Tag: Nikki O’Neill

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 17)

Wow, what a week!  Oklahoma got hit with a huge ice storm last week that knocked out power for a lot of people, and made work almost unbearable.  We worked nearly 60 hours and our sales were up 150%, causing us to run out of just about everything, including our patience.  So glad things are beginning to return to normal, and we have a little time this morning to post our long overdue article.  Check out these great new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

First up this morning is the latest blues masterpiece from LA Music Critic Award winner Brigitte Purdy.  She’s on the “Memphis Hotline” and we’re sure glad we got to participate.  Purdy only gets hotter with each new song.  This one is a true keeper!

From the blues we switch to R&B, and the incredible sound of up and coming artist Christine Nguyen.  She compiles a lot in her song “Finding Happiness,” and we’re ready to join her in her journey.  This one is perfect for today’s election.

Speaking of the election, Wildwood Franklin has a political winner with his latest Americana/blues classic, “American Trump Card.”  It’s a reminder to all of us to get out and vote if we want to change the direction our country is heading.

Who doesn’t like an 80’s throwback?  Katie Wood goes back and resurrects that iconic sound in her latest tune, “Where Have You Been?”  We hope she’s around for a long time.

Our final single this week comes from rocker Jacqueline Tucci, who invites us to come “Home.”  We love the classic sound of this track and think we have not heard the last from this young Toronto artist.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

With election day upon us, the amazing LA singer/songwriter queen Kris Angelis reminds us we need to find “My Quiet,” and not let the anxieties and cares of this world overcome us.  We wholeheartedly agree.

Next up is another LA-based group of incredible musicians, Lucy & La Mer.  This time around they bring us the upbeat and positive song, “Better Than I was Before.”  Let’s take their advice and be our best.

Nikki O’Neill is a rising Americana artist who just relocated from LA to Chicago.  In her latest video, she reminds us that the “World is Waiting” for the power of love to rise up.  Let’s lead the charge.

Time for a little fun.  Here is a cool punk rock video from New Jersey band Boy Blue which features the vocals of Jaret Reddick of Bowling for Soup.   They are looking for fun with the “Ghost of Saturday Night,” and we bet they will find what they’re looking for.

Our final video this week comes from LA female-fronted band Kitten, who remind us of the days when “Angelina” was breaking into the movie business.  This one is sure to get your toes tapping and your feet on the dance floor.  Have a great week.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 15)

We made it to the last day of summer and we’ve got some hot tunes to share with you today before the cold days of fall and winter begin.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is the latest from another sterling act represented by Ue3 Promotions.  This time it’s a sister act featuring twins Jana and Jacy Ayers aka Lavendine.  They have a sound with perfect harmonies like another great sister act Karmina, with the driving beat of Evanescence.  We love it and can’t wait to hear what’s coming next.  This song takes Christian music to a new level and deserves serious airplay on stations like KLOVE.  Check out the newly remixed “Rapture.”

We switch things up with the latest acoustic Americana of Rob Williams, who brings us his song, “Nameless.”  We love the down home sound of his music, and think he has a bright future with his modern day Dylan-esque sound.

Continuing on in the Americana vein is the latest from Blue Élan Records‘ sweethearts Mustangs of the West, featuring the stirring vocals of Suzanna  Spring and the soulful mournings of Aubrey Richmond‘s violin.  Dig deep and enjoy this perfect cover of Chris Cornell’s “I am the Highway.”

Moving on to a more R&B sound, here’s “Love Again” from the uber talented Deanna Devore.  This song soars to new heights and gives us all hope that love will prevail.

Our final single this week is a portrait of perfection with a sound that reminds us of The Beatles early work.  The artist is JJ Draper and the song is “Part of a Piece of This.”  We think he’s got something – what say you?

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is a loving tribute on the 50th anniversary of Jimi Hendrix‘s death by blues legend Diana Rein.  Check out her amazing cover of “Voodoo Child.”

Speaking of great musicians who have passed on, the latest from BLAZAR has a definite Prince feel and is a powerful lyric video.  Check out “Precious.”

Our third video is a light-hearted tribute to those “Sky Dancers” we see everywhere.  Join the incredibly talented and uber comedic Scout Durwood on her latest fun video.  If this one doesn’t bring a smile to your face, then you’re taking life far too seriously.

Next up is the latest from Brooke Moriber, and we think it’s her best one yet.  She encourages us to not give up with “Better Days,” and we could not be more hopeful.

We close out this edition of Monday Mashup with the new video from up and coming Americana artist Nikki O’Neill.   She says that “You’re the Only One That Gets Me,” but we think everyone will want to get more from this amazing performer.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Live Concerts Reviews Women in Entertainment

The Americana scene is kicking at Highland Park Bowl

For quite a few years, the Americana scene has thrived in the area around The Grand Ole Echo near Dodger Stadium.  While that area still exists, Americana has found an additional home at the Highland Park Bowl, thanks to Prickly Pear Presents.  The event occurs every Wednesday night through at least the end of July.  We were fortunate enough to attend on May 15, which featured Nikki O’Neill, Manda Mosher and Emily Zuzik.

Zuzik and Mosher are both winners of the LA Music Critic Awards and will be featured at the next Winners Showcase on June 18 at The Mint LA.  This year’s Showcase will honor Women in Entertainment and features 10 female performers.  The event benefits Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Tickets are available on the Mint’s website or through PayPal using “lamusiccritic@yahoo.com” as the payee.  Tickets are available in advance for $10, and if available, at the door for $15.

The event was held in Mr. T’s Lounge at this vintage bowling alley.  First up was the R&B infused Americana sound of O’Neill.  She was the only act we had not heard previously, and her set was an unexpected pleasure.  Her sound was diverse, with elements of Alabama and traditional R&B, skillfully delivered by her four-piece  band, which included Joshua Pessar on guitar and backing vocals, Rob Fresco on bass and backing vocals, and Rich Lackowski  on drums and percussion.  Her last album, Love Will Lead You Home, was released in 2017, and their new album will be released shortly.   O’Neill has also been a contributing writer for Guitar Player magazine and is the author of the e-book Women’s Road to Rock Guitar, published by Alfred Music.   Although Pessar turned in some impressive guitar licks and Lackowski and Fresco kept a steady rhythm,  the set suffered from a lack of interesting stage banter.  The music itself was impressive, especially their closing song “That’s how you Lose Her,” which featured the Janis Joplin-like vocals of Halina Janusz from the Grateful Dead tribute band Jerry’s Middle Finger. 

Next up was Mosher, formerly from CALICO the band.  She and her husband Eric Craig, along with Dan Wistrom on pedal steel, guitar and backing vocals, Aaron Stern on bass and Jesper Kristensen on drums, put on a clinic of how to mix rock and Americana, are truly a sterling example of the influence of Tom Petty on the entire Americana scene.  Mosher’s voice is so smoky and strong that is perfectly suited to Petty’s musical style, while her stage presence reminds us of a younger Emmylou Harris.  The overall sound of the band is head and shoulders over their peers.  Unfortunately, like O’Neill, the set suffered from the lack of banter between the songs, , leaving way too much “dead air” between songs.   Once they tighten up the set with appropriate banter, we think they will be unstoppable as a premier concert destination. 

Wrapping up the evening was the sterling sound of Zuzik and her amazing band, which included Wistrom, Topher Allis on drums and the incomparable Ted Russell Kamp on bass, who was taking a break from his recent touring with both Shooter Jennings and Duff McKagan.  Kamp will also be producing Zuzik’s forthcoming album.  Zuzik is even rockier than Mosher, but neither of them has forgotten their roots.  Zuzik reminds us of a combination between Chrissie Hynde and Sheryl Crow.  The band also turned in an impressive cover of The Faces’ mega hit “Stay with Me,” delivered in a style that was part James Brown and part Mick Jagger.  All in all it was an impressive end to this incredible night of Americana music.  Can’t wait until June 18 to see them again.