It’s Thursday, and we are so thankful to be able to continually bring you new and exciting indie artists to check out. We are also so thankful to be able to host one of the biggest documentary film festivals in the country, and are having a blast volunteering in support of the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. Here are five more artists that are worthy of your attention.
Artist Name: Larry Lacerte
Album Name: Dreaming of the Ways
Label: Self-released
Genre: Roots/Americana
Track Listing: 1. Dreaming of the Ways; 2. Work of Love; 3. One More Whiskey; 4. Love me Wrong; 5. Alone
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: We met Larry Lacerte at last year’s Durango Songwriters Expo and were impressed with his style. He has just released his first studio EP, and it has lived up to the standards he demonstrated at Durango. It is the perfect cross-over between Roots Rock, Americana and Country, and should do well in any of those formats. The songs are well crafted and feature the perfect country voice of Lacerte. We especially love the banjo on “Work of Love,” as well as the amazing slide guitar on “One More Whiskey.” “Love me Wrong” reminds us of a cross between Jason Aldean and Clint Black. He closes the all-too-short five-song EP with “Alone,” which reminds us many of our greatest accomplishments happen when we are forging our own way. We can’t wait for what’s next for this talented indie artist.
Recommendation: You should definitely Get this one. It has all the makings of a breakout hit.
Artist Name: Ghost of You
Album Name: Black Yoga
Label: Indies Scope
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Recognize; 2. Break Into Eden; 3. Skeleton; 4. Locust; 5. Tempest; 6. Feast; 7. The Ark Won’t Come; 8. A Rifle and a Spoon
Publicist: Indies Scope
Review: All the way from the Czech Republic comes Ghost of You, who bill themselves as psychedelic art-rock. We think they are more than that. The first track, “Recognize” is eerily reminiscent of U2, while “Break into Eden,” with its amazing bass work, and “Skeleton” have more of a techno sound. In fact, that tag applies to the majority of the album. This music would do well in the EDM/Dance scene, so DJ’s take notice. They have accomplished their mission of taking rock into a different arena. Well done.
Recommendation: Give these guys a chance, America, and check out the European rock scene.
Artist Name: Lomboy
Album Name: Warped Caress
Label: Cracki Records
Genre: Dream Pop
Track Listing: 1. Alien Lady; 2. Worth to You; 3. Loverboy; 4. Love Ain’t got the Groove; 5. Director’s Paralysis
Publicist: Practise Music
Review: Lomboy splits her time between Paris and Tokyo, with backing bands in both cities. Her music has an 80’s pop feel, reminiscent of Madonna, and is perfect for radio. Her music is dreamy and airy, with heavenly vocals on top of a dance soundtrack that is just as enjoyable to listen to as it is to dance to. Her sound is multi-dimensional, with “Alien Lady” being more of a dance track while “Worth to You,” with its stunning flute solos, a very dreamy pop sound that is perfect for chill time. On “Loverboy,” she incorporates her Japanese influence while the overall track is reminiscent of a cross between Enya and Dido.
Recommendation: Don’t pass this one up. Get it today.
Artist Name: Marieme
Album Name: Marieme
Label: Self-released
Genre: Soul
Track Listing: 1. Leave; 2. Be the Change (The Shelter); 3. Ask for Help
Publicist: The Syndicate
Review: Senegalese-native Marieme is taking America by storm with her powerful voice and timely, socially-driven lyrics. Her style is similar to such other powerful artists as Erykah Badu, Billie Holiday and Lauryn Hill. The emotion behind the lead track, “Leave,” conveys what it was like to leave her native country and come to America to start fresh. The second track, “Be the Change (The Shelter,” is a moving ballad that compels us to not wait for others to lead the charge for change, but to be the one that does it. Her final track, “Ask for Help,” is the corresponding call for action. We feel Marieme has a huge future in this business.
Recommendation: This is our pick of the month. Get it immediately.
Artist Name: Jamison Isaak
Album Name: EP1
Label: FLORA
Genre: Instrumental
Track Listing: 1. Sharalee; 2. Upstairs; 3. Wind; 4. More
Publicist: Auteur Research
Review: Jamison Isaak has been making music under the monikers Teen Daze, Two Bicycles and Pacific Coliseum for years, but this is his first time recording under his own name. His music is meditative, reflective and perfect for chilling. It explores the beauty of piano and pedal steel guitar, and fills the room with such calm that the listener can relax and reflect. He is already getting critical praise from the likes of NPR, and he lives up to the hype.
Recommendation: If you enjoy a musical interlude while you meditate, or just appreciate great music, then you must Get this one.