NYS Music 202​0

Category: Genres

  • Hearing Aide: Timothy Alice and the Dead Star Band ‘SpaceStation AM500’

    SpaceStation AM500 is the debut album from Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band, a trio hailing from Buffalo, NY. Timothy Alice (stage name for Timothy Patrick Henderson) displays an astonishing number of influences in both his writing and singing styles throughout this record. With the help of Matt DiStasio on bass and Bub Crumlish on drums, Alice’s lyrics paint incredible pictures of an America we can all recognize today. You could be on the Great Lakes, in a sprawling metropolis, or the last bar on the highway between this state and that; each of these locations share a tale that Timothy Alice invokes with each track.

    The opening track, “2 Am,” paints a picture that many may find familiar. The promise and elation of this song invokes the feeling of many 2 am’s we’ve all felt while bar-hopping around New York State – still full of energy and grit, while openly wondering where the night is going to take you. “It’s 2 AM and this place is jumping. I’m just trying not to lose my head again.”  The song feels like a packed bar with 2 hours left before last call, full of vigor and hope.

    SpaceStation AM500 mixes soul, blues, R&B and folk roots into a delightful set of songs with so much heart and movement in them. The band excels at feeling like you’re on the road with signs flying by in the darkness during “Just Take My Hand.” “Shadow on My Tail,” the longest track on the album, really showcases the soul in Timothy’s voice and also features a ripping solo from guest guitarist Andrew Kothen. The album also features a love song to the Windy City. The soul in Timothy’s voice while singing “Oh, Chicago” makes me long for a city I’ve only ever been to twice.

    As the night grows longer and we get further into the album, “Honeypie” provides a tale of distorted love, building up to a cacophony that would be exception to see live. “4 Am,” the final track on the album, really highlights the difference two hours can make in a night. It tells a somber and sobering tale that we’ve all experienced in our lives, regardless of what time the clock is showing. With the help of an amazing band, Timothy Alice’s lyrics paint pictures of an America we can all recognize today. Whether he’s a in a league of his own or the product of a new generation of storyteller, he shows us all that we have a lot of great music and art coming our way in this next decade.

    Key Tracks: 2 Am, Just Take My Hand, Honeypie

    https://timothyalice.bandcamp.com/album/spacestation-am500

  • Premiere: Tiger Darrow releases plot twist single “Brother’s Girl”

    ​Brooklyn-based Pop Creative multi-hyphenate, Tiger Darrow, has released her new single, “Brother’s Girl.” The heavy synth dark pop song portrays a story of forbidden love for the unattainable. 

    The song begins with seductive and fantastical lyrics as the singer describes the feeling of falling in love with someone special, however, they’re unavailable. Darrow enjoys writing her lyrics in a colloquial way full of surprise to her listeners. The poetic storytelling of this stripped song introduces a plot twist to the story when the singer announces the love she has been describing is in fact for her “Brother’s Girl.” Her earthy and smokey vocals over the skittering trap beats create a roguish pop sound filled with infectious melodies.

    Tiger Darrow
    Photo provided by Gramophone Media

    Darrow’s musical upbringing began at the age of two when she began learning how to play the violin. Her love for music led her to attend a Performing Arts High School in Dallas, Texas where she learned guitar and cello. Graduating with a degree in Songwriting from NYU, Darrow continued to pursue her passion and built her reputation as a young, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and producer writing for other artists, as well as, pursuing a solo career. Opening for artists such as Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians, The Eagles, and Erykah Badu, Tiger Darrow also performed as a sideman for Durand Jones and The Indications, Zack Villere, Camille Trust and Wakey!Wakey!

    Darrow’s music has evolved tremendously since releasing her first album at the age of 16. The Dark-Alt Pop Singer is taking a new direction and creating new music with sounds inspired by Billie Eilish, Julia Michaels, FKA Twigs and St.Vincent. In support of the artist’s latest release, Darrow sets out to perform a multitude of shows around the NYC area at prominent music venues.  

  • Premiere: Tiger Darrow releases plot twist single “Brother’s Girl”

    ​Brooklyn-based Pop Creative multi-hyphenate, Tiger Darrow, has released her new single, “Brother’s Girl.” The heavy synth dark pop song portrays a story of forbidden love for the unattainable. 

    The song begins with seductive and fantastical lyrics as the singer describes the feeling of falling in love with someone special, however, they’re unavailable. Darrow enjoys writing her lyrics in a colloquial way full of surprise to her listeners. The poetic storytelling of this stripped song introduces a plot twist to the story when the singer announces the love she has been describing is in fact for her “Brother’s Girl.” Her earthy and smokey vocals over the skittering trap beats create a roguish pop sound filled with infectious melodies.

    Darrow’s musical upbringing began at the age of two when she began learning how to play the violin. Her love for music led her to attend a Performing Arts High School in Dallas, Texas where she learned guitar and cello. Graduating with a degree in Songwriting from NYU, Darrow continued to pursue her passion and built her reputation as a young, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and producer writing for other artists, as well as, pursuing a solo career. Opening for artists such as Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians, The Eagles, and Erykah Badu, Darrow also performed as a sideman for Durand Jones and The Indications, Zack Villere, Camille Trust and Wakey!Wakey!

    Darrow’s music has evolved tremendously since releasing her first album at the age of 16. The Dark-Alt Pop Singer is taking a new direction and creating new music with sounds inspired by Billie Eilish, Julia Michaels, FKA Twigs and St.Vincent. In support of the artist’s latest release, Darrow sets out to perform a multitude of shows around the NYC area at prominent music venues.  

  • Premiere: Tiger Darrow releases plot twist single “Brother’s Girl”

    ​Brooklyn-based Pop Creative multi-hyphenate, Tiger Darrow, has released her new single, “Brother’s Girl.” The heavy synth dark pop song portrays a story of forbidden love for the unattainable. 

    The song begins with seductive and fantastical lyrics as the singer describes the feeling of falling in love with someone special, however, they’re unavailable. Darrow enjoys writing her lyrics in a colloquial way full of surprise to her listeners. The poetic storytelling of this stripped song introduces a plot twist to the story when the singer announces the love she has been describing is in fact for her “Brother’s Girl.” Her earthy and smokey vocals over the skittering trap beats create a roguish pop sound filled with infectious melodies.

    Darrow’s musical upbringing began at the age of two when she began learning how to play the violin. Her love for music led her to attend a Performing Arts High School in Dallas, Texas where she learned guitar and cello. Graduating with a degree in Songwriting from NYU, Darrow continued to pursue her passion and built her reputation as a young, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and producer writing for other artists, as well as, pursuing a solo career. Opening for artists such as Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians, The Eagles, and Erykah Badu, Darrow also performed as a sideman for Durand Jones and The Indications, Zack Villere, Camille Trust and Wakey!Wakey!

    Darrow’s music has evolved tremendously since releasing her first album at the age of 16. The Dark-Alt Pop Singer is taking a new direction and creating new music with sounds inspired by Billie Eilish, Julia Michaels, FKA Twigs and St.Vincent. In support of the artist’s latest release, Darrow sets out to perform a multitude of shows around the NYC area at prominent music venues.  

  • Juelz Santana Releases ‘#FREESANTANA’

    It seems like not even jail cells can keep Juelz Santana away from what has been his life’s true passion. On March 3, the veteran emcee released the 9thfull-length project of his career, #FREESANTANA. Santana – born LaRon Louis James – was arrested in March 2018 after he fled the scene when TSA found a gun in his bag at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Seemingly counting down the days until his rumored summer 2020 release, the rapper’s Twitter page recently posted on behalf of the incarcerated artist, acknowledging the one year anniversary of his incarceration.

    The surprisingly cohesive mixtape is packed with star power, featuring the likes of Lil Wayne, 2Chainz, Jeremih, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Dipset cohort Jim Jones, and younger Harlem native Dave East, along with samples of Drake’s number 1 record, “God’s Plan.” 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9QlboQlOhK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Juelz Santana uses the 36-minute project to touch on a myriad of topics. On records like “23 & 1,” “Do You Believe” and “In My Life,” he raps introspectively about past friendships and relationships, while reflecting on his incarceration. On “Pink Eagle” and “Ez Work,” he spends time reminding listeners that he’s a respected hustler, with plenty of street tales. The project’s outro record is a sample of Jay – Z’s classic record “Dead Presidents.” Titled “The Get Back,” with a feature from A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Santana reflects with a mixture of street tales, lessons and hope for his future post-release. 

  • Mipso Announces Spring Tour

    The progressive quartet Mipso has released dates for a 2020 spring tour shortly after ending a very successful Living Room Tour this past January. Canadian folk artist Taylor Ashton is set to join the group on select dates to support his debut album The Romantic that was released just last week.

    Out of the 14 stops across North America, Mipso is set to perform three nights in New York. First, with back to back shows at the Rockwood in New York City on April 13 and 14 where they will be joined both nights by special guests Taylor Ashton, Steph Coleman and Alec Spiegleman. Then they will continue the journey northwest to Ithaca were they are slated to play at The Haunt on April 18.

    Hailing from North Carolina, Mipso is said to be the new rising force in Americana music, combining historic roots with a new music edge. In addition to touring, Mipso announced they will be releasing a remixed follow up album to their 2018 release Edges Run. The album had put the group at the top of the bluegrass charts when released with the single “People Change,” receiving over 45 million streams on Spotify. Currently in the works is a new full length LP which will be released later in 2020 under Rounder Records.

    Tickets for all shows are now on sale and can be purchased here. Below is a list shows with additional spring/summer dates still to be announced.

    Mipso 2020 Tour

    Apr. 10 – Roy’s Hall – Blairstown, NJ*

    Apr. 11 – Arden Gild Hall – Arden, DE*

    Apr. 13&14 – Rockwood – New York, NY +

    Apr. 15 – The Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center – Old Saybrook, CT

    Apr. 16 – Shea Theatre Arts Center – Turner Falls, MA

    Apr. 17 – UVM – Burlington, VT

    Apr. 18 – The Haunt – Ithaca, NY

    Apr. 19 – Hopewell Theatre – Hopewell, NJ

    *with Taylor Ashton

    + with Taylor Ashton and guest Steph Coleman and Alec Spiegleman

  • Thin Lear Releases Single ‘Maniacs’ and Announces New Album

    Indie singer-songwriter Matt Longo, known as Thin Lear, has announced a new album queued for release on April 24. The full-length album Wooden Cave will be released under Egghunt Records and is primed to be a wonderful addition to Thin Lear’s already stellar collection of songs. He has yet to release a full-length album, but has been releasing singles and an EP that solidify the singer as a whimsical and thoughtful songwriter as well. Prior to the album release, Thin Lear put out a new single, “Maniacs.” Drawing from influences that range from Leonard Cohen, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, to Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman and Sam Cooke, to the leaders of the ’70s like John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan, Longo creates a vibrant and exciting track that sits perfectly in the pocket and allows the melody to develop.

    Regarding the album as a whole, Longo says, “Disillusioned people getting lost in self-destructive or just generally dangerous thinking is a major theme of this album…the narrator in ‘Maniacs’ is pitching a cult-like community to an alienated, uncherished internet dweller. And you just know it’s going to be a rapid descent for this person, that they’ll soon be indoctrinated. That relentlessly chugging beat and the quick, dynamic changes in the song reflect a desperation and rapidly changing attitude. I wanted the song to feel like one breathless, spiraling fall from the very start, with that mellotron-laden opening. And I knew I needed a wild, unhinged sax solo at the end. It was really the only choice for the conclusion of the track.” And a wild sax solo indeed takes the song out on a more manic note, capping off a great first peek into what’s to come this April.

    Listeners can find the new single on streaming platforms, and can pre-order the upcoming album on the Egghunt Records Bandcamp page. Thin Lear will also be playing at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC on April 16, just prior to the album’s release. Until then, explore and enjoy delving into the deft songwriting Thin Lear is certain to become known for.

  • Jessica Lynn to Present Benefit Concert For Women Veterans

    Westchester’s Jessica Lynn is asking you to take a stand with her behind our women veterans at a benefit concert at The Winery at Saint George in Mohegan Lake on March 11.

    Prior to her upcoming five month European/UK/USA tour, Jessica Lynn returns to the beautiful and historic Winery at Saint George where she filmed her first Public Television Special to raise funds for a good cause.

    Currently seen nationwide across America in her three full length PBS television specials, and with two Top 50 Country Radio singles under her belt along with years of international touring, Jessica has performed with some of the most recognizable names in country music such as Loretta Lynn, Keith Urban, Jo Dee Messina, and ZZ Top among others. Amidst all of her success, she has continually returned home to benefit her local community. A constant driving force behind charitable efforts for children, our military, and the arts at local schools, hospitals, and major venues, it’s important to Jessica to always stay true and close to her roots. Jessica is partnering with the incredible Barbara Giordano Foundation for this event whose mission is committed to the personal and professional growth of women veterans.

    Women who served in the US Military have unique needs for healthcare, housing, employment and childcare in addition to needs shared with their male colleagues. The foundation exists as a holistic resource bringing together business, education, wellness and military community members to provide women who serve with opportunities for long term economic independence and personal empowerment. Ticket Sales as well as all pre-show fundraising initiatives will go towards the cause. Prior to the concert at 8:00 p.m., The Winery will open its doors at 6:00 p.m. for silent auctions, raffles, wine grabs, and a special VIP option that includes a pre-show meet and greet in Jessica’s dressing room around 7:00 p.m., a free autographed CD from Jessica, front row seats, and a complimentary glass of wine.

    For more information on both Jessica Lynn and The Barbara Giordano Foundation, as well as to purchase tickets, please visit www.JessicaLynnMusic.org

  • Chelsea Cutler Sells Out Terminal 5

    At just 23, singer, songwriter, and producer Chelsea Cutler has achieved more than most of us can dream of. Starting off by simply uploading covers from the comfort of her bedroom, Cutler has amassed over 750 million streams across platforms in just two years. Her relatable lyrics and catchy lo-fi beats have positioned her as a rising pop star. Her two sold-out gigs at Terminal 5 in New York City, however, have cemented her there. 

    Cutler is well-known for her dedicated fan base; her fans don’t just sing along. The crowd at Terminal 5 was no exception. They sang each word, to each song—so much so that Cutler held out her mic on numerous occasions to listen to her chorus. 

    Chelsea Cutler

    In a moment of vulnerability, Chelsea Cutler addressed her hometown crowd. “I told my team that maybe we could do Terminal 5, but I didn’t think it would sell out. I was scared…but New York City…you sold this sh*t out in like 10 minutes!”

    The audience erupted in cheers, and Cutler continued, “So we added a second show, and I was like we are definitely not selling this one out. And then you guys sold that one out even faster. I love you so much New York City!”

    • ChelBAYNK sea Cutler
    • Chelsea Cutler

  • Kamasi Washington Blows Into Buffalo

    Kamasi Washington and his talented band came to Buffalo for a sold out show at Asbury Hall at Babeville. Judging by those in attendance, his fans are as diverse as his music. Young and old were treated to a mix of blues, funk, world beat and more, all firmly rooted under the umbrella of jazz. “Is Mr. Washington the savior of jazz?” is not a question I can tackle here but the genre is in good hands if he is indeed the current face of it.