Category: Artists Worth Checking Out

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

Get it or forget it – Old Faith, The Mutineers, Colonel Petrov’s Good Judgement, He Arrived by Helicopter, PublicART

Good morning from Denver, where we are for this year’s Durango Songwriters Expo at The Omni Interlocken.  We kick things off tonight with a showcase before starting in the morning with listen sessions with industry professionals and seminars.  Tonight is also game one of the National League Division Series between our Milwaukee Brewers and the Colorado Rockies.  In the meantime, here are five new artists to check out.

Artist Name:  Old Faith

Album Name:  Old Faith

Label:  Refresh Records

Genre:  Indie Rock Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Landing; 2.  Reunion; 3.  Cherish; 4.  Switchbacks; 5.  Take Cover; 6.  Vacancy; 7.  Primrose

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  When you say the words “rock instrumental composers, most people think of Danny Elfman and Trent Reznor, but we would like to put forth another name – Old Faith.  This amazing four-piece band has created a masterful debut album, full of brilliant images and lush landscapes which are perfect for placement in commercials, videos, television and film.  They paint such lovely pictures with their instruments that would be the perfect soundtrack for a myriad of uses, and we can’t get enough of their incredible work.  Put this one on repeat and just sit back and relax.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer, if you need a musical soundtrack for your daily living.  Get it today!

Artist Name:  The Mutineers

Album Name:  Threshold

Label:  Mutiny Studios

Genre:  Americana/Alt-Country/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Hard Sell; 2.  Couldn’t get Over You; 3.  Afterthoughts; 4.  I’ve got the Bottle; 5.  Hourglass

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  Portland gives us another great indie band in the form of Americana/Alt Country powerhouse duo The Mutineers, composed of Merry Young on drums and vocals and Brian Mathusek on guitars and vocals.  These guys are not afraid to hit you hard with their music while providing intriguing stories in the form of their lyrics.  Hey Chris Funk – these guys need to be part of next year’s Traveler’s Rest Festival.  You cant go wrong with these five tracks, and we can’t wait to see where they go from here.

Recommendation:  This band rocks and we highly recommend you go Get this EP.

Artist Name:  Colonel Petrov’s Good Judgement

Album Name:  Among Servants

Label:  Moral Machine

Genre:  Dark Rock

Track Listing:    1.  Burning Straw; 2.  Ashes; 3.  Fire and Fury (The Poetry of War); 4.  Resistor; 5.  Providers; 6.  Ascension; 7.  Among Servants; 8.  Bad Shepherd; 9.  Death of a Guardian Angel

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  If you like your rock dark and moody, then this is the band for you.  The music is hard and razor-sharp, with a cacophony of sounds that include jazz sax, heavy metal drums and guitar riffs and the overall dark imagery, including screaming vocals.  The band tends to let the music speak for itself, but has included a few vocals, including those on “Fire and Fury,” which consist of actual quotes from President Trump and Kim Jong Un.  This album is not pretty, but in this political climate, it may be just what the doctor ordered.

Recommendation:  While the overall vibe is dark and heavy, this band is very talented and worthy of your attention.

Artist Name:  He Arrived by Helicopter

Album Name:  The Shiny Hostel

Label:  Eastern Spurs (vinyl)/Very Special Recordings (cassette)

Genre:  Indie Folk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Decline in U.S. Civics; 2.  Cold Damn Truth; 3.  Big Tree Big House; 4.  Hemoglobin; 5.  Alas the Cults; 6.  Lullaby #1; 7.  He Arrived by Helicopter; 8.  Fake Trees; 9.  Wulu; 10.  Death Wing Bird Trap; 11.  Day Kicks Night; 12.  Hot and Lonely

Publicist:  WolfieVibes Publicity

Review:  C. (Christian) Gibbs has been a very successful member of several bands, including Foetus, Modern English and Morning Glories.  He has assumed a new name (He Arrived by Helicopter) for this venture, and truly delivers an incredible album with equally powerful lyrics and vocals.  He is also quite the impressive guitarist as demonstrated on the beautiful instrumentals “Big Tree Big House,” “Lullaby #1” and “Fake Trees.”  In addition, he uses Middle Eastern and electronic sounds on the instrumental “Alas the Cults.”  Please listen carefully to the words of “Cold Damn Truth” and “He Arrived by Helicopter.”  This one is a definite keeper.

Recommendation:  The simple fact is that you need this one in your library, so go Get it!

Artist Name:  PublicART

Album Name:  Modernika

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Electro-folk

Track Listing:  1.  Montreaux; 2.  Forever Keep Me; 3.  Light Years

Publicist:  Perpetual Media Relations

Review:  PublicART calls the artist friendly community of Silverlake in Los Angeles their home, but their music has a world-wide appeal, no doubt the result of their individual efforts.  Composed of Stevvi Alexander and Jan Ozveren, they are taking the world by storm with this all-too-short three-song EP, featuring the monster future hit, “Montreaux.”  Stevvi is currently working as the featured vocalist on the touring production of Ramin Djawadi‘s score from Game of Thrones, while Jan is the principal guitarist for Charlie Puth.  We truly love the sound of Stevvi’s vocals on both “Montreaux” and “Light Years,” both of which are extremely radio friendly,

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and grab this one TODAY!

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Amnesia Scanner, Everlast, decker., Baby Jey, Saint Slumber

By the time you read this I will be on the road to Denver for the Durango Songwriters Expo.  We think you will love these artists, including the long-awaiting return of rock/hip-hop icon Everlast.  Let’s get started.

Artist Name:  Amnesia Scanner

Album Name:  Another Life

Label:  PAN

Genre:  Experimental performance art

Track Listing:  1.  Symmetribal; 2.  Unlinear (ft Pan Daijing); 3.  A.W.O.L.; 4.  Another Life; 5.  Daemon; 6.  Too Wrong; 7.  Spectacult (ft Oracle); 8.  Faceless; 9.  Chain; 10.  Securitaz; 11.  Chaos (ft Pan Daijing); 12.  Rewild

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  This concept might work as a live performance piece, but it does not work as an album.  The “music” pushes the limits of tolerance, especially the first two track.  Beginning with “A.W.O.L,” it begins to sound more like music that you don’t mind listening to.  Unfortunately, the voice distortion on the title track quickly begins to irritate your ears, making it extremely difficult to continue listening,

Recommendation:  Unless you’re in the mood for some extreme performance art that stretches the border of what we consider “music,” we recommend you just forget this one.

Artist Name:  Everlast

Album Name:  Everlast Presents Whitey Ford’s House of Pain

Label:   Martyr-Inc Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock/Soul/Blues/Hip-Hop

Track Listing:  1.  One of Us; 2.  The Culling; 3.  It Ain’t Easy; 4.  The Climb (Interlude); 5.  The Climb; 6.  Slow Your Roll (ft Aloe Blacc); 7.  Smokin’ & Drinkin’; 8.  Ooooohh (I Don’t Need You (ft Slug); 9.  Summer Rain (Interlude); 10.  Summer Rain; 11.  Don’t Complain; 12.  Break it Down; 13.  Break it Down (Interlude); 14.  HeartBeat; 15.  Dream Slate

Publicist:  MSO PR

Review:  Returning with a new studio album after a seven-year absence, Everlast aka Whitey Ford returns to reclaim his rightful place as one of the most diverse and unique artists in today’s music scene.  He shows his soulful sound on “One of Us” before spitting rapid-fire rhymes on the politically charged “The Culling.”  The autobiographical “It Ain’t Easy” debuted in Rolling Stone, and it is a masterpiece that would work well on the radio.  You can feel the passion in his voice and tell that he is singing from the heart.  That passion continues on “The Climb.”  He joins with Aloe Blacc for the soulful hip-hop sound of “Slow Your Roll” and closes out the album with the amazing song “Break it Down.”

Recommendation:  You simply MUST have this one – Get it!

Artist Name:  decker.

Album Name:  Born to Wake Up

Label:  Royal Potato Family

Genre:  Folk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  No Beginning, No End (Intro); 2.  The Strawman; 3.  Burnin Grass; 4.  The Garden; 5.  The Matador; 6.  Awake; 7.  Smudge; 8.  Mexico; 9.  The Saint; 10.  No End, No Beginning (Outro)

Publicist:  Royal Potato Family

Review:  decker. is a gifted songwriter who knows how to deliver his more intimate thoughts in a folk/rock medium that entices the listener to pay attention and learn.  He displays a great depth of musical character, and his music runs the gamut of singer-songwriter to pop-rock band.  Best cuts include “Burnin Grass,” their creative cover of “The Garden,” “The Matador,” “Awake,” “Mexico” and “The Saint.”

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you just Get this one!

Artist Name:  Baby Jey

Album Name:  Someday Cowboy

Label:  Maintenance Records

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Hannah Holliday’s Son; 2.  U Don’t Have 2 go Alone; 3.  Toboggan; 4.  Someday my Space Cowboy Will Come; 5.  Hundred Percent; 6.  Bernice Kentner; 7.  Teach me 2 Forget; 8.  Every Thing; 9.  I Accept

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  What do you get when you cross a hip-hop producer with two singer-songwriters?  You get the amazing album Someday Cowboy, the latest from Baby Jey (Jeremy Witten and Dean Kheroufi).   From the first notes of “Hannah Holliday’s Son,” it becomes quickly quite obvious that this is not your normal singer-songwriter angst – this is undeniably just fun and upbeat alternative pop music, which is just screaming to be played on the radio.  It takes the chill factor all the way to 10, and deserves to be put on repeat.  Every song is worthy.

Recommendation:  You NEED this one in your music library – run out and Get it.

Artist Name:  Saint Slumber

Album Name:  Youth//2

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Stay Away; 2.  I Think I Like You; 3.  Marrow; 4.  Coast; 5.  Infinite

Publicist:  Right Angle PR

Review:  This year has been a great one for Saint Slumber.  We featured the video for their single “Infinite” on September 10, and immediately knew that this band was on the rise.  It appears we were right because they recently played the iHeart Radio 104.5 Birthday Bash as well as the Monolith Tour with the likes of 30 Seconds to Mars, Portugal, the Man and Walk the Moon, in addition to being chosen for performances by SoFar Sounds and Balcony TV.    The sky is the limit for this band, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them at next year’s Grammy Awards.  All five songs are amazing, and don’t be surprised to hear them pumping from your local radio station.

Recommendation:  Sell whatever you can and Get a ticket onboard this train before it leaves the station.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – David J, The Heiz, Jim Allchin, Future Thieves, SNEW

Looks like winter is definitely on its way, as we have snow forecast for next week.  We are heading down to Denver tomorrow and looking forward to reconnecting with industry friends and indie musicians from around the country at the annual Durango Songwriters Expo.  Should be a great weekend.  In the meantime, here are five artists to check out.

Artist Name:  David J

Album Name:  Crocodile Tears and the Velvet Cosh

Label:  Glass Modern

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Crocodile Tears and the Velvet Cosh; 2.  Too Clever by Half; 3.  The First Incision; 4.  Imitation Pearls; 5.  Light and Shade; 6.  René; 7.  Stop This City; 8.  Justine; 9.  The Ballad of Cain; 10.  The Vandal and the Saint; 11.  Boats; 12.  Slip the Rope; 13.  Greener

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  David J founded the gothic/post-punk alternative music band Bauhaus 40 years ago, and is now returning to his solo roots with the reissue of Crocodile Tears and the Velvet Cosh, released in 1985.  The album has been remastered and remixed and feels fresh, with a style similar to Al Stewart and early Tom Petty.  The entire album has a very mellow, jazzy folk feel, which is so different from the sound of Bauhaus.  The sax on the title cut and “The First Incision” is magnificent, as is the rest of the instrumentation on this album, which retains that 80s vibe but with a reinvigorated feel that makes the album feel like it was just recorded.  Check out the timely lyrics of “Stop This City” – it’s almost as if they were written based on recent events.

Recommendation:  Definitely add this one to your collection.

Artist Name:  The Heiz

Album Name:  The Gun

Label:  SquidHat Records

Genre:  Punk/Rock

Track Listing: 1.  Dr. Rock n Roll; 2.  Good Good News; 3.  Soul Satisfaction; 4.  Taco Mambo; 5.  The Louder the Better; 6.  The Gun; 7.  I’m Starving Now; 8.  Excuse Me; 9.  Steak Steak Steak; 10.  White Cadillac; 11.  Chicken Bone; 12.  Remember (Walking in the Sand); 13.  Sabre Dance; 14.  Bad Medicine

Publicist:  SquidHat Records

Review:  The Heiz combine old fashioned rock and roll sensibilities with a more modern punk energy to create a special blend of music that has established them as a true voice in the underground scene and made their first two singles, “Good Good News” and “I’m Starving Now” instant classics.  We really love the switched off lead vocals, which keep the music fresh, and the entire album worthy of your attention.  This is just plain fun to listen to, and we plan to listen to it over and over.

Recommendation:  Go. Get. This. One.

Artist Name:  Jim Allchin

Album Name:  Prime Blues

Label:  Sandy Key Music

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Give it Up; 2.  Devil Don’t Sleep; 3.  Voodoo Doll; 4.  Snuggle Up; 5.  Jim’s Boogie; 6.  Summer Sunrise; 7.  Enough is Enough; 8.  Found the Blues; 9.  Two Bad Dreams; 10.  Pawn Shop Man; 11.  Lost my Mind; 12;  Up to Destiny; 13.  Tech Blues; 14.  Logoff

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Jim Allchin is the consummate blues guitarist and vocalist.  His brand of the blues is strong, energetic and funky, with impressive horns that complement his voice and guitar riffs.  He also put a lot of thought into his lyrics, which make his music stand out from his peers.  “Give it Up” for “Jim’s Boogie” while you watch the “Summer Sunrise.”  “Enough is Enough” – put away your “Voodoo Doll” and just “Snuggle Up” because you have “Found the Blues” and it won’t give you “Two Bad Dreams” because the “Devil Don’t Sleep.”

Recommendation:  If you love the blues, you must have this album in your collection.  Get it today!

Artist Name:  Future Thieves

Album Name:  Future Thieves

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Online; 2.  Machines; 3.  Dark Spin; 4.  Prom Night; 5.  Same Things; 6.  Drive; 7.  Concha; 8.  Loneliest Time; 9.  Lost in my Head; 10.  On the Run; 11.  Over

Publicist:  Self-promoted/Right Angle PR (tour)

Review:  Welcome to the next big thing.  Future Thieves offer a positive alternative pop format with meaningful lyrics, great vocals and a beat that would sound perfect on the radio.  This album is chock full of potential hits and sounds a lot like all the things we love in Phil Collins and Genesis.  These songs deserve to be played on repeat, and are also perfect for placement opportunities in commercials, television and film, as well as heavy rotation on college radio stations, especially “Drive.”  These guys have a definite future – catch them on their upcoming tour.

Recommendation:  Jump on  this bandwagon NOW and Get their album today!

Artist Name:  SNEW

Album Name:  You’ve Got Some Nerve

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  UR Freaking me Out; 2.  Holy Hell; 3.  Acetylene Queen; 4.  Put Upon; 5.  Sharpie; 6.  You Tell Me; 7.  Something New Everybody Wants; 8.  Revolution is a Closed Loop; 9.  You’ve Got Some Nerve

Publicist:  Guitars Forever Marketing & Promotion

Review:  SNEW has been not so quietly staking its claim as the successors to the legacy left by such famous Hollywood Strip bands as Guns n’ Roses, Poison, Motley Crüe, AC-DC and Steel Panther with their fourth studio release, You’ve Got Some Nerve.  The album hits the ground at a furious pace with the band’s first single, “UR Freaking me Out,” and doesn’t slow down from there.  There isn’t a weak track on the album, and we love them all, especially that amazing first single.  We suggest you put this one on repeat and TURN IT UP!

Recommendation:  If high energy, hard driving rock is your thing, then don’t miss this one.  We strongly recommend you Get it before it’s gone.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten great singles released in September 2018

Closing out the month of September on the new single front with 10 of the best singles we received which were not selected for feature in our Monday Mashup column.  Here you go!

Our first single is a dancehall mix by Risky Motion that will definitely get you grooving on the dance floor.  Check out “Get me Going.”

Our next single is a rocking number called “City Escape” by Lost Cousins.  We think this one would sound great on the radio.

https://soundcloud.com/lostcousinsband/city-escape/

Single number three comes from the southern rock/Americana band Sunshine Riot.  Give a listen to “Go for a Ride.”

https://soundcloud.com/sunshine_riot/go-for-a-ride-1

Our next video is a smooth indie tune called “Panic Stations” by Australia’s own Mousewater.  Let the vibe flow over you.

Our fifth single is from actor Erich Bergen, who plays Blake Moran, the assistant to Téa Leoni in Madam Secretary.  We really love this song, and hope you will also dig “Running Through the Night.”

We start off our second half with the latest from the phenomenal trio Southern Halo.  Check out “I Think Too Much,” and tell us this one doesn’t belong on country radio.

Any artist that walks away from a major label has our immediate respect.  Check out the latest from indie artist ISA and her song, “Shy.”

Here’s an artist that reminds us of a folk rock version of Cat Stevens.  Check out Flow Commotion and their single, “Come Back Home.”

Single number nine is from another amazing Australian artist, Mantell.  Their new single is called “Lulu,” and we love its rocking vibe.  Enjoy.

Our final single this month is the title track from the new EP coming this Friday from Zsuzsika.  Check out “Start Again.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 35

Looking forward to heading down to Denver on Wednesday for this year’s Durango Songwriters Expo.  We’re having a meet and greet at The Walnut Room on Wednesday night before the Expo kicks off with their showcase on Thursday night and closes Saturday night with a concert.  Should be an interesting weekend, and it will be warmer there than here in Montana.  In the meantime, here are the latest happenings in indie music, as well as five new singles and five new videos for you to check out.

COLIN DEVLIN CD RELEASE SHOW AT HOTEL CAFÉ

Colin Devlin and Blue Élan Records will celebrate the release of Devlin’s new album High Point (which we will be reviewing on Friday) with a concert at the esteemed Hotel Café on Wednesday, October 3.  The opening act is Devlin’s labelmates Roan Yellowthorn, who are making their Los Angeles debut.  Roan Yellowthorn goes on at 7 p.m., followed by Devlin at 8 p.m.  If you are in or near Los Angeles, we strongly encourage you to be there.

SPOTIFY TO ALLOW INDIE ARTISTS DIRECT UPLOADS

Spotify has announced a new feature which will enable independent artists to upload tracks to the service directly – without any requirement for a third-party aggregator or record label.  The feature currently remains in invite-only beta mode – with a few hundred United States artists being ushered in – but Spotify says that, in the future, it will “bring upload to even more artists, labels, and teams.”

Artists will be able access the upload function via the Spotify For Artists platform, which counted more than 200,000 verified acts amongst its monthly user base at the end of June.

The best part is that this new upload feature is completely free, unlike the current feature provided by existing third-party digital aggregators/distributors such as CD Baby, TuneCore, Distrokid and Ditto – all of which require either a one-off upload fee or a yearly subscription payment from artists.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from long-time indie artist Amy Kuney, who advises us to just “Hold On.”  We should all listen to her advice.

Our second single comes from another great artist client of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services.  Here is “Highway Jawn” from Paul Edelman and Jangling Sparrows.  This one will get your toes a tapping while you sit back and enjoy your whiskey and beer chaser.  We can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.

Next up is the latest from LA Music Critic Award winners Lovers & Poets.  Check out their cover of the title track from the 1968 sci-fi film “Barbarella.”  We really love the 60s vibe of this song, which bring back great memories of the powerful female singers of that era.

Our fourth single comes from another amazing publicist, Jennifer Allison Publicity.  Please enjoy this premiere of the new single, “Desnudame” by Joaquin Torres.  Spanish and English never sounded better together.

Our final single this week is the first release from new Blue Élan Records artist Lisa Lambe.  We think the title of the song, “Beautiful Thing,” sums up the incredible music she has created.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video offers timely advice on what it means to be “beautiful.”  Check out this amazing video for “Costume Party” by The Voice‘s Season 12 runner-up, Lauren Duski.

Next is the video for the first single off the forthcoming album from We are the City.  For a rocking good time, check out “When I Dream, I Dream of You.”

Our third video this week is from Zoey Clarke, who we introduced to you last year when we reviewed her last album.  We really like the sound of her new material, including “Rewind,” and can’t wait to hear the rest of her new music.

If you like nostalgic videos, then our fourth video this week will likely take your breath away, especially if you love Irish Castles.  Check out the latest, “The Hill Dwellers,” from Kramies.

Our final video this week is from the incredible Korean-American artist, Tiffany Young.  She will be in Los Angeles on October 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sunset H&M (8580 Sunset Blvd) to celebrate the release of her new video, “Teach You,” as well as her new collaborative effort with H&M.

See you soon with our first Get it or Forget it for October.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos released in September 2018

We have received so many video submissions this month, and we just couldn’t fit them all into our Monday Mashup column.  Here are the best of them we have selected from more than 100 submissions.

First up is the latest from The Holy Knives, who tell us “I Guess It’s Enough.”

The cinematography in our second video is almost as incredible as the song itself, and we are so pleased to bring you this new video from Masumi for her song, “Run, Baby, Run.”  Let us know what you think.

Next up is the latest from Andrew W.K.  We love the sound of his song, “You’re Not Alone,” which is pure classic rock.  Enjoy this little slice of heaven.

Are you ready for winter?  Then the new video from Lauren Balthrop will truly get you in the mood.  Check out “Come Around.”

Our fifth video is a brilliant remix by SEAWAVES of the LA Music Critic Award-winning song from Jerad Finck.  Check out this timely and relevant video for “New Kids.”

We start our second set of five amazing videos with this stunner from NYC-based band Scarlet Sails.  We wouldn’t mind if our world was turned “Upside Down.”

We think this next video from Anchorsong will get you up and dancing in no top.  Check out “Testimony.”

Our next video is an incredible cover of the David Bowie tune, “Love is Lost” by one of our favorite new artists, Rachel Eckroth.  How do you think she stacks up?

Video number nine is a throwback to the great music of the 70s.  Check out The Bandicoots‘ video for “Shady Lane.”

We close out the month of September with the rocking sounds of Taco Mouth and the video for their latest single, “You Say.”  We think you will find it very relevant in light of the recent happenings in Washington, DC.

We’ll be back soon with our Ten Great Singles released in September.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Roan Yellowthorn, Mountain Home Family, Stephen Winston, Animal Waves, TAUK

We made it to Friday again, and the weekend is ahead.  Time to get revved up with five more incredible releases from indie artists, including a collective of Mountain Home Music Company artists helping to raise money for the International Bluegrass Music Association Trust Fund.  All of these albums are being released today!

Artist Name:  Roan Yellowthorn

Album Name:  Indigo

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Alternative/Pop/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  Talk About It; 3.  Fingerless Gloves; 4.  Factory Man; 5.  Do you Know; 6.  Mark my Words; 7.  Lie; 8.  Indigo; 9.  How are You; 10.  Outro/On the Outside

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  We simply love this amazing duo and future superstars, one of the latest artists launched by the magic of Blue Élan Records.  They are composed of Jackie McLean on lead vocals, accompanied by producer and multi-instrumentalist Shawn Strack, and they deliver amazing and ethereal indie-rock songs with a singer/songwriter heart.   We have previously featured the videos from their first two singles, “Talk About It” and “Lie,” and this album is chock full of future singles.  This is a band that is going to be talked about for a long time to come.   Had they been around a few years ago, they could easily have been part of The Hotel Cáfe sound that produced Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Elizaveta and others, and we consider them to be true peers of those artists.  There is not a weak track on this album, and every one could be a potential hit.  They are worthy of attention from both radio music directors and music supervisors.  Our favorite tracks include “Talk About it,” “Fingerless Gloves,” “Do You Know,” “Lie,” the title track, and “How are You.”

Recommendation:  This one NEEDS to be in your collection.  Run out and Get it.

Artist Name:  Mountain Home Family

Album Name:  Come See About Me

Label:  Mountain Home Music Company

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Their Hands Made the Music (Sideline); 2.  A Little Trust (Donna Ulisse); 3.  All the Good Things we Could Do (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver); 4.  If I Needed You (Lonesome River Band); 5.  We’re all in This Together (Balsam Range); 6.  You’ve got a Friend in Me (Love Canon); 7.  We’ll Never Walk Alone (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver); 8.  Those Tears (Darin & Brooke Aldridge); 9.  Glimpse of the Kingdom (Chris Jones & the Night Drivers); 10.  Help! (The Grascals); 11.  Come see About Me (Mountain Home Family)

Publicist:  So Much Moore Media

Review:  Mountain Home Music Company is a bluegrass label that has introduced us to some incredible artists we have previously reviewed, including Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Balsam Range and The Grascals.  Their artists have joined together to contribute these amazing tracks on an album intended to help raise money for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Trust Fund, which provides financial assistance to member musicians who have fallen on hard times or have emergency needs.  This collection includes some amazing songs, including brilliant covers of songs like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Help!” as well as the collaborative title track.   We have indicated the individual artists in the Track Listing.

Recommendation:  Please help support this worthy organization and Get this one today!  It will easily become one of your favorite bluegrass albums.

Artist Name:  Stephen Winston

Album Name:  Unresolved

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  AAA

Track Listing:  1.  Sun on the Boats; 2.  Maidens; 3.  Unresolved; 4.  Rainbow County; 5.  Maybe it’s for James; 6.  For What Purpose; 7.  Remember; 8.  Talk on the Town; 9.  The Last Night

Publicist:  Open all Nite Entertainment

Review:  Stephen Winston is a gifted musician with a voice that reminds us of Randy Newman, and a sound that encompasses several different genres including country, pop, and folk, all perfect for the AAA format.  The title track is especially moving, with perfect lyrics set on an orchestral musical base that is soothing and memorable.  “Rainbow County” has a sound similar to Jimmy Buffet‘s “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” while “Maidens” has a sweet country groove.  Overall, this is a great collection for your chill time.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you check out this one if you like your music on the softer side.

Artist Name:  Animal Waves

Album Name:  EP1

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  WTF; 2.  In the Meadow; 3.  Cold Turkey; 4.  Bed Full of Blues; 5.  Tell Me

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  This band features Los Angeles session player and former Laurynn Hill guitarist Robert Wayne Davis, and quickly establishes itself as a force to be reckoned with.  The band also includes bassist Charles Salvaggio and drummer Matt Zavorski, while long-time writing partner Nathaniel Cox contributed on the creative side.  The result is some straight ahead rock that you can bang your head to.  This band obviously has a “take no prisoners” approach as they come right at you with their hard rocking sound, delivering songs that will leave a permanent impression on your ears.

Recommendation:  If you love rock, then you simply must Get this one.

Artist Name:  TAUK

Album Name:  Shapeshifter II:  Outbreak

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock Fusion Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Prelude; 2.  Recreational Outrage; 3.  CMF 9000; 4.  Checkmate; 5.  Convoy; 6.  Not Your Nemesis; 7.  Let it Ride; 8.  Ratchet; 9.  Pioneer; 10.  Pitter Pattern; 11.  Upside Down

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We previously reviewed the first album in the series, and were impressed with the amazing new jazz sound of the band.  This time around, the music has a rockier sound, with its combination of prog rock, funk and jazz, and is much more cinematic in its overall vibe.  Like the previous release, this one provides an amazing soundtrack for parties, exercise or just living life.  In addition, the music is perfect for placement in commercials, film and television.  We think you should just put it on repeat and listen all day, as there are no weak tracks on the album.  We also can’t wait to review their live performance when they come to Missoula on November 6.

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

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Down North, Johnaye Kendrick, Hybrid, Jack Drag, Erik Deutsch

Happy Thursday.  Next week at this time we’ll be attending the Durango Songwriters Expo in Denver, and we can’t wait.  In the meantime, here are five more artists to check out.

Artist Name:  Down North

Album Name:  No Retreat, Vol. I

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Soul/Funk

Track Listing:  1.  Heartbreaker; 2.  So What; 3.  Eventually; 4.  Stupid Man; 5.  Hollywood

Publicist:  Wolfson Entertainment

Review:  Soul and funk are two of our favorite jams, and Down North has this genre locked up, delivering a rousing five-song EP that will definitely get you moving and grooving to the beat.  Their music is also radio friendly, and would make the perfect placement for party scenes on television and movies.  You can’t go wrong with any of these tunes, so put this one on repeat and get up and boogie.  The lead singer’s vocals sound like a mixture of James Brown and Prince, and add a lot to the mix.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Johnaye Kendrick

Album Name:  Flying

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Never you Mind; 2.  Fallen; 3.  It Could Happen to You; 4.  You Two; 5.  The Very Thought of You; 6.  I’ve got no Strings; 7.  Scorpion; 8.  The Lonely One; 9.  3X5; 10.  Secrets; 11.  Boxed Wine; 12.  Flying

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Johnaye Kendrick is a graduate of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, where she learned from the best in the trade, including Herbie Hancock,  Apparently, she mastered the art, because her latest album delivers music that is as good as  the music of her instructors.  She has assembled an incredible array of musicians to help her on this project, including Dawn Clement on piano and Nord, Chris Symer on bass, D’Vonne Lewis on drums and percussion, Michael Nicolella on guitar on the title track and Adore and Nola Oliver on backing vocals on “You Two.”  Kendrick also arranged and produced the album, composed six of the tracks, and contributed her talents on harmonium.  This album definitely belongs in the musical library of every true jazz lover.  We especially love her arrangements on “The Very Thought of You” and “I’ve Got no Strings.”

Recommendation:  Rush out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Hybrid

Album Name:  Light of the Fearless

Label:  Distinctive

Genre:  Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  We are Fearless; 2.  Hold Your Breath; 3.  Superpower; 4.  Down to the Wire; 5.  Usual Rules; 6.  Light Up; 7.  Beauty Queen; 8.  Shaking; 9.  Long Time Coming; 10.  I Won’t Back Down

Publicist:  Send to Media

Review:  Mike and Charlotte Truman are a pair of UK-based film score composers who are also amazing artists in their own right.  They have worked on a plethora of film scores, including Fast and Furious 8, Interlude in Prague, Hercules, Luther, X-men, and Deja Vu, to name a few.  They have also included The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra on this project, as well as tackled and delivered a brilliant cover of Tom Petty‘s “I Won’t Back Down.”  All in all, it rocks!  Favorite tracks include “Hold Your Breath,” “Down to the Wire,” “Light Up,” “Beauty Queen,” and “I Won’t Back Down.”

Recommendation:  This one will make an excellent addition to your music collection.  Get it.

Artist Name:  Jack Drag

Album Name:  2018

Label:  Burger Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  New Number One; 2.  I am not Willing; 3.  Hope Revisited; 4.  Little Lies; 5.  Bloody Noses; 6.  Strangers; 7.  I Suppose; 8.  Spirits; 9.  Marigolds; 10.  Chelsea Moon

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  John Dragonetti aka Jack Drag brings us an upbeat and radio friendly collection of songs about many of the same issues we’ve all been through this year, including the universal themes of hope, despair and uncertainty.  Besides this amazing collection of tunes, Dragonetti has also been working on composing music for film and television, including the movie All About Nina.  Best tracks include “New Number One,” “Little Lies,” “Bloody Noses,” “Strangers,” and “Chelsea Moon.”

Recommendation:  If you’re one of us who can smile even when we’re going through pain, then this is the album for you.  We highly recommend you go Get it.

Artist Name:  Erik Deutsch

Album Name:  Falling Flowers

Label:  LoHi Records

Genre:  Jazz/Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Jump Change; 2.  Ghostfeather; 3.  Falling Flowers; 4.  Scratch  Out; 5.  Little Bell; 6.  Big Bongos; 7.  Amor Eterno; 8.  Mel’s Drive In; 9.  Tiny Lion

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Erik Deutsch is a keyboardist, band leader and collaborator, and has worked with a myriad of artists from Roseanne Cash, Shooter Jennings and Shelby Lynne to Norah Jones.  He was also a member of Leftover Salmon.  His sixth album is a cornucopia of goodness, with upbeat jazz and blues tunes that have a hint of the islands in their sound, and which would make a great soundtrack for those times when you just want to hear some great instrumental music.  We think this is one of the best jazz blends we have encountered this year, and can’t say enough about just how good it is.

Recommendation:  Don’t stop until you Get this one.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Marquis Hawkes, Tombstones in Their Eyes, The Pull of Autumn, Daniel Ellsworth and the Great Lakes, Andrew Abaria

We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it, and we’re halfway through the week.  Enjoy these five new artists.

Artist Name:  Marquis Hawkes

Album Name:  The Marquis of Hawkes

Label:  Houndstooth

Genre:  House/Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  Beton Theme; 2.  Don’t U (ft Ursula Rucker); 3.  Instrument of Thought; 4.  Tough Love; 5.  The Matrix; 6.  Sunset; 7.  Hope in our Hearts; 8.  We Should be Free (ft Jamie Lidell)

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  Marquis Hawkes is a world-class producer/DJ based in Berlin, Germany, and has created a masterful mix of music that encompasses the majority of the house music spectrum.  He has also added the vocals of Ursula Rucker (“Don’t U”) and Jamie Lidell (“We Should be Free”) to the mix, and released those two tracks as singles.  “Instrument of Thought” is another great dance track, as is everything on this album.  It is definitely the perfect soundtrack for your next dance party.

Recommendation:  If you like to dance, this music belongs in your library.

Artist Name:  Tombstones in Their Eyes

Album Name:  Nothing Here

Label:  Send me Your Head Records

Genre:  Psych Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Silhouette; 2.  Take me Away; 3.  Nothing Here

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion PR

Review:  One of the premier psych rock bands in Los Angeles, Tombstones in Their Eyes bring you a rock sound similar to Black Sabbath and My Bloody Valentine.  On this short three-song EP, they waste no time in delivering their hard-driving sound, with appropriate levels of screaming guitars, pulsating drums and pounding  vocals.  “Silhouette” is the best of the three tunes.

Recommendation:  If you love rock, you will probably enjoy this one.

Artist Name:  The Pull of Autumn

Album Name:  The Pull of Autumn

Label:  RBM Records

Genre:  Post-Rock Electronic Experimental

Track Listing:  1.  Downpour; 2.  Heaven Now; 3.  Breath; 4.  They Came Down; 5.  A Small Affair of the Heart; 6.  Shimmer Lizard; 7.  Vanishing Spell; 8.  Laurasong; 9.  Trance Fear; 10.  Elusive Love (ft Laura Darrow)

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion PR

Review:  The Pull of Autumn was formed from former members of several other bands, including Luke Skyscraper (Fashion), Dan and Matthew Darrow (Spectral Assignment, Johanna’s House of Glamour), Fred Abong (Belly, Throwing Muses, Johanna’s House of Glamour) and John Orsi (Johanna’s House of Glamour), as well as vocals by Jeanne Batting (Spindle Shanks) and additional drums by Bruce MacLeod (Johanna’s House of Glamour).  The resulting sound fuses elements of rock with electronic and experimental to form an ethereal sound.

Recommendation:  Lovers of electronic and experimental music should definitely check this one out.

Artist Name:  Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes

Album Name:  Fashion

Label:  Color Party Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Paralyzed; 2.  The Letdown; 3.  Running; 4.  Modern Lover; 5.  Control; 6.  Catapult; 7.  Comeback Kid; 8.  The End; 9.  Wonder Woman; 10.  Headfirst (It’s all Happening); 11.  Don’t Count me Out; 12.  Patterns of Light

Publicist:  Right Angle PR

Review:  This band has a sound similar to Imagine Dragons and OneRepublic, and could easily make it in the current Top 40 radio scene.  We featured the video for their song “Running,” and immediately fell in love with their chill sound that is still upbeat enough to keep you interested.  These songs are well written, with perfectly sung lyrics over an 80s style pop/rock sound.

Recommendation:  You should definitely Get this one – your musical library will thank you.

Artist Name:  Andrew Abaria

Album Name:  Iceland

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Ambient

Track Listing:  1.  Andromeda; 2.  Iceland; 3.  Daydream; 4.  Drive; 5.  Let Go; 6.  Hymnody

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The goal of Andrew Abaria in creating these ambient songs was to help people be “in the moment,” regardless of what that might be – driving, doing  yoga or other meditation, or just living life.  We think he has definitely succeeded in his goal.  These songs are mellow and have a calming and soothing effect on the listener.  Even the upbeat tunes like the title track and “Daydream” still manage to make you feel more at ease.  They would also be quite useful for music supervisors for placement in commercials, television and film.  If you need help relaxing after a stressful day, put this one on repeat and all your cares will just float away.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.  We all need help relaxing from time to time.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – The Upstart Crows, Olivia Foschi, The Guess Who, DaM-FunK, Murder by Death

As we start the final week in September, we are pleased to continue to bring you reviews of new artists, as well as welcome back another great band from the past who are staging a comeback.  Let’s get going with today’s reviews.

Artist Name:  The Upstart Crows

Album Name:  The Upstart Crows

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Bad Medicine; 2.  Ballad of Broken Bottles; 3.  Dixie Wailin; 4.  Song of Time; 5.  Melancholy Haze; 6.  Mercury Kisses; 7.  Heart to California; 8.  Lying & Crying; 9.  Tightrope Walker; 10.  Nice Guy; 11.  What did I Say; 12.  Wait for Me

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The Upstart Crows are a two-piece band that formed in 2015 while lead singer and guitarist Jonathan Adams and drummer Forest DeCoste were attending college.  Their debut self-titled album has been two years in the making, and the time was well-spent.  The songs are short and sweet, and although not a concept album, all of the tracks share a lyrical theme of loneliness and regret.  Adams wrote all the songs, and chose an upbeat high energy musical base to present their lyrical message.  Their brand of alt rock borrows heavily from punk, and you can also hear a little celtic influence similar to the sound of the Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.  All in all, it is a most worthy debut effort, and we look forward to hearing what they come up with next.  Best tracks include “Dixie Wailin,” “Song of Time,”  “Mercury Haze,” “Lying & Crying,” “Nice Guy,” and “Wait for Me.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Olivia Foschi

Album Name:  Fleeting Windows

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Due to Wake up Soon; 2.  Stay as Sweet as you Are; 3.  Firefly; 4.  Dreams Come True; 5.  Dienda; 6.  Pitter Patter; 7.  Quiet Now; 8.  Look for the Silver Lining; 9.  Tiny Toes; 10.  My Life; 11.  Looking Up

Publicist:  Are Group

Review:  This beautifully relaxing album has everything lovers of jazz and big band enjoy, a truly mellow musical vibe, beautiful vocals and lyrics that tell a story.  Olivia Foschi has delivered a perfectly written group of songs that present the true emotional gamut that almost every woman can relate to, told from a mother of twins.  Not only can women relate, but men will enjoy the incredible jazz sound, as well as the soaring vocals of Foschi.  We really love what she’s done with “Look for the Silver Lining,” that amazing song from the musical Monty Python’s Spamalot.  Overall, this album is an incredible homage to the history of great jazz music, with its beautiful keys, perfect jazz drums, and the scatting of artists like Etta James.  These songs are destined to become classics, and this album will become one of your most treasured jazz recordings.

Recommendation:  If you love jazz, you must Get this one.

Artist Name:  The Guess Who

Album Name:  The Future IS What it Used to Be

Label:  Cleopatra Records

Genre:  Classic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  When we Were Young; 2.  Runnin Blind; 3.  Talks all the Time; 4.  Baby Come Around; 5.  Haunted; 6.  In America; 7.  Playin’ on the Radio; 8.  Give it a Try; 9.  Good Girl; 10.  Long Day

Publicist:  Eric Alper PR

Review:  Although only one original member of the band remains (drummer Garry Peterson), this band is worthy of the name, and takes their legacy in a new direction, adapting to the musical tastes of today.  Lead vocalist Derek Sharp (D#) has an amazing range and delivers potential hit songs that will win over even the most die-hard fans of the band’s original rock vibe,  We featured the video for the band’s first single, “Playin’ on the Radio,” last month and stand by our initial assessment of their new sound.  From the first notes of “When we Were Young,” it becomes quickly obvious that this band has returned to reclaim their place on Top 40 radio.  There are so many potential hits on this one, that you should just put it on repeat, kick back and rock out.  Best tracks include “When we Were Young,” “Runnin’ Blind,” “Baby Come Around,” the beautiful ballad “Haunted,” “In America,” the amazing title track, and “Good Girl.”

Recommendation:  You simply MUST run out and Get this one.  It will remind you why you always secretly loved this band.

Artist Name:  DāM-FunK

Album Name:  Architecture II

Label:  Glydezone Recordings

Genre:  Modern Funk

Track Listing:  1.  Don’t Give Up; 2.  Best Weekend; 3.  Bounce; 4.  In the City

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review: This amazing artist creates his own modern vision of funk, incorporating aspects of jazz, boogie, aor, soul, house and more into a delightful mix that is perfect for both those chill times and when you’re hosting a house party.  His tunes would be a great addition to any DJ, and definitely get the party started on the dance floor.  They are instrumentals, which makes them also ripe for use by smart music supervisors in commercial, film and television applications.

Recommendation:  If you love to dance, or just love great music, then Get this one.

Artist Name:  Murder by Death

Album Name:  The Other Shore

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Alas; 2.  Chasing Ghosts; 3.  True Dark; 4.  Stone; 5.  Travelin’ Far; 6.  Only Time; 7.  Space; 8.  Bloom; 9.  I Have Arrived; 10.  New Old City; 11.  Last Night on Earth

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  The Other Shore is an amazing concept album with the central theme being what happens when the Earth becomes so ravaged that its populace must flee the planet to continue their existence.  Told in the style of a space-western, its songs give the listener much to think about and are set in an old fashioned country/ folk style that is full of body and soul, with a heavy string sound, including mandolin, guitar, bass, cello and fiddle.  The lead singer has a voice that reminds us of the late Chris Ledoux.  This band has been at the core of the recent Americana music explosion since the early 2000s, and this album will only strengthen their stock and recognition.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend this album.  We suggest you Get it today!