CH3LS - "Love On the Rocks"

By Jessica Klausing

“Love on the Rocks” is a testament to Chelsee Foster’s (CH3LS) growth as an independent rock artist. It strikes a perfect balance of soulful vulnerability and evocative emotion. This song isn’t just for anyone who’s gone through a tough breakup—it’s for anyone who’s ever truly felt the complexities of love in all its forms!

“It’s definitely about love and trying not to give up hope of finding it after being burned,” says CH3LS. “But I also know that, at the end of the day, I always have a good whiskey and my own company to enjoy.”

Written with Los Angeles producer Ryan Maker and recorded in Nashville, the track is driven by heavy rock 'n' roll riffs, brawny drums, and a fierce howl that surges with adrenaline.

With this release, CH3LS has cemented herself as an artist to watch, offering something real and relatable in a genre often dominated by superficiality. You can catch CH3LS on tour now, performing with the legendary band, Starship.

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Falling Doves - "Fire & Ash"

Written by Jessica Klausing

Alternative rockers Falling Doves release their new single, “Fire & Ash,” in honor of their upcoming 10th anniversary and in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires. All proceeds from the song will benefit MusiCares, a non-organization dedicated to supporting musicians affected by the devastating fires.

Although the song was originally written in honor of lead singer Chris Leyva’s late father, its meaning evolved in light of the recent tragedy.

“When my father passed away this past December, I wanted to write a song for him in light of my recent loss. I started thinking about his incineration that was going to happen. I knew he would be free from pain,” Leyva reflects. “Although morbid, it was ashes to ashes, dust to dust vibes. I wanted it to be upbeat with a mixture of Bryan Adams meets The Cult.”

What Leyva and his bandmates did not expect was that just a few days later, the fires would begin in their hometown of Los Angeles.

“It just hit home extra hard when the lyrics matched the situation. What’s strange is that there’s a little place in the Palisades where my father had asked for his ashes to be spread after his cremation.”

Produced by Australian producer, Jack Goode, “Fire & Ash” is a melancholic track with atmospheric guitars that give listeners a hazy, dream-like feel, while Leyva’s warm vocals offer a glimmer of hope with lyrics like, “Fire, in the distant sky / Fire, taking what we had / Fire, with a violent blue / If I make it through, it’s all because of you.” Laced with lamenting instrumentation and emotion, the track is an immersive listening experience.

You can purchase this song and more music from the Falling Doves on their Bandcamp page.

On Thursday, January 23rd, Falling Doves will headline the House of Blues Anaheim's Fire Relief Concert for MusiCares. The event promises an unforgettable evening dedicated to providing a safety net for music people in need. Tickets are available now at a special early bird rate of $20, with day-of-event tickets priced at $25. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. at the House of Blues, 400 Disney Way #337, Anaheim, CA 92802.

Purchase tickets HERE.

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SONG REVIEW: Cigarettes After Sex - "Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby"

By Jessica Klausing

Dim the lights and get ready to take things nice and slow. Cigarettes After Sex are best known for their dreamy pop-noir ambience and sensual, androgynous vocals from frontman Greg Gonzalez, who describes the band’s songs as “erotic lullabies.” 

While all of their songs have that same lethargic vibe, “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” from the 2012 EP, I, is a stand out track in terms of modern romanticism lyrics with a beautiful, subdued melody. 

The song begins with a thumping bass as Gonzalez croons, “Whispered something in your ear.” As he proceeds to recount the wholesome yet romantic debauchery with his lover, the haunting guitars linger in the background accompanied by a delicate tapping of drums. The tempo picks up briefly with a whimsical synthesizer at the chorus, “Nothing’s gonna hurt you baby/As long as you’re with me, you’ll be just fine.” 

Whether you’re looking to have a passionate night or to just wind down and relax after a stressful day, Cigarettes After Sex is a band worth checking out.

EP REVIEW: Xs and ARROWs - Awoken By Owls

By Jessica Klausing

In the midst of the pandemic Los Angeles based indie rockers Xs and ARROWs’ second EP, Awoken by Owls takes listeners on a self-reflective journey filled with sweet acoustic melodies and the sounds of nature. According to Courtney Lavender, “The recordings on this EP were born from the stillness of being nowhere but in nature, and the space it freed to allow me to create. No more hours on a freeway, in doctors’ offices, or in a white box room with six computers. Just the wind, the snow, the rain, the sun, the smoke, the fire. Just the sound of midnight birdsong, and the owls.” Lavender has been keeping herself busy this year with three music video releases ahead of the EP, using wildlife footage shot in the San Gabriel mountains and metaphorical lyrics to convey seasonal depression during “this drawn out period of lockdown life” as she describes.

The opener “Doin’ Time” sets the mood with wistful guitar strums as Lavender croons, “Well, I’ve been growing restless/ Waiting for change/Tomorrow’s caught in the turnstiles/All tattered and frayed.” You can hear the desperation in her voice as she cries out, “Feels like I’ve been doin’ time,” like a forgotten prisoner begging for freedom. “Little April” follows with the gentler, “We all need a little sunshine/ We all need reassurance,” as she invites us to “come on in” to her metaphorical spring of hope, offering warmth and comfort.

A standout track, “Call You Home” provides a cheery tone as the udu creates a pots and pans clanking sound reminiscent of a lone traveler backpacking along in the wilderness. While this pandemic may have jaded our hearts, “Raise Your Heart” dares us to be more vulnerable and wear our hearts on our sleeves. It’s a beautiful reminder that as humans we often feel stuck overcoming obstacles, but we should never give up and always persevere. “Go Deeper” closes out the EP with a layered tapestry of lap steel, tambourine, guitar, percussion, and soft harmonies weaved together seamlessly as Lavender makes her profound declaration, “I’m ready for the receiving,” thus ending the listeners’ journey on a positive note.

Awoken by Owls is a superb follow up to the 2017 EP, From Here. Xs and ARROWs hone in on their storytelling craft as Lavender’s warm vocals really shine, providing a much needed light in this darkened world. Each song flows beautifully into the next and the album as a whole is a pleasure to listen to.

Recommended Tracks: “Little April,” “Call You Home” and “Raise Your Heart.”

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SONG REVIEW: Conrad Ashton - "Those Were The Days"

By Wanda Whitley

Conrad Ashton

Reminiscing and regret, yearning and letting go, moving forward yet looking backwards…this pure and catchy song by Conrad Ashton reflects loving  (and having lost) that one person who no matter what remains an influence in everything.  These lyrics capture the hold of a true love that got away, a past love that was so strong that still infiltrates the present.  A love that still lives in dreams.  You can’t help but feel a little sad listening to this tale of a love that once was.  At some point we all want to go back in time, to relive the best times of our lives.  This song demonstrates that everything we go through in life does indeed become a part of us – especially when we find love. 

Heartfelt and sincere, Conrad sings from his core – you can feel how much he cherishes the memories of this past relationship.  Love and hurt co-mingles together, and what is encouraging is his acceptance of it all – he is moving forward and realizing that what he shared with this love will always be with him, and because of this experience, even with his loss, he is never truly alone because his memories are always there.

Cool guitar rhythm (who would’ve thought you could jam along with a song about loss)?  Conrad has brilliantly put together a song that we can all relate to – having the best of times with a true love, and then dealing with the aftermath when those times come to an end. 

Check out Conrad’s website for more information.

INTERVIEW: Jeremy Neese of Snowcone For President

Snowcone For President. Photo by Emily Neese.

“A vote for Snowcone For President is a vote for a heavy sonic candidate.”

Snowcone For President is an alternative rock band straight out of Carrollton, Georgia. Their high energy performances coupled with the antics of band mascot Snowcone the Bad Panda have earned the band attention within the indie music world.

In this interview frontman Jeremy Neese discusses his musical projects, the new Snowcone For President album and Snowcone the Bad Panda’s origins. Read it HERE.

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SONG REVIEW: Ines Herrmann - "Final Enemy"

By Jessica Klausing

German singer-songwriter Ines Herrmann releases her newest single “Final Enemy,” ahead of her upcoming EP, Thunder which will release on September 10.

Herrmann has a knack for compelling storytelling songs as she adds a bold flair of her personality with unique instrumentals to create something truly special. Her music can be compared to Janis Joplin, Kate Bush, Charlotte Gainsburg, and Julia Jacklin.

Herrmann refuses to be ignored as “Final Enemy” is a testimony to anyone who dares stand in her way. Honest lyrics and pitch perfect vocals soar over diligent percussion while Herrmann proclaims that she’s your final enemy, “in the back of your mind when you’re ready to face it.”

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SONG REVIEW: Rob Drabkin - "It's A Beautiful Day"

By Wanda Whitley

Rob Drabkin.

Without even one glance out of a window, this latest single from artist Rob Drabkin lets you know what the weather is. 

“It’s a Beautiful Day” is so positive and uplifting, you may not even need that morning Cup of Joe to get you going. The guitar is very pretty, and Rob’s lyrics are just so smooth and soothing. As the song pleasantly soars you into the chorus, you want to get up and take that deep breath – breathe in all of the joy of this beautiful day. And you can just feel the sun on your face as you listen and take in this day that Rob has created and shares with you, feeling more than okay as you sing along with this anthem of celebrating today.

Although his musical talents make it easy to believe he’s always been a full-time musician, Rob attended Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, where he graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with the intention of becoming a doctor. His focus quickly changed after a family trip to New York to reconnect with his father’s old musician friends. After that moment, Rob knew he wanted to pursue a career in the music industry. His song, “Someday” has already a spot on major Spotify playlists and in just one month, the single accumulated over two million plays from listeners around the world. I think we can agree that Rob made a great choice in a career change.

Clap your hands, move to the beat, and enjoy the vibrant horn arrangement - just drink in the fun of this celebration of life!  And like a day that is as truly beautiful as this musical creation, as Rob tells us in his song - “whatever you do, don’t let it go, don’t let it get away!”  No worries, Mr. Drabkin, we promise we will hit replay on this one! 

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SONG REVIEW: Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir - "Stop Shakin"

By Wanda Whitley

Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir.

Let me begin by addressing the one disappointment I found with Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir’s new single “Stop Shakin."  It is not fair, just not fair!  How can you tell us to stop shakin’ to such a lively beat? 

Let me tell you, I am just loving how this song gets you movin’ and groovin.'  And even though this song has some angst, it is a happy song, a song of hopeful reconciliation – a song of “ok, enough is enough – can’t you see I can’t take it anymore?” 

Blake's wife, Tiffany Brown and and his longtime friends Jason Legler, Adam Blake and Trent Nelson make up The American Dust Choir, creating a blend of indie rock and Americana. Blake’s music is rooted in acoustic sounds, and characterized by his seemingly simple, yet complex melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

This is actually a sweet love song, too. And what is that I hear? An echo of Fleetwood Mac in the music and vocals! "Stop Shakin" is the lead single off the band's debut full length album, Long Way Home. It should shake up the charts, for sure! 

At first, I thought the bass is what I love the best, then – those guitars! And wait a minute, the keyboards, too!  All in all, such a complete package of vocal and instrumental beauty.  Did I mention I love this song?  I cannot wait to hear more from you, Blake Brown!

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Static and Surrender @ Hollywood's Hotel Cafe

Static and Surrender are on tour throughout California in honor of their debut album release. Their energetic riffs and rhythms are on par with the alternative superstar acts such as Lifehouse and Matchbox Twenty. Jeff Campbell (lead vocals, guitar) backed by John Schuman (drums), Adam Schuman (guitar, vocals), and Lauren Stockner (bass player) – all stars in their own right – delivered a passionate performance at Hollywood’s Hotel Café.

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Check out Static and Surrender’s debut album. If you get the chance to see them live, do it! Very few artists have that special knack to sound better live than in the studio. Static and Surrender is definitely one of those bands that kick it up a notch in the live shows.

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