James Patterson Flashes Genius on “After Dark”
Most people in the music world hail the late, great Prince as a musical genius, but both James Patterson and Ben Ruttner (aka J-Patt and B-ROC from The Knocks) are geniuses, too. Now they’re getting the recognition they’ve long deserved, including a Grammy nomination last year and a coveted slot at this year’s Lollapalooza festival […]
Ashley Miers is a Multi-Talented Marvel
When you think of amazing multi-hyphenate talents, Padma Lakshmi and Lady Gaga spring to mind. L.A. artist Ashley Miers belongs in that select group, too. She’s a successful songwriter/musician, actress, chef and meditation/recovery advocate. It’s hard to image how one person – in one lifetime – can write fabulous songs, have a SAG card, host […]
Christina Meyer Takes On A Pressing Issue with “Every Woman You Know”
Christina Meyer is a Milwaukee-based songwriter who has won consecutive Best Song awards from the Songwriters of Wisconsin and has had sync placements on TV’s The Young and The Restless. Her song “Every Woman You Know” is perspective-changing for male listeners and a confirmation of what female listeners already understand: women walking alone at any […]
Miss Machina Explores Online Relationships in “Like That”
Miss Machina is an L.A. artist who grew up in Dallas with the real name Ash Smith. She reminds me a lot of a certain artist headlining the “Eras” tour. Like Ms. Swift, Miss M writes ultra-catchy songs that offer societal insight. Her new single “Like That” combines a hyper-pop melody with a lyric that […]
Lexi Mackenzie Brings a Resilient Spirit to Her New Album
In country music, all you have to do is say “Carrie” and “Miranda” – and fans worldwide know exactly what surnames are attached to the first names. I predict that I’ll soon be able to say “Lexi” and listeners will instantly know it’s “Mackenzie.” This year, Lexi has released some amazing singles, including “Faded” – […]
Raveis Kole Revel “In the Moment”
Laurie Raveis and Dennis Kole have the vocal and songwriting chops to demonstrate that folk is still a vital force in American music.
Joyce Harrison is a Craft Master on “Rained On”
I’ve always been puzzled why so few advertising pros aspire to be songwriters. Chicagoan Joyce Harrison has reached the top in both professions. She began her career as a copywriter and creative director at legendary Chicago ad agencies. Then she wrote two songs for LeAnn Rimes, just as the singer was becoming a household name. […]
Laura Jean’s “Amateurs” is a Masterpiece
If I had to pick one album from this decade to be my sole comfort on a desert island, it would be Laura Jean’s Amateurs. Long after you’ve tired of Beyonce’s Renaissance, this album will continue to amaze. The Australian artist is well-known and highly regarded in her native land. There’s even a new documentary […]
John Mendelssohn Shines on Poignant “God’s Waiting Room”
John Mendelssohn grew up in Los Angeles, wrote for Rolling Stone, and was frontman for two critically acclaimed L.A. bands (Christopher Milk and The Pits). Even though Mendelssohn stands on the shoulders of giants like Cole Porter and Rodgers & Hammerstein, his songs have the unmistakable stamp of originality. His latest release “God’s Waiting Room” […]
Rosie Bell Sinks Her Teeth Into “Cursed”
Rosie Bell is a fabulous Irish songwriter/artist who took a decade-long hiatus from pop music but is now roaring back with a new single called “Cursed.” The song is about falling in love with a vampire, and who could blame her? Most vampires in the movies are astonishingly good-looking: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and a […]
