Tag: Gina Sicilia

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 15)

This will be our last Monday Mashup this month as we will be on the east coast next weekend finalizing a major deal.  We can’t wait to share the news with you.  In the meantime, here are some great new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

It’s been a while since we heard anything new from LA Music Critic Award winner Gabe Dixon, but with the release of his latest single, it has obviously been worth the wait.  His sound is part Phil Vassar, part Billy Joel and all-in-all extraordinary.  Check out “Something Good.”

Something Good · Gabe Dixon (spotify.com)

She may be a blues goddess, but Gina Sicilia is also a skilled vocalist who brings life to everything she sings.  Her latest is a brilliant acoustic cover of the classic Simon and Garfunkel hit, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”  Let her sweet honey vocals pour over you and soothe your soul.

Bridge Over Troubled Water · Gina Sicilia (spotify.com)

We are always happy to hear new music from our favorite rising country friends Honey County, and their latest does not disappoint.  The say they “Got it From my Momma,” and we are glad they chose to share it with us.  This one should be a quick ride to the top of the country charts.

Got It from My Mama · Honey County (spotify.com)

If you haven’t figured it out yet, our favorite indie label is Blue Élan Records.  Whether they are breaking new artists like Chelsea Williams or bringing back great ones like Fanny Walked the Earth, Kirk Pasich and company definitely have a way with recognizing and finding talent.  The latest from The Vegabonds is no exception.  Check out “Juke and Jive.”  This one will hit you like Led Zeppelin.

Juke and Jive · The Vegabonds (spotify.com)

Last but not least is our favorite iconic LA voice, BINX, who has provided us with a powerful song in the fight against depression with the release of her latest, “Bloom.”  Listen carefully to the words of this song and remember, you are not alone.

Bloom · BINX (spotify.com)

This past week we lost an amazing voice from pop radio with the death of Poco founding member Rusty Young.  We wanted to take the time to remember his legacy with this beautiful video released by his Blue Élan Records family for the hit song, “Crazy Love.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from another LA Music Critic Award winner, Ted Russell Kamp.  While he may primarily be known for his work with Shooter Jennings, he is a master songwriter and storyteller, and his latest says “You can go to Hell, I’m Going to Texas.”  Enjoy this one.

We follow up that Americana goodness with a new bluegrass tune from Jesse Brock, courtesy of So Much Moore.  Check out the harmonies on “Kiss on a Cold Cold Stone.”  This one will haunt you.

Next up is a rocking tune from the incomparable X. ARI.  It is an ode to her girlfriend called “She Knows It,” and we’re glad she shared it with us.

We introduced you to The Highway Women about a month ago and we are proud to now share the video of their song, “Dead Man Walking.”  Enjoy this taste of the next major indie country cross-over band.  We think you will want to watch this one on repeat.

Our final music video this week is from  relative newcomer Chris Moreno with his beautiful tribute to “Somebody New.”  Enjoy this smooth country pop tune.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 8)

Well, the Great Freeze of 2021 is finally behind us, leaving a path of chaos, snow and ice.  Good thing indie artists have been busy creating great art.  We are fortunate to premiere some great new songs this week, so let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

Back when I was getting started in the music business, I met a young singer-songwriter that impressed the hell out of me.  She was performing with her guitarist, Christian Nesmith, the son of Michael of The Monkees fame.  That artist went on to form her own label and win a major music contest before joining forces with Kirk and Connor Pasich to form Blue Élan Records.  We’re talking, of course, about the illustrious Cindy Alexander, whose new single, “Try, Try, Try” dropped this past Friday.  Check it out and put it on repeat.  Her tenth studio album, While the Angels Sigh, will be released on April 23.

Spotify – Try, Try, Try

Next up is another Blue Élan artist, Gina Sicilia, who has recorded a spectacular cover of the powerful ballad, “Survival,” from Keep the Lights On, the forthcoming album celebrating the career of her labelmate and original America member, Gerry Beckley.  We absolutely love this remake.  Turn it on and crank it up.

Survival · Gina Sicilia (spotify.com)

Our third single is from our dear friend and the co-creator of the Don’t Call us Tori showcases, Shannon Hurley.  She is back with another single, “Love in the Dark.”  This one is a true keeper and proves that this artist just keeps getting better.

Spotify – Love in the Dark

Next up is a hyperpop groove from Irish artist Apollo Monroe.  He will  have you ready to dance with his latest tune, “Soda Pop.”

soda pop · Apollo Monroe (spotify.com)

We close out our singles this week with a pair of singles from Jesse Barrera, Nieman and Melissa Polinar that are sweet as honey and powerful in their subtlety.  Their voices blend so effortlessly that we can’t wait to see what comes next.  Check out “What we Found” and “Tangle Up (Reimagined).”

What We Found · Jesse Barrera, Nieman, Melissa Polinar (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from an artist we have seen rise up from the unknown to become an amazing actress and artist.  She has never lost the ability to stir up emotions and her latest, “This is Home,” is exactly what we need to move on from the horrors of 2020.  Give it up for the one and only Kate Voegele.

Next up is the R&B stylings of Tayler Jade, with a chill-worthy tune that belongs on the radio and on constant repeat in your YouTube feed.  Don’t let this be ‘Temporary.”

Our next video goes country with a sweet voice that truly belongs on the radio.  We introduced her to you last December when she released our favorite cover version of “Hard Candy Christmas.” Alexandra Kay is a rising voice and we love the simplicity of her lyric video for “We Wouldn’t Be Us.”  We think you’ll fall in love with her as well.

Video number four is an interesting concept for the 80’s-inspired sound of Megan Nash and the Best of Intentions for their outstanding song, “Quiet.”  Trust us, we don’t expect you to keep this one to yourself.

Our final video this week is from the great new group Kids in America, which features our friend, Curtis Peoples.  This is the sound of Top 40 Radio, and it couldn’t happen to a more deserving artist.  Check out the video for “Afterlife,” featuring Luna Aura.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2020 indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Best singles of 2020

This past year was a tough one for the majority of us.  Thank goodness there was indie music.  Looking back over the 19 Monday Mashup columns we compiled during the year, we have selected the 20 Best Singles.  Here they are in the order we featured them.

Volume 1 – Matt Hansen, “Find Me”

Find Me · Matt Hansen (spotify.com)

Volume 2 – Emmrose, “Take me With You”

Spotify – Take Me with You

Volume 3 – Jackie Castro, “Gravity”

Spotify – Gravity

Volume 4 – Joel Plaskett, “If There’s Another Road”

Spotify – If There’s Another Road

Volume 5 – Single by Sunday, “Debbie”

Spotify – Debbie

Volume 6 – Nia Ekanem, “Shelter”

Spotify – Shelter

Volume 7 – Kyle LaLone, “Not Gonna Drink Over You”

Spotify – Not Gonna Drink Over You

Volume 8 – BINX, “Blazing”

Spotify – Blazing

Volume 9 – The Trusted, “The Innocent”

Spotify – The Innocent

Volume 10 – Katie Knipp, “Chamomile and Cocaine”

Spotify – Chamomile and Cocaine

Volume 11 – Ted Russell Kamp, “Home Sweet Hollywood”

Spotify – Home Sweet Hollywood

Volume 12 – The Imaginaries, “Revival”

Spotify – Revival

Volume 13 – Soul Asylum, “If I Told You”

Spotify – If I Told You (Acoustic)

Volume 14 – Gina Sicilia, “Married Man”

Spotify – Married Man

Volume 15 – Mustangs of the West, “I am the Highway”

Spotify – I Am the Highway

Volume 16 – Goldflēce, “Tie One On”

Spotify – Tie One On

Volume 17 – Brigitte Purdy, “Memphis Hotline”

Spotify – Memphis Hotline

Volume 18 – Cameron DuBois, “Merry Christmas, Wherever You Are”

Merry Christmas, Wherever You Are · Cameron DuBois, Bama Sound (spotify.com)

Volume 19 – Amy Steele, “Our House”

Our House · Amy Steele (spotify.com)

Best of the Rest – Shannon Hurley, “Am I in This Love Alone”

Am I in This Love Alone · Shannon Hurley (spotify.com)

We’ll be back soon with our 20 Best Music Videos.  See you soon.

 

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 14)

Welcome back for another edition of Monday Mashup.  It’s been a busy week and we are super excited to share these new singles and music videos with you, so let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest original song from Blue Élan Records artist Car Astor.  This one is a beautiful acoustic song called “Buzzing Bees.”  Check it out.

We move from the subtle sweetness of the previous single to a more “adult” song with the release of the latest from the incredible Gina Sicilia.  Check out the groove of the bluesy “Married Man.”

Our third single is a solid gold country tune from Anna Krantz, and we simply love it.  This one definitely belongs on the radio.  Check out “We Could be High.”

Keeping in the country vein we present the latest from the other famous “Carey,” Eileen, who reminds us to “Keep Your Love to Yourself” when it comes to trusting your heart.  Listen to these profound words and enjoy her melodic voice.

Our final single this week is pure pop brilliance by the future superstar duo of KTJ & Carly.  Check out “Enable Me.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from the Oklahoma power duo of Shane Henry and his wife Maggie McClure aka The Imaginaries.  This one is beautifully shot and is an instant classic.  Check out “Walking on a Wire.”

Next up is a video that we somehow missed.  It features the amazing voice of Rachel Lorin with her smoking hot song, “Kerosene.”  This one belongs on the radio and should receive placement offers from television and radio.

Our third video is a beautiful skating video featuring the amazing Chelsee Foster, and features her own song “Break the Wheel” from her band CH3LS (featuring OneFifteen).  This one is a definite keeper.

Our next video features an 80’s vibe with LA’s RnB artist Raven Artson.  Check out “Won’t Forget Just.”

Our final video this week features the jazzy blues sound of Johnny & the Mongrels, former Colorado residents who relocated to New Orleans.  We love their sound and especially love their latest, “Creole Skies.”  Enjoy this one until we meet again.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2018 Women in Entertainment

Forty best albums of 2018

What a year for indie music.  We received a boatload of review requests from around the world, and published reviews of nearly 1,000 CDs and EPs.  We culled through those we reviewed first to pick our nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards, and now to compile our list of the 40 Best CDs of 2018.

Due to the sheer volume, we only considered full-length projects for this list, but that doesn’t mean that quite a few of the EPs we reviewed weren’t also worthy of distinction.  We may yet put together another list of just EPs.

In the meantime, while we wait for the winners of the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards to be announced tomorrow, here are our favorite CDs of 2018.  You can find their individual reviews by searching for them on our blog.

40.  Kate Reid – The Heart Already Knows

39.  Deb Ryder – Enjoy the Ride

38.  Jeffrey Foucault – War on the Radio

37.  Katie Herzig – Moment of Bliss

36.  Eric Tingstad – Electric Spirit

35.  Fanny Walked the Earth – self-titled

34.  Wily Bo Walker – Almost Transparent Blues

33.  Buddy Guy – The Blues is Alive and Well

32.  Walt Weiskopf – European Quartet

31.  Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers – All I Got for Christmas is the Blues

30.  YYNOT – self-titled

29.  Peter V Blues Band – Shaken but not Deterred

28.  Delta Moon – Babylon is Falling

27.  The Textones – Old Stone Gang

26.  Ronny Morris – Sweet Silence

25.  Sydney Wright – Seiche

24.  Gleeson – The Years Have It

23.  Colin Devlin – High Point

22.  Everlast – Don’t Complain

21.  Zsuzsika – Start Again

20.  Michael Peterson – From Here to Eternity

19.  K. Michelle Dubois – Autumn

18.    Broken Bellows – I, Kaleidoscope

17.  Rachel Sage – Myopia

16.  Janiva Magness – Love is an Army

15.  John Flanagan Trio – Honest Man

14.  Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm – Shoot me Down

13.  Floods – Bad Times

12.  Frank Hannon (From One Place . . . to Another, vols 1 and 2)

11.  Keith Harkin – In the Round

10.  Southern Halo – Just Like in the Movies

9.  Cindy Alexander – Nowhere to Hide

8.  Kari Kimmel – Gold & Glitter

7.  Hymn for Her – Pop-n-Downers

6.  Jordan Siwek – Sun Inside You

5.  Slim Gambill – Fake Jazz

4.  Gina Sicilia – Heard the Lie

3.  Birds and Arrows – Arbitrary Magic

2.  Brigitte Rios Purdy – Still I Rise

and the Best Album of 2018 goes to

Norway Reloaded – My Longest Mile

 

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

Get it or forget it – Gina Sicilia, Kayla Starr, Rare Americans, Mike Stapleton, Eyes of Love

(cue Peter, Paul & Mary)  By the time you read this, we will have left on a jet plane heading to a family reunion in North Carolina for the Labor Day weekend.  We are so proud to bring you these next five artists, including the latest from multiple LA Music Critic Awards winner and Blue Élan Records artist Gina Sicilia.  Here we go!

Artist Name:  Gina Sicilia

Album Name:  Heard the Lie

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Heard the Lie; 2.  How Many Times; 3.  Ready for Love; 4.  Brighter Day (ft Janiva Magness); 5.  Angels Watching; 6.  Man in the Sky; 7.  Sugar; 8.  Darling; 9.  Light me Up; 10.  I do Bad Things; 11.  Growing Dim

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  It’s been 10 years since she recorded her first of eight albums, and this one is her best yet.  Grammy-nominated producer Dave Darling brings it all together for this young blues superstar whose songwriting abilities continue to amaze us.  From the first notes of the title track, it becomes quickly obvious that the listener is in for a treat, as the husky voice of Gina Sicilia fills the songs with so much soulfulness.  Her version of the blues borrows considerably from classic R&B, and comparisons to great singers like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight are a natural conclusion.   This is baby-making music that soothes your soul and lets you know that you are not alone in what’s happening around you.  She gives us a blistering and soulful cover of Bad Company‘s “Ready for Love” and also hooks up with her labelmate, Grammy-nominated blues singer Janiva Magness, for an amazing duet on “Brighter Day.”  She even goes a little country on “Sugar” and does her best impression of 60s girl groups on “Darling.”  You can’t go wrong with this album, and will find yourself listening to these songs over and over again.

Recommendation:  If you treasure great songs sung by an amazing vocalist, then you simply MUST Get this one.  Rush out and grab it today!

Artist Name:  Kayla Starr

Album Name:  Exception to the Rule

Label:  Grunge Pop Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Say you Will; 2.  Dangerous; 3.  Truth; 4.  Deepest Sea

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Kayla Starr is a genre-defying artist who mixes alternative rock, trip hop, electronics and grunge pop into a unique style that is all her own.  She wrote and co-produced all four songs on this stellar EP.  Her voice is silky smooth and strong, and rises above most of her peers in the indie community.  Her songs are truly radio friendly and are worthy of heavy rotation on major stations, especially college radio.  “Dangerous” is a true hit in the making, and would make a great break-out single.  She could easily be the next Meghan Trainor.

Recommendation:  This one is a must-have.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Rare Americans

Album Name:  Rare Americans

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Cats, Dogs & Rats; 2.  Moss Park; 3.  Balmoral Hotel; 4.  Night After Night; 5.  I vs I; 6.  Pay me Back

Publicist:  Effectively Immediately PR

Review:  Rare Americans are a pair of Canadians who only started writing songs a year ago.  Before recording this debut album, the songs were made into music videos where they quickly became viral hits on YouTube, including over a million views on “Cats, Dogs & Rats.”  They mix punk, hip hop and rock into their version of alt rock, with lyrics aimed at calling out the bad in the world so that it can be dealt with.  This is high energy music that will make you think as well.  The vocals are not pretty but they are perfectly suited for this type of music.

Recommendation:  Give this one a good listen – we think it will grow on you, or at least make you think about the world in general.

Artist Name:  Mike Stapleton

Album Name:  Reflections

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  When no one Cares; 2.  Reflections; 3.  Anxiety Builds; 4.  Goodwill; 5.  We Both Shall Ride; 6.  Empty Space; 7.  Burn a Hole; 8.  Thickly Settled; 9.  Ignorance and Greed; 10.  Everything I Own; 11.  Go Away; 12.  Abide

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Hard to believe we just reviewed this artist’s last album Mid-Winter Blues only six weeks ago, and here he is back with another one.  Trust us, we are not complaining, because we simply love his material, which continues to improve.  Like his previous album, these are songs meant for airplay on NPR stations, and would also be great for placements in television and film.  We simply adore the title track, “Anxiety Builds,” “We Both Shall Ride,” “Burn a Hole,” “Thickly Settled,” and “Everything I Own.”

Recommendation:  This one is definitely worthy of your attention.  We recommend you Get it soon.

Artist Name:  Eyes of Love

Album Name:  End of the Game

Label:  Wharf Cat Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock/Experimental

Track Listing:  1.  Homeowners; 2.  New; 3.  Version of Tomorrow; 4.  Piano 1 Final; 5.  Players of the Field; 6.  Breakers at Midnight; 7.  Classifieds Strings; 8.  There’s a Party; 9.  End of the Game; 10.  Classified; 11.  Millionaire; 12.  DDT & the Undertaker; 13.  Elevator; 14.  New Piano

Publicist:  Promo Juke Box

Review:  Eyes of Love, spearheaded by songwriter Andrea Schiavelli, is the perfect representation of chaos and harmony.  The style floats between breezy pop, alternative rock and experimental music to provide a look at the world in general.  The album even includes a pair of piano instrumentals as well as a strings arrangement for their song “Classifieds” to truly keep the listener on their toes.  With the musical diversity, every listener should be able to find something that they like here.  Our favorite track is “Players of the Field.”

Recommendation:  This one is different enough to warrant your attention.  Check it out today.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 26

Happy Monday – ready for another week?  We’ve got some great new music to share today, as we head into the last full week in July.  We hope you enjoy these tunes.

EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEAK

Here is an exclusive sneak peak from a “new” artist we really like.  The single won’t be available until August 24, but we wanted you to have the exclusive first listen to “Second Time” by Ferera Swan.

“This is a song that has truly helped me grieve & heal.  I re-branded this year under my new artist name . . . [This] will be the first song that will introduce my new brand, sound, new music, and projects that will work as a campaign to help spread awareness in the areas of adoption, foster care, trauma education, and mental/emotional health.”

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest from one of the best blues singers in the indie world.  This time around, she has decided to cover an old Paul Rodgers and Bad Company song, “Ready for Love.”  Check out this awesome version from Gina Sicilia from her new forthcoming album on Blue Élan Records.

Next up is a song from the super group of Delaney Gibson and Amy Arani known as SIGNY, based out of Austin, Texas.  This one is perfect for summer living, as it’s all about the “Water.”

Maya Payne is a young lady who has had number one hits from her native New Zealand to Poland.  She’s back with her new single, and we have no doubt it will be just as great as her previous hits.  Here’s “Jungle.”

Our fourth single today is from future country superstar Ryan Calhoun.  His latest is a play on words called “Chaser” and we think you will love this one.

Our final single today is the first single from the debut album by Helenor.  It is eerie and the perfect mood setter for a Monday.  Check out “Ocean State.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we introduced you to Post Season when we reviewed their new album.  These guys put the fun into punk.  Check out their lyric video for their second single, “Numb to This.”

Next up is the latest from the amazing acoustic band Mapache, which we reviewed last week.  They just released a short, three-song EP of cover songs, and this is the first song from it “Lonesome LA Cowboy,” a huge hit for the New Riders of the Purple Sage.

Last week Well Well Well simultaneously released two EPs, which we reviewed on Friday.  Today we want to share the music video for “Day After Day.”

Our fourth video this week is an upbeat, radio friendly girl power track from Rachael Cantu.  We really love this video and the song as well.  Here’s “Run Free.”

Our final video this week is in response to the #Metoo movement from Lora Kelley.  Here is her song “Good Men Don’t Hurt You.”

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 25

Happy Monday!  So glad to have another opportunity to share new music with you.  It’s gonna be busy now since I just started working full-time as of yesterday, but we will still get  you lots of great music to review and consider.  Here is what’s new this week.

WORLD PREMIERE SNEAK PREVIEWS

We have been asked to premiere a couple of songs for you this week.  Both of these songs will be available for purchase or streaming on Friday, July 20.

First up is Liron, who reminds us of the best of Arianna Grande but with her own passion.  Please enjoy her new song “Pina Colada” and don’t forget to visit your favorite retailer (itunes, Spotify, etc) on Friday to download it or stream it for yourself.  Definitely check out her website for all the links.  We think you’ll be hearing a lot more from this future pop princess.

Our second premiere is from the sophomore album of Chelsea Gill, a pop-country artist from Nashville, courtesy of our friend, Gayle Davidson.  Expectations are high for this bright young artist, and we think she has a definite chance at making it big.  Check out “Ray-Bans” and visit her website for links to more of her music.

NEW SINGLES

Our next single today comes from Australian Tom Ugly, who wants to know “Who is the real villain?”  Check out his upbeat and funky “Villain” and watch for the music video to come soon.

Kris Angelis is one of our favorite artists from Los Angeles, and we have followed her career since the beginning.  Her latest single, “Stained Glass,” was released last Friday, and we think it is one of her best ever.  We can’t wait for her upcoming EP, and think you should definitely check her out.

Our final single this week is from one of the best blues singers in the country, Gina Sicilia.  Her eighth studio album will be out August 31, and we can’t wait.  In the meantime, enjoy “Heard the Lie.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from a vegan who has reached her limits.  Junk Wave premieres their spicy and audacious video “Dirty Fat Burger,” and we think you’ll be extra hungry for it.  This one comes courtesy of our friends at Red Boot PR.  Let us know what you think.

Our next video is from Ninja Sex Party and features Finn Wolfhard from the popular Netflix series Stranger Things.  Check out “Danny Don’t you Know,” which we absolutely love!  The new album will be out August 7.

Our third video is from the amazing Ivory Layne, whose new album just dropped.  We love her pop sound, and think you will likewise love “Committed.”

Our next video finds Kid Bloom at your “Parents House.”  Enjoy this pop-rock smash and stay tuned for more from this up and coming band.

Our final video today is from Dead Ceremony.  We featured the single version of “All This Noise” back in May and are happy to now share their lyric video.  Have a great week.

 

 

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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.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 46

It’s our final Monday Mashup of 2017, since next Monday is Christmas day.  We wanted to thank you for checking us out this year, and are looking forward to sharing much more indie music news in 2018.  Make sure you drop us a line and let us know when you win an award, have a CD release show or other important event, so that we can share it with the world.

BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS MAKES CHRISTMAS MUSIC VIDEO

As we posted on December 5, Blue Élan Records released an album of Christmas songs by its artists, and donated the proceeds to the Alliance for Children’s Rights.  On December 11, those artists gathered in the studio to make a music video of a song written by Gina Sicilia.  We hope you have a wonderful Christmas season and applaud Blue Élan Records and its artists for giving us this special treat.

FIRST CALIFORNIA COUNTRY AWARDS A SUCCESS

The first annual California Country Awards were handed out on December 16, and many of this blog’s favorites took home trophies.  LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace took the award for Female Vocalist of the Year, and LA Music Critic Award winner Honey County took home awards for Band of the Year, Song of the Year for “Love Someone” and Video of the Year for “Love Someone,” while their producer John Spiker also took home Producer of the Year.  Other winners included Gethen Jenkins for Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Where the Honkytonk Belongs,  Joe Devenney for Musician of the Year, Scotty Mac for Entertainer of the Year, Cowboy Country for Venue of the Year, and Brad Johnson for CCM Excellence.  Shawn Parr, former KZLA and Go Country 105 DJ and creator of “Nash Nights Live” was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

NEW SINGLES

Mikey Wax has been a huge supporter of indie music in Los Angeles.  He is also quite the creative powerhouse.  Check out his latest single, “Spaceman” with Stash Konig.  We think you’ll love it as much as we do.

Here’s “Your Love,” the latest from Hannah Lucia.  Loving the groove of the tune and her vocals.  This one is a keeper.

Our final single this week is from Featurette, and it lives up to its name.  “Upside Down” will turn your musical tastes around as this electronica duo show us how it’s done.  Let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up today is the annual Christmas video from Redhead Express.  It is a cover of the Sara Bareilles song, “Love is Christmas.”  Enjoy our little gift to you.

Next is the music video for a song we introduced you to back on November 13, co-written by David Garfield and Smokey Robinson and featuring J. Paris.  We love this beautiful interpretation of the song, and are thrilled to feature “I Lied.”

LA Music Awards Icon winner Janey Street has created an amazing DIY music video for her song “Undone,” from her latest album “In my own Skin.”  Check out this amazing song.

Last but not least, here’s the latest from Dree Mon, with a truly stimulating video for her hit song, “Rebel Soul.”  If this one doesn’t get you pumped up, nothing will.  Thanks Dree!