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

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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 

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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.

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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

Follow Dos Ringos on Twitter

Follow Trent Harris on Twitter

Follow Scot Heminger on Twitter

Dos Ringos on ReverbNation

Like Dos Ringos on Facebook

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David Gielan - The Indie Music Bus™ April 2014 Artist of the Month

April 6, 2010. It was within one month of that date that my outlook on mainstream music would forever change. April 6, 2010, is the day that the Indie Music Bus™ April Artist of the Month, David Gielan, released his album The Imperfect Tense. To say that I've become a fan of his over the past 4 years is somewhat of an understatement. On the off chance that you haven't become a fan yet, tonight just may be your night!

Returning to MY Indie Music Blog yet again is Los Angeles, California, USA based indie singer/songwriter David Gielan. David runs the gamut of indie music when it comes to what he has offered us over the years. From his first release, 2005's jazz infused rocker Idea Lab, to the aforementioned The Imperfect Tense, to a slew of singles ranging from hip-hop (yes, he has serious hip-hop cred!), to adult contemporary, to soft rock, to flat out knock you on your ass alternative rock (as a member of alt/rockers Oh Crap! Ninjas), to his most recent offering, Wading Through the Bracken, Part 1, David takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride by leaving his heart and soul in every recording he writes, records, produces and scores. Oh, you didn't know he was a producer, too? We'll get to that in a minute.



It's going to be hard for me to pick just a few recordings to share with you here. I honestly don't think (contrary to what he will tell you himself) that David has ever had a bad day in the studio.



In addition to being a top-notch recording artist, David is also making waves in the entertainment industry as an entrepreneur. He is the owner of Melody Maker Productions, located in downtown Los Angeles, as well as MMP Audio (a full service audio post-producton company) and the newly formed AudioProDB (more on them in a moment, too). MMP is where musical nirvana happens on a daily basis, as David has produced music for the likes of Poor Yorick, Lorelei Carlson, Wayne Stylez and Brandon West, to name a few. This also includes producing all of his own material as well as musical scores for placement with television and films.



2014 has also seen David nominated for three awards by the Artists in Music Awards as singer/songwriter of the year, adult contemporary artist of the year and producer of the year, ultimately being a finalist in the adult contemporary and producer categories. While he didn't bring home the trophies this year, the exposure was worth the efforts put forth by his fans to secure the nods for him. I'm already looking forward to next year's awards!



Let's not forget the epic collaboration between David and another indie favorite of MY Indie Music Blog, the 2012 Indie Music Bus™ Artist of the Year, David Geftakys. Their song, You're Alive, is a song about love, hope and seizing the moment to be who you're meant to be.



Congratulations to David on being named the Indie Music Bus™ April 2014 Artist of the Month! You can check him out all month long on the Bus's official website and anytime on David's ReverbNation page.

Indie Music Bus™ official website

Follow David Gielan on Twitter

Like David Gielan on Facebook

David Gielan ReverbNation page

Give back to the artist, download music by David Gielan on iTunes

Melody Maker Productions official website 

David's newest venture, AudioProDB, is looking to revolutionize the music business by creating a online audio credits database.

(A note from Founder David Gielan) As an audio professional for the last 25 years, I am tired of not having this as a resource for my career. I have worked as a composer, recording engineer, music producer, sound designer, etc. and the only way you are going to know what I worked on is by going to my personal website and if you don't know my name, you are never going to find me. When I want to know who an actor was in a film, I go to IMDB.com. Why can't there be something for music producers and alike on the web? Now there is.

A stop over to their IndoeGoGo campaign page explains the concept in more detail. Give his campaign video a watch and pledge if you can!

AudioProDB IndieGoGo campaign page

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Marathon

I often find myself wondering how I got to be as fortunate as I have with the path I've chosen with this blog. I think back to just a few years ago, before indie music became such a huge part of my being, and wonder how many indie artists I missed out on. One thing that I was never cognizant of was how manipulated I was being by the mainstream. I was one of the flock, following along and listening to what I was being given to listen to. Little did I know that there was a whole other world of music out there left undiscovered. I was never aware that there was such a diverse group of artists all over the world putting out music that I never knew I liked. Until now.

Tonight, I give to you, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA's very own, Marathon.

I'm going to be the first to admit that when this band first came onto my radar, I had no idea what I was in for. I don't ever recall having purposely listened to a ambient indie rock/dream pop band before. I'm sure that at some juncture, there have been artists with some semblance of this sound in the repertoire. But would I have ever picked them out of the crowd? Something tells me I was destined to wait for something really special to come along. That something special, I believe, is Marathon.



Zach Wager, vocals/guitar; Erich Wagner, guitar/vocals/percussion; Robert Battle, bass; Paul Winter, keyboard and Ricky Kreiser, drums, are the players responsible for pushing the envelop of musicianship that is Marathon. Once you press play, you're instantly hooked. There are times when other artists allow themselves to be overshadowed by the production of their music. This is never the case here. The artist and the production value compliment each other flawlessly. There's a cohesiveness from start to finish that allows you to immerse yourself in the artistry and get lost in the music. 

Head over to the band's official website now to download their self-titled debut album. Although they're offering it for free, remember, it wasn't free for them to record it. Give back to the band.

Official Marathon website

Follow Marathon on Twitter

Like Marathon on Facebook

Follow Marathon on SoundCloud

Subscribe to the Marathon YouTube channel 

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