT Music

Genre:   Indie Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Do you Really Wanna Find Out; 2.  Far From This Room; 3.  Forget; 4.  I Wanna Know; 5.  Just Like the Sun; 6.  King of the World; 7.  Nobody Else; 8.  The Same Thing; 9.  The Wise & the Wicked; 10.  They Say; 11.  This Dark Town; 12.  This Season

Publicist:  TCBYML

Review: Dutch band Money & the Man combine elements of blues, indie and rock and roll to form a distinct sound that borders on metal, but with a more melodic sense.  The music is raw and exciting, proving once again that some of the best rock music is coming out of The Netherlands.  The music has biting lyrics that make you think, with a driving rock sound that will keep you interested in the message.  This one needs to be listened to from start to finish, with multiple listens recommended to catch all the nuances of the songs.

Recommendation: If you love rock music with a message, then definitely check out this Dutch band.

Artist Name:  LAW

Album Name:  There and Back Again

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Untitled; 2.  Kaizoku; 3.  Doses of Psychosis; 4.  Control; 5.  Pastora; 6.  Cold; 7.  Blinking; 8.  Autumn Light; 9.  124; 10.  Pause; 11.  Aidan’s Song; 12.  Logun’s Run; 13.  The Doom

Publicist:  For the Win Media

Review:  LAW, a Los Angeles band composed of Jakob Nowell on vocals, Nick Aguilar on drums, Aidan Palacios on guitar and Logun Spellacy on bass, have recorded a masterful debut album that should let the world know that they have arrived.  Nowell, the son of Bradley Nowell of Sublime, shows that he has just as much talent as his famous father, and has earned the right to be taken seriously.  This album is chock full of rocking songs that stand on their own and are worthy of attention from the music industry as well as radio stalwarts like KROQ.  Best tracks include “Kaizoku,” “Pastora,” their first single “Cold,” “Blinking,” “Pause,” “Aidan’s Song,” “Logun’s Run,” and “The Doom.”

Recommendation:  This one is a must have – Get it today!

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Laura Dickinson, Clark Twain, Brian Falduto, Kuar Nhial, Kenny Carr

It never ceases to amaze us with the quality of recordings coming from the indie music community, not only in the US but around the world.  We have five more quality projects to review today, so let’s get started.

Laura Dickinson

Artist Name: Laura Dickinson

Album Name: Auld Lang Syne

Label: Music and Mirror Records

Genre: Christmas (Jazz/Blues)

Track Listing:  1.  Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season; 2.  I’ve got my Love to Keep me Warm; 3.  Christmas is Starting Now; 4.  Peace and Joy; 5.  (Everybody’s Waiting for) The Man with the Bag (ft Steve Trapin); 6.  Love, You Didn’t do Right by Me (ft Kye Palmer); 7.  A Marshmallow World; 8.  Miss you Most (at Christmas Time); 9.  Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!; 10.  Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (ft Alan Steinberger); 11.  Auld Lang Syne (ft Andrew Synowiec)

Publicist:   Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Laura Dickinson is a Grammy®-winning music producer, vocal contractor, and studio singer whose voice has been heard in countless movies, television shows and commercials, including two on the Disney Channel (Phineas and Ferb and Sofia the First).  On her sophomore album, she has created a beautiful holiday treasure that will surely become one of the highlights of your holiday music collection.  Besides several traditional Christmas songs, she also covers the Mariah Carey tune “Miss You Most (At Christmas Time).”   She brings a beautiful big band sound to these holiday classics and establishes herself as an incredible solo performer.

Recommendation: This one deserves a place in your holiday collection.  Get it and enjoy the season.

Clark Twain

Artist Name:  Clark Twain

Album Name:  Life is Wonderful

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt-Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Best is Yet to Come; 2.  Fly High (Like Richard Branson); 3.  Try Too Hard; 4.  A Brief Interlude to Dance in the Elevator (with Strangers); 5.  Tiny Windows; 6.  God is She; 7.  Made for This; 8.  Wedding Bells; 9.  Flower Interlude; 10.  Dreams; 11.  Home; 12.  Black Car; 13.  Not Fade Away (Saloon edition)

Publicist: Shameless Promotion

Review:  Clark Twain has a sound comparable to some of the best artists in Top 40 radio, including Toad the Wet Sprocket, Coldplay, Gin Blossoms and Death Cab for Cutie, and his music is equally as radio friendly.  He hits the ground running with “Best is Yet to Come,” and never lets up.  The best tracks include “Best is Yet to Come,” “Try too Hard,” the first single “Tiny Windows,” “Made for This,” “Home” and “Black Car.”

Recommendation: Definitely worth checking out.  We recommend this album for anyone who loves pop music.

Brian Falduto

Artist Name:  Brian Falduto

Album Name:  Stage Two

Label:  Self-released

Genre: Pop/Country

Track Listing:  1.  The One I’m After; 2.  Fault; 3.  Kiss you Back (ft Daniel Joseph Baker); 4.  Rainy Day; 5.  She (ft Kelsey Martin); 6.  What If; 7.  One More (Mateo) (ft Bronwyn Whittle); 8.  Rainy Day (acoustic)

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  If you’re like most of us, you think 2003’s School of Rock was one of the best movies about music that has ever been made.  Brian Falduto was a cast member in that movie, portraying Billy, the gay kid who became the costume designer for the school band.  Fifteen years later, Falduto is a proud gay man who is releasing his first full length album with a pop/country groove in the style of artists like Dustin Lynch and Cole Swindell.  We think he has serious potential for country radio, and love his sound, especially on “Fault” and “What If,” with their amazing backing vocals, and the beautiful duet with Kelsey Martin on “She.”  Actually, there are no weak tracks on this outstanding debut album, and we think that we’ll be hearing a lot more from the latest actor to become a musician.

Recommendation: Definitely Get this one, sooner rather than later.

Kuar Nhial

Artist Name:  Kuar Nhial

Album Name:  Kuar Nhial

Label:  Consouling Sounds

Genre:  Post-Metal/Black Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Corvus; 2.  Nomam; 3.  Spiraal; 4.  Lamantate

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  Belgian band Kuar Nhial is not your typical “black metal” band.  Their songs do have feature that aggressive style, but there are also moments of cinematic genius that more closely resemble prog rock and post-metal.  Needless to say, this trio is composed of amazing musicians who know how to bring their best to the table.  While they still have some of the “required” screamo vocals, the music is what attracts listeners, who can hear the dedication these players put into their instrumentation.  This debut album spotlights the potential this band has to find its place in the world music scene.

Recommendation:   Definitely check this one out, especially if you are a metal fan.

Kenny Carr

Artist Name:  Kenny Carr

Album Name:  Departure

Label:  Zoozazz

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Intervals; 2.  Time Change; 3.  Tell me I Can’t; 4.  Warmth; 5.  D&P; 6.  Evolutions; 7.  Departure; 8.  Waiting; 9.  Bear Call; 10.  Parallels

Publicist: Kari-On Productions

Review:  Kenny Carr is a gifted musician, composer and arranger and a graduate of Berklee College of Music.  He began his career as part of the band supporting Ray Charles, and spent 10 years working with the legend.  Since then, he has gone on to make his own music.  Departure is his sixth studio album, and stands on its own as one of the best jazz recordings in recent years.  This one is the perfect relaxing soundtrack for your daily chill time, just add a glass of wine and enjoy.  Put this one on repeat and let it melts your cares away.

Recommendation: Definitely Get this one if you are a jazz fan.  It is a premier addition to your collection.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Shane Guerrette, DJ Robert Luis, Destroy Boys, BlissBliss, Tolliver

We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it, now working on the first half of 2019 cycle for the LA Music Critic Awards.  During our down time, the requests just kept coming in, and we have almost 100 submissions already for this next cycle.  Let’s get this party started!

Shane Guerrette.jpg

Artist Name:  Shane Guerrette

Album Name:  Shane Guerrette

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Nomadic Soul; 2.  Ivory and Gold; 3.  Runaway Blues; 4.  Good Times

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Shane Guerrette is a new breed of artist, who cultivated his following on YouTube before deciding to release his first EP, which was produced by Bob Cutarella, who has worked with the likes of Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons and Jeff Beck.  Bob obviously heard something he liked in this young man’s music, and we are here to tell you to believe the hype.  Starting off with the first single, “Nomadic Soul,” this EP gets off to a rocking start and leaves no doubt that this young man will soon become a household name.  His music packs a wallop, and is radio-friendly and ready.  We only wish there were more than four songs here because we could listen to his music all day.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Shapes Mountains

Artist Name:  DJ Robert Luis (various artists)

Album Name:  Shapes:  Mountains

Label:  Tru Thoughts Recordings

Genre:  Label Compilation

Track Listing:  1.  The List (Moonchild); 2.  Distant Heart (Wrongtom remix) (The Seshen); 3.  Vortex Number 9 (Uniting of Opposites); 4.  Night Driving (Ivy Lab remix) (Rhi); 5.  Glass Games (Werkha ft Bryony Jarman-Pinto); 6.  Blue (Space Captain); 7.  Habesha (TeÀmir); 8.  California Love (Sly5thAve ft Cory Henry); 9.  Ojos Vicheros (Quantic and Nidia Gongora); 10.  Can’t Nobody Get Down (Alphabets Heaven remix) (Hot 8 Brass Band; 11.  Run Away (Eric Lau & Kaidi Tatham remix) (Moonchild); 12.  It’ll Come (Belleruche); 13.  Hotline Bling (Quantic y Los Miticos del Ritmo); 14.  A GCSE in Dub (Wrongtom Meets the Ragga Twins); 15.  Little Steps Dub (Prince Fatty Meets Nostalgia 77); 16.  All I Know (Rhi remix) (The Seshen); 17.  Freezing Point (Poppy Ackroyd reimagining) (Manuu Delago); 18.  Wingbeats (Max Cooper remix) (Hidden Orchestra); 19.  Passing Time (Nonames ft Alexa Harley); 20.  J-Freq (J-Felix); 21.  Car Number 27/Mr. Alpo (Tim Deluxe remix) (Uniting of Opposites); 22.  Testimony (Anchorsong); 23.  Find my Way (Aurora Dee Raynes); 24.  Air Sign (KXNGS); 25.  Backbeat (Jonny Faith); 26.  Amor en Francia (Sideswipe remix) (Quantic & Nidia Gongora; 27.  Cherry Glow (Chug remix) (Rhi); 28.  Original Nuttah (Magic Drum Orchestra (ft Bunty); 29.  Foundation (Durrty Goodz ft Flowdan & Sharky Major); 30.  Bodybag (Flowdan ft Irah); 31.  Raving Bully (Sleepin’ Giantz); 32.  Still D.R.E. (Ed West remix) (Sly5thAve)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Tru Thoughts Recordings has been turning out quality records for the past 19 years.  With the assistance of DJ Robert Luis, co-owner and A&R of Tru Thoughts, they have put together a dynamic collection of quality original songs and remixes.  These songs span the musical gamut from old skool R&B, pop, funk and jazz to reggae, dub step, world and electronic.  Best tracks include “Glass Games,” “Blue,” “California Love,” “Runaway,” “It’ll Come,” “Testimony,” “Find my Way,” “Backbeat,” “Amor en Francia,” and “Still D.R.E.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out – we’re sure you’ll find something you like here.

Destroy Boys

Artist Name:  Destroy Boys

Album Name:  Make Room

Label:  Uncool Records

Genre:   Riot Grrl Punk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  American River; 2.  Methatonin; 3.  Vixen; 4.  Nerve; 5.  BFF; 6.  Piedmont; 7.  Crybaby; 8.  Gold Medal; 9.  Duck Eat Duck World; 10.  Soundproof

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Destroy Boys bring their own version of punk-infused rock and roll that is more akin to the sound of The Runaways and Shiragirl than The Ramones.  Lead singer Alexia Roditis’ powerful pipes and haunting melodies combined with Vi Mayugba’s shredding guitar licks are both an homage and an evolution of all things classically punk. They have already impressed legendary Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong, who mentioned the band by name when he was interviewed by Rolling Stone Magazine.  Equally impressive is that at the time, neither Roditis or Mayugba had even graduated from high school.  Although both are enrolled at Mills College in Oakland, we believe their impressive musicianship will ensure that they won’t need to fall back on their future college degree.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one and hop on their train before it leaves the station.

blissbliss

Artist Name:  BlissBliss

Album Name:  3

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Right Where you Are; 2.  I’m Coming Through; 3.  No Apology; 4.  Unshakable; 5.  Bulletproof

Publicist:  Heapsaflash

Review:  We featured the video for their first single, “Right Where you Are,” in our Ten Amazing Videos from November 2018, and were simply floored by the old school R&B/pop smoothness of Rene Garcia and Lang Bliss, aka BlissBliss.  Their sound is truly sophisticated and should appeal to music fans of all ages.  All five of these songs are killa and deserve to be put on a loop.  You’ll want to hear them over and over again.  They are jazzy and radio friendly for a myriad of formats.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one.

Tolliver

Artist Name:  Tolliver

Album Name:  Rites

Label:  Icons Creating Evil Art

Genre:  Alt R&B

Track Listing:  1.  I Gotchu; 2.  Emmanuel; 3.  Picture of you Naked; 4.  Twisted

Publicist:  Mystic Sons

Review:  Born the son of a Baptist minister, Tolliver embraces both the angel and devil in himself with these four songs about not only the pleasures of doing bad things, but the consequences of those actions.  The words come from not only his gospel upbringing but personal experience, and he feels comfortable talking about both sides of the equation.  His music is sensual and smooth, but also full of wisdom he has learned.  Ultimately, he leaves it to the listener to decide whether the consequences are worth the pleasure.  Lots of food for thought in these four songs.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you check this one out.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 45

OMG – did you see the end of the Miami-New England game?  That amazing 69-yard pass/lateral that resulted in a Miami touchdown and a win over our arch-rival the Patriots?  That was one of the best games we have seen in many years, and so happy we were able to pull it off.  We are also happy for all the nominees of the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2018.  Remember, fans can ONLY vote for the Fan Favorite award, so leave your vote as a comment on the announcement article by saving “I vote for (name of artist or band) for Fan Favorite.”

Now that the nominations are out of the way, we have a wonderful Monday Mashup for you today, with five new singles and videos including some holiday tunes.  We hope you enjoy them.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from LA alt-rock band Swerve.  It is a hard rocking tune called “She Cut Her Hand,” and we like it a lot.  Swerve originally began as a moniker for music created by Los Angeles native Greg Mahdesian. But what initially began as a solo project eventually became a full-fledged band. Greg solely composed all of the songs on Swerve’s self-titled debut EP and hired producer Brandon Duncan to record them. So, when it came time to recruit musicians in order to perform live, Greg naturally asked Brandon to join on bass, his old college friend, Ryan Berti, on guitar, and Mark Gardner on drums.

Next up is a holiday cover from Israeli rock goddess Ninet.  We love the simple stylings of “Sweet Chariot” and hope it puts you in the proper mood for the holidays.

For our third single, we head up to Sweden for the beautiful voice and similarly simple arrangement of Marlene Oak on her latest song, “In the Evening.”  Enjoy this masterful and soaring song.

Next is a pop gem from Dollshot called “Paradise Flat.”  This one is not your ordinary pop tune, and we relish its uniqueness, with sparkling jazz stylings. Please let us know what you think.

Our final single is another amazing holiday song, this time featuring the incredible voices of Mallory Trunnel and Lauren Harding, otherwise known as Crimson Calamity.  This may well become our favorite new holiday song.

https://soundcloud.com/crimson-calamity/first-snow/

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We tried to share this one a couple of weeks ago, but it was not released until December 7.  The video was shot in Portland and we think it is very well done.  Check out the amazing Hayley Lynn, who shot this video in one take, and her incredible pipes amid the beautiful backdrop on her song, “Valentine, Too Soon.”

From the beautiful to the different, we bring you the latest from Luna Neptune, who are sharing the “Next Automated Wave.”  They are another European band, and we hope they come play the States in the not too distant future.

Our third video features the truly hip sounds of Saving Forever.  We think you’ll love it, so let’s make some “Memories.”

Our fourth video is a lo-tech lyric video from Alex Bloom.  We love the simpleness of the shoot but the intensity of the lyrics on his song, “Elevator.”  What do you think?

We close out this week with a cover of one of our all-time favorite holiday songs, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”  This time around it is covered by the lovely and extremely talented Arlene Zelina, and we think it provides the perfect sentiment for the season.  See you again soon.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards LA Music Critic Awards Women in Entertainment

Announcement of nominations for LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2018 (updated)

It’s finally here.  We are so proud to announce this amazing list of nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2018.  We culled through 461 CDs and EPs from around the globe, and an equal number of singles and music videos to create what we believe is one of the most diverse group of musicians in the world.

The committee votes on all nominations except the Fan Favorite, where you the reader get to choose your favorite performer.  In order to vote, you must leave a comment below.  Votes left on social media do not count.  The deadline for voting is December 28, and the winners of the awards will be announced on January 4, 2019.  Please remember that you cannot nominate an artist who has already won this award.

Without further adieu, here are the nominations:

BEST EP (Male) – Wolfe Jackson (Nobody Knows Me (Better Than You)); Trevor Douglas (Four in the Morning), Zach Callison (A Picture Perfect Hollywood Heartbreak), Ben de la Cour (The High Cost of Living Strange), Alex Riddle (Snow White)

BEST EP (Female) – Frankie Simone (Love Warrior); Mariel Austin (Runner in the Rain); Lauren Jaimes (Here to Stay), Leslie Nuss (The Album V)

BEST EP (Group) – Shelby Texas (We are Shelby, Texas); Small Million (Young Fools); Paper Gliders (Trials), Heartspank (II), PublicArt (Modernika), Neverwonder (self-titled)

BEST EP (International Artist) – Paolo Preite (An Eye on the World); Jon Mullane (Singles); Valerio Lysander (We are Like Colored Moths Towards the Sunlight); Matty T Wall (Sidewinder); Abby Zotz (Local Honey)

BEST EP (International Group) – Delta Will (Multitudes I); The Fisherman & The Sea (I Can’t Alone); CAP ON. (Be Better Than Jeff), thisquietarmy (The Body and the Earth), The Spanish Flies (Good Things Come to Those Who Wait)

BEST CD (Male) – Slim Gambill (Fake Jazz); Doran Danoff (King of Crown City); Ken Sharp (Beauty in the Backseat); Jeffrey Foucault (War on the Radio); Jordan Siwek (Sun Inside You); Hadden Sayers (Dopamine Machine)

BEST CD (Female) – Deb Ryder (Enjoy the Ride); Rachel Sage (Myopia); Tammie Shannon (All of Me); Bridget Rios Purdy (Still I Rise); Gina Sicilia (Heard the Lie); K. Michelle Dubois (Autumn)

BEST CD (Group) – The Furious Seasons (Now Residing Abroad); Broken Bellows (I, Kaleidoscope); Post Season (self-titled); Birds and Arrows (Arbitrary Magic); The Dream Logic (Liquid Sunshine)

BEST CD (International Artist) – Leeroy (Burn to Ashes), Dustin Tebbutt (Chasing Gold), Kate Reid (The Heart Already Knows), Hollie Haines (Letters to my Last Love), Zsuzsika (Start Again)

BEST CD (International Group) – Hymn for Her (Pop-n-Downers); VNV Nation (Noire); Neville & Sugary Staple (Rude Rebels); Crack of Dawn (self-titled); Norway Reloaded (My Longest Mile)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Male) – Michael Peterson (“From Here to Eternity”), Colin Devlin (“High Point”), Kramies (“The Hill Dweller”), Everlast (“Don’t Complain”), Van Bobbi (“Kickdrum Heartbeat”), **Jason Robert/Stone Stanley (“Mr. Bell”)** Inadvertently left off list

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Female) – Alana Sweetwater (“Gotta Get Up”), Nuela Charles (“Danger”), Lauren Duski (“Costume Party”), Tiffany Young (“Teach You”), Dree Mon (“Dance Like I Want To”)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Group) – Satellite Citi (“Collide”), Fanny Walked the Earth (“When we Need Her”), The Guess Who (“Playin on the Radio”), Honey River (“Peace, Love”), Roan Yellowthorn (“Talk About It”), JP Soars (“Southbound I-95”)

BEST VIDEO (FOR A CAUSE) – Lora Kelley (“Good Men Don’t Hurt You”), Kim Kline (“Stand Tall”), No Small Children (“I’m so Concerned”), Sofia Evangelina (“This is Your Song”), Aijia (“For You”), Various Artists (“Let’s Rise”)

BEST VIDEO (LYRIC) – Smoke Season (“Sweetest Thing”), Stephen Michael Murphy (“Why”), Post Season (“Numb to This”), Rachel Eckroth (“Call my Name”), Greg Laswell (“Royal Empress”), The Spider Accomplice (“Epilogue”)

BEST VIDEO (COVER) – CALICO the Band (“California Dreaming”), Rachel Eckroth (“Love is Lost”), PaperDolls (“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”)

BEST VIDEO (COLLABORATION) – Janiva Magness & Bryan Stephens (“Love is an Army”), Seawaves & Jerad Finck (“New Kids”), Free Love & Suzanne Roden (“Pushing Too Hard”/”July”), Defanico & Avanti (“You Make me Feel”), Cindy Alexander & Rusty Young (“My Favorite Artist”)

BEST VIDEO (INTERNATIONAL) – Constanza Herrero (“Packing Up”), Chesca (“Azucar”), Ziggy Alberts (“Stronger”), The Trouble Notes (“Grand Masquerade”), Peakes (“Still Life”)

BEST SINGLE (Male) – Rod Melancon (“Westgate”), Mike Edell (“Grow with You”), CJ Harper (“When we Rise”), Curtis Peoples (“Castaways”), Thomas Graff (“Make it Easy”)

BEST SINGLE (Female) – Amy Wilcox (“Bandwagon”), Chelsea Gill (“Ray-Bans”), Alexis Keegan (“Gospel”), Kris Angeles (“Stained Glass”), Christine Parker (“Where You Are”)

BEST SINGLE (Group) – SIGNY (“Water”), Honey River (“Peace, Love”), Only Bridges (“Ordinary”), Mustangs of the West (“T-Shirt from California”), The Textones (“20 Miles From Wrong”)

BEST SINGLE (INTERNATIONAL) – Vanessa Zamora (“Malas Amistades”), Liron (“Pina Colada”), Maya Payne (“Jungle”), Greta Jaime (“Computer Games”), Carlo & the Montes (“Nobody’s Fool”)

BEST SINGLE (HOLIDAY) – PaperDolls (“God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen”), Tiffany Young (“Peppermint”), Jack Tempchin (“Jesus and Mohammed”), Mustangs of the West (“Everybody Wants Peace on Earth”)

BEST BLUES ARTIST – Gina Sicilia, Brigette Rios Purdy, Hadden Sayers, Katie Knipp, Kirk Fletcher

BEST BLUES BAND – Detroit Rebellion, Black Cat Road, Michelle D’Amour and the Love Dealers, Keith Stone and Red Gravy, JP Soars

BEST BLUES (TRADITIONAL) ARTIST – Tammie Shannon, Tom Hambridge, Wily Bo Walker, Lawrence Lebo, Deb Ryder, Jonathon Long

BEST BLUES (TRADITIONAL) BAND – Peter V Blues Train, Delta Moon, Karen Lawrence and Blue by Nature, Matheus Matthews, Julianne Q and the Howl

BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST/BAND – Roland White, Tellico

BEST CHILDREN’S ALBUM – Ruth and Emilia (The Spaceship That Fell in my Backyard)

BEST COMEBACK ARTIST – Mustangs of the West, The Textones, Frank Bey, Buddy Guy

BEST COMEDY ALBUM – Brad Wenzel (Sweet Nothings)

BEST COMPILATION ALBUM – Come See About Me (IBMA Trust Fund), A Blue Élan Christmas (various Blue Élan Records artists)

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST – Dennis Duff, Hilary Scott, Corinne Cook, Stephanie Urbina Jones, Lauren Jaimes

BEST COUNTRY BAND – Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis, The Bob Peek Thing, Shelby Texas

BEST EDM/DANCE ARTIST/BAND – Sterling Infinity, Risky Motion, Andrew Bayer, United Ghosts, Lavender Fields, TNEO

BEST FOLK ARTIST – Paul Givant, Lauren Balthrop, Wolfe Jackson, Jason Erie, Ben Bostick

BEST FOLK BAND –   The Furious Seasons, The Skiffle Players, Max Caddy, New London Fire, Lay Low Moon

BEST HARD ROCK/METAL ARTIST/BAND – Rebel Rampage, YYNOT, Code Red Riot, Cosmogyral, Lana Blac

BEST HIP-HOP/RAP ARTIST/BAND – Everlast

BEST HOLIDAY ALBUM – The Humming Bards (Holy Common Grounds); Redhead Express/PaperDolls (Christmastime); Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers (All I Got for Christmas is the Blues); Paul Cardall (Christmas)

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST – Solomon Grey, Dave Wells, Jon Mullane, Abby Zotz, Mac Murray

BEST INTERNATIONAL BAND – Monsta X, Ace of Wands, Koenix, Crack of Dawn, Norway Reloaded

BEST INSTRUMENTAL ARTIST/BAND – Andrew Abaria, Rob McAllister/Music Within, Daniel Aged, Lucky 757, Tauk

BEST JAZZ ARTIST – Mariel Austin, Walt Weiskopf, Calvin Arsenia, Slim Gambill, Leo James Conroy

BEST JAZZ BAND – CeCe Teneal and Soul Kamotion, Strunz & Farah, Frank Gambale Soulmine, S U M, Mark Winkler and Cheryl Bentyne

BEST LATIN ARTIST/BAND – Lauren Henderson, De’Anza, The Chamanas. Constanza Herrero

BEST LIVE ALBUM – Shari Puorto (Live at Bogie’s), Sonia Leigh (Live in London), John McLaughlin & Jimmy Herring (Live in San Francisco), Jocelyn Michelle (Live at Viva Cantina), Karen Lawrence & Blue by Nature (Best of Live)

BEST POP ARTIST – Greg Laswell, Rachel Sage, Trevor Douglas, Ken Sharp, Jordan Siwek

BEST POP BAND – Small Million, Broken Bellows, My Brothers and I, Baby Jay, Roan Yellowthorn

BEST POP/ROCK ARTIST/BAND – Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes, The Persian Leaps, Coyote Choir, Teddy and the Love Gang, KT Tunstall

BEST PUNK ARTIST/BAND – Subterfuge, Castle Black, A Very Special Episode, Taco Mouth, Post Season

BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST – Sara Marie Barron, Candace Devine, Dave Keller, Nuela Charles, Doran Danoff

BEST R&B/SOUL BAND – Down North, DaM-FunK, The Dream Logic, Diane Durrett & Soul Suga

BEST ALT ROCK ARTIST – Kayla Starr, Trevor James, Ruby Rose Fox, Scott Shifflett, Polly Panic

BEST ALT ROCK BAND – Ascent, Farewood, Static and Surrender, Birds and Arrows, The Upstart Crows

BEST ROCK ARTIST – Guilande, Eric McFadden, K. Michelle DuBois

BEST ROCK BAND – Fellow Robot, Tokyo Police Club, Animal Waves, The Guess Who, Band of Silver

BEST REGGAE ARTIST/BAND – Phony Ppl, Sean Paul, Megative

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA ARTIST – Ian Crawford, Roger Len Smith, Lora Kelley, Andy Sydow, Jeffrey Foucault

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA BAND – mmhmm, No Dry County, Mapache, The Textones, Lil’ Red & The Rooster

BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER – Cynthia Brando, Peggy James, Kris Angelis, Gaelynn Lea, Dave Tamkin, Paul McDonald

BEST SOUTHERN ROCK ARTIST/BAND – Sunshine Riot, Moonshine Saints

MOST UNIQUE ARTIST/BAND – Grave Danger, Bella Bartok

RISING STAR – Shaunt Avakian, Hayley Lynn, Sofia Evangelina, CH3LS, Sarra, Bella Rios

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos released in November 2018

We are so happy to have finally finished preparing the list of nominations for the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards, and they will be announced tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.  While you wait, here are ten amazing videos that were not chosen for Monday Mashup features, but which we thought deserved recognition.

We start things off with a beautiful video about reconciliation.  We fully agree with the sentiments expressed in the song “Right Where You Are” by BlissBliss.

Next up is an amazingly fun video about the end of the world, as visualized for “Lazer Queen” by I Love You Honey Bunny.  They are a Czech band and we love their vision.

Our third single is one of the most beautiful protest songs we have ever heard.  Stephen Michael Murphy and InfiniteTolerance.com have joined forces with General Steel to give us the reggae sound of “African Mamas.”  Watch for the Bob Marley cameo at the end.  #StopInjustice

Video number four is another beautiful collaboration, this time between D’Sound and Armi Millare on the single “Lykkelig.”  This one is the perfect segue and should keep the music grooving.

Our next video is a tongue-in-cheek look at the powerful “Alexa” and the hazards of online purchasing.  Laugh along with Beans on Toast but take the sentiment behind the video as seriously as he does.

Our sixth video features the Janis Joplin-like vocals of Ninet on her powerful song “Self Destructive Mind.”  This one is packed with food for thought.

Reason/Define is an all-female post-hardcore band that puts the rock in rock and roll.  Their latest video is a powerful statement about “Pointing Fingers,” and we think you need to pay attention.  This band is definitely going on our radar.

Our eighth video has stunning cinematography and the sweet voice of Kiyomi Hawley for her single “Meet you There.”  We love the feelings this song generates, and think it is a perfect song for this time of the year.

Our next video is about “Revenge” and is from Static Noize, a  hip-hop duo from the small Western Australian area of Burundi.  Check out the beat on this one.

Our final video this month is from LA Music Critic Award-winning prog-rock band Orissa.  Check out this live performance of their song “Blue Communion,” and check out those dancers.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten great singles released in November 2018

Well, it’s been a busy week preparing the list of nominations for the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards, which will be announced tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.  While you wait, here are ten great singles that were not chosen for Monday Mashup features, but which we thought deserved recognition.

First up is the second single from Noctorum, featuring Marty Wilson-Piper, the former lead singer of The Church.  The single is a soft rocker that is the perfect sound for your early morning music fix and is called “Piccadilly Circus in the Rain.”  Let us know what you think.

Next up is “Infinite Swim,” which has a decidedly 80’s retro sound, with big beats and cool vocals, and comes to us courtesy of the Irish band All Tvvins.  We can’t wait to hear and review the rest of the album when it is released next year.

For our next single, we travel to Amsterdam for the latest from the Moon Tapes.  If there was an award for the strangest song title, they would win it hands down.  Check out the noir-pop sound of “Tonight I’ll Write the Saddest Lines.”

From noir-pop we return to rock-n-roll, with the latest offering from Jon Tessier, “Freak I Need.”  This one will put some 70’s rock flavor into your day.

At single number five is K-Pop phenom Monsta X, who has released their first all-English song, “Shoot Out.”  We reviewed their album last week, and were impressed by the multiple genres these lads have mastered, and look forward to what comes next.  Get down to this one.

We kick off the second five singles with this refreshing country song from form The Voice contestant, Lauren Duski.  This one is a future hit, and it definitely makes our “Heart Hurt Good.”

Single number seven is from an iconic reggae singer who has returned with a fun, upbeat tune that will get you ready for summer in the middle of winter.  Check out “Use Me” from Shaggy.

For our next single, we go from reggae to the R&B/Pop sound of Australian YouTube sensation Arlene Zelina.  We love the smooth sound of “Dream of Me” and think you will too.

Single number nine features another amazing female voice with the sultry sound of Ariel Gold.  This one has the perfect driving drum beat, truly amazing vocals and an upbeat song the belies its title, “Blue.”  Let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/bigmanagement/ariel-gold-blue/s-CTDv7

We close out this edition of Ten Great Singles with a beautiful collaborative effort, courtesy of our friends at the Durango Songwriters Expo.  The song was written by Scott Krippayne and Jeff Peabody for the late Neal E. Boyd, winner of America’s Got Talent in 2008.  The orchestration was recorded and the song was mixed and mastered by Brandon K. Guttenfelder.  We think it is the perfect holiday song.  Enjoy “Not so Silent Night.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – Lauren Jaimes, del-Toros, Jason Erie, The Dream Logic, Hollie Haines

This is our final Get it or Forget it of the current LA Music Critic Awards cycle, and it has been a wild ride over the past six months.  We wish we could give awards to every one of them, but that is not possible, so we will continue to sort through them before announcing the nominations on December 7.  We hope you have enjoyed checking them out as much as we have enjoyed reviewing them.

Artist Name:  Lauren Jaimes

Album Name:  Here to Stay

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Worn out Memory; 2.  Song to Pa; 3.  Leave the Light On; 4.  Need You More; 5.  Real Bad Habit; 6.  Cherry Pie

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Country radio has a new sweetheart in the music of Lauren Jaimes, who combines the best of Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert and Kelsea Ballerini.  The songs come from the heart, and that passion comes through loud and clear, especially on the very personal “Song to Pa.”  We love every track on this EP, and think it is one of the very best of 2018.  “Leave the Light On” is a hit, and deserves serious rotations now.  We love her vocals and these well-written songs, and intend to put them on repeat.

Recommendation:  Go.  Get.  This.

Artist Name:  del-Toros

Album Name:  Ten Stories High

Label:  Down at the Nightclub Records

Genre:  Alt Surf-rock Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Don’t Wipe; 2.  Octowave; 3.  End of the World; 4.  Halloween Theme; 5.  21-74 (ft Bertus Borgers); 6.  Gingerchord; 7.  SoCal Killings; 8.  King of the Rockettool (ft Peter te Bos); 9.  Loose Lips; 10.  Theme for Great Cities

Publicist:  Down at the Nightclub Records

Review:  The Netherlands continues to impress with another one of their bands.  The music of del-Toros is sort of like Dick Dale on speed, with a harder edge to the signature surf rock sound.  The album contains nine instrumental tracks, with the only vocals coming from Peter te Bos (Claw Boys Claw) on the track “King of the Rockettool.”  We really love their interpretation of the “Halloween Theme.”  This one is a keeper.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Jason Erie

Album Name:  The Art of Letting Go

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Talking to Chairs; 2.  Conversation with a Bottle; 3.  Lorelai; 4.  Black Lung; 5.  Gold Rush; 6.  The Art of Letting Go; 7.  Some Kind of Way

Publicist:  Brennan Management

Review:  Jason Erie reveals a lot about his life in this seven-song collection of modern-day folk songs.  He talks about growing up in a broken home, watching his mother suffer from alcohol addiction and his father give everything to his job, and having to grow up faster than normal.  While not so much protest songs, these tunes are reminiscent of the legacy of Woody Guthrie with a little bit of Dolly Parton wit and wisdom.   We really love the rocking sound of “Conversation with a Bottle,” as well as the haunting vocal duet and tantalizing fiddle on “Gold Rush.”  The final track “Some Kind of Way” has a John Mellencamp feel that would make it a great radio single.

Recommendation:  This one will haunt you if you don’t Get it now.  Jump on this train before it leaves the station.

Artist Name:  The Dream Logic

Album Name:  Liquid Sunshine

Label:  Chaos Music

Genre:  Jam/Blues Fusion

Track Listing:  1.  Fakes and Fools; 2.  Without You; 3.  The Spider; 4.  I’m Gonna Take it From You; 5.  Queen of Hearts; 6.  Liquid Sunshine; 7.  I’m Afraid to Speak; 8.  A Beautiful Thrill; 9.  The Kiss Off; 10.  Looking Into the Future; 11.  Kinda You; 12.  You Wrecked Me; 13.  Disconnected

Publicist:  Two Sheps That Pass

Review:  NYC gives us yet another amazing jam band with the latest offering from Charles Compo, Camille Gainer and Jerry Brooks, collectively known as The Dream Logic.  Their brand of rock and roll fuses elements of jam, funk, acid jazz and blues, along with a touch of 60s soul.  Gainer’s drums fit seamlessly with Brooks’ funky bass beat to lay the perfect foundation for multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Compo to complete.  This is the perfect soundtrack for every day, with a funky groove that is uniquely theirs.  You will definitely want to put this one on repeat.

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and Get this one NOW!

Artist Name:  Hollie Haines

Album Name:  Letters to my Last Love

Label:  Championed by 6 Music

Genre:  Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Except for You; 2.  Like I Used To; 3.  All You Did; 4.  Since You’ve Been Gone; 5.  I Got Through, Babe; 6.  Better; 7.  Mine

Publicist:  Lander PR

Review:  With a vocal style reminiscent of Enya, Hollie Haines brings a haunting and electrifying sound to her dreamy folk songs.  Her contemporary touch is refreshing, making this album perfect for chill time or when you just want to reflect on life.  The chamber orchestration adds to this feeling of well-being that comes through crystal clear, despite the sometimes melancholy lyrics.  These are songs that are instantly memorable, and will haunt you like few other artists’ songs can.  The vocal harmonies on “Since You’ve Been Gone” are heavenly, and add to the mystique of the song.  We also love the tongue-in-cheek tribute to Sonny and Cher in her song “I Got Through, Babe.”

Recommendation:  We highly recommend this one.  Go Get it!