NYS Music 202​1

Category: New York Singles

  • Organ Fairchild releases “Cherry Tomatoes”, announce Sportsmens Tavern show in August

    Buffalo’s Organ Fairchild has released their latest single “Cherry Tomatoes” this past week, and announced an upcoming performance at Sportsmens Tavern on August 28.

    organ fairchild cherry blossoms

    “Cherry Tomatoes” is the second single from the forthcoming full-length debut release (coming in September 2021) from Buffalo jam favorites Organ Fairchild. The eight-minute single, mastered by fellow Buffalonian Alan Evans of Soulive, follows “Seepin’” which landed the band on the Jambands.com Radio Charts Top 30 list in February, 2021.

    Shortly after, Organ Fairchild won NYS Music’s March Madness of Bands competition and being invited to perform at the prestigious Borderland Festival of Music and Arts alongside Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Revivalists, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, The Infamous Stringdusters and many more.

    You’ll be up and moving to “Cherry Tomatoes” in no time – this funky, organ-driven single looks to shine at live performances. Written by guitarist Dave Ruch, “Cherry Tomatoes” was arranged by the band (Joe Bellanti, Corey Kertzie, Dave Ruch) and recorded and mixed at Kertzie’s home studio. Stream the new single on all platforms here.

    The band’s upcoming show at Sportsmens Tavern will take place on Saturday, August 28 at 8pm, with tickets $15 available here, Fetauring Organ Fairchild – Joe Bellanti (organ), Corey Kertzie (drums) and Dave Ruch (guitar). Thanks to the recording studio located next door to Sportsmens, Joe will be playing a Hammond B3 organ (with Leslie Speaker) during the show this evening.

    organ fairchild cherry blossoms

    Listen to the last time Organ Fairchild performed at Sportsmens Tavern, back in early 2020.

  • Astroblue Express Just Released Euphoric Single “Cotton Candy Dreams”

    New York based husband and wife duo Astroblue Express are incredibly excited to have just released their newest single “Cotton Candy Dreams.” The track is the third song from their upcoming EP The Optimistic Traveler which will be available this fall.

    Astroblue Express

    Astroblue Express has a unique sound that encompasses cinematic music, dream pop, blues, and experimental R&B. Their creativity shines in their production, which is done independently by them from start to finish. One of their songs “Here to Dance” was a recent finalist in the International Songwriting Competition in two separate categories.

    “Cotton Candy Dreams” is an eccentric song about the universal desire to achieve a specific dream life and how the media distorts our realities of these aspirations. The track makes listeners both optimistic and perspective at the same time, seeing the dark truths of the media that society is saturated in.

    One powerful string of lyrics from the track is, “We plug into our own worlds / And forget to connect / But we walk beside each other / Like a flock of wild birds.” The vocals are astoundingly beautiful and the production gives off a chill, euphoric feeling. The video that accompanies “Cotton Candy Dreams” is a masterpiece, featuring bright, saturated colors and clips of the whirlwind that is New York City. The project feels both comforting and refreshing for listeners of all kinds.

    “Cotton Candy Dreams” showcases the remarkable talent that Astroblue Express has. Keep an eye out for their EP being released in the fall, as it will provide similar sensory feelings as the wonderful “Cotton Candy Dreams.”

  • The Pursuit of Color releases Bright and Shiny “Biodiversity”

    The Pursuit of Color is an up and coming psychedelic indie rock artist from Dave Cooper, a guitarist, songwriter, and producer from Brooklyn.

    “I just released my first brand new single this week, “Biodiversity”, a tribute to my mother. “Biodiversity” is about trusting the people you love to help you face your fears.” It was released on June 11th, 2021.

    Dave Cooper first got into music when he was a young kid. Growing up, his brother would play KROK and Q104.3 in their room, listening to artists such as The Strokes, and Linkin Park. Once he began playing guitar at 9, music was completely interwoven into his daily life.

    I got the chance to interview the “Pursuit of Color” artist, answering questions about his music inspirations along with his asperations.

    Cooper’s musical influences include Vampire Weekend, Grateful Dead, Tame Impala and Anderson.Paak. When asked on how he would describe his music, Cooper says he wants his music to, “Reflect on a collection of everything I’ve ever loved and wanted to make combined together.” Using a funky, pop “Indie jam,” sound, he wanted to make unique music that, “Tugs on the Heartstrings, but also makes you want to dance and smile.”

    He describes “Biodiversity” as a “bright and shiny song about a kid’s love for his mother, which is how the world looks when you’re young.” The song has an incredibly catchy beat, able to intersect the lyrics of the song with the vibe it gives off.

    Through his music, Cooper tells stories of love, loss, and most importantly – trying to find the color to fill in between the lines of life.

    The Pursuit of Color artist would one day love to collaborate with Anderson.Paak. Their styles of music are similar, with transcending beats propelled by a singing voice that blends perfectly with the beat. Take a listen to his brand new single, “Biodiversity,” below or on Spotify.

    Music & lyrics by David Cooper

  • EVVAN Shares New Single, Personal Essay for Non-Binary Day

    Alt-folk singer/songwriter EVVAN is marking this year’s International Non-Binary Day (July 14) with a personal essay about her journey to come out, as well as a live video for a previously unreleased song, “Falling Into You.”

    EVVAN

    The Long Island native is known for her distinctive voice, textured melodies and layered harmonies. She is inspired by the works of Fleetwood Mac, Foy Vance, and Brandi Carlile. She evokes a nostalgic spirit through her use of delicate guitars and ethereal vocal lines.

    Released today, “Falling Into You” is the first song of her series written about the phases of a relationship.

    This song is about falling completely into the person you’re pursuing and all that goes with that, the good, the bad, and everything in between. For me, part of what I perceived as ‘bad’ was my inability to understand who I was at that point.

    EVVAN on “Falling Into You”

    The second part of the series is “Falling Over You,” featured on EVVAN’s April 2021 EP, Home, which explores the experiences of dealing with unrequited love and the inability to let go of the feelings expressed in “Falling Into You.”

    EVVAN

    EVVAN’s Home EP reflects a period of personal awakening during which she used to revamp her writing style and artistic identity. The lyrics discuss themes of sexuality and gender, self-discovery and acceptance, and relationships both beginning and ending.

    When I look at myself, I see someone lighter, someone who can act how she wants and dress how she wants, and not care about whatever pushback comes along with it. I finally found myself and instead of wearing countless masks, as I have in the past, I can just be simply me.

    EVVAN

    The heartfelt and airy sounds of “Falling Into You” is sure to strike an emotional chord, beautifully expressing the frustrations of finding oneself and moving forward. Although growing from misfortune is difficult, EVVAN’s signature folky-voice reassures listeners that good comes from change.

    My journey coming out as non-binary was a long one and it was full of worry that I’d never live a life without judgment, mainly judgment of myself. Over a year after writing this song and coming out, we filmed a live performance and just watching it fills me with courage.

    EVVAN on coming out

    Read more about EVVAN’s journey through her self-reflective essay “Taking the Mask Off” here. A live performance of “Falling Into You” is available to watch on YouTube.

    EVVAN has also announced her return to live performances with a show at the Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 3) on July 28. More information can be found here.

  • Grabbitz Gets Cinematic in New Music Video

    Buffalo-based star Grabbitz just released his artistic, short-film style music video for his newest single, “Pigs in the Sky.”

    The just over 7-minute video shows Grabbitz in a mysterious Buffalo art museum where he finds himself immersed in paintings and scenes from different eras. Grabbitz even faces ruthless attacks from his antagonist (Sarah Santizo) as he tries to snap back into reality.

    The video is an entertaining creative feat. Strong direction by Mac Cappuccino even incorporates sitcom tropes and alternate timelines (à la Wandavision) while “Pigs in the Sky” itself is a catchy, playable track.

    It seems like cinematic music videos are fading out. I grew up watching immersive videos, and there were so many platforms that catered to them. Nowadays, we live in a time of TikTok where videos have to be short, to the point, and hook you in half a second. So we decided to make this video really f’ing long.

    Grabbitz
    Grabbitz
    Photo by Daniel Leahey

    Grabbitz, AKA Nick Chiari, is not only a singer-songwriter but also a producer and musical composer. Spoken like a true 716 native, Chiari recounts that the first song he ever learned was the Buffalo Bills theme. He learned guitar and piano at a young age and began using the Xbox game “MTV Music Generator” to produce songs and beats throughout middle school.

    Chiari, 28, started performing as Grabbitz back in 2014 as a DJ in the EDM world. His song “Here With You Now” gained traction and he even caught the attention of Shaquille O’Neal. In fact, Shaq made an appearance in Grabbitz’s 2018 music video for “My Cloud.” He has also collaborated with big names like One Republic and deadmau5.

    Grabbitz is now back home in Buffalo after previously living in Los Angeles. With “Pigs in the Sky” and a deal with Hopeless Records, Grabbitz is hoping to enter the next phase of his musical career, having pivoted away from EDM.

    Grabbitz
    Photo by Margaryta Bushkin

    It’s got rapping and an interesting chord structure in the chorus. This is not a song I would have attempted a few years ago, but it feels right and I feel good about doing it now. It has a weird, driving, heavy beat that will blow your speakers if you play it too loud, and the lyrics are reflective because I wrote it during the pandemic when I had nothing but time to think. I wanted something that was serious but had comedic relief, and I think I got there. I’m proud of it and see it as a stepping stone to the next permutation of what I do.

    Grabbitz on “Pigs in the Sky”

    You can connect with Grabbitz on his website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

  • Merged Pop-Punk Band RODERIK Release “You’ll Never Know”

    RODERIK, the Long Island pop-punk/post-hardcore band, debuted a new single titled “You’ll Never Know.” This is the band’s second single and the latest in a series of new tunes the band will be releasing this year.

    RODERIK

    The band name, RODERIK, derived from Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher, and fittingly formed during the early stages of a global pandemic, is comprised of remnants and fragments of bands that once reverberated through the vibrant Long Island music scene. Members include Alternative Press recognized band Approaching Troy, singer/songwriter Jake Anthony Salazar & guitarist Jay T. Sutherland set out with bassist David P. K., and drummer Danny Nugent, to rebuild and reformulate.

    After years of writing and playing shows together, these four members have finally come together to not only make music, but build visual experiences that would mirror that of its dark origins. The band aims to combine musical elements with visual representation, showcasing the dark and honest truth of Salazar’s dark lyrics, which stem from his life experiences and ongoing battle with depression.

    Of the new track, singer/songwriter Jake Anthony Salazar said, “In many ways, “You’ll Never Know” is a sequential follow up to our first single, “Save Me. Save Me” which was about my internal monologue during one of the most difficult times in my life. Whereas “You’ll Never Know” is about realizing I had to save myself, and reconciling with that. Only I could make the changes that were needed for me to be happy, but with change comes loss. “You’ll Never Know” is more focused on coming to the reality of my situation, and the grief that came with escaping it. Things that are good for us, in the long run, don’t always feel that great in the now, and this song is me trying to come to terms with that.”

    To stay up to date with RODERIK follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

    Stream “You’ll Never Know” below, and on Spotify and Apple Music.

  • “MORNIGHT” Released By NYC Based Band ALMA

    NYC-based indie dream-pop trio ALMA has entered the stage, with their latest single “Mornight.” The single is a realistic twist on your classic top of the pops hit, it takes the perspective of a bartender working the night shift in NYC. Showcasing the trio’s impressive production chops, “Mornight” is full of catchy melodic hooks, dreamy harmonies, and has an overwhelming danceability sound.

    ALMA
    Photo Courtesy of Abbey Mackay

    The song is from their LP Mosaic (coming out this fall). Mosaic, is a personal letter to NYC. Each song delivers the story of a moment in time in the city they call home. Mosaic invites you to sit beside them on the subway, walk with them through Astoria Park, and ride the Wonder Wheel at night as you feel what it means to be a New Yorker. They have been releasing singles from the album since September of 2020.

    ALMA is comprised of Alba S. Torremocha (vocals, strings, bass, drums, guitar, uke) Lillie R. McDonough (vocals, piano, glock, violin, hammer dulcimer), and Melissa K. Carter (vocals, guitar). The trio formed in 2019 out of a shared delight in harmonizing and experimentation with quirky instrumentals and old-fangled synthesizers. They discovered certain alchemy in the combination of sensibilities as film composers and audio engineers that have made for a genre-bending offering to the wide world of indie-pop. Elements of Folk, Rock, Grunge, Pop, and even movie soundtracks are all at home in their songs. 

    ALMA was named an NYFA Fellow for their genre-pushing work in 2019, and later was an Awesome Foundation Grant recipient in 2020. They are currently in the process of producing a staged, theatrical musical of their freshman album in partnership with Savannah Repertory Theater. 

    Their newest single, “Sips of Oxygen” will be released on July 30th and is a marvelous stripped down track that guides listeners through the moments before you lose someone special to you. The track is admirably vulnerable and raw, and perfectly encompasses the vibe of ALMA.

    “Sips of Oxygen” is about the moment before you lose someone, when the vibrancy of a life collapses into the act of breathing in and out. The entire song is a cinematic journey that is gentle yet also extremely heavy. The lyrics perfectly grasp the horrific pain of grief and proves to listeners how fast life runs away from us.

    Their debut album, Mosaic, is to be released on September 7th. It is a personal letter to NYC that is a patchwork of personal experiences that the band members have endured while living in the city. What’s special about this album is it takes the listener on a citywide adventure through many of the five boroughs: on the subway, through Astoria park, and on the Wonder Wheel at night to feel what it’s like to be a New Yorker. More than that, the album transcends the limits of place and invites the listener to fully inhabit each song, no matter where they are. 

  • The Forms Release “Southern Ocean” – First Single After Ten Year Hiatus

    Queens-based band The Forms released their first new new song “Southern Ocean” on June 21. This single marks The Forms’ return to music after a ten year hiatus.

    The Forms

    The New York duo, made up of musicians Alex Tween and Matt Walsh, have two full-length albums to date, debuting Icarus in 2003 and critically acclaimed, self-titled, The Forms in 2007. 

    The last taste of new music from the group prior to ‘Southern Ocean’ was 2011 EP Derealization, that featured The National’s Matt Berninger and Shudder To Think’s Craig Wedren. Over the course of these releases, The Forms were invited to share the stage with a large collection of artists including St. Vincent, Nick Cave, The National, Dizzee Rascal, The Hold Steady, Kurt Vile, Jose Gonzales, Deerhunter and Bat For Lashes.

    It might have taken a decade for The Forms, but “Southern Ocean” is worth the wait. The song provides a first hint of what is to come from The Forms’ upcoming third album.

    The Forms Southern Ocean

    The Forms’ style is a great representation of early 2000’s alternative, reminiscent of bands like Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire. This idea is most prevalent in their cover of Billy Joel‘s “We Didn’t Start The Fire.” The grungy electronic pop is iconic for the decade, and their current sound seems to be a more “grown up” version of the same intensity.

    “Southern Ocean” is super upbeat and beachy, a similar vibe that electronic duo The Chainsmokers have. Fun-loving, yet reflective with lyrics like “Just another phase I’m in – Just another road I’m on – Doesn’t make a difference what I do.” This single definitely has potential to be on a pop-radio summer playlist.

    The single arrives with a visualizer made up of a series of stunning shots of the Southern Ocean, the waters that inspired the name of the new track. Previously considered a part of the Pacific Ocean, the swift current off the coast of Antarctica is now being considered “too distinct” by National Geographic cartographers and is worthy of its own name.

    “Southern Ocean” is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Deezer and will be pressed on vinyl. 

  • Frank Palangi Drops New Track “Fire Of Love”

    Upstate NY-based indie rocker Frank Palangi is here to show that rock and roll never dies. Palangi released his newest song “Fire Of Love” on June 25, the first track shared by Frank ahead of his upcoming EP due out this fall.

    Frank Palangi Fire Of Love

    The track lives up to its flaming title, bringing heavy electric guitar with lively metal and grunge influences. Palangi explained that “Fire Of Love” explores how love is the driving force that fixes our mistakes, sets us free and, of course, brings us all together.

    Creating a hard rock love song complete with strong guitar flares, Palangi argues, adds a “bring it on baby” attitude and swagger to all of these emotions. Palangi’s gravelly, gritty and vibrato vocals also add an edge to his music, appealing to a wide scope of rock fans.

    Frank Palangi Fire Of Love

    Palangi began pursuing music at the young age of 13, teaching himself guitar, bass, drums and recording techniques. He aimed to blend different genre styles, specifically citing the influence of ’80s and ’90s rock as well as post grunge and heavy metal.

    I was a shy kid with health issues growing up so no sports, so I turned to creative outlets. Learning from those decades, I wasn’t going for the typical drinking, smashing hotel rooms as the rocker lifestyle is known for. It could be more about the music, the positive elements, that so many people get drawn into and yes, that rock n roll rebel yell to stand up for yourself.

    Frank Palangi

    Palangi most recently shared the music video for his song “Bring On The Fear” back in January, which addressed the turmoil and need for togetherness during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Fire Of Love” brings a new mood for the summer and is currently available to stream.

    You can connect with Frank Palangi on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Check out his website for updates on releases and performances.

  • Pip Reimagines Sinatra with Gen Z Flare

    Westchester bred singer songwriter Thomas Pipolo (Pip) has collaborated with Dr. Dre’s production partner Sam Sneed on his newest single, “Sinatra Swag”.

    Sinatra Swag

    With this release, Pip and Sneed set out to reimagine the sound of Frank Sinatra for a Gen Z audience. The summery single features trap beats while also showcasing old school influences.

    “Sinatra Swag” was inspired by the desire to feel and explore a little bit of that old school magic, persona and sound that I feel has been missing in our culture. This song infuses an old classic sound with a modern pop feel — plus it was pretty easy to write about Frank Sinatra as an Italian American musician who is from the shadows of New York City like myself.

    Pip

    Before he officially became Pip, 25 year old Pipolo played Division I baseball in college. He left the sport following injuries and mental health struggles and began playing guitar and piano at age 18 to relax and unwind.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbM9_yGnMoo

    “Sinatra Swag” is not Pip’s first single. Along with his other tracks “2:22”, “Human Interaction” and “Dancin’ in the Rain”, Pip often shares his music on TikTok. Along with playing samples or acoustic versions of his own songs to his nearly 80,000 followers, Pip posts TikToks covering some of his favorite artists. He recently covered “Peaches” by Justin Bieber (someone he cites as a musical influence), “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys and “Daughters” by John Mayer.

    Pip, photo accessed through @pipmusic_ Instagram

    In creating his original music, including “Sinatra Swag”, Pip wants to blend diverse genre influences with authentic lyrics. Adorned in his signature baseball cap and sometimes simply strumming his acoustic guitar, Pip aims to create a timeless sound enjoyable for all generations.

    “Sinatra Swag” is available to stream now. Connect with Pip on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube!

    While sipping on Loverboy in The Hamptons, Pip instantly thought the name would be a great title for a summer song.

    Being a songwriter, I am always looking for unique titles and ideas to write about. The song captures the vibe of what it’s like to be outside by the pool, sipping on something cool and celebrating life with your friends in The Hamptons.

    Pip

    Pip perfectly captures the essence of The Hamptons magic with his flirty lyrics, smooth beats, Gatsby references and can-pop sounds. “This song will make you want to pop open a cool drink on a hot day and celebrate summer.” ‘Loverboy’ is penned by Pip and the GOOOD MOOOD collective, including 2AM, Gramz, Jake Eckhaus, Ali Soomro & EMME.