Tag: Teddy and The Love Gang

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indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 12

Welcome to our final Monday Mashup of the month.  As we leave behind the winter and enter into spring, we are being bombarded with review requests by both publicists and indie artists alike, so we ask for your patience as we process these requests.  We currently have a backlog of 126 requests, and we will get through them by the end of May, the current deadline for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2019.  Here is some indie music news as well as our selections for new singles and music videos for the week.

UNSIGNED ONLY VIDEO COMPETITION

Unsigned Only Music Competition is taking entries for its “Video Only” special promotion, running March 20-29.  This is your opportunity to enter a music video into Unsigned Only for the first time this year!  Original music and cover songs are eligible.  Two winners will be selected, and all entries will be entered into the overall 2019 competition.  Enter your music video today at https://bit.ly/2U3u9SZ 

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from former Poco front-man and winner of last  year’s LA Music Critic Award’s Icon Award Rusty Young.  The song is already garnering critical acclaim and we think you should just heed his advice and “Listen to Your Heart.”

Next up is an artist we have featured on quite a few occasions, as they consistently deliver great music.  Here is the latest single, “Gonna Leave It,” from Teddy and the Love Gang.  We think you’ll dig their groove.

We introduced you to our third artist, Karina, when we published our list of Ten Great Singles released in February 2019.  They’re back with a soulful ballad called “No Puedo.”  Let your Latin roots explode.

Our fourth single comes from Julia Zahra, and we really love the sound of her vibe, her voice and her music.  We think this is the perfect song to kick off the new week, so enjoy “Do You.”

https://soundcloud.com/juliazahramusic/do-you

Our final single this week is from SJae and features Sam Sparro.  We love the retro R&B feel of this track and think you will too.  Check out “The Avenue” and get down to this sick beat.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this week comes from one of the premiere Americana voices of 2019, Rebelle Roadshow artist Alice Wallace.  We simply love this stunning video of the title track of her latest release, “The Blue.”   Soar on the voice of beauty.

Next up is another amazing country voice, this time from newcomer Paige Peel.  Here is the lyric video for her song, “The Crown,” and we officially crown her the next queen.

Our third video is from one of our all-time favorite female artists, Kris Angelis, who has won multiple LA Music Critic Awards.  We love the beauty of the cinematography on her new video for “Reappear.”  Get lost in this one.

Corinne Cook provides a light-hearted look at break-ups with the humorous video for her song, “One Box of Tissues.”  We think she offers sound advice.

Our final video is a retro-laden song that will give you the chills, and comes to us from Canadian band Maybelleen.  Check out their tribute to “Emily.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – Teddy and the Love Gang, Lost Worlds, IAMDDB, Wes Allen, Pavan

Welcome to August!  Hope you are enjoying your summer and are ready for some more great indie artists.  Here are another five for your consideration.

Artist Name:  Teddy and the Love Gang

Album Name:  Kid Forest:  Sanctuary

Label:  Nordic Records/PaintedBlack

Genre:  Indie Rock/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Island Universe; 2.  Into the Heart; 3.  Where did I Go; 4.  These Woods

Publicist:  Nordic Records

Review:  Teddy and the Love Gang have reached the end of the journey of Kid Forest.  We reviewed the first segment (Twisted Homes) back in March, and reviewed the second one (City Dreams) in May.  The concluding chapter (Sanctuary) is a powerful climax to this amazingly fun 3-EP concept album.  Now that we know they can truly tell a story, we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.  The music is powerful, as is the story, and will have you hooked in no time flat.  We highly recommend you listen to them in order to get the full effect.

Recommendation:  If you got the previous two EPs, then you need this one to complete your set.  If this is  your first exposure to the band, we guarantee you will be hooked and need to go back to the beginning – Get them all!

Artist Name:  Lost Worlds

Album Name:  Fire Fire

Label:  Marshmallow Pavement Records

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  What you Say; 2.  I Wonder What; 3.  It Goes On; 4.  You’ll Never Know; 5.  Budgie Talk; 6.  Static Insomnia; 7.  It’s go Time; 8.  I Want Nothing; 9.  S.I.S.; 10.  Cabin Fever; 11.  I’m not One

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  Sometimes it is nice to just hear straight-ahead, energetic indie rock, and that is what you get with Lost Worlds.  From the first note of “What You Say,” it becomes quickly obvious that this is a band that knows how to rock your world, and does it without missing a beat.  The first track sets the tone for the entire album, and the hits just keep coming.  This album will fuel your weekend party and get you revved up and ready for whatever the world will throw at you.  Listen to it from start to finish, and just enjoy the ride.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one, if you love rock and love music that gets your heart pumping.

Artist Name:  IAMDDB

Album Name:  Flight Mode Vol. 4

Label:  Union IV Recordings

Genre:  Urban Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Azul,; 2.  Watrfall; 3.  Thots; 4.  Drippy; 5.  Loose Change; 6.  Kurr£ency; 7.  Moonlight; 8.  XOX

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  IAMDDB’s unique “Urban Jazz” sound is a mixture of hip-hop and jazz with elements of trap and soul.  It is different from anything that calls itself hip-hop here in the States, and is further proof that some of the hippest and hottest tracks are dropping from the UK.  We would love to see a story line developed on a show like “Empire” that incorporates her music.  We think it would be a huge ratings giant, and launch this artist, who is already so hot in the UK, into the stratosphere.  We can’t wait to hear what she comes up with next.

Recommendation:  This one will appeal to both lovers of hip-hop and jazz, so get out there and grab your copy.

Artist Name:  Wes Allen

Album Name:  Funny Thing

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Ask me Now; 2.  1 Kiss; 3.  Funny Thing

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Wes Allen has a voice that has potential, but he needs some coaching.  His voice is at times out of tune, while at the same time, having some amazing qualities that remind us of artists like Jim Croce and the Plain White T’s.  He does know how to craft great songs.  We definitely think this artist has a future – he just needs the right producer to find his voice and propel him towards a successful musical career.

Recommendation:  Although he’s not quite there yet, we think he will get there soon.  Don’t miss the chance to be on the ground floor, so support his music now.

Artist Name:  Pavan

Album Name:  Greenhouse Gases

Label:  Dream Diary Records

Genre:  Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  My Optical Best; 2.  The Replay; 3.  Carthorse; 4.  Carthorse (Inzec & Flight Mode Remix)

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  Pavan is composed of London-based duo Joe Robbins and Will Lowes, who spend part of their time working as gardeners and florists.  Their music is a mix of electronic sound created without laptops by Lowes while Robbins provides the vocals.  The songs are uniquely upbeat, while also presenting a message about taking care of the natural world in which we live.  This EP shows bright promise of what the future holds for this interesting duo, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Recommendation:  Another groundbreaking duo is making waves on the indie scene and we think you need to check them out and help them continue their journey.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – RFA, RADATTACK, Teddy and the Love Gang, Fifth Dawn, Century Thief

And so it begins.  Today is the first day of the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial beginning of summer.  But this weekend is also a time to reflect upon the sacrifices made by members of our military, and the freedoms they have secured for us with their very lives.  Make sure you take the time to thank a veteran, and remember those who paid the ultimate price.  And since you’ll be needing some music, here are five more artists to check out.

Artist Name:  RFA

Album Name:  RFA

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Lazy; 2.  Just Don’t Turn the Lights On; 3.  Farewell; 4.  Goodbye Stranger; 5.  Down Your Street; 6.  Simple Pleasures; 7.  Don’t Want to Think About It; 8.  All Dressed in Blue; 9.  Porch Song; 10.  Suzie Lee; 11.  Walking my way Back to Y ou

Publicist:  Caylie Landerville

Review:  RFA, an indie rock quartet from Philadelphia, hits the ground running with their debut full-length album.  They have become quite a home-town favorite with numerous sold-out shows and two previous EPs under their belt, and the hype is real.  RFA delivers some powerful, energetic indie rock, with infectious guitar licks, great vocals and well-crafted songs that are instantly memorable.  Put this one on and listen from start to finish – it’s all good.

Recommendation:  Grab this one now.  These guys are gonna be famous.

Artist Name:  RADATTACK

Album Name:  Montana Psychedelic versus Radattack

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Montana Psychedelic; 2.  What’s my Reputation; 3.  Fight of the Year

Publicist:  Spring Management

Review:  Columbus, Ohio is the home of teen rockers RADATTACK, who have dubbed their style of music as “rock and roll muscle pop.”  Considering this band has only been together for about eight months, they have a cohesive chemistry that rivals that of bands that have a much longer history.  All three tracks are hip, cool and fun, and we can only expect a lot more from these guys as they mature and learn more about making music.  We strongly advise college and indie radio stations to check them out and put their music into heavy rotation.

Recommendation:  Definitely give these guys a chance and Get their EP.

Artist Name:  Teddy and the Love Gang

Album Name:  Kid Forest:  City Dreams

Label:  Nordic Records/Painted Black

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Who am I; 2.  Bring it Baby; 3.  He Waits; 4.  Dreaming of Tomorrow

Publicist:  Nordic Records

Review:  Teddy and the Love Gang are back with part 2 of their three part EP trilogy that tells the story of Kid Forest.  We reviewed part 1 back in March, and needless to say, we have a vested interest in the rest of the series.  We only wish we could have witnessed  their EP release party where they played from a hot air balloon.  Needless to say, this EP segues perfectly from Twisted Homes, and quickly grabs the listener’s ears with their compelling story.  We can hardly wait for part 3!!  Despite obviously being part of a larger story, we feel that these tracks can stand on their own, and strongly encourage college and indie radio stations to check them out.

Recommendation:  Get this one and be prepared for continued greatness.

Artist Name:  Fifth Dawn

Album Name:  Duality

Label:  A&R Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Element; 2.  Defying Symmetry; 3.  Another Reason; 4.  Pressure; 5.  Instinct; 6.  It’s Cold Outside; 7.  Finding Stars; 8.  Cities are Lost; 9.  High Towers; 10.  Allure

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  Aussie alt rock band Fifth Dawn, whose single “Defying Symmetry” we shared with our list of Ten Great Singles for April, delivers on their debut album, and furthers the Aussie invasion we have been experiencing this year in indie music.  Their follow-up single, “It’s Cold Outside,” is even more powerful.  With a sound between Evanesence and Paramore, lead singer Samanth Faul ushers in a new voice in alternative rock, and demonstrates that this band is here to stay.  From the first notes of “Element,” it becomes quickly crystal clear that this band is ready to take their music and conquer the world as they have already done in Australia.  The album is chock full of hits without any blanks, and deserves to be enjoyed from start to finish.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Century Thief

Album Name:  Deaf Beneath the Waves

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  406; 2.  You are Here; 3.  Science of Solace

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Canadians Century Thief combine incredible harmonies with a spacious musical score to deliver folk rock that will appeal to the pop scene as well.  The horns on “406” are spectacular, while the blending of their voices and the firm drum foundation make this one a great starting point for those just discovering this band.  “You are Here” is dreamy, fresh, and chill-worthy, while “Science of Solace” is more upbeat, and would make a great addition to your work-out tape.

Recommendation:  Give these guys a listen.  When you need to chill, this one will do nicely.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Roberta Donnay and the Prohibition Mob Band, Melanie Edwards, Teddy and The Love Gang, Tim Woods

Just when we thought we were caught up, we get additional review requests over the weekend.  Consequently, we have five reviews for you today that have already been released.  Tomorrow we will bring you the Top 10 Singles Releases we have received recently.  Thursday and Friday we will have 10 reviews for albums being released on March 16.  Here we go!

Artist Name:  Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps

Album Name:  Here in Babylon

Label:  Jesi-Lu Records

Genre:  Blues/Soul/Roots

Track Listing:  1.  I Know I Ain’t Been so Perfect; 2.  Here in Babylon; 3.  Give me a Holler; 4.  Head up, Heart Open; 5.  I Keep Drifting Away; 6.  Ground Zero; 7.  Hold On; 8.  You had to Bring That Up; 9.  The day the Blues Came to Call; 10.  I Gotta Roll; 11.  21st Century Man; 12.  Find me a Bar

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  The first thing you notice about this album is the sweet and smooth voice of Teresa James, which rises above the instrumental background.  The band James has assembled are some of the best in their field, and time and time again they provide her with the perfect accompaniment for her voice and the well-crafted songs.  Right off the bat, the amazing B3 of Mike Finnegan meshes nicely with the Wurlitzer of James.  Add to that the funky drumbeat of Jay Bellerose, the magnificent bass of Terry Wilson and the perfectly harmonious guitar of Billy Watts and the musical package is complete.  On top of that all-star lineup, a horn section composed of Joe Sublett and Darrell Leonard join in on the NOLA-inspired track “Give me a Holler.”  James also pays her respects to the incredible Greg Allman on the track “The Day the Blues Came to Call.”  In fact, this entire album rocks, but our favorite tracks were “I Know I Ain’t Been so Perfect,” the title track, “Give me a Holler,” “I Keep Drifting Away, “Ground Zero,” “Hold On,” “I Got to Roll,” and “21st Century Man.”

Recommendation:  Get this one like there’s no tomorrow.  It will appeal to just about everyone.

Artist Name:  Roberta Donnay & the Prohibition Mob Band

Album Name:  My Heart Belongs to Satchmo

Label:  Blujazz

Genre:  Jazz/Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Sugar (That Sugar Baby o’ Mine); 2.  My Bucket’s Gotta Hole in It; 3.  I’m in the Market for You; 4.  Ol’ Man Mose; 5.  That’s my Home; 6.  Basin Street Blues; 7.  Up a Lazy River; 8.  I’m a Ding Dong Daddy (from Dumas); 9.  Do you Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans; 10.  On the Sunny Side of the Street; 11.  The Music Goes Round and Round; 12.  Sweet Georgia Brown; 13.  I’m Shootin’ High; 14.  A Kiss to Build a Dream On; 15.  Pennies From Heaven

Publicist:  Blujazz Label and Promotion

Review:  Roberta Donnay has made it her mission to bring back the musical stylings of the Jazz Age in America.  She has compiled an impressive list of standards, and put her own twist on them, including a mixture of jazz, blues, swing and soul influences into these brilliant covers.  Donnay’s voice is pure sugar and honey, and captures the emotion of these time-honored jazz standards.  These tracks would make the perfect soundtrack for a number of television shows, including The Originals, NCIS: New Orleans, and more, as well as film and commercials.  Among the best tracks are some of our favorites, including “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Pennies From Heaven.,” as well as “I’m in the Market,”   “That’s my Home,” “Basin Street Blues,” “I’m a Ding Dong Daddy (from Dumas),” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “The Music Goes Round and Round,” and “A Kiss to Build a Dream On.”

Recommendation:  Don’t hesitate – complete your collection with this amazing album.  Get it Now!

Artist Name:  Melanie Edwards

Album Name:  Just Don’t Stop

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter/Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Just Don’t Stop; 2.  Last Days; 3.  Blue Velvet Tears; 4.  Venus Too; 5. Alone; 6.  Blame; 7.  Lorelei

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The beautiful sound of a solo piano lifts up the music, topped off with the cherry that is the sweet, airy and uplifting voice of Melanie Edwards.  These songs are so well written that they should be considered as instant classics, and would provide music supervisors the perfect balance for their film, television and commercial project.  The title track could be the theme song for almost any athletic championship, with its encouraging words.  The organic flow between piano and organ on “Venus Too” is simply heavenly, as are the strings and synth on “Alone.”  The album closes with the masterful “Lorelei,” which could have been written by one of the Renaissance composers like Mozart or Handel.  It’s airiness and majesty are exquisite, and it provides the perfect ending for this masterpiece.  All we can say is that we feel better after having listened to this album than we did before we began.  We expect great things in the future from this songbird.

Recommendation:  This album will provide hours of relief from stress and will encourage you to keep up the fight.  Don’t delay, Get it Today!

Artist Name:  Teddy and The Love Gang

Album Name:  Kid Forest:  Twisted Homes

Label:  Nordic Records/PaintedBlack

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Go With the Dream; 2.  Nozomi; 3.  Daddy Flew; 4.  Mommy Sinking

Publicist:  Nordic Records

Review:  This band comes to us from Norway with an ambitious project – three EPs that combined are one cohesive concept album, featuring the character of Kid Forest and his journey.  The EP kicks off with the upbeat pop sound of “Go With the Dream,” reminiscent of the 70’s music scene before the advent of disco.  “Nozomi” continues in that vein but adds a heavy bass beat that makes you want to get up and dance.  “Daddy Flew” goes back to the late 60’s Motown sound, while the final track, “Mommy Sinking,” brings a more rocking sound to the smooth groove.  We can hardly wait for the next EP, which will be released in April.

Recommendation:  This one has a uniquely refreshing sound, and we highly recommend you Get it for your music library.

Artist Name: Tim Woods

Album Name:  Human Race

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Can you Feel It?; 2.  Every Day; 3.  Step; 4.  Take a Minute; 5.  Human Race; 6.  Black Maria; 7.  TW Funk; 8.  Image is Clear; 9.  Trixie; 10.  Have Mercy; 11.  Where did she Go?; 12.  Leave the Earth Alone

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review: Tim Woods of the Woods Family Band is a rocking blues artist with that perfect gravelly voice and guitar licks that don’t quit.  He would be at home with artists like Ricky Van Shelton, The Allman Brothers Band, The Doors and the Grateful Dead.  This album is a kick from the first song, “Can you Feel It?” and the resounding answer is “Yes!”  You can feel it from the hair on your head down to the tips of your toes, and the feeling is great.  This is a classic rock album that needs to be at home with every true lover of music.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and run to Get this one!