Tag: Kensington Moore

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 16)

We hope you enjoyed our review of The Imaginaries‘ live concert and are ready for some more great new singles and videos.  Here are this week’s selections.

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest from one of our absolute favorite indie musicians, Nina Storey.  She’s been busy during the pandemic and recently released her third single.  Once again, her heavenly voice and brilliant songwriting have delivered an instant masterpiece.  Check out “The Bones.”

Continuing the theme of arising out of the ashes of this pandemic is the latest from Michael McFarland, an upbeat inspirational pop tune called “The New Contagion.”  We love the energy and the hopeful lyrics.  Let us know what you think.

As we recently celebrated World Mental Health Day, our next song is truly relevant.  Toronto artist X. Ari presents her latest single, “Lifting Up,” from her new EP which is all about mental health issues.  Listen to the words as the energizing beat gets your spirit up.

Our fourth single comes from the smooth blues/jazz/rock sound of Goldflēce, who is planning to “Tie One On.”  This one is perfect for chilling down after a long day of work.  David Goldflies is one half of The Allman Goldflies Band, and we cannot get enough of this solo effort.

We close out our singles this week with the latest sweet treat from LA’s iconic BINX.  This time around, she tells us “I’m in Love With a Rapper,” and is joined by Mata Atoms.  We are in love with her and her amazing body of work.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up this week is the latest from the reigning queen of the LGBTQ musical movement in Los Angeles, the incomparable Abby Posner.  Check out the debut of Frupert, the amazing bass-playing character in Posner’s video “Where I Wanna Be.”

This next video was released a couple of months ago, but we felt it was perfect for today.  We love the sweet harmonies of sister act Southern Halo, and we stand by the sentiments expressed in this lyric video for their masterpiece, “Don’t Let Another Day Go By.”

Our third video is a rocking lyric video from LA’s infamous rocksters Rocket.  They’re “Losing Breath” over the state of our nation, and encourage you to vote.

Next up is an Americana tune that is sure to propel LA’s sweet Kris Angelis into the national limelight.  It is a timely song called “Ghost (I’m Alive and Breathing),” and makes us giddy with the possibilities.  Angelis has paid her dues and her music is ripe for worldwide acceptance.  We truly dig this tune.

We close out this week with a sweet song about that annual event in the life of each person, their “Birthday.”  We can never get enough of the music of Kensington Moore, and we can relate to the sentiments of this song.  Until the next one, “raise a glass.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 38

Only nine days away from our first Christmas in Oklahoma, and the weather is reminding us that it’s winter.  Still waiting to see if we’ll get anything white, but in the meantime, it’s bitterly cold.  Seems like the perfect time to warm up with some great new music and videos, so let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

First up is a beautiful collaboration between 23rd Hour and Caley Rose, who we recently introduced you to.  This one is called “Get me Home for the Holidays,” and it is making us wish that Christmas was tomorrow instead of next Wednesday.  Hope it lifts your holiday spirits as well.

Next up is the latest from one of our favorite LA songbirds, the one and only Kris Angelis.  This time it’s the time track to her upcoming EP, “That Siren, Hope.”  We think it’s the best she’s ever recorded, and would love to know what you think.

Single number three spotlights another bright young songwriter named Katarina Cain, and is entitled “Promised Land.”  We think she’s headed there, as evidenced by her excellent showing on Season 15 of The Voice, and we are proud to tag along.  This one will definitely get your week going strong.

https://soundcloud.com/user-914489524/promised-land/s-U6D1l

Next up is the latest from the amazing voice of Sofia Evangelina.  This one is called “Smile,” and it has us grinning from ear to ear.  This one is going on perpetual repeat.

We close out this week’s new singles with the latest from the uber-talented Kensington Moore.  She gets her revenge in the form of “Karma,” and we’re glad we’re not on her bad side.  Enjoy this one.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Well, since the ladies were featured in the Singles category, we’ll give the guys their due and feature them in the Music Video category.  First up is Feudale‘s lyric video for their song “Teenager.”  We bet this one will bring back some memories.

Next up is another lyric video, this time from the hard-rocking metal band Runescarred.  This one is called “Mammoth,” and it’s huge.  Go ahead and head bang to your heart’s content with this one.

Our third video is called “A Thousand Years Away,” and we’re glad we don’t have to wait that long for the rest of the album to be released.  We love the melodic rock sound of Atlanta rockers The Endangered Species, and will definitely keep our eyes on these lads.

Next is the latest video from the incredible rock band Violates/Violets.  This one is called “Soft Core,” and it’s get everything you want in your rock music video.  Enjoy this holiday treat.

We close out this week with a stimulating animated video that captures Johnny Stranger‘s tribute to that holiday classic The Nutcracker Suite.  Here is “Marche.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 26

And so begins the final week of September 2019, the start of the fall season on television.  Things are finally beginning to settle down here in Oklahoma City, and we are starting to get onto a regular routine that will enable us to post more articles and get back to doing what we absolutely adore – shining the light on indie music.  We thank you for your patience these past few months, and look forward to being an influencer in terms of the indie music scene.

LIFE.CHURCH RELEASES LIVE ALBUM

One of the changes in my life has been finding a new church to call home, and I have found that with Life.Church.  The church is based in Edmond, Oklahoma, but through a series of satellite churches, has a presence in ten different states.  I attend the campus in Midwest City.  Last Friday they released their latest CD of original worship music which was recorded this past June, and also released a video of the concert during which the album was recorded.  We are featuring the title track below.  These songs will fill you with hope and encouragement, and are contemporary enough that you will want to listen to them throughout the day.  Congrats to Life.Church on the release of God so Good, available digitally on most platforms.

DONS OF DISCO DOCUMENTARY SEEKS FINANCING

One of our favorite documentaries at the recent Big Sky Documentary Film Festival was Dons of Disco, which we also got the chance to see on the big screen in Los Angeles in May.  In order to get the film into theaters and streaming platforms, the people behind the film have launched a Kickstarter campaign.  Check it out and help if you can.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from the trash punk sound of The Hussy, who are “Sorry.”  We love the energy of this one and think you will too.

https://soundcloud.com/dirtnap-records/05-sorry

Next up is “Sweet Nothing” from Blinker the Star.  We love the chill sound of this song, and look forward to hearing more from this intriguing artist.

Our third single comes from Frames, an artist from Richmond, Virginia, with her latest single “House Show.”  We think this young lady has great potential, and can’t wait to check out her new album which was just released last Friday.

Next up is “Retrospective Outlook,” the latest from up and coming 17-year old alt-rocker Chris Mardini.  We think this artist has found a groove that belongs on the radio and has a lot to offer.  Check it out.

Our final single this week is from LA Music Critic Award-winning artist Kensington Moore, who is making us into an “Addict” to her music.  Just one listen and we think you’ll agree.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is especially appropriate as we soon enter into Halloween season.  Check out the creepy video for “Rising,” the latest from Weekender.

Next up is a sweet acoustic video of New Dialogue performing their latest hit, “Neon Ocean.”  If they sound this good acoustically, imagine how great they sound with full instrumentation.  Love those harmonies.  The band will be opening for the next Blue October tour, so catch them on tour.

Our third video comes from My Golden Calf, and is a soothing folky tune called “Rodent Roommate.”  Chill out to this one.

Our next video has a distinctive 80s feel similar to Flock of Seagulls and Human League that should entice you to want to hear more from Boy Harsher.  Here’s “Send me a Vision.”

We close out this week with a special video from an unlikely duo – multiple LA Music Critic Award winner Marina V and Dan Navarro, best known as one-half of the duo Lowen & Navarro.  They combine on a spectacular version of Pat Benatar‘s megahit, “We Belong” (which was  co-penned by Navarro).

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Ten Great Singles

Ten great singles released in May 2019

June has finally arrived, and music coverage is moving to the back burner while we participate in the 10th annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Other than a couple of forthcoming live concert reviews and our Ten Amazing Videos released in May 2019, we will only be covering the Fringe for the rest of the month of June.   We may have some surprises, so keep turned in.

As most of you know, we normally share five new singles every Monday as part of our Monday Mashup series, but only gives us a chance to spotlight 20-25 of the nearly 200 new singles we receive each month.   As a result, we started doing a monthly list called Ten Great Singles to give us the chance to share another 10 that we thought were worthy.  With that in mind, let’s get this train rolling.

First up is a local LA band that is on the verge of something huge in the alt-rock community.  We are simply blown away by Eleven Point Two, and think that “Don’t Wanna Spend the Night Alone” is a potential mega hit.  Check it out and let us know what you think.

Next up is the Brooklyn-based psychedelic garage rock band Las Rosas with  their latest single, “Diamond Dust.”  We think this one has all the best of the classic rock sound.

Our third single is from the young hip sound of Sweden’s Lune.  It is a fascinating pop sound that would fit well into your dance playlist.  Check out “Don’t Speak.”

Next is the seriously electronic and pop sound of Inanna with her ode to femininity, “Nerfetti XXI.”  This one will fire up all your senses.

https://soundcloud.com/inannasworld/nefertiti-xxi/s-g2C0f

We’ve the middle of our list with the quirky sound of Jade the Moon.  This one has so much going for it it truly belongs on Top 40 radio.  Check out “Awkward.”

Single number six will whisk you back to the days of Jimi Hendrix and will rock your world.  Check out “Forbidden Thing” from the incomparable Aussie rock band Wizard Rose.

Our next single is smooth and bluesy and spotlights the slick vocals of Blue by Nature‘s Karen Lawrence.  We think the title says it all, because “We Couldn’t Help but Love You.”  Thanks for this amazing track.

We follow that bluesy track with another smooth one, but this one is more R&B and soulful.  We love the sound of Rhia, and think this one should be on the playlist of every dance club in town.  Check out “Fire.,” but don’t get burned.

https://soundcloud.com/user-805830817/fire-rhia/s-M1BQi

Our ninth single invites us to take a retro-influenced trip to “Lita’s Place.”  We don’t care if it’s a one-way trip – we’re heading there now with UK’s Exiled.

We close out this edition with the rocking eletro-pop sound of Me an Di.  We can’t get enough of the smooth dance vibes of “All at Once.”  We think you’ll be hooked as well.

Oops – couldn’t finish this list without the amazing single that just dropped on May 31 by The Voice‘s Kensington Moore – we think she’s headed for the top of the charts, and leave you with “Not Ready.”  We believe she is more than ready for the spotlight!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 19

We had a wonderful weekend.  On Friday we reviewed Doctor Nympho vs. The Sex Zombies and had a fantastic after-show hang with Alli Miller and Michael Shaw Fisher.  On Saturday, we headed down to the Hotel Cafe, where we enjoyed both Willie Wisely (with our friends Dan Kalisher and Erik Kertes in his band) and Jesse Macht and his band.  We were also happy to run into our friends Eric and Eliza Roberts, and have a chance to catch up.  On Sunday we got about halfway through our tech rehearsal for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey) for the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Preview night is June 7, with additional performances on June 16, 20, 23 and 28.  We hope to see you at one of our performances.

NEW SINGLES

We have an extra treat for you this week, as this one fell through the cracks when it was first submitted.  It’s a little bit blues, a little bit zydeco and a whole lot of fun.  Will Jacobs is an American living in Berlin who is sharing the power of the blues with Europe.  His single is a tribute to his adopted hometown of Berlin, and is called “Berlin Bounce.”  Check it out – we bet you’ll be cutting a rug in no time flat.

Our first single comes from the band that made us fall in love with “Friends.”  The Rembrandts are back and getting ready to release their new album on Blue Élan Records.  Check out “Broken Toy.”  It perfectly reminds us of why we say “I’ll be There for You.”

Next up is a truly rocking song from a British band.  Their latest if called “Lita’s Place,” and it highlights what this band does well – entertain.  Check out Exiled – we think they’re going to be around for a while.

Next up is a song that is beautiful in its simplicity, stripped down to its purest form and perfectly performed by New West.  Here’s the latest single “Those Eyes.”

Single number four is a definite keeper from Goodside that is fresh but still oddly familiar.  It’s called “I’ve Been Feeling Something Lately,” and has a smooth sweet sound that is perfect for summer.  Check it out.

https://soundcloud.com/goodside_band/ive-been-feeling-something-lately/s-t3nT1

Our final single this week is from West Coast Weekend, and their funky retro song, “Heart Attack.”  This one has the feel of a Maroon 5 smash and could be a huge hit on radio.  Give it up for the next amazing pop superstars.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the remarkable and soulful sound of Kensington Moore.  We introduced this song to you in March as part of our Ten Great Singles, but it really comes home on the music video.  This song really got to us, and we think it could be a major smash.  Check out “I Don’t Like you Anymore.”

It’s amazing how a beautiful female voice can change everything.  Take for example the music of Ignescent a driving hard-rock band with incredibly sharp edges.  Add the voice of lead singer Jennifer Benson, and the fullness of the band is brought forth, much like what Amy Lee does for Evanescence.  Check out the lyric video for “Into the Night” – it will have you banging your head in nothing flat.

Our third video is for all you lovers of 80s/90s rock bands.  The master of guitar has returned and he’s better than ever.  Slash is now joined by Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and they’re on a mission to save rock and roll.  Check out Exhibit 1, ‘Boulevard of Broken Hearts.”  Behold, the king returns.

Next up is a band that is heading for Los Angeles, and will be playing here at the Bootleg Theater on May 19.  They pack a powerful punch and remind us of back when the Red Hot Chili Peppers were huge.  They call themselves The Unlikely Candidates, but we think they soon will be your go-to choice for great music.  Here’s their video for “Novocaine.”

Our final video this is “Cry Like a Girl,” from one of our long-time favorites, Brooke Moriber.  We introduced her to you back in October 2015, and she was a nominee for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2015.  We think she’ll become one of your favorites as well.

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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.