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

Get it or forget it – Sterling Infinity, I See Rivers, The Chamanas, Rocket 3, Escape Goat

We’re back on a Wednesday for another round of Get it or Forget it.  We have five new bands for you to check out, so let’s get this party rolling.

Artist Name Sterling Infinity

Album NameSterling Infinity (Deluxe)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  EDM/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Sterling Infinity (Calling); 2.  Put me in Your Mouth; 3.  Wolf Sex; 4.  #Hypnotized – #SexDrone Remix; 5.  Say Hey 2U;  6.  You’ve Changed; 7.  #XWeveLanded – Soul Raptured Remix; 8.  The Infinite One -1- Sterling Infinity; 9.  #Hypnotized (Pyramid Black Club Remix); 10.  #Hypnotized (Baby Girl); 11.  #Hypnotized – #SexDrone Remix (radio version); 12.  Xstacy We’ve Landed

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  Listening to the lyrics of these intense dance tunes, it’s hard to believe that Sterling Infinity was a former gospel singer.  What he is now is the reincarnation of Prince, and his lyrics are filled with sexual images and innuendos, superimposed over a driving dance beat.  These songs will definitely get you moving on the dance floor.  Apparently, he is hoping you really like “#Hypnotized,” as there are four versions of the song on this album.  It is hard to get an accurate impression of the singer from these dance tunes, and we hope that he releases some more lyric-driven songs in the future like “Say Hey 2U” and “You’ve Changed,” which could do well on the radio.

Recommendation:  If you love to dance, then this is your album.  If you prefer songs with substance, then you might want to forget this one.

Artist NameI See Rivers

Album NameI See Rivers

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Play it Cool; 2.  Give Up; 3.  I Don’t Know; 4.  I Think I Like You

Publicist:  Lander PR

Review:  The first thing that grabs you about I See Rivers is the incredible harmony of their voices.  The songs are well written and would do well on the radio and as placements on television and film.  These ladies could SING, and could probably sell copies of them singing the phone book.  They remind us of such wonderful girl groups as Wilson Phillips, Raining Jain and Redhead Express.  Our only regret is that there are only four tracks on the EP, because we want to hear more.  This one is definitely going on repeat.

Recommendation:  I See Rivers is heading to the top of the charts.  Get this one now.

Artist NameThe Chamanas

Album NameNEA II

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Latin Pop

Track Listing:  1.  La Verdad; 2.  Wedding Cake; 3.  Un Tulipán; 4.  Primera Vez; 5.  Descansar; 6.  Feel it Still; 7.  El Farol; 8.  Saltar; 9.  Alma Ciega; 10.  Desprender

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  The Chamanas hail from the bordertowns of El Paso, Texas and Cuidad Juarez, Mexico, and have already garnered a Latin Grammy nomination for their debut album.  On NEA II, they have re-recorded their sophomore album NEA, and added their first English language songs to the mix.  Behind the amazingly silky smooth vocals of Paulina Reza, the band, composed of Manual Calderon on keys, Hectro Carreon on guitar and Alejandro Bustillios on drums continues the rich musical heritage of Selena, making this incredible Latin pop available to America.  Regardless of whether you know Spanish or not, you will love the sound of this band, and will want to hear them again and again, especially their Spanish cover of Portugal. The Man‘s huge hit, “Feel it Still.”

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one, the sooner the better!

Artist NameRocket 3

Album NameWhat’s the Frequency?

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  I Choose Love; 2.  Echoes; 3.  What If; 4.  Hip Shot; 5.  Favorite Thing; 6.  Slow Your Roll; 7.  Giving Up; 8.  I Don’t Need You; 9.  Evershine

Publicist:  In Music We Trust

Review:  Portland-based pop-punk band Rocket 3 has been burning up the local music scene since 2012, and released their debut album Burn in 2014.  The album reached #76 on the CMJ Top 200 album charts, and earned the band critical praise.  They return for their sophomore release with further proof that they are not a fluke.  With a sound similar to No Doubt, these guys could just make as huge a splash on Top 40 radio as they have on College Radio.  The songs are generally upbeat, despite the heavy tone of the lyrics.  Overall, the songs are generally relatable, as we have all been through the ups and downs of love and most of us addictions as well.  Listen carefully to the lyrics and be encouraged that you are not alone.

Recommendation:  This one deserves to be in the music library of every pop music lover.  Get it.

Artist NameEscape Goat

Album NameEscape Goat

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Funk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Imaginary Saint; 2.  Prisoner’s Dilemma; 3.  Beehive; 4.  Autopilot; 5.  Fortify; 6.  Writing on the Wall

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Edmonton, Canada has provided us with another dose of great alternative indie music in the form of Escape Goat.  Their music is strong, with well-written lyrics, a funky bass beat from Erin Dobbin, and memorable vocals from lead singer Scott Renton.  The band also features amazing guitar licks from guitarist Neil Jackson and a steady drum beat from Kyle Anderson.  The album starts off strong with “Imaginary Saint” and continues to impress all the way through.  Their music contains the best of rock combined with funk, and should make them even more accessible to the American radio scene, especially college radio.  We think the band would do well touring the States, and look forward to the opportunity to catch their live performance.

Recommendation:  If you love to rock, or just love great music, then you simply must Get this one.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018 – vol. 20

Welcome back to another week at Indie Voice Blog.  We hope you had a wonderful weekend and are ready for another edition of Monday Mashup.  Here’s the latest indie news.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL NEWS

Festival organizers announced a slate of community events will take place during the 9th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival (June 7– 24; previews May 31–June 5).

This year’s event features approximately 380 shows and more than 2,000 performances.  We will be seeing around 50 of those shows, and will be providing daily updates and reviews.  In addition, we will be giving our 2nd annual Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence at the Awards on June 24.

In addition, the Festival has joined with TodayTix for a special deal on tickets which includes admission to the special VIP reception preceding a full night of celebration at the Opening Night Party. For $15, VIPs can fully take advantage of all the excitement that Opening Night has to offer with special perks including:

  • Entry into the VIP Party at 5PM (general admission opens at 6:30)
  • “Fast-pass” style entry (no waiting in line)
  • A drink ticket good for any drink at the bar
  • Special photo op at the HFF Step & Repeat with the HFF staff photographer at the VIP reception
  • An official HFF button that can be used for discounts festival long
  • Exclusive access to the VIP reception including special guest speakers, live performances and more!

Go here for TodayTix Opening Night VIP Party Passes, which are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.  All proceeds go directly back to the Hollywood Fringe Festival community.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from UK trio I See Rivers.  It is a harmonious explosion of incredibleness, and we think you will really love “Give Up.”

Our next single comes from Australian duo The Dreggs, whose album we recently reviewed.  Here’s their first single, “Feel Alive.”

Next up is a trio of sisters named Von Grey, with the sweet tender ballad, “Plans.”  What do you think of those luscious harmonies?

Our fourth single today comes from another talented alternative folk trio, Wildeor.  Here is the haunting song, “The Devil Makes Three.”

Our final single, “Jonah’s Whale,” comes from the amazing voice of Jon Allen, whose album we reviewed last week.  Enjoy this upbeat and funky tune, and let us know what you think about it.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is an amazing acoustic artist named Em Joy.  Here is “The Feast,” and it’s a visual treat as well.

Our next video is much more rocking, and comes from Animal Confession.  We reviewed their latest album in the same review we covered The Dreggs.  Check out “Ritual,” and have a rocking week.

Our third video is compliments of Shiragirl, who will be our very special guest at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 19 at The Mint.  Check out their latest, “Get em Hot,” and don’t miss their upcoming live performances, both at our Showcase and on the Vans Warped Tour.

Our fourth video today is from The Holy Knives, with their classic rock tune “Do You Ever Run?” from their debut album.  We expect to share many more from this amazing group.

Last but not least this week is the upbeat spitting from riVerse for their tune, “Giant.”  This one will get you dancing and give  you something to think about.