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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 4)

What a year this week has been.  It is hard to believe that working at an eating establishment is considered an “essential business.”  At Pizza Hut, they just told us yesterday of the changes they are doing during the COVID-19 crisis.  Starting on Wednesday, our staff has been split into two groups.  We will work alternating days from open to close, and will not be allowed to socialize with the other team.  So one week I will be working four days (between 14-15 hours a day) with the following day off, and the following week three days of work and four days off.  In addition, this “inside crew” will be the only ones allowed inside the store, as all the drivers must wait outside in their cars.  When a delivery is ready, we will dispatch them from inside the store.  We had a trial run on Saturday, and it worked quite well.  Not sure how long this will last, but probably at least through the month of April.

In the meantime, it has been refreshing to hear all of the independent musicians participating in the #LIVEATHOME series.  During these times, we need your music more than ever.  Thank you for providing a refreshing escape from the utter chaos.  We truly appreciate you.

If you are planning on doing this on a regular basis, please let us know and we will get the word out.  In the meantime, here are five new singles and music videos that moved us this week.

NEW SINGLES

This week our first single is from an unknown British band named Tungz, who asks the important question, “Can’t we Just be Friends Again?”  Our overwhelming response is “Absolutely!”  We look forward to hearing more from this interesting and fresh new artist.

Next up is the eclectic artist known as Diners.  His sound is a throwback to pop music of past decades but with a fresh approach to is truly unique.  Check out his first single from his upcoming album, “Learning Curve.”  We think you’ll want to hear more.

Our third single comes to us courtesy of Tunnel, a dynamic duo of unbridled talent.  This song truly stands out with an amazing synth sound and lyrics that bring back memories of 80s symphonic bands.  We are loving them and hope you enjoy “Walking the Waves” as much as we do.

Our next single comes from an artist whose voice sounds strangely familiar, and instantly likable.  His name is Joel Plaskett and he shares his latest single “If There’s Another Road.”  We think this one is worthy of the repeat button.

Our final single this week is “Noon Drunk,” a 60’s rocking tune from Ben Wood and The Bad Ideas.  Even though we don’t necessarily agree with the sentiments, we do love the vibe of this song.  Rock on.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We start off this week’s new music videos with a pair from clients of one of our favorite publicity guys, Doug Deutsch Publicity Services.  First up is Deltaphonic, a funky blues band from New Orleans.  Check out their song “Liars,” which is their take on the current state of the music industry.  Regardless of how you feel about the subject matter, this band has a terrific groove and we could listen to them all day.  Can’t wait to hear more.

Continuing in the funky blues vein is Sean Ardoin, with a new video for his Grammy-nominated single “Kick Rocks.”  We are truly jamming to his sound and will definitely be listening to this tune on repeat.

We knew it was only a matter of time and now it’s here.  Check out indie artist Brian Travis‘ tongue-in-cheek take of life in “The Pandemic Song.”  This one is truly food for thought.

Our fourth video is graphic in content but truly hits home with its interpretation of DV and other aspects of life that are “Unfair.”  Check out the dynamic sound of Deleo.

Last but not least this week is the latest from multi-Grammy winning artist Dave Yaden.  His jazz career is taking off and he shows you why in this video for his latest song, “Herbie,” shot live and all in one take.  Fall in love with this master of the black and white keys.

 

 

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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!

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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.