NYS Music 202​1

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  • Valley Latini Releases Heart Throbbing Single “Tu y Yo”

    On April 7th, multi-talented visual and musical artist Valley Latini released her latest single “Tu y Yo,” a lustrous heartbeating alt-pop track.

    In the single released on Side Hustle Records, Latini takes listeners on the dark adventure of a late night rendezvous.

    The song is inspired by an encounter that only happens in a place like a strip club or a dance club. It’s about having a connection with someone but not talking to them the whole night. Just a very primal connection through dancing, and spirit vibration.

    Valley Latini

    For the visual, the Brooklyn DIY Queen crafted a stop-motion music video, which she produced, shot, directed, and created all of the art for (she’s also a visual artist in addition to her music).

    The video takes viewers on another journey through the underbelly of hell on earth where men in power attempt to control womxn. There are themes of shaming and corruption as a sleazy priest exiles women to a hell, known as the “haux house.”

    Not to fear, Valley, herself as the triumphant protagonist, dangles a literal carrot in front of the priest and wreaks havoc on his deserving soul. Ultimately, as it turns out, the “haux house” leads to a beach utopia where the womxn can enjoy the finer things in paradise anyway.

    Valley expands on the concept, “the video is a metaphor for a modern day ‘witch hunt’ caused by men in power that fear female sexuality and censor the female body and sex workers.”

    Latini writes about her personal philosophies on delusion, joy, and romance. Her performances are based on expression of individual freedoms, and finding power in the human essence.

    Originally born in Bogota, Colombia, she’s now been living in the US for most of her life and currently has a studio in Brooklyn where she writes and records all her music.

    In addition to her career as a singer-songwriter, Valley is also an artist and a stripper. She uses her artwork as a way to escape from technology and defines it as transgressive divinity, mixing sensuality with alternate realities. To view her artwork, visit valleylatiniart.com.

    As a stripper, she advocates for both female autonomy and the dignity of those who choose sex work. When J Lo released the critically-acclaimed award-winning “Hustlers” film, Valley was invited to partake in the premiere events as a member of New York’s sex-worker advocate group to share their experiences and the validity of the movies’ themes.

    She spoke to IndieWire and others about the “whorephobia” that exists within her industry to help raise awareness and break down the misleading, misinformed labels often forced upon her occupation.

    Her single “Pay My Rent” has been a sex worker’s right’s anthem ever since releasing it in 2018. Her subsequent singles “Serpiente,” “Ask Me Why,” “Blue Moon,” and the latest addition “Tu y Yo,” are set to be part of a bigger collection called Attention Lover due out by the end of 2021.

    The Colombian pop artist wrote, recorded, and produced “Tu y Yo” in Austin, TX with her songwriting collaborator “Ben Cina.”

    For music updates and more, stay connected with Valley Latini on Instagram, and be sure to follow her on Spotify and Apple Music.

  • Chicago at Carnegie Hall Complete’ Deluxe Edition Coming Soon

    In honor of the 50th anniversary of Chicago’s historic 1971 concerts, the band will release all eight Carnegie Hall shows in their entirety for the first time. Chicago at Carnegie Hall Complete will be accessible on July 16.

    Chicago at Carnegie Hall

    Fifty years ago, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Chicago became the first non-classical group to perform six nights in a row at Carnegie Hall. Between April 5 and 10, 1971, the band played and recorded eight shows at the celebrated venue. Performance highlights from those shows were featured on the band’s first live album, Chicago at Carnegie Hall. This quadruple LP of theirs reached #3 on the Billboard 200, was certified platinum, and remained Chicago’s best-selling live album.

    Known as the “rock band with horns,” Chicago is one of the longest-running and best-selling groups. They have won countless awards over the years, not limited to two Grammy Awards, 11 Number One singles, five Number One albums, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Chicago was the first American band to ever chart albums in Billboard’s Pop Top 40 in six consecutive decades.

    Chicago at Carnegie Hall Complete includes memorabilia that commemorates the iconic event. The collection consists of replicas of the three posters that accompanied the original vinyl release. Also included are images of the original concert program, tickets, and other memorabilia from the historic event. Also included with the 16-disc set is a 28-page booklet illustrated with photos from the concerts. Alongside this will be new liner notes with contributions from Lee Loughnane, archivist Jeff Magid, writer/producer David Wild, and comedian/Chicago fanatic Jimmy Pardo.

    Lee Loughnane, Chicago founding member, and trumpeter teamed up with engineer Tim Jessup to develop this work. The two spent nearly a year going through more than 40 concert tapes and remastered each concert in the studio. Their dedication led to the development of the eight shared shows. The performances featured contributions from every band member, including guitar work from Terry Kath, vocals by Kath, Robert Lamm, and Peter Cetera. Also featured are memorable work by Loughnane, James Pankow, Walt Prazaider, and Danny Seraphine’s jazz-influenced drumming.

    Chicago at Carnegie Hall Complete will be available shortly and can be preordered exclusively here.

  • Caroga Lake Music Festival to Return This Summer

    The Caroga Lake Music Festival returns this year during the summer, and marks the 10 year anniversary for the festival.

    Caroga Lake Music Festival
    Artist: Erica Harney

    Caroga Arts Collective hosted several performances and events featuring artists from all around the world spanning from different genres. They use inspiration from nature found in the Adirondacks and bring the community together through art, culture and business.

    The Caroga Lake Music Festival is presented by the Caroga Arts Collective and founded and directed by Kyle Barrett Price. It is five weeks and offers free music performances and community outreach. Artists from all around the world and from the community create interactive experiences for the audience. Four series arose from the festival including – Sherman’s Revival Series, Caroga Chapel Series, Encore!Jazz Session and The Barge.

    This year is not only the 10 year anniversary for the Caroga Lake Festival, it is also the 100 year anniversary of Caroga Arts new home, Sherman’s Amusement Park. The festival takes place July 24 – August 22 and is featuring debut artists from genres such as classical, bluegrass, pop, jazz and more. Caroga Arts plans to partner with local businesses and organizations. 

    With health as the main priority for artists, the audience and staff, a Protocol Advisory Team is meeting every week to maintain safety as the festival approaches. Every concert held at the park will be held at Sherman’s Bumper Car Pavilion with socially distanced pods to seat the audience. More updates about the Caroga Lake Music Festival will be announced later this Spring. 

  • American Symphony Orchestra Announces Free Chamber Music Series in Bryant Park

    The American Symphony Orchestra announces plans for free nine-concert chamber music series, taking place in Manhattan’s Bryant Park and 34th St. Herald Square Plaza and will run through May 3–19, 2021. 

    The American Symphony Orchestra is a New York-based American orchestra that was founded back in 1962. Their mission is to make orchestral music accessible and affordable for everyone. The musical performances and works are curated around ideas drawn from a variety of disciplines such as history, visual arts, science, politics and literature. They often try to revive works that were rarely-performed in their hay day that audiences would otherwise never have a chance to hear performed live. 

    The nine concert series will include five different programs curated by American Symphony Orchestra  musicians. The performances will feature music ranging from 20th century Mexican and all-American jazz composers to Afro-Cuban Batá drumming and classical works for horn quartet and woodwind trio. Some of the featured artists include percussionist and composer Javier Diaz, saxophonist Roxy Coss, and oboist Toyin Spellman-Diaz. 

    There will be a limited number of first-come, first-served chairs set up near the Bryant Park Fountain Terrace in front of the stage and at Herald Square for people to watch the live music from American Symphony Orchestra. Artists and audience members will be required to follow current public health guidelines including wearing masks and social distancing. All the concerts will last for at least one hour and will begin at 5:30PM. 

    For more information on the American Symphony Orchestra and their concert series visit their website.

    The full schedule can be read below: 

    Modernism in Mexico – String Quartet

    Monday, May 3 & Tuesday, May 4, at 5:30 pm

    Bryant Park Fountain Terrace

    Modernism in Mexico explores string quartets by some of Mexico’s most important 20th-century composers: Manuel Ponce, Silvestre Revueltas, and Carlos Chávez. Ponce was Mexico’s leading classical musician, and this performance of his well-known song Estrellita is a new arrangement for string quartet. Carlos Chávez was his student and heir apparent, touring extensively as a conductor and producing an impressive body of compositions. Chávez’s close colleague, violinist Silvestre Revueltas, was a notable conductor/composer whose work includes the score to the 1936 film Redes (The Wave), commissioned by the Mexican government. 

    Cyrus Beroukhim, violin

    Philip Payton, violin

    Will Frampton, viola

    Alberto Parrini, cello

    Manuel Ponce: Estrellita

    Manuel Ponce: Petite suite dans le style ancien

    Silvestre Revueltas: Musica de Feria

    Carlos Chávez: String Quartet No. 3

    Strike Force – Percussion Ensemble

    Wednesday, May 5 & Wednesday, May 12 at 5:30 pm

    34th Street Herald Square Plaza

    This percussion ensemble combines Afro-Cuban Batá drumming and poetry with the sounds of contemporary chamber percussion, featuring Grammy-nominated Imani Winds’ oboist Toyin Spellman-Diaz in compositions by percussionist and composer Javier Diaz.

    Kory Grossman, Javier Diaz, and Charles Descarfino, percussion

    Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe

    All-Javier Diaz Program:

    “Chandani”

    “Canciones del Idalgo”

    “Maleza”

    “Son Montuno Sinfonia”

    “Sakpata”

    “Lucumi Cycle”

    ASO Salutes NYC/USA – Jazz Ensemble

    Monday, May 10 & Tuesday, May 11 at 5:30 pm

    Bryant Park Fountain Terrace

    A truly American genre, the ASO presents this jazz ensemble as a salute to U.S. healthcare workers who have made it possible for New Yorkers to experience live music once again. The program, including works by Gershwin, Bernstein, Ellington, and Chick Corea, among others, celebrates composers who have defined the sound of this vibrant city.

    Lee Musiker, piano

    Lou Bruno, bass 

    Kory Grossman, drums

    Eugene Moye, cello

    Roxy Coss, tenor saxophone and flute

    Harry Warren: “42nd Street”

    George Gershwin: “It Ain’t Necessarily So” from Porgy and Bess

    Duke Ellington: “Take the A Train”

    Leonard Bernstein: “Some Other Time”

    Leonard Bernstein: “Cool” from West Side Story

    Gustav Holst: I. Mars, the Bringer of War, from The Planets, Op. 32

    Chick Corea: Children’s Songs

    Charles Mingus: “Nostalgia in Times Square”

    Woodwind Trio

    Tuesday, May 18 at 5:30 pm

    Bryant Park Fountain Terrace

    Woodwind chamber music had something of a renaissance in the 1920s; at the same time, works for reed trio—oboe, clarinet, and bassoon—were coming together with the formation of the Trio d’Anches de Paris, a collaboration of three virtuosi reed players. This program offers music from some of the greatest composers of wind music in the 20th century.

    Alexandra Knoll, oboe

    Shari Hoffman, clarinet

    Marc Goldberg, bassoon

    Charles Koechlin: Trio d’anches Op. 206

    Jean Françaix: Divertissement for Oboe, Clarinet, and Bassoon

    Alexandre Tansman: Suite for Wind Trio

    Claude Arrieu: Suite en trio

    Albert Roussel: Andante from an Unfinished Wind Trio: Adagio

    Joseph Canteloube: Rustiques – I. Pastorale

    Francis Poulenc: Sonata for Clarinet and Bassoon, FP 32a

    Gilles Silvestrini: Oboe Etude No. 1: Hôtel des Roches Noires à Trouville

    Horn Quartet

    Monday, May 17 & Wednesday, May 19 at 5:30 pm

    Bryant Park Fountain Terrace & 34th Street Herald Square Plaza

    Perfectly at home in the outdoors, the horn quartet has enjoyed a rich history from the forest to the concert hall. This program features composers highlighted by Bard Music Festivals of the past with a few modern classics that will inspire.

    Chad Yarbrough, David Smith, Lawrence DiBello, and David Peel, French horns

    Nikolai Tcherepnin: Horn Quartet Op. 35

    Carlos Chávez: Sonata for Four Horns

    Richard Strauss: Fünf Volksliedsätze

    Selections of Austrian hunting music

  • Kid Cudi pays tribute to Farley and Cobain on Saturday Night Live

    Promising Young Woman actress Carey Mulligan hosted this week’s Saturday Night Live, with rapper Kid Cudi joining her as musical guest. Cudi released his most recent album, Man on the Moon III: The Chosen in December of 2020, concluding the trilogy he began in 2009.

    Kid cudi

    Mulligan’s husband Marcus Mumford appeared during her opening monologue, offering to be the night’s musical guest. After Mulligan informed Mumford that Kid Cudi was performing already, he pulled an acoustic guitar out of thin air and accompanied her closing remarks. Of course, Mumford is the front-man of folk rock band Mumford & Sons, who previously played SNL in 2012, 2015 and 2018.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-BfpGLs0Cs

    Before his performances, Kid Cudi first appeared in a sketch with Pete Davidson and Chris Redd, “Weird Little Flute.” It parodied flute rap, a burgeoning subgenre including songs like Future’s “Mask Off.” Previous SNL host Timothee Chalamet made an unexpected cameo, endorsing the weird little flute as a musical asset.

    Kid Cudi chose “Tequila Shots” as his first song of the night, with lyrics about alcohol-induced anxiety and depression: “It seems I’ll never learn / I won’t stop ‘til I crash and burn / Tell my mom I’m sorry.” He wore a t-shirt depicting late SNL cast member Chris Farley, who famously struggled with addiction.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr6Vyc_qYMg

    Cudi closed out the episode with “Sad People,” a toast to contemplative night owls. Following in the footsteps of Kurt Cobain, he wore a floral dress. Cobain died by suicide this week in 1994, and Cudi has been open about his own experiences with suicidal ideation.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsagiYnmN_4

    As for Kid Cudi’s 2021 plans, an album is likely on the horizon for his supergroup, The Scotts. Made up of Cudi (whose first name is Scott) and Travis Scott, The Scotts formed in 2020 and debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100 with single “The Scotts.”

    The episode ended with an in memoriam tribute to rapper DMX, who played SNL in 2000.

    DMX Kid cudi
    SNL honors DMX.

  • National Geographic Announces Musical Earth Day Eve Celebration

    National Geographic is hosting a virtual celebration for Earth Day Eve with performances from several artists in efforts to unite and inspire people to take action to save the planet.

    Art Credit: Cachetejack

    The virtual celebration is one of the multiple ways that National Geographic is offering to honor Earth Day. The Earth Day Eve celebration is the first event and has a star-studded lineup of musical guests ranging from different genres. Performers include, Angélique Kidjo, AURORA, José González, Yo-Yo Ma, Ziggy Marley and more. My Morning Jacket is going to premiere their new music video as well. These artists will be joining from places that are important to them to raise awareness and take viewers on a virtual journey.

    Earth Day Eve 2021 is hosted by Jessica Nabongo who is a travel writer, entrepreneur and more notably the first documented Black woman to travel every country in the world. Viewers joining the virtual festivities will be introduced to some National Geographic explorers. There will be appearances from renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Rae Wynn Grant, Lillygol Sedaghat and Dr. Lucy Hawkes. National Geographic explorer and marine photographer Brian Skerry will preview the new Disney + series Secrets of the Whales. The Earth Day activities ends when Secrets of the Whales premieres on April 22 at midnight. Filmmaker and National Geographic explorer James Cameron is the executive producer and Sigourney Weaver is the narrator of the four-part series.

    Along with performances from multiple musicians, there will be many announcements made and a virtual after party on National Geographic’s TikTok at 10 p.m. EDT. House music DJ/producer and environmental scientist Jayda G will be playing a set with visuals from the new Disney + series Earth Moods. National Geographic has a new playlist on Spotify to embrace the Earth month. 

    Earth Day Eve airs exclusively on National Geographic’s YouTube channel and on their website on April 21 at 8:30 p.m. EDT. The celebration revolves around music’s ability to unite everyone for the cause of protecting the environment.

  • A Tribute to Legendary Rapper DMX, Dead at 50

    “X Gon’ Give it to Ya!”

    An iconic song title and hook from a rapper whose career was made off of distinction. From his voice, to his aesthetic, to his simultaneously vulnerable and gangster persona, DMX was going to give you his all, his true self. You were to be witness to the amazing highs and the, at-times, embarrassing lows. The lead single from 2003’s Cradle 2 the Grave (starring DMX) soundtrack is more than just a catchy tune. Has any other rap lyric embodied an artist quite so well?

    As the world mourns the loss of one of hip hop’s grittiest, raw and complex characters, it’s important to remember that DMX’s premature death does not put a sour note on the full life that he lived. He said it himself, in his very last aired interview — an appearance on Noreaga’s Drink Champs podcast — ‘X declares, “If I was to drop dead right now, my last thought would be: ‘I’ve lived a good life.” 

    After all, his journey began in the project buildings of Yonkers, NY, having to grow up with a non-existent father and a violently abusive mother. ‘X — born Earl Simmons — spent spurts of his childhood in group homes, where he honed his skills within the budding genre of hip hop. It was during early adolescence that DMX met Ready Ron, an influential figure in his development as a rapper, and the man X claimed is responsible for birthing the addiction that kept a stronghold on him throughout most of his adult life. 

    Based on his turbulent childhood and a criminal record (that began in adolescence), DMX is one of the few artists who could claim the oft-used adage that hip hop saved their life. Where else can one go from group homes and detention centers to releasing two number 1 albums in the  same year? In fact , DMX’s first five studio albums debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts. 

    DMX

    Although the one known as Dark Man X had done a complete 180 with his life, fame and riches only exasperated who he truly was. And at his core, DMX was a troubled individual. Despite his success, he hadn’t gotten his addictions under control, a fatal trait that eventually cost him his life. 

    So while he was starring in blockbuster films and performing in front of an excess of 200,000 people, he was still succumbing to his vices, with a rap sheet that might be longer than his lyric sheet. In a fall 2019 GQ magazine interview, DMX once stated,

    “Before I really had a life, jail was a playground. I’d be like, ‘I’m going to jail and have fun.’ Jail used to be fun.” 

    It seems as though he carried that mentality throughout his time as a famous entertainer, with substance abuse issues a clear factor in his life as he had been arrested for various and repeating offenses including: possessions of cocaine, driving while intoxicated, driving with a suspended license, animal cruelty, failure to pay child support, among others. His offenses are equally puzzling and impressive. You would think after a few DUI arrests, one would get a driver, especially someone of DMX’s stature. Yet, his blatant disregard for the law revealed his truly detached nature from life and consequence, a characteristic found in many addicts. Notwithstanding, it revealed something else, ‘X was gon’ give it to the man as well, even if it was to his own detriment. 

    What’s dangerous about fame and success is that it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re living life righteously, it just means the masses resonate with the persona and content being packaged to them. For DMX his personal downfalls helped make him the superstar that he was. In a smoke and mirrors industry, his authenticity was never to be questioned, as he laid it all on his records, never shying away from the demons that constantly kept him in the headlines.  

    That’s what makes his death such a tough pill to swallow. When someone shares as much of themselves as DMX did, you can’t help but care about their wellness. Before this tragic turn of events, there were reports of an upcoming album and a re-invigorated DMX. 

    Nevertheless, it is better to rejoice in the life that DMX got to live, rather than his death. For he gave us everything he had. He has been on the opposite ends of the spectrum, reaching highs that most wouldn’t dare dream of, to experiencing lows that many can’t even imagine. In that sense, DMX lived a complete life, as he truly gave us all he had. 

  • SummerStage Anywhere Announces April Programming

    SummerStage Anywhere announced their April programming, including virtual programming celebrating National Poetry Month, International Dance Day and World Portuguese Language Day. 

    SummerStage Anywhere is put on by the City Parks Foundation. It was originally announced by the  Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage Anywhere in response to the COVID-19 pandemic when it started back in 2021. They are presenting free, exclusive digital performances that people can watch from anywhere. SummerStage Anywhere is continuing in 2021to keep bringing free live performances to the masses. 

    National Poetry Month Celebration will be taking place on April 22 and is being presented by the SummerStage and Nuyorican Poets Cafe. The celebration is also being put on in association with New York Music Month Extended Play which is an initiative of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Entertainment. The event will be showcasing New York City poets Caridad De La Luz, reg e gaines, Mariposa Fernandez, J.F. Seary, Erik Maldonado (aka Advocate of Wordz), Helena D. Lewis, Suzen Baraka, Darian Dauchan (performing with loop station), Wilson “Chembo” Corniel (performing solo, with congas), Rome Neal (accompanied by Chembo on percussion, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, and Andre Chez Lewis on piano), Ramya Ramana, Carlos Andrés Gómez, Andres Chulisi Rodriguez and more. The performances will be recorded both live from The Sultan Room in Brooklyn and remotely. The celebration will stream on SummerStageAnywhere.org and across SummerStage socials: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch starting at 7PM EST. 

    Their World Portuguese Language Day celebration, in association with Arte Institute, is on April 15th. The event will be put on at 7PM  EST. It will feature performances including Angolan star Paulo Floresand recited poems and reflections from renowned artists and writers Mia Couto, Ondjaki and Pedro Coquenão (aka Batida). Past SummerStage performance highlights will be aired featuring global music stars Mariza, The Gift, Selma Uamusse, and Dead Combo.

    International Dance Day: DanceAfrica at BAM with Artistic Director Abdel Salaam on April 29th at 7PM EST. The event is in honor of International Dance Day, SummerStage pays tribute to BAM’sDanceAfrica, America’s largest celebration of dance from the African diaspora. It will feature a talk between the festival’s artistic director and founder of Forces of Nature Dance Theater, AbdelSalam, and DanceAfrica producer,Charmaine Warren.The informal conversation will cover Salaam’s experience with DanceAfrica as a performer and now artistic director, and will be followed by breathtaking excerpts from past festival performances. 

    For more information on the upcoming April programming visit SummerStage Anywhere’s website. 

  • Hearing Aide: Fake Dad ‘Old Baby’

    Brooklyn Lo-fi indie R&B duo Fake Dad strike back with their silky smooth new EP Old Baby. The duo consist of Andrea de Varona as the lead vocalist and Josh Ford doing most of the albums production. The EP releases today on all streaming services.

    Old Baby is a masterclass example of creating a vibe. Personality oozes out of every corner of this EP and that is largely thank to the project’s supreme production along with de Varona’s incredibly serene vocals. Verona’s voice glides effortlessly over the production on nearly every song on this EP. Several songs such as “Listen” see Verona’s vocals distorted and mixed in some incredibly inventive ways. The signature nasally deliver of Verona makes every song incredibly comforting and welcoming. Ford comes through on the song “Breakfast In New York” adding a refreshing bass filed contrast to Verona’s high pitched R&B inflection.

    Verona’s vocals is only one half of the equation as the production is a feat of its own. The glossy production is reminiscent of contemporary indie band with a classic R&B flare added by de Varona’s vocals. The groovy bass leads and chilled out synth keyboards are a highlight in songs like “Breakfast in New York”.

    A unique assortment of instruments are present on the EP, with every song having its own uniquely identifiable musical motif. Motifs such as the trumpet present on the song “Knit Sweater” acts as a lowkey corner stone to the songs peaceful energy.

    Fake Dad take listeners on a trip down memory lane — but it feels closer to a cautionary tale than a fond retelling.

    The Wild Honey Pie

    Old Baby offers the perfect soundtrack to any relaxing experience, weather that be studying or chilling at the beach. The universality embodied by this album makes it recommendable to nearly everyone. The smooth vocal will satisfy any R&B fan and the mix between hip hop and indie pop will be loved by any fans of each respective genre. The EP is available for purchase here.

    Key Tracks: Pretty/Ugly, Breakfast in New York, Knit Sweater

  • Greywolf Releases Debut Album “Operation Wolf”

    Queens artist Greywolf debut album Operation Wolf has been hotly anticipated. In preparation for the album, Greywolf has released a new single – “Temple.”

    Greywolf operation wolf

    Greywolf is a one man project masterminded by Jason Grey – lead singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. “Operation Wolf” see’s Grey dive into a lot of heavy themes with his unique blend of electronic, punk and indie. Operation Wolf is a culmination of a lifetime of fighting, dreaming and loving. The lyrics are fusion of poetry, journal entries and incantations — and at times a lucid journey into my own psyche.

    Lead singles for the album include “Exit Key” and the newest release – “Temple,” which features Aya Nori. Grey is also the co-founder and bassist for the band Escaper. Escaper has had a solid career so far, sharing the stage with the likes of Aqueous and Karl Denson.

    “Temple” touches on released, cutting of chains of everything that has weighted you down. Whether it be shame, adversity, betrayal – making a conscious choice to live your best life and project love even in times of peril.

    Live For Live Music

    Other songs on the album include “Arcade” and “End of Days.” “Arcade” is based on the notion that life can feel like a video game. People are constantly trying to get to the next level — at times not realizing there is a lesson to be learned. Survival is a key theme here and being able to grab the joystick and be your own hero. “End Of Days” touches on not only the idea of global apocalypse but of the personal apocalypse one may face in their own lives.