Monday mashup 2022 (vol. 5)

April is finally here and spring is in full bloom. Here in North Carolina where the sky is always Carolina Blue, half of the state is in mourning after those Tarheels finally ended the reign of Coach K, whose Blue Devils are a deeper shade of the State’s favorite color. One of our favorite indie artists is also a lover of blue, and we are happy to be able to share her brand new single, along with four other singles and five new videos. Let’s get this party going.

NEW SINGLES

If you’re a fan of this blog, then you know which artist is a fan of blue. She always requests her fans to show up in their favorite blue and bring their crew, and she has become even larger than life since leaving San Diego for Nashville. Her fan base continues to grow and we are proud to feature her new single, “Sha La La Love,” this week. Thanks Alyssa Jacey for another amazing song, including some very interesting rap.

Our second single comes from another Nashville artist who is ready to truly take his rightful place on the country music charts. We haven’t featured him enough in our blog, but with the release of his new future mega hit, “Staying Over,” we believe the time is right to get on this train. Take it away Sam Grow.

We featured Diana Rein a couple of weeks ago, and she’s back with another awesome blues tune that’s ever more “Reckless” than her last one. Give it up for the Queen of Blues. We will never get tired of hearing more from you.

We head back to California for the release of “The Waiting Room” from LA iconic pop artist BINX. Of all the songs we have featured from her in the past, this one is our new favorite. Put this one on repeat and enjoy the sunshine.

We close out our singles this week with another future country hit, this time from Megan Wilder, an artist beginning a new chapter in her musical journey. “If I Knew” says what we always wish we could say, and deserves your full attention. Turn it up, listen carefully to the thoughtful lyrics, and heed her advice.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick off the music video section of our Monday Mashup with the premiere of the lyric video for “My Reason,” the first single from the forthcoming album by one of Southern Rock’s greatest groups, the Sam Morrison Band. Turn this one up and grab a cold one as you enjoy this incredible ballad which is chock-full of beautiful photos from the band’s fanbase.

Next up is an upbeat and memorable tune from Aviators, courtesy of Tarsier Records. They may be “Actin’ a Fool,” but their music is no joke. Enjoy this one.

We have a pair of new videos for you that talk about coming out of the pandemic and the isolation that affected so many of us. First up is Cenza, who became “Unhinged.” We love how she transforms into iconic screen actresses as she progresses through the song.

On the other side, Carissa Johnson felt like a “Tourist” in her own life. We give kudos to both artists for sharing their vision.

We wrap up this week’s blog with a band that sounds a lot like Chasing Cars, and their songs are equally as memorable. They have a sweet mellow sound that is reflected in the video treatment for their single, “Running Away.” Give it up for German band JONAH.

Monday mashup 2022 (vol 1)

Hard to believe it’s March 8 and this is our first Monday Mashup of 2022. Spring has arrived here in North Carolina and our weather has been reminiscent of California, with temps in the 70s and 80s, trees budding and flowers blooming. We have a rare day off and thought it might be nice to share some of the amazing music that is bursting out everywhere. Here are five new singles and music videos that have inspired us recently.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from a long time friend who, like many of us, has been going through some difficult times over the past few years. We first encountered Alyssa Jacey when we were living in California, and have always been inspired by her fire, her way with words, and her positiveness. Her latest, “See me Cry,” shows a new chapter emerging in her truth, and we are so excited to be able to share it with you.

Next up is the latest from iconic LA indie artist BINX, with her haunting lyrics and delicate instrumentation of “Ghost.” This one will stay with you long after the final notes are struck.

Our third single this week is from the sultry fiery redhead named Nina Storey. We have been fans of her for a very long time, and we think her latest tune, “Falling,” is her absolute best to date. The lyrics stir up our emotions and inspire us to make ourselves memorable. Sit back and “fall” in love with the voice and talent of this amazing young lady.

We switch gears for our next single, shifting over to the iconic blues sound of Brigitte Purdy. We are totally in love with her powerful vocals, and totally agree with the sentiments expressed in her latest, “I Just Want to Make Love to You.” We think you’ll feel the same.

Our final single this week is a breathtaking ride through the world of Alexandria Corn. She writes about familiar truths in such a way that you will never forget them. Listen carefully to the words of “Back Together Again” and reflect on the sweet sentiments of the song.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from former Home Alone actress and new blues queen Diana Rein. Her compelling lyric video for “Fake Love” will move you and reasonate with your own past experiences. Check it out.

Moving on to South African pop star Cara Frew, experience the power of “Electric Feels.” This one will get you up and moving on.

Our third video takes us back to the blues/rock sound of Fred Hostetler and features Eric Troyer. “Wall of Dreams” is a visually stunning capture of this song, and definitely worth multiple listens.

We don’t normally share videos from major international artists, but this one is just too good not to share. The music of The Snake Charmer is electrifying, combining the best of Celtic and Indian cultures. Check out “The Foggy Dew” and we think you’ll be hooked for life.

Our final video this week is from the amazing collaborative group Ponderosa Grove, featuring our friend and former client Candace Devine. The band has been busy building on their recent success of opening for the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and lay it all on the line with the lyric video for their awesome tune, “Freedom Ride.” Hop on board.

We’ll see you soon. Enjoy your week.

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 30)

It’s time once again for our weekly Monday Mashup and this time it’s the final one for the month of September. Where has this year gone? There is so much great music out there and it’s getting harder and harder to choose which songs to share with you. We hope you love these five new singles and music videos we have chosen for you. But first, we have some news for you.

Ponderosa Grove wins Music Prize competition

My former client, Candace Devine, has been super busy during the pandemic. She started a new band, Ponderosa Grove, who has burst onto the scene with abandon. They recently travelled to Shreveport, Louisiana to participate in Music Prize’s Prize Fest competition. She was recently interviewed by KSLA News 12:

“I started my career as a backup singer to Christina Aguilera and then released a solo record that did pretty well. Then had a duo that was signed and toured and opened for Adam Lambert and Boys to Men and Michelle Branch. I sang on Ringo Starr’s record.”

Devine, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, lives in Prescott, Arizona. Her band, Ponderosa Grove, released its first album in June and it’s seen plenty of success so far.

She heard about Music Prize from a friend living in Arizona who was originally from Shreveport.

“We submitted to see if we could do Prize Fest and we made it in,” Devine said. “So it’s just been this really exciting, fun collaboration that’s blossomed into a beautiful thing.”

photo courtesy of Candace Devine

Devine and Ponderosa Grove walked away with the Grand Prize of $10,000. Congratulations and well done.

NEW SINGLES

Shane Alexander has been a valuable asset to not only the local LA music scene but has also performed across the country. He has just released a new single that, despite its name, will not bore you. Please listen to “Asleep” and check out his amazing catalog of great songs.

It’s been a minute since we last featured a new single from SARRA, but her latest, “All I see is You” was definitely worth the wait. She is a bright and shining voice that combines the best in old school R&B, and we simply love her sound.

LA Music Critic Award winners Carly and the Universe have been treating us to a bevy of great tunes as they have released single after single from their new album. As they say, all good things must come to an end, and they have saved the best for last. Check out their groove and “Rock the Baby.”

Speaking of great groove, we are pleased to highlight the latest track from LA emerging artist, Sun Kiss. This song definitely makes us just want to “Melt Away,” and chillax. We think this artist has a bright future.

Our final single this week comes from future country-pop superstar Crystal McGrath. It is a powerful song about breaking free of a toxic relationship. We can definitely hear this song on country radio, and encourage them to start playing “Back to Never.” Expect big things from this young lady.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick off this week’s new music videos with this one from LA Music Critic Award winning blues artist Diana Rein. She may be on a “Broken Road,” but her music is the fix for everything else. Let this one get your week going strong.

Next up is the latest from The Greys. It shares a title with one of our favorite Halloween movies, and is pure magic. Check out “Hocus Pocus.”

Our third video is full of style and mixes the best of slow jam, R&B and reggae with the sweet sound of Australian band Sticky Fingers. We love the sentiments of “We can Make the World Glow,” and think this is a powerful anthem for change. Check it out.

Our fourth video this week talks about a serious subject – teenage drinking and death. It’s powerful and definitely gives us food for thought. Check out KULICK and their new single, “Time to Go.”

We close out this week with this superb video from rising country-pop star Leah Marie Mason. She tells the cautionary tale of “Hannah,” and we are listening carefully to the words. We think we’ll be hearing a lot more from this promising young lady.