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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 20)

Happy Monday – as we head for next weekend’s Fourth of July celebration, we are looking forward to celebrating the freedom we  have achieved as new homeowners.  Let’s also celebrate the amazing indie music out now with these five new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

First up for this week and the last week in June is the other Hilary Scott (not the one with two “l” from Lady A).  She released her new 5-song EP Kaleidoscope last Friday, and this is the first track.  We really love it and feel it is a fitting sample of the entire project.  Check out “Just a Shame.”

Our second single comes from an artist we loved before she signed with Blue Élan Records and released her latest album Moth to the Flame on June 18.  Here’s the latest from Natalie Gelman, “Photograph.”  We think she’s just beginning to tap into her immense talent.

Next up is the latest from the Ben Reddell Band, with his sassy Chris Stapleton-esque vocals and a classical country Americana sound.   He will be releasing his new EP LA Story on July 9.  In the meantime, stop and listen awhile when he says “Hey,”

Our fourth single comes from all-female Americana band Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters, who released a live album on May 18.  This is the most popular track, which is also track 1.  Check out “How the West was Won.”

Our final single this week is from 2016 LA Music Critic Award-winning band Carly and the Universe.  They’ve been relatively quiet since then but have returned with abandon.  Their latest single offers “Salvation.”  Maybe we should take them up on it.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video is from an artist that is no stranger to Monday Mashup, and with each new song we continue to be amazed at her artistry.  Rachel Lorin is in top form in her video interpretation of the classic A-ha hit, “Take on Me.”  This one needs to be put on repeat.

Our second video is from our resident funny lady, none other than Blue Élan Records artist Scout Durwood.  This time around she uses a SIM to create the perfect background for her hilarious “Scout it Out.”  This one will definitely have you ROFL.

Music video number three is from the next big LA band, none other than Kids in America.  We love this animated visualizer for “My Escape,” which features Sam Tinnesz.  The song reminds us of Fitz and the Tantrums, and we are in love with it.

Next up is a video we are dedicated to talented songwriter Warren Sellers because of the totally rad skateboarding moves.  It’s from Filipina artist YUZON, and it’s a truly chill tune called “Oh my Days.”  If you don’t like this one, we’ll give you your money back.

Our final music video brings back memories of Rick Astley and the 90s sound and is from relative newcomer Ferris Pier.  Check out the upbeat and stimulating tune, “Everything,” featuring Galen Disston.  This one will definitely power your week.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 8)

Well, the Great Freeze of 2021 is finally behind us, leaving a path of chaos, snow and ice.  Good thing indie artists have been busy creating great art.  We are fortunate to premiere some great new songs this week, so let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

Back when I was getting started in the music business, I met a young singer-songwriter that impressed the hell out of me.  She was performing with her guitarist, Christian Nesmith, the son of Michael of The Monkees fame.  That artist went on to form her own label and win a major music contest before joining forces with Kirk and Connor Pasich to form Blue Élan Records.  We’re talking, of course, about the illustrious Cindy Alexander, whose new single, “Try, Try, Try” dropped this past Friday.  Check it out and put it on repeat.  Her tenth studio album, While the Angels Sigh, will be released on April 23.

Spotify – Try, Try, Try

Next up is another Blue Élan artist, Gina Sicilia, who has recorded a spectacular cover of the powerful ballad, “Survival,” from Keep the Lights On, the forthcoming album celebrating the career of her labelmate and original America member, Gerry Beckley.  We absolutely love this remake.  Turn it on and crank it up.

Survival · Gina Sicilia (spotify.com)

Our third single is from our dear friend and the co-creator of the Don’t Call us Tori showcases, Shannon Hurley.  She is back with another single, “Love in the Dark.”  This one is a true keeper and proves that this artist just keeps getting better.

Spotify – Love in the Dark

Next up is a hyperpop groove from Irish artist Apollo Monroe.  He will  have you ready to dance with his latest tune, “Soda Pop.”

soda pop · Apollo Monroe (spotify.com)

We close out our singles this week with a pair of singles from Jesse Barrera, Nieman and Melissa Polinar that are sweet as honey and powerful in their subtlety.  Their voices blend so effortlessly that we can’t wait to see what comes next.  Check out “What we Found” and “Tangle Up (Reimagined).”

What We Found · Jesse Barrera, Nieman, Melissa Polinar (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from an artist we have seen rise up from the unknown to become an amazing actress and artist.  She has never lost the ability to stir up emotions and her latest, “This is Home,” is exactly what we need to move on from the horrors of 2020.  Give it up for the one and only Kate Voegele.

Next up is the R&B stylings of Tayler Jade, with a chill-worthy tune that belongs on the radio and on constant repeat in your YouTube feed.  Don’t let this be ‘Temporary.”

Our next video goes country with a sweet voice that truly belongs on the radio.  We introduced her to you last December when she released our favorite cover version of “Hard Candy Christmas.” Alexandra Kay is a rising voice and we love the simplicity of her lyric video for “We Wouldn’t Be Us.”  We think you’ll fall in love with her as well.

Video number four is an interesting concept for the 80’s-inspired sound of Megan Nash and the Best of Intentions for their outstanding song, “Quiet.”  Trust us, we don’t expect you to keep this one to yourself.

Our final video this week is from the great new group Kids in America, which features our friend, Curtis Peoples.  This is the sound of Top 40 Radio, and it couldn’t happen to a more deserving artist.  Check out the video for “Afterlife,” featuring Luna Aura.