Category: Artists Worth Checking Out

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

Get it or forget it – PAehNE, Mode Moderne, Pikes, Jimmy Charles, DAIJU

Welcome to our first Get it or Forget it of the week.  We have some diverse artists for you this week as we count down to our Friday reviews of the latest from Alice Wallace and The Vegabonds, both of which drop that day.  In the meantime, enjoy these five great artists.

Artist Name:  PAehNE

Album Name: beautyandpain, Part 1

Label:  Pirk Music

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  To Create; 2.  Chasing my Father; 3.  The Place I Call Home; 4.  Why not You

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  “What if it didn’t need to get played on radio?  Or get placed in a TV show?  Or earn any money?  What if I just wrote and recorded some music that I loved?  What would I say?  What would it sound like?”  Those are the questions that led Scott Krippayne aka PAehNE to create the “beautyandpain” project, a series of EPs that he’ll be releasing throughout 2019, four songs at a time – until it feels complete.  The truth is that these songs would sound great on the radio, and constitute some of the best work he has done since we first met him at the Durango Songwriters Expo a few years ago.  All four of these tracks shine with a positive message and a great beat that will keep the listener invested, especially “The Place I Call Home.”  You can’t go wrong with Beauty and Pain.

Recommendation:  Drop whatever you’re doing and Get this one and whatever comes next.

Artist Name:  Mode Moderne

Album Name:  Mode IV

Label:  Light Organ Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Oui Madame; 2.  Yours Truly; 3.  Moderne Love; 4.  Hounds of Love; 5.  Dazzling Dreams; 6.  Doomy Daydream; 7.  Piss and Flowery Poetry; 8.  Gastown Nights

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Mode Moderne merge the retro sound of 80s new wave with modern shoegaze to create a unique Indie Pop sound that should appeal to fans of all ages.  The first single, “Moderne Love,” is an exceptional track that is radio friendly and worthy of your attention.  In fact nearly every track has that perfect vibe for radio and consideration for placement opportunities in television, film and commercials.  Our favorite tracks include “Yours Truly,” “Moderne Love,” “Hounds of Love,” “Dazzling Dreams,” “Doomy Daydream,” and “Gastown Nights.”

Recommendation:  If you love great music that spans generations, then go Get this one.

Artist Name:  Pikes

Album Name:  X-Man-Y

Label:  ART:ery / Shir Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  For Herman; 2.  Lluc de Riu; 3.  Gone Missing in a Dream; 4.  X-Man-Y; 5.  Awe

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The debut release from Pikes (fka TOFFE) is a dreamy mix of synth and ethereal vocals that instantly makes an impression on the listener.  The music soars as do the vocals, creating an air of calm that permeates the senses.  You can best feel this on “Gone Missing in a Dream,” while the words and sound of “Lluc de Riu” (Light of the River) will truly move you.  We think this is a dynamic start for this artist and can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.  All five tracks are worthy of your attention.

Recommendation:  Definitely jump on this train and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Jimmy Charles

Album Name:  Hard Way to Go

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1,  Blue Spaces; 2.  She’s Where I Belong; 3.  Rollin’ On; 4.  God and a Woman; 5.  Superman; 6.  I am not Alone; 7.  Hard way to Go

Publicist:  So Much Moore Media

Review:  Jimmy Charles is cut from the same cloth as current country giants like Jason Aldean and Brantley Gilbert, and if this EP is any indication, should be joining their ranks shortly as one of America’s best loved country artists.  “She’s Where I Belong” is a heartbreaking ballad, and could be the breakout single that he needs to reach his target audience.  His music is extremely radio friendly and deserves heavy rotation on country radio and major attention from Music Row.  His songs are extremely well-written and will stay in the listener’s memory long after the song is over.  “Rollin’ On” should also be considered for release as a single, while “Superman” and “I am not Alone” are touching tributes to overcoming cancer with the power of prayer and the love of family and friends.

Recommendation:  This artist is going to be huge.  Jump on board this train early and Get this EP now!

Artist Name:  DAIJU

Album Name:  Experience

Label:  A&R Records

Genre:  Electronic/EDM

Track Listing:  1.  Cosmic Hearts; 2.  Creatures of the Night; 3.  Juggernaut; 4.  Mr. Og; 5.  Sweetest Sin; 6.  Nightcrawler; 7.  Freedom in the Air; 8.  Paradise; 9.  Voices in my Head; 10.  Down the Rabbit Hole; 11.  Homecoming; 12.  Stimulate; 13.  Panic Mode; 14.  XTC; 15.  Requiem for a Dream; 16.  Odyssey; 17.  Synthetic Love; 18.  Serendipity; 19.  Utopia; 20.  Karma

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  DAIJU has created the ultimate dance album that doesn’t even need to be remixed for use in dance clubs or raves around the world.  He is a multi-instrumentalist and a genius at creating the ultimate electronic dance soundtrack.  His “Album Mini Mix” contains the best of these 20 tracks, while “Creatures of the Night” and “Cosmic Hearts” are the best individual tracks.  No listener will be able to resist the urge to get up and dance.

Recommendation:  If you love EDM, then this is definitely the album for you.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Women in Entertainment

Women in Entertainment: Alice Wallace, evolving California country sound

Hard to believe that our last Women in Entertainment feature was published in November 2016.  So much has happened since then, and we have some great upcoming features for you on some of today’s best female entertainers.  We start today with the continuing saga of four-time LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace, who also won the Female Vocalist of the Year award at the 2017 California Country Awards.

We last interviewed Wallace in August 2016 as part of our Getting to Know the Winners of the 2016 LA Music Critic Awards series.  At the time, she was an up and coming country artist who had recently signed with California Country Records, the label created by Manda Mosher and KP Hawthorn, formerly of CALICO the band.  Mosher has now gone solo and Hawthorn has created a new label, Rebelle Road Records, along with bassist Adrienne Isom and industry executive Karen Rappaport McHugh, an integral part of the successful Stagecoach Festival.  Wallace is the first artist signed to the new label and her album, Into the Blue, drops on Friday, January 18.

Rebelle Road is a newly founded entertainment company dedicated to strengthening the California country music community and expanding the role for women in the Americana/roots genre. Launched in March 2018, the trio have combined their longtime experience in music marketing, festival production, visual presentation and life as touring artists and record label owners. They’ve already produced showcases at SXSW and AMERICANAFEST, industry panels and two one-day festivals.

This past October, the trio produced a benefit concert at the legendary Palomino Club, which hadn’t been open for 23 years.  “We realized that we needed to create what doesn’t exist right now in the music industry — both for women and for artists living outside of Nashville.  There is a strong history and legacy here in California; the Palomino spirit lives on and we’re going to bring it back,” says Hawthorn.  Wallace was a featured artist that night, and Pollstar called her stellar moment on the famed stage (which has been described as the Grand Ole Opry West) as “shot through with Crystal Gayle’s ache and Linda Ronstadt’s country essence.”

Wallace has a truly distinctive style, which she explains evolved from growing up surrounded by the music of artists like Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.  “I really taught myself to sing by mimicking their styles,” she says.  “The powerful belt that Linda has, the emotive lilt to Emmylou’s voice.  Trying to navigate those different elements helped me find my own voice nestled in between all that.”

These days, Wallace performs as many as 200 dates a year, both solo and with a band.  “In some ways, I wish I had done it sooner,” she says of her decision to pursue her passion for playing music.  “But I’m also glad I have the life experience to help fuel my songwriting and survive life on the road.”

When asked the question, “What inspires you?” she responded:  “In writing this new album, I took so much inspiration from California and the southwest.  I have spent the last three years touring across this region, soaking in the atmosphere of the ocean and the desert and the mountains and the canyons.  And I think you can hear that in these new songs.”

When asked if she considered herself a country or Americana artist, she told us that she thinks she is more Americana these days.  Although she still sings with a twang, she only used pedal steel on two of the songs on the new album, which has a grittier edge than her previous country release.  Check out our review of the new album in Friday’s Get it or Forget it series.

We also asked her about her future plans.  She told us: “Once the album is out, it will be back on the road to play these songs as much as possible.  We are talking about another European tour, plus dates all across the country.  I am so looking forward to sharing these new songs with audiences.”

She also plans to attend SxSW in March, where her label is sponsoring the California Country Social, a concert featuring about 30 bands.  She said she will likely return to AMERICANAFEST in September as well.

You can keep up with Wallace by visiting her Facebook page, following her on Twitter and Instagram, subscribing to her YouTube and Spotify pages, or just clicking on her website.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 2 (updated)

That was an exciting weekend of football, and the top four teams all made it through without an upset.  We are comfortable with either Kansas City, Los Angeles or New Orleans in the Superbowl, as long as New England stays home.  Who do you want to see in the Superbowl?

THE NAMM SHOW COMES TO ANAHEIM

The annual winter NAMM show will return to Southern California next week, January 24-27.  This is the big trade show for musicians and others involved in the music business.  Many local indie musicians will be performing on one of the main stages, in individual vendor booths or at the evening concerts at the Hilton, Marriott and Sheraton Hotels.  Music begins on Wednesday evening and runs through the late Sunday afternoon.  Among the artists scheduled to perform in the evening concerts are several we have featured here, including Gigi Rich, Satellite Citi, Static and Surrender, Warren Sellers, Love and a .38, Chi McLean, and three offerings of the Tim Moyer Songwriters Round, each with different songwriters.  Wish we could be there.  You can find the performance schedules by clicking here.

ALICE WALLACE CD RELEASE SHOW

Alice Wallace will be celebrating the upcoming release of her new CD Into the Blue on January 18 with a CD Release Show at the No Name Bar (432 N. Fairfax Avenue) in Los Angeles on Thursday, January 17 at 9 p.m.  The concert is FREE.  Find out more about Ms. Wallace in her Women in Entertainment interview to be published later today.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from The Spider Accomplice, winners of multiple LA Music Critic Awards.  It is a cover of the 30 Seconds to Mars hit “Hurricane,” and has already been added to the A Star is Born Soundtrack (Target Deluxe) playlist on Spotify.  We think this one is another winner for the Arachnids.

Next is an artist we met at last year’s LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  She goes by the name of BINX and her music is pure dance magic.  Check out her latest single, “Space DJ.”

Our third single comes from UK artist Charlie Hole, who we introduced back in October in our Ten Great Singles monthly list.  We love his voice and the easy jazzy-pop feel of his single “Ordinary Man.”  We think you will too.

Single number four comes from the Arizona-based band Chateau Chateau, and is a rocking tune called “Evidence.”  We think the title is perfect, because the song proves that this band has arrived.

Our final single for this week comes from Blue Élan Records artist The Vegabonds, whose new album will be released and reviewed on Friday.  Check out the sweet southern rock sounds of “Best I Can.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Up first this week is a lyric video from Whisperado for their song “Bang One Out.”  it has some serious political images, but a great beat supports the tune, and makes us want to hear more from them.  Let us know what you think.

Our next video was shot in barren Siberia and features the rap rhymes of Alex Dutty for his song “Imagine.”  Please note this one is explicit.

Video number three is a new wave synth song from The New Division entitled “Jealous.”  We introduced them to you last March in our Ten Great Singles column, and think they have a great future.  We also think it’s a great way to start the week.

Our next video is taken from the Sound Gallery Sessions.  Episode 5 features an amazing instrumental tune from Daniel Brandt & Eternal Something for their song “Cherry Dream.”  Sit back and enjoy this one.

We close out the week with “Los Angeles,” a stunning video with the smooth sound of Luke Sital-Singh.  He recently left the UK for the golden shores of California, and all we can say is “Welcome home.”  Grab your coffee and enjoy this one, which should ease your transition to a new week.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Old Sea Brigade, Balsam Range, NIIGHTS, Danny Lynn Wilson, Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles

**EDITOR’S NOTE:  This article was started on Friday but not completed until Saturday.**

Happy Friday.  We’ve got some great albums for you that have all been released this month, including the latest from Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles, which dropped today.  Enjoy this amazing collection.

Artist Name:  Old Sea Brigade

Album Name:  Ode to a Friend

Label:  Nettwerk Records

Genre:  Indie Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Sinkhole; 2.  Seen a Ghost; 3.  Feel You; 4.  Resistance; 5.  Hope; 6.  Stay Up; 7.  Western Eyes; 8.  Straight Through the Sun; 9.  Want it Again; 10.  Cigarette; 11.  Ode to a Friend

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Nashville-based and Atlanta-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Old Sea Brigade has just released his debut full length album on Nettwerk Records.  His sound is a cross between Mumford & Sons and the Plain White T’s, with immense cross-over appeal for mainstream radio.  The songs are personal but universal, and should appeal to just about every music lover.  This is an album that is great from start to finish, with no weak or filler tracks.  Best tracks include “Seen a Ghost,” “Resistance,” “Hope,” “Western Eyes,” “Straight Through the Sun,””Want it Again” and the title track.

Recommendation:  Simply a masterpiece – go Get it today!

Artist Name:  Balsam Range

Album Name:  Aeonic

Label:  Crossroads Label

Genre:  Bluegrass/Country

Track Listing:  1.  The Girl who Invented the Wheel; 2.  Tumbleweed Town; 3.  The Rambler; 4.  Get me Gone; 5.  Hobo Blues; 6.  Help me to Hold On; 7.  Let my Life be a Light; 8.  My Cross to Bear; 9.  Graveyard Blues; 10.  Angel too Soon; 11.  If I Needed Someone

Publicist:  Crossroads Music

Review:  We introduced you to this band back in December 2017 when they released an amazing Christmas album that earned them a nomination for the LA Music Critic Awards.  This time around, they deliver 11 piping hot bluegrass tunes that feature the dynamic acoustic sound of bluegrass, along with amazing vocals and harmonies that you can sink your teeth into.  The songwriting is masterful, and the lyrics will evoke a myriad of emotions in their listeners.  We really love their bluesy songs “Hobo Blues” and “Graveyard Blues” for a truly unique take on the blues.   You can’t miss with this sterling collection of bluegrass tunes.  Put it on repeat.

Recommendation:  If you love bluegrass, this is the album for you.  It is required listening and belongs in your collection, so go Get it!

Artist Name:  NIIGHTS

Album Name:  Hellebores Part One

Label:  Tragic Hero Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  Generator; 3.  So Into You; 4.  Trail of Blood; 5.  Stars; 6.  Keyhole

Publicist:  Tragic Hero Music Group

Review:  Jenna Fournier and her band, NIIGHTS, have been working on this project for the past three years, and are releasing it in two parts.  Part 1 came out on January 4, and Part 2 will be released on February 15.  “Intro” is just that – an amazing aural gift that sets the stage for what follows.  On the next track, “Generator,” we are treated to the crystal clear and soaring vocals of Fournier, which rise to the stratosphere and lift this band’s music out of this world.  They also establish Fournier as one of the best and most memorable voices in rock music, right up there with Evanescence‘s Amy Lee.  The third track, “So Into You,” is a break-out hit that belongs on the radio.  “Trail of Blood” would make a great placement choice for television police procedurals.  In fact, every song on this part of the album should be considered by music supervisors for potential placement in television and film.  The link for “Stars” didn’t work, but “Keyhole” is another amazing song that is the perfect cliffhanger, leaving us itching for Part 2.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one and put February 15 on your calendar to grab Part 2.

One Sheet

Artist Name:  Danny Lynn Wilson

Album Name:  Peace of Mind

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Americana

Track Listing:  1.  When Will the Loving Start; 2.  Sympathy for Your Man; 3.  Peace of Mind; 4.  Long Way Home; 5.  Love Only You; 6.  Middle Class Blues; 7.  Shine is Off; 8.  Arkansas Trotter; 9.  High Water; 10.  No Wales; 11.  Fuss ‘n Fight; 12.  Too Many Hounds; 13.  Galway Bay

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Danny Lynn Wilson’s solo release Peace of Mind has the simple easy-going style of great singer-songwriters.  His gravelly voice fits perfectly with the lyric-driven songs, soothing the soul of his listeners, reminiscent of the best of Kris Kristoffersen.  These are songs that are memorable and will stay with the listener long after the track ends.  Every song is worthy of repeated listens, so enjoy these timeless tracks.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles

Album Name:  Heart Songs

Label:  CGP Sounds/Thirty Tigers

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Cold, Cold Heart; 2.  How Deep is Your Love; 3.  I Can’t Stop Loving You; 4.  Somewhere; 5.  I can let go Now; 6.  Lullabye (Goodnight, my Angel); 7.  After Paris; 8.  Walkin’ my Baby Back Home; 9.  I Can’t Make you Love Me; 10.  Where is Love; 11.  He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother; 12.  Eva Waits; 13.  Turning Home (live); 14.  How Deep is Your Love (live)

Publicist:  MSO PR

Review:  We have previously reviewed Tommy Emmanuel twice in this column.  The first one was an album with David Grisman that earned him a win for Best Bluegrass Artist in the LA Music Critic Awards.  The second time was a series of duets with some of the best musicians in the Americana and bluegrass genre.  This time around he turns in an amazing instrumental album with John Knowles which features 10 covers ranging from Broadway tunes to country legends, two originals and two live recordings.  FYI, Emmanuel and Knowles are two of only three Certified Guitar Players (“CGP”), a designation given them by the late great Chet Atkins.  This music will truly soothe your soul as the sweet tones wash away your cares.  Keep this one playing throughout your day, or use it to relax after a tough day.  You will want to play them again and again.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one and put it on repeat.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Leading Edge, Kinnie Starr, Marcus Haran, Jak Lizard, Float Here Forever

Happy Thursday – we’re in the home stretch now with the Divisional Round this weekend in the NFL.  Thank goodness we can enjoy great indie music anytime, and our five reviews today are proof of that.  Grab your coffee and let’s get going.

Artist Name:   Leading Edge

Album Name:   Ghost

Label:   Self-released

Genre:   Indie Folk/Pop

Track Listing:   1.  We’ll Meet; 2.  Forever Young; 3.  Ghost

Publicist:   Self-promoted

Review:   Sweden continues to impress us with their indie music scene.  The latest gift is a band called Leading Edge, which recently released their latest teaser three-song EP.  The lead vocals of Anna Johannisson and the three-part harmonies are truly captivating, as is her amazing songwriting.  Her band perfectly captures the mood of each song with some of the most beautiful instrumentation we have ever heard.  They could easily become one of our all-time favorite bands.  These songs are timeless and deserve world-wide recognition and attention from both radio station managers and music supervisors.  Their music is truly worthy of radio airplay and serious placement opportunities.  We love all three of these songs and will wait with baited breath for the next appetizer.  In the words of Dickens’ Oliver, “Please sir, can I have another?”

Recommendation:   Don’t delay – Get this one today!

Artist Name:   Kinnie Starr

Album Name:   Feed the Fire

Label:   Aporia Records

Genre:   Alt Pop/Hip-Hop

Track Listing:   1.  Feed the Fire; 2.  Gotta do Something; 3.  I’m a Ghost; 4.  I’m Ready; 5.  The Cold Sea; 6.  Vendetta; 7.  Catch a Ride; 8.  Big World; 9.  Kiss It (downtown version); 10.  We are Sky

Publicist:   Effectively Immediately PR

Review:  Kinnie Starr has had a storied career for the past 20+ years, and was once signed to Island/DefJam before forsaking the major label deal for a smaller indie label.  She is also signed to Ole Music Publishing as a songwriter, where she has the chance to bring her activism to bear with well-crafted songs that speak out on the issues of today.  She provides hope through her genre-defying sound, and her latest offering is simply amazing.   Not only will the music move you, but her ability to transform her lyrics into incredible vocals will keep her in your aural memory long after the songs have ended.  This artist deserves major industry attention, as her music and message appeal to people of all ages, races and cultures.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Marcus Haran

Album Name:  A True Story:  A Soundscape to in-Difference

Label:  The Commission Entertainment Corp.

Genre:  Hip-Hop

Track Listing:  1.  Saturn Intro; 2.  Saturn; 3.  Jupiter Intro; 4.  Jupiter; 5.  Pluto Intro; 6.  Pluto; 7.  Venus Intro; 8.  Venus; 9.  Mars Intro; 10.  Mars

Publicist:  Eric Alper

Review:  Music gives many artists the chance to reveal themselves, but no artist has become as transparent as Marcus Haran has on his latest masterpiece.  This amazing concept album shares Haran’s struggles of being a Parisian-born Sri Lanka refugee with a major skin condition (Vitiligo), who was raised by an abusive father that even used him as a drug mule.  The songs are deeply personal but totally relatable, resulting in the hope that all adversity can be overcome.  You will experience a multitude of emotions while listening to those songs, and we hope that they inspire you to even greater heights.

Recommendation:  You NEED the message of this album.  Go out and Get it.

Artist Name:  Jak Lizard

Album Name:  Shine to Rise

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B/Soul/Hip-Hop

Track Listing:  1.  Cauliflower; 2.  Much to Me (ft S’natra); 3.  Quality of Life; 4.  Something More (ft Joanna Teters); 5.  Can I Stay; 6.  Little Things

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  We have always been partial to blue-eyed soul, and Jak Lizard has it in spades.  Mixing elements of soul, R&B and hip-hop, he hits the bulls-eye on his latest EP, delivering six amazing songs with a positive message of hope and victory over adversity.  “Quality of Life” sets the tone, but every song contributes to the message, especially “Something More,” featuring the stellar vocals of Joanna Teters.  These songs would be perfect for placement in the Fox television show Empire.  This one is definitely going on repeat.

Recommendation:  Get. It. Now.

Artist Name:  Float Here Forever

Album Name:  Tour the Ruins

Label:  ALP Music

Genre:  Alt/Punk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Cars Crashing; 2.  Wasps; 3.  Taking us for Granted; 4.  Addax; 5.  California’s Burning; 6.  Brilliant Mind; 7.  Slipping Away; 8.  Plasmodium; 9.  Plea Insanity; 10.  Pilot; 11.  Flickering Transmission; 12.  Quick Burn Fire; 13.  Gradients; 14.  The in Betweens

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We reviewed this band’s last album back in June 2017 and thought they were not yet ready, although they had potential.  They appear to have taken our advice, because their latest is so much better.  It was recorded by Grammy winner Dave Feeny and mastered by Alan Douches, and this added expertise has made a difference in the sound quality of the songs.  Like most punk songs, they are short and sweet, but they also capture the quality of today’s greatest alt-rock bands.  The harmonies are exquisite and flow nicely with the underlying alt-rock sound.  These are songs that will stay with the listener for a long time, and are worthy of repeated play.  We also love their confidence in having instrumental tracks like “Addax” and “Plasmodium.”

Recommendation:  This band has arrived and deserves a place in your music collection.  Grab it.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Moist, The Hots, Amina, Bad Columbus, Defanico

So much music, so little time.  Yesterday’s reviews were so much fun to write and we can’t wait to share today’s five eclectic artists with you.  Here we go . . .

Artist Name:  Moist (ft Maria Marcus)

Album Name:  Lavine

Label:  I/O Music

Genre:  Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  Saga; 2.  Traces; 3.  Stars; 4.  Firefly; 5.  Words; 6.  Berlin; 7.  Cold; 8.  Worlds Collide; 9.  She; 10.  No One Knows

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  David Elfström Lilja is a producer, artist and remixer who goes by the moniker Moist.  On his sophomore release he has joined forces with singer-songwriter Maria Marcus to create this incredibly dreamy mix.  What makes his songs unique is that they are perfect for active listening and meditation, as well as ambient background music.   The hauntingly sweet voice of Marcus brings these electronic sounds to life, making the songs radio friendly as well as perfect candidates for placement in film and television.  There is so much good stuff on this album you will want to listen to it again and again.

Recommendation:  You simply must add this one to your collection. Go out and Get it.

Artist Name:  The Hots

Album Name:  The Hots

Label:  Marshmallow Pavement Records

Genre:  Hard Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Please Me; 2.  Before You; 3.  Shame the Devil; 4.  Nice Boys

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  Australian transplants Foxie Kelly (vocals) and Ronnie Simmons (guitar) aka The Hots bring a sound reminiscent of such bands as Divinyls, Joan Jet and the Runaways.  They have set the bar high on their debut EP, and we expect great things from this dynamic duo.  Featuring the blistering guitar riffs of Simmons and the soaring vocals of Kelly, The Hots deliver a rocking good time and deserve extensive airplay from such stalwarts as KROQ and other progressive radio stations for both “Please Me” and their debut single, “Before You.”  We bet their live show is just as entertaining and high energy.

Recommendation:  Get on this train early.  This band is about to hit the big time, and you need to go Get their EP now!

Artist Name:  Amina

Album Name:  Anacord

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Experimental Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  Regular Haunts; 3.  Across the Wasteland; 4.  Swamp Around; 5.  Caprichos; 6.  Mujer; 7.  Jinni; 8.  Connabalize; 9.  Bad Spirits; 10.  (It’s Happening); 11.  New de Lune; 12.  Under my Eyes . . . ; 13.  Bloody Rag

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Amina is not only a musician but an artist as well who has showcased his paintings in such cities as Seattle and his home base of Los Angeles.  In fact, the cover art is part of his collection of paintings entitled “Far Far Away.”  His voice is raw and reflective of the experimental rock soundtrack he uses to convey his message.  While not radio friendly, his music could find placement in film or television, or even the next iPhone commercial.   It is as unique as he is, and we hope that the world will stand up and take notice of this very eclectic musician.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Bad Columbus

Album Name:  More UNABASHED Rock from Bad Columbus

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Wyalusing; 2.  Benihana; 3.  I’ve Never Played This Version of Cards Before (Even the Stars); 4.  Asian!; 5.  Cooler by the Lake

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Wisconsin based band Bad Columbus are a group of friends from Illinois that are college seniors at Northland College.  Their music mixes elements of punk and ska into their rock and roll, creating a unique blend and sound that is uniquely theirs.  Best tracks include “Wyalusing” and “Cooler by the Lake.”

Recommendation:  Check them out.

Artist Name:  Defanico

Album Name:  In the Realm of Possibilities

Label:  Etna Recordings

Genre:  Rock/Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  Caravans; 2.  No Horizons; 3.  Integrity; 4.  Light Side of the Sun; 5.  Man from Another World; 6.  Someday We’ll Know; 7.  Theta; 8.  Fuego Interior

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We introduced you to this artist back in September when we featured his video for “You Make me Feel,” which featured the amazing voice of Avanti, in our August edition of Ten Amazing Videos.  The album hits the ground running with “Caravans” and “No Horizons,” and continues to shine and impress the deeper into the album the listener delves.  The sound starts off as pure prog rock before seguing into a more rave/electronic sound on “Integrity,” and is truly worthy of radio airplay, especially “Light Side of the Sun,” which brings back memories of some of the great songs of ELO.

Recommendation:  Worthy of your consideration.  Get it.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Derek Sallmann, Jet Plane, Melissa Phillips, Victory Chimes, Dambro

Welcome to our first Get it or Forget it of 2019.  What a weekend for football, as the team that scored first won all five games.  It was also painful to see the record breaking performance of Chicago’s kicker as he became the first one to miss field goals by hitting all three uprights in a single season.  Good thing we have some great music to share today to take that bitter taste out of our mouths.  Let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Derek Sallmann

Album Name:  Love, Future You

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Love, Future You; 2.  Sunup to Sundown; 3.  Breakdown, Breakthrough; 4.  T-Shirt Weather; 5.  Feels Like Home

Publicist:  Magic Tree Productions

Review:  Wisconsin power pop artist Derek Sallmann did his homework before recording his latest EP Love, Future You.  He chose two previous LA Music Critic Award winning songwriters, Kyler England and Garrison Starr, to write with as well as producer Bill Lefler, who has worked with the likes of Ingrid Michaelson, Cary Brothers and Joshua Radin.  The resulting EP is chock-full of positive and powerful pop songs that will lift you up and give you hope and inspiration.  All five songs are binge-worthy, and we can’t think of a better way to start the new year than with this five incredible tracks.  Enjoy “T-Shirt Weather” from “Sunup to Sundown” as this “Breakdown Breakthrough” just “Feels Like Home.”  signed with “Love, Future You.”

Recommendation:  Drop everything and run out to Get this one!

Artist Name:   Jet Plane

Album Name:   Falls Feather

Label:   Ricco Label

Genre:   Alt Rock Instrumental

Track Listing:   1.  All Through the Day; 2.  Ocean; 3.  Wildflowers; 4.  Morendo; 5.  Less; 6.  Tea

Publicist:   Self-promoted

Review:   From the barren cold of Bryansk, Russia comes some of the hottest alternative/post-rock tunes to ever warm up a winter’s day.  Featuring the amazing musicianship of Sergey Sapunov and Maxim Berezko on guitar, Dmitriy Bulavincev on drums and glockenspiel, Igor Zyuzko on violin, bagpipes, piano and voice, Konstantin Kiselev on bass, and the booming vocals of Vladimir Zyuzko on “Morendo,” Jet Plane takes off into the stratosphere, providing music that would be perfect for placements in television, film and commercial use.  If you love the music of Lindsey Stirling, then this is a perfect segue for you to experience that sound on a much grander scale.  This one is going on repeat.

Recommendation:   Don’t think twice – just go out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Melissa Phillips

Album Name:  Both Ways

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Folk/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Little Pieces; 2.  Both Ways; 3.  The Flame; 4.  Better Now; 5.  The Hardest Season; 6.  Family Heirlooms

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Melissa Phillips is a Bay Area singer-songwriter with a sweet voice, reminiscent of Sara Evans.  Her music has just a touch of country that flavors the folky pop sound, and makes her a perfect cross-over candidate.  Her music is extremely radio friendly, and we really love the bonus lift that the strings give it, especially on “Little Pieces.”  Truth be told, all six songs are worthy of your attention, and this artist deserves a place in your music collection.

Recommendation:  This lady is going far – grab her EP now while you still can.  This one is a definite keeper.

Artist Name:  Victory Chimes

Album Name:  Spinning Wheel

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Paradise; 2.  The Pelican; 3.  Halos; 4.  Blood in the Tracks; 5.  Disappearing; 6.  Bubbles; 7.  Emilia; 8.  40 Days on the Bridge

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  We introduced you to this band back in October when we featured their single, “Halos.”  This is the band’s first full-length album, and we continue to be amazed at just how good they have become.  The music is grand and glorious, with majestic instrumentation and soaring vocals,  This music would go perfectly as the soundtrack for your photo collection, especially landscape and wildlife photos, and could easily be placed in film, television or commercials.  You won’t find a weak track on this album.  Tour Managers need to check them out – them would be the perfect opening act for major players like The Decemberists and Blue October.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Dambro

Album Name:  Time

Label:  A&R Records

Genre:  Electronic Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Change; 2.  Same Feeling; 3.  What I’ve Become; 4.  Fire & Water; 5.  Goodbye; 6.  Don’t Tell me it’s Over; 7.  Sleepless Nights; 8.  Time; 9.  Fuck This; 10.  Where do we go Now; 11.  Take me Away; 12.  It’s You; 13.  I Won’t Cry; 14.  What Life Could Be

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  Melbourne electronica artist Michael D’Ambrosio aka Dambro has finally released his debut full length album, mixing elements of pop/rock, hip-hop and electronica to create an interesting mix of sounds and beats with a little retro throwback to the early sound of bands of Depeche Mode and Red Hot Chili Peppers.  There is plenty here to appeal to most music lovers.  Best tracks include “Change,” “What I’ve Become,” “Don’t Tell me it’s Over,” “Time,” “Where do we go Now,” “Take me Away,” and “What Life Could Be.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.  We think you’ll find something to like here.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 1

Welcome to our first Monday Mashup of the new year.  We thank you so much for your response to our year-end articles last week, including the announcement of the LA Music Critic Award winners for the second half of 2018.  Your responses pushed us over the 95,000 view mark, and set a new single-day record of 1,972 views on Friday.  We love sharing these amazing indie artists with you.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

Our third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners showcase is set for Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at The Mint in Los Angeles, and it’s shaping up to be another great one.  The showcase helps raise awareness and funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, and this year will feature our first international winner!  More details to come soon, but Save the Date!

ALICE WALLACE SET TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM

Four-time LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace will release her new album on January 18, her first on Rebelle Road Records.  We will be featuring her in our Get it or Forget it reviews on that date.  In addition, we are bringing back our Women in Entertainment series, and she will be the next artist to be featured.  Don’t miss this one.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this year comes from LA Music Critic Award winner for best EDM/Dance Artist/Band TNEO.  It is the third single from their album, Robotish, and the best one so far (IOHO).  Check out “Cold Grey Day.”  We guarantee this one will have you dancing into the new week.

Next is the latest from mother-daughter duo Cliffs and Caves.  They have a sweet indie folk/country sound with a full orchestra sound.  We really love the sound of “Goodbye for Good” and think you will too.

Our third single is a rock instrumental track from the forthcoming album by the Hedvig Mollestad Trio.  This one has everything lovers of rock and metal desire, and will also appeal to acid jazz lovers as well.  Check out “Bewitched, Drawfed and Defeathered.”

Our fourth single goes to the opposite end of the spectrum, with the haunting voice and lyrics of Rié Fu on her song “Mirror.”  She grew up in Tokyo, signed with a major label, but decided to forego that path, relocated to the UK and decided to go indie.  We think she made the right choice.

https://soundcloud.com/rie-music/06-mirror

Our final single this week is the latest from Teachers with Guns, who we introduced you to back in November.  This one is called “E.T.H.” and we like it a lot.  It has an amazing instrumental track to kick it off, followed by reflective lyrics sung by a voice that means business.  Check it out.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this year is from LA Music Critic Award nominees The Daybreaks.  It was recorded live at Pentavarit, and gives us another reason to love this Nashville-based band.  Check out “Flesh it Out.”

It’s been a while since we featured anything from the amazing young artist Olivia Millerschin.  Here is her cover video of Taylor Swift’s song “New Year’s Day,” which was recorded live in studio.  We think we’ll be hearing lots more great music from  her soon.

Although it technically came out on Christmas day, we love the latest from LA Music Critic Award winning rock band The Guess Who.  Here is their latest, “In America.”  We love that they are still rocking after 40 years!

Our fourth single is an amazing cover of the 1926 blues classic “John the Revelator” from LA Music Critic Award nominee Jason Robert, from his forthcoming album Death of Stone Stanley.  This one will appeal to lovers of classic blues rock.

We close out this edition of Monday Mashup with the brand new video from up and coming country star Kamber Cain.  We love her song “Love Story That I’ve Already Read.”  We think this one is going to be a hit!

 

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

Announcement of LA Music Critic Award winners for second half of 2018

What a year this has been.  We have been overwhelmed with the quality of music created by indie artists in 2018, and by the public support of their craft.  This cycle of nominations has generated 745 comments and 5,366 views from 63 countries, 23 of which generated at least 10 views each.  In addition, our blog has been viewed a total of 8,826 times since the nominations were announced on December 7.  We are so proud of each and every artist and their fans and thank you sincerely for this accomplishment.

The winner of the Icon Award will be announced at the Winners Showcase on June 18, 2019 at The Mint in Los Angeles.  Please save the date and come out to see the winners perform.

Without further delay, here are the winners for the second half of 2018:

BEST EP (Male) – Zach Callison (A Picture Perfect Hollywood Heartbreak)

BEST EP (Female) – Lauren Jaimes (Here to Stay)

BEST EP (Group) – Shelby Texas (We are Shelby, Texas)

BEST EP (International Artist) – Paolo Preite (An Eye on the World)

BEST EP (International Group) – The Fisherman & The Sea (I Can’t Alone)

BEST CD (Male) – Hadden Sayers (Dopamine Machine)

BEST CD (Female) – Brigitte Rios Purdy (Still I Rise)

BEST CD (Group) – Birds and Arrows (Arbitrary Magic)

BEST CD (International Artist) – Kate Reid (The Heart Already Knows)

BEST CD (International Group) – Crack of Dawn (self-titled)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Male) – Everlast (“Don’t Complain”)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Female) – Dree Mon (“Dance Like I Want To”)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Group) – Fanny Walked the Earth (“When we Need Her”)

BEST VIDEO (FOR A CAUSE) – Kim Kline (“Stand Tall”)

BEST VIDEO (LYRIC) – The Spider Accomplice (“Epilogue”)

BEST VIDEO (COVER) – CALICO the Band (“California Dreaming”)

BEST VIDEO (COLLABORATION) – Seawaves & Jerad Finck (New Kids)

BEST VIDEO (INTERNATIONAL) – Ziggy Alberts (“Stronger”)

BEST SINGLE (Male) – Curtis Peoples (“Castaways”)

BEST SINGLE (Female) – Kris Angeles (“Stained Glass”)

BEST SINGLE (Group) – Honey River (“Peace, Love”)

BEST SINGLE (INTERNATIONAL) – Vanessa Zamora (“Malas Amistades”)

BEST SINGLE (HOLIDAY) – Mustangs of the West (“Everybody Wants Peace on Earth”)

BEST BLUES ARTIST – Brigitte Rios Purdy

BEST BLUES BAND – Michelle D’Amour and the Love Dealers

BEST BLUES (TRADITIONAL) ARTIST – Lawrence Lebo

BEST BLUES (TRADITIONAL) BAND – Julianne Q and the Howl

BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST/BAND – Tellico

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

BEST COMEBACK ARTIST – The Textones

BEST COMEDY ALBUM – Brad Wenzel (Sweet Nothings)

BEST COMPILATION ALBUM – A Blue Élan Christmas (various Blue Élan Records artists)

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST – Hilary Scott

BEST COUNTRY BAND – Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis

BEST EDM/DANCE ARTIST/BAND – TNEO

BEST FOLK ARTIST – Lauren Balthrop

BEST FOLK BAND –   The Skiffle Players

BEST HARD ROCK/METAL ARTIST/BAND – Rebel Rampage

BEST HIP-HOP/RAP ARTIST/BAND – Everlast

BEST HOLIDAY ALBUM – Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers (All I Got for Christmas is the Blues)

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST – Abby Zotz

BEST INTERNATIONAL BAND – Norway Reloaded

BEST INSTRUMENTAL ARTIST/BAND – Andrew Abaria

BEST JAZZ ARTIST – Slim Gambill

BEST JAZZ BAND – CeCe Teneal and Soul Kamotion

BEST LATIN ARTIST/BAND – Constanza Herrero

BEST LIVE ALBUM – Shari Puorto (Live at Bogie’s)

BEST POP ARTIST – Jordan Siwek

BEST POP BAND – My Brothers and I

BEST POP/ROCK ARTIST/BAND – KT Tunstall

BEST PUNK ARTIST/BAND – Taco Mouth

BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST – Candace Devine

BEST R&B/SOUL BAND – Diane Durrett & Soul Suga

BEST ALT ROCK ARTIST – Trevor James

BEST ALT ROCK BAND – The Upstart Crows

BEST ROCK ARTIST – K. Michelle DuBois

BEST ROCK BAND – The Guess Who

BEST REGGAE ARTIST/BAND – Sean Paul

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA ARTIST – Jeffrey Foucault

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA BAND – No Dry County

BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER – Gaelynn Lea

BEST SOUTHERN ROCK ARTIST/BAND – Moonshine Saints

MOST UNIQUE ARTIST/BAND – Grave Danger

RISING STAR – Sofia Evangelina

FAN FAVORITE – Once again, the fans have spoken, and 25 artists were nominated for this award.  YYNOT was the early favorite, with Reloaded Norway, Paper Gliders, Jordan Siwek and Mindi Abair close behind.  All of a sudden a dark horse appeared in the final week that changed everything.  When the dust had settled, LAUREN JAIMES overtook YYNOT by a score of 184 votes to 170 votes.  Jordan Siwek took third place with 140 votes.  Reloaded Norway (64 votes) and Mindi Abair ( 42 votes) rounded out the top five.  Congratulations to you all.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2018 Women in Entertainment

Forty best albums of 2018

What a year for indie music.  We received a boatload of review requests from around the world, and published reviews of nearly 1,000 CDs and EPs.  We culled through those we reviewed first to pick our nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards, and now to compile our list of the 40 Best CDs of 2018.

Due to the sheer volume, we only considered full-length projects for this list, but that doesn’t mean that quite a few of the EPs we reviewed weren’t also worthy of distinction.  We may yet put together another list of just EPs.

In the meantime, while we wait for the winners of the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards to be announced tomorrow, here are our favorite CDs of 2018.  You can find their individual reviews by searching for them on our blog.

40.  Kate Reid – The Heart Already Knows

39.  Deb Ryder – Enjoy the Ride

38.  Jeffrey Foucault – War on the Radio

37.  Katie Herzig – Moment of Bliss

36.  Eric Tingstad – Electric Spirit

35.  Fanny Walked the Earth – self-titled

34.  Wily Bo Walker – Almost Transparent Blues

33.  Buddy Guy – The Blues is Alive and Well

32.  Walt Weiskopf – European Quartet

31.  Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers – All I Got for Christmas is the Blues

30.  YYNOT – self-titled

29.  Peter V Blues Band – Shaken but not Deterred

28.  Delta Moon – Babylon is Falling

27.  The Textones – Old Stone Gang

26.  Ronny Morris – Sweet Silence

25.  Sydney Wright – Seiche

24.  Gleeson – The Years Have It

23.  Colin Devlin – High Point

22.  Everlast – Don’t Complain

21.  Zsuzsika – Start Again

20.  Michael Peterson – From Here to Eternity

19.  K. Michelle Dubois – Autumn

18.    Broken Bellows – I, Kaleidoscope

17.  Rachel Sage – Myopia

16.  Janiva Magness – Love is an Army

15.  John Flanagan Trio – Honest Man

14.  Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm – Shoot me Down

13.  Floods – Bad Times

12.  Frank Hannon (From One Place . . . to Another, vols 1 and 2)

11.  Keith Harkin – In the Round

10.  Southern Halo – Just Like in the Movies

9.  Cindy Alexander – Nowhere to Hide

8.  Kari Kimmel – Gold & Glitter

7.  Hymn for Her – Pop-n-Downers

6.  Jordan Siwek – Sun Inside You

5.  Slim Gambill – Fake Jazz

4.  Gina Sicilia – Heard the Lie

3.  Birds and Arrows – Arbitrary Magic

2.  Brigitte Rios Purdy – Still I Rise

and the Best Album of 2018 goes to

Norway Reloaded – My Longest Mile