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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 33

Last night I had the privilege of working one of the best concerts I have ever experienced in the form of The Head and the Heart and The Avett Brothers.  It was an experience not to be missed.  We will be publishing our review shortly.  In the meantime, we have some news from the AmericanaFest and one of LA’s premier radio hosts, as well as five new singles and music videos to share with you.  Hope you have a great week.

17th ANNUAL AMERICANA HONORS AND AWARDS

The Americana Music Association recently handed out awards at their annual Americana Festival in Nashville.  Here are the winners:

Album of the Year:  “The Nashville Sound,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, produced by Dave Cobb

Artist of the Year:  John Prine

Song of the Year:  “If We Were Vampires,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, written by Jason Isbell

Duo/Group of the Year:  Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Emerging Artist of the Year:  Tyler Childers

Instrumentalist of the Year:  Molly Tuttle

“Spirit of Americana” Free Speech Award, presented in partnership with the First Amendment Center:  Rosanne Cash

Americana Trailblazer Award:  k.d. lang

Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist:  Buddy Guy

Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance:  Irma Thomas

Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive:  Cris Williamson and Judy Dlugacz of Olivia Records

LA TALK RADIO HOST SHEENA METAL LAUNCHES NEW COLOGNE

Long time Los Angeles concert promoter and personality Sheena Metal has always been a lover of all things that smell good, and secretly wanted my own fragrance.   Thanks to Scott Travis and CBT Candle LA, her dream has come true and she is celebrating the release of her own cologne, Ascend, on Sunday, September 23.

The launch will take place at the Hollywood Improv, alongside the celebration, of her 24-year radio host anniversary, and will feature celebrity guests, an audience interactive, live radio broadcast of my daily LA Talk Radio show, “The Sheena Metal Experience”, a red carpet before and a meet-and-greet after, as well as plenty of surprises. If you would like to attend, please send an email to her, and watch for more events leading up to her 25th anniversary.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from the amazingly talented duo Smoke Season.  Entitled “Hot Damn,” it is another smash from this hugely popular LA band, and we think it is the perfect song to kick off this new week.  Listen for it on your local radio station.

Our next single is the latest from multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and Blue Élan Records artist Rod Melancon.  We think you will love the autobiographical “Westgate” and we can’t wait to hear his next album.

Our third single comes from New York-based DJ/Producer The Afterprty, and features Nashville-based indie vocalist Harper Grae on “Wonder Woman.”  This one has an infectious beat and amazing vocals.  Let us know what you think.

Single number four is from The Textones from their forthcoming comeback album on Blue Élan Records.  We are so glad that this amazing band is returning to the music scene, and can’t wait for the release of Old Stone Gang, which we will be reviewing on Friday.  In the meantime, enjoy “20 Miles South of Wrong.”

Our final single this week is from the amazing MAWD, who sounds like a cross between Janis Joplin and Elle King.  Check out her song “Wandering Eye,” which we guarantee will get you up and dancing into the week.

https://soundcloud.com/soundx3music/mawd-wandering-eye-2

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up this week is the video for the third single, “Harlan,” from the award winning album Wow and Flutter by Amilia K Spicer.  This one brings back a lot of memories of small town living.

Our next video is very special, as it features our friends Raining Jane, who are currently on tour with Jason Mraz.  Enjoy this very special lyric video, “From Me to You.”

Next up is the video of a single we debuted here last month from LA indie rock artist, Kim Kline.  Listen to the words of her song “Stand Tall” and help us fight bullying.

Former country great Michael Peterson has returned in a big way in 2018, and has released a new video for his two time #1 song, “From Here to Eternity.”  This is one of the most beautiful and romantic songs ever written, and we think you will love this updated version.

We close out this week with another artist from Blue Élan Records.  We recently featured her previous video, and really love this new one from Roan Yellowthorn.  Here’s “Lie.”

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Sterling Infinity, I See Rivers, The Chamanas, Rocket 3, Escape Goat

We’re back on a Wednesday for another round of Get it or Forget it.  We have five new bands for you to check out, so let’s get this party rolling.

Artist Name Sterling Infinity

Album NameSterling Infinity (Deluxe)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  EDM/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Sterling Infinity (Calling); 2.  Put me in Your Mouth; 3.  Wolf Sex; 4.  #Hypnotized – #SexDrone Remix; 5.  Say Hey 2U;  6.  You’ve Changed; 7.  #XWeveLanded – Soul Raptured Remix; 8.  The Infinite One -1- Sterling Infinity; 9.  #Hypnotized (Pyramid Black Club Remix); 10.  #Hypnotized (Baby Girl); 11.  #Hypnotized – #SexDrone Remix (radio version); 12.  Xstacy We’ve Landed

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  Listening to the lyrics of these intense dance tunes, it’s hard to believe that Sterling Infinity was a former gospel singer.  What he is now is the reincarnation of Prince, and his lyrics are filled with sexual images and innuendos, superimposed over a driving dance beat.  These songs will definitely get you moving on the dance floor.  Apparently, he is hoping you really like “#Hypnotized,” as there are four versions of the song on this album.  It is hard to get an accurate impression of the singer from these dance tunes, and we hope that he releases some more lyric-driven songs in the future like “Say Hey 2U” and “You’ve Changed,” which could do well on the radio.

Recommendation:  If you love to dance, then this is your album.  If you prefer songs with substance, then you might want to forget this one.

Artist NameI See Rivers

Album NameI See Rivers

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Play it Cool; 2.  Give Up; 3.  I Don’t Know; 4.  I Think I Like You

Publicist:  Lander PR

Review:  The first thing that grabs you about I See Rivers is the incredible harmony of their voices.  The songs are well written and would do well on the radio and as placements on television and film.  These ladies could SING, and could probably sell copies of them singing the phone book.  They remind us of such wonderful girl groups as Wilson Phillips, Raining Jain and Redhead Express.  Our only regret is that there are only four tracks on the EP, because we want to hear more.  This one is definitely going on repeat.

Recommendation:  I See Rivers is heading to the top of the charts.  Get this one now.

Artist NameThe Chamanas

Album NameNEA II

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Latin Pop

Track Listing:  1.  La Verdad; 2.  Wedding Cake; 3.  Un Tulipán; 4.  Primera Vez; 5.  Descansar; 6.  Feel it Still; 7.  El Farol; 8.  Saltar; 9.  Alma Ciega; 10.  Desprender

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  The Chamanas hail from the bordertowns of El Paso, Texas and Cuidad Juarez, Mexico, and have already garnered a Latin Grammy nomination for their debut album.  On NEA II, they have re-recorded their sophomore album NEA, and added their first English language songs to the mix.  Behind the amazingly silky smooth vocals of Paulina Reza, the band, composed of Manual Calderon on keys, Hectro Carreon on guitar and Alejandro Bustillios on drums continues the rich musical heritage of Selena, making this incredible Latin pop available to America.  Regardless of whether you know Spanish or not, you will love the sound of this band, and will want to hear them again and again, especially their Spanish cover of Portugal. The Man‘s huge hit, “Feel it Still.”

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one, the sooner the better!

Artist NameRocket 3

Album NameWhat’s the Frequency?

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  I Choose Love; 2.  Echoes; 3.  What If; 4.  Hip Shot; 5.  Favorite Thing; 6.  Slow Your Roll; 7.  Giving Up; 8.  I Don’t Need You; 9.  Evershine

Publicist:  In Music We Trust

Review:  Portland-based pop-punk band Rocket 3 has been burning up the local music scene since 2012, and released their debut album Burn in 2014.  The album reached #76 on the CMJ Top 200 album charts, and earned the band critical praise.  They return for their sophomore release with further proof that they are not a fluke.  With a sound similar to No Doubt, these guys could just make as huge a splash on Top 40 radio as they have on College Radio.  The songs are generally upbeat, despite the heavy tone of the lyrics.  Overall, the songs are generally relatable, as we have all been through the ups and downs of love and most of us addictions as well.  Listen carefully to the lyrics and be encouraged that you are not alone.

Recommendation:  This one deserves to be in the music library of every pop music lover.  Get it.

Artist NameEscape Goat

Album NameEscape Goat

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Funk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Imaginary Saint; 2.  Prisoner’s Dilemma; 3.  Beehive; 4.  Autopilot; 5.  Fortify; 6.  Writing on the Wall

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Edmonton, Canada has provided us with another dose of great alternative indie music in the form of Escape Goat.  Their music is strong, with well-written lyrics, a funky bass beat from Erin Dobbin, and memorable vocals from lead singer Scott Renton.  The band also features amazing guitar licks from guitarist Neil Jackson and a steady drum beat from Kyle Anderson.  The album starts off strong with “Imaginary Saint” and continues to impress all the way through.  Their music contains the best of rock combined with funk, and should make them even more accessible to the American radio scene, especially college radio.  We think the band would do well touring the States, and look forward to the opportunity to catch their live performance.

Recommendation:  If you love to rock, or just love great music, then you simply must Get this one.