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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 26

And so begins the final week of September 2019, the start of the fall season on television.  Things are finally beginning to settle down here in Oklahoma City, and we are starting to get onto a regular routine that will enable us to post more articles and get back to doing what we absolutely adore – shining the light on indie music.  We thank you for your patience these past few months, and look forward to being an influencer in terms of the indie music scene.

LIFE.CHURCH RELEASES LIVE ALBUM

One of the changes in my life has been finding a new church to call home, and I have found that with Life.Church.  The church is based in Edmond, Oklahoma, but through a series of satellite churches, has a presence in ten different states.  I attend the campus in Midwest City.  Last Friday they released their latest CD of original worship music which was recorded this past June, and also released a video of the concert during which the album was recorded.  We are featuring the title track below.  These songs will fill you with hope and encouragement, and are contemporary enough that you will want to listen to them throughout the day.  Congrats to Life.Church on the release of God so Good, available digitally on most platforms.

DONS OF DISCO DOCUMENTARY SEEKS FINANCING

One of our favorite documentaries at the recent Big Sky Documentary Film Festival was Dons of Disco, which we also got the chance to see on the big screen in Los Angeles in May.  In order to get the film into theaters and streaming platforms, the people behind the film have launched a Kickstarter campaign.  Check it out and help if you can.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from the trash punk sound of The Hussy, who are “Sorry.”  We love the energy of this one and think you will too.

https://soundcloud.com/dirtnap-records/05-sorry

Next up is “Sweet Nothing” from Blinker the Star.  We love the chill sound of this song, and look forward to hearing more from this intriguing artist.

Our third single comes from Frames, an artist from Richmond, Virginia, with her latest single “House Show.”  We think this young lady has great potential, and can’t wait to check out her new album which was just released last Friday.

Next up is “Retrospective Outlook,” the latest from up and coming 17-year old alt-rocker Chris Mardini.  We think this artist has found a groove that belongs on the radio and has a lot to offer.  Check it out.

Our final single this week is from LA Music Critic Award-winning artist Kensington Moore, who is making us into an “Addict” to her music.  Just one listen and we think you’ll agree.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is especially appropriate as we soon enter into Halloween season.  Check out the creepy video for “Rising,” the latest from Weekender.

Next up is a sweet acoustic video of New Dialogue performing their latest hit, “Neon Ocean.”  If they sound this good acoustically, imagine how great they sound with full instrumentation.  Love those harmonies.  The band will be opening for the next Blue October tour, so catch them on tour.

Our third video comes from My Golden Calf, and is a soothing folky tune called “Rodent Roommate.”  Chill out to this one.

Our next video has a distinctive 80s feel similar to Flock of Seagulls and Human League that should entice you to want to hear more from Boy Harsher.  Here’s “Send me a Vision.”

We close out this week with a special video from an unlikely duo – multiple LA Music Critic Award winner Marina V and Dan Navarro, best known as one-half of the duo Lowen & Navarro.  They combine on a spectacular version of Pat Benatar‘s megahit, “We Belong” (which was  co-penned by Navarro).

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 20

It’s been a crazy week.  We saw Dons of Disco again on Monday night, and it was even better than it was when we saw it in February at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.  Tuesday and Wednesday we spent as a PA on set with Nina Storey on a video shoot for a proposed pilot, before heading out to Highland Park Bowl for Americana Nights with Nicki O’Neil, Manda Mosher and Emily Zuzik.  Thursday was rehearsal for my Fringe solo show, and a chance to review the Fringe show Human Fountains.  Friday we reviewed up and coming artist Casey Ahern at the Mint before spending the weekend in San Diego with family.  Watch for reviews of the music events this week.

NEW SINGLES

We kick things off this week with some EDM that will make you want to get up and dance the night away.  Clinton Tarantino has given us a glorious dance beat and we are sure you’ll be screaming, “Don’t Stop”all night long.

Next up is the powerful sound of Titus Calderbank, who reminds us of a cross between Adam Levine and Ryan Tedder.  We love this powerful song and think it could be a huge radio hit.  Check out “Mistakes.”

https://soundcloud.com/titus-calderbank/mistakes

Our third single is a slow R&B jam that will heat up your senses with the sweet vocals and bad-ass rhythm of Chanel Lóran on her single “Pretend.”  This one is smoking hot.

Our next single is the latest from punk-infused rock act The Band Gooch.  This one has great potential for a radio hit and we love the rocking sound of “Stuck with You.”

Our final single this week comes from rock goddess Hanna Barakat ahead of her upcoming album being produced by Disturbed’s John Moyer.  it is an intense journey that describes love as “Damage Done.”  Please let us know what you think about this one.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from LA Music Critic Award winner Diana Rein, and she shows why she is the “Queen of My Castle.”  Her version of the blues will lift your spirits and we simply love every note.  Can’t wait for her completed album.  We really love her new look.

Next up is the latest from folk/Americana singer-songwriter Franc Cinelli.  The cinematography is amazing, as are the words and vocals of “Horses.”  This one has great potential.

Our third video has all the charm of Jimmy Buffet with a little taste of Bob Marley and is beautifully shot at the beach.  Check  out “Lawnchair” by Shawn Perry.  Let’s party.

Our fourth video is much more serious and talks about the status of our world today.  We love the simplicity of the video, which allows the words and vocal delivery to drive their message home.  Check out “Dangerous People” from Pete Gardiner.

Our final video this week is from hard-rock band Take the Day, who is looking for someone to “Save me Now.”  This one will get you week off to a rocking start.

 

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Big Sky Documentary Film Festival indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 7

Happy President’s Day!  It was a very busy weekend with the opening of the 16th Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.   We volunteered four box office shifts at the Wilma and MCT, attended the parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and still managed to squeeze in a block of four documentary shorts and two features.  One of the shorts, After the Fire, won last year’s Pitch Day competition, and we can’t wait to see what gets pitched this year on Thursday.

At Friday night’s party at the Elks Lodge, we met director James Martin and his wife Jen West, as well as cinematographer Bud Simpson and Eva.  They were involved in the short film Being with Elephants which screened Saturday afternoon and will screen again on Thursday at 4 p.m. at MCT.  They were amazing company and we managed to run into each other several times over the weekend.  We only wish we could see their film, but our schedule doesn’t permit that,

At Saturday night’s party at the Missoula Art Museum, we met Jonathan Sutak, the director of Dons of Disco.  Before the Mili Vanilli lip-syncing scandal, there was Den Harrow, an Italo Disco artist who sold 20 million records without singing a word.  This brilliant movie told the story of the plan by American singer-songwriter Tom Hooker and Italian producer Miki Chieregato to have a male model become the face of their music.  It was a compelling story about the music industry and left us wanting to know even more about this fascinating tale, and  the dispute that developed between Hooker and Harrow.  We highly recommend this film.

Last night we attended Industrial Accident:  The Story of Wax Trax! Records.  This was the story of a small record store in Chicago that accidentally created a whole new genre of music and launched the careers of acts such as Ministry, Front 242, REVCO, My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult and inspired others like Nine Inch Nails.  It was a remarkable story directed by Julia Nash, the daughter of Jim Nash, who together with his partner Dannie Flesher, created this alternate reality for people whose musical tastes were far from the mainstream.  We also highly recommend this film.

Today we are volunteering at the box office at the Elks Lodge before heading off to work, followed by tonight’s party at the Dana Gallery.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single comes from our dear PR friend, Doug Deutsch Publicity Services.  It is the latest from LA Music Critic Award winner for best EDM/Dance artist/band TNEO, and we really dig the groove of “Circles Around You.”  This one will definitely get you up and dancing on this Monday morning.

Next up is the latest from the amazing Alyssa Jacey.  She has recently married the love of her life, Jutt Huffman, and the resulting new music is full of hope and love.  Check out “Our Love” and share  it with those you care for.

Our third single comes from the band Crystal Tides, and is an upbeat alt pop song called “Backbiting.”  We love their groove and think this song has some serious legs.  Check it out.

Next up is the latest from Grammy-winning artist Aqualung.  “Complicated” is the second single from his new album Additional Futures.  We think it’s one of his best ever and can’ wait to review the entire album soon.

Our final single this week is a rare treat.  This one is a country tune from William Shatner (yes, Captain Kirk) and Jeff Cook of the incredible country band Alabama, which also features country legend Neal McCoy and acapella group Home Free).  We are shocked at how good it is.  Here’s “Why Not Me.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video has the incredible guitarist/vocalist Jess McAvoy serenading the streets and subways of New York City with her truly inspirational song, “Do What you Want.”  We love it.

Next up is the latest from The Stoneface, an amazing band out of Belarus.  We love the rocking sound of “That Summer” and think you will too.

Video number three comes from Swedish alt pop artist Augustine.  We love the sound of his latest, “Luzon,” and think he has a great career ahead.  His sound is perfect for American radio, and the cinematography in the video is outstanding.  Check it out and see.

Our next video is from New Orleans-based Berlin Taxi and has a definite 80s new wave vibe.  We love “Last Night” and think you will too.

Our final music video today is “Shacked up Sweetie,” a rousing country tune from Canadian Francine Honey.  This one will get your boots on the dance floor.  Enjoy!