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.
We hope you enjoyed our review of The Imaginaries‘ live concert and are ready for some more great new singles and videos. Here are this week’s selections.
NEW SINGLES
First up is the latest from one of our absolute favorite indie musicians, Nina Storey. She’s been busy during the pandemic and recently released her third single. Once again, her heavenly voice and brilliant songwriting have delivered an instant masterpiece. Check out “The Bones.”
Continuing the theme of arising out of the ashes of this pandemic is the latest from Michael McFarland, an upbeat inspirational pop tune called “The New Contagion.” We love the energy and the hopeful lyrics. Let us know what you think.
As we recently celebrated World Mental Health Day, our next song is truly relevant. Toronto artist X. Ari presents her latest single, “Lifting Up,” from her new EP which is all about mental health issues. Listen to the words as the energizing beat gets your spirit up.
Our fourth single comes from the smooth blues/jazz/rock sound of Goldflēce, who is planning to “Tie One On.” This one is perfect for chilling down after a long day of work. David Goldflies is one half of The Allman Goldflies Band, and we cannot get enough of this solo effort.
We close out our singles this week with the latest sweet treat from LA’s iconic BINX. This time around, she tells us “I’m in Love With a Rapper,” and is joined by Mata Atoms. We are in love with her and her amazing body of work.
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
First up this week is the latest from the reigning queen of the LGBTQ musical movement in Los Angeles, the incomparable Abby Posner. Check out the debut of Frupert, the amazing bass-playing character in Posner’s video “Where I Wanna Be.”
This next video was released a couple of months ago, but we felt it was perfect for today. We love the sweet harmonies of sister act Southern Halo, and we stand by the sentiments expressed in this lyric video for their masterpiece, “Don’t Let Another Day Go By.”
Our third video is a rocking lyric video from LA’s infamous rocksters Rocket. They’re “Losing Breath” over the state of our nation, and encourage you to vote.
Next up is an Americana tune that is sure to propel LA’s sweet Kris Angelis into the national limelight. It is a timely song called “Ghost (I’m Alive and Breathing),” and makes us giddy with the possibilities. Angelis has paid her dues and her music is ripe for worldwide acceptance. We truly dig this tune.
We close out this week with a sweet song about that annual event in the life of each person, their “Birthday.” We can never get enough of the music of Kensington Moore, and we can relate to the sentiments of this song. Until the next one, “raise a glass.”
Happy Monday the 13th! It’s been a busy but productive week, and we’re happy to be back to share five more music videos and singles this week. Please let us know what you think about our selections.
NEW SINGLES
First up this week is the title track from the latest by the amazing blues artist Katie Knipp. We discovered her about a year ago and have been blown away by her talent. She does not look like the typical blues artist until she opens up her mouth and then OMG – shut the front door! She is a dynamo on the guitar and an intriguing writer, but her voice is what sells it. Check out “Chamomile and Cocaine” and tell us you’re not immediately hooked. This lady belongs in the Memphis Blues Hall of Fame. Watch for a review of her entire album shortly.
Next up is the equally beautiful sound of Elia F. Compton and her debut single, “This Moment.” She has so much passion in her voice that it immediately draws you in with a song that is an instant classic. We think we will be hearing a lot more from this amazing artist.
So many of us were huge fans of the prog rock band Yes during the late 60’s until the early 80’s. Their lead singer, Jon Anderson, has now signed with Blue Élan Records and has released a solo album that brings back all the greatness of Yes and then some. His latest, “First Born Leaders,” is a total paradigm shift and we think it shows just the tip of the iceberg of talent for this amazing artist. Check it out and feel the love.
Speaking of rock, our next single is from the awesome Abby K, who proves that she can definitely “Rock the Rock.” She reminds us of a cross between Orianthi and Avril Lavigne, and we are hooked. Check it out.
We close out this week with the pop mastery of Brandon Hutcheson. He has that definite boy band vibe and this one could soon be at the top of the pop charts. Enjoy “Don’t Say.”
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
For all of you that miss going out dancing, our first video this week will definitely compel you to get up and dance to the zydeco sound of Sean Ardoin. His intention was to create a “CoronaCation” and we think he has truly nailed it. Not only that but he provides the vocals, bass, accordion and washboard for this amazing song. Check out “Came Thru Pullin.” Even though it’s been out a couple of months, this one was too good to pass up.
Next up is the visually stunning video for the smooth sound of Fred Hostetler‘s “River of Hope.” Listen to the positive and affirming lyrics of the sound while you groove to the 60’s style rock, which features Robbie Cribbs This one is a keeper.
Our third video is a new age masterpiece from GoldFlēce called “Space Rider.” We love the visuals for this lyric video, but truly enjoy the relaxing vibe of the song. We think this one should be your background chill time song.
Video number four is from the legendary Ted Russell Kamp, who has been a part of numerous bands including CALICO and Shooter Jennings, as well as proving that the bass is the sexiest instrument in music. His latest album, Down in the Den, has been released, along with this amazing first single and video, “Have Some Faith.” Chill out to the amazing down home sound of TRK.
We close out the week with another artist TRK has worked with, Tawny Ellis. Her strong vocals fit perfectly with this song co-written with TRK called “Deep End of Love,” from her upcoming album Love Life, which will be released on July 24.