Tag: indie music

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos released in January 2019

Now that we have featured our 30 favorite singles for the month of January, let’s turn our attention to our 30 favorite videos.  We have already shared 20 of them via our weekly Monday Mashup column, and now present our final selections here in this Ten Amazing Videos article.

We’ll get started with an interesting rock video from the band Nixon’s Ghost.  This one has a very retro feel, and some pretty good animation.  Check out “Once you Leave.”

Our next video is from Hawksley Workman, a truly gifted musician who we think is destined for greater things.  Here is his moving video for “Lazy.”  We think you’ll really like this one.

Our third video is a stirring live performance by Emily King of her new single, “Can’t Hold Me.”  We absolutely love her vocals and everything about this song.  What do you think?

Video number four comes from Budapest, with the rocking sound of Ivan and the Parazol.  Here is their intriguing video for “Changin’.”

For our fifth video, we bring back one of our favorite indie artists, Tiffany Young.  She has a new look but the same great sound.  Here’s her latest, “Born Again.”

Next up is a stunning video shot along the Italian coast for Czech artist Thom Artway‘s latest single, “Can’t Wait.”  We can’t wait to check this one out.

Video number seven is a deeply disturbing yet moving video that visualizes the final track to the new album by Dollshot which we recently reviewed.  “Nacht und Träume” was written by Schubert and the lyrics are based on a poem by  Matthäus von Collin.

The latest from For Esme, a truly introspective tune called “To Love,” is our eighth video for this edition of Ten Amazing Videos.  We love the segue mid-song to an almost disco-esq dance beat.  Enjoy this one.

Our next to last video this month is from the one and only Jess Ribeiro, one of the premier indie artists from down under.  Although we don’t understand what’s happening in the video (and maybe that is on purpose), we still love the sound of “Stranger.”

We close out the month with the latest video from Toronto’s treasure Ace of Wands, the video for the title track of their forthcoming album, “Lioness.”  This one will move you to the core, especially the battle with self-destruction.  Long live the Ace of Wands!

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten great singles released in January 2019

Greetings from the frigid northwest.  We’ve been inundated with snow and the bitter polar cold, but at least the music is hot and warms us to the core.  Let’s close out the month of January with our final 10 favorite singles out of the more than 200 we received this month.  We’ll bring our final 10 favorite videos later today.

Our first single is “Belleville Blues,” from the new album by Murray A. Lightburn which drops later this month.  It is a smooth, jazzy, soulful song that provides an easy listening start to this month’s list.

Our second single comes from American artist Jesse Hite, who is currently living in France as a singer-songwriter and producer.  We love the upbeat feel of this pop song, and think you will too.  Check out “When it All Comes Down.”

Our third single is a bluesy number called “Shakedown Blues,” and comes to us from LA-based blues rocker Kail Baxley.  We love his groove, which reminds us of the late great B.B. King.  Let us know what you think.

Single number four brings us “Offshoot” by a group of five lads from Costa Mesa, California who have incredible indie rock skills but are virtually unknown.  Let’s give some love to Spendtime Palace.

We head over to Portland, Oregon for our fifth single, which is the debut from experimental jazz artist Bryson Cone.  He mixes jazz, shoegaze and experimental sounds to form the amazingly cool track, “Destination Nightmare.”  We think you’ll like it, especially that amazing sax.

https://soundcloud.com/bryson-cone/destination-nightmare-1?mc_cid=e2baa83871&mc_eid=cd517367a3

We kick off our second five singles with this amazing indie pop/rock tune from LA-based Isla June.  We love the vibe, the vocal harmonies and the overall feel of “Knew you When” and think this tune has serious legs with potential for both radio airplay and consideration for placement in film and television.

https://soundcloud.com/islajune/knew-you-when/

We think everyone can relate to the subject of Don Brownrigg‘s latest single, “Bad Timing.”  We think he has nailed it with this radio friendly pop tune.

Sweden’s Elin K has descended on Los Angeles and offers us the stirringly beautiful track “Malibu,” paying homage to her new favorite beach.  This one will warm your heart.

Our ninth single is an upbeat dance tune called “Shoulder to Shoulder.” It debuted on Martin Luther King Day and is a call to action.   We would be proud to party with Wolves and share the message of this song.  Get on the dance floor.

Our final single this month is from Coco Bans, and we think it is the perfect way to sign off this month.  Check out the amazing vocals and sound of “Fighting Feathers.”

https://soundcloud.com/mynameiscocobans/fighting-feathers-2/s-4fZeE

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 5

If you love defense, then yesterday’s Super Bowl was an incredible display of power.  Both offenses sucked, but the Rams especially had a tough time against Patriots’ Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores, who will become Miami’s new head coach.  It will be interesting to see what he brings to South Florida.  Only time will tell.  In the meantime, here’s our first Monday Mashup of this short month.  We will have our Ten Great Singles and Ten Amazing Videos articles and another Women in Entertainment profile up later this week before getting back into the Get it or Forget it reviews and New Music Friday.  Let’s enjoy the latest in indie music.

Photo credit: Andie Mills

SHE ROCKS AWARDS GIVEN OUT AT THE NAMM SHOW

For the seventh year in a row, awards were given out to recognize the accomplishments of female members of the music industry at last month’s NAMM Show.  Many of the honorees performed in a concert held at the House of Blues in Anaheim and hosted by the Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN).  In addition, a Hall of Fame award was introduced this year which honored Janis Joplin.   The award was accepted by her sister, Laura Joplin, who gave an impassioned speech.  Afterwards, the other honorees joined together in a medley of Joplin’s hits, including “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,” and “Raise Your Hand.”  Those performing included Orianthi, Vanessa Amorosi, Judith Hill, Emily Armstrong, Sarah Command, Mindi Abair and Rock Sugah.

The full list of ladies honored in 2019 included Terri Nunn, lead singer of the iconic electro-pop band, BERLIN; Macy Gray, GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and actress;
Lisa Loeb, Platinum-selling, GRAMMY Award-winning singer songwriter, touring artist and author; Nita Strauss, acclaimed solo artist and guitarist for Alice Cooper; Erika Ender, award-winning and chart topping composer, singer, co-writer of the hit “Despacito;”  Dana DuFine, VP Global Content and development AEG Facilities
Dale Krevens, vice president of Tech 21; Lynette Sage, art director of Reverb; Samantha Pink, director of business operations at JAM industries USA; Terri Winston, executive director, Women’s Audio Mission; Janet Bill Rich, Manage This Media and Bonnie Gallanter, co-producer of the She Rocks Awards and owner of Muse Artist Management.  Lyndsey Parker and Christine Devine hosted the event.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this month comes from Los Angeles electro-pop artist Zhao.  We really dig this vibe and think this one will get your week off to a great start.  Check out “Feeling Today.”

Next up is an indie rock trio who we introduced to you back in December in our Ten Great Singles article.  Valentin Marx bring us “Last Time,” and we hope it’s not the last time we hear this amazing group.  If you are in LA, check them out at the Hotel Cafe on February 15.

Our third single gives us the rocking blues guitar and vocals of J.D. Simo, and we can’t think of a better way to keep this party going.  Check out his latest single, “You Need Love,” from his forthcoming album scheduled to drop next month.

https://open.spotify.com/album/1yRq8FxAEpL4BWtRPBiJ9g

The incredibly sweet vocals of The Desert make our next single easier to swallow.  It may be called “Bitterness,” but there is nothing foul tasting in this amazing song from one of the UK’s best indie bands who we introduced to you last October in our Ten Great Singles article.

https://soundcloud.com/funnel-music/the-desert-bitterness-1/s-747iC

Last but definitely not least this week is the latest single from Fred Hostetler, the guitarist for the incredible blues band Blue by Nature.  Here is his new solo single, “I’m a New Man,” which takes his music to an entirely different level.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this month comes from Brisbane-based artist Mallrat.  We love the cinematography and the vibe of this awesome pop song, “Nobody’s Home.”

Our next video is an interesting one from former opera singer turned pop powerhouse Emin Eminzada.  Here is his single “Treasure Me,” which should get you ready for Valentine’s Day.

Your eyes and ears are in for a treat with the new music video from amazing soprano singer Amy Owens.  This one checks all the boxes – great song, incredible artist and amazing dancing.  Enjoy “Discreet.”

Video number four combines great blues and pop with an Americana vibe from Foxfeather.  We are in love with this song, and can’t wait to hear what comes next.  Please enjoy “Come and Get Me.”  We accept the invitation.

Our final video this week is from Maya Lavelle and uses the story of Don Quixote to visualize her amazing song, “House on a Rocky Road.”  This is one of the best indie videos we have ever seen, and think you will likewise agree.  Enjoy this one and we’ll see you next week.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Lost Cousins, Shayfer James, El Palacio de Linares, Eric Brace Peter Cooper and Thomm Jutz, Twilight Fields

It’s time to review five new albums that all dropped on Friday, February 1.  This is a very eclectic set of offerings, and we are happy to share the New Music Friday love.

Artist Name:    Lost Cousins

Album Name:  In Scenery

Label:  Pheromone Recordings

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Stay; 2.  Mindmaker; 3.  City Escape; 4.  Seajets; 5.  Trails; 6.  Montreal; 7.  Forest Floor; 8.  Shores; 9.  Nothing

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We introduced you to this amazing band last September when we featured their equally amazing single, “City Escape” in our Ten Great Singles article.  We said then that they belonged on the radio, and with the release of their new album, there eight more reasons for that assessment.  These songs are great, and the sound is true indie rock, with pop sensibilities and a touch of psychedelic rock to sweeten the mix.  The music is sweeping and majestic, and should also be considered for placement opportunities in television and film.  So glad that the Lost Cousins have arrived.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Shayfer James

Album Name:  Hope and a Hand Grenade

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Gothic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Mercy Down; 2.  Ophelia; 3.  Boots Worn Through; 4.  Day of Reckoning; 5.  Mostly Major Chords; 6.  Crack a Bottle, Run a Bath

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:  Shayfer James is a gifted songwriter who is heavily influenced by the likes of Danny Elfman, among others.  He adds a touch of reggae to his mix that elevates these songs to a new dimension, and will definitely remind the listener of the great songs released by Oingo Boingo.  These songs are definitely radio friendly, especially “Mercy Down,” Boots Worn Through,” “Day of Reckoning,” and “Crack a Bottle, Run a Bath.”  This is one of the best solo albums we have heard this year.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  El Palacio de Linares

Album Name:  Largos Agotadores

Label:  Pretty Olivia Records

Genre:  Latin Pop

Track Listing:  1,  Cielo Amahilo; 2.  Ciervo y Elizo; 3.  Este Rato (Contigo); 4.  Piscinas Naturales; 5.  Cuestiones Inciertas; 6.  El Estilo; 7.  Modo Aviõn; 8.  Pez Espada; 9.  Luz Blanca; 10.  Robert y Vashti

Publicist:  Bobo Integral

Review:  Music is truly the universal language, and even if you don’t speak Spanish, the power and joy of the words comes through in this collection of power pop tunes from Spain’s El Palacio de Linares.  The fun and upbeat rhythms will make you feel good, like the music of The Beatles speaks to those who don’t understand English.  We are proud to give this one two thumbs up, and encourage you to expand your horizons and add it to your collection.

Recommendation:  Whether or not you understand Spanish, this one belongs in your collection.  Go Get it.

Artist Name:  Eric Brace, Peter Cooper and Thomm Jutz

Album Name:  Riverland

Label:  Red Beet Records

Genre:  Americana/Folk/Country/Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  River City; 2.  King of the Keelboat Men; 3.  Down Along the River; 4.  Drowned and Washed Away; 5.  Old Tom T. and Brother Will; 6.  Mississippi Magic; 7.  In the Presence of the River; 8.  Southern Mule; 9.  To be a Steamboat Man; 10.  As far as I can See; 11.  It Might be Hollywood; 12.  Uneasy Does It; 13.  Fort Defiance; 14.  Mississippi, Rest my Soul

Publicist:  Broken Jukebox Media

Review:  These three amazing musicians have just released their second album as a trio, and it sets the standard for modern day folk troubadours.  These songs about the Mississippi, both the river and the state, are destined to become part of American folklore.  This time around, they have joined with bassist Mark Fain and drummer Lynn Williams, and feature the artistry of the Steeldrivers’ Tammy Rogers on fiddle, Justin Moses and Terry Baucom on banjo, and Mike Compton on mandolin.  These songs will become a treasured part of your collection, and provide a wealth of information for American history buffs.  We especially love the sweet tribute to the great Tom T. Hall contained in “Old Tom T. and Brother Will.”

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you rush out and Get this one.  It is truly a musical treasure.

Artist Name:  Twilight Fields

Album Name:  Songs From the Age of Ruin

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1,  Prologue:  The Ruined City; 2.  Bomber; 3.  Lazarus; 4.  Demagogue; 5.  Offended; 6.  Taken Away; 7.  The Animal’s Song; 8.  Soldier Song; 9.  The Holy War; 10.  Maximum Darkness; 11.  Lovers in a Dangerous Time; 12.  Why did we do It?  (The Last Ones); 13.  Loss; 14.  Epilogue:  Barren Planet

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  Canada’s Twilight Fields combines elements of prog rock, ambient, dream-pop, psych-folk and shoegaze to form their own mix they call ambient rock.  The instrumentation is sweeping and broad, painting a picture perfect complemented by their stunning vocals and lyrics.  This is an album that recounts our failures but encourages us to do better.  Among the topics covered are the bombing of Hiroshima and the absurdities of the atomic age, homelessness and economic inequalities, the evils of populism and political repression, the toxicity of social media communication, animal rights, the utter stupidity of war and climate change.  It also features two stirring covers of Bruce Cockburn’s immortal classic “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” and Thin Lizzy’s “Holy War.”

Recommendation:  This one will make an interesting addition to your collection.  We highly recommend it.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – WANK, Radar State, Lazy Queen, Kristina Koller, Ted Russell Kamp

(Meant to finish this yesterday, but got a little under the weather, so we’re finishing it on Friday.  Friday’s regular Get it or Forget it will be published tomorrow.  Sorry for the delays.)

We close out the month of January with today’s Get it or Forget it, featuring five more reviews including the incomparable the latest from preeminent musician Ted Russell Kamp.  Let’s get this going.

Artist Name:  WANK

Album Name:  White Knuckle Ride

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop-punk/ska

Track Listing:  1.  Remington; 2.  Blue Skies; 3.  Salvation; 4.  Rollin’ On; 5.  Sweet Music; 6.  Believe It; 7.  Shut you Down; 8.  We Wanna Rock, 9.  It was You; 10.  Won’t let Go; 11.  Forgiven

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  WANK may be a pop-punk band but their sound is more akin to ska/indie rock bands like Reel Big Fish, No Doubt and Flogging Molly.    Their music is upbeat and fun, without all the angst associated with most punk music.  These songs are truly radio friendly and ready for heavy rotation, especially “Blue Skies,” “Salvation,” “Sweet Music, “Shut you Down,” “We Wanna Rock” (although it needs to remove the f*bombs), “It was You,” “Won’t Let Go,” and “Forgiven.”   They would also make great placements in film and television.  Take a fun ride with WANK – you won’t want the fun to end!

Recommendation:  You simply MUST Get this one!

Artist Name:  Radar State

Album Name:  Strays

Label:  Wiretap Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Strays; 2.  What’s a Rebel; 3.  Anywhere; 4.  Summer of Sundays; 5.  Damn the Man; 6.  Making me Feel; 7.  Self Hurt Guru; 8.  Artificial Love; 9.  Defender; 10.  Good Catholic; 11.  Leather Dye; 12.  Victims of Fashion; 13.  Play for the Game

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Radar State is a new band composed of Matt Pryor and Jim Suptic from The Get Up Kids, Josh Berwanger from The Anniversary and Adam Phillips from The Architects and The Gadjits.  Combined these four bring a strong punk flavor to their version of indie rock, complete with screaming guitars, great vocals and amazingly well written songs.  This band rocks, and deserves major industry attention, especially on songs like “Anywhere,” “Summer of Sundays,” “Artificial Love,” “”Defender,” “Victims of Fashion,” and “Play for the Game.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth adding to your collection, especially if you like a healthy dose of punk with your indie rock.

Artist Name:  Lazy Queen

Album Name:  A Sigh so Deep

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Punk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  F*ck Kevin Spacey; 2.  Things I Think About While we F*ck; 3.  Apocalipstick; 4.  Turn from Void; 5.  Tamir

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Norwegian band Lazy Queen mixes raucous punk rock with profound lyrics that tackle such topics as gender identity, mental health, racism, police violence, relationships and self-destructive tendencies.  They are not your run of the mill punk band, but use a almost heavy metal rock to drive their lyrics home.  While some of the song titles may be explicit, the lyrics are less so, although there are a few f*bombs.    The story told in the lyrics is worth listening to, even though the musical accompaniment is pretty strong.  If you like your music hard, then this is a good choice for you.  We think the closing song, “Tamir” is the best track.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Kristina Koller

Album Name:  At the Poli Club

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Save  Your Love for Me; 2.  Falling in Love with Love; 3.  I Didn’t Know About You; 4.  What a Difference a day Makes

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This EP is a live recording of part of Kristina Koller’s show last October at The Poli Club in Connecticut.  We reviewed her last album in May 2018, and we think this live recording affirms our previous assessment.  She has such a strong voice and with the help of her amazing jazz trio, she raises the bar for jazz performance.  This album will truly help you chill after a hard day of work, and should be a required item for your own well being.  Grab a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy jazz perfection.

Recommendation:  You need to chill to this one every day, so run out and Get it.

Artist Name:  Ted Russell Kamp

Album Name:  Walkin’ Shoes

Label:  Poetry of the Moment Records

Genre:  Americana/Roots

Track Listing:  1,  Home Away From Home; 2.  Paid by the Mile (ft Sam Morrow); 3.  This Old Guitar; 4.  We Don’t Have to be Alone; 5.  Heart Under Pressure (ft Jaime Wyatt); 6.  Tail Light Shine; 7.  Highway Whisper; 8.  Get off the Grid (ft Brian Whelan); 9.  Written in Stone; 10.  Freeway Mona Lisa; 11.  Just About Time for a Heartache; 12.  Less Thinkin’, More Drinkin’ (ft John Schreffler); 13.  Roll on Through the Night

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Ted Russell Kamp is one of LA’s busiest musicians, spending his time on tour and in the studio with the likes of Shooter Jennings while still finding time to record and perform his own music.  In fact, Walkin’ Shoes is his 11th solo album.  He is joined by his touring pals John Schreffler and Jaimie Douglass, as well as local LA artists including Brian Whelan (Dwight Yoakum, Chris Shifflet), Dan Wistrom, Sam Morrow and Jaime Wyatt.  The result is his best material to date.  While most of the music he makes with Jennings is more southern rock, Kamp’s own material is closer to Americana  and Roots Rock, with a healthy dose of country and soul.  His lyrics are heartfelt and poetic, and deserve more industry attention.  We really love his duets with Morrow, Wyatt, Whelan and Schreffler (especially those horns and that jazzy NOLA sound).

Recommendation:  If you love the grit of good Americana music, then this one is a must for your collection.  Go Get It!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Illiterate Light, Joshua Powell, Te’Amir, Betty Bryant, Born to Uke

It’s hump day again, and time is racing towards the Super Bowl this Sunday.  While we wait for the big showdown, let’s check out these five interesting indie artists.

Artist Name:  Illiterate Light

Album Name:  Sweet Beast

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Better Than I Used To; 2.  Nuthin’s Fair; 3.  Sweet Beast; 4.  Two Cats; 5.  Growin’ Down

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Composed of Jeff Gorman on guitar and vocals and Jake Cochran on drums and vocals, Illiterate Light is an impressive duo from Virginia who breathe new life into the alternative rock scene.  The sweet guitar riffs mesh perfectly with the steady drums while the vocal harmonies fill your senses with all the emotions contained in the well-written lyrics.  We featured the video for their song “Growin’ Down” in our Ten Amazing Videos of October, and also featured “Nuthin’s Fair” in our Ten Great Singles of December.  This is a band that is in it for the long haul, and we expect them to be around for a long time.  Their music is extremely radio friendly, especially the lead track “Better Than I Used To” and the latest single, “Nuthin’s Fair.”  In fact, “Better” has more than 300,000 plays on streaming platforms and was selected by NPR as one of the 10 Hot Summer Songs.

Recommendation:  Jump on this train NOW and Get their EP.

Artist Name:  Joshua Powell

Album Name:  PSYCHOTROPIC

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Black Lodge (water); 2.  Arrowheads or Worse; 3.  Bright Deceiver!; 4.  Econoline; 5.  Bliss is a Flak Jacket; 6.  Ascension; 7.  Spirit of the Trailer Park; 8.  Supercareful; 9.  Mandala in Reverse; 10.  ’59 Tomahawk; 11.  Chakra #6

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Joshua Powell has been a fixture on the indie music scene for many years with his band The Great Train Robbery.  Since moving to Indiana, he has emerged as a solo artist with his best work to date, what he calls a “spiritual acid trio.”  We just call it one of the best albums of 2019 to date.  The sound is radio friendly, with tones of psychedelic rock scattered through the folky groove.  This is a sound that should resonate with many indie rock lovers, growing his fan base exponentially.  The album is definitely worth multiple listens, and you may even want to put a few of these tracks on repeat.  There is not a weak one on the album, so put it on, sit back and enjoy.

Recommendation:  Drop whatever you’re doing and Get this one now!

Artist Name:  Te’Amir

Album Name:  Abyssinia + Abyssinia Rise

Label:  Tru Thoughts Recordings

Genre:  World Music

Track Listing:  Side A:  1,  Habesha; 2.  The Quest (ft Dustin Warren); 3.  All That you Need (ft Dustin Warren); 4.  Randal in Addis; Side B:  1.  Afrika; 2.  Back to Abyssinia; 3.  Blue Nile; 4.  Afar Hustle; 5.  Salem

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Te’Amir is a critically acclaimed drummer and producer from Los Angeles who has spent the last 10 years performing with Aloe Blacc.  On this vinyl release he has combined his two previous EPs into one amazing record.  The album pays homage to his Ethiopian heritage and shows why he is considered one of the most gifted drummers on the music scene today.  This is predominately an instrumental album full of beautiful music.  There are two tracks that feature the vocals of Dustin Warren which stand out from the album, and make it truly special, especially “All That You Need.”  This album is perfect for your chill times or when you just want to bask in the mastery of a true indie artist, especially the amazing sax on “Randal in Addis” and the incredible percussion and horns on the jazzy “Afrika.”  There are no weak tracks, so feel free to listen to this one from start to finish and then listen again and again.

Recommendation:  Go Get this one.

Artist Name:  Betty Bryant

Album Name:  Project 88

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz/Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Love Came and Went; 2.  Lady be Good; 3.  Catfish Man; 4.  Just You, Just Me; 5.  But Beautiful; 6.  Ain’t Nobody’s Business; 7.  Cho-Cho; 8.  They say it’s Beautiful; 9.  My Beloved; 10.  It’s Hard to say Goodbye

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Betty Bryant is proof that great musicians only get better with age and experience.  At the tender age of 88, Bryant has released her ninth CD as one of the premier pianists, composers and vocalists in jazz today.  The album title reflects her age and the fact that a piano has 88 keys.  Bryant composed half the songs on the album (excluding Lady Be Good, Just You, Just Me, But Beautiful, Ain’t Nobody’s Business and They Say It’s Beautiful), which are sure to join the plethora of great jazz standards.   The album is produced by amazing saxophonist and flutist Robert Kyle, who puts his personal stamp on several tracks, including “Just You, Just Me.”

Recommendation:  If you love jazz or blues, then you should definitely add this one to your collection.

Artist Name:  Various Artists

Album Name:  Born to Uke (Springsteen Tribute)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Thunder Road (Sara Watkins); 2.  Tenth Avenue Freeze Out (Will Kimbrough); 3.  Night (Svavar Knútur); 4.  Backstreets (The Weepies); 5.  Born to Run (Emily Saliers); 6.  She’s the One (Keith Metzger); 7.  Meeting Across the River (Albatross); 8.  Jungleland (Kai Welch)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Bruce Springsteen released Born to Run in 1975, and this collection pays homage to that  seminal release using only ukelele, bass, percussion and vocals.  The album is a fundraiser for Little Kids Rock, which funds music education in underprivileged public schools.  It features several renowned artists, including Emily Sailers (The Indigo Girls), Sara Watkins (I’m With Her, Nickel Creek), The Weepies and Will Kimbrough.  They breath new life into these amazing songs and give Springsteen the respect that he has earned.

Recommendation:  If you love Springsteen and great music, then you simply must Get this one.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – David Vassalotti, Cold Weather Company, Dollshot, Royal Canoe, The Earthly Frames

Happy Tuesday.  As we close out the month of January, we still have some great new albums to share with you.  Here are five of them for your consideration.

Artist Name:  David Vassalotti

Album Name:  Guitar Dream

Label:  Wharf Cat Records

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock/Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  This Extravagant Lie; 2.  The Other Light; 3.  The Light; 4.  In the Garden; 5.  Devenir immortal . . .; 6.  The Lines Between Us; 7.  Let it Burn; 8.  Manifest Destiny; 9.  Outlines; 10.  What Shall you say Tonight?

Publicist:  Promo Jukebox

Review:  David Vassalotti makes great guitar music come alive with his dreamy sounding vocals over a perfectly composed musical soundtrack.  The songs have deep meaning contained in their lyrics, and Vassalotti has the perfect voice to convey all the emotions contained in those lyrics.  Hidden within these tracks is the incredible instrumental song, “The Other Light.”  Our only complaint is that there seem to be problems with the mixing, as the vocals seem to “float” on top of the music, as if they were added after all the instrumental tracks were laid down and not mixed together.  Other than that, we love it from start to finish, especially “In the Garden.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Cold Weather Company

Album Name:  Find Light

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Hazel; 2.  Clover; 3.  Brothers; 4.  Birds on a String; 5.  Circles; 6.  Do no Harm; 7.  Dawn; 8.  Pocket; 9.  The Things you Saw; 10.  Reclamation; 11.  Mount Desert Island; 12.  Old but True; 13.  Dusk; 14.  Slate House; 15.  Atlas; 16.  Do no Harm (reprise)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We introduced you to this band when we featured their single “Brothers” in our Ten Great Singles of October.  Two years in the making, this album is a superb example of indie excellence from amazing songwriters Brian Curry, Jeff Petescia, and Steve Shimchick.  They are true peers of bands like Mumford & Sons, Coldplay and The Decemberists, and deserve the same industry attention.   These songs are radio friendly and would be perfect for placement opportunities in film and television.  The vocals are soaring over a majestic and sweeping musical background that keeps the listener invested, especially “Do no Harm.”  These songs need to be enjoyed over and over again.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  Definitely go Get it.

Artist Name:  Dollshot

Album Name:  Lalande

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Paradise Flat; 2.  Gimbal; 3.  Circulate Stop; 4.  Lalande; 5.  Swan Gone; 6.  Ichor; 7.  Cynthera; 8.  Birds of the West; 9.  She; 10.  Nacht and Träume

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We introduced you to this band last year when we featured their single “Paradise Flat” in our Monday Mashup.  They have a distinctive sound with clear eerie vocals on top of a harder musical tone underneath.  Their music really transcends genre boundaries as it has pop vocals on top of a harder rock feel that is at times discordant but effective.  You can still feel their classical training at the core of their music as they bend the sounds to create their own unique mix.  The resulting sound is truly memorable and hard to forget.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Royal Canoe

Album Name:  Waver

Label:  Paper Bag Records

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  What’s Left in the River; 2.  Black Sea; 3.  intro; 4.  RAYZ; 5.  May 17; 6.  Ashes Ashes (ft Nnamdi Ogbonnaya); 7.  Girl of my Dreams; 8.  Peep This; 9.  Spin Cycle; 10.  77-76; 11.  Don’t

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We first introduced you to Royal Canoe back in September when we featured the music video for their first single, “RAYZ,” and came back with another feature on their second single, “Peep This” in December.  They mix elements of pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop, with glorious synth walls, obtuse guitar solos and beautiful organ lines, all tied together with a deep rhythmic interplay between the bass, drums and electronics.  The result is a sound that is truly multi-dimensional with easy cross-over appeal to a multitude of radio formats.  The focus is on the lyrics and the vocals, which have incredible harmonies that perfect capture the mood and meaning of these songs, especially on songs like “RAYZ,” “Peep This,” “77-76” and “Don’t.”

Recommendation:  Go Get this one!

Artist Name:  The Earthly Frames

Album Name:  Light Reading

Label:  Self-release

Genre:  Experimental  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  A Doorbell for Finite Beings; 2.  Underrepresented Harmonics; 3.  She Waits for Yesterday; 4.  The Imagined Lives of Shirley Kudirka; 5.  Dismantling Ubiquitous Monitoring Systems; 6.  The Architectural Mnemonics of M. Nodisks; 7.  End Timed Family; 8.  A Teleological Wind; 9.  Dark Years History; 10.  Getting Started in Tempography; 11.  Eye on Ghost Singers; 12.  Time Moving in Light

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  We can guarantee you have never heard anything like the sophomore album from Gabriel Walsh aka The Earthly Frames.  It is as different of a project from the mainstream record as performance art is from theater.  Under the guise of a reading list, the song titles tell you nothing about the sweet sounds you are about to experience.  He incorporates country, folk and pop into this experimental and eclectic mix of sounds and words, creating something that stands out from the myriad of indie artists.  His 25 years of experimenting with music have definitely paid off with this hidden gem at the end of the rainbow.  This one is worth checking out just for the variety of styles and mixes that are instantly memorable.

Recommendation:  We recommend you go Get this one.  We don’t think you have anything like it in your current music collection.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2019: vol. 4

Happy Monday.  We’ve reached our final Monday Mashup for January, and we’ve got some special treats for you today, including premieres of new singles from Lindsey Compton and Illicit Ghost.  Let’s get this week off to a great start.

INDIE ARTISTS REIGN AT THE NAMM SHOW

Congrats to all the indie artists who performed during The NAMM Show last week.  Thanks for keeping us in the loop with your performances, your photos and your memories.  We loved living vicariously through your social media posts.

LINDSEY COMPTON DEBUTS NEW SINGLE

Budding superstar Lindsey Compton is dropping her new single, “Starstruck” today, and we have been chosen to premiere it here.  For those who don’t know, Compton is fast becoming a force of nature.  She is standing up for the rights of women and taking feminism to a whole new level.  She believes women should express anything they choose – and she does it with a ‘do everything for the art’ attitude that expresses all that she is:  sassy and witty, flirty and fun, inclusive and edgy, funky and above all else, fearless.

Starstruck

Click on the link above to check out the song.  With “Starstruck,” Compton manages to achieve pop bliss by bringing the sounds of Hole, Ariana Grande, and Lykke Li together.  The song starts off dark enough to make us believe she might be a grunge-era Queen, but by the time the chorus is repeating out it has become crystal clear that Compton is the new Princess of Pop.

ILLICIT GHOST DROPS FIRST SINGLE OF 2019

Brooklyn-based artist/producer/violinist Illicit Ghost also drops her latest single, “Parties by Myself,” today, a head-bobbing anti-social anthem, but beware, this one is quite explicit.  She combines a remarkably raw vocal performance, dirty bass, hip hop machine drums and ominous synths with her signature aggressive violin sound.  In her own words, “‘Parties by Myself’ is simply about not trying to fit in, not taking shit from anyone and doing what makes you happy,” says Illicit Ghost.  “I think the new year is perfect timing for this message.”  We couldn’t agree more.

The inspiration for the song came from an unlikely place. “I used to listen to Third Eye Blind’s ‘Semi-Charmed Life’ constantly when I was 12” explains Illicit Ghost.  “I had a Third Eye Blind cassette that I was not allowed to listen to because it was about sex and drugs.  But I loved that song so much that I got a small tape player and listened underneath my covers each night.  At the time I didn’t understand what it was about at all, but I liked the feeling I got from it.  I felt free. I wanted to make something that captured the same feeling.”  We think she accomplished her goal.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from Fort Frances, who we introduced to you back in December 2016 when we reviewed their album Alio.  Since then, they have been up to great things and their latest single is another masterpiece.  Check out “Double Take.”

Our next single comes from Montreal’s L.A. Foster, and is a beautiful and intimate song called “Honestly.”  We think it will soon become your own personal anthem.

Our third single is an upbeat fun tune called “Lonely Loving Me,” and comes to us via the UK’s Hockeysmith.  This one has the R&B and electronic pop sound to get your week off to a great start.

Next is the debut single from Denver based R&B band Waxcat.  Here is “Oceans.”

Our final single this week comes from the forthcoming album by Damon Mitchell, which will drop on March 2.  Here is the title track, and we think it is definitely worthy of a listen.  Can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from Blue Élan Records artist The Vegabonds, who we reviewed January 18 upon their release of V.  This is one of the best cuts on the album, and we are proud to share “Best I Can” with you.

Our next video comes from recent LA Music Critic Awards winner Jordan Siwek.  It is a heart-wrenching and touching video shot in New York City that perfectly captures the essence of his song “Lover and a Giver.”  Break out the tissues.

Video number three is the latest from Valerio Lysander, who we reviewed last August.  “Little People” is inspired by the 1st movement of Mozart’s Sonata in F major, K. 332, and should raise your cultural awareness for the week.  Enjoy the beauty of this video.

Our next video is about coming to terms with who you are, and features the soulful voice of Aaron Sibley.  Check out this powerful video for his song, “Falling Through.”

We close out this week with the amazing sound of We Three, who we reviewed last week.  They have been on a tear ever since they competed on America’s Got Talent, and this video shows why.  Check out their fans lip-syncing the band’s song “Your Lifeline.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – The Empty Pockets, The Well Pennies, Sarra, Mozes and the Firstborn, The Fisherman and The Sea

Welcome to New Music Friday.  As promised, we have five artists that are all dropping new projects today, and four of them should be very familiar to readers of this column.  Enjoy these new tunes.

Artist Name:  The Empty Pockets

Album Name:  Tanglewoods

Label:  MT Pockets Music

Genre:  Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  The Grind; 2.  Deerfield; 3.  Asleep on the Subway; 4.  Wolfpack; 5.  Brand new Eyes; 6.  Fill it Up; 7.  Island Queen; 8.  Papergirl; 9.  Tanglewoods; 10.  Over

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We introduced this band to you back in September 2017, and knew then that they were special.  That first album we reviewed earned them an LA Music Critic Award nomination, and now The Empty Pockets are back with another album, their best to date.  It flows easily within the Americana, folk and country music genres, with spotless musicianship and incredible harmonies.  The songs are well crafted and the lyrics are amazing.  They are indie music’s answer to Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town, with a more folky sound.  There is not a weak track on this album, and we plan to listen to it again and again.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go Get this one today!

Artist Name:  The Well Pennies

Album Name:  Murmurations

Label:  Golden Bear Records

Genre:  Folk/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Ooh La La; 2.  On my Blue Sky; 3.  My Morning Star; 4.  The Wonderkind; 5.  If Anyone Breaks my Heart; 6.  Nobody Loves me Like You; 7.  Calliope; 8.  When I was the Ocean and you Were the Moon; 9.  December; 10.  The River; 11.  Wedding Song; 12.  If you Were Mine; 13.  The Starling

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We first met the dynamic duo of Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool a few years back shortly after they arrived in Los Angeles from Boston.  They were one of the amazing artists that performed monthly as part of the Blue ‘n Green showcases created by Mikal Blue and Angelique Sheppard and David Garner of Green Roots Productions.  We have been friends ever since and we are so happy to review their latest offering.  This one hits the ground running with a breezy folk/pop sound that is truly radio friendly and deserves maximum rotations on everything from AAA and Americana to Top 40 and College radio stations.  It is also perfect for placement opportunities in television and film.  You will be singing along to these songs in no time at all, especially the first track, “Ooh La La,” among others.  The album closes with the sweeping instrumental “The Starling,” which gives the album its name.  It would be perfect for placement in wildlife documentaries.

Recommendation:  Don’t think about it, just Get it today!

Artist Name:  Sarra

Album Name:  Sarra

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Invitation; 2.  Bloom; 3.  Your Name; 4.  The Saint; 5.  The First Time; 6.  Invisible; 7.  Beautiful Disaster; 8.  The Fall; 9.  Going Crazy; 10.  Kerosene; 11.  Confession; 12.  Natural; 13.  Reprise

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We first introduced you to Sarra last August when we featured her single “Kerosene” in our Ten Great Singles article in September.  We also featured her single “Your Name” in our Monday Mashup column in November, which garnered her an LA Music Critic Award nomination for “Rising Star.”  We are so proud to be able to review her debut album, which has exceeded even our highest expectations, from the dreamy “Invitation” to the jazzy smoothness of “Secrets” and “The Saint.”   You can’t go wrong with this one, and will find yourself listening from start to finish, again and again.  These songs are radio friendly and perfect for placement in film and television.  We guarantee this young lady will soon become a household name.

Recommendation:   This one is going to become one of your favorites, so run out and Get it right now!

Artist Name:  Mozes and the Firstborn

Album Name:  Dadcore

Label:  Burger Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  d; 2.  Dadcore (ft together PANGEA); 3.  a; 4.  If I; 5.  Baldy; 6.  d; 7.  Sad Supermarket Song; 8.  Fly Out I; 9.  Blow Up; 10.  c; 11.  Hello; 12.  o; 13.  Scotch Tape/Stick With you (ft Kelsey Reckling); 14.  We’re all Saints; 15.  r; 16.  Amen; 17.  c; 18.  Fly Out II

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  This is the only artist on today’s Get it or Forget it that we are unfamiliar with, that is before listening to this intriguing mix of grunge, shoegaze, power pop and indie rock.  This marks their third full-length album since signing with California based Burger Records.  They are currently on tour in the US in support of this album, and so far have released a pair of singles, “If I” and “Sad Supermarket Song.”  This band would be popular on college campuses world-wide, and could easily become a staple on college radio.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  The Fisherman & The Sea

Album Name:  The Hurt & The Humour

Label:  Neck of the Woods Records

Genre:  Indie Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Hurry; 2.  Stuck With a Rhyme; 3.  The Fairytale Waltz; 4.  Beggar Princess; 5.  The Undertaker; 6.  A Song for the Hills; 7.  Skinny Dip; 8.  Ugly; 9.  The Bear; 10.  Homesick; 11.  Life in the Service of Others

Publicist:  Neck of the Woods Records

Review:  This band is no stranger to our blog, as we have reviewed all three of their previous EPs:  Beggar Princess in November 2017, Stuck With a Rhyme in January 2018 and I Can’t Alone in August 2018.  They have also accumulated two nominations and one win in the LA Music Critic Awards, and took #5 on our list of Best International EPs of 2017 for Beggar Princess.  Needless to say, our expectations for their debut full-length album were pretty high, and they blew them out of the water.  This is not just a collection of previously released material, as only four of these songs were included on the three previous EPs.  This is a fresh look at those great songs and seven new ones, and we are as happy as a clam, especially with the first single, “The Fairytale Waltz.”  We are definitely going to put this one on repeat, because every track is worthy of multiple listens and likes.  Take our advice, this is one of the best international bands we have ever heard.

Recommendation:  If you only buy one international album in 2019, this one should be it.  Go Get it.  Now!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Orkesta Mendoza, Regular of the Obscene, Beauty in Chaos, Bahuki, After-Death Plan

Happy Thursday.  It’s the first day of the 2019 Winter NAMM Show, and we wish the best to all of our friends and colleagues who are enjoying the show in beautiful Anaheim, California.  Back here in Montana, we’re heading off for our first volunteer shift for this year’s Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, which opens February 15.  Tomorrow we will be reviewing five albums that drop for New Music Friday, including four of our favorite artists – International phenoms The Fisherman & The Sea, as well as American favorites The Well Pennies and LA Music Critic Award nominees The Empty Pockets and Sarra.  In the meantime, here are five more reviews to check out.

Artist Name:  Orkesta Mendoza

Album Name:  La Caminadora

Label:  Cosmica

Genre:  Latin

Track Listing:  1.  La Banda (Llego la Banda) (ft Raul Marqués); 2.  La Caminadora (ft Quetzal Guerrero); 3.  Luna de Miel; 4.  Cuando yo la Conoci (Noche de Luna) (ft Brian López); 5.  Sombras; 6.  Tanger; 7.  Tusk

Publicist:  Cosmica Artists & Records

Review:  Orkesta Mendoza offers us a rare glimpse of true Latin music.  The album was recorded mostly live in studio giving us a raw look at the true nature of the band.  It incorporates their take on a variety of Latin songs, as well as a brilliant cover of Fleetwood Mac‘s “Tusk.”  They have also brought in some of the most famous Latin singers, including American Quetzal Guerrero, original band member Brian López and Portuguese Fado artist Raul Marqués.  The result is an album that delivers and reminds us why we love Latin music.

Recommendation:  If you love Latin, you should definitely Get this one.  For the rest of the world, we highly recommend you check them out – you just might like them.

Artist Name:  Regular of the Obscene

Album Name:  Tempora

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Ska Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Tempora; 2.  Light; 3.  This Ain’t a Test; 4.  Population Control; 5.  Are you Listening?; 6.  Makes no Sense; 7.  Young Rebels

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Ska/punk music is making a comeback on the indie music scene, led by bands like Reel Big Fish.  Add the intriguing sound of Regular of the Obscene to that list of amazing bands.  Their latest is a fun, horn-filled sound that is fun and full of energy.  After attending an amazing show last Sunday Night with Bikini Trill, MEST and Reel Big Fish, we had forgotten just how much energy this type of music creates, and Regular of the Obscene is just as much fun.  This one deserves to be put on repeat.  We guarantee it will have you up and jumping around to the beat.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Beauty in Chaos

Album Name:  Finding Beauty in Chaos

Label:  33.3 Music Collective

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Road to Rosario (ft Michael Aston); 2.  Storm (ft Ashton Nyte); 3.  Man of Faith (ft Wayne Hussey & Simon Gallup); 4.  20th Century Boy (ft Al Jourgensen); 5.  Drifting Away (ft Robin Zander); 6.  Memory of Love (ft Johnny Indovina); 7.  Look Up (ft Tish Ciravolo); 8.  Un-Natural Disaster (ft dUg Pinnick & Ice T); 9.  The Long Goodbye (ft Wayne Hussey); 10.  Beauty Lies Within (ft Johnny Indovina); 11.  Bloodless and Fragile (ft Ashton Nyte); 12.  I Will Follow You (ft Evi Vine); 13.  Heliotrope (ft Betsy Martin); 14.  Finding Beauty in Chaos (ft Ashton Nye)

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  Beauty in Chaos is a collaborative effort led by world-famous guitarist and President of Schecter Guitar Research Michael Ciravolo, with a host of featured artists, including Ciravolo’s wife Tish (Stun Gun), founder of Daisy Rock Guitars, Wayne Hussey (The Mission), Simon Gallup (The Cure), Ashton Nyte (The Awakening, MGT), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Al Jourgensen (Ministry), Pete Parada (The Offspring), dUg Pinnick (Kings X), ICE-T (Body Count), Michael Aston (Gene Loves Jezebel), Michael Anthony (Van Halen), Dirk Doucette (Gene Loves Jezebel), Pando (A Flock of Seagulls), Evi Vine (Evi Vine), Betsy Martin (Caterwaul / Purr Machine), Marc Danzeisen (The Riverdogs), Kevin Kipnis (Purr Machine / Kommunity FK), Rudy Matchinga (Red Scare), and Johnny Indovina (Human Drama).  This is indie rock at its finest, with hints of the best classic rock has to offer.  There is something for everyone here, and we bet you’ll be putting this one on repeat.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one.  If you’re lucky enough to be at NAMM, stop by the Schecter Guitar booth and tell Michael how much you love this album.

Artist Name:  Bahuki

Album Name:  Tell it to the Worms

Label:  MeMi Music

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Potion; 2.  Claret; 3.  Right Now; 4.  Lay me Down; 5.  Over You; 6.  Sun; 7.  About Her; 8.  Musikmakers; 9.  Shore; 10.  Shotgun; 11.  City Scape; 12.  Tell it to the Worms

Publicist:  MeMi Music

Review:  Bahuki is a breath of fresh air in the sometimes crowded indie pop scene.  Their songs are extremely radio friendly and deserve to be heard on your radio dial.  They are reminiscent of such groups as Maroon 5 and The Killers and could easily make a mark in both Top 40 and college radio.  These songs would also work well as placements in film and television.  The album hits the ground running with “Potion” and never lets up.  The work of award-winning producer and engineer Manfred Faust (The Killers) is quite evident and further pushes the band into the limelight.

Recommendation:  Run and Get this one.  Now!

Artist Name:  After-Death Plan

Album Name:  Psycho Social Sexual

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Psycho Social Sexual; 2.  Walking; 3.  You Play Adult; 4.  Killed in Days; 5.  Neil Harvey; 6.  Starlight; 7.  Digging in the Fire; 8.  Mixing Chemicals; 9.  Sinner; 10.  Emma Nation; 11.  In the Garden

Publicist:  Zero Promotion

Review:  Lizard McGee and his amazing band Earwig have brought us some great music over the years, and McGee has recently launched his own PR company on top of that.  He has introduced us to his client, and we are in love at first listen.  With lead vocals that remind us of Gwen Stefani, and an overall sound that is more akin to Earwig, After-Death Plan is primed for an all-out assault on the indie music scene.   This is music that keeps you interested with the awesome guitar, the driving drums and those amazing vocals, and capped off with extremely well-written and intelligent lyrics that keep you thinking as you listen.   They also incorporate a lot of variations into their rock sound, which has also been referred to as “Gothic Rock.”  We just call it good.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one if you like your rock music to have some meat.