With their new single “Open Sky,” Brooklyn’s Escaper give a taste of their upcoming studio release, Apotheosis, their first official studio album in nearly two nears. Due out on June 19, “Open Sky” fits the mood of the country right now – comtemplative, melodic and a needed reminder to take time to celebrate the simple beauty of human existence while the world is on pause.
Guitarist Will Hanza says of the album,
“[Apotheosis] represents change and growth for us as a band, as well as individually… On “Open Sky”, the first single from the album, we feel a freedom of being.” “Open Sky” represents the sheer Escaper way of breaking free of confinement and allowing our most true selves through. The idea… reflects the climb to self actualization.”
The single was recorded and mixed by John Davis at The Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, and colorfully exhibits the refined sound of Escaper’s dedicated core of musicians. “Open Sky” is the combination of each band member’s individual expertise combined with their musical sensibilities, keeping your feet moving and brain grooving as you listen.
An airy sequence starts off “Open Sky,” with light percussion and keys being introduced before a velvet smooth bass line frames the song as Hanza and company work into the structure of the song. The song has a full-bodied quality to it, with no one member standing out more than the others. “Open Sky” finds Escaper firing on all cylinders in a groove that is reminiscent of their live performances.
Escaper continues to bring fans both new and old their weekly Escaper at Home video series, and listeners can expect a great deal of fresh content ahead of Apotheosis‘ release on June 19 on Ropeadope Records.
“New” and “single” refuse to encapsulate the anthology of neo-futurisms encased in the declaration from Jay-Jasmine in “Bitch I’m From Venus.” Ten-thousand lens shatters post-modern divides between interstellar imagery laced to ancient industrial breakbeat trance-pop, all to be reconfigured in Jay-Jasmine’s mythical resonance.
Jay-Jasmine’s non-conforming, non-binary and cosmic celestial opus unifies contrasting mediums into parallel summits tracking a visceral explosion of sensory. “Bitch I’m From Venus,” doesn’t long for a lost downtown meets uptown outburst of vogue vibrancy, it details a blueprint where concrete runways adjoin synthetic neon lights stripping lineal wisdom into self-defined bodies. The canvasses Jay-Jasmine’s melodic articulation jar offers no delusion of the intended revolution it embodies.
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The track is inspired by ancient Divine Feminine energies of the goddess Venus who has 10,000 names. “Earth is experiencing a return in these energies and I wanted to make music showing that in the form of an alien invasion in NYC”. JAY-JASMIN is very inspired by fantasy and sci-fi and uses a blend of styles to create a work that has not been seen before and illustrates a new dimension. The main message of the song is to overthrow the patriarchy and raise the vibration of the planet through a revolution of love and freedom.
New York Jazz ensemble Onyx Collective have shared the official music video for their single “Where or When” off of their debut album Manhattan Special: Onyx Collective Plays Rodgers & Hart / Rodgers & Hammerstein. The song itself first appeared as part of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s 1934 musical comedy, Babes in Arms. So, while it may be viewed as a cover, Onyx Collective have added their own twist, with a feature from singer and cellist, Kelsey Lu.
Directed by No School & 22 and edited by 22 Note, the video was shot in Paris, France and served as a love letter to the city. Filmed right before the global shutdown as a result of COVID-19, the video sees Lu take to the town in black-and-white video, as the city’s landmarks, transportation services and civilian life are presented to the audience. Yet, it doesn’t feel much like a tour but rather an attempt of capturing the city’s infamous beauty, with Lu’s eerie vocals serving as our guide.
Onyx Collective is a nebulous jazz ensemble, hailing from Manhattan, NY. The group is composed of saxophonist, Isaiah Barr, Austin Williamson (on drums) and are regularly joined by Joshua Benitez on keyboard, Jack Guliemetti on guitar, Felix Pastorius and Spencer Murphy on electric bass, and Dean Torrey and Walter Stinson on upright bass, along with a collection of musicians whom like the official band members all attended New York’s musical conservatory. More recently Onyx Collective toured as A$AP Rocky’s live band.
As “American Idol” on ABC came to an end on Sunday, May 17, many were disappointed to find out that Julia Gargano would not be advancing to the top five.
Gargano, a 22-year-old graduate of the College of Saint Rose in Albany, gave her all in a top seven socially distant group performance of The Beatles’ “Come Together” but it was not enough for her to advance onto the final five.
Hailing from Staten Island, Gargano came a long way from her first audition where she performed an original song called ‘Growing Pains’, stunning the judges from the very beginning. She continued to wow spectacular performances such as with Pink’s “Glitter in the Air” and Adele’s “Sweetest Devotion.”
Despite having not made it on to the top five, Gargano still felt grateful for the experience Idol has given her. “I love you guys. Thank you so much,” she said, while rocking a silver dress at home for the finale.
Much of the 18th season of “American Idol” took place virtually from the residences of the singers’ homes due to social distancing protocols in place because of the coronavirus outbreak. Technical difficulties initially caused a bit of confusion as the top five were announced but the show continued on.
In the top five were piano teacher Jonny Webb, college student Francisco Martin, construction worker Dillon James, Nepalese singer – songwriter Dibesh Pokharel (stage name: Arthur Gunn) and Samantha Diaz (stage name: Just Sam), a 21-year-old subway singer from Harlem.
Each finalist performed two songs and viewers voted live for their favorites. New York still saw a victory when Ryan Seacrest announced that Just Sam was the Season 18 winner of ‘American Idol’ on ABC.
New York-based electro-pop duo, Palm Suede, is delighted to share their new single “ Fight or Flight” that premiered May 15. The song continues the two’s exploration of battling anxiety while dealing with everyday situations
Palm Suede renders the duos new single “Fight or Flight” balanced in vibrational techno-pop frequency lining a rapture of uptempo synth-balladry. The anthem unclenches the tightly knitted anxieties of windswept dispatches to find symphonic solace in the eye of the storm. The duo dares the frame that social distancing entails disconnection. In primal chemistry of intimacy, mindfulness, and allure the cadence breaks from expectation to fight gravity in every breath of Ellen Hodges’ aerial vocal register.
In the trial between two poles stretched across oceans, the sound transcends the current with an international claim. Crossing over Palm Suede splices lyrical expressions from geometric cadence to take flight in the indulgence of the song’s entrancing backbeat. The duo specially produced Fight or Flight to be able to seductively lure escapism in being centered in one’s own energy.
The State Theatre of Ithaca, in partnership with DSP has announced a free live-stream in honor of Bob Dylan’s birthday on Sunday, May 24 at 8 PM. The live-stream will feature a bunch of different artists from Central New York and even some largely well known artists. All proceeds from The Bob Dylan Birthday Salute will go to supporting the participating local and national touring artists that have lost their income and livelihood during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bob Dylan’s birthday is on May 24 and he’ll be turning 79. Dylan is one of America’s top all time artists and is considered one of the most original and influential voices in music history. He is a legendary singer-songwriter that has won Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy awards, as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Nobel Prize for Literature. Although he won’t be performing himself, the show will be in the spirit of Bob Dylan.
The birthday celebration will feature performances from Joan Baez, Sam Harris from the X Ambassadors, Billy Strings, Sarah Jarosz, Eilen Jewell, Aoife O’Donovan w/ Eric and Colin Jacobsen, Chris Smither, Tommy Siegel from Jukebox The Ghost, Steve Forbert, Miss Tess & Thomas Bryan Eaton from Miss Tess & The Talkbacks, Maddy Walsh & Mike Suave from Maddy Walsh & The Blindspots, Joe Crookston, and Jim Miller from Western Centuries.
The State Theater of Ithaca is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization who relies on donations from the community on top of it’s ticket sales to keep its doors open. Donations will go to the artists as well as covering the production expenses that go into creating the live-stream. DSP Shows also known as Dan Smalls Productions, is a staple promoter who largely works out of central New York. Dan Smalls played a significant role earlier this month in organizing the John Prine live-stream tribute with The State Theatre.
People can view the live-stream on the State Theatre of Ithaca’s Facebook page as well as their YouTube channel starting at 8:00 PM EST on Sunday, May 24. For more information visit the State Theater’s website or DSP website.
New Jersey’s FRND CRCL (pronounced Friend Circle) comes in hot just in time for summer with their new single “ Loose Cannon” off their sophomore album Internet Noise.
Delivering their new single with angsty, punk-driven lyrics and catchy melodies reminiscent of early 2000s pop punk akin to the likes of Sum 41 and Blink 182, the track is essentially about embracing the mentality and spirit of punk rock, with lyrics referencing the choice of not selling out in college and even a comparison to the heartbreaker himself, Ben Stiller. FRND CRCL deliver their youthful hooks over crunchy and distorted guitar passages and twinkling lead melodies. If one thing is clear about this group it is that they certainly don’t cut the “pop” out of pop punk.
The track is produced by FRND CRCL and Tyler Skye of Monoplane Recording Studios, this is the second single premiering off of the upcoming sophomore album Internet Noise, which dropped May 1.
Formed in 2018, Aaron Smith (Drums) and Dom Giacalone (Lead Guitar), along with dual vocalists Zac Johnson (Guitar) and Adam Skirvin (Bass), combine their individual musical backgrounds to create a new approach to the genre. Utilizing 2010 era pop structures and punk rock riffage, FRND CRCL is not afraid to incorporate lyrical wordplay, the occasional pop culture reference, and influences from various genres across the board.
NYC Nightlife United launches an emergency relief fund that will help musicians and small businesses stay afloat amidst COVID-19 crisis. NYC Nightlife United is partnering with not-for-profit The Solo Foundation whose focus is to bring awareness about social issues revolving around the arts and will help deliver the money raised to those who receive the grant.These organizations are attempting to keep safe spaces, nightclubs, venues, and small businesses from closing while helping promoters, musicians, comedians, sound techs, bar staff, and DJs with having an income still during these difficult times.
NYC Nightlife United is focused on what it calls ‘the ecosystem’ of NYC which is basically businesses and individuals who are key players in the nightlife in NYC. The people whose livelihood is dependent on entertainment that is defined as music, comedy or performances within the 5 boroughs of NYC and make NYC the cultural center it is known for.
Businesses who are looking to apply must meet the criteria of being within the 5 boroughs of NYC, making under $150,000 in revenue per month or having under 50 employees, providing evidence they create an substantial amount of programming being either music, comedy or performances, must be in financial hardship from COVID-19 and must be able to supply letters of recommendation from one from staff member (preferably a manager), from one talent, and from one patron. Those who meet the criteria are potentially eligible for up to $20,000 of relief funds.
Individuals who are looking to apply must be able to prove having had a gig canceled or postponed due to COVID-19. Applicants can include musicians, talent, artists, engineers, and ect. Either individuals or individuals representing a collective like a band or comedy group for example can apply. Those who are able to fit this criteria are potentially eligible for up to $5,000 of relief funds.
The relief fund applications will be due in two phases. The first phase will be small business venue owners on June 5th. The second phase will be individuals of ‘the ecosystem’ on July 5th. Funds will be distributed to as many applicants as possible but not every applicant will get funded. Those who meet the criteria best will be chosen and funded on a nondiscriminatory basis by The Solo Foundation staff. All applicants who are selected will be notified by email.
People can help support the cause by donating through NYC Nightlife United’s website. All donations are fully tax-deductible and will help keep NYC’s nightlife alive.
For more information please visit NYC Nightlife United’s website.
Caffe Lena, the storied venue for folk and indie music in Saratoga Springs will celebrate its 60th anniversary on Thursday, May 21 with festivities adapted for social distancing guidelines.
Early in the day from 12-1pm, a two-part event will include Bonacio Construction’s flatbed trucks as they roll around Saratoga Springs with bands playing music on the back. These artists include gypsy jazz group Hot Club of Saratoga, soul singer Garland Nelson and jam band Let’s Be Leonard on a route that includes Broadway, Lake Avenue, and Circular Street in Saratoga Springs. Attendees are encouraged to park along the route, decorate their cars, and cheer out the window as the parade rides along.
In the evening starting at 7pm, there will be a live stream at CaffeLena.org, featuring stories, songs, and photos from the Caffè Lena community.
The evening broadcast will feature artists such as humorist Christine Lavin, Vermont folk duo Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen, celebrated blues guitarist Rory Block, singer-songwriter Don Armstrong and Colorado folksinger John Winn, who joined the venue’s roster in 1960.
“Each of these performers have played the Caffè Lena stage many times and represent the breadth of our programming,” said marketing manager Carolyn Shapiro.
The celebration marks six decades of Caffè Lena, which opened its doors on May 21, 1960. Actress Lena Nargi Spencer opened the doors of a new coffeehouse at 47 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs with a goal to create a venue with a “continental atmosphere,” complete with espresso, folk music, poetry, fine art, and plays.
Artists and curious customers made their way to the top of Lena’s narrow stairs and the venue quickly became an off-the-beaten-path mainstay in the burgeoning world of folk music. Lena passed in 1989, but not before making her venue a landmark.
When COVID-19 collided with Caffè Lena’s spring season, the venue, recognized as the longest continuously operating venue of its type, pivoted almost immediately to an online schedule of “Stay Home Sessions” that have reached thousands of YouTube viewers across the globe with nightly live or pre-recorded performances. Tips donated by viewers have put more than $25,000 into the pockets of these musicians since March 14.
Viewers may make donations during the broadcast to sustain Caffè Lena through the shutdown.
In addition, the nonprofit organization is using the occasion to launch the Lena Legacy Society, a new endowment fund that is expected to grow over the coming years.
Back with their second full length album is Albany based TIP. They’re an alternative rock group that skips across congruous genres, creating another in depth, unique collection worth diving into. TIP is Chris Caimano, Conor McDonald, Mike Cesario, Terence McDonald shared the responsibility of writing songs on their release Full Swing, while also constantly switching instruments, which would explain the eclectic styles we see across the album. In an interview with CT Verses, the band explains their intentions for the album and their goals to grow as a band. “We are constantly riding the line between trying to improv but also (try) not to lose the power of the song.” said Chris Caimano. In this album, it seems like they have found a good balance between those two sides of music, and it pays off.
Throughout this album, we hear a number of different influences that pair perfectly with their instrumentation. The groups pulls influence from Steely Dan, (“the best pop band that ever lived,” according to Caimano), The Beatles, John Mayer and James Brown. In their interview, they spoke so passionately when it came to who inspired them. Surprisingly, the iconic sounds of their beloved influences do not come through in an obvious way. They manage to be original and unique, a sign of an impressive group and an even more impressive album.
Throughout the album, the group flaunts their ability to be powerful but reserved, thanks to their instrumentation. We see this on “Five Becomes Seven,” “Canadian Coins” and “Me & My Girl.” Their tone is a little gritty, their time signatures are unique and their tone is ever-flowing. But their songs have power, direction and energy, without overwhelming the listener with overly-abstract tones ideas. And most importantly, they create a space for improvisation. But the licks that lead them to that space are unique and graspable, ensuring that they don’t “lose the power of the song” that Caimano had mentioned.
“Lavender Burns” is their jam-heavy hit that has lots of potential to blow people away on stage. The group creates a mysterious but comfortable space that could go absolutely anywhere. On the record, this song is reserved and a bit predictable but has a lot of live potential. As straightforward as it is, there are still some delicious layers laced within the track that make it spectacular.
“Caravan” is a straight up flex and a testament to their skills as musicians. This is a cover of a song written by Duke Ellington in 1937. It became a jazz standard over the years and was widely recognized as a song that changed the rules of jazz, due to its avant garde times signatures and key changes. So it only makes sense for TIP to go off and create their very own, remarkable version of their own. It’s rocking, it’s dissonant, it’s edgy – it’s awesome.
“Spreading Mud” is their example of how they execute acoustic grunge. It almost sounds like a missing track from Alice in Chains’ Unplugged album – and illusion sold by the unbelievable vocal harmonizations on this track. It’s hard to give credit to the singer, because they whole groups shares the mic throughout the album – regardless, it works and it makes for an ethereal track with an ebb and flow of tones and attitudes.
This whole album is like an open world for listeners to explore. There are layers and layers of sounds and events in each track that give it depth and replay-ability, that will hopefully shoot TIP into the limelight. But once again, we stumble upon a band that would really flourish in a live setting. Each track is a launching pad into an improvisational wonderland of opportunities. Hopefully, we will get to witness them soon. Find the album on all major streaming platforms, or here for a list of their information.
Key Tracks: Canadian Coins, Brainfreeze, Spreading Mud
