Tag: Kat Holland

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

Get it or forget it – The Cleverlys, Taali, Kat Holland, Newscast, Blue Angels

Happy New Music Friday!  We hope you had a wonderful week and are ready to let  your hair down for the weekend.  We have some powerful music for you today which has been released today, and we are happy to share it with you.  Enjoy the mix.

Artist Name:  The Cleverlys

Album Name:  Blue

Label:  Mountain Home Music Company

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1,  Baby; 2.  Milkshake; 3.  Girl in the Sky; 4.  Blue (Da Ba Dee); 5.  She’s Not (Ain’t) There; 6.  Wait a Minute; 7.  Party Rock Anthem; 8.  Irreplaceable; 9.  What’s Up; 10.  I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles); 11.  Oh Death; 12.  The End of the Record

Publicist:  Crossroads Label Group

Review:  The Cleverlys are what happens when Justin Bieber and Beyonce get drunk and create a baby at a bluegrass concert.  They mix the best of pop and hip hop with comedy and bluegrass to create their signature Ozark sound.  They give that treatment to such well-known songs as Justin Bieber‘s “Baby,” Beyonce‘s “Irreplaceable,” LMFAO‘s “Party Rock Anthem,” The Zombies‘ “She’s Not (Ain’t) There,” and The Proclaimers‘ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).”  Even the title song is a cover of that incessant song about a world that’s blue.  This one is unique and belongs in every music collection, regardless of your favorite genre.

Recommendation:  Rush out and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Taali

Album Name:  I am Here

Label:  Rainbow Blonde Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Release; 2.  I Held my Breath; 3.  Hear you Now; 4.  I Have Seen it for Myself; 5.  Let the Light In; 6.  Star (ft José James); 7.  For Michal; 8.  Right Sized; 9.  Los Angeles; 10.  A Lack of Color; 11.  Peace be Upon You; 12.  Hope of my Own; 13.  Erev Shel Shoshanim; 14.  Plunge; 15.  I’ll Meet You

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Taali is a gifted singer-songwriter who recently founded her own label, together with José James (who she features on her song “Star”), and decided to become the debut artist.  Her sound is familiar yet fresh, with upbeat and positive songs about love and life.  She shows that flair on “I Held my Breath,” and it continues through the end of the album.  We think quite a few of the tracks would sound great on radio and in dance clubs, especially “Hear You Now” and “Star.”  We also love the Jewish/Middle Eastern musical influence on “I Have Seen it for Myself.”  We can’t wait to hear what comes next from the creative genius that is Taali.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Kat Holland

Album Name:  Retrovision

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Stay; 2.  Losing Balance; 3.  Happy Pill; 4.  The One

Publicist:  Gramophone Media

Review:  Kat Holland’s voice is husky and full and fits perfectly with her mix of pop and jazz, creating music that is radio-friendly across a host of genres.  All four of these tracks rock and will help cement her place as an artist on the rise.  Her voice is not easily forgotten, and her vibe will make you want to hear her again and again.  We already shared her first single, “The One,” and think she’s definitely The One that will make it.

Recommendation:  Don’t think about it – grab this one today!

Artist Name:  Newscast

Album Name:  5

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Synth Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Late Night Queen; 2.  Blur; 3.  Banana Smoothie; 4.  Olive; 5.  Undercover

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Newscast is a duo composed of Hayden Boyd and Salar Almakky that hit all the right buttons in delivering a smooth, fun, upbeat sound that will keep you ready for the dance floor.  The sound is retro and groovy and will keep you interested from start to finish.  The EP is a collection of the first five songs the group wrote together as Newscast, and were recorded between April and December 2018.  We look forward to their next 500 songs.

Recommendation:  These guys belong in your library.  Go pick it up today!

Artist Name:  Blue Angels

Album Name:  Sue

Label:  UNO NYC

Genre:  Ambient Dance

Track Listing:  1.  Gil; 2.  Ceo; 3.  Dislocation; 4.  Cryin

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  Blue Angels bill themselves as “ambient dance” but the music doesn’t do it for us.  The band has no social media presence and next to nothing is provided in the press release.  The music is interesting, but does little to stand out from the crowded indie music scene.  This one just doesn’t deliver.

Recommendation:  Forget it.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 10

Hope you all survived the start of Daylight Savings Time yesterday.  Hopefully today’s great music will give you the jump start you need (that and several cups of coffee).  We’re getting really excited about our return to LA next month, and looking forward to the Hollywood Fringe Festival, our debut solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), and celebrating women at the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  We hope to connect with all of our LA peeps at at least one of these events.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from one of the scheduled performers at this year’s Showcase, Brigitte Purdy, who took home wins for Best Blues Artist and Best CD (Female).

Our second single comes from the cold vastness of Denmark.  The Straw Family Band have been thrilling us since we introduced them to you back in July 2017.  Their latest, “Perfectly Fine,” is another prime example of why we love them so much.  The tune is melancholy while still upbeat and features stirring vocals that uplift and give the song its intended positive vibe.

Next up is the first single from Americana/Indie Rock duo Anana Kaye.  We love the harmonies and the intriguing vocals, and think this song should do well in both Americana and Indie Rock/College radio circuits.  Check out “Blueberry Fireworks.”

We had intended to feature our next single a few weeks ago, but it got lost in our email.  We are very pleased to present it now, as it is pure classic country that we can’t get enough of.  Check out Marty Brown‘s “Umbrella Lovers” and we think you’ll love it too.

Our final single this week is an amazing work of R&B smoothness, featuring the amazing vocals of Dominique Tey.  Her EP will drop next month, and this tasty appetizer should get you ready for it.  Here’s “Every Part.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick off this week’s music videos with this torch song from the amazing Fiona Grey.  We definitely agree with her assessment that we need more “Girls Like Me.”

Our next video comes from Kakkmaddafakka, which we introduced to you in our Ten Great Singles of February.  Here is the video of that same song, and we love it.  Get up and dance your cares away.

Likewise, our third video is the latest from Blue Élan Records artists Red Wanting Blue, featuring the stunning vocals of Liz Brasher.  We introduced this song to you a couple of weeks ago, and we can’t get enough of it.  Check out “I Got a Feeling it Hurts.”

We featured Kat Holland‘s song “The One” in our post-Grammy Monday Mashup, and she has now released a music video for it.  We love the sound of her voice, which is elegant, airy and full of life.  See what we mean.

We close out this week with the heartfelt sound of Cameron Hawthorn, who likes to be “Dancing in the Living Room.”  Sounds like a great idea, don’t you think?

 

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

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 6

OMG – that was the best Grammys Show we have ever witnessed.  Everything that was lacking in last week’s Super Bowl was present – superstar performances, inspiring speeches and incredible music throughout.  Alicia Keys was the perfect host and her “Songs I Wish I’d Written” segment brought us to tears.  It was also about time that the talents of Women in Entertainment were clearly on display, showing the world what we already know.  We’ve got some news for you today that is the perfect segue to that, as well as five new singles and music videos for your consideration.  Here we go!

INDIE ARTISTS SHINE AT 61ST GRAMMY AWARDS SHOW

Congratulations to indie band Opium Moon on their Grammy win last night for Best New Age Album.  Huge props to amazing violinist Lili Haydn and her equally amazing band for this honor.

Congratulations also to two artists we had the privilege of reviewing here on our blog.  Composer and music educator John Daversa took home three Grammys for his amazing jazz album American Dreamers that featured DACA kids and spotlighted their cause.  Blues legend Buddy Guy won for Best Traditional Blues Album for The Blues is Alive and Well.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE TO HONOR WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT

The Third Annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase is set for Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at The Mint LA.  This year’s Showcase will honor the role of Women in Entertainment, and will feature a stellar line-up that includes Fanny Walked the Earth (the first all-girl group to release an album on a major label); multiple-award winning rock band The Spider Accomplice, led by VK Lynne; Rebelle Road artist The HawtThorns, led by label co-founder KP Hawthorn (former member of award-winning group CALICO the Band); blues phenom Brigitte Rios Purdy; Americana sweetheart Amilia K. Spicer; and two of our International winners, blues band Reloaded Norway and Latin singer Constanza Herrero.  We expect to announce a couple more artists in the coming weeks.  Tickets are now on sale for just $10 in advance or $13 day of show, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  We hope to see you there.

BIG SKY DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL SET FOR FEBRUARY 15-24, WITH OPENING NIGHT FILM AT THE WILMA

This year the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival will celebrate its 16th opening night on Saturday, February 16 with a free screening of a film that celebrates winter culture and the pioneer who helped bring it to the big screen.

Directed by Patrick Creadon, SKI BUM: THE WARREN MILLER STORY chronicles the life and times of the legendary filmmaker who, through his annual ski films and national tours which began in the early 1950’s, was a driving force in the development and promotion of the ski industry in America and throughout the world.

The screening will begin at 6:00 p.m. at The Wilma (131 S. Higgins) with a Q&A with filmmakers and cast following the screening.  We advise you to show up early to make sure you get a seat.  This year’s free opening night is made possible by Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Australian folk singer Short Shadows.  We love his vibe and the sentiments contained in “Nothing Good Comes from Preston.”  Check out those horns.

Our second single is a sweet pop song from David Alexander called “Falling.”  We love the strings and the heavenly vocals and think you’ll want to hear more from this young man.

https://soundcloud.com/david-alexander-300103527/falling/s-CJZ6d

Next up is the rocking sound of Signs & Symbols, who share their latest single “Coffee for Friends.”  This one will get your week off to a rocking start.

Our fourth single is from pop artist Kat Holland.  We really think she’s “The One,” and think you will want to add this artist to your favorites.

Our final single this week comes from UK band Woman’s Hour and is very powerful both sonically and lyrically.  Check out “Luke.”  We think you’ll be searching for more of their material.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from Los Angeles street performer Katie Ferrera.  It is a powerful and beautifully shot video that shows what it’s like to busk, as well as the raw talent of this amazing artist.  Here’s “Weightless.”

Next up is “People Get Ready,” the gritty tune from another UK artist, Emma Bosworth.  The song talks about mental health issues and presents them in terms we can all understand.  Please give this artist your attention.

Our third video is a blues smoker from The Spear Shakers, who we introduced to you last month in our Ten Amazing Videos from December article.  Here is their latest, “I Went Down Easy.”

Next up is an amazing live performance of the power ballad “There has to be More” from Eliza Spear.  The song talks about transitioning to Los Angeles from North Carolina, and offers hope that there is more than just what you can see.  We think you should take her advice to heart.

Our final video this week will definitely give you something to think about, as it is all about global warming and resultant changes.  Check out this powerful and thought-provoking video from KLOGR for their song “Somethings in the Air.”