Tag: Band of Silver

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 13)

We’ve got something in the works that has us pretty excited.  We will reveal it in about three weeks.  Needless to say, it will be a definite game changer.  We can’t wait to share the news, so stay tuned.  In the meantime, here’s our first Monday Mashup of April, as the indie music community continues to amaze us with its creativity.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is the latest from Kris Angelis‘ forthcoming album, The Skies we Look To.  It is a sweet soothing ballad with a serious message about growing old, and we could easily see this one as part of a Hallmark movie.  Grab a glass of wine, settle back in your favorite chair and check out “Sunset.”

Sunset · Kris Angelis (spotify.com)

Indie artist Matt Hartke continues to impress us with his feel good pop music and his latest is one of his best to date.  Get comfortable with his upbeat musical accompaniment and stirring lyrics in his latest “St. Augustine.”

St. Augustine · Matt Hartke (spotify.com)

Our third single comes from Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams, and it’s a cry in your beer country classic.  Reminds us of classic Patti Griffin and we are in love with Williams’ continuing growth as an artist.  Here’s “Moonshiner,” part of The Cave Sessions album soon to be released.

Moonshiner · Chelsea Williams (spotify.com)

It’s been three years since we introduced you to the music of Band of Silver, and it sounds like they have been perfecting their craft.  They’re back with a pair of singles that we are so happy to share with you.  Check out “Looking for a Friend” and “Are We Are We Not.”  They will definitely get your heart rate up and propel you to the dance floor.  Rock out!

Looking for a Friend · Band of Silver (spotify.com)

Are We Are We Not · Band of Silver (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is from Aubrey Toone, who we introduced you to last August.  Her latest is powerful and sounds like a cross between Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande.  Enjoy “Gold” – it lives up to its name.

Gold · Aubrey Toone (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

This week’s new music videos kick off with another Blue Élan artist, the incomparable Scout Durwood.  She combines amazing music with comedy and never fails to deliver.  Here’s her latest, “Millennial Malaise.”

Back in March we shared Kris Angelis’ single, “I’d Give Anything,” and she’s just released a music video for the song which truly brings it to life.  This one will definitely get your week going strong, and truly belongs on CMT.  Say hello to the next great country superstar.

If you like harmonies, you will love the latest from Bryan Lanning and Brennley Brown, two rising country singers.  We wholeheartedly agree with the words of this song, and think they could indeed help us remain “Steady.”

The Greys get real with their latest video for their single, “Get Lonely.”  We can all relate to this one.  So nice to hear from them again – it’s been a long two year wait.

We close out this week with the new video from another Blue Élan artist, Roan Yellowthorn.  She takes us on an “Acid Trip,” and we are happy to tag along.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 48

Happy New Year’s Eve.  We close out the year at Indie Voice Blog with our final Monday Mashup of 2018, along with the knowledge that we had a banner year.  We started out 2018 with just over 41,000 views and are closing it knocking on the door of 91,000, an increase of almost 50,000 views.  In other words, we had more views in 2018 than in the entire life  of our blog up to that point.  Thank you one and all for your support and your faithful readership.  We have some big changes coming in 2019, so please subscribe to our blog and let’s keep sharing the indie music love.

Enjoy your celebration tonight but be safe.  Many communities are having First Night celebrations, including one here in Missoula, Montana.  It’s going to be a cold one, with temperatures in the single digits, so bundle up and enjoy all the indie music available.

We thought it only fitting to kick off this final 2018 edition with a wonderful video by Colin Devlin that reflects our thoughts.  Here’s “On New Year’s Day.”

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from 2016 LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace, who drops her new album, her first on Rebelle Road Records, on January 19.  We can’t wait to review it.  Here’s a taste of what’s to come with “Santa Ana Wind,” her take on the recent California wildfires.

Next up is a Christmas single from multiple-LA Music Critic Award nominee The Fisherman & The Sea.  Check out “Christmas on a Mountain.”

They also have a new album coming out in January and we can’t wait.  Speaking of their new album, we also give you a sneak peak of the first single, “The Fairytale Waltz.”

https://open.spotify.com/album/0POmYo2PgJQ8j9I7I32cv3

Our third single is perfect for tonight, as Karmic gives us their interpretation of the classic song, “Auld Lang Syne.”

Single number four comes from the amazingly gifted guitarist, Ali Handal, and features the equally amazing vocals of Debby Holiday.  We strongly agree with her sentiments in “Love More.”

Our final single this week is the first one from the forthcoming new album by The Lighthouse.  Enjoy the pop stylings of “Catch Fire.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from the new solo project of the lead singer of a band we introduced to you earlier this month.  The band is called Cheat Codes and the lead singer is Dahl.  Here’s the video for his first single, “Think About Us.”

Next up is the video of Brian Mackey‘s latest single, “Don’t Own Much.”  It features some of the finest cinematography we have seen this year and was shot during his tour of Europe.  Enjoy this one.

Our third video has the hard edge of rockers Crashing Atlas, and is very timely.  Watch how they deal with their own obsessions in “Monster.”

Our next video slows it down with a live performance of up and coming Swedish artist Marlene Oak‘s single, “In the Evening.”  We introduced her to you three weeks ago, and we still can’t get enough of this song.

We close out 2018 with the latest video from LA Music Critic Award nominee Band of Silver.  Check out “El Magnifico.”

Take care tonight.  We’ll be back next year with more great coverage of indie music and theater, and the return of our popular series, Women in Entertainment.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Band of Silver, Sci-Fi Romance, Lana Blac, Linda Marie Fischer, WHOLE

Happy hump day!  Chugging through these final 25 submissions for this award cycle, and anxious to announce the nominations.  Don’t miss the announcement on December 7.  In the meantime, here are five more artists to check out.

Artist Name:  Band of Silver

Album Name:  In Space!

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Streetlight; 2.  World Domination; 3.  I Follow You; 4.  Welcome to Hollywood; 5.  El Magnifico; 6.  Money; 7.  Space

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  We introduced you to this band a couple of weeks ago when we featured the music video for their first single, “World Domination.”  There’s just something special about siblings and music, and Band of Silver has it in droves.  They are on a mission to save rock and roll, and we think they will be successful.  Taking a page out of the 80s pop/rock soundtrack, they deliver powerful upbeat songs that not only entertain but also educate with timely lyrical content and amazing music.  Lead singer Avery has a powerful voice that meshes perfectly with the amazing sound of her siblings’ musical accompaniment.  This one is a winner.

Recommendation:  Rush out and Get this one – it belongs on repeat!

Artist Name:  Sci-Fi Romance

Album Name:  Dreamers & Runaways

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt-Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Dreamers & Runaways; 2.  Long Ways Left; 3.  A Beautiful Prison; 4.  The War in Me; 5.  Voices; 6.  The Fight; 7.  Gone Wrong; 8.  Wooden Jesus; 9.  Sunrise; 10.  A Hymn for the  Invisible

Publicist:  For the Win Media

Review:  Critics have compared Sci-Fi Romance to bands like The Decemberists, but we think they stand alone in their uniqueness.  Mixing elements of folk, Americana, punk and metal, they have forged a new blend of alt-folk affectionately known as Steamfolk.  Composed of Vance Kotrla on guitar and vocals, Mr. Mike on drums and Jody Stark on cello, they give us intellectual music with a memorable musical soundtrack.  These songs need multiple listens to capture all the nuances of the lyrics and the intricacies of musical brilliance, but it will be time well spent.  The lyrics were heavily influenced by the 2016 election cycle, and are powerful reminders that we don’t have to sit idly by and watch the destruction of what’s important to us.

Recommendation:  If you like amazing music and intelligent lyrics, this is the album for you – go Get it.

Artist Name:  Lana Blac

Album Name:  Nocturnal

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Dark Rock/Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Suck you In; 2.  Pick Your Poison; 3.  Recipe for Disaster; 4.  The Game; 5.  In the Darkness; 6.  Blac Ice; 7.  Soul Stalker; 8.  Crave

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Lana Blac is a self-confessed vampire who has been inspired by the likes of In This Moment, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and Evanescence.  While musically she is on par with her influences, she doesn’t quite have the powerful voice of either Maria Brink or Amy Lee, although she definitely has the gothic look down.  She has created some amazingly dark music, and if she converts that into an incredible live show, then she definitely has a chance in this genre.  We think her debut album is a worthy effort, but we would like to see what comes next before jumping on this train.

Recommendation:  Worthy of checking out.

Artist Name:  Linda Marie Fischer

Album Name:  Arc of Love

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Adult Contemporary Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Blasted, Bombed, Being in Love; 2.  Racing to the Moon; 3.  Love in the Ages; 4.  Map of Ice; 5.  Blue in the Heart; 6.  Trails in my Life; 7.  Locking us Forever; 8.  Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick!; 9.  Little Words; 10.  Thinness of the Air; 11.  Holiday Wishes; 12.  Arc of Love (teaser track/video)

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:  Bursting on the scene in her later years, much like Bonnie Raitt, this debut album from Linda Marie Fischer blends elements of jazz, blues, R&B and pop into an easy listening, adult contemporary format that is both relaxing and comforting.  These songs reflect on the universal truth of love and all its phases, and the gentle musical accompaniment helps the words sink in.  Fischer has picked the proper format for his well-crafted songs, which should lead her to a successful career.  We think this is a great start, and look forward to what comes next.

Recommendation:  Truly worthy of your attention, especially if you like the music of Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Vanessa Carlton or Barbra Streisand.

Artist Name:  WHOLE

Album Name:  Bias

Label:  Blackjack Illuminist Records

Genre:  Indie/Post-punk

Track Listing:  1.  Lust/Terror; 2.  Get Away; 3.  Tides Made by our Hands; 4.  What Scares You; 5.  Bombs Will Drop; 6.  Evenwicht; 7.  Tongue to Machine; 8.  Berghain; 9.  Amsterdam

Publicist:  Blackjack Illuminist Records

Review:  German band WHOLE brings a new take to post-punk with their electrifying performance on Bias.  They combine elements of multiple genres, fastened together with Bono-esque vocals, dreamy guitar riffs, synthwave electronics and a driving beat that will keep you interested and invested in their sound.  They have an 80s retro/ new wave sound obviously inspired by the likes of Depeche Mode and The Cure, demonstrated to perfection on “Tides Made by Our Hands.”

Recommendation:  This one is binge-worthy.  Get it 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 Expo.  Richard 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.