You don’t have to go to the beach to hear the best songs this summer. BWH Music Group’s That Summer, Vol. Two, by Various Artists is the hottest indie release of the year. This extraordinary compilation album features 16 songs by internationally acclaimed and award-winning artists in multiple genres. The album was digitally released, worldwide, the first day of summer, June 16, 2019.
About the Artists:
1. “Locations”- FSG Rell (feat. Nico DC)
FSG Rell is from a small city-like area called Pottstown, PA located outside Philadelphia. Rell is a rapper, clothing ambassador, and a young entrepreneur. The 20-year old rapper has been creating music since the age of 14. He has released several mix-tapes including “FMB”, “No Lookin Back”, “HighSchool Debut” and “Ambition Over Fear”. His most notable single “Gucci Prada Fendi” has been aired on national radio. During his career, Rell gained interest from Atlantic Records, landing a meeting with their A& R team. Since then, he has been interviewed by DJ Smallz Eyes, Saycheese Digital, Doggy Diamonds, and various commercial radio stations. FSG Rell has opened for Jay Critch, YBS Skola. In April 2019, he was on the cover of East Coast Magazine. FSG Rell is managed by Dante George aka “FSG Tae.”
2. “Dead Feelings” – Emily Cole
Emily Cole is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, ukulele, keyboard, bass, and mandolin). Emily’s self-titled debut album (October 2015) was produced by Eddie Ferguson of Lucky Run Studio in Houston, Texas. Ferguson is known for his work managing music projects alongside Matthew Knowles (father of Beyoncé) and Max Gousse (Def Jam Records). Emily’s single “Over” was produced in New York City by members of The Elev3n and Hip-Hop artist, Kinetics. Her hit song “Two-Faced” was a collaboration with Jenn Rykert. Another single, “If I’m Really” ( 2017) donated proceeds to families impacted by Hurricane Harvey and was featured on the IMA Nominated album, That Summer, Vol. 1, by Various Artists. Emily has appeared on “Real Life Real Music”, a radio program recorded live at Dosey Doe Big Barn in Texas. She has also performed at the 2018 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and High School Nation Tour. Emily played the Tonic Music Series, put on by Love Street Light Circus, where she performed for cancer victims and their families at Texas Children’s Hospital and at Truman W. Smith’s Children’s Care Center in Gladewater, Texas.
3. “Fake It” – Erich Mrak
Erich Mrak started writing lyrics at the age of 7. By 13, he had recorded his first full song. Since then, Erich continuously refines his sound. Born in Ottawa, and based in Toronto since 2013, Erichʼs influences come from where he has been and where he currently is. His songs are composed over pop and hip-hop production offering an experimental combination of the two genres for a unique and engaging sound. Being featured in several notable publications (Earmilk, Paste Magazine, and GoodMusicAllDay), Erich continues to display his strength as a writer, penning songs that are relatable, with message.
4. “Phoenix” – Jenny Vinatieri
Jenny Vinatieri is a Grand Prize winner of the Divine Tracks Song Contest and a USA International and Unsigned Songwriting Competition Semi-Finalist. She is also a Reverbnation Featured Artist. Jenny was born in Italy and raised in Spain. Her parents did not speak the same language in her early years so her first language was a mix of made-up words in Spanish, English, and Italian. Yearning to communicate at a young age, Jenny discovered the universal language of music. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that Jenny decided to put out her own music. In 2018, Jenny’s song “Rainbow” was featured on BWH Music Group’s IMA Nominated That Summer Vol. 1, by Various Artists. Her latest album is titled “Phoenix.” Jenny was honored to be a headliner for the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure walk in Colorado Springs. She is currently launching an Artist Development company called lyriXchange with a focus on mentoring, writing for, and developing future talent.
5. “Unexplainable” – Tony Valor
In the music industry, having a famous father can present many unique challenges for an up-and-coming artist. Living up to the reputation of a famous father and following in his footsteps can be quite demanding and difficult to achieve; unless of course, you’re Tony Valor. Tony is a three-time Billboard charting artist with his hit singles, “To the Top”, “Your My Fantasy”, and “Up & Away.” Tony burst onto the music scene with all the energy of his youth. His love for singing began at the age of 3, and his interest in music grew while sitting under the console in his father’s studio as he worked on his music productions. Armed with his rich family history in the music industry, Tony has made a name for himself on TVI Records. Being of Sicilian, Chinese and Hispanic descent, Tony has a unique multicultural background.
6. “You Can Leave Your Light On” – Happiness Junkies
Happiness Junkies are a duo from Amsterdam (The Netherlands). They write, record and perform music that is described as melancholic slow-beat rock. With electric guitar and piano entwined, female vox and a rhythm box, the duo achieves a mesmerizing sound, a slow groove for a fast world. The duo has been added to numerous Spotify playlists and college radio and commercial radio around the world. Happiness Junkies offer up happy, yet melancholy music for your soul.
7. “Mr. Blue” – Love Ghost
Love Ghost is an indie-alternative rock band from Los Angeles consisting of Finnegan Bell (guitar and vocals), Mya Greene (Viola and Keyboard), Ryan Stevens (Bass and background vocals) and Samson Young (drums and background vocals). Love Ghost has won numerous awards including Best Alternative Rock Band from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards and The Jean Luc Goddard Award from Cult Critic Magazine. Their music videos have received awards from the New York Film Awards, LA Shorts Awards, Paris Music Video Underground and many others. In 2019, Love Ghost wrapped up an extensive international tour playing throughout Ireland, Japan, and Ecuador. The band has opened for Buckcherry, Berlin, Ozomatli, The Tubes, Fuel, Smash Mouth, The Young Dubliners and Irish singer/songwriter Mundy.
8. “Freedom” – Crooked Flower
Crooked Flower is an alternative indie band that has released an impressive 5 LP’s, 2 EP’s, several Singles and a Video Album (10 Videos). Their music has gained the attention of over 60 press outlets including Alternative Nation, Pop Matters, NoHo Arts District, No Depression, Nashville Music Guide, OnStage Magazine, Psychedelic Baby, California Rocker, and many more. The band has four core members: Angelina Dang (vocals/guitar/keyboards); Daniel Erik (aka Tenenbaum; bass); Dan Ingberman (guitar/guitar synth); and Patrick Shields (drums/percussion). Crooked Flower is based out of the Berkeley/Oakland/San Francisco area where they perform regularly in the San Francisco Bay region and throughout California. They were awarded the “2015 Concert Of The Year” by Twirl Radio, KUBU 95.5 and “2015 Song of the Year” for “Too Broke To Fix” which appears on End of The Rainbow.
9. “The Sound of Summer” – Almost An Artist
Almost An Artist is the fruit of Julian Cassia who lives between Toronto and NYC. He concocts tracks which he performs as a multi-instrumentalist, writer, engineer, and producer, by himself, in his studio where he works as a film composer and producer. Almost An Artist plays a vast array of instruments, including guitars, drums, percussion, keyboards, clarinet and GuitarViol (a one-of-a-kind hybrid that closely resembles a violin in timbre). His sound is an amalgamation of indie-rock and electronic music. Julian Cassia has worked on several award-winning Music Productions and Films. His music film credits include The Traveler (2016) and Man with Van (2017). He holds a dual degree from the Berklee College of Music in Music Synthesis and Film Scoring, as well as a Master’s in Composition from NYU.
10. “Heroes” – Rooftop Heroes
Hailing from Eastern Switzerland, Rooftop Heroes is made up of Mike Frei (guitar, lead vocals), Daniel Frei (bass, vocals), Tobi Engeler (lead guitar, vocals) and Samuel Forster (drums, vocals). Originally called BluePearl, and with two former members, the quartet was featured on national German TV shows such as The Dome and Köln 50667. Now returning as Rooftop Heroes, the alternative collective found their core audience on YouTube, collecting over 1 million views on cover videos. Looking to give their fans more, they are gaining worldwide momentum with their original music.
11. “This Beautiful Life” – Calvert
Independent recording artist Calvert is no stranger to success. His first single “Kiss The Air” was optioned twice by Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” He has been hired to sing back-up for Mariah Carey, Harry Connick Jr, Patti Labelle, and Gloria Estefan. Calvert’s debut album, This Beautiful Life, VOL 1 is produced by acclaimed EDM artist Jonathan Mendelsohn and orchestrated by Jamey Ray (creator of Voctave). Music videos for “Please With A Cherry” (338k views) and “This Beautiful Life” were directed by Hollywood‘s Brad Hammer Productions. The NY Times calls Calvert a “laudable” performer while the LA Times says he is “cherubic” and “steals the show.” Instinct Magazine touts his music as “extremely uplifting.”
12. “We Are All Mad Here” – Luna Keller
Hailing from the sunny island of Tenerife, 18-year old Luna Keller grew up in a musical family. By age 8, Luna was singing in a choir and within five years, she fell in love with the guitar and started writing her own songs. Today, Luna records in her home studio with her father and veteran music producer and audio engineer, Uli Pfannmüller. Luna has collaborated with amazing musicians including Bruce White (Peter Gabriel, U2, Coldplay, Adele) who played viola on her debut single, “Sunset.” In 2018, “Packing My Bags” was on the IMA Nominated album That Summer, Vo.l 1 by BWH Music Group and it was also used in a Starbucks ad campaign. Luna is a Hollywood Songwriter Contest finalist, a Music City Songstar finalist and an American Songwriter Nominee. Currently, Luna has an upcoming EP titled “Alice Is in Love with the Mad Hatter” inspired by the book Alice in Wonderland. Guest musicians will include Ralf Erkel (Haddaway) and Dave Mette (Laith Al-Deen, Philipp Poisel). Luna has played stages and events throughout Ireland. She has written for the International Day for Violence Against Women and Ocean and Environmental Day which was celebrated on the “My Heart Beats Blue Event” internet television station 24-7tenerifetv.
13. “That Thing” – Kalina & Kiana
Kalina & Kiana are California songwriting siblings who specialize in Poetic Pop. In 2007, the 11 & 13 year old sisters formed an all-girl band called “The Raymies”- who would perform more than 100 shows over the next 3 years, while John Stamos produced “The Raymies” TV pilot for Disney that was scheduled to replace Hannah Montana. The band imploded and Kalina & Kiana entered a development deal for a musical TV project in Europe. While waiting for the European show to evolve, they created music under the name “Rocky’s Revival” just in time to face another challenge – Kalina was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She completed chemotherapy and is now in complete remission. During the treatments, Kalina performed in a wig, as the band opened for groups like The Bangles and Justin Bieber. K&K continued to write for other projects, like: “Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir” and after waiting nearly 5 years for the European show, the girls renegotiated to focus on their music. “Maggie & Bianca: Fashion Friends,” is now in Season 3 on Netflix. Kalina & Kiana continue to write songs for and make guest appearances on the show. Finally free, the girls have shed “Rocky’s Revival” and now focus on “Poetic Pop”, for the project that bears their names – Kalina & Kiana.
14. “Disappear for the Weekend” – James Lee Baker
James Lee Baker is a bonafide, born and raised, Texas troubadour. Receiving critical acclaim from around the country, Baker is an emerging artist in the Folk and Americana musicscape. He is known for his clear, expressive and soaring voice, eloquent and tasteful fingerstyle guitar playing, and relatable lyrics steeped in stories of the heartland. “Disappear for the Weekend” was chosen for the TCMA’s “Best Texas Country Picks” compilation album and the song “Two Cageless Birds” was awarded the John O’Hara Singer-Songwriter Performance Grant. His songs have appeared on several music charts including the FolkDJ Radio, the Airplay Today Top 100 Country/Americana, and The Roots Music Report Top 15 Contemporary Folk charts. James has also shared the stage with several renowned Folk artists like Ellis Paul and Vance Gilbert. In March of 2019, James was selected as a finalist for the prestigious Al Johnson Songwriting Contest at the Wildflower Music Festival in Texas.
15. “Lettin’ Summer Shine”- Olivia Frances
Olivia Frances has been recognized by the Nashville Songwriter Association International (NSAI) as a “Ones to Watch” songwriter over a dozen times. Her songs on SoundCloud have reached over 100,000 streams, generating a loyal fanbase around the world. Her critically-acclaimed single “Moon to My Sun” was the VOX Pop Winner in the Love Song Category at the 2018 Independent Music Awards (IMA’s) held at Lincoln Center. She also won 1st place in the Singer-Songwriter Category in the 2018 New England Songwriting Competition. Other awards include the Valley Music Showcase’s “Best Original Song” as well as “Best Pop Song” at the Ohio Music Awards. Olivia Frances is known for her infectious positive energy and powerful stage presence. This prolific songbird has written and co-written over 300 songs with hit writers such as Billy Lee (“The One” by Gary Allan), Kevin So (“Crush On You” by India Arie), and Matt Stell (“Prayed for You”). Her latest album Orchid was produced by distinguished musician and producer Pat Lassiter, who has been referred to as the Max Martin of Nashville. In 2018, Olivia was one of the few American artists selected to perform at IndieWeek Canada in Toronto where she made her international debut.
16. “Private Pond” – Stephanie Grace
Hailing from the small town of Douglassville, Pennsylvania, singer-songwriter Stephanie Grace is on the rise. A charismatic performer, Stephanie is a veteran of star-studded national tours and big concert stages. She has opened for Taylor Swift, Scotty McCreery, John Michael Montgomery, Josh Turner, Brothers Osborne, Hunter Hayes, and The Charlie Daniels Band! At age 22, the young Nashville-recording, Country-Pop songstress has released two critically acclaimed EPs, Stephanie Grace and Life’s Okay. Her single “Loser” was one of the most added songs in country radio in its debut week. “Loser” connects Stephanie to a vital cause that she is passionate about, the prevention of bullying. Since releasing the song in 2013, Stephanie has conducted anti-bullying assemblies at multiple elementary, middle and high schools throughout Pennsylvania. Currently, Stephanie has a brand new, six-song EP “Private Pond” featuring her single “Nobody” available at all major digital outlets.
That Summer, Vol. Two, by Various Artists is available on all major digital outlets worldwide including Cdbaby and iTunes.
For more information about the artists, on That Summer, Vol. Two, please visit BWH Music Group’s That Summer, Vol. Two Album Release Page.
About BWH Music Group:
BWH Music Group works with today’s emerging independent artists to achieve common goals in sound and promotion. BWH Music Group offers Recording Services, Compilation Releases, Artist Promotions, and National Indie Radio.
For more information, visit BWH Music Group.
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