Tag: Katie Costello

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 18)

Happy Monday – we’re back with another edition of Monday Mashup and we have some very interesting tunes to share with you this week, including a new single from a baseball legend.  Grab your coffee and let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

He’s a baseball legend and one of the best pitchers of the past 20 years.  We’re talking of course of the great Barry Zito | Facebook, who pitched for both the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s.  But he’s also a brilliant musician from a musical family (sister Sally Zito is an indie piano musician).  Check out his new single.

Our next single comes from an multi LA Music Critic Award winner, Katie Costello.  She’s got the right idea, as she talks about viewing the world through “Rose Colored Glasses.”

Jay Nash was one of the success stories that came out of the famed Hotel Café.  His latest is a beautiful acoustic cover of one of Tom  Petty‘s greatest hits.  Check out Nash’s version of “Won’t Back Down” with his band, The Contenders.

Our fourth single this week is a future blues classic from the brilliant Karen Lawrence and her band, Blue by Nature.  She’s under a “Bad Spell” and we couldn’t be prouder of this song.  This one bears repeating!

We close out our singles this week with this powerful song from the sultry Christina LaRocca, who reminds us about “The New Normal.”  Welcome to post-pandemic America.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from our favorite South African indie artist Cara Frew.  This is the perfect kick-off video for summer.  Check out “Falling.”

Video number two this week features the country sound of Corinne Cook as she discusses her dating life.  This humorous lyric video will have you ROFL with “Blah, Blah, Blah.”

For our third video this week we would love to introduce one of the fastest rising bands in the country.  Composed of Chip Moreland (husband of indie queen Cindy Alexander) and Gregory Markel, All in your head has captured the heart of music lovers with their incredible harmonies, creative videos and a retro sound.  Check out “How Does it Feel to be Real?”  We think you’ll be back for more.

On the pop country front, we stumbled across this amazing artist and we truly his sound, which we think could quickly rise up the charts and deserves serious radio airplay.  Check out J4 and be “Better.”

We close out this week with another future country smash from Seth Michael.  His latest belongs on country radio and the video is amazing.  Check out “She Got a Thing.”

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 33 (rev.)

Happy Veterans Day to all of those who have served and provided the freedoms we enjoy.  I am proud to be counted among you.  Take advantage of all the free food available today – you’ve earned it.  In the meantime, we’ll share some new singles and music videos, including the return of our Pop Princess, Katie Costello.  Let’s get going.

NEW SINGLES

We are overjoyed to share the latest from multi-LA Music Critic Award winner and Pop Princess Katie Costello.  It’s the first new music from her since December 2017, and we could not be more ecstatic.  Check out “Polaroid” and welcome her back with open arms and ears.

Our second single comes from the creative mind of former LA artist Amie Mirello.  Somehow she found time between touring as a back-up singer for Sugarland to form a new band called Boys Club for Girls.  They have released their first single, and it is smokin’ hot.  Check out “The Weatherman.”

We continue sharing amazing new holiday songs from Blue Élan Records‘ artists, including  this stunning cover of the classic “A Marshmallow World” from the one and only Scout Durwood.  We think this one will quickly become one of your favorites.

If you love stunning harmonies, we have a treat for you from another Blue Élan Records artist, Mustangs of the West.  Check out their take on the song, “2000 Miles.”  We think it’s one of the most beautiful holiday songs we have ever heard.

Our final single this week is especially poignant and special to me, as I lost my father two years ago this Thanksgiving.  He is tall. from Denmark gives a stirring tribute to his father in his single “Dad.” and we are happy to share this one with you.  Make sure you have some tissues close by.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from the creative mind of Jay Katana, who has created a new band called Violates/Violets.  Here is their first single, “Retake (Believe).”  We think they definitely have something special and can’t wait to hear more.

Next up is the latest from budding pop queen Maggie Miles.  Check out this fun video shot at a roller skating rink for her song, “Shiver.”  Enjoy!

If you grew up in the 70s, you will enjoy this nostalgic video from Paul Mosley and the Red Meat Orchestra.  Enjoy “The 1970s.”

Our fourth video is from LA quintet The Mowgli’s, who offer sage advice in this fun video for their song, “Fighting With Yourself.”  We can easily see this song becoming an anthem and a radio hit.  What do you think?

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with this new video from Jack Broadbent, who we introduced last month.  Here is his new tune, “Everytime I Drown.”  Let the words of this song further strengthen your resolve to be a better you.

 

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

Monday mashup 2018 – vol. 4

Hope you all got to watch the Grammy Awards last night.  That was an impressive show, especially the performance by Kesha, Cindy Lauper, et al. of her song “Praying.”  It really brought tears to my eyes with its sheer beauty and power.  Let’s all try to honor the message that came through loud and clear – no more harassment and discrimination – just work together in unity.  Here’s our column today.

INDIE ARTISTS WIN GRAMMY AWARDS

While most of these indie artists didn’t get credit, several of them were instrumental in helping someone else get a Grammy win.  Kyler England co-wrote five of the songs on Lisa Loeb’s winning Best Children’s Album, while Ross Hogarth was part of the production team that worked on Taj Mahal and Keb Mo’s winning Best Contemporary Blues album.  Great work indies!

In addition, LA Music Critic Award nominee The Jerry Douglas Band lost their Grammy bid for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album to Jeff Lorber, while fellow LA Music Critic Award nominee John McLaughlin won his Grammy bid for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for “Miles Beyond” from the album Live at Ronnie Scott’s, which we previously reviewed in December.

The winners for the LA Music Critic Awards will be announced at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018.

LYNN CAREY SAYLOR WINS SONGWRITING COMPETITION

Congratulations to indie songwriter Lynn Carey Saylor, who recently won the Song Door International Songwriting Competition in the Hard Rock/Alt Rock category for her song, “Tidal Wave.”  Saylor has been a hit songwriter for many years,

NEW SINGLES

It’s been a busy week for indie artists, including several past and present nominees for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Here are a few of the latest singles to be released.

The first one is from former nominee Crimson Calamity, which released their latest single, “Fool’s Gold.”  We love their sound and think you will too.

Next up is past LA Music Critic Award and Grammy nominee and Blue Élan Records artist Janiva Magness with her new single, “Down Below.”  We expect this one will qualify her for additional nominations.

Next is the latest from Austin band Signy, featuring Delaney Gibson, with their single, “Human.”  We love how different this is from her solo material, and think you will too.

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and nominee Katie Costello has lent her voice to the new single “Bon Air” by Hardsoul.  This one is an amazing dance track that will have you on the floor in no time.

Last but not least this week is the latest single from another multiple winner of the LA Music Critic Awards, Keaton Simons.  His new EP 1-2-3 Go will be released on March 9, and he is whetting our appetite with “Crane City.”

MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from Italian rock goddesses Black Mamba, who we reviewed last week.  This video is for their single, “Loop.”  Get ready to rock out.

Next up is the latest from the songwriting guru, Kari Kimmel of her song, “Voices.”  Check out the amazing cinematography of this one.

Our third video this week is from former San Diego Music Award winner Gayle Skidmore for her song “Pale Ghosts.”  Once again, the cinematography is first-rate.

Our next video comes from first-time LA Music Critic Award nominee Ryan Sims, who we also reviewed earlier this month.  Here is his vision of his song, “Black and Blue.”

Last but not least is the new video from Lucy Levinsohn, former lead singer for Lily’s Siren and Waiting 4 Wyatt.  She has returned to a solo career and brings us “Dear God.”

Thanks for joining us today.  We’ll be back tomorrow with five more Get it or Forget it reviews.

Categories
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 Beast – Muscle 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 Best of 2017 Women in Entertainment

Best American EPs of 2017

Continuing on with our “Best of” lists for 2017, here are the Best 15 EPs released by American artists, as well as a few more that deserve mention.  You can find the complete reviews of each EP in our Get it or Forget it columns.

Honorable Mention – Red Hymns self-titled EP; Helen Culver Seven Year Glitch; After Hours Radio What Happened?; Broken Bellows The Card Table; Life Lessons Best When in Motion

15.  Sam Marine, Big Dark City – Definitely a surprise, this five song EP was obviously the result of an artist who has learned how to become part of the local community and reach out to them for help when needed.  We think you’ll be hearing a lot more from this artist in the future.

14.  Surf Rock is Dead, We Have no Friends? – A perfect combination of American and Australian ingenuity, this was another surprise this year with a huge potential.

13.  Eli Raybon, Green – This 20-year old Southerner has risen to the challenge and has set the bar high for subsequent projects.

12.  Mare Island, Eponymous – Likewise this Bay area band has some large footprints to fill in the future with this amazing debut EP.

11.  Ben Anderson, YouTopia – Indie label Chromodyne chose wisely in signing Anderson, and his four-song EP shows great promise.

10.  Riley Smith, self-titled – Riley Smith has made quite a name for himself as an actor on such beloved programs as Frequency and Nashville.  He can now add accomplished musician to his resume, as this EP was simply amazing.

9.  Ryan Sims, My Side of the Story – Another rising star in the country music field had a lot of help from his friends, including Jason “Slim” Gambill, Darryl Jones, Kenny Aronoff and Kim Bullard.  They helped him achieve a breakthrough sound that will have him rising up in Nashville in no time at all.

8.  Jacquie, The Only One – She survived NBC’s The Voice and a bad experience with the music industry to come back stronger than ever as an indie artist.  Can’t wait to see what’s next from this future superstar.

7.  Social Repose, Empress – Nearly 300,000 Facebook fans can’t be wrong about this one, and their latest EP proved just how good they are.

6.  Matt Westerman, Life Out Loud – One of LA’s brightest rising stars, Matt Westerman has a very promising future ahead.  We truly believe the sky is the limit for him.

5.  The Khourys, Good Stuff – Sisters Guila and Jahnna will surprise you – imagine one doing vocals and one doing rap – the combination is heaven’s nectar.  They are just as good in concert.

4.  RVBY My Dear, Cycles – Australian born and Brooklyn based musician Gabbi Coenen blew us away with her sophomore release.  Watch out for this one.

3.  Alex Mabey, Enough – An alumni of the Durango Songwriters Expo, Mabey seems destined to follow in the steps of another famous alumni, Meghan Trainor.

2.  Katie Costello, New World – A perennial winner of many awards, including the LA Music Critic Awards, Costello brought us both an EP and an album in 2017, and both were superb.  Here’s of taste of what makes this artist so great.

1.  Vinnie Paolizzi, Kids – Biggest surprise of the year was receiving an EP from this young self-promoted artist that simply blew us away.  We are dying to see what comes next from this young man.

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

Get it or forget it – The Commotions, Fred Smith, Holy Hum, Katie Costello, Social Repose

Happy Friday – been a really crazy week, busier than I thought it would be.  The new job is fun, but there is so much to learn.  Really happy to be working again, though.  Sorry we missed our daily review yesterday, but here we come with five more reviews today.  Enjoy.

Artist Name:   The Commotions

Album Name:   Volume II

Label:   Self-released

Genre:   R&B/Funk

Track Listing:   1.  Good Enough; 2.  Bad Girl; 3.  Masquerade; 4.  Let me Kiss you Baby; 5.  Too Little Too Late; 6.  Say Yes to me Tonight; 7.  Right Kind of Wicked; 8.  Believe in Yourself; 9.  Don’t Walk Away; 10.  Last Look; 11.  Loving You; 12.  Take a Chance; 13.  Come Clean

Publicist:   Last Tango Production

Review:  At first listen, it was almost like Motown has returned with the amazing sound of The Commotions.  Reminded us of the Tower of Power backing up the Supremes.  The horns are powerful, the keys are as good as Grace Potter, and the vocals from both Rebecca Noelle and Jeff Rogers  are second to none.  This is the perfect soundtrack for any TGIF celebration, or any other party for that matter.  This band can jam and raise the funk.  All 12 members of this band are at the top of their class, and we could not be happier with the result.  There is not a weak track on this platinum collection.  This one definitely deserves repeated spins.

Recommendation:  Definitely one of the best albums of 2017.  Get this one like your life depends on it.

Artist Name:  Fred Smith

Album Name:  Great (double album)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana & more

Track Listing:  Disc 1:  1.  Some Lovers; 2.  Little Jimmy Boy; 3.  Wind and Wind; 4.  If I’m Free; 5.  Texas; 6.  Lover Like Me; 7.  Emily Rose; 8.  Ellie May; 9.  Raggedy Anne; 10.  Zeebrugge FOB; 11.  Greezy Spoon; 12.  American Guitar; Disc 2:  1.  What Could go Wrong; 2.  Nice to Meet You; 3.  Addicted to Addiction; 4.  My Girlfriend; 5.  Satisfied; 6.  Backwoods Burn; 7.  Sister Sandinista; 8.  Watch the Road; 9.  Sugar Boy; 10.  New York City; 11.  Go Fast Eddy; 12.  Frederique Q. Love

Publicist:  Penney & Logan

Review:  Australian singer-songwriter Fred Smith has also spent time as the first Australian Ambassador to Uruzgan, as well as spending time as a merchant marine and working alongside American soldiers in Afghanistan.  He turns his love of American history and literature into a double dose of songwriting bliss with this collection of story songs.  Smith dabbles in a myriad of genres, ranging from Americana, bluegrass and alt-country to rock, pop and blues, and even throws in a little glam rock and jazz for good measure.  His vocals have a Gordon Lightfoot vibe, and fit the quirky folk rock mixture to a “T.”   From start to finish, his lyrical content tells interesting story after story, making each song worth the time it takes to listen.  This one is a worthy addition to your Americana/folk collection.  We really love “What Could go Wrong,” the lead track on Disc 2, a rousing and hilarious look at the tirades and boasts of Donald J. Trump.

Recommendation:  A worthy effort by an outsider, who has captured the American spirit in storytelling.  We recommend you Get this one.

Artist Name:  Holy Hum

Album Name:  All of my Bodies

Label:  Heavy Lark Records

Genre:  Ambient Pop

Track Listing:  1.  All of my Bodies; 2.  Yoo Duk Lee; 3.  Flower in the Snow; 4.  Heavy Lark; 5.  Sex at 31; 6.  Joseph pt. 2; 7.  White Buzz; 8.  Sun Breaking; 9.  Ready to Have It; 10.  Space and Time; 11.  Mellotron Doom

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:    Andrew Lee aka Holy Hum creates a masterful blend of ambient noise to go with his keen mastery of instrumental music and brilliant lyrical content.  On this, his debut album, he shares that knowledge with his listeners in a most profound and interesting manner, creating songs that are complex in their structure but easy on the ears.  While not radio friendly, they provide an excellent musical background to keep you company when nothing else seems to fit.

Recommendation:  This one is different enough to hold a special place in your musical library.  Check it out.

Artist Name:  Katie Costello

Album Name:  Twice the Love

Label:  REBEL POP Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  New York Graffiti; 2.  Up in the Air; 3.  Why Does my Heart Break; 4.  New World; 5.  Roses; 6.  Silver & Gold; 7.  I’ll be Here; 8.  A Beautiful Mystery; 9.  Lights; 10.  Here & Now; 11.  Holiday

Publicist:  Far Digital PR

Review:  Katie Costello is the reigning Indie Pop Princess, and with the quality of this recording, is poised to take her place on the Indie Pop throne.  Two of the tracks, “New York Graffiti” and “New World” were featured on her New World EP released earlier this year, but bear repeating, as this lady knows how to write great radio-friendly songs that keep her fans entertained and glued to her musical treasures.  She also makes amazing videos, which have been a regular addition to this Blog’s Monday Mashup columns and a big hit on YouTube.  Quite frankly, Costello could release and re-release her songs monthly, and we would never grow tired of them.  Best tracks include “New York Graffiti,” “Up in the Air,” “New World,” “Silver & Gold,” “A Beautiful Mystery,” and “Here and Now.”

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, to your favorite retailer and Get this one.  Now.

Artist Name:  Social Repose

Album Name:  Empress

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alternative Electronic Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Chemistry; 2.  Empress; 3.  Filthy Pride; 4.  Mother; 5.  Villain; 6.  Behave

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Social Repose is the electronic alter-ego of YouTube sensation Richie Giese, who has amassed more than 140 million views on his channel.  He has a truly unique style that is instantly recognizable, filling your ears with auditory excellence that penetrates to the very cells of your body.  All six songs are masterpieces, and show a depth of songwriting and maturity that marks Giese as a visionary and an artist that will be around for a long time.  Empress is his sophomore release, and shot to #9 on the Alternative charts immediately upon release.  We can only hope for more of the same from this amazing musician.  Until then, enjoy Empress as one of the best EPs of 2017.

Recommendation:  Get. It. Now.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 44

And we’re back!  After 19 emotionally charged days, we’re back in Montana and ready to rock!  Although the circumstances were not the best, the time spent with family these past two plus weeks was worth the pain.  So much has been going on in the indie music world during our time away.  Here are some of the latest happenings.  Enjoy our holiday edition.

BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS TO SUPPORT ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

Blue Élan Records has released its annual Christmas album, featuring such Indie Voice Blog favorites as Cindy Alexander, Chelsea Williams, SEE, Rusty Young, Janiva Magness, Janey Street and Jack Tempchin, among others.  Please buy a copy today and help them support the Alliance for Children’s Rights.  All proceeds are being donated to the Alliance.

CHELSEA WILLIAMS LOVES CHRISTMAS

Check out her lyric video for “Peppermints and Mistletoe.”  We think it will put you in the mood.

JERAD FINCK WANTS A WHITE CHRISTMAS

Spokane native Jerad Finck has released a Christmas single, and is making it available for anyone to download.  Check it out below and head to SoundCloud if you want a free download.

https://soundcloud.com/jeradfinck/white-christmas-jerad-finck

KATE STEINWAY RELEASES VIDEO FOR “WHITE CHRISTMAS”

We recently discovered Kate Steinway when she was the featured artist at Songwriters at Play in Paso Robles.  Check out her lovely video for “White Christmas.”

PAM TAYLOR WANTS TO GET IT ON FOR CHRISTMAS

Blues artist Pam Taylor is ready to rock your Christmas season with a little bit of naughtiness.  Check out her new single and see what we mean.

ECHOSMITH SHARES THEIR CHRISTMAS YULE LOG

Indie darlings Echosmith have a Christmas EP, which they are sharing in their annual Yule Log video.  Check it out.

REBEL POP PRINCESS KATIE COSTELLO NEEDS A HOLIDAY

Here’s a new one from one of Indie Voice Blog’s favorite artists, Katie Costello.  Enjoy the holidays.

Here’s hoping you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy holiday season!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 38

Happy Native American Day fka Columbus Day.  Just got back last night from an incredible three days in Denver for the Durango Songwriters Expo.  What a wonderful time of reconnecting with old friends like Warren Sellers, Steve Garvan, Bobby Rymer, Richard Harris, Jim Attebery, Vince West, Jill Sobule and Scott Krippayne and meeting wonderful new friends like Elise Wunder, hit songwriter Chris Lindsley, budding superstars and twins Carly and Martina, Chloe Tang and others.  Got to  be a part of Steve’s DIY panel, as well as attend some amazing showcases, listening sessions and panels.  Watch for my review this week.

TVMAs HANDED OUT

Congratulations to Tim Moyer and the Temecula Valley Music Awards for another successful year.  We also congratulate all the winners which were announced over the weekend.  Here is a list of the winners:

Best Blues Out of Town – Sarah Rogo
Best Country – America’s Kountry
Best Cover Band – Endeavor
Best Jazz – David Maldonado 
Best Pop OOT – Dree Mon
Best R&B/Soul – Shea
Best Rock – Midnight Satellites
Best Rock OOT – The Crooked Stones
Best Singer/Songwriter OOT – Savannah Philyaw
Best Singer/Songwriter- Dulaney and Company
Best Youth Cover – Makayla Phillips
Best Youth Original – Minor Strut
People’s Choice – Minor Strut
Artist of The Year – Ben Allen

NEW SINGLES

We wanted to spotlight some new singles from performers we saw at Durango this weekend.  First up is Marion, who has an amazing new EDM single, “Electric Gold.”  If this one doesn’t get you up and dancing, then you need to wake up.

Next up is Gracie Day, whose new single is already getting rave reviews.  Check out “I Don’t Want Whiskey.”  The song starts at about 1:35.

Our third single is “Home” from Rachel Price.  She is an amazing singer songwriter that definitely has a huge future in music.  Check out this live recording from her performance at The Mint in Los Angeles.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up today is a favorite of this blog, and many of you in addition.  Katie Costello is becoming the queen of DIY and is an extremely gifted artist.  Check out her video for her latest “Hearts on Fire.”

Next up is a lyric video from amazing UK artist Hannah Trigwell.  She has joined up with Captive on her song, “I Could be the One.”  This is another one that will make you want to get up and dance.

Last but not least this week is a live video from another of this blog’s favorite acts, Calico the Band.  Check out “The Leaving Kind.”

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 36

Happy Monday.  Looking forward to my trip to Oklahoma tomorrow to visit with family.  I will have my laptop with me, so I’ll still be writing articles while I’m there.  Still have about 13 more albums to review for the month of September, so prepare to be wowed by these impressive indie artists.

RACHEL ARIANNA LAUNCHES ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN

We first learned about Rachel Arianna when she was nine years old, and released a song that truly touched our heart, “Walking Away With Your Heart.”  Well, four years have passed and Arianna, now 13, has released her new video for “Imperfect” which was spotlighted in the Huffington Post on Friday.  We are so proud of the stand this young lady is making, and we believe she will be making music for a long time to come.  This video brought us to tears.

JAY TINSKY AND FRIENDS SHOW LOVE TO HARVEY VICTIMS

Long-time booker Jay Tinsky, like so many of us, was impacted by the tragic events of Hurricane Harvey.  He reached out to some of the myriad of artists that have played his venues, and set up several benefit shows at Molly Malone’s in Los Angeles and Dante’s in Portland.  He still has one show left on September 26, if  you missed the first one on September 17.  Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner Shannon Hurley was one of the artists who played that first show.  Not only did she donate her talents to the benefit, she also wrote a song and made a lyric video of the song, “Love Wins.”  Thank you to all who performed and especially to Tinsky for organizing the events.

NEW MUSIC

If you’re like us, you need something dreamy to get your week off to a good start.  If that’s the case, check out the new single from Nightshifts, “All Along.”  We think it might give you the chill needed to get through your Monday.

Now that you’ve been chilled, here’s something upbeat and electronic to jump start your day.  We really love the sound of this single, and hope you will too.  Here’s “Drive” by Lael.

Our final single today should guarantee a good musical day, with its upbeat groove, impeccable vocals and overall musical excellence.  Check out “Ayo” by Isac Elliot.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video today comes from one of our favorite publicists, Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR.  It is from the group Pet Fangs, and is their first video,  “Gold Coast Dreaming.”  We think it’s another winner for the reining queen of indie promo.

Next up is the new single from Emma Cairo which we reviewed last week.  Here is her video for “L.A.,” one of the best songs on her new album.  We think you’re gonna love it as well.

Last but not least this week is the latest from indie pop icon and multiple LA Music Critic Award winner Katie Costello, who has consistently delivered some of the best videos in the world.  Here’s her song, “Hearts on Fire,” from her current album, New World.  Turn this one up!

 

 

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Bryan Stephens, Katie Costello, Gerry Spehar, Flood Coats

Happy Friday – looking forward to some rodeo action today as we head to the Western Montana Fair.  Yesterday’s trip was cancelled as we spent the afternoon in the ER.  Nothing to worry about.  Here are the last of the July releases.  Enjoy our reviews.

Artist Name:  Bryan Stephens

Album Name:  Village of Dreams

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  River Flows; 2.  In June; 3.  Turnabout; 4.  Revolution; 5.  Deprivation; 6.  Out of her Mind; 7.  No Time; 8.  Generations; 9.  Taking Time; 10.  Attrition; 11.  Wars Again; 12.  Dreams

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  OMG – smooth vocals, amazing musical tracks and noteworthy lyrics – this new CD by Bryan Stephens has it all.  The songs are perfect for radio and placement, and brighten up the listener’s day.  From the first note, Village of Dreams provides adequate proof that Stephens is the real thing.  Dave Darling has done it again with his production, creating a musical masterpiece that needs to be put on repeat.  There is not a weak track on this album.  Rumor has it that Stephens is already at work on his next project, an album of covers – we cannot wait to hear his interpretations.  Check out his cover of the classic song “No Time” for an example.  Look out music industry – we have a new superstar.

Recommendation:  A true no-brainer, you simply must Get this album.  What a perfect album to celebrate Friday!

Artist Name:  Katie Costello

Album Name:  New World

Label:  REBEL POP Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  New World; 2.  A Beautiful Mystery; 3.  Hearts on Fire

Publicist:  FAR Digital PR

Review:  What can we say that hasn’t already been said about the powerful pop princess named Katie Costello?  She has been the topic of quite a few articles on this blog, and the recepient of several LA Music Critic Awards.  She also performed at the recent Winners Showcase back in June, and brought the house down.  Costello has previously released “New World” and “A Beautiful Mystery” as singles.  Her new addition on this EP is “Hearts on Fire,” and it is just as powerful as her previous releases.  Costello is our choice to be the next Meghan Trainor – her music is ready for worldwide distribution and deserves to be on the radio and receive a Grammy.  Keep up the awesome work – we need more artists like Katie Costello!

Recommendation:  Get it NOW!

Artist Name:  Gerry Spehar

Album Name:  I Hold Gravity

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing: 1. Dirt; 2.  Muleshoe Mules; 3.  I Hold Gravity; 4.  Be Nemanic; 5.  Holy Moses Doughboy; 6.  Here in the Pass; 7.  Mr. & Mrs. Jones; 8.  How to get to Heaven From LA; 9.  God Lubbock; 10.  Into the Mystic

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Gerry Spehar brings a classic country vibe to his songs, which are well crafted lyrically and musically.  His tunes have a familiarity that makes them seem like you’ve heard them a million times.  They are truly radio ready and provide a sound that is missing on today’s pop country stations.  Listening to the first track, “Dirt,” feels like getting together with an old friend, and the album just gets better from there.  The entire album feels like it was heavily influenced by such country greats as Chris LeDoux and Garth Brooks, with Spehar’s own creative genius added in.  It is a loving tribute to his late wife, Susan.  While the entire album is great, we really love “Dirt,” “Muleshoe Mules,” “Here in the Pass,” “How to Get to Heaven From LA,” and “God Lubbock.”

Recommendation:  If  you love classic country music, you owe it to yourself to Get this album.

Artist Name:  Flood Coats

Album Name:  Vaquita

Label:  Hey Amigo Recording Co.

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Billowing Open; 2.  Hurricanes; 3.  Don’t Hold the Door; 4.  Ultraviolet; 5.  P-22; 6.  Window Seat; 7.  Magic Ones; 8.  Still Life; 9.  Vaquita

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Flood Coats is a collaborative effort from two of LA’s best indie musicians, Joel P. West and Darla Hawn.  While we are not familiar with West, we have known Hawn for quite a few years from her time playing drums for Curtis Peoples.  Needless to say, the collective sound of Flood Coats is rich and vibrant, with perfectly written pop melodies supporting strong lyrical content, topped off with the amazing harmonies of West and Hawn.  The entire album has that 80’s pop feel that uplifts and empowers the listener, and is just plain fun.  We especially love “Billowing Open,” “Don’t Hold the Door,” “P-22,” “Window Seat,” and “Magic Ones.”

Recommendation:  This album belongs to all true music lovers and will surely be the first of many that you add to your collection.  We strongly suggest you Get it ASAP!