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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 12)

Got my Pfizer #2 last Thursday, so I’m only 10 days away from being fully vaccinated.  So glad that I can soon be out mingling again and dispensing hugs to worthy friends and family.  While we all wait for things to return to normal, here are some new singles and music videos to start your week out triumphantly.

NEW SINGLES

First up is an artist we discovered a few years back when she performed at the Zootown Fringe Festival in Missoula, Montana.  Sharon Knight is a true minstrel who combines her witty lyrical content along with ancient Celtic tunes to create a relaxing atmosphere.  Check out her latest, “Fireflies.”

Spotify – Fireflies

Continuing in that Celtic frame of mind with a touch of Americana, here is “Sunken Ships” from UK-based The Jode Gannon Band.  We hear a taste of Mumford and Sons in their sound, and are definitely adding them to our international group of amazing indie artists.

Sunken Ships · The Jode Gannon Band (spotify.com)

We never get enough of the 80s, so we were thrilled to learn about a Swedish artist that goes by the moniker The 80s Kid.  His latest, “Roots,” is a fun  throwback to those days and we are proud to share him with you.

Roots · The 80s Kid (spotify.com)

Our fourth single brings back memories of great country music from the late 90s and early 00s,, and we can’t believe we have never heard these guys before.  We think you’ll love this timely tune from Rene Russell and the Bottom End.  Here’s “Unheard of,” and we think you should pay attention to the words of this tune.

Unheard Of · Rene Russell and The Bottom End (spotify.com)

Our final single this week continues in that country vein with a throwback to the Outlaw Country of artists like Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart.  Welcome to Tucker Wetmore and his debut single, “Kiss my A$$.”

Kiss My A$$ · Tucker Wetmore (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last Friday marked the release of their debut self-titled album, but The Imaginaries are far from novices on the music scene.  They have previously released several amazing videos from the album, and their latest is another work of art, filmed entirely in their native state of Oklahoma.  Check out “Blue Sky.”

Our next video is based on the premise of what if that voice in your head was an actual person.  We love the creativeness of Michael Shynes‘ new video for “Still Take You.”  Check it out and listen carefully to the words.

Our third video is from an artist that is no stranger to this Blog, and the hits just keep coming.  We love this lady and this song in particular, as it brings back the gritty sass of some of her earlier work.  Check out Cindy Alexander‘s latest video for “Room at the Bottom.”

Our fourth video comes from a German band we introduced to you earlier this year.  The Flavians are back with an interesting visual concept that we love for their song “Blinded by the Scenery.”  This one is worthy  of repeated viewings.

We close out this week with this stunning video from Anna of the North, who we haven’t heard from since 2019.  We are overjoyed to have her back in our blog, and we think this song deserves some serious attention.  Check out “Here’s to Another.”

 

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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 Durango Songwriters Expo Hollywood Fringe Festival Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 41

Happy Veterans Day (day 2).  Since the real day fell on a Sunday, the government is honoring it today, giving us veterans a double holiday.  Thanks to Red Robin and Applebee’s for feeding so many of us yesterday, and to Denny’s and Noodles Express for taking care of us today.  We’ve got some news for you, as well as five new singles and music videos to share, so grab your coffee and let’s get going.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2019

The tenth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival will be held June 13-30, 2019, with previews from June 6-11 and the Opening Night Party on June 12.  In addition, they are now accepting applications for Fringe Scholarships.  As we previously informed you, our very own LA Music Critic has launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise money for his first solo show, Livin’ the Dream, which is scheduled to premiere at HFF19.  Please check out his campaign and support him if you can.  We thank you for whatever you can contribute.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single comes from a pair of songwriters we have met as a result of our involvement in the Durango Songwriters ExpoRichard Harris is an amazing songwriter and mentor who has worked with a number of DSE alum, and his collaboration with fellow Brit Greg Holden on “Something Beautiful” gives us hope in this troubled time.  We have wanted to share this one since we heard it at the Expo in October.

While we’re spotlighting UK artists, here are a couple of singles we have received as a result of our affiliation with “Send to Media.”  First up is Welshman Ryan Davies, who continues the aforementioned theme with “Beautiful Thing.”  This one reminds us of Rod Stewart.

Our third single is a super-cool upbeat dance pop track from Fanny Andersen.  Check out her groovy number, “Dollar Signs.”  Although this one technically came out in September, we missed it and wanted you to have the chance to hear what should be the first of many hit songs from her.

https://soundcloud.com/edda-music/fanny-andersen-dollar-igns/s-5gCif

Our fourth single comes from Hotel Mira, who says they were inspired to write “Jungle” after viewing the Oscar nominated film, Lady Bird.  Let us know what you think of this outstanding indie rock band, which we previously featured in our Ten Great Singles of April article.

Our final single today is a delightful cover of the Prince-written Sinead O’Connor song “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Norwegian artist Anna of the North.  Enjoy this one which should get your week off to a great start.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from former Mickey Mouse Club and The Voice contestant Tony Lucca, who reminds us that “Everthing’s Changing.”  We love this one.

Next up is the latest from the one and only KT Tunstall.  Here’s her video for her latest single, “Human Being.”  Special props to Eccaia Sampson, the unbelievable 8-year old martial artist who stars in the video.

Our third video is some rocking blues from Karen Lawrence and Blue by Nature.  Check out this live version of their song, “It’s All About You.”  Thanks to Doug Deutsch for sharing this one with us.

Our fourth video takes us from the blues to R&B.  We love this one from the amazing Lorelle Howard, who mixes several genres to deliver a gem in “Runnin.”

Our final video this week is “World Domination,” an indie rock post apocalyptic smash from Band of Silver that pays homage to such classic movies as The Hunger Games.