Tag: Chelsea Williams

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 2)

We hope you all remembered to turn your clocks ahead yesterday.  We’ve got some great new singles and music videos to start off your work week.  We are so humbled to be able to share these amazing artists with you.  Grab your coffee and let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

Blue Élan Records has done it again.  The increasingly popular indie music label has brought back another of our favorite bands with the return of Soul Asylum.  Their first single from their forthcoming EP is called “Social Butterfly” and it has all the elements that made the band’s past hits like “Runaway Train” such timeless classics.

Our next single is a future alt pop classic from the effervescent mind of Emmrose, who we introduced to you last October.  Her voice is unmistakable and her songwriting is top notch.  We love her new single “Take me With You,” and think you will too.

Our third single is actually a pair of songs from Finnish band The Holy.  We love their take on rock music, with lyrics that have definite substance and a beat that will keep you interested in the entire song.  Check out “Twilight of the Idiots” and “No Trial in the Dark.”

Next up is a true folk rock protest song.  The subject matter is the lack of gun control and how it is impacting our kids and the world in general.  Check out Charlie and the Rays and their latest, “There Goes my Baby.”

https://soundcloud.com/charlieandtherays/there-goes-my-baby-1

Our final single this week is from relative newcomers  Perfect Blue.  Their latest single has them “Runnin’ From the Hills.”  We hope they continue making great music.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick off this week’s videos with the latest from the British band Cold in July.  “Catalyst for Recovery” is a powerful song with an equally powerful visual.  Let us know what you think.

We haven’t featured a country tune in a while and we have the perfect one to share with you today.  “Lonely Bones,” the latest from songstress Sonja Midtune, is lovely in every way.  This one will get your feet moving while you two-step around the dance floor.  Check it out and fall in love with her immense talent.

While we’re in a country mood, check out the latest from Blue Élan Records’ artist Chelsea Williams.  We love everything about “Red Flag” and are so thankful that she continues to churn out incredible music.

Last week we shared the amazing single “Flowers” from future superstar Dani Le Rose.  If you loved the single, you will love the video even more.

We close out this week’s edition with the perfect segue to Spring Break.  Here is the first single/video from American Studies, a remake of the classic tune, “Panama City Blues.”  Enjoy your week.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 28

And just like that we have moved into the month of October.  Today we’re enjoying our first day off work in nearly three weeks, and we took the time to go out looking for a somewhere to live (we’ve been crashing in my brother’s RV since we arrived here in July), went shopping for warm clothes (because all our stuff is in storage in Montana which is already under a blanket of snow), and otherwise took it easy.  We apologize for not getting more reviews done but frankly have not had the time (or energy) to do them after working long shifts).  We do hope to get back to them shortly.  In the meantime, here is our first Monday Mashup of October.

ANDY GRAMMER ON TOUR

Pop star Andy Grammer is currently on his “Don’t Give Up on Me” tour which will make a stop in Oklahoma City on October 15.  We will be there to review the show, and finally get the chance to meet him.  We have known his wife Aijia for more than 10 years, so this will be a treat for us.  Watch for the review soon.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single for this month comes from the alt-rock sound of Alex McArtor.  She is a dynamic performer and lays it all out with her single “Speed Into Air.”  We really love this track and can’t wait to hear the rest of her forthcoming album.

Next up is “Another Boy from The Last Morrell.  This one will bring back memories of early Billy Joel, and we simply love it.

Our next single has a throwback vibe reminiscent of Electric Light Orchestra, and we think now is the perfect time to introduce you to The Brilliance and their first single, “World Keeps Spinning .”  This one will get you grooving – kick back and enjoy it.

Our fourth single shines a spotlight on mental health via the incredibly gorgeous sound of singer-songwriter Ann King.  We hope that we will all become “Stronger” from listening to these words.

Our final single this week is from Geneva White, whose silky smooth vocals highlight the passion and power of her single “Frame.”  This is definitely an artist to keep on your radar – we think she is about to blow up.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video includes the haunting sound of Young Clancy, coupled with eerie cinematography on the hard-hitting song, “Up With the Birds.”  We are so glad we got the chance to experience this amazing artist.

Next up is a unique POV video from the band King Hiss for their song, “GTWHR.”  This one is a hard-hitting rock song that becomes even more powerful with the manner it was shot – almost like you were on stage with them.  Rock out on this one.

Our third video has a decidely 80s vibe and we truly dig it.  Check out “Private Show” from Black Marble.

Next up is the latest from Blue Élan Records artist and LA Music Critic Awards winner Chelsea Williams.  It is a stirring cover of Jackson Browne’s “These Days.”  This one will hit you right where you need it.

We close out this week’s indie roundup with the latest video from KidEyes for his single, “Malibu.”  We think we can all relate to the frustrations depicted in this video, while grooving to this incredible tune.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Ten Great Singles

Ten great singles released in October 2018

It’s time to close the books on October 2018 in terms of the singles we have received.  Since this was a five-Monday month, we have already shared our favorite 25 singles of the nearly 200 we received.  Here are 10 more of the best to close out the month.

Our first single comes from UK band, The Desert.  We like the sound of the lead vocalist, and the simple accompaniment that highlights her words and increases the vibe.  Check out “Gone.”

We don’t know how this one slipped past us, but here is the latest single from one of our favorite young performers, Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams.  Here is the Road to Marfa mix of her song, “Dreamcatcher.”  This version is brilliantly scored and sure to appeal to just about everyone.

Our third single is from the soaring and smooth sound of Leo James Conroy.  We simply love his single “Leave it all Behind,” and think that he has what it takes to become a household name in the industry.

https://soundcloud.com/alternative-fidelity/leo-james-conroy-leave-it

“Go Slow”, the latest single from MAJRO, features a danceable beat and soaring vocals that are simply fun, both to listen or dance to.  We think this young lady will get your weekend off to a great start.

https://soundcloud.com/callmemajro/go-slow/s-fX5l1

Our fifth single continues the trend of smooth vocals, and reminds us of the amazing Josh Kelley.  Check out “Looking Everywhere” by Jason Ewald.

Our second set of five starts off with a true indie success story.  Allen Stone has become somewhat of a legend on the music scene.  On “Taste of You,” he joins with the amazing Jamie Lidell to deliver another stellar hit.

Our seventh single features an artist we introduced to you back in September, and we are overjoyed at her latest offering.  Enjoy “I Am Drum” by the amazing Kinney.

Our next single features the powerful sound of OcnSide, with their song, “Bless Your Soul.”  If this one doesn’t get you going, then nothing will.  Enjoy this weekend warmup.

Single number nine is the fourth single released by Cold Weather Company from their forthcoming album Find Light, which will be released in January.  Check out “Brothers.”

Last but not least is the amazing orchestral sound of Charlie Hole‘s “Find Someone who Cares.”  We think this one will get you through anything that life can throw at you.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2018: vol. 22

It’s another week, and it will be a busy one.  We will be leaving on Sunday to head down to Los Angeles for the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  We have 51 shows on our schedule to review, including about 15 that have submitted for consideration of our Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence.  We will also be  having our second annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 19 at The Mint, where we will have some amazing winners perform in support of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Tickets are available online for $10, and will be available at the door for $13.  We hope to see you there.

UNSIGNED ONLY COMPETITION ENDS JUNE 6

The final week of the Unsigned Only “Grand Slam” special promotion has kicked off, running until midnight on June 6 (CST).  All entries will also be included into the 2018 Unsigned Only Music Competition.  This is your very last time to enter, so if you want to enter more songs (or enter for the first time this year), you still have a chance to participate in this year’s competition, but you need to hurry.

Winners for the previous three weeks of the promotion, as well as the current week, will be announced along with all of the other category winners in September 2018.   Just for entering, all entrants will receive 100 free spins to Radio Airplay (regardless of whether you are an existing Radio Airplay member or a new member).  Additionally, every entrant will also be entered into the overall 2018 Unsigned Only competition and have the chance for their music to be heard by a high-profile panel of judges, as well as be eligible to share in over $150,000 in cash and prizes.

HOME RUN | May 30 – June 6 | GET PAID FOR THE WIN – Click Here For Info
Click Here To Enter Your Songs
NEW SINGLES
First up today is a long-time favorite of this blog, and one of the amazing artists signed to Blue Élan Records.  Recent winner of the LA Music Critic Award for Rising Star, here is “Honey, Honey” from the unforgettable Chelsea Williams.

Next up is “Sort Myself Out” from Becoming Bristol, fka The Exchange.  We like the sound of this band and look forward to hearing much more from them.

Single number three today is from a voice familiar to lovers of the TV shows Suits, Lucifer, Bones, Nashville and One Tree Hill.  Gareth Dunlop has a new single that we think you’ll love.  Here is “Blind to the Pain” from his forthcoming EP Many Moons Ago.

https://soundcloud.com/gareth-dunlop-official/blind-to-the-pain

Our fourth single today is from The Cravens, who we have previously reviewed and featured on this blog.  They have a “Message” for you, and we think you’ll be glad to get it.

Our final single today is “Don’t Blink” from John Santiago, frontman for Johnny & the Bootlegs, which we recently reviewed in Get it or Forget it.  Let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from Lauren Balthrop‘s upcoming September album, This Time Around.  Here is the lyric video for “Down.”

Next is the very retro feel of Peter Cat with his new single “Hand Through Hair.”  Groovy, Baby.

Our third video this week is from one of the newest artists on Blue Élan Records, Red Wanting Blue.  Here is the video for their new single, “High and Dry.”

And now, for something completely different, here is a sneak preview of the new video from Runaway Symphony which will be released on June 12.  Check out this live performance of “The Fall of Man.”

Our final video this week is “All the Way” from Cherry Pools.  We think it’s the perfect segue to summer and a wonderful week.  See you soon.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 6

Greeting from the frigid cold of Montana.  Our wonderful spring-like weather evaporated and a cold front set in, with some severe wind chill.  Good thing the music scene is hot.  Here’s the latest.

HEATHER JACKS TO RELEASE NEW BOOK

Author Heather Jacks, one of our panel members on the LA Music Critic Awards committee, is about to release her new memoir, My Headdress is on Fire.  She has previously released a couple of tabletop books, The Noise Beneath the Apple, and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.  This one is about her time growing up on Indian land, and is a series of essays.  If you would like to be part of her Indiegogo pre-release campaign, just click here.

TRACY BONHAM SIGNS WITH ECR MUSIC GROUP

We had the privilege of reviewing the latest from Tracy Bonham, and were impressed.  She has recently signed with the ECR Music Group and they’re throwing a party in New York City on February 23.  We highly recommend you attend if you’re in the area.

INDIE PERFORMANCES

We love to promote shows for indie artists, so make sure you send the press releases to us for inclusion in this weekly column.  Here’s what we have for this week.

San Diego native Sarah Rogo, who we reviewed back in November, is coming to Los Angeles tomorrow night and playing at Bar Lubitsch at 9 p.m.  If you’re in LA, you should definitely check her out.  She’s been nominated for the latest round of the San Diego Music Awards.

Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen from Alexandria, Virginia are heading west for a gig at Boulevard Music in Culver City, California on February 24 at 8 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and available online at the venue.

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest from LA Music Critic Award winner Kris Angelis, just in time for Valentine’s Day.  We simply love her new single, “A Billion Hearts,” and think you will too.  Let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/krisangelis/a-billion-hearts

Next up is a remake of the old Poco song, “Rose of Cimarron.”  This time is features former lead singer Rusty Young along with LA Music Critic Award winner Chelsea Williams, both artists on Blue Élan Records.  We love it – how about you?

https://open.spotify.com/album/2NRlFktIabT0RDLeuXCGbA?si=OfB54I9nQI6J6MrrPQFnFw

Our final new single today is from Canyon City,  a LA Music Critic Awards nominee.  Check out “Shadows.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up today is the latest from rockers Harker for their single, “Plague Your Heart.”  This one should get your heart pumping.

Next up is the debut music video from Susie Q for her single, “Home.”  This one has a powerful message of peace.  Please check it out and share it with your friends.

Our final video today is a lyric video by Michele Vreeland for her single, “Wild Horse.”  We love this song and its message.  Please let us know what you think.

See you tomorrow with a new set of Get it or Forget it reviews.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2017 Women in Entertainment

Best indie albums of 2017

Here’s our list of the best indie albums of 2017.  Some of them were nominated and/or won LA Music Critic Awards during the first half of 2017, and most of the rest will be included when the nominations for the second half of 2017 are announced on January 17.  Consider this your “sneak peak” of those nominations.  Every album on this list has been reviewed in the “Get it or Forget it” column of our Blog.  How many of them do you have?

Honorable Mention:  Even though we have selected 25 albums for our list, there were a few that didn’t make the list, but deserve mention, including Ride by Marc Berger, Find the Silver Lining by Kelly Fitzgerald, Little Folks Like You and Me by Mike Younger, Small World by Monica Chapman and Honestly by Jay Asher.  Definitely check out these albums.

25.  The East Pointers, What we Leave Behind – This award-winning Canadian band has what they need to break into the American music scene.

24.  Becca Richardson, We are Gathered Here – Check her out at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles on January 20.

23.  Harper Grae, Break Your Crowns – Definitely check out this rising star from Nashville.

22.  Rusty Young, Waitin’ for the Sun – Young was the former lead singer for Poco, and the band has reunited to support his solo artist.  This is his first solo effort for Blue Élan Records.

21.  The Show Ponies, How it all Goes Down – The band recently announced they would be disbanding and this album was their final one.  They were an LA Music Critic Award winner during the first half of 2017.

20.  Elizabeth and the Catapult, Keepsake – Check her out when she performs at Sundance this year.

19.  Great Willow, Find Yourself in Los Angeles – This band is becoming a player on the Americana circuit.  Check them out live if you live near there.

18.  Bryan Stephens, Village of Dreams – Another great Blue Élan Records artist.

17.  Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, Lo-Fi Dreams – Another LA Music Critic Award multiple nominee from the first half of 2017.

16.  Ray Goren, Me – This past LA Music Critic Award winner has a great future ahead.

15.  Marina V, Born to the Stars – This Russian-born singer-songwriter is one of a kind.  Welcome back to the charts.  More than 65,000 worldwide fans can’t be wrong.

14.  Chris Daniels and the Kings, Blues with Horns – This indie artist has had a storied career and his latest is one of his best.

13.  Chelsea Williams, Boomerang – Another premier act from Blue Élan Records, she will also be performing at Sundance.

12.  Jangling Sparrows, 140 Nickels – Watch for these guys near the top of the Americana music scene.

11.  Andrea Harsell and Luna Roya, Something for the Pain – This band is a Missoula, Montana staple that is definitely going places.

10.  Halladay Quist, self-titled – Another Montana artist with a family legacy of musical excellence.

9.  Gina Sicilia, Tug of War – Another Blue Élan Records artist who is at the top of her game.  Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner.  Watch for her 8th album coming soon.

8.  Amilia K. Spicer, Wow and Flutter – Another past LA Music Critic winner, this is one of the best Americana albums released in quite a while.

7.  Seasonal Beast – Muscle Memory – One of our best “finds” this year, watch for great things from this New York duo.

6.  Breaking Grass, Warning Signs – Another multiple LA Music Critic Award winner, this band is redefining bluegrass music.

5.  Wendy Sweetlove, Dirty Sunday – She was nominated for several LA Music Critic awards right out of the gate,  She is definitely an artist worth checking out.

4.  Janey Street, In my Own Skin – Reigning LA Music Critic Icon Award winner, she is another of the special breed of artists signed to Blue Élan Records.

3.  Rod Melancon, Southern Gothic – Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner, he is the last of these artists signed to Blue Élan Records.  He is currently touring Sweden.

2.  Katie Costello, Twice the Love – This artist has consistently produced award winning albums.  She also had one of the Best EPs of 2017.

1.  FreeWorld, What it is – The pride of Memphis, this band is redefining American Blues.  Check them out the next time you’re in Memphis.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 44

And we’re back!  After 19 emotionally charged days, we’re back in Montana and ready to rock!  Although the circumstances were not the best, the time spent with family these past two plus weeks was worth the pain.  So much has been going on in the indie music world during our time away.  Here are some of the latest happenings.  Enjoy our holiday edition.

BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS TO SUPPORT ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

Blue Élan Records has released its annual Christmas album, featuring such Indie Voice Blog favorites as Cindy Alexander, Chelsea Williams, SEE, Rusty Young, Janiva Magness, Janey Street and Jack Tempchin, among others.  Please buy a copy today and help them support the Alliance for Children’s Rights.  All proceeds are being donated to the Alliance.

CHELSEA WILLIAMS LOVES CHRISTMAS

Check out her lyric video for “Peppermints and Mistletoe.”  We think it will put you in the mood.

JERAD FINCK WANTS A WHITE CHRISTMAS

Spokane native Jerad Finck has released a Christmas single, and is making it available for anyone to download.  Check it out below and head to SoundCloud if you want a free download.

https://soundcloud.com/jeradfinck/white-christmas-jerad-finck

KATE STEINWAY RELEASES VIDEO FOR “WHITE CHRISTMAS”

We recently discovered Kate Steinway when she was the featured artist at Songwriters at Play in Paso Robles.  Check out her lovely video for “White Christmas.”

PAM TAYLOR WANTS TO GET IT ON FOR CHRISTMAS

Blues artist Pam Taylor is ready to rock your Christmas season with a little bit of naughtiness.  Check out her new single and see what we mean.

ECHOSMITH SHARES THEIR CHRISTMAS YULE LOG

Indie darlings Echosmith have a Christmas EP, which they are sharing in their annual Yule Log video.  Check it out.

REBEL POP PRINCESS KATIE COSTELLO NEEDS A HOLIDAY

Here’s a new one from one of Indie Voice Blog’s favorite artists, Katie Costello.  Enjoy the holidays.

Here’s hoping you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy holiday season!

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 41 (Updated)

It has been snowing every day since I returned from tour, although much of it has melted when the thermometer reaches the upper 30’s.  It is a beautiful reminder that we are headed into the end of 2017, which has provided a plethora of great indie music.  Just a few more weeks until Thanksgiving and then a few more until Christmas and before you know it, we’ll be announcing the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2017.  We have definitely got our work cut out for us this time, as the quality and quantity of submissions are some of the best we have ever seen.   We can’t wait to share our nominations with you.  Until then, check out what’s currently happening in the indie music community.

INDIE ARTISTS PARTICIPATE IN SHOWCASES

This past weekend several of our favorite indie acts participated in showcases.  Fan Favorite winner FlecHaus took part in Austin Strong, along with Of Sea and Stone and Deer Fellow, at the Sidewinder in Austin, Texas on November 2.  Meanwhile, back in California, Floating Records hosted its “Fall Revue 2017,” featuring LA Music Critic Award nominee Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, as well as Marble Party and  Graham Guest on November 4 at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley.  Thanks to publicist Doug Deutsch for sharing.

BLAKE MORGAN HOSTS TRACY BONHAM

Blake Morgan has had an artist residence at Rockwood Music Hall for quite some time.  This month he will host Tracy Bonham on Rockwood’s Stage 3 on November 15.  If you are in New York City,  you might just want to grab tickets for this show – grab your tickets soon cause this series has consistently sold out.

JACK TEMPCHIN CELEBRATES 45th ANNIVERSARY OF “PEACEFUL EASY FEELING”

Blue Élan Records artist and former Eagles hit songwriter Jack Tempchin has scheduled a trio of local Los Angeles shows to celebrate the 45th anniversary of one of his biggest hits, “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” which he co-wrote with Glenn Frey.  The first one is scheduled for November 10 at Carruth Cellars in Solana Beach.  Labelmate Cindy Alexander will open this show.  Next will be a stop at the world famous McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica on November 26.  Another labelmate, Chelsea Williams, will open this show.  His final stop will be at Mozambique in Laguna Beach on December 2.

MARINA V TO CELEBRATE CD RELEASE

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner Marina V, recently returned from a tour of Germany and Moscow, will celebrate the release of her latest CD, Born to the Stars, with a show and party at the amazing Three Clubs on Sunday, November 12.  Tickets are half-off if purchased in advance on her website.  This is one show you don’t want to miss.

NEW SINGLES

First up today is blue-eyed soul singer Ashleigh Watson, with her new single “Little Love.”  We love the sound of this song, and look forward to hearing more from Ms. Watson.  We think she’s got a great vibe that will last for a long time.

Next is “Train to Nowhere,” a sure-to-be Americana classic song from The Sound of Ghosts.  This one has everything you love in a great Americana song – great lyrics, vocals, fiddle and even some amazing horns.  Let us know what you think.

Our final single today comes from Tim Maiden, with his beautiful song “So Far Gone,” a trip hop, electronic, R&B masterpiece.  Enjoy this one.

NEW VIDEOS

LA-based alt-rockers Satellite Citi bring us their latest music video for “Undead.”  It’s got great guitar riffs and a stunning visual story that brings the song to life.   Video game lovers – this one is for you!  Please let us know what you think.

Next up is a great lyric video from The Rebel Light for their song, “Where did all the Love Go?”  We are constantly amazed at the creativity in the indie music community, and think this one is a hit.

Our final music video for this week comes from Elizabeth and the Catapult, which we recently reviewed in our Get it or Forget it series.  Here is their video for “Ambrosia.”  Enjoy your week!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 35

Well, we survived a fire in the apartment two doors down yesterday that totally destroyed it and caused damage to two other apartments.  Mucho thanks to the Fire Department for getting it out and limiting the damage.

Planning on heading down to Oklahoma next week to see my brother who just returned from a year in Iraq.  Looking forward to the beautiful trip through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Texas on my way to Lawton, Oklahoma.  When I get back I’ll be heading out on tour with Jerad Finck for three weeks.  Our first show is October 16 in Shoreline, Washington, where we will share the stage with Polly O’Keary & the Rhythm Method, winners of the Best Blues Band from the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2017.  We currently have shows scheduled in Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Murrieta, San Diego and Missoula, and hope to add a few more along the way.

KELLY McGRATH TO TOUR UK AND EUROPE

Fresh off the release of her new video for “All That I Want,” Nashville’s own Kelly McGrath has signed with U Management and will be embarking on a tour of UK and Europe during October and November.  For more details, subscribe to her email list by visiting her Facebook page to sign up.  She’s doing a music video release/farewell show in Nashville on September 28 at The Family Wash.  Don’t miss your chance to see her before she leaves on tour.

NEW SINGLES

Here’s the latest single, “Secret Crush,” from Bay Area electropop band PARENTZ.  It has a great vibe that’s perfect for your Monday morning.  Please let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/parentz/secret-crush

Speaking of great vibes, check out “Right Now,” the stunning new single from Becca Richardson.  We simply love her voice and this single, and can’t wait until she releases her album.  We’ll be reviewing it for sure.

For something totally different, check out “Final Step” from Jason Crosby.  It has a very strong Grateful Dead vibe that should strike a chord with those who love classic rock ballads.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first new video this week continues in the mellow vein of the preceding artist.  Brandon  Bonine brings us a simple request:  “Remember my Name.”  We love the guitar and the sentiment.  This is his debut single – please let us know what you think.

Mellow seems to be the mood of the day.  Please check out the deep bass vocals of The New Faith in their video for “Fritter Away.”  The musical accompaniment is amazing and the videography is superb.  What do you think?

We close out this week with the first official video from Boomerang, the new album from Blue Élan artist Chelsea Williams.  This one is guaranteed to get your Monday off to a great start.  Please enjoy “Lonely Girl,” an Americana instant classic!

 

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

Get it or forget it – Broken Bellows, Chelsea Williams, Kim DiVine, The Band of Heathens

With today’s four reviews, we have finally caught up on our submissions for albums released through August 31, 2017.  We have a special feature coming up tomorrow before getting back to some live performance reviews.  Enjoy today’s offerings.

Artist Name:  Broken Bellows

Album Name:  The Card Table 

Label:  Fervor Records

Genre:  Alt-pop

Track Listing:  1.  Magic in a Gaze; 2.  Misery; 3.  In the Deep; 4.  Waiting; 5.  Steady Steps

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Broken Bellows bring us dreamy pop with incredible harmonies on their debut EP, The Card Table.  Their sound is truly smooth and their lyrics are thought-provoking and relatable, especially “Misery.”  This band has the goods to make a serious impact on today’s pop music scene, and deserve radio airplay.  “In the Deep” has a great upbeat feel that house DJs could play with to make a great dance track.  All in all, a very worthy first effort with five great songs.  Can’t wait to see what else they have in store for their fans, which we’re sure will be many.

Recommendation:  This is a great release for lovers of pop music.  Just released on August 25, we recommend listeners not waste any more time, but just Get it.

Artist Name:  Chelsea Williams

Album Name:  Boomerang

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock/Alt-Country

Track Listing:  1.  Angeles Crest; 2.  Lonely Girl; 3.  Fool’s Gold; 4.  Anything Worth Saving; 5.  Rush; 6.  Six Bottles of Wine; 7.  Little Halo; 8.  Out of Sight, Out of Mind; 9.  Toyota Song; 10.  Don’t Want to die Alone; 11.  Dreamcatcher; 12.  Boomerang; 13.  Angeles Crest Postlude

Publicist:  None

Review:  Chelsea Williams has created quite the legacy in her career.  After seven years of playing the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, she was signed to Interscope Records.  Five years later, she is now with Blue Élan Records, and is releasing her first album on that label.  Although previously known for her simple guitar and vocals, she branches out on this album to include hints of country, blues and Americana in her sound, with an emphasis on smartly written lyrics and impressive musical accompaniment.  Her first single, “Lonely Girl,” is sheer perfection, with screaming guitar riffs and a simple drum beat.  “Anything Worth Saving” has that lilting pop feel of Lenka, while “Rush” reminds us of the incredible Katie Costello. We  really love the swing feel of “Six Bottles of Wine” and the bluesy “Out of Sight, Out of Mind.”  All in all, this is an album full of great songs from start to finish, and worthy of repeated listens.

Recommendation: As with most of the Blue Élan catalog, this one is a keeper.  We strongly encourage you to Get it now.  If you’re lucky enough to be in the Los Angeles area, you can grab one at her CD Release show August 29 at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.

Artist Name:  Kim DiVine

Album Name:  This Time Around

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Maybe Tomorrow; 2.  This Time Around; 3.  Broken Bird; 4. By Your Side; 5.  Stay; 6.  Fancy Things; 7.  Where I am you Are; 8.  Broken Bird Remix

Publicist:  None

Review:   Kim DiVine is a fiery ball of energy masquerading as a singer-songwriter.  Her songs reflect her beliefs, and are uplifting, thoughtful and introspective.  She keeps her music simple so that the message does not get lost in the melody.  That doesn’t mean her songs don’t have depth, because she is not afraid to use layers when necessary.  It just means that she prefers to let her lyrical content be the focus of her songs by using just the right amount of musical background.  Check out the title track of her latest album, which is further proof that DiVine is one of the best singer-songwriters in the indie community today.   Further evidence is in the form of “Broken Bird,” a soulful song about relationships and knowing when it is time to move on.  We also love the upbeat “By Your Side.”  The rest of the album is just as good, so we’re putting this one on repeat.

Recommendation:  If you like music that inspires you, then This Time Around is one of the best.  Run, don’t walk to your nearest outlet and Get this one now!  If you’re in Los Angeles, she’s having a CD Release show at The Hotel Cafe on August 30.

Artist Name:  The Band of Heathens

Album Name:  Duende

Label:  BOH Records

Genre:  Alt-Country/Roots Rock

Track Listing:  1.  All I’m Asking; 2.  Sugar Queen; 3.  Last Minute Man; 4.  Deep is Love; 5.  Keys to the Kingdom; 6.  Trouble Came Early; 7.  Daddy Longlegs; 8.  Cracking the Code; 9.  Road Dust Wheels; 10.  Green Grass of California; Bonus Track 1.  Out on Each Other; Bonus Track 2.  DC9; Bonus Track 3.  Carry Your Love; Bonus Track 4.  Bessie Smith

Publicist:  Missing Piece Group

Review:  We had heard of this group peripherally, but it wasn’t until we saw them at the River City Roots Festival that we knew we had to review their album.  We secured it on vinyl, which has the same 10 songs that are on the CD, plus four additional tracks.  The release of Duende marks the 10th anniversary of the band, and their fifth studio album.  The word “duende” is defined as a quality of inspiration and passion, and definitely sums up this band, both in their recorded music and their live performance.  They combine elements of Americana, bluegrass, country and rock to create an impressive sound, with well-crafted lyrics that keep the listener engaged.  Their sound is worthy of serious radio air play, as well as placement in television and film.  In other words, this band has it all, and we listeners are the beneficiary of that greatness.  Take our advice, put this one on repeat and dance, dance, dance!

Recommendation:  You must Get this one.  We recommend you go with the vinyl edition so you get 40% more of The Band of Heathens’ greatness.