Tag: Red Boot PR

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

The Congress’ new album is a game changer

Based out of Richmond, Virginia, the Congress have burst onto the scene with a killer sophomore effort entitled The Game, to be released on September 9 on American Paradox Records.  Thanks to JamBase, you can stream the new album today.

Composed of Scott Lane on guitar and vocals, Jonathan Meadows on bass and vocals, Chris Speasmaker on keys and Raphael Katchinoff on drums, the Congress treads that thin line between folk, Americana and indie rock with a precision that will ensure that fans of all three genres will love this release.  They will also appeal to fans of classic country as well.

From the opening notes of “Home Again” to the closing refrain of “Farewell,” the Congress deliver nine songs that belong on the playlist of every lover of independent music.

The album was produced by the band, mixed by Adrian Olsen and recorded at Denver’s Macy Sound Studios and Richmond’s Montrose Studios.  Among the engineers that worked on the album were Logan Muckler, Scott Lane and Grammy winner John Macy.  The mastering was accomplished by another Grammy winner, Brian Lucey, who has worked with the Black Keys and Grace Potter.

Truthfully, there is not a weak track on the album.  Every song packs a punch and keeps the listener engaged throughout.  It’s no wonder that this band has toured with the likes of Lake Street Drive, the Tedeschi-Trucks Band and Hard Working Americans, and is currently on a headlining tour that includes performances at such festivals as Wakarusa and High Sierra.

Indie Voice Blog is proud to highly recommend The Game.  This album should be in the hands of every serious music lover.  We think they just might become your favorite indie band.

Check out their website and Facebook pages, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube Channel.

Thanks to Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR for the recommendation.

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Reviews

Gabe Dixon is turning gold

Over the past few years this reviewer has been fortunate to know Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR, one of the premier publicists for indie musicians.  During that time, we have learned about many up and coming musicians who are and were her clients, and have covered quite a few of them.  The latest offering is Gabe Dixon, who recently released a new CD, Turns to Gold.

Dixon’s star is definitely on the rise, with the release of his first single, “Holding her Freedom,” which has received numerous favorable critical reviews, and his upcoming appearance on Last Call with Carson Daly, set to air on May 11, 2016.

Produced, engineered and mixed by Paul Moak at the Smoakstack and mastered by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters, Turns to Gold is a true work of art.   Its 12 tracks are flawless, with lyrics that connect and musicianship and instrumentation that turn those lyrics into some of the best songs this reviewer has heard this year.

The piano accompaniment especially evokes comparisons with two superstars, namely Bruce Hornsby and Phil Vassar, while the upbeat message of each song belongs right next to Andy Grammar on the radio.

Favorite tracks of this reviewer are Track 1 “Holding Her Freedom,” Track 2 “Crave,” Track 5 “Flow Like Wine,” and Track 10 “These Wheels,” but all of the tracks are amazing.

Don’t miss you chance to catch Dixon tonight on Carson Daly.  For more info, check out his website and Facebook pages, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube channel.

 

 

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Women in Entertainment

Women in entertainment: Alisha Zalkin, fearless front woman

Happy Monday – it’s time for another edition of the Women in Entertainment series.  Today we will spotlight Alisha Zalkin, a Los Angeles based singer/songwriter and the lead singer of the popular rock band Sleep Machine,  which was recently featured by Entertainment Weekly.
Alisha was brought to this reviewer’s attention by another Women in Entertainment member, Laura Goldfarb of Red Boot PR in June 2014, after the release of On This Road, which was reviewed by Examiner.com.  This reviewer was so impressed with the EP that he attended a live performance in Los Angeles later than month, which resulted in Alisha’ first live review.
In addition to the attention given to Alisha by Examiner.com, she was also named one of the eight break-out artists of 2014 by AXS.com and was the recipient of two 2014 LA Music Critic Awards:  Best CD for On This Road and Best Music Video for the album’s single, “Fearless.”
AXS.com had this to say about Alisha:  “San Diego may have been her hometown, but Los Angeles is falling in love with Alisha Zalkin.  What sets her apart from other singer/songwriters is her heartfelt passion for social change and her willingness to set an example for others to emulate.  Her ballad “Fearless” has set the standard for social change and become an anthem for those fighting oppression and social stigma.  Alisha is well on her way to becoming one of Los Angeles’ biggest stars in 2015.”
It seems that the writer at AXS.com nailed his prediction in this case.  Since December 2014, Alisha has become the lead singer for Sleep Machine, a hard-rocking LA indie rock band which is quickly coming to national attention.  The band has already received placements for their music on several national shows, including The Fosters (ABC Family) and Younger (TV Land), in addition to a commercial for the upcoming ABC drama series Quantico.  The band’s single “Wild for You” was featured by Entertainment Weekly in their TV Jukebox feature.
What inspires Alisha?  “I’ve always been one to find inspiration from music that comes from a pure place, regardless of genre.  I’m inspired by well-written songs that are delivered with purpose.  Anything that reaches out and grabs my emotions.  Music and emotions go hand in hand.  My emotions inspire my music and the music I listen to influences my emotions.”
Where does Alisha see herself in the future?  “I’m currently playing around town (LA) with my band Sleep Machine.  We will be releasing a music video for our song, “Game Over,” from our debut EP Cover me in Gold.  We are also in the process of putting together our second EP.  In addition, I am working on a new solo record, writing and recording for a new folk project, and working as a session singer.”
It is just this kind of work ethic that has propelled Alisha into the spotlight, and promises listeners that good things are still to come for this impressive artist.  To keep up with Alisha, check out her website and Facebook page, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to her YouTube channel.
Thanks to Laura Goldfarb for the background information and for turning this reviewer on to this amazing artist.