Month: April 2021

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 15)

This will be our last Monday Mashup this month as we will be on the east coast next weekend finalizing a major deal.  We can’t wait to share the news with you.  In the meantime, here are some great new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

It’s been a while since we heard anything new from LA Music Critic Award winner Gabe Dixon, but with the release of his latest single, it has obviously been worth the wait.  His sound is part Phil Vassar, part Billy Joel and all-in-all extraordinary.  Check out “Something Good.”

Something Good · Gabe Dixon (spotify.com)

She may be a blues goddess, but Gina Sicilia is also a skilled vocalist who brings life to everything she sings.  Her latest is a brilliant acoustic cover of the classic Simon and Garfunkel hit, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”  Let her sweet honey vocals pour over you and soothe your soul.

Bridge Over Troubled Water · Gina Sicilia (spotify.com)

We are always happy to hear new music from our favorite rising country friends Honey County, and their latest does not disappoint.  The say they “Got it From my Momma,” and we are glad they chose to share it with us.  This one should be a quick ride to the top of the country charts.

Got It from My Mama · Honey County (spotify.com)

If you haven’t figured it out yet, our favorite indie label is Blue Élan Records.  Whether they are breaking new artists like Chelsea Williams or bringing back great ones like Fanny Walked the Earth, Kirk Pasich and company definitely have a way with recognizing and finding talent.  The latest from The Vegabonds is no exception.  Check out “Juke and Jive.”  This one will hit you like Led Zeppelin.

Juke and Jive · The Vegabonds (spotify.com)

Last but not least is our favorite iconic LA voice, BINX, who has provided us with a powerful song in the fight against depression with the release of her latest, “Bloom.”  Listen carefully to the words of this song and remember, you are not alone.

Bloom · BINX (spotify.com)

This past week we lost an amazing voice from pop radio with the death of Poco founding member Rusty Young.  We wanted to take the time to remember his legacy with this beautiful video released by his Blue Élan Records family for the hit song, “Crazy Love.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from another LA Music Critic Award winner, Ted Russell Kamp.  While he may primarily be known for his work with Shooter Jennings, he is a master songwriter and storyteller, and his latest says “You can go to Hell, I’m Going to Texas.”  Enjoy this one.

We follow up that Americana goodness with a new bluegrass tune from Jesse Brock, courtesy of So Much Moore.  Check out the harmonies on “Kiss on a Cold Cold Stone.”  This one will haunt you.

Next up is a rocking tune from the incomparable X. ARI.  It is an ode to her girlfriend called “She Knows It,” and we’re glad she shared it with us.

We introduced you to The Highway Women about a month ago and we are proud to now share the video of their song, “Dead Man Walking.”  Enjoy this taste of the next major indie country cross-over band.  We think you will want to watch this one on repeat.

Our final music video this week is from  relative newcomer Chris Moreno with his beautiful tribute to “Somebody New.”  Enjoy this smooth country pop tune.

 

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

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 14)

Sorry for the late posting, but I was awakened yesterday to the news that I had to work a double shift because my boss had an adverse reaction to his second Moderna vaccine.  We think this week’s post will be worth the wait, as we have some great singles and music videos to share.  Let’s get right to it.

NEW SINGLES

We kick things off this week with the latest from one of LA’s premier songwriters who is proving once again that she is a phenomenal performer as well.  This new single reveals the “Inner Me” from songstress Melissa Polinar who is joined by Jaime Woods on this radio-worthy tune.

Inner Me · Melissa Polinar, Jaime Woods (spotify.com)

Next up is the Americana sound of Ada Pasternak.  She sings about “Expectations” and what we should do about them.  Check out this amazing rising artist.  Her violin rivals Lindsay Sterling.

Expectations · Ada Pasternak (spotify.com)

Our third single this week comes from Alexandria Corn aka ACORN, whose sound is a combination of Pink, Gwen Stefani and Demi Lovato.  Her latest is “Anti-Social,” and it deserves serious radio airplay as well as a spot in your heart.

Anti-Social · ACORN (spotify.com)

Our fourth single requires you to turn it up.  Hailing from the Ukraine, Vinok turns their mental health prowess into a powerful story of redemption and hope.  Check out “River.”

River · Vinok (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is actual a two-fer from up and coming band Hands Down.  They debut with an awesome pair of tunes, “Paintroller” and “Too Late.”  We think you’ll be putting these two tunes on repeat.

Paintroller · Hands Down (spotify.com)

Too Late · Hands Down (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Guess who’s back with another great new video?  None other than LA’s own pop princess, Cindy Alexander.  This time around she gives us the hard-hitting “Lightning,” and once again we’re hooked on the amazing songwriting and performing chops of Ms. Alexander.  This one is a keeper.  Three cheers to the amazing dancing of Emphis.

It’s been a minute since we last featured the music of Sonja Midtune, but she’s back with abandon on her latest music video for “Los Angeles.”  As a long-time resident of the City of Angels, it is wonderful to take this trip down memory lane as she brings to life this incredible song she co-wrote with Katie Ferrara.  We love it.

Our third video is from the multi-talented Kat Cunning, who has spent time on both the Broadway stage and your television set, as well as stopped traffic with her powerful singing voice.  Her new video may be called “Could be Good,” but we think she’s a shoo-in.

We last featured Tayler Jade back in February, and we are happy to spotlight her latest video for “WYA (where you at).”  Her soaring vocals and chill musical soundtrack will make this one an instant classic.

We close out this week with a lyric video from the Russian songbird, Marina V.  Our relationship goes back quite a few years, and her songwriting and performing skills continue to blossom and grow.  Check out “Rain my Love.”

 

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

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 13)

We’ve got something in the works that has us pretty excited.  We will reveal it in about three weeks.  Needless to say, it will be a definite game changer.  We can’t wait to share the news, so stay tuned.  In the meantime, here’s our first Monday Mashup of April, as the indie music community continues to amaze us with its creativity.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is the latest from Kris Angelis‘ forthcoming album, The Skies we Look To.  It is a sweet soothing ballad with a serious message about growing old, and we could easily see this one as part of a Hallmark movie.  Grab a glass of wine, settle back in your favorite chair and check out “Sunset.”

Sunset · Kris Angelis (spotify.com)

Indie artist Matt Hartke continues to impress us with his feel good pop music and his latest is one of his best to date.  Get comfortable with his upbeat musical accompaniment and stirring lyrics in his latest “St. Augustine.”

St. Augustine · Matt Hartke (spotify.com)

Our third single comes from Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams, and it’s a cry in your beer country classic.  Reminds us of classic Patti Griffin and we are in love with Williams’ continuing growth as an artist.  Here’s “Moonshiner,” part of The Cave Sessions album soon to be released.

Moonshiner · Chelsea Williams (spotify.com)

It’s been three years since we introduced you to the music of Band of Silver, and it sounds like they have been perfecting their craft.  They’re back with a pair of singles that we are so happy to share with you.  Check out “Looking for a Friend” and “Are We Are We Not.”  They will definitely get your heart rate up and propel you to the dance floor.  Rock out!

Looking for a Friend · Band of Silver (spotify.com)

Are We Are We Not · Band of Silver (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is from Aubrey Toone, who we introduced you to last August.  Her latest is powerful and sounds like a cross between Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande.  Enjoy “Gold” – it lives up to its name.

Gold · Aubrey Toone (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

This week’s new music videos kick off with another Blue Élan artist, the incomparable Scout Durwood.  She combines amazing music with comedy and never fails to deliver.  Here’s her latest, “Millennial Malaise.”

Back in March we shared Kris Angelis’ single, “I’d Give Anything,” and she’s just released a music video for the song which truly brings it to life.  This one will definitely get your week going strong, and truly belongs on CMT.  Say hello to the next great country superstar.

If you like harmonies, you will love the latest from Bryan Lanning and Brennley Brown, two rising country singers.  We wholeheartedly agree with the words of this song, and think they could indeed help us remain “Steady.”

The Greys get real with their latest video for their single, “Get Lonely.”  We can all relate to this one.  So nice to hear from them again – it’s been a long two year wait.

We close out this week with the new video from another Blue Élan artist, Roan Yellowthorn.  She takes us on an “Acid Trip,” and we are happy to tag along.

 

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

Katie Knipp shows her depth of talent with the release of The Well

In recent years, there has been an increase in the visibility of indie music.  Indie artists are being nominated for and winning major awards like the Grammys, as well as being exposed in television, movies and radio.  Today we explore one of those artists, Katie Knipp, and her latest EP masterpiece, The Well.

Knipp wrote these songs during the turbulent times of 2020, and captured the feelings and frustrations of that period.  She accomplished this feat by working with such talented musicians as Zack Proteau on electric bass and rhythm guitar, Neil Campisano on drums and percussion, Chris Martinez on electric guitar and Otis Mourning on saxophone and clarinet.  She also convinced Mick Martin (harmonica), Justin Au (trumpet), Brandon Au (trombone) and Keith Cotton (Hammond organ) to provide guest instrumentation.  Knipp supplied the vocals, piano, Rhodes, Hammond and dobro guitar to the mix.

We previously featured her first single, “Chamomile and Cocaine,” last July.

The Well debuted last week on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart at #4, one of the highest debuts ever by an indie artist.  It’s easy to see why.

Artist Name: Katie Knipp

Album Name:   The Well

Label:  Self-released

Genre:   Blues

Track Listing:   1.  Sad Eyed Lover; 2.  The Gospel of Good Intentions; 3.  Better Me; 4.  Chamomile and Cocaine; 5.  Bullet Train.

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:   What can we say.  Her voice is delightful, and perfectly suited to the blues.  Her songwriting chops are some of the finest currently on display anywhere and the chemistry she has with her band members is to die for.   They may call it the blues, but there’s nothing depressing about the quality of sound and music that Knipp exudes.  The EP kicks off with the toe-tapping sound of “Sad Eyed Lover,” and truly takes off from there.  This one is the perfect pairing with the Chicago blues sound made famous by The Blues Brothers.  She takes it back a step with the moody and jazzy sound of “The Gospel of Good Intentions,” before roaring back with the delta blues sound of “Better Me.”  Our favorite cut is “Chamomile and Cocaine,” but truthfully, you can’t go wrong with any of these musical gems.  “Bullet Train” just puts an exclamation point on this work of art.

Recommendation:   This is a no-brainer.  You simply MUST add this one to your music collection.  We wouldn’t be surprised to see this one up for Grammy consideration.