Monthly Archives: October 2014

“Breakthrough” by Kate Callahan
4
Oct

Award-winning folk singer/songwriter, Kate Callahan, has released a sophomore EP, Aha! The album is both story-like and melodic, revealing her heart. Callahan’s credits include appearances at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artists Showcase, the New Haven Festival of Arts and Ideas, and the CT Folk Festival.

Opening her new EP, “Breakthrough” surprises with an enthusiastic beat that evokes swaying and daydreaming. Callahan’s sweet voice soars as her optimistic perspective on love and life is conveyed. While showing her tender side, Callahan sings about how perfect love can be when it frees both people. Each song has a whimsical spirit and a peaceful melody that creates relaxing imagery. Callahan’s honeyed folk-style voice is backed by a bluesy band creating a feel-good atmosphere.

Earlier this year, Callahan released her EP, Two Doors, which helped set the stage for a prosperous career.

[audio:Breakthrough.mp3|titles=Breakthrough|artists=Kate Callahan]
“Breakthrough” by Kate Callahan

Kate Callahan Press Photo

Image courtesy of Callahan’s LaFamos Digital Press Kit

mp3 courtesy of Nicole Acosta of LaFamos PR & Branding

“Human” by Kat McDowell
4
Oct

Los Angeles singer/songwriter, Kat McDowell, captures emotional struggles and tribulations with her new single, “Human,” from her upcoming album Rise Above due out on October 28th, 2014.

A world traveler by birth, McDowell was born in Japan and raised in New Zealand, allowing her mixed heritage to become a source of inspiration for the emotional connection she builds into every song. After years of success in the Japanese market, which included numerous EP’s and full length albums, she took a chance and stepped outside her comfort zone and hit the road. With over 1000 shows under her belt, including festivals like Australia’s One Movement, she steadfastly built a fan base that was drawn to her incredibly authentic and honest songs.

Written after a particularly heated argument, McDowell manages to turn on a sort of unending optimism that is hidden beneath a delicate, aching hurt. “Human” is a reflection of our every day struggles, and the power it takes to pick ourselves up off the floor and power through.

[audio:Human.mp3|titles=Human|artists=Kat McDowell]
“Human” by Kat McDowell

Kat McDowell

mp3 courtesy of Sera Roadnight of M T Press

Image courtesy of Kat McDowell’s Photos

“I Swear” by Rett Smith
3
Oct

Born in the cowboy country of West Texas, and raised in the mountains of New Mexico, skiing was the first obsession for singer/songwriter Rett Smith. It was an hour long drive each way to the mountain and Smith’s father would play Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, ZZ Top, Buddy Guy and Hank Williams records all the way.

Smith won multiple Junior Olympic medals and became a fully sponsored athlete, but, he sustained a serious neck injury that kept him out of ski competition for two years, and eventually for good. However, it allowed him shift gears to learning the guitar and writing songs. Plus, he owed it to himself to spend a few years traveling the world and living life as spontaneously as possible.

After settling in Los Angeles, Smith quickly began playing shows. It was then that 9 time Grammy Winner Joe Nicolo caught wind of Smith’s music. The two decided to partner on Smith’s upcoming album, One To Blame. Known for his work with The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Cypress Hill, The Fugees, Lauryn Hill and more, Nicolo will produce the entire debut with Smith. “I Swear” is the first single from the upcoming album. The song exposes the dark side to a troubled relationship, as Smith dives deep into the chaos of a downward slide.

[audio:I Swear.mp3|titles=I Swear|artists=Rett Smith]
“I Swear” by Rett Smith

Rett Smith Publicity Photo

Image courtesy of Rett Smith Photos

mp3 courtesy of Sera Roadnight of M T Press

“Badlands” by Smoke Season
3
Oct

Smoke Season was formed in early 2013 by Gabrielle Wortman and Jason Rosen. Combining their musical backgrounds, the duo created their own unique take on Americana, infusing folk with electronic undertones and rich vocal harmonies.

Smoke Season catapulted into must-know status during their impressive August residency at Los Angeles’ acclaimed venue, the Echoplex. Their performances were hailed in the press by LA Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, Buzzbands LA, Radio Free Silver Lake, Free Bike Valet, Grimy Goods & more.

Their sophomore EP, Hot Coals Cold Souls, released July 29, 2014, pulls mood-building tricks from country, R&B, dancy indie, chillwave, and more, according to Independent Clauses.

Smoke Season began in 2013 with a self-produced debut EP, Signals, and a self-directed music video for their first single, “Soleil.” They have been steadily touring, showcasing their music around the country and most notably at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.

Have a listen to “Badlands” and watch the official video here.

[audio:Badlands.mp3|titles=Badlands|artists=Smoke Season]
“Badlands” by Smoke Season

Smoke Season Recording

Image and mp3 courtesy of Amanda Blide, Director of Publicity, LaFamos, Marketing & Publicity Department

Photographer Credit: Wendy McColm via LaFamos Digital Press Kit