Tag: Car Astor

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 10)

Sorry for the lateness but scheduling conflicts prevented us from publishing our weekly Monday Mashup column yesterday.  We will be off-grid next week but back again on the 22nd with another edition.

Speaking of our column, if you want to be included, please make sure that you include a public link from either Soundcloud or Spotify with your request.  Also please be aware that we do not preview the singles and videos before their release date, so please do not send follow-up emails before your single/video is released to the public.

With that housekeeping hint, and in honor of International Women’s Day, we present to you this week’s new singles and videos.  We hope you enjoy these tunes and that you take the time to check out the artists.

NEW SINGLES

Los Angeles is home to some of the finest songwriters in the world, and recently, six of them combined to form anall-female collaborative band.  Composed of Tawny Ellis, Pi Jacobs, Heather Anne Lomax, Amilia K. Spicer, Deb Morrison, and Manda Mosher, The Wild West have released their first single, “Better Way,” and we love it.  We can’t wait to see what they come up with next.  After all, “We are the change.”

Better Way · The Wild West (spotify.com)

Next up is a cover of the classic America hit, “Sister Golden Hair” that is a totally fresh vision.  Performed by Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams, the cover is part of an collection of covers by other labelmates in honor of the release of Gerry Beckley‘s long awaited greatest hits album, Keeping the Light On.  Prepare to have your mind blown.

Sister Golden Hair · Chelsea Williams (spotify.com)

It’s been a few weeks since we last heard from LA’s iconic songbird, Kris Angelis, but she’s back with a new single, “I’d Give Anything.”  Definitely add this one to your rotation of daily inspiration.

I’d Give Anything · Kris Angelis (spotify.com)

Our fourth single comes from rising star Casey Ahern with her ballad, “Bradley.”  We really love her thoughtful lyrics and the sweet easy vibe of this song.  We think she’s well on her way to stardom.

Bradley · Casey Ahern (spotify.com)

Last but not least this week is the latest from another Blue Élan artist, Car Astor.  She sings a moving ode to her friend “Sarah,” and we think this one will move you to your core.  Grab a glass of wine and enjoy.

Sarah · Car Astor (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we debuted her new single and this week we are happy to share the accompanying lyric video for “Try, Try, Try” from the iconic indie rock star, Cindy Alexander.  We think this is one of her best songs ever, and we hope you will check her out.  We especially love the hand drawn animation by Anik.

Next up is a chilling video for the latest by Rachel Lorin, a haunting cover of “The Killing Moon” by Echo & The Bunnymen.  The cinematography is stunning, and Lorin’s voice adds a memorable touch.  Don’t watch this one late at night.

Our third video is from another Blue Élan artist, Roan Yellowthorn.  Check out the thrilling video for her radio-worthy single, “Vampire.”

Next is the latest from one of our favorite duos, Aly & AJ.  We love the home video feel of “Pretty Places,” and their harmonies are to die for.  Enjoy this one and put it on repeat.  It really makes us want to hit the road again soon.

Our final video this week features a classic Betty Boop cartoon as background for the lyric video for “Thirsty” by Elizabeth and the Catapult.  Have fun with this one.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 14)

Welcome back for another edition of Monday Mashup.  It’s been a busy week and we are super excited to share these new singles and music videos with you, so let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest original song from Blue Élan Records artist Car Astor.  This one is a beautiful acoustic song called “Buzzing Bees.”  Check it out.

We move from the subtle sweetness of the previous single to a more “adult” song with the release of the latest from the incredible Gina Sicilia.  Check out the groove of the bluesy “Married Man.”

Our third single is a solid gold country tune from Anna Krantz, and we simply love it.  This one definitely belongs on the radio.  Check out “We Could be High.”

Keeping in the country vein we present the latest from the other famous “Carey,” Eileen, who reminds us to “Keep Your Love to Yourself” when it comes to trusting your heart.  Listen to these profound words and enjoy her melodic voice.

Our final single this week is pure pop brilliance by the future superstar duo of KTJ & Carly.  Check out “Enable Me.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from the Oklahoma power duo of Shane Henry and his wife Maggie McClure aka The Imaginaries.  This one is beautifully shot and is an instant classic.  Check out “Walking on a Wire.”

Next up is a video that we somehow missed.  It features the amazing voice of Rachel Lorin with her smoking hot song, “Kerosene.”  This one belongs on the radio and should receive placement offers from television and radio.

Our third video is a beautiful skating video featuring the amazing Chelsee Foster, and features her own song “Break the Wheel” from her band CH3LS (featuring OneFifteen).  This one is a definite keeper.

Our next video features an 80’s vibe with LA’s RnB artist Raven Artson.  Check out “Won’t Forget Just.”

Our final video this week features the jazzy blues sound of Johnny & the Mongrels, former Colorado residents who relocated to New Orleans.  We love their sound and especially love their latest, “Creole Skies.”  Enjoy this one until we meet again.

 

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 13)

Had to work 10 hours yesterday but I’m off this morning.  Happy to share some great new songs with you and encourage you to continue to support indie musicians.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from the forthcoming album Born Free by Soul Asylum on Blue Élan Records.  We have always loved this band and their newest is easily becoming one of our favorites.  Check out this acoustic version of “If I Told You.”

Next up is another artist from Blue Élan, the legendary Rusty Young of Poco, who is joined by Suzanna Spring of Mustangs of the West (still another Blue Élan artist) on this amazing Americana track, “Waiting on You.”  It doesn’t get much better than this.

Next up is another Blue Élan artist, the up and coming star named Car Astor.  Her latest is a stirring cover of the classic Nilsson song, “Without You.”  This one is going to be legendary.

Our fourth single comes from an artist that goes by the name Hey Bertha.  Her debut single is called “Your Name,” and we believe that she could easily become a household name.  Check out this amazing song.

Our final single this week is from one of the founding members of The Romantics, Mike Skill.  He wrote their mega hit, “What I Like About You.”  His solo work is just as impressive as he teaches us about the “’67 Riot.”  Rock on!

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up this week is another hilarious video from the Blue Élan Records’ Queen of Comedy, Scout Durwood.  She gives us a fun little ditty with “Sad Ukelele.”  Enjoy this break from the seriousness of COVID-19.

Next up is a live performance video of “Lily White” from the upcoming album The Peppermint Sessions by Red Wanting Blue, our final Blue Élan artist today.

Our third music video is the latest lyric video from Life.Church Worship of their new song, “When I Say Jesus.”  Let the words of the song heal all your broken parts.

We were proud to feature Dauzat St. Marie last week, and they’re back with a lyric video this week, “Falling Again.”  The vocals remind us of Jennifer Nettles, and we love that Heather is back at full  vocal force.  Enjoy this one.

We close out this week with the latest from Emily Breeze.  She gives thoughtful advice to the younger generation in her heart-felt although slightly wacky rock and roll tribute song, “Hey Kidz.”

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 32

And so we begin another month with our first Monday Mashup of November 2019.  We have some great new singles and videos for you, and truly hope to get back to reviewing albums soon.  In the meantime, check out these great new sounds.

NEW SINGLES

We kick off this edition with a special thanks to Blue Élan Records, who consistently support indie music and bring us some of the best music available today.  Case in point, The Vegabonds have released their cover of the classic song “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” a song I have loved for nearly 50 years.  This one captures all the power of the lyrics and puts that special spin on it that is the trademark of The Vegabonds.

Next up we have a pair of holiday songs from two more prominent Blue Élan artists, Cindy Alexander and Roan Yellowthorn.   First up is Alexander’s take on the holiday classic, “Do you Hear What I Hear?”

Yellowthorn joins with Car Astor to bring us their version of another holiday classic, “River.”  Hopefully these songs will get you in the holiday mood.

Next up is the Top 40-worthy sound of Midnight Divide, with their song “Say You Believe.”  We think you’ll be hearing these guys on your local radio dial soon.  Their sound reminds us of OneRepublic meets Imagine Dragons.

Our final single this week is from Canadian folk-rock band Union Duke.  We love the laid back and chill sound and think that you will be putting “Atlas of Love” on repeat.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We are happy to share the debut of the new music video from Maltese Flamingo, “Shivers.”  This one is trippy, but fun.  Enjoy!

Next up is a video from Crystal Bright, an artist we have previously featured on Indie Voice Blog, but haven’t heard from in a while.  This one is powerful, so dig in and listen to “I’ll Hold You.”

Next up is one of our favorite bands that don’t take themselves seriously, namely Ninja Sex Party.  On the first single from their upcoming covers album, they give us their take on the classic Jefferson Starship tune, “We Built This City.”  Sit back and enjoy this version.

We travel across the pond for the rocking groove of Carnival Club‘s latest video, “Lady.”  Let the hair fly and the good times begin.

We close out the week with this fun video from Penny Dreadful, the delightful burlesque alter ego of multi-LA Music Critic Award winner VK Lynne.  Here she does a cover of the Cher classic, “Welcome to Burlesque.”  We think it is the perfect tribute to our friends at Cherry Poppins Productions, and we salute them on the occasion of their seventh anniversary.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 18

My first week back in LA was very busy, with two trips to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, attending and reviewing Nineteen Years Later, helping with another show, and going through the first rehearsal for my Fringe solo show.  Along the way there was a night of Fringe “Office Hours,” a Fringe Town Hall, an unexpected chance to catch a rehearsal, and plenty of great conversations, not to mention a couple of days at the ASCAP EXPO, which included a special songwriters’ round with LeeAnn Womack, Stephen Bishop, Jack Tempchin and Wyclef Jean. 

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week features the powerful and soulful vocals of Elisabeth Beckwitt, and we think this one has a lot of potential.  Check out “Free Fall” – we think you’ll definitely fall for her sound.

Next up is a pair of legends who have joined forces to bring the spirit of rock and roll back to today’s music scene.  Combining Fanny Walked the Earth’s Brie Darling with The Runaways’ Cherie Currie is brilliant and they do justice to this remake of the T. Rex classic, “The Motivator.”  This one will get your week off to a great start.

We follow them up with another Blue Élan Records artist named Car Astor, and what we think is her best song to date.  The song may be called “Hush,” but we won’t keep quiet about how much we love this song.

Let’s switch gears to a more Americana and country sound of Jesse Dayton, another Blue Élan artist.  His latest, “Redneck Friend,” will have you two-stepping around the dance floor in no time flat.  Enjoy the honky-tonking sound.

We close out this week’s singles with the upbeat and empowering “For You” from rising star Katile.  We see a very strong future for this young lady, and can’t wait to see what comes next.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We return to the beautiful country of Denmark to kick off this week’s music videos with the latest from LA Music Critic Award winning band Straw, “Perfectly Fine.”  Sally’s vocals are powerful and strong and the song hits home with its message that you don’t have to be perfect to be happy.  This family just keeps getting better and better.

Speaking of amazing family bands, here is the first original from the PaperDolls, featuring elder sibling Kendra.  It is a powerful song that will give you strength to fight each day.  Thank you Kendra for blessing us with “See What I See.”

Our third video gives us a new look at the whole “loser” mystique.  We bet you’ll never feel the same way about the word after viewing this video. Here’s “Loser” by The Scared Crows.

Video number four is guaranteed to rock your week, as Meisha and the Spanks reveal their inner child for the video of their latest single, “Motorin’.’

We close out this week with a stunning video from Wake up Hate for their song, “Love me Like a Hurricane.”  We think this one will rock you into next week.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 3

Happy Martin Luther King Day!  We had a blast last night at The Wilma in Missoula, where we were introduced to an LA band called Bikini Trill who was opening for Reel Big Fish and Tony Lovato and MEST.  We recently reviewed Reel Big Fish’s new album, and had previously reviewed MEST back in December 2017.   MEST also won the LA Music Critic Award for Best Folk Band for that album for the second half of 2017.  We will have the full review of last night’s concert soon.  In the meantime, here are five new singles and music videos from the indie world.

JACK TEMPCHIN ELECTED TO SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME

Blue Élan Records artist Jack Tempchin is part of the Class of 2019 and will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13 in New York City.  He wrote a plethora of songs that we’ve all danced and sung along to, including the Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Tequila Sunrise,” and “Already Gone,” Glenn Frey’s “The One You Love,” “Smuggler’s Blues,” “You Belong To The City” and “Sexy Girl,” and Johnny Rivers‘ “Slow Dancing.”

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from an amazing 15-year old future superstar named Bella Rios.  She received a nomination in the recent LA Music Critic Awards for Rising Star, and we guarantee this artist is on her way to the top of the charts.  Check out her latest single, “Under the Waves.”

Our second single is from another LA Music Critic Awards winner, Rod Melancon, who is a member of the Blue Élan Records family.  His latest song, “Goin’ Out West,” is a harder rocking Americana song that he usually does, and we totally dig it.

Our next single is likewise from a multiple LA Music Critic Award winner, who we hope will perform in our next Winners Showcase.  We have followed the career of Curtis Peoples for many years, and his latest single, “Tidal Wave,” is one of his best, and features the beautiful vocals of Holy Wars.  Let us know what you think.

Our fourth single is from another member of the Blue Élan Records family, who has recently rebranded herself and now goes by the name of Car Astor.  This one will get you up and dancing into the new week.  Check out “Don’t Stop, Don’t Speak.”

Our final single today is from another multiple LA Music Critic Award winning duo, Lovers & Poets.  We are also providing the bitmoji video they did for their latest offering, “Here and Now.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is a beautifully made lyric video for “Do What you Want,” the latest from the phenomenally talented Jess McAvoy.  Check this one out.

We don’t often post cover videos, but this one is so good that we had to share and features Fuel on Fire, one of the rising young pop bands from Nashville.  Check out their cover of U2‘s monster hit, “With or Without You, featuring the amazing children’s choir at Homer Pittard Campus School.  We’ll have a review of their cover album shortly.

Our third video is from steampunk-influenced singer-songwriter Elyssa Vulpes for her single “Front Line.”  We think this one could become an anthem for so many causes.

Our next video is from the collaborative efforts of the Americana Kitchen Band.  Check out this video for their single “All Dressed Up (and Nowhere to Go).”  This one will give you the strength to make it through the new week.

We close out this week with the latest video from Blues/Rock superstar guitarist Eric McFadden, “While You Was Gone.”  This one will surely give you a head start on the next great weekend.  Have a great week and we’ll see soon.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 36

Wow, what a wonderful weekend at the Durango Songwriters Expo.  We’ll have a complete breakdown for you later this week, but suffice it to say that it was life-changing.  Thanks again to Jim Attebery, Jack Hayford and the entire staff for delivering a truly inspiring program and to all the old and new songwriters and industry professionals we encountered.

BROADWAY WORLD AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Nominations are NOW OPEN for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards Worldwide!

Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018.  Our local editors have set the categories and now YOU get to nominate and vote for your favorites!  Nominations are reader-submitted and will be open through October 31.

After the nomination period ends, BroadwayWorld‘s local editors will proof the list for eligibility and errors, then voting will begin in early November and run through December 31.  Winners will be announced in January!

Check out the website for more info.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single comes from an old friend who has a new project.  We have always been a huge fan of Megan Burtt, and have reviewed her a few times.  She has a new band named Gingerbomb, and they have released their first single, “Wildfire.”  Check out those harmonies.

Our second single is from another amazing Blue Élan Records artist, Car Astor, formerly known as SEE.  Check out the amazing rhythms of “Girlfriend.”

Our third single comes from a band with the most original name we have discovered to date – Approachable Members of Your Local Community.  Check out their new single, “Only Friend,” featuring the vocals of Tamara Dream.

Our next single takes it up a few notches on the rocking scale, and we really love the sound of Laurina Sue‘s “Dark Side.”  Check it out and see if you’re ready to cross over.

Our final single comes from the UK with the premiere of Peakes‘ latest, “Still Life.”  We introduced you to them last year and we think this one will be perfect for your Monday.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we reviewed the latest album from Saint Slumber, and today we want to share their new music video.  Check out “Stay Away.”

Vanessa Zamora is becoming one of our favorite Latin artists, and we are proud to feature her newest video, “Solegrande,” today.  This one should get your charged up for the new week.

We switch it up with our third video from the rock band, Superbean.  We love the energy of “Marisol,” and think you will too.

Last week we reviewed the new album from Everlast, and are happy to share the video for his video, “Don’t Complaint.”  Welcome back!

Our final video this week is from another artist who is becoming one of our favorites.  Last week we shared her cover of David Bowie’s “Lost in Love.”  This week she brings us the video for her song, “Strangest Dream.”  Check out Rachel Eckroth and let us know what you think.