NYS Music 202​2

Category: Profiles

  • Happy Birthday To Harlem’s Very Own A$AP Rocky

    Happy Birthday to one of Harlem’s most influential public figures, A$AP Rocky. The Grammy nominee was born on October 3, 1988 and since has made his mark globally as a fashion icon, trendsetter as well as a versatile rapper. Before reaching double digits, he began rapping, however it was not until 2007 when Rocky’s professional career took off as a member of A$AP Mob. In the years to come, he cemented himself within the music and fashion industries forever.

    A$AP Rocky

    In 2011, Rocky released his first mixtape LIVE.LOVE.A$AP and from then on out, the sky was the limit. If people did not know of the talent within Rocky’s words and his delivery, then they knew from that very moment. His psychedelic album changed the game as he broke away from traditional New York rap. His hit songs “Peso” and “Purple Swag” had everyone talking about who Rocky is and wondering what’s next on his agenda.

    In 2012, he made his first guest appearance on the Jimmy Fallon Show, to reveal his talents to an ever-growing fanbase, where he performed his newly released top single “Goldie”. All within the same year, he extended his discography with another hit song, featuring the legendary Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, on “F**kin’ Problems”. There was no surprise when both topped the charts and went platinum.

    As his debut studio album, LONG.LIVE.A$AP dropped, Rocky, was accoladed with being an essential component of today’s rap game. On this album, he released the record “Fashion Killa”, which accentuated his capability to intertwine rap with fashion so effortlessly. His debut, along with his sophomore album AT. LONG. LASt. A$AP, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album charts.

    Although Rocky stayed true to himself, he undoubtedly improved throughout the longevity of his career. Unlike others within the music industry, Rocky allocated his time to maintaining his status as a fashion muse, alongside his rapping career. In 2014 he appeared in the DKNY Spring campaign, as well as the Dior Homme’s fall campaign in 2016. Additionally, collaborations with Guess, Under Amour, J.W. Anderson, Calvin Klein and more revolutionized the way rappers, especially from New York were perceived. His cultural influence on the music and fashion industries were nothing less than monumental.

    As for now, Rocky is cherishing a new beginning with his iconic girlfriend, legendary artist, businesswoman and creative genius, Rihanna, a description which only scratches the surface of how powerful she is. The two first collaborated together in 2012 on her single “Cockiness”, whereas he later joined her during Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour. In Rocky’s hit song “Fashion Killa”, Rihanna was featured as the “It girl” and the rest was history. Today, Rocky welcomes his first child with whom he describes as the “love of my life.” He recently released his debut directional video called “D.M.B.” featuring Rihanna, which showcases “a ghetto love tale”.

    Although Rocky is a new father, his career is from over. In fact, his upcoming album is almost ready to be introduced to the world, as he wraps up his visuals for it. Back in 2018, Rocky released his third studio album Testing, but now he has declared to be pushing himself to the limit with his latest masterpiece.

    Going from that industrial, subversive sound from Testing and then graduating with a more polished sound…I just like where it is.

    Asap Rocky

    As a significant representative of this generation’s hip hop artists, his elevated style will always live on. His creative ability to synthesize rap history, while staying true to his own unique sound is what led him to the success he has today. Once again Happy Birthday to A$AP Rocky, and may his impact forever live on.

  • Jellz Is Back and Wants to Run it up til ‘Infinity’ With Newest Single

    After a hiatus in-between singles, Brooklyn bred rapper Jellz is back with his latest effort, “Infinity.” In his return from his musical sabbatical, he introduces a new version of himself. His prior releases like “Bullsh*t” and “Ghost” saw Jellz try his hand at his own wave of drill music. Bringing an extravagant feel to the violent-laden sub-genre. With a renewed focus and plan, Jellz returns to show fans that he has more in his bag.

    Shot while on vacation in Los Santos, Colombia, the music video for “Ghost (Freestyle)” saw Jellz bring much more flair than the drill scene is accustomed to.

    I still have drill music in the bag, but I’m more than just a drill artist. I have a lot of different flows, and feel like I’m just an artist honestly. So I wanted to give the fans a little something different this time around. In the future you’ll be hearing a lot of drill type beats mixed with my own melodies.

    His New Single

    The auto-tune laced “Infinity” brings the feel-good ambience of life’s never ending chase for success. In an enticing opening chorus, Jellz raps, “I done made some friends made some enemies, I can’t f**k with ni***s that move finicky, I just wanna ball with my day ones, know we got the sauce keep it A1.”

    Jellz spends much of his time away from the States

    The song’s theme of never-ending success keep in theme with what he wants to bring to the rap game. Since his initial release, he has amassed over 400 thousand streams and another 400 thousand in YouTube views, while remaining self-funded. Contrary to other rappers, rap isn’t the means to success, it’s one of the many avenues in running it up til infinity.

    It’s been a while since I wrote it, but I think it’s just a culmination of life and what I want from it. One of my biggest values are friends and family, and I plan on living a great life with them in the future, and we all plan on achieving the goals we set for ourselves. In the song I talk about what the song has already brought and taught me. I’m also manifesting a lot of my future self in it.

    In like manner, Jellz has operated his short rap-career as an extension of the life he has created for himself. The music video for “Ghost” was shot while on vacation in Los Santos, Colombia. In it, Jellz presents himself with a Jefe-like persona, surrounded by local women in bathing suits and ski masks. In the “Bachata” visuals, he channels his inner Escobar while in the South American republic, segueing between a game of soccer and a night out with a dame.

    What’s the next Step?

    Although brimming with career know-how beyond his years, Jellz’ obstacle remains his consistency. Despite success on visuals and streams from his singles, months usually go by in-between Jellz releases. Something he knows can be the difference in career trajectory.

    I want to be more consistent this time around, with the releases and with the content. So, I was just taking time off to build my arsenal so I can be more consistent this time around. Because I know consistency is the final piece to the puzzle to get me where I want to be.

    Expect a few more singles from Jellz until a project is released

    Although family oriented, Jellz spends much of his time away from the states, citing New York City’s cold weather as the reason for his long respite’s. “I can record from anywhere in the world, but I still have my engineer from back home mix it for me,” he divulges. As cold temperatures near, expect Jellz to be somewhere warm, where he can create better. As for the next drop? Expect a slew of singles until he feels the time is right. Much like on “Infinity,” Jellz’ success cannot be rushed.

    I don’t really do empty lyrics, a lot of the time my words do have a lot to of with my situation, or what I want my future to bring

  • Rising Like a Phoenix, Kelli Baker Never Fails to Impress

    The Long Island music scene has a star with a trajectory rising like a Phoenix out of the music halls around town. Meet Kelli Baker, a transplant from Arizona, who has momentum unlike anyone.  This soulful singer is a cross between Amy Winehouse and Susan Tedeschi. Her original music erupts in an emotional whirlwind as she draws you in. 

    I had the chance to interview Kelli Baker on The Long Island Sound podcast back in June and her rise to prominence has been something to behold. After the passing of her dad several years ago, Kelli packed her bags and headed for Huntington Village, on the Northshore of Long Island.  Her energetic live performance is insync with her go-for-it attitude and work ethic.  Continuing with skills in hospitality, Kelli worked several jobs while gigging around the village with her bag of cover songs and an occasional original song snuck into the mix. 

    With a chuckle in her voice, this starling belts out emotional verses with the ease of a carnival barker. She connects with her audience as she calls us into the curiosity of her sideshow.  The circus of sideshow gigs as a result has landed Kelli on the main stage. She was recently signed to the parade of Sony Music artists this past January under the Bad Jeu Jeu CDX Record label.  

    The hard work and song writing has seemed to have payed off, as she landed Monster Cables as a sponsor and just a few days ago She also landed a spot on Spotify’s Editorial Playlist, Blues Roots among some of the top names in the business, Jon Baptist, Tedeschi Trucks, and The Black Keys.

    Blood on the Nile 

    Her recent single release, Blood on the Nile hit the airwaves on September 9th. Recorded in Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, It features another guest on the podcast, Brother Dave (Solomon) . Dave is an excellent slide and lap steel guitar player also featured as a guest on the podcast. 

    Kelli Baker acoustic guitar
    Kelli Baker
    Kelli Baker – Blood On the Nile

    The song, Blood on the Nile invites you in with the call of a pedal steel guitar, and slowly builds to a crescendo of emotion as Kelli exudes a passion that only a heart with scars can comprehend. Her catalog of songs are deep and insightful. The track, Cathedral released early in 2020 sets a scene as the bells toll for thee and me. The exploration of Kelli’s music has just begun for me. She tailored her sound both as a solo performer in the music halls, wineries, bars and pubs, from North Shore to the South Shore and to points East on the Island. 

    Gathering excellent band members around her, Ms. Baker embarked on a Summer tour along the East Coast to excellent reviews.  This past month the Kelli Baker duo opened for the all female Swedish band, Thundermother at the Paramount in Huntington.  

    This exploration into Kelli Baker’s music has just begun. I could wax poetic with flowery prose, but after seeing her performance at the Blue Point Brewery, this past August, I left the venue having gone through a memorable experience, weary with emotion and thirsting for more.

  • Bluegrass Among the Damn Tall Buildings

    Bluegrass grows among the Damn Tall Buildings in Brooklyn. Music discovery is quite an expedition; you never know what you’re going to find. Brooklyn is a melting pot, with its cacophony of beautiful genre influences, which can be heard moment by moment as you walk down its litered city streets. Discovering the band, Damn Tall Buildings is an absolute joy. 

    Assembled now as a trio, this Americana-Bluegrass band hails from various points around America, from Montana, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire. Max Capistran is the main lyricist, playing guitar and banjo while contributing vocals. Avery Ballotta, plays the fiddle and banjo and vocal harmonies. Sasha Dubyk completes the vocal trifecta with her beautiful voice while playing the Upright Bass. 

    damn tall buildings

    On September ninth, they released their latest album, Sleeping Dogs. Playing their album and getting to know the band, I interviewed two members on the The Long Island Sound podcast. Max Capistran, and Avery Ballotta recounted their beginnings and their decade -long relationship which resulted in a friendship that is clearly exposed in their newly released album. Starting out as buskers on Newbury Street in Boston, they began touring nationally, and then moved the band to Brooklyn in 2017. They connect in the day to day interactions and hope their music brings joy to be spread around.

    “Our innate desire is to connect with people on a level that’s beyond day-to-day interaction. Our hope is that the joy that making this music brings us will somehow get passed along to the people listening, which they can then take with them to pass along to someone else. It’s a shared celebration of positive energy, and that’s what keeps us cooking.”

    Damn Tall Buildings

    Popping their album, Sleeping Dogs into my car CD player, yes I still have a CD player, I was able to digest the essence of their music into my subconscious. The result brought a smile to my face and a hop in my step.It may do the same for you. 

    The curiosity lies in wondering why three people from diverse parts of our country would decide to settle Brooklyn? I have been to Montana. Fearing an extended stay would keep me in that heavenly place, my vacation soon ended and I was back to the  familiarity of taxes and traffic on Long Island. Why anyone, with roots in paradise, would transplant themselves to Brooklyn is still a mystery. No disrespect to the “forgetta-bout-it” borough, but I wonder why?   Maybe this new resignation from a rural existence is a lesson on how to immerse yourself into a metropolitan culture to get your creative juices flowing.

    A Band Built on a Solid Foundation

    New Album “Sleeping dogs”

    Damn Tall Buildings has been around as a group for the past ten years,  Max, Avery (a.k.a. Montana) and Sasha  met in college at the Berkelee School of Music in Massachusetts. They honed their craft by literally playing on the street.  What a great incubator for this Bluegrass-Americana band to grow. You’ll find that the album, Sleeping Dogs, is much more than a toe-tapping exercise in Bluegrass-Swing style music.The band invites us into their living room to experience their music. Their style is stripped down to the essentials, a standup bass plucked by Sasha, Banjo, a guitar fenesed by Max  and Montana’s fiddle bringing it all together. Add some select harmonies, the twang of Max’s voice and you’ve got something special.

    Their sound fits like an old coat, that’s weather worn, yet comfortable. A cloth that carries you through the seasons of your musical journey. The band makes you feel at home, warmed by the fires of a hearth, alongside your sleeping dog.   

    Discovering a well-spring of talent in New York is a worthwhile endeavor. The streams of creativity in Brooklyn and the rest of Long Island may have many flavors and are drawn from distant sources, but the satisfaction comes from drinking it all in. 

    Until next time, be generous with your joy, and let the music take you on a journey!

    The Long Island Sound Podcast can be found at GigDestiny.com or wherever you listen to your podcasts. We feature original singer/songwriters and showcase some of their songs, as you get to know the artist behind the music.

  • In Focus: City Girls at The New York State Fair

    City Girls headlined at The Great New York State Fair on Sept. 4. The bold rap duo and hip-hop stars debuted on the Chevy Park stage within the New York Experience Festival Grounds, sponsored by Chevrolet. Despite the light rain throughout the set, City Girls presented a remarkable show to a large-scale audience. 

    Miami-based rap duo, City Girls, consists of JT and Yung Miami. They made an abrupt entry into the music industry by making a guest appearance on Drake’s top charting single “In My Feelings,” in 2018. Currently, City Girls are touring with Jack Harlow for the Come Home The Kids Miss You Tour.

    The City Girls DJ, Fat Boy Rhymer warmed up the crowd to popular rap songs including, “Mo Bamba,” by Sheck Wes, “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” by Hitkidd and GloRilla, and “Super Gremlin,” by Kodak Black. The crowd went absolutely wild when Rhymer asked, “are you ready for City Girls?!”

    DJ Fat Boy Rhymer kept the beats rolling as City Girls ran out on stage to “Take Your Man.” Those in the crowd sitting, stood up recording on their cell phones with the flash on, and cheered for the duo. While rapping and dancing, Yung Miami and JT alternated working each side of the stage. The audience remained excited and danced throughout the act.

    Near the end of the set, the duo brought a few fans on the stage to dance with them. Don’t miss City Girls when they stop at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on October 7. Check out their full tour dates below!

    City Girls Tour Dates

    Sep. 05 – Andrew J Brady Icon Music Center – Cincinnati, OH

    Sep. 06 – Nashville Municipal Auditorium – Nashville, TN

    Sep. 08 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX

    Sep. 10 – 713 Music Hall – Houston, TX

    Sep. 11 – Moody Center – Austin, TX

    Sep. 13 – Arizona Federal Theatre – Phoenix, AZ

    Sep.16 – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA

    Sep. 17 – Viejas Arena – San Diego, CA

    Sep. 20 – Kia Forum – Los Angeles, CA

    Sep. 23 – Wamu Theater – Seattle, WA

    Sep. 24 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC

    Sep. 25 – Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Portland, OR

    Sep. 27 – Maverik Center – Salt Lake City, UT

    Sep. 28 – 1stBank Center – Broomfield, CO

    Sep. 30 – The Armory – Minneapolis, MN

    Oct. 01 – Credit Union 1 Arena – Chicago, IL

    Oct. 02 – Fox Theatre – Detroit, MI

    Oct. 05 – Coca-Cola Coliseum – Toronto, ON

    Oct. 07 – Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY 

    Oct. 08 – The Liacouras Center – Philadelphia, PA

    Oct. 10 – MGM Music Hall at Fenway – Boston, MA

    Oct. 11 – The Anthem – Washington, DC

    Oct. 14 – FPL Amphitheatre at at Bayfront Park – Miami, FL

    Oct. 15 – Yuengling Center – Tampa, FL

    Oct. 16 – State Farm Arena – Atlanta, GA

  • Austin Jay Brings the Passion to R&B With ‘Loving on You’

    Manhattan-born pop/r&b singer, Austin Jay, brings the heat with his latest single, “Loving on You.” Released in anticipation of his debut EP, “Loving You” follows the release of “All I Wanna Do,” his debut single. In a short period of time the passionate wailer has amassed over 50 thousand streams on each of his singles.

    After graduating from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Austin Jay embarked on his musical career. Classically trained in piano and voice, he earned his promising newcomer status in 2019 with covers of Khalid’s “Location” and Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes” gaining a significant following on Instagram for his soulful and imaginative Gen- Z reinterpretations of popular songs.

    Stylistically, Austin Jay can fill a void within the r&b realm. While the too-cool-for-school crooners have their place, they don’t fully encapsulate the love and vulnerability that r&b is rooted in. A proper love ballad requires a certain kind of indifference to public perception. A generational trend that Austin Jay is aware of, yet embraces.

    Loving on You is about the infatuation of new love. It’s about finding someone that you really care about and telling them, and not being ashamed of love. A lot of people think dramatic declarations of love are corny/cheesy, but really it’s healthy and needed more in life.

    – Austin Jay

    On “Loving On You” Austin Jay reverts to the impassioned, romance-laden croons of r&b’s heyday. In fact, the music video itself is a nod to r&b hits of the past, as Jay shirtless-ly serenades his love interest on a secluded California beach.

    Despite his r&b talents, Austin sees himself growing into the likes of Dominic Fike, Khalid, and Bruno Mars, an aggressive, all-genre artist with strong vocals. He performed as the lead singer of the nationally touring band ‘Earth to Mars’, growing his fanbase and earning his performance chops. Now a more complete artist, Austin Jay looks to cement himself as a player in the r&b world.

  • In Focus: 24kGoldn at The New York State Fair

    24kGoldn headlined at The Great New York State Fair on Friday, September 2. Following performances on Wiz Khalifa and Logic’s Vinyl Verse Tour, the rapper debuted on the Chevy Park stage within the New York Experience Festival Grounds. Under the yellow stage lights, 24kGoldn presented an incredible show to a large interactive audience.

    A San Francisco native, 24kGoldn burst into the music industry with the success from the release of his single “Valentino” in January 2019, receiving over 371 million streams on Spotify. His music genre ranges from punk and alternative to pop and rap. Driven by a TikTok viral trend, 24kGoldn’s song with Iann Dior, “Mood,” set music chart records by becoming the first song ever to top four Billboard Music Charts at the same time.

    @24kgoldn

    #stitch with @cameronghassemi i knew i felt sumn in there!

    ♬ original sound – 24kGoldn

    The lights dimmed and 24kGoldn ran on stage full of energy to “Valentino.” Immediately, fans in the crowd jumped out of their seats. He worked each side of the stage equally, especially during the performance of “Coco,” featuring DaBaby where he assigned each side of the audience to chant “Coco” or “Chanel.”

    Closing the show, 24kGoldn performed “Mood,” and the crowd sang along. His stage presence is outstanding, with an effortless way of working an audience.

  • Rochester Artist Sam Nitsch Releases New Album

    Rochester artist Sam Nitsch is releasing his brand new album Under the Influencer, which expands on common criticisms of social media.

    sam nitsch
    Photo Credit: Maddy Nguyen.
    v

    Nitsch originates out of Rochester and is a multi-instrument recording artist and has been a member of several orchestras and chamber ensembles, eventually becoming an awarded concertmaster of the NY Conference All-State String Orchestra.

    He has provided backup vocals for Josh Groban’s summer tour during his stop in Saratoga Springs and performed for Rochester Philharmonic League Young Artists Auditions Winners Recital and the Rochester Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

    Sam Nitch’s second album Under the Influencer comes out on Aug. 26, and it is written about the common criticisms of social media, and how it can be harmful to those who compare themselves to others. He wrote this during the pandemic when suddenly everyone became isolated.

    His most recent single “Follow Me” is an upbeat, chill song with lyrics about social media and cancel culture. The chorus “Follow me/Like what I do/Tell all your friends to follow too/What can I say?/It’s what I do/Find what you want,” is a good comment about society and social media, and how we are so concerned with our followers and who is following us, it is addicting.

    The brand new album from Sam Nitsch called Under the Influencer is out now on all streaming platforms.

  • Happy Birthday to the Lead Singer of the Strokes, Julian Casablancas 

    Best known as lead vocalist and main songwriter for the infamous band The Strokes, Julian Casablancas turns 44 years old today, August 23. Julian has played a significant role in influencing the revival of 1960’s alternative garage music in the early 2000’s.  

    Born in New York City on this day in1978, Julian Casablancas cites The Doors as one of his earliest musical influences, though he specifies that he was influenced by their musical style rather than the public image of their vocalist and lead singer Jim Morrison. He has also cited Lou Reed of The Velvet Underground as a major influence on his lyrics and singing style. 

    As a solo artist, Casablancas set out with an intention to say what was on his mind, both musically and lyrically. Speaking of his experience as a solo artist versus releasing music with The Strokes, the singer has put it simply, “It’s like touring with me or with five of me,” meaning that each member has their own opinionated state of mind. 

     While such statements raised much concern for the relations between the band members, Casablancas claims that in pursuit of a solo career, he is protecting the integrity of the [Strokes] vibe. In having a musical project separate from The Strokes, he can “chase down any idea [he] wants”, which he would refrain from doing with the band. 

    Being the lead vocalist and songwriting in The Strokes sparked a major revival of 1960s alternative rock music, starting in New York City. With their unique alternative sound, the Strokes have inspired many known alternative artists today. 

    Overall, Casablancas has served as a major inspiration for musicians like Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys and the painter Elizabeth Peyton. Courtney Love‘s song “But Julian, I’m a Little Bit Older Than You” from her debut solo album America’s Sweetheart (2004) was written about Casablancas.

  • The Strokes Revival Changed Early 2000’s Alternative

    The Strokes are an alternative rock band from New York City, often credited with influencing the revival of 1960s-style rock in the early 21st century. The band was formed in 1998 and was arranged by singer Julian Casablancas, guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr., bassist Nikolai Fraiture, and drummer Fabrizio Moretti. 

    How The Strokes became “The Strokes“

    Eventually, after playing in clubs throughout New York’s Lower East side, the Stokes revival began to make a name for themselves. For instance, The Strokes sold out shows such as The Capitol Theater. But why are the Strokes called The Strokes in the first place?

    The band’s bassist, Nikolai, revealed to NME, “We had a running joke that every time we met up, we had to have a certain number of names. Some were horrible. One day Julian said, ‘How about The Strokes?’ And it was the one name we all didn’t disagree on.” 

    Although The Strokes were becoming very popular in NYC, Albert Hammond Jr is the most business-like out of the band’s members. In the early days, he booked shows and harassed record executives claiming to be the band’s manager, and using the fictitious name, Paul Spencer. 

    While Tom Petty, The Ramones, Blondie, and Television have had a heavy influence on their early sound, The Stroke’s music has inspired numerous artists and created a distinct 2000s alternative sound.

    Bands such as The Killers, Artic Monkeys, The Kooks, MGMT, and more became inspired by their sound and broadened the alternative genre. Along with the White Stripes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Strokes revival helped shape the sound and look of alternative rock in the 2000s. 

    “Is This It” and It’s Aesthetic

    In the 2000s, The Strokes’ unique sound sparked a revival of alternative rock within New York City. Primarily, their recording of “This Is It” has influenced younger teens to have a “late 90s grunge aesthetic.”

    Along with this, frontman Julian Casablancas embodied this look. The aesthetic consisted of using the social media staple Tumblr, worn leather jackets, tattered denim, and cigarettes.

    The Breakup of The Strokes

    The Strokes were big throughout the early 2000s, but over time began to lose their spotlight. The band members began to lose their harmony and took a break from performing together, some took their own ways and started other projects. 

    After some time apart, the band came back together and released their newest album “The New Abnormal” which has been a huge hit with all the millennials.  

    The era of “The New Abnormal” and its Fame

    The Strokes’ newest album, “The New Abnormal,” is a huge hit today. For instance, the song “The Adults Are Talking” is currently trending on social media like TikTok, inspiring kids across the new generation. The album was released on April 10th, 2020, and is their first album in seven years. It’s not every day that a band can come back strong, but using their signature sound and melodies, they have become popularized once again.