NYS Music 202​1

Category: Regions

  • X Ambassadors Announce Hyper-Creative New Multi-Part Project (Eg)

    X Ambassadors have announced a collaborative project with emerging artists, creating an eclectic atmosphere for their genreless songs to swim in. The multi-platinum band shared the first single from (Eg), titled “ultraviolet.tragedies” with emerging artist Terrell Hines, a fiery track that captures the band’s multidimensional production. The song and electrifying music video are available now at all digital retailers through KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records.

    X Ambassadors
    Album Art for X Ambassadors’ Upcoming Release (Eg)

    Several other fresh artists feature on (Eg), such as Jensen McRae and Earl St. Clair. Both highly collaborative and prolific, X Ambassadors crafted a project as a free-flowing, experimental venture. Sam Harris revealed that the impulse to create arose from new discoveries in production and songwriting work with others. “We wanted to give voice to these incredible artists that people may not have heard yet, and really let their imagination be at the forefront of everything,” he says. “They’re all very much artists with their own unique style that’s so specific to them; they truly don’t care about fitting into any sort of mold, or curating their sound to anything other than what they envision.” 

    Harris says that their collaboration endeavors have encouraged the band to dive into their creativity fully, to make what they love and not overthink the process. (Eg) has a natural sensibility of the pure joy and freedom that come with the art of collaboration. On “ultraviolet.tragedies,” X Ambassadors join with artist Terrel Hines. His sound amalgamates eerie soul, alt-pop, hip-hop, post-punk, and southern funk, building a colorful world for his songs to live in. Georgia-born and Los Angeles-based, Hines critiques society, ponders the limitlessness of technology in his songs that captivate the listener with the true magic of inventive music.

    “ultraviolet.tragedies” was borne from a jam session between X Ambassadors and Hines that shines in the music video. More cinematic, including pauses for conversation, this song sings eerily to a futuristic visual. Created with Microsoft Azure Kinect Body Tracking SDK, the artists are captured in 3D in real time so that they can be superimposed into any world of their choice. The technology opens a world for X Ambassadors’ insatiable creativity in their music. 

    Hailing from Ithaca, New York, X Ambassadors is comprised of three hyper-creative men. Lead vocalist Sam Harris and keyboardist Casey Harris are brothers, with drummer Adam Levin whom they met when Sam attended the New School in New York City. Their full-length 2015 debut VHS launched the band on a three-year touring escapade. With radio hits such as “Renegades” and “Unsteady,” their release is now certified platinum. The lyrical content draws from the Harris brothers’ youth. ORION, their sophomore release,followed in 2019. After years of world touring, X Ambassadors have crafted more innovative, bemusing songs for release on (Eg) this year. 

  • Elle Winter Begins the New Year with “Sad Girl Heaven”

    Manhattan singer, songwriter, and actress, Elle Winter starts the year off by debuting her song “Sad Girl Heaven” and releasing an accompanying music video.

    Elle Winter
    Photo by Gianni Taylor

    This single comes almost a year after the release of her breakout album “Yeah, No” in March 2020. Winter was first discovered at 14 by Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” program comprising of several singles and a tour. In her high school years, she starred in two films and independently released her single “One More” in 2018. From these previous accolades, Winter signed to The Orchard from SONY Music in 2019. Her album received approval from major outlets like Apple Music, Spotify, Billboard and more. 

    “Sad Girl Heaven” is Winter’s first release of 2021 and it’s also the first single from her upcoming project. Co-written and produced by the famous UK producer Jungleboi, the song serves as a new beginning for Winter’s music. She plans to reveal a more personal and candid side of herself through her music that aims to share her story fearlessly.  

    The lyrics boldly express the cycles and emotions faced in relationships filled with heartbreak. Elle Winter describes the song as “a witty take on my tendency to pursue toxic relationships and people who are not good for me for the thrill of the experience.”

    The single is accompanied by a music video directed by Bobby Hanaford. The visuals depict Winter with her mascara running and in distress over the disappointment coming from unsuccessful relationships. It represents her dealing with her unhappiness and failed attempts at finding her equal. 

    Winter’s upcoming project is releasing with more music to unveil her experiences. Her hope is to make music people can relate to and know that they aren’t alone. The single “Sad Girl Heaven” is available now on all digital platforms.

  • Cassandra Jenkins New Single Honors Inauguration Day

    New York City singer Cassandra Jenkins released her new song “Hard Drive” in celebration of Inauguration Day.

    Cassandra Jenkins
    Photo from Cassandra Jenkins website

    “Hard Drive” is the third track and second released single off Jenkins’ upcoming album titled An Overview on Phenomenal Nature. The song is in the style of a spoken word beginning with audio of a security guard pondering about Mrinalini Mukherjee’s display “Phenomenal Nature” at the Met Breuer. It follows with lyrics filled with Jenkins recalling encounters in her life. The song works its way to her repeating “one, two, three”, a guided meditation from her friend. It ends with words from a psychic Peri Lyons stating the year will be good. Jenkins thought that Lyons’s statement was necessary after living through the uncertainty of 2020.

    The single serves as a journey through a month in her life where she was in the middle of doing two tours. Jenkins also released a video to accompany the track, consisting of scenes with her walking and peacefully riding down a road. The instrumentals are supplied by musician Stuart Bogie on the saxophone and engineer Josh Kaufman on the guitar. The song was purposely released on Inauguration Day to symbolize the country collectively moving forward into a new chapter after the past four years.When creating the album, she was reflecting on ways to heal while living under Trump’s administration.

    An Overview on Phenomenal Nature is releasing on Feb. 19 from Ba Da Bing Records. Jenkins worked with Josh Kaufman on the album and finished it within a week. It comes after her last album, Play Till You Win, which came out in 2017. Her previous body of work showcased her talent but the forthcoming work shows her adaptability. It has a theme of being optimistic and being open to change.

  • Rough Trade NYC Announces Store Relocation and Venue Closing

    On Jan. 19 Rough Trade NYC announced that they are closing and moving from their location in Williamsburg this spring to a different place in New York later this year.

    Rough Trade NYC

    Rough Trade is a mainstream vinyl store as well as a venue for concerts. They are the only location for the company outside of the UK. The store opened in Brooklyn in 2013 and the venue was in partnership with the Bowery Presents. This was an essential place for music lovers from all over to gather and enjoy the art. It was more than a record store, it was a place to enjoy performances from artists of different genres. Artists such as Sza, Halsey, Tinashe, and several others performed there. There weren’t just individual performances, many annual events took place as well.

    These gigs and events will no longer occur due to the relocation. Rough Trade’s concert venue will not be reopening due to this change. The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for this decision since it has limited the ability of people to gather at live music shows. While the store reopened in June last year, the pandemic caused cancellations of scheduled and upcoming concerts at Rough Trade. Refunds will be made automatically to people who have purchased tickets online or by phone, and the box office will be open certain days for those who purchased them in person.

    The future of the store will be dependent on selling vinyl due to the increased demand for them during this time. The switch to a virtual world is also a factor in the decision as it is a new reality and is causing online sales to boost. When Rough Trade NYC closes its doors before relocating, all sales will be made on its website. The announcement for the new location is happening in the summer.

  • Melt, NYC Pop-Soul Band Release Dreamy New Single “Hours”

    NYC-based psychedelic pop-soul group Melt released new single, “Hours,” ahead of their hotly anticipated forthcoming EP. The contemplative ballad is the third single released from the band’s debut EP, set to come out next month.

    Available across all streaming platforms, the single captures the band’s sonic and lyrical maturity – a welcome presentation of their impressive studio prowess. A balanced combination of a passionate low end, moody synth leads, inquisitive guitar lines, and a lustful melody create “Hours.”

    melt

    Hours totally captures the energy and intoxication we feel working on something new. We wanted to convey that feeling of meeting someone –– the excitement, but also the haziness and fantasy of it,

    Eric Gabriels, Vocals and Keys

    “Hours” was produced and engineered by Aaron Nevezie at The Bunker Studio, mixed by Michael Brauer, and mastered by Heba Kadry. Melt is known throughout the East Coast for their exhilarating live performances. The track captures Melt’s signature sound, despite the challenges the current pandemic presented to the creative process. 

    melt

    Melt is: Veronica Stewart-Frommer (lead vocals), Eric Gabriel (vocals, keys), Marlo Shankweiler (guitar), Josh Greenzeig (drums), Nick Sare (saxophone), Lucas Saur (bass), and Aaron Alcouloumre (trumpet).

    Something unique about this project is that before we release new music, we normally test it live on tour for months to years. Quarantine forced us to hunker down, write new songs, and create—without any feedback from an audience,

    Veronica Stewart-Frommer, Vocals

    When Melt records a new song, they turn to each other and ask “what the hell is this band?”  The septet’s sound is rooted in soul and psychedelia, infusing ethereal jam-sections into existential pop songs.  Dubbed “one groovy super organism” by NPR, four years after their first-ever release “Sour Candy” went viral in 2017 and reached #5 on Billboard’s US Viral 50 Chart (and #6 in Canada). Melt sells out shows across the Northeast and repeatedly in their hometown of NYC at venues Mercury Lounge and The Knitting Factory. 

  • The Dutchess – A Secret Hudson Valley Venue for Music and the Arts

    Welcome to The Dutchess. Imagine over 250 acres of land filled with the most poetic scenes. A place where you are able to not only go for a walk, or learn how to garden, but you can also enjoy your favorite music or art pieces. But, the only way to get an invite into this oasis was just through word-of-mouth. No social media. No mass emails.

    The Dutchess

    You may think a place like this must be somewhere in California, but this secret venue experience is located actually right here in New York, within the Hudson Valley.

    Eric Mushel works at The Dutchess and is surprised that the venue doesn’t need to purchase any ads.

    “Almost fully word-of-mouth and never got any paid advertisement,” Mushel said of the unique venue. “And we have been completely COVID compliant- especially since we have so much space.”

    It’s hard to describe the vibes you feel when the property’s trees welcome you down a long driveway. It feels like there is instant peace within the air. You are surprised to learn that there is also a bar and restaurant with an amazing view and plenty of space to enjoy an outdoor gallery, or even a music festival.

    Even though the pandemic was not so kind to restaurants or venues, these special grounds have been able to offer residents from all over New York state; a chance to organize yoga retreats and socially-safe galleries.

    We are not able to share about the many people who have rented out the space since that information is protected. However, if you are a pop-culture guru you may recognize some scenes from a movie or even a fashion shoot for a famous brand.

    When you are there, you can also feel the history throughout the farmhouses and the herb gardens. The property owners have been able to reserve the country charm of the late 1700s, yet incorporate modern amenities that can make anyone feel like a celebrity.

    When one hosts an event, most of the produce is grown right on the property. In fact, there are event options to pick your own food for a 5-star meal.

    So, if this place sounds too good to be true, contact porter@thedutchess.com to organize your next, invite-only, event and experience the magic for yourself.

  • WOLF Releases New Single “Villain”

    WOLF, an indie-pop artist from Queens, NY (aka Julia Wolf), released her first single of the new year, “Villain,” on January 14. As an up and coming singer-songwriter, WOLF has begun to experience the harsh realities of becoming a musical figure in today’s climate. While being a non-confrontational person, WOLF responded in the only way she knows how: “coming back bigger and fresher.”     

    WOLF

    WOLF began her career buildup at the end of 2019 from her bedroom. She released freestyles and snippets of her music via her social media platforms. WOLF curated lots of attention, turning the heads of new fans and industry professionals. This recognition led to millions of streams and hundreds of thousands of followers on both Spotify and Instagram in less than a year. Additionally, the heavy buzz has even allowed the release of her very own clothing line, Girls in Purgatory.  

    “Villain,” produced by Jackson Foote, is a tribute to the shy kids and to the ones that always over-accommodate. WOLF uses her signature 808s and the addition of a vintage guitar to create a mesmerizing tone. Her voice effortlessly blends with the beats she builds off of which adds a sense of groove to her music. The single holds an empowering message when looking to overcome adversity. One must always stay true to themselves, and if people want to make someone out to be the villain, then so be it.  

    As the world is trying to recover from drawbacks of the Coronavirus, WOLF is an inspiration to look out for. Her music provides an outlet of hope during these times of turmoil, similarly to the optimism of Ok Cowgirl. New motivation to start off the new year!

    “Villain” is available on major platforms

    Apple Music, Spotify and Soundcloud.

  • Flashback: Jay-Z Brings Magna Carter Tour To Nassau Coliseum

    On Sunday, January 19, 2014, Jay-Z played a sold out show at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island during his Magna Carter world tour. “The last time I was in this building I brought Michael Jackson to the stage,” he said.  “I know that show will be a hard one to top, but we’re going to try tonight.”  Jay looked at home while he took the audience on a 27 song journey of his musical career, covering almost all of his studio 12 albums. He also had a four piece band which included DJ/producer Timbaland. 

    The Magna Carter tour was Jay-Z’s first headlining tour in almost four years. Initially Jay was supposed to go on tour with Justin Timberlake in support of Timberlake’s come back to music and new album The 20/20 Experience. However, on July 24, 2013 Jay-Z released his twelfth studio album Magna Carter Holy Grail and on July 26, 2013 the tour was announced. The tour started in Europe, but due to its overwhelming success, a second leg of the tour was announced on September 13, 2013 to take place in North America. Based on Pollstar reports, the tour earned $48.9 million from 52 shows from 2013 to 2014.  

    Jay-Z – Magna Carter Tour
    Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, Long Island – January 19, 2014

    Setlist: You Don’t Know, Crown, On to the Next One, Holy Grail, Fuckwithmeyouknowigotit, Beach is Better, 99 Problems, Picasso Baby, Can I Live, No Church in the Wild, Somewhere in America, Big Pimpin’, Timbaland Interlude, Can I Get A Nigga What, Nigga Who, Dirt Off Your Shoulder, I Just Wanna Love You, Niggas in Paris, Tom Ford, Public Service Announcement, Clique, Run This Town.

    Encore: Who Gon Stop Me, Empire State of Mind, Izzo, Hard Knock Life, Young Forever.

  • National Artists Celebrate Biden/Harris Inauguration With Multiple Days of Concerts

    Over the course of the election, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have gained support from famous musicians across the nation. ‘Team Joe Sing’s‘ was a masterful idea to get people to go out and vote. Now that Biden is about to take residence at the White House and Harris at the Naval Observatory, they have a slew of celebrities and talented artists coming out to celebrate the inauguration, and not just for one night.

    biden harris inauguration
    President-elect Joe Biden (left) and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris (right).

    On Jan. 20, Tom Hanks will host, “Celebrating America” Primetime Special with performances from Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, The Foo Fighters and more. The night will also include a performance by the United States Marine Band, who have chosen talented musicians from all over. Kim Archer was selected to compose a new fanfare for the inauguration ceremony. Out of Tacoma, WA, Archer leads an award-winning band, commanding the stage with her guitar in-hand. This virtual event is set to air on Inauguration Day, but it’s not the only one with well-known faces.

    Leading up to the special day, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will also host numerous events to commemorate the inauguration and beyond. The Biden Inaugural website says that on Jan. 17, they kick off the week with the “We The People Concert,” which is more of a celebration of the “grassroots supporters who have pitched in to restore the soul of our nation.”

    Jan. 18 is the National Day of Service, so while celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Americans will also unite to serve at a time when the pandemic needs the strength of community.

    The Biden/Harris administration swept the nation with the promises of changing the nation’s racial injustice and our global climate crisis while also improving our current economic disorder. It comes as no surprise that this inauguration is a complete flip from President Donald Trump four years prior.

    Speaking of the hope that the new administration presents, the day after the Inauguration is yet another musical event coordinated by Deep Tones for Peace. On Jan. 21 at 8 p.m., 90 artists are set to perform and will end when everyone has been heard. “Change Has Come” is an event to commemorate the new leadership and the hope that it represents.

    Deep Tones for Peace is a performance lead by Mark Dresser and William Parker that includes meditations and healing. The nine-year-old music initiative spent 26 weeks nonstop live streaming meditations for peace and is set to end on this performance.

    Whether you’re a Biden/Harris fan or just a lover of music, this week is a whirlwind of fantastic performers and supporters who’s real initiative is promoting peace and unity. “Celebrating America” will air at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

    “Celebrating America” Primetime Special (Jan. 20 at 8:30 p.m.) – This 90-minute TV special, hosted by Tom Hanks, will celebrate Biden’s inauguration with performances from Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi and Ant Clemons. Bruce Springsteen, the Foo Fighters, John Legend, Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington will also make appearances. The program, airing on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, MSNBC and PBS, will also honor American heroes who are serving their communities, including frontline, health care workers and teachers. h/t Variety

  • Governor Cuomo Announces ‘New York Arts Revival’ Program

    Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the launch of ‘New York Arts Revival’ program on January 12, 2021. After the devastating blow the live entertainment industry has taken from the Coronavirus Pandemic the ‘New York Arts Revival’ could be exactly the push New York needs to help save the live entertainment industry.

    The ‘New York Arts Revival’ will be a combination of a public and private partnership and will be one of the most ambitious programs to promote live entertainment on a statewide scale. The program will feature and promote indoor and outdoor shows over the coming months and will feature upward of 150 performers. 

    What is a city without social, cultural, and creative synergies?… We must bring culture and arts back to life… and almost one has been hurt more by COVID than our Artists. According to a study by the national endowment of the Arts 52% of actors, 55% of dancers, and 27% of musicians were out of work in September of 2020. In New York the arts and culture account for almost half a million jobs and generate $120 billion in economic output. But these aren’t just statistics. These are our friends and our neighbors. These artists are part of what makes New York, New York.

    New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

    Governor Cuomo’s plan to help save these artists and the industry is with the ‘New York Arts Revival’ program. The program will host multiple pop up performances starting on February 4, 2021 across the State of New York. The outdoor venues will be outdoor stages in prominent Cities across the state to State Parks. They will also use flexible venues adapted for social distancing. These pop up performances will include big names Amy Schumer, Chris Rock, Renée Fleming, Wynton Marsalis, and Hugh Jackman. Art organizations will also be involved with the ‘New York Arts Revival’ like the Ballet Hispanico, ARS NOVA, The Albany Symphony Orchestra,  The National Black Theatre, and the Pendragon Theater.  

    Jane Rosenthal who is known as the co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival and Broadway and film producer Scott Rudin will be leading the charge in the ‘New York Arts Revival’ along with the New York State Council on the Arts according to Governor Cuomo. The program will culminate with the opening with the Little Island at a new 2.7-acre public park on Pier 55 in the Hudson River, close to Greenwich Village and the 20th anniversary of the Tribeca Film Festival. 

    Not everyone is as thrilled about the ‘New York Arts Revival’ though due to the fact it didn’t seem to focus on the music industry as much as the other live entertainment industries. Lowell Wurster of Plattsburgh band Lucid spoke on Cuomo’s address saying, “He doesn’t mention anything about live music in there. If you can socially distance at Chris Rock show then you can do the same thing for live music. More than half my friends are out of work right now.  Most of them aren’t making ends meet by doing live streams. If they can find a safe and responsible way to have an audience for stand up comedian then they should be including live music in that mix also.” 

    Greg Bell of Guthrie/Bell Productions shared a similar sentiment, noting the lack of specifics and attention to Upstate New York from Cuomo.

    It appears that Gov. Cuomo is basically talking about the greater Metropolitan region when discussing his new Arts Revival. He does not appear to be considering the rest of the state at this time. I assume that he is planning to test the waters Downstate before making plans for the rest of New York. At best, we would be looking at outdoor venues, large theaters and large arenas that may be able to put on shows with social distancing. I do not see clubs and smaller venues benefiting from this at all. I do not know if the plan includes independent promoters doing Drive-In shows or small outdoor festivals returning or if it is geared towards large corporations like Live Nation and State or local municipality run events. While a step in the right direction, I think that it is unclear how much this new plan will affect live music overall.

    Greg Bell, Guthrie/Bell Productions

    Will the ‘New York Arts Revival’ help the music industry? It’s unclear if it will but hopefully musicians will be added to the docket and be included in the programing as much as performers from other entertainment industries.