Europe-native and New York City-based musical artist and busker, Robert Leslie, had his alternative folk debut recently released during last month on August 5th. Compiled are 12 tracks produced by Perry Margouleff (who also worked with Maroon 5 and Paul Rogers) that express the beautiful moments captured in day-to-day life through bridging the gap between current changes and a reflection of the past, as phrased by Leslie, speaking about the album.
Album Cover [Credit: Emmanuel Rosario]
The LP features names behind the instrumental elements of the music, who’ve worked with established names in the music industry, such as Tony Garnier behind bass who collaborated with Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Tom Waits, Jake Sinclair, behind the Wurlitzer, Mellotron piano, who’s worked with Weezer! and Panic at the Disco, and Scarlet Rivera, who played the violin and has worked with Bob Dylan.
Artist Studio Shoot
The record rings of soothing tunes conveyed with slow guitar notes paired with bass booms and overlapping looming synths which carve echoes resonating with the vibration of rings spreading from a rock thrown in still water. Taking an approach using a poetic lens in his lyricism, Robert Leslie divulges on takes about aspects of life and love, carrying emotional overtones of nostalgia blended with wonderance on this debut influenced with sounds from UK psychedelic folk.
Indie-rock band, El Modernist, has had their newest debut album “Eras” released on Friday, September 2. The group features a trio of members, Will Fredette, who is in charge of lead vocals and plays the rhythm guitar, Will Hahn who plays the drums and uses the electronic instruments, and Taylor MacMillan who uses the lead guitar and creates backing vocals.
El Modernist band
The Albany-based alternative rock band presents listeners with a ten-track compilation of songs infused with elements belonging to ‘80’s style of rock, such as the groovy synths and jazz-tinged bass, while also containing more contemporary components of alternative rock that is present in other upcoming New York-based bands. The tempo carried throughout the debut follows a steady, consistent rhythm and maintains an upbeat air.
Their upcoming tour performance will be at Wild in the Trees Music & Skate Festival in Lake George on Saturday, Oct. 1 and starting at 7PM. You can RSVP and get tickets for the event here.
‘Eras’ Debut Album Cover Photo
Watch the official music for their track, “New Waves” below.
NYC‘s Baby Got Back Talk, one of AfroPunk’s “Top 8 Punkest Bands on the Planet,” have just announced their new debut EP Existential Shred. The EP will be dropping later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records. They have been named one of Alternative Press’s ’17 black alternative bands leading the next generation.
Photo: Kate Hoos
Formed back in 2017, Baby Got Back Talk initially consisted of vocalist/bassist G’Ra Asim, synth op/vocalist Rhiana Hernandez, and lead guitarist/vocalist Jake Lazaroff. After years of sharing bills with local compatriots like Choked Up, Universe Ignore Her, and Gibbons (acts that were all anchored by the propulsive stick work of drummer Wes Ruiz) Baby Got Back Talk welcomed Ruiz into the fold. Now, they are an inseparable pair named one of The Utah Daily Chronicle’s top 5 Black Alternative Bands You Need to Know in 2021.
“We’re what punk looks like in the 2020s: driven by a DIY ethic, conversant with social issues–especially as they pertain to gender and race, enabled by inter-web, bankrolled by day jobs, powered by a rad likeminded community, resonant with the most venerable iterations of rock ‘n’ roll but firmly committed to injecting some new flavor into the mold.”
“On their upcoming EP Existential Shred New York pop punk band Baby Got Back Talk delve into the very nature of human existence. They tackle death, life changes, and the state of the world with excellent literary lyrics, plenty of synths, and a healthy dose of hope.”
– Punk News
Baby Got Back Talk is a D-I-why?-because-we-gotta punk party from New York City. The band teamed with producer John Naclerio (Just Surrender, The Audition) at Nada Recording Studios for their latest EP, ‘Existential Shred’ due out later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records.
“A catchy pop punk hook-fest that throws the middle finger to anyone claiming that being marginalized is “in” these days. “Model Minority” could become an anthem of importance for queer folks and POC in the punk scene today.”
– Tuned Up
The band has released a pair of EPs in 2017’s Take This The Wrong Way and 2018’s Up In Open Arms. Their full-length debut, 2020’s Genre Reveal Party, was mixed by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Senses Fail, Yellowcard).
As Autum begins, haunting imagery invades media marketing and entertainment. Maybe that’s why I decided to drive into National Cemetery to find some solice time after work to write this article.
The world is a scary enough place, I can do with less creepy in my life. The days are getting shorter and finding a quiet spot as the working day draws to a close seems harder and harder.
In 1965, at the Newport Folk Festival, Bob Dylan went electric, everyone thought it was the death knell of folk music.
I mistakenly thought folk music was dead and gone, until I was able to connect with the “folkies” here on Long Island. It started with the interview I conducted with Linda Sussman, which led me to Josie Bello.
The Resilience of Folk Music
I recently interviewed Josie Bello from Huntington New York, you can find her episode on The Long Island Sound Podcast. Her voice is akin to Emmylou Harris which artfully draws us into her lyrics. Her songwriting is honest, emotional and straignt from the heart. Like many of her counterparts, she’s not afraid to lament social justice issues, especially in her song “They lie”.
I am enamored by singer songwriters who can express what I often cannot in their song. Their ability to expand upon the muse and deliver poignant messages so important to hear. Josie calls herself a late bloomer, having sprung onto the music scene only seven years ago. After accompanying her husband Frank in the coffee houses in and around New York City during their college days, Josie decided to pick up the guitar woodshed the instrument and start writing music. Turning to her guitar teacher, Mike Nugent. Yes, the very Mike Nugent from the Cadillac Moon band and the Walkers, encouraged Josie to record her music in his Melts in Your Ears Studio. With two albums and a few singles under her belt, I see a bright future for this folk singer/songwriter. Nugent plays many of the instruments throughout the albums which are rich in texture while crossing into waters that incorportate, Folk, Americana and a smattering of the Blues.
Where Hope Blooms
Mike Nugent
In Josie’s music, I found both a lament and a prayer. A thread of spirituality and a hope for change. But there’s another interesting aspect to Josie Bello, at least for me. This “late-bloomer” provides unintended consequences with her career as a singer/songwriter. I found hope for all singer/songwriters who have written tens of thousands of versus developing the Muse but not quite woodshedding the song to full potential. I am inspired by the encouragement of Mike Nugent, her guitar teacher. It is common to find singer/songwriters who are also music teachers encouraging their students at every level level, which is a testimony to generosity of the musician community. As with any artist, a little encouragment can go a long way. As an underdeveloped songwriter myself, I have discovered a glimmer of hope in Josie’s story. The hope that our voices can be heard through our own songs, good intentions and most importantly, follow through.
Bridging The Divide
Folk Music in particular, brings the hope of an increasted dialogue in a divided country. To jump on the soapbox for a moment, there is a great need for us to converse with our neighbors, no matter how much we disagree with their politics. How can we be the “United”States of America, if we don’t talk to each other in a peaceful and deep dialogue? Music can help us reach understanding the big question, “Why do you think this way?” The honesty of a folk song can place us in the starting gate for reconciliation.
Give Me Original Music
As I continue to explore the Long Island music scene, through my podcast, The Long Island Sound, I’m no longer amazed about the diversity of genes in my own backyard. At first glance you think that every bar in town, every small stage is trying to find the next great cover band. After all, Mike Nugent says: “It’s the age of the Tribute Band”. But if you are intrigued about original music, you can still find the enclaves of originality, featuring folk music, bluegrass, punk, rock and roll and of course the blues.
“It’s the age of the Tribute Band”
– Mike Nugent
I lament about the days of my youth,before the disco era in the mid 80’s, it seemed that every bar and pub had a live original band playing. Today there are there are a handful of bars and venues that help support our original artists. I was thinking about Katie’s of Smithtown, Bartini in Babylon village, just to name a couple. And of course there are the big stages the Paramount of course in Huntington, 89 North in Patchogue and the ever resilient Eppy Epstein’s rebirth of My Father’s Place, at the Metropolitan in Glen Cove. We need more venues and people like Eppy who support original music.
Josie Bello’s music is streaming on Spotify, and you’ll be able to see her live at local venues on the North Shore as well as at festivals from time to time. There’s a need for music that is unaffraid, inspiring and which calls us into deeper conversations. Thank you Josie for putting to song, that which we often struggle to say!
On the weekend of September 22-25, 2022, Firefly Music Festival returned to the Woodlands of Dover, Delaware to celebrate its 10th anniversary with headline performances from Halsey, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Dua Lipa, and many more! The diverse genres of artists is what makes Firefly a memorable experience.
Bleachers @ Firefly Main Stage
Firefly Music Festival took place in The Woodlands of Dover, Delaware, right next to Dover International Speedway. What makes Firefly unique isnât just the performances, but the atmosphere and the overall experience. Since its start in July 2012, festivalgoers are offered the chance to camp at the festival, whether that be in an RV, a glamping site, or a pop-up tent. Along with the camping, each stage embraces its own personality: the Backyard hosted most of the rap acts over the weekend, The Pavillion which hosted most of the EDM acts, The Treehouse and The Nest which offered attendees an escape from the massive size of the Woodlands to an area where they could see their favorite small artists in an intimate setting such as SEB.
SEB @ Treehouse
Firefly certainly does not shy away when it comes to good eating. Whether its a quick bite from the various food trucks or a tasty dessert at Stuffed Ice Cream, Firelfy has it all including vegan friendly meals. Attendees could not get enough of Stuffed Ice Cream’s delicious cruffs – an ice-cream filled donut toasted to perfection. Even on the chilly nights, festivalgoers were seen lined up for the mouth-watering treat. The good news is everyone can explore the various flavors and options Stuffed Ice Cream has to offer in its New York City based store located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
A Weekend Filled With Entertainment
A little bit of rain and muddy floors didn’t stop the party on Thursday. Firefly kicked off its weekend with headlining sets from Halsey, Jamiexx, Willow, 100 Gecs, San Holo & Gayle. While some walked onto the festival grounds admiring the numerous decorations and activities, others ran to secure a spot at the stage where their favorite artists would perform. Willow brought the energy to the main stage dressed in a custom T-shirt designed by one Firefly’s clothing booths. She played the iconic “Wait a Minute!” along with “Meet Me At Our Spot”.
Willow @ Firefly Main Stage
Although Willow brought great energy to stage, 100 Gecs certainly knew how to turn up in style dressed in unique wizard like outfits. Mosh pits left and right filled the audience which some would say only enhanced the lively performance. Songs performed by the Duo included “money machine”, “stupid horse”, “mememe” and more.
Thursday was one for the books but Friday was just as memorable. Many were looking forward to Big Sean who unfortunately had to cancel his set due to a respiratory infection. LSDREAM filled in for the Detroit based rapper and did not disappoint. Illuminating the night sky with vibrant colorful visuals is what made LSDREAM stand out.
LSDREAM @ The Backyard Stage
During the day fans were scattered across the festival site. It was the first time Norwegian singer/songwriter Anna of The North performed in the U.S since covid. While on stage she brought out guest singer Gus Dapperton to sing “Meteorite” together. NYSM staff photographer Adrian Hernandez had the opportunity to shoot portraits of Anna who was nothing but kind, loving, and energetic throughout their photo session.
Anna of The North with Gus Dapperton @ Firefly Main StagePortrait Session With Artist Anna of The North
My Chemical Romance closed the main stage with a roar on night 2. Fans of all ages, old and young, sang along word for word almost every song the band performed. In between songs, lead vocalist Gerard Way was interactive with the audience and knew how to put a smile on everyones face through his humor.
My Chemical Romance @ Firefly Main Stage
Later that night, once Zedd took the stage, an overwhelming surge of cheers and screams kicked in. Zedd had the crowd on overdrive right from the start of the set. On top of that, the laser light show was perfectly in sync with his electronic tunes.
Zedd @ The Backyard Stage
Once day 3 arrived, it meant the weekend was finally here. Time to unload, sit back and enjoy the beautiful day packed with great music. Sueco brought life to the crowd after jumping into the audience to crowd surf his fans. Shortly after he joined the spectators in the center of a moshpit as he performed “fast”.
Sueco @ Firefly Main Stage
Porter Robinson ended the night performing songs from his latest album Nurture such as “Something Comforting”, “Shelter”, and the emotional dedication “Mother”. Some even shed a tear during his impactful set.
Porter Robinson @ The Backyard StagePorter Robinson @ The Backyard Stage
It felt like the weekend flew as the last day of Firefly Music Festival finally arrived. It was during the middle of The Regrettes when festivalgoers were kicked off site due to a severe weather warning. This caused sets to be pushed back and some shortened like Charli XCX. Unfortunate for those who were looking forward to see the pop queen but the show went on.
Lead Vocalist Lydia Night of The Regrettes @ The Backyard Stage
Once festival grounds reopened, T-Pain sang some of his classic hits and features such as “Good Life” with Kanye West. Shortly after, Conan Grey was on stage followed by The Kid Laroi at the Backyard stage and finally, to end the weekend on a high, Dua Lipa closing on her hit “Don’t Start Now”.
T-Pain @ Firefly Main Stage
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. While it’s sad to say goodbye to this years festival, we look forward to the next one and carry the memories we made along with us. See you soon Firefly!
In an interview with Loverboy magazine, Bentley Robles uses a term I really liked: Catastrophize. When he’s in a relationship, Bentley Robles tends to catastrophize. As he put it in his hit single “i hate the weekend,” when his boyfriend goes out on the weekend and the possibility of him sleeping with other men looms, Robles might equate that with the end of the world.
The penchant to catastrophize is a defining characteristic of Gen-Z and Millenials. It’s that ever-present subconscious panic of dystopian apocalypse: climate change, hurricanes, facism, nuclear war. All of those anxieties linger in the back of the youth’s mind, bursting out instead in little catastrophes: break-ups, petty fights. Robles’ new pop-punk break-up anthem, “don’t listen to this song” with fellow queer pop singer Gregory Dillon indulges those little catastrophes with all the weight of something larger.
The chorus of the song is about the antagonist sitting in their car outside the singer’s house — something pretty mundane and inoffensive. But in this case, the tone describing this scene is malicious: “You’re so f***ing stupid / sitting in your Honda, in my drive way.” It’s that crude and irrational anger that sets the song up as a break up song; it communicates the particularly delicious, insatiable feeling of hating on your ex.
“Don’t listen to this song” indulges in those feelings momentarily, but it’s not quite satisfying. It’s oversaturated — like a little too much perfume, too much creamer in your coffee; you’ll lose those woodsy base notes, you don’t get quite enough caffeine. Or maybe it’s too much because it’s not enough. The song is aggressive, confident and proud, but it’s not articulate. That invigorating emotionality and expression is played down by kitschy guitar and trendy all-lowercase titles, it comes across as aloof but forced.
This song lies somewhere between Machine Gun Kelly — pre-Travis Barker — and Charlie XCX, with a big inspiration from Gayle’s “abcdefu.” The guitar’s pace is very MGK, and Robles and Dillon’s voices are auto-tuned to sound sparkly and cyber-y, in a more diluted version of Charlie XCX’s vocals.
Robles and Dillon are constructing their own image as modern pop stars. They are still pretty fresh on the scene, with their spotify’s going back to 2019 and 2018 respectively. Though neither has released a full length album, both have put out EPs and several singles. Robles is from LA, but now based in Brooklyn; he’s played at some of NYC’s iconic spots, such as The Bowery Electric, Mercury Lounge and The Delancey. Dillon is a native East Coaster from New Hampshire. He’s said he moved to Brooklyn in search of confidence as an adult, and has now been featured in numerous publications such as GAYTIMES, BILLBOARD and PAPER.
“don’t listen to this song” is pop-punk, marking a turn for Gregory Dillon from his usual “‘80s stained” sound. Though the instrumentals in “don’t listen to this song” sound computerized, there’s no synth or nostalgia; the song is very present.
With lyrics like “Hate when you hit your vape” and “get the f*** out my face” the duo bridges on satirizing the whole fad of made-for-TikTok songs with obvious lyrics, 15 second choruses and missing bridges. But when the absurdist lyrics are paired with visuals of Dillon and Robles running suburban streets dressed as teletubbies as they do in the promotional materials for this song, it’s more absurdist than mocking, in a fun, albeit unoriginal, way. To see them play live, Robles and Dillon will be at The Public Theater on October 2 and C’mon Everybody on November 15. Pre-save the song here.
Nathaniel Rateliff performing with the Night Sweats at Radio City Music Hall
As the Night Sweats ramped up for their opener “Look It Here” off the band’s self-titled debut album, Nathaniel greeted the crowd with “How’s everybody doing tonight?” pausing to take in the crowd’s roar from a sold out Radio City Music Hall. “It’s a pleasure to be here with you, my name is Nathaniel, we’re here with the Night Sweats, and we sold this place out, thank you!” The band went on to play a well-balanced set with songs across all three of their studio albums, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats (Self-titled), Tearing at the Seams, and The Future, along with a few covers.
Mark Shusterman performs with Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats at Radio City Music Hall
As the band wrapped their eighth song of the night, “So Put Out”, Megafun’s Phil Cook joined Shusterman’s side on stage while Rateliff addressed the theater. “We have an EP coming out to follow up the record.” Rateliff shared, “…and we did another variation of one of the songs off that record called “What If I“. It was mostly Phil’s arrangement and Phil is a good friend and a big part of our family.” In addition to the remixed “What If I”, Phil came back to support Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats with “Out on the Weekend” and their closing song, “I Need Never Get Old”. The audience’s enthusiasm shook Radio City the entire evening, especially for the group’s three-song-encore.
Setlist: Look It Here, I’ve Been Failing, You Worry Me, I’m on Your Side, I’ll Be Damned, Survivor, Baby I Lost My Way, (But I’m Going Home), So Put Out, What If I (Remixed version with Phil Cook), Wasting Time, A Little Honey, Love Me Till I’m Gone, Danny Boy (Cover), Face Down in the Moment, And It’s Still Alright (Nathaniel Rateliff song), Redemption, Hey Mama, Out on the Weekend (with Phil Cook), Coolin’ Out, Intro, I Need Never Get Old (with Phil Cook) Encore: The Future, S.O.B. (with Phil Cook), Love Don’t
NY-based pop band Enrose has dropped their new single “Disease,” the group’s first release since their debut EP Wait, Create in April.
Led by saxophonist-songwriter Gabi Rose, the band’s genre-blurring aim brings together a track with impressive instrumental and tonal variation.
Promotional art for “Disease.”
“Disease” features glossy production from the band’s Anthony Lopardo, with the song opening up with warm saxophone notes and watery guitar chords. The first verse touches on personal isolation, with lines such as “it all came knocking at my door, and now I’m medicating all alone.”
Lyrics such as these come with current event context, with the single’s cover art being a video game depiction of Rose’s struggle through the Coronavirus pandemic, a period of unique difficulty for musicians.
This connection is more explicit on the chorus, on which she sings “no don’t you touch me, I’ve got a disease.” This section displays “Disease” at its most explosive, with blown out drums and interesting EWI touches (electronic wind instrument) leading a catchy and infectious hook.
The track’s vocal performance is just as strong as the instrumental one, as Rose sings smoothly and hits high notes when they come. Verse two shows off the R&B influences on “Disease,” with her adopting a sing/rap vocal delivery that reminisces of genre contemporaries such as SZA.
Switches between musical approaches like these are found from front to back, with the outro featuring a “guitar-inspired” saxophone solo according to Rose.
While relatively new, “Disease” isn’t a rookie effort from Enrose, and it shows. This track that displays a cohesive effort from a group of talented musicians, and it’s one that’s easily enjoyable too.
Formed in 1969, Little Feat, celebrating the 45th anniversary of ‘Waiting for Columbus’, played the stage at Point of the Bluff Vineyards in Hammondsport, NY September 26 and the eclectic crowd was ready to groove.
Although formed in LA in 1969, Little Feat plays a strong Southern rock vibe. A subtle mix of The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Marshall Tucker with a hint of Grateful Dead flow to your ears and get your head bopping and feet tapping.
Kenny Gradney of Little Feat playing in Hammondsport NY
While members have come and gone over the years, the band tours in 2022 with Bill Payne on Keyboards and Vocals; Sam Clayton on percussion and vocals; Fred Tackett on guitars and vocals; Kenny Gradney on the bass; Scott Sharrard doing guitars and Vocals; and Tony Leone banging the drums
Follow the band as they continue on with their commemorative tour Little Feat.
Little Feat at Point of The Bluff Vineyards
Setlist: Join the Band, Fat Man in the Bathtub, All That You Dream, Oh Atlanta, Old Folks Boogie, Time Loves a Hero, Day or Night, Mercenary Territory, Spanish Moon / Skin It Back, Dixie Chicken, Tripe Face Boogie, Willin’, Don’t Bogart That Joint, A Apolitical Blues, Sailin’ Shoes, Feats Don’t Fail Me Now, Let It Roll
In celebration of 50 years of Billy Joel, the renowned concert film “Billy Joel: Live at Yankee Stadium” will be released in theaters worldwide on October 5th and 9th. The legendary 1990 concert is one of the greatest concert films of all time. Originally shot in 16mm film, it has been re-mixed and re-edited in 4k with Dolby ATMOS audio.
The new version includes “Uptown Girl” along with behind the scenes footage not seen in the original release. The film initially premiered on basic cable’s Disney channel on March 17, 1991. It was also released on VHS later that year and nominated for a long form video Grammy Award.
Billy Joel at Sag Harbor Cinema 8.22.22
Last month Billy and his wife Alexis attended a preview of the film at the renovated Sag Harbor Cinema. Joel stepped up to help save the theater after it was destroyed in a village fire in 2016. The cinema stood there for more than 100 years and was the center of the downtown. It reopened in June of 2021 complete with state of the art projectors and sound systems.
Also in attendance were band members Dave Rosenthal, Tommy Byrnes, Crystal Taliefero and Mike DelGuidice. It was surreal for me to watch the film with the man himself sitting just a few feet away. The crowd in the 240 seat theater applauded after each song making it feel more like a live concert rather than a movie.
After the film concluded, there was a Q&A with director Jon Small and producers Steve Cohen and John Jackson. After a few questions from fans, Joel raised his hand to ask… “When do we get something to eat? I’m starving!.” As I left the theater another surreal moment happened when I saw Sir Paul McCartney entering the lobby with his wife Nancy to meet Billy.
Tickets to the October viewings of “Billy Joel: Live at Yankee Stadium” can be purchased here.
