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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 46

Christmas is only eight days away, and the indie music just keeps coming in strong.  We have already reviewed some stunning new releases, and continue to get stellar submissions.  As far as the LA Music Critic Awards goes, 20 artists have been nominated so far for Fan Favorite, with YYNOT, Mindi Abair, Reloaded Norway and Jordan Siwek the current top four vote getters.  Don’t forget to vote.  Deadline is December 28.

We’re keeping the spirit of Christmas alive with several new songs today, so let’s check out these five new singles and videos, right after we give you the latest news.

MARINA V IS MAKING AN ALBUM

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and dear friend Marina V is making a new album and needs your help.  The album will be called In V Minor, and we love what we’ve heard so far.  You can help by either pre-ordering a download or a  personalized, numbered, hugged and kissed CD at MarinaV.com.  There are multiple contribution/ sponsorship levels and perks, so please check it out and help her if you can.

ARE YOU READY TO BE DISCOVERED?

Danish loudspeaker specialists Dynaudio will offer FREE recording sessions to unsigned artists as part of the global gathering this January at the NAMM Show.  There are only 12 slots are available, so time is of the essence if you want to take advantage of this opportunity.  The Dynaudio Unheard studio is a state-of-the-art pop-up recording facility built inside a shipping container.  The studio contains the latest tech from the world’s best equipment makers.  To sign up and/or get more information, click on the link.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today, “The Christmas Song,”  comes courtesy of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services’ client Americana Kitchen and is an original Christmas song.  They have provided two versions of the song and we can’t decide which one we like better.  What do you think?  The first version is country pop and is from Francesca Capasso and the other is a pop rock ballad by Andee Avila.

Next is a beautiful folk ballad from the Swedish duo Drops of Indigo.  Check out “Days of Grace.”  We think you’ll like it as much as we do.

Our third single is an ambient/electronic number from Canadian band  Galaa.  The lead vocals are lovely and the song is powerful, so let us know what you think about “Ender.”

https://soundcloud.com/user-119314571/02-ender/

Next is the latest from Paper Bag Records artist Royal Canoe from their forthcoming 2019 album.  We love the sound of this band and have featured them previously.  Here is their latest, “Peep This.”

Our final single of the week is a holiday song from Jangling Sparrows, courtesy of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services.  Check out the awesome Americana sound of “Bring a Little Christmas Spark.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is another standout song from The Darcys.  We think “Chasing the Fall” will lift you up and get you ready for the remainder of the holiday season.

Next up is the latest from The Vegabonds, who are set to release their fifth album through Blue Élan Records next month.  We love this animated lyric video and especially love the song.  Check out “Everything I Need.”

Our third video comes from Australian band Arm in Arm.  It is very creative and strange, and perfectly fits the words of their song, “Nightfly.”

Video number four is another lyric video, this time to the amazingly upbeat song “Release” from Parish f/t (ft Daphne Willis).  This one will get you up and dancing in no time flat.

We close out this week with the stunning 360 video of the latest from Sci-Fi Romance.  Here is their song “Dreamers & Runaways.”  This is the future of videos, and gives a wonderful overview of the City of Angels.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Band of Silver, Sci-Fi Romance, Lana Blac, Linda Marie Fischer, WHOLE

Happy hump day!  Chugging through these final 25 submissions for this award cycle, and anxious to announce the nominations.  Don’t miss the announcement on December 7.  In the meantime, here are five more artists to check out.

Artist NameBand of Silver

Album NameIn Space!

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Streetlight; 2.  World Domination; 3.  I Follow You; 4.  Welcome to Hollywood; 5.  El Magnifico; 6.  Money; 7.  Space

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  We introduced you to this band a couple of weeks ago when we featured the music video for their first single, “World Domination.”  There’s just something special about siblings and music, and Band of Silver has it in droves.  They are on a mission to save rock and roll, and we think they will be successful.  Taking a page out of the 80s pop/rock soundtrack, they deliver powerful upbeat songs that not only entertain but also educate with timely lyrical content and amazing music.  Lead singer Avery has a powerful voice that meshes perfectly with the amazing sound of her siblings’ musical accompaniment.  This one is a winner.

Recommendation:  Rush out and Get this one – it belongs on repeat!

Artist NameSci-Fi Romance

Album NameDreamers & Runaways

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt-Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Dreamers & Runaways; 2.  Long Ways Left; 3.  A Beautiful Prison; 4.  The War in Me; 5.  Voices; 6.  The Fight; 7.  Gone Wrong; 8.  Wooden Jesus; 9.  Sunrise; 10.  A Hymn for the  Invisible

Publicist:  For the Win Media

Review:  Critics have compared Sci-Fi Romance to bands like The Decemberists, but we think they stand alone in their uniqueness.  Mixing elements of folk, Americana, punk and metal, they have forged a new blend of alt-folk affectionately known as Steamfolk.  Composed of Vance Kotrla on guitar and vocals, Mr. Mike on drums and Jody Stark on cello, they give us intellectual music with a memorable musical soundtrack.  These songs need multiple listens to capture all the nuances of the lyrics and the intricacies of musical brilliance, but it will be time well spent.  The lyrics were heavily influenced by the 2016 election cycle, and are powerful reminders that we don’t have to sit idly by and watch the destruction of what’s important to us.

Recommendation:  If you like amazing music and intelligent lyrics, this is the album for you – go Get it.

Artist NameLana Blac

Album NameNocturnal

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Dark Rock/Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Suck you In; 2.  Pick Your Poison; 3.  Recipe for Disaster; 4.  The Game; 5.  In the Darkness; 6.  Blac Ice; 7.  Soul Stalker; 8.  Crave

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Lana Blac is a self-confessed vampire who has been inspired by the likes of In This Moment, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and Evanescence.  While musically she is on par with her influences, she doesn’t quite have the powerful voice of either Maria Brink or Amy Lee, although she definitely has the gothic look down.  She has created some amazingly dark music, and if she converts that into an incredible live show, then she definitely has a chance in this genre.  We think her debut album is a worthy effort, but we would like to see what comes next before jumping on this train.

Recommendation:  Worthy of checking out.

Artist NameLinda Marie Fischer

Album NameArc of Love

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Adult Contemporary Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Blasted, Bombed, Being in Love; 2.  Racing to the Moon; 3.  Love in the Ages; 4.  Map of Ice; 5.  Blue in the Heart; 6.  Trails in my Life; 7.  Locking us Forever; 8.  Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick!; 9.  Little Words; 10.  Thinness of the Air; 11.  Holiday Wishes; 12.  Arc of Love (teaser track/video)

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:  Bursting on the scene in her later years, much like Bonnie Raitt, this debut album from Linda Marie Fischer blends elements of jazz, blues, R&B and pop into an easy listening, adult contemporary format that is both relaxing and comforting.  These songs reflect on the universal truth of love and all its phases, and the gentle musical accompaniment helps the words sink in.  Fischer has picked the proper format for his well-crafted songs, which should lead her to a successful career.  We think this is a great start, and look forward to what comes next.

Recommendation:  Truly worthy of your attention, especially if you like the music of Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Vanessa Carlton or Barbra Streisand.

Artist NameWHOLE

Album Name Bias

Label:  Blackjack Illuminist Records

Genre:  Indie/Post-punk

Track Listing:  1.  Lust/Terror; 2.  Get Away; 3.  Tides Made by our Hands; 4.  What Scares You; 5.  Bombs Will Drop; 6.  Evenwicht; 7.  Tongue to Machine; 8.  Berghain; 9.  Amsterdam

Publicist:  Blackjack Illuminist Records

Review:  German band WHOLE brings a new take to post-punk with their electrifying performance on Bias.  They combine elements of multiple genres, fastened together with Bono-esque vocals, dreamy guitar riffs, synthwave electronics and a driving beat that will keep you interested and invested in their sound.  They have an 80s retro/ new wave sound obviously inspired by the likes of Depeche Mode and The Cure, demonstrated to perfection on “Tides Made by Our Hands.”

Recommendation:  This one is binge-worthy.  Get it and enjoy.