Tag: Amie Mirello

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 33 (rev.)

Happy Veterans Day to all of those who have served and provided the freedoms we enjoy.  I am proud to be counted among you.  Take advantage of all the free food available today – you’ve earned it.  In the meantime, we’ll share some new singles and music videos, including the return of our Pop Princess, Katie Costello.  Let’s get going.

NEW SINGLES

We are overjoyed to share the latest from multi-LA Music Critic Award winner and Pop Princess Katie Costello.  It’s the first new music from her since December 2017, and we could not be more ecstatic.  Check out “Polaroid” and welcome her back with open arms and ears.

Our second single comes from the creative mind of former LA artist Amie Mirello.  Somehow she found time between touring as a back-up singer for Sugarland to form a new band called Boys Club for Girls.  They have released their first single, and it is smokin’ hot.  Check out “The Weatherman.”

We continue sharing amazing new holiday songs from Blue Élan Records‘ artists, including  this stunning cover of the classic “A Marshmallow World” from the one and only Scout Durwood.  We think this one will quickly become one of your favorites.

If you love stunning harmonies, we have a treat for you from another Blue Élan Records artist, Mustangs of the West.  Check out their take on the song, “2000 Miles.”  We think it’s one of the most beautiful holiday songs we have ever heard.

Our final single this week is especially poignant and special to me, as I lost my father two years ago this Thanksgiving.  He is tall. from Denmark gives a stirring tribute to his father in his single “Dad.” and we are happy to share this one with you.  Make sure you have some tissues close by.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from the creative mind of Jay Katana, who has created a new band called Violates/Violets.  Here is their first single, “Retake (Believe).”  We think they definitely have something special and can’t wait to hear more.

Next up is the latest from budding pop queen Maggie Miles.  Check out this fun video shot at a roller skating rink for her song, “Shiver.”  Enjoy!

If you grew up in the 70s, you will enjoy this nostalgic video from Paul Mosley and the Red Meat Orchestra.  Enjoy “The 1970s.”

Our fourth video is from LA quintet The Mowgli’s, who offer sage advice in this fun video for their song, “Fighting With Yourself.”  We can easily see this song becoming an anthem and a radio hit.  What do you think?

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with this new video from Jack Broadbent, who we introduced last month.  Here is his new tune, “Everytime I Drown.”  Let the words of this song further strengthen your resolve to be a better you.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 43

Happy Cyber Monday – are you done with your shopping?  We’ve been busy reviewing music and can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Taking a break from that to bring you some new singles and videos, so enjoy them.

AMIE MIRELLO LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

You might have seen her on the recent Sugarland tour, singing back up for Jennifer Nettles.  We have known her for years, and love her artistic integrity and style.  Amie Mirello has launched a Go Fund Me campaign to record a new solo EP, and we couldn’t be happier.  If you would like to help her, please click on the link and let’s make it happen.  If you’re in Nashville, catch her at The Bluebird Cafe with Heidi Newfield, former lead singer of Trick Pony, on November 30 at 6:30 p.m.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week accurately reflects the way a lot of people feel at this time of year.  Here is the latest from the sensational Shannon Hurley, who swears she’s “Lost My Mind.”  Once again she has nailed it.

Next up is an amazing roots tune from Gone Gone Beyond.  The harmonies will blow you away.  We also think this song is perfectly named,  Check out “You Can’t Go Wrong.”

Our third single is especially perfect after a great day of football.  We love the upbeat pop sound of Imbide, and love their new single, “Touchdown.”

Our fourth single is from the 15-year old phenom Bella Rios, whose unbelievable vocals shine in her latest single, “Breathe Again.”  We think this young lady is going to be a huge star, possibly the next Kelly Clarkson.

https://soundcloud.com/big-management-253743683/bella-rios-breathe-again/s-XDBLR

Our final single this week is an instant holiday classic from blues vixen Brigette Rios Purdy.  We think you’ll fall in love with it as well.  Here’s “I’m Your Holiday Baby.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this week is the perfect segue from singles to videos.  Here’s the debut video from the PaperDolls, the latest project from the four incredible sisters who brought you the Redhead Express.  Here is their take on the classic Christmas song, “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen.”  We really love the Celtic feel, thanks to Alisa‘s incredible fiddle.

If you read our blog on Monday, then you got a sneak peak of the new video from Portland’s Hayley Lynn.  Unfortunately, we jumped the gun and the video won’t be released until December 7.  We’ll have it in our Monday Mashup article on December 10.  Until then, here’s some great knowledge as indie folk band No Sailor tells us about the “21 Rules.”  Sounds like good advice.

Our third video features another amazing young performer.  This one has an anti-bullying theme, but encourages our young people to make their mark and make their dreams come true.  Check out this powerful video from Sofia Evangelina for her song, “This is Your Song (We are the Kids of the World).”

Our fourth video is from an artist we reviewed a couple of weeks ago.  Luiz Bruno shares “The Ballad of Cool Lane,” and it looks like a great place to visit.  Let us know what you think.

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with this hard-hitting rock song by LA’s own Love Ghost.  Check out this stunning video for their song “Nowhere.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 27

Happy Monday as we enter the final full week of July 2017.  It’s been extremely busy in the indie world, so we’ve got a few things to share with you this week.  Please keep supporting indie music.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARDS

Speaking of which, tomorrow is your last chance to vote for the Fan Favorite for the first half of 2017.  Among the current leaders are FlecHaus, Polly O’Keary, Janey Street, Wendy Sweetlove and Dario.  To vote just click on this link, scroll to the bottom and add your comment.  The winners will be announced on Thursday, July 27.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

Last week was filled with great indie performances, as we travelled to Stevensville to see The American West and Maita, to Darby for Melissa Forrette and Mabel’s Rage, and to Spokane for Chris Chilton and Jerad Finck.  The American West review is up, and the rest will be published shortly.

This week Melissa is performing twice (The Ranch Club on Wednesday and at Highlander Brewery on Saturday, both in Missoula), while Shakewell will be performing at Missoula’s Downtown Tonight on Thursday.  The biggest event, though, will be Missoula’s annual Celtic Festival on Saturday in Caras Park, which will feature several indie acts including Spokane’s Broken Whistle, The Gothard Sisters, RUNA and headliner, Young Dubliners.

KELLY McGRATH

Kelly McGrath moved to Nashville about two years ago, and her music has taken off since.  Her last single, “You and Me Today,” debuted at #1 on CMT, and her next single,  “All That I Want,” looks to be even better.  Here’s a sneak peak of the new music video, debuting soon.

MUSIC VIDEOS

We’ve got a few great videos for you this week, and leading the pack is a past LA Music Critic Award winner, The Daybreaks.  It’s a highlight video from their recent CD Release Party in Nashville.  Check out our review of the album 🙂

Next up is one of our favorite artists on Blue Élan Records, and one of the hardest working Americana artists working today, Rod Melancon.  His past videos have been impressive, and his new one for “Dwayne and Me” will not disappoint.  Let us know what you think.

Last but not least this week is the latest from Amie Mirello, who has also found success after moving from Los Angeles to Nashville.  We are excited about this new direction for Mirello, and think you will be impressed as well.  Here’s her latest video for “Move Me.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it: Kayjez, Millamix, Amie Miriello

Hope you all made it through another Halloween.  I know by now most of you are sick and tired of this election cycle, so let’s forget all that and check out some great indie music.  Today’s Get it or Forget it reviews were submitted by the individual artists.  We were familiar with all three previously and believe that they represent some of the premier talent in the indie world.  Sit back, relax and learn about their newest releases.

kayjez

Artist Name:  Kayjez

Album Name:  self-titled

Label:  none

Genre:  Alternative Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Can’t Stop Won’t Stop; 2.  Show Up Blow Up Bail; 3.  Runaway and Disappear; 4.  A Okay; 5.  All I Want is You; 6.  Bad Intentions; 7.  Candy Coated; 8.  Lucky Stars; 9.  Plans; 10.  Fight Fire with Fire 

Publicist:  Monday MGMT

Review:  We are very familiar with the music of Jess Penner aka Jessica Treskon and were very excited to hear about the launch of her new band, Kayjez.  She is joined in the duo by Kate Booye.  The album was released on October 14, along with three lyric videos.  Since then, they have released two more lyric videos, and we think these ladies are on top of their craft.

Their sound is very light and airy, while their lyrics cut deep with a message that needs to be heard.  There also appears to be a heavy 80’s music influence, especially on the third track, “Runaway and Disappear.”  These are the kind of songs that belong on radio, instead of the fluff that passes for music these days.  Best tracks include “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” “Show Up Blow Up Bail,” “Runaway and Disappear,” “A Okay,” “All I Want is You,” and “Lucky Stars,” although just about every song on this album is amazing.  We predict these ladies will be on the music scene for many years to come.

Recommendation:  Kayjez is an up and coming band composed of two indie artists with a lot of experience.  Their debut album is chock full of great hooks, meaty lyrics and fun.  We highly recommend you get out and Get It.

millamix

Artist Name:  Millamix

Album Name:  Wake Up

Label:  MillaSound

Genre:  80’s pop/new wave

Track Listing:  1.  Wake Up; 2.  Toxic; 3.  Endless Beam of Light; 4.  So Addicted; 5.  Wait For; 6.  Excuse Me 

Publicist:  None

Review:   Stephen Miller has already proven himself as a hit songwriter.  His latest project is an 80’s style he calls Millamix, and he has nailed it.  Miller names Depeche Mode, Tears For Fears, Howard Jones, Mr. Mister, Informational Society, Pet Shop Boys and Gin Blossoms as his influences, and the sound of Millamix truly captures their spirit and style.  Wake Up brings back those 80’s artists and establishes Miller as a genius of music.  This music would have been on the radio along with them had it been available in the 80’s.  It is truly a great effort and should be a hit to all lovers of 80’s music.  Best songs include the title track, “Toxic,” and “So Addicted,” but all six tracks rock.

Recommendation:  If you are a lover of 80’s music, you owe it to yourself to check out Millamix.  We highly recommend you get up off your couch and grab a cassette copy for your Walkman.  Definitely Get It when it is released on November 8.

amie-miriello

Artist Name:  Amie Miriello

Album Name:  Seeya When I Seeya

Label:  UMPG

Genre:  Folk Rock/Alt Country

Track Listing:  1.  Land and Sea; 2.  Hit the Road; 3.  Peter Pan; 4.  Seeya When I Seeya; 5.  The Rookie; 6.  The Trouble With Us; 7.  Thing About Love 

Publicist:  None

Review:  Amie Miriello has been a force in today’s music for the past 10 years.  She has worked with such “A” list musicians as Katy Perry, Jessica Simpson and Courtney Love, as well as being the front woman in the band So & So with American Idol contestant Brandon Rogers.  As a solo artist, she also had a Top 20 video on VH-1 with her song “Brand New.”  Her latest effort returns her to her roots, and we could not be happier with the finished product.  Although the CD does not have a release date yet, she has released her first single, “Land and Sea,” which leads off this amazing offering.  Favorite tracks include “Land and Sea,” “Peter Pan,” “The Rookie,” and “Thing About Love.”

Recommendation:  Miriello possesses a voice that is powerful, sexy and airy, and perfectly delivers her meaty lyrics, atop her well-written instrumentation.  This one is a no-brainer if you enjoy great music that has a message.  As soon as this CD is available, we highly recommend you rush out and Get It.  In the meantime, you can grab it digitally on iTunes.