Tag: Keaton Simons

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Reviews

Jesse Macht lays it all out on Hotel Cafe Second Stage

Several years ago our friend Laura G. Falls (Red Boot PR) turned us on to one of her clients, Jesse Macht.  At the time he had just released what became one of our favorite albums, Suitcase Heart, which we reviewed back in January 2015 on AXS.com.

Macht’s father is actor Stephen Macht, and his brother is Gabriel Macht, star of USA’s Suits.  Although he isn’t an actor, he has still made a presence in Hollywood with the placement of his music in a multitude of shows, including The Next Great American Band, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, LA Ink, The Voice, and much of Viacom’s programming.

Through his publicist, Macht became affiliated with Keaton Simons and his step-father, Eric Roberts.  As a result, Simons placed his song “When I Go” on the Suits season 5 episode “Faith,” while Roberts became a recurring character on the show.

Macht brought his “A” game to the intimate Second Stage at the renowned Hotel Café.  His band included Rob Humphreys on drums Kenneth Belcher on guitar, Jeff Liffmann on piano and Tyler Carroll on bass.

During the show, he played songs from his diverse catalog, including the title track to his latest album, I Was Born, which was become one of his most successful songs, and “Broken my Faith,” which is one of our favorite songs off Suitcase Heart.  Despite some technical difficulties mid-set, Macht and his band turned in a superlative set, culminating in one of the best covers we have ever heard of the Tina Turner classic, “What’s Love Got to do With It.”

All in all it was a wonderful night of great music and catching up with friends, as Roberts and his wife Eliza were among the audience members, as well as Alisha and Dan Kalisher of Sleep Machine, another Red Boot client.  We highly recommend going to his live performance if he ever makes it to where you live.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Big Sky Documentary Film Festival indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2019: vol 8

The 16th annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival has come to an end, and judging from the crowds that continued to come to the films on closing day, it was a very successful run.  Over the past week we were able to view two more films, as well as working in the box office nearly every day.  We made a lot of new friends, had fun at the daily parties, and are now looking forward to slowing down the pace.

On Wednesday we had the privilege of witnessing Fire on the Hill:  The Cowboys of South Central LA, a truly inspiring film from director Brett Fallentine.  The film, which started out as an investigative piece to discover who burned down The Hill stables in South Central LA, shifted to become a compelling profile of several of those black cowboys who ride their horses through the streets of South Central LA and Compton.  The goal of their group is to teach the skills and values of horsemanship, as well as give inner city kids an alternative to a life in the gangs and on the streets.  Definitely check out their website for ways you can contribute to meet that goal.

The director, along with four of the subjects from the film – Ghuan Featherstone, Calvin, Will and PRCA professional bull rider Chris Bird, arrived just as the film credits rolled and gave us an amazing Q&A.    The film screened again to another packed house on Saturday, and the Q&A for that one was truly off the hook.  Ghuan, who is also an amazing singer-songwriter who contributed songs to the movie, sang a stirring a capella version of one of his songs, resulting in a standing ovation.  We also enjoyed having the time to get to know Ghuan and Brett during the week, and look forward to taking a ride with Ghuan when we are in LA this summer.

The second film we watched was Desolation Center, a film about the punk rock movement in LA in the early 80s.  What made this film so unique was that Stuart Swezy, the creator of Desolation Center, was not just the subject of the film, but also directed and produced it.  The film began with the infamous riot at The Ramones concert at the Hollywood Palladium led by former police chief Darryl Gates, who was forced to resign after the 1992 riots.  Realizing that it was not safe to organize large punk rock events in the city of Los Angeles, Swezy created several site specific concerts in the Mojave Desert and on a boat in San Pedro harbor that featured some of the biggest acts of that time, including local band The Minutemen, The Meat Puppets, Sonic Youth and more.  These shows spawned other alternative festivals, including Burning Man and Coachella, and left a legacy that will never be forgotten.  The film brilliantly captured this tumultuous time and shone a light on both the music and the people who attended these concerts.

We had intended to view ..So Good I Can’t Take it, but the screening was sold out and we had to turn away people.  Director Kirk Leclaire has promised to send us a link to screen the film, and we will write our review thereafter.

On Friday night, the winners of Big Sky’s four competitions were announced.  In addition to the four winners, the juries honored one film in each category with Artistic Vision awards.  Winners of the mini-doc and shorts categories are eligible for consideration for an Academy award.  One of the shorts shown at this year’s Festival, Lifeboat, was a nominee at this year’s awards which were held last night.

BEST FEATURE
Winner – PARIAH DOG – Jesse Alk
Artistic Vision – DARK EDEN – Jasmin Herold & Michael Beamish
BIG SKY AWARD
Winner – THE BLESSING – Hunter Robert Baker & Jordan Fein
Artistic Vision – FIRE ON THE HILL: COWBOYS OF SOUTH CENTRAL L.A. – Brett Fallantine
BEST SHORT
Winner – ST. LOUIS SUPERMAN – Smriti Mundhra and Sami Kahn
Artistic Vision – EL DESIERTO – Carly Jakins and Jared Jakins
BEST MINI-DOC
Winner – SCENES FROM A DRY CITY – Francois Verster & Simon Wood

Artistic Vision – LOTUS – Mohammadreza Vatandoust

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from the Insomniac Bears.  We love the retro sound of their song “Passing Trains,” which we think could be a hit on college radio.  Check it out.

Our next single is a feisty dance track from Nikki’s Wives.  This one is guaranteed to get you up and dancing as you enjoy the groove of “Lemonade.”

Our third single today comes from LA Music Critic Award winning electronica duo Lovers & Poets.  We continue to be amazed at the growth of this band, and think you will love “Nevergonnastop.”

https://loversandpoets.bandcamp.com/track/nevergonnastop

Next up is the latest from Blue Élan Records artists Red Wanting Blue, who have joined up with Liz Brasher for their latest single, “I’ve Got a Feeling It Hurts.”  This one is an amazing collaboration and we think it belongs on radio stations everywhere.

Our final single this week is from Australian artist Philip la Rosa, an amazing R&B/pop artist with a dynamic flair for the incredible.  Here is his song “Fable,” which we think is simply one of the best singles we have heard this year.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from LA Music Critic Award winner Keaton Simons, and was inspired by the book and film A Chance in the World.  We love this inspiring song and video, and are so proud of the growth of this artist.  Check out “Find Us.”

Next up we have the last segment of three live videos featured the driving blues sound of The Spear Shakers.  We think “Leaving it all Behind” is the perfect song for the culmination of this project.

Our third video is from European rockers Ivan & the Parazol.  They have created a rocking lyric video for their song “When I was 17.”  Rock on!

Nashville’s premier punk band and LA Music Critic Award winners Taco Mouth have created a powerful video for their protest song “The White House.”  This one captures the energy and the powerful lyrics, so be prepared to be rocked out.

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with the latest from glam rocker Jess Weimer.  It is a visually stimulating video for her insightful song “Glass Tower.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 8

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival has come to a close, and it was a very successful run.  So many of the movies sold out, including a few that we had the pleasure of viewing, such as Dark Money, Fail State and the Greg Barker film The Final Year.  We’ll have more on the winners at the Festival later this week.  For now, here’s the latest news on the indie arts front.

AMERICANAFEST IS ACCEPTING SHOWCASE APPLICATIONS

Showcase submissions for AMERICANAFEST® 2018 are now open and will be accepted through Monday, March 26, 2018. There are two ways to submit:
  • Submissions are open to anyone via our digital platform for a small fee of $25.  Digitally submit here.
  • Become an artist member of the Americana Music Association® today and take advantage of free submissions, access to our expansive artist and industry global community, discounted conference registration rates and more!  To join, click here.  Once you join, you will find a free submission form link in your welcome letter.
Selected artists will showcase Tuesday, September 11 through Sunday, September 16 at many premiere venues throughout Nashville, Tennessee.  For more information, go to our website.
MONTANA REP ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR

Montana Repertory Theatre, the professional theatre-in-residence at the University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance, has selected Michael Legg to become its next artistic director.

Legg is currently the director of the Professional Training Company at Actors Theatre of Louisville, Kentucky.  He will start his new role at the University of Montana on July 1.

Montana Rep celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017.  Greg Johnson, whose tenure with Montana Rep began in 1990, is delighted with the choice.

“Mr. Legg brings youth, vision and vitality at a time when the Rep is poised not only to continue its tradition of touring nationally, but also to be a strong artistic presence in Missoula and the region, as the University of Montana begins its renaissance under our new president.”

BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS ARTIST KEITH HARKIN TO PLAY SPECIAL PRE-ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION AT LA’S HOTEL CAFE

Irish singer/songwriter Keith Harkin (of Celtic Thunder fame) is currently on a Stateside tour in support of his new live solo release, In The Round, his fourth album on Blue Élan Records.

He will perform at Los Angeles’ famed indie listening room The Hotel Cafe (1623 Cahuenga Boulevard, Hollywood) on Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are available here for $35 in advance.  We strongly encourage you to attend this show.

NEW SINGLES

 Our first single today comes from Ruby Friedman and Two Beards.  It is an amazing Americana song called “Un4gvn.”  We truly dig it and hope you will too.

We just discovered an amazing British country pop band called Delaware.  They have a new single called “Fire,” and we think it is really hot.  Please let us know what you think.

Our final new single today is a rocking number from Australian artist Reichelt.  Here is “Seduced by the Light Side.”  Let it get your new week off to a great start.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up today is the title track for the forthcoming EP from Keaton Simons, one of Los Angeles’ elite indie artists.  His new EP will be released on March 9 and is being produced by Nashville legendary producer Marshall Altman.  It will have more of an Americana feel than his previous material.  Let us know what you think.

Last week we reviewed the new EP from Marieme, and were truly impressed with her voice and her message.  Here’s the music video for her most personal and powerful song, “Leave.”  This one will move you.

Our final video today comes from another Blue Élan artist, Cindy Alexander.  She has released a lyric video for her song “Passenger,” from her latest album, Nowhere to Hide.  Have a wonderful week.

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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 Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol 5

Wow – five weeks into 2017, and indie artists are really making noise.  Milck, an artist we introduced you to back on September 21, 2015, is truly blowing up!!!  In the past seven days, her official music video for “Quiet” has gone from just over 142,000 views to more than 400,000.  She has been featured in Billboard, Allure, ET Online, Twitter and Facebook, and made several appearances on national TV, including her appearance on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.  The YouTube video of that appearance has already drawn more than 75,000 views in less than three days.  We are so proud of you Connie Lim aka Milck.  Thank you for having the courage to bring your message of hope in a time of increased insanity.  We are proud to support you!!!  We are also proud of her PR effort, spearheaded by the Big Kahuna herself – Go Laura and Red Boot PR as you champion another worthy indie cause!!!!

KEATON SIMONS JOINS WITH BACKBONE POSSE

LA Music Critic Icon Keaton Simons has been busy, but not in the typical way.  Always a firm believer in collaboration, Simons has lent his talents to the Backbone Posse on their new music video for “Supawaz Gaz,” which also features the talents of Slimkid3 and Adam Vadel.  Please be warned this video is NSFW or young kids.  Enjoy.

GRAMMY NOMINEE PERFORMS AT THE TROUBADOUR

Indie artist Janiva Magness, nominated for Best Blues Album for Love Wins Again, is having a birthday today.  She recently performed before a packed house at the world famous Troubadour in Los Angeles, and posted several videos of her live performance.  Please enjoy this one and make sure to send her best wishes.

NEW MUSIC VIDEO

We are proud to spotlight this incredible new indie video.  Watch for us to review her new release soon.  Please give it up for Emily Zuzik from Los Angeles with the amazing release of “Alone,” which has garnered more than 25,000 views in the past four days.  We think this one is a definite keeper!!!

We look forward to chatting with you again next month.  Have a great week!