Category: Women in Entertainment

A series of articles on leading indie women

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 47

Merry Christmas.  Welcome to our special Christmas Eve edition of Monday Mashup.  We hope you have accomplished all of your Christmas shopping and are preparing to spend tomorrow with family and friends.  Don’t forget to vote for your Fan Favorite, with voting to close this Friday.  Currently, YYNOT remains in first place with 146 votes, but Jordan Siwek is coming on strong and currently has 102 votes, followed by Mindi Abair and Reloaded Norway, both with 43 votes.  Winners will be announced on January 4.  In the meantime, here’s some new music to get you in the mood.  We’ll be back on Wednesday with Get it or Forget it.

INDIE MUSICIANS CELEBRATE THE SEASON

There have been a lot of ingenious indie artists sharing the holidays with their friends, and we salute them for their efforts.  This year’s award for best campaign goes to Jennifer Vazquez for her “12 Days ‘Til Christmas.”  She created a group for her fans, and serenaded them every day with a different a capella Christmas song.  Way to raise your awareness, Jen!

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from the sweet pop sound of mobil avenue.  We really like their song, and look forward to seeing what they come up with as they anticipate releasing a lot of singles in 2019.  Here’s “Hearts.”

Next up is a cover of the classic song “Christmastime is Here” which we have all heard over and over again in the classic Christmas show A Charlie Brown Christmas.  Hats off to Grayshot for a splendid job.

Our third single is another holiday classic.  This time around, Matt LeGrand brings us his pop version of “White Christmas.”  Enjoy.

Next up is the latest from LA’s own Standing Before Kings.  Check out this historically accurate song, “St. Helena” and let it rock your holidays.

For our final single this week, we bring you YouTube sensation Arlene Zelina.  We shared her beautiful Christmas song two weeks ago, and now bring you her new single, “Dream of Me.”  We can’t get enough of her voice and hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this week encourages everyone “Don’t be Lonely This Christmas” with the sweet Americana sound of The Herron Brothers.  We think that’s great advice.

Next is the latest from Family Jools.  We love the feel of “Don’t Know.”  Please let us know what you think.

Last week we had the privilege of reviewing the latest album from SoutherlandAyers.  Today we are proud to share the music video for their first single, “Great Flight Home.”  We think this one is perfect for this season.

Our fourth music video comes from electro-rock artist MORRISON.  Here is her song “Heart on Fire,” which we think is smoking hot.  This girl can siiiiiing!

We close out the week with the latest one-man “boy band” in the person of Dylan Dunlap.  Fresh off his opening slot for OneRepublic, check out his video for “LiarLover.”  We think this one will get your week off to a great start.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Reel Big Fish, McGuff and the Dumpster Fires, Be Softly and Zoe Blair-Schlagenhauf, EveningShade, Ben’s Imaginary Band

Happy Friday.  As promised, we have our review of the brand new album from Reel Big Fish, who will perform here in Missoula, Montana next month, as well as four more great releases.  Enjoy the last weekend before Christmas with these great tunes.

Artist Name:   Reel Big Fish

Album Name:   Life Sucks . . .  Let’s Dance

Label:   Rock Ridge Music

Genre:   Ska Punk

Track Listing:   1.  Life Sucks; Let’s Dance; 2.  Pissed Off; 3.  You Can’t Have all of Me; 4.  In Love Again; 5.  Tongue Tied and Tipsy Too; 6.  Bleached Thang, Baby,7.  Another Beer Song; 8.  Bob Marley’s Toe; 9.  Ska Show; 10.  The Good Old Days; 11.  G.D. Beautiful Day; 12.  I Should Know by Now; 13.  I’d Rather get it Wrong; 14.  Walter’s Highlife

Publicist:   Earshot Media

Review:   Thank God for Reel Big Fish.  These iconic guys prove that ska is still alive and doing well.  The band has returned with a dynamic album, their first new music in six years (although they did release a Christmas album four years ago).  They have a much happier sound to their music, and even make it sound ok to be “Pissed Off.”  Their first single, “You Can’t Have all of Me,” is a masterpiece and a crowd favorite.  (We’ll share their video of the song on Monday.)  Their lyrics are very tongue in cheek, and the music is so upbeat and fun.  They are the ska version of Flogging Molly, and actually sound like them on a couple of the tracks (“Tongue Tied and Tipsy Too” and “Another Beer Song”).  We hope that we are able to see them perform live next month when they come to Montana.  If you look up “ska” in the dictionary, you should find the band’s picture next to the definition.  They obviously believe in having a good time, and we are so glad they are back with abandon.  Every song will get you up and moving, and satisfy even the most die-hard fans, especially the high energy “Walter’s Highlife: that closes the album.

Recommendation:   Don’t think about it – run out and Get this one like your life depends upon it!

Artist Name:  McGuff and the Dumpster Fires (“MDF”)

Album Name:   Trip Gone Wrong

Label:   Self-released

Genre:  Funk/Punk/Rock

Track Listing:   1.  Too Pretty; 2.  Bank Vault; 3.  Brinkmanship; 4.  Trip Gone Wrong; 5.  Skywalker; 6.  Yellow Brick Hole

Publicist:   Self-promoted

Review:  With the amazing vocals of Emily McGuff (more powerful than Evanescence’s Amy Lee), and the funky help of her band, featuring Taylor McGuff on guitar, vocals and sax; Keith Klein on  fretless bass; and Phil Doncaster on drums and backing vocals, MDF is a class act like no other, mixing funk, punk and rock into their own amazing sound.  They have become a major hit in Europe, and after just one listen to them, it is obvious why they have become so popular.  Every song delivers major entertainment value, ensuring that this band is on the way to the top.  There is not a weak track on this splendid collection.  They deserve serious industry attention.  Get up and dance!

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Be Softly and Zoë Blair-Schlagenhauf

Album Name:  Unfinished Apology Letters

Label:  Be Softly

Genre:  Spoken Word Poetry

Track Listing:  1.  Best Friend’s Vomit; 2.  G.O.M.; 3.  Falling; 4.  Water Molecules

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  On this dynamic spoken word project, Be Softly shares with the world the amazing poems of Zoë Blair-Schlagenhauf, and we hope that she continues writing them.  They are a heartfelt cry for help in the face of our world-wide opioid epidemic, and the music added by Be Softly perfectly frames them.  Proceeds from the sale of the album are benefiting a pair of charities (Shatterproof in the US, Mind in the UK) that deal with opioid addiction.  This project deserves national attention, as we are sure most of us know someone who suffers from this addiction.

Recommendation:  Please support this artist and this cause by getting her album now.

Artist Name:  EveningShade

Album Name:  Impulses

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Instrumental Electronica

Track Listing:  1,  The Woods; 2.  THERE SHE WAS; 3.  Making Love to Sarah Connor; 4.  Passing in the Dark

Publicist:  Working Brilliantly PR

Review:  James Pinkstone aka EveningShade is an electronic composer based in Atlanta.  On his latest EP, he presents four tracks that bring to life the horror and sci-fi vibes of the 80s.  It is part Mike Oldfield, part John Carpenter and all together a blast, especially if you love horror and sci-fi classics series like Halloween and Terminator.  These songs truly complement what the original composers did for those movie franchises, and deserve serious consideration from music supervisors, as they would make great placements.  This is music for your freaky Friday night.

Recommendation:  Get this one, but don’t listen alone.

Artist Name:  Ben’s Imaginary Band

Album Name:  The Apartment

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Caffeine Fiend; 2.  King’s Song; 3.  The Apartment; 4.  Machines Were Better; 5.  Nightwalking; 6.  Maiden; 7.  The Lamb; 8.  Frog’s Legs; 9.  Spy (Enemy Combatant); 10.  Celebrity

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Ben Romvari aka Ben’s Imaginary Band is a Canadian with a one-man band.  The music is very retro, with some incredible overdubbing harmonies and organ work that give the songs breadth and depth.  His vocals are not always on pitch, but the songwriting makes up for it, with its dynamic but simplistic accompaniment and quirky lyrics.  These songs are tender and thought-provoking and overall relaxing.  The groove reminds us of singer-songwriter night at the local coffeehouse.  The horns on the title track are worth the price of admission.

Recommendation:  Definitely 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 – Niecie, The Room in the Wood, Evan Myall, The Odd Dogs, Huffamoose

We’re in the home stretch now.  Just five days until Christmas and only eight days left to vote for your Fan Favorite for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2018.  As of this morning, YYNOT has opened up a considerable lead with  137 votes, followed by Jordan Siwek with 56, Reloaded Norway with 43 and Mindi Abair with 42.  There’s still time, so share and vote.  In the meantime, here are five more artists to check out.

Artist Name:  Niecie

Album Name:  Trouble with a Capital T

Label:  Ride the Tiger Records

Genre:  Blues Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Thank God for Fools; 2.  Memphis Stomp; 3.  Two can Play That Game; 4.  Waiting for the Next Shoe to Drop; 5.  Two Sides to Every Story; 6.  Sweat; 7.  Trouble with a Capital T; 8.  Baby It’s Working; 9.  Rise Up; 10.  Lighter Shade of Blue; 11.  Just This Side of Memphis

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  When it comes to rocking the blues, Niecie is a pro.  Born and raised in Detroit, she brings her Motown influences into her version of the blues.  On her fifth studio album, she struts her stuff on her second album produced by Johnny Neel, former member of The Allman Brothers.  The album is great from start to finish, and we especially love the horns on “Memphis Stomp.”  She also shows her softer side on the torcher ballad “Waiting for the Next Shoe to Drop.”  Enjoy this sterling selection of blues and rock.

Recommendation:  Add this one to your blues collection today.

Artist Name:  The Room in the Wood

Album Name:  Mars

Label:  A Turntable Friends Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Mars (Won’t Save Us); 2.  Time Machine; 3.  Every Lie; 4.  Get Clear

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion PR

Review:  The Room in the Wood have a 60s rock vibe similar to The Doors, with vocals reminiscent of Jim Morrison, especially on the opening track, “Mars (Won’t Save Us).”  The next track, “Time Machine,” has a groovy sound that is likewise very 60s.  They add a Johnny Cash feel to “Every Lie” before ending this all too short EP with “Get Clear.”  If you love the retro rock sound, then you should definitely check this one out.

Recommendation:  A worthy edition to your indie rock collection.

Artist Name:  Evan Myall

Album Name:  Basic Gardening

Label:  Text Me Records

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Devil’s Shoes; 2.  Who; 3.  Maybe Magic; 4.  Frances; 5.  I Want U; 6.  Phoenix

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Basic Gardening marks the solo debut for Evan Myall, and we think he shines on this release.  He hits the ground running with the rocking “Devil’s Shoes” before settling in to a softer, more pop groove on “Who” and “Maybe Magic.”  He returns to his rocking ways on the pop/rock tunes “Frances,” which was his first single, and “I Want U.”  He closes out the EP with the slow groove of “Phoenix.”  This song title is very appropriate as we are witnessing the rise of a bright new artist.

Recommendation:  Give this one a chance – Myall has earned his place in your collection.

Artist Name:  The Odd Dogs

Album Name:  Beneath the Surface

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz Fusion

Track Listing:  1.  Presence Unknown; 2.  Failure to Authenticate; 3.  Beneath the Surface; 4.  Hairpin; 5.  Title 5; 6.  A Simple Word; 7.  The Beast; 8.  Monkish; 9.  Enigma

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Composed of five of the best jazz musicians in Los Angeles – Ralph Humphrey (drums), Steve Billman (bass), Andy Suzuki (saxophone and piano), Jeff Miley (guitar) and Billy Hulting (percussion), The Odd Dogs bring their prog-rock background to create a unique form of jazz fusion.  The band draws heavily on such influences as Pink Floyd, Thelonious Monk and Frank Zappa to forge an intriguing sound that will appeal to not only jazz lovers, but classic rock lovers as well.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Huffamoose

Album Name:  . . . and That’s When the Golf Ball hit me in the Head

Label:  Winding Way Records

Genre:  Modern Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Send out Your new Song; 2.  Summer; 3.  Son of a Gun; 4.  Don’t Look Now; 5.  Restaurant Manager; 6.  Oh, Whiskey; 7.  Devolution; 8.  Melinda Marion; 9.  Birds; 10.  Wind Outta my Sails

Publicist:  Winding Way Records

Review:  Huffamoose hit the ground running on their debut album, and their latest is even better.  The first single, “Send out Your new Song” is the perfect introduction to this amazing group.  If you like bands like Better Than Ezra, the Barenaked Ladies and Smashmouth, then you will love Huffamoose.  We really love the jazzy sound and patriotic feel of “Don’t Look Now,” which combines elements of Jethro Tull with Stevie Wonder.  Other great songs include “Son of a Gun,” “Restaurant Manager,” “Devolution,” “Birds,” and “Wind Outta my Sails.”

Recommendation:  This one belongs in your rock collection.

 

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – David Philips, TULA, Harts, Cal Raasay, LeBarons

Happy Hump Day!  Did you enjoy yesterday’s amazing lineup?  We’ve got lots more where that came from, and will top it all off on Friday with the review of the brand new album from Reel Big Fish.  We can hardly wait.  In the meantime, here are five more reviews for your consideration.

Artist Name:  David Philips

Album Name:  Acoustic Cover Versions 1

Label:  KurVer Records

Genre:  Cover Songs

Track Listing:  1.  Dock of the Bay; 2.  Freedom 2018; 3.  Heart of Glass; 4.  Hit the Road Jack

Publicist:  Black and Tan Records

Review:  David Philips is no stranger to indie music, or to this blog, as we reviewed his previous release back in May.   On this brilliant EP, Philips strips down a pair of classic songs, “Dock of the Bay” and “Hit the Road Jack,” and totally re-imagines a pair of 80’s pop hits, “Freedom” and “Heart of Glass” to create a beautiful and peaceful soundtrack.  This one is a treat from start to finish.  We only wish there were more than four songs.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth adding to your collection.

Artist Name:  TULA

Album Name:  Skin

Label:  I Love That Song International

Genre:  Dark Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Colours; 2.  Another Kind of Red; 3.  Glow; 4.  Wake; 5.  Bullet

Publicist:  Mystic Sons

Review:  TULA was born in Sweden and currently based in Berlin.  Her new sound is drenched in beauty and darkness and totally radio friendly.  Tula’s first single, “Bullet,” which closes the EP, debuted at #1, and the follow-up single, “Colours,” is just as dynamic.  This dynamic voice deserves heavy rotation on American radio, and the chance to tour North America.  Her vocals are lovely while the songs provide food for thought.  This is music that has plenty of commercial appeal, and should be on the radar for every music supervisor, as well as club DJs, as these songs are ripe for dance remixes.

Recommendation:  Definitely add this one to your collection.  These songs will remain long after the final note.

Artist Name:  Harts

Album Name:  Queens, Kings & All Big Things

Label:  Marshmallow Pavement Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  QK&ABT (Intro); 2.  Ain’t Nothin on Me; 3.  Millionaires; 4.  Crumbling Down (Interlude); 5.  21&19; 6.  Wishfulness; 7.  Wishfulness (Interlude); 8.  Pearls (if you are my Lady); 9.  Shake ya Pants; 10.  Shake ya Pants (Interlude); 11.  Queens, Kings & All Big Things; 12.  Days Gone By

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  Harts has been compared to an early version of Prince, and the hype is real.  Queens Kings And All Big Things is a contextual continuation to his last album Smoke Fire Hope Desire. The theme of the album continues on from the song “Desire,” the last song on that album.  We first introduced you to him when we featured the video for “Ain’t Nothing on Me” back in March, and followed that up with his single “21&19,” in April.  Our favorite track is “Pearls (if you are my Lady)” but the entire LP is memorable, especially “Shake ya Pants” and the title track.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend this album, and believe it will be an amazing addition to your music collection.

Artist Name:  Cal Raasay

Album Name:  Rona

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Settling; 2.  Rona; 3.  Breakers; 4.  Blaven

Publicist:  Practise Music

Review:  Rona is a true work of art, painting beautiful soundscapes of life near the ocean.  The vocals of Cal Raasay flow seamlessly with his grandiose instrumentation, like the movements in a classical piece.  This one is perfect for meditation and reflection, or when you just need to chill.  We only wish there was more of this beauty, but this will have to do until the next time Raasay gifts us with his brilliance.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  LeBarons

Album Name:  Summer of Death

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Country/Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1,  Long Highway; 2.  Bad News; 3.  Brand New Sound; 4.  Open Road; 5.  Quiet; 6.  Waste; 7.  Until it Goes; 8.  Summer of Death; 9.  Power Lines; 10.  Born in ’76; 11.  Nothing Left to Say

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  On their debut release, LeBarons prove that they are destined to become a major player in the Americana music scene.  The alt country groove is the perfect soundtrack for the amazing vocals and incredible songwriting of Chris MacDonald.  These are songs that should become classics, and are very radio friendly, especially “Long Highway,” “Bad News,” “Open Road,” “Until it Goes,” the powerful title track and “Power Lines.”  We also bet they are a hoot to see when performing live, and hope we have the chance to see them when they come back to America again.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Steven Graves, Southerland Ayers, Free Love, Ziggy Alberts, Planetoid

Can you believe it?  Christmas is just a week away, and since we have already been truly blessed with so much great indie music, we wanted to share some of it with you, including a very special review this Friday of the new album from Reel Big Fish.  In the meantime, check out these five dynamic releases.

Artist Name:  Steven Graves

Album Name:  How Long

Label:  One Essense Music

Genre:  Americana/Roots

Track Listing:  1.  How Long; 2.  Good Day; 3.  Forces of Love; 4.  Let it Reign; 5.  People Rise Up; 6.  Captain Soul; 7.  Fool for You; 8.  Weary Men; 9.  Sugaree; 10.  Set me Free; 11.  Stand for the People; 12.  Fly to the Stars

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  On his 10th album, Steven Graves solidifies his status as one of our premier Americana/roots rock artists.  He sets the tone on the first song, which happens to be the title track, and proceeds from there to give us tasty treats for the remainder of the album.  You can rejoice with “Good Day,” groove to the funkiness of “Forces of Love,” “Sugaree,” and the first single, “Let it Reign,” the reggae greatness of “People Rise Up,” or the radio friendly “Captain Soul.”  This one has something for everybody, and all of it is good.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Southerland Ayers

Album Name:  Ghost in This House

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt-folk

Track Listing:  1.  The Great Flight Home; 2.  Ribbon in Your Hair; 3.  Will  you Remember Me; 4.  A Life Sublime; 5.  Ghost in This House; 6.  Sorry

Publicist:  Effectively Immediately PR

Review:  The debut release from this Texas alt-folk duo had a soft release a couple of weeks ago, with the official release coming in early 2019.  Their harmonies are exquisite and we love their sweet sound with just the perfect musical accompaniment.  This band deserves serious industry consideration.  They truly have a chance to be a successful touring band, and should be considered for opening slots with other alt-folk/Americana bands.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Free Love

Album Name:  Luxury Hits

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Dance Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Et Avant; 2.  Tomorrow Could be Heaven; 3.  Synchronicity; 4.  How do you Feel; 5.  Depeche Toi; 6.  Playing as Punks; 7.  Pushing too Hard; 8.  Et Encore

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  We have featured the singles and videos of this band quite a few times this year, and are overjoyed at the prospect of reviewing their debut EP.  If their overall sound doesn’t get you up dancing, then the dreamy vocals will grab hold of your ears and never let go.  This one should grab the attention of DJs worldwide, as these tracks would be great additions to their dance mix, especially “How do you Feel.”  Whether you love to dance or not, these songs will warm your heart and get you moving.

Recommendation:  Get this one before it’s gone.

Artist Name:  Ziggy Alberts

Album Name:  Laps Around the Sun

Label:  Commonfolk Records

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Indie

Track Listing:  1.  Love me Now; 2.  On Hold; 3.  Laps Around the Sun; 4.  Best Friend; 5.  3 Degrees South; 6.  Bright Lights; 7.  Stronger; 8.  Worn Out; 9.  Heaven; 10.  Yu (a Song for Koda)

Publicist:  Right Angle PR

Review:  The first thing that strikes you is the strong masculine voice that resonates with your senses while the words strike deep, tugging at your heartstrings as this brilliant Aussie singer-songwriter sings directly to his listeners.  These are songs that are worthy of multiple listens, and worthy of serious attention from American radio.  Beginning with the mega-popular “Love me Now” (which reached #10 on the iTunes digital charts), Ziggy Alberts wows you with his guitar, his well-constructed songs and his dreamy voice.  His video for “Stronger” was nominated for Best International Video by the LA Music Critic Awards.  Alberts’ music has become so popular that this album debuted on Billboard, giving American audiences the chance to discover what Australia already knows – Alberts is a star on the rise.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one today!

Artist Name:  Planetoid

Album Name:  Multiverse

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Ambient Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Eternity; 2.  Adepte de L’univers; 3.  Le Chemin; 4.  Quantum Mind (Beta)

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Unlike anything we have reviewed this year, Planetoid has a very eerie and haunting sound that will be remembered long after the final note.  Her French lyrics and ambient music would be the  perfect soundtrack for Fashion Week or other commercial use.  Although not radio friendly, the music is soothing and could be likewise a wonderful addition to your meditation time.

Recommendation:  Worth checking out.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 46

Christmas is only eight days away, and the indie music just keeps coming in strong.  We have already reviewed some stunning new releases, and continue to get stellar submissions.  As far as the LA Music Critic Awards goes, 20 artists have been nominated so far for Fan Favorite, with YYNOT, Mindi Abair, Reloaded Norway and Jordan Siwek the current top four vote getters.  Don’t forget to vote.  Deadline is December 28.

We’re keeping the spirit of Christmas alive with several new songs today, so let’s check out these five new singles and videos, right after we give you the latest news.

MARINA V IS MAKING AN ALBUM

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and dear friend Marina V is making a new album and needs your help.  The album will be called In V Minor, and we love what we’ve heard so far.  You can help by either pre-ordering a download or a  personalized, numbered, hugged and kissed CD at MarinaV.com.  There are multiple contribution/ sponsorship levels and perks, so please check it out and help her if you can.

ARE YOU READY TO BE DISCOVERED?

Danish loudspeaker specialists Dynaudio will offer FREE recording sessions to unsigned artists as part of the global gathering this January at the NAMM Show.  There are only 12 slots are available, so time is of the essence if you want to take advantage of this opportunity.  The Dynaudio Unheard studio is a state-of-the-art pop-up recording facility built inside a shipping container.  The studio contains the latest tech from the world’s best equipment makers.  To sign up and/or get more information, click on the link.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today, “The Christmas Song,”  comes courtesy of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services’ client Americana Kitchen and is an original Christmas song.  They have provided two versions of the song and we can’t decide which one we like better.  What do you think?  The first version is country pop and is from Francesca Capasso and the other is a pop rock ballad by Andee Avila.

Next is a beautiful folk ballad from the Swedish duo Drops of Indigo.  Check out “Days of Grace.”  We think you’ll like it as much as we do.

Our third single is an ambient/electronic number from Canadian band  Galaa.  The lead vocals are lovely and the song is powerful, so let us know what you think about “Ender.”

https://soundcloud.com/user-119314571/02-ender/

Next is the latest from Paper Bag Records artist Royal Canoe from their forthcoming 2019 album.  We love the sound of this band and have featured them previously.  Here is their latest, “Peep This.”

Our final single of the week is a holiday song from Jangling Sparrows, courtesy of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services.  Check out the awesome Americana sound of “Bring a Little Christmas Spark.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is another standout song from The Darcys.  We think “Chasing the Fall” will lift you up and get you ready for the remainder of the holiday season.

Next up is the latest from The Vegabonds, who are set to release their fifth album through Blue Élan Records next month.  We love this animated lyric video and especially love the song.  Check out “Everything I Need.”

Our third video comes from Australian band Arm in Arm.  It is very creative and strange, and perfectly fits the words of their song, “Nightfly.”

Video number four is another lyric video, this time to the amazingly upbeat song “Release” from Parish f/t (ft Daphne Willis).  This one will get you up and dancing in no time flat.

We close out this week with the stunning 360 video of the latest from Sci-Fi Romance.  Here is their song “Dreamers & Runaways.”  This is the future of videos, and gives a wonderful overview of the City of Angels.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it, Robby Baier, Engram, Beans on Toast, Filippo Dall’Asta, Roxy Rawson

Happy Saturday.  We meant to publish this article on Friday, but got stuck pulling a double shift.  It’s been a week since the nominations for the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards were announced, and we have a good race for Fan Favorite.  The current leader is YYNOT with 65 votes, followed by Jordan Siwek with 29 and a tie between Reloaded Norway and Paper Gliders with 20 votes each.  Make sure your vote counts.  Simply leave a comment on the announcement page, share and encourage other fans to do the same.  Let’s add five more great artists into the mix with this eclectic collection.

Artist Name:  Robby Baier

Album Name:  Making Space

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Love you for That; 2.  Got This Feeling; 3.  Animals; 4.  Even Now; 5.  Easy With You; 6.  New Day; 7.  Slip Away; 8.  Don’t Look Away; 9.  It’s Happening; 10.  Making Space

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Robby Baier is the latest in a string of amazing indie artists we have met because of our involvement with the Durango Songwriters Expo.  By day Baier is a songwriter, producer and composer for SubStation Studio in Housatonic, Massachusetts, but he is an amazing artist on his own.  On his latest album, he delivers a stunning collection of radio-friendly songs that should put him on the music industry radar.  Best tracks include “Love you for That,”  “Got This Feeling,” “Easy With You,” “New Day,” “Slip Away,” “Don’t Look Away,” and the title track.

Recommendation:  Definitely worthy of your attention.  Get this one.

Artist Name:  Engram

Album Name:  Das Kapital

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  New/post Wave Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  Divine Plan; 2.  Karl Marx; 3.  The Good Life; 4.  Highgate part 2; 5.  The Razor Inside; 6.  Law of Betrayal; 7.  Hi Teikei No; 8.  What am I?; 9.  Point of no Return; 10.  Eyn Irren Tot; 11.  Exquisite Corpse

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The latest project by John Costello and Martin Bowes (Attrition) is called Engram.  After 22 years as an idea, the project has finally taken shape and their debut album has been released.  The music is a throwback to the new and post wave music of the 80s and 90s, and would make great material for DJ mixes for raves and dance clubs.  The songs include political statements that make for interesting listening, including the live broadcasts from President John F. Kennedy on “Karl Marx.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out, especially if you like electronic music.

Artist Name:  Beans on Toast

Album Name:  A Bird in the Hand

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Another Year; 2.  Good Health & Happiness; 3.  Magic; 4.  Here at Homerton Hospital; 5.  Alexa; 6.  1980s Sagittarius; 7.  Bamboo Toothbrush; 8.  Watching the World go By; 9.  Please Give Generously; 10.  Miss you Like Crazy

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  British folk artist Beans on Toast has launched his 10th studio album, which was produced by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons.  We featured his music video for “Alexa” in  our Ten Amazing Videos of November article, and it is a good representation of the randomness of this album, with folk ballads, punk and political statements throughout.  “Another Year.” “Good Health & Happiness” and the latest single, “Magic” are beautiful folk ballads about his experiences and the birth of his child, while “Alexa” is more punk and provides a tongue-in-cheek warning about the dangers of online purchasing and reliance on AI applications like Alexa.    “Bamboo Toothbrush” is likewise a warning about our reliance on disposal plastics.  We also love the carefree style of “Watching the World go By,” and the sweet homespun wisdom it contains about remembering to stop and smell the roses in our busy lives.

Recommendation:   This one is a welcome addition to any music library.  Go Get it today!

Artist Name:  Filippo Dall’Asta

Album Name:  Mediterasian

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Gypsy Jazz/Indian Music

Track Listing:  1.  Alap; 2.  Mediterasian; 3.  Brazil; 4.  Nothingland; 5.  Django’s Castle (ft Lollo Meier); 6.  Cristina; 7.  Prelude No. 2 in C Minor; 8.  La Javanaise; 9.  Insaaf Ki Dagar Pe

Publicist:  Reversed Tornado

Review:  The luscious music of India meets the gypsy jazz sound of Italy on the debut album from guitar virtuoso Filippo Dall’Asta.  The result is breathtaking and these relaxing instrumental grooves will soon have the listener in audio nirvana.  This is one of the best instrumental albums of 2018, and an early favorite for an LA Music Critic Award for the next cycle.  You will want to play this one from start to finish, and relish in the beautiful guitar playing of Dall’Asta.  He even brings in renowned Gypsy guitar legend Lollo Meier on “Django’s Castle” to put the cherry on top of this musical treat.

Recommendation:  If you love music, you will want this one in your collection.  We strongly recommend you Get it.

Artist Name:  Roxy Rawson

Album Name:  Quenching the Kill

Label:  561867 Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Black Eyed Soup; 2.  Rounded Sound; 3.  The Good Shepherd; 4.  Born Again; 5.  Golden Heart; 6.  Bouncing Boots; 7.  God’s Got Bones; 8.  Iron Shoes; 9.  Freckled Agencies; 10.  Teardrop for Rosa

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  The debut album of Roxy Rawson proves first and foremost that the voice is the most versatile instrument of all.  Born in the UK, Rawson currently resides in San Francisco, and the influences of both English and American music permeate her sound.  She has been compared to a mix of Florence + the Machine and Feist, and we think the comparison is spot on.  Her voice rises and falls like a string quartet as she weaves her listeners into her story line, delivering on all fronts, shifting from one genre to the next like a finely tuned Porsche changing gears.  We could listen to this one over and over again.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one – your life may very well depend on it.

 

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

Get it or forget it – John Fedchock Quartet, Li-sa-X, Pierre Guerre-Vallee, Money and the Man, LAW

We announced the nominations last Friday, and we already have more than 2300 views and 100 votes for Fan Favorite.  Have you voted yet?  We have a very eclectic line-up for you today, so let’s get started.

John Fedchock

Artist Name:   John Fedchock Quartet

Album Name:  Reminiscence (Live)

Label:  Summit Records

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  The Third Degree; 2.  Loose Change; 3.  Lament; 4.  The End of a Love Affair; 5.  You’re my Everything; 6.  If you Could see me Now; 7.  Brazilian Fantasy

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Jazz is a living, breathing form of music, and having a live album is almost like being there in person.  John Fedchock and his band ( John Fedchock on trombone, John Toomey on piano, Jimmy Masters on bass, and Dave Ratajczak on drums, with special guest Billy Williams on drums for “Brazilian Fantasy”) have created a masterful performance of some of the best traditional jazz we have heard this year.  The CD flows easily from one track to the next, and will obviously soon be a favorite for true jazz lovers.

Recommendation:  If you love jazz, you must have this one in your collection.

Li-sa-X

Artist Name:  Li-sa-X

Album Name:  Will

Label:   Sony Music Japan

Genre:  Rock/Metal Instrumental

Track Listing:  1,  Little Wings (ft YOYO); 2.  Pale Pink Monster; 3.  P.R.O.; 4.  Fluctuation; 5.  Serendipity; 6.  Hammock; 7.  Fragment of Cake; 8.  Daisy; 9.  World Football Anthem (bonus track)

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Li-sa-X is a 13-year old guitar prodigy who has been electrifying music fans for the past five years, becoming a YouTube viral phenomenon.  She kicks off her debut album with a duet with the equally talented 11-year old YOYO.  She goes on to deliver a stunning album of some of the best guitar playing ever recorded, and is well on her way to becoming one of the greatest guitar shredders in the world.  Earlier this year she got the chance to perform at NAMM alongside Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro.  We can’t wait to see how far her abilities will take her, but rest assured, you are looking at the future of metal.

Recommendation:  This is one train you simply MUST be on.  Get this one today before it burns up!

PGV

Artist Name:  Pierre Guerre-Vallee

Album Name:  L’Age des Nuages

Label:  Shore Dive Records

Genre:  Electronic Shoegaze

Track Listing:  1.  Stratus; 2.  Pileus; 3.  Altostratus Ondulatus; 4.  Arcus; 5.  Cummulonimbus; 6.  Cumulus; 7.  Cyrus; 8.  Mammatus; 9.  Nimbus; 10.  Cumulus Humilis

Publicist:  Shore Dive Records

Review:  French musician Pierre Guerre-Vallee has released an incredible collection of songs about clouds, recorded solely on his mini-korg over a two-month period.  This is a concept album, and each track reflects a different kind of cloud, mirroring the movement of the cloud as it continuously and mysteriously changes its shape and form.  The music is soothing and refreshing, and would make a perfect soundtrack for meditation and reflection.

Recommendation:  If you love meditative music, then this one needs to be in your collection.

Money & the Man

Artist Name:  Money & the Man

Album Name:   Money & the Man

Label:  BERT Music

Genre:   Indie Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Do you Really Wanna Find Out; 2.  Far From This Room; 3.  Forget; 4.  I Wanna Know; 5.  Just Like the Sun; 6.  King of the World; 7.  Nobody Else; 8.  The Same Thing; 9.  The Wise & the Wicked; 10.  They Say; 11.  This Dark Town; 12.  This Season

Publicist:  TCBYML

Review: Dutch band Money & the Man combine elements of blues, indie and rock and roll to form a distinct sound that borders on metal, but with a more melodic sense.  The music is raw and exciting, proving once again that some of the best rock music is coming out of The Netherlands.  The music has biting lyrics that make you think, with a driving rock sound that will keep you interested in the message.  This one needs to be listened to from start to finish, with multiple listens recommended to catch all the nuances of the songs.

Recommendation: If you love rock music with a message, then definitely check out this Dutch band.

Artist Name:  LAW

Album Name:  There and Back Again

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Untitled; 2.  Kaizoku; 3.  Doses of Psychosis; 4.  Control; 5.  Pastora; 6.  Cold; 7.  Blinking; 8.  Autumn Light; 9.  124; 10.  Pause; 11.  Aidan’s Song; 12.  Logun’s Run; 13.  The Doom

Publicist:  For the Win Media

Review:  LAW, a Los Angeles band composed of Jakob Nowell on vocals, Nick Aguilar on drums, Aidan Palacios on guitar and Logun Spellacy on bass, have recorded a masterful debut album that should let the world know that they have arrived.  Nowell, the son of Bradley Nowell of Sublime, shows that he has just as much talent as his famous father, and has earned the right to be taken seriously.  This album is chock full of rocking songs that stand on their own and are worthy of attention from the music industry as well as radio stalwarts like KROQ.  Best tracks include “Kaizoku,” “Pastora,” their first single “Cold,” “Blinking,” “Pause,” “Aidan’s Song,” “Logun’s Run,” and “The Doom.”

Recommendation:  This one is a must have – Get it today!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Shane Guerrette, DJ Robert Luis, Destroy Boys, BlissBliss, Tolliver

We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it, now working on the first half of 2019 cycle for the LA Music Critic Awards.  During our down time, the requests just kept coming in, and we have almost 100 submissions already for this next cycle.  Let’s get this party started!

Shane Guerrette.jpg

Artist Name:  Shane Guerrette

Album Name:  Shane Guerrette

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Nomadic Soul; 2.  Ivory and Gold; 3.  Runaway Blues; 4.  Good Times

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Shane Guerrette is a new breed of artist, who cultivated his following on YouTube before deciding to release his first EP, which was produced by Bob Cutarella, who has worked with the likes of Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons and Jeff Beck.  Bob obviously heard something he liked in this young man’s music, and we are here to tell you to believe the hype.  Starting off with the first single, “Nomadic Soul,” this EP gets off to a rocking start and leaves no doubt that this young man will soon become a household name.  His music packs a wallop, and is radio-friendly and ready.  We only wish there were more than four songs here because we could listen to his music all day.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Shapes Mountains

Artist Name:  DJ Robert Luis (various artists)

Album Name:  Shapes:  Mountains

Label:  Tru Thoughts Recordings

Genre:  Label Compilation

Track Listing:  1.  The List (Moonchild); 2.  Distant Heart (Wrongtom remix) (The Seshen); 3.  Vortex Number 9 (Uniting of Opposites); 4.  Night Driving (Ivy Lab remix) (Rhi); 5.  Glass Games (Werkha ft Bryony Jarman-Pinto); 6.  Blue (Space Captain); 7.  Habesha (TeÀmir); 8.  California Love (Sly5thAve ft Cory Henry); 9.  Ojos Vicheros (Quantic and Nidia Gongora); 10.  Can’t Nobody Get Down (Alphabets Heaven remix) (Hot 8 Brass Band; 11.  Run Away (Eric Lau & Kaidi Tatham remix) (Moonchild); 12.  It’ll Come (Belleruche); 13.  Hotline Bling (Quantic y Los Miticos del Ritmo); 14.  A GCSE in Dub (Wrongtom Meets the Ragga Twins); 15.  Little Steps Dub (Prince Fatty Meets Nostalgia 77); 16.  All I Know (Rhi remix) (The Seshen); 17.  Freezing Point (Poppy Ackroyd reimagining) (Manuu Delago); 18.  Wingbeats (Max Cooper remix) (Hidden Orchestra); 19.  Passing Time (Nonames ft Alexa Harley); 20.  J-Freq (J-Felix); 21.  Car Number 27/Mr. Alpo (Tim Deluxe remix) (Uniting of Opposites); 22.  Testimony (Anchorsong); 23.  Find my Way (Aurora Dee Raynes); 24.  Air Sign (KXNGS); 25.  Backbeat (Jonny Faith); 26.  Amor en Francia (Sideswipe remix) (Quantic & Nidia Gongora; 27.  Cherry Glow (Chug remix) (Rhi); 28.  Original Nuttah (Magic Drum Orchestra (ft Bunty); 29.  Foundation (Durrty Goodz ft Flowdan & Sharky Major); 30.  Bodybag (Flowdan ft Irah); 31.  Raving Bully (Sleepin’ Giantz); 32.  Still D.R.E. (Ed West remix) (Sly5thAve)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Tru Thoughts Recordings has been turning out quality records for the past 19 years.  With the assistance of DJ Robert Luis, co-owner and A&R of Tru Thoughts, they have put together a dynamic collection of quality original songs and remixes.  These songs span the musical gamut from old skool R&B, pop, funk and jazz to reggae, dub step, world and electronic.  Best tracks include “Glass Games,” “Blue,” “California Love,” “Runaway,” “It’ll Come,” “Testimony,” “Find my Way,” “Backbeat,” “Amor en Francia,” and “Still D.R.E.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out – we’re sure you’ll find something you like here.

Destroy Boys

Artist Name:  Destroy Boys

Album Name:  Make Room

Label:  Uncool Records

Genre:   Riot Grrl Punk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  American River; 2.  Methatonin; 3.  Vixen; 4.  Nerve; 5.  BFF; 6.  Piedmont; 7.  Crybaby; 8.  Gold Medal; 9.  Duck Eat Duck World; 10.  Soundproof

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Destroy Boys bring their own version of punk-infused rock and roll that is more akin to the sound of The Runaways and Shiragirl than The Ramones.  Lead singer Alexia Roditis’ powerful pipes and haunting melodies combined with Vi Mayugba’s shredding guitar licks are both an homage and an evolution of all things classically punk. They have already impressed legendary Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong, who mentioned the band by name when he was interviewed by Rolling Stone Magazine.  Equally impressive is that at the time, neither Roditis or Mayugba had even graduated from high school.  Although both are enrolled at Mills College in Oakland, we believe their impressive musicianship will ensure that they won’t need to fall back on their future college degree.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one and hop on their train before it leaves the station.

blissbliss

Artist Name:  BlissBliss

Album Name:  3

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Right Where you Are; 2.  I’m Coming Through; 3.  No Apology; 4.  Unshakable; 5.  Bulletproof

Publicist:  Heapsaflash

Review:  We featured the video for their first single, “Right Where you Are,” in our Ten Amazing Videos from November 2018, and were simply floored by the old school R&B/pop smoothness of Rene Garcia and Lang Bliss, aka BlissBliss.  Their sound is truly sophisticated and should appeal to music fans of all ages.  All five of these songs are killa and deserve to be put on a loop.  You’ll want to hear them over and over again.  They are jazzy and radio friendly for a myriad of formats.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one.

Tolliver

Artist Name:  Tolliver

Album Name:  Rites

Label:  Icons Creating Evil Art

Genre:  Alt R&B

Track Listing:  1.  I Gotchu; 2.  Emmanuel; 3.  Picture of you Naked; 4.  Twisted

Publicist:  Mystic Sons

Review:  Born the son of a Baptist minister, Tolliver embraces both the angel and devil in himself with these four songs about not only the pleasures of doing bad things, but the consequences of those actions.  The words come from not only his gospel upbringing but personal experience, and he feels comfortable talking about both sides of the equation.  His music is sensual and smooth, but also full of wisdom he has learned.  Ultimately, he leaves it to the listener to decide whether the consequences are worth the pleasure.  Lots of food for thought in these four songs.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you check this one out.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 45

OMG – did you see the end of the Miami-New England game?  That amazing 69-yard pass/lateral that resulted in a Miami touchdown and a win over our arch-rival the Patriots?  That was one of the best games we have seen in many years, and so happy we were able to pull it off.  We are also happy for all the nominees of the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2018.  Remember, fans can ONLY vote for the Fan Favorite award, so leave your vote as a comment on the announcement article by saving “I vote for (name of artist or band) for Fan Favorite.”

Now that the nominations are out of the way, we have a wonderful Monday Mashup for you today, with five new singles and videos including some holiday tunes.  We hope you enjoy them.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from LA alt-rock band Swerve.  It is a hard rocking tune called “She Cut Her Hand,” and we like it a lot.  Swerve originally began as a moniker for music created by Los Angeles native Greg Mahdesian. But what initially began as a solo project eventually became a full-fledged band. Greg solely composed all of the songs on Swerve’s self-titled debut EP and hired producer Brandon Duncan to record them. So, when it came time to recruit musicians in order to perform live, Greg naturally asked Brandon to join on bass, his old college friend, Ryan Berti, on guitar, and Mark Gardner on drums.

Next up is a holiday cover from Israeli rock goddess Ninet.  We love the simple stylings of “Sweet Chariot” and hope it puts you in the proper mood for the holidays.

For our third single, we head up to Sweden for the beautiful voice and similarly simple arrangement of Marlene Oak on her latest song, “In the Evening.”  Enjoy this masterful and soaring song.

Next is a pop gem from Dollshot called “Paradise Flat.”  This one is not your ordinary pop tune, and we relish its uniqueness, with sparkling jazz stylings. Please let us know what you think.

Our final single is another amazing holiday song, this time featuring the incredible voices of Mallory Trunnel and Lauren Harding, otherwise known as Crimson Calamity.  This may well become our favorite new holiday song.

https://soundcloud.com/crimson-calamity/first-snow/

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We tried to share this one a couple of weeks ago, but it was not released until December 7.  The video was shot in Portland and we think it is very well done.  Check out the amazing Hayley Lynn, who shot this video in one take, and her incredible pipes amid the beautiful backdrop on her song, “Valentine, Too Soon.”

From the beautiful to the different, we bring you the latest from Luna Neptune, who are sharing the “Next Automated Wave.”  They are another European band, and we hope they come play the States in the not too distant future.

Our third video features the truly hip sounds of Saving Forever.  We think you’ll love it, so let’s make some “Memories.”

Our fourth video is a lo-tech lyric video from Alex Bloom.  We love the simpleness of the shoot but the intensity of the lyrics on his song, “Elevator.”  What do you think?

We close out this week with a cover of one of our all-time favorite holiday songs, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”  This time around it is covered by the lovely and extremely talented Arlene Zelina, and we think it provides the perfect sentiment for the season.  See you again soon.