Ari’s Take – Indie Voice Blog

Welcome to March and our weekly dose of new singles and music videos. Just got my first vaccine shot and not experiencing any side effects so far. Looking forward to this month as we finally get a vacation and will be heading off to North Carolina for a week to visit friends and look at possible homes for our upcoming move. In the meantime, chill and rock out to these great indie artists.

NEW SINGLES

A lot of indie musicians have relied on his blog, Ari’s Take, as well as his amazing book about navigating the music business, How to Make it in the Music Business. Ari Herstand is also an accomplished musician in his own right, and has recently released new music. Check out this smooth and chill tune, “Drifting.”

Drifting · Ari Herstand (spotify.com)

Next up is the latest release from Gerry Beckley from his solo hits project, Keeping the Light On, from Blue Élan Records. Last week we shared a cover of his song “Survival,” and this week we present “(I’m Your) Heart Slave.” Enjoy!

(I’m Your) Heart Slave · Gerry Beckley (spotify.com)

Our third single is the latest from the amazing LA indie artist, Terra Naomi. Looking back I can’t believe we haven’t featured her before, but we are rectifying that situation now. “What we Do” was released on February 26, and we are so happy we are able to share it with you. Grab a glass of wine, sit back and allow her peaceful voice to wash over your soul.

What We Do · Terra Naomi (spotify.com)

Several years ago we had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of some great female singer-songwriters during our So Cal Music Live competition. Two of those ladies, Mallory Trunnell and Lauren Harding, went on to form the indie Country/Americana band, Crimson Calamity. We are pleased to share their brand new single, “Due West,” which was also released on February 26. This one is perfect for country dancing or just chilling after a hard day.

Due West · Crimson Calamity (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is from a rising star, Ava Maybee. Her voice is strong and refreshing, and the beat is steady with a trace of jazzy R&B funk. Check out her latest, “See Me Now,” and we think you’ll want to bookmark this artist. We expect great things from her. Thanks to Ue3 Promotions for turning us on to her.

See Me Now · Ava Maybee (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week creates a unique situation for our blog – the first time we are debuting both a single and video from the same artist at the same time. Crimson Calamity chose to simultaneously release their single, “Due West,” and the accompanying lyric video, and we are overjoyed to share both of them with you. Enjoy this soon to be hit song and enjoy the California scenery.

We introduced you to Huron John a couple of weeks ago, and we are proud to feature another of his videos. This time, he’s “Stuck in a Lava Light.” Enjoy this one, which also debuted on February 26.

Our third video this week is the lyrical visualization of the latest from Shannon Clark & the Sugar‘s song, “Let it Ride.” We introduced them back in January, and think this one belongs on Outlaw Country radio. Let us know what you think.

Remember back in grade school when we used a zither in music class? Well, Chelsea Williams brings that memory back with the video for “Skin and Bones,” her latest from Blue Élan. Thanks Chelse for keeping it real and being a truly original indie artist.

We close out this week with a new one from People Club that is both trendy and retro, and we can’t get it out of our heads. Head to the dance floor with “Take me Home.”

Are you ready for the new week? We have five new singles and music videos for you, as well as some news from the indie music front. On the LA Music Critic Award front, we finally have a battle for Fan Favorite brewing. The first 30+ votes were all for one band, but two more have now entered the fray, and it’s a close battle. The deadline for voting is midnight CDT on Wednesday, August 28, so remember to vote for your favorite band. The winners will be announced on Friday.

INDIE MUSICIAN NEEDS YOUR HELP

If you’ve spent any time on the LA music scene, then you are familiar with the amazing artist Jesse Mac Leod. Ari Herstand or Ari’s Take recently updated us on MacLeod’s medical issues. Here’s his post:

“If you know Jesse MacLeod, you know his heart. If you’ve heard his songs, you know his soul. He was one of the first friends I made in Los Angeles and has remained one of (my) best friends ever since.

He is loyal and caring. Supportive and compassionate. And I don’t have to tell you how incredibly talented he is. He writes soulful, heartfelt songs that captivate even the most skeptical rooms. He knows how to craft a lyric that can seem so simple, but penetrates you right to your core. Whether he’s singing about getting busy in the restaurant bathroom with the waitress, or stumbling through a relationship ‘just being a man’ or simply having a ‘real good feeling’ about a new love interest, his music makes you feel right at home. He’s got one of those voices that you want to take a long road trip listening to. Or grab a lover and slow dance to. He’s one of my favorite singer/songwriters. And an all around great guy.

Many of you know that Jesse got melanoma a couple years ago. At the time it was contained to his lower lip. After surgery, reconstruction and radiation, he went into remission. Unfortunately, it has come back with a vengeance. It has metastasized and Jesse currently has multiple tumors of varying sizes in his lungs, hip, shoulder, ribs and lymph nodes.

He will be undergoing treatment and will be fighting this thing with everything he’s got. But he needs our help!

He will be staying with his parents in Memphis during this process, but he will be getting treatment in Los Angeles. I encourage you to give whatever donation you can to help Jesse along this process to help cover the plane tickets and the extra medical costs.

At the very least, please shoot him a message and let him know you’re thinking about him. He really appreciates it. And pop on one of his records (might I suggest “Just Being a Man” or “Real Good Feeling”) and spend some time meditating to his beautiful contributions to the world.

His music has affected and influenced me more than he’ll ever know.

Thank you for your love and support of Jesse during this time of need.”

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from Canadian Margø and is a hot electronic pop tune called “Lovelost.” We think it’s the perfect way to get your week off to a great start.

Our second single will give you an immediate feeling of deja vu, as the rich tones and musical stylings of Julian James will remind you of a cross between the rich voice of Van Morrison and the jazz greatness of New Orleans. Check out “Looking for a Light” and let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/julian-james-813506639/looking-for-a-light/s-Bm7gv

Next up is the sweet sound of Caitlin Nicole with her latest single, “Differently Able Man,” complete with a strong message and perfect harmonies.

Single number four is a straight-ahead country tune that reminds us of a cross between Montgomery Gentry and Blake Shelton. Check out Matt Westin and “Stomp On.”

Our final single this week is from Peach Luffe, who is trying to become a Canadian citizen so he can be a full-time musician. His latest is a deep song about hopelessness, set in an upbeat manner that entices the listener to truly listen to his message. Check out “On my Side.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video is from a gentleman that truly needs no introduction. it is a powerful video about sexual abuse and comes to us from one of the greatest country musicians of our time, Vince Gill. Check out his message contained in “Forever Changed,” the latest single from his forthcoming album, Okie,

Next up is an animated lyric video from another pair of greats, Cherié Currie and Brie Darling. It is a cover of “Do it Again” from The Kinks. Enjoy their version.

Our third single comes from Adera, and we really love the sound of “Little Feather.” The song talks about a topic we are all too familiar with – anxiety. We think she nails it with this visualization of her song.

Our next video has collected more than 3 million views in less than 10 days, and combines two of today’s best – Lauv and Anne-Marie. Check out “F**k I’m Lonely.” We bet you can relate to this one.

We close things out this week with the fun sound of Lush Puppy with their insanely fun video for their latest song, “Ms. Grey.” This one should tide you over until the next edition. See you soon.

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