Category: Artists Worth Checking Out

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 19

We had a wonderful weekend.  On Friday we reviewed Doctor Nympho vs. The Sex Zombies and had a fantastic after-show hang with Alli Miller and Michael Shaw Fisher.  On Saturday, we headed down to the Hotel Cafe, where we enjoyed both Willie Wisely (with our friends Dan Kalisher and Erik Kertes in his band) and Jesse Macht and his band.  We were also happy to run into our friends Eric and Eliza Roberts, and have a chance to catch up.  On Sunday we got about halfway through our tech rehearsal for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey) for the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Preview night is June 7, with additional performances on June 16, 20, 23 and 28.  We hope to see you at one of our performances.

NEW SINGLES

We have an extra treat for you this week, as this one fell through the cracks when it was first submitted.  It’s a little bit blues, a little bit zydeco and a whole lot of fun.  Will Jacobs is an American living in Berlin who is sharing the power of the blues with Europe.  His single is a tribute to his adopted hometown of Berlin, and is called “Berlin Bounce.”  Check it out – we bet you’ll be cutting a rug in no time flat.

Our first single comes from the band that made us fall in love with “Friends.”  The Rembrandts are back and getting ready to release their new album on Blue Élan Records.  Check out “Broken Toy.”  It perfectly reminds us of why we say “I’ll be There for You.”

Next up is a truly rocking song from a British band.  Their latest if called “Lita’s Place,” and it highlights what this band does well – entertain.  Check out Exiled – we think they’re going to be around for a while.

Next up is a song that is beautiful in its simplicity, stripped down to its purest form and perfectly performed by New West.  Here’s the latest single “Those Eyes.”

Single number four is a definite keeper from Goodside that is fresh but still oddly familiar.  It’s called “I’ve Been Feeling Something Lately,” and has a smooth sweet sound that is perfect for summer.  Check it out.

https://soundcloud.com/goodside_band/ive-been-feeling-something-lately/s-t3nT1

Our final single this week is from West Coast Weekend, and their funky retro song, “Heart Attack.”  This one has the feel of a Maroon 5 smash and could be a huge hit on radio.  Give it up for the next amazing pop superstars.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the remarkable and soulful sound of Kensington Moore.  We introduced this song to you in March as part of our Ten Great Singles, but it really comes home on the music video.  This song really got to us, and we think it could be a major smash.  Check out “I Don’t Like you Anymore.”

It’s amazing how a beautiful female voice can change everything.  Take for example the music of Ignescent a driving hard-rock band with incredibly sharp edges.  Add the voice of lead singer Jennifer Benson, and the fullness of the band is brought forth, much like what Amy Lee does for Evanescence.  Check out the lyric video for “Into the Night” – it will have you banging your head in nothing flat.

Our third video is for all you lovers of 80s/90s rock bands.  The master of guitar has returned and he’s better than ever.  Slash is now joined by Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and they’re on a mission to save rock and roll.  Check out Exhibit 1, ‘Boulevard of Broken Hearts.”  Behold, the king returns.

Next up is a band that is heading for Los Angeles, and will be playing here at the Bootleg Theater on May 19.  They pack a powerful punch and remind us of back when the Red Hot Chili Peppers were huge.  They call themselves The Unlikely Candidates, but we think they soon will be your go-to choice for great music.  Here’s their video for “Novocaine.”

Our final video this is “Cry Like a Girl,” from one of our long-time favorites, Brooke Moriber.  We introduced her to you back in October 2015, and she was a nominee for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2015.  We think she’ll become one of your favorites as well.

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

Ten amazing videos released in April 2019

So we published our list of Ten Great Singles released in April that we couldn’t fit into our Monday Mashup playlists.  Now it’s time to do the same with our Ten Amazing Videos released in April.  Please let us know what you think of our lists.

We kick things off with “Dear John,” a powerful song from Melbourne-based blues trio Opelousas.  We think this is a great one to get the party started.

Next up is a video that talks about a very important aspect of living – finding our “Relevance.”  This one is powerful, and we love the radio-friendly pop sound of Max C Bud.

Next up is an intriguing lyric video that is unique in its presentation of the lyrics as if they are part of a scrolling text message.  We also love the smooth R&B sound of Maddie Ross, and think her song “Miracle” could be a huge radio hit.  Ross is currently on tour with KT Tunstall.

Next up is another lyric video for the frentic sound of “Be My Man.”  We love that fresh but familiar sound, and think that this young artist has a bright future.  Here’s J.R.

Our fifth video is a fun mix of camp and great sounds from Nikki’s Wives.  We think you’ll be singing along to this ear worm in no time flat, and proudly sipping “Lemonade.”

We last featured Anna of the North back in our Monday Mashup last November, and she has returned with another incredible song, “Used to Be.”  We love the smooth R&B sound and the words of this song, and think you will too.

Moving on, we come to an incredibly well shot music video with a dark theme that perfectly captures the tone of the latest from Belgium post-punk band, Whispering Sons, called “Hollow.”

PTSD is a hot button topic right now, and no one knows it better than a former member of the military.  Ex-Marine Chris Turner gives us a riveting song which is perfectly captured in his video for “If You Drink.”  This one will hit you in the heart.

Video number nine is a straight ahead rocker with a video that pits nerds against punks, and you win with this outstanding video.  Check out “Shooting Stars” from The Story Changes.

We close things out this month with a bluesy sound that is between Adele and Amy Winehouse.  We are totally hooked on Casii Stephan, and know that we will be impatiently waiting to see what comes next.  In the meantime, put “Letters” on repeat and enjoy!

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

Ten great singles released in April 2019

Finding opportunities to write is going to be hit or miss for the next two months, so please be patient with us.  Today we will bring you our lists of Ten Great Singles and Ten Amazing Videos released in the month of April.

We kick things off with an upbeat rocker from Swedish garage rock band The Royal Concept.  We love the energy of the song and wholeheartedly agree that this song can easily keep us “Up All Night.”

From Sweden we travel over to Denmark to present the latest from Danish psych band Rainbrother.  Check out the interesting tones and learn from the lyrics of “Honeybird.”

For our third single, we slow things down for this deeply introspective and inspiring tune from Jon Stancer.  He explains how his best friend can always tell when he’s not being truthful, giving us much to reflect on.  Check out “Can’t Get it by You.”

Next up is Arms Akimbo, who describe what it’s like to need to buy an $11 dinner on a $7 paycheck.  I think we can all relate to that, and think you will love their latest “Paycheck,” which truly belongs on the radio.

For our fifth single, we head down under to check out the pop sound of Chelsea Jyles.  Her sound is radio and dance friendly, and reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect for everybody as long as we are perfect for one special person.  Enjoy “Jeans.”

Next up is a song that is so enticing in its simple arrangement.  It talks about breaking out from those cycles that hold you back and features the sterling voice of Anna Wiebe.  Learn from her experiences as described in “Fortune.”

We follow her up with “The Longest Alibi You’ve Ever Heard,” a brilliant song with a cool Americana/country vibe.  We especially love the steel guitar, which brings out the stirring undertones of this truly amazing song from Glenn Thomas.

For single number eight we take another trip north to Norway to check out the fresh yet familiar sound of Insomniac Bears.  This one has a lot of potential, and we can see it being used extensively.  Check out “A nod in the Darkness.”

Our next single is a pure country song that borrows heavily from the best of country artists of the past.  We love the dobro and simple down-home feelings created by “Darlin’,” and think you will too.  Let’s give it up for Erik Koskinen.

We close out the month with the good time sound of Karmic, and their latest jewel, “X Marks the Spot.”  We think this one will keep yu going until our next article, so put it on repeat and turn it up.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 18

My first week back in LA was very busy, with two trips to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, attending and reviewing Nineteen Years Later, helping with another show, and going through the first rehearsal for my Fringe solo show.  Along the way there was a night of Fringe “Office Hours,” a Fringe Town Hall, an unexpected chance to catch a rehearsal, and plenty of great conversations, not to mention a couple of days at the ASCAP EXPO, which included a special songwriters’ round with LeeAnn Womack, Stephen Bishop, Jack Tempchin and Wyclef Jean. 

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week features the powerful and soulful vocals of Elisabeth Beckwitt, and we think this one has a lot of potential.  Check out “Free Fall” – we think you’ll definitely fall for her sound.

Next up is a pair of legends who have joined forces to bring the spirit of rock and roll back to today’s music scene.  Combining Fanny Walked the Earth’s Brie Darling with The Runaways’ Cherie Currie is brilliant and they do justice to this remake of the T. Rex classic, “The Motivator.”  This one will get your week off to a great start.

We follow them up with another Blue Élan Records artist named Car Astor, and what we think is her best song to date.  The song may be called “Hush,” but we won’t keep quiet about how much we love this song.

Let’s switch gears to a more Americana and country sound of Jesse Dayton, another Blue Élan artist.  His latest, “Redneck Friend,” will have you two-stepping around the dance floor in no time flat.  Enjoy the honky-tonking sound.

We close out this week’s singles with the upbeat and empowering “For You” from rising star Katile.  We see a very strong future for this young lady, and can’t wait to see what comes next.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We return to the beautiful country of Denmark to kick off this week’s music videos with the latest from LA Music Critic Award winning band Straw, “Perfectly Fine.”  Sally’s vocals are powerful and strong and the song hits home with its message that you don’t have to be perfect to be happy.  This family just keeps getting better and better.

Speaking of amazing family bands, here is the first original from the PaperDolls, featuring elder sibling Kendra.  It is a powerful song that will give you strength to fight each day.  Thank you Kendra for blessing us with “See What I See.”

Our third video gives us a new look at the whole “loser” mystique.  We bet you’ll never feel the same way about the word after viewing this video. Here’s “Loser” by The Scared Crows.

Video number four is guaranteed to rock your week, as Meisha and the Spanks reveal their inner child for the video of their latest single, “Motorin’.’

We close out this week with a stunning video from Wake up Hate for their song, “Love me Like a Hurricane.”  We think this one will rock you into next week.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Music still abides at the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire

If you know anything about my history, you know that I started attending the Renaissance Pleasure Faire back in 1994 when it was in Devore.  That was the same year that the Poxy Boggards started out, and they are still actively playing the Faire, as are their female counterparts, the Merry Wives of Windsor.  Their private domain is called Rogue’s Reefe and is the only “Adults only” stage at the Faire.

The last time I was at the Faire was 2013 as a participant member of St. Helena’s.  I spent a couple of years before that working at Rogue’s Reefe.  Back in those days, just like today, the primary bands were the Boggards and the Wives, but they had such bands as The   Belles of Bedlam and the Dread Crew of Oddwood to support them and draw a different set of fans to the Reefe.  These days, that support is limited to a couple of sets from Tea and Strumpets, featuring past members of the Belles, and a single set from Sportive Tricks, which are still playing the stage despite quite a few personnel changes over the years.  Still, the rabid fans of both the Boggards and the Wives keep coming back over and over again, as both groups continue their storied tradition of providing a type of music you can’t find anywhere else at Faire.  I was truly impressed by the richness and fullness of the sound at the Reefe, particularly that of the Wives, which seems to  have grown both in talent and vocal ability over the years.

Besides the risqué offerings at the Reefe, there are numerous other stages presenting music throughout the Faire.  Of these, our favorite for the day was the Royal Music Stage, which has moved from the front of Faire to closer to the Reefe.  On that stage you will find “clean” sets from the Boggards, Wives, Strumpets and Tricks, as well as four amazing sets from the visiting band The JackDaws Band, a three-piece group from the East Coast that bring some great Irish rock.  Composed of Buttercup on electric fiddle, Roxy on drums, and Whiplash on guitar and vocals, they are worth the price of admission with their outstanding sound and riveting stage presence.  You can also catch Buttercup out and about the Faire playing her fiddle.

Other music you can find at the Faire includes the Wives and visiting act The Freestylers of Piping on the Golden Jubilee Stage near the entrance, the Freestylers on the Maybower Stage near the food court for three sets, Ad Hoc Consort in Kids Kingdom and the Royal Music Stage and the Washing Well Wenches in their own area throughout the day.

If you love music, you will find plenty of it at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, regardless of whether you prefer bands that sing or just instrumental offerings and dance, both Celtic and Arabic.  At any rate, get thyself to the Faire before it closes on May 19.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2019: vol. 17

Spent Saturday driving – took me 13 hours to get from Missoula to North Las Vegas, where I crashed for the night courtesy of Airbnb.  Got up early on Sunday morning and drove straight to Irwindale for the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire and a day of checking out all the wonderful music and reconnecting with old friends.  It’s been six years since my last Faire, and a lot had changed.  Check out my article later this week for the rundown.

ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO

This weekend, May 2-4, is the annual convention for the amazing folks at ASCAP.  We will be representing the Blog at the event, and hope to have lots of great information to pass on.  If you are an ASCAP member, or thinking about joining, check out the link for registration information.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is a song that will remind you of early No Doubt with a country/Americana twist.  Here is The OCN with their song, “Baby Blue,” and we simply love it.

Next up is an English alt-pop band called Peakes that we have featured previously on Indie Voice Blog.  We think that “Til we get Enough” is one of their best, and are very happy to share it with you.

Our next group combines the best of Sydney with Cologne and gives us a sound very similar to Maroon 5.  We are proud to bring you “Lovers” from KEØMA.

We switch things up a bit with our next single, which will compel you to get out on the dance floor.  The sound is electro-pop with a healthy dose of 90s new wave and comes to us from Amsterdam’s Sheila and the Kit.  Check out their dance track “Ruffhouse.”

We close out this week’s singles with a soulful and enticing R&B song from Annelise.  She tells us the story of her “Lonely Lover,” and we want to comfort her during her time of grief.  Let us know what you think of this amazing track.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video may have been released in early March, but we just discovered it.  It comes from an amazing vocalist who practices entertainment law by day and performs with her band, Riddle the Sphinx, by night, when she’s not being a mother to her three kids (including husband Sean).   Her name is Christiane Kinney, and the song is “Lullaby.”  This one will haunt you.

Back in 1992, Leonard Cohen released a masterpiece called “Democracy.”  Now indie artist Jake Clemons has released a stunning lyric video for his cover of this classic song.  Check it out and let us know what you think.

Video number three is an animated one that lovingly recreates the latest from multi-LA Music Critic Award winner Jerad Finck.  This one is for his latest single “Home,” and we think it is one of his most powerful songs yet.

Next up is an amazing indie rock tune that is all too timely.  The song talks about addition and rehab and is called “Recover // Relapse.” It comes to us from the band Falling Through April.  They just might become one of our favorites.

Our final video comes from She Made Me Do It, alt-rockers that we have featured before.  We love their latest, “Broken Morning,” and will be rocking out to this one for a while.  Enjoy it with our compliments.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 16

Happy Earth Day.  It’s our final Monday Mashup from Montana, as we head down to California on Saturday.  We will be in Los Angeles until the end of June as yours truly presents his first solo show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival entitled Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey).  The preview is scheduled for June 7, with shows to follow on June 16, 20, 23 and 28 at studio/stage (520 N. Western Avenue).  We look forward to this new adventure.  Click on the link for more info.

PLEASE NOTE THAT, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, AND DUE TO OUR CURRENT COMMITMENTS, WE MUST TEMPORARILY SUSPEND  ACCEPTING REVIEW SUBMISSIONS FOR ALBUMS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE BEFORE JUNE 1.

We have quite the backlog of current release requests that need to be completed before May 31, the end of the current cycle for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Once we get caught up and complete those currently in our possession, we will let you know we are ready to again begin accepting all submissions.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Holly Tucker, a Top 6 finalist on NBC’s The Voice (Team Blake).  The song is sweet and pure and should get your week off to a sober start.  Check out “Country Music Won’t Let Me.”

Next up is a band with a similar sound to Maroon 5, and we totally dig it.  Here is indie-pop band Del Pelson and their latest single, “Oak.”

Our third single comes from one of our favorite international indie artists Zsuzsika Lencses, a past LA Music Critic Award nominee.  We love her soaring vocals, the retro dance beat and the incredible keys on “Storm.”  This one is guaranteed to get  you on the dance floor.

Our fourth single is hauntingly beautiful, with soaring vocals and perfectly written lyrics that paint incredibly vivid word pictures.  Check out “Looking for God” (I am Snow Angel remix) from the stunning Coyote Eyes.

We close out this week with the perfect hip-hop/R&B sound of Aussie wordsmith Stefan Rossi.  His single “Long Road” features the sweet voice of Kenyan Elsy Wameyo, and we can’t imagine a better collaboration.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video is an alt-rock gem from Italian duo Soaware, expressing their desire that “We Shall be One.”  Rock out to this one and let’s bring this request to reality.

Our next song is definitely a candidate for Song of the Year.  It has already been used on Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor, and we simply love this video that drives its message home.  Here is BANNERS and their mega-hit “Got it in You.”

Our third video is from one of our favorite Glee actors, Kevin McHale.  The video features a special cameo from Modern Family‘s Nolan Gould and is set in the world of virtual reality.  Check out “Help me Now.”

Check out the amazing vocal harmonies from Aly & AJ in their latest music video for their song, “Church.”  This is one of the best songs we have heard this year and should be blowing up your radio.

We close out this week’s videos with a look at the way society treats women, when Swedish band Girl Crush delivers their iconic “Blame Girls,” released on International Woman’s Day.  Think about this one as you jam to their sweet sound.

 

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

Get it or forget it (special edition) – Tony Campanella

In all the confusion of New Music Friday, it seems we missed one of the albums we had promised to review, so we are doing this special edition to make up for our oversight.

Artist Name:   Tony Campanella

Album Name:   Taking it to the Streets

Label:  Gulf Coast Records

Genre:   Blues Rock

Track Listing:   1.  Taking it to the Streets; 2.  Pack it Up; 3.  One Foot in the Blues; 4.  You Don’t Know; 5.  Good Morning Little Schoolgirl; 6.  Finger on  Your Trigger; 7.  Mr. Cleanhead; 8.  Checking on my Baby; 9.  Texas Chainsaw; 10.  My Motor’s Running; 11.  Those are the Times

Publicist:   Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Tony Campanella is an incredible electric blues guitarist with an amazing grasp of the genre.  He infuses his blues with electrifying rock and the perfect voice for his well-written blues lyrics.  You can feel his passion in every note, and relate to what he’s talking about.  On “One Foot in the Blues,” he shows that he can sling the traditional blues as well as the late BB King.  He even throws a tribute in for Jimi Hendrix on “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.”  We also love the jazzy feel of “Mr. Cleanhead” and especially “My Motor’s Running.”  He closes the album perfectly with the traditional sound of “Those are the Times.”  Overall, there is not a weak song on the album, and we plan to listen again and again.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it – run out and Get this one today!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Meg Williams, Nate Currin, L-space, Steven Blane, Heart Attack Man

Welcome to another New Music Friday.  With our move coming up next weekend, we are scaling back for a couple of weeks.  We decided to post just our Monday Mashup and New Music Friday Get it or Forget it articles, so you won’t miss us too much.  Here are five albums that dropped today.

Artist Name:  Meg Williams

Album Name:  Take me as I am:  The Muscle Shoals Sessions

Label:  Nola Blue Records

Genre:  Blues Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Come on Over to Me; 2.  Tell Everybody; 3.  Shame; 4.  Little bit of the Devil; 5.  Played by the Blues; 6.  Sometimes I Need you, Too; 7.  Take me as I Am; 8.  What About Me?; 9.  Can’t Keep Waiting on You; 10.  I Feel a Heartache Coming; 11.  Make a Move; 12.  Take a Chance on my Love

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  We reviewed her previous release back in January 2018, and fell in love with her sound, which has only gotten better since then.  It also earned her an LA Music Critic Award nomination for Best Blues Artist.  In addition, her skills on the guitar are second to none as she teaches her male counterparts how to play blues guitar, while her songwriting skills are head and shoulders above most of her peers.  Whether she’s rocking the blues or bringing you the traditional style, you will be enthralled from the first note to the last.  You can’t lose with this album, which is awesome from beginning to end, and which we bet you’ll be putting on repeat.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go Get this one!

Artist Name:  Nate Currin

Album Name:  Ashes & Earth

Label:  Archaic Cannon Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Ramblin’ Man; 2.  Heart on the Run; 3.  Guilt and Grief; 4.  Wander til I Die; 5.  When I was Younger; 6.  Ashes & Earth; 7.  Desert Skies; 8.  Oklahoma; 9.  Flowers on her Grave; 10.  1979

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Nate Currin has always been an incredible voice in the indie music singer-songwriter community, but he has outdone himself on his latest release.  This one is raw and honest, and cuts to the bone.  These are songs from someone who has lived, and is unafraid to share that reality.  There is not a weak song on the album, whether it’s the heartbreaking truth of “Ramblin’ Man” or “Heart on the Run,” or the rock n’ roll goodness of “Wander til I Die,” Currin is truly the voice of this decade.  His goodness needs to be on display for all to hear.  We also love the vocal harmonies on “Ramblin’ Man,” “Desert Skies” and “Flowers on her Grave.”

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  Run out and Get it!

Artist Name:  L-space

Album Name:  Music for Megastructures

Label:  Last Night From Glasgow

Genre:  Electronic instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  [Transport] Approaching an Arcology; 2.  [Transport] The Slow Descent of a Cruise Ship Into Port; 3.  [Transport] Morning Traffic Overhead; 4.  [Transport] Lots of Colorful Lights at all Times of Day and Night; 5.  [Transport] Approaching a Megastructure; 6.  [Work] A Small man Waits While the Rain Sizzles on the Tarp; 7.  [Work] A Sleepy Robot Watches Over a Rarely-Used Car Park; 8.  [Work] The Captains of Industry and Their Interests Outside of Work; 9.  [Work] An Aspiring Actor Works as a Barrista Under Hallogen Lights; 10.  [Work] Free Body Augmentations – No Questions Asked or Answered; 11.  [Health]  Lives are Getting Longer; 12.  [Health]  Biology is so 21st Century; 13.  [Health]  Browsing the Latest Pharmaceuticals at the Hospital Drive Through; 14.  [Health]  Stopping for Neon Ice Cream; 15.  [Health]  Getting Sick and Being Cured; 16.  [Life]  A Brief Moment of Triumph After a Period of Alienation; 17.  [Life]  Gambling in Virtual Reality with Real Life Consequences; 18.  [Life]  A Sense of Unease Descends Upon the Bar; 19.  [Life]  Sitting in a Crowded Basement Watching Automations Approximate Music; 20.  [Life]  Waking up Bathed in the Light of Things you Can’t Afford

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This one is definitely not what we expected.  The music is other-worldly and perfect for use in movies and television.  These tracks would also work well for mixing house music.  They hit you from all sides and the song titles are so very pretentious.  Our advice is to ignore them and just listen to this album from start to finish and let the waves of musical energy wash over your body and mind, relaxing and refreshing them.  This one needs multiple listens.

Recommendation:  Truly worth of being in your collection.

Artist Name:  Steven Blane

Album Name:  I Walk Alone

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Hot AC/AAA/Jazz

Track Listing:  1,  Look Who’s Crying Now; 2.  Bottoms Up; 3.  Incredible; 4.  I Walk Alone; 5.  Don’t Know You; 6.  My Baby’s Coming Home; 7.  Brooklyn Bridge; 8.  Dressed in Blue; 9.  Walk by Me; 10.  Please; 11.  Sacred Chain

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  If you’ve always been impressed by the sound of Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley, then you will simply love the latest offering from Steven Blane.  He pulls out all the stops in this retro tribute to the sound of Orbison and Presley, featuring simple accompaniment and Blane’s hearty tenor sound.  In particular, the title track is an homage to Orbison’s “Pretty Woman.”  Blane also does some of his signature jazz sound on “Incredible” and his Americana sound on “Brooklyn Bridge.”

Recommendation:  This one would make a fine addition to your collection.

Artist Name:  Heart Attack Man

Album Name:  Fake Blood

Label:  You Did This/Triple Crown Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1,  Fake Blood; 2.  Blood Blister; 3.  Low Hanging Fruit; 4.  Out for Blood; 5.  Rats in a Bucket; 6.  Moths in a Lampshade; 7.  Cut my Losses; 8.  Crisis Actor; 9.  Asking for It; 10.  Sugar Coated; 11.  The Choking Game

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  This hit this one hard with an edgy indie rock sound, well-crafted lyrics and excellent instrumentation that truly complements the overall sound.  This is a band that is different enough to stand out from its indie peers, and deserves industry attention, both from radio stations and music supervisors.  The title track sets the tone for the album, and it never lets up.

Recommendation:  Give these lads a chance.  We think they’ll win you over.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 15

Happy tax day!  Two weeks from today we’ll be in Los Angeles to begin rehearsals for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey).  We open on June 7 at studio/stage in Hollywood, and will be doing five performances during the month of June.  If you believe in the arts, and want to help us put on this show, please visit our fundraiser page at GoFundMe and donate.  Thanks.

We are also making our final preparations for the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 18 at The Mint LA.  Tickets are on sale now at the venue website, as well as through PayPal.  If you want to purchase tickets through PayPal, use lamusiccritic@yahoo.com as the payee and indicate how many tickets you want.  The cost is just $10 per ticket.  Please help us showcase these amazing indie artists and raise funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from LA Music Critic Award winning country trio Southern Halo, who has been featured on numerous occasions in this blog.  We simply love their new single, which truly sets the stage for summer.  Give it up for these three young ladies, who are bringing us the “Sunshine.”

Next up is a band from Stockholm that will put you in a party mood, even though the words are nothing to laugh about.  The sound is so infectious and upbeat that you will enjoy it, even though it’s about sadness.  Check out “Cryin’ (such a disgrace)” from Delsbo Beach Club.

Our third single is the title track to the new album by Field Guide.  It’s called “Full Time,” and we think it demonstrates that this artist is ready for prime time.  We love the accompaniment and the honesty and integrity of the lyrics.  Enjoy it.

https://soundcloud.com/user-574887665/full-time-master

Next up is the sweet simple acoustic stylings of Hong Kong born singer-songwriter Allman Brown.  This artist has a perfect radio-friendly sound and we think he is on his way to the top of the charts.  Check out his single, “Lonely Hearts, Los Angeles,” and you’ll see what we mean.

Our final single this week is from the ever-impressive Jess Ribeiro, who consistently delivers quality music.  This is from her recently released album LOVE HATE, and describes her love/hate relationship with “Dylan.”  We’re sure you can relate.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from Broadway legend Eden Espinosa (Wicked), and is an incredible video for her single “Bed for 2.”  Her voice is electric and her songwriting is some of the best we have heard this year.  Enjoy this one – we think she’ll be riding the top of the charts in no time.

We think our next video, “Ring Ring” will definitely get you up and ready for the dance floor.  We love the sound of Nikki Paige, and were impressed that she has been a paid songwriter since the age of 11!  Let us know what you think about her.

Our next video is a well-shot film for the latest from Taveeta, “Chasing Feelings.”  She has an amazing voice and and hip-hop/R&B sense of style to her sound.

Our next video is the perfect segue and features R&B artist Àkin.  Check out the smooth sound of “Green Light,” with just the right amount of reggae goodness to take it over the top.

We close out this week with a beautiful remake of the classic Minnie Ripperton song “Loving You.”  We think T’Melle has the perfect voice for the song, and captures it perfectly.