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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 20)

Happy Monday – as we head for next weekend’s Fourth of July celebration, we are looking forward to celebrating the freedom we  have achieved as new homeowners.  Let’s also celebrate the amazing indie music out now with these five new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

First up for this week and the last week in June is the other Hilary Scott (not the one with two “l” from Lady A).  She released her new 5-song EP Kaleidoscope last Friday, and this is the first track.  We really love it and feel it is a fitting sample of the entire project.  Check out “Just a Shame.”

Our second single comes from an artist we loved before she signed with Blue Élan Records and released her latest album Moth to the Flame on June 18.  Here’s the latest from Natalie Gelman, “Photograph.”  We think she’s just beginning to tap into her immense talent.

Next up is the latest from the Ben Reddell Band, with his sassy Chris Stapleton-esque vocals and a classical country Americana sound.   He will be releasing his new EP LA Story on July 9.  In the meantime, stop and listen awhile when he says “Hey,”

Our fourth single comes from all-female Americana band Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters, who released a live album on May 18.  This is the most popular track, which is also track 1.  Check out “How the West was Won.”

Our final single this week is from 2016 LA Music Critic Award-winning band Carly and the Universe.  They’ve been relatively quiet since then but have returned with abandon.  Their latest single offers “Salvation.”  Maybe we should take them up on it.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video is from an artist that is no stranger to Monday Mashup, and with each new song we continue to be amazed at her artistry.  Rachel Lorin is in top form in her video interpretation of the classic A-ha hit, “Take on Me.”  This one needs to be put on repeat.

Our second video is from our resident funny lady, none other than Blue Élan Records artist Scout Durwood.  This time around she uses a SIM to create the perfect background for her hilarious “Scout it Out.”  This one will definitely have you ROFL.

Music video number three is from the next big LA band, none other than Kids in America.  We love this animated visualizer for “My Escape,” which features Sam Tinnesz.  The song reminds us of Fitz and the Tantrums, and we are in love with it.

Next up is a video we are dedicated to talented songwriter Warren Sellers because of the totally rad skateboarding moves.  It’s from Filipina artist YUZON, and it’s a truly chill tune called “Oh my Days.”  If you don’t like this one, we’ll give you your money back.

Our final music video brings back memories of Rick Astley and the 90s sound and is from relative newcomer Ferris Pier.  Check out the upbeat and stimulating tune, “Everything,” featuring Galen Disston.  This one will definitely power your week.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 11)

Glad to be back at home after a wonderful vacation with my family in North Carolina.  We had a great time visiting with our family there, learning more about our ancestry and looking at homes for our forthcoming move.  We’ll keep you informed as details firm up, but it looks like we will be settling in Scotland Neck in Halifax County, about 30 miles outside Rocky Mount.

Indie artists have been super busy creating amazing songs and videos, and we are overjoyed to be able to share some more with you today.  Enjoy these gems.

NEW SINGLES

One of our favorite LA indie artists is back with another new song.  We have known Shannon Hurley for more than 20 years, and she keeps getting better.  Between her solo work, her work with Lovers & Poets and her artistic endeavors, she continues to show that  indie music is the best music in the world.  Check out “Where we Belong,” and hop on board the train that never stops.

Where We Belong · Shannon Hurley (spotify.com)

Our next single comes from a long-time indie artist who gained fame as the songwriter of one of The Dixie Chicks‘ greatest songs, “Wide Open Spaces.”  Susan Gibson is back with a truly uplifting song that is so perfect for today’s pandemic climate.  Check out “Compassionate Combat.”

Compassionate Combat · Susan Gibson (spotify.com)

Our third single is a danceable tune that will get you toes tapping and your body aching to head out to the dance floor.  We have never featured her before, but with this release, we are head over heels for the music of Katie Welch.  Take a trip to the “BLVD” and enjoy.

Spotify – BLVD

Next up is a rocking country tune that features perfect harmonies and powerful lyrics from four amazing ladies who call themselves Highway Women.  This song should be headed to the top of the country charts and usher these ladies into the big time.  Here’s “Dead Man Walking.”

Dead Man Walking · Highway Women (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is from an entirely new artist to us that is unlike any we have heard before.  He goes by the moniker of Trunky Juno and his music is dream pop with a rhythmic beat.  His song speaks of abandonment and feelings we all have when life is just unbearable.  Check out “Daddy’s Gone for Cigarettes.”

Spotify – Daddy’s Gone For Cigarettes

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Cindy Alexander continues her cavalcade of hits from her forthcoming album While the Angels Sigh with the release of the breathtaking video for “Broken but Beloved,” featuring amazing choreography that perfectly captures the essence of this heart-wrenching ballad.  This one will stay with you long after the song ends.

Next up is the latest from Rachel Lorin.  This time around she covers the stirring Linkin Park song, “Numb,” breathing new life into the powerful lyrics with an emotional performance that truly brings this song to life.

Our third video brings new meaning to the term “one-man band.”  In the first video for his forthcoming album Solitaire, Ted Russell Kamp plays all the instruments in this moving tribute, “My Girl Now.”  This one will be pleasing to everyone who loves great Americana/folk music.

Next up is a timely video for our favorite time of the year.  “Wait for Spring” is a visually stimulating lyric video that showcases the talent of Shannon Clark & the Sugar, and leaves us wanting more of their forthcoming release, Marks on the Wall.

Our final video this week is from Andy Sydow, who has been relatively quiet since he burst onto the scene back in 2018, garnering nominations from the LA Music Critic Awards and a very positive review of his album.  His new song, “Mona Lisas Everywhere” is an upbeat tune with a fun video that shares the truth behind the lyrics.  This one is worthy of further exploration.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 10)

Sorry for the lateness but scheduling conflicts prevented us from publishing our weekly Monday Mashup column yesterday.  We will be off-grid next week but back again on the 22nd with another edition.

Speaking of our column, if you want to be included, please make sure that you include a public link from either Soundcloud or Spotify with your request.  Also please be aware that we do not preview the singles and videos before their release date, so please do not send follow-up emails before your single/video is released to the public.

With that housekeeping hint, and in honor of International Women’s Day, we present to you this week’s new singles and videos.  We hope you enjoy these tunes and that you take the time to check out the artists.

NEW SINGLES

Los Angeles is home to some of the finest songwriters in the world, and recently, six of them combined to form anall-female collaborative band.  Composed of Tawny Ellis, Pi Jacobs, Heather Anne Lomax, Amilia K. Spicer, Deb Morrison, and Manda Mosher, The Wild West have released their first single, “Better Way,” and we love it.  We can’t wait to see what they come up with next.  After all, “We are the change.”

Better Way · The Wild West (spotify.com)

Next up is a cover of the classic America hit, “Sister Golden Hair” that is a totally fresh vision.  Performed by Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams, the cover is part of an collection of covers by other labelmates in honor of the release of Gerry Beckley‘s long awaited greatest hits album, Keeping the Light On.  Prepare to have your mind blown.

Sister Golden Hair · Chelsea Williams (spotify.com)

It’s been a few weeks since we last heard from LA’s iconic songbird, Kris Angelis, but she’s back with a new single, “I’d Give Anything.”  Definitely add this one to your rotation of daily inspiration.

I’d Give Anything · Kris Angelis (spotify.com)

Our fourth single comes from rising star Casey Ahern with her ballad, “Bradley.”  We really love her thoughtful lyrics and the sweet easy vibe of this song.  We think she’s well on her way to stardom.

Bradley · Casey Ahern (spotify.com)

Last but not least this week is the latest from another Blue Élan artist, Car Astor.  She sings a moving ode to her friend “Sarah,” and we think this one will move you to your core.  Grab a glass of wine and enjoy.

Sarah · Car Astor (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we debuted her new single and this week we are happy to share the accompanying lyric video for “Try, Try, Try” from the iconic indie rock star, Cindy Alexander.  We think this is one of her best songs ever, and we hope you will check her out.  We especially love the hand drawn animation by Anik.

Next up is a chilling video for the latest by Rachel Lorin, a haunting cover of “The Killing Moon” by Echo & The Bunnymen.  The cinematography is stunning, and Lorin’s voice adds a memorable touch.  Don’t watch this one late at night.

Our third video is from another Blue Élan artist, Roan Yellowthorn.  Check out the thrilling video for her radio-worthy single, “Vampire.”

Next is the latest from one of our favorite duos, Aly & AJ.  We love the home video feel of “Pretty Places,” and their harmonies are to die for.  Enjoy this one and put it on repeat.  It really makes us want to hit the road again soon.

Our final video this week features a classic Betty Boop cartoon as background for the lyric video for “Thirsty” by Elizabeth and the Catapult.  Have fun with this one.

 

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 14)

Welcome back for another edition of Monday Mashup.  It’s been a busy week and we are super excited to share these new singles and music videos with you, so let’s get started.

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest original song from Blue Élan Records artist Car Astor.  This one is a beautiful acoustic song called “Buzzing Bees.”  Check it out.

We move from the subtle sweetness of the previous single to a more “adult” song with the release of the latest from the incredible Gina Sicilia.  Check out the groove of the bluesy “Married Man.”

Our third single is a solid gold country tune from Anna Krantz, and we simply love it.  This one definitely belongs on the radio.  Check out “We Could be High.”

Keeping in the country vein we present the latest from the other famous “Carey,” Eileen, who reminds us to “Keep Your Love to Yourself” when it comes to trusting your heart.  Listen to these profound words and enjoy her melodic voice.

Our final single this week is pure pop brilliance by the future superstar duo of KTJ & Carly.  Check out “Enable Me.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from the Oklahoma power duo of Shane Henry and his wife Maggie McClure aka The Imaginaries.  This one is beautifully shot and is an instant classic.  Check out “Walking on a Wire.”

Next up is a video that we somehow missed.  It features the amazing voice of Rachel Lorin with her smoking hot song, “Kerosene.”  This one belongs on the radio and should receive placement offers from television and radio.

Our third video is a beautiful skating video featuring the amazing Chelsee Foster, and features her own song “Break the Wheel” from her band CH3LS (featuring OneFifteen).  This one is a definite keeper.

Our next video features an 80’s vibe with LA’s RnB artist Raven Artson.  Check out “Won’t Forget Just.”

Our final video this week features the jazzy blues sound of Johnny & the Mongrels, former Colorado residents who relocated to New Orleans.  We love their sound and especially love their latest, “Creole Skies.”  Enjoy this one until we meet again.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 31

Just when we thought things were started to stabilize, the universe laughed at us.  We spent all of last Tuesday moving into our new apartment, but couldn’t get the internet up or finish moving in until late Wednesday.  I’m currently working two part-time jobs, while Chelle just got promoted to shift manager.  I work Tuesdays from 10-4, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 to 9:30, and Sundays from 9:45 to 6:30, with Monday my only day off.  Chelle’s schedule is even crazier and she is working 50-60 hours a week, so we were looking forward to having a relaxing day off today, only to wake up this morning to find that our electricity had been disconnected due to a miscommunication about a deposit.  That forced us to head back over to my brother’s house, where I’m currently sitting and working off the lap top to write today’s column.  No promises but I do hope to also complete the Andy Grammer review today.  In the meantime, here are some new singles and videos on this final Monday in October.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is a hip-hop song about making the best out of the bad times (so appropriate for us right now).  “Another Day in the Life” is from Tha Third i, and we highly recommend you listen to the words.

Next is a beautiful song from Emmrose that is ethereal and eerie but somewhat comforting.  We love the sound of her vocals and the words cut deep.  Give a listen to “Tonight” and let us know what you think.

Our third single is actually a pair and comes from New Zealand transplant and current LA singer-songwriter Eden Iris.  The current single is called “Birthday Baby” and comes with its B side, “Lullaby.”  Her vocals remind us of early Gwen Stefani.  Check them out and feel the Kiwi love.

Single number four is the perfect song for this time of year, although it is actually about abandonment.  We think this song belongs on Top 40 radio, and love the sound of Carvi‘s “Ghosted.”

Our final single this week is from the classic rock sound of Koala Queen.  We definitely agree it’s about “Time” for this band to break out.

MUSIC VIDEOS

We continue in the rocking vein for the latest video from British punk rockers The Kut.  Although the single will not be “officially” released until Halloween, here is the video for “X-ray Eyes.”  We truly dig it.

Next up is a modern-day band that borrows heavily from the 80s groove on their latest, “What About Tonight.”  We think this band deserves national attention and heavy rotation on American radio, as they are busting out in Europe already.  Check out Papyllon.

We think we found our new favorite artist in Rachel Lorin.  Not only is she incredibly beautiful, but she has powerful vocals like early Kelly Clarkson, and a music video that is one of the hottest we have seen.  This one will make you sweat and is perfect for your next workout routine.  Go for the “Gold.”

Video number four has equally powerful vocals from Iris and a visually stimulating video for her song, “Stars.”  All of this great music is making today so much better.

We close out this week with the stunning video for “Heaven’s Gate,” the single version of which we shared with you a couple of weeks ago.  Just in time for Halloween, “drink the Kool Aid” and give another listen to Emily Breeze and watch as the song literally comes to life.