NYS Music 202​0

Author: kenny cunningham

  • The Fresh Voice of Diana Zinni Takes Listeners to the “Point Of No Return”

    “Point of No Return” is one of three singles released by Diana Zinni in 2020. The song touches upon a certain dichotomy when it comes to love and loss: vulnerability and self-assuredness. She is willing to get to the point of no return in her love, but she also doesn’t want to get to a point where there is no return and her love isn’t reflected back to her. She is self-confident yet insecure about these feelings of love, loss, regret.

    With a soulful voice reminiscent of Kate Bush or Rilo Kiley, Diana Zinni is poised to make a splash on the independent music scene. For “Point of No Return,” she had David Lizmi on bass, David Heilman on drums, Matt Chiravalle on lead guitar, Lucas Saur on Cello, Rob Clores on organ, and Lilly Katz tap dancing. Diana saw Lilly at a dance event performing a modern piece and spoke to her afterward, where Lilly mentioned that she always wanted to be in a band as a tap dancer. Diana was looking for “out-of-the box percussion,” and asked Lilly to perform on this track.

    Diana counts Paul Simon, Steve Winwood, and Bob Dylan among her influences, and you can hear their writing styles come through on “Point of No Return.” Diana currently resides in Jersey City, NJ where she manages a studio, after moving across the river from Brooklyn. She had hosted an open mic tonight pre-Covid, and has continued to do so via Zoom.

    Zinni also produced an outdoor show with a bunch of friends earlier this year, and would like to continue doing similar things, weather-permitting. Keep an ear out for future singles to be released in 2021, hopefully on her next album The Vault. Her debut album, Fire & Water, can be found on Spotify.

  • Premiere: Brooklyn’s Greywolf collaborates with Aya Nori on “Temple”

    Today, Greywolf drops the second single, “Temple,” off his upcoming debut album, titled Operation Wolf. A perfect follow-up to his solo debut “Exit Key,” the track continues the beautiful sounds and harmonies of the first release, as well as similar themes of release, cutting chains that weigh you down.

    greywolf

    Whether it’s shame, adversity or betrayal, “Temple” sends a message, making a conscious choice to live your best life and to project love, even in times of peril. The track opens with synth sounds that remind one of church bells ringing in the distance, as well beautiful harmonizing between Greywolf and guest vocalist Aya Nori. The track contains elements of hip hop and R&B, particularly Aya’s verse, and sounds at times like a Justin Timberlake tune.

    Aya Nori

    While Greywolf (Jay Grey) is best known for his work as bassist for Brooklyn-based Escaper, he has branched off to deliver a sound all his own. Once again he plays all instruments on this track — vocals, synth, bass, and beat programming. Additional lyrics written and sung by Aya Nori, who has recently released her sultry single “Daze,” the follow-up to her critically acclaimed song “Young And Offended.”

    Teaming with Aya Nori for “Temple” was a dream come true. I’ve been a fan of her music for a long time and couldn’t be more excited with the end result. I feel we’re cut from the same cloth in terms of tonality.

    Greywolf

    “Temple” was mixed and mastered by Abe Seiferth. Greywolf’s debut album, Operation Wolf, will be available for release in Fall 2020. Wolf says of the upcoming album, “The timing of the record — I don’t think there is any better time to put music in the world. If I can project light and hope into this world then I know I’ve done my job.”

  • Escaper bassist Greywolf drops debut single “Exit Key”

    Greywolf, aka Jay Grey, bassist for rising powerhouse band Escaper, has released “Exit Key,” the first single off his upcoming debut album Operation Wolf.

    Greywolf

    “Exit Key” is a sample of what the multi-instrumentalist is able to do on his own. Haunting and beautiful, the lyrics evoke themes of love, loss, and wanting to make a change. The track opens with a droning synth, before dropping into love story lyrics. Prescient themes for these times are found, with change needed to be made after reaching a breaking point and wanting to make change.

    Greywolf recorded and played all the instruments on this record in his home studio, including piano, synth, keys, guitar, bass and beat programming. The record as a whole addresses change, longing and one’s personal connection with nature and the universe. You’ll find an autobiographical feel and personal touch to the music and the album.

    While Jay Grey is best known for his work with Escaper, he has branched off to deliver a sound all his own. Keep your eyes and ears open for more brilliance from this emerging artist.

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