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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 20)

Happy Monday – as we head for next weekend’s Fourth of July celebration, we are looking forward to celebrating the freedom we  have achieved as new homeowners.  Let’s also celebrate the amazing indie music out now with these five new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

First up for this week and the last week in June is the other Hilary Scott (not the one with two “l” from Lady A).  She released her new 5-song EP Kaleidoscope last Friday, and this is the first track.  We really love it and feel it is a fitting sample of the entire project.  Check out “Just a Shame.”

Our second single comes from an artist we loved before she signed with Blue Élan Records and released her latest album Moth to the Flame on June 18.  Here’s the latest from Natalie Gelman, “Photograph.”  We think she’s just beginning to tap into her immense talent.

Next up is the latest from the Ben Reddell Band, with his sassy Chris Stapleton-esque vocals and a classical country Americana sound.   He will be releasing his new EP LA Story on July 9.  In the meantime, stop and listen awhile when he says “Hey,”

Our fourth single comes from all-female Americana band Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters, who released a live album on May 18.  This is the most popular track, which is also track 1.  Check out “How the West was Won.”

Our final single this week is from 2016 LA Music Critic Award-winning band Carly and the Universe.  They’ve been relatively quiet since then but have returned with abandon.  Their latest single offers “Salvation.”  Maybe we should take them up on it.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video is from an artist that is no stranger to Monday Mashup, and with each new song we continue to be amazed at her artistry.  Rachel Lorin is in top form in her video interpretation of the classic A-ha hit, “Take on Me.”  This one needs to be put on repeat.

Our second video is from our resident funny lady, none other than Blue Élan Records artist Scout Durwood.  This time around she uses a SIM to create the perfect background for her hilarious “Scout it Out.”  This one will definitely have you ROFL.

Music video number three is from the next big LA band, none other than Kids in America.  We love this animated visualizer for “My Escape,” which features Sam Tinnesz.  The song reminds us of Fitz and the Tantrums, and we are in love with it.

Next up is a video we are dedicated to talented songwriter Warren Sellers because of the totally rad skateboarding moves.  It’s from Filipina artist YUZON, and it’s a truly chill tune called “Oh my Days.”  If you don’t like this one, we’ll give you your money back.

Our final music video brings back memories of Rick Astley and the 90s sound and is from relative newcomer Ferris Pier.  Check out the upbeat and stimulating tune, “Everything,” featuring Galen Disston.  This one will definitely power your week.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Durango Songwriters Expo indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019 – vol. 27

As we end September and head into October, we are so happy that Patrick O’Heffernan has joined us as a staff writer.  His first review was just published, so check  it out and make sure you subscribe to the Blog so you don’t miss anything.  There’s a lot happening so let’s get right to it.

DURANGO SONGWRITERS EXPO THIS WEEKEND

If you’ve followed our blog for any period of time, then you know how important we think the Durango Songwriters Expo is.  It has launched the careers of quite a few artists, including Alissa Moreno, Tim Fagan and Meghan Trainor.  Not only that, but several of the attendees have won LA Music Critic Awards, including recent winners Jordan Siwek and Scott Krippayne aka PAEHNE.

We have been involved with it for several years and our founder has been part of a panel there as well.  Due to our recent move to Oklahoma City, we are unable to attend this year’s event, which opens on Wednesday night with a showcase in nearby Denver before officially kicking off with a showcase on Thursday and then runs Friday and Saturday at the Omni Hotel in Westminster, Colorado.  The event culminates with a concert on Saturday night which always features the legendary Big Al Anderson.  This year he is joined by Songwriters Hall of Fame member Tom Douglas, major hit songwriter Kate York (Little Big Town, Fall Out Boy) and Grammy-winning songwriter Fagan.  The Saturday concert is open to the public and tickets are available at the door.

OKLAHOMA CITY HAS A NEW FRINGE FESTIVAL

The first Fringe Festival was held in Edinburgh, Scotland and has grown to include Festivals around the world, including the Hollywood Fringe Festival, which is one of the biggest ones in North America.  Oklahoma City has now joined that elite group with the debut of Theatre Crude Fringe Festival, which opened on September 25 and runs through October 6.  The Capitol View Event Center is hosting the Festival.  For more information, click on their website.

INDIE FILM ‘MICKEY AND THE BEAR’ TO DEBUT AT MONTANA FILM FESTIVAL

Mickey and the Bear, an indie film set in Montana, will premiere at this year’s Montana Film Festival on Thursday, October 3 at 6 p.m. at the iconic Roxy Theater in Missoula before heading out on a tour of Montana.  If you are in Montana, we highly recommend you check it out.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Australian artist Riebourne.  We love her voice and think she has a great chance of cracking the American Top 40 scene with “Venom.”

Next up is LCBTQ+ artist Déyyess, who has a powerful message coupled with equally powerful vocals.  We think she is definitely an artist on the rise and can’t wait to hear what comes next.

https://soundcloud.com/deyyess/no-mans-land

Single number three is from pop duo Rule of Young, which we think deserves serious and heavy rotation on radio.  Check out “Lie Better.”  We can’t get enough of their harmonies and musicality.

Our musical voyage next takes us to Toronto for the alt-rock sound of Contour‘s new song, “Above You.”  Great vocals and a serious message  highlight this brilliant song.  Enjoy.

Our final single this week is a retro throwback to the days of disco.  Check out Sweetwood and their latest tune, “One and Only Lover.”  We guarantee this one will get you on the dance floor.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video is from another of the amazing artists at Blue Élan Records, Roan Yellowthorn.  We think she has truly nailed it with her latest, “Indigo.”  Let us know what you think.

From the beauty of the previous video we next present the stark reality of the rocking sound of Makes my Blood Dance on their new video “Sick as our Secrets.”  This one has a lot of food for thoughts and is truly visually stunning, with live concert footage included.

Our third video is an upbeat pop tune from producer Ferris Pier that features to amazing vocals of The Voice stand-out Abby Cates on the song, “Lift me Up.”  If this one doesn’t lift your spirits, nothing will.

Next up is the R&B/hip hop sound of The Greys on their latest “Drama.”  We love this one and would love to see them featured on Empire.

We close out this edition with a dark cover of the classic Pink Floyd song, “Another Brick in the Wall.”  This version shows a dynamic creative mind and we think it will quickly become a favorite on its own merits.  Check out LA’s own Nomad and Lola.