Tag: Southern Halo

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 16)

We hope you enjoyed our review of The Imaginaries‘ live concert and are ready for some more great new singles and videos.  Here are this week’s selections.

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest from one of our absolute favorite indie musicians, Nina Storey.  She’s been busy during the pandemic and recently released her third single.  Once again, her heavenly voice and brilliant songwriting have delivered an instant masterpiece.  Check out “The Bones.”

Continuing the theme of arising out of the ashes of this pandemic is the latest from Michael McFarland, an upbeat inspirational pop tune called “The New Contagion.”  We love the energy and the hopeful lyrics.  Let us know what you think.

As we recently celebrated World Mental Health Day, our next song is truly relevant.  Toronto artist X. Ari presents her latest single, “Lifting Up,” from her new EP which is all about mental health issues.  Listen to the words as the energizing beat gets your spirit up.

Our fourth single comes from the smooth blues/jazz/rock sound of Goldflēce, who is planning to “Tie One On.”  This one is perfect for chilling down after a long day of work.  David Goldflies is one half of The Allman Goldflies Band, and we cannot get enough of this solo effort.

We close out our singles this week with the latest sweet treat from LA’s iconic BINX.  This time around, she tells us “I’m in Love With a Rapper,” and is joined by Mata Atoms.  We are in love with her and her amazing body of work.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up this week is the latest from the reigning queen of the LGBTQ musical movement in Los Angeles, the incomparable Abby Posner.  Check out the debut of Frupert, the amazing bass-playing character in Posner’s video “Where I Wanna Be.”

This next video was released a couple of months ago, but we felt it was perfect for today.  We love the sweet harmonies of sister act Southern Halo, and we stand by the sentiments expressed in this lyric video for their masterpiece, “Don’t Let Another Day Go By.”

Our third video is a rocking lyric video from LA’s infamous rocksters Rocket.  They’re “Losing Breath” over the state of our nation, and encourage you to vote.

Next up is an Americana tune that is sure to propel LA’s sweet Kris Angelis into the national limelight.  It is a timely song called “Ghost (I’m Alive and Breathing),” and makes us giddy with the possibilities.  Angelis has paid her dues and her music is ripe for worldwide acceptance.  We truly dig this tune.

We close out this week with a sweet song about that annual event in the life of each person, their “Birthday.”  We can never get enough of the music of Kensington Moore, and we can relate to the sentiments of this song.  Until the next one, “raise a glass.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 34

We’re now in the second half of November and headed towards Thanksgiving.  We’ve got some great new singles and videos for you today, and hope that they make you thankful for indie music.  Enjoy these treats.

NEW SINGLES

We kick things off this week with the latest from another of our favorite LA indie artists, Kris Angelis, a multiple winner of the LA Music Critic Award.  This time around she confesses “I Hope I Never Fall in Love Again,” although her fans have truly fallen for her.  Listen to the words of this song, and let her know how much you care for her craft.

Next up is Brooklyn pop star Laney Lynx, who confronts her friend’s “Bad Attitude.”  Although the sound is upbeat, make sure you pay attention to the lyrics.  This one is powerful.

Our next single comes from indie alternative pop duo Kar.  They share the frustrations of being “On Our Own.”  We’re sure everybody can relate.

 

Single number four is a beautiful song from UK pop songstress Tropico Don, who describes the process of seeking help from your friends as being her “Orion’s Belt.”  We love it and can’t wait to hear more.

Our final single this week is from another fabulous Blue Élan Records artist, Amy Wilcox.  Hear her country spin on the seminal Christmas carol, “Silent Night.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

The boy band vibe is strong in the latest video from Little Hurt.  They remind us that “It’s OK not to be OK.”  We strongly recommend this video for the shear fun of it, but also encourage you to listen to the lyrics, and take them to heart.  They have dedicated this video to support the work of Hope for the Day, a group that is helping to prevent suicides.

Next is the incredibly creative video from The Envips about the power of pop culture to change our image of success.  Check out “Last Star,” and relive the life and struggles of Marilyn Monroe.

Our third video is pure dance pop joy from the creative mind of LX.  She talks about people who keep putting the “Blame on Me.”  We guarantee this one will get you pumped up.

Next up is the soulful R&B goodness of Jacob Seeger, who wants to know if you’re “Down.”  This song is a cinematic masterpiece, and we love the sweet sentiments reflected in his lyrics.

We close out this edition of Monday Mashup with the latest lyric video from LA Music Critic Award-winning country trio, Southern Halo.  This one is called “Missing Mississippi,” and it is wonderfully done as a series of Polaroids.  Never give up following your dreams.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 15

Happy tax day!  Two weeks from today we’ll be in Los Angeles to begin rehearsals for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey).  We open on June 7 at studio/stage in Hollywood, and will be doing five performances during the month of June.  If you believe in the arts, and want to help us put on this show, please visit our fundraiser page at GoFundMe and donate.  Thanks.

We are also making our final preparations for the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 18 at The Mint LA.  Tickets are on sale now at the venue website, as well as through PayPal.  If you want to purchase tickets through PayPal, use lamusiccritic@yahoo.com as the payee and indicate how many tickets you want.  The cost is just $10 per ticket.  Please help us showcase these amazing indie artists and raise funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from LA Music Critic Award winning country trio Southern Halo, who has been featured on numerous occasions in this blog.  We simply love their new single, which truly sets the stage for summer.  Give it up for these three young ladies, who are bringing us the “Sunshine.”

Next up is a band from Stockholm that will put you in a party mood, even though the words are nothing to laugh about.  The sound is so infectious and upbeat that you will enjoy it, even though it’s about sadness.  Check out “Cryin’ (such a disgrace)” from Delsbo Beach Club.

Our third single is the title track to the new album by Field Guide.  It’s called “Full Time,” and we think it demonstrates that this artist is ready for prime time.  We love the accompaniment and the honesty and integrity of the lyrics.  Enjoy it.

https://soundcloud.com/user-574887665/full-time-master

Next up is the sweet simple acoustic stylings of Hong Kong born singer-songwriter Allman Brown.  This artist has a perfect radio-friendly sound and we think he is on his way to the top of the charts.  Check out his single, “Lonely Hearts, Los Angeles,” and you’ll see what we mean.

Our final single this week is from the ever-impressive Jess Ribeiro, who consistently delivers quality music.  This is from her recently released album LOVE HATE, and describes her love/hate relationship with “Dylan.”  We’re sure you can relate.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from Broadway legend Eden Espinosa (Wicked), and is an incredible video for her single “Bed for 2.”  Her voice is electric and her songwriting is some of the best we have heard this year.  Enjoy this one – we think she’ll be riding the top of the charts in no time.

We think our next video, “Ring Ring” will definitely get you up and ready for the dance floor.  We love the sound of Nikki Paige, and were impressed that she has been a paid songwriter since the age of 11!  Let us know what you think about her.

Our next video is a well-shot film for the latest from Taveeta, “Chasing Feelings.”  She has an amazing voice and and hip-hop/R&B sense of style to her sound.

Our next video is the perfect segue and features R&B artist Àkin.  Check out the smooth sound of “Green Light,” with just the right amount of reggae goodness to take it over the top.

We close out this week with a beautiful remake of the classic Minnie Ripperton song “Loving You.”  We think T’Melle has the perfect voice for the song, and captures it perfectly.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2018 Women in Entertainment

Forty best albums of 2018

What a year for indie music.  We received a boatload of review requests from around the world, and published reviews of nearly 1,000 CDs and EPs.  We culled through those we reviewed first to pick our nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards, and now to compile our list of the 40 Best CDs of 2018.

Due to the sheer volume, we only considered full-length projects for this list, but that doesn’t mean that quite a few of the EPs we reviewed weren’t also worthy of distinction.  We may yet put together another list of just EPs.

In the meantime, while we wait for the winners of the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards to be announced tomorrow, here are our favorite CDs of 2018.  You can find their individual reviews by searching for them on our blog.

40.  Kate Reid – The Heart Already Knows

39.  Deb Ryder – Enjoy the Ride

38.  Jeffrey Foucault – War on the Radio

37.  Katie Herzig – Moment of Bliss

36.  Eric Tingstad – Electric Spirit

35.  Fanny Walked the Earth – self-titled

34.  Wily Bo Walker – Almost Transparent Blues

33.  Buddy Guy – The Blues is Alive and Well

32.  Walt Weiskopf – European Quartet

31.  Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers – All I Got for Christmas is the Blues

30.  YYNOT – self-titled

29.  Peter V Blues Band – Shaken but not Deterred

28.  Delta Moon – Babylon is Falling

27.  The Textones – Old Stone Gang

26.  Ronny Morris – Sweet Silence

25.  Sydney Wright – Seiche

24.  Gleeson – The Years Have It

23.  Colin Devlin – High Point

22.  Everlast – Don’t Complain

21.  Zsuzsika – Start Again

20.  Michael Peterson – From Here to Eternity

19.  K. Michelle Dubois – Autumn

18.    Broken Bellows – I, Kaleidoscope

17.  Rachel Sage – Myopia

16.  Janiva Magness – Love is an Army

15.  John Flanagan Trio – Honest Man

14.  Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm – Shoot me Down

13.  Floods – Bad Times

12.  Frank Hannon (From One Place . . . to Another, vols 1 and 2)

11.  Keith Harkin – In the Round

10.  Southern Halo – Just Like in the Movies

9.  Cindy Alexander – Nowhere to Hide

8.  Kari Kimmel – Gold & Glitter

7.  Hymn for Her – Pop-n-Downers

6.  Jordan Siwek – Sun Inside You

5.  Slim Gambill – Fake Jazz

4.  Gina Sicilia – Heard the Lie

3.  Birds and Arrows – Arbitrary Magic

2.  Brigitte Rios Purdy – Still I Rise

and the Best Album of 2018 goes to

Norway Reloaded – My Longest Mile

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Ten Great Singles Women in Entertainment

Ten great singles released in September 2018

Closing out the month of September on the new single front with 10 of the best singles we received which were not selected for feature in our Monday Mashup column.  Here you go!

Our first single is a dancehall mix by Risky Motion that will definitely get you grooving on the dance floor.  Check out “Get me Going.”

Our next single is a rocking number called “City Escape” by Lost Cousins.  We think this one would sound great on the radio.

https://soundcloud.com/lostcousinsband/city-escape/

Single number three comes from the southern rock/Americana band Sunshine Riot.  Give a listen to “Go for a Ride.”

https://soundcloud.com/sunshine_riot/go-for-a-ride-1

Our next video is a smooth indie tune called “Panic Stations” by Australia’s own Mousewater.  Let the vibe flow over you.

Our fifth single is from actor Erich Bergen, who plays Blake Moran, the assistant to Téa Leoni in Madam Secretary.  We really love this song, and hope you will also dig “Running Through the Night.”

We start off our second half with the latest from the phenomenal trio Southern Halo.  Check out “I Think Too Much,” and tell us this one doesn’t belong on country radio.

Any artist that walks away from a major label has our immediate respect.  Check out the latest from indie artist ISA and her song, “Shy.”

Here’s an artist that reminds us of a folk rock version of Cat Stevens.  Check out Flow Commotion and their single, “Come Back Home.”

Single number nine is from another amazing Australian artist, Mantell.  Their new single is called “Lulu,” and we love its rocking vibe.  Enjoy.

Our final single this month is the title track from the new EP coming this Friday from Zsuzsika.  Check out “Start Again.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – David Fitzpatrick, Southern Halo, Sideline, Porlolo, Kris Lager Band

Just when we thought we were caught up, we received more than 30 new requests for review for albums being released on or before April 30, a whopping 266 submissions for the first half of 2018.  With today’s five reviews, that makes a total of 226 we have written this year.  It’s quite obvious that indie music is taking over the planet.  With the exception of the new release from the Kris Lager Band, the other four are all being released today.

Artist Name:  David Fitzpatrick

Album Name:  Parachutes in Hurricanes

Label:  Daystorm Music

Genre:  Southern Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Lost on the Same Street; 2.  Long way Down; 3.  Half a Mile; 4.  How I Wish; 5.  All in Tonight; 6.  Your Ghost; 7.  Money Isn’t Everything; 8.  So Happy with You; 9.  Bed of Roses; 10.  If I Could; 11.  Done to Me

Publicist:  Daystorm Music

Review:  Our first impression of the new release from David Fitzpatrick is that he came to rock, southern style.  The sweet sound of “Lost on the Same Street” brings back memories of growing up in the south and listening to the sound of The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynrd and The Doobie Brothers.  Fitzpatrick’s gravelly voice is the perfect fit to the amazing musicianship of his band.  The organ on “Long Way Down” truly makes this cut special, while the guitar and the organ combine to make “How I Wish” equally appealing.  “All in Tonight” has a jazzy vibe that complements their southern rock style.  Other worthy cuts include “Your Ghost,” “So Happy with You,” “Bed of Roses,” and the retro sound of “If I Could.”

Recommendation:  Definitely worthy of addition to your musical library, we strongly recommend you Get this one.

Artist Name:  Southern Halo

Album Name:  Just Like in the Movies

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop Country

Track Listing:  1.  Southern Halo; 2.  My Girls & Me; 3.  Notice Me; 4.  I Think too Much; 5.  Tom Girl; 6.  Anything is Possible; 7.  Not Today; 8.  Missing Mississippi; 9.  Famous; 10.  Gettin’ Back Up; 11.  Hey Boy; 12.  Coming Home; 13.  It’s Always Been You; 14.  Just like in the Movies (revised)

Publicist:  So Much Moore Media

Review:  Familial harmonies have always been our favorite, and Southern Halo has them in spades.  Sisters Natalia (guitar), Christina (drums) and Hannah (bass) Morris have all the makings of a family legacy like the Judds, The Kinleys and SHeDAISY, and have been taking Nashville by storm since then were pre-teens.  They released their debut album in 2015, and have returned with their original production team for their sophomore album.  This one is a concept album, and every song works together to produce a record that should be listened to from start to finish, without skipping a single song.  The music is worthy of cross-over, in the style of Taylor Swift, but with the most heavenly harmonies we have reviewed this year.  Radio station managers and music supervisors need to give this band serious attention, especially “Anything is Possible.”

Recommendation:  This is what modern pop country should sound like.  This one is a must for serious music lovers.  Get it Today!

Artist Name:  Sideline

Album Name:  Front and Center

Label:  Mountain Home Music Company

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Thunder Dan; 2.  Frozen in Time; 3.  Old Time Way; 4.  Song for a Winter’s Night; 5.  Bluefield WV Mtn. Girl; 6.  I Long to See His Face; 7.  Lysander Hayes; 8.  Memories that we Shared; 9.  Something out of Nothing; 10.  All Because of Me; 11.  Satan’s Chains; 12.  Cotton Eyed Joe

Publicist:  So Much Moore Media

Review:  Sideline is a cross-between the bluegrass stylings of Rhonda Vincent & the Rage (but with a male vocal) and the country sound of Alabama and Shenandoah.  The songs are very radio friendly for classic country and Americana, and should play extremely well to fans of  those genres, in particular the amazing track, “Frozen in Time.”  This is the band’s fourth studio album, and the chemistry is evident from the first note.  The band’s bluegrass roots are truly shown on the tracks “Old Time Way,” with its amazing mandolin, banjo and acoustic guitar picking, backed up by some incredible fiddle, and “Lysander Hayes.”  Other cuts worthy of your time include “Song for a Winter’s Night,”   the gospel songs “I Long to See His Face” and “Satan’s Chains,” “Something out of Nothing,” and their instrumental cover of the traditional bluegrass tune “Cotton Eyed Joe.”

Recommendation:  If you love classic country, bluegrass or Americana, then this one belongs in your music library.  We think you need to Get it immediately.

Artist Name:  Porlolo

Album Name:  Awards

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie/Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Wasting Time; 2.  I Don’t Want to Lose; 3.  Awards

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Colorado project Porlolo, a combination of vocalist Erin Roberts and guitarist Tom Moore, plays music that mixes Americana, indie and folk rock with melancholy lyrics that grab hold of you and make you empathize with the song.  The current line-up also includes Ben Desoto on drums and Anna Morsett on bass, and is truly worthy of industry attention, especially in the fast-growing Americana genre.  All three songs are wonderful.  Our only regret is that the EP is too short and barely whets our appetite, leaving us wanting much much more.   We also advise music supervisors to check out these tracks because they would do great as placements in television and film.

Recommendation:  This band is amazing and this short 3-song EP is the perfect appetizer for the awesomeness we are sure is yet to come.  Grab it now.

Artist Name:  Kris Lager Band

Album Name:  Love Songs and Life Lines

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Soulful Rock and Boogie

Track Listing:  1.  Aurora Borealis; 2.  The Heart Wants What the Heart Wants; 3.  Sweet Magnolia; 4.  I Wanna Hold you in my Arms; 5.  San Francisco Bound; 6.  You Know I Love  You; 7.  Pickin’ up the Pieces; 8.  You and I; 9.  Where the Green Grass Grows Tall; 10.  Guiding Light; 11.  I’m Still Here and I Ain’t Lettin’ Go; 12.  I’ll be Thinking of You; 13.  That’s What Love Is; 14.  Journey’s Sonata

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  The album kicks off with the spirited instrumental “Aurora Borealis” before giving us the first glimpse of the unique vocals of Kris Lager on “The Heart Wants What the Heart Wants.”  His style is a mix between Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, and is perfectly suited for this “feel good” musical vibe.  Check out the stirring “Sweet Magnolia,” the soulful and inspirational “I Wanna Hold  you in my Arms,” the upbeat boogie tracks,”San Francisco Bound” and “You and I,” the down home Americana sound of “Where the Green Grass Grows Tall,” the bluesy sound of “Guiding Light and “That’s What Love is,” and the closing instrumental “Journey’s Sonata.”

Recommendation:  Don’t miss this one.  Get it before it’s gone.