Tag: Blue Elan Records

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 35

Looking forward to heading down to Denver on Wednesday for this year’s Durango Songwriters Expo.  We’re having a meet and greet at The Walnut Room on Wednesday night before the Expo kicks off with their showcase on Thursday night and closes Saturday night with a concert.  Should be an interesting weekend, and it will be warmer there than here in Montana.  In the meantime, here are the latest happenings in indie music, as well as five new singles and five new videos for you to check out.

COLIN DEVLIN CD RELEASE SHOW AT HOTEL CAFÉ

Colin Devlin and Blue Élan Records will celebrate the release of Devlin’s new album High Point (which we will be reviewing on Friday) with a concert at the esteemed Hotel Café on Wednesday, October 3.  The opening act is Devlin’s labelmates Roan Yellowthorn, who are making their Los Angeles debut.  Roan Yellowthorn goes on at 7 p.m., followed by Devlin at 8 p.m.  If you are in or near Los Angeles, we strongly encourage you to be there.

SPOTIFY TO ALLOW INDIE ARTISTS DIRECT UPLOADS

Spotify has announced a new feature which will enable independent artists to upload tracks to the service directly – without any requirement for a third-party aggregator or record label.  The feature currently remains in invite-only beta mode – with a few hundred United States artists being ushered in – but Spotify says that, in the future, it will “bring upload to even more artists, labels, and teams.”

Artists will be able access the upload function via the Spotify For Artists platform, which counted more than 200,000 verified acts amongst its monthly user base at the end of June.

The best part is that this new upload feature is completely free, unlike the current feature provided by existing third-party digital aggregators/distributors such as CD Baby, TuneCore, Distrokid and Ditto – all of which require either a one-off upload fee or a yearly subscription payment from artists.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from long-time indie artist Amy Kuney, who advises us to just “Hold On.”  We should all listen to her advice.

Our second single comes from another great artist client of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services.  Here is “Highway Jawn” from Paul Edelman and Jangling Sparrows.  This one will get your toes a tapping while you sit back and enjoy your whiskey and beer chaser.  We can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.

Next up is the latest from LA Music Critic Award winners Lovers & Poets.  Check out their cover of the title track from the 1968 sci-fi film “Barbarella.”  We really love the 60s vibe of this song, which bring back great memories of the powerful female singers of that era.

Our fourth single comes from another amazing publicist, Jennifer Allison Publicity.  Please enjoy this premiere of the new single, “Desnudame” by Joaquin Torres.  Spanish and English never sounded better together.

Our final single this week is the first release from new Blue Élan Records artist Lisa Lambe.  We think the title of the song, “Beautiful Thing,” sums up the incredible music she has created.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video offers timely advice on what it means to be “beautiful.”  Check out this amazing video for “Costume Party” by The Voice‘s Season 12 runner-up, Lauren Duski.

Next is the video for the first single off the forthcoming album from We are the City.  For a rocking good time, check out “When I Dream, I Dream of You.”

Our third video this week is from Zoey Clarke, who we introduced to you last year when we reviewed her last album.  We really like the sound of her new material, including “Rewind,” and can’t wait to hear the rest of her new music.

If you like nostalgic videos, then our fourth video this week will likely take your breath away, especially if you love Irish Castles.  Check out the latest, “The Hill Dwellers,” from Kramies.

Our final video this week is from the incredible Korean-American artist, Tiffany Young.  She will be in Los Angeles on October 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sunset H&M (8580 Sunset Blvd) to celebrate the release of her new video, “Teach You,” as well as her new collaborative effort with H&M.

See you soon with our first Get it or Forget it for October.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 34

It’s the final week of September, and things are still popping on the indie music scene.  The non-stop barrage of new releases continues, and we are working like crazy to get them all reviewed for you.  But before we get back to that task, let’s take a moment to see what else is happening, and share five new singles and five new music videos with you, as well as check in on multiple LA Music Critic Awards winner and Blue Élan Records Americana superstar Rod Melancon.

ROD MELANCON HAS AN EXPLOSIVE WEEK

Rod Melancon thought this week would be like any other, but he woke up Monday morning to find not only critical success from the release of his latest single, “Westgate,” which we featured last week and which was also highlighted in Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Songs of the Week on Friday, but his song, “Wanna Go for a Ride” is being featured in a national Toyota commercial.

“Last night one of my childhood friends called me up after he heard my song playing behind a Toyota commercial.  I could hear the excitement in his voice.  People from my hometown really root for one another.  This is what it’s all about,” said Melancon.

“Westgate” is the first single from his forthcoming album Pinkville, which is scheduled to be released in spring 2019.   Rolling Stone praised “Westgate” as ‘equal parts talking blues and bar-band Southern rocker.  Melancon glues both halves together with a voice that’s every bit as punchy and pockmarked as the song’s
protagonist.’”

“Wanna Go for a Ride” is a song from his second album Parish Lines, which was released in 2014.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes to us courtesy of Open All Nite Entertainment, which has been extremely busy promoting talent lately.  Their client John Hickman released his latest single, “What’s This All About” last Friday, and we are pleased to share it with you today.

Paria fuses Iranian, Latin and UK bass beats into her very own brand of DIY pop, and the result is the incredible single, “Casual.”  This one will get you up and moving.

Our third single is another amazing pop/soul track, this time from the likewise amazing artist Nuela Charles, who was a part of our Ten Great Singles article back in March.  She wants to know, ‘Are you looking for some “Danger?'”

We switch it up to some straight ahead rock with “Nobody’s Fool”by Carlo & the Montes, featuring Akovia.  It reminds us of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and we think you will dig it.

Our final single this week is the PREMIERE of the latest track from Push & Rama Duke.  Check out the amazing dance tune “Frozen,” which is very reminiscent of those monster hits from Donna Summer.

https://soundcloud.com/bigmanagement/frozen-1/s-eAO1I

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is the long-awaited new song from Magnolia Memoir.  Check out this amazing 80s-inspired tune, “Afterlife.”  We are so glad to have them back!

Next up is the video for the title track of Colin Devlin‘s new album High Point, which we will be reviewing on October 5.  We love the sound of and the images, and think you will too.

Our third video is from an LA staple, Eileen Carey, who brings us the country pop smash “That Town,” which reminds us of early Faith Hill.  Enjoy this beautiful video.

In our fourth video this week, dance duo Karmic drops some “Wisdom Pie,” with a groovy fun tune that is perfect for the dance floor.

We close out the week with the first video from the upcoming new album from KT Tunstall, Wax, which is being released on October 5.  Check out “The River.”

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 33

Last night I had the privilege of working one of the best concerts I have ever experienced in the form of The Head and the Heart and The Avett Brothers.  It was an experience not to be missed.  We will be publishing our review shortly.  In the meantime, we have some news from the AmericanaFest and one of LA’s premier radio hosts, as well as five new singles and music videos to share with you.  Hope you have a great week.

17th ANNUAL AMERICANA HONORS AND AWARDS

The Americana Music Association recently handed out awards at their annual Americana Festival in Nashville.  Here are the winners:

Album of the Year:  “The Nashville Sound,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, produced by Dave Cobb

Artist of the Year:  John Prine

Song of the Year:  “If We Were Vampires,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, written by Jason Isbell

Duo/Group of the Year:  Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Emerging Artist of the Year:  Tyler Childers

Instrumentalist of the Year:  Molly Tuttle

“Spirit of Americana” Free Speech Award, presented in partnership with the First Amendment Center:  Rosanne Cash

Americana Trailblazer Award:  k.d. lang

Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist:  Buddy Guy

Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance:  Irma Thomas

Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive:  Cris Williamson and Judy Dlugacz of Olivia Records

LA TALK RADIO HOST SHEENA METAL LAUNCHES NEW COLOGNE

Long time Los Angeles concert promoter and personality Sheena Metal has always been a lover of all things that smell good, and secretly wanted my own fragrance.   Thanks to Scott Travis and CBT Candle LA, her dream has come true and she is celebrating the release of her own cologne, Ascend, on Sunday, September 23.

The launch will take place at the Hollywood Improv, alongside the celebration, of her 24-year radio host anniversary, and will feature celebrity guests, an audience interactive, live radio broadcast of my daily LA Talk Radio show, “The Sheena Metal Experience”, a red carpet before and a meet-and-greet after, as well as plenty of surprises. If you would like to attend, please send an email to her, and watch for more events leading up to her 25th anniversary.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from the amazingly talented duo Smoke Season.  Entitled “Hot Damn,” it is another smash from this hugely popular LA band, and we think it is the perfect song to kick off this new week.  Listen for it on your local radio station.

Our next single is the latest from multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and Blue Élan Records artist Rod Melancon.  We think you will love the autobiographical “Westgate” and we can’t wait to hear his next album.

Our third single comes from New York-based DJ/Producer The Afterprty, and features Nashville-based indie vocalist Harper Grae on “Wonder Woman.”  This one has an infectious beat and amazing vocals.  Let us know what you think.

Single number four is from The Textones from their forthcoming comeback album on Blue Élan Records.  We are so glad that this amazing band is returning to the music scene, and can’t wait for the release of Old Stone Gang, which we will be reviewing on Friday.  In the meantime, enjoy “20 Miles South of Wrong.”

Our final single this week is from the amazing MAWD, who sounds like a cross between Janis Joplin and Elle King.  Check out her song “Wandering Eye,” which we guarantee will get you up and dancing into the week.

https://soundcloud.com/soundx3music/mawd-wandering-eye-2

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up this week is the video for the third single, “Harlan,” from the award winning album Wow and Flutter by Amilia K Spicer.  This one brings back a lot of memories of small town living.

Our next video is very special, as it features our friends Raining Jane, who are currently on tour with Jason Mraz.  Enjoy this very special lyric video, “From Me to You.”

Next up is the video of a single we debuted here last month from LA indie rock artist, Kim Kline.  Listen to the words of her song “Stand Tall” and help us fight bullying.

Former country great Michael Peterson has returned in a big way in 2018, and has released a new video for his two time #1 song, “From Here to Eternity.”  This is one of the most beautiful and romantic songs ever written, and we think you will love this updated version.

We close out this week with another artist from Blue Élan Records.  We recently featured her previous video, and really love this new one from Roan Yellowthorn.  Here’s “Lie.”

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 32

Are you ready for a new week?  We are constantly amazed at the quality of music being made by indie musicians each and every day.  We were stunned at the singles and videos we chose over the weekend for our Ten Amazing Videos and Ten Great Singles articles, and can’t wait to hear and see what comes next.  We have some news for you today, as well as five new singles and music videos to share, so let’s get going.

MINT FILM FESTIVAL RUNS SEPTEMBER 14-16

The First Annual Montana International Film Festival today announced its main slate of over 55 films, panels and events from September 14 – 16 in Billings, Montana.

The inaugural festival will see six narrative and eight documentary features competing for $15,000 in cash and in-kind prizes, including the first-ever MINT Spirit Award, as well as six juried awards:  Best Female Director, Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short Film, Best Documentary Feature Film, Best Documentary Short Film and the Made In Montana award.

The historic Babcock Theater in Billings will host many of the MINT screenings and other programming and is re-emerging as a robust cinema, an effort kindled in part by MINT.  Murnion says, “The time seemed right for creating space for the unlikely moments that occur when people get together in the same room—well, rooms—at the same time to witness and engage in great storytelling.”  Other theaters include the Art House Cinema, a non-profit, independent cinema and pub in the heart of downtown Billings and the 2905 Montana, a pop-up space transformed for MINT on Montana Avenue in the Historic District of Billings.

Passes and individual tickets for MINT are on sale now. Please visit https://mintfilmfestival.org/ for tickets, passes and all other film festival information.

PASADENA TO HOST TASTES AND SOUNDS OF SOUTH LAKE

Date:  Saturday September 29th, 12 pm – 5 pm
Location Live Cooking Demos:  The Commons, 140 S. Lake Avenue
Location Music Stage:  The Shops on Lake, 345 S. Lake Avenue
Admission:  FREE

SPECIAL LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES BY:
o    Arms Akimbo – Named by Billboard as a band to watch, Arms Akimbo create infectious feel-good indie rock.
o    The Sound of Ghosts – The LA based, Americana roots musical collective delivers an engaging, explosive yet intimate live performance.
o    The Regrettes – The LA based four-piece create infectious, punk driven tracks with a pop aesthetic reminiscent of 50’s and 60’s acts a la the Temptations or Buddy Holly.
o    VÉRITÉ – Indie pop artist praised by TIME for her ‘rich and ethereal vocals’
o    Larkin Poe – Acclaimed roots rock n’ roll sister duo praised by Rolling Stone among other high profile outlets.
o    *DJ William Reed spinning between sets
SPECIAL LIVE COOKING DEMOS BY:
o     12:00 pm: Luisa Fabbri – Owner of Contessa Foods.  Join Luisa for an olive oil tasting the way professionals do it!
o      1:00 pm:  Jose Acevedo – Mercado Pasadena’s Executive Chef/Partner. Classic and contemporary cuisine inspired by fresh, local ingredients and Chef Jose’s Mexican roots.
o    2:00 pm: Ronald Russell – Renowned vegan and raw food chef, co-owner of celeb hangout Sun Café in Studio City.
o    3:00 pm: RG Enriquez – Host of Astig Vegan Cooking Show, making healthy Filipino cuisine.For more information, please visit www.southlakeavenue.org or call (626) 792-1259.
NEW SINGLES

Our first single comes from former Mouseketeer and The Voice contestant Tony Lucca.  Here’s his latest tune, “Nashville,” which was released on August 31.

Next up is SNEAK PREVIEW of a new band to us, represented by our friend Gayle Davidson of AGD Entertainment, who brought us Wendy Sweetlove, among others.  Here is “In the Woods,” the first single off the forthcoming EP Folklore by Haunted Like Human.  Check out their website and pre-order the new album if you like the single.

https://soundcloud.com/user-343830607/in-the-woods/s-eiLWY

Our third single this week is from Kinney, an artist that reminds us of Ingrid Michaelson.  Her voice is so sweet and the music is so much fun that you just want to stop the world and bask in the beauty of the song.  Please let us know what  you think about “Petah Bread Rocketship.”

Our fourth single is from another client of Davidson named Drunken Logic.  Here is their latest single, “Alone in America.”  We love their indie folk/alternative rock sound and those horns are amazing.

Our final single this week is from Colin Devlin, former member of The Devlins and currently both a producer and an artist for Blue Élan Records.  His new album, High Point, will be out soon, but he has just released his first single, “Just a Fire.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is the long awaited follow-up to the smash “Narcissist” by Alison Iraheta and Matthew Hager, aka Halo Circus.  The new video is for their song “Oh, Money,” and is just as powerful as the previous one.  Let’s rock out!

Next is “Play me Birdie” from Sexy Dex and the Fresh.  It is upbeat and fun, with lots of funky guitar.  We think you’ll like it.

Our next video features some interesting images to the theme “Decline in U.S. Civics” and is an instrumental number from He Arrived by Helicopter.  This one definitely deserves your attention.

Video number four is a definite hit for Saint Slumber and their song “Infinite.”  This one is simply amazing and belongs on the radio.  Let us know what you think.

Our final video this hit comes from Royal Canoe, which recently signed with Paper Bag Records.  Their first single is “Rayz,” and we can’t wait to hear the rest of the album which will be released next January.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Gina Sicilia, Kayla Starr, Rare Americans, Mike Stapleton, Eyes of Love

(cue Peter, Paul & Mary)  By the time you read this, we will have left on a jet plane heading to a family reunion in North Carolina for the Labor Day weekend.  We are so proud to bring you these next five artists, including the latest from multiple LA Music Critic Awards winner and Blue Élan Records artist Gina Sicilia.  Here we go!

Artist Name:  Gina Sicilia

Album Name:  Heard the Lie

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Heard the Lie; 2.  How Many Times; 3.  Ready for Love; 4.  Brighter Day (ft Janiva Magness); 5.  Angels Watching; 6.  Man in the Sky; 7.  Sugar; 8.  Darling; 9.  Light me Up; 10.  I do Bad Things; 11.  Growing Dim

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  It’s been 10 years since she recorded her first of eight albums, and this one is her best yet.  Grammy-nominated producer Dave Darling brings it all together for this young blues superstar whose songwriting abilities continue to amaze us.  From the first notes of the title track, it becomes quickly obvious that the listener is in for a treat, as the husky voice of Gina Sicilia fills the songs with so much soulfulness.  Her version of the blues borrows considerably from classic R&B, and comparisons to great singers like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight are a natural conclusion.   This is baby-making music that soothes your soul and lets you know that you are not alone in what’s happening around you.  She gives us a blistering and soulful cover of Bad Company‘s “Ready for Love” and also hooks up with her labelmate, Grammy-nominated blues singer Janiva Magness, for an amazing duet on “Brighter Day.”  She even goes a little country on “Sugar” and does her best impression of 60s girl groups on “Darling.”  You can’t go wrong with this album, and will find yourself listening to these songs over and over again.

Recommendation:  If you treasure great songs sung by an amazing vocalist, then you simply MUST Get this one.  Rush out and grab it today!

Artist Name:  Kayla Starr

Album Name:  Exception to the Rule

Label:  Grunge Pop Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Say you Will; 2.  Dangerous; 3.  Truth; 4.  Deepest Sea

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Kayla Starr is a genre-defying artist who mixes alternative rock, trip hop, electronics and grunge pop into a unique style that is all her own.  She wrote and co-produced all four songs on this stellar EP.  Her voice is silky smooth and strong, and rises above most of her peers in the indie community.  Her songs are truly radio friendly and are worthy of heavy rotation on major stations, especially college radio.  “Dangerous” is a true hit in the making, and would make a great break-out single.  She could easily be the next Meghan Trainor.

Recommendation:  This one is a must-have.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Rare Americans

Album Name:  Rare Americans

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Cats, Dogs & Rats; 2.  Moss Park; 3.  Balmoral Hotel; 4.  Night After Night; 5.  I vs I; 6.  Pay me Back

Publicist:  Effectively Immediately PR

Review:  Rare Americans are a pair of Canadians who only started writing songs a year ago.  Before recording this debut album, the songs were made into music videos where they quickly became viral hits on YouTube, including over a million views on “Cats, Dogs & Rats.”  They mix punk, hip hop and rock into their version of alt rock, with lyrics aimed at calling out the bad in the world so that it can be dealt with.  This is high energy music that will make you think as well.  The vocals are not pretty but they are perfectly suited for this type of music.

Recommendation:  Give this one a good listen – we think it will grow on you, or at least make you think about the world in general.

Artist Name:  Mike Stapleton

Album Name:  Reflections

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  When no one Cares; 2.  Reflections; 3.  Anxiety Builds; 4.  Goodwill; 5.  We Both Shall Ride; 6.  Empty Space; 7.  Burn a Hole; 8.  Thickly Settled; 9.  Ignorance and Greed; 10.  Everything I Own; 11.  Go Away; 12.  Abide

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Hard to believe we just reviewed this artist’s last album Mid-Winter Blues only six weeks ago, and here he is back with another one.  Trust us, we are not complaining, because we simply love his material, which continues to improve.  Like his previous album, these are songs meant for airplay on NPR stations, and would also be great for placements in television and film.  We simply adore the title track, “Anxiety Builds,” “We Both Shall Ride,” “Burn a Hole,” “Thickly Settled,” and “Everything I Own.”

Recommendation:  This one is definitely worthy of your attention.  We recommend you Get it soon.

Artist Name:  Eyes of Love

Album Name:  End of the Game

Label:  Wharf Cat Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock/Experimental

Track Listing:  1.  Homeowners; 2.  New; 3.  Version of Tomorrow; 4.  Piano 1 Final; 5.  Players of the Field; 6.  Breakers at Midnight; 7.  Classifieds Strings; 8.  There’s a Party; 9.  End of the Game; 10.  Classified; 11.  Millionaire; 12.  DDT & the Undertaker; 13.  Elevator; 14.  New Piano

Publicist:  Promo Juke Box

Review:  Eyes of Love, spearheaded by songwriter Andrea Schiavelli, is the perfect representation of chaos and harmony.  The style floats between breezy pop, alternative rock and experimental music to provide a look at the world in general.  The album even includes a pair of piano instrumentals as well as a strings arrangement for their song “Classifieds” to truly keep the listener on their toes.  With the musical diversity, every listener should be able to find something that they like here.  Our favorite track is “Players of the Field.”

Recommendation:  This one is different enough to warrant your attention.  Check it out today.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 31

It’s our final Monday Mashup for the month of August, and we’ve got plenty of news and great new singles and music videos.  Last night we worked the Shakey Graves concert at Big Sky Brewing Company, and it was an amazingly chill evening.  The music was incredible, and the performers were very good and fun to hang with.  Thanks so much to Rayland Baxter and Shakey Graves for being incredible and easy to talk to.  Watch for our review shortly.

SONIA RAO GIVES INSPIRING TEDx TALK

One of our favorite indie artists, Sonia Rao, shares from her heart on “The Shame and Power of Being a Woman.”  This one deserves a mass audience.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2018 UNSIGNED ONLY MUSIC COMPETITION

Congratulations to the following winners of this year’s Unsigned Only Music Competition.  We look forward to hearing more from them and to reviewing their projects.

Grand Prize – Eric Ethridge (Sarnia, ON, Canada) “Girl On Fire”

AAA (Adult Album Alternative)

First Place – DENNY (Minneapolis, MN, USA) “Girls Like You”
Second Place – O-SHiN (Berlin, Germany) “Aimless”

Adult Contemporary (AC)

First Place – Sahara Beck (Fortitude Valley, QLD, Australia) “Here We Go Again”
Second Place – Da Candy (Kiev, Ukraine) “Runaway (ft Nathaniel)”

Americana

First Place – Todd Tyler (Aiken, SC, USA) “Run”
Second Place – Brad Anderson (Manchester, England) “Death Do Us Part”

Christian

First Place – Drew Greenway (Henderson, TN, USA) “Walk In The Light”
Second Place – Dave Pettigrew (Ridgewood, NJ, USA) “Undertow”

Country

First Place – Kaylee Bell (Waimate, New Zealand) “Getting Closer”
Second Place – Virginia Creek (Chincoteague, VA, USA) “Kiss Me Sober”

EDM

First Place – Reign (Oshawa, ON, Canada) “Make Me”
Second Place – Pokki DJ (Imperia, Italy) “Remember This Night”

Folk/Singer-Songwriter

First Place – Leon Of Athens (Athens, Greece) “Aeroplane”
Second Place – Ezra Vancil (Dallas, TX, USA) “Complicated Man”

Pop/Top 40

First Place – Adrielle Bow Belle (New York, NY, USA) “Runaway”
Second Place – Carrie Lane (Montclair, NJ, USA) “Drowning”

R&B/Hip-Hop

First Place – Denzil Porter (Bronx, NY, USA) “Time Soon Come”
Second Place – Mayah (Cairns, QLD, Australia) “XO Girl”

Rock

First Place – The Royal Foundry (Sherwood Park, AB, Canada) “Lost In Your Head”
Second Place – Glass Mansions (Columbia, SC, USA) “Just Friends”

Screen Shot

First Place – Big Little Lions (Royston, BC, Canada) “Find Your Tribe”
Second Place – Jayde (Port Hope, ON, Canada) “Perfect Strangers”

Teen

First Place – Hailey Belle (Santa Clarita, CA, USA) “Fall So Easily”
Second Place – Under The Radar (Memphis, TN, USA) “Boom”

Vocal Performance

First Place – Paul Loren (New York, NY, USA) “I Know A Place”
Second Place – Elinor Sitrish (Dimona, Israel) “One Reason”

Fandemonium Winner (winner selected by online public vote) – Haddon Cord (Boise, ID, USA) “A Million Songs”

Unsigned Only is now accepting entries for the 2019 competition. This year, Unsigned Only has added five new categories for artists to enter. The complete list of categories includes: AAA (Adult Album Alternative); AC (Adult Contemporary); Americana; Blues; Christian; Country; EDM; Folk/Singer-Songwriter; Instrumental; Jazz; Latin; Pop/Top 40; R&B/Hip-Hop; Rock; Screen Shot (songs suitable for placment in film, tv, etc.); Teen (for artists 18 years old and younger); Vocal Performance; and World Music.  More information can be found at: https://www.unsignedonly.com.  To hear the winning songs, download low-res photos, and view the complete list of winners, go to: https://www.unsignedonly.com/winners

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from one of our favorite Santa Monica bands, Only Bricks.  Their latest is called “Ordinary,” and we believe the band is anything but.  Check them out and let us know what you think.

Next is the latest from Blue Élan Records artist Amy Wilcox.  Her single is called “Somebody,” and is the second single from her forthcoming EP West.  We can’t wait to hear the rest.

Our third single this week is “Dancing” from Basement Revolver, Ontario, Canada, and we really like this gritty indie rock track.

Our fourth single this week is from Amy Stroup, who was born in Boston and raised in Abilene, Texas.  It’s called “Wild Nights,” and we love it.  What do you think?

Our final single this week is from the amazing R&B/alt pop voice of Thomas Graff.  It’s called “Make it Easy,” and we think that it accurately describes this artist’s future in the business.  Enjoy the groove.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Long time indie giant Greg Laswell is finally releasing a new album on September 21.  The first single from it is called “Royal Empress,” and it was debuted by Los Angeles tastemaker Nic Harcourt  (KCRW) on August 14.  Here’s the lyric video for the song, which we simply love since it reminds us of vintage Springsteen.

Next up is the latest from Satellite Citi, which we introduced to you last year.  The song is entitled “Collide” and that’s what is going to happen soon when the world finds out about this amazing rock band with a lead singer that not only plays drums, but can also compete with Amy Lee.  Enjoy this one!

Our third video this week is from Tim Burlingame and Kathrin Shorr, also known as Sweet Talk Radio.  We really love this beautiful video for “Blue,” and think you will too.

Our next video is “Running” from Daniel Ellsworth and The Great Lakes.  This one has such a chill vibe that we think it is perfect for your Monday.

Time for our final video this week.  We’re closing out without another chill tune from Falcon Jane.  Here’s “Ginger Ale.”  Are you thirsty yet?

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 30

Hard to believe there’s only two weeks left of summer.  Where did the time go?  Let’s get going on another week with news that matters and some new singles and music videos.

WANT TO PLAY NAMM?

Are you an indie artist who would love to play The NAMM Show in Anaheim?  All you need to do is go to Bands.namm.org and start building your new profile.  This year all submissions will go through NAMM and the deadline is September 24, 2018.  You should receive a notification regarding your performance status in early November 2018.  Please keep in mind that literally thousands of performance requests are submitted, but there are only 130 available time slots. If your band is not selected, please submit a request to perform for the next show.

Bands selected to perform will receive:

 Access to the show floor
Access to NAMMU Educational Sessions & TEC Tracks Session
Access to networking events during The NAMM Show
Guest badges for friends and family at a discounted rate
Exposure to an audience of over 100,000 music enthusiasts and professionals
Casual promotion within show publications, website, emails and more
Possible publicity opportunities via multiple outlets
A show experience like no other

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from the soulful sound of Alexis Keegan, who has returned to her sultry roots.  It is called “Gospel,” and we are believers.

Next up is the latest band that has been given new life by our friends at Blue Élan Records.  The Mustangs were an all girl group that ruled the LA Country scene.  Three members of that group, Suzanna Spring, Holly Montgomery and Sherry Rayn Barnett have joined with Suzanne Morissette and Aubrey Richmond to form Mustangs of the West, and have released their first single, “T-Shirt From California.”  We think  you’re going to love having  them back.

Next up is the latest from Summer Heart, featuring guest vocalist K¥LO on “Subside.”  We think this may become your favorite summer jam.

Our fourth single comes from Danish electro-pop duo Feel Freeze, who encourage us to “Let Go!”  We think it’s timely advice.

Our final single this week comes from an 18-year old phenom from London.  Although the single came out in late June, we inadvertently thought it was an EP until recently.  We think “Computer Games” deserves some attention, so let us know what you think.  Here is Greta Jaime.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Just as a new country group arrives in LA, one of their premier ones, CALICO the band, says goodbye.  Manda Mosher and KP Hawthorn have decided to call it quits, but are leaving us with this amazing video cover of the classic hit from The Mommas and Poppas, “California Dreaming.”  Thanks for five years of amazing music.

Next is the latest video from The 131ers, who we reviewed last week.  Check out their fun video for “Ballerina.”

Speaking of bands we recently reviewed, here’s the latest “Nothing is Enough” from Delta Will.  We love the groove of this song, and think you will too.

Our fourth video this week is another amazing from Blue Élan Records, Roan Yellowthorn.  Here is her latest single, “Talk About It.”

Our final entry this week is a lyric video from Rachel Eckroth, whose new album will be dropping October 19.  Here is “Call my Name.”

That’s it for this week.  See you tomorrow with our next edition of Get it or Forget it.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 27

It’s our final Monday Mashup of the month, and we have some great new music to share with you.  Check out the latest news as well.

LA MUSIC CRITIC TO DEBUT SHOW AT HFF19

Our very own LA Music Critic, Bob Leggett, will be debuting a solo show at next year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Inspired by the amazing productions put on by the Soaring Solo Community, he has hired Jessica Lynn Johnson to help him develop his show, Livin’ the Dream, which will debut at HFF19 next year.  The show is the story of his life and career, focusing on not just dreaming about great things, but accomplishing them as well.  Watch for the Indiegogo campaign being launched in August, and support him on his latest adventure.  We are very proud to be a part of what should be a great show.

VK LYNNE RELEASES AUDIO BOOK OF POETRY

VK Lynne, the lead single of multi-LA Music Critic Award winning band The Spider Accomplice is releasing an audio book containing 35 of her poems, read by a plethora of her friends.  Entitled The Release and Reclamation of Victoria Kerygma, the audiobook is available on Bandcamp.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, members of the Mountain Home Music family of artists.  They have created a beautiful song that is being released to support the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Trust Fund which, like the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, provides support for struggling artists.  We think you will love this beautiful arrangement and we hope you will likewise support these organizations that help indie musicians.

Our next single is an upbeat pop tune from Mike Edel.  He was featured in our March Ten Great Singles article, and this time around, he promises he will “Go With You.”  We think this one could be a huge hit, and look forward to what’s still to come from this amazing artist.

Our third single is being released by Elkka through Femme Culture, and is an upbeat dance tune called “Stay (warm edit).”  We think this one goes hand in hand with our previous single, and should help get your Monday off to a great start.

Our fourth single continues the positive spin as CJ Hooper releases his first track from his forthcoming album.  “When we Rise” is the perfect remedy for the Monday blahs.

Our final single this week comes from Caibedo Island.  They encourage us to be “Stronger,” and we love the sentiment.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video comes from an artist we reviewed last week, Roger Len Smith, who was introduced to us by a long-time friend Bobbo Byrnes, lead vocalist of The Fallen Stars.  Here is “Raining on a Sunny Day.”

Next up is the latest video from Grammy-nominated artist Janiva Magness for the title track from her latest album on Blue Élan Records, Love is an Army, featuring LA Music Critic Award winning artist Bryan Stephens.  We hope you enjoy this one as much as we do.

Our third video this week is a political statement about gentrification of our great cities.  Nick Ferrio releases “I Don’t Know How Long” and we totally understand his concerns.

Our fourth video has the rhythm of the islands as Constanza Herrero talks about “Packing Up.”  This video should get your juices flowing and get you on the dance floor.

Our final video this week is the R&B and soul sound of Roxanne Tataei.  Here’s “Crimson Eyes.”  We hope this firmly places your Monday in a good place.  Have a great week and we’ll be back soon with our articles on the Ten Amazing Videos and Ten Great Singles released in July.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 26

Happy Monday – ready for another week?  We’ve got some great new music to share today, as we head into the last full week in July.  We hope you enjoy these tunes.

EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEAK

Here is an exclusive sneak peak from a “new” artist we really like.  The single won’t be available until August 24, but we wanted you to have the exclusive first listen to “Second Time” by Ferera Swan.

“This is a song that has truly helped me grieve & heal.  I re-branded this year under my new artist name . . . [This] will be the first song that will introduce my new brand, sound, new music, and projects that will work as a campaign to help spread awareness in the areas of adoption, foster care, trauma education, and mental/emotional health.”

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest from one of the best blues singers in the indie world.  This time around, she has decided to cover an old Paul Rodgers and Bad Company song, “Ready for Love.”  Check out this awesome version from Gina Sicilia from her new forthcoming album on Blue Élan Records.

Next up is a song from the super group of Delaney Gibson and Amy Arani known as SIGNY, based out of Austin, Texas.  This one is perfect for summer living, as it’s all about the “Water.”

Maya Payne is a young lady who has had number one hits from her native New Zealand to Poland.  She’s back with her new single, and we have no doubt it will be just as great as her previous hits.  Here’s “Jungle.”

Our fourth single today is from future country superstar Ryan Calhoun.  His latest is a play on words called “Chaser” and we think you will love this one.

Our final single today is the first single from the debut album by Helenor.  It is eerie and the perfect mood setter for a Monday.  Check out “Ocean State.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we introduced you to Post Season when we reviewed their new album.  These guys put the fun into punk.  Check out their lyric video for their second single, “Numb to This.”

Next up is the latest from the amazing acoustic band Mapache, which we reviewed last week.  They just released a short, three-song EP of cover songs, and this is the first song from it “Lonesome LA Cowboy,” a huge hit for the New Riders of the Purple Sage.

Last week Well Well Well simultaneously released two EPs, which we reviewed on Friday.  Today we want to share the music video for “Day After Day.”

Our fourth video this week is an upbeat, radio friendly girl power track from Rachael Cantu.  We really love this video and the song as well.  Here’s “Run Free.”

Our final video this week is in response to the #Metoo movement from Lora Kelley.  Here is her song “Good Men Don’t Hurt You.”

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 23

After a month of reviewing the Hollywood Fringe Festival, preparing the nominations and winners listings for the LA Music Critic Awards and coordinating the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase, we are ready to get back to our normal schedule.  We received 86 review requests for the month of June, so we will be focusing on those for our Get it or Forget it articles on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  For the Friday edition, we will focus on July releases.  We should be caught up with everything by the end of the first week in August.  We will continue to publish our Monday Mashup article each Monday, starting with today.  We apologize for the delay in reviews, but this will be an annual occurrence as the month of June is dedicated to coverage of the Fringe.  Thank you for your patience.

REDHEAD EXPRESS ANNOUNCE NEW NAME

The Redhead Express are a group of four sisters from Spring Hill, Tennessee who have become synonymous with turning great pop songs into amazing country covers.  However, the group has written some amazing original tunes as well.  As a result, they have decided to release those originals under a different moniker so as not to confuse their fans.  We are happy to announce that those songs will be released under the band name PaperDolls.  We look forward to reviewing their original content, and wish them well in all their efforts.

DIY QUEEN CREATES NEW BAND

Shannon Hurley has been the reigning queen of DIY for several years.  Besides the amazing and award-winning music she has released solo, she and her husband, bassist Ben Eisen, have also released award-winning music under the moniker Lovers & Poets.  Hurley has announced that they have created new music that doesn’t really fit the brand of either of these two formats, so they have created a new platform called Ghost Ability.  Their first EP is now available on BandCamp.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is Sketti Tangles, another amazing act courtesy of A&R Records.  Their first single, “The Long Way Down,” is a good tune to kick off this week.  Please let us know what you think about it.

Our next single is from 14 year old Evann McIntosh, whose voice will thrill you with its intensity and sweetness.  The song is courtesy of Holy Mattress Money.  Here is her debut single, “Better Now.”  We are sure we will be hearing a lot more from this very promising young artist.

Our third single comes to us courtesy of Blue Élan Records’ rising country music star Amy Wilcox.  We think you will really enjoy the sound of “Bandwagon.”

Do you like to get into “Trouble.”  If so, we can’t think of a better person to do it with than Megan Wilde, whose powerful vocals will blow you away.

Our final single today is “Instagram” from Catey Shaw, a song about relationships and social media.  This one should get your new week off to a great start.

https://soundcloud.com/antifragile_music/instagram-catey-shaw/

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from the rocking indie sound of Alana Sweetwater, who has been a friend of this reviewer for many years.  We are sure you will love the retro sound of “Gotta Get Up.”  We are so blessed to have this young lady back in the spotlight.

Our next video has been out for a couple of months, but if we ever needed its message, the time is now.  Please give it up for Fanny Walked the Earth and their feminist power anthem “When We Need Her.”

Our third video this week is the latest from Rvzoo and the Sugar Spun Elephant Band.  Check out the amazingly sweet and retro sounds of “If I Was a Bird.”

Our next video marks the return of veteran electronic artist Andrew Bayer with his latest “Immortal Lover,” featuring Alison May.  Check it out.

Last but not least this week is our final video from Lauren Balthrop and features clips of some of Hollywood’s classic films.  Check out “Don’t Ever Forget” and leave us a comment below with your thoughts.