Tag: Elizabeth and the Catapult

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 10)

Sorry for the lateness but scheduling conflicts prevented us from publishing our weekly Monday Mashup column yesterday.  We will be off-grid next week but back again on the 22nd with another edition.

Speaking of our column, if you want to be included, please make sure that you include a public link from either Soundcloud or Spotify with your request.  Also please be aware that we do not preview the singles and videos before their release date, so please do not send follow-up emails before your single/video is released to the public.

With that housekeeping hint, and in honor of International Women’s Day, we present to you this week’s new singles and videos.  We hope you enjoy these tunes and that you take the time to check out the artists.

NEW SINGLES

Los Angeles is home to some of the finest songwriters in the world, and recently, six of them combined to form anall-female collaborative band.  Composed of Tawny Ellis, Pi Jacobs, Heather Anne Lomax, Amilia K. Spicer, Deb Morrison, and Manda Mosher, The Wild West have released their first single, “Better Way,” and we love it.  We can’t wait to see what they come up with next.  After all, “We are the change.”

Better Way · The Wild West (spotify.com)

Next up is a cover of the classic America hit, “Sister Golden Hair” that is a totally fresh vision.  Performed by Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams, the cover is part of an collection of covers by other labelmates in honor of the release of Gerry Beckley‘s long awaited greatest hits album, Keeping the Light On.  Prepare to have your mind blown.

Sister Golden Hair · Chelsea Williams (spotify.com)

It’s been a few weeks since we last heard from LA’s iconic songbird, Kris Angelis, but she’s back with a new single, “I’d Give Anything.”  Definitely add this one to your rotation of daily inspiration.

I’d Give Anything · Kris Angelis (spotify.com)

Our fourth single comes from rising star Casey Ahern with her ballad, “Bradley.”  We really love her thoughtful lyrics and the sweet easy vibe of this song.  We think she’s well on her way to stardom.

Bradley · Casey Ahern (spotify.com)

Last but not least this week is the latest from another Blue Élan artist, Car Astor.  She sings a moving ode to her friend “Sarah,” and we think this one will move you to your core.  Grab a glass of wine and enjoy.

Sarah · Car Astor (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we debuted her new single and this week we are happy to share the accompanying lyric video for “Try, Try, Try” from the iconic indie rock star, Cindy Alexander.  We think this is one of her best songs ever, and we hope you will check her out.  We especially love the hand drawn animation by Anik.

Next up is a chilling video for the latest by Rachel Lorin, a haunting cover of “The Killing Moon” by Echo & The Bunnymen.  The cinematography is stunning, and Lorin’s voice adds a memorable touch.  Don’t watch this one late at night.

Our third video is from another Blue Élan artist, Roan Yellowthorn.  Check out the thrilling video for her radio-worthy single, “Vampire.”

Next is the latest from one of our favorite duos, Aly & AJ.  We love the home video feel of “Pretty Places,” and their harmonies are to die for.  Enjoy this one and put it on repeat.  It really makes us want to hit the road again soon.

Our final video this week features a classic Betty Boop cartoon as background for the lyric video for “Thirsty” by Elizabeth and the Catapult.  Have fun with this one.

 

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 5)

Welcome to a new month and the first Monday Mashup of February!  Indie artists are continuing to be creative during these difficult times, and we think we have another great set of singles and music videos to start your week.  Check these out.

NEW SINGLES

Leave it to the iconic BINX to kick off things right for our new President with her stirring and upbeat new single, “Mr. President.”  This one will definitely get you on the dance floor.  Thanks Binx!

Mr. President · BINX (spotify.com)

Next we turn up the volume with one of LA’s premier new rock bands, Rocket, who reminds us that “Fading Out” is not an option.  Turn this one up and rock out!

Fading Out · ROCKET (spotify.com)

Our third track comes to us from Scandinavia with the psych-pop sound of Hilma Nikolaisen.  She reminds us that we need to be “All In” if we want to see change in our world.  We like her thinking.

All In (into the outset) · Hilma Nikolaisen (spotify.com)

Next up is the folky pop stylings of Emma Webb.  We love her quirky sweet and upbeat sound and think that her new single, “90’s Playlist,” is perfect for NPR and repeated listens.

90s Playlist · Emma Webb (spotify.com)

We close out this week’s new singles with this amazing Latin duet from Sammi Rae & Los Vegas.  This is one of the best songs we have heard in quite a while and we think it will make your body move onto the dance floor.  Turn this one up and celebrate with some “Champagne.”

Champagne – Sammi Rae & Los Vegas by Sammi Rae (soundcloud.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Kicking off the music videos this week is long-time LA/Nashville indie rock band Gooding with the release of the lyric video for their single, “California Gold.”  This one has a true retro feel that will bring back the best memories of classic rock with the promise of the future.  We simply love it.

For the second week in a row we have a new video from Nova Miller.  She’s quickly becoming a favorite here and we think her latest has perfect “Timing.”  She deserves serious radio airplay for this one.

I’ve always loved watching a solo artist using looping technology to make me think that an entire choir is on stage.  In her latest video, Blue Élan artist Chelsea Williams shows us the process in this beautiful performance video of her song, “Dust.”  Enjoy this one with your favorite adult beverage and chill.

Our fourth video is one of the most creative lyric videos we have every seen, using an iPhone screen to project the words to “together, alone” before turning into a streaming concert video.  Kudos to Elizabeth and the Catapult for their innovative approach.

We close out this week with a patriotic video with a serious message from former Special Forces veteran and Nashville artist, Brandon Mills.  Check out “Don’t Mistake” and give ear to his advice:  “Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness.”

 

Categories
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.

Categories
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!