Tag: Memorial Day

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

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 21 (updated)

We’ve reached Memorial Day, and the opportunity to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free and strong.  Never forget what they did to give us the chance to live our own lives.

It was another busy week, working for Trendsource, completing the tech and dress rehearsals for my solo show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), and having the chance to see the latest masterpiece from the ladies and gentlemen of Cherry Poppins Productions.  They put on a masterful production of Clash of the Queens, which succinctly summed up the entire eight seasons of Game of Thrones, and sold out the Globe Theater in downtown LA in the process.

Speaking of my solo show, it’s hard to believe that my preview is less than two weeks away, with the entire Fringe kicking off with the Opening Party on June 12.  It’s going to be a great Fringe, and should be worthy of being the tenth year.  Please check out my show which will be at studio/stage (520 N. Western Avenue) on June 7 at 10 p.m., June 16 at 5:30 p.m., June 20 at 10 p.m., June 23 at 9 pm. and June 28 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are available on the Fringe website.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Toronto.  If you’re going to catch something, we suggest you catch The Black Fever.  We simply love the sound of “No Work” and recommend that you listen intently to the lyrics of the song.

Our next single is a killer remix that combines Monsta X, Steve Aoki and DVBBS.  The song is called “Play it Cool” and it is mega-hot and a sure-fire way to get the gang on the dance floor.  Request it from your favorite DJ.

Our third single is an incredible song from London-based Theo Bard entitled “The Gift.”  It truly is an amazing electronic song with incredible vocals and well-crafted lyrics.  This one is a definite keeper.

Our next single combines electronica with jazz and pop and highlights the talent of the amazing KYOSi on her track, “Boo Radley.”  We think this one will become your favorite dance track.

Our final single this week is from the upcoming album Fuel the Crazy by Brazilian-born electro-pop artist Carvi.  We are totally digging on her “Vibe.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from teen sensation Maddie Rose, who delivers a stunning video for her song “Liv Tyler.”  This one is going on repeat and we think you’ll love it.

Next up is a video shot in Los Angeles by Trapdoor Social for their song, “The Move.”  The song is amazing, as is the video.  Be part of the solution and join in “The Move.”

Next up are the powerful vocals of Dejhare on her video for “Trust my Love,” which remind us of Madonna’s True Blue album.  We think this one is stunning and look forward to seeing what she does next.

Our next video comes from New York-based band Wild Planes.  Put on your rocking shoes and enjoy their latest single “Money.”

Our final video this week is from Aly and AJ, who we last heard from when their song ‘Church” was included in our March edition of Ten Great Singles.  They’re back with a beautiful video for their song “Don’t go Changing,” which could easily be a Top 40 hit.

 

 

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

Monday mashup 2018: Vol. 21

We’re back with our final Monday Mashup for the month of May and it’s Memorial Day.  Please take a moment to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure and maintain the freedoms that we enjoy.  In the meantime, here’s the latest news in the indie world, as well as five new singles and music videos to get your week started.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL

The ninth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival kicks off on Thursday with a week of previews before the Opening Night Party on June 6.  Click on the link above for tickets to more than 380 shows.  We are heading down from Montana on June 10 and will be in town through the end of the Festival on June 24.  We will be reviewing around 50 shows, including 13 being considered for our Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence.  Watch for our See it or Skip it reviews starting June 12.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

Don’t forget about our showcase on June 19 at The Mint, a world famous venue on West Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles.  We have 10 winners scheduled to perform, plus a special appearance by the original 90’s band Shiragirl prior to them leaving on the final Vans Warped Tour.  Tickets are available by clicking this link.  Don’t miss the chance to see the legendary Rusty Young of Poco perform.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from Kris Angelis, who has won several of those LA Music Critic Awards, among others.  She is currently working on her follow-up to the award-winning EP Heartbreak is Contagious.  Here is her latest single, “Photobooth.

https://soundcloud.com/krisangelis/photobooth/s-NbTKU

Our second single comes from Sonofa King, the son of the legendary Ben E. King, who has recorded a cover of his father’s biggest hit, “Stand by Me.”  It is part of a tribute album he made, which covers ten songs performed by his dad.  Watch for our album review shortly.

Next up is the new single, “All This Noise,” from the forthcoming EP by Dead Ceremony.  We love the vibe of this future pop hit, and can’t wait to review their EP.

Our fourth single today is so hot you’d be a “Fool” not to love it.  Check out the latest from Canadian R&B singer Sara Diamond.

Our final single is “Just in Case,” courtesy of Christina Custode, an artist we previously featured here on Monday Mashup.  She reminds us of Sara Bareilles, and we love it.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the band Pros & Icons, who are trying to upstage Taylor Swift by releasing a video cover of her song “I Did Something Bad” before she has the chance to do so.  It is a bold endeavor, and we think they nailed it.  What do  you think?

Next is Franny and Zooey, an Australian duo with heavenly harmonies.  Check out their video for “My Love.”  We want to hear this one on the radio.

Our third video comes from Swedish singer Alice Boman, with a live performance of her song “Heartbeat.”  This one will take your breath away.

Our next music video is for all the David Bowie fans.  Check out “Perfectly Imperfect,” the first video by The Sick Bags.  Let us know what you think.

Our final video this week comes from Stephen Michael Murphy, and is a lyric video for his song “Never Ever Here.”  We think it’s the perfect song to close out this edition of Monday Mashup.

 

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

Get it or forget it – RFA, RADATTACK, Teddy and the Love Gang, Fifth Dawn, Century Thief

And so it begins.  Today is the first day of the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial beginning of summer.  But this weekend is also a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by members of our military, and the freedoms they have secured for us with their very lives.  Make sure you take the time to thank a veteran, and remember those who paid the ultimate price.  And since you’ll be needing some music, here are five more artists to check out.

Artist Name:  RFA

Album Name:  RFA

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Lazy; 2.  Just Don’t Turn the Lights On; 3.  Farewell; 4.  Goodbye Stranger; 5.  Down Your Street; 6.  Simple Pleasures; 7.  Don’t Want to Think About It; 8.  All Dressed in Blue; 9.  Porch Song; 10.  Suzie Lee; 11.  Walking my way Back to Y ou

Publicist:  Caylie Landerville

Review:  RFA, an indie rock quartet from Philadelphia, hits the ground running with their debut full-length album.  They have become quite a home-town favorite with numerous sold-out shows and two previous EPs under their belt, and the hype is real.  RFA delivers some powerful, energetic indie rock, with infectious guitar licks, great vocals and well-crafted songs that are instantly memorable.  Put this one on and listen from start to finish – it’s all good.

Recommendation:  Grab this one now.  These guys are gonna be famous.

Artist Name:  RADATTACK

Album Name:  Montana Psychedelic versus Radattack

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Montana Psychedelic; 2.  What’s my Reputation; 3.  Fight of the Year

Publicist:  Spring Management

Review:  Columbus, Ohio is the home of teen rockers RADATTACK, who have dubbed their style of music as “rock and roll muscle pop.”  Considering this band has only been together for about eight months, they have a cohesive chemistry that rivals that of bands that have a much longer history.  All three tracks are hip, cool and fun, and we can only expect a lot more from these guys as they mature and learn more about making music.  We strongly advise college and indie radio stations to check them out and put their music into heavy rotation.

Recommendation:  Definitely give these guys a chance and Get their EP.

Artist Name:  Teddy and the Love Gang

Album Name:  Kid Forest:  City Dreams

Label:  Nordic Records/Painted Black

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Who am I; 2.  Bring it Baby; 3.  He Waits; 4.  Dreaming of Tomorrow

Publicist:  Nordic Records

Review:  Teddy and the Love Gang are back with part 2 of their three part EP trilogy that tells the story of Kid Forest.  We reviewed part 1 back in March, and needless to say, we have a vested interest in the rest of the series.  We only wish we could have witnessed  their EP release party where they played from a hot air balloon.  Needless to say, this EP segues perfectly from Twisted Homes, and quickly grabs the listener’s ears with their compelling story.  We can hardly wait for part 3!!  Despite obviously being part of a larger story, we feel that these tracks can stand on their own, and strongly encourage college and indie radio stations to check them out.

Recommendation:  Get this one and be prepared for continued greatness.

Artist Name:  Fifth Dawn

Album Name:  Duality

Label:  A&R Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Element; 2.  Defying Symmetry; 3.  Another Reason; 4.  Pressure; 5.  Instinct; 6.  It’s Cold Outside; 7.  Finding Stars; 8.  Cities are Lost; 9.  High Towers; 10.  Allure

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  Aussie alt rock band Fifth Dawn, whose single “Defying Symmetry” we shared with our list of Ten Great Singles for April, delivers on their debut album, and furthers the Aussie invasion we have been experiencing this year in indie music.  Their follow-up single, “It’s Cold Outside,” is even more powerful.  With a sound between Evanesence and Paramore, lead singer Samanth Faul ushers in a new voice in alternative rock, and demonstrates that this band is here to stay.  From the first notes of “Element,” it becomes quickly crystal clear that this band is ready to take their music and conquer the world as they have already done in Australia.  The album is chock full of hits without any blanks, and deserves to be enjoyed from start to finish.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Century Thief

Album Name:  Deaf Beneath the Waves

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  406; 2.  You are Here; 3.  Science of Solace

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Canadians Century Thief combine incredible harmonies with a spacious musical score to deliver folk rock that will appeal to the pop scene as well.  The horns on “406” are spectacular, while the blending of their voices and the firm drum foundation make this one a great starting point for those just discovering this band.  “You are Here” is dreamy, fresh, and chill-worthy, while “Science of Solace” is more upbeat, and would make a great addition to your work-out tape.

Recommendation:  Give these guys a listen.  When you need to chill, this one will do nicely.