Tag: Monsta X

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Singles and Videos Ten Amazing Videos

Ten amazing videos released in December 2019

It’s been a couple of hectic weeks since we last posted, but we are ready to share our list of Ten Amazing Videos released in December 2019.  We will be back shortly with our Best Of lists for 2019, but in the meantime, please be patient.  We are doing the best we can.  Without further adieu, here we go.

Our first video was technically released on Black Friday, but we didn’t know about it until mid-December.  We have featured the band previously when we reviewed their album, and love their retro classic rock sound.  Here is Tombstones in Their Eyes with “Maybe Someday,” the title track.

Next up is the head-banging sound of Wilmette, as they sing about “Carol from HR.”  This band has all the makings of a long and successful career ahead of them, and we want you to jump on their bandwagon now.

Next up is an amazing guitar instrumental video by Brady Novotny, a true guitar hero, which has some of the most beautiful cinematography we have seen this year.  He shifts from rock guitar to flamenco acoustic, and even features the vocals of his wife, Jenn.  Feel the passion of his “Ancient Romance.”

One of our favorite K-POP bands, Monsta X, joins with Latin sensation, Sebastián Yatra, on a unique animated video for their monster hit, “Magnetic.”  We bet this one will be going on your favorites lists.

Our fifth video is a tongue in cheek PSA from the creative mind of Gabe Mouer, aka Patternist, entitled “Feature’s Dead, Angela.”  We love the upbeat sound of the band and the creative genius in the video.  Let us know what you think.

Let’s take a break from our list for a future hit.  We fell in love with Lisa Lambe when she was a part of Celtic Woman, and now that she’s gone solo, we love her even more.  Check out her latest song, “Tiny Devotions.”  We think you’ll fall in love with her too.

We start our second five videos with the latest from Earwig Studio artists Suitcase.  Check out their innovative video for “Super Knife” and jam out to their incredible indie rock sound.

Sexual harassment is still alive and the latest video from Lloren confronts the issue head-on.  Check out “Warriors.”

Next up is a stunning and visually breathtaking video from Canadian Tim Baker for his ballad “The Eighteenth Hole.”  This one is strangely soothing and we think it deserves your attention.  It was filmed in Newfoundland, and we suddenly want to visit.

Our ninth video is from The Weeklings, a Beatles tribute band, and features an intro by Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits.  It is a remarkable cover of The Easybeats‘ classic tune, “Friday On My Mind,” and it brings back great memories of the 60’s.  You bet you’ll dig this one.

Our final video is a stylish lyric video that uses text balloons to convey the lyrics.  It is the latest from Irene Diaz about modern day dating trials and tribulations.  Check out “Another Observer.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 39

It’s the eve of Christmas Eve and I just returned from a long day of work at Pizza Hut, with just enough energy left to post this week’s Monday Mashup.  We hope these five new singles and five new music videos will give you what you need to make it to Christmas.  Enjoy the time with family and friends.

NEW SINGLES

First up is a refreshing cover of the classic Christmas song, “Silent Night,” from the rising superstar vocalist Alexa Villa.  We love her pop/rock take on the song, and think this one will bear hearing quite a few times.

https://open.spotify.com/album/2iefiL8G1rIvXt0o50UtE9?si=Ovemq-XMTRqwuOhtq4Xsag

Next up is another incredible Christmas cover, this time Bing Crosby‘s “White Christmas,” provided by the ever wonderful sound of Matt LeGrand.  May all your dreams come true.

Let’s take an instrumental interlude and share the inspiring piano licks of Sheldon Pickering‘s “Song of Thanks.”  Be thankful for family and friends and that you have a job.  I know I am.

 

This next song is from an artist we just recently met last June.  The single, “Lonely Time of Year,” is produced by our dear friend Shane Alexander, and we can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.  Say hello to Arielle Silver – we think you’ll be hearing a lot from her in the future.

Our final single this week is an upbeat number from Harris Breyfogle.  We love the funky sound of “Angela,” and can’t wait to hear more.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week features the powerful vocals of Christina LaRocca, that combine the sound of Janis Joplin and Tina Turner.  This girl can wail, and we will be right there listening to “Breathe” until her next track drops.

Next up is the truly inspiring sound of boerd featuring Stella Explorer.  We think this one will give you plenty to celebrate and is a live session for their song “Before we Drown.”  Enjoy!

Video number three features the stellar vocals of singer-songwriter Mattie Leon, who reminds us of life’s “Silver Line.”  Let the truth of the words soak in, especially at this time of year.

Next up is the rocking sound of Pointless, who are anything but.  Their song is called “Half Empty,” but it definitely does not leave us with that impression.  We can’t wait to hear more from them.

We close out this week with the killa sound of Monsta X and their latest song, “Middle of the Night.”  Have a wonderful Christmas week and we’ll see you next week for our final Monday Mashup of 2019.

 

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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 Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten great singles released in November 2018

Well, it’s been a busy week preparing the list of nominations for the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards, which will be announced tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.  While you wait, here are ten great singles that were not chosen for Monday Mashup features, but which we thought deserved recognition.

First up is the second single from Noctorum, featuring Marty Wilson-Piper, the former lead singer of The Church.  The single is a soft rocker that is the perfect sound for your early morning music fix and is called “Piccadilly Circus in the Rain.”  Let us know what you think.

Next up is “Infinite Swim,” which has a decidedly 80’s retro sound, with big beats and cool vocals, and comes to us courtesy of the Irish band All Tvvins.  We can’t wait to hear and review the rest of the album when it is released next year.

For our next single, we travel to Amsterdam for the latest from the Moon Tapes.  If there was an award for the strangest song title, they would win it hands down.  Check out the noir-pop sound of “Tonight I’ll Write the Saddest Lines.”

From noir-pop we return to rock-n-roll, with the latest offering from Jon Tessier, “Freak I Need.”  This one will put some 70’s rock flavor into your day.

At single number five is K-Pop phenom Monsta X, who has released their first all-English song, “Shoot Out.”  We reviewed their album last week, and were impressed by the multiple genres these lads have mastered, and look forward to what comes next.  Get down to this one.

We kick off the second five singles with this refreshing country song from form The Voice contestant, Lauren Duski.  This one is a future hit, and it definitely makes our “Heart Hurt Good.”

Single number seven is from an iconic reggae singer who has returned with a fun, upbeat tune that will get you ready for summer in the middle of winter.  Check out “Use Me” from Shaggy.

For our next single, we go from reggae to the R&B/Pop sound of Australian YouTube sensation Arlene Zelina.  We love the smooth sound of “Dream of Me” and think you will too.

Single number nine features another amazing female voice with the sultry sound of Ariel Gold.  This one has the perfect driving drum beat, truly amazing vocals and an upbeat song the belies its title, “Blue.”  Let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/bigmanagement/ariel-gold-blue/s-CTDv7

We close out this edition of Ten Great Singles with a beautiful collaborative effort, courtesy of our friends at the Durango Songwriters Expo.  The song was written by Scott Krippayne and Jeff Peabody for the late Neal E. Boyd, winner of America’s Got Talent in 2008.  The orchestration was recorded and the song was mixed and mastered by Brandon K. Guttenfelder.  We think it is the perfect holiday song.  Enjoy “Not so Silent Night.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Monsta X, Calvin Arsenia, Lost in Japan, Dustin Tebbutt, Dave Tamkin

The indie music scene never sleeps, and we have five more great releases to share with you that demonstrate this obsession.  Let’s keep the train going.

Artist Name:  Monsta X

Album Name:  Are you There?

Label:  Starship Entertainment

Genre:  K-Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Intro:  Are you There?; 2.  Underwater; 3.  Shoot Out; 4.  Heart Attack; 5.  I Do Love U; 6.  Mohae; 7.  Oh My; 8.  Myself; 9.  By my Side; 10.  Spotlight (Korean version)

Publicist:  Gramophone Media

Review:  Boy bands never went away, they just moved to Asia and became K-Pop.  On the other hand, although technically a “boy band”, Monsta X is so much more, combining elements of EDM, PBR&B, Latin rhythm, trap, rock, along with their signature English and Korean sound to keep the listener on their toes.  Not only is their second album a stand-out, but the band is making history by becoming the first K-Pop band to ever play the main stage at the annual KIIS FM Jingle Ball concert, performing on November 30.  We only wish we could be there to watch them shine.  If you are in LA, their performance alone would be worth the price of admission.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one and put it on repeat.

Artist Name:  Calvin Arsenia

Album Name:  Cantaloupe

Label:  Big City Records/Bulleseye Records

Genre:  Jazz/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Headlights; 2.  Tip Toe; 3.  Equally; 4.  Back to You; 5.  Toxic; 6.  Doomed; 7.  The Game; 8.  Palaces; 9.  Poseidon; 10.  Cantaloupe

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Calvin Arsenia is a harpist, singer and multi-instrumentalist from Kansas City who is not satisfied to just play music.  His goal is to transform the listener, while educating them on how to find themselves in the midst of people that want to run their life.  He does this by merging jazz, soul, folk, classical and pop music, creating a sound that Atwood Magazine calls “vibrant, soul-tinged alternative folk,” doing for the harp what Lindsay Sterling has done for the violin.  His voice is smooth, much like John Legend, and this sound will electrify your senses, whether he’s doing one of his originals like his first single, “Headlights” or totally re-creating an amazing cover like Brittney Spears‘ “Toxic.”  This one is going on repeat, especially that amazing title track that closes this masterpiece collection.

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

Artist Name:  Lost in Japan

Album Name:  Lost in Japan

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Lighthouse; 2.  Fake Answers; 3.  Message in the Stars; 4.  For Your Heart; 5.  Good for Now; 6.  Orpheus; 7.  Never was You; 8.  Chasing Time; 9.  Waves; 10.  Don’t Want to let Go; 11.  Passing Through; 12.  Lighthouse pt II

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  This Canadian band has everything they need to make it on the American music scene – amazing vocals, well written songs, perfect musical accompaniment, great guitars, and a chemistry that is palpable.  If you like the music of Maroon 5, then you will love these guys.  From the first notes of “Lighthouse,” you can feel the greatness bubbling up, and it continues to build until the last note of the album.  Although the entire album is amazing, we really loved the sound of “Fake Answers,” “Message in the Stars,” “Good for Now,” “Orpheus,” “Chasing Time,” “Waves,” and “Passing Through.”

Recommendation:  Jump on this train while you still can – they are definitely going places.

Artist Name:  Dustin Tebbutt

Album Name:  Chasing Gold

Label:  Narvik Records

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Satellite; 2.  Chasing Gold; 3.  Satellite II; 4.  Love is Blind; 5.  All Your Love; 6.  Innerbloom (ft Lisa Mitchell); 7.  Atlas in Your Eyes (for Jasper Jones)

Publicist:  AntiFragile Music

Review:  Dustin Tebbutt is Australia’s version of the UK’s Ed Sheeran,   He has that same haunting vibe to his voice, with well-crafted lyrical content and perfect and simple accompaniment that highlights the vocals.  The title cut is Top 40 worthy, and his library should be a staple on American radio stations.  These songs would also work well for placement in film and television, as they have a sweeping cinematic sound, especially the second half of the title track.  Other amazing tracks include “Love is Blind,” “All Your Love,” the amazing duet with Lisa Mitchell on “Innerbloom,” and “Atlas in Your Eyes.”

Recommendation:  Make this one a priority and Get it soon.

Artist Name:  Dave Tamkin

Album Name:  Live at eTown

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Bleeding Orange; 2.  Demons are You; 3.  Fly Me; 4.  Drift; 5.  Mary; 6.  Tuesday; 7.  Thoughts up Here

Publicist:  Pressed Fresh PR

Review:  With a sound somewhere between Cat Stevens and Jim Croce, Boulder’s own Dave Tamkin delivers a sweet package of musical delights.  His first track “Bleeding Orange” is about butterflies.  The remainder of the tracks are equally amazing, and there are no weak tracks on the album.  We think this one deserves to be on repeat, and we can’t stop listening over and over again, especially “Bleeding Orange,” “Fly Me,” “Drift,” “Mary,” and “Thoughts up Here.”

Recommendation:  Don’t be a fool – Get this one too!