Those of us who appreciate indie music and "indie soul" in particular are easily agitated when surveying what the mainstream powers that be choose to put its full influence behind. Our anger and frustration is righteous and worth our focus when considered in the proper context. It's mainly due to our continuous discovery of acts that truly deserve everyone's attention, not just our own. And although we sometimes, albeit selfishly, revel in the knowledge that we are somehow cooler for being hip to a particular artist that many others are not, that self-righteous feeling fades when we realize that we would prefer to enjoy the bonefied artists we love on radio and t.v. the same way other music fans get to frequently indulge in the cookie cutter one-hit wonders that will soon fade. Sometimes it really sucks when you realize there is so much more that seems to be intentionally hidden from us.

Well, get ready to get pissed again, my friends. Because Kevin Sandbloom is another one of those artists you should know. This So-Cal singer/songwriter has been quietly building an ever-growing worldwide fan base. Pairing with Melany Bell to form his name sake band Sandbloom, Kevin has been relentlessly touring and recording- and his hard work is paying off. After a brief stint with Virgin via a demo deal in 1999, Kevin Sandbloom has been producing his acoustic driven songs as an independent and hasn't looked back. His 2005 album From A Bird yielded the much-favored track 'Is It A Crime'; a beautiful acoustic version of the Sade classic. No easy feat to take a song that Ms. Adu so clearly left her indelible stamp on and transform it into something so uniquely refreshing.

On the newly released MadLoveActivate, Kevin Sandbloom may have created his first, true masterpiece in 'Viva Los Angeles'. Destined to be as definitively California as Randy Newman's 'I Love L.A.', 'Viva' represents the darker side of the city of dreams. Where pursuit of your goals may cause you to gradually lose yourself and make you question why you ever went in the first place. Sandbloom's cautionary tale of life in the big city and fulfilling your dreams is spun in a particularly dark and honest way as he sings lines such as, "...gotta get down or lay down." "Am I myself or does this place define me?" And, "Even you're children know, this is where the hustlers go to get it. I hope that you find whatever you're looking for." The listener is draw into the struggles that sometimes envelope those that hop off the bus, ready to become a star; but often get lost in a living nightmare on the "Boulevard of Broken Dreams". Also apparent in the song is the deep love for L.A. often expressed by its long time residents. This is one of those great songs you fall in love with on the very first listen.

Be sure to stop by Sandbloom's MySpace page here. The 2 songs offered below are always within my reach. They stay in my personal listening rotation, and once you listen to them, you'll understand why. The new album MadLoveActivate is available now.

Kevin Sandbloom - Is It A Crime

Sandbloom - Viva Los Angeles

Though mainly known nowadays for hyphy and "ghost riding", the Bay Area has always produced great musical talents. The latest "next to blow" artist is Jimmie Reign. Entering into the already cluttered world of r&b will be no easy task. Right now, there are plenty of established artists fighting for spins on commercial stations. But, if she doesn't get heard, it won't be because she lacks the talent. This woman is a tour de force of talent. Looks: check. Singing ability: check. Fire tracks: check. Songwriting: got that, too. She's ready to make herself known to the world. I'm just hoping that the industry will make room for her. If for some awful reason she doesn't make it as an artist, she'll be just fine penning her great songs for others. She's that good. Hopefully, she won't have to worry about that. Stop by Jimmie's MySpace page here, and check these tasty mid-tempo goodies from Jimmie Reign. You wont be disappointed.

Ring My Bell

Something You Just Can't Hide

Superstar

Director Doug Pray (Hype) pays tribute to the innovative art of DJing in the electrifying documentary Scratch. Featuring the most legendary figures in the DJ scene, Pray's film is at once a deeply insightful historical document and a highly entertaining glimpse into the world of underground hip-hop. Modern luminaries such as DJ Shadow, Mix Master Mike (of the Beastie Boys), DJ Q-bert, Rob Swift, and DJ Swamp are interviewed alongside living legends like Afrika Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, and Grand Mixer DXT, in order to paint a broad, comprehensive picture of how DJing has evolved over the years.

Seamlessly cutting between interviews and actual footage filmed at several high-profile DJing contests including Skratchcon 2000 and the DMC U.S. Finals, Pray's film is a must-see for both seasoned fans and the uninitiated, a celebration of one of the late-20th century's most thrilling, original musical movements.

Hezekiah and Bilal make a lethal combo. This track is without a doubt one of the dopest of the year so far. Visit Hezekiah's MySpace page here.

Just a few favorites here. Hopefully it will be something you haven't seen in a while or haven't seen at all. Enjoy.

Incognito - Still A Friend Of Mine


Christion - Full Of Smoke


D'Angelo and the Soulquarians (live) - Send It On


Unless you're from Atlanta, you probably haven't seen this one...

Dionne Farris and Van Hunt - Hopeless (live)


Lynden David Hall - Sexy Cinderella