Category: Features

International Slam Champion Miss Yankey Debuts EP ‘Shadow Work in the Waters’
Words flow like water as Miss Yankey breaks into the musical sphere, with her debut EP, Shadow Work in the Waters, officially released tomorrow, December 22. The independent release raises the bar for the already established UK multi-genre poet.

Shadow Work in the Waters is just being released in the UK and will be available as a NYS Music First Play, and first in the United States, via the Soundcloud link, below at 7 p.m. EST.

Miss Yankey creates the perfect chemical reaction, where music, clever word-forging and style meet, writing both free flow and traditional. Her work exposes a limitless flow under the heart’s horizon. From love and relationships, to history, politics, mental health, space travel and more, Miss Yankey offers cutting a edge breath, lopping off the bud, to watch something more beautiful bloom in its place. The London based artist explores in all forums as a performance poet, writer, musician, workshop facilitator, host and public speaker.

Her poetry guides you through your own mind from a multitude of different perspectives. While her style favours the obscure and silenced, her words speak truth as if it was your own.

https://soundcloud.com/missyankey/sets/shadow-work-in-the-waters/s-6nWFDGIO8WD?ref=clipboard&p=a&c=1

Shadow Work in the Waters EP will debut tomorrow December 22 in the UK, branded as Spoken Word meets Trap Soul. All of the tracks capture you, as you chase each verse with your fingertips spread wide. You can’t keep up, lyrically. It inspires your deepest subconscious.

Opening track, “I Still Pray For You,” is limitless. Miss Yankey’s prayer ask a magnitude of questions that opens the mind for an EP to come. Ominous effects flow fluid like water and lack typical song structure.

“Return My Sun,” drags a deep low-fi beat underneath Miss Yankey as she speaks. In the likes of nobody else, Miss Yankey reflects in musical and poetic harmony. Connecting to the listener or her own self, these boarders are non-existent.

Simply put, Miss Yankey weaves a spellbinding web of lyrical storytelling over some killer beats. Be prepared to be submerged as each track takes you further into a lagoon of raw emotion. This is a whole new vibe.

Stand-out lyrical track “Karmic Dealer” shows off Miss Yankey’s draw, with a more pronounced backbeat:

I still whisper I Love You whilst you sleep

What i mean is

I visit you frequently in my dreams.

The geometry of you and I, is patterned like the flower of life.

Our physics are quantum.

Four-time international slam champion, Miss Yankey, has a mass of accomplishments. Most notably, she’s a member of the international collective, Flo Poets, who are mentored by X7 Grammy Award nominated Natalie ‘Floacist’ Stewart. Miss Yankey fused her skills with music UK Rapper Logic’s recent album release I Am King on his opening title “Black King.” She was also featured on Robbie Maddix’s “Feelings” (Music House and formerly Stone Roses) and “One Less” recently released on Local Talk Records.

Having spent much of lockdown in the studio, Miss Yankey shows off her gifted lyricism and vocals, which will appear on a steady stream of projects and collaborations as we break into the new year, 2021, and beyond. Stay Tuned.

Shadow Work in the Waters Track List:
1. I Still Pray For You
2. Return My Sun
3. Karmic Dealer
4. Want
5. 36524
Photo by Zak Kilby and @zedkimages
December 21, 2020
Dua Lipa Electrifies Final SNL of 2020

Saturday Night Live’s final episode of 2020, hosted by Kristen Wiig, featured two electric performances from musical guest Dua Lipa. The episode opened with Vice President Pence (Beck Bennett) and Vice President-Elect Harris (Maya Rudolph) receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

One of the few artists who thrived during the pandemic, Dua Lipa’s second album Future Nostalgia cemented her status as a pop staple. It dropped in the first month of quarantine and didn’t need an accompanying tour to bolster its release, although one is coming in September 2021.

Future Nostalgia righted the wrongs of its predecessor, the 2017 self-titled debut Dua Lipa, by finding a distinct sound amid complaints of being too generic. Dua also improved her live performances, coming off more confident and energetic onstage than in the past. Future Nostalgia is ending the year on several publications’ best of 2020 lists, and is up for five Grammy Awards, including Album and Song of the Year.

Dua’s first song of the night was “Don’t Start Now.” While Future Nostalgia’s lead single was released on Halloween of 2019, it had major staying power throughout 2020. It reached its Billboard Hot 100 peak of #2 on its 19th week of release, and surpassed Lipa’s 2017 single “New Rules” as her biggest hit. The nu-disco bop channels “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, as well as Daft Punk and the Bee Gees, dealing with themes of female empowerment and independence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDsyocmK3XI

Dua closed her SNL debut with “Levitating,” an album standout that became a single in August. The dance floor-ready anthem spawned remixes with Madonna, Missy Elliott, and DaBaby, although none compare to the original solo version. “Levitating” is arguably Future Nostalgia’s high point, expertly updating the Studio 54 sound for 2020. The DaBaby remix made Barack Obama’s recently unveiled list of favorite songs of 2020.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl7rfTWVubE&feature=youtu.be

Saturday Night Live returns in January. Revisit Kristen Wiig’s memorable final episode as a cast member on SNL, where Mick Jagger dedicated “She’s A Rainbow” to Wiig and the cast gave her an emotional send-off.

December 20, 2020
This week’s EQXposure features Being Both, Girl Blue and many more!

Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Being Both, Girl Blue and many more!

WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

When EQXposure kicks off on Sunday evening, host Pearson will feature an hour of two in a row from a select group pf local artists. These two songs in a row will give a glimpse into an artist or band that reveals who they are and what they are all about, no matter how different or similar the songs are.

Featured artists in this first hour include Slaughterhouse Chorus, Ferriday, Sarah King, Donnie, Elder Orange, Victory Soul Orchestra, Lorne Montague and Party of the Century.

Being Both – “Picturing Picturing”

Next, Pearson, features the new project from Christopher Brown of Troy’s Super Dark Collective, called Being Both. The debut track “Picturing Picturing,” from the album Her Words, My Mouth, is a beautiful tune of longing, with a subtle mellotron background set next to an arpeggiated electric piano.

Also featured is a brand new song from Girl Blue, “Just a Dream”
<a href="https://girlbluemusic.bandcamp.com/track/just-a-dream-2">Just a Dream by Girl Blue</a>

December 19, 2020
Sly Fox and the Hustlers share “That Spirit of Christmas”

Saratoga Springs’ Sly Fox and the Hustlers are currently in the studio completing a new album to be released in Spring 2021. Ahead of time, Fox has shared a Christmas tune, a cover of Ray Charles’ “That Spirit of Christmas,” designed to spread some love this holiday season.

Released on December 17, along with the snowfall, the song channels the Ray Charles holiday classic with Fox’s blues roots through his vocals and guitar. The single will be available for purchase on all streaming sites and all proceeds will be donated to Toys for Tots in the Capital Region during the month of December.

Sly Fox shares some thoughts on the song:

I’m one of those people that loves Christmas music, especially the classics but this one is my favorite! I’m a huge Ray Charles fan and it’s a cover of his song, “That Spirit of Christmas.” What makes it stand out to me (among all the great Christmas songs) is the soulful message of the song with an emphasis on spirituality, love, family and trying to sustain those good vibes throughout the year!

Fans of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation will recall the song from the scene where Clark (Chevy Chase) is in the attic. The artwork for the song is Fox and his sister on Christmas morning at 5yrs old with his first guitar. For more music from Sky Fox and the Hustlers, follow them on Facebook.

December 19, 2020
Premiere: Dexter Grove Returns with First Single in 20 years, “Life”

After nearly 20 years, Syracuse’s Dexter Grove have decided it is time to be heard again. Premiering at 5pm ET Friday, December 18 on YouTube, original band members Charley Orlando and Steve Drizos had kept in touch after the breakup of the band, and talked more than once about reuniting, even if only for a recording session. The result of that session is the new single, “Life.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunity arose, and according to Orlando, what was most important to work on floated to the top, and that was Dexter Grove.

It felt amazing after so long to put on headphones and hear the two of us playing together again. It was somewhat magical. I layed down the basic tracks and emailed them to Steve and he would record his parts and send them back to me, and then I’d record more parts and send it back to him. It was very organic and super fun to collaborate as Dexter Grove again.
We pulled in Jenny Conlee (of The Decemberists) to play piano, organ and Moog parts to fill it out. The result is a new DG song that will have old and new fans alike smiling over the outcome.
Charley Orlando

Dexter Grove’s sound is a mix of Americana and roots rock with a healthy dose of improvisation thrown in. The two musicians have stayed busy as musicians in the meantime, with the ever busy Orlando who normally performing across New York and the Northeast, as well as locally with Pearly Baker’s Best, releasing his new album Note to Self, and Drizos has a debut album slated for 2021.

Listen to a Dexter Grove show from April 14, 2004, at Canal Street Tavern in Dayton, Ohio, and if you’re looking for any of Dexter Grove’s earlier albums, order or download them here.

December 18, 2020
The Music Industry is in Dire Need of Economic Help

Remember the days of dancing shoulder to shoulder in a crowded room, only being able to hear the performer on stage. Alcohol spews throughout the audience. People are creating a mosh-pit with their sweaty bodies, but for some reason, you’re excited about it. Tickets range from $10 to more than $300. As for right now, that all seems like a thing of the past.

The audience of a Twiddle Thanksgiving

Since March, the majority of music industry workers have lost around 75 percent of their income. Over the course of the pandemic, other industries have been able to re-open with help, only to shut down again during the second wave of a rise in Covid cases. Unfortunately for music venues and artists, there wasn’t much of a re-open, if any, before the second wave.

The Music Industry Alliance surveyed around 300 musicians and DJs and confirmed that over four months without federal aid has created a financial catastrophe for most. According to the survey, respondents lost a combined estimated total of $8.5 million since March.

“The first round of pandemic relief helped us stay afloat but those resources have been depleted and we’re digging ourselves in a hole,” said one respondent.

“The W2 income overrode the private contractor information so I’ve been getting the equivalent of 15 percent of my income from unemployment. That’s not close to enough to live on,” explained another interviewee.

It’s hard to imagine a concert where no one has to wear a mask and everyone is standing less than six feet apart with a highly contagious virus in our midst. For many performers and venue owners/workers, those concerts were their only source of income.

There have been many attempts over the months to get better economic relief, but they have yet to see some real impacts. The National Independent Venue Association created the Save Our Stages Act. So far, they have made little progress, with only some additional packages of relief to the industry.

In April, the Artist Relief Survey was conducted and estimated that artists had already lost a cumulative total of around $30,000. On Dec. 26, many benefits are being cut, including extensions to Covid relief unemployment.

The MWA hosted a Town Hall Meeting via Zoom Dec. 17 for New York City and state officials to express the need to be on the table for the 2021 re-opening planning.

We lost a big opportunity last Summer and early Fall. We can’t let this happen next time. Music performance continued unabated in parks and on street corners. But the City and State policies killed music workers’ ability to earn a living, and the opportunity to create a SAFE, well regulated re-opening when and where it was medically possible to do so. Independent music workers need a voice in designing a safe re-opening plan when that becomes possible.
MWA Spokesperson Marc Ribot

December 18, 2020
Otto Botté Drops “Humbara” Music Video

Otto Botté dropped his “Humbara” music video on December 14, 2020. The song is a nod to the New York City based artist’s Colombian roots.

Botté is known for being 1/3 of the sample-based electronic group Pool Cosby, who just released their second album, Day Breaks. He has also worked with an array of superstar musicians. He did the mastering on the Robin Schulz remix of “Waves” by Mr. Probz ended up landing him a Grammy nomination back in 2015 for Best Remixed Recording – Non-Classical. He has worked with names Enrique Iglesias, Trey Songz, Fedez, Club Dogo in his and has mastered work that adds up to over 8 million in sales.

The single “Humbara” dropped originally back on November 20, 2020. The song has a unique and genre-bending sound that sees a fusion of worlds and cultures and creates one irresistible dance track out of them. It really deep dives into the culture-rich sounds of Botté’s Colombian roots while creating a laidback electro-synth melody. It uses traditional Colombian instrumentation, from the thumping conga drums to the dance-inducing wooden flutes and maracas.

The track recently surpassed 18,000 streams and has received support from big names like NPR Music’s World Cafe, Kick Kick Snare, and radio play on LA’s LatinAlt HD3. The music video brings even more energy and support to the up and coming track with names like Pablo Morelo directing it.

“Humbara was the first song I created as a solo producer about 4 years ago. I was single then, and the only thing I felt I could confidently write about was my relationship with God, so I wrote a song to him.”Otto Botté shares about his inspiration behind the track, “Last year, I fell in love with someone, and the more I heard this song, the more I felt God’s love in my relationship and how it constantly felt like He was singing this song back to me. It’s been a beautiful experience connecting with God these past few years, and at the time with her through this song. The experience itself always felt as if our relationship (mine with hers and God) was manifested through the melodies and grooves in this song. It symbolizes how there can be a spiritual connection between two people and God.”

The video features only Botté singing and dancing in different scenic natural areas. There are a few shots of animals and beautiful views but manley is simplistic in the best way possible focusing on the music and Botté. Check out the full video here.

For more information on Otto Botté visit his website here.

December 17, 2020
Queens Rapper Kyngjo Making a Leap With ‘Who That’ Official Video

Upon the release of the music video for his single, “Calling Me,” Lefrak city native Kyngjo was happy with how his music was progressing, but was not fulfilled. Having begun his foray into the rap game only a year prior, he had seen significant growth in his sound and audience. With songs like “I’m Good Luv,” “Calling Me” and “Hypnotize” having reached tens of thousands of plays, he felt like it was time to up his production value.

“A lot of people want to rap, but what separates most of them is who puts their own money behind it,” he adds. “People always say this, but you really have to invest in yourself.”

With that, he embarked on a quest to shoot his best music video to date. The slick & catchy single “Who That,” which contains features from Long Island native, Pell The Don and Bronx rapper, Goggle Boy.”

“I just felt like that was a song I could push,” he explains. “Everyone did they thing on it and it’s something you could bump in the club or in your whip.” With a more polished music video in mind, he sought out popular Queens videographer, V.Lens. “I have ideas, but I also want a videographer who can come with their own [ideas] and knows how to shoot a story, not just record the video.”

Together, both artist and videographer brainstormed ideas and eventually came up with a fitting storyline to match the record. And so, the quartet made their way to the Long Beach section of Nassau County, as the boardwalk was designated as the perfect locale.

Actress and model, Ceecee Valez, played Kyngjo’s love interest in a plot that sees him and Pell The Don counting wads of cash when Kyngjo peers off, noticing Valez’s character making her way out. The rest of video sees the trio deliver their verses in the two Rolls Royce Wraiths and inside a club-themed locale.

Overall, the music video was quick and to the point (along with plenty of eye-catching props). Each artist got their chance to showcase not only their verses, but how well they work in front of the camera as this was a significant step up for each of them. “I wanted to separate myself from a lot of other people and I feel like I did that,” Kyngjo reveals.

December 16, 2020
Broadway Buskers Series Takes Final Bow

Broadway Buskers Concert Series concluded their season of live streamed performances for Broadway fans everywhere, this past October.

Since 2018, Broadway Buskers has hosted concerts in Times Square to showcase Broadway workers’ original music in between shows. The Times Square Alliance did not let COVID-19 stop them from sharing music and good vibes with the Broadway community. From August to October, fans streamed Broadway Buskers concerts every Tuesday at 7PM.

Photo via Getty Images

The final two shows wrapped up the series with a bang. Juwan Crawley (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Aladdin), Cheeyang Ng (Eastbound, MĀYĀ), and Anthony Norman (The Prom, Chicago Med) closed the season after baby chemist (Katie Lee Hill & Travis Artz: New Amsterdam, SpongeBob LIVE on Nickelodeon; Transformers: Cyberverse, My Very Own British Invasion) and Jai’Len Josey (SpongeBob SquarePants) performed the week before. Watch Buskers performances on the Times Square Alliance’s YouTube channel.

Even though the quarantine has hurt many, people are connecting virtually like never before. Songwriter and Broadway actress Jennifer Sanchez notes:

“The most rewarding part about buskers has been connecting with the artists and the gifts of their songs. The openness and supportiveness was special…even when the virus shut it down and we all felt kind of isolated, we were able to make collaborate and music. It’s pretty magical.”

Cheeyang Ng describes the shift to online as “challenging,” because “without the face-to-face human connection one gets when we’re doing something like that in Times Square is quite sad.” Still, having virtual concerts “means the opportunity for a wider range of people to hear some new musical theatre.” Even though Broadway is closed, programs like Broadway Buskers are making theatre more accessible than every before.

baby chemist, photo by Gabriella Spiegel

For baby chemist, their set became “hybrid show of live interview, sketch, and banter mixed with pre-recorded musical performances.” Hill said “by playing into this new hybrid format, we were actually able to create an atmosphere that was closer to the off-beat vibe of what one of our live, in-person shows is like!”

She loves “that Broadway Buskers gives actors a platform to show another side of their artistry, giving them a chance to perform in a way you might not have heard them get to do yet in an onstage musical.”

With these weekly shows, the Times Square Alliance has celebrated songwriters from all places and backgrounds. Audiences watched the talent the Broadway community has to offer for free. If possible, however, fans can donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund to help those struggling. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has been funding AIDS treatment and creating grants to help those in need since 1988.

December 15, 2020
27 Years Later: Phish Play Final Binghamton Show During Historic Run

It’s somewhat surprising that during the storied touring career of Phish, they’ve only played five shows in the City of Binghamton. The last one of these took place 26 years ago today, on December 14, during a time that’s now looked back upon in deep reverence. December of 1995 was one of the band’s most formative and successful eras. In fact, tonight’s show at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena was deemed worthy enough of being the first official live release from Phish’s extensive live catalog. With a couple of classic song selections and some jams that are truly definitive of the band’s ascent, it’s not hard to see why.

“Suzy Greenberg” starts off the show before a lively Binghamton crowd in grand fashion. Baby grand, that is, as Page McConnell takes a couple of spirited piano solos to the delight of all during this old school Phish favorite. The “Llama” that immediately follows sees him deftly shift over to the organ early on for a few more harrowing runs. Trey then quickly assumes command on guitar and leads throughout the rest of the way on the A Picture of Nectar classic that’s executed to perfection.

This opening pairing is followed with another in the “Horn” > “Foam” sequence that comes next. “Horn” is played with no frills. But the “Foam” provides the first real chance for the band to stretch out a little, thanks to some exploratory solos from McConnell and Anastasio that do just that. These lead to a short but ever so powerful jam that culminates in a beautifully sustained guitar note atop the classic relentless rhythm of Mike Gordon on bass.

“Makisupa Policeman” then produces one of the all-time most bizarre “keywords” from Trey, a reference about smoking a joint with Khaddafi in bed.

While the “Policeman” doesn’t really do much, the “Split Open and Melt” that proceeds it certainly does. Jon Fishman pops right away on this one, delivering the signature opening drum beat, and doesn’t let go. He nails the song’s odd time signature and lays the groundwork for a pulsating, driving jam that eventually shifts into Type II territory before re-entry. It’s the first real extended jam between all four musicians and a sign of things to come.

“Tela” then takes everyone on a quick excursion to Gamehendge, with McConnell handling the lead vocals and Anastasio providing the fiery guitar finish as usual. “Taste That Surrounds” provides a glimpse into the evolution of a Phish song. Now simply known as “Taste,” this is a primitive version that would be one of the last ones ever played before being further modified. Its song history provides full details.

After a move by “Dan from Binghamton” in the ongoing “Band vs. Audience” chess match featured that tour, Phish’s second set begins. “The Curtain” is a more than apt opener that displays the technical wizardry and seamless cohesion that are staples of December ’95. Without even pausing for a moment, “Tweezer” starts up as soon “The Curtain” goes down. This serves as the meat of the second set, and the show really, with a jam that patiently builds and includes a distinct “Slipknot!” tease.

Before it can fully bloom, though, Trey suddenly begins strumming an entirely different melody altogether and redirects the rest of the band through “Timber.” This is cast aside fairly quickly. Not long after the final “Timber” lyric, the “Tweezer” jam reemerges and Phish jumps back on it in a seamless merge through musical traffic.

Fishman drives the tempo to a near-insane pace at one point which, when combined with Trey’s wailing guitar sound effects, give this one a true feeling of a train about the run off the tracks. As “Tweezer” comes to a surprisingly gentle landing, “Keyboard Army” emerges. This 1995-era special features all four band members on a different instrument at McConnell’s keyboard rig. Until it was recently dusted off at Dick’s in 2015, tonight’s performance in Binghamton was the final one played.

“Halley’s Comet” begins the landing sequence for tonight’s show and features a sneakily impressive jam that revolves around an infectious Anastasio-created melody. Phish collectively toys with the tempo, once again ramping it up to extreme levels and stretching the first ever jammed out “Comet” to almost twelve minutes. A rare, late-show “NICU” then emerges from the ska-like outro jam and, with it, another mesmerizing improv-heavy jam on the tail end that takes it from a standard to a stellar version.

“Slave To The Traffic Light” serves as a proper close to a set full of both patient improvisation and hard rock. And, after noticing a request for it displayed on a fan’s sign, Trey notes it’s “one they want to play” and leads the band through a show-closing take of Jimi Hendrix’s “Bold As Love.” Phish left it all out on the table this evening in, remarkably, their final Binghamton show to date.

Phish Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena – Binghamton, NY 12/14/95

Set 1: Suzy Greenberg > Llama, Horn > Foam, Makisupa Policeman > Split Open And Melt, Tela, Taste That Surrounds, My Sweet One, Frankenstein

Set 2: The Curtain > Tweezer -> Timber (Jerry the Mule) -> Tweezer -> Keyboard Army, Halley’s Comet -> NICU -> Slave To The Traffic Light

Encore: Bold As Love Phish Binghamton

December 15, 2020