Jammerzine’s The Week in #Indie presents a special about the best in independent music. We all know that 2020 wasn’t the best of years and we’ve all had to endure isolation physically and mentally. But we must highlight those wonderful bright sides of this year with this presentation of great music.
Live @ Home is a new chapter in discovering music, with artists performing straight from their homes into fan’s homes around the globe. Going through Jammer Direct’s multiple streaming platforms via PC/Mac, Mobile, Tablet, Radio, and Television in true HD and Dolby Digital surround sound that reaches a worldwide audience.
With concerts, events, festivals, and concerts effectively canceled for the near future, even after things get back to somewhat normality people will be slow to get back out there. Musicians need a way to reach out with their music, Live @ Home is that game-changer that will let recording artists of all genres and levels reach out to fans along with gaining new ones.
If you are watching these performances on Jammer Direct’s official Roku Channel, you can use the QR Code embedded in the video to vote via your phone or tablet device.
These performances are also being simulcast on our flagship online radio station JammerStream One, which began at 12 Noon (U.S. Eastern) on June 27th HERE.
Sarah Jordan & Matt Von
Sarah Jordan and Matt Von are a brother/sister duo that shares a passion for music that seems to be part of their natural chemistry. Being a seasoned pop soulful performer, Sarah brings pure emotion, while Matthew’s vocals are storytelling, understated, and pure. Sarah and Matt are independent singer-songwriters, who made a decision in 2019 to collaborate as a duo.
LINKS:
https://www.sarahandmattmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/sarahandmattmusic
https://www.instagram.com/sarahandmattmusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0oBIoUBSGc5v4nUgAQWykf
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/sarah-jordan-and-matt-von/id1459590335
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMlRiBtt80u4Fd1CXAWxkQ
https://soundcloud.com/sarahandmattmusic
DuShane Band
Formed in late 2012, DuShane is a culmination of southern rock and country. The band consists of vocals, electric/acoustic guitars, bass, drums, pedal steel, violin, and keyboards. Formally of the band, Law and Order (MCA Records), lead singer DuShane brought up on the Nashville/Memphis sound but also uses his New York City roots to create their “Urban Country” Americana sound.
The Band is a blend of acoustic and sonic texture that is reminiscent of classic country and southern rock and shimmers with modern studio sounds and arrangements.
Tutored by friends and former producers Joe Hardy, Mac Reinhold, and Shane Keister, The DuShane Band was able to produce and engineer and record their first independent record. DuShane’s first single “Alabama Rain” released in early January 2017 has received receiving warm reviews and gaining popularity from fans with different musical tastes, and with a release of DuShane’s first music video for “Summertime” the band hopes to gain popularity with the country and rock fans as well as appeal to a broader global audience.
The band’s newest video, “Alabama Rain”, opens up with an anthemic intro that brings a familiarity to the song, comforting the listener as they brace for the story’s impact. The line, “Johnny turned 20’s from the poor side of town” kicks off the first verse, putting you in the main character’s shoes. DuShane completes the verse with, “One day he got married and found a way / He had a new baby boy and landed a job / without any skills had to work twice as hard, working the steel mills 14 hours a day.”
Then, tragedy strikes- the mill shut down. What’s more? There is a second child on the way. Without a job or pay to support his family, Johnny hit rock bottom. He was left with no choice but to enlist in the military to make ends meet. The video ends with Johnny coming home a hero, reuniting with his family, and the fulfillment of his promise that they would never know that “Alabama Rain.”
All in all, “Alabama Rain” is a song of hope. The Johnny character featured in the story is all too relatable for a large portion of the United States right now due to the outsourcing of jobs and the shrinking of the middle-class. The lyrics in this song can speak to the hearts of those affected by these conditions and serve as a point of inspiration. The fresh sound and undeniable relatability of this song is sure to hook country and Americana music fans, and we’re so excited to watch the DuShane band flourish with the release of this video.
LINK:
https://www.dushaneband.com
Jammer Direct is a multi-platform and online promotional and media company that includes video, radio, and print entities in the form of the brands Jammer Direct, JammerStream Radio, and Jammerzine.
Collectively, the brand known as Jammer Direct (Jammer Direct, JammerStream Radio, and Jammerzine) generates over 2 million unique views per month with an average stay time of between 30 and over 40 minutes for the artists that they feature (links HERE & HERE).
LINKS:
https://jammer.direct
https://jammerstream.jammer.direct
https://jammerzine.com
https://twitter.com/jammerdirect
https://twitter.com/jammerzine
https://www.facebook.com/jammerdirect
https://www.facebook.com/jammerzine
KES Entertainment provides worldwide digital and US physical music and film distribution for record labels and artists. Our marketing and promotion team specializes in structuring tailored campaigns, assisting the artist with connecting to their fans, and creating new ones.
Our most popular services:
LINKS:
https://twitter.com/kesindiedist
https://kesnetwork.com
Live @ Home is a new chapter in discovering music, with artists performing straight from their homes into fan’s homes around the globe. Going through Jammer Direct’s multiple streaming platforms via PC/Mac, Mobile, Tablet, Radio, and Television in true HD and Dolby Digital surround sound that reaches a worldwide audience.
With concerts, events, festivals, and concerts effectively canceled for the near future, even after things get back to somewhat normality people will be slow to get back out there. Musicians need a way to reach out with their music, Live @ Home is that game-changer that will let recording artists of all genres and levels reach out to fans along with gaining new ones.
If you are watching these performances on Jammer Direct’s official Roku Channel, you can use the QR Code embedded in the video to vote via your phone or tablet device.
These performances are also being simulcast on our flagship online radio station JammerStream One, which began at 12 Noon (U.S. Eastern) on May 30th HERE.
Neena Rose
To say that aspiring artist Neena Rose is a more powerful and passionate lead vocalist than many singers twice her age wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Hamilton-born, Neena Rose at only 16 year’s old has been called an “amazing young talent, incredible vocalist and witty lyricist” by 80 Empire of Universal Music Publishing Group, who produced and co-wrote the songs for Neena’s soon to be released R&B spiked’ EP, calling working with her a “sheer joy!”
Be it recording her first original song “Rock N Roll Lullaby “at the age of 12, produced and mixed by Diamond/Platinum producer Roy “Royalty” Hamilton III, performing for Oprah Winfrey at Copp’s Coliseum in front of an audience of 14,000 or being selected by CHCH TV to record the new theme song for Tiny Talent Time, Neena’s ardent delivery, her maturity, and unique style engages and inspires an immediate emotional response from anyone listening.
Neena Rose is thrilled to release her captivating debut single and music video “Games” with originals “Rewind” “Circles” and “Mannequin” to follow. She’s elated to share these powerhouse tracks paving the way for what her fans can expect in 2019 with the release of her first full- length album. When asked, Neena Rose spoke of looking forward to writing and performing songs that inspire others and her personal joy of giving back to the community through the gift of music.
LINKS:
https://www.neenarosemusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/neenarosemusic
https://www.youtube.com/neenarosemusic
Lawrence Preston
The Throwback Sounds Vibe touches every aspect of the musical genre out there! RnB/Soul singer Lawrence Preston echo’s the classic melodies of Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, and Stanley Clark just to name a few. Infusing the best elements of jazz, funk, pop, hip hop into a unique balance diverse musical experience while maintaining a strong soul element. Lawrence’s vocal harmonies, funky bass lines, and fairly simplistic beats maintain the soulful sound throughout his songs. Gearing up for a UK tour mid- June 2018 he will without a doubt capture the attention of intimate club patrons with his elements of hard, lingering bass lines; with a touch of emotion-stirring guitar riffs with an authenticity that is necessary for soul music, it’s a jazzier, funk sophisticated taste.
Some background info on Lawrence~ A San Francisco native, Lawrence was born into a musical family, his parents had formed a gospel group, The Sensational Travelers, who rehearsed in the local church at which his grandfather was pastor. At the age of only five, Lawrence was part of another family gospel group, Fantastic Four, also featuring his father, a talented guitarist. Becoming known locally as “The Gospel Jackson Five”, he had now truly become committed to music, learning to play trombone, guitar and, his ultimate weapon of choice, bass guitar.
Aged 19, his musical skill was spotted by Sly & the Family Stone founder, Freddie Stone who in turn recommended him to “Oh, Happy Day” singer, Dorothy Morrison, leading to a significant period in the 1980s as the bass player in her gospel band. Taking his time to truly learn his craft, Lawrence emerged in the 1990s as an artist with a wealth of experience, recording his first full-length album in 1997. “Something for You” is Lawrence Preston at the peak of his powers, an artist for fans of classic soul and for those wanting to hear real musicianship and passion.
LINK:
http://www.lawrenceprestononline.com
Todd Barrow
A chance encounter at Cook Children’s Medical Center is all it took to set Todd Barrow on his mission to revamp classic country with his signature modern twist. One day, an American Idol contestant was slated to perform for the patients at Todd’s place of employment, but the audio tech was nowhere to be found. When he heard the call, “Can anybody here run sound?” Todd answered. In walked Texas Music Hall of Fame Honoree Sonny Burgess just as Todd was setting up the live rig, and the two musicians struck up a conversation. Sonny told Todd about his work with Charlie Pride and Randy Travis, and asked Todd if he might lend his technical skills to help build the recording studio sponsored by Garth Brooks and Troy Aikmanhe that had in the works. This serendipitous encounter yielded a coffee meeting to review the blueprints for the project, and before long, Sonny was meeting Todd for coffee weekly to discuss music. Eventually, he became Todd’s mentor, forever changing the course of Todd’s career.
Now, Todd Barrow is making a name for himself as a country artist to watch. The Texas singer-songwriter has racked up more than a few accolades, from a PRSA Award of Excellence to an Akademia Award for Best Country Album, and an artist spotlight in Alternative Roots Magazine, American Pride Magazine and AVA Radio. He has appeared on television shows including Good Morning Texas with Jerry Matheny and Texas Music Café on PBS. He’s even shared the stage and studio with some of country music’s heaviest hitters, from CMA musicians in Miranda Lambert’s band to Fort Worth Producer of the Year Bart Rose. But it’s more than just Todd’s success to date that makes him such a compelling country artist. What’s most readily apparent in Todd Barrow’s music is his heart.
Todd’s music is no country for old men. While he undoubtedly draws his sonic influence from titans like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, his melodies skew modern. He plays almost every instrument, from piano to guitar, mandolin, harmonica, and drums, and the multi-instrumentalist doubles as a songwriter for himself as well as for other artists. “”If I can put a smile on someone’s face through song, well that just means the world to me,” he says. “I try to get to the real heart and soul of a song. To me, it’s not just words but a story, and I do my best to portray that with every line. That’s my main draw to country music; the stories, the people, and the sincerity that comes from the heart.”
LINKS:
http://www.toddbarrowmusic.com
https://www.twitter.com/ToddBarrowMusic
https://www.instagram.com/ToddBarrowMusic1
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Ab2CaTAC6yZQZoTjBz6VE?si=SJjBHsNlTum1P4JedhIetQ
Liv Mannara
Born, and raised in Toronto, Canada, 17-year-old Liv Mannara strives to introduce her indie, yet urban pop, high energy music, and strong vocals to many who are waiting to hear. Without Liv’s unique personality, humor, and style, her original songs would not be portrayed the same. This 17-year-old girl has worked with few producers but has “blown their minds away” with her exclusive ear, to countless incredible new sounds that soon will be discovered.
At the age of 14 Liv recorded her first original song “Perfect Touch” produced by producer Roy Hamilton III, then her second debut single “Free Fallin’” produced by Jovan Jovanov, which opened the doors into Liv finding her specific vibe of music she knew was right for her. She then was given opportunities to showcase her astonishing vocals at the Pan Am Games Opening Ceremony in front of an audience of 500 or being chosen individually to perform in front of an audience of 400, at the Taste of the 6ix. Liv is confident and passionate to release many singles on the way, yet her newest debut original single “Complicated”, for many to listen, and enjoy, however, to perceive the message behind it.
She is overjoyed and ecstatic to share her messages, her vibe, and her captivating voice for her supporters to engage in throughout this 2019-2020 year ahead. Liv is courageous, and fearless, to write about messages that impact her, however for many others that have experienced the same. Liv “can’t wait” to show the world what she has, through her love of music.
LINKS:
https://www.livmannaramusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/livmannara
The Celestial Stars
Organized in 1995, the original members were Lawrence Preston, mother Gwendolyn Williams, and father Lawrence Williams. After Gwendolyn passed in 2009, the group reorganized in October 2011. The group now consists of members Lawrence Preston, his father Lawrence Williams, cousins Barry Franklin, and Richard Kinney.
The Celestial Stars are a group with a sound that bridges the richness, and tradition of traditional Gospel quartet music, with contemporary Gospel music taste. The groups’ gospel music influences are the Pilgrim Jubilees, the Fantastic Violinaires, the Gospelaires; led by the late Bob Washington and The Highway Q.C’s.
The Celestial Stars sound is a blend created by songwriter, Producer Lawrence Preston, inclusive of the R&B sounds that influenced him; such as Sly and The Family Stones, James Brown, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Cameo to name a few.
The integration of these musical influences has given The Celestial Stars a unique and vibrant sound that is catching the attention of Gospel and Christian audiences everywhere.
Onstage, the Stars give their audiences electric energized energy and excitement in every performance. The Celestial Stars are dedicated to giving their fans great stage performances.
The singers in the band are; Richard Kinney, Lawrence Williams, and Lawrence Preston, who is also the groups’ bass player; the groups’ tenor vocalist is Cousin Barry Franklin.
San Francisco is known for the Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and now it has a groundbreaking, exciting group to introduce to the World; The Celestial Stars.
DuShane Band
Formed in late 2012, DuShane is a culmination of southern rock and country. The band consists of vocals, electric/acoustic guitars, bass, drums, pedal steel, violin, and keyboards. Formally of the band, Law and Order (MCA Records), lead singer DuShane brought up on the Nashville/Memphis sound but also uses his New York City roots to create their “Urban Country” Americana sound.
The Band is a blend of acoustic and sonic texture that is reminiscent of classic country and southern rock and shimmers with modern studio sounds and arrangements.
Tutored by friends and former producers Joe Hardy, Mac Reinhold, and Shane Keister, The DuShane Band was able to produce and engineer and record their first independent record. DuShane’s first single “Alabama Rain” released in early January 2017 has received receiving warm reviews and gaining popularity from fans with different musical tastes, and with a release of DuShane’s first music video for “Summertime” the band hopes to gain popularity with the country and rock fans as well as appeal to a broader global audience.
The band’s newest video, “Alabama Rain”, opens up with an anthemic intro that brings a familiarity to the song, comforting the listener as they brace for the story’s impact. The line, “Johnny turned 20’s from the poor side of town” kicks off the first verse, putting you in the main character’s shoes. DuShane completes the verse with, “One day he got married and found a way / He had a new baby boy and landed a job / without any skills had to work twice as hard, working the steel mills 14 hours a day.”
Then, tragedy strikes- the mill shut down. What’s more? There is a second child on the way. Without a job or pay to support his family, Johnny hit rock bottom. He was left with no choice but to enlist in the military to make ends meet. The video ends with Johnny coming home a hero, reuniting with his family, and the fulfillment of his promise that they would never know that “Alabama Rain.”
All in all, “Alabama Rain” is a song of hope. The Johnny character featured in the story is all too relatable for a large portion of the United States right now due to the outsourcing of jobs and the shrinking of the middle-class. The lyrics in this song can speak to the hearts of those affected by these conditions and serve as a point of inspiration. The fresh sound and undeniable relatability of this song is sure to hook country and Americana music fans, and we’re so excited to watch the DuShane band flourish with the release of this video.
LINK:
https://www.dushaneband.com
Jammer Direct is a multi-platform and online promotional and media company that includes video, radio, and print entities in the form of the brands Jammer Direct, JammerStream Radio, and Jammerzine.
These multiple platforms are defined as follows:
Collectively, the brand known as Jammer Direct (Jammer Direct, JammerStream Radio, and Jammerzine) generates over 2 million unique views per month with an average stay time of between 30 and over 40 minutes for the artists that they feature (links HERE & HERE).
LINKS:
https://jammer.direct
https://jammerstream.jammer.direct
https://jammerzine.com
https://twitter.com/jammerdirect
https://twitter.com/jammerzine
https://www.facebook.com/jammerdirect
https://www.facebook.com/jammerzine
KES Entertainment provides worldwide digital and US physical music and film distribution for record labels and artists. Our marketing and promotion team specializes in structuring tailored campaigns, assisting the artist with connecting to their fans, and creating new ones.
Our most popular services:
LINKS:
https://twitter.com/kesindiedist
https://kesnetwork.com
Live @ Home is a new chapter in discovering music, with artists performing straight from their homes into fan’s homes around the globe. Going through Jammer Direct’s multiple streaming platforms via PC/Mac, Mobile, Tablet, Radio, and Television in true HD and Dolby Digital surround sound that reaches a worldwide audience.
With concerts, events, festivals, and concerts effectively canceled for the near future, even after things get back to somewhat normality people will be slow to get back out there. Musicians need a way to reach out with their music, Live @ Home is that game-changer that will let recording artists of all genres and levels reach out to fans along with gaining new ones.
If you are watching these performances on Jammer Direct’s official Roku Channel, you can use the QR Code embedded in the video to vote via your phone or tablet device.
These performances are also being simulcast on our flagship online radio station JammerStream One, which began at 12 Noon April 25th HERE.
The Impersonators came into being after the demise of Finnish pop/rock band Carmen Gray in 2013 when Tommi Tikka, the other half of Carmen Gray’s songwriting team, joined forces with lyricist Antti Autio to write some new songs.
While Carmen Gray had recorded for major labels, such as Sony and Warner, the Impersonators’ story was going to be different from the get-go. With this particular group, Tikka wanted to have complete artistic control over the songs he recorded to avoid generic and sterile production typical for modern pop/rock.
For quite a while, Tikka auditioned musicians for the new group. However, after three failed attempts to put together a lineup that did justice to the new songs, he decided to make The Impersonators a group of two songwriters rather than a group of four or five musicians. Hence began the search for a great producer rather than the right musicians.
Finally, in early 2017, Tikka teamed up with Janne Saksa, a seasoned professional in making records, who became Tikka’s collaborator in the studio and took over the head producer’s reins from him. Together, they’ve arranged and produced the group’s previous singles “You Are The One,” “Burning Blue” and “Broken Snow” and “Effigy” is no exception.
The best way to describe the sound of The Impersonators is to call it Sixties-flavored “alternative pop/rock”. Their goal is to nurture and cultivate the creativity, spirit, and warmth that graced the pop records of yesteryears.
LINKS:
https://impersonatorsmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/ImpersonatorsBand
https://twitter.com/1mpersonators
Kepa Lehtinen was born in Helsinki, Finland in 1971 and began studying music in childhood, eventually learning to play piano, synthesizers, theremin, and drums. He went on to study Sound Design at Finland’s Aalto University and has since written music for many films, commercials, and TV productions. He routinely works as a composer, sound editor, and sound designer. His work has appeared in award-winning Finnish titles such as Kimmo (TV series), Almost 18 (feature film), and A Stone LeftUnturned (short film).
He released his first solo album, Playing Theremin, in 2018. In 2019 he released Helsinki in November. Spring 2020 is coming album “It Is OK To Be Sad And Dark”.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/kepalehtinenartist
https://songwhip.com/artist/kepa-lehtinen
US3R is a solo indie-pop artist living in Seattle, WA. He grew up in Southern California. The music of US3R is grungy electronic pop that is focused around making commentary on society, love, and technology.
LINKS:
https://twitter.com/imtheus3r
https://www.facebook.com/imTheUs3r
https://instagram.com/us3r_official
https://www.imtheus3r.com
Originally from the Los Angeles area, Kim Cameron moved to a number of states in the US with her family before settling in Nebraska where she earned her college degree in broadcast journalism. Growing up, she had played the clarinet in her school orchestra and marching band as a child and eventually landed musical theatre roles and sang in choirs in her young adult years. After college, she worked as a radio personality in Lincoln, NE, and later worked for information technology companies in their media departments. While continuing to work in the corporate world, she moved to Miami Beach where she began her musical path by joining a local cover band in the early 90s.
LINKS:
http://sidefxband.net/about.aspx
https://twitter.com/sidefxband
https://www.instagram.com/kimcameron_sidefx
Growing up in sleepy Bakersfield, Calif., Eric Reed dreamt of making music in a creative community. He yearned to surround himself with artists to inspire, and who could inspire him, as he pursued a vision that began taking shape when he was a boy playing guitar, learning the cello, singing in the choir and hanging around recording studios in his hometown.
Today, Reed is living out that dream in the famously artistic Los Angeles enclave of Venice, where he is one of the most familiar and dynamic presences on the local rock music scene.
As a musician, he has fronted the popular L.A. band Ufonik since 2001 — recording a well-received album, drawing crowds with lengthy residencies at venues like the Viper Room and the Joint, performing on the television show “The Buzz” and playing shows with Sony artist P.J. Olsson.
Now, Reed has put some of his most personal work into his new solo album “A Perfect Life”. With tracks like “Ain’t Enough” and “Crumbling Down” having a raw Nashville country-rock sound the album shows its versatility veering off into the blues as well as some heartfelt ballads ending with “Now I Have The Beat” a moody rock song. “You will hear a blend of all of my influences growing up from Rock, Country to Americana. This album is 100% authentic and a true representation of who I am. All of the music I write comes from the heart and life experience”. – Eric Reed. It’s just a matter of time before his music reaches a larger audience.
LINKS:
https://ericreedmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/EricReedMusic
https://instagram.com/ericreed_music
https://twitter.com/EricReedMusic
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Jeremy Parsons grew up soaking in the sounds of Country Music. Driven by his passion, he taught himself to play the guitar and began to write and perform regularly by high school. In 2011 he was awarded a Texas Music Award and over the last decade has played all over the U.S and Europe, including numerous venues in Texas.
Jeremy loves to interact with his audience. He captivates the crowd with his genuine personality, unique humor, and heart-felt love of his occupation. Jeremy draws from his personal experiences to create songs that are keenly perceptive and meaningful.
Both the first (“Burn This House Down”) and second (“Why Is The Bluebird Blue”) singles from his latest album (“Things I Need To Say”) charted on the Top 40 Roots Music Report. “Bluebird” also reached #2 on the Hits You Love pop charts. The videos for both songs were nominated and selected for numerous Film Festivals, including the Jersey Shore Film Festival, Indie’s Best Films Festival, and the Monkey Bread Tree Film Festival, an IMDB-sanctioned film festival.
LINKS:
https://www.jeremyparsonsmusic.com
https://instagram.com/jmpickinfool
https://www.facebook.com/jeremyparsonsmusic
https://twitter.com/JMParsonsMusic
Caroline is a gold and multi-platinum awarded songwriter/singer/vocal producer from Stockholm, Sweden. She’s been writing songs professionally since 2011 for various artists and projects.
Since then she’s been working successfully with songwriters and producers from all around the world and in 2016 she started her own publishing company, Minda Songs.
LINKS:
https://carolinegustavsson.com
https://www.facebook.com/carolinegustavssons
https://www.instagram.com/mindasongs
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaf8LrV7lSzsuqKPqMYUWLg?sub_confirmation=1
In 2017, Bill Abernathy’s album “Find A Way” reached #5 on the Roots Music Report Traditional Folk Albums chart, spending more than a year on the chart. His single, “Goodbye Will Never Come Again” reached #1 on the Traditional Folk Songs chart. Now, the rootsy folk/Americana artist is riding high on his recent success. With his latest album, “Crossing Willow Creek” receiving critical praise and first single, “Cry Wolf” climbing several radio airplay charts, Abernathy is just hitting his stride as one of today’s most important voices in his genre.
— Indie Pulse Music
LINKS:
https://www.billabernathy.com
https://www.facebook.com/billabernathysingersongwriter