“Head Underwater,” the new single from Queens duo The Forms, is the second single released by the band in over a decade. Along with “Southern Ocean,” released earlier this year, the pair precedes the release of The Forms long awaited third album, slated for release in 2022, and recorded by the legendary Steve Albini.
The single, described by frontman Alex as “the most purely joyful song The Forms have ever done”, is an electronic dance-pop tune as envisioned by a couple of reformed math-rockers.
photo by Noah Kalina
The accompanying video directed by Bo Mirhosseni, whose previous work includes Disclosure’s “When a Fire Starts to Burn” and Kaytranda/Anderson Paak’s “Glowed Up“, documents the a day in the life of a shaman in a quasi-post-apocalyptic world. “Head Underwater” serves to ramp up the anticipation of The Forms’ long-awaited upcoming full length release.
These new releases from The Forms follow their Pitchfork lauded debut Icarus and their critically acclaimed, self-titled sophomore album. The last taste of new music from the group prior to ‘Southern Ocean’ and ‘Head Underwater’ was the Derealization EP, which featured The National’s Matt Berninger on vocals, as well as Shudder To Think’s Craig Wedren.
Over the course of these releases, The Forms were invited to share the stage with an incredible collection of artists including St. Vincent, Nick Cave, The National, Dizzee Rascal, The Hold Steady, Kurt Vile, Jose Gonzales, Deerhunter and Bat For Lashes.
Canadian-born and NYC-based singer-songwriter Jenny Kern has released the heartfelt and lyrically rich song, “Where Did the Time Go.” The new single follows a string of acclaimed singles that will precede the release of her long-awaited self-titled EP I Never Thought You Were Listening, due out on October 1.
Jenny’s career began when she was still in University, performing around Montreal. Eventually, she gained more confidence in her sound, leading her to move to NYC in 2013. NBC welcomed Jenny as a Page seeing her true potential, where she would late work for acclaimed filmmakers Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, allowing her to make the leap into film and television. Her love for music became so apparent that in 2018 she decided to take a leap of faith and pursue music full time.
In her rise to fame Jenny found herself performing at notable venues around New York City like Rockwood Music Hall, Pianos, and Mercury Lounge. Her debut EP was not only down to earth but intimate; a self-reflection on her personal experience with self-doubt, regret and the search for comfort in painful seasons. Jenny lures her audience through a confession-like delivery portraying her vulnerability through each lyric.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for Jenny’s writing style. Her anticipated self-titled EP I Never Thought You Were Listening will be released this October 1st, with her new single “Where Did the Time Go” giving her audience a tease of what we can expect from her.
“Where Did The Time Go” is an intensely personal and self-reflective song about dealing with anxiety. I started writing this song in quarantine while having an existential crisis, and not knowing what my purpose was, or why I was existing. While it’s dark in nature it was very cathartic to write. There’s something powerful in laying out your fears and anxieties and admitting that you don’t have all the answers.
Jenny Kern on Rock and Roll Globe
Jenny’s first single of 2021, “Coming Back For Me” released this January has spun on XPN and NPR’s World Café and earned a spot on Spotify editorial playlists like New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, and Indie All Stars.
Watch Jenny’s new music video below, produced by Tashaki Mikyaki, with a focus on the reality of isolation that pushes us to question ourselves.
Miles Francis, the multitalented NYC based musician has released a second single in 2021 titled “Popular.”
Earlier this year, they released “Service,” a catchy alt-pop romp exploring the dark side of devotion, complete with boy band style choreography of Miles Francis clones in the video. This actually mirrored Miles’ recording process in quarantine of cloning one element into many, making a band out of a solo artist.
Previously they’ve collaborated with Will Butler (Arcade Fire), Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Antibalas, Amber Mark, Angelique Kidjo, and many more. A popular project of Miles’ on YouTube #MultiMiles was started in January of 2021 and so far includes 12 videos plus an NPR Tiny Desk submission version of Service. Their previous EPs Doves and Swimmers have earned them praise from the likes of NY Times,FADER, Stereogum, and KCRW.
“Popular”comes out Aug 25 and is a continuation of the “Service” video, tackling the male need to take up space and power, from conversations to countries. The song features Lizzie Loveless and Lou Tides (aka Lizzie and Teeny Lieberson, formerly of TEEN) on background vocals. In the “Service” music video, Miles Francis and their two clones sing, play their instruments, and perform the synchronized choreography while constantly peeking over to the side of the camera. This small detail could be overlooked as a natural habit of the artist until about halfway through the video when all three clones get disturbed and paranoid before leading into a dance number. Then of course the ending features a downed Miles and an imposing silver mannequin.
This is where the “Popular” music video picks up. The video starts pretty intensely, a very different vibe than the previous video, where the now moving mannequin drags Miles to a different set. Fewer clones and more color and light distortions in this one. After a makeup application scene that felt like a hostage situation Miles goes back to the familiar two piece drum set up a changed person. Social commentary is littered throughout both videos and can be dissected with a few viewings.
To celebrate, Francis will be taking to the streets of New York today for live performances on a pickup truck (“Popularalooza” schedule here + Instagram live here), ahead of their Sept 15 hometown show at Our Wicked Lady benefiting Trans Asylias.
Swagata Biswas, a rising singer-songwriter born and raised in New York City, has just premiered the music video for her sophomore single “Waves”. Biswas brings an indie soul sound to the NY music scene, with a nostalgic, 90s-style twinge. She has peformed at venues like Rockwood Music Hall, City Hall, and Pianos NYC and cites inspiration from artists like Amy Winehouse and Norah Jones.
Photo from @swagatabiswas on Instagram, taken by Brian Wells
“Waves” was released in 2020 and followed Biswas’s debut single, “Lens”. “Waves” opens with pleasant acoustic strumming and Biswas’s clear and strong vocals. She muses, “The waves crash down but reveal smooth sand/The sun falls but it rises again”, sparking a message of optimism and overcoming struggles that seems especially pertinent in today’s unpredictable landscape.
The music video adds even more layers to Biswas’s thoughtful songwriting. We follow her through split screen scenarios, showcasing the butterfly effect of different life choices. On one side, Biswas pours herself into a desk job, typing at her computer, meeting with her boss, and repeating this daily monotony. On the other, Biswas leaves the meeting with her boss and heads home, where color floods the screen and she picks up her guitar to start writing music.
The worlds begin to converge as Biswas experiences highs in her work life, like promotions, and lows in her musical life, like a poor meeting with a record label. By the end, the whole video is in color and the two sides have merged. Biswas seemingly realizes that she does not have to choose one path over the other. She can explore her musical passions while still excelling professionally and life a truly harmonious life.
The video for “Waves” is creative and meaningful and the song itself is easy, late summer listening. Be sure to look out for Biswas in the future and connect with her through her website, Instagram, Facebook and Soundcloud.
Check out the video below, which premiered on August 19 at 12PM EST.
Independent comedy musician Donny Skipper has released a new single and music video for “She Farts Just Like Her Daddy.” With two albums already streaming and a third in the works, Skipper has been putting in the work. This latest track is based on the recent arrival of his baby, a daughter named Donna Skipper who farts so much he had to write her this song.
Originally born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada, Skipper moved to Syracuse about 10 years ago where he was a delivery driver at Syracuse University. He later moved to Cohoes to pursue his career as a musician and TikTok star. That leads to now where he has released his latest song “She Farts Just Like Her Daddy”.
The music video was to accompany the song was made with Skipper’s neighbor Montrese as the star. It was filmed at random farms in Halfmoon and the crew were asked to leave a few properties by angry farmers but regardless of that fact they still got everything needed. The video is directed and edited by Donny Skipper himself.
The lead up to this release was accompanied by a series of videos posted on TikTok involving a high end baby crib called the Snoo. In the skit like videos, Donny Skipper tells the story of a fussy baby only put to sleep by the Snoo. Except after only a little while with peaceful sleep, the crib was stolen while he was away from the apartment. In the resolution of the conflict it is revealed that Montrese, Skipper’s neighbor, had stolen the crib in order to gain the starring role in the “She Farts Just Like Her Daddy” music video.
Feel free to find Donny Skipper on TikTok or Instagram @DonnySkipper. To listen to this single and his previous two albums visit Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or wherever you listen to music.
El Modernist is a fresh take on indie rock that has an entrancing energy and stage presence. Hailing from Albany with a focus on modernizing catchy garage-rock by incorporating unique, groovy sounds, their latest single “Lines” is an upbeat, feel-good rock song that the band is incredibly excited to be releasing.
“A modern take on New Wave, “Lines” by El Modernist encapsulates raw, angular rock riffs with upbeat percussive grooves. The simple yet universal lyrics about the fabricated life around us are captured within delightfully frenetic verses, and a laid back yet hard hitting hook. “Lines” lends itself to having an instantaneously classic sound, updated for today’s listeners.”
El Modernist has gained tremendous support from the Albany community as they venture through the music industry. Every show they put on is a party, and fans of all ages come from all over New York to hear them rip up the stage. This past year, they have worked on more music than ever before. They are slowly transitioning out of their rap-rock party days and pulling inspiration from more classical alternative rock acts such as Talking Heads, The Clash, and Blondie. They cannot wait to continue pursuing their rock careers and are looking forward to booking shows all over the country.
On May 18, Mister Rajers’ Neighborhood dropped the new trippy summer anti-anthem “Cinco Uno Eight“ a psychedelic song about the Capital Region of Upstate New York.
“Cinco Uno Eight” is originally written, composed, and produced by L Niño. An idea to combine various local artists he had previously worked with in order to properly honor the 518 led to the development of this song. Whether it be the appearances of Mike Guagliardo and Showerpanther adding a distinctive synth sound, to including soothing ambient noises from artists from the local area.
Perhaps the highlight of the track however are the two local MC’s, Justin Sedefian aka SavandWord ClassakaMajor Capers. “Each individual layered on an instrumental or vocal to create a truly odd, strange, ode to our beautiful homeland.”
Cameos were also made by Will Fredetteof the Albany band El Modernist. The final edition of Kevin Lovely, who has known L Niño since they both attended Guilderland High School, took over mixing duties, while sound engineer legend David Tyo refined the track as the mastering engineer.
L Niño wrote the initial song and produced it and left “gaps” for people to spit verses on, and then had friends each add “layers” which which was chopped up and collaged by L Niño.
“L Niño” isa singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based out of Troy, NY. He remained in the underground scene until achieving some local traction in the Albany area for his work with Major Niño which was recently in the running for an Eddie Award.
L Niño played violin all throughout highschool. But really didn’t start getting into production, until returning to Troy around 2015. He has taught himself guitar, bass, drums, and production. “My favorite thing to do is produce though, so this was a really neat opportunity to “produce” other musicians and have them spit on a track that was designed to be uh….spitted on?”
He has released music under numerous monikers and projects such as L Niño, Mister Rajers’ Neighborhood, Major Niño, and Jacques in the Bag. Featured in the Times Union and Floated Magazine with features on 102.7 WEQX-FM and local radio stations such as WCAA-LP 107.3 FM, L Niñohas also played at well-known local Capital Region venues such as The Fuze Box, The Low Beat, and Troy Kitchen.In the wake of Covid, as venues start to open back up, L Niño hopes to bring more compositions from different projects and artists to the stage.
In L Niño’s other video, “Trumpistani Breakfast,” he compares peoples obsessions with McDonalds to others obsession and fascination with Trump in this wacky video.
“I guess the tongue-in-cheek metaphor would be like…imagine if there was an individual or a whole group of individuals who for some reason thought that McDonald’s makes the BEST burger ever! Which works since Trump LOVES McDonalds. (Not saying that there’s anything wrong with a McDonalds burger, there’s a time and place where it sure hits the spot, but to believe that it’s THE BEST EVER is uh….is something) So the video was just trying to convey being disturbingly obsessed with McDonalds…..or other things.”
L Niño
You can stream the new single here and find out more by visiting the label’s website.
L Niño will be returning to gigging this summer and will begin doing small shows around the Capital Region as things start opening back up.
Ithaca-natives X Ambassadors have shared a new song called “Okay” in preparation for their third album, The Beautiful Liar, which is set for release on September 24. X Ambassadors have also announced their upcoming U.S./European Tour, including a stop at Webster Hall in October.
X Ambassadors made their full-length debut in 2015 with VHS, that transitioned the band from Ithaca alt-rockers and Brooklyn-indie-scene outsiders to Billboard chart-toppers. Now certified platinum, VHS delivered X Ambassadors’ popular hits “Unsteady” and “Renegades,” which launched them into mainstream success. Most recently, the band released EP Belong, inspired by ’60s and ’70s soul and R&B, in March 2020 as well as three-song project (Eg) in January 2021.
“Okay” follows the June release of their darkly cinematic track “My Own Monster” whose black-and-white visual finds lead vocalist Sam Harris performing a choreographed routine with his own shadow. Both songs will be featured on the band’s third studio album The Beautiful Liar.
“Okay” marks the start of a compelling new lyrical direction for X Ambassadors. With the same emotional intensity as 2015’s “Unsteady,” “Okay” adds deeper poeticism with verses like “We’ll make no mistake, whatever may come… We’ll rise up, it’s true and we go down this road…”
Written during a period of such uncertainty, “Okay” has the ability to connect with and validate the worries of today while sending the reassuring message that things will work out eventually.
Life is unpredictable… things happen that are out of control all the time. We all are living in a constant state of uncertainty. And yet… I say it all the time. ‘Everything’s gonna be okay.’
Sam Harris, lead vocalist
“Okay” is now available for streaming on all major platforms. Preorder The Beautiful Liar album here.
Tickets are on sale now for X Ambassadors’ “The Beautiful Liar” tour, which will hit New York’s Webster Hall on October 27. Scarypoolparty and Taylor Janzen will open the show on all North American dates. For ticket information, visit xambassadors.com/tour.
Check out their U.S. tour schedule below:
X Ambassadors 2021 “Beautiful Liar” Tour
Scarypoolparty direct support, Taylor Janzen will open.
October 15 – House of Blues / San Diego, CA
October 16 – Phoenix AZ / Marquee
October 18 – Tulsa, OK / Cain’s
October 19 – Austin, TX / Emo’s
October 22 – Nashville, TN / Brooklyn Bowl
October 23 – Louisville, KY / Mercury Ballroom
October 25 – Asheville, NC / Orange Peel
October 27 – New York, NY / Webster Hall
October 28 – Boston, MA / Big Night Live
October 29 – Philadelphia, PA / Theatre of the Living Arts
October 30 – Washington, DC / Lincoln Theater
November 1 – Toronto, ONT / Danforth
November 2 – Detroit, MI / St. Andrew’s
November 4 – Chicago, IL / Vic
November 5 – Indianapolis, IN / Deluxe
November 6 – Milwaukee, WI / Rave
November 8 – Kansas City, MO / Truman
November 9 – Minneapolis, MN / Varsity
November 11 – Denver, CO / Ogden
November 12 – Salt Lake City, UT / The Depot
November 13 – Boise, ID / Revolution Concert House
Blues rock artist Joe Bonamassais back with a brand-new single “Notches” from his highly anticipated upcoming album, due out later this year.
“Notches” exemplifies the unwavering journey Joe has experienced while taking the road less traveled, ultimately leading him to find success. A bit older in years, but wiser in knowledge earned, his new sound has a raw and vital flavor, combined with a resolute skill that can only be gained through years of perseverance and unyielding dedication. He takes no prisoners with his hard-hitting anthem and holds nothing back, delivering a fresh unchartered sound that isn’t like anything he’s done before. The cinematically excellent official music video was directed by Paul van Kan.
For recording “Notches,” Bonamassa hit the studio with longtime collaborators Kevin Shirley as producer and manager/business partner Roy Weisman as executive producer. The track was mixed by Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Bon Jovi) and was co-written with Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke). Recorded in New York City at Germano Studios/The Hit Factory the band includes Steve Mackey (bass), Lachy Doley (piano), Bunna Lawrie (didgeridoo), Bobby Summerfield (percussion), and Late Night with David Letterman‘s Anton Fig (drums and percussion), along with Mahalia Barnes, Juanita Tippins, and Prinnie Stevens on backing vocals. The fantastic artwork on this single was created by famous graphic artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Aerosmith, Whitesnake).
The lyrics allude to Joe’s tenured uphill battle with the music industry. Looking back, he reflects, “Twenty years ago, I recorded a record of covers that eventually was called ‘Blues Deluxe.’ It was recorded at Bobby Nathan’s studio in Manhattan. It captured an energy and purpose that always stuck with me as an artist…The music business is tough, very tough. Especially back in those days when major labels pulled all the strings and, in my case, all the punches.”
Now, maybe more than ever, Bonamassa holds the power of controlling both his artistry and his business in both hands. With 24 #1 albums, yearly sold-out tours worldwide, and custom annual cruises, he’s a hard act to beat. Joe knows his worth, and albeit humble, he has no plans to back down now. “Notches” is a testament to his credentials. It’s Joe Bonamassa at his finest, ready to rock.
This month Joe heads back out on tour for 42 shows, starting on the West Coast in the US at the end of this month, then traveling around the rest of the country throughout the fall season before taking the stage at sea for his sold out Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea VII cruise, sailing from Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica on February 21-25, 2022, by way of the Norwegian Pearl.
D’Arcy is a fresh alternative musician hailing straight from New York City. Her first single, “Crush,” was released in October of 2020 and has recently been remixed by Bubblegum. She just released a brand new creative lyric video for the remixed “Crush.”
D’Arcy is known for her dark and dramatic alternative flair. Her first single “Crush” was released in October 2020 followed by “Bad Girls” in December and “Bad Girls” remix by Morgothbeatz (Juice WRLD, Lil Xan). D’Arcy is the first musical act launched from DRØME, a media company that previously published a multi-issue print magazine featuring Billie Eilish, Sofi Tukker, LPX, OSHUN, Girlpool, Nakaya and more.
If you like Billie Eilish or Lorde, you’re bound to like NYC-based indie act D’Arcy. Coming in with her dark and alternative pop sounds, she’s making her presence known and offering a unique take on the genre that’s setting her apart from the aforementioned artists.– EARMILK
“Crush” is one of her upbeat tracks, illustrating the first feelings of realizing you have a crush on a special somebody. It is both cute and hard-hitting at the same time, showing off D’Arcy’s unique talent of being an astounding female punk artist. The Bubblegum remix slightly speeds up the original track, making it more pop rather than rock. The new lyric video features youthful graphics that make the heart of the song come to life.
D’Arcy’s musical career is off to an insanely promised start, and fans can only be expecting more great sounds coming from her in the future.
