Tag: Elin K

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten great singles released in January 2019

Greetings from the frigid northwest.  We’ve been inundated with snow and the bitter polar cold, but at least the music is hot and warms us to the core.  Let’s close out the month of January with our final 10 favorite singles out of the more than 200 we received this month.  We’ll bring our final 10 favorite videos later today.

Our first single is “Belleville Blues,” from the new album by Murray A. Lightburn which drops later this month.  It is a smooth, jazzy, soulful song that provides an easy listening start to this month’s list.

Our second single comes from American artist Jesse Hite, who is currently living in France as a singer-songwriter and producer.  We love the upbeat feel of this pop song, and think you will too.  Check out “When it All Comes Down.”

Our third single is a bluesy number called “Shakedown Blues,” and comes to us from LA-based blues rocker Kail Baxley.  We love his groove, which reminds us of the late great B.B. King.  Let us know what you think.

Single number four brings us “Offshoot” by a group of five lads from Costa Mesa, California who have incredible indie rock skills but are virtually unknown.  Let’s give some love to Spendtime Palace.

We head over to Portland, Oregon for our fifth single, which is the debut from experimental jazz artist Bryson Cone.  He mixes jazz, shoegaze and experimental sounds to form the amazingly cool track, “Destination Nightmare.”  We think you’ll like it, especially that amazing sax.

https://soundcloud.com/bryson-cone/destination-nightmare-1?mc_cid=e2baa83871&mc_eid=cd517367a3

We kick off our second five singles with this amazing indie pop/rock tune from LA-based Isla June.  We love the vibe, the vocal harmonies and the overall feel of “Knew you When” and think this tune has serious legs with potential for both radio airplay and consideration for placement in film and television.

https://soundcloud.com/islajune/knew-you-when/

We think everyone can relate to the subject of Don Brownrigg‘s latest single, “Bad Timing.”  We think he has nailed it with this radio friendly pop tune.

Sweden’s Elin K has descended on Los Angeles and offers us the stirringly beautiful track “Malibu,” paying homage to her new favorite beach.  This one will warm your heart.

Our ninth single is an upbeat dance tune called “Shoulder to Shoulder.” It debuted on Martin Luther King Day and is a call to action.   We would be proud to party with Wolves and share the message of this song.  Get on the dance floor.

Our final single this month is from Coco Bans, and we think it is the perfect way to sign off this month.  Check out the amazing vocals and sound of “Fighting Feathers.”

https://soundcloud.com/mynameiscocobans/fighting-feathers-2/s-4fZeE

 

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

Get it or forget it – Grand Marquis, Bob Crain, David Gerald, Elin K, Worth of Souls

Happy Yellow Shirt Tuesday.  Today we wear yellow to bring awareness to Suicide Prevention, and one of our reviews today is dedicated to healing the soul.  Check it out, along with four others and have a wonderful week.

Artist Name:  Grand Marquis

Album Name:  Brighter Days

Label:  Grand Marquis Music

Genre:  Jazz/Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Another Lover; 2.  Brighter Days; 3.  I’m on Fire; 4.  Night Shift; 5.  It Don’t Matter; 6.  Ain’t no Spark; 7.  Bad Seed; 8.  Many Rivers to Cross; 9.  Down by the Riverside

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  This amazing six-piece band was formed in Kansas City in 1998, and over the last 20 years, they have released a total of eight albums, including their latest Brighter Days.  Their music exemplifies the best of jazz, swing and blues with a timeless sound that could have been lifted straight from a 1920’s speakeasy.  The first seven tracks are originals, while “Many Rivers to Cross” is a stirring cover of the Jimmy Cliff 1969 classic, and “Down by the Riverside” is a gospel standard.  Bryan Richmond’s lead vocals are meaty and perfectly suited to the music.  What really sets this band apart are those amazing horns, featuring Chad Boydston on trumpet, Ben Ruth on sousaphone, Trevor Turla on trombone and Redmond on soprano, alto, tenor and baritone sax, as well as the equally amazing rhythm section of Ruth on upright bass and Fritz Hutchinson on drums.  That becomes immediately evident on “Another Lover,” and continues throughout the album.  The blues, with amazing slide guitar, come to the front on the title cut, and will have you jumping up, shouting “I Believe!”  Just put this album on repeat and enjoy!

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – Get it NOW!

Artist Name:  Bob Crain

Album Name:  Live @ The Folk Barn

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Pacific Nature; 2.  Fossil Fuels; 3.  Last of the Old Folk Rockers; 4.  Profits in War; 5.  Texas Text Book Massacre; 6.  Retirement Homes for Nuclear Weapons; 7.  Hippie Ghost Dance; 8.  Thanks for Having Me; 9.  The Gold Rush of 2000; 10.  Closing; 11.  The Meaning of This Song

Publicist:  Be Sharp Music

Review:  Melbourne-based folk rock singer-songwriter Bob Crain brings us the sound of his live California performance on this release.  He is a natural storyteller, and his songs bring us the Australian equivalent of Woody Guthrie.  He tackles a multitude of relevant issues, including the environment, fossil fuels, war and peace, nuclear weapons and more in these modern day folk songs.  His tone is instructional and his style is laid-back, making it easier to take his messages to heart.

Recommendation:  If causes are your passion, then you should definitely check out this one.

Artist Name:  David Gerald

Album Name:  N2U

Label:  David Gerald Enterprises

Genre:  Blues Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Baddest Girl in Town; 2.  Do it all Again; 3.  Don’t Wanna Fall in Love; 4.  Hug You Squeeze You (live); 5.  N2U; 6.  Need You Like Now; 7.  State of Emergency; 8.  Things I Wanna Do; 9.  Willie the Wimp (live); 10.  You Belong with Me

Publicist:  Powderfinger Promotions

Review:  His vocals are soulful, reminiscent of Murray Head, who portrayed Judas in the original Broadway cast of Jesus Christ Superstar.  His guitar playing is equally impressive, as is the fact that he personally played every instrument on this album, as well as doing the mixing and recording.  His efforts have paid off handsomely with this sterling album of original tunes, mixing blues, rock and soul into a perfect blend.  This album is worthy of industry attention, and would make a great soundtrack for a multitude of television, film and commercial placement.  There is not a weak song on the album, and it is worthy of repeated plays.  Check out the guitar shredding on “Don’t Wanna Fall in Love,”  as well as the live tunes “Hug You Squeeze You” and “Willie the Wimp.”

Recommendation:  Get this one now!

Artist Name:  Elin K

Album Name:  Still Your Desire

Label:  Musichelp

Genre:  Electronic Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Living Me; 2.  Inside my Mind; 3.  Still Your Desire

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We simply love these sweeping pop songs.  Elin K has a voice similar to Lady Gaga meets Enya, and her musical accompaniment fills up the air, perfectly supporting that voice.  These songs are ripe for dance remixes, and would make great placements for film or television.  We believe we will be  hearing a lot more from this amazing artist in the future, and are more than happy to be standard bearers for her talent.  We can’t wait to hear what comes next, because this short 3-song EP barely whet our appetite.

Recommendation:  Join this bandwagon.  Get it now and spread the word.

Artist Name:  Various

Album Name:  Worth of Souls

Label:  Stone Angel Music

Genre:  Contemporary Christian

Track Listing:  1.  Come as you Are (Kenz Hall); 2.  Oceans (Jordan Moyes and Ashley Hess); 3.  Lift me Out (Ellee Duke); 4.  That Mountain (Charley Jenkins); 5.  How can it Be? (Sierra Lauren); 6.  O Glorious Day (Jordan Moyes); 7.  The Homecoming (Jim Daneker); 8.  Tears of the Saints (Trevor Price); 9.  Lay it Down (Ashley Hess); 10.  Redeemed (Justin Williams); 11.  Push and Pull (Emily Bea); 12.  He Knows What He’s Doing (Charley Jenkins); 13.  Worth of Souls (Ashley Hess)

Publicist:  Morris Public Relations

Review:  World-renowned pianist, composer and producer Paul Cardall has amassed 13 Contemporary Christian songs performed by some of today’s fresh new voices into a project with the aim to fight depression by restoring confidence and anchoring our hope in a kind and loving Lord.  Working with co-producer Trevor Price (who also sings “Tears of the Saints”), the album is released on Cardall’s label, Stone Angel Music.  Among the artists performing on this album are American Idol participant Kenz Hall, Jordan Moyes, Ashley Hess, Ellee Duke, Charley Jenkins, Sierra Lauren, Jim Daneker, Justin Williams and Emily Bea.  This album is a must-have for everyone who struggles with depression, or sometimes feels lonely or lost.  We believe healing lies in these 13 songs, and they are great for worship as well.  We especially loved “Lift me Out,” “That Mountain,” “How Can it Be?,” “The Homecoming,” “Tears of the Saints,” “Lay it Down,” “Push and Pull,” “He Knows What He’s Doing,” and the title track.

Recommendation:  We strongly recommend you GET this one ASAP and put it on repeat when those feelings of depression or loneliness come.

 

Categories
LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2018 – vol. 2

It’s Martin Luther King, Jr. day – hope you remembered and thought about the amazing legacy he left behind and the example he was for all humanity, especially in this day and time.  We have a lot of news for you today, as well as three new singles and music videos.  Don’t forget that the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards will be announced on Wednesday, January 17, with the winners announced on Friday, February 2.  We can’t wait to share them with you.

INDIE MUSIC AT WINTER NAMM

The NAMM Show for musicians is the equivalent of Saint Patrick’s Day for the Irish.  It is an annual event held in January every year at the Anaheim Convention Center which brings together all types of music manufacturers, buyers and musicians to show off the latest innovations and to share music.  It is not open to the public, although some special events are, like the nightly musical showcases in the hotel lobbies of the Marriott and the Hilton, as well as on the outdoor stages outside the Convention Center.  Kudos to Tim Moyer, who coordinates these artists every year.  Here is a list of indie musicians who will be performing on the Marriott’s two stages during this year’s Winter NAMM, which will be during Grammy weekend, January 25-28, 2018:

Wednesday, January 24
5-5:40 – Paula Boggs Band
6-6:40 – Will Champlin
7-7:40 – Nu-Blu
8-8:40 – Stephanie Brown and the Surrealistics
9-9:40 – Minor Strut
10-10:40 – Static and Surrender
11-11:40 – Lunar Hand

Thursday, January 25
11-11:40 – Jamie Stillway
12-12:40 – Aidan James
1-1:40 – Dauzat St. Marie
2-2:40 – Ben Allen
3-3:40 – MASUMI Trio
4-5:40 – Tim Moyer Songwriters Round (Steven McClintock, Tessa Delee)
6-6:40 – The Get Down Boys
7-7:40 – Incendio
8-8:40 – Wish and the Well
9-9:40 – Parlor Social
10-10:40 – Paul Childers
11-11:40 – Shaye & Black Hat
12-12:40 – Gene Evaro, Jr.

Friday, January 26
11-11:40 – Heather Nation
12-12:40 – Trevor Gordon Hall
1-1:40 – Tiffany Christopher
2-2:40 – Grayson Erhard
3-3:40 – Lloyd Spiegel
4-5:40 – Tim Moyer Songwriters Round (Kiki Ebsen, Makayla Phillips, Randi Driscoll)
6-6:40 – Stephanie Johnson Band
7-7:40 – Wimberly Bluegrass Band
8-8:40 – Printz
9-9:40 – NAMM VIP SURPRISE PERFORMANCE
10-10:40 – Bernie Williams and Gil Paris
11-11:40 – Chase Walker
12-12:40 – The Fenians

Saturday, January 27
11-11:40 – Emily Faith
12-12:40 – Jon Mullane
1-1:40 – Jessica Malone
2-2:40 – Chi McLean
3-3:40 – Wilifax
4:5:40 – Tim Moyer Songwriters Round (Sister Speak, Josh Logan, Olivia Henken)
6-6:40 – Venice
7-7:40 – Aaron Rizzo
8-8:40 – Larry Mitchell
9-9:40 – Sara Rogo
10-10:40 – The Crooked Stones
11-11:40 – Komox
12-12:40 – Elvis Monroe

SENNHEISER ANNOUNCES NAMM PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Kudos also to Jay Tinsky, who has booked a great line-up of performers on the Sennheiser Microphone stage (Booth 6577) inside the Convention Center.  Unfortunately, these performances are open to badgeholders only.

Thursday, January 25
11:30 – Randell Kirsch and Luann Olson
12:30 – Ronee Martin
1:30 – Michael Mell
2:30 – Talbot Brothers
3:30 – Rie Sinclair

Friday, January 26
11:30 – Jaq MacKenzie
12:30 – Astral Queen (ft. Nina Storey and Mark McKee)
1:30 – Ari and the Alibis
2:30 – Marcus Eaton
3:30 – Julia Othmer
4:30 – Nu Blue

Saturday, January 27
11:30 – Dixie Jade
12:30 – Luci
1:30 – Lola Lennox
2:30 – Debby Holiday
3:30 – Charlie Bereal
4:30 – J. Malik

Sunday, January 28
11:30 – em rossi
12:30 – The Talbots
1:30 – George Krikes ft. Pretty Polly
2:30 – Ari and the Alibis
3:30 – Marina V

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today, “Interfear,” comes to us from Australian band Foemen.  This one should get your senses pumping and your heart racing.  Let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/the-a-3/foemen-interfear

Next up is the “Times Flying,” from Elin K, a majestic ballad that will take your ears and mind on an excellent auditory journey.  Check it out.

https://soundcloud.com/elin_k/times-flying/s-ACaTJ

Our final single today, “Winter” by Luke Buck, is another ballad that will take you on a journey that will appeal to all of your senses.  We think this one has legs.

https://soundcloud.com/lukebuckmusic/winter

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Check out this amazing lyric video from Foreign Figures for their single, Heart of Gold.  We think this one is a sure-fire hit.

Next up is “When we Were Young,” an amazing video from The Rigs and featuring DeAnte Tyree Duckett.  This might become our new favorite song, and it’s perfect for this particular holiday.  Enjoy!

Our final video today is some K-Pop from Down Under,  Stalking Like Candy‘s “Can You See the Light.”  We are overjoyed and amazed at the visual stimulation and the fun, upbeat vibe of this band and their song.  Let us know how they affect you.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 32

Welcome to another week of indie music.  As we mentioned on Saturday, we attended the River City Roots Festival in Missoula.  Saturday’s line-up was impressive, and featured the guilty pleasure of The Whizpops, followed by the soulful roots of songwriter Malcolm Holcombe, the impressive showmanship of The Ghost of Paul Revere, the roots rock tunes of The Band of Heathens and the awesomeness of one of blues finest guitarists, Anders Osborne, as headliner.  We also got to see more blues with Mudslide Charley at the Top Hat following the close of the Festival.  Watch for the reviews coming soon.

INDIE MUSIC NEWS

Lots of great music coming down the pike from indie artists, including Jerad Finck, the winner of the 2016 grand prize in the USA Songwriting Competition, who will be heading out for a west coast tour next month.  He is planning to visit Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Montana before closing out the tour in his native Spokane.  Watch his official Facebook page for more tour info.  Other artists touring in those areas include several from the Roots Fest: The Ghost of Paul Revere, The Band of Heathens and Anders Osborne, who will also be playing with Bonnie Raitt.

MUSIC TASTES GOOD TO DONATE ADDITIONAL PROCEEDS TO AMFAM

Earshot Media has announced that 100% of the proceeds from tickets sold on August 31 will be donated the Oxfam America, a charity that seeks to end poverty.  You can purchase your tickets here.

Music Tastes Good passes start at $75 per day, passes for the new “Taste Tent” experience start at $150, and VIP passes start at $225. The event, to be headlined by Ween and Sleater-Kinney, with appearances by RIDE, Charles Bradley and his Extraordinares, ALVVAYS, Bomba Estereo, Los Lobos, of Montreal and many more, is scheduled to take place September 30 and October 1 at Marina Green Park in downtown Long Beach, California.

NEW SINGLES

Some impressive new singles are being released, including these three we want to feature today:

If you like your music rocky, check out the latest single, “Get up and Go” from Love and a .38.  The full song is available on iTunes.  Just click the link to preview and purchase.

Get up and Go

If ballads are more your thing,  you will love the latest single, “Dragonflies,” from Sweden’s Elin K.  She will be performing at the Youbloom Festival in Los Angeles on September 21.

Last but not least, here’s the new single, “Rio,” from surf-punk rockers, Knifey.  It’s got the energy most of us need to kick-start our new week.  We think you’ll love it.

https://soundcloud.com/knifeyband/rio

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We are happy to welcome back Straw to our Monday Mashup with their latest single, “1965.”  This family keeps the blues alive with their impressive sound, well written songs and spectacular videos.  Hurry up and come tour America.

Here’s a very interesting lyric video from Superet for their new single “Who is This Guy.”  We think it’s the perfect song for your Manic Monday.

We have long been fans of the Americana duo honeyhoney.  Recently, Suzanne Santo released her first solo album and single, which we reviewed last week.  We think you will also love the music video for “Ghost in my Bed.”