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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 43

Happy Cyber Monday – are you done with your shopping?  We’ve been busy reviewing music and can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Taking a break from that to bring you some new singles and videos, so enjoy them.

AMIE MIRELLO LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

You might have seen her on the recent Sugarland tour, singing back up for Jennifer Nettles.  We have known her for years, and love her artistic integrity and style.  Amie Mirello has launched a Go Fund Me campaign to record a new solo EP, and we couldn’t be happier.  If you would like to help her, please click on the link and let’s make it happen.  If you’re in Nashville, catch her at The Bluebird Cafe with Heidi Newfield, former lead singer of Trick Pony, on November 30 at 6:30 p.m.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week accurately reflects the way a lot of people feel at this time of year.  Here is the latest from the sensational Shannon Hurley, who swears she’s “Lost My Mind.”  Once again she has nailed it.

Next up is an amazing roots tune from Gone Gone Beyond.  The harmonies will blow you away.  We also think this song is perfectly named,  Check out “You Can’t Go Wrong.”

Our third single is especially perfect after a great day of football.  We love the upbeat pop sound of Imbide, and love their new single, “Touchdown.”

Our fourth single is from the 15-year old phenom Bella Rios, whose unbelievable vocals shine in her latest single, “Breathe Again.”  We think this young lady is going to be a huge star, possibly the next Kelly Clarkson.

https://soundcloud.com/big-management-253743683/bella-rios-breathe-again/s-XDBLR

Our final single this week is an instant holiday classic from blues vixen Brigette Rios Purdy.  We think you’ll fall in love with it as well.  Here’s “I’m Your Holiday Baby.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this week is the perfect segue from singles to videos.  Here’s the debut video from the PaperDolls, the latest project from the four incredible sisters who brought you the Redhead Express.  Here is their take on the classic Christmas song, “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen.”  We really love the Celtic feel, thanks to Alisa‘s incredible fiddle.

If you read our blog on Monday, then you got a sneak peak of the new video from Portland’s Hayley Lynn.  Unfortunately, we jumped the gun and the video won’t be released until December 7.  We’ll have it in our Monday Mashup article on December 10.  Until then, here’s some great knowledge as indie folk band No Sailor tells us about the “21 Rules.”  Sounds like good advice.

Our third video features another amazing young performer.  This one has an anti-bullying theme, but encourages our young people to make their mark and make their dreams come true.  Check out this powerful video from Sofia Evangelina for her song, “This is Your Song (We are the Kids of the World).”

Our fourth video is from an artist we reviewed a couple of weeks ago.  Luiz Bruno shares “The Ballad of Cool Lane,” and it looks like a great place to visit.  Let us know what you think.

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with this hard-hitting rock song by LA’s own Love Ghost.  Check out this stunning video for their song “Nowhere.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – Ascent, Abby Zotz, The Thick Un’s, Robert Kantor, Luiz Bruno

Happy Thursday.  We hope you’ve had a great week and are ready for the weekend.  Here in Montana, we are preparing for the biggest game of the year against our cross-state rival, Montana State, affectionately called the Griz-Cats Brawl of the Wild.  Should be an interesting match-up on Saturday.  In the meantime, here are five artists to check out, including the creator of Kantor Guitars.  Let’s get the party going.

Artist NameAscent

Album NameBleed Like Us

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Beacon Eleven; 2.  Bleed Like Us; 3.  Don’t Make Me; 4.  Last Night; 5.  Divergence

Publicist:  Self-promoted

ReviewThe Spider Accomplice has long been Alt Rock royalty in the Los Angeles and Orange County area.  Enter Ascent, another female fronted duo that wants a piece of that royalty, and with the goods they have delivered in their latest Bleed Like Us, they just might have the stuff to join TSA at the top of the alt rock scene.  While lead singer Christina Baldwin is not quite as strong of a vocalist as VK Lynne, the music generated is just as powerful and moving.  Both bands are using their music to promote their causes, and the title track is a strong statement.  If you’re not politically minded, the music is just plain good and can stand on its own.  You definitely need to check out this power duo, and catch them live if you live in the LA/OC area.

Recommendation:  Rush out and Get this one!

Artist NameAbby Zotz

Album NameLocal Honey

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Stability; 2.  Big Hope; 3.  Peace Sweet Peace; 4.  Pirouette; 5.  Good Bones; 6.  Be Here Now; 7.  Hush Baby Waltz; 8.  Sea Change; 9.  All Through the Night; 10.  See Your Face; 11.  You’ll Never Know

Publicist:  Last Tango Media

Review:  Abby Zotz is an iconic singer-songwriter from Canada who is releasing her first solo album.  She has a style similar to Anne Murray and Joan Baez but with a stronger pop/rock vibe.  She starts the album with the strong sound of “Stability” and keeps it going throughout this impeccable debut album.  Her songs are truly radio friendly while being uplifting, igniting emotions of love, hope and faith.  Her ability to play multiple instruments and effortlessly cross genres is the sign of great things to come for this amazing artist.  There is not a weak song on this album, so enjoy each and every one.

Recommendation:  Definitely add this one to your collection.

Artist NameThe Thick Un’s

Album NameGreasy Gambit

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Savage Sea; 2.  Winter Warfare; 3.  Reckless Rider; 4.  Cold Cabin

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This is a home recording project from the artist formerly known as Crumb Catcher and his partner, Marc Kennedy.  It is raw, discordant, and mixes elements of punk, rock, and roots to form something that has the potential to be great.  They have a similar affection for alliteration, but could use some help with the production of their sound.  This one is not quite there yet, but their sound definitely could take them places if they are willing.

Recommendation:  Keep them on your radar.

Artist NameRobert Kantor

Album NameTruth

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Dance Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Happiness; 2.  Only a Fool; 3.  Don’t Walk Away; 4.  The Truth; 5.  Talking Blue; 6.  Know What I Know Now; 7.  Dreamer; 8.  Tuesday Girl; 9.  The Rain Song DUET; 10.  Dancing Fools

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  With amazing horns and upbeat lyrics, Robert Kantor shows that he is more than just a wizard at creating instruments.  His style and vibe are like Frank Sinatra singing Huey Lewis pop ditties.  His words are well-crafted using a myriad of musical styles, giving him an advantage over other pop artists.  Best tracks include “Happiness,” “The Truth,” “Talking Blue,” “Know What I Know Now,” “Dreamer” (which sounds a lot like Steely Dan), “Tuesday Girl,” “The Rain Song DUET” and “Dancing Fools,” which reminds us of the great music of the early 70s.

Recommendation:  This one deserves a place in your music library.

Artist NameLuiz Bruno

Album Name Everything’s Fine

Label:  Take One Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  The Ballad of Cool Lane; 2.  Whenever you Go; 3.  Mental; 4.  Journeying Across Worlds; 5.  Words are not Reality; 6.  Everything’s Fine; 7.  Yeah!; 8.  I get so Frustrated; 9.  Infinite Bummer; 10.  Death is Rolaidz; 11.  Doce Luar; 12.  The Thingamagigg; 13.  Eu Sempre me Frustro (bonus track)

Publicist:  Vision Music Promotion

Review:  From the first notes of this album, it becomes quickly evident that this is a breezy, smooth pop artist with amazing songwriting abilities.  The sound is so upbeat and fun that you want to listen to the songs over and over again.  He blends elements of electronica with a steady drum beat and breezy vocals that capture the mood and will accentuate your good times.  There are elements of punk and new wave, especially on “Wherever You Go.”  His music has been compared to somewhere between Frank Zappa and George Clinton, and we think that analogy is spot on.

Recommendation:  Definitely give this one a spin.