Month: March 2019

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Live Concerts Reviews

Shooter Jennings packs them in at Missoula’s Top Hat Lounge

photo by Chelle-S Imaging

As you can imagine, after being part of the music industry for the past 30 years, we’ve made quite a few friends along the way.  One of those special friends is Ted Russell Kamp, who was one of our performers at last year’s LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  Besides his indie activities, Kamp is also the bassist for Shooter Jennings, who recently brought his tour to Missoula, Montana for a show at The Top Hat Lounge on February 20.

Kamp invited us to come see and review the show, and to hang with him before, so we gladly accepted his invitation.  We had a great time catching up and having dinner together before the show.  When we arrived for sound check, we were also pleasantly surprised to discover that another of our friends, Aubrey Richmond, was playing fiddle at the show.  Besides occasionally playing for Jennings, Richmond is also a member of Blue Élan Records recording artist Mustangs of the West.

photo by Chelle-S Imaging

The opening band was Texas-based Quaker City Night Hawks, and they brought their country rock sound to provide the perfect wake-up call for Jennings.  The band combines elements of ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynryd to create their own brand of southern rock  The two guitarists traded lead vocal duties, while the drummer and bassist laid down the perfect foundation for the jamming indie rock sound.  The crowd was whipped into a frenzy and totally enjoyed this opening act, which lasted about 45 mins  We really loved their funky guitars which are also highlighted on their recently released self-titled album, which came out on March 1.

After a brief intermission, the lights came up on Jennings on the piano, Kamp on bass, Jamie on drums, John on guitar and Richmond on fiddle.    The show started with a rousing honky-tonk blues number called “Bound ta Git Down,” which was the first single from his most recent album, Shooter.

The standing room only crowd loved every minute of the show, as Jennings played songs from all of his previous releases with an emphasis on his latest offering.  He showed his musicality by moving from piano to guitar and back again numerous time throughout his set.  He also showed how proud he is of his roots, with tributes to some of the country greats like George Jones and his father, the late Waylon Jennings.

Photo by Chelle-S Imaging.
Photo by Chelle-S Imaging.

Among the amazing songs he performed were new ones “D.R.U.N.K.,” the perfect country song, “Rhinestone Eyes,” “Denim & Diamonds,” and the classic “Steady at the Wheel.”  Truth be told, every song was solid country gold and kept the audience joyfully singing along and dancing.

Another thing that we appreciated was that Jennings was not afraid to share the spotlight, as he highlighted the contributions of each member of his band, especially Richmond and Kamp.

We will definitely be back to see Jennings again soon.  This was a wonderful night that we will never forget.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 10

Hope you all survived the start of Daylight Savings Time yesterday.  Hopefully today’s great music will give you the jump start you need (that and several cups of coffee).  We’re getting really excited about our return to LA next month, and looking forward to the Hollywood Fringe Festival, our debut solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), and celebrating women at the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  We hope to connect with all of our LA peeps at at least one of these events.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from one of the scheduled performers at this year’s Showcase, Brigitte Purdy, who took home wins for Best Blues Artist and Best CD (Female).

Our second single comes from the cold vastness of Denmark.  The Straw Family Band have been thrilling us since we introduced them to you back in July 2017.  Their latest, “Perfectly Fine,” is another prime example of why we love them so much.  The tune is melancholy while still upbeat and features stirring vocals that uplift and give the song its intended positive vibe.

Next up is the first single from Americana/Indie Rock duo Anana Kaye.  We love the harmonies and the intriguing vocals, and think this song should do well in both Americana and Indie Rock/College radio circuits.  Check out “Blueberry Fireworks.”

We had intended to feature our next single a few weeks ago, but it got lost in our email.  We are very pleased to present it now, as it is pure classic country that we can’t get enough of.  Check out Marty Brown‘s “Umbrella Lovers” and we think you’ll love it too.

Our final single this week is an amazing work of R&B smoothness, featuring the amazing vocals of Dominique Tey.  Her EP will drop next month, and this tasty appetizer should get you ready for it.  Here’s “Every Part.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick off this week’s music videos with this torch song from the amazing Fiona Grey.  We definitely agree with her assessment that we need more “Girls Like Me.”

Our next video comes from Kakkmaddafakka, which we introduced to you in our Ten Great Singles of February.  Here is the video of that same song, and we love it.  Get up and dance your cares away.

Likewise, our third video is the latest from Blue Élan Records artists Red Wanting Blue, featuring the stunning vocals of Liz Brasher.  We introduced this song to you a couple of weeks ago, and we can’t get enough of it.  Check out “I Got a Feeling it Hurts.”

We featured Kat Holland‘s song “The One” in our post-Grammy Monday Mashup, and she has now released a music video for it.  We love the sound of her voice, which is elegant, airy and full of life.  See what we mean.

We close out this week with the heartfelt sound of Cameron Hawthorn, who likes to be “Dancing in the Living Room.”  Sounds like a great idea, don’t you think?

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Shouldies, Dean Everett Jackson, As Within so Without, Fred Abong, Sunbathers

We’re back with our New Music Friday edition of Get it or Forget it, with a pair of albums released on Tuesday and the other three released today.  Enjoy this eclectic mix.

Artist Name:  Shouldies

Album Name:  🙂

Label:  NeverNotGoth

Genre:  Goth Synth Punk

Track Listing:  1.  mother; 2.  statue; 3.  u die i die; 4.  dancing; 5.  bed; 6.  useless; 7.  leave the light on; 8.  queer american; 9.  running

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Graveface Records has decided to launch a new imprint, and Atlanta-based Shouldies are the first artist to be featured on that imprint.  With a mixture of goth, synth and punk sensibilities, the Shouldies add a dance groove to their sound to make it more relatable.  We think they definitely hit the mark, especially on “u die i die,” and we look forward to what comes next from this intriguing imprint.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Dean Everett Jackson

Album Name:  Her Cane Season

Label:  Church of the Good Hustle

Genre:  Roots/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Her Cane Season; 2.  Silver Linings; 3.  Cristina (Sugar Ya-Ya); 4.  Parish Moon; 5.  Quiet Eye; 6.  Feu Follet; 7.  Take a Step Back; 8.  Send the Light; 9.  Lean into the Wind

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  On his debut album, Dean Everett Jackson throws in everything but the kitchen sink to capture the entire Louisiana music scene, from jazz to roots, blues to funk and Americana to country.  The title track gets this party rolling, and makes you miss those humid nights around the campfire, enjoying the crawfish and a cold brew.  The album is all about the stories that keep us involved in our family histories, and the music that transcends generations.  There is not a weak track on this album, and we love it from start to finish.  There is a lot of radio-friendly material here, as well as the perfect songs to set that Cajun vibe for television and film placement.

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

Artist Name:  As Within, So Without

Album Name:  Into Oblivion

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Metalcore

Track Listing:  1.  Departure; 2.  Alone; 3.  A Disease Called Man; 4.  Sleepy Hollow; 5.  Anchor; 6.  The Torch; 7.  Whats Left of Me; 8.  Hate Me; 9.  What You Said

Publicist:  TAG Publicity

Review:  Just what we don’t need, another screamo metal band that sound exactly like everyone else.  Granted, there are moments when they try to break out, like actual singing on portions of the chorus on “Departure,” but all in all, this one will appeal to only the truest of metal fans.

Recommendation:  Only check it out if you love metal.

Artist Name:  Fred Abong

Album Name:  Pulsing

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Footprints; 2.  Firefly; 3.  Pulsing; 4.  Sun; 5.  Meet Me; 6.  The Wire

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  After gaining fame as the bass player for Throwing Muses and Belly, Fred Abong took time off to pursue a Ph.D. before becoming an adjunct professor of Religious Studies, Philosophy and English.  His new EP follows his return to music last year, and commemorates his second UK tour with Kristin Hersh.  The sound is acoustic driven lyrics that dig deep to deliver his message, which never gets lost in the music.

Recommendation:  Worthy of your consideration.

Artist Name:  Sunbathers

Album Name:  A Heat Wave

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Honeysuk; 2.  Bare; 3.  Intimacy; 4.  Sugar

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  The Sunbathers are a hip indie pop/rock quartet with an amazing sound that is radio friendly and just plain fun.  This is music that belongs on the radio, and the energy emanating from the tracks would make them a great band to check out in concert.  We only wish there were more than four tracks, because this band caught our attention and we want more!  This is the first of a pair of EPs and we will wait with baited breath for the next one.  We’ll spend the time dancing to these tracks, especially the explosive “Bare.”

Recommendation:  These guys are going places.  Hop on this train now and Get this one!

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos released in February 2019

Time now for our monthly feature of the best music videos we have received.  While we do not get as many video submissions as we do for singles, we still had nearly 100 to review this month, and we bring you what we consider to be the best 10 that were not already featured in our weekly Monday Mashup column.  Let’s get going.

First up is a visually stimulating video from Flamingods.  This one is upbeat and intense and we love it.  Check out “Marigold.”

Lullwater provides us with our first true rocking song of this month.  You can feel the bass from the hard-hitting song “Empty Chamber.”  This one will wake you up.

Just when we think rock is taking a break we get another one, this time from KilliT.  This London-based band is a hard-rocking quintet that have truly got it going on, and are destined to rise to the top of the rock pile.  Check out “Love is the Chemical.”

Music video number four comes from Scotland’s Astrid, who have been absent for the past 15 years.  We are so glad they’re back, and have set the bar high with the release of “Poison Reaction.”  Let us know what you think.

Jenny Teator is a blazing hot indie rock singer who is also drop-dead gorgeous.  All of her best traits are on display in her latest video for “Surrender,” and we gladly accept her terms.

We kick off the second five of our Ten Amazing Videos with a powerful one from Jesse Pepe for his rap single, “To the Kids.”  This one will change your perception.

Next up is some smooth island sounds from Kauai with the Phil Jones Band‘s stunning video for “Wild Honey.”  Please enjoy the cinematography and the vibe of this one.

Our eighth video this month is for fans of X Ambassadors and OneRepublic with this thrilling new chapter in the career of Ships Have Sailed.  We think they have truly nailed it with the release of “Escape.”

Our next video is a heartbreaker from singer-songwriter TJ Patrick.  Here is his latest, “Falling.”  The cinematography perfectly underlines the brilliant lyrics of his song.

We close out this month with the amazing vocals of Piper Hays on her song “For You.”  We can’t think of a more appropriate song to end this article, as everything we do here is for you.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten great singles released in February 2019

We continue to be bombarded with a plethora of singles, and received another 200 or so this month.  We wish we could feature more, but we are trying to share the best of them with you each month in our Monday Mashup and Ten Great Singles columns.  Here are our picks for this month.

We wanted to start off with a bonus selection, as we just featured this artist a few weeks ago.  Fred Hostetler is a huge part of the driving force behind Blue by Nature, and he continues to evolve with his current solo effort, “Taming the Wolf.”  The song has a true acoustic delta blues vibe, and Hostetler tells a great story you’ll want to hear more than once.

Our first single this month comes from Norwegian band Kakkmaddafakka.  They have a very retro 80s sound which we truly dig.  This one is just plain fun.  Enjoy “Runaway Girl.”

French-born but London-based alternative folk singer Amelle Rose brings us our next single.  This one is a slow-cooking power ballad that will rile up your emotions and take you on a spectacular ride.  Here’s “Rain.”

Our third single comes from a group with a heavy Maroon 5 vibe.  “Strange Love” is the latest from The Unlikely Candidates, and we think it deserves heavy radio rotation.  Let us know what you think.

Next up is “Not Alright,” the debut single from 2 Paper Dolls.  These two ladies have incredible chemistry and their vocal harmonies are to die for.  We can’t wait to see what comes next, and believe we will be seeing a lot more of this band in the future.

Our fifth single this month is from Scottish folk rocker Jamie Sutherland.  This one is upbeat and will get your toes a tapping and compel you to the dance floor.  Check out “Be Careful Don’t Break my Heart.”

We start off our second set of five with Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Liam Grae.  This one is full of sex appeal, and the sultry blue-eyed soul vocals will have you swooning over “Typical.”

Next up is another LA-based singer with powerful pipes.  Check out “Winter Doesn’t Wait,” the latest smash from Zachariah.  We really think he has the chops to go all the way to the top of the charts.

https://soundcloud.com/zachariahh/winter-doesnt-wait/

Our eighth single is full of Scandi-pop and 90s R&B and would be a perfect fit for American Top 40 radio.  We love the sound of Girl Crush and think this just might be the song to break them out.  Check out “Baby Steps.”

Alt-pop duo Karina bring us our ninth single with the tantalizing “My Skin.”  It has an upbeat and danceable feel that will get you moving while the sweet vocals will thrill your ears.  Check them out.

Our final single this month comes from The Lighthouse.  This band has an enticing vibe that would do well on radio, especially college radio, and we think they deserve industry attention.  Here’s their single, “Tel Aviv.”

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Reviews

The Chordaes hit the right note with their latest release

Cover art courtesy of Bandcamp

New York City based trio The Chordaes released their latest offering What we Breathe In on February 22 on Riverine Music, and we are so happy to be able to share this amazing EP with you.

The band launched their career in 2014, the culmination of years of musical camaraderie between Leo Sawikin and Ethan Glenn, which began in seventh grade at Churchill School in Manhattan. They added Kevin Foley to the mix and quickly earned the praise of numerous music publications, including Elmore Magazine, which cited their “diverse array of sounds and ideas, inspired by the freewheeling experimentation of Radiohead and late period Beatles while retaining a strictly pop essence.”   They were voted the Best New Alt Rock Artist (NY) in 2015 by Deli Magazine.

As they continue to grow their fan base with regular live performances at NYC spots like Rockwood Music Hall and Mercury Lounge, praise for their music has rolled in.  Substream wrote of In Itinere (their previous EP from 2017) that it was “packed with some of the best low key, guilty pleasure pop-rock jams of the year.”   They received comparable praise from All Things Go Music, who said:  “Burning slowly like the first stages of a fire . . . the New York outfit blends the raw, candid lyricism of early alternative rock with the expertise of classic Americana and doesn’t spill a drop.”

The band used a Wrecking Crew-inspired recording process, led by producer Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Roger Daltrey).  Most of the  instruments were captured live with minimal overdubs, resulting in a timeless sound.  The songs are driven by the insightful songwriting of Sawikin, and are reflective of the struggle of young millenials trying to find their way in today’s culture.  They speak of a rising sense of powerlessness – both in the world and in their own personal relationships.

The album’s infectious, soaring lead single, “Venus,” was mixed by Mark Needham (The Killers, The Revivalists), and is about longing for someone who is out of reach but who holds power over one’s heart.  Sawikin explains:  “The idea of the song is that like two neighboring planets, we are locked in place by forces greater than we are. It’s about being in limbo with someone, being powerless to move closer to or further from them.”

The title track is a true generational anthem and a declaration of our
common humanity in a time when leaders sow fear and hatred. Helping to create the song’s driving sound is mixer Kevin Killen, whose countless credits include U2’s indelible “Pride (In the Name of Love).”  In fact, comparisons to the sound of early U2 would be most appropriate for this amazing collection of songs, which are truly radio friendly and begging for industry attention.

Similarly, they use the sound of British Invasion bands like The Kinks and The Zombies on their track, “Tuesday Afternoon.”  Sawikin’s lyrics are spot on, reflecting the conflicts of everyday living and of needing “some time alone” to sort things out.

There are no weak songs on this EP, and we think that you will want to listen to them over and over again.  The EP closes with “Miles Across the Sea,” which is centered around Sawikin’s 12-string
guitar and piercing vocal.  It is a flat out heartbreaker that explores the perennial question: “Why can’t we master our emotions and simply move on?”

The EP is available for streaming on Spotify and for purchase on Bandcamp and other retailers.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 9

Welcome to our first Monday Mashup of March.  We’re counting down our final two months in Montana, as we will be in Los Angeles for the entire months of May and June before packing up and heading for the east coast in July.  Until then, we will continue to bring you amazing new music, including these five singles and music videos which were recently released.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from our old friend Tony Lucca, a former cast member of The New Mickey Mouse Club, as well as a member of Team Adam on Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice (the most watched season to date).  The single is called “Restless Heart,” and it’s already exploding up the charts.  One listen and we think you’ll understand why.

Next up is a clever pop/rock tune from The Slow Drag.  Check out this tongue-in-cheek song called “God Roots for my Team.”

https://soundcloud.com/the-slow-drag/god-roots-for-my-team-1/s-pxYSD

Our third single comes from West Australian folk singer-songwriter Scott Riley.  We really love the carefree sound of “Hard Luck,” as well as the message of the song.  Let us know what you think.

Single number four is “Warriors” by Danish band Rainbrother.  This one has the goods to make it on American radio, with its retro sound and driving beat.

Our final single this week is from the powerful and haunting vocalist Luvia.  Her single “Hunted” will send chills down your spine.  Enjoy this gift.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week features the PaperDolls Band in their dressing room warming up with an amazing a capella cover of “Billy” by The Bearfoot Band.  Enjoy this insightful look into what makes this band so amazing.

Next up is the latest video from Blue Élan Records future superstar, Amy Wilcox.  We simply love this visualization of her song, “Fortune Teller,” and think you will fall under her spell as well.

Video number three comes from Shiragirl, who were a featured act at last year’s LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  Check out “I Must be Dreaming” and get your rock on.

Our fourth video comes from the pop-noir mind of Shayfer James, who we reviewed earlier last month.  If you’re in New York, his EP release show will be this Friday at Rockwood Music Hall at 8:30 p.m.  This beautifully shot cinematic masterpiece perfectly captures the tone of his song “Ophelia.”

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with the latest hip-hop video from 18 year old Londoner AMA.  Check out “Slip.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – Maria Somerville, Derek Schmidt, JD Simo, Kerchief, Powder for Pigeons

Happy New Music Friday.  So good to be back with another edition as we kick off the month of March with five amazing releases that dropped today.  Let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Maria Somerville

Album Name:  All my People

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Eyes Don’t Say It; 2.  This Way; 3.  Undoing; 4.  Dreaming; 5.  All my People; 6.  All too Much; 7.  Brighter Days

Publicist:  Promo Jukebox/Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  Maria Somerville transforms the listener into her ethereal soundscape with a sound that is part Celtic, part folk, part pop and post-punk, and altogether unique.  The haunting melodies speak of her Irish background and provide an intriguing backdrop for these modern-day folk songs.  These songs provide a fitting background for your periods of meditation and winding down from a long work day.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Derek Schmidt

Album Name:  Major Arcana

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Electronic folk

Track Listing:  1.  The Fool; 2.  The Magician; 3.  High Priestess; 4.  The Empress; 5.  The Emperor; 6.  The Hierophant; 7.  The Lovers; 8.  The Chariot; 9.  Adjustment; 10.  The Hermit; 11.  Fortune; 12.  Lust; 13.  The Hanged Man; 14.  Death; 15.  Art; 16.  The Devil; 17.  The Tower; 18.  The Star; 19.  The Moon; 20.  The Sun; 21.  The Aeon; 22.  The Universe

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  Derek Schmidt is a composer and singer-songwriter who has created an intriguing album based on the Major Arcana of the Tarot, which are the 22 primary cards in the deck.  Each song is inspired by his interpretation of the message of that card.  He uses electronic samples and vocals to convey his feelings on each card.  This album is unlike anything else you have heard before in the indie music scene, and for that alone, he is to be commended.  This is definitely a niche record.  We’re just not sure exactly where it belongs.

Recommendation:  Check it out, if you dare.

Artist Name:  JD Simo

Album Name:  Off at 11

Label:  Crows Feet Music Group

Genre:  Psychedelic Blues/Rock/Soul/Jam

Track Listing:   1.  Boom Boom, Out go the Lights; 2.  Off at 11; 3.  You Need Love; 4.  I Got Love if you Want It; 5.  Temptation; 6.  Mind Trouble; 7.  Sweet Little Angel; 8.  Accept

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  We featured “You Need Love” in our first Monday Mashup of February, which gave us just a taste of the greatness of this incredible artist.  This album marks his debut as a solo artist and showcases the virtuosity of this guitarist at his most electric. The eight tracks are a journey through the ghosts of the blues masters, the psychedelic arrangements of the 60s, the guitar gods of the 70s and beyond.   Acid rock, traditional blues, folk, soul, and free form jazz are all brought to new life with this amazing kaleidoscope of sound.  You can’t go wrong with this one.  We really love the intense title track, which is one of the best instrumentals we have heard this year, but every track is worthy of attention.

Recommendation:  Definitely go Get it.

Artist Name:  Kerchief

Album Name:  Fluke

Label:  Mint 400 Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Evil Parts; 2.  States; 3.  Tiny Bomb; 4.  Erase Me; 5.  Bad Math; 6.  Til the End; 7.  Growing Teeth; 8.  In Between

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Tennessee based Kerchief is fronted by the brilliant singer-songwriter Britt Hill and backed up by Tommy (bass) and Trevor (drums) Nicholson.  Their indie rock sound is perfect for college radio and placement opportunities.  The sound is smooth while the lyrics are well-written and perfect sung by Hill.  This is a band on the rise, and we expect nothing but super stardom for this trio.  You can’t go wrong with any of the tracks on this one, especially “Evil Parts,” “States,” and “Til the End.”

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Powder for Pigeons

Album Name:  Over & Out

Label: Tunecore

Genre:  Alt-Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Catapult; 2.  Personality; 3.  Lay it On; 4.  Shitstorm City; 5.  Expectation; 6.  Better Days; 7.  Over and Out

Publicist:  Dr. Music Promotion

Review:  This amazing Australian couple bring straight ahead alt-rock with a touch of punk energy and guitar heavy metal to their latest album, which is intended to share the Australian Outback with the rest of the world.  This one will get your heart racing and compel you to get up, jump around and enjoy life.  You won’t be able to sit still while listening to this groove, so just give in and get on the dance floor, especially their first single, “Personality.”

Recommendation:  Give this one a spin.