Tag: Tony Lucca

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Tony Lucca, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, Lindy Vopnfjord, Mekons, Minka

We made it to New Music Friday again, and we have five brand new ones to review and share, including the latest from a former Mousketeer.  It’s been a rough week on the home-front, with an simple puncture wound turning into an infection, but we think this music is just the medicine to make things better.  Let us know what you think.

Artist Name:  Tony Lucca

Album Name:  Ain’t no Storm

Label:  Off the Road Adventures / Rock Ridge Music

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Everything’s Changing; 2.  Come Around; 3.  One Less You; 4.  Frame by Frame; 5.  Restless Heart; 6.  Empty Headed Blues; 7.  Room with a View; 8.  Other Side of the Clouds; 9.  Frame by Frame (radio edit)

Publicist:  Skye Media

Review:  Tony Lucca is known for lots of things, including being a Mousketeer along side of Christina Aguilera, being a member of Team Adam on Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice, and being the artist who gave his slot with NSYNC to fellow Mousketeer Justin Timberlake.  But with the arrival of his latest album, it is truly evident that Lucca has definitely “arrived” as a hot songwriter and future Grammy winner.  From the upbeat opening track, “Everthing’s Changing” to the radio edit of his first single, “Frame by Frame,” Lucca hits us right between the ears with emotional lyrics and vocal delivery and incredible musicianship.  This is without a doubt his best album ever, and should finally elevate him to the level that he deserves – super stardom.  We have already featured “Restless Heart” and “Everything’s Changing” in our Monday Mashup, and think this album is jam packed with songs worthy of being released as singles.

Recommendation:  Drop whatever you’re doing – Go Get this one today!

Artist Name:  Chris Jones & the Night Drivers

Album Name:  The Choosing Road

Label:  Mountain Home Music

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Your Remarkable Return; 2.  Letters to Brendan; 3.  Looking for the Bridge; 4.  I Can’t Change the Rhyme; 5.  Back in the High Life Again; 6.  Nyhan’s Regret; 7.  I’ll Watch her Soul; 8.  Bend in the Road; 9.  I Shouldn’t Even be Here; 10.  Who you Want me to Be; 11.  Own the Blues; 12.  Glimpse of the Kingdom

Publicist:  Crossroads Label Group

Review:  Sit down Rhonda Vincent and Alison Krauss – there’s another band in bluegrass that is ready to ascend the throne.  The new album from Chris Jones & the Night Drivers has everything you want on a bluegrass album – great story lyrics, a strong voice with perfect harmonies, and great performances on mandolin, banjo, fiddle and bass, with amazing guitar thrown in for good measure.  Composed of Chris Jones on guitar and lead vocals, Gina Clowes on banjo and backing vocals, Mark Stoffel on mandolin and fiddle and Jon Wiesberger on bass, this band should be the standard for all budding bluegrass players.  We love every song, especially “Your Remarkable Return,” their amazing cover of Steve Winwood‘s classic “Back in the High Life Again,” the sterling instrumental “Nyhan’s Regret,” the soulful “Who you Want me to Be,” and the gospel-tinged “Glimpse of the Kingdom.”

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Lindy Vopnfjörd

Album Name:  You Will Know When It’s Right

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Love me Like That; 2.  Standing on the Sea; 3.  Give Some Love; 4.  Our Greatest Irony; 5.  How did we get Away; 6.  Everlasting Odyssey; 7.  I’m so Hi; 8.  Love Sister (live in Reykjavik with Nydonsk)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Talk about dejá vu!  As soon as the album started with the first track, “Love me Like That,” it felt like classical rock artists like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan were speaking through the voice of the lead vocalist.  The songs are well written and hit the ground running.  They are perfect for radio and inspiration, beginning with the first track and continuing on.  “Standing on the Sea” almost feels like Brit Pop.  Each song brings back a piece of musical history and puts this artist squarely on a track to the top of the charts.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Mekons

Album Name:  Deserted

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Lawrence of California; 2.  Harar 1883; 3.  Into the Sun; 4.  How Many Stars; 5.  In the Desert; 6.  Mirage; 7.  Weimar Vending Maching; 8.  Andromeda; 9.  After the Rain

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Mekons come to us from the UK, combining elements of punk, psychedelica and indie rock to their sound, hitting us over the head with a tidal wave of sound that quickly envelops the listener.  This is rock as it was intended and perfect for those time when you want to drown out the world and totally immerse yourself in the music.  If you want some sentimental folk, they have that on “How Many Stars,” so don’t think they can only rock.  We also love the sweeping strings and “cool” feel of “Andromeda.”

Recommendation:  Get it.

Artist Name:  MINKA

Album Name:  Mysteries of the Heart

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B

Track Listing:  1.  Mysteries of the Heart; 2.  Something Special; 3.  Rollerblades; 4.  Parties; 5.  You Knew I was a Freak

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We introduced you to MINKA in April 2017 when they released their live album.  We again reviewed them in mid-February for the first of their EP trilogy, and are back again with the second in that trilogy.  While they maintain their overall R&B groove, this set if more upbeat and perfect for the soundtrack of your next party, especially if you like the sound of Prince.  The title track is a sure-fire hit, as is “Rollerblades.”  You can’t go wrong with this one.

Recommendation:  Definitely add this one to your party playlist!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 9

Welcome to our first Monday Mashup of March.  We’re counting down our final two months in Montana, as we will be in Los Angeles for the entire months of May and June before packing up and heading for the east coast in July.  Until then, we will continue to bring you amazing new music, including these five singles and music videos which were recently released.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from our old friend Tony Lucca, a former cast member of The New Mickey Mouse Club, as well as a member of Team Adam on Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice (the most watched season to date).  The single is called “Restless Heart,” and it’s already exploding up the charts.  One listen and we think you’ll understand why.

Next up is a clever pop/rock tune from The Slow Drag.  Check out this tongue-in-cheek song called “God Roots for my Team.”

https://soundcloud.com/the-slow-drag/god-roots-for-my-team-1/s-pxYSD

Our third single comes from West Australian folk singer-songwriter Scott Riley.  We really love the carefree sound of “Hard Luck,” as well as the message of the song.  Let us know what you think.

Single number four is “Warriors” by Danish band Rainbrother.  This one has the goods to make it on American radio, with its retro sound and driving beat.

Our final single this week is from the powerful and haunting vocalist Luvia.  Her single “Hunted” will send chills down your spine.  Enjoy this gift.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week features the PaperDolls Band in their dressing room warming up with an amazing a capella cover of “Billy” by The Bearfoot Band.  Enjoy this insightful look into what makes this band so amazing.

Next up is the latest video from Blue Élan Records future superstar, Amy Wilcox.  We simply love this visualization of her song, “Fortune Teller,” and think you will fall under her spell as well.

Video number three comes from Shiragirl, who were a featured act at last year’s LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  Check out “I Must be Dreaming” and get your rock on.

Our fourth video comes from the pop-noir mind of Shayfer James, who we reviewed earlier last month.  If you’re in New York, his EP release show will be this Friday at Rockwood Music Hall at 8:30 p.m.  This beautifully shot cinematic masterpiece perfectly captures the tone of his song “Ophelia.”

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with the latest hip-hop video from 18 year old Londoner AMA.  Check out “Slip.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Durango Songwriters Expo Hollywood Fringe Festival Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 41

Happy Veterans Day (day 2).  Since the real day fell on a Sunday, the government is honoring it today, giving us veterans a double holiday.  Thanks to Red Robin and Applebee’s for feeding so many of us yesterday, and to Denny’s and Noodles Express for taking care of us today.  We’ve got some news for you, as well as five new singles and music videos to share, so grab your coffee and let’s get going.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2019

The tenth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival will be held June 13-30, 2019, with previews from June 6-11 and the Opening Night Party on June 12.  In addition, they are now accepting applications for Fringe Scholarships.  As we previously informed you, our very own LA Music Critic has launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise money for his first solo show, Livin’ the Dream, which is scheduled to premiere at HFF19.  Please check out his campaign and support him if you can.  We thank you for whatever you can contribute.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single comes from a pair of songwriters we have met as a result of our involvement in the Durango Songwriters Expo.  Richard Harris is an amazing songwriter and mentor who has worked with a number of DSE alum, and his collaboration with fellow Brit Greg Holden on “Something Beautiful” gives us hope in this troubled time.  We have wanted to share this one since we heard it at the Expo in October.

While we’re spotlighting UK artists, here are a couple of singles we have received as a result of our affiliation with “Send to Media.”  First up is Welshman Ryan Davies, who continues the aforementioned theme with “Beautiful Thing.”  This one reminds us of Rod Stewart.

Our third single is a super-cool upbeat dance pop track from Fanny Andersen.  Check out her groovy number, “Dollar Signs.”  Although this one technically came out in September, we missed it and wanted you to have the chance to hear what should be the first of many hit songs from her.

https://soundcloud.com/edda-music/fanny-andersen-dollar-igns/s-5gCif

Our fourth single comes from Hotel Mira, who says they were inspired to write “Jungle” after viewing the Oscar nominated film, Lady Bird.  Let us know what you think of this outstanding indie rock band, which we previously featured in our Ten Great Singles of April article.

Our final single today is a delightful cover of the Prince-written Sinead O’Connor song “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Norwegian artist Anna of the North.  Enjoy this one which should get your week off to a great start.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from former Mickey Mouse Club and The Voice contestant Tony Lucca, who reminds us that “Everthing’s Changing.”  We love this one.

Next up is the latest from the one and only KT Tunstall.  Here’s her video for her latest single, “Human Being.”  Special props to Eccaia Sampson, the unbelievable 8-year old martial artist who stars in the video.

Our third video is some rocking blues from Karen Lawrence and Blue by Nature.  Check out this live version of their song, “It’s All About You.”  Thanks to Doug Deutsch for sharing this one with us.

Our fourth video takes us from the blues to R&B.  We love this one from the amazing Lorelle Howard, who mixes several genres to deliver a gem in “Runnin.”

Our final video this week is “World Domination,” an indie rock post apocalyptic smash from Band of Silver that pays homage to such classic movies as The Hunger Games.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 32

Are you ready for a new week?  We are constantly amazed at the quality of music being made by indie musicians each and every day.  We were stunned at the singles and videos we chose over the weekend for our Ten Amazing Videos and Ten Great Singles articles, and can’t wait to hear and see what comes next.  We have some news for you today, as well as five new singles and music videos to share, so let’s get going.

MINT FILM FESTIVAL RUNS SEPTEMBER 14-16

The First Annual Montana International Film Festival today announced its main slate of over 55 films, panels and events from September 14 – 16 in Billings, Montana.

The inaugural festival will see six narrative and eight documentary features competing for $15,000 in cash and in-kind prizes, including the first-ever MINT Spirit Award, as well as six juried awards:  Best Female Director, Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short Film, Best Documentary Feature Film, Best Documentary Short Film and the Made In Montana award.

The historic Babcock Theater in Billings will host many of the MINT screenings and other programming and is re-emerging as a robust cinema, an effort kindled in part by MINT.  Murnion says, “The time seemed right for creating space for the unlikely moments that occur when people get together in the same room—well, rooms—at the same time to witness and engage in great storytelling.”  Other theaters include the Art House Cinema, a non-profit, independent cinema and pub in the heart of downtown Billings and the 2905 Montana, a pop-up space transformed for MINT on Montana Avenue in the Historic District of Billings.

Passes and individual tickets for MINT are on sale now. Please visit https://mintfilmfestival.org/ for tickets, passes and all other film festival information.

PASADENA TO HOST TASTES AND SOUNDS OF SOUTH LAKE

Date:  Saturday September 29th, 12 pm – 5 pm
Location Live Cooking Demos:  The Commons, 140 S. Lake Avenue
Location Music Stage:  The Shops on Lake, 345 S. Lake Avenue
Admission:  FREE

SPECIAL LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES BY:
o    Arms Akimbo – Named by Billboard as a band to watch, Arms Akimbo create infectious feel-good indie rock.
o    The Sound of Ghosts – The LA based, Americana roots musical collective delivers an engaging, explosive yet intimate live performance.
o    The Regrettes – The LA based four-piece create infectious, punk driven tracks with a pop aesthetic reminiscent of 50’s and 60’s acts a la the Temptations or Buddy Holly.
o    VÉRITÉ – Indie pop artist praised by TIME for her ‘rich and ethereal vocals’
o    Larkin Poe – Acclaimed roots rock n’ roll sister duo praised by Rolling Stone among other high profile outlets.
o    *DJ William Reed spinning between sets
SPECIAL LIVE COOKING DEMOS BY:
o     12:00 pm: Luisa Fabbri – Owner of Contessa Foods.  Join Luisa for an olive oil tasting the way professionals do it!
o      1:00 pm:  Jose Acevedo – Mercado Pasadena’s Executive Chef/Partner. Classic and contemporary cuisine inspired by fresh, local ingredients and Chef Jose’s Mexican roots.
o    2:00 pm: Ronald Russell – Renowned vegan and raw food chef, co-owner of celeb hangout Sun Café in Studio City.
o    3:00 pm: RG Enriquez – Host of Astig Vegan Cooking Show, making healthy Filipino cuisine.For more information, please visit www.southlakeavenue.org or call (626) 792-1259.
NEW SINGLES

Our first single comes from former Mouseketeer and The Voice contestant Tony Lucca.  Here’s his latest tune, “Nashville,” which was released on August 31.

Next up is SNEAK PREVIEW of a new band to us, represented by our friend Gayle Davidson of AGD Entertainment, who brought us Wendy Sweetlove, among others.  Here is “In the Woods,” the first single off the forthcoming EP Folklore by Haunted Like Human.  Check out their website and pre-order the new album if you like the single.

https://soundcloud.com/user-343830607/in-the-woods/s-eiLWY

Our third single this week is from Kinney, an artist that reminds us of Ingrid Michaelson.  Her voice is so sweet and the music is so much fun that you just want to stop the world and bask in the beauty of the song.  Please let us know what  you think about “Petah Bread Rocketship.”

Our fourth single is from another client of Davidson named Drunken Logic.  Here is their latest single, “Alone in America.”  We love their indie folk/alternative rock sound and those horns are amazing.

Our final single this week is from Colin Devlin, former member of The Devlins and currently both a producer and an artist for Blue Élan Records.  His new album, High Point, will be out soon, but he has just released his first single, “Just a Fire.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is the long awaited follow-up to the smash “Narcissist” by Alison Iraheta and Matthew Hager, aka Halo Circus.  The new video is for their song “Oh, Money,” and is just as powerful as the previous one.  Let’s rock out!

Next is “Play me Birdie” from Sexy Dex and the Fresh.  It is upbeat and fun, with lots of funky guitar.  We think you’ll like it.

Our next video features some interesting images to the theme “Decline in U.S. Civics” and is an instrumental number from He Arrived by Helicopter.  This one definitely deserves your attention.

Video number four is a definite hit for Saint Slumber and their song “Infinite.”  This one is simply amazing and belongs on the radio.  Let us know what you think.

Our final video this hit comes from Royal Canoe, which recently signed with Paper Bag Records.  Their first single is “Rayz,” and we can’t wait to hear the rest of the album which will be released next January.