D Edward - Love Is

Hello everybody! I'm back again to bring you another MY Indie Music Blog feature that I hope you will be as excited about as I am.

My regular readers will definitely pick up on the fact that I tend to migrate towards one type of music more than others, rock. It's in my blood and it's a part of my soul. BUT, that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy other genres of music as well. There's a little bit of everything here for your listening pleasure from the aforementioned rock to country to rap/hip-hop and even a little bit of soul. Tonight however, we're going to up the ante somewhat in the soul department.

I've been given another opportunity to preview an upcoming release and just couldn't pass up the chance to share the music with you here. It's that good. So without further ado, I give to you the soulful, jazzy renderings of D. Edward and his upcoming album Love Is.

Oakland, California, USA native D. Edward is a music industry veteran with quite an impressive resume already under his belt. An accomplished percussionist, he currently tours with legendary R&B/funk group Con Funk Shun, as well as working with 2013 Grammy award winner Laura Sullivan on her current project. I can go on name dropping on his behalf but I think it's best if I give you a little sampling of what he has in store for us with his upcoming album...


The album itself is nothing short of amazing. There is so much sound packed into the 11 tracks on Love Is that I almost couldn't decide on what to sample for this piece! The biggest draw for me is the return to old school r&b. I find it increasingly difficult to find good music on mainstream radio these days. This album is one that could turn the industry upside down and give fans of real music something to be excited about again.

I highly recommend that you head over to iTunes right now and pre-order your copy of Love Is ahead of its October 21st release date. I guarantee you that if you're a lover of real music, you will not be disappointed. Make sure you also check out the official D. Edward website, and don't forget to follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook. And as always, check back here with me at MY Indie Music Blog for all things D. Edward as they happen!

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

Project Dirty™ - Wake Up the Night

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about tonight's post. This post is what I live for. This post has come about because of a mutual respect between artist and blogger. And you, my fellow lovers of all things indie, are the beneficiaries.

Tonight, it is with immense pleasure that I bring back to MY Indie Music Blog, Project Dirty™ and their soon to be released new single Wake Up the Night!

Regular readers of MY Indie Music Blog, as well as those who follow me on Twitter (@cgnipp), know which side of the fence I stand on in regards to today's mainstream radio. Simply put, I just don't get it. Maybe I really am getting old and am starting to wonder if I put my parents through the same thing when I started blasting 80's hair metal and r&b and hip-hop all those years ago. Or maybe it's just because what's on the radio these days really isn't that good. It's all fine and dandy to have the hottest producers and songwriters doing their best behind the scenes to make the current crop of "pop" radio darlings sound better than they are to pump up record sales and increase downloads and YouTube views, but what do we really get in return? A longing for something a lot better, that's what. And trust me when I say this, Project Dirty™ is that something better... and a whole lot more!



What you've just experienced is mainstream radio's saviors. Already making huge waves on Sirius XM radio channel 2 (20 on 20) as well as FM radio stations all across America and parts of Germany and South America with hits like Skywalker and Raise the Bar off of their latest album Blue Fire, Rhett Fisher (vocals) and Micah Faulkner (guitar) are ushering in a new era of artists who actually have to talent to make it on their own in the music industry. With Wake Up the Night, the guys have carried forward an already winning formula of pop rock infused, stadium anthem ready party rock that, according to Micah, is the "best we've done yet I feel." I couldn't agree more. I've had the pleasure of hearing the full track and really can't wait for them to unleash this tune on all of you in the very near future!

In the meantime, get yourselves ready for some new Project Dirty™ tuneage by checking out their current album Blue Fire as well as their debut EPs Act 1 & Act 2. And don't forget to check out their official website projectdirty.com, follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook and circle your calendars for Tuesday, October 7, 2014 for the official worldwide release of Wake Up the Night!

And as always, check back in here at MY Indie music blog for all things Project Dirty™ as they happen!

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

Euphoria Audio

Tonight, I have no witty banter to share with you. Tonight, we're going to dive right into the music, because I have been patiently waiting to bring Euphoria Audio back to MY Indie Music Blog for what seems like an eternity.

So, without further ado, I give to you Euphoria Audio and their debut album!

I first introduced you to Euphoria Audio way back in 2012 when I started this blog (..British Invasion). That was only my 6th post at a time when I was just beginning to engulf myself in the indie music community. Fast forward two years and a lot has happened since then. The band is still the same, Matt Shirty, vocals; Ben Lloyd, guitar/vocals; Ben Hughes, bass/vocals and Josh Hughes, drums/vocals, and they're still out of Wakefield, England. The main thing that has changed in the time since I first discovered their music is that the guys have significantly upped the ante for ALL artists in the music industry today.

As I've grown to love this band more and more over the last two years, their sound becomes more and more familiar to me. So much so that I often forget that I'm not listening to them on a local radio station. Prior to the release of Euphoria Audio, we've become familiar with Gravity, 3 Seconds, Speechless and Our Yesterdays to name a few. But put this entire album together in one cohesive package and the entire thing comes off more like a greatest hits album than a debut. Chock full of huge stadium pounding guitar riffs and soaring vocals, it's easy to see why Aerosmith (yes, THAT Aerosmith) asked the guys to open for them at their first ever show in Singapore last summer. This band is that good and this band is ready for the world to discover what the EUAUArmy already knows!

Editor's note: I'm going out on a limb here and saying that Euphoria Audio is the current front-runner for this bloggers top album of 2014.

Head over to iTunes now to download your copy of Euphoria Audio. Follow the band on Twitter and like them on Facebook. Make sure you check them out on their official website. And as always, follow along with me here at MY Indie Music Blog for all things Euphoria Audio!

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

August Melody

Since I started this blog, my love for indie music and the artists that create it has grown exponentially. On a daily basis, I force myself (literally) to listen to a minimum of 15 minutes of mainstream radio. I usually start with our local Top 40 station and within two or three minutes, I just can't take anymore of it. More often than not, my exposure to what is out there is limited to satellite radio. Now don't get me wrong. I don't absolutely despise mainstream music. There are actually some decent singers/bands out there. I mean, didn't they all start out as independent artists?

This all brings us to tonight's featured artist. When I compare what I see happening in the music world today (both mainstream and indie), I see a vastly glaring difference on how artists support each other. In the world of mainstream, if it doesn't line someone's pocket, no one is going out on a limb to say, "Hey, you gotta check out the new album by such and such who is on a different record label than mine who isn't currently on tour with me..." Indie music? Not even close. The artists that I follow on Twitter and like on Facebook jump at any chance to help other artists get their music heard. Whether it's guest DJ'ing on an internet radio station and spinning the indie tunes they dig, to posting on their personal accounts about someone they like, they get what it takes. They know how important they are to each other, to the bars and coffee shops they play in, to the bloggers who write about them, to the fans who grow to love each and every one of them.

Several weeks back, an artist who regular readers of MY Indie Music Blog will recognize, David Gielan, did exactly what I just touched on. He posted a link to Southern California acoustic duo August Melody on Facebook. I thought, if THE greatest indie artist out there likes this band, they must be pretty good, right? I had no idea what I was about to get myself into.

I've been patiently biding my time waiting to introduce August Melody to you. At the time that I first heard them, they hadn't started a Twitter account yet. Only one other time have I posted a blog for an artist that has no presence on Twitter. That's just because I feel like it's a more effective tool in the realm of social networking to help indie artists get heard. Don't ask me for my thoughts on Facebook on this matter. That's a different blog in and of itself for another time. But now, the August Melody Twitter account is off and running, and we all get to reap the benefits!

Ray Obenchain and Stephanie McManus are August Melody. August Melody is the self professed "best band ever." Take it as tongue-in-cheek, but I dare you to argue otherwise. The first time I hit play on their song Coffee House from their latest self-titled album, I was obsessed before they hit the chorus.

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Call them singer/songwriters, call it folk, call it Americana, call them country, call it alt/country, call it the blues. You can put nearly any tag to their music that you want, as long as you call them what they are. Brilliant. There is not one single thing about them that I don't absolutely love. This is stripping music down to its basics. Write a good song that tells a story. Put an acoustic guitar to the words and bring on a songstress with one of the most beautifully melodic voices, and repeat. Over and over again. For the record, Mr. Obenchain, you're not too shabby on the vocals yourself. Painted in Red is one of the best tracks on the album!



Count on me to remain obsessed with August Melody. Period.

Now it's up to you, my faithful readers and lovers of all things indie, to show some love to August Melody. There's a reason why you're along for this ride with me. August Melody is that reason right now.

Follow the band on Twitter, like them on Facebook, check them out on ReverbNation and head over to iTunes to download August Melody. iTunes not for you? You can get the album on Amazon as well.

And as always, follow along right here on MY Indie Music Blog for all things August Melody!

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

Chaser Eight - 12 Days Ago

#Crazy8s the world over, rejoice with me! In advance of their soon to be released album, our favorite rockers, Chaser Eight, have given us yet another song of summer! Hot of the presses for your musical enjoyment, please join me in cranking 12 Days Ago!!!

This is another of the songs I was graciously allowed to hear as a demo, and I was really intrigued by what the finished product may have sounded like. I don't need to wonder anymore because the band has delivered yet again... just like they do every time out!



Head over to the band's SoundCloud page now to stream 12 Days Ago... and they've even made it another free download, so just click on the download button and take it with you when you go!

And don't forget to check out the official Chaser Eight website, follow the Chaser Eight and *AUDRA* on Twitter, like them on Facebook and share their music with the world... like the good #Crazy8s we all are!

And as always, follow along here at MY Indie Music Blog for all things Chaser Eight as they happen!

This one summer...

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Spaceship Days - Indie Music Bus™ August 2014 Act of the Month

How is everyone out there tonight? We (meaning me) here at MY Indie Music Blog are finally back in the saddle again, so to speak, with bringing you more of what you've been coming here for. Life seems to take strange twists and turns sometimes. Often times, those twists and turns are for the better. Now that things have sorted themselves out on a personal level, blogging will be back and better than ever! And what better way to help get back in the swing of things than to jump back on the Indie Music Bus™ bandwagon and bring you some more of the incredible music they help me bring to you?!

It is with great pleasure that I bring to you tonight the August 2014 Indie Music Bus™ Act of the Month, Spaceship Days! Durham, North Carolina, USA, has been gracious enough to share with us one of the hottest bands on the indie music scene today. Made up of Adam Lee Decker, vocals; Chuck Cox, bass; Greg Torsone, guitar and Dave Kress, drums, Spaceship Days are one of the most promising indie acts we have right now that are ready to carry the torch in the ever growing battle against the mainstream!



Their latest EP, Saving the Universe, is a prime example of the evolution of indie music. There's a quality to the recording that rivals much of what we're given as options on mainstream radio. The biggest difference being this is what fans of Spaceship Days have come to expect from them and then some. I myself only recently discovered their music thanks to my role as judge on the Indie Music Bus™ Artist of the Month/Year panel. As soon as I hit play when I was first checking out this band, I knew we had a bona fide superstar in the making. Clearly, the majority of the other judges felt the same way!

Recent winners of the Music Video of the Year at the Carolina Music Awards for the video for their song December, I have absolutely no doubt that the accolades and awards will continue to pile up for this band for years to come! The rest of the music world better be looking over their shoulders. There's a new kid on the block and Spaceship Days are here to make the music industry right with the fans again!



For all things Spaceship Days, check out their official website, follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook. Head over to iTunes to download their latest EP as well as all of their other musical offerings. Head over to the Artists in Music Awards voting page and throw as many votes as you can up for them as they are nominated for Best Video, Contemporary, Pop, Alternative and Rock Artist.

Check them out all month long over at the official Indie Music Bus™ website as well as on the Bus's Facebook page and Twitter for a month's worth of promotional goodness unmatched in the world of indie music!

And as always, check back here with me at MY Indie Music Blog for all things Spaceship Days!

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

Little Donkey

No, the title of this post is not a misprint or a slight of sorts in any way. When Little Donkey, the folk/rock indie band out of Chelmsford, Essex, UK, found their way to my Twitter page, I kind of did a double take at the name. Then I found my way to their music and immediately began apologizing for jumping to conclusions, because I was NOT expecting to hear what I did!

 

Little Donkey are Mat Frost. vocals/guitar/ukulele/mandolin; Simon Charlton, guitar/stompbox/vocals; Russ Charlton-Ricks, bass and Jim Kemble, drums. Now, for the apologizing part to the band. I'll admit that, once I saw the name of the band, I hadn't the slightest idea what to expect, or what I thought I could expect for that matter. I hit play on their latest EP, Sanctuary, and I was blown away! This folk-rock-funk explosion called Damascus hit my earholes and I've been a sucker for them ever since!!!

Track after track on Sanctuary as well as their debut EP, The Heavy Load Sessions, is packed full of soulful folk and melds just the right amount of rock mixed with a tad bit of grunge, all wrapped up in a nice little eargasmic package for our listening pleasure. When a band like Little Donkey happens along, we know that the gods of indie music are smiling down on us.



Now let's get down to a little business, shall we? The wave of the future of music is upon us. We are now in the era of the crowd-funded campaign and it's sweeping the world. As crowd-funded campaigns go, I have personally backed 24 successful campaigns, and a handful or so of ones that didn't quite make it. I took those losses personally because I felt as if I was as invested in the campaigns as much as the indie artists that I supported. Let's see what we can do to add number 25 to the list. The band has very recently started their own PledgeMusic campaign to help with recording their next EP. I for one am a very big fan of the crowd-funding campaigns as it gives the artist complete control over their art and allows them to put a product out there that they know their fans want from them. This isn't going to be some crap auto-tuned, dressed up for the teenage girls who keep the wallets fat of the so-called experts of today's mainstream music. No, this is going to be some more of what I already love about Little Donkey.

First and foremost, let's all head over to the band's PledgeMusic page and help them record their next EP! Then, follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook, head over to their BandCamp page to download The Heavy Load Sessions and Sanctuary, and check out their official website for all things Little Donkey!

And as always, make sure you check back here at MY Indie Music Blog for all things Little Donkey as they happen.

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

The 286

I know a lot of people, indie artists in particular, wonder exactly what it takes, or needs to be done, to find their way onto MY Indie Music Blog. Consideration really is as simple as following me on Twitter. Once an indie artist finds their way to me thru Twitter, they are automatically on my musical radar. Once said artist has intrigued me enough, I will then spend a minimum of 2 weeks immersing myself in the music/videos I am able to find streaming online. They are then placed on the growing list of pending blog posts. Then, there are the rare occasions when, such as today, an artist finds their way to my Twitter page and completely blows me away.

The 286 is a 6 piece classical inspired indie rock n roll band out of London, England, made up of Spencer Hamnabuss, vocals/guitars; Tom Goddard, drums/vocals; Nahum Canoura, violin; Rafael Piamolini, keyboards; Romain Malan, cello and James Driffill, bass/vocals. Simply reading that description on their Twitter bio page was enough to peak my interest. Once I headed over to their BandCamp page, it was definitely on!


 
Just the simplest of notions that this could be some mash up of sorts between styles such as the Beatles and ELO had me nearly salivating at what may be. Let me tell you, these guys do not disappoint! While I've never personally been a fan of classical or orchestral music, anytime you throw cellos and violins into the mix with some good old fashioned rock n roll, you can NEVER go wrong!

Something tells me that we'll be hearing quite a bit more about The 286 in the weeks and months to come. There is no way that the London indie underground is going to be able to keep the wraps on these guys.

Head over to the band's BandCamp page today to download their latest self-titled EP The 286 as well as their 2011 debut EP A Victory for Batallion. Follow the band on Twitter and like them on Facebook. And as always, follow along here at MY Indie Music Blog for updates on The 286 as they happen!

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

Chaser Eight - Always Be Yours

Summertime is winding down here in the Northeast. It always seems to end sooner here than in most other places. But have no fear, because our good friends down in New Haven, Connecticut have hooked us up with THE song of the summer!

While Audra, Pat, Billy, Aaron and Pete are hard at work in the studio bringing us more monumental Chaser Eight tunes, they've graciously given even more of themselves than we may deserve by serving up Always Be Yours as a FREE download on their SoundCloud page!




I got to hear the demo for this song several weeks back and was really hopeful that it would make the cut for the new album. While it wasn't quite the fit I'd hoped it would be, at least I get to hear it in its final digital glory. As soon as you hit play, you instantly realize what I've known since day one... Chaser Eight NEVER fails to deliver!

So head over to their SoundCloud page now and hit that download button! Let's show them the love they deserve from #Crazy8s all over the world!

Download Always Be Yours here and don't forget to follow the band on Twitter and like them on Facebook so that you'll be in the know when the new album drops.

And as always, follow along right here at MY Indie Music Blog for updates on everything Chaser Eight as they happen!

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

The Controversy - Don't Count on Me

We're going to officially kick off our second year here at MY Indie Music Blog by bringing you one of my original indie favorites.

I've said this about the indie music scene multiple times in the past, and I'll continue to say this until well after indie music takes over the mainstream... the one single thing that I love the most about indie music is the artists ability to create their music on their terms. Tonight's featured artist is one that makes that the truest statement that I can offer you within the constraints of this very blog.

Tonight, I give to you, my faithful followers and fellow lovers of all things indie, The Controversy!

It wasn't long after the 2012 release of their debut album Real that I first discovered the music of this abundantly talented L.A. based duo. Laura Vall, vocals/keys and Thomas Hjorth, guitars/vocals, make up the core of The Controversy. Both share writing as well as producing duties, and we are left with the alternative/pop goodness that is the fruit of their labor. Their sophomore release, Don't Count on Me, is track after track of the most original sound happening in music today, mainstream or indie. From the opening track, Two Voices, with its infectious pop/dance groove to the closer Just Say You Love Me Again and it's dreamy, ambient/pop/folk blend, there's a sound to be found for every musical taste.



There are several standout tracks, like the early 90's alternative/industrial influenced Fly and Luna, which is sung in Spanish (there is a picture on their Facebook page that translates the song lyrics into English) that completely takes my breath away every time I listen to it. Ms. Vall's vocals are nearly flawless and the production value offers so much more musically than most of what is being offered by the mainstream. Don't Count on Me is already a strong contender to make it to the top of my list for the top albums of 2014.



Check out The Controversy at their official website. Follow the band on Twitter and like them on Facebook. Then head over to iTunes to download Don't Count on Me as well as their debut album Real. And as always, follow along here at MY Indie Music Blog for all the latest on The Controversy!

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

Forever Still

MY Indie Music Blog is about to turn 2 years old. I'm not sure when I started this that I imagined in my wildest dreams that I'd make it this long. Over the past several months, I've been reevaluating what I'm doing here and deciding how best to carry on as that two year anniversary fast approaches. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon! I just want to be certain that I continue to bring you the absolute best indie music I can find. I don't want that statement to be a slight in any way, shape or form to any single indie artist out there. It's just that I feel it's time to raise the bar, so to speak. The more involved I get in the indie music community, the deeper the talent pool has become. Bands that I've supported from day one have certainly upped the ante in terms of new music being put out. And the more new artists I discover, the harder and harder it's getting to find the time and space here for them all.

That being said, I'm about to lob a grenade at you all and introduce you to one of the hottest up and coming bands the world of indie music has to offer. Tonight is the long overdue introduction of Forever Still!

The Coppenhagen, Denmark music underground is responsible for giving us Forever Still. Led by the charismatic Maja Schønning and joined by Mikkel Haastrup, bass/guitar/keyboard; Chad T. Charlton, drums and Carsten Christensen, guitar, Forever Still is about to make a HUGE mark on the world of rock music.

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This is pure rock at its absolute best. Each song lulls you in with magical guitar riffs and pounding percussion... and just when you think you've heard this all before, the vocals kick in and the entire package knocks you right on your ass and begs you to crank the volume past your breaking point! If there ever were a true rock n roll musicgasm to be had, this is it. Every time I hit play, I become my earhole's new best friend.




Keep up with all things Forever Still at their official website. Head over to their Bandcamp page to buy their latest EP Breaking Free as well as a ton of cool merchandise. Follow the band on Twitter and like them on Facebook. And as always, keep checking back here at MY Indie Music Blog for updates on the band.

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

Collette Andrea - Steady Sun

It's been just over a year since I first introduced you to Collette Andrea. In that time, I'd be hard pressed to offer another artist, indie or mainstream, that has captivated me as much as she has. Here's the proof...

Steady Sun is the second EP by Toronto, Ontario, Canada's very own Collette Andrea. As it goes with EPs, you're generally left with a longing for more. This is the case with Steady Sun and then some. From the rock/blues/folk opener Give Me All Your Lovin' to the bluesy closer You and Me, Collette's melodic, timeless vocals are on full display.



 
After just one listen, you realize that Collette is a true throwback to the 60's and 70's, when the singer/songwriter dominated not only radio airplay, but our culture as well. I figured out that the best way to get more is to just hit replay. Over and over again.



Head over to Bandcamp today to download Steady Sun, as well as Collette's debut EP Luna. And follow her on Twitter and like her on Facebook.

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

When Particles Collide - Photoelectric

Some time back, a friend of mine posed this to me: "I like your dedication to indie artists. Have you ever thought about what you'd do if one of them finally hit it big and went mainstream?"

Talk about a dilemma! Well, after today, the time for me to answer that question might happen a lot sooner rather than later!

Today is the official world wide release of the new When Particle Collide album, Photoelectric!

It's been nearly three and a half years since my earholes were first exposed to the thunderous rock n roll of When Particles Collide. I've followed them all over the state of Maine from Bangor to Portland and points in between, and all the way down to New Hampshire. Truth be told, I'd follow this rock n roll power duo to the ends of the earth. They're that damn good.
 
 
I've had the pleasure of hearing a few of these tracks live and couldn't wait to hear the finished product. They do not disappoint. Photoelectric is an explosion of rock n roll badassery that we haven't heard since their EP EGO was released last year. Chris and Sasha continue to make music on their terms, which is good for us and bad for mainstream music. I say that because the bar is raised so high now, there's not much of a chance of me EVER going back the mainstream route again! Well played Chris and Sasha. Well played.

Head over to their Bandcamp page and download your copy of Photoelectric now. While you're there, make sure you order a copy on pink vinyl. Or cd. Hell, make it the ultimate rock n roll trifecta and get all three!!!

And for the record, when When Particles Collide breaks into the mainstream realm, I will continue to be one of their biggest fans. I'll have the pleasure of being able to say that I knew them when and smile at the memories of all the small clubs and bars I had the pleasure of seeing them play while they're blowing the roofs off of arenas across the country!

WhenParticlesCollide.com

Get your copy of Photoelectric here

Follow When Particles Collide on Twitter

Like When Particle Collide on Facebook

Before you go, make sure you check out the When Particles Collide summer tour schedule. Chris and Sasha are on the road as of today in support of Photoelectric and chances are they'll be in a city near you as they treck across the country and back! I personally guarantee that, as a veteran of more live shows than I can count with my shoes off, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

McKenna Loren

A quick show of hands out there: Who is a fan of country music? For those of you who didn't raise a hand, let me do my best to convince you otherwise.

Sometime around October/November of last year, I was busying myself helping to promote David Gielan and his nominations for the 2014 Artists in Music Awards. In the process, I came across the music of one McKenna Loren, who was nominated as Best Country Artist. It took all of about 1 minute of listening to her EP Dive In for me to be hooked.

So tonight, I give to you, my fellow lovers of all things indie, Buckeye, Arizona, USAs very own country starlet, the 2014 Artists in Music Awards Best Country Artist, McKenna Loren!

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One listen and you know that McKenna isn't your run of the mill country pop artist. There's an honesty in her music and an emotional depth missing from a lot of country artists these days. The familiar storytelling is there. The formulaic music is there. What brings it all together though is McKenna herself.

Where so many country artists and labels are so hell bent on having mainstream or pop radio crossover appeal, it would serve the majority of them well to check out McKenna Loren to see where they've mostly gone wrong!



The official McKenna Loren website

Follow McKenna Loren on Twitter

Like McKenna Loren on Facebook

Download Dive In on iTunes

Download Dive In on Amazon

Subscribe to the McKenna Loren YouTube channel

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

Simpleton & Cityfolk - Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken

It is with great pleasure that I bring Simpleton & Cityfolk back to MY Indie Music Blog with their new EP, Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken!

Regular readers will remember the band from their first introduction here back in September of 2012 (Simpleton & Cityfolk). Steeped  in Americana/folk/blues/rock, Geoff Glenn, lead vocals/rhythm guitar; Chris Bennett, lead guitar/vocals; Chris Williams, upright bass/vocals and Mike Skowronski, drums/vocals are at it again with their highly anticipated follow up to 2013's No Man is an Island. Hearts is a quick hitting 5 song EP packed full of the sound we've come to know and love.



I couldn't wait to treat my ears to this as soon as it was released. I was on their BandCamp page buying it the morning it was released and was instantly blown away! There's a reason No Man is an Island was on my list of 2013's top albums (2013 Top 10 Indie Albums/EPs) and the guys have made one helluva case for returning to that list again this year with Hearts. The guys wanted to know what track was making an impact on me. After having a few weeks with the EP, I can safely say that it's impossible to pick a favorite. It's like asking me which of my kids I love more. Can't be done! From the opening track, Spokane, to the closing notes of See You Today, every track is a gem. Story after story, song after song, the guys are on top of their game. And it's the fans of Simpleton & Cityfolk that come out on top!

Head over to the bands BandCamp page today to download Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. Your ears and music soul will thank you.

Download Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken here 

The official Simpleton & Cityfolk website 

Follow Simpleton & Cityfolk on Twitter 

Like Simpleton & Cityfolk on Facebook 

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

The Chaser Eight experience

May 3, 2014. For me, this is the day that the live indie music experience took on a whole new meaning.

May 3, 2014, is the day that I decided to drive 586 miles (give or take a few) in 10 hours (give or take an hour or so) to New Haven, Connecticut, to see a live Chaser Eight show. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. Period.

I first introduced you to Chaser Eight just over a year ago in March 2013 (Chaser Eight ft *AUDRA*).
(Editor's note: This was actually the second time that lead singer *AUDRA* made it onto MY Indie Music Blog. She was originally featured in my January 2013 post The Women of Indie Music.) At the time, I had been digging into their sound for just a couple of months, but in all honesty, I was already hooked on them. I was already the proud owner of their debut EP Late Night Companions, and had started to throw support their way thru Twitter. By the time their next EP, Up and Up came onto the scene, I was well on my way to becoming the #Crazy8 that I am today.






Now that we've had 6 months or so of At the 426 under our belts, I figured it was about damn time that I made my way down to their neck of the woods to experience Chaser Eight live and in person. To say that I was impressed is the understatement of the century. My buddy and I got to the bar, Stella Blues, a bit early. I finally got to meet the band before the night's festivities began. First was *AUDRA* and their manager, Doug Grabowski, then guitarist Pat Walsh, bass player Billy Wang and drummer Pete Giannini (keyboardist/guitarist Aaron Tagliamonte showed up later. I unfortunately didn't get a chance to be introduced to him.). One of the things that sets most indie artists that I've met apart from their mainstream contemporaries is their accessibility. They are always grateful for the support that is shown to them. They truly appreciate you coming out to see them and are genuinely happy to meet their fans. Chaser Eight lived up to this and then some! We had a nice chat with both Pat and Pete before their set began, then I had a good talk with Audra afterwards. She was interested in my take on their set. So let me share it with you as well!

I've heard the band explain their sound on more than one occasion. What they hope to accomplish in their recordings is to capture the energy of their live show. After seeing them, I finally get it. Several weeks ago, I was invited by the band to have somewhat of a hand in the recording of their new album (which they are currently in the studio recording). This was a first for me and I am more than honored to have them regard me in such a way that they let me listen to their recorded demos to see what I would like to hear on the new album. Songs such as 8 AM, On Top, Major and Minor and Just Ride are going to turn the world of indie music over on its collective ear! Hearing polished live versions of these songs has me amped for the new album!!! Throw those in with songs like Never Enough and Run, Run and I was given the ride of my life at Stella Blues! I told Audra after their set that what impressed me the most was the power of their performance. Most artists, indie and mainstream alike, put everything they have into their recordings. When it comes to their stage performance, the energy doesn't translate the same. I don't know if it's a producer slicking up the sound in the editing room that sets us up for a mild disappointment with the live product, or if they're just not capable of reproducing what they did in the studio, but there is absolutely NO drop off with Chaser Eight! From start to finish, this was one of the most genuine sets I've ever had the pleasure to witness. I was surprised when Audra admitted to me that she lost her voice halfway thru their set. I damn sure didn't pick up on it! Musically, there isn't a band out there that can touch them. Pat Walsh is a monster on the strings. Billy and Pete know how to bring the thunder and Aaron tickling the ivories adds a unique mix to a true rock n roll vibe. Audra is the ultimate front woman. Her vocals were spot on with her full (and rather impressive) range on display.

Way back in 1993, I had the pleasure of seeing Pearl Jam live in Dallas. While their styles are quite different (and while I almost NEVER compare indie artists to manistream acts), Chaser Eight is right on par with Pearl Jam when it comes to their stage performance. Their collective hearts and souls were left right there on the Stella Blues stage for all of our listening pleasure that night. For this, I want to say thank you Chaser Eight. You officially rock my ever loving rock n roll soul... and I'll see you again real soon!



This is a bootleg recording of a full set Chaser Eight performed in April of 2013 opening for London Souls. It's pretty damn close to just as awesome as my first experience. Enjoy!!!

The official Chaser Eight website

Are you a Crazy 8?

*Crazy 8: n. 1. A person that is extremely enthusiastic about the music Chaser Eight produces and is invested or committed to their success.

2. You're a fan.

I am. For life.

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Give it away?

Good evening everyone! Tonight, I come to you to get something off of my chest. Sorry for no new music. This is something that needs to be said and hopefully understood by all.

A few days ago, I saw a post on Facebook from an indie artist about a blogger that reached out to him about posting about his band. That band is The Sunpilots, who have recently been featured on this very blog. As I pointed out on said post, the band is currently offering their upcoming album as a free download. The blogger in question had downloaded the album, for free, then offered the post IF the band sent him/her some additional merchandise... then proceeded to to list what he/she would like. For free. 

UNFUCKINGBELIEVABLE!

Who are the mainstream artists giving their music away for free?

That's what I thought.

One of my all-time favorite posts about indie music has to do with the comparison between the cost of a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop and the cost of a single song published by an indie artist. It really is funny, because just this morning I paid $3.85 for a cup. As soon as I drove off, I thought about the three or four songs I just passed on. And the comparison itself is as true as it gets. Once the coffee was gone, what did I have to show for it besides a full bladder? As I sit here typing this, I'm listening to my iPod which is full of indie music that I've purchased over the last three or four years. Of the more than 87,000 songs currently in my iTunes library, nearly 40% of them are indie artists. Of that 40%, at least 85% have been bought and paid for. Whether it be iTunes, BandCamp, CD Baby, Noise Trade, ReverbNation, the artist's website or Amazon.com, I ALWAYS buy the music that I like to support the artists when and where I can. The estimated 15% that I haven't paid for have been sent to me unsolicited or downloaded for free because that's simply the only way the artist has put their music out there. If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen me interacting with indie artists who reach out to me about possibly finding a spot on this blog. They ask where they submit music to for consideration. My response is always the same. There's no need to submit anything to me. As soon as you hit the follow button, you're already on my radar. If I like what I hear, I buy the music and do my best to help them promote it. For someone to come right out and ask for something for free is downright preposterous and downright asshole-ish. Period. 

These artists are out there putting everything they have into their art. The vast majority of them work a 9 to 5 like most of us do. Any free time and money they have is going to the music that they create for us to enjoy. And contrary to what you may or may not believe, it isn't cheap, OR FREE for them to record. Even if they're completely DIY, how much do you think the equipment in their home studio cost them? Bet it wasn't free.

And please don't get me started on how people act at the shows that I go to. As soon as the band starts to point out the merch table and the cd's they have for sale for $5, the bitching and moaning and haggling starts up. This is usually at shows that were either FREE for them to get into or paid a measly $5 cover charge to get into. There are usually three or more bands on the bill and at the most, they're playing in front of not a lot of people. How much do you think they're getting at the end of the night from the venue? If they're lucky, they'll have gas money to get back home. But the ass clowns in the crowd are bitching about a $5 cd when they're running up a $50 bar tab. Why do you even bother to come out?

So, I'm putting this out there to ALL bloggers and fans alike. If you truly believe in the artist and their craft, please, please, please support them properly. Buy the music. Support the crowd funded campaigns. Go to the shows. Pay your cover charge. Buy the band a drink. Buy a cd. Buy a t-shirt. Make a new friend or two. These artists are some of the coolest fucking people on the face of the earth. They're regular people just like you and me. They're approachable. They appreciate you coming out to see them and support them. I've made some lifelong friends in not just our local indie scene, but all over, over the last couple of years. They know there isn't a single thing that I wouldn't do for them.

Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.

Dos Ringos

As I've made mention within the posts of this blog in the very recent past, one thing that I am most grateful for since I started this whole thing is the ability that indie music gives me to listen outside of the box. I had always considered myself to be somewhat diverse in my musical choices. Aside from jazz and classical, I thought that I had pretty well covered the musical spectrum. Little did I know how much of said spectrum I had actually never given a chance to. Until now.

Following in the footsteps of Simpleton & Cityfolk, The Porter Draw and The Ghost of Paul Revere, I'm bringing the Americana sound back to MY Indie Music Blog. Please join me in welcoming Dos Ringos!

Dos Ringos is a collaboration between lifelong friends Scot Heminger and Trent Harris. Straight out of the heartland of America, the band is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. To say the guys nail the Americana sound is somewhat of an understatement. Sometimes country, sometimes blues and even a bit rock n roll, Dos Ringos pulls off one of the most far reaching and dynamic sounds in music today.

Learn how to get your song on itunes at ReverbNation.com

It's not every day that a band like Dos Ringos comes along. In today's mainstream radio, country music itself is mostly overshadowed by a new breed of country singer that seems more interested in cross-over appeal than in staying true to the country sound. There is a huge void that Americana can fill, and Dos Ringos should be right at the forefront of the charge!

The official Dos Ringos website

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Follow Scot Heminger on Twitter

Dos Ringos on ReverbNation

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Support unsigned artists... give indie music a chance.