Tag: LA Music Critic Awards

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 33

Last night I had the privilege of working one of the best concerts I have ever experienced in the form of The Head and the Heart and The Avett Brothers.  It was an experience not to be missed.  We will be publishing our review shortly.  In the meantime, we have some news from the AmericanaFest and one of LA’s premier radio hosts, as well as five new singles and music videos to share with you.  Hope you have a great week.

17th ANNUAL AMERICANA HONORS AND AWARDS

The Americana Music Association recently handed out awards at their annual Americana Festival in Nashville.  Here are the winners:

Album of the Year:  “The Nashville Sound,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, produced by Dave Cobb

Artist of the Year:  John Prine

Song of the Year:  “If We Were Vampires,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, written by Jason Isbell

Duo/Group of the Year:  Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Emerging Artist of the Year:  Tyler Childers

Instrumentalist of the Year:  Molly Tuttle

“Spirit of Americana” Free Speech Award, presented in partnership with the First Amendment Center:  Rosanne Cash

Americana Trailblazer Award:  k.d. lang

Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist:  Buddy Guy

Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance:  Irma Thomas

Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive:  Cris Williamson and Judy Dlugacz of Olivia Records

LA TALK RADIO HOST SHEENA METAL LAUNCHES NEW COLOGNE

Long time Los Angeles concert promoter and personality Sheena Metal has always been a lover of all things that smell good, and secretly wanted my own fragrance.   Thanks to Scott Travis and CBT Candle LA, her dream has come true and she is celebrating the release of her own cologne, Ascend, on Sunday, September 23.

The launch will take place at the Hollywood Improv, alongside the celebration, of her 24-year radio host anniversary, and will feature celebrity guests, an audience interactive, live radio broadcast of my daily LA Talk Radio show, “The Sheena Metal Experience”, a red carpet before and a meet-and-greet after, as well as plenty of surprises. If you would like to attend, please send an email to her, and watch for more events leading up to her 25th anniversary.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from the amazingly talented duo Smoke Season.  Entitled “Hot Damn,” it is another smash from this hugely popular LA band, and we think it is the perfect song to kick off this new week.  Listen for it on your local radio station.

Our next single is the latest from multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and Blue Élan Records artist Rod Melancon.  We think you will love the autobiographical “Westgate” and we can’t wait to hear his next album.

Our third single comes from New York-based DJ/Producer The Afterprty, and features Nashville-based indie vocalist Harper Grae on “Wonder Woman.”  This one has an infectious beat and amazing vocals.  Let us know what you think.

Single number four is from The Textones from their forthcoming comeback album on Blue Élan Records.  We are so glad that this amazing band is returning to the music scene, and can’t wait for the release of Old Stone Gang, which we will be reviewing on Friday.  In the meantime, enjoy “20 Miles South of Wrong.”

Our final single this week is from the amazing MAWD, who sounds like a cross between Janis Joplin and Elle King.  Check out her song “Wandering Eye,” which we guarantee will get you up and dancing into the week.

https://soundcloud.com/soundx3music/mawd-wandering-eye-2

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up this week is the video for the third single, “Harlan,” from the award winning album Wow and Flutter by Amilia K Spicer.  This one brings back a lot of memories of small town living.

Our next video is very special, as it features our friends Raining Jane, who are currently on tour with Jason Mraz.  Enjoy this very special lyric video, “From Me to You.”

Next up is the video of a single we debuted here last month from LA indie rock artist, Kim Kline.  Listen to the words of her song “Stand Tall” and help us fight bullying.

Former country great Michael Peterson has returned in a big way in 2018, and has released a new video for his two time #1 song, “From Here to Eternity.”  This is one of the most beautiful and romantic songs ever written, and we think you will love this updated version.

We close out this week with another artist from Blue Élan Records.  We recently featured her previous video, and really love this new one from Roan Yellowthorn.  Here’s “Lie.”

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Gina Sicilia, Kayla Starr, Rare Americans, Mike Stapleton, Eyes of Love

(cue Peter, Paul & Mary)  By the time you read this, we will have left on a jet plane heading to a family reunion in North Carolina for the Labor Day weekend.  We are so proud to bring you these next five artists, including the latest from multiple LA Music Critic Awards winner and Blue Élan Records artist Gina Sicilia.  Here we go!

Artist Name:  Gina Sicilia

Album Name:  Heard the Lie

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Heard the Lie; 2.  How Many Times; 3.  Ready for Love; 4.  Brighter Day (ft Janiva Magness); 5.  Angels Watching; 6.  Man in the Sky; 7.  Sugar; 8.  Darling; 9.  Light me Up; 10.  I do Bad Things; 11.  Growing Dim

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  It’s been 10 years since she recorded her first of eight albums, and this one is her best yet.  Grammy-nominated producer Dave Darling brings it all together for this young blues superstar whose songwriting abilities continue to amaze us.  From the first notes of the title track, it becomes quickly obvious that the listener is in for a treat, as the husky voice of Gina Sicilia fills the songs with so much soulfulness.  Her version of the blues borrows considerably from classic R&B, and comparisons to great singers like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight are a natural conclusion.   This is baby-making music that soothes your soul and lets you know that you are not alone in what’s happening around you.  She gives us a blistering and soulful cover of Bad Company‘s “Ready for Love” and also hooks up with her labelmate, Grammy-nominated blues singer Janiva Magness, for an amazing duet on “Brighter Day.”  She even goes a little country on “Sugar” and does her best impression of 60s girl groups on “Darling.”  You can’t go wrong with this album, and will find yourself listening to these songs over and over again.

Recommendation:  If you treasure great songs sung by an amazing vocalist, then you simply MUST Get this one.  Rush out and grab it today!

Artist Name:  Kayla Starr

Album Name:  Exception to the Rule

Label:  Grunge Pop Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Say you Will; 2.  Dangerous; 3.  Truth; 4.  Deepest Sea

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Kayla Starr is a genre-defying artist who mixes alternative rock, trip hop, electronics and grunge pop into a unique style that is all her own.  She wrote and co-produced all four songs on this stellar EP.  Her voice is silky smooth and strong, and rises above most of her peers in the indie community.  Her songs are truly radio friendly and are worthy of heavy rotation on major stations, especially college radio.  “Dangerous” is a true hit in the making, and would make a great break-out single.  She could easily be the next Meghan Trainor.

Recommendation:  This one is a must-have.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Rare Americans

Album Name:  Rare Americans

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Cats, Dogs & Rats; 2.  Moss Park; 3.  Balmoral Hotel; 4.  Night After Night; 5.  I vs I; 6.  Pay me Back

Publicist:  Effectively Immediately PR

Review:  Rare Americans are a pair of Canadians who only started writing songs a year ago.  Before recording this debut album, the songs were made into music videos where they quickly became viral hits on YouTube, including over a million views on “Cats, Dogs & Rats.”  They mix punk, hip hop and rock into their version of alt rock, with lyrics aimed at calling out the bad in the world so that it can be dealt with.  This is high energy music that will make you think as well.  The vocals are not pretty but they are perfectly suited for this type of music.

Recommendation:  Give this one a good listen – we think it will grow on you, or at least make you think about the world in general.

Artist Name:  Mike Stapleton

Album Name:  Reflections

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  When no one Cares; 2.  Reflections; 3.  Anxiety Builds; 4.  Goodwill; 5.  We Both Shall Ride; 6.  Empty Space; 7.  Burn a Hole; 8.  Thickly Settled; 9.  Ignorance and Greed; 10.  Everything I Own; 11.  Go Away; 12.  Abide

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Hard to believe we just reviewed this artist’s last album Mid-Winter Blues only six weeks ago, and here he is back with another one.  Trust us, we are not complaining, because we simply love his material, which continues to improve.  Like his previous album, these are songs meant for airplay on NPR stations, and would also be great for placements in television and film.  We simply adore the title track, “Anxiety Builds,” “We Both Shall Ride,” “Burn a Hole,” “Thickly Settled,” and “Everything I Own.”

Recommendation:  This one is definitely worthy of your attention.  We recommend you Get it soon.

Artist Name:  Eyes of Love

Album Name:  End of the Game

Label:  Wharf Cat Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock/Experimental

Track Listing:  1.  Homeowners; 2.  New; 3.  Version of Tomorrow; 4.  Piano 1 Final; 5.  Players of the Field; 6.  Breakers at Midnight; 7.  Classifieds Strings; 8.  There’s a Party; 9.  End of the Game; 10.  Classified; 11.  Millionaire; 12.  DDT & the Undertaker; 13.  Elevator; 14.  New Piano

Publicist:  Promo Juke Box

Review:  Eyes of Love, spearheaded by songwriter Andrea Schiavelli, is the perfect representation of chaos and harmony.  The style floats between breezy pop, alternative rock and experimental music to provide a look at the world in general.  The album even includes a pair of piano instrumentals as well as a strings arrangement for their song “Classifieds” to truly keep the listener on their toes.  With the musical diversity, every listener should be able to find something that they like here.  Our favorite track is “Players of the Field.”

Recommendation:  This one is different enough to warrant your attention.  Check it out today.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 29

Happy Pearl Jam day!  Will be working the concert at the University of Montana Washington Grizzly Stadium all day, so should be interesting.  We have news today, along with five new singles and music videos, so let’s get going.

FLATHEAD LAKE BLUES FESTIVAL RETURNS TO POLSON

Last year we attended the Flathead Lake Blues Festival and presented the LA Music Critic Award for Best Blues Band to Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method.  This year we’re unable to attend, but didn’t want you to miss out on all the fun.

Here are the details:  The campground next to the venue at the Regatta Shoreline Amphitheater opens Wednesday night, August 15, and is FREE for the entire weekend.   The venue gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 17, and the music begins at 6 p.m.  The venue gates reopen for Saturday’s performance at 2 p.m. with music beginning at 4 p.m.  The host for the weekend is Steve Pickel from Anderson Radio Broadcasting.   Friday’s show is the Montana Musician Review, featuring one of last year’s performers, Jameson and the Sordid Seed, as well as John Kelly and the Atomic Blues Band, Andrew Scotchie and the River Rats, Big Daddy and the Blue Notes, with the Flathead All Star Band, and the CD Woodbury Trio.  The night ends with a Grand Jam involving all of the day’s artists.  Saturday is the Pacific Northwest All Stars and will feature 19 of the finest blues musicians from five states, including seven competitors of the International Blues Challenge.

RACHEL SAGE WANTS YOU FOR HER NEXT MUSIC VIDEO

Last week we were privileged to review the latest album from indie artist Rachel Sage.  Here’s her personal request to be a part of the music video for her new single, “Spark.”

I’m so excited to share my upcoming project with you, & I’d be honored to have as many of you involved as possible. I want YOU to be in my next music video for my song “Spark”!

“Spark” is about passion in all its many forms — love, creativity, friendship etc. so I’d be thrilled to include footage of you doing something you’re passionate about or even a video of you with the people you love! Example ideas could include: dancing, singing, rollerskating, painting, taking a walk by beautiful scenery, or just jamming out. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Grab your phone (PLEASE SHOOT HORIZONTALLY), DSLR camera, or GoPro
  • Shoot a 30-60 second clip
  • Submit your clip using THIS FORM

You can stream (or if you’d rather, download) the track, & read the lyrics below to get inspired.

ALL ENTRIES will receive a special prize package for participating, and those whose videos are selected will be credited at the end of the video & featured on my socials (so be sure to include your social links when submitting).

VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

Clip Length: 30-60 seconds
Max File Size: 300 MB
File Format: .mov, .avi, or .mp4
please shoot in HD if possible

DEADLINE: 11:59 PM EDT AUGUST 27, 2018

So go ahead and show me your “Spark”! I hope you will join me for this project, & I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with xoxo!!

Ready to send us your footage?
Fill out this release form to give us your info & upload your file.
We prefer to receive your file via Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box.

Questions? Problems uploading? Contact us!

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week, “Where You Are,” is a sweet upbeat song from Christine Parker, which should get your new week off to a great start.  We simply love her sweet voice and the sentiments of the song.  Enjoy!

Next up is an artist who has graced our blog on numerous occasions.  Here is the latest single from Kanisha K, who reminds us that “Talk is Cheap.”  We love the banjo and the country pop feel of this song.

Our third single comes from Texas-born and current Los Angeles based artist Kim Kline.  We are so glad to see her back in action, and truly dig her song, “Stand Tall.”  We think she’ll make a believer of you as well.

Our fourth single this week is from County Line Runner, and we think you’ll love it if you’re a Tom Petty fan.  Check out “Hard to Find,” and let us know what  you think.

Our final single this week has a retro sound that we like.  Here’s “Daddy’s Girl (PR)” from Catey Shaw.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this week is from an artist we introduced last week.  We think Honey River has all the makings of a major star, and their debut single, “Peace, Love,” could be the breakout they are looking for.  We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Next up is PSA from No Small Children, who let us know about the problems in our schools with their song, “I’m So Concerned.”  Each of the members of the band is a school teacher, and this song is very personal to them.  We love the message and support the band in their efforts to improve our educational system.

Last week we reviewed their album, and now we get to share their first music video for “Tools of War.”  Here is Fellow Robot, with a warning of their own.

Our fourth video this week comes from Night on the first anniversary of the disaster in Charlottesville.  It is a powerful protest song, and so timely.  Please let us know what you think.

Our final video this week is from Project BWQ.  It is a stirring video for their single “Phosphene,” and we think it will help set the tone for your week.  Enjoy and we’ll see you soon with another edition of Get it or Forget it.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Stringer, Trevor James, FINE POINTS, Jane in Space, Code Red Riot

Had a blast yesterday checking out LA Music Critic Award nominee Stacy Jones Band at Missoula’s weekly “Out to Lunch” series.  She put on an amazing show with her four piece band, bringing the smooth sound of her harmonica to their southern rock and blues mix.

Today we’re back with five more reviews from some incredibly rocking bands.  Please let us know what you think.

Artist Name:  Stringer

Album Name:  My Bad

Label:  Wiretap Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  USA; 3.  Ghosts; 4.  Through the Walls; 5.  Rachel; 6.  Swimming; 7.  Dead Horse; 8.  Abergain; 9.  Flower Bomb; 10.  Termites; 11.  Halving; 12.  Miss Slovenia; 13.  InFinFly

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Stringer has been a staple in the underground DIY music scene in Brooklyn for many years.  With the release of My Bad, they show the rest of the world why they have become so beloved in New York City.  Their first single, “Ghosts,” reminds us of The Beastie Boys, and has the potential to be a break out song, especially with the release of their music video.  “Through the Walls” is very radio friendly and more indie rock than punk, and deserves heavy rotation, especially on college stations, as does “Swimming.”  Other tracks deserving of attention are “Dead Horse,” “Flower Bomb,” “Termites,” “Halving” and “InFinFly.”

Recommendation:  You really should Get this one.

Artist Name:  Trevor James

Album Name:  Maxine

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B/Funk/Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Maxine; 2.  Sorry; 3.  Touch the Sky; 4.  Assassin; 5.  Cool Breeze; 6.  Creepin; 7.  Street Walker; 8.  Crazy; 9.  Locked Out; 10.  I’m Gone

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Trevor James has hit the scene, sounding like a mix of Jimi Hendrix and Lenny Kravitz, but with his own kind of attitude that sets his music apart from them.  The title track kicks ass, and sets the tone for the amazing stuff that follows.  On “Sorry,” he adds a jazzy vibe that makes this song pop, making it a great candidate for radio.  His inner Hendrix kicks in on “Assassin” and “Street Walker,” where he demonstrates his extreme virtuosity on the guitar.  He returns to the mellow sound on “Cool Breeze,” which would also sound great on the radio, while “Creepin” and “I’m Gone” are just plain cool R&B/Funk.

Recommendation:  You can’t go wrong with this one.  Add it to your collection today.

Artist Name:  FINE POINTS

Album Name:  Take Shape

Label:  Dine Alone Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  The Fang; 2.  Water Run; 3.  Ready and Able; 4.  Technicolor Dreams; 5.  It’s What I Know; 6.  Wandering; 7.  Pharaoh; 8.  Sanctuary; 9.  One by One; 10.  Bell Below; 11.  I’m not the One

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  San Francisco-based FINE POINTS are a band on their way.  They secured the services of Grammy winning producer Jason Carmer, who has previously worked with Third Eye Blind, Billy Idol and Merle Haggard, and he has helped them create a masterpiece that stretches from start to finish, and especially on their singles, “The Fang” and “Ready and Able.”  Other tracks worthy of attention include “Technicolor Dreams,” “It’s What I Know,” “Wandering,” “Pharaoh,” “One by One,” “Bell Below,” and “I’m not the One.”

Recommendation:  Get it!

Artist Name:  Jane in Space

Album Name:  Gorerunner

Label:  Aion Records

Genre:  Industrial/Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  Little Raurus; 2.  Eat Your Face; 3.  Full Stop; 4.  Breaking Glass; 5.  Gorerunner; 6.  Through the Vines

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Jane in Space is another band from Brooklyn that has been compared to Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode.  For this album, they tapped Keith Hillebrandt, who has worked with Nails, to produce the album, and we think he has delivered a stellar album that fans of those bands will also enjoy.  The band hits the ground running on the first track, and never slows down as they deliver music that melts faces.  is in your face.  Our only complaint is that there are only six songs.  We can’t wait to see what comes next.

Recommendation:  If you are a fan of Nine Inch Nails or Depeche Mode, you should definitely add this one to your collection.

Artist Name:  Code Red Riot

Album Name:  Mask

Label:  Sony RED Music

Genre:  Metal/Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Panic and Pain; 2.  Killing the Kings; 3.  Living Low; 4.  Slide; 5.  Chaos Calls; 6.  Ghost; 7.  Fuel in the Fire; 8.  Bulletproof; 9.  Black Hole Hero; 10.  Handle This; 11.  7 More Days; 12.  My Failing Soul

Publicist:  Right Angle PR

Review:  Former Otherwise drummer and now Code Red Riot frontman, Corky Gainsford, draws his inspiration from legends like Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Sully Erna (Godsmack) and Blake Allison (Devour The Day).  Currently on tour with Gemini System, Mask is the band’s debut album, and it’s an incredible start to their career.  The band has set the bar very high, and delivers a masterful set of dynamic and hard-hitting songs that not just metal fans will enjoy.  This one is a treat from start to finish, and a worthy addition to your musical collection.

Recommendation:  Rush out and Get this one!

 

 

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

Get it or Forget it – Moonshine Saints, Grandpa Grew Trees, Sara Marie Barron, Dennis Jones Band, Kris Angelis

Happy Friday.  We’re exciting to share some new releases with you, including the long awaited new EP from Kris Angelis.  Hope this gets you off to a great weekend.

Artist Name:  Moonshine Saints

Album Name:  Six Ways to Sunday Volumes 1 & 2

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Southern Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Sugar N Thunder; 2.  Frankenshine; 3.  The Fire; 4.  Production; 5.  Strong; 6.  Hell or High Water; 7.  You Take the House; 8.  Love is Like a River; 9.  Roll Like a Landslide; 10.  Drivin on Over; 11.  Anything to be Your Man; 12.  Wicked Intentions; 13.  Southern Bonafide (bonus track)

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Moonshine Saints have come to rock in the style of Lynryd Skynyrd, and they show on this album that they have the same grit and fire.  From the first note of Sugar N Thunder, it quickly becomes obvious that this is a band to take notice of.  If their live show has half the energy of their album, then it must be amazing.  These songs are radio friendly and ready for immediate airplay.  There is not a weak song on this album, and we love it from start to finish.  Radio Station Managers – you need to put this band on your radar and get them on  your airplay list ASAP!

Recommendation:  This one is a must-have.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Grandpa Grew Trees

Album Name:  Grandpa Grew Trees

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  After; 2.  Still; 3.  Ours; 4.  Backstroke; 5.  Swamp; 6.  Wolf; 7.  Worry; 8.  Names (Heaven Hold On); 9.  Morning; 10.  Better

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Elijah Poston, the songwriter behind the band, has compiled a beautiful collection of songs dealing with grief, based on his personal history with the suicides of two family members, and his desire to move on.  Poston also provides guitar and vocals, and is joined by Miguel Pilcher on drums, Griffin Rone on bass, and Mitch Mealer on guitar.  These songs are in the style of the Plain White T’s and are beautifully written with powerful lyrics about moving on.  This album should be used by every grief therapy group to help their members deal with their pain.  We highly recommend this soothing dose of musical medicine.

Recommendation:  This one belongs in your musical library.  Get it and share it today.

Artist Name:  Sara Marie Barron

Album Name:  Sad, But True

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B/Soul/Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Let me be Yours; 2.  That Man; 3.  Known Better; 4.  New York City; 5.  Wanna Know; 6.  Bad News; 7.  One Thing; 8.  Does She

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  OMG – Sara Marie Barron is amazing.  Mixing a jazzy feel into her R&B and soul gives her a sound somewhere between Norah Jones and Alicia Keys, with a touch of the amazing being that is Carole King.  She could easily compete with anyone in the AAA/AC community, and we think she should be on the radio NOW.  This is soothing, relaxing chill music that you will want to put on repeat and listen to over and over again.  It is by far the best album put out by a female artist so far this year.  Her music would also be a smart choice for music supervisors for placement in television and film, as well as commercials.  We simply can’t get enough of this album.  It is no surprise that Billboard Magazine is championing her first single, “That Man.”

Recommendation:  If you only get one album this year, this should be it!  It is amazingly smooth and will make you the coolest cat on the block.

Artist Name:  Dennis Jones Band

Album Name:  WE3 Live

Label:  Blue Rock Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Blue Over You; 2.  When I Die; 3.  Passion for the Blues; 4.  Stray Bullet; 5.  Hot Sauce; 6.  Don’t Worry About Me; 7.  Super Deluxe; 8.  Enjoy the Ride; 9.  You Don’t Know a Thing About Love; 10.  Kill the Pain; 11.  Big Blat Cat; 12.  Devil’s Nightmare; 13.  I’m Good; 14.  Born Under a Bad Sign

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Boy were we in for a shock when we opened the CD case and noticed that this album was recorded in eastern Montana, at a brewery in a town that has less than 600 people.  That’s a long way to go for an album because the band is based out of Los Angeles.  We are sure the joint was jumping because the Dennis Jones Band is HOT!  This band proves that the power trio is still alive and well in music, with Jones on lead guitar and lead vocals, Sam Correa on bass and backing vocals and Raymond Johnson on drums.  The album contains 14 tracks featuring selections from all five of Jones’ solo albums as well as a stirring cover of the Albert King classic “Born Under a Bad Sign.”  This is the perfect choice if you’re in the mood for rock and blues, and it will definitely get the party going.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.  It belongs in the musical library of every rock and blues lover.

Artist Name:  Kris Angelis

Album Name:  Pieces That Were Stolen

Label:   Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Photobooth;  2.  The Sparrow; 3.  Stained Glass; 4.  Bravest

Publicist:  Magic Tree Productions

Review:  Kris Angelis has been a favorite of this blog for many years, and has won multiple LA Music Critic Awards for her previous efforts.  We have also featured the first two singles (“Photobooth” and “Stained Glass,” which she co-wrote with Garrison Starr) in our Monday Mashup column, and strongly encourage you to subscribe to her YouTube page.  It is no wonder that we always have high expectations for anything she records, and she has truly exceeded those standards.  The short four-song EP deals with loss, and she does so in a way that heals the broken heart, and brings hope and joy to the downtrodden.  This EP took a year to create, and the finished product was well worth the wait,  Angelis is one of a kind, and the best singer-songwriter to come out of Los Angeles, bar none.  Just make sure you have a box of Kleenex handy.

Recommendation:  The music of Kris Angelis is priceless, and we strongly recommend that you Get this one TODAY!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Bobbo Byrnes, Wily Bo Walker, Mark Tolstrup, De’Anza, Peggy James

It’s Thursday again, and Friday is knocking on the door.  Check out these five incredible artists to get you ready for the weekend.

Artist Name:  Bobbo Byrnes

Album Name:  Two Sides to this Town

Label:  Song & Whispers

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Angelia; 2.  Heart Like Mine; 3.  Glad; 4.  Jealous Kind; 5.  Massachusetts; 6.  Dam; 7.  Welfare Calling; 8.  Last Hurrah; 9.  Summer Wine; 10.  Vegas

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Bobbo Byrnes has been a staple of the burgeoning Americana movement in America for quite a few years.  Whether playing solo, with his lovely wife Tracy in their band The Fallen Stars, or in the combined band Riddle and the Stars, Byrnes consistently delivers some of the best music in the world.  While his vocals may be an acquired taste, much like Tom Waits, his musicianship is never in question, as he delivers stellar performances on just about anything with strings.  We have known him since the early 2000s, and have seen him and his band perform countless times, including award winning performances for the Orange County Music Awards (OCMA) and the SoCal Music Live Awards.  He and his bands are also multiple winners of the LA Music Critic Awards.  However, since the release of his last solo album Motel Americana, which we reviewed back in September 2016, he has stepped up his game, and this album may well be his best to date.  Several tracks truly shine, including “Heart Like Mine,” “Jealous Kind,” “Dam” (the best “damn” song they have ever done), “Welfare Cadillac,” and “Summer Wine.”

Recommendation:  Get it NOW!

Artist Name:  Wily Bo Walker

Album Name:  Almost Transparent Blues

Label:  Mescal Canyon Records

Genre:  Blues/Americana/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Chattahoochee Coochee Man; 2.  Loan me a Dime; 3.  I Want to Know; 4.  Storm Warning; 5.  Motel Blues; 6.  Did I Forget; 7.  Fool for You; 8.  Walking with the Devil; 9.  Long way to Heaven; 10.  Moon Over Indigo; 11.  Light at the End of the Tunnel

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Wily Bo Walker is a Scotsman who has established himself on the American blues scene, becoming one of the very few UK artists to be inducted into the U.S. Blues Hall of Fame.  Just a casual listen to his latest release erases any doubt that he is worthy of that honor.  His sound is a mix of blues, soul, classic R&B, jazz rock and Americana, and all of it is HOT!  His songs are the stuff of legends – perfect storytelling and lyrical content, a gravelly voice that leaves no doubt to the listener that this artist has lived what he sings about, and a collection of some of the greatest musicians in the world – making Walker’s music the type that you want to listen to over and over again.  This one is definitely the best blues album we have reviewed this year, and probably one of the best solo efforts as well.  Look for it to win a few awards.  There isn’t a weak song on this album.

Recommendation:  This is a MUST-HAVE for your collection, regardless of your musical tastes.  Get it before it’s gone.

Artist Name:  Mark Tolstrup

Album Name:  Northstar

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Northstar; 2.  Hey Hey Baby; 3.  I Don’t Know; 4.  Milk and Honey; 5.  Old Man’s Blues; 6.  City in the Rain; 7.  Haunted House Blues; 8.  On the Nickel; 9.  Back Water Blues; 10.  Free Brother; 11.  My Song is Don’t Worry; 12.  Dead Man’s Shirt; 13.  Requiem for Coyote

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Northstar is an intensely personal album that could only have come from Mark Tolstrup.  He lays it all on the line in the title track that sets the mood for the entire album, letting his listeners know right off the bat that they are in for a treat.  He wrote the title to be sung at the funeral of his father.  He shares these amazing songs with a cast of incredible musicians, including Jessica Wern on drums and vocal, James Gascoyne on bass, Sharon Bolton on vocals, Chris Carey on keyboard, Dave Lambert on sax, Woody Strobeck on trombone, and Oona Grady on fiddle, among others.  Together they take Tostrup’s personal vision and make it universal.  We love the overall tone of the album, and the varying kinds of blues displayed, as well as his covers of Tom Waits’ “On the Nickel” and Michael Eck’s “Dead Man’s Shirt.”

Recommendation:  You should definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  De’Anza

Album Name:  Cosmic Dream

Label:  Fusion Beats

Genre:  Latin Alternative/Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  Cosmic Dream; 2.  La Puerta; 3.  Want; 4.  Stage I:  Light Sleep; 5.  Llena de Gracia; 6.  Stage III:  Deep Sleep; 7.  ¿Estás Recibiendo?; 8.  Stage V:  REM; 9.  War

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  De’Anza brings us Latin culture to the world of electronic funk in this concept album tracing the various stages of the sleep cycle.  Several of the tracks are written in Spanish and delivered with a myriad of funkiness and electronica.  We love the Latin vibe of her music, which could easily translate to serious radio airplay, as well as making some interesting placement options for television and film, especially “Want,” with its R&B groove and truly funky style.

Recommendation:  Give this artist a listen.  We think you’ll be hooked.

Artist Name:  Peggy James

Album Name:  Nothing in Between

Label:  Happy Growl Records

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter Country/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  We had to Meet; 2.  X-Files; 3.  An Hour with You; 4.  Lover; 5.  Nothing in Between; 6.  Muscle Man; 7.  Gotta Have a Love; 8.  In One Ear (and out the Other); 9.  Ghost; 10.  Sound of Your Wheels; 11.  Fallen Snow; 12.  I Wish you Well

Publicist:  Daystorm Music

Review:  Milwaukee native songbird Peggy James has released an amazing solo effort which mixes her Midwestern roots with her Southwestern influences, creating a truly unique sound that has a folky Emmylou Harris/Shawn Colvin vibe over a Grace Potter like organ sound, as well as some of the finest guitar we’ve heard in a long time.  James has such a sweet, pure and beautiful voice that takes this well-crafted gems and makes them sparkle even brighter, shining the light on every facet of the song.  The stories will draw you in, and the musicianship will keep you interested.  You will find that you don’t want anything to come between you and this music.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one today!

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 27

It’s our final Monday Mashup of the month, and we have some great new music to share with you.  Check out the latest news as well.

LA MUSIC CRITIC TO DEBUT SHOW AT HFF19

Our very own LA Music Critic, Bob Leggett, will be debuting a solo show at next year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Inspired by the amazing productions put on by the Soaring Solo Community, he has hired Jessica Lynn Johnson to help him develop his show, Livin’ the Dream, which will debut at HFF19 next year.  The show is the story of his life and career, focusing on not just dreaming about great things, but accomplishing them as well.  Watch for the Indiegogo campaign being launched in August, and support him on his latest adventure.  We are very proud to be a part of what should be a great show.

VK LYNNE RELEASES AUDIO BOOK OF POETRY

VK Lynne, the lead single of multi-LA Music Critic Award winning band The Spider Accomplice is releasing an audio book containing 35 of her poems, read by a plethora of her friends.  Entitled The Release and Reclamation of Victoria Kerygma, the audiobook is available on Bandcamp.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, members of the Mountain Home Music family of artists.  They have created a beautiful song that is being released to support the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Trust Fund which, like the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, provides support for struggling artists.  We think you will love this beautiful arrangement and we hope you will likewise support these organizations that help indie musicians.

Our next single is an upbeat pop tune from Mike Edel.  He was featured in our March Ten Great Singles article, and this time around, he promises he will “Go With You.”  We think this one could be a huge hit, and look forward to what’s still to come from this amazing artist.

Our third single is being released by Elkka through Femme Culture, and is an upbeat dance tune called “Stay (warm edit).”  We think this one goes hand in hand with our previous single, and should help get your Monday off to a great start.

Our fourth single continues the positive spin as CJ Hooper releases his first track from his forthcoming album.  “When we Rise” is the perfect remedy for the Monday blahs.

Our final single this week comes from Caibedo Island.  They encourage us to be “Stronger,” and we love the sentiment.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video comes from an artist we reviewed last week, Roger Len Smith, who was introduced to us by a long-time friend Bobbo Byrnes, lead vocalist of The Fallen Stars.  Here is “Raining on a Sunny Day.”

Next up is the latest video from Grammy-nominated artist Janiva Magness for the title track from her latest album on Blue Élan Records, Love is an Army, featuring LA Music Critic Award winning artist Bryan Stephens.  We hope you enjoy this one as much as we do.

Our third video this week is a political statement about gentrification of our great cities.  Nick Ferrio releases “I Don’t Know How Long” and we totally understand his concerns.

Our fourth video has the rhythm of the islands as Constanza Herrero talks about “Packing Up.”  This video should get your juices flowing and get you on the dance floor.

Our final video this week is the R&B and soul sound of Roxanne Tataei.  Here’s “Crimson Eyes.”  We hope this firmly places your Monday in a good place.  Have a great week and we’ll be back soon with our articles on the Ten Amazing Videos and Ten Great Singles released in July.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Jake Aarons, Fiona Joy, Tom Hambridge, Ben Bostick, Karen Lawrence and Blue by Nature

Happy hump day.  We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it.  Check it out!

Artist Name:  Jake Aarons

Album Name:  4 Songs of Loss

Label:  Lost Souls Records

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter

Track Listing:  1.  It’s all on You; 2.  I Miss you More Now; 3.  This is a sad Song; 4.  When you Miss a Friend

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Sometimes you need sad songs to match your mood.  In that case, the latest from Jake Aarons fits the bill perfectly.  These four melancholy ballads.  The songs are well crafted and bring out his grief and loss clearly.  This young man has a lot to say about loss, and we hope that things get better for him.  We would love to hear some positive, uplifting songs, as his voice and instrumentation are worthy of much more.

Recommendation:  If you are sad, this one is for you.

Artist Name:  Fiona Joy

Album Name:  Story of Ghosts

Label:  Blue Coast Records

Genre:  New Age Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Song for Dunnie; 2.  Story of Angels; 3.  Contemplating (solo); 4.  Blue Dream (solo); 5.  The Solo Tango; 6.  The White Light; 7.  Story of Ghosts; 8.  Twilight; 9.  Story of Insanity; 10.  Before the Light

Publicist:  The B Company

Review:  Fiona Joy is a masterful pianist, playing and 1885 Steinway piano.  These songs set the perfect mood for relaxation and mediation, and are comforting as well.  Joy’s obvious piano skills are truly on display, and her compositions are so beautiful and moving.  Definitely put this one on repeat if you need a relaxing musical soundtrack.  It should provide hours of enjoyment.

Recommendation:  This one belongs in your meditation library.  We think it is well worth it.

Artist Name:  Tom Hambridge

Album Name:  The NOLA Sessions

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Blues Been Mighty Good to Me; 2.  Bluz Crazy; 3.  This End of the Road; 4.  I Love Everything; 5.  What you Leave Behind; 6.  Little Things; 7.  Whiskey Ghost; 8.  Save Me; 9.  A Couple Drops; 10.  Masterpiece; 11.  Me and Charlie; 12.  Trying to Find It; 13.  Faith

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Traditional blues are a staple of great music, and no one does it better than New Orleans musicians.  That influence has definitely rubbed off on Tom Hambridge’s latest effort, which includes some of NOLA’s best, including the late Allen Toussaint, Eric Clapton’s slide guitarist Sonny Landreth, the Naughty Horns of the Alumni of Loyala University Jazz Band and the amazing B3 mastery of Ivan Neville.  Not only that, but the album was mastered by Grammy winner Sean Magee at the famed Abbey Road Studios. This one belongs with the blues masters and is sure to appeal to all blues lovers.  It is a winner from start to finish.  We especially love “Trying to Find It” with its southern rock and country vibe, thanks no doubt to its co-writer, Jeffrey Steele.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it.  If you love the blues, you simply must Get this one.

Artist Name:  Ben Bostick

Album Name:  Hellfire

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  No Show Blues; 2.  Hellfire; 3.  No Good Fool; 4.  Blow off Some Steam; 5.  It Ain’t Cheap Being Poor; 6.  Tornado; 7.  The Other Side of Wrong; 8.  Work Sleep Repeat; 9.  How Much Lower can I Go; 10.  Feeling Mean; 11.  The Outsider

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  We reviewed Ben Bostick’s debut album a year ago, which earned him a nomination for the LA Music Critic Awards for Best Folk Artist.  He’s back with his sophomore album, and it is every bit as good as the first one, even better.  He seems to be channeling Waylon Jennings on the first track, “No Show Blues,” and the classic country vibe is just as strong as his first effort.  We love the entire album, but “No Show Blues,” “Blow off Some Steam,” “It Ain’t Cheap Being Poor,” “Work, Sleep, Repeat,” “Feeling Mean,” and “The Outsider” were our favorite tracks.

Recommendation:  This one is a keeper.  Get it.

Artist Name:  Karen Lawrence and Blue by Nature

Album Name:  Best of Live

Label:  self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Fun and Games; 2.  I had it all Wrong; 3.  Another day, Another Mile; 4.  You got a way About You; 5.  I’ll get Along Alright; 6.  You’ve got me Workin’; 7.  It’s Been so Long; 8.  It’s all About You

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Traditional blues sung by Janis Joplin is what you get with Karen Lawrence and Blue by Nature.  This lady can wail and her band is all business as they give her some amazing tracks to sing to.  She is also heavily influenced by Chaka Khan and that R&B vibe permeates every note.  This live album gives us a taste of what it must be like to see the band’s show, and we would love to have the opportunity to do just that.  Accordingly to Wikipedia, Lawrence was previously a member of several bands, including the L.A. Jets, 1994, and Karen Lawrence and the Pinz.  She composed the song “Prisoner (Theme song from ‘The Eyes of Laura Mars’),” which was sung by Barbra Streisand and went four times platinum.  She also sang backup vocals on “Get it up” from Draw the Line by Aerosmith as well as a Jeff Beck album.  We are so glad she’s back.  There is not a weak track on this album, and we think you will listen to it over and over.

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and Get this one Today!

 

 

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

Winners of LA Music Critic Awards for first half of 2018 announced

It was another fantastic run, thanks to the amazing indie artists who shared their talents with us, and also their equally amazing fans.  Since the nominations were announced on June 8, we have had more than 9,000 views on our blog, including nearly 5,000 views of the nominations article.  We received almost 800 comments/votes from the fans in 51 different countries.  You also set a new one-day record with 1,928 views on June 23.  Thanks so much for your support.  Here are the winners for the First Half of 2018 (winners are indicated in bold type):

BEST EP (Male) – Michael Malarkey (Captain Solitaire); Kevin Daniel (Myself Through You); Rich Krueger (Life Ain’t That Long); Eric Benoit (Heartrender); Larry Lacerte (Dreaming of the Ways)

BEST EP (Male International) – Tom Richardson (Promise of the Light); Average Dez (Beautiful Life); Purkinje (Voyager); Jeremy Romeo (All You’re Meant to Be); Saux (Right)

BEST EP (Female) – Alezzandra (The Black Rose); Amanda Mair (To the Moon); Kyler England (The Wilderness); Margaret Glaspy (Born Yesterday)

BEST EP (Female International) – Oklou (The Rite of May); Yuki Ame (Anamnesis); Clare Hennessy (April); Violetta Zironi (Half Moon Lane); Elin K (Still Your Desire)

BEST EP (Group) – TIDES (Crossroads); Only Bricks (Foundation); The Spider Accomplice (Los Angeles: The Dichotomy); Tribal Seeds (Roots Party); Wildeor (Wildeor)

BEST EP (Group International) – Calembour (Let the Wind Lead us Home); Ellevator (Ellevator); Mushy Callahan (Revelations); Accent (In This Together); The Dreggs (Seas Embrace); Belle and the Beats (Lose Your Feathers)

BEST CD (Male) – Keith Harkin (In the Round); Rob Bonfiglio (Trouble Again); David Philips (Get Along); Kris Barras (The Divine and Dirty); Frank Hannon (From One Place . . . to Another, Vols 1 & 2); Luke Winslow-King (Blue Mesa)

BEST CD (Male International) – Mr. Pong (Echoes Between a Rock and a Hard Place); Jon Allen (Blue Flame); Endre Nordvik (Suburb Hero); Sule (Hold On); Dom Fricot (Deserts)

BEST CD (Female) – Kari Kimmel (Gold & Glitter); Janiva Magness (Love is an Army); Caitlin Canty (Motel Bouquet); Katie Herzig (Moment of Bliss); Leilani Wolfgramm (Live Wire); Cindy Alexander (Nowhere to Hide)

BEST CD (Female International) – Em Joy (The Feast); Bossie (Not Pictured); Kira May (Sense); Lucy Wise (Winter Sun); Esme Bridie (Today it Rains)

BEST CD (Group) – RVZOO & The Sugar Spun Elephant Band (Guiding Star); Hello Stranger (Long Division); The Nightowls (We are the Nightowls); Floods (Bad Times); The Evening Attraction (The End, Again); Southern Halo (Just Like in the Movies)

BEST CD (Group International) – John Flanagan Trio (Honest Man); Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm (Shoot me Down); Vickers Vimy (Atlas of Hearts); Fifth Dawn (Duality); Dany Franchi Band (Problem Child)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Male) – Andy Sydow (“Reasons for Departure”); Sean McMahon (“Show me the Way”); David Garfield (“I Lied”), Keaton Simons (“1 2 3 Go”); Harts (“Ain’t Nothing on Me”); Rob Drabkin (“It’s a Beautiful Day”)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Female) – FlecHaus (“Tell me Something”); Hannah Lucia (“Your Love”); Janey Sttreet (“Undone”); Dree Mon (“Rebel Soul”); Kari Kimmel (“High”); Lucy Levinsohn (“Dear God”)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Group) – The Zephyr Bones (“Telephone”); The Spider Accomplice (“Swallow”); Halo Circus (“Narcissist”); Fanny Walked the Earth (“Lured”); Floods (“Heavy Hearts”)

BEST VIDEO (FOR A CAUSE) – Alice Wallace (“Elephant”); riVerse (“Giant”), Ashley DeLima (“Stay in America”)

BEST VIDEO (LYRIC) – Janiva Magness (“Home”); Polly Baker (“Scraped Knees”); Foreign Figures (“Heart of Gold”); Cindy Alexander (“Passenger”); A Big Yes and a small no (“Enough is Enough”)

BEST VIDEO (COVER) – Frank Hannon (“Blue Sky”); Frank Hannon (“Sunrise in Texas”); Pros & iCons (“I Did Something Bad”)

BEST VIDEO (COLLABORATION) – Blue Elan Family (“Shine Down on Us”); Chelsea Williams and Poco (“Rose of Cimarron”)

BEST VIDEO (INTERNATIONAL) – Black Mamba (“Loop”); Young Galaxy (“Frontier”); DJ Moh Green (“Por Favor”)

BEST SINGLE (Male) – Keaton Simons (“1 2 3 Go”); Jesse Dayton (“May Have to do it”); Craig Cardiff (“Okay Cupid”); Johnny Stimson (“End of Times”); Jon Allen (“Jonah’s Whale”)

BEST SINGLE (Female) – Janiva Magness (“Down Below”); Aja Warren (“Show me the Magic”); Kris Angelis (“A Billion Hearts”); Ashley Delima (“Stay in America”); Manda Mosher (“Please Stand By”)

BEST SINGLE (Group) – Delsinki (“Wishing Upon a Star”); Crimson Calamity (“Fool’s Gold”); SIGNY (“Human”); Halo Circus (“Narcissist”); Feel Alright (“Cool Water”)

BEST SINGLE (INTERNATIONAL) – Reichelt (“Seduced by the Light Side”); tantamsound (“Blue”); The Dreggs (“Feel Alive”); Belle and the Beats (“Soldiers of the Night”); South Village (“Say it Now”)

BEST BLUES ARTIST – Janiva Magness, Meg Williams, Victoria Ginty, Peggie Perkins, Luke Winslow-King

BEST BLUES BAND – Ghalia and the Mamas Boys, The Keeshea Pratt Band, Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm, Barrence Whitfield & the Savages,

BEST BLUES (TRADITIONAL) ARTIST/BAND – Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys, Johnny Tucker, Miss Freddye, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Peter V Blues Train

BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST/BAND – Tommy Emmuel, John Flanagan Trio, Becky Buller, Nefesh Mountain, Sideline

BEST CELTIC ARTIST/BAND – Wildeor, Vickers Vimy

BEST COMEBACK ARTIST – Rita Coolidge, Michael Peterson, Fanny Walks the Earth

BEST COMPILATION ALBUM – Worth of Souls; Transference

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST – Ruby Boots, McMains, Laura Benitez, Sara Morgan, Kevin Daniel

BEST COUNTRY BAND – Flood County, Steven Casper & Cowboy Angst, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Southern Halo

BEST COVER ALBUM – Mark Erelli (Mixtape), Frank Hannon (From One Place . . . to Another, Vols 1 & 2); Craig Cardiff (Upstream Fishing All the Words, He Is – Birthday Cards for Bob Dylan)

BEST EDM/DANCE ARTIST/BAND – Computer Magic, Cultural Critic, Oklou, Saux, Amanda Mair

BEST FOLK ARTIST – Em Joy, Bob Crain, John Hufford, Tom Richardson, Martha Reich

BEST FOLK BAND – The Fisherman & the Sea, The Raven & the Fox, Century Thief, The Dreggs, Mala Ruckus

BEST HARD ROCK/METAL ARTIST/BAND – Tiavara, 1099, Animal Confession, Ovtlier, Ascending Dawn

BEST HIP-HOP/RAP ARTIST/BAND – 070 Shake, Mollys Reech, Camp Hope, Discrepancies

BEST INSTRUMENTAL ARTIST/BAND – mmph, Mr. Pong, Jamison Isaak, Fernando Perdomo, Jay Katana

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST – Tom Richardson, Clare Hennessy, Dom Fricot, Kira May, Jon Allen

BEST INTERNATIONAL BAND – Black Mamba, John Flanagan Trio, Fifth Dawn, The Dreggs, Belle and the Beats

BEST JAZZ ARTIST – Kristina Koller, Shirley Crabbe, Patrick Yandall, John Proulx. Dani Ocean

BEST JAZZ BAND – The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, News from Planet Kniffen, Grand Marquis, Susan Krebs Chamber Band, Roberta Donnay & the Prohibition Mob Band

BEST LATIN ARTIST/BAND – Adan Jodorowsky, Dexist, Cheo & Ulises Hadjis

BEST POP ARTIST – Cindy Alexander, Kari Kimmel, Kyler England, Amanda Mair, Michael Malarkey

BEST POP BAND – Thrillchaser, Viv and the Revival, Floods, Only Bricks, For Esme

BEST PUNK ARTIST/BAND – This is Eggland, The Tracys, Typhoid Rosie, Sharp/Shock, Johnny & the Bootlegs

BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST – Marieme, Ann, Jon Allen

BEST R&B/SOUL BAND – Ghost & the City, TIDES, The Nightowls, Ebb & Flow Band, Into the Ark

BEST REGGAE ARTIST/BAND – Freevolt, Super Hi-Fi, Tribal Seeds, Leilani Wolfgramm, Sly & Robbie meet Dubmatix

BEST RETRO ARTIST/BAND – The Evening Attraction, The Swinging Laurels

BEST ROCK ARTIST – Malina Moye, Alezzandra, Adrian Underhill, Margaret Glaspy, David Hopkins

BEST ROCK BAND – The Spider Accomplice, Hello Stranger, ROCKET, Fifth Dawn, Black Mamba, Halo Circus

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA ARTIST – Alison Ferrier, Caitlin Canty, Jenny Van West, Elise Wunder, Gerry Spehar, McMains

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA BAND – Acadian Driftwood, Under the Oak, County Well, Bay Station, Porlolo

BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER – Average Dez, Caleb Michael, Katie Vincent, Michael McDermott, Jenny Van West, Mike Vitale

BEST MOVIE SOUNDTRACK COMPOSITION – Christiane Kinney with additional music by Seán Kinney

BEST SOUTHERN ROCK ARTIST/BAND – Blackwater Lake, James Scott Bullard, David Fitzpatrick, Allman Goldflies Band

RISING STAR – Jamie Geston, Ray Goren, Rachel Arianna

Last, but definitely not least, is the FAN FAVORITE AWARD.  This one is solely nominated and voted on by the fans.  We received 18 nominations this year.  For the first two weeks, it was a neck and neck battle between Ashley DeLima and Peggie Perkins.  Four days before voting ending the fans of KEITH HARKIN woke up and voted relentlessly until the deadline, making him the winner.  Rounding out the top five were (in reverse order):  HELLO STRANGER, RACHEL ARIANNA, PEGGIE PERKINS, and ASHLEY DeLIMA.

Thanks again for your support.  We are already at work on the second half of 2018, and already have more than 100 submissions.  We will return with our reviews next Tuesday.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten (plus five) great singles released in June 2018

We’ve been so busy the past few weeks with the Hollywood Fringe Festival and the LA Music Critic Awards (winners for the first half of 2018 will be announced on Friday) that we haven’t had the chance to feature any of the amazing singles and videos that we have received.  We are going to make that up to you with an extra five singles and videos in our monthly list.  Let’s get going.

First up is an absolutely beautiful young lady who goes by the name Ocean Pleasant.  Check out the bubbly tune “All or Nothing.”  We think you’re going to want to add this one to your playlist.

Our next single comes to us via Gayle Davidson, the same genius that turned us on to Wendy Sweetlove.  Her latest amazing artist is Michael Kight, and we know that you will love his debut single, “Clear.”  He could very well be the voice of a new generation of soul singer.

Our third single comes from down under, courtesy of the fine folks at A&R Records.  Check out the new single, “Air,” from the incomparable Inertia.  This one will get you ready for the weekend.

One of our favorite reggae bands in recent years has been Spiritual Rez.  Michael Bernier and Toft Williamham from the band have released an amazing new single, “Feel the Sunshine,” that should get you totally ready for summer.  Please let us know what you think.

Single number five comes from London supergroup, Everything by Electricity.  Check out this amazing synth pop track called “Place to Call my Own.”  We think you’ll want that place to be with you.

You’ve loved her as an actress, now check out her incredible singing.  Here’s the latest single, “Younger,” from the uber-talented Alicia Witt.

Here’s some more reggae, this time from MagnustheMagnus and featuring Madi Banja.  Check out “It Don’t Impress Me.”  We think you’ll be very impressed.

Our eighth single is “Take me There” from Tim Carr.  We love the retro 60s sound of his voice and track.

Our next single is “Lover and a Giver” from emerging singer-songwriter Jordan Siwek, who we think reminds us of early Billy Joel.  Let us know what you think.

Our ninth single will get you “High.”  Check out the latest from Australian Chris S.

Let’s round out the first 10 singles with this one from Joanna Alina.  We think “Breath by Breath” will definitely put some kick in your step.  Enjoy this upbeat beauty.

Our first bonus track is something different from the sister act called Liana.  Check out “Psycho,” but be warned, it’s NSFW.

https://soundcloud.com/theyareliana/liana-psycho

Our second bonus track is “I’m the Wolves” from a group that calls themselves St. Jude the Obscure.  We like it, a lot, and think you will too.

Bonus track number three comes to us courtesy of folk singer-songwriter Wes Allen.  Let us know what you think of his track, “Ask me Now.”

https://soundcloud.com/wes_allen/ask-me-now/

Our fourth bonus track is an indie rock tune that will  spruce up your summer party scene.  Check out “Run to California” from Black and Blue.

Our final single for the month of June is from Mike Vitale, and provides us with the perfect segue for this edition of Ten Great Singles.  We’re “Gone.”