Bongo Boy TV – Season 13, Episode 8 – Video Review

Turn up the speakers, turn on the TV, and turn off the lights – it’s time for another episode of Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV! Featuring music videos from global and domestic independent artists, Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV Season 13, Episode 08 is another dynamic, cultured curation of new, well-known, and award-winning musicians. Ready to embark on the latest audiovisual adventure courtesy of your new favorite bands? Let’s dig in…

Wait. Where can I watch this episode of Bongo Boy Rock n’ Roll TV?

Having premiered Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 on Ch. 29 in Portland, Oregon, this episode will remain in heavy rotation for four full weeks, and across 72+ terrestrial TV channels. (For local listings, see their TVGuide at bongoboytv.com.) Still searching? Then check out Bongo Boy TV’s very own ROKU channel.

Sit back, and press play.

From Milan, Italy, it’s Bongo Boy Records’ staple ARTIC BABA with “Many Years Ago.” In a quick succession of scratchy images from the past, the song kicks off with aggressive guitar chords and arpeggios. The song swings towards subtlety with ARTIC BABA’s always beautifully vulnerable vocalist, and makes some very excellent chord choices. What a powerful, clever song that wields both strength and weakness so adroitly.

From Pittsburgh, PA (which is moderately local for yours truly), it’s Goest Ryder – who, at no point, ignites in flames to properly vanquish evil. However, his latest track, “Survive,” is old-school rap that tells a rather poignant story of persistence. It’s nice to hear rap that’s homegrown, not overproduced, and with honest messaging bereft of swarming dancers and fat, fan-blown stacks of cash.

San Diego, California’s Kieler Avery presents “Still Miss You.” And it’s just Kieler with her acoustic guitar, singing and strumming in an exceptionally manicured park (or backyard?). With the introduction of marching percussion and floating backing vocals, “Still Miss You” is an anthem from the heartland that echoes heartache across sprawling but familiar plains.

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, it’s Tony Anthony with “Your Friend.” Opening with oceans and a woman who appears mildly distraught, “Your Friend” is classic, rich and smooth R&B with an almost classical coloration that separates it from far-too-familiar fare. And when Tony’s voice opens up, there’s real strength and surprising range. Good, good stuff.

And it wouldn’t be a Bongo Boy Records compilation without The NEW Bardots, who graciously contribute “Johnnie Get Your Drum.” Leaning hard into reggae with some scratchy electric guitar and soulful American rock, “Johnnie Get Your Drum” is filled with images of oceans, parties, and acts of free living – it’s an instantaneous audiovisual vacation courtesy of the tropically minded The NEW Bardots.

Lissa Coffey and David Vito Gregoli present “We Share the Moon.” This solemn acoustic number features Leela Ladnier singing mournfully in a lake lit by an extravagant moon. Leela’s voice is emotional, quiet, rich, and lilting in sonorous bubbles; the instrumentation is honest, earthy, and the perfect organic accompaniment. Good stuff.

Bongo Boy Records’ latest episode of Rock n’ Roll TV closes with “Life” from Kansas City’s Eturnul. With a mix of rap and singing, Eturnul works her rhyme wizardry dressed in bright daisies and a blistering orange, “LIFE”-adorned cap. It’s brief, but the message is clear, and the beat – and the rhymes – are simply too catchy.

But is it good?

Remember when you said, “Man, I’m so sick of all this so-called ‘popular’ music”? Well, there’s an entire world of independent artists who exist to cure that ailment. And guess what – they’re better than you imagine, and one-thousand-times more authentic than your usual, no longer enjoyable playlist. Ready to branch out and enjoy music again? Here’s your chance.

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BELOW: Watch Bongo Boy TV Season 13: Episode 08, and connect with Bongo Boy Records’ website and social media platforms. Make sure to listen to your favorite Bongo Boy artists online, and support them by playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And as always, thank you for supporting real music!