 Lindsay Manfredi, Author of Unfu@kwithable: A Guide to Inspired Badassery, Cold Bassist and Tedx Speaker The key to this gift giving guide is to shop small this year. With the pandemic threatening tens of thousands of small businesses, it is up to us to help keep art alive and well in all of these areas. Here are ten of my particular favorites. For the animal lover on your list…  Alma Animal Rescue Foundation Alma Rescue provides rescue, transport, veterinary care and shelter for homeless animals. Erin Riley-Carrasco and Suzie Williamson founded this Southern California 501(c)(3) and have been rescuing animals together, since 2015. They’ve also helped end animal suffering by spaying and neutering over 2100 dogs and cats through their Spay and Neuter Clinics in Mexico. Whether you’re looking to adopt, volunteer, or just give a donation on behalf of yourself OR the animal lover in your family, this organization has been helping to shape lives for years for not only the animals, but also for the humans who THEY rescue. Check them out here. https://www.almarescue.org For the artist lover on your list…  Hanna Bruer Abstract Art I can’t even begin to express the level of talent this abstract artist, Hanna Bruer has. Prior to the pandemic, her art shows were usually live, as she would paint onstage alongside a band. Her love of creating art coinciding with her passion for music is pure fire. In addition, her soul is incredible. A little about Hanna… she’s based out of Madison, WI. She has permanent installations throughout the Midwest, including Northwestern Technical College, Sunseed Research, and Dane County Credit Union. Bruer has worked with the National Alliance on Mental Illness for their Healing Art Shows, earning Best In Show Finalist in 2015. She has provided live painting performances at venues such as the Majestic Theater and Memorial Union Terrace in Madison, as well as for Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery Nights. Her work and story have been featured in the Isthmus and Cap Times publications, as well as NBC15 News. Be sure to check her out here. https://www.hannabruer.com For the Zen Massage lover on your list...  Diana Shriver - Holistic Health Practitioner Diana is as magical of a human being as they come. Diana is a licensed Holistic Health Practitioner and is based out of Southern California. Not only does she have a Bachelors in Human Development & Health Sciences from California State University, her true calling is her training in holistic bodywork and massage, including: Deep Tissue, Myofascial release, Dynamic Sports Cupping, Acupressure (Shiatsu), Reflexology, Thai, Lomi Lomi, Prenatal, Ayurvedic, Reiki & Energy Work, Craniosacral Therapy, Structural Integration, & Lymphatic Massage. I will travel to her anytime I need work done on my body. Her calm, her presence, and her passion extends to every point she touches (on your body and your soul). I’ve been in knots but she has worked those out physically, spiritually, and emotionally. If you’re EVER in the SoCal region, look her up and set it up. You won’t be sorry. Gift certificates are also available. Check her out here: https://www.dianawellbeing.com/about. For the organic shower lover on your list…  Kailea Evon Iskra (pronounced Kay-Lee) Kailea makes one of the most divine, organic body scrubs out there. Her Rose Lavender Body Polish is made out of organic extra virgin coconut oil, Himalayan pink salt, organic Lavender essential oils and rose petals. It is calming, all natural, and an extremely effective exfoliant. Her gift bundle not only includes the body polish, she throws in a little spoon, a raw rose quartz and Palo Santo for an extra boost. Plus, it’s beautifully wrapped. Kailea is an Integrative Health and Wellness coach who specializes in overall mind, body and Spirit vitality. She coaches her clients beginning with food as a mind, body and spiritual transformation. She’s based out of Los Angeles, but does online coaching as well. Check her out here and order this amazing scrub as well. It’s one of my favorites. https://www.getgreenstache.com For the jewelry lover on your list…  Michelle Bernat - Bernatti Designs Michelle Bernat is based out of Carlsbad, CA, and her custom-made jewelry is gorgeous AND affordable. From earrings to bracelets to necklaces to rings, she’s been beautifying ordinary to extraordinary for years. Her designs are made of one-of-a-kind stones and are all custom pieces. Check her out here! https://bernatti-designs.myshopify.com For the candle lover on your list…  Equinox Farms Luxury Candles It’s no surprise I’m putting this on the list. Yes, I am partnered with owner Tricia Meteer when it comes to candles for my band, Cold, but her candles are truly THE best. Made from 100 percent coconut wax, one 8-ounce candle can burn up to 50 hours with the best throw you will ever smell in your life. From snarky to spiritual, from holiday to every day, EQX Farm Shop labels (and scents) have the perfect messages for anyone on your list. Some of the scents include champagne mimosa, karma, goddess glow, and magick to name a few. We also do custom candles for bands and brands. Some of the most popular bands we’ve created for are Cold, Motley Crue and Jonathon Davis of Korn. Check out the entire candle collection here! https://eqxshop.com For the fashion lover on your list…  Black Pearl LA “All I ever wanted was everything” is the main idea behind the new brand Black Pearl LA. Founded by Matteo Ben Shaul, this brand is on point when it comes to comfort and fashion. His designs are creative and thought-provoking. He specializes in menswear but also has a line of women’s jeans. Be sure to be one of the first ones to rock this brand. It’s going to be huge. Check it out here. http://blackpearlla.com For the book lover on your list…  Unfu@kwithable: A Guide to Inspired Badassery Of course, my debut book Unfu@kwithable is going on this list. Published this year by Rose Gold Publishing, you can get a signed copy for just $20, and I will personally send it out. The reviews and responses so far have been incredibly humbling and exciting. This part memoir, part personal development book was created to help give readers encouragement and hope when it comes to living a life based on the Law of Attraction and true passion. I share my journey with the ups and downs of living a creative life and being in one of my all-time favorite bands. Get your copy here! https://shop-ljm.myshopify.com For the organic body product lover on your list…  STRIPPED Stripped is an organic, eco-conscious small batch, body care brand, born out of passion from my dear friend, Rose Marie. HER particular vision of passion is to nurture others and teach how nature provides nutrition, protection, and healing benefits for our bodies and minds. Focusing on small batches allows room for her to be creative and fresh, while ensuring exceptional, thoughtfully-made products. Rose Marie started Stripped with the vision to create quality, organic products without the harsh, lab created filler ingredients, dyes, and sulfates. I’ll also note that all packaging is either recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Check out her products here. https://www.strippedbody.care For the guitarist on your list…  Couch Guitar Straps I’ve been rocking Couch Guitar Straps for nearly a decade. They are on this list because they started small but have most definitely grown. As they should. All of their guitar and camera straps are made in the USA, are completely hand-made, AND are made of at least 25% of recycled materials…like the one I’m rocking here that was made from an old seat belt. They also carry wallets and bags, and fun knick-knack like things. Some of the biggest rock stars in the world rock these straps. Plus, their customer service has always gone above and beyond. Every new guitar gets a new Couch strap. Be sure to check out the entire collection here! https://www.couchguitarstraps.com I hope you all have a great time shopping and supporting these businesses. As always, stay safe and have a wonderful holiday. Cheers! This article was written by a guest contributor: Lindsay Manfredi
Some may say Lindsay Manfredi is the definition of a renaissance woman. From being in the music industry for over 20 years, as well as a two-time TEDx speaker and Co-founder of Girls Rock Indianapolis, a nonprofit rock and roll summer camp for girls ages 8-16 which was started in 2010, she is currently the bassist for the alternative rock band, COLD, who has sold over one million records in the US alone, and most recent album, The Things We Can’t Stop, debuted at 34 on Billboard through Napalm Records in September 2019. She is endorsed by Ernie Ball and also has an endorsement with Diamond Guitars who are currently building two bass guitars, the Maverick and Hailfire ‘LM’ series basses, that have been custom made for her. Manfredi is also a singer/songwriter whose music is featured on the Fitfluential Radio podcast and does studio work with Geno Lenardo (Filter, Chevelle) regularly. Manfredi is also partnered with Tricia Meteer for Equinox Farms and hand-pours luxury candles for bands and brands when she’s not touring. Manfredi owned a ghostwriting and social media marketing company, Linzstar Inc, for 10 years until music took over her life. She has been a featured speaker at Blog Indiana multiple times and on many social media marketing panels including Blog Indiana, The Combine in Bloomington IN, and was featured in Indianapolis Monthly Magazine as an up-and-coming artist in 2013. Manfredi is currently living in California and recently released her first book, UNFUCKWITHABLE: A Guide to Inspired Badassery. Connect with Lindsay Manfredi New Book, UNFUCKWITHABLE: A Guide to Inspired Badassery available NOW! Bassist for COLD, lover, rocker, speaker, author, road warrior Website: lindsaymanfredi.com Band: coldarmy.com ig: lindsaymanfredi ig: coldmusic facebook: COLD
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 My dearest #WomxnCrush Music community,
What a year, right? Thank you to all of you for supporting us every step of the way this year. When COVID-19 hit in March, it took the world by storm, and the music industry was definitely no exception. As an organization that depends on in-person connections and live music, we had to adjust. But we didn’t want to just get by, we wanted to give back to those who had supported us in the past, and help our community thrive through an unknown future. This brings us to right now, with the launch of our #GivingTuesday campaign: Proud Of Our Past, Funding For Our Future. When we found ourselves amidst this pandemic, we pivoted. We are in the middle of wrapping up our 5-month virtual tour across the USA where we raised money for local womxn-owned music venues, facilitated connections between artists and their local industry members and gave our songwriters a platform to connect with old and new fans. We also launched a program called Song Sessions, a monthly event where our community is encouraged to submit original songs for live critiques by experienced songwriters and industry professionals. We had the honor to work with songwriters like Jenna Andrews, industry professionals like A&R Manager Caterina Nasr from Elektra Records and so many more. Through these programs,we have continued our mission of creating opportunities for rising womxn songwriters. And next year, we aim to take things a step further. In 2021, #WCM will be focusing our programming not only on amplifying the music of our artists and facilitating connections between creators and industry professionals,but also helping our community members hone their craft and build their creative businesses. Some of our new programs include co-writing camps, webinars with tech and industry leaders, a yearly summit to help build awareness on all-things business, and intimate, small-group events that help foster genuine relationships with industry decision makers. 2020 has been a whirlwind, and we are grateful for what we’ve been able to accomplish and provide our community with thus far, but 2021 will be the year for rebuilding our industry and creating impactful opportunities to help artists move forward. Community is everything, and #WCM will never stop pursuing our mission of providing for our community of rising womxn songwriters. With your help, we know we can do that. If you’d like to support #WCM and work with us on advancing our mission, you may make a donation to help us fund for our future (click here). Any amount helps, and we truly appreciate all of it. So here’s to a future with more womxn topping the charts, headlining festivals and being recognized in this industry. We can do this together! Happy Holidays, Ashley K. Stoyanov  This article was written by Kiara Marques, a student at Fordham University and a self-proclaimed concert junkie, under the supervision of Jamie Alberici and Kayla Coughlan of Cyber PR.  20 Feet from Stardom (2013) Starring Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, and many others, 20 Feet from Stardom is a documentary about backup singers and the legendary vocalists they support. The film delves into the experiences of these singers, which is often noted as behind-the-scenes, even though their work is a vital contribution to the success of some of the biggest names in music. It is a tribute to the hard work, talent, and passion that goes into being a backup singer, and has received universal acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2014.  Whitney (2018) Whitney is a documentary film about the life of American superstar Whitney Houston. In addition to highlighting the successes of one of the greatest vocalists in American history, it also takes a dive into her personal life, struggles, and issues. The film takes a look into the most human aspects of her life, the trials and tribulations she faced growing up and throughout her career, and brings to light another side of the reality faced by many of the glamorous artists in the music industry. The film received numerous nominations for different awards, winning Best Documentary Feature Film at the Edinburgh Film Festival.  Amy (2015) Amy is a documentary film about the life and death of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Built on many rare home videos and interviews with the people in her inner circle, this film goes behind the scenes to tell the tale of the powerhouse artist and how her background and fame contributed to her unfortunate substance addiction and subsequent death. Amy does not portray Winehouse in a negative light, however. It strips away the tabloid-style “trainwreck” narrative that is no stranger to many who have faced similar situations, but instead seeks to show viewers who Amy Winehouse really was: an inspiring human and musical genius. The documentary received thirty film awards including a Grammy for Best Music Film and an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, as well as winning Winehouse a posthumous nomination for "British Female Solo Artist” at the 2016 BRIT Awards for its soundtrack.  Dreamgirls (2006) Dreamgirls, starring Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, and Anika Noni Rose, is a musical drama film inspired by the history of the Motown record label and The Supremes, one of its most notable acts. The story is told through the eyes of a Detroit girl group, The Dreams, and is centered around the history of R&B music in the 1960s and 70s. Though it is a work of fiction, the film tells of a small black record label whose star group takes America by storm, which mirrors The Supremes’ legacy of changing American music forever. Dreamgirls is a hit film, having won many accolades such as three Golden Globes and two Academy Awards.  Homecoming (2019) Homecoming is a concert film written, directed, and produced by Beyoncé about her 2018 headlining performance at Coachella. The film is an in-depth look into the performance, taking in the creative prowess and the cultural impact behind its execution. It combines footage of her performances from the two weekends at the festival as well as the months of rehearsal leading up to it. Throughout Homecoming, Beyoncé acknowledges the whiteness of Coachella, pointing out how she was the first black female singer to headline since its inception in 1999. Her iconic performances are a celebration of blackness, with an all black orchestra and dancers, which sends an empowering message to young black creatives and artists everywhere. Another focal point of the documentary was Beyoncé’s candidness about her difficult pregnancy the year before, and her struggle to get back into shape to deliver the high-intensity performance that fans expect. Winning numerous accolades, Homecoming truly delivers the raw talent and creative genius Beyoncé devotes to her craft.  What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015) What Happened, Miss Simone? is a biographical documentary about Nina Simone and her rise as a singer and activist. Showing never-before-seen performances and recordings, this film sheds a light on her incredible talent, as well as her strength and passion for social justice. Complete with archival footage and interviews of her daughter, executive producer Lisa Simone Kelly, and other friends, What Happened, Miss Simone? is an intimate and important look into the life and power of Nina Simone.  Janis: Little Girl Blue (2015) Janis: Little Girl Blue is a documentary about the life of Janis Joplin, one of the most influential Rock and Roll singers of all time. Using never before seen footage, interviews, and personal letters, Joplin’s story is told, showing the world much more than the life of a troubled artist. The film honors Joplin for who she truly was, an ambitious, funny, smart, and truly talented individual whose iconic legacy should reflect these qualities.  Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated (2017) Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated is a documentary about the life and career of singer, songwriter, and actress Demi Lovato. It is a very raw and honest look into the obstacles that Lovato has gone through as a person, artist, and performer who grew up in the entertainment industry. She discusses her early career beginnings as a child star on Disney Channel and her many personal struggles with family relationships, bipolar disorder, bulimia, and addiction. The film comprises interviews with Lovato, her family, and industry professionals who have worked with her over the years. The world knows Demi Lovato and her talent, but with this film, we see the very honest and unedited version of the superstar  Amazing Grace
(2018) Amazing Grace is a 2018 concert film featuring soul legend Aretha Franklin, and her live recording of her 1972 album of the same name at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California. Originally set to be released in 1972, the film encountered many issues syncing the audio recordings to the live footage and was not picked up again until 2007, with Franklin’s family allowing its release in 2018. The film has been described as transcendent, with Franklin truly in her element delivering a powerful performance. The live album has received enormous critical acclaim, winning a 1973 Grammy award for Best Soul Gospel Performance, and to this date being the highest-selling live gospel music album of all time. The film also received massive success, having been nominated for many awards and winning the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary in 2019.  I recently caught up with my friend Amy Moreland via our Wednesday Night Chat series on Instagram. I’ve known Amy for many years through the Austin music scene... in fact, my last live gig was sharing the stage with her band, Brand New Key . In our chat, Amy and I talked about Crosspick Studio , her various pandemic projects, and which instrument has been Amy’s quarantine buddy. What were you up to pre-pandemic? Pre-pandemic, my business partner, Ashley Welch, and I ran this studio together. It’s a small ensemble live sound and mixing space. We can do production as well. We would have one or two bands in a month. We started it in 2017, and in 2018, we started making a little income with it. We’ve recorded about two dozen albums in the studio at this point. Since then, we’ve been doing complete production work, in the box. I really miss musicians up here. I know that you credit Ashley quite a bit with being your audio tech in that studio, but what have you learned over the last few years? Really tightening the simplicity of the signal chain. That has been really exciting. I came into the audio world with some experience, some education, and intuition. My own aesthetic is acoustic instruments, so my gut instinct is, put a good mic in a good location with a good musician. Build the vibe and that’s what should come out on the other end. I went on a journey where I questioned that sensibility. “We have to have this plugin, or that plugin!” Pro Tools made me question everything that was in the “simple” zone. But I think you come out the other side and realized Pro Tools is just a tool. It’s a tool that can help fortify, but you still have to know where the chains are coming from. It requires a really patient person to be able to do that. Yeah, absolutely. And going back into the digital space after getting that decent recording, really cleaning the tracks, and spending that time on cleaning the visual space in Pro Tools. I’m a sucker for organization. I love the lifelong learning.This is definitely a field to get involved with if you like non-stop learning. You can’t stop learning in this field. What do you want to learn next? I have access to the LinkedIn Learning series. I started a Pro Tools class. It’s really good, going back to basics. I dip into that if I feel a little rusty from not recording anybody. Musically, I’m looking into using some new apps for recording to record myself as I’m learning a new instrument. I’ve been working on some mixes that were recorded before the pandemic, so I’m getting through the backlog. Sometimes I’m just looking around the studio and thinking, “It might be time to learn [how to use that]”. More about Amy : Amy Moreland co-owns and runs Austin’s Crosspick Studio with business partner and head engineer, Ashley Welch. Established in 2017, Crosspick Studio is a queer women-owned professional recording and production studio for musicians and creatives. Amy is a 20-year veteran of the Austin music scene, playing guitar, bass, or mandolin in a variety of bands, from early bluegrassers Cedar Fever to the mid-2000s indie-arthouse-weirdo troupe Darling New Neighbors. For the last 8 years, she plays mandolin and manages the queergrass Americana band, Brand New Key . Crosspick Studio - Instagram Written by Lisa Machac : Lisa Machac is a musician and director of the Omni Sound Project, an organization dedicated to being the most accessible point of entry to the music and audio industries. Omni Sound Project strives to provide affordable opportunities for learning to under-represented communities as well as spotlight the talents of female and gender non-conforming audio professionals. Connect with Omni Sound Project : Website | Facebook | Instagram 
Carrie Welling is an Americana artist from Nashville who just released her debut album High Heels and Heavy Things on September 18th. It is a mix of country, pop, americana, and other sounds. Having so many sounds one one record can be confusing, but Carrie manages to combine them into a cohesive, incredible, work. This comes after her EP released back in 2015. Most of the record was produced by Eric Holljes, with the exception of the title track produced by Alex Wong. Gabriel Klein, Gideon Klein, Eric Holljes, Alex Wong and Brianna Sage, among others, lend their talents to back Carrie on these tracks. The first track out of the gate is Settle Me Down. This uptempo and catchy tune talks about not needing someone to settle down with. Who says every girl needs to settle down right away? The drum beats are strong and rhythmic in this one. That leads off the beginning of the album. Right into the title track High Heels and Heavy Things. Such a melodic song. The dobro in the instrumentals gives it another unique layer to the sound. Once track nine comes around, the emotions come spilling out. With her Beautiful voice and the heavenly piano skills of Eric Holljes (Delta Rae), this song tugs at the heartstrings. Telling that person that you want more than just being friends is a scary thing. I Don’t Want To Be Friends With You is that message full of love, longing and heartache. She sings this with a tenderness to her voice that isn’t found in most music today. Hurry Up And Heal joins in with the longing for that person she can’t have. To contrast the emotional tracks, Carrie throws in songs like Money. Money is one of those songs that you can play driving down the open road in a convertible. It is all about having a good time and not being a slave to money. Brianna Sage joined Carrie on this one, creating powerful harmonies. Adding to the depths on the record, the six-piece band Delta Rae joined her on Stand-Ins. This track comes with goosebumps. The backing vocals bring out something special in Carrie’s voice; a raw intensity that can get under your skin. When the bridge starts; the layers in this song begin to build. Backing vocals and harmony, building crescendo and strength in Carrie’s voice combine to explode in our ears. If you’re looking for an empowerment song, then look no further than Good To Me. The melody in this song lends itself to swaying in the audience. While the music may not be hard hitting, the power lies in the lyrics. When she sings that “finally, I’m going to be good to me” it gives validation to the feeling of putting yourself first and following your dreams. A few of the beginning tracks are slower and emotional. The album takes listeners on a journey. From heartbroken, to self-serving, to defiant, and everywhere in between. The highs and lows of life are portrayed in Carrie’s powerful and emotive voice. Another interesting aspect of this album is the list of Executive Producers. Carrie uses the Patreon platform to connect with her fans. Since the pandemic has come and canceled any tour plans, the money raised from this went to help fund her album. Her Patrons, and fans, are credited as Executive producers on the album. That is a sweet bond her fans will have to this album. CONNECT WITH CARRIE : www.carriewelling.com https://www.facebook.com/carriewellingmusic https://www.patreon.com/carriewelling/posts https://www.instagram.com/carriewellingmusic/ Written by Amanda Epstein : Amanda is an avid music lover and supports independent artists in various genres. She writes for music publications in her spare time to share her love of music with the world, as well as learning to be a musician herself. She believes that music has to be experienced and not just heard.  They say that “music heals,” and in this tough time, known as 2020, both music creators and fans are banning together to not only survive but thrive through the use of music to support the community and create awareness. The California Women’s Music (CWM) nonprofit organization is doing just that by hosting the Homebound Virtual Tour taking place Saturday October 17th from 4:00PM PDT. This is an online streaming, live concert, featuring an all female-led lineup for pandemic relief.
Founded in 2014, the California Women’s Music is a nonprofit organization focused on events- concerts, educational events, and festivals- to celebrate women in creative roles including music, art, literature, poetry, or even business in the Golden State. They also facilitate grant programs, to help others to pay it forward, and continue the work in the community. While the pandemic has hit hard for everyone, there has been a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Not only have artists been detrimentally affected, but also sound engineers, lighting designers, stage hands, instrumental technicians, venue owners, waiters, and the list goes on and on. The Homebound Virtual Tour aims to bring awareness to this situation and raise money for independent artists and small businesses such as the Ivy Room. Though a free event, donations are accepted. 40% of all the proceeds will go towards this women owned and operated music venue, located in Albany, CA. The show will be broadcast by CWM on multiple platforms including Facebook LIVE, Instagram, Youtube, and Twitch. The full lineup to be announced, the show will be headlined by Jackie Venson who describes herself as a “woman, a guitar, and the truth.” Starting as a classical pianist at Berklee College of Music, Venson switched to electric guitar and found a new found freedom in blues, soul, and R&B. Now touring, Vensons sound has been recognized for breaking down both gender and genre boundaries: “Hendrix-meets-Prince blues guitar and a panoply of synthesized voices and vibes, eagerly and fluidly passing through genres to never quite call one home. Genre-bending is à la mode today, but when orchestrated with her kind of finesse, it’s really the artist that becomes the genre” - Premier Guitar. Check out the links below to watch the show. Be sure to take a look at California Women’s Music non-profit and follow them on social media to find out about upcoming events. Most of all, please continue to support all musicians in this time of need as well as women and girls everywhere- thank you to music for giving the voice to support and love each other. Watch Homebound Virtual Tour here Additionally, the concert will multi-stream on @CWMNP Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch. Find out more about California Women’s Music on their website. Donations: https://bit.ly/homeboundtour Written by Krystal King Krystal King is a Carolina country singer-songwriter currently working out of Nashville, TN. In addition to her work as an artist, Krystal is also a board certified Music Therapist and is passionate about using her talents to help others, specifically in the field of mental health. Check out her debut music video “Slow Love” and give her a follow on social media. Instagram |Facebook 
On her latest single, singer-songwriter Liz Bills looks into one of the biggest addictions facing the population. No, I'm not speaking of drugs or alcohol. It's that thing in your hand, on your lap, or your desk. That bright screen that connects you to the rest of the world. In her single “Wi-Hi", Liz sings about being addicted to the internet. She takes a look at the world as a whole when she sings "everybody's doing it, everybody's Wi-Hi". With the state of the world right now where more and more things are being done virtually, this is great timing for the track. People are becoming more and more reliant on their screens for everyday life. More than just about everyone's use of the internet, this song touches on the addiction and mental health issues that come along with it. It forces the listener to look at their own usage and think about if they have been disconnected from themselves. Have we lost ourselves in the vastness of the internet? Virtual shows, working from home, doctor visits, and homeschool are just some of the ways people are spending more time behind screens than ever before. She is joined by her six-piece roots band, The Change, on this track. There is an upbeat guitar rhythm in the music, along with a deep bass groove. The positive vibe in the music is a neat contrast to a more serious subject. The eclectic band members combine their talents to create a toe-tapping tune. Sit back and wonder “Does life even happen if you don’t go Facebook live”?
Find out more Liz Bills : Website
Written by Amanda Epstein : Amanda is an avid music lover and supports independent artists in various genres. She writes for music publications in her spare time to share her love of music with the world, as well as learning to be a musician herself. She believes that music has to be experienced and not just heard.  Danielle Smith, known as “Danielle the Engineer”, is a Philadelphia based recording, mixing, and mastering engineer. I connected with Danielle on Instagram and started noticing something about her reposts: her clients felt a lot of pride about working with her, using phrases like “my engineer” when referring to her. I was so curious to know what she did to create such loyalty, so we connected via Zoom to chat about her methods. How did you get started with audio engineering? Training wise, I interned at Marsten House Recording. That was my first studio experience. It wasn’t a typical internship. It was basically me observing any and all sessions that the two owners were recording, sitting in on all of them. They’d occasionally just throw me in a chair, like, “Listen, D, you’ve been watching long enough. Record.” If any issues were going on, they’d help me problem solve. They threw me in the water and I learned to swim pretty fast. Along with that, I was going to the Community College of Philadelphia in their sound recording program, so it was nice that I could learn the textbook stuff and the studio stuff at the same time. How often are you working with a client through the whole process of recording, mixing, and mastering? For the majority of my clients, I’m touching the majority of things. I do have clients who get in touch with me online who just want mixing services, but my clientele in Philly, if I’m recording them, then 9 times out of 10, I’m going to mix it as well. When you have clients recording at home, how do you handle the quality of the work that they’re sending you? I do come into quality issues a lot of time with people recording at home, especially now, with people being quarantined. I respect that. When people send me stems over and I notice that the quality isn’t that great, I’ll let the person know, “Hey, I think you should re-record this before we start the mixing process.” A lot of people don’t understand the process, but I find that a lot of people are really receptive if I ask them to re-record it so we can get the best quality. What advice would you give somebody recording at home before they send files off to a mix engineer? Two things. When you’re recording, check your gain levels. You don’t want to be recording too soft or too loud. Also, learn to organize your files when you’re recording. Challenge yourself to organize your own recordings. I don’t mind doing it on my own, but for someone’s personal knowledge, it’s cool to be able to manipulate your own session files. As you know, one thing I love is watching your interaction with clients. It’s so rare that people say “my engineer”. People seem to take a lot of pride in working with you. Why do you think that is? It’s so wholesome that people claim me like that. It speaks to how it’s a struggle to find someone to really care about their music, make them feel appreciated, and make them have an experience in the studio. I think that’s the difference between me and other engineers. A lot of times, the experience part isn’t really pushed in a lot of studios. It’s, “Okay, let’s record.” It’s a set way of doing things. I’m doing things differently. You come to the studio, it smells good, the lighting’s right, I’m setting the mood before you get there. If someone comes to me, we’re having a great session. I think that’s very uncommon. When people finally find it after the trials and tribulations of trying to find a studio and engineer, it’s like, “Wow. You’re mine. I’m not going anywhere.” I love that. What are you excited about working on the future? My friend Tsehaitu and I are working on an album, so people can hear a lot of the more in depth sound design that I do. I’ve never released it. I’ll finally be able to debut what I’ve been working on the last couple years. We’re blending both of our styles. It will be a great example to hear how versatile my work can be and how I can put my personal style into music that I’m trying to push forward. Danielle Smith is a Philadelphia based audio engineer. Connect with her on Instagram @danielletheengineer. Social media links: Danielle the Engineer Instagram Omni Sound Project website Omni Sound Project Instagram Written by Lisa Machac : Lisa Machac is a musician and director of the Omni Sound Project, an organization dedicated to being the most accessible point of entry to the music and audio industries. Omni Sound Project strives to provide affordable opportunities for learning to under-represented communities as well as spotlight the talents of female and non-gender conforming audio professionals.  This article was written by Ailie Orzak - an intern at Cyber PR, a student at Tufts University, and a lover of all things music - under the supervision of Jenn O'Hagan, the PR Director at Cyber PR. This article features the stories of 15 incredible women who made their mark on multiple genres in the music industry including rock, country and pop. Their memoirs shine a light how their lives influenced their career, and how their work, in turn, empowered the world. Read on to discover your next book from this list of page-turners! Carly Simon Boys in the Trees Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify Esteemed singer-songwriter, Carly Simon, leads her readers through the twists and turns of her remarkable life in this memoir, “Boys in the Trees.” From her musical beginnings in The Simon Sisters to her famed solo career, this book captures the slow dismantling of her family as old secrets tore them apart as well as moments musical inspiration and personal growth perfectly. Pick up your copy here! Jewel Never Broken: Songs Are Only Half the Story Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify From a rugged and difficult upbringing in Alaska to homelessness in her teenage years in California and finally to her extraordinary career studded with several platinum records, singer-songwriter Jewel’s life is just as emotional as her award-winning music is. Her memoir, Never Broken: Songs Are Only Half the Story, gives you a peek into insecurities, love, loss, and self-discovery, with writing that is heart wrenching and incredible, just as her music makes you feel.Grab this captivating read here! Kim Gordon Girl in a Band Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify Sonic Youth emerged from the NYC underground in the 1980s as a game-changer in the rock and roll industry, bringing with them not only a fresh, punk sound but a new aesthetic that impacted the world of visual art. In Girl in a Band, Kim Gordon tells the story of Sonic Youth’s transformative career as well as her experience as one of the first women in rock and roll. In this account of a woman paving her way and forming an identity within an abrasive industry — Gordon remains as edgy as her music, as wise as her years, and powerful in her own right. Uncover more here. Patti Smith M Train/Just Kids/Year of the Monkey Website | Instagram | Spotify Patti Smith is heralded as a poet, a champion of unconventional punk, and an iconic performer. She has published several beautiful books, including Just Kids, M Train, and her latest Year of the Monkey. Smith’s writing is intellectual and evocative while featuring her beautiful prose as well. Patti’s career was based on her ability to bend the expectations of women in rock, and her writing shows she can dominate the page just as she did the stage! Get your hands on her work here. Loretta Lynn Coal Miner’s Daughter Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify Country music legend, Loretta Lynn’s career speaks for itself. Not only is she the only woman recognized by the Academy of Country Music as the Artist of the Decade for the 1970s, she is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. As a songwriter, she’s studded with No. 1 hits and Grammy’s, but her life speaks louder than any award could. In her memoir, Coal Miner’s Daughter, Loretta recounts her rise to stardom out of deep poverty in Kentucky. Though married at 13 and a grandmother by age 30, she built a career around her family and difficult marriage. Order your copy of this memorable and influential read here! Carole King A Natural Woman Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify Carole King may have had one of the greatest solo careers of all time, made even greater by her legacy as an incredible songwriter, having penned hits for The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, and The Monkees to name a few. Her memoir, A Natural Woman, focuses on her personal life — the love for her four husbands, anecdotes on how she coped with fame, and her journey as an activist. The accolades of her career are but a brief mention, and instead, we get a beautiful peek into the life of such a music industry icon.You can grab her memoir here! Viv Albertine Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys Website | Spotify Selected by the New York Times as one of the best memoirs of the last 50 years, Viv Albertine’s Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys is a no holds barred account of her experience as a woman in the male-dominated punk scene as she rose to fame with her band The Slits. It’s a raw and honest telling of the riot grrrl movement and a woman staying true to her roots when confronted with the push to conform. Check out this fierce memoir here! Pat Benatar Between a Heart and a Rock Place Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify Nominated for a 2020 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the infamous Pat Benatar needs no introduction. She paved a way for women in rock, and in her book, she writes, “For every day since I was old enough to think, I've considered myself a feminist … It's empowering to watch and to know that, perhaps in some way, I made the hard path [women] have to walk just a little bit easier.” When at times, rock and roll was such a boys club, Pat Benatar recounts how she asserted herself in the industry, empowering all of us readers along the way. Read her powerful book here! Carrie Brownstein Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl Website | Instagram | Spotify Carrie Brownstein led the feminist punk rock movement of the 1990s alongside her bandmates of Sleater-Kinney, spearheading the riot grrrl scene and building a space for queerness in hardcore rock. She went on to develop Portlandia, of which many of the sketches drew inspiration from her experience in the Pacific NorthWest music and indie scenes. Her memoir is a fresh account of her experience as a young woman who found her life changed forever by music, performance, and a fierce desire to redefine how gender is perceived in punk rock. Grab her book here! Courtney Love Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify Always the controversial figure, Courtney Love emerges to tell her side of life as a trendsetting rock musician and wife of a rockstar - the late Kurt Cobain. Whether you love her or hate her, this memoir is an enticing compilation of Love’s successes, mistakes, personal anecdotes, and upbringing. When we say this one’s juicy… we mean it! Seriously, Courtney fired her ghostwriter for being a bit too tell all. Grab your copy and let us know what you think! Billie Holiday Lady Sings the Blues Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify Billie Holiday left a rose-tinted legacy on the jazz scene of the 1930s and 1940s, but during her lifetime, her reputation was plagued with drug abuse and legal troubles. Her autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues, tells the tall tales of her career, personal struggles, and experience as a Black woman in the pre-Civil Rights era. It’s raw, and upsetting, but a work of art just like Billie herself. Buy yours today! Cyndi Lauper Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify There’s no denying Cyndi Lauper is an international icon — her music, style, fresh take on 90s pop, and score of Broadway Show Kinky Boots have all made her a worldwide name. In her self-titled memoir, the “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” singer leads us through her life detailing her childhood in Queens, NY to her career filled with activism, acting, and nonstop hits. It’s funny, real and the story of a remarkable, pop heroine. Check it out here! Sara Bareilles Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify If you haven’t wailed the lyrics to “Love Song” at some point in your life, you’re missing out (and we also kind of think you’re lying but we digress...) This catchy and empowering single from 2007 was Sara Bareilles' debut release and the very beginning of a long and successful career. With 7 award-winning records, Sara consistently writes songs from that heart that depict raw, beautiful emotion and this book is no different. This her collection of essays, Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song, she takes you behind the scenes featuring her childhood, inside stories behind her biggest tracks and how she maintains integrity in the commercial music industry.Enjoy Sara’s work here! Chrissie Hynde Reckless: My Life as a Pretender Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify Though Chrissie Hynde is THE face of The Pretenders, she has created a legacy for herself by bending gender expectations in rock and roll and showcasing her songwriting capabilities both in the band and in her solo career. Hynde has long proved that she can outperform her male counterparts, and her memoir, Reckless: My Life as a Pretender, tells the story of the jagged beginnings of her career. This rough-around-the-edges, coming of age story shines a light on the first-hand experiences of one of the greatest female rock stars of all time. Order yours today! Grace Jones I’ll Never Write My Memoirs Website | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify There’s hardly a facet of the entertainment industry that Grace Jones hasn’t made a name for herself in - music, modeling, acting and her memoir, I’ll Never Write My Memoirs, adds the title author to her boundless career. Readers follow her from her childhood in Jamaica to her career in Paris and NYC to her present life in London. It’s a whirlwind of a worldwide journey, filled to the brim with her triumphs in the multiple industries she worked in. Get a closer look at Grace's life here! Written by Ailie Orzak, supervised by Jenn O'Hagan :
Ailie Orzak is an intern at Cyber PR. From event coordination and marketing, to community management and performing, the PR Director of Cyber PR , Jenn has glanced behind-the-curtain in many areas of this industry. Well-versed in all things Cyber PR, Jenn works with artists to identify if they’re a perfect fit for our company and if so, which services will be the best match. Find out more about Jenn and Cyber PR here. 
Ready to FALL into AUTUMN with some slammin music created by a female-fronted band? Well, I got you! Take a listen to SLANT’s recent cut called “La Danse,” and be awesomely surprised!! “La Danse” is a booming energetic track filled with edgy synths, intergalactic vocal FX, groovy soundscapes, and a guitar solo that is nerve resurrecting. The storyline is about living out loud on the dancefloor and living YOUR best life - a message that transcends the dancefloor and resonates in every aspect of living.
With this one single, SLANT has redefined Glam Rock, because there’s one mean bass threading through the track laying down a Funky foundation, so it’s all things Funk Punk spliced with Glamrock creating a clever mix which alters surrealism and brings it up into the listening range. From the raw, but polished, chorus, on to the front woman flexing her tightly reigned vocals that are authoritative but nice, “La Danse,” is a gift!
If only Soul Train were still in existence in 2020, this would be the track to push the show into 2021, but for right now, just settle in and FALL into this jam. CONNECT WITH SLANT : https://www.instagram.com/slantbandofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/slantbandofficial/ https://twitter.com/slantband Written by Lakisha 'KiKi" Skinner : Lakisha "KiKi" Skinner is a USA-based Indie Music journalist and freelance writer who has been crowned a "word-crafting artist" by her global following of Independent Music artists. She is a part of an Alt. Rock band and is the owner of Klef Notes entertainment business blog. Lakisha has been the editor for a Backstreet Boy and has written pieces for Dr. Jimmy Star. If she is not crafting words, you can find her buying another pair of shoes to place inside of her over-cluttered closet. You can read her work at www.KlefNotes.com and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/The0riginalKiKi. |
