Tag: Lora Kelley

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

Get it or forget it – Yem Gel, Nir Yaniv, Sam Llanas, Lora Kelley, Jason “Slim” Gambill

We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it.  The requests keep rolling in and we’re trying to catch up, so please be patient.  We have a special treat for you today, so grab your coffee and let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Yem Gel

Album Name:  Knot Being

Label:  Kick + Clap

Genre:  Electronic  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Bounded and Shattered; 2.  Knotg3rl; 3.  Avarija Valley rect; 4.  Ice Kold Ork

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  Yem Gel is the electronic persona for Euro-UK born musician, composer, producer and visual artist Alecs Pierce.  This four-song EP is a collection of electronic ambient music.  While interesting, the music is strange and different, and not suitable for radio, although he may find some use for his compositions as background for commercials.  The music is very futuristic and not at all enjoyable to this reviewer.

Recommendation:  If you like to listen to futuristic electronica, then you may like this one.  Otherwise, forget it.

Artist Name:  Nir Yaniv

Album Name:  The Voice Remains

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Balkan Beat Box

Track Listing:  1.  Time Wave; 2.  Memory of a Third Planet; 3.  The Voice Remains; 4.  Five Formidable Feats; 5.  The Seventh Garden; 6.  A Universe Reborn

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  This is one of the most unique albums we have ever reviewed.  We have previously featured him in our Monday Mashup, as he has created animated music videos for each of the tracks.  Nir Yaniv provides the vocals which serve as the bass, guitars and keyboards while fellow Israeli drummer Karen Teperberg provides the percussion.  Unlike the release reviewed above, Yaniv’s compositions have definite commercial placement potential, and his accompanying music videos are incredibly well done and visually stimulating, especially if you like the similar style of the Beatles’ movie Yellow Submarine.  This one provides great background music and is sure to be enjoyed by all ages.

Recommendation:  Definitely give this one a go.

Artist Name:  Sam Llanas

Album Name:  Return of the Goya – Part 1

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots-Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Follow Your Heart; 2.  Recipe; 3.  All Day; 4.  Heroes; 5.  Little Song; 6.  Little Song II; 7.  All Alone Again; 8.  Rio; 9.  Long Way Home; 10.  Down the Line; 11.  Big Ol Moon

Publicist:  Daystorm Music

Review:  Sam Llanas may sound familiar to you, as he was formerly with the band BoDeans.  He has returned to his solo ways with this amazing collection of classically country-inspired tunes, featuring great lyrical content and storytelling, amazing instrumentation, and the sweet sound of his vocals.  He sets things perfectly in motion with the first track, “Follow Your Heart,” and doesn’t slow down for the entire album.  The songs are reminiscent of classic country groups like Little River Band, with the folky feel of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.  Pretty impressive considering this is a solo effort.  This one should definitely be put on repeat, as you will want to hear this tunes again and again.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Lora Kelley

Album Name:  Lora Kelley

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Good Men Don’t Hurt You; 2.  Creeping In; 3.  I Wish You’d Come Back Now; 4.  Both Hands; 5.  Steel Magnolia

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  We have featured Lora Kelley in two of our Monday Mashup articles, including yesterday’s feature on her latest video, “Good Men Don’t Hurt You.”  Kelley has a sweet soothing voice that delivers a wallop with the intensity and truthfulness contained in her lyrics.  She is not afraid to speak out about issues affecting women, but does so in a manner that makes you listen to the words and not be offended about the subject matter.  We think she has the potential for a long musical career, and we look forward to a full length album in the not too distant future.

Recommendation:  Jump on the bandwagon now.  This lady is going places.

Artist Name:  Jason “Slim” Gambill

Album Name:  Fake Jazz & Theme Songs

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Last Time Thing; 2.  Levitations; 3.  Cop Show (ft. Jeff Coffin); 4.  54321 (ft. Jeff Coffin); 5.  Silly Time; 6.  Lyla Marie; 7.  Also Shuffle (ft. Kenneth Crouch); 8.  Victory Blvd; 9.  4 Guitars Having a Conversation Over Cocktails (ft. Isaac Hanson & Chris Nix)

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Jason “Slim” Gambill has made a name for himself as the guitarist for country super group Lady Antebellum, and even accompanied Charles Kelley on his solo project.  He is also a sought-after studio musician in Nashville, so it was just a matter of time before he recorded his own solo project.  We are here to tell you that the wait was worth it, as his new album is simply amazing.  The music is a throwback to when he played in a band with bassist Darwin Johnson (Colbie Cailat), drummer Michael Miley (Rival Sons) and Grammy-winning keyboardist Dave Yaden.   This time around, he has drafted Justin Glasco on drums, Mike Rojas on keys and Matt Wigton on bass, as well as Jeff Coffin on saxophone, Kenneth Crouch on piano and Isaac Hanson and Chris Nix on guitar.  The music is funky, spicy and straight ahead acid jazz, and we love it!

Recommendation:  By all means, grab this one.  Whether you like jazz or not, you will find something to love here.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 26

Happy Monday – ready for another week?  We’ve got some great new music to share today, as we head into the last full week in July.  We hope you enjoy these tunes.

EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEAK

Here is an exclusive sneak peak from a “new” artist we really like.  The single won’t be available until August 24, but we wanted you to have the exclusive first listen to “Second Time” by Ferera Swan.

“This is a song that has truly helped me grieve & heal.  I re-branded this year under my new artist name . . . [This] will be the first song that will introduce my new brand, sound, new music, and projects that will work as a campaign to help spread awareness in the areas of adoption, foster care, trauma education, and mental/emotional health.”

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest from one of the best blues singers in the indie world.  This time around, she has decided to cover an old Paul Rodgers and Bad Company song, “Ready for Love.”  Check out this awesome version from Gina Sicilia from her new forthcoming album on Blue Élan Records.

Next up is a song from the super group of Delaney Gibson and Amy Arani known as SIGNY, based out of Austin, Texas.  This one is perfect for summer living, as it’s all about the “Water.”

Maya Payne is a young lady who has had number one hits from her native New Zealand to Poland.  She’s back with her new single, and we have no doubt it will be just as great as her previous hits.  Here’s “Jungle.”

Our fourth single today is from future country superstar Ryan Calhoun.  His latest is a play on words called “Chaser” and we think you will love this one.

Our final single today is the first single from the debut album by Helenor.  It is eerie and the perfect mood setter for a Monday.  Check out “Ocean State.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we introduced you to Post Season when we reviewed their new album.  These guys put the fun into punk.  Check out their lyric video for their second single, “Numb to This.”

Next up is the latest from the amazing acoustic band Mapache, which we reviewed last week.  They just released a short, three-song EP of cover songs, and this is the first song from it “Lonesome LA Cowboy,” a huge hit for the New Riders of the Purple Sage.

Last week Well Well Well simultaneously released two EPs, which we reviewed on Friday.  Today we want to share the music video for “Day After Day.”

Our fourth video this week is an upbeat, radio friendly girl power track from Rachael Cantu.  We really love this video and the song as well.  Here’s “Run Free.”

Our final video this week is in response to the #Metoo movement from Lora Kelley.  Here is her song “Good Men Don’t Hurt You.”

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 17

We made it to the final Monday in April.  That means May 1 is coming up, when tickets for both the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival and the 2018 LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase go on sale.  June is gonna be awesome, and we can’t wait to see LA again.  We’ll be in town from June 11-25, so let us know what Fringe shows and concerts we should check out while we’re there.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL

This year marks the 9th annual Festival, and other than 2015, we have attended every year.  We can hardly wait for the tickets to go on sale so we can start planning our trip.  We will again be sponsoring the Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence, which goes to a play which best incorporates music into its story.  The award will be presented on June 24 at the Awards show.  We look forward to checking out your show for this award.  As always, we will be publishing reviews every day, so make sure you invite us to your Fringe show.

JOE PURDY HEADS OUT ON TOUR

Amazing indie artist Joe Purdy heads out on the road as the opening act for Judy Collins and Stephen Stills.  Purdy and Amber Rubarth recently gained attention for their movie American Folk.  You can see them both if you catch the Nashville show.  You can buy your tickets here.

May 03 – Hult Center for the Performing Arts – Eugene, OR
May 04 – Snoqualmie Casino Showroom – Snoqualmie, WA
May 11 – *Nashville Musicians Corner – Nashville, TN (American Folk w/ Amber Rubarth)
May 16 – The Rose – Pasadena, CA
May 17 – The Canyon –  Santa Clarita, CA 
June 01 – Luther Burbank Center – Santa Rosa, CA
June 02 – Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA 
June 04 – Humphries By The Bay – San Diego, CA 
June 08 – *City Winery – Chicago, IL (Solo Show)
June 09 – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre – Rochester Hills, MI

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the 2nd annual showcase, which will be held at The Mint in Los Angeles on June 19.  Artists scheduled to appear this year include Lexie Rose, Alexis Keagan, Pi Jacobs, Great Willow, The Khourys, Poco’s Rusty Young, Cindy Alexander, Calico the Band’s Ted Russell Kamp, and Shiragirl from the Vans Warped Tour.  Local rockers ROCKET will headline the event.  Tickets are just $10 in advance (with a 60 cent surcharge).  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Come support indie music.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Blue Élan Records artist Jesse Dayton, whose album will be coming out in June.  Here’s his latest single, “May Have to Do It (Don’t Have to Like It).”  Let us know what you think.

Our second single comes from Strange Boy, a London-based duo with sweeping harmonies and lush techno accompaniment.  Check out their latest offering, “Love Remains.”

Next up is Polychrome, who channel the vibe of The Cocteau Twins to bring us “Dreaming About You.”  If you like electronic, pop and/or dance music, you will love this one.

Our next single, “Thrift Shop,” comes from Johnny and the Bootlegs, who combine blues, punk and rock n’ roll to create a high energy sound.  Please let us know what you think.

Our final single today comes from Summer Heart, and should get  you ready for summer with the amazing “I Got This Thing for You.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video today comes from Secret Colours for their single “Dream Dream.”  We find it interesting that the album was dropped almost a year ago, and we are just now finding out about them.  We can’t wait for more!

Next up is the latest from LA indie icon Kari Kimmel, with another smash hit video.  This one is for her single “High,” and we can’t wait to find out what music supervisor was smart enough to choose this one.  Her new album drops May 25.

Our third video today is from one of our indie bands, FlecHaus.  Here is the lyric video for “Finding,” which was just released TODAY!

We really love this next video from Lora Kelley for her single, “Both Hands.”  We would love to hear what you think.

Last but not least this week is the latest from amazing duo This Way North.  It is a live performance of their single, “Nothing to Say,” and we truly dig their vibe.  Have a great week and we’ll be back soon with more Get it or Forget it.