Tag: The Holy Knives

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 40

Happy Monday – tomorrow is Election Day, so please VOTE!  It was a busy weekend, and this month will be even more so as we conclude the reviews for consideration in the Second Half of 2018 LA Music Critic Awards.  The nominations will be announced on December 7, so get ready to vote for your favorite indie performer.  In the meantime, here are this week’s picks for new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

We kick things off this week with a remake of The Guess Who‘s song, “These Eyes.”  Lisa Lambe has recently signed with Blue Élan Records and her first album with them will be released in Spring 2019.  Lambe should be no stranger to you as she was a member of the amazing group Celtic Woman, so sit back and enjoy her interpretation of this classic song.

Our second single is from Sarra, who we introduced to you back in August.  We have huge expectations for this artist, and truly expect her to be on the top of the charts in no time at all.  Here’s her latest single, “Your Name.”

Next up is an LA artist who is also an amazing skater and KJ.  Check out “Crying Wolf” from CH3LS.  We think she’ll make a believer out of you.

Our fourth single is from very successful indie artist Joshua Radin.  Check out his new tune, “Three Little Birds,” his cover of the Bob Marley classic.   This one should get you chill for the new week.

Our final single for this week is another cover, this time “Creep” by the Stone Temple Pilots, as interpreted by LA artist James Bowers.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from Airpark and is the first single from their forthcoming album.  Check out “Devotion.”

Our next video is about a hot topic that is truly relevant as we head into Election Day – school shootings.  Check out “Let’s Rise,” a song co-written by Glenn Dinofer, Josh Bonilla, Jasmina Daniello, Ben Joseph Vernon and Roman Britton, and beautifully directed by Michelle Esrick.  This one should move you to action. #Enough

Next up is Pleasure Craft, whose “Back in the Game” addresses our overwhelming need to be identified by our clothes.  Let the words of this song sink in.

Our fourth video is from The Holy Knives, who we reviewed last week.  Check out the first video from their new album, “Memory Book.”

Our final video for the week is about another social issue – judging others.  Check out this powerful video from Hugh James, “My Brother’s Shoes.” featuring 3G.  Alan Marino does a stellar job on the video.  Let’s all make a difference.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Heartspank, Buildings and Food, Coyote Choir, Danny Golden, The Holy Knives

Happy New Music Friday – we made it to another weekend.  Hard to believe that on this date in 1976, I was raising my right hand to join the Navy.  What a trip these past 40+ years have been.  Let’s celebrate with these five new albums being released today.

Artist Name:  Heartspank

Album Name:  Heartspank II

Label:  DoubleMayJah Records

Genre:  Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  Opus (Clair de lune); 2.  Fox; 3.  Whatchado; 4.  Pong; 5.  Keep Runnin’; 6.  Need/Want

Publicist:  DoubleMayJah Records

Review:  Heartspank is composed of producers Ana-Tole and Jonah Christian, who also work with Logic and Lil Wayne when not creating their own sound.  On their sophomore EP, they bring songs that would fit well into a house DJ mix, as well as provide samples that could be placed in everything from commercials to television and film.  These are not the type of songs  you will hear on the radio, but definitely on the dance floor.  It is hard to describe their music, but suffice it to say that it is unique.

Recommendation:  Check it out.

Artist Name:  Buildings and Food

Album Name:  Quick Beat Save

Label:  Number F Records

Genre:  Electronic/Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Slow to Reverse; 2.  Quick Beat; 3.  Motherwell on the Stairs; 4.  1979:  Pennies and Pluto; 5.  Food Court; 6.  Rewind the Dog; 7.  On the Lino; 8.  Air Weight End

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion PR

Review:  Buildings and Food is the first solo project from Canadian artist Jen K. Wilson after a 10 year absence from making music.  All we can say is welcome back.  Wilson brings new life to the chaotic electronic music scene by inserting elements of the singer-songwriter vibe, coupled with well-crafted lyrics that take her music to a new level, as demonstrated on the first single, “Slow to Reverse,” as well as “1979:  Pennies and Pluto.”  Her instrumental work, especially on “Quick Beat” and “Motherwell on the Stairs,” is first-rate, and worthy of consideration for placement opportunities in television, film and commercials.  For a total change of pace, check out “Rewind the Dog.”

Recommendation:  You should definitely take this one for a spin.

Artist Name:  Coyote Choir

Album Name:  Volume 1

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Awakenings; 2.  Kingdom of Love; 3.  Rainbows; 4.  Keep the Fire Alive; 5.  Sing!; 6.  I’ll be Waiting Here; 7.  Where Joy is Found; 8.  Keep Moving On; 9.  Always There

Publicist:  Far Digital PR

Review:  In a world so full of negativity, it is so refreshing to hear a band that brings hope, joy and positivity to their music.  Every song on this amazing album is upbeat and uplifting, and could easily fit into the CCM or AAA format.  After listening to them, it is impossible to not have hope that everything will work out for the best.  Their message is clear:  Don’t let the weight of the world steal your joy.  Take it back as you re-discover the simple joys that life brings.  These sentiments are best demonstrated on “Sing!”We strongly encourage the entire industry to take notice of this band, especially music supervisors looking for positive songs for their projects.

Recommendation:  Run out and get this one like your life depends on it (it does!)

Artist Name:  Danny Golden

Album Name:  Old Love

Label:  Drunk Luck Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Old Love; 2.  Float Me; 3.  Texas; 4.  Delilah; 5.  Honeymoon; 6.  Old Mate; 7.  Window; 8.  Forever; 9.  Hangover; 10.  Livin’ Without Your Love

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  From the first notes of the title track and first single, “Old Love,” it becomes quickly obvious that this is not just another Americana artist, but a fellow traveler sharing his wisdom with the world.  This Pittsburgh native has found a new home in Austin, and his experiences translate into hopeful words for his listeners to contemplate.  This is an artist about to break out, and deserves industry attention.  His music is radio friendly, and his songs belong in heavy rotation.  You can’t go wrong with this one.  Kudos for an amazing effort – both the lead and backing vocals are incredible!

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it – just run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  The Holy Knives

Album Name:  Year of the Black Dog

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  I Guess it’s Enough; 2.  Stray Dog; 3.  Memory Book; 4.  Switchblade Heart; 5.  Hostage; 6.  Loose Tooth; 7.  Cold Ground; 8.  Don’t Tear me Out; 9.  Lucky Day; 10.  The Right Kind of Eyes

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We reviewed their debut EP last May, and are more than happy to review their debut full length album.  We have also featured three of their singles/videos, and are even more sure that this band deserves national attention.  They have a true classic rock style reminiscent of legends like David Bowie and Depeche Mode, and are quickly making a name for themselves.  These songs are truly radio friendly, and deserve their place on our airwaves.  This one is definitely going on repeat.

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and Get this one today!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Ten Amazing Videos Women in Entertainment

Ten amazing videos released in September 2018

We have received so many video submissions this month, and we just couldn’t fit them all into our Monday Mashup column.  Here are the best of them we have selected from more than 100 submissions.

First up is the latest from The Holy Knives, who tell us “I Guess It’s Enough.”

The cinematography in our second video is almost as incredible as the song itself, and we are so pleased to bring you this new video from Masumi for her song, “Run, Baby, Run.”  Let us know what you think.

Next up is the latest from Andrew W.K.  We love the sound of his song, “You’re Not Alone,” which is pure classic rock.  Enjoy this little slice of heaven.

Are you ready for winter?  Then the new video from Lauren Balthrop will truly get you in the mood.  Check out “Come Around.”

Our fifth video is a brilliant remix by SEAWAVES of the LA Music Critic Award-winning song from Jerad Finck.  Check out this timely and relevant video for “New Kids.”

We start our second set of five amazing videos with this stunner from NYC-based band Scarlet Sails.  We wouldn’t mind if our world was turned “Upside Down.”

We think this next video from Anchorsong will get you up and dancing in no top.  Check out “Testimony.”

Our next video is an incredible cover of the David Bowie tune, “Love is Lost” by one of our favorite new artists, Rachel Eckroth.  How do you think she stacks up?

Video number nine is a throwback to the great music of the 70s.  Check out The Bandicoots‘ video for “Shady Lane.”

We close out the month of September with the rocking sounds of Taco Mouth and the video for their latest single, “You Say.”  We think you will find it very relevant in light of the recent happenings in Washington, DC.

We’ll be back soon with our Ten Great Singles released in September.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018 – vol. 20

Welcome back to another week at Indie Voice Blog.  We hope you had a wonderful weekend and are ready for another edition of Monday Mashup.  Here’s the latest indie news.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL NEWS

Festival organizers announced a slate of community events will take place during the 9th Annual Hollywood Fringe Festival (June 7– 24; previews May 31–June 5).

This year’s event features approximately 380 shows and more than 2,000 performances.  We will be seeing around 50 of those shows, and will be providing daily updates and reviews.  In addition, we will be giving our 2nd annual Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence at the Awards on June 24.

In addition, the Festival has joined with TodayTix for a special deal on tickets which includes admission to the special VIP reception preceding a full night of celebration at the Opening Night Party. For $15, VIPs can fully take advantage of all the excitement that Opening Night has to offer with special perks including:

  • Entry into the VIP Party at 5PM (general admission opens at 6:30)
  • “Fast-pass” style entry (no waiting in line)
  • A drink ticket good for any drink at the bar
  • Special photo op at the HFF Step & Repeat with the HFF staff photographer at the VIP reception
  • An official HFF button that can be used for discounts festival long
  • Exclusive access to the VIP reception including special guest speakers, live performances and more!

Go here for TodayTix Opening Night VIP Party Passes, which are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.  All proceeds go directly back to the Hollywood Fringe Festival community.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from UK trio I See Rivers.  It is a harmonious explosion of incredibleness, and we think you will really love “Give Up.”

Our next single comes from Australian duo The Dreggs, whose album we recently reviewed.  Here’s their first single, “Feel Alive.”

Next up is a trio of sisters named Von Grey, with the sweet tender ballad, “Plans.”  What do you think of those luscious harmonies?

Our fourth single today comes from another talented alternative folk trio, Wildeor.  Here is the haunting song, “The Devil Makes Three.”

Our final single, “Jonah’s Whale,” comes from the amazing voice of Jon Allen, whose album we reviewed last week.  Enjoy this upbeat and funky tune, and let us know what you think about it.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is an amazing acoustic artist named Em Joy.  Here is “The Feast,” and it’s a visual treat as well.

Our next video is much more rocking, and comes from Animal Confession.  We reviewed their latest album in the same review we covered The Dreggs.  Check out “Ritual,” and have a rocking week.

Our third video is compliments of Shiragirl, who will be our very special guest at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 19 at The Mint.  Check out their latest, “Get em Hot,” and don’t miss their upcoming live performances, both at our Showcase and on the Vans Warped Tour.

Our fourth video today is from The Holy Knives, with their classic rock tune “Do You Ever Run?” from their debut album.  We expect to share many more from this amazing group.

Last but not least this week is the upbeat spitting from riVerse for their tune, “Giant.”  This one will get you dancing and give  you something to think about.

 

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Marmalakes, The Holy Knives, Johnny and the Bootlegs, Luke Winslow-King, Calembour

Happy Friday.  It’s a wet one here in Montana, and a chill is in the air to remind us that no matter what time of  year, winter is always near.  Hopefully these five reviews will stimulate your senses and get you ready for the weekend, so let’s get started.

Artist Name:  Marmalakes

Album Name:  Please Don’t Stop

Label:  Austin Town Hall Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Vittoria; 2.  Bright Robes; 3.  New Sweden; 4.  Milwaukee; 5.  Not Gonna Control You; 6.  Canvases of Lukes; 7.  Wells Tower Rosa Knees; 8.  Geneva Hall; 9.  Slow Dance; 10.  Cancer Salute

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  This debut album starts out like The Lumineers before shifting gears to a sound more akin to X Ambassadors.  The band has a great sound and makes a great addition to the indie music available for worldwide domination.  This is a great album to simply put on and listen all the way through because there are no weak tracks.  We love them all, and think you will too.  We think this band has a bright future, and urge the industry to take notice of their sound.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.  Go out and Get it.

Artist Name:  The Holy Knives

Album Name:  Ritual Bloom

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Every Day; 2.  To be Me; 3.  Do You Ever Run?; 4.  Hex on You

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Last month we debuted their music video for “Every Day.”  Little did we know that there was more great music forthcoming from this dynamic duo.  We only wish there were more than just four songs on their EP.  We love the artistic muses they use, and think this could very well be the next indie band to move into the mainstream radio scene.  Their music is perfect for placement opportunities in television, film and commercials, and could also be a big hit on the radio, especially college stations.  They bring so much artistic vision into their music, which is soothing while at the same time challenging you to do something about the current state of things.

Recommendation:  Get onboard now.  Go out and Get it today!

Artist Name:  Johnny & the Bootlegs

Album Name:  NYC Rags

Label:  JSanti Muisc

Genre:  Indie Punk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  NYC Woman; 2.  Wings; 3.  Hesitant; 4.  Thrift Shop; 5.  Hey Jenny

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:  This is another band we featured in our Monday Mashup column last month, and are very excited to review their new album as well.  The band was formed in 2016 by singer-songwriter John Santiago and bassist Eric Neuberger.  Drummer Ryan Adams joined them in mid-2017.  The band has been compared to everything from ZZ Top to Jimi Hendrix, Green Day and Sublime, and we find them somewhere in between.  Their vibe is akin to classic rock, with those strong smoky vocals and amazing guitar riffs of Santiago perfectly supported by Neuberger’s bass and Adams’ drums.  We really dig “Wings,” and recommend indie rock and college radio station managers put this one in heavy rotation.  For a more “punk” sound, check out “Thrift Shop,” while “Hey Jenny” has that retro rockabilly sound that progresses into a punk rock ending.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get  this one.

Artist Name:  Luke Winslow-King

Album Name:  Blue Mesa

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Blues Rock

Track Listing:  1.  You Got Mine; 2.  Leghorn Women; 3.  Blue Mesa; 4.  Born to Roam; 5.  Better for Knowing You; 6.  Thought I Heard You; 7.  Break Down the Walls; 8.  Chicken Dinner; 9.  After the Rain; 10.  Farewell Blues

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Luke Winslow-King has such a smooth voice that perfectly fits with his amazingly sublime blues guitar licks to form the perfect summer musical background for everything from parties to just chilling on a warm night.  His guitar on “You Got Mine” draws comparison to the great BB King, while his voice has that southern rock feel that should catapult him into the national spotlight.  He shows his softer side on the title track before roaring back with the future hit song “Born to Roam.”  Other songs we love include the soft and sweet “Better for Knowing You,” the rocking guitar riffs on “Thought I Heard You,” the soothing guitars and vocals and overall gospel feel of “Break Down the Walls” and “After the Rain,” the groovy funk and horns of “Chicken Dinner,” and the Americana feel of “Farewell Blues.”

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  You simply MUST Get it and put it on repeat.

Artist Name:  Calembour

Album Name:  Let the Wind Lead us Home

Label:  Standby Records

Genre:  Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Let the Wind Lead us Home; 2.  I Call Your Name; 3.  Away From You; 4.  Yours & Mine

Publicist:  Standby Records

Review:  All the way from the UK comes another band with a sound eerily similar to The Lumineers.  The title cut immediately grabs your attention and lets the listener know that this band is anxious to crash into the US radio market, and has the goods to deliver.  The lead vocals are deep and smooth, and fit perfectly with the acoustic guitar to create an eerie folk rock groove that deserves to be noticed.  We can’t wait to hear more from this amazing British import.

Recommendation:  This album is the perfect complement to your musical library.  We highly recommend you Get it.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 14

Happy 2nd Monday in April – we’re steadily moving through the first half of 2018, and the great music just keeps on coming.  Here are five new singles and music videos to get your week off to a great start.

NEW SINGLES

First up today is a band with the courage to call themselves Feel Alright.  Their latest single has the same name as my favorite cologne – “Cool Water.”  We think it sets the perfect vibe for the week.

Michael Paradise continues in that same vibe with his latest single, “Meant 2 Be.”  This one is an awesome groove, and should make your new week even better.

Our third artist, Rachel Caddy, slows things down with her soulful, folky voice on “Reach for You.”  We love her voice, and the words of the song will reach down deep into your soul.

Our fourth artist today is for fans of Norah Jones, Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan.  Her name is Christina Custode, and we believe you will be hearing a lot more greatness from her in the not too distant future.  Here is her single, “Light of Day.”  Enjoy.

Our final single today comes from the band Beachwood Coyotes, who encourage us to understand the benefits of “Discipline.”  Hard to believe it’s been almost a year since we featured them in this column, but they have definitely redeemed the time.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first new music video comes from Young Galaxy, which were part of one of our recognized best International EPs of 2017.  This powerful video is for their single, “Frontier,” and we love it.

While we’re on an international theme, check out this amazing video from DJ MOH GREEN (ft. Magasco) for their single “Por Favor.”  We believe it has the beat and the flair to truly start your week off right.

Next up is a lyric video from A Big Yes and a small no for their song, “Enough is Enough.”  You can definitely groove to this beat.

Our fourth video today is from The Cuckoos for their amazing song, “Heartbreak Paradise.”  This one has a uniquely indie rock vibe, and is wonderfully produced.  Let us know what you think.

Last but not least today we leave you with “Every Day,” the latest from The Holy Knives.  Have a wonderful week, and we’ll be back soon with more “Get it or Forget It.”