RadioIndy is pleased to present Red Directors with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Wave it In "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Red Directors with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Wave it In "

If you like pop/rock with bigger-than-life hooks and sing-along choruses that stick with you long after the last note has drifted off into the night then, Red Directors, delivers the goods on their latest CD, "Wave It In," a ten song collection of highly polished power pop gems. "After Sunday" kicks things off with its infectious, era-spanning sense of melody and drive. It's only one of several highlights though. "Been Around" and "Pretty Good Odds" demonstrate the band's ballads are no less formidable than their best rockers, despite such defining up tempo performances as "Naked in the Kitchen" and "Woken Eye." Elsewhere, they more than ably show they can cover that middle ground between rocker and ballad too, offering up the terrific "Spin" and the endearing "Amazing," each with the same post-Beatles flourish that infuses the entire CD. With such a solid multi-format, pop/rock approach to their sound the "Wave It In" CD by Red Directors is sure to please across generation lines, a tribute to their talent as well as their influences.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Red Directors 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present John Enghauser with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Lost in the Pages "

RadioIndy is pleased to present John Enghauser with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Lost in the Pages "

"Lost in the Pages" by seasoned songwriter and producer John Enghauser is a brilliantly crafted pop/rock album filled with radio-ready hits. John's diversified musical compositions keeps listeners engaged, while his skillfully penned lyrics infuse his audience with fervent emotions. The title-track proves to be an auspicious beginning for this album, highlighting John's niche for creating groovy musical hooks that are hard to forget. "Still Waters" and "Breathe Again" reveal a softer side of the record, led by the beautiful sounds of the acoustic guitar, and backed by stellar, heartfelt vocal performances. Moreover, the vintage southern-rock tune, "Kitchen," goes on to highlight the diversity displayed on this album, as well as John's remarkable ability to deliver vocal performances fitting for numerous genres. Polished with superb production, fans of passionate pop and acoustic rock with an occasional vintage undertone will enjoy this CD.

-Xavier and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out John Enghauser 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Marc James with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Maximum Action "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Marc James with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Maximum Action "

Marc James' 8-song CD, "Maximum Action," is a brilliant mix of David Bowie-meets-Bryan Ferry Euro-pop that is fit for a dance club as well as for a cabaret. Relying primarily on ambient, synth-infused soundscapes, James delivers wry, clever, and funny lyrics with an arch delivery invoking a dapper rogue completely unaware of his obviousness. The lead track, "The Perfect Stranger," captures this most effectively with a dry but melodic vocal in full seductive mode. "Hard Driving Music" rides a bouncing disco-like bass-line in a tuneful exercise that is pure schmaltz ("Do you want to swing, to dance, and sway to that hard driving rocking and rolling") - and is absolutely irresistible. On "Tribute to Marilyn" (yes, Monroe) James references Ray Davies' classic "Celluloid Heroes" with a straight-faced ingenuousness that is as subversive as it is catchy. Closing the album as strongly as it begins, "You Have A Secret" is built on a classic doo-**** chord progression that becomes transformed by a breathy, understated narrative (a la Leonard Cohen), and embellished by a solemn and perfect background chorus. In the end, Marc James' "Maximum Action" CD is that rare intriguing album by an artist that will win you over with his lush, melodic accessibility.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Marc James 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Identity Crisis with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Mosaic "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Identity Crisis with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Mosaic "

Mosaic is defined as "a combination of diverse elements forming a more or less coherent whole." Identity Crisis and their CD "Mosaic," is appropriately titled as this collection of varying styles tells a love story through numerous musical genres. With both male and female vocals, the album has a refreshing inconsistency that's bound to keep you engaged. "The Idea of You" takes a Bossa Nova approach, putting the listener in an elegant surrounding but don't get too comfortable; "Best of Yourself" captures a smoky bar ambiance through an 8-bar blues number. The harmonies are spectacular as you will hear on songs such as "Beyond." There are horns, harmonica, harmony, and solid and concrete musicianship that hold it all in place. These musicians have formed a strong and sound connection and the chemistry between them is brilliant. The password is "Mosaic," come on in.

-Max B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Identity Crisis 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jerad Finck with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Jerad Finck"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jerad Finck with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Jerad Finck"

Jerad Finck's self-titled debut CD is a 12-song showcase for a newcomer with the discerning instincts of a pop-rock veteran. Whether delivering frantic, insistent rockers like "Another" or achingly delicate ballads "Movin' On," the CD is a model of pop balance and rock fire. While several tracks benefit from nuanced and deftly-charted string arrangements, the driving rhythm of "You" and the blistering guitar solo of "Whatever You Want" ensure that the rock in pop-rock gets its due. And with hooks as big as the great outdoors, combined with a solid, in-the-pocket rhythm section, "Jerad Finck" shows a power-pop sensibility that would make The Knack proud. Check out Finck's bold and utterly contemporary arrangement of "Paperback Writer" and you get a sense not only of Jared's craftsmanship, but also of the singer-songwriter's artistic confidence. Mainstream in its accessibility and sincerity, "Jerad Finck" is a pop-rock CD that is also original, honest, and a fine debut from a talented young performer.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jerad Finck 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Kim Esty with a GrIndie Award for the CD "He Doesn’t Like Me… (He Likes My Brother)"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Kim Esty with a GrIndie Award for the CD "He Doesn't Like Me… (He Likes My Brother)"

"He Doesn't Like Me… (He Likes My Brother)," the new CD-single from accomplished dance-pop songstress Kim Esty, is a delicious slice of Electronica worthy of the singer's clear affinity for the genre's queen bee, Madonna. Boasting 7 different remixes (by Whisper Twins vs SBD and Dr. Octavo Versace), "He Doesn't Like Me…" – in all its permutations, is as catchy as it is danceable. Esty's multi-layered vocals soaring over the thrust of the programmed beats creates a sonic wash perfect for the dance floor. And tossing off the clever hook line like a straight-faced Kirsty MacColl only adds to the fun. Both sly and infectious, and featuring instrumental remixes as well, Kim Esty's CD-single delivers on all fronts.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Kim Esty 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Oriana LaRusso with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Oriana’s Opiphany"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Oriana LaRusso with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Oriana's Opiphany"

"Oriana's Opiphany," the second released CD from Oriana LaRusso, is a smart and contemporary collection of dance-pop tunes by a young singer with the poise and polish of a seasoned vet. LaRusso's sometimes sultry and smoky voice plays off a synth and beat-laden soundtrack in a way that is often original and compelling. On the ballad, "More Time," she shows remarkable control at the lower register of her voice while on the R&B-drenched "Not Anymore" she commands the middle register like a love-weary chanteuse. The bulk of the CD sports a predominantly Urban / Top 40 dance feel with LaRusso not only up to the material but leading it with a heady confidence. If at times you hear echoes of Madonna ("Pass Me By") or Shakira ("Watch Me"), or even J-Lo ("Standing Still in Love"), one realizes the lofty aspirations the singer has set for herself. To its credit, "Oriana's Opiphany" is a fine showcase for a singer with not only ambition, but talent as well.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Oriana LaRusso's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites