NYS Music 202​1

Category: Special

  • Fiona Glenn Teams Up with Award-Winning Composer David Baron

    Mid-Hudson Valley Native Fiona Glenn worked with award-winning composer David Baron on the upcoming single “Don’t Give Up.” On February 26, this motivational piano ballad will release.

    At just 16 years old, Fiona Glenn has sung with various artists such as Pete Seeger, Natalie Merchant , and Simi Stone. She even appears throughout David Baron’s Whisperers album, including the title track where she sings the lead vocals.

    Watch the “Whisperers” Music Video Here

    As a composer, arranger, engineer, and producer, David Baron has worked with some of the most notable musicians. His influential Woodstock sound has merged with Lenny Kravitz, The Lumineers, Shania Twain, Vance Joy, and many more.

    With previous experience collaborating, Fiona Glenn and David Baron delved into their new single head-on. “Don’t Give Up” blends Glenn’s rich voice with Baron’s piano performance. Also, the composer integrates a 40-piece orchestra and a throwback rhythm section throughout. The duo’s talent produces a retro-modern production with high fidelity and antique recording gear. As if the single didn’t already have enough expertise featured, the song was even mastered by Chris Athens, whose credits include Drake and The Beastie Boys.

    “Don’t Give Up” was written for Baron’s wife, who stood by him during his health issue. Baron wrote these lyrics as a testament to an isolating and hopeless experience. These feelings are probably familiar to many in the circumstances of today. “Don’t Give Up” serves as a light in these times of darkness. Keep a lookout for the new single later this week.

  • Alt-pop Artist Sulene drops new single, “i still think you’re so fake”

    Addressing past-heartbreaks during the midst of post-Valentine’s Day gloom, Sulene dropped a new indie-pop single off of her upcoming EP, he·don·ic, set to release on March 5.

    Sulene
    Photo Credit: Spencer Kohn

    I wrote it after I got a text from an ex that he was getting married. I guess I hadn’t thought about this relationship for a long time and it brought up all sorts of things. Sometimes the gift of time and growing up is being able to look back and sorta see things differently, more clearly. I found myself feeling angry. My friend group is really close with this person so I constantly hear about him, and I’d always act like it doesn’t bother me even though I felt hurt by the things that had happened surrounding our breakup. I wrote this song after that text and I guess I stopped pretending that I feel the same way all my friends feel and just said my truth.

    Sulene, on “i still think you’re so fake”

    The definition behind the EP’s title, he·don·ic, implies that the album as a whole relates to pleasant or unpleasant sensations, a theme that is present in the newest single. The topic of past heartbreak is never easy for an artist to revisit, and even harder to express through song. Sulene cites a painful and difficult process behind he·don·ic, but also a liberating aspect to exploring new music styles and providing closure. You can stream her newest single, “I still think you’re so fake” here on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

  • John Roberts Releases New Single With the Legendary Debbie Harry

    John Roberts teams up with legendary Blondie frontwoman, Debbie Harry, to release his newest single “Lights Out” produced by Junior Sanchez. The single is accompanied by a trippy animated video directed by Kris Baldwin.

    John Roberts

    Roberts, a long time Blondie fan, was thrilled when his friend Debbie Harry accepted his invitation to be featured on his new song. “Lights Out” follows “Freaks” which came out last fall, an innovative and quirky dance-pop song that was also produced by Junior Sanchez. Both “Lights Out” and “Freaks” are the follow-up to Roberts’ 2019 self-titled EP. Produced by Big Black Delta, it featured his UK club hit “Looking.” Both singles are to appear on Roberts’ debut album which is set to drop sometime in 2021.

    Born in Edison, New Jersey, Roberts has always had a deep-rooted love for music. At the onset of the 90’s he fell in love with the New York City rave scene and frequented the storied warehouse parties mythologized in movies like “Go“. Robert found himself as the frontman of the band Opti-Grab where he toured relentlessly and released an studio album. In 2019 Robert release his club banger “Looking,” which would go on to land at #19 on the UK Club Charts.

    Working with someone as professional and legendary as Debbie Harry is something I will never forget. She came in and nailed it and this song is a dream come true.

    John Roberts, Musician

    Roberts has gone viral from YouTube clips like “The Christmas Tree.” Robert has made appearances on “The Tonight Show,” “Archer” and more in addition to multiple tours alongside Margaret Cho. He currently stars as apart of the EMMY Award-winning “Bob’s Burgers” as lovable & loud matriarch Linda Belcher which landed him first EMMY nod in the category of “Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance” in 2015. The show is now in its 10th season with a feature film to be released in spring 2021.

  • X Ambassadors Release Mesmerizing “skip.that.party” with Jensen McRae, Part of (Eg) Project

    February 12 marked the premiere of “skip.that.party,” a collaboration between multi-platinum-selling rock band X Ambassadors and Los Angeles-bred singer/songwriter, Jensen McRae.

    The moody and mesmerizing track is the latest release from X Ambassadors’ (Eg) — a recently launched multi-part project featuring collaborations with an eclectic mix of emerging artists.

    A detailed meditation on longing and regret, “skip.that.party” spotlights the sensitive yet incisive songwriting that McRae’s previously shown on tracks like her unforgettable 2020 single “Wolves.”

    As McRae and X Ambassadors lead singer, Sam Nelson Harris, trade off vocals, “skip.that.party” takes on an undeniable and immersive power, sharply contrasting its understated beauty.

    As with all of the artists featured on (Eg), X Ambassadors approached McRae out of deep admiration for her one-of-a-kind artistry. “My wife showed me ‘Wolves,’ and I was immediately devastated by how good it was,” said Harris.

    “I hit Jensen up on Instagram and asked if we could write together, and everything took off from there. It blows my mind that more people don’t know about her or any of the other artists on the project, and I’m so excited to share their music with our fans.”

    “skip.that.party” arrives as the follow-up to “ultraviolet.tragedies” by X Ambassadors with Terrell Hines, the euphoric yet explosive lead single from (Eg).

    Like “ultraviolet.tragedies,” “skip.that.party” is accompanied by a documentary-style visual that breaks convention by integrating elements of commentary and off-the-cuff conversation.

    To that end, the “skip.that.party” video finds Harris and McRae remotely discussing such topics as poetic realism, the struggle for presence in chaotic times, and McRae’s experience growing up caught between the wild glamour of Los Angeles and the utter boredom of the suburbs.

    (Eg) came to life as X Ambassadors completed their third full-length effort, due out later this year. According to Harris, the project has already had an indelible impact on their evolution as creators.

    “All the artists we’ve worked with on (Eg) have reminded me how important it is to make what you love and not think twice about it,” said Harris. “When people hear the project, I hope they come away with that same sense of freedom, and also just feel the pure joy that comes from the art of collaboration.”

    “skip.that.party” by X Ambassadors with Jensen McRae is available now at all digital outlets via KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records.

  • Watch White Cliffs Claymation Music Video for “Just Like You”

    On February 3rd, Brooklyn-based electronic rock artist White Cliffs (Rafe Cohan) released an endearing claymation music video accompanying his newest single, “Just Like You.” Garnering a lot of attention from fans to art enjoyers alike, the video is impressively mesmerizing and perfectly captures the feeling of imposter syndrome. The single kicks off the beginning of his upcoming EP, Stockholm, to be released February 19th.

    White Cliffs

    The music video is directed, produced and edited by Rafe Cohan himself and features two clay creatures, identical except for color, that are constantly molding themselves into vibrant animations and dancing around each other. Previously having expressed his struggle with accepting his true self, Cohan created a perfect visual aid to his music and the message he wants to send.

    I wrote the song about our playful and hypocritical struggle with accepting our true selves. And that struggle is just a part of pursuing a career as a musician… You’re constantly drawing this attention to your project, and in the process, you end up learning quite a bit about yourself, both good and bad. Usually, you experience some denial or imposter syndrome, but after time passes, you are left with acceptance.

    Rafe Cohen, on the meaning behind “Just Like You”

    With this track, the artist set out to challenge conformity and use unconventional means, such as a Roland organ/strings synthesizer that allowed him to experiment at the base level, the underlying chords. This idea alongside an unorthodox topic and video meshes together beautifully to create a sense of ease and nostalgia.

  • Saint Free Gives off that Valentine Fever with New Single

    Saint Free, also known as Bradley Freedman, picked up his first guitar at age 12. He always had a love for music, especially after watching his uncle and cousins play guitar. After getting the courage to perform in a school talent show, he knew that he found his way. This Rochester-based musician is known for his magnetic blend of pop, rock, punk, and reggae. His new single “Bond With Bondage” displays his free-spirit and energy. 

    saint free

    Saint Free released his new song today, Feb. 14. As the first single off of his upcoming second album, “Bond With Bondage” explores various moods. The artist shifts between gritty vocals and a soft falsetto. With catchy pop hooks and playful lyrics, Saint Free builds a lively tempo that’s sure to make this Valentine’s Day groovier. 

    Bond with Bondage takes you on a journey from broken heart to whips and chains in the dungeon. Its exploratory, the message mirrored by the tempo and chord changes. It never lacks for inspiration or excitement, a song that keeps you interested as much by the musical content as by lines like, ‘I’m like a modern-day Shakespeare’s demented little cousin.’ It’s a wild ride from start to finish.

    Bradley Freedman
    saint free

    “Bond With Bondage” will appear on the new Saint Free album, set to release later this summer. Made with producer Sam Polizzi, the album is an open forum on how to love music and play with an open heart. Saint Free applies his creative vocal range and rhythmic guitars into each of his songs, similarly to the work of The Mowgli’s and Sublime. While waiting antically for new work by Saint Free, make sure to check out his first EP.

  • Indie-Pop Artist Gerald Slevin Begins Solo Journey with ‘Kiss To the Future’

    NYC indie-pop artist,  instrumentalist and visual artist, Gerald Slevin, releases his new single “Kiss to The Future” from his upcoming album Quantum Jitters.

    Gerald Slevin
    Picture of Gerald Slevin from Infraredmag

    “Kiss to The Future” is Slevin’s first single, with a message of unity and optimism during these uncertain times. His inspiration came from his 4-year-old daughter during a hike when he saw her look to the sky and blow a kiss. She told Slevin that she was blowing a kiss to the future and that touched him. That accidental yet wholesome moment resulted in the song’s creation in 15 minutes.

    The song is the first step towards Slevin’s solo career after fronting Brooklyn’s artpop group, The Color Bars. They gained attention from their psychedelic performances filled with layered vocal arrangements and instrument swapping. Slevin aims to do different and new things with every creation resulting in the band exploring vocals, art and instruments. While most of the group’s recordings were done by him, any time he was around other musicians it pushed him to explore new sounds and learn new instruments and skills. His innovative and unique productions will not change in his solo endeavors.

    What does feel different, though, is the promotion side of it. It’s very liberating to be able to put music out under my own name, as simply an artist in the world, without the complications of describing the music as coming from a ‘band’ or a ‘project’. Having done that for so long, it feels very empowering to be more straightforward about it all

    Slevin is an NYC native, however he recently moved to Ithaca, NY which inspired him while creating his album. In Ithaca, he is surrounded by nature with gorges and waterfalls all around and tall pine trees on his street. “Great horned owls live in them and sometimes I stalk them in the middle of the night. It sounds weird, but these kinds of experiences almost always cause melodies to start playing in my head. I sing them into my phone so I don’t forget them, and eventually that turns into a song,” said Slevin. There was a major shift from living in the social, chaotic city to living Upstate filled with tranquility and focus.

    “Kiss to the Future” releases everywhere on Feb. 12 and is accompanied by a colorful music video. As a visual artist, Slevin creates his own cover art. The visuals match the message about looking forward to the future. This single is Slevin’s debut as a solo artist and he is starting with a message about being actively optimistic. This is the beginning of his solo journey and a taste of what is to come from his album Quantum Jitters.

  • Serge Bulat Releases His Newest Single ‘Digital Guillermo’

    Maldovan-Ukrainian musician, Serge Bulat, releases his new single “Digital Guillermo”, his first song after his most recent album Wurmenai.

    Serge Bulat
    Serge Bulat Cover Art for Digital Guillermo

    Bulat came to the U.S in 2009 to start his music career. He currently resides in New York and Virginia. His creativity expands further than just music, he experiments with many mediums consisting of video games, sound design, theater productions and more. Wurmenai is actually the soundtrack for his video game Wurroom and serves as the video game in album form. The game gives music a new and interactive experience. The album was his first full-length album after four years since releasing his album Third World Walker.

    The work from Wurmenai was his most diverse, featuring artists across the globe who contributed their own sound. More of his notable projects include Queuelbum that gained him the Best Electronic Album of the Year from the Independent Music Awards. Also, he is the creative behind the multimedia Inkblot, the psychological test that appeals not only to seeing but also to hearing.

    His artistic expression has only increased throughout the years and he has more in store this year. “Digital Guillermo” is Bulat’s newest release and it further explores his musical ability using several instruments throughout the song. The song is on the soundtrack for the psychological horror video game Isolomus.

  • Finnish Singer Petra Jasmiina Releases New Single, “YCHM”

    New York City-based Finnish singer, Petra Jasmiina, releases new love song, “YCHM”, just in time for Valentines Day. The new single follows her debut EP Cyget which released in 2019.

    Jasmiina

    Born in Helsinki, Finland; Jasmiina moved to New York City at the age of 25 after years of travelling to pursue a music career. Jasmiina comments on her risky move to New York City saying:

    Now that I think of it, it’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done. I had no job, no apartment and knew no-one in the city.

    Petra Jasmiina, Musician

    Jasmiina has always had a deep love for music, consistently writing songs since the age of nine. After making her way around the local New York City scene and gaining recognition, including a stint at the Writer’s Room Songwriter Series, Jasmiina released her acclaimed debut EP, Cygnet.

    Jasmiina’s is well known for her fresh, unique indie pop sound and witty lyricism. Much of Jasmiina’s music follow in the steps her indie pop idols such as Ellie Goulding, Taylor Swift, and Halsey. Through the success of her debut EP, Jasmiina has since blossomed into a bright new artist in the New York indie scene, and has opened doors to legendary music venues such as Pete’s Candy Store and Pianos.

    Floating over synth heavy production with ease, Jasmiina delivers her beautiful upper register combined with uniquely catchy vocal melodies. The track is a collaboration with Vietnamese-American electropop producer Wind Meets West and tells the story of rising above a bad break-up and learning to love being on your own. The fun, sassy energy of the track warrants it own dance party. The song embodies a message of self love as well as a celebration of being single.

    YCHM is now available for pre-order here.

  • Nitty Gritty Dirt Band And All-Star Cast Cover “The Times They Are A-Changin” To Raise Money for Feeding America

    In the fifty-seven years since Bob Dylan released his career-altering folksong, “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” the times he sang of did seem to change.

    But now, in another period of national unrest, a President refusing to concede defeat or peacefully transfer power, and a renewed fire for justice in the long-fought battle for civil rights, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has a new version of Dylan’s classic sounds more poignant and insistent than ever before.

    Amidst the compounding, pleading verses of Scottish ballad by way of Greenwich Village, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, with distinguished musical guests—Jason Isbell, Rosanne Cash, The War And Treaty, and Steve Earle—each step to the microphone to contribute a verse, with Isbell also adding slide guitar.

    They carry the same tone and energy in their voices as the song’s writer did almost six decades ago; an unfortunate but earnest reaction to the all too evident parallels between now and then.

    “It moved me deeply then and that hasn’t changed,” Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founding member and lead singer Jeff Hanna notes. “The lyrics are as relevant today as they were when Dylan wrote it. Maybe even more so.” 

    The track features NGDB members Jeff Hanna (lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Jimmie Fadden (drums), Bob Carpenter (accordion), Jim Photoglo (electric bass), Jaime Hanna (electric guitar), and Ross Holmes (fiddle and mandolin)—as well as Fred Eltringham (Sheryl Crow, The Wallflowers) on additional drums, and Nashville songwriting legend Matraca Berg on harmonica and harmony vocals.

    “The Time’s They Are A-Changin’” was produced by Ray Kennedy and collectively recorded up and down the east coast.

    John Leventhal recorded his wife, Rosanne Cash’s vocals in their New York City home studio and Steve Earle contributed his verse via the world famous Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village. In Nashville, NGDB and guests joined Kennedy in his Room & Board Studio.

    “The Times They Are A-Changin’” is available for “name your price” purchase on NGDB’s Bandcamp page with proceeds going to Feeding America.

    For more information, please visit Nittygritty.com and Feedingamerica.org.

    The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, Jason Isbell, The War and Treaty