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.”