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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 12)

Welcome to another week.  Had a medical procedure this morning, but ready to share these great new singles and music videos with you.  Hope you enjoy them.  Please let us know.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is the modern rock sound of Janelle Baretto and her band ROCKET.  This one is a timely song about the present situation and is damn good.  Listen to the lyrics and rock on to “Losing Breath.”

We move from rock to country for our second single, which is being released to radio shortly.  We fell in love with Casey Ahern the first time we saw her perform at The Mint, and she’s only gotten better.  Check out “Didn’t Even get a Goodbye.”  We think this one should launch her into the stratosphere.

Moving on to Americana, we present Oklahoma duo The Imaginaries.  They have some great stuff coming on Friday, but in the meantime, here’s their latest single, “Revival.”

Our fourth single has a distinctive 80s vibe to this brilliant offering from London’s Sleepwoka.  Check out the Depeche Mode dream quality of “How I was Wrong.”

Our final single this week is reminiscent of Meghan Trainor and introduces us to the amazing sound of Aubrey Toone.  Where has this lady been hiding?  We simply love her and can’t believe she’s been around LA and we never heard her before.  Enjoy her latest single, “Outrun.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is the welcome return of Dauzat St. Marie with an amazing song that has been picked up for the 75th edition of NOW That’s Music.  We think you will love their interpretation of their new single, “Common Ground.”  We definitely do!

Last week we shared the new single from Cara Frew, “Waiting for Love.”  This week we get to share the music video, which is super hot.  Enjoy this South African princess and don’t make her wait any longer.

Our friends Single by Sunday are back with another amazing tune that deserves serious airplay.  Check out the video for “Secret.”

We have always loved the music of Paul Edelman and Jangling Sparrows, and their latest, “Joshua Chamberlain,” is no different.  This one will rock your Americana, and we couldn’t be more proud of it.  We think you’ll love it too.

We close out this week’s music videos with an artist that brings back the joy and danceability of disco with her latest song “Beat of Life.”  We can’t believe we missed this artist before, but really love her sound.  Check out Aline Mayne.

 

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

Ten great singles released in March 2019

March continued to show an influx in the release of singles, and we received more than 300 requests.  After posting 20 of them in our four Monday Mashup articles, we have combed through the rest of the submissions to pick the best 10, and present them to you now to close the book on March.

Our first single is the latest from Americana stalwarts Jangling Sparrows.  This Asheville, NC based band has consistently given us great music, and their latest single, “Estuaries,” is one of their best, with its strong roots rock feel.  Let us know what you think.

Next up is a young singer-songwriter from NYC with a golden voice and the amazing ability to melt your heart with his lyrics.  Check out Dante Palminteri and his latest single, “Miles Away.”

For single number three we travel to New Orleans for the Euro-based synthpop sound of Berlin Taxi.  This one will bring back a ton of memories because it sounds so familiar yet fresh.  Check out “Everybody Changes.”

Our fourth single is sweetness in song from the one and only Kensington Moore.  She melts our heart with her story of love lost, a topic we can all relate to, and does it with some of the hottest pop beats we have heard.  Don’t worry Kensington – you’ll never hear us say “I Don’t Like you Anymore.”

Next up is an up and coming songwriter from Hong Kong who has a distinctive rock and R&B sound and a keen approach to songwriting.  We love the chill feel of her single “The Ride,” and think that DBE definitely has a future in this business.

We kick off the second five with a dreamy pop song from London’s DAYLA.  We love the way this one makes us feel, and think you will love it as well.  Here’s “Closer,” her debut single.

Next up is an iconic duo from Torrance, California who possess that rare gift – familial harmonies.  Sisters Aly and AJ Michalka will steal your heart and take you to “Church” on their latest.  Don’t miss the chance to catch them on tour this summer.

Single number eight is a folk-pop song that belongs on the radio.  The vocals drip honey and the musical accompaniment will have you relaxed in no time at all.  Here’s Aussie Josh Alexander and his latest single, “Closing.”

Is it the 80s again?  No, but that decade definitely influenced the sound of Sweden’s Cat Princess, and you can hear it on their latest single, “Silver Socks.”

We close out this edition with the rocking roots sound of Conor Donohue and his single, “Getting Better,” off his forthcoming album Let Love Contaminate, which we will be reviewing later this month.

We’ll be back shortly with our Ten Amazing Videos list.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 46

Christmas is only eight days away, and the indie music just keeps coming in strong.  We have already reviewed some stunning new releases, and continue to get stellar submissions.  As far as the LA Music Critic Awards goes, 20 artists have been nominated so far for Fan Favorite, with YYNOT, Mindi Abair, Reloaded Norway and Jordan Siwek the current top four vote getters.  Don’t forget to vote.  Deadline is December 28.

We’re keeping the spirit of Christmas alive with several new songs today, so let’s check out these five new singles and videos, right after we give you the latest news.

MARINA V IS MAKING AN ALBUM

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and dear friend Marina V is making a new album and needs your help.  The album will be called In V Minor, and we love what we’ve heard so far.  You can help by either pre-ordering a download or a  personalized, numbered, hugged and kissed CD at MarinaV.com.  There are multiple contribution/ sponsorship levels and perks, so please check it out and help her if you can.

ARE YOU READY TO BE DISCOVERED?

Danish loudspeaker specialists Dynaudio will offer FREE recording sessions to unsigned artists as part of the global gathering this January at the NAMM Show.  There are only 12 slots are available, so time is of the essence if you want to take advantage of this opportunity.  The Dynaudio Unheard studio is a state-of-the-art pop-up recording facility built inside a shipping container.  The studio contains the latest tech from the world’s best equipment makers.  To sign up and/or get more information, click on the link.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today, “The Christmas Song,”  comes courtesy of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services’ client Americana Kitchen and is an original Christmas song.  They have provided two versions of the song and we can’t decide which one we like better.  What do you think?  The first version is country pop and is from Francesca Capasso and the other is a pop rock ballad by Andee Avila.

Next is a beautiful folk ballad from the Swedish duo Drops of Indigo.  Check out “Days of Grace.”  We think you’ll like it as much as we do.

Our third single is an ambient/electronic number from Canadian band  Galaa.  The lead vocals are lovely and the song is powerful, so let us know what you think about “Ender.”

https://soundcloud.com/user-119314571/02-ender/

Next is the latest from Paper Bag Records artist Royal Canoe from their forthcoming 2019 album.  We love the sound of this band and have featured them previously.  Here is their latest, “Peep This.”

Our final single of the week is a holiday song from Jangling Sparrows, courtesy of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services.  Check out the awesome Americana sound of “Bring a Little Christmas Spark.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is another standout song from The Darcys.  We think “Chasing the Fall” will lift you up and get you ready for the remainder of the holiday season.

Next up is the latest from The Vegabonds, who are set to release their fifth album through Blue Élan Records next month.  We love this animated lyric video and especially love the song.  Check out “Everything I Need.”

Our third video comes from Australian band Arm in Arm.  It is very creative and strange, and perfectly fits the words of their song, “Nightfly.”

Video number four is another lyric video, this time to the amazingly upbeat song “Release” from Parish f/t (ft Daphne Willis).  This one will get you up and dancing in no time flat.

We close out this week with the stunning 360 video of the latest from Sci-Fi Romance.  Here is their song “Dreamers & Runaways.”  This is the future of videos, and gives a wonderful overview of the City of Angels.

 

 

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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 BeastMuscle 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.

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

Get it or forget it – Jangling Sparrows, Warbly Jets, Elizabeth and the Catapult

It’s been a wild and amazing ride being on tour with Jerad Finck these past three weeks.    We played shows in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paso Robles, San Diego, and tonight is the final show in Missoula, Montana.  We will be booking his spring tour soon, so give us a shout if you want him to visit your area.  In the meantime, welcome back to another edition of Get it or Forget it.  We got more than 50 new requests in the past few weeks, so it’s gonna be a busy run to the end of the year.

Artist NameJangling Sparrows

Album Name:  140 Nickels

Label:  Palace/Flophouse

Genre:  Americana/Roots Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Party Ain’t Over; 2.  Look Away Twice; 3.  Burnin’ a Hole; 4.  Take Home Your Coat; 5.  Ain’t Waiting for the Paint to Dry; 6.  One Good Piece of Advice; 7.  Great American Limbo; 8.  Cheaper Down the Road; 9.  Eyes of a Stranger; 10.  Catch That Ride; 11.  Pops is Comin’ Up

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Americana music is one of the fastest growing genres today, and that’s due in no small part to the amazing music being generated by artists like Jangling Sparrows.  Their music is upbeat and fun, with great songwriting and lyrics, and plenty of that good old down home musical sound of guitars, fiddle, steel and soaring vocals that truly capture the Americana sound.  Paul Edelman has outdone himself with his lead vocals, coupled with amazing harmonies.  You can also hear the zydeco influence throughout the album.  We think this is one of the best Americana bands we have heard this year, and would love to see their live performance.  Our favorite tracks include “The Party Ain’t Over,” “Burnin’ a Hole,” “One Good Piece of Advice,” “Great American Limbo,” and “Cheaper Down the Road.”

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  You NEED this one in your musical library, so run out and Get it.  Now.

Artist NameWarbly Jets

Album NameWarbly Jets

Label:  Rebel Union Recordings

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Alive; 2.  The Lowdown; 3.  RIDE; 4.  Shapeshifter; 5.  Keep Pushin; 6.  Raw Evolution; 7.  Fast Change; 8.  Head Session; 9.  Pt. II; 10.  4th Coming Bomb; 11.  Getting Closer (Than I Ever Have)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  The Warbly Jets are sure to take the indie rock world by storm with this debut self-titled album, chock full of amazing guitar riffs, great vocals, and well-crafted songs.  From the first notes of “Alive,” it becomes quickly clear that this band has come to rock, and will quickly draw in a myriad of fans of rock and roll.  The awesome tunes continue with “The Lowdown,” and don’t stop until the final note of the album.  This one is a great candidate for the repeat button, as each track builds on the momentum created by the previous track.   It is no wonder why they are getting massive critical acclaim from tastemaker station KCRW in their native Los Angeles, and have already garnered considerable airplay on Sirius XM.

Recommendation:  We strongly recommend you catch Warbly Jets when they go out on tour.  In the meantime, Get this album by any means necessary.

Artist NameElizabeth & the Catapult

Album NameKeepsake

Label:  Compass Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  We can Pretend; 2.  Underwater; 3.  Something More; 4.  Ambrosia; 5.  Magic Chaser; 6.  Mea Culpa; 7.  Method Acting; 8.  Better Days; 9.  Less Than you Think; 10.  Tread Carefully; 11.  Land of Lost Things.

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  At one time, the “Hotel Cafe” sound filled the indie music charts with names like Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Colbie Caillat, Charlotte Martin and Elizaveta.  We are proud to announce that Elizabeth and the Catapult are rekindling that sound and bringing it back to indie music.  Her vocals are supreme, with catchy hooks and a bright upbeat feel that is missing in much of today’s music.  This is a deeply personal and introspective album, and we are so glad to be able to share in it.  We still can’t get the sound of the first track, “We can Pretend,” out of our head, and we are happy for this earwig.  This is another album destined for the “repeat” button, and we could not be happier.  The band is planning on taking their show on the road to celebrate the album release, and we strongly encourage you to catch their live show.  Our favorite tracks include “We Can Pretend,” “Underwater,” “Ambrosia,” “Magic Chaser,” “Method Acting” and “Better Days,” but in actuality, there isn’t a weak song on the album.

Recommendation:  Don’t delay – Get this one TODAY!