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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 13

Welcome to April.  We had three snow events yesterday to remind us that Mother Nature is still in charge.  Looking forward to warmer weather and our annual trip down to Los Angeles.  Hope to catch some great indie music while we’re in town June 14-27, as well as the eighth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  In the meantime, let’s check out some of the latest news and releases by and from indie artists.

ALICE WALLACE MAKES SEMI-FINAL ROUND

LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace has achieved the semi-final round in the annual Songwriter Serenade competition in Moravia, Texas.  She is one of 15 who will compete on May 6 for a chance at $7,000 in prize money.  The contestants will each play two songs at the morning showcase.  Seven of those contestants will then play one additional song after lunch before the afternoon awards show.  The winner will then open a concert featuring Susan Gibson, Carrie Rodriguez and Walt Wilkins that night at the Bugle Boy in La Grange, Texas.  We will keep you updated on Wallace as she attempts to win the competition.  Tickets for the competition are available online, and for the Bugle Boy concert here.

SEE DEBUTS NEW MUSIC VIDEO

Blue Élan Records artist See has released a music video for her song “Green Line Killer,” from her upcoming debut EP Ties.  Check out this multi-talented young artist and pre-order your copy today.

THE SHOW PONIES DEBUT NEW VIDEO ON FEATURING EVERYBODY

Rising Americana band The Show Ponies have released the second video from their critically acclaimed album How it all Goes Down through Featuring Everybody.   Check out the video and see why critics and fans alike are clamoring for more from these future Grammy winners.

KING WASHINGTON RELEASES MUSIC VIDEOS

LA-based band King Washington recently signed with The End Records and will be releasing their album Potential on May 19.  In the meantime, they have released a music video for their song “My Reflection” as well as their new single “Superman.”  Check them out below and let us know what you think about the future of one of LA’s premier bands.

JERAD FINCK RELEASES LYRIC VIDEO FOR ‘TAKE ME WITH YOU’

Jerad Finck continues his torrid climb to the top of the pop charts with the release of his latest lyric video.  We think you’ll agree that this indie artist is definitely on his way and will soon become a household name.

That’s it for this week.  Catch you next week, same bat time, same bat channel.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Reviews Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 12

Welcome to the final week of March.  Had so much fun reviewing the live show of Chris Shiflett and Brian Whelan last night in Missoula.  Watch for the review coming soon.

Been another busy week in the world of indie music.  We posted our review of the new single from BritRoyal earlier this morning.  Definitely check out this group if you love songs with great lyrics and meaning, and music that comes from the heart.  Thanks Jen Lyneis of Ue3 Promotions for turning us on to this amazing band.

FUEL ON FIRE RELEASES NEW VIDEO

Fuel on Fire, the “other” great redheaded sibling band, has released a new single and music video for the song “Never Said Goodbye.”  Besides the amazing song itself, the video features an appearance by Meghan Walker from Redhead Express.  Check it out and let us know what you think.  Speaking of Redhead Express, major announcement coming soon.

ONEFiFTEEN RELEASES FIRST ORIGINAL SONG

Hot new band OneFifteen has released their first original song, “Break the Wheel,” on Soundcloud.  It is amazing, featuring the smoking hot vocals of Chelsee Foster, which remind us of Evanescence’s Amy Lee.  Let us know what you think about it.

https://soundcloud.com/chelsee-foster/one-fifteen-break-the-wheel?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook

FOOFIGHTER GUITARIST CHRIS SHIFLETT SET TO RELEASE NEW SOLO PROJECT

Chris Shiflett, guitarist for the legendary FooFighters, is currently on tour with Dwight Yoakum’s former guitarist, Brian Whelan, in support of Shiflett’s new album West Coast Town, which is set for release on April 14 on Side One Dummy Records.  Check out the official video for the title cut, and watch for our review of both his CD and live show, coming soon.

NEW NAME, SAME GREAT MUSIC

San Diego based indie band and multiple LA Music Critic Award winner Daddy Issues has changed its name to Kick the Princess.  The band has also parted ways with bassist Jules Whelpton.  Watch for additional news on this amazing band, led by Angela Alvarez.  We expect more great things from them.

See ya soon.  Have a great week.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 11

Sorry about the past two weeks, but we have been hit with computer problems on our desktop, losing the CPU fan and, of course, the part is out of stock everywhere.  We have been forced to go back to our trusty lap top computer for the foreseeable future.

Consequently, we are offering a rare Wednesday edition of our Monday Mashup because we just couldn’t wait until next Monday to share indie news and these amazing videos with you.

REDHEAD EXPRESS SIGN LABEL DEAL

We are proud to announce that one of our favorite indie bands,  Redhead Express, have signed a record deal with a major indie label.  The band recently shone during their time at CRS in Nashville, and as a result, not only will they be signed to the label, but will also be the stars of a reality show based on the label.  We send our love and best wishes to these four amazing sisters, and wish them well in the future.  We will continue to update you here about their successes.

THE WILD NOW RELEASE VIDEO AND PERFORM AT SXSW

Noisy Ghost PR client The Wild Now just finished performing at SXSW and released a music video for their song “Run for Your Life,” ahead of the release of their new EP Afterglow, which is set for May 19.  We will be reviewing their new EP shortly, but in the meantime, enjoy this amazing video.

CHELSEA WILLIAMS RELEASES NEW ACOUSTIC VIDEO

Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams has released another acoustic music video in support of her EP Little Halo – Demo Sessions.  Check out her incredible vocals and enjoy the simplicity of her song “Boomerang.”

my education releases dreamy video for ‘Class A’

Need some soothing background music?  Check out the new video by my education for their single “Class A” off their recently released album Schiphol.  This eight minute video should provide the perfect background for reflection, meditation or just chilling.

Have a wonderful first week of Spring and we’ll be back soon with more indie news, reviews and videos.  Please let us know what you think of this series and all of the rest of the content on Indie Voice Blog.  We love hearing from you.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mash-up 2017: Vol 10

We finally made it to March, and the first signs of spring are happening here in Montana.  We had our first day of temperatures over 50, followed the next day by a freak snow storm that dropped 1-6 inches.  Can’t wait for spring to finally arrive.

Plans are still continuing for our first live LA Music Critic Awards show, tentatively scheduled for June 20 on the roof of the W Hotel in Hollywood.  Artists currently scheduled to appear include Allison Iraheta & Halo Circus, The Spider Accomplice, Papermoon Gypsys, Cindy Alexander, Bess Beckman and Janey Street.  We’ll keep you informed as the event firms up.

MILCK SCHEDULES DAY TO SPEAK OUT

Indie artist Milck continues her viral stance on speaking out and has scheduled an event.  Quoting from her announcement:

I’m so excited to announce my plans for an #ICANTKEEPQUIET DAY, on April 8th, the Saturday after Maya Angelou’s birthday. This is an in person or virtual experience. You can flashmob either with me or in your own town, or share your story/art online. Help all of us find your welcomed content by adding “#icantkeepquiet” to whatever you share. Your voice matters.

OF VERONA COVERS PINK FLOYD

Of Verona, the dynamic indie musical duo of Mandi Perkins and Dillion Pace Rodriguez, have released a cover of the seminal Pink Floyd song, “Wish You Were Here.”  Check out their version of this classic  hit.

BILLY MOON RELEASES VIDEO FOR “I WANNA KNOW”

Indie artist Billy Moon recently contacted IVB and let us know about his new video for his song, “I Wanna Know.”  We think it’s kinda cool – what do you think?

MASCULINE FEMINITY IS THE ISSUE PORTRAYED IN THE NEW MUSIC VIDEO BY CAMPBELL L SANGSTER

Another recent email informed us of this intriguing artist, Campbell L Sangster.  We are very curious to hear what you think of this video and song, which was released today.

Keep those emails coming.  We will introduce as many of you new indie artists as we can.  Until next week, keep supporting indie music.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 9

Welcome to another week of spotlighting the indie arts.  We have spent the past week with the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, as well as combing through a constant stream of emails from indie artists, who have been busy creating new material for the world.  Grab a cup of coffee and let’s look at some of the happenings over the past seven days.

Michaela May releases new single

Based in London and Toronto, Michaela May is a dynamic singer songwriter whose lyrics are personal and heartfelt, while her music is electrifying and upbeat.  We love her new song, You and I, and think you will love it too.  Check it out on Song Cloud and Spotify and grab your copy today.

Milck continues to speak out

Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Milck continues her viral quest to speak out against injustice with a recent appearance in Toronto, where she and a choir of 1300 singers recorded this video on behalf of Choir!Choir!Choir!  It is a powerful protest statement and should be spread near and far.  #ICANTKEEPQUIET

Chelsea Williams releases latest video from Little Halo – Demo Sessions

Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams continues to tease us with acoustic demos of songs from her forthcoming album, Little Halo Demo Sessions.  Check out this acoustic demo session of her tune “Lovesick Blues,” which was released last Friday.

Adrian Underhill releases new video for ‘Not Good Enough’

After viewing this intriguing video, I am looking forward to see what else Adrian Underhill has planned for his debut album, which will be released later this year on Indica Records.  Please let us know what you think about his video.

Thanks for checking us out and for supporting indie music.  Check back later for an exclusive interview with LA Music Critic Award winner Allison Iraheta, as well as the return of our Get it or Forget it review series.  Until then, keep it indie!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Reviews Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 8

Happy Presidents Day.  Hope you’re all having a great day as we launch into our eighth edition of the Monday Mashup for 2017.

Indie artists have been hard at work, acting as the voice of our generation.  In particular, artists are speaking out about the current political tensions, as well as standing with causes that have become near and dear to many hearts.  Let’s see what’s happening this week.

Trapdoor Social stands with Standing Rock

Local Los Angeles group Trapdoor Social has released an official music video for their song “Never Stop Listening” that supports the ongoing struggle between the United States and DAPL and the Native American Standing Rock tribe.  The cinematography is breathless and the message is the heart of the video.  Check it out and let us know where you stand on this issue.

Here’s what Trapdoor Social and songwriter Skylar Funk had to say about the video:

“Last fall I helped organize a donation drive and trip up to North Dakota from LA to support the water protectors in the Oceti Sakowin camp, at the center of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. We spent a week there working in construction, in the kitchens, chopping wood and shoveling snow, and felt incredibly welcomed and honored for the chance to participate in something so powerful and historic.


One thing they asked of us in orientation was to “Bring It Home” – to share what we learned at camp and to make sure folks back in the communities we’d return to were aware that the struggle to protect that land and water continues. Of course with the recent executive order, the challenge is even more urgent… So we created a video about the people we met at camp paired up with a song I wrote and released with Trapdoor Social last year to share what we saw and hopefully inspire more action.” – Skylar Funk

The video was shot by acclaimed director Alexandra Velasco.

Blue Élan Records artists release new music videos

Two of the artists signed to Blue Élan Records have new music videos.

The first, See, released a live acoustic version of her song “Closed Eyes Open” last Monday.  Her smoky and heavenly voice brings back memories of a cross between Stevie Nicks and Adele, and will serve this up and coming artist well.  Her debut EP, Ties, was released last July, and the debut single, “Potions” has received more than three million hits.  This is definitely an artist to put on your radar, because we firmly believe she will soon be a household name as she skyrockets to the top of the charts.  Let us know what you think.

The second is Cindy Alexander, one of the strongest advocates for indie music in Los Angeles.  This official music video, which is debuting today on YouTube, is for her song “Deep Waters,” the title track of her latest album.  The song was co-written and produced by long-time legendary musician Colin Devlin, and is a powerful vision.  We love the cinematography and more importantly, the message, which is a beacon of hope for our troubled times.  Let us know what you think of this gem.

 

Alexander is also preparing to hit the road this summer, using the Road Nation program to plan her tour.  This amazing program allows fans to choose the itinerary, and allows Alexander to support cancer research, a cause near to her heart since she is a cancer survivor.  Check out her campaign and bring her to your town this summer.

The Thrillseekers and Shannon Hurley release new video

Last but certainly not least this week is the latest video from the ongoing collaboration between The Thrillseekers and indie guru Shannon Hurley (one-half of the award-winning band Lovers & Poets).  We think you’ll love the upbeat message and sound of “Stay Here with Me.”  Let us know what you think.

That’s it for this week.  Gonna be a busy one with volunteering for the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival here in Missoula.  If you have the time, definitely check it out.  Keep those emails and music referrals coming.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Monday Mashup Theatre

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 7

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone in love.  Thought we ‘d kick off this week’s Monday Mashup with the latest music video from our friends at Redhead Express.  This original song was written by lead singer Kendra and features her husband Kelly and their son in a simply beautiful homage to love.  Check it out and share it.  If you love what they’re doing, please consider becoming one of their Patreon supporters.

INDIE ARTIST MAKES HISTORY AT GRAMMY AWARDS

Chance the Rapper, an unsigned independent artist who has never recorded a physical album, took home three Grammys last night from his seven nominations.  He won for best rap album for Coloring Book, best rap performance for “No Problem,” and best new artist.  What sets him further apart is the fact that this award winning album is only available through streaming.  Way to set the bar high, Chance.  Here’s to the future of the music industry!

Speaking of the Grammys – huge shout out to a couple of indie artists who performed at the show.  Adrienne Woods played her cello during John Legend’s performance, while indie triple threat actress Tiffany Phillips was a part of the Beyoncé performance.  Way to go!

BALCONY TV HOSTS STREETS OF LAREDO

We introduced you to the amazing sound of Streets of Laredo back in October 2016.  Balcony TV recently hosted them and filmed a music video for their hit single “99.9%,” which they released today.  Check it out.

MORE MUSIC VIDEOS

Two more indie artists recently released music videos.  First up is the amazing Shannon Hurley, who released a stunning Max Headroom-esq video of her forthcoming single “Someday.”

Our second video is a premiere from a new artist we were recently introduced to.  We like what we see so far – please let us know your opinion.  His name is Dario and his tune is called “Good Morning World.”

Enjoy your week!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 6

Never in my life have I witnessed a collapse like that of the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI.  The only positive about the game was the half-time show, which Lady Gaga nailed!  Considering she began her career as an indie artist playing the mean streets of Los Angeles, we should be proud of her ultimate accomplishment – playing her music before a world-wide audience.  Way to go Gaga!!!

For the rest of us who haven’t quite reached our goals yet, we encourage you to keep at it.  Keep singing, writing and creating.  Treat those three people in the audience as if they were the most important three people in the world.  You never know who might be listening, and the doors they are capable of opening.  Keep up the fight!

GRAMMY TIME FOR MAGNESS

This time next week we’ll be celebrating the Grammys.  Since we have at least one indie artist in the running, and a local one at that, let’s give a hearty and rousing cheer for Blue Élan Records artist Janiva Magness and her blues album Love Wins Again.  We hope you take home the prize.

INDIE ARTISTS SHINE AT NAMM

A few years back a visionary named Kerry Getz thought it would be a great opportunity for local indie artists if they would put on showcases at the hotels near the convention site.  It was such a great idea that NAMM decided to take over and expand the opportunity to stages within the event itself.  Getz likewise recruited Tim Moyer to assist her, and Moyer runs this major music event now.  One of the artists who was selected to perform at the 2017 event was Los Angeles country/Americana artist Alice Wallace.  Check out her sterling performance of “I Just Don’t Care Anymore” from NAMM’s Grand Plaza Stage.  You can find the official music video of the song on her YouTube channel.  Enjoy.

RYKKA DEBUTS NEW MUSIC VIDEO

European indie artist Rykka has released her latest music video for “Runnin’ Away” from her new album Beautitudes.  If this video is any indication of the quality of music on the album, then you should definitely check it out.  We will be reviewing the album here soon, so check back with us.

See ya next week.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 5

Wow – five weeks into 2017, and indie artists are really making noise.  Milck, an artist we introduced you to back on September 21, 2015, is truly blowing up!!!  In the past seven days, her official music video for “Quiet” has gone from just over 142,000 views to more than 400,000.  She has been featured in Billboard, Allure, ET Online, Twitter and Facebook, and made several appearances on national TV, including her appearance on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.  The YouTube video of that appearance has already drawn more than 75,000 views in less than three days.  We are so proud of you Connie Lim aka Milck.  Thank you for having the courage to bring your message of hope in a time of increased insanity.  We are proud to support you!!!  We are also proud of her PR effort, spearheaded by the Big Kahuna herself – Go Laura and Red Boot PR as you champion another worthy indie cause!!!!

KEATON SIMONS JOINS WITH BACKBONE POSSE

LA Music Critic Icon Keaton Simons has been busy, but not in the typical way.  Always a firm believer in collaboration, Simons has lent his talents to the Backbone Posse on their new music video for “Supawaz Gaz,” which also features the talents of Slimkid3 and Adam Vadel.  Please be warned this video is NSFW or young kids.  Enjoy.

GRAMMY NOMINEE PERFORMS AT THE TROUBADOUR

Indie artist Janiva Magness, nominated for Best Blues Album for Love Wins Again, is having a birthday today.  She recently performed before a packed house at the world famous Troubadour in Los Angeles, and posted several videos of her live performance.  Please enjoy this one and make sure to send her best wishes.

NEW MUSIC VIDEO

We are proud to spotlight this incredible new indie video.  Watch for us to review her new release soon.  Please give it up for Emily Zuzik from Los Angeles with the amazing release of “Alone,” which has garnered more than 25,000 views in the past four days.  We think this one is a definite keeper!!!

We look forward to chatting with you again next month.  Have a great week!

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017, vol 4

OMG what a weekend.  Were you as impressed with the million woman march as I was?  So many indie artists participated in the marches across the globe, but none of them had the impact of one young woman from Los Angeles.  Connie Lim, aka MilCk, has written an anthem that has become the voice of the Women’s March.  Her music video, which was released just one week ago, already has almost 142,000 views.  Check it out and see why this song has struck such a chord with people across the globe.  #ICANTKEEPQUIET.

NAMM ONCE AGAIN A SUCCESS

If you’re like me, then your Facebook was blowing up all weekend.  So many friends performing at NAMM, running into old friends at NAMM, running into new friends at NAMM, and witnessing those wonderful NAMM moments.  My long-time friend Tim Moyer, who helps schedule, host and maintain the nightly musical entertainment at the Marriott and Hilton Hotels during NAMM posted a video by a friend that captured one of those moments.  Check it out. Thanks to Marcy Kraft for the video.  Thanks to Rolling Stone for spreading the word.

THE SHOW PONIES CELEBRATE THEIR NEW CD

Tonight’s the night when The Show Ponies and special guest Freddy & Francine celebrate the release of the new album by the Ponies, How it All Goes Down.   Tonight’s show is at the world-famous Troubadour in West Hollywood.  If you are in LA, we highly advise you to get down there and enjoy the show.  Here’s the link for tickets.

SHANNON HURLEY ANNOUNCES NEW KICKSTARTER

Los Angeles Indie Music Queen Shannon Hurley announced this week that she has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund her fifth studio album.  She celebrated the moment by releasing a video of an acoustic version of her song “Number One,” which will be the first single released.  Check out the video and support indie music by contributing to the campaign.

Have a great week and we’ll catch you next Monday.  If you have anything coming up that you want to promote, please let us know.