New Music: Jennifer Westwood, Ruthie Foster and...
Heather Rae, Wendy Colonna, KayLyn Pace, Meshell Ndegeocello, Chinchilla, Emily Shirley
In This Issue
New Music From Women We Love
ICYMI: Music Therapist Hope Young & The Success of Medical-Grade Music
Herizon Music Growth Chart
Our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rockstars continues to GROW! See the growth chart at the end of this article. Please help us by sharing this newsletter on your social and inviting your music family to subscribe, If you want to support us on the next level, you can do so by upgrading to a paid subscription.
“Where other media fail, we shall succeed in spotlighting women and the contributions they make to modern music on stage, on air, and behind the scenes. Thank you for making it happen!” — Thea Wood, Herizon Music
New Music from Women We Love
If you’ve posted a new release (single, EP or album) and it isn’t featured, please email me your name, home state/country, genre, YouTube link, and Amazon link.
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Mad Man’s World by Jennifer Westwood & The Handsome Devils (Michigan)
album, americana
When things are at their worst, artists are at their best. My favorite rock and holy roller Jennifer Westwood and her Handsome Devils (including husband Dylan Dunbar) call it like they see it in the title track’s call-to-reason anthem about gender politics. Purchase the whole damn album and play it at your next backyard party. Amen.
Mileage by Ruthie Foster (Texas)
album, gospel/blues
Summoning the spirit of blues greats from yore, Ruthie Foster’s voice and guitar takes your soul to the summit with her new album from Sun Records. The first single “Rainbow” takes me back to Motown’s heyday— hope, love, and joy prevailing over difficult times.
“Good for Me” by Heather Rae (Tennessee)
single, soul pop
If cotton candy and falling-in-love songs throw you into a flying camel spin, former figure skater Heather Rae’s single is for you. Heather was named “one to watch” by the Nashville Songwriters Association International, so keep your eyes and ears open.
Paradigms by Wendy Colonna (Texas)
album, soulful americana
I featured Wendy Colonna’s parental-gushing single “The Little Things” in May’s new music. It’s one of nine tracks on this album; I’m especially digging “Inspired” which features… HORNS! Kissed with ‘70s retro influences, she masterfully pairs emotions with Mother Nature and Father Time.
“Peace” by KayLyn Pace (Tennessee by way of Michigan)
single, country rock
KayLyn Pace embodies a strong female Midwest sensibility that landed her the Hallmark movie Cupid’s Christmas lead in 2022 featuring both her music and acting. The single “Peace” (with GRAMMY nominated co-writer Blue Foley) does her reputation proud.
No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin by Meshell Ndegeocello (New York by way of Washington, DC)
album, alternative jazz / neo soul
I love that this album’s first official music video “Love” is a live performance spotlighting Justin Hicks and Kenita Miller-Hicks on vocals. Meshell Ndegeocello eventually steps in with spoken word, giving plenty of space for her first love: playing bass. This 17-track album is a primal swirl of musical genres, a collective ode to the teachings of writer/civil rights activist/pastor James Baldwin. If this album doesn’t win her a second GRAMMY (and 13th nomination), I don’t know what will.
Fly Trap by Chinchilla (England)
album, industrial pop
“I burnt any yearning for the industry’s approval to the ground and that’s when it all started working,” Chinchilla told Rolling Stone UK. Her pent up anger found an outlet in this gut-punch album recommended to me by Herizon Music fan Lisa Ehl (Scotland). “Little Girl Gone” says it all.
“You Came In” by Emily Shirley (Texas)
single, indie pop/rock
Emily Shirley’s new tune is a succession of mantras that usher in hope and light at the end of the tunnel. The antidote to dark days. While you listen, check out her graphic art for a multi-sensory experience.
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ICYMI:
Prolific writer and music critic Ted Goia wrote an excellent article about high frequency ultrasound healing devices. In 2020, I interviewed premier music therapist about her success with music therapy for all sorts of conditions. Listen to the podcast now! 👇🏻
Herizon Music Growth Chart
Who doesn’t love a good chart? Especially when it is good news!
As we approach Herizon Music’s one-year anniversary on Substack (September 21st was the date of the first newsletter article), it seemed a great time to see how far we’ve come. The chart numbers include subscribers (who receive published articles and podcasts) and followers (who only see my notes and likes on the app).
We are just **98** subscribers away from my 1,000 goal! We hit 1,106 combined subs and followers. Which gives reason to celebrate in itself.
Please help me hit that 1,000 mark by recommending this newsletter to others and sharing with friends on social media. Any and all support is greatly appreciated!
Thanks for joining our band of dreamers, rule breakers, and rock stars!
— Thea 🎶
Excellent collection of tracks. I’m really digging Chinchilla! Might spend my Sunday doing a bit of deep dive - thank you!
Great to see Ruthie Foster featured here. I'm loving her new album. Look forward to checking out some of the sother suggestions too.