It’s a new year – welcome 2021. Here’s hoping that we will see a return to live music and much success for indie artists worldwide.
Speaking of live music, we just learned of the passing of long-time indie music supporter Lina La Rosa to ALS. We are dedicating this week’s column to her memory. RIP, Lina.
After waking up to a blanket of white on New Year’s Day, we wanted to kick off the new year right with some great new singles and music videos. Here’s what we found this week:
NEW SINGLES
Our first single is from an artist whom we’ve known since the 90’s. She is a survivor of COVID, and probably our favorite redhead on the planet. We’re talking about none other than Nina Storey, and her first song of 2021 will definitely get you on the dance floor. Check out her latest groove and get ready to “Fly.”
Fly · Nina Storey (spotify.com)
Next up is a beautiful holiday song from another friend from our time living in San Diego. She has since moved to Nashville where she has become a popular host of a music show, an actress and a force of nature. Check out “Somethin’ ‘Bout the Snow” from the original lady of blue, Alyssa Jacey.
Somethin’ Bout the Snow · Alyssa Jacey (spotify.com)
Our third song pretty much sums up the feelings of quite a few people concerning 2020. Meiko is another long-time friend who says what many of us feel, “This Year can Kiss my Ass.”
This Year Can Kiss My Ass · Meiko (spotify.com)
Gabe Dixon is a past winner of the LA Music Critic Awards, and has become the natural follow-up to such amazing “piano men” as Billy Joel, Elton John and Phil Vassar. We simply love his holiday song and echo its sentiments, so let’s bring in the “New Year Just With You.”
Spotify – New Year Just with You
We close out this week’s singles with the latest from the multi-talented actress, songwriter, crafter and co-creator of the “Don’t Call us Tori” showcase and podcast, LA’s own Shannon Hurley. In answer to her question, “Am I in This Love Alone,” we respond with a resounding, “Hell No!”
Am I in This Love Alone · Shannon Hurley (spotify.com)
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
We kick things off with a video from the amazing duo Dauzat St. Marie. We think this powerful ballad sets the perfect message for 2021 – “In it Together.”
ROCKET is another group with powerful female vocals. They have just released a lyric video for their empowering song, “Giants,” and we think you should take their lyrics to heart.
Our third video is from a new artist we have recently discovered courtesy of Tarsier Records. Enjoy this beautiful and soulful visual for “Best Wishes” by Markus.
Christmas may be over, but the spirit of the season lives on in this stirring video cover of one of our all-time favorite classics, “What Child is This.” Check out Dan Hegarty and metal maven VK Lynne in this stunning visual shot by Sean McHugh.
We close out the first week of the year with this remarkable lyric video that brings back so many memories. Lend your ear to the amazing songwriting of Michael Shynes and meet us at “Sundown.”