Electric Valentine is an amazing LA-based electropop band, and they've generously decided to give away their album "The Fuse" (which is damn good!). They're not asking for anything, not even your email, but if you like what you hear please follow them on their Facebook and Twitter to keep up with their latest projects, and spread the word - and the download link, which is right.....here!
"Wherever You Are" (listen on Purevolume) is the sparkling first single from Ally Burnett's upcoming EP "So Close So Far" - It's a refreshing, unashamed, upbeat love song, and it's a *perfect* song for spring/summer. Go listen for yourself, and also check out Ally's teaser video for "So Close So Far" not only do we get to hear the release date for the EP (May 1st...YAY!!) but snippets from all the tracks.
From what I can hear, this is shaping up to be the best EP Ally has ever made. If you like what you hear, please spread the word. Without a big promotional budget, word of mouth is essential for indie artists like Ally, so listen, enjoy, tell your friends, and be sure to buy the EP!
I've been following Portland, Oregon based artist, Debra Arlyn's music career ever since her 2005 release "Thinking Out Loud" and, to be honest, her music always has a place on my iPod. Debra has such an amazing, moving, emotional voice, and her new release 'Heartbeat" carries on the tradition.
"Heartbeat" is another Kickstarter success story, which just makes this album all the more special, it exists because the fans wanted it to (disclaimer: I'm a proud donator).
I'm not good on track-by-track reviews, but more about the general "feel" of an album, and "Heartbeat" is such a sweet (without being cloying) uplifting album, that I defy you to maintain a bad mood after listening to it. You know, just from listening, that Debra poured her heart and soul in to it.
I will say, for me, the stand out tracks are the adorable first single "La La La" and....ok, I'm wrong, I can't single out any tracks, they're *all* that good! Debra's voice soars and just takes you along for the ride.
The official release date of "Heartbeat" is April 21st, so be sure to check it out, and if you're a Portland local be sure to go see her album release show at Jimmy Mak's (which reminds me, I need to make a reservation!)
If you love beautiful vocals, and heartfelt lyrics, I encourage you to buy "Heartbeat" and if you feel like picking up any of Debra's older releases, I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
This blog will always be first and foremost about independent musicians. While I may from time to time post about some signed musicians, they will never be the focus. I honestly believe that independent musicians are the heart and soul of music, there is no gatekeeper between them and their audience deciding what to release and when.
