Tag: Rod Melancon

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 3

Happy Martin Luther King Day!  We had a blast last night at The Wilma in Missoula, where we were introduced to an LA band called Bikini Trill who was opening for Reel Big Fish and Tony Lovato and MEST.  We recently reviewed Reel Big Fish’s new album, and had previously reviewed MEST back in December 2017.   MEST also won the LA Music Critic Award for Best Folk Band for that album for the second half of 2017.  We will have the full review of last night’s concert soon.  In the meantime, here are five new singles and music videos from the indie world.

JACK TEMPCHIN ELECTED TO SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME

Blue Élan Records artist Jack Tempchin is part of the Class of 2019 and will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 13 in New York City.  He wrote a plethora of songs that we’ve all danced and sung along to, including the Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Tequila Sunrise,” and “Already Gone,” Glenn Frey’s “The One You Love,” “Smuggler’s Blues,” “You Belong To The City” and “Sexy Girl,” and Johnny Rivers‘ “Slow Dancing.”

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from an amazing 15-year old future superstar named Bella Rios.  She received a nomination in the recent LA Music Critic Awards for Rising Star, and we guarantee this artist is on her way to the top of the charts.  Check out her latest single, “Under the Waves.”

Our second single is from another LA Music Critic Awards winner, Rod Melancon, who is a member of the Blue Élan Records family.  His latest song, “Goin’ Out West,” is a harder rocking Americana song that he usually does, and we totally dig it.

Our next single is likewise from a multiple LA Music Critic Award winner, who we hope will perform in our next Winners Showcase.  We have followed the career of Curtis Peoples for many years, and his latest single, “Tidal Wave,” is one of his best, and features the beautiful vocals of Holy Wars.  Let us know what you think.

Our fourth single is from another member of the Blue Élan Records family, who has recently rebranded herself and now goes by the name of Car Astor.  This one will get you up and dancing into the new week.  Check out “Don’t Stop, Don’t Speak.”

Our final single today is from another multiple LA Music Critic Award winning duo, Lovers & Poets.  We are also providing the bitmoji video they did for their latest offering, “Here and Now.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is a beautifully made lyric video for “Do What you Want,” the latest from the phenomenally talented Jess McAvoy.  Check this one out.

We don’t often post cover videos, but this one is so good that we had to share and features Fuel on Fire, one of the rising young pop bands from Nashville.  Check out their cover of U2‘s monster hit, “With or Without You, featuring the amazing children’s choir at Homer Pittard Campus School.  We’ll have a review of their cover album shortly.

Our third video is from steampunk-influenced singer-songwriter Elyssa Vulpes for her single “Front Line.”  We think this one could become an anthem for so many causes.

Our next video is from the collaborative efforts of the Americana Kitchen Band.  Check out this video for their single “All Dressed Up (and Nowhere to Go).”  This one will give you the strength to make it through the new week.

We close out this week with the latest video from Blues/Rock superstar guitarist Eric McFadden, “While You Was Gone.”  This one will surely give you a head start on the next great weekend.  Have a great week and we’ll see soon.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 34

It’s the final week of September, and things are still popping on the indie music scene.  The non-stop barrage of new releases continues, and we are working like crazy to get them all reviewed for you.  But before we get back to that task, let’s take a moment to see what else is happening, and share five new singles and five new music videos with you, as well as check in on multiple LA Music Critic Awards winner and Blue Élan Records Americana superstar Rod Melancon.

ROD MELANCON HAS AN EXPLOSIVE WEEK

Rod Melancon thought this week would be like any other, but he woke up Monday morning to find not only critical success from the release of his latest single, “Westgate,” which we featured last week and which was also highlighted in Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Songs of the Week on Friday, but his song, “Wanna Go for a Ride” is being featured in a national Toyota commercial.

“Last night one of my childhood friends called me up after he heard my song playing behind a Toyota commercial.  I could hear the excitement in his voice.  People from my hometown really root for one another.  This is what it’s all about,” said Melancon.

“Westgate” is the first single from his forthcoming album Pinkville, which is scheduled to be released in spring 2019.   Rolling Stone praised “Westgate” as ‘equal parts talking blues and bar-band Southern rocker.  Melancon glues both halves together with a voice that’s every bit as punchy and pockmarked as the song’s
protagonist.’”

“Wanna Go for a Ride” is a song from his second album Parish Lines, which was released in 2014.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes to us courtesy of Open All Nite Entertainment, which has been extremely busy promoting talent lately.  Their client John Hickman released his latest single, “What’s This All About” last Friday, and we are pleased to share it with you today.

Paria fuses Iranian, Latin and UK bass beats into her very own brand of DIY pop, and the result is the incredible single, “Casual.”  This one will get you up and moving.

Our third single is another amazing pop/soul track, this time from the likewise amazing artist Nuela Charles, who was a part of our Ten Great Singles article back in March.  She wants to know, ‘Are you looking for some “Danger?'”

We switch it up to some straight ahead rock with “Nobody’s Fool”by Carlo & the Montes, featuring Akovia.  It reminds us of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and we think you will dig it.

Our final single this week is the PREMIERE of the latest track from Push & Rama Duke.  Check out the amazing dance tune “Frozen,” which is very reminiscent of those monster hits from Donna Summer.

https://soundcloud.com/bigmanagement/frozen-1/s-eAO1I

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is the long-awaited new song from Magnolia Memoir.  Check out this amazing 80s-inspired tune, “Afterlife.”  We are so glad to have them back!

Next up is the video for the title track of Colin Devlin‘s new album High Point, which we will be reviewing on October 5.  We love the sound of and the images, and think you will too.

Our third video is from an LA staple, Eileen Carey, who brings us the country pop smash “That Town,” which reminds us of early Faith Hill.  Enjoy this beautiful video.

In our fourth video this week, dance duo Karmic drops some “Wisdom Pie,” with a groovy fun tune that is perfect for the dance floor.

We close out the week with the first video from the upcoming new album from KT Tunstall, Wax, which is being released on October 5.  Check out “The River.”

 

 

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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.”

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2017 Women in Entertainment

Best indie albums of 2017

Here’s our list of the best indie albums of 2017.  Some of them were nominated and/or won LA Music Critic Awards during the first half of 2017, and most of the rest will be included when the nominations for the second half of 2017 are announced on January 17.  Consider this your “sneak peak” of those nominations.  Every album on this list has been reviewed in the “Get it or Forget it” column of our Blog.  How many of them do you have?

Honorable Mention:  Even though we have selected 25 albums for our list, there were a few that didn’t make the list, but deserve mention, including Ride by Marc Berger, Find the Silver Lining by Kelly Fitzgerald, Little Folks Like You and Me by Mike Younger, Small World by Monica Chapman and Honestly by Jay Asher.  Definitely check out these albums.

25.  The East Pointers, What we Leave Behind – This award-winning Canadian band has what they need to break into the American music scene.

24.  Becca Richardson, We are Gathered Here – Check her out at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles on January 20.

23.  Harper Grae, Break Your Crowns – Definitely check out this rising star from Nashville.

22.  Rusty Young, Waitin’ for the Sun – Young was the former lead singer for Poco, and the band has reunited to support his solo artist.  This is his first solo effort for Blue Élan Records.

21.  The Show Ponies, How it all Goes Down – The band recently announced they would be disbanding and this album was their final one.  They were an LA Music Critic Award winner during the first half of 2017.

20.  Elizabeth and the Catapult, Keepsake – Check her out when she performs at Sundance this year.

19.  Great Willow, Find Yourself in Los Angeles – This band is becoming a player on the Americana circuit.  Check them out live if you live near there.

18.  Bryan Stephens, Village of Dreams – Another great Blue Élan Records artist.

17.  Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, Lo-Fi Dreams – Another LA Music Critic Award multiple nominee from the first half of 2017.

16.  Ray Goren, Me – This past LA Music Critic Award winner has a great future ahead.

15.  Marina V, Born to the Stars – This Russian-born singer-songwriter is one of a kind.  Welcome back to the charts.  More than 65,000 worldwide fans can’t be wrong.

14.  Chris Daniels and the Kings, Blues with Horns – This indie artist has had a storied career and his latest is one of his best.

13.  Chelsea Williams, Boomerang – Another premier act from Blue Élan Records, she will also be performing at Sundance.

12.  Jangling Sparrows, 140 Nickels – Watch for these guys near the top of the Americana music scene.

11.  Andrea Harsell and Luna Roya, Something for the Pain – This band is a Missoula, Montana staple that is definitely going places.

10.  Halladay Quist, self-titled – Another Montana artist with a family legacy of musical excellence.

9.  Gina Sicilia, Tug of War – Another Blue Élan Records artist who is at the top of her game.  Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner.  Watch for her 8th album coming soon.

8.  Amilia K. Spicer, Wow and Flutter – Another past LA Music Critic winner, this is one of the best Americana albums released in quite a while.

7.  Seasonal Beast – Muscle Memory – One of our best “finds” this year, watch for great things from this New York duo.

6.  Breaking Grass, Warning Signs – Another multiple LA Music Critic Award winner, this band is redefining bluegrass music.

5.  Wendy Sweetlove, Dirty Sunday – She was nominated for several LA Music Critic awards right out of the gate,  She is definitely an artist worth checking out.

4.  Janey Street, In my Own Skin – Reigning LA Music Critic Icon Award winner, she is another of the special breed of artists signed to Blue Élan Records.

3.  Rod Melancon, Southern Gothic – Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner, he is the last of these artists signed to Blue Élan Records.  He is currently touring Sweden.

2.  Katie Costello, Twice the Love – This artist has consistently produced award winning albums.  She also had one of the Best EPs of 2017.

1.  FreeWorld, What it is – The pride of Memphis, this band is redefining American Blues.  Check them out the next time you’re in Memphis.

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 27

Happy Monday as we enter the final full week of July 2017.  It’s been extremely busy in the indie world, so we’ve got a few things to share with you this week.  Please keep supporting indie music.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARDS

Speaking of which, tomorrow is your last chance to vote for the Fan Favorite for the first half of 2017.  Among the current leaders are FlecHaus, Polly O’Keary, Janey Street, Wendy Sweetlove and Dario.  To vote just click on this link, scroll to the bottom and add your comment.  The winners will be announced on Thursday, July 27.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

Last week was filled with great indie performances, as we travelled to Stevensville to see The American West and Maita, to Darby for Melissa Forrette and Mabel’s Rage, and to Spokane for Chris Chilton and Jerad Finck.  The American West review is up, and the rest will be published shortly.

This week Melissa is performing twice (The Ranch Club on Wednesday and at Highlander Brewery on Saturday, both in Missoula), while Shakewell will be performing at Missoula’s Downtown Tonight on Thursday.  The biggest event, though, will be Missoula’s annual Celtic Festival on Saturday in Caras Park, which will feature several indie acts including Spokane’s Broken Whistle, The Gothard Sisters, RUNA and headliner, Young Dubliners.

KELLY McGRATH

Kelly McGrath moved to Nashville about two years ago, and her music has taken off since.  Her last single, “You and Me Today,” debuted at #1 on CMT, and her next single,  “All That I Want,” looks to be even better.  Here’s a sneak peak of the new music video, debuting soon.

MUSIC VIDEOS

We’ve got a few great videos for you this week, and leading the pack is a past LA Music Critic Award winner, The Daybreaks.  It’s a highlight video from their recent CD Release Party in Nashville.  Check out our review of the album 🙂

Next up is one of our favorite artists on Blue Élan Records, and one of the hardest working Americana artists working today, Rod Melancon.  His past videos have been impressive, and his new one for “Dwayne and Me” will not disappoint.  Let us know what you think.

Last but not least this week is the latest from Amie Mirello, who has also found success after moving from Los Angeles to Nashville.  We are excited about this new direction for Mirello, and think you will be impressed as well.  Here’s her latest video for “Move Me.”

 

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

Get it of forget it: Junior Astronomers, Munroe, Rococode, Rod Melancon

Wow – almost done with new music reviews scheduled to be released through the end of June.  It’s been a long ride, but we’ve enjoyed it so far, and hope you’ve found some new artists that you like and want to support.  Here are four more for your consideration.

Artist Name:  Junior Astronomers

Album Name:  Body Language

Label:  Refresh Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Body Language Part 2; 2.  That’s Why; 3.  Mood Ring; 4.  Pyramid Party; 5.  An Idea; 6.  Exit Policy; 7.  Gabby; 8.  Favorite Hiding Place; 9.  Coming Home (to a house on fire); 10.  Laid Out; 11.  Body Language Part 1 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  We had an immediate “in” with this band, as they hail from the Tar Heel State which also spawned our illustrious head blogger.  They are loud and immediately make their presence known.  Thankfully, they have someone worthy to say, as they are impossible to ignore.  This album will wake you up and stimulate your mind, while keeping your toes tapping to the steady beat.  These Charlotte-based rockers have been steadily touring, and it is easy to imagine that their live shows are both electric and compelling.  They pack a lot of energy into their music, which also contains a grand story about coming of age and learning about love and life.  The album is well crafted and shows evidence that serious thought was put into the structure of the album itself, including the interesting placement of part 2 of the title track at the beginning of the album, and part 1 at the end.  Best songs include their single, “That’s Why,’ “Pyramid Party,” “Exit Policy,” “Favorite Hiding Place,” and “Coming Home (to a house on fire).”

Recommendation:  If you like your music with a driving beat and meaty lyrics forcefully and loudly delivered, then you should definitely Get this album.

Artist Name:  Munroe

Album Name:  Oblivion

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Dream Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Fake Out; 2.  Oblivion; 3.  No Anchor; 4.  Your Pages; 5.  The Witness; 6.  Ever Be; 7.  Good Name; 8.  Bad Company 

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Canadian Munroe has arrived on the indie music scene with a sound reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan and Enya.  The music is light and airy while the vocals soar high above the music, pulling her listeners into her mood.  The entire album is dreamy and light, providing a safe haven to go about your daily life.  At the same time, the lyrical content is meaty and lush, painting pictures and describing universal truths.  While each track is worthy of your attention, we do love the title track, which has been released as the first single.

Recommendation:  This album drops next Friday, following the release of the first single last month.  We love this album, and recommend you pre-order it so that it will be yours on release day,

Artist Name:  Rococode

Album Name:  Young Ones

Label:  Marquis Artists

Genre:  Indie Pop, Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  Young Ones; 2.  Why do I; 3.  Is it Real; 4.  Brutal; 5.  A Love That you can Never Know; 6.  Can’t get Enough 

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  With a sound reminiscent of 80’s pop, this Canadian duo is a treat.  Alternating vocals keeps the music interesting, much like darkness and light show us where we are within the day.  All six songs are a treat, but none so much as the title track and “Why do I.”  The music of Rococode is tasty and fun, and brings back great memories of when we as a society had so much less to worry about.  Honestly, we can’t say enough about this release, which is surely one of the best EPs of 2017.  We hope to see this band live when they next track through the US.  In the meantime, we are content to put the EP on repeat.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you pre-order this EP, which drops on June 16.  It is one of the finest we have heard this year, and give it a rating of Get It Now

Artist Name:  Rod Melancon

Album Name:  Southern Gothic

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  With the Devil; 2.  Perry; 3.  Lights of Carencro; 4.  Dwayne and Me; 5.  Promises; 6.  Redhead; 7.  Praying for Light; 8.  Mary Lou; 9.  Different Man; 10.  Outskirts of You 

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  Rod Melancon has been a favorite of this blog and the LA Music Critic Awards, accumulating multiple nominations and awards from his previous EP release LA 14.   On his new album, which drops on June 16, he picks up where he left off and continues to deliver impressive material that should cement his place in the Americana community.  Not only is his music memorable, but he has turned into quite the actor, starring in his own music videos that are both impressive and interesting, including the award-winning “Perry” and his latest, “Different Man.”  Two of the songs, “Perry” and “Lights of Carencro,” were previously released on LA 14, and are included on the new album, which was produced by another award-winning Americana artist, Brian Whelan, former guitarist for Dwight Yoakum.  Melancon is a force to be reckoned with, and should provide his label with another Grammy-nominated artist.  We strongly encourage you to get out and see him at his CD release show at the Grand Ole Echo on June 11 – admission is FREE before 5 p.m.  Best tracks include “Perry,” “Dwayne and Me,”  “Promises,” “Praying for Light,” and “Different Man.”

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – do whatever it takes to Get this album as soon as it is released.  It belongs in the music library of every red-blooded American.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2017: Vol. 20

As we head into the third week of May, so much is happening in our indie music world.  Here are some of the biggest stories.

MILCK SIGNS WITH MAJOR LABEL

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Connie Lim aka MILCK, who came to the world’s attention when her song “Quiet” was performed during the Women’s March back in January, has signed with Atlantic Records.  They are planning to record her anthemic ballad, as well as new music on her first album for them.  Congratulations for keeping the indie spirit alive in the majors.  We wish you well MILCK.

STOP MOTION POETRY LAUNCHES KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

Stop Motion Poetry, a Modesto, California based band of brothers, has launched their Kickstarter campaign to help with the expenses of recording their next album, an EP named Dead Rose.  Click on the Kickstarter link to find out more.

NEW MUSIC

Check out this amazing tune, “The Smoke and the Stars,” from new artist Jason Hawk Harris.  We think he’s definitely got the talent to take it to the limit, and we look forward to whatever he sends to us next.

MUSIC VIDEOS

We are proud to share some of the latest music videos with your from these amazing artists:

“Fill me Up” is one of our favorite cuts from Amilia K Spicer’s new album Wow and Flutter.  We hope you like it as much as we do.

Here’s the latest single from Frank Shiner’s new album, Lonely Town Lonely Street, which we will review tomorrow.  Is this not the perfect chill song for after work relaxation?  This song has been covered by some of the legends in music, and we would be remiss not to include Shiner’s cover in that mix.

If the previous song provided chill relief, then the latest video from LA Music Critic Award winner Rod Melancon will provoke you in a visceral way.  From his forthcoming Southern Gothic album soon to be released by Blue Élan Records, “Different Man” is a powerful visual aid to the story of the man who came home from the war a different man.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup

Monday Mashup: what’s happening in the indie world?

Welcome to our third installment of Monday Mashup.  The year is drawing to a close and indie musicians are as busy as ever.  The LA Music Critic Awards are on the horizon and this one appears to be one of the strongest ones we’ve seen in recent memory.  If you have released an album, EP, single or video since July 1, or plan to release one before December 31, please contact us so we can consider it for one of the awards.  In addition, we will have some great news to share in January regarding the Awards.  You don’t want to miss that announcement, so make sure you’re subscribed to our blog.

Jerad Finck wins grand prize in US Songwriting Competition

We reported last Monday that Jerad Finck had won the Best Pop Song in the annual US Songwriting Competition for his title track to his latest album, Criminal.  We have since learned that he also won the overall Grand Prize for the best song of 2016.  We are so proud to have introduced you to this amazing artist, and look forward to seeing what comes next.  Finck is a client of Ue3 Promotions.  Congratulations to you both.

Teen sensation Meresha releases new single “Together”

Meresha has released a new single.  According to Meresha, “In today’s world, we can’t let ourselves be divided because of our skin color, national background, religious practice, sexual preference or other beliefs.”  We wholeheartedly agree.  We think this song is great in many ways, and should be a part of your daily dose of healthy music.  Meresha is another client of Ue3 Promotions.  Download her song on iTunes or Google Play.

LA Music Critic Award winner Rod Melancon scheduled to play Hotel Café

Americana artist Rod Melancon, a two-time LA Music Critic Award winner will be playing a special show at the world famous Hotel Café in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 10.  He will be performing at 11 p.m. after the set by The Vegabonds.  Melancon is signed to Blue Élan Records and is a proud client of MAD Ink PR.  We only wish we could be in LA next weekend for this show.

Blue Élan Records releases A Blue Élan Christmas

LA Music Critic Award winner Cindy Alexander is among the artists with singles on the new Christmas release from her label, Blue Élan Records.  Check out her cover of the Dave Matthews Band’s “Christmas Song” below:

https://soundcloud.com/cindyalexander-me/christmas-song?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook

Video Releases

Red Boot PR client Lucy Woodward has released a video for her hit single “Live Live Live.”  We think you’ll agree this is an amazing song and an even more amazing video.  Check her out.

Multi LA Music Critic Awards winning trio The Spider Accomplice has released the latest in their video series supporting their album Los Angeles:  The Abduction.  Check out their video for “You Still Lie.”  We think you will see why this blog and LA Music Critic are so in love with these indie rockers.

 

That’s it for this week.  Please let us know if you have any news you want us to share.  Until next Monday . . .

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards

Getting to know the 2016 LA Music Critic Award winners – Rod Melancon

Our next feature on the winners of the 2016 LA Music Critic Awards is on Americana artist Rod Melancon, who won for Best Video (official) Male for “Perry” and Best EP Male for LA 14.  Originally from Louisiana, Melancon currently resides in the Silverlake section of Los Angeles, California.

Grab a cold one, sit back and learn things about this future Americana superstar.

IVB:  How long have you been performing?

RM:  I first picked up the guitar when I was 19.  I had moved to Los Angeles when I was 18 and received the guitar for Christmas.  I really got into learning the guitar, but waited a year before I starting writing sons.  I had grown up in the theater and been around playwriting all my life, and considered myself more of a theater and film guy.  I did my first show when I was 20 after being encouraged by my buddy CJ.  He had heard some of my material and said I needed to pursue songwriting as a career.  I’ve always loved story songs, so I decided to write those kinds of songs and have been doing it for the past nine years.  My songs are based on the country music theory that all songs spring from three chords and a truth.   Now that I’ve been doing it for awhile, I am learning some fingerpicking techniques as well as learning to play the electric guitar.

IVB:   Who are your influences?

RM:  The most influential musician for me has to be Bruce Springsteen, and his album The Ghost of Tom Joad, which was the folk sequel to his album Nebraska, in particular.  I also loved artists like  Tom Van Zant, John Prine, and Kris Kristoferson, especially how they chose to get their stories across.   They were not afraid to put humor in the songs.  Lately, I’ve been digging on Tom Waitts.  I also love to read southern Gothics books from writers like Larry Brown, and plays from Sam Shepherd, like The Motel Chronicles.  The material is easily relatable for me as I have a similar story, growing up in the rural area of southern Louisiana.  They have an elegant way of saying very poetic things very simply.

IVB:  Where does the title of your latest EP come from?

RM:  LA 14 is a long stretch of highway that crosses the state of Louisiana.

IVB:   What made you decide to DIY?

RM:  Basically when I started playing music, I realized that I was in charge of everything.  I had management and an agent, but the arrangement wasn’t really doing things for me.  I learned that I was responsible for where my career was going and that’s what got me on this path.

IVB:  Are you seeking to be a mainstream artist?

RM:  Not really.  If it happens, that’s fine, but it’s not my goal.  I’m getting confirmation from my old stomping grounds that this is the best path for me.   I don’t answer to anyone when it comes to my songs.  I’m doing things on my own terms and it’s apparent to my fans through my songs.   But if it did happen, I could pay all my bills and turn my internet back on.

IVB:  What are your future plans?

RM:  I want to keep being on the road.  I’m shooting two music videos next month in Kansas City with the same director from “Perry,” but with a bigger budget.  (Shooting these videos) is a dream come true for me because I get to act in them, and perform the song.  We will probably go back on tour in late October and November.  Like the famous journalist Jack Kerouac, I love being on the road.  It is truly my vision and I love meeting people.   Motel rooms are great settings for just about anything.

IVB:  Any good stories from touring/recording/performing?

RM:  As you can imagine, when you’re touring in the south, we ate at a lot of Cracker Barrel and Waffle House restaurants.    One time at a Cracker Barrell in southern GA or MS, I came into the restaurant after my band was already seated.  I was wearing a Black Sabbath t-shirt.  The hostess told me my friends were in the back – she just knew who were my friends because of the way I was dressed.  Another time we stopped into a Waffle House in Birmingham, Alabama about 4 .m.  We sat down at the counter and waited for about 10 minutes, but nobody waited on us.  I got up to walk around and found the entire crew passed out on a bench in the back.  Needless to say, we headed off to another restaurant about a mile away.

I have to give props to my current record label (Blue E’lan), who has given us great tour support and made the whole process so enjoyable.

IVB:  What about social media?

RM:  Besides my website and Facebook pages, I have Twitter, Instagram and a YouTube channel.  For the best info, definitely follow the Instagram account.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Rod Melancon’s new release will help the continued growth of Americana music

It has been said that one of the marks of a great artist is the ability to build on past works, rather that rebuild.  That is exactly what Rod Melancon has done with his latest EP, LA 14, recently released on indie label Blue Élan Records.

If you didn’t know that this EP had just been released, most listeners would think it was a contemporary of country greats like Merle Haggard or Johnny Cash.  Melancon’s songs have that timeless appeal of those greats and others.

Through the five songs on LA 14, Melancon reveals his Southern Louisiana roots through his lyrics and choice of music, a sound that is part blues, part country with just a touch of rock and roll – the perfect recipe for Americana music.

Thankfully, this EP is a preview of his forthcoming full length album which will be released later this year and produced by Brian Whelan, the former lead guitarist for Dwight Yoakum.

Of the five tracks, “The Lights of Carencro” is the most unique, with elements of rock usually found in the music of such artists as Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd.  The track stands out from the rest, which are more country than rock.

All of the songs tell amazing stories, and definitely leave the listener wanting to hear more from this gifted artist.  We highly recommend you check out Melancon and get on board before the world learns of his amazing talent.

For more information, check out his website and Facebook pages, follow him on Twitter, and subscribe to his YouTube channel.

Thank you to Melissa Dragich-Cordero of Mad Ink PR for providing the background materials and referring this wonderful EP to me for a review.