Tag: Roan Yellowthorn

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 13)

We’ve got something in the works that has us pretty excited.  We will reveal it in about three weeks.  Needless to say, it will be a definite game changer.  We can’t wait to share the news, so stay tuned.  In the meantime, here’s our first Monday Mashup of April, as the indie music community continues to amaze us with its creativity.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is the latest from Kris Angelis‘ forthcoming album, The Skies we Look To.  It is a sweet soothing ballad with a serious message about growing old, and we could easily see this one as part of a Hallmark movie.  Grab a glass of wine, settle back in your favorite chair and check out “Sunset.”

Sunset · Kris Angelis (spotify.com)

Indie artist Matt Hartke continues to impress us with his feel good pop music and his latest is one of his best to date.  Get comfortable with his upbeat musical accompaniment and stirring lyrics in his latest “St. Augustine.”

St. Augustine · Matt Hartke (spotify.com)

Our third single comes from Blue Élan Records artist Chelsea Williams, and it’s a cry in your beer country classic.  Reminds us of classic Patti Griffin and we are in love with Williams’ continuing growth as an artist.  Here’s “Moonshiner,” part of The Cave Sessions album soon to be released.

Moonshiner · Chelsea Williams (spotify.com)

It’s been three years since we introduced you to the music of Band of Silver, and it sounds like they have been perfecting their craft.  They’re back with a pair of singles that we are so happy to share with you.  Check out “Looking for a Friend” and “Are We Are We Not.”  They will definitely get your heart rate up and propel you to the dance floor.  Rock out!

Looking for a Friend · Band of Silver (spotify.com)

Are We Are We Not · Band of Silver (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is from Aubrey Toone, who we introduced you to last August.  Her latest is powerful and sounds like a cross between Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande.  Enjoy “Gold” – it lives up to its name.

Gold · Aubrey Toone (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

This week’s new music videos kick off with another Blue Élan artist, the incomparable Scout Durwood.  She combines amazing music with comedy and never fails to deliver.  Here’s her latest, “Millennial Malaise.”

Back in March we shared Kris Angelis’ single, “I’d Give Anything,” and she’s just released a music video for the song which truly brings it to life.  This one will definitely get your week going strong, and truly belongs on CMT.  Say hello to the next great country superstar.

If you like harmonies, you will love the latest from Bryan Lanning and Brennley Brown, two rising country singers.  We wholeheartedly agree with the words of this song, and think they could indeed help us remain “Steady.”

The Greys get real with their latest video for their single, “Get Lonely.”  We can all relate to this one.  So nice to hear from them again – it’s been a long two year wait.

We close out this week with the new video from another Blue Élan artist, Roan Yellowthorn.  She takes us on an “Acid Trip,” and we are happy to tag along.

 

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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.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 7)

Happy Presidents’ Day!  Here in Oklahoma, we’re in the middle of an artic wave that has plunged our thermometers down as low as -10 degrees.  We can’t wait for next week when the temps start inching up again.  We hope you’re not freezing too bad.  To keep you warm, here are some new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from one of our favorite indie country stars, the one and only Risa Binder.  This one belongs on country radio and is the perfect song to kick off Valentine’s week.  Binder’s sweet voice, combined with the perfect harmonies of Benji Harris, truly make this one feel “A Lot Like Home.”

A Lot Like Home · Risa Binder, Benji Harris (spotify.com)

In celebration of Black History Month, we present one of LA’s premier black voices, Chris Pierce, with his latest inspirational anthem, “Young, Black and Beautiful.”  Let the words of this song spur us on to true social justice.

Young, Black and Beautiful · Chris Pierce (spotify.com)

Our third single is from Matt Hartke and reminds us to never give up on our “American Dreams.”  His voice is as sweet as honey with a homey Pop/Americana sound, and we think this one is a true keeper.

American Dreams · Matt Hartke (spotify.com)

Back when we lived in LA, an indie country band was just starting to get a lot of attention from GoCountry and its predecessor, KZLA.  That band, featuring Dani Rose and Sofie Lynn, has quietly become a household name and we think their latest, “Love Hangover,” is their best song yet.  Expect to hear more of Honey County soon on Country Radio.

Spotify – Love Hangover

We close out this week’s new singles with another great song from the iconic BINX, perfect for repeated listens not only on Valentine’s Day, but year-round.  Check out “La La Love,” and let its good vibes get your week off to a great start.

La La Love · BINX (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

This week’s music videos kick off with the latest from Blue Élan Records artist Roan Yellowthorn.  This one is a quirky tune called “Little Love,” and we think it deserves a lot a love.

Next up is another Blue Élan artist, Chelsea Williams, with a performance video of her amazing Americana song, “Cornerstone.”  If this one doesn’t make you a fan, we don’t know what will.

Icons Creating Evil Art is fast becoming one of our favorite creators of indie music, and the latest from their NuGoth artist Bonander continues their tradition of giving a platform for breakthrough artists to present their talents.  Check out “Gone in the Wind.”

Last week we shared the lyric video and this week we have their official music video of Lucy & La Mer‘s soon to be mega hit, “Roller Coaster.”  We think you’ll love this one.

We close out this week with the latest psychedelic video from the mind of Huron John.  This one has a danceable beat and a style that is all his own.  Enjoy the sheer brilliance of “Arthur,” the first single off his new album.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 32

And so we begin another month with our first Monday Mashup of November 2019.  We have some great new singles and videos for you, and truly hope to get back to reviewing albums soon.  In the meantime, check out these great new sounds.

NEW SINGLES

We kick off this edition with a special thanks to Blue Élan Records, who consistently support indie music and bring us some of the best music available today.  Case in point, The Vegabonds have released their cover of the classic song “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” a song I have loved for nearly 50 years.  This one captures all the power of the lyrics and puts that special spin on it that is the trademark of The Vegabonds.

Next up we have a pair of holiday songs from two more prominent Blue Élan artists, Cindy Alexander and Roan Yellowthorn.   First up is Alexander’s take on the holiday classic, “Do you Hear What I Hear?”

Yellowthorn joins with Car Astor to bring us their version of another holiday classic, “River.”  Hopefully these songs will get you in the holiday mood.

Next up is the Top 40-worthy sound of Midnight Divide, with their song “Say You Believe.”  We think you’ll be hearing these guys on your local radio dial soon.  Their sound reminds us of OneRepublic meets Imagine Dragons.

Our final single this week is from Canadian folk-rock band Union Duke.  We love the laid back and chill sound and think that you will be putting “Atlas of Love” on repeat.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We are happy to share the debut of the new music video from Maltese Flamingo, “Shivers.”  This one is trippy, but fun.  Enjoy!

Next up is a video from Crystal Bright, an artist we have previously featured on Indie Voice Blog, but haven’t heard from in a while.  This one is powerful, so dig in and listen to “I’ll Hold You.”

Next up is one of our favorite bands that don’t take themselves seriously, namely Ninja Sex Party.  On the first single from their upcoming covers album, they give us their take on the classic Jefferson Starship tune, “We Built This City.”  Sit back and enjoy this version.

We travel across the pond for the rocking groove of Carnival Club‘s latest video, “Lady.”  Let the hair fly and the good times begin.

We close out the week with this fun video from Penny Dreadful, the delightful burlesque alter ego of multi-LA Music Critic Award winner VK Lynne.  Here she does a cover of the Cher classic, “Welcome to Burlesque.”  We think it is the perfect tribute to our friends at Cherry Poppins Productions, and we salute them on the occasion of their seventh anniversary.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Durango Songwriters Expo indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019 – vol. 27

As we end September and head into October, we are so happy that Patrick O’Heffernan has joined us as a staff writer.  His first review was just published, so check  it out and make sure you subscribe to the Blog so you don’t miss anything.  There’s a lot happening so let’s get right to it.

DURANGO SONGWRITERS EXPO THIS WEEKEND

If you’ve followed our blog for any period of time, then you know how important we think the Durango Songwriters Expo is.  It has launched the careers of quite a few artists, including Alissa Moreno, Tim Fagan and Meghan Trainor.  Not only that, but several of the attendees have won LA Music Critic Awards, including recent winners Jordan Siwek and Scott Krippayne aka PAEHNE.

We have been involved with it for several years and our founder has been part of a panel there as well.  Due to our recent move to Oklahoma City, we are unable to attend this year’s event, which opens on Wednesday night with a showcase in nearby Denver before officially kicking off with a showcase on Thursday and then runs Friday and Saturday at the Omni Hotel in Westminster, Colorado.  The event culminates with a concert on Saturday night which always features the legendary Big Al Anderson.  This year he is joined by Songwriters Hall of Fame member Tom Douglas, major hit songwriter Kate York (Little Big Town, Fall Out Boy) and Grammy-winning songwriter Fagan.  The Saturday concert is open to the public and tickets are available at the door.

OKLAHOMA CITY HAS A NEW FRINGE FESTIVAL

The first Fringe Festival was held in Edinburgh, Scotland and has grown to include Festivals around the world, including the Hollywood Fringe Festival, which is one of the biggest ones in North America.  Oklahoma City has now joined that elite group with the debut of Theatre Crude Fringe Festival, which opened on September 25 and runs through October 6.  The Capitol View Event Center is hosting the Festival.  For more information, click on their website.

INDIE FILM ‘MICKEY AND THE BEAR’ TO DEBUT AT MONTANA FILM FESTIVAL

Mickey and the Bear, an indie film set in Montana, will premiere at this year’s Montana Film Festival on Thursday, October 3 at 6 p.m. at the iconic Roxy Theater in Missoula before heading out on a tour of Montana.  If you are in Montana, we highly recommend you check it out.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Australian artist Riebourne.  We love her voice and think she has a great chance of cracking the American Top 40 scene with “Venom.”

Next up is LCBTQ+ artist Déyyess, who has a powerful message coupled with equally powerful vocals.  We think she is definitely an artist on the rise and can’t wait to hear what comes next.

https://soundcloud.com/deyyess/no-mans-land

Single number three is from pop duo Rule of Young, which we think deserves serious and heavy rotation on radio.  Check out “Lie Better.”  We can’t get enough of their harmonies and musicality.

Our musical voyage next takes us to Toronto for the alt-rock sound of Contour‘s new song, “Above You.”  Great vocals and a serious message  highlight this brilliant song.  Enjoy.

Our final single this week is a retro throwback to the days of disco.  Check out Sweetwood and their latest tune, “One and Only Lover.”  We guarantee this one will get you on the dance floor.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video is from another of the amazing artists at Blue Élan Records, Roan Yellowthorn.  We think she has truly nailed it with her latest, “Indigo.”  Let us know what you think.

From the beauty of the previous video we next present the stark reality of the rocking sound of Makes my Blood Dance on their new video “Sick as our Secrets.”  This one has a lot of food for thoughts and is truly visually stunning, with live concert footage included.

Our third video is an upbeat pop tune from producer Ferris Pier that features to amazing vocals of The Voice stand-out Abby Cates on the song, “Lift me Up.”  If this one doesn’t lift your spirits, nothing will.

Next up is the R&B/hip hop sound of The Greys on their latest “Drama.”  We love this one and would love to see them featured on Empire.

We close out this edition with a dark cover of the classic Pink Floyd song, “Another Brick in the Wall.”  This version shows a dynamic creative mind and we think it will quickly become a favorite on its own merits.  Check out LA’s own Nomad and Lola.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 35

Looking forward to heading down to Denver on Wednesday for this year’s Durango Songwriters Expo.  We’re having a meet and greet at The Walnut Room on Wednesday night before the Expo kicks off with their showcase on Thursday night and closes Saturday night with a concert.  Should be an interesting weekend, and it will be warmer there than here in Montana.  In the meantime, here are the latest happenings in indie music, as well as five new singles and five new videos for you to check out.

COLIN DEVLIN CD RELEASE SHOW AT HOTEL CAFÉ

Colin Devlin and Blue Élan Records will celebrate the release of Devlin’s new album High Point (which we will be reviewing on Friday) with a concert at the esteemed Hotel Café on Wednesday, October 3.  The opening act is Devlin’s labelmates Roan Yellowthorn, who are making their Los Angeles debut.  Roan Yellowthorn goes on at 7 p.m., followed by Devlin at 8 p.m.  If you are in or near Los Angeles, we strongly encourage you to be there.

SPOTIFY TO ALLOW INDIE ARTISTS DIRECT UPLOADS

Spotify has announced a new feature which will enable independent artists to upload tracks to the service directly – without any requirement for a third-party aggregator or record label.  The feature currently remains in invite-only beta mode – with a few hundred United States artists being ushered in – but Spotify says that, in the future, it will “bring upload to even more artists, labels, and teams.”

Artists will be able access the upload function via the Spotify For Artists platform, which counted more than 200,000 verified acts amongst its monthly user base at the end of June.

The best part is that this new upload feature is completely free, unlike the current feature provided by existing third-party digital aggregators/distributors such as CD Baby, TuneCore, Distrokid and Ditto – all of which require either a one-off upload fee or a yearly subscription payment from artists.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from long-time indie artist Amy Kuney, who advises us to just “Hold On.”  We should all listen to her advice.

Our second single comes from another great artist client of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services.  Here is “Highway Jawn” from Paul Edelman and Jangling Sparrows.  This one will get your toes a tapping while you sit back and enjoy your whiskey and beer chaser.  We can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.

Next up is the latest from LA Music Critic Award winners Lovers & Poets.  Check out their cover of the title track from the 1968 sci-fi film “Barbarella.”  We really love the 60s vibe of this song, which bring back great memories of the powerful female singers of that era.

Our fourth single comes from another amazing publicist, Jennifer Allison Publicity.  Please enjoy this premiere of the new single, “Desnudame” by Joaquin Torres.  Spanish and English never sounded better together.

Our final single this week is the first release from new Blue Élan Records artist Lisa Lambe.  We think the title of the song, “Beautiful Thing,” sums up the incredible music she has created.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video offers timely advice on what it means to be “beautiful.”  Check out this amazing video for “Costume Party” by The Voice‘s Season 12 runner-up, Lauren Duski.

Next is the video for the first single off the forthcoming album from We are the City.  For a rocking good time, check out “When I Dream, I Dream of You.”

Our third video this week is from Zoey Clarke, who we introduced to you last year when we reviewed her last album.  We really like the sound of her new material, including “Rewind,” and can’t wait to hear the rest of her new music.

If you like nostalgic videos, then our fourth video this week will likely take your breath away, especially if you love Irish Castles.  Check out the latest, “The Hill Dwellers,” from Kramies.

Our final video this week is from the incredible Korean-American artist, Tiffany Young.  She will be in Los Angeles on October 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sunset H&M (8580 Sunset Blvd) to celebrate the release of her new video, “Teach You,” as well as her new collaborative effort with H&M.

See you soon with our first Get it or Forget it for October.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Roan Yellowthorn, Mountain Home Family, Stephen Winston, Animal Waves, TAUK

We made it to Friday again, and the weekend is ahead.  Time to get revved up with five more incredible releases from indie artists, including a collective of Mountain Home Music Company artists helping to raise money for the International Bluegrass Music Association Trust Fund.  All of these albums are being released today!

Artist Name:  Roan Yellowthorn

Album Name:  Indigo

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Alternative/Pop/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  Talk About It; 3.  Fingerless Gloves; 4.  Factory Man; 5.  Do you Know; 6.  Mark my Words; 7.  Lie; 8.  Indigo; 9.  How are You; 10.  Outro/On the Outside

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  We simply love this amazing duo and future superstars, one of the latest artists launched by the magic of Blue Élan Records.  They are composed of Jackie McLean on lead vocals, accompanied by producer and multi-instrumentalist Shawn Strack, and they deliver amazing and ethereal indie-rock songs with a singer/songwriter heart.   We have previously featured the videos from their first two singles, “Talk About It” and “Lie,” and this album is chock full of future singles.  This is a band that is going to be talked about for a long time to come.   Had they been around a few years ago, they could easily have been part of The Hotel Cáfe sound that produced Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Elizaveta and others, and we consider them to be true peers of those artists.  There is not a weak track on this album, and every one could be a potential hit.  They are worthy of attention from both radio music directors and music supervisors.  Our favorite tracks include “Talk About it,” “Fingerless Gloves,” “Do You Know,” “Lie,” the title track, and “How are You.”

Recommendation:  This one NEEDS to be in your collection.  Run out and Get it.

Artist Name:  Mountain Home Family

Album Name:  Come See About Me

Label:  Mountain Home Music Company

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Their Hands Made the Music (Sideline); 2.  A Little Trust (Donna Ulisse); 3.  All the Good Things we Could Do (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver); 4.  If I Needed You (Lonesome River Band); 5.  We’re all in This Together (Balsam Range); 6.  You’ve got a Friend in Me (Love Canon); 7.  We’ll Never Walk Alone (Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver); 8.  Those Tears (Darin & Brooke Aldridge); 9.  Glimpse of the Kingdom (Chris Jones & the Night Drivers); 10.  Help! (The Grascals); 11.  Come see About Me (Mountain Home Family)

Publicist:  So Much Moore Media

Review:  Mountain Home Music Company is a bluegrass label that has introduced us to some incredible artists we have previously reviewed, including Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Balsam Range and The Grascals.  Their artists have joined together to contribute these amazing tracks on an album intended to help raise money for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Trust Fund, which provides financial assistance to member musicians who have fallen on hard times or have emergency needs.  This collection includes some amazing songs, including brilliant covers of songs like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Help!” as well as the collaborative title track.   We have indicated the individual artists in the Track Listing.

Recommendation:  Please help support this worthy organization and Get this one today!  It will easily become one of your favorite bluegrass albums.

Artist Name:  Stephen Winston

Album Name:  Unresolved

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  AAA

Track Listing:  1.  Sun on the Boats; 2.  Maidens; 3.  Unresolved; 4.  Rainbow County; 5.  Maybe it’s for James; 6.  For What Purpose; 7.  Remember; 8.  Talk on the Town; 9.  The Last Night

Publicist:  Open all Nite Entertainment

Review:  Stephen Winston is a gifted musician with a voice that reminds us of Randy Newman, and a sound that encompasses several different genres including country, pop, and folk, all perfect for the AAA format.  The title track is especially moving, with perfect lyrics set on an orchestral musical base that is soothing and memorable.  “Rainbow County” has a sound similar to Jimmy Buffet‘s “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” while “Maidens” has a sweet country groove.  Overall, this is a great collection for your chill time.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you check out this one if you like your music on the softer side.

Artist Name:  Animal Waves

Album Name:  EP1

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  WTF; 2.  In the Meadow; 3.  Cold Turkey; 4.  Bed Full of Blues; 5.  Tell Me

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  This band features Los Angeles session player and former Laurynn Hill guitarist Robert Wayne Davis, and quickly establishes itself as a force to be reckoned with.  The band also includes bassist Charles Salvaggio and drummer Matt Zavorski, while long-time writing partner Nathaniel Cox contributed on the creative side.  The result is some straight ahead rock that you can bang your head to.  This band obviously has a “take no prisoners” approach as they come right at you with their hard rocking sound, delivering songs that will leave a permanent impression on your ears.

Recommendation:  If you love rock, then you simply must Get this one.

Artist Name:  TAUK

Album Name:  Shapeshifter II:  Outbreak

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock Fusion Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Prelude; 2.  Recreational Outrage; 3.  CMF 9000; 4.  Checkmate; 5.  Convoy; 6.  Not Your Nemesis; 7.  Let it Ride; 8.  Ratchet; 9.  Pioneer; 10.  Pitter Pattern; 11.  Upside Down

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We previously reviewed the first album in the series, and were impressed with the amazing new jazz sound of the band.  This time around, the music has a rockier sound, with its combination of prog rock, funk and jazz, and is much more cinematic in its overall vibe.  Like the previous release, this one provides an amazing soundtrack for parties, exercise or just living life.  In addition, the music is perfect for placement in commercials, film and television.  We think you should just put it on repeat and listen all day, as there are no weak tracks on the album.  We also can’t wait to review their live performance when they come to Missoula on November 6.

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

 

 

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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 Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 30

Hard to believe there’s only two weeks left of summer.  Where did the time go?  Let’s get going on another week with news that matters and some new singles and music videos.

WANT TO PLAY NAMM?

Are you an indie artist who would love to play The NAMM Show in Anaheim?  All you need to do is go to Bands.namm.org and start building your new profile.  This year all submissions will go through NAMM and the deadline is September 24, 2018.  You should receive a notification regarding your performance status in early November 2018.  Please keep in mind that literally thousands of performance requests are submitted, but there are only 130 available time slots. If your band is not selected, please submit a request to perform for the next show.

Bands selected to perform will receive:

 Access to the show floor
Access to NAMMU Educational Sessions & TEC Tracks Session
Access to networking events during The NAMM Show
Guest badges for friends and family at a discounted rate
Exposure to an audience of over 100,000 music enthusiasts and professionals
Casual promotion within show publications, website, emails and more
Possible publicity opportunities via multiple outlets
A show experience like no other

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from the soulful sound of Alexis Keegan, who has returned to her sultry roots.  It is called “Gospel,” and we are believers.

Next up is the latest band that has been given new life by our friends at Blue Élan Records.  The Mustangs were an all girl group that ruled the LA Country scene.  Three members of that group, Suzanna Spring, Holly Montgomery and Sherry Rayn Barnett have joined with Suzanne Morissette and Aubrey Richmond to form Mustangs of the West, and have released their first single, “T-Shirt From California.”  We think  you’re going to love having  them back.

Next up is the latest from Summer Heart, featuring guest vocalist K¥LO on “Subside.”  We think this may become your favorite summer jam.

Our fourth single comes from Danish electro-pop duo Feel Freeze, who encourage us to “Let Go!”  We think it’s timely advice.

Our final single this week comes from an 18-year old phenom from London.  Although the single came out in late June, we inadvertently thought it was an EP until recently.  We think “Computer Games” deserves some attention, so let us know what you think.  Here is Greta Jaime.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Just as a new country group arrives in LA, one of their premier ones, CALICO the band, says goodbye.  Manda Mosher and KP Hawthorn have decided to call it quits, but are leaving us with this amazing video cover of the classic hit from The Mommas and Poppas, “California Dreaming.”  Thanks for five years of amazing music.

Next is the latest video from The 131ers, who we reviewed last week.  Check out their fun video for “Ballerina.”

Speaking of bands we recently reviewed, here’s the latest “Nothing is Enough” from Delta Will.  We love the groove of this song, and think you will too.

Our fourth video this week is another amazing from Blue Élan Records, Roan Yellowthorn.  Here is her latest single, “Talk About It.”

Our final entry this week is a lyric video from Rachel Eckroth, whose new album will be dropping October 19.  Here is “Call my Name.”

That’s it for this week.  See you tomorrow with our next edition of Get it or Forget it.