Tag: Constanza Herrero

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 18)

Like you, we can’t wait for 2020 to be in our rearview mirror.  Thankfully, change is coming in 2021.  Our lead blogger finally pulled the plug and filed for Social Security.  That means his 50+ hour work weeks will be reduced to 30, and he will have three days off each week to get back to doing what he loves best – writing about indie music.  Watch for additional news in the coming weeks.

As we start Christmas week, we couldn’t think of a better time to dedicate our column to some great new Christmas singles and videos.  Let’s enjoy the holiday season and get 2021 off to a great start.

NEW SINGLES

First up is a new tune from a familiar voice who we have not heard from in quite a while.  Please enjoy “Christmas with my Baby” from  the mega-talented Lucy Schwartz.

Christmas With My Baby · Lucy Schwartz (spotify.com)

Next up is a future Americana Christmas classic from Eric Brace and the Last Train Home.  This one will truly pull at your heart strings.  Check out “By the Lights on the Tree.”

By the Lights on the Tree · Eric Brace & Last Train Home (spotify.com)

Our third single comes from LA’s own iconic BINX, who reminds us that Christmas isn’t just a day in December with her instant classic “Christmas in Summer.”

Christmas In Summer · BINX (spotify.com)

Check out the powerful and soulful voice of Cameron DuBois on her amazing song, “Merry Christmas, Wherever you Are.”  This one will definitely put you in the mood and fill your heart with the holiday spirit.

Merry Christmas, Wherever You Are · Cameron DuBois, Bama Sound (spotify.com)

Our final song comes from Johnny & the Mongrels with their bluesy rendition of “Christmas Angels.”  We like their sound.

Christmas Angels · Johnny & the Mongrels (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We start off our Christmas videos with the sound of Oklahoma’s own The Imaginaries.  Their video for “Hometown Christmas” was filmed in Chickasha, Oklahoma, where the husband and wife duo also served as Grand Marshals of the annual Christmas Parade.  Let’s get this party started the right way.

Although we don’t typically share videos by major artists, we are making an exception in the case of Meghan Trainor‘s new video “I Believe in Santa.”  In case you don’t know, Meghan is a product of the amazing Durango Songwriters Expo, where indie artists get to connect with industry professionals.  In addition, Santa is played by none other than David Haverty of Hollywood Fringe Festival fame.  Enjoy this little slice of heaven.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one amazing cover of a Christmas carol, and this year our vote goes to Constanza Herrero‘s “Silent Night.”  May the peace of this song fill your heart.

Speaking of great covers, who doesn’t love Eartha Kitt‘s classic song, “Santa Baby.”  American Blonde, formerly Southern Halo, bring a sweet downhome feel to this classic tune, and we can’t wait to see what the sisters have in store for us in 2021.

We close out our special Christmas edition with a brilliant cover of one of our favorite Christmas songs, “Hard Candy Christmas.”  We just found out about this artist, Alexandra Kay, and we expect to hear great things from her in the future.  Enjoy this one and we’ll see you again soon.

SPECIAL GIFT:  Here’s the original song from the movie version of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas – we can never get tired of this song.  Thanks to Fandango Movie Clips for this awesome memory.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 6

OMG – that was the best Grammys Show we have ever witnessed.  Everything that was lacking in last week’s Super Bowl was present – superstar performances, inspiring speeches and incredible music throughout.  Alicia Keys was the perfect host and her “Songs I Wish I’d Written” segment brought us to tears.  It was also about time that the talents of Women in Entertainment were clearly on display, showing the world what we already know.  We’ve got some news for you today that is the perfect segue to that, as well as five new singles and music videos for your consideration.  Here we go!

INDIE ARTISTS SHINE AT 61ST GRAMMY AWARDS SHOW

Congratulations to indie band Opium Moon on their Grammy win last night for Best New Age Album.  Huge props to amazing violinist Lili Haydn and her equally amazing band for this honor.

Congratulations also to two artists we had the privilege of reviewing here on our blog.  Composer and music educator John Daversa took home three Grammys for his amazing jazz album American Dreamers that featured DACA kids and spotlighted their cause.  Blues legend Buddy Guy won for Best Traditional Blues Album for The Blues is Alive and Well.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE TO HONOR WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT

The Third Annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase is set for Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at The Mint LA.  This year’s Showcase will honor the role of Women in Entertainment, and will feature a stellar line-up that includes Fanny Walked the Earth (the first all-girl group to release an album on a major label); multiple-award winning rock band The Spider Accomplice, led by VK Lynne; Rebelle Road artist The HawtThorns, led by label co-founder KP Hawthorn (former member of award-winning group CALICO the Band); blues phenom Brigitte Rios Purdy; Americana sweetheart Amilia K. Spicer; and two of our International winners, blues band Reloaded Norway and Latin singer Constanza Herrero.  We expect to announce a couple more artists in the coming weeks.  Tickets are now on sale for just $10 in advance or $13 day of show, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  We hope to see you there.

BIG SKY DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL SET FOR FEBRUARY 15-24, WITH OPENING NIGHT FILM AT THE WILMA

This year the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival will celebrate its 16th opening night on Saturday, February 16 with a free screening of a film that celebrates winter culture and the pioneer who helped bring it to the big screen.

Directed by Patrick Creadon, SKI BUM: THE WARREN MILLER STORY chronicles the life and times of the legendary filmmaker who, through his annual ski films and national tours which began in the early 1950’s, was a driving force in the development and promotion of the ski industry in America and throughout the world.

The screening will begin at 6:00 p.m. at The Wilma (131 S. Higgins) with a Q&A with filmmakers and cast following the screening.  We advise you to show up early to make sure you get a seat.  This year’s free opening night is made possible by Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Australian folk singer Short Shadows.  We love his vibe and the sentiments contained in “Nothing Good Comes from Preston.”  Check out those horns.

Our second single is a sweet pop song from David Alexander called “Falling.”  We love the strings and the heavenly vocals and think you’ll want to hear more from this young man.

https://soundcloud.com/david-alexander-300103527/falling/s-CJZ6d

Next up is the rocking sound of Signs & Symbols, who share their latest single “Coffee for Friends.”  This one will get your week off to a rocking start.

Our fourth single is from pop artist Kat Holland.  We really think she’s “The One,” and think you will want to add this artist to your favorites.

Our final single this week comes from UK band Woman’s Hour and is very powerful both sonically and lyrically.  Check out “Luke.”  We think you’ll be searching for more of their material.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from Los Angeles street performer Katie Ferrera.  It is a powerful and beautifully shot video that shows what it’s like to busk, as well as the raw talent of this amazing artist.  Here’s “Weightless.”

Next up is “People Get Ready,” the gritty tune from another UK artist, Emma Bosworth.  The song talks about mental health issues and presents them in terms we can all understand.  Please give this artist your attention.

Our third video is a blues smoker from The Spear Shakers, who we introduced to you last month in our Ten Amazing Videos from December article.  Here is their latest, “I Went Down Easy.”

Next up is an amazing live performance of the power ballad “There has to be More” from Eliza Spear.  The song talks about transitioning to Los Angeles from North Carolina, and offers hope that there is more than just what you can see.  We think you should take her advice to heart.

Our final video this week will definitely give you something to think about, as it is all about global warming and resultant changes.  Check out this powerful and thought-provoking video from KLOGR for their song “Somethings in the Air.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – Zach Callison, Constanza Herrero, Benjamin Jason Douglas, Robbie Fulks and Linda Gail Lewis, My Brothers and I

We made it to Friday again.  Unfortunately, there are only two weeks left of summer, so get out there and enjoy.  These five artists should give you some listening enjoyment, so let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Zach Callison

Album Name:  A Picture Perfect Hollywood Heartbreak

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Phantom Love; 2.  Interlude I – Franticity; 3.  She Don’t Know; 4.  Interlude II – Christie Only Knows; 5.  Nightmare; 6.  Interlude III – Second Thoughts; 7.  Curtain Call; 8.  Interlude IV – Showtime (ft Grace Rolek); 9.  War!

Publicist:  Magic Tree Productions

Review:  Zach Callison is best known as an actor on The Cartoon Network (the voice of Steven Universe), and Disney XD (the voice of Prince James on Sofia the First), as well as numerous guests appearances including the role of Brian on The Goldbergs, but he is a fine musician in his own right.  On his debut EP, he combines the best of both worlds with a stirring and theatrical concept album that would also make a great Broadway show.  Callison has set the bar high for his next album with this stellar debut album.  We have no doubt that he will be able to meet or exceed that standard, as his vocal abilities are truly outstanding.  Too few artists can pull off a concept album like this, and we are thankful for the chance to catch an artist on the rise.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Constanza Herrero

Album Name:  Constanza Herrero

Label:  A&R Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1,  Packing Up; 2.  Silent War; 3.  Caged; 4.  Young Tree; 5.  High Heels; 6.  Me Voy (Packing Up)

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  We featured the video for “Packing Up” recently, and fell in love with the Latin sound of Constanza Herrero.  This lady has a very bright future on the radio, and we believe she could become a superstar.  She has the look and sound to make it big, and her music would make great placements for television and film.  There is not a weak song on the EP, and we think this one belongs on repeat.  We really love “Packing Up” as well as the ballad “Caged,” but all of the tracks are simply great music.  She closes the EP with a Spanish version of “Packing Up,” giving her the chance to cross-over to Latin stations.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Benjamin Jason Douglas

Album Name:  First World Blues

Label:  Flour Sack Cape Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1,  Tentpole; 2.  Beat Black and Blue Collar Blues; 3.  Walking Down the Grain; 4.  Raggedy Andy Williams; 5.  Doc Red Blues; 6.  Digging a Stigmata; 7.  Funny Feeling; 8.  Tchoupitoulas; 9.  Street Preacher; 10.  Gloria

Publicist:  Broken Jukebox Media

Review:  With his gravelly voice, Americana is the perfect choice for the musical style of Benjamin Jason Douglas.  The album has been a work in progress for the past three years, and the results were worth the wait.  He is already getting critical praise for his first single, “Raggedy Andy Williams,” and we think that the praise will continue for the entire album.  His songs are reminiscent of Randy Newman, capturing the wit and humor in his lyrics.  He even gives us a gospel sound for “Tentpole.”  With his various different musical styles, we think this album accurately portrays the state of Americana music today.

Recommendation:  If you are a fan of Americana music, then this album should be at the top of your “Must Have” list.

Artist Name:  Robbie Fulks and Linda Gail Lewis

Album Name:  Wild! Wild! Wild!

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Round too Long; 2.  I Just Lived a Country Song; 3.  That’s why They Call it Temptation; 4.  Wild Wild Wild; 5.  Who Cares; 6.  Till Death; 7.  Memphis Never Falls From Style; 8.  Boogie Woogie Country Gal; 9.  Foolmaker; 10.  Your Red Wagon; 11.  On the Jericho Road; 12.  It Came From the South; 13.  Hardluck, Mississippi

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Robbie Fulks is a Grammy nominated singer-songwriter while Linda Gail Lewis is the younger sister of Jerry Lee Lewis.  Together they recreate the amazing rockabilly sound made famous by her older brother, and sound great in the process.  It is no wonder that Lewis has been making music for more than 50 years, but the surprise that this is only her third album.  (The other two were a duet album with her brother and You Win Again with Van Morrison.)  Fulks, on the other hand, has recorded 13 solo albums since 1996, receiving two Grammy nominations for Folk Album and American Roots Song (“Alabama at Night”).  This amazing collaboration should earn him another nomination, as every song is simply perfect classic country.

Recommendation:  This one is a must have for every lover of classic country and early rockabilly music.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  My Brothers and I

Album Name:  Heartbeat

Label:  Expunged Records

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  When You’re Ready; 2.  Temporary Love; 3.  Didn’t see it Coming; 4.  Just Getting to Know You; 5.  My Heart; 6.  Always be Loving You

Publicist:  Impulse Artists

Review:  Back in March 2016, we had the privilege to review this band at the final stop of their tour in Spokane, Washington.  Their released their debut album Don’t Sleep Alone back in 2015, so we’ve been patiently waiting for their new one.  Trust us – it was time well spent.  Their arrangements are tighter, the songs are extremely well written, and definitely sound better than most of what’s on today’s Top 40 radio stations.  This EP could be the breakout the band has been waiting for, starting with the lead track, “When You’re Back.”  Other impressive tracks include “Didn’t See it Coming,” the bittersweet “Just Getting to Know You,” and “My Heart.”

Recommendation:  You simply must Get this one today!

 

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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.