Tag: indie music news

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 29

Happy full moon Monday!  We had a wonderful road trip last week, travelling to Casper, Fort Collins, Denver and Billings before returning home.  Along the way we met with Amanda from Music Promotion, Inc. and Gina Sicilia, winner of Best Blues Artist from the most recent round of the LA Music Critic Awards.  We also got to hang out with Australian blues queen Anni Piper at the Magic City Blues Festival, as well as Miranda Lambert’s new fiancée Anderson East, review their amazing performances, and catch some of Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot show too.

This week we’ll be heading out to the Western Montana Fair to see what music they have going, and hopefully catch some of Melissa Forrette‘s show at the annual Chicks and Chaps rodeo clinic.

K-SYRAN’S “DIZZY” CONTINUES TO CLIMB THE CHARTS

K-Syran continues her climb up the charts with her latest song, “Dizzy,” produced by Amanda’s husband, Eric Alexandrakis.  She currently sits in the #32 spot on the BDS/Billboard Mainstream Top 40 Indicator chart.  Check it out and tell us it doesn’t remind you of some of the great hits of ABBA.

DAN TEDESCO IS ‘CHASING THE LIGHTNING’

First Denny Tedesco brought us The Wrecking Crew, the untold story behind so much of the music of the 60’s.  Now Dan Tedesco brings us Chasing the Lightning, the story of an life on the road as an independent musician.  Check out this new film as he heads out to share the film before Festival season begins.  The film is amazing and we highly recommend you go see it when it comes to your town.  For more info, check out his website.

NEW MUSIC

Check out this new track from The Crowleys, “LA Sunset,” with its multi-genre sounds.  The vocals are raw, the soundtrack is sweeping, but the potential for this band comes through loud and clear.  Please let us know what you think.

Australian band Cloning the Mammoth will be releasing their new single “San Francisco” on August 11.  We really dig this song, and think you will too.  Please let us know if we’re right.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Here’s the latest video from LA Music Critic Awards winner Amilia K. Spicer for her second single “Lightning.”  Enjoy this Americana jewel.

Speaking of new videos from LA Music Award winners, you simply must check out the latest from FlecHaus.  Their video for “Pitter Patter” simply kicks ass, foretelling the greatness that is in store for this band.  We strongly encourage to check them out and grab a copy of their music – you will definitely not be sorry 🙂

Last but not least this week is another Australian artist, Josh Johnstone.  We love his video for “Just What it Is.”  It is infectious, upbeat and the perfect song to kick start your new week.

Have a great week.  We’ll be back soon with more “Get it or Forget It,” as well as some live performance reviews.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 27

Happy Monday as we enter the final full week of July 2017.  It’s been extremely busy in the indie world, so we’ve got a few things to share with you this week.  Please keep supporting indie music.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARDS

Speaking of which, tomorrow is your last chance to vote for the Fan Favorite for the first half of 2017.  Among the current leaders are FlecHaus, Polly O’Keary, Janey Street, Wendy Sweetlove and Dario.  To vote just click on this link, scroll to the bottom and add your comment.  The winners will be announced on Thursday, July 27.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

Last week was filled with great indie performances, as we travelled to Stevensville to see The American West and Maita, to Darby for Melissa Forrette and Mabel’s Rage, and to Spokane for Chris Chilton and Jerad Finck.  The American West review is up, and the rest will be published shortly.

This week Melissa is performing twice (The Ranch Club on Wednesday and at Highlander Brewery on Saturday, both in Missoula), while Shakewell will be performing at Missoula’s Downtown Tonight on Thursday.  The biggest event, though, will be Missoula’s annual Celtic Festival on Saturday in Caras Park, which will feature several indie acts including Spokane’s Broken Whistle, The Gothard Sisters, RUNA and headliner, Young Dubliners.

KELLY McGRATH

Kelly McGrath moved to Nashville about two years ago, and her music has taken off since.  Her last single, “You and Me Today,” debuted at #1 on CMT, and her next single,  “All That I Want,” looks to be even better.  Here’s a sneak peak of the new music video, debuting soon.

MUSIC VIDEOS

We’ve got a few great videos for you this week, and leading the pack is a past LA Music Critic Award winner, The Daybreaks.  It’s a highlight video from their recent CD Release Party in Nashville.  Check out our review of the album 🙂

Next up is one of our favorite artists on Blue Élan Records, and one of the hardest working Americana artists working today, Rod Melancon.  His past videos have been impressive, and his new one for “Dwayne and Me” will not disappoint.  Let us know what you think.

Last but not least this week is the latest from Amie Mirello, who has also found success after moving from Los Angeles to Nashville.  We are excited about this new direction for Mirello, and think you will be impressed as well.  Here’s her latest video for “Move Me.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 26

Welcome to another week of summer.  This was one of the weekends we wished we were still in Los Angeles, because we definitely would  have been at Dodger Stadium for the amazing Classic West festival which all our friends are talking about.  To those of you who attended, hope you had a great time with The Eagles, the Doobie Brothers, Steeley Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Journey and Earth Wind and Fire.  We’re so jealous!!!

INDIE NEWS

Heather Jacks, author of The Noise Beneath the City, creator of the Drinking from the Jug blog, as well as a huge supporter of indie music has announced that she is joining an artists’ collective and opening her first brick and mortar store, Rock A Record, at the Sea Hive, an artisan marketplace located at 1555 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside.  The new location will open next month, so please go out and support this true patron of the arts.

Montanan Melissa Forrette continues her busy July with an opening slot for the legendary country band Sawyer Brown at Darby Logger Days on July 21.  Tickets are still available at the event’s website.

Several of the nominees for the LA Music Critic Awards are visiting Montana or the surrounding area in the near future, and we plan to get out and support them.  This Wednesday (July 19) we will be heading to Stevensville, Montana to see The American West at the Blacksmith Brewery.  We will also be attending the performance of Jerad Finck at Bellwether Brewery Co. in Spokane, Washington on July 22.  Then on August 3, we will be seeing Gina Sicilia at The Gold Room in Colorado Springs, Colorado before heading to Billings, Montana to catch Australian Anni Piper at Magic City Blues on August 4.  We also hope to catch Redhead Express when they play at Music Ranch Montana in Livingston, Montana on August 17.

Other artists on tour in our area include Nina Storey at the Marmelade Concert Series in Salt Lake City on July 20 and Trevor Hall headlining at the Top Hat on November 7.

NEW MUSIC

Here’s an amazing track from Space4Lease entitled “Must be Something” that should help kick-start your Monday.  Please let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/space4leasemusic/must-be-something

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

There have been a boatload of new music videos released in the past week or so, and we have selected three to share with you.  Please also check out “You!” by Floco Torres, “Snitches get Stiches” by Wieuca, “Learn to Be” by Bryan Mackey and “Concrete Angels” by Scarlett Taylor, as well as “Coldplay” by David Ryan Harris.  All are available at YouTube.com.

First up today is the latest from one of our favorite singer-songwriters and close friends, Kim Divine.  Her new lyric video is entitled “This Time Around,” and we definitely think you will enjoy it.

Next up is “Underneath,” the latest single from Rosi Golan, one of the many amazing artists represented by publicist Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR.  We just reviewed the album, and definitely think this one is a keeper.

Last, but definitely not least, is the latest from California Country artist and multiple LA Music Critic Award nominee  and past winner, Calico the Band, with their latest, “The 405.”  Everyone in the greater LA area will be able to relate to this video.  Have a great week.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 23

Happy Monday.  It’s time again for our Monday Mashup, our final one before embarking on two weeks of the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  We are leaving tomorrow for California, where we will be attending 40+ shows at #HFF17 before presenting our first annual Larry Cornwall Award at the Fringe Awards show on June 25.

In addition to two weeks of the Fringe, we will be having our first winners showcase for the LA Music Critic Awards on June 20.  The show will be held on the Second Stage of the Hotel Café, and will feature nine previous and future winners of LAMCA, including Wendy Sweetlove, Elyse Haren, Jon Mullane, Janey Street, Jerad Finck, Lovers and Poets, Katie Costello, The Spider Accomplice and Papermoon Gypsys.  We will also be presenting a special award to one of the performers that night.  Tickets are available in advance through the venue’s website, as well as at the door.  We encourage you to buy your tickets in advance, as we expect the evening to sell out.

NEW MUSIC

Check out this cool tune from Dylyn, “American Nightmare.”  It’s got a great beat and should keep your body dancing all night.  We think she just might be on to something.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up this week is the latest from Jared Tyler, who we recently reviewed in Get it or Forget it.  This is the title cut to his new album.  It’s definitely worth a listen.  And since it’s a lyric video, you get to learn the words as you watch.

Next for you this week is the latest from Rococode, another of our recent reviews.  We really dig this band, and think you will too.  Check out “Is it Real” and let us know your thoughts.

And now for our comedy spotlight, check out the latest video from Blue Élan artist Scout Durwood.  The song is called “All the Pretty Bottles.”  We think it will get your new week off to a great start.

Last but not least this week is the latest from Brooklyn’s own Jennifer Vazquez, now based in Nashville.  Check out this amazing lyric video for her song, “Rocked,” from her latest album, Rediscovering Me.

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 22

Happy Monday.  It was a busy week of reviewing, and we still have a few more to do.  We are also busy preparing for the Hollywood Fringe Festival and our winners showcase for the LA Music Critic Awards.  We’re happy to be able to share some news with you and kick off another week.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL KICKS OFF PREVIEW WEEK

The 8th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival kicked off its preview week, and the majority of the previews were sold out.  According to my sources, the first four days of the week have been a huge success.  Not only that, but the Festival received a huge slice of press when the Los Angeles Daily News did a wonderful article on the Fringe.  Can’t wait until the 15th when our Fringe adventure begins.  #HFF17

CRIMSON CALAMITY FIGHTING FOR CHANCE TO OPEN

Our dear friends at Crimson Calamity have come a long way in the past year.  They are part of the 2017 Stadium of Fire competition and have managed to earn a spot in the Top 25.  If they reach the top 10, they will be considered for an opening spot for Little Big Town.  As of this morning, the band is at #11, and the contest ends tomorrow night.  Can you help them make it over the top?   By the way, the video they’re using is super hot.  Check it out when you vote.

NEW MUSIC

Check out “All About Love,” the new single from LA’s transplanted Danish artist Ronny Morris.  It has such a sweet dreamy feel that is perfect for your evening chill time.  What do you think?

https://soundcloud.com/ronnymorrismusic/ronny-morris-all-about-love

MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first new video this week is from Superet.  With the return of Twin Peaks, it seems like the perfect fit.  Let us know what you think.

Los Angeles country sensations Honey County recently debuted their new song “Love Someone” on Radio Disney Country.  Here’s the music video of the song – we love it!

Another of our favorite indie bands, Fort Atlantic, has just released a lyric video for their single, “Just Hold On.”  We love the sound and believe these guys belong on the radio.

Closing out this Monday is “User,” the latest video from six-time winners of the LA Music Critic Awards, The Spider Accomplice.  The band will be performing on June 20 as part of the Winners Showcase on the Hotel Cafe’s Second Stage.  We strongly encourage you to attend.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 17

Happy May Day!  We’ve got a lot of news and new music videos to share with you today.  Let’s get to it.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL NEWS

The Eighth Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival will be held in Los Angeles from June 8 to 25, with previews starting on June 1.  Tickets go on sale today and the Festival looks to be bigger and better than previous years.  Fringe Central, the social “watering hole” for participants at the Festival, will be one of the first events at the venue that used to be Dragonfly on Santa Monica Boulevard.  We are looking forward to covering the Fringe again this year and will be attending from June 15-25.  We will publish reviews on every show we see.  Keep checking in with us for the latest in HFF17 news.

ALI HANDAL SIGNS RECORDING DEAL

Los Angeles indie musician and icon Ali Handal recently signed a recording deal with Red Parlor Records.  The label will release her next album “That’s What she Said,” in the near future.  We will let you know as soon as we get additional information.

OLIVIA MILLERSCHIN WINS SONGWRITING CONTEST

Michigan indie artist Olivia Millerschin recently won the Great American Song Contest in the singer-songwriter category with her song “We Know Not.”   Millerschin has always been one of our favorite teen musicians, and we love that she is finally being recognized for her talent.  She is currently on a west coast tour.  Catch her live if you live in or near Los Angeles, North Hollywood, Thousand Oaks, Phoenix or Las Cruces.

NEW MUSiC VIDEOS

We are proud to share several  new music videos – let us know what you think about them.

First up is the latest from LA Music Critic Award winner Alison Iraheta’s band Halo Circus, who are hard at work on a tour to support their latest EP The East Lansing Sessions.  Check out the video for “Band-Aid,” which we think is amazing.

Next up is another LA Music Critic Awards winner, Curtis Peoples, who has released a new video for “Damage Control,” featuring his wife, comedian and actress Tara Perry Peoples.  We think you’ll enjoy the chemistry between them, and the song kicks ass too.

Our final new video this week is from an artist we recently reviewed on Get it or Forget it – Single by Sunday.  We were very impressed with this band and think you will be too.  Check out their video for their first single, “Nevereverever.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 14

Welcome to April.  Winter is (mostly) behind us and it won’t be long until summer is here, with its outdoor concerts, vacations and travel.  Here’s some news from the indie world to start your week off right.

REDHEAD EXPRESS SIGNS WITH SSM NASHVILLE RECORDS

Photo courtesy of Broadway World

We talked about it last month, but finally the official announcement has been made.  Redhead Express, composed of sisters Kendra, LaRae, Alisa and Meghan, have been signed to SSM Nashville Records.  The ladies will make an appearance at this year’s CMA Music Festival in June, and release their first single to country radio in the very near future.  Congratulations and well done to four of the sweetest indie musicians in the world.  We are very proud of you.

KRIS ANGELIS MAKES THE TOP 25 FOR THE ISC

Local LA musician Kris Angelis has made the Top 25 of the International Songwriting Competition.  Fans can vote for her once per day by clicking on this link.  Her song “Built This House” is in the AC (Adult Contemporary) category.  Please help support this most worthy artist.

In other news, she has also released a new music video, featuring several ASL interpreters, which is directed by her twin sister, Alix.  We think it is pretty amazing, and definitely stand by the message that “It’s Gonna be Alright.”

PENTATONIX COVERS QUEEN

Bet you never thought you’d hear that, did you?  Pentatonix has released their music video of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and it will blow your mind.  It is one of the best music videos we have ever seen, and truly recreates this classic song for a new generation.  Prepare to have your mind blown as you check them out.  If you want to see their videos before they are released to the public, become a Patreon today.

See  you soon.  We’ll be back with more Get it or Forget it reviews soon.