NYS Music 202​2

Category: New York Singles

  • Andrew Thomases Releases New Single “Two Sides”

    On Sept. 9, alt-rocker Andrew Thomases released his newest single, “Two Sides.” With varying instrumentation, the song explores the line between leading an energetic existence and needing time to yourself.

    Andrew Thomases cover art for single with a party in one corner and a single tent in the other

    Hailing from just north of NYC before making the move out to San Francisco, much of Andrew Thomases’ music draws on personal experiences, and this “Two Sides” release is no different. The artist picked up the bass guitar at the age of 12 and continued to pursue music with cover bands in high school and as a DJ at a radio station in college. During the pandemic, Thomases recently picked up his passion again, sharing music and recording new work. 

    Andrew Thomases’ newest single shines with his enthralling vocals and relatable lyricism. He sings, “I wonder why I can’t be that guy who always arrives with fun in his eyes, always happy, now that isn’t me, why can’t I see, happiness ain’t free.” The switch between a slow acoustic guitar and the upbeat rock portions of “Two Sides” really drives Thomases’ message to his audience and listeners straight home.

    Do you ever feel torn between wanting to have an always-effervescent personality and just wanting to hang out alone? Do you long to be the life of the party sometimes, while other times, you just want to stay at home with a good book or show? Does this split depend on your mood at the time? I certainly have these competing desires, so I decided to write a song about it. “Two Sides” explores this split, both in its lyrics and in its music. The song varies between a slow acoustic guitar portion and a more upbeat rocking portion, with driving bass and guitar lines. In the end, the song explains that it is ok to have different personalities at different times.

    – Andrew Thomases

    “Two Sides” is the perfect single and reminder for the ambiverts of the world. The accompanying lyric video also illustrates the sentiment exactly with fun and engaging graphics. With this newest track, Andrew Thomases shares a relatable and genuine experience many people can resonate with.

    Utilizing retro-rock rhythms and melodies that pay homage to the music of the ‘80s and ‘90s alongside conscious lyricism, Thomases’ music captivates. Much of Thomases’ work reflects on our world and society, where he breaks up serious topics with the occasional satire and a keen sense of humor.

    Fans of Thomases’ sound can find him on his website, as well as on Instagram and Facebook. Take a listen to some more of Andrew Thomases’ music with the video below.

  • Jon Batiste Pentatonix and Diane Warren Release Music Video for “Sweet (Single Edit)”

    Iconic artists Jon Batiste, Pentatonix, and Diane Warren have just released the music video for the vibrant song “Sweet (Single Edit)” directed by Matt Earl (Doja Cat, Carlos Santana, G-Eazy, Cordae). The vibrant video features a cameo from Warren and shows each member of Pentatonix as animated characters throughout the clip as a crooning Batiste intermixes with them in an urban cityscape.

    Jon Batiste Pentatonix and Diane Warren Release Music Video for "Sweet (Single Edit)"

    Oscar and multi-Grammy® Award-winning recording artist Jon Batiste developed a fluency in jazz and popular music of all stripes, collaborating with legends from Wynton Marsalis to Prince. In 2022, Batiste’s composing and songwriting will be featured in his large-scale, genre-melding symphonic work “American Symphony,” set to premiere at Carnegie Hall. Jon was even named bandleader and musical director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

    “Life is full of ups and downs. Music is a gift that helps put it all in perspective. This song will find those who need it most,”

    Jon Batiste

    Grammy winning and 13-time Oscar nominated songwriter Diane Warren’s newly released single joins a beyond-impressive songwriting resume that includes countless staples of modern music history including “Because You Loved Me” (Celine Dion), “Can’t Fight The Moonlight” (LeAnn Rimes), and “How Do I Live” (by both LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood). The release of “Sweet (Single Edit)” comes on the heels of the announcement that Warren has been selected to receive an Honorary Oscar as voted by the Academy’s Board of Governors. She is the first songwriter to receive an Honorary Oscar which will be presented at Academy’s 13th Governors Awards in November 2022.

    ‘Sweet’ is like a jolt of positivity right when we need it the most. And there is no one who exudes more  positivity and joy  than the amazing Jon Batiste. To have both Jon and the greatest a cappella group in the world, Pentatonix on my song is a dream come true. Just in time to make everyone’s Summer a little SWEETer.

     ~Diane Warren 

    Three-time Grammy® Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling artist Pentatonix has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and performed for hundreds of thousands of fans at their sold out shows across the globe. Their YouTube channel boasts close to 20 million subscribers, yielding more than 5.5 billion video views.

     
    “We were so honored to collaborate with such musical titans as Jon Batiste and Diane Warren. They’ve brought the world so much love and joy in their music. We hope the people feel like dancin’ and prancin’ when they listen to “Sweet”!”

    Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix. 

    To stream this hit single, click the link here or listen below.

  • Troy Rock Band Gracies Paris Share New Single “Save Yourself”

    Troy rock band Gracies Paris announced their new single “Save Yourself.” The song was recorded by Tim Lynch in NY and mastered by Brian Lucey in LA, who has worked with artists like The Black Keys, Royal Blood, Arctic Monkeys, Ringo Starr, and more.

    Gracies Paris

    Gracies Paris is a Troy-based power pop rock band formed in 2007 featuring Carl Ferritto (vocal and guitar), Eric Buechner (drums), and Randy Rose (bass). They recently released their single “Baby Now” which is a high-energy rock song with pop sensibilities, no different than their newest song. Something that the band does that makes listeners keep tuning is by changing their sound after each song. One single may have a similar sound to the other, but no song is quite the same.

    The new single “Save Yourself” is a high-energy song with a driving disco-era bass line, and whammy bar dives. The song features sarcastic lyrics about self-preservation. The cool part about the song is that it was recorded with a vintage Supro amplifier coupled with a vintage Leslie speaker. It contains heavy guitars with well-sung vocals and album art, which features murky and dark water, and a grim hand coming out the top of it.

    Make sure to listen to Gracies Paris new single “Save Yourself,” out now on all streaming platforms.

  • Max Doud Releases New Single “Spin In Place”

    From Rochester, Max Doud is making major strides in his career by releasing his first single of the year titled “Spin In Place” at just 17 years old. The professionalism and polish that went into this new release is just the beginning of hearing and seeing Doud’s truest capabilities.

    Max Doud Releases New Single "Spin In Place"

    Max Doud is a 17 year old musician (singer/songwriter/guitarist) and a student of Elvio Fernandes’ Roc Academy in Rochester, NY. Max performs all over the city as a solo act, as a duo with drummer Brennan Dornberger (5 Second Rule), and with his Roc Academy band Own the Night. 

    “Spin In Place” is a contemporary rock song, driven by commanding instrumentals and showcases Doud’s vocal ability. The track is the first to be co-written with Steve Sopcheck, helping compliment and fine tune Doud’s musical prowess as a young, evolving musician.  

    Not only is this new release Doud’s first on record musical entry for the year, but it’s also his first single to be released in conjunction with Sin Eater Entertainment. On his new endeavor with Sin Eater Entertainment, he comments: “I am also super exited for my journey to begin with Sin Eater and getting to see the more technical side of creating music and I can’t wait to see where it goes!” 

    Max Doud Releases New Single "Spin In Place"

    Max Doud describes the meaning of his newest single by saying, “The song is about the journey that one would take to reach a goal in life that they have, while everything is still happening all around them whether it’s troubles or triumphs. You still want to reach that goal no matter what and that’s how life is for me right now. I want people to keep chasing their dreams no matter what and continue down their paths in life. This song helps me feel motivated in that sense.”  

    “Yes, he likes to sleep until noon. Yes, he has to be reminded to clean his room. But this kid has been playing solo gigs in bars since he was 12 years old. And did you know he co-wrote his first original song at only 13 years old? He puts 110% into everything he’s passionate about…further proven by the fact he earned a black belt in karate at the young age of 10! Every weekend you can bet you’ll find Max playing somewhere in Rochester, NY…whether it is a solo gig, or with his duo 5 Second Rule with drummer Brennan Dornberger, or his Roc Academy band, Own the Night you can be certain you’ll be entertained!”

    Max Doud

  • Khruangbin and Vieux Farka Touré Release “Tongo Barra” off Upcoming Album

    Musical trio Khruangbin and Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré have released “Tongo Barra,” a preview of their upcoming collaborative album Ali. The project honors Vieux’s late father, Ali Farka Touré, who helped shape African desert blues throughout his career.

    Khruangbin trio pose in front of blue wall with Vieux Farka Touré
    Photo Credit: Jackie Lee Young

    Over five minutes long, “Tongo Barra,” is accompanied by a visualizer of hypnotic patterns. Sung in the Malian Songhai dialect, the single is engrossing and captivating. “Tongo Barra” is a fuse of blues, dub, and groove, as is the highly anticipated album which releases on Sep. 23.

    The single release is the newest from the pairing, with the lead single “Savanne,” released earlier this year with widespread acclaim. All 8 songs included on Ali pay homage to Ali Farka Touré, with a renewed West African blend that Khruangbin and Touré hope reaches new generations and audiences. Ali Farka Touré’s music touched so many and is consistently ranked as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

    Cover art based on the original work ”Homme Du Sahel” by Abdoulaye Konaté, 2015. Courtesy of Primo Marella Gallery, Milan. 

    Prior to the album’s release, the collaborators announced listening sessions at SEY in Brooklyn and Fringe in Paris. Attendees can immerse themselves in the music and enjoy bespoke tea in a respectful setting. Attendees will be selected at random through a ticket lottery with winners chosen on Sep. 9. The pairing will not be in attendance but the event will have voiceover introductions from the artists. For a chance to attend, visit here.

    “Tongo Barra” from Khruangbin and Vieux Farka Touré solidifies the group’s creativity and commitment to honoring a late musical legend. The single pulls you in and the album, Ali, is sure to include tracks created to do the same. Stay tuned for when the full album releases on Sep. 23.

  • Tim Eletto Drops New Single “For a Second”

    Long Island singer/rapper Tim Eletto has released his fifth 2022 single “For a Second,” an ode to positivity and personal honesty while dealing with anxiety and depression.

    It’s a bright and poppy song that reflects the Hofstra University student’s life experience through the construction of two conversations with fictional people across the song’s pair of verses. “I took all of the patterns that I see in people that struggle with this stuff (mental illness) and combined them to make two characters that I think everyone is very familiar with,” says Eletto of “For a Second.”

    Tim eletto
    Artwork in promotion of the single.

    Citing AJR has a major influence, Eletto’s musings about his emotional ups and downs are cast over a light piano melody that keeps the song feeling hopeful even when he drops his moodier lines in the track. The highlight of “For a Second” though is the chorus with its very catchy melody. “I been in the left lane with my eyes closed, ’cause life is too fast but I see it too slow,” he sings.

    Eletto’s other four singles released this year also can be found on Spotify.

    In this song, Tim Eletto has no qualms about letting the listener see his full self. His lyrics are straightforward, his melody is optimistic, and the track’s themes are genuine and personal. “For a Second” is a successful exercise in using music as a therapeutic outlet.

  • Sweats Release “Lose My Mind” Off of Upcoming Album

    On Aug. 26, rock band Sweats released their latest single, “Lose My Mind,” off of their forthcoming album, I End Where You Begin, due for release in the coming weeks.

    the sweats

    Different in theme from their previous single release earlier this summer, Sweats grapples with a sense of anger at the state of America today. Of the track, the band shares, “the song is born to a nation where patriotism has become pantomime and division dominates compromise.”

    The political stance of the single is clear to listeners of “Lose My Mind.” With intense rock instrumentation, the emotional turmoil of the track envelops you. Electric guitar riffs, upbeat percussion, and vocals from Travis Durfee along with lyrics pull you in.

    Durfee passionately sings, “He’s got an open carry and closed mind / He’s at the rally / He’s feeling fine.” The lyricism paints a vivid message true to the theme of the song. The single also varies in sound and creative choices on vocals and synth to keep audiences guessing at what may be next.

    From the Finger Lakes region, Sweats consists of Travis Durfee (vocals, guitar), JM Sincock (drums), Rob Kurcoba (bass), Tony DeLuca (keys), and Nick D’Aloisio (guitar). The band channeled the ethos of Rage Against the Machine and Queens of the Stone Age for “Lose My Mind” which was produced in collaboration with Mike Capporizzo of Pyramid Sound in Ithaca. 

    “Lose My Mind,” as the newest release from the Sweats, is a must-listen. The track is available now on all streaming services. The upcoming album, I End Where You Begin, is also available for pre-order here.

  • Cory Singer Shares Single and Video “I Still Love You”

    NY/NJ-based singer-songwriter Cory Singer has released his newest single and video for “I Still Love You.” Released on Aug. 5, the visuals of the video capture the emotional experience of reminiscing over a love that got away.

    Cory Singer leaning back looking up on his new single cover.

    The lyrics tackle the turmoil of looking back on past relationships, with Singer vocalizing, “I don’t need another once upon a time / the one and only thing I want in the whole wide world is you.” With a powerful presence, gentle backing piano, and strings, “I Still Love You” brings nostalgia and longing to listeners. 

    This is the most vulnerable song I have ever written. It is my true story of Love and Heartbreak.

    – Cory Singer

    The music video is purposefully simple, allowing viewers to focus on Singer as he reflects and sings about his heartbreak. The song’s message is brought to life in the accompanying music video, with Singer’s emotive expressions driving the theme home. 

    “I Still Love You” is the latest release from Cory Singer, who has built a name for himself as a sensation on TikTok. The artist promotes positivity and inspires others by sharing his personal experiences with autism. Singer is also on the I Am Able Foundation‘s board of directors and an ambassador for the Sound Mind Network.

    Take a listen to the latest release from Singer, below, and follow him on social media. 

  • J-LINE Drops End-Of-Summer Hit ‘If I Don’t Have You’

    NYC-based LGBTQ dance-pop artist J-LINE is dropping his instantly catchy new dance pop hit “If I Don’t Have You” on August 19. The song is an upbeat yet lyrically haunting track about letting go of an ex, right before the end of the summer. Thus, allowing listeners to dance out their own feelings of loss and loneliness

    J-LINE Drops End-Of-Summer Hit "If I Don't Have You"

    Using elements of 80’s synth-pop and modern dance music, the track “If I Don’t Have You” brilliantly captures that post-breakup feeling without falling into despair. Because of it’s upbeat tempo and memorable lines like, “I sit and wait for you at a table set for two” and “I know I sound desperate but I’m crazy and I can’t forget about you.”

    J-LINE has described his newest hit as “seeing your ex as an ethereal being/ghost that haunts you every minute of your life. As you walk downtown, as you sleep, when you feel the summer breeze on your face. Every second brings back a memory until you get to such a fragile emotional space you’re someone who’s ‘haunted’. It’s about that desperate attempt to reconcile, ignore all the issues in the relationship and plead with your ex to ‘come back’ to you.”  

    – J-LINE

    J-LINE has gathered over 1 million streams, 2 million youtube views and fans all over the globe with his unique sound. Using a synth electro-pop sound that mirrors the brightness of the late 80’s/early 90s, J-LINE makes the underground music scene feel alive again with an electrifying-80’s twist. “If I Don’t Have You” captures the best of what J-LINE offers, emotionally complex dance music from a queer perspective mixed with a retro yet modern twist.  

    J-LINE will continue to release more music throughout 2022, as well as dazzle crowds with his live show. More recently, including a recent breakout performance to a crowd of well-over 5000 people at the first-ever Montclair Pride.  

    Currently, J-LINE is touring with his “Dirty pop party” concert, where he performs alongside LGBTQ artists (including Myylo, Peppermint, and Dillon Burnside) in major US cities, highlighting what the diverse future of music looks and sounds like. His live set is an energetic blend of choreography, vocals and music that leave audiences electrified.

    To listen to “If I Don’t Have You,” click the link here.

  • Buffalo’s Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band Release “Winning Number” Ahead of New Album

    Buffalo-based Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band is back with another excellent music release. The band released “Winning Number,” on Aug. 12 as the first single off of their upcoming album, Used Cars.

    Formed in 2018, the band consists of longtime friends Timothy Patrick Henderson, Matt DiStasio (drums), and Bub Crumlish on bass. The trio released their debut album, SpaceStation AM500, in 2019, and is set to release their sophomore record, Used Cars, later this season.

    As a single, “Winning Number,” showcases the passion, talent, and promise of what is to come from the upcoming Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band release. With Alice’s raspy vocals, guitar riffs, and settled drums, the classic rock single shines. 

    Alice’s lyricism intricately molds the story of a relationship through the eyes of a partner who wants more for both of them. The melody gets one singing along as Alice heads into the chorus, “I swear you’re gonna see what I mean, ‘cause I bought a winning number and they’re gonna call it out tonight.” Alice’s vocals and lyrics make it easy to imagine the vivid scene he paints as the instrumentation contributes to the longing feeling.

    Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band recorded the single and upcoming album in the middle of a Buffalo snowstorm during the pandemic. The area has always impacted the group’s music, but Timothy Alice described this record as “distinctly Buffalo” with its tone, sound, and concept. 

    Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band single cover art with a house and parked car.

    With catchy hooks, a unique combination of sound, and authentic lyricism, “Winning Number,” shines and Used Cars is sure to as well. Stay tuned for when the full album releases later this year for more and keep up to date with the Buffalo-based band on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Bandcamp.