Month: December 2019

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos Theatre

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 40

We have reached the end of 2019, making this our final Monday Mashup of the year.  We have enjoyed sharing these singles and music videos with you this year, and we hope you have discovered some great new indie artists.

Still to come is our Ten Great Singles and Ten Amazing Videos for the month of December, as well as our list of the best singles, videos, albums and EPs of 2019.

Unfortunately, the pressure of working two jobs has caught up to this 61 year old lover of all things indie, and Indie Voice Blog must regrettably take a hiatus.  Although we will not be publishing regular weekly blogs, we will still pop in from time to time to share special reviews and other indie news.

This project has always been a labor of love.  Sadly, we don’t have the time or energy to continue at the present time.  We do hope to be back at some point in the future.  We hope that you will continue to seek out indie music in the meantime.

SOLOFEST 2020

The biggest festival of solo shows is almost here at LA’s own Whitefire Theatre (13500 Ventura Boulevard).   From January 4 to March 20, you can catch 80 shows during a 90 day period.  If you love solo shows, this is the festival for you.  For more information, check out the website of the festival director, Jessica Lynn Johnson.  If we were in town, this is where we would be.

NEW SINGLES

We start this edition out with a bang that should propel you into the new year.  Check out the straight ahead rocking sound of Lute and their single, “Victims of the Fall.”  It clocks in at 7:54, and every second of it is worth your attention.  They are living proof that prog rock is not dead.

We totally shift gears on our second single, with the country twang of Francesca Brown, who suffers from the “Hashslingin’ Blues.”  This one will give you food for thought.

Our third single is pure pop from the UK, featuring the upbeat and soulful sound of JASH, who only wants it to be “Us Together.”  We think he’s got a great chance at seeing his dreams come true.

Next up is Watch me Breathe, a band we introduced to you back in August.  We love their latest, “Garden of Eden,” and think this is a band we need more of.

Our final single this week is from a new female folk duo named Jack Rabbit.  Their harmonies are exquisite, as demonstrated on their debut track, “December.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick things off with a video that literally debuted a few hours ago, featuring one of our favorite LA songbirds, Katie Ferrara.  As we look back at 2019, consider the words of her song, “Living in Black and White.”

Next is a lyric video from Canadian electro-pop band 12xPretty.  They just want to be “Somewhere Else.”  We’re glad they’re here now.

Our third video belongs to the retro Brit pop sound of Certain Animals.  The cinematography has the quirkiness of Doctor Who, and will definitely make you interested in the “Automaton.”

Video number four is from Michael Hornbuckle, who we have not heard from since we reviewed his album back in 2016.  We are so glad he’s back and simply can’t get enough of “Witches Wore Black.”

We close things out with the amazing classic rock sound of Revolution Saints, who remind us a lot of Journey.  Check out “When the Heartache has Gone” and we think you’ll be a believer as well.  We can’t wait to hear more when their album drops on January 24.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 39

It’s the eve of Christmas Eve and I just returned from a long day of work at Pizza Hut, with just enough energy left to post this week’s Monday Mashup.  We hope these five new singles and five new music videos will give you what you need to make it to Christmas.  Enjoy the time with family and friends.

NEW SINGLES

First up is a refreshing cover of the classic Christmas song, “Silent Night,” from the rising superstar vocalist Alexa Villa.  We love her pop/rock take on the song, and think this one will bear hearing quite a few times.

https://open.spotify.com/album/2iefiL8G1rIvXt0o50UtE9?si=Ovemq-XMTRqwuOhtq4Xsag

Next up is another incredible Christmas cover, this time Bing Crosby‘s “White Christmas,” provided by the ever wonderful sound of Matt LeGrand.  May all your dreams come true.

Let’s take an instrumental interlude and share the inspiring piano licks of Sheldon Pickering‘s “Song of Thanks.”  Be thankful for family and friends and that you have a job.  I know I am.

 

This next song is from an artist we just recently met last June.  The single, “Lonely Time of Year,” is produced by our dear friend Shane Alexander, and we can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.  Say hello to Arielle Silver – we think you’ll be hearing a lot from her in the future.

Our final single this week is an upbeat number from Harris Breyfogle.  We love the funky sound of “Angela,” and can’t wait to hear more.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week features the powerful vocals of Christina LaRocca, that combine the sound of Janis Joplin and Tina Turner.  This girl can wail, and we will be right there listening to “Breathe” until her next track drops.

Next up is the truly inspiring sound of boerd featuring Stella Explorer.  We think this one will give you plenty to celebrate and is a live session for their song “Before we Drown.”  Enjoy!

Video number three features the stellar vocals of singer-songwriter Mattie Leon, who reminds us of life’s “Silver Line.”  Let the truth of the words soak in, especially at this time of year.

Next up is the rocking sound of Pointless, who are anything but.  Their song is called “Half Empty,” but it definitely does not leave us with that impression.  We can’t wait to hear more from them.

We close out this week with the killa sound of Monsta X and their latest song, “Middle of the Night.”  Have a wonderful Christmas week and we’ll see you next week for our final Monday Mashup of 2019.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 38

Only nine days away from our first Christmas in Oklahoma, and the weather is reminding us that it’s winter.  Still waiting to see if we’ll get anything white, but in the meantime, it’s bitterly cold.  Seems like the perfect time to warm up with some great new music and videos, so let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

First up is a beautiful collaboration between 23rd Hour and Caley Rose, who we recently introduced you to.  This one is called “Get me Home for the Holidays,” and it is making us wish that Christmas was tomorrow instead of next Wednesday.  Hope it lifts your holiday spirits as well.

Next up is the latest from one of our favorite LA songbirds, the one and only Kris Angelis.  This time it’s the time track to her upcoming EP, “That Siren, Hope.”  We think it’s the best she’s ever recorded, and would love to know what you think.

Single number three spotlights another bright young songwriter named Katarina Cain, and is entitled “Promised Land.”  We think she’s headed there, as evidenced by her excellent showing on Season 15 of The Voice, and we are proud to tag along.  This one will definitely get your week going strong.

https://soundcloud.com/user-914489524/promised-land/s-U6D1l

Next up is the latest from the amazing voice of Sofia Evangelina.  This one is called “Smile,” and it has us grinning from ear to ear.  This one is going on perpetual repeat.

We close out this week’s new singles with the latest from the uber-talented Kensington Moore.  She gets her revenge in the form of “Karma,” and we’re glad we’re not on her bad side.  Enjoy this one.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Well, since the ladies were featured in the Singles category, we’ll give the guys their due and feature them in the Music Video category.  First up is Feudale‘s lyric video for their song “Teenager.”  We bet this one will bring back some memories.

Next up is another lyric video, this time from the hard-rocking metal band Runescarred.  This one is called “Mammoth,” and it’s huge.  Go ahead and head bang to your heart’s content with this one.

Our third video is called “A Thousand Years Away,” and we’re glad we don’t have to wait that long for the rest of the album to be released.  We love the melodic rock sound of Atlanta rockers The Endangered Species, and will definitely keep our eyes on these lads.

Next is the latest video from the incredible rock band Violates/Violets.  This one is called “Soft Core,” and it’s get everything you want in your rock music video.  Enjoy this holiday treat.

We close out this week with a stimulating animated video that captures Johnny Stranger‘s tribute to that holiday classic The Nutcracker Suite.  Here is “Marche.”

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 37

Well, Pearl Harbor Day has come and gone and we’re heading down to the final couple of weeks before my big #61.  So much to be thankful for as we head down the holiday homestretch, especially for the chance to be around my brother and his family, as well as my best friend and wife, Chelle.  Let’s celebrate the season with some great new singles and videos.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single is from a group with the auspicious name of The Black Mariah Theater.  They have a wonderfully fresh sound mixing soulful lyrics with a classic rock beat, and their first single is called “Got no Luck.”  We don’t believe that describes this band, who we think are in it to win it.

Next up is another fresh one from Pablo Paddy.  Mixing Latin grooves with its lyrics, their first single, “Lost Holiday,” is sure to please and deserves to be put on repeat.

Single number three is entitled “River” and it’s blowing in as part of the new album The Sundown on January 20.  In the meantime, check out West Wind and get ready for some awesomeness to drop next month.

Next up is a Russian band called On-the-Go.  Their single “High” features the sweet and soaring vocals of Naadia, and we sincerely love it.  This song is so uplifting and perfect for the holiday season and all year round.  Check it out.

Our final single this week should get your Monday off to a great start.  Here’s “One of These Days” from Thrillhouse, with its obvious influence from Michael Jackson‘s Thriller.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is a lyric video from Bambara for their song “Sing me to the Streets.”  This one has some meaty lyrics which go well with his deep bass vocals.  Check it out.

We have totally fallen for the romantic and stirring vocals of Rookes, and she has outdone herself with her latest video for “New Lovers.”  We could listen to her silky smooth vocals for days.  Check out this new one and we think you’ll be hooked as well.

For our third video, we wanted to get you in the Christmas spirit.  Here’s Cassandra with a video that truly sums it up for us, “I Love Christmas.”

We follow that up with a parody video from  Psychostick of the Rob Zombie tune /video “Dragula.”  Here’s their tongue in cheek tune “Zombie Claus.”  Hopefully this one doesn’t give you nightmares.

We close out this week’s article with a wonderful cover of “All I Want for Christmas is You” from the creative minds of Walk off the Earth.  May you get everything you need this holiday season.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 36

Hard to believe that December has arrived and 2019 is coming to a close.  In the weeks ahead we will be releasing our lists of the best singles, videos and albums of the year, as well as sharing some new holiday classics.  But before we do that, here’s our first Monday Mashup of the month.

CALIFORNIA COUNTRY SHOW RADIO PODCAST

In the “It’s About Time” category, the California Country Show Radio Podcast has announced that it will begin a series entitled “Trailblazers – Women in Country Music.”   The podcast will feature in-depth interviews with the women who set the stage for the future of country music, and we for one can’t wait to check it out.  Here’s the schedule:

December 2nd:  Dixie Jade  https://www.dixiejade.com/

December 9th:  Julia Hatfield  https://www.juliahatfield.com/

December 16th:  Honey County  http://www.honeycounty.com/

December 23rd:  Darci Carlson  https://www.facebook.com/darcicarlsonmusic/

December 30th:  Sheyna Gee  http://www.sheynagee.com/

For more info, check out their website.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single comes from Julia Jonas, who we think has the potential to truly clear the “Air.”  We are in love with her amazing voice and the words of the song are so uplifting.

Our next single is a true rocker from Nuns of the Tundra.  Check out “Sign in Blood.”

We introduced you to Australia’s The Skelton Collective last January, and they’re back with a new single, “Coffee & Hope.”  We are glad to hear more from this amazing group.  Put this one on repeat.

Our fourth single comes from Lostboycrow, and is full of retro influences.  Check out “Moonlight,” and get up and dance.

Our final single this week is from Unbroken Expanse and simply titled “Go.”  We highly recommend you enjoy this one and add them to your list of future superstars.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this month is from the brilliant band Papyllon, who we recently introduced to you.  Here is the lyric video for their latest, “All the Time,” and we can see this song becoming a huge hit.

Next up is an interesting video from California’s Dankrupt, who seem to be “Drowning” in great musical ideas.  We love their sound and think  you will too.

Need an escape this holiday season from all the stress of shopping?  We highly recommend you put on the latest video from Eric Tingstad and find your “Solace.”

Next up is a very special video of the song Erick Macek wrote for his wife for their wedding day.  Check out the simple beauty of “Your Hand.”  See if it doesn’t spark you to be more romantic.

We close out the week with this beautiful original Christmas song by Christian artist Plumb.  She tells us “It’s Christmastime.”  Enjoy the season.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Singles and Videos Ten Amazing Videos

Ten amazing videos released in November 2019

Well, we survived Black Friday, although I got food poisoning and had to stay home on Saturday to recuperate.  Back to normal today and ready to share these beautiful videos, so let’s get started.  But first, a special treat from our long-time friends, Karmina.

It’s been four years since they graced us with new music, but the lovely sisters have released three new audio videos, and let me tell you – this is some of their best stuff ever.  Here’s our favorite of the three, “We are Dragons.”  Let it give you the strength to be your best.

We kick things off this month with a cover of one of our all-time favorite rock songs, Robert Palmer‘s “Addicted to Love.”  The Black Heart Saints have done a great job of recreating his energy and have given us a creative gem of a video.  Enjoy.

Next up is a holiday video from Toni Monroe which features Korvette, “Santa’s Cookies.”  This one is fun, upbeat and creative to get your Christmas spirit running.

Video number three is a creative dance number from Aaron Sibley for his song, “Holiday Love.”  Enjoy this one.

Our next video is for the song “Signs,” which recently went viral for Jay Copes.  This one’s got it all, and we are proud to share it with you.

Last month we shared the single “Facebook” by The Brilliance.  This month they’re back with an intriguing video for the song, which is visually interesting and adds power to the lyrical content.  Check it out.

We move next to the psychedelic world of RAPTOR, with their gem of a video for “Escapism.”  This one is truly influenced by the music of the 60s, but with a fresh new feel.

Video number seven is probably our favorite video this month and introduces us to the awesome talent of Opāru for her song, “Ghost to Follow.”  This one deserves to be played again and again, and enjoyed more and more every time.  It reminds us of Burning Man.

Our next video is a powerful statement about the assassination of JFK by the band Minutes to Midnight.  This one will definitely get you thinking.  Thanks for the history lesson.

Mia Ayana is an up and coming R&B singer from Las Vegas who has delivered a gem that truly shows off her “Potential.”  Keep your eyes on this lady.

We close out the month with another powerful concept video about overcoming oppression.  Here is Jody Cooper‘s take on it as told in his song, “Song for the Oppressed (Cruelty Dies.”