Tag: Unsigned Only

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 24

It’s been crazy here in Oklahoma lately.  ICYMI, we have relocated to Midwest City, a suburb of Oklahoma City.  We’ve been trying to get back into the groove here at the blog while finding and getting used to new employment and finding a place to live.  Sorry that we’ve been kind of random in our articles but we do hope to settle down into a regular rhythm soon.  In the meantime, here is some news on the indie music front, as well as five new singles and five new music videos to get  your week off to a great start.

UNSIGNED ONLY ANNOUNCES WINNERS

Unsigned Only has announced the winners for their 2019 competition.  The winners list can be found here.  Special congratulations to Anna Wolf of South Africa for taking home the Grand Prize.

ISC DEADLINE APPROACHES

If you’re interested in competing in this year’s International Songwriting Competition (ISC), the deadline for entry is September 18, 2019.  To enter, click here.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

We will try to let you know about indie artists coming to Los Angeles.  If you’re planning on coming to LA, please let us know at least FOUR WEEKS in advance so we can publish them.  Here are some of the upcoming dates we have received:

September Mourning – 9/18 – Whiskey-a-go-go

The Dude Ranch – 10/3 – The Viper Room

NEW SINGLES

Our first single is an amazing work of art from classical band Little Kruta, who have reimagined the bulk of Metallica‘s work as classical songs with amazing female vocals.  Here is their first single, “One.”

We totally shift gears for our next single, a rock masterpiece that deserves heavy rotation now.  Check out “Animals” from Of the Wild, and put it on repeat.

Our third single features the amazing banjo sound of Union Duke.  Here’s their latest single “1-2-3,” and we’re putting this one on repeat.

Next up is the chill groove of Brainstory with their new smooth track, “Breathe.”  This one is perfect for your daily wind-down time.

Our final single this week is another chill tune, this time from Harrison Caldeira.  He tells you to “Man Up,” and we think you better listen.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the latest from UK superstar Effie and visualizes her song “Worship.”  We think this R&B slow groove will be super-helpful with your daily wind-down.

It’s a new month and Adera has another video treat for you.  Check out their latest, “Uneasy.”  These guys are on the fast track to the top of the charts.

Our third video this week is one we almost missed from 13-year old pop prodigy Anna Cole.  We think this one will have you dancing all over the house.  Check out “No Regrets.

Our fourth video is from the country rocking band Silver.  We really love this one and believe it deserves heavy rotation in country, Americana and pop radio.  We don’t think they will have to “Wait” for long to hit the top of the charts.

Our final video this week was made for kids, but we like it and think you will too.  Check out the amazing Laurie Berkner and her song “A Dollar.”

 

Categories
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.”

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 31

It’s our final Monday Mashup for the month of August, and we’ve got plenty of news and great new singles and music videos.  Last night we worked the Shakey Graves concert at Big Sky Brewing Company, and it was an amazingly chill evening.  The music was incredible, and the performers were very good and fun to hang with.  Thanks so much to Rayland Baxter and Shakey Graves for being incredible and easy to talk to.  Watch for our review shortly.

SONIA RAO GIVES INSPIRING TEDx TALK

One of our favorite indie artists, Sonia Rao, shares from her heart on “The Shame and Power of Being a Woman.”  This one deserves a mass audience.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2018 UNSIGNED ONLY MUSIC COMPETITION

Congratulations to the following winners of this year’s Unsigned Only Music Competition.  We look forward to hearing more from them and to reviewing their projects.

Grand Prize – Eric Ethridge (Sarnia, ON, Canada) “Girl On Fire”

AAA (Adult Album Alternative)

First Place – DENNY (Minneapolis, MN, USA) “Girls Like You”
Second Place – O-SHiN (Berlin, Germany) “Aimless”

Adult Contemporary (AC)

First Place – Sahara Beck (Fortitude Valley, QLD, Australia) “Here We Go Again”
Second Place – Da Candy (Kiev, Ukraine) “Runaway (ft Nathaniel)”

Americana

First Place – Todd Tyler (Aiken, SC, USA) “Run”
Second Place – Brad Anderson (Manchester, England) “Death Do Us Part”

Christian

First Place – Drew Greenway (Henderson, TN, USA) “Walk In The Light”
Second Place – Dave Pettigrew (Ridgewood, NJ, USA) “Undertow”

Country

First Place – Kaylee Bell (Waimate, New Zealand) “Getting Closer”
Second Place – Virginia Creek (Chincoteague, VA, USA) “Kiss Me Sober”

EDM

First Place – Reign (Oshawa, ON, Canada) “Make Me”
Second Place – Pokki DJ (Imperia, Italy) “Remember This Night”

Folk/Singer-Songwriter

First Place – Leon Of Athens (Athens, Greece) “Aeroplane”
Second Place – Ezra Vancil (Dallas, TX, USA) “Complicated Man”

Pop/Top 40

First Place – Adrielle Bow Belle (New York, NY, USA) “Runaway”
Second Place – Carrie Lane (Montclair, NJ, USA) “Drowning”

R&B/Hip-Hop

First Place – Denzil Porter (Bronx, NY, USA) “Time Soon Come”
Second Place – Mayah (Cairns, QLD, Australia) “XO Girl”

Rock

First Place – The Royal Foundry (Sherwood Park, AB, Canada) “Lost In Your Head”
Second Place – Glass Mansions (Columbia, SC, USA) “Just Friends”

Screen Shot

First Place – Big Little Lions (Royston, BC, Canada) “Find Your Tribe”
Second Place – Jayde (Port Hope, ON, Canada) “Perfect Strangers”

Teen

First Place – Hailey Belle (Santa Clarita, CA, USA) “Fall So Easily”
Second Place – Under The Radar (Memphis, TN, USA) “Boom”

Vocal Performance

First Place – Paul Loren (New York, NY, USA) “I Know A Place”
Second Place – Elinor Sitrish (Dimona, Israel) “One Reason”

Fandemonium Winner (winner selected by online public vote) – Haddon Cord (Boise, ID, USA) “A Million Songs”

Unsigned Only is now accepting entries for the 2019 competition. This year, Unsigned Only has added five new categories for artists to enter. The complete list of categories includes: AAA (Adult Album Alternative); AC (Adult Contemporary); Americana; Blues; Christian; Country; EDM; Folk/Singer-Songwriter; Instrumental; Jazz; Latin; Pop/Top 40; R&B/Hip-Hop; Rock; Screen Shot (songs suitable for placment in film, tv, etc.); Teen (for artists 18 years old and younger); Vocal Performance; and World Music.  More information can be found at: https://www.unsignedonly.com.  To hear the winning songs, download low-res photos, and view the complete list of winners, go to: https://www.unsignedonly.com/winners

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from one of our favorite Santa Monica bands, Only Bricks.  Their latest is called “Ordinary,” and we believe the band is anything but.  Check them out and let us know what you think.

Next is the latest from Blue Élan Records artist Amy Wilcox.  Her single is called “Somebody,” and is the second single from her forthcoming EP West.  We can’t wait to hear the rest.

Our third single this week is “Dancing” from Basement Revolver, Ontario, Canada, and we really like this gritty indie rock track.

Our fourth single this week is from Amy Stroup, who was born in Boston and raised in Abilene, Texas.  It’s called “Wild Nights,” and we love it.  What do you think?

Our final single this week is from the amazing R&B/alt pop voice of Thomas Graff.  It’s called “Make it Easy,” and we think that it accurately describes this artist’s future in the business.  Enjoy the groove.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Long time indie giant Greg Laswell is finally releasing a new album on September 21.  The first single from it is called “Royal Empress,” and it was debuted by Los Angeles tastemaker Nic Harcourt  (KCRW) on August 14.  Here’s the lyric video for the song, which we simply love since it reminds us of vintage Springsteen.

Next up is the latest from Satellite Citi, which we introduced to you last year.  The song is entitled “Collide” and that’s what is going to happen soon when the world finds out about this amazing rock band with a lead singer that not only plays drums, but can also compete with Amy Lee.  Enjoy this one!

Our third video this week is from Tim Burlingame and Kathrin Shorr, also known as Sweet Talk Radio.  We really love this beautiful video for “Blue,” and think you will too.

Our next video is “Running” from Daniel Ellsworth and The Great Lakes.  This one has such a chill vibe that we think it is perfect for your Monday.

Time for our final video this week.  We’re closing out without another chill tune from Falcon Jane.  Here’s “Ginger Ale.”  Are you thirsty yet?

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday Mashup 2018: vol. 22

It’s another week, and it will be a busy one.  We will be leaving on Sunday to head down to Los Angeles for the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  We have 51 shows on our schedule to review, including about 15 that have submitted for consideration of our Larry Cornwall Award for Musical Excellence.  We will also be  having our second annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 19 at The Mint, where we will have some amazing winners perform in support of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Tickets are available online for $10, and will be available at the door for $13.  We hope to see you there.

UNSIGNED ONLY COMPETITION ENDS JUNE 6

The final week of the Unsigned Only “Grand Slam” special promotion has kicked off, running until midnight on June 6 (CST).  All entries will also be included into the 2018 Unsigned Only Music Competition.  This is your very last time to enter, so if you want to enter more songs (or enter for the first time this year), you still have a chance to participate in this year’s competition, but you need to hurry.

Winners for the previous three weeks of the promotion, as well as the current week, will be announced along with all of the other category winners in September 2018.   Just for entering, all entrants will receive 100 free spins to Radio Airplay (regardless of whether you are an existing Radio Airplay member or a new member).  Additionally, every entrant will also be entered into the overall 2018 Unsigned Only competition and have the chance for their music to be heard by a high-profile panel of judges, as well as be eligible to share in over $150,000 in cash and prizes.

HOME RUN | May 30 – June 6 | GET PAID FOR THE WIN – Click Here For Info
Click Here To Enter Your Songs
NEW SINGLES
First up today is a long-time favorite of this blog, and one of the amazing artists signed to Blue Élan Records.  Recent winner of the LA Music Critic Award for Rising Star, here is “Honey, Honey” from the unforgettable Chelsea Williams.

Next up is “Sort Myself Out” from Becoming Bristol, fka The Exchange.  We like the sound of this band and look forward to hearing much more from them.

Single number three today is from a voice familiar to lovers of the TV shows Suits, Lucifer, Bones, Nashville and One Tree Hill.  Gareth Dunlop has a new single that we think you’ll love.  Here is “Blind to the Pain” from his forthcoming EP Many Moons Ago.

https://soundcloud.com/gareth-dunlop-official/blind-to-the-pain

Our fourth single today is from The Cravens, who we have previously reviewed and featured on this blog.  They have a “Message” for you, and we think you’ll be glad to get it.

Our final single today is “Don’t Blink” from John Santiago, frontman for Johnny & the Bootlegs, which we recently reviewed in Get it or Forget it.  Let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from Lauren Balthrop‘s upcoming September album, This Time Around.  Here is the lyric video for “Down.”

Next is the very retro feel of Peter Cat with his new single “Hand Through Hair.”  Groovy, Baby.

Our third video this week is from one of the newest artists on Blue Élan Records, Red Wanting Blue.  Here is the video for their new single, “High and Dry.”

And now, for something completely different, here is a sneak preview of the new video from Runaway Symphony which will be released on June 12.  Check out this live performance of “The Fall of Man.”

Our final video this week is “All the Way” from Cherry Pools.  We think it’s the perfect segue to summer and a wonderful week.  See you soon.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 19

Happy Monday.  Hope you all had a great Mother’s Day and remembered to thank her for all she’s done for you.  This time next month we will be in Los Angeles for the ninth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  In addition, we will be announcing the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2018.  In the meantime, let’s check out some new singles and music videos, and catch up on what’s happening in the indie world.

SHEENA METAL PRESENTS THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

Since 2006, promoter and radio host Sheena Metal has been directing and producing The Vagina Monologues for charity. This year is the 20th anniversary of playwright Eve Ensler’s non-profit, VDay.org, whose mission is to end violence against women, across the globe.  Other non-profits participating include RaisingtheVibration.org and VDayLA.com.

This year’s production opened last Thursday at the Loft Ensemble Theatre in Sherman Oaks, and will continue this coming Thursday and Friday, May 17-18.  Tickets may be purchased by clicking here.

JANIVA MAGNESS TO PERFORM AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM

Grammy-nominated indie blues artist Janiva Magness, recent winner of the BB King Entertainer of the Year Award, will be performing at the Grammy Museum, located at 800 W. Olympic Boulevard on May 22.  The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.   Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

Unsigned Only is currently accepting submissions for its Grand Slam promotion from May 8 to June 6.  Today is the last day to submit for the Digital Distribution portion, but each week will have a different theme.  The week one winner will receive one free album distribution online and one free video distribution courtesy of @symphonicdistribution.  To learn more, click here.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from up and coming pop songstress Mauve.  Here is “Sweetness,” which was just released on Friday.

Our second single is “Deep Love,” by Dela Kay.  We are proud to be able to debut this single, which is being released today.  Ask for it at your favorite dance club.

Our final singles today come from two of LA’s premier indie bands.  First up is “Come Around” by Sleep Machine, who are releasing their entire album one single at a time.  The second is “It’s All for Love (For Goodness Sake) by  No Small Children.  Check them both out live when they perform at The Satellite on May 17.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the latest from one of our iconic musical legends, Rusty Young of Poco.  This is for his single “My Friend.”  You can catch him in concert at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase at the Mint on June 19.

Our second single comes from Colorado-native Rob Drabkin, who reminds us that “It’s a Beautiful Day.”

Our final video today is from actress and singer/songwriter Katie Vincent.  The song is called “The Way it Goes,” and it was used in the award-winning indie fillm Pickings.  We think it is the perfect way to close out this edition of Monday Mashup.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 12

Happy Monday – we made it to the end of March, the Final Four has been established, and Easter is next Sunday.  Let’s see what’s happening in the indie world this week.

UNSIGNED ONLY OFFERS PLACEMENT CHANCE

Unsigned Only is running a special two-week promotion, “Sync Me Up,” from March 20 to April 3, 2018. This promotion is for anyone interested in learning more about what you need to know in order to get your songs into TV & Film. Three winners will be selected and given FREE access ($1000 value each) to “The Art Of The Song Pitch”, a step by step online course that shows you how to license your music successfully. For more information, or to enter your songs today, please visit: https://unsignedonly.com/
HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL PREPARES FOR JUNE
Just a few final deadlines for those who want to participate in this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival:
  • Registration (for those who want to be included in the printed version of the guide) must be completed by April 1.
  • Town Hall 2: Marketing will be Tuesday, April 3rd from 8-10pm at Assistance League Playhouse.
  • Print Ad purchases for this year’s guide (including artwork) are due by April 15.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

The second annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase is now set for June 19 at The Mint, a world-famous venue in Los Angeles.  Among those scheduled to appear are Rusty Young, the former lead singer for the band Poco, Cindy Alexander, ROCKET, The Khourys, Great Willow, Alexis Keegan and Lexie Rose, with a very special appearance by Shira, founder of the Shira Girl stage for the Vans Warped Tour.  Watch for more details soon, but save the date.  It’s gonna be a great night of music and raising money for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

NEW SINGLES

Let’s get this party going with the latest from Jackie Venson, a smooth jazz, reggae-infused beauty for her song “Don’t Lie to Me.”  This is the perfect vehicle to get your week going.

Next up is an R&B tinged tune from Christopher Giffard.  Let’s enjoy the smooth sounds of “Talk to Me.”

Our final new single today comes from Ruby Vidor, courtesy of The A&R Department.  Her song is called “Ten Days,” and we dig the acoustic simplicity of it, which allows Vidor’s incredible voice to shine.  Let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is a Jimi Hendrix cover from LA Music Critic Award winner Diana Rein.  The song, “Little Wing,” was also covered by Stevie Ray Vaughan.  Let us know which version  you prefer.

Next up is another artist that readers of this blog should be familiar with – the dynamic duo of Crimson Calamity.  Here’s the video for the title track to their new album, Gypsy Heart.  We think you’ll like it 🙂

We close out this week with a video to get your body going strong.  Here is Tony Valor ft. Zuka in his video for “D’ Nah Nah (Shaky Bum Bum).”