NYS Music 202​2

Category: New York Singles

  • Brooklyn-Based Artist PRONOUN Releases “roe vs gofvckurself”

    Brooklyn-based bedroom pop artist, PRONOUN, has released a new song called “roe vs gofvckurself,” detailing the utter frustration and hopelessness many are feeling with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, which protects the right to get an abortion, among other things.

    PRONOUN
    Alyse Vellturo, aka PRONOUN.

    PRONOUN is the lovechild of Alyse Vellturo, and she is an American singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist making indie-synth music. Billboard named her as one of their breakout indie artists for 2019, and she is also the founder of Sleep Well Records.

    The song is very slow, and gradually picks up speed with guitars and electrifying bass lines. Vellturo encapsulates the dire feelings as she sings, “I was outside having a cigarette/When I first heard the news/Really hard for me to quit smoking/When it feels like i have nothing to lose.” It is short but sweet, as the only emotions that come to mind are anger and shock when hearing the news.

    The end of the song is the most emotional as she sings “And it’s the way you make us feel like nothing at all/Five years later/Burn it all/Burn it down.” Having the essential right to an abortion being taken away from you is scary, especially for women in states that aren’t allowing them and for low income people.

    Overall, PRONOUN encapsulates the emotional and dire feelings surrounding the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and how we all must fight and protest more than we have before to try and get the decision overturned.

  • Karine Hannah Releases Music Video For “Hysteria”

    On July 6, New York-based pop artist Karine Hannah released a new music video for her cover track, “Hysteria.”  The music video is powerfully simple, relying on Hannah’s compelling vocals and the song’s captivating lyrics rather than overly complex visuals.

    Karine Hannah in her music video

    Hannah’s music video and cover of “Hysteria” gives new life to Def Leppard’s title track from their 1987 album.  With bass, a higher-pitched piano riff, and reverberative piano chords, the end result of Hannah’s cover is ethereal. She revives the original song with wonderful vocals over top unique instrumentation and released the track earlier this summer.

    Hannah has been in the pop-music genre for years, catching her big break when her performance on a Canadian television show caught the attention of the international star Celine Dion. Hannah would later go on to perform at Dion’s wedding. Most recently, Karine Hannah has made a name for herself reimagining classic songs, covering beloved tracks in her own style.

    With vocal influences including Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Holiday, and European artists she heard as a child, Hannah molded her inspirations into a sound that is entirely her own. It shows with this latest musical release and video.

    After signing a new management deal with Heart Songs Music Group in 2022, Hannah is currently working on the relaunch of her successful Barbara Streisand tribute tour. Take a listen to Karine Hannah’s reimagined version of “Hysteria” and the accompanying music video below.

  • Davide Pannozzo Releases Emotional Single “Be Blessed”

    Blues singer-songwriter Davide Pannozzo released his new single, “Be Blessed” on July 8, produced by Rolling Stones’ drummer and Grammy award-winning producer, Steve Jordan.

    The emotional five-minute ballad celebrates the love between a father and son with soulful instrumentation to carry the listener through. Contributors on the single feature Will Lee (bass), Clifford Carter (keys), and Davide Rossi on strings for a terrific combination of sound.

    Of the song, Pannozzo shares, “the song wants to be a message to anyone: an invitation to live without fear, embracing the constant changes in our lives with courage and boldness.” Even without relying on lyrics, audiences can get lost in the calming sound and understand the powerful message behind the piece.

    Davide Pannozzo is a NY-based artist with three albums and an EP available on Spotify. Some of Pannozzo’s musical influences include Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Jeff Beck, among others. The musician has studied classical guitar since the age of six, and critics have previously said he is one of the contemporary blues’ most interesting artists.

    The message of love is clear on a track that is beautifully arranged and carefully crafted and is a great addition to the artist’s discography. The talented guitarist is also active on social media, posting content for audiences to listen to and enjoy.

  • Staten Island-born Louyah Drops New Single “Peter Pan”

    Staten Island-born singer-songwriter Louyah dropped his newest music with a single release called “Peter Pan” on June 24.

    Louyah

    Growing up in southern New Jersey, Louyah, also known as Louis Attillio Vigorito, found his passion for music. He began as a vocalist and guitarist in popular metal bands and now is breaking away to form a solo career with a growing fanbase.

    The artists’ music blends together with alt-pop, rock, and elements of R&B is something completely Louyah’s own. “Peter Pan” brings listeners over a two-minute journey of energetic beats, empowering lyrics and vocals, a catchy melody, and leans more into incorporating hip-hop.

    Peter Pan is honestly a shot at the labels. I’ve been ducked/pushed and always set back as an artist. I’ll never let anyone judge me for what I am and who I’m supposed to be. It’s fine they don’t want the music now. I’ll keep pushing and making my dreams come true!

    -Louyah

    The track deals with Louyah’s want to live life unapologetically, with uplifting and empowering lyrics clearly sharing that message. He firmly sings that’s just how I roll / putting on for my team, we gone / lost you in the smoke on the closing lines.

    With music influences such as Young Pwavy, Kevin Boris, Gervs, Dakun and Nick Zullo, as well as the people he surrounds himself with, Louyah has crafted an impressive career thus far. His recent 13-track debut LP, 6FEET hit No. 4 on the iTunes Pop Charts, and based on this new single, this is just the start for the up-and-coming artist.

  • Moon Walker Releases Confrontational New Single and Video “The Price of Life Itself”

    Brooklyn-based alt-rock artist Moon Walker has released his newest single, “The Price of Life Itself,” off of his upcoming sophomore album, The Attack Of Mirrors, set for release on October 21, 2022.

    Moon Walker Sophomore Album Cover
    Photo credit: Madison McConnell

    With reverberated vocals, electric guitar, and gritty lyrics, the new track sheds light on injustices in American society. Moon Walker, also known as Harry Springer, wrote the track in the midst of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 after seeing first-hand the militarized response to a peaceful protest.

    Moon Walker shares that the track is one of his most proud moments lyrically. The music video, directed by returning Madison McConnell, conveys an uneasy sense of reality to its viewers, channeling the themes of Alice in Wonderland.  Taking place in a house covered in ivy, with warm outfits, hazy lighting, and a fish-eye lens, the music video combines groove and defiance into one. 

    It was a moment where I really realized how much my sense of safety, freedom and protection was a facade. Our country’s institutions are all so deeply broken and flawed, that not only do none of them actually accomplish what they set out to, they likely have the opposite effect. The entire ethos of the song can be summarized in one of the final lyrics: ‘We can stay above the water, while still lending a hand to those who sink.’ That is the price of life itself.

    – Moon Walker

    Harry Springer coined Moon Walker at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, passing the time by selling songs to various sound libraries. All of his music is composed, produced, and performed in his bedroom, but the sound is fit for much more than that. 

    Moon Walker photoshoot for new album
    Photo Credit: Madison McConnell

    After sudden success on the viral video-making app Tik Tok, Moon Walker’s first seven-track album, Truth to Power, rose to light. Artists such as Justin Hawkins praised Moon Walker for his work, and he is back with his sophomore effort on The Attack of Mirrors out early this fall.

    The second album from Moon Walker will see a more maximalist, experimental approach than compared to his previous work. With powerful, thought-provoking lyrics and a unique sound, the new album is sure to have success.

  • Wilder Maker Release New Single “A Professional” Featuring Felicia Douglass

    Brooklyn-based indie-rock band Wilder Maker released their newest single, “A Professional” on June 27 from their upcoming album, Male Models, out on July 29 via Western Vinyl. The single features guest lead vocalist Felicia Douglass of Dirty Projectors and Ava Luna.

    Photo credit: Ebru Yildiz

    Made up of musicians Gabriel Birnbaum, Nick Jost, and Sean Mullins, Wilder Maker began with a series of self-releases and home recordings before debuting music such as “New Streets” (2017), and Zion (2018) to much acclaim. Their upcoming Male Models album was live-recorded over several days and includes an impressive lineup of guest vocalists.

    The track, “A Professional” is one of twelve songs on Male Models. Although the lead vocalist and songwriter of Wilder Marker, Birnbaum, does not sing on the track, Douglass’ vocals shine right in the start. Her voice carries the song’s message of isolation with feeling. With simple chords eventually overlaid with drum beats and other instrumentation, the track blends together beautifully.

    ’A Professional’ dips into the feeling of digital isolation … the way the physical world has become less real and more ghostly, less mysterious and more quantifiable. It’s inspired by this recurring experience I have, usually traveling, where I’ve been alone all day and I suddenly want to connect very badly with people I care about. I fire off several texts and sit there waiting for the phone to light up, with this strange feeling that everyone I know might have vanished.  As soon as I imagined Felicia singing this song, I knew she’d be perfect for it, and she was. I’m so happy and grateful she was able to do it.

    – Songwriter Gabriel Birnbaum

    The upcoming Male Models features more guest lead vocalists, including an impressive line-up of Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Katie Von Schleicher, Felicia Douglass, Alex Schaaf (Yellow Ostrich), V.V. Lightbody, and Mutual Benefit. Across the 12 songs on the album, audiences will find electrified soul, heartfelt folk songs, indie rock, and more.

    Birnbaum drew from a wide array of inspirations for the album, including everything from American novelist James Salter, the NBA playoffs, to Thin Lizzy and the topic of masculinity. After making music for nearly a decade together, Wilder Maker is set for the release of yet another energetic album – stay tuned for July 29.

  • Piper Page Refuses to Settle For ‘Breadcrumbs’

    Navigating relationships as a young adult is akin to walking a maze blindfolded, often never knowing where you truly stand. While the term “dating” remains a pseudonym for two people getting to know one another, Gen-Z has developed its own distorted relationship standing, where the two parties are neither “just friends,” nor committed, yet are dependent on one another. On the single “Breadcrumbs,” Piper Page brings transparency to a messy situation.

    The song came right from a personal experience with my ‘ex-who-wasn’t-really-my-ex.’ We had an on-again, off-again relationship for several months and it inspired me to write about the concept of ‘breadcrumbing’ which I had just come to learn about.

    Breadcrumbing is defined by Urban Dictionary as “the act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal text messages in order to lure a sexual partner without expending much effort.” The song “Breadcrumbs,” is a soulful ballad that sees the 21-year-old Brooklyn native cleanse herself of her situation-ship. Remaining brutally honest about her standing within this cycle of ambiguity.

    Piper Page’s songwriting paints a vivid picture as she recounts a common tale within the current social media based dating scene. While infidelity has alway played a part in relationships, Piper Page captures the essence far less desirable role of “best-friend, with a little romance and flirting in the DMs.”

    The meanings are supposed to be completely obvious and relatable. Navigating dating is recognizing that at a certain point, you just have to say what you mean. Instead of always thinking someone is going to know what you mean.

    The record is one in a slew of singles from the songstress in anticipation of her upcoming album, Based on True Events. Singles like “Do You Want Me Or Not?” and “Risk” follow similar themes of “experiences with dating and exploring relationships as a young adult for the first time.” Yet, Piper Page’s polished vocals gives each record a mature feel.

    https://youtu.be/TLKaCFMZsM4

  • Pop-punk Baby Got Back Talk Release Single and Video for “Model Minority”

    New York City-based pop-punk band Baby Got Back Talk debuted their latest single and music video for “Model Minority” off their upcoming Wiretap Records debut EP, Existential Shred, due out in September.

    The band was originally formed in 2017, consisting of G’Ra Asim (vocals/bass), Rhiana Hernandez (keyboard), and Jake Lazaroff (guitar/vocals).  After years of sharing bills with acts like Choked Up, Universe Ignore Her, and Gibbons, Wes Ruiz (drums) was eventually brought into the band’s fold.

    Baby Got Back Talk likens this new single to Keri Hilson’s “Pretty Girl Rock,” – where “Model Minority” is a rallying cry for queer people and people of color. The accompanying music video directed by Carla Troconis is a homage to My Chemical Romance’s “I’m Not Okay (I Promise) with a more modern twist. The band also teamed up with producer John Naclerio and Nada Recording Studios for their latest EP.

    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 like-minded community, resonant with the most venerable iterations of rock ‘n’ roll but firmly committed to injecting some new flavor into the mold.

    – Baby Got Back Talk

    Previously named one of AfroPunk’s Top 8 Punkest Bands on the Planet, some of the band’s performances include the AfroPunk Festival in 2019 and Punk Island the year before. Their full-length album, Genre Reveal Party, was mixed by Paul Leavitt who has worked with All Time Low, Senses Fail, and Yellowcard in the past.

    To keep up with the band, you can find them on socials @babygotbacktalk across platforms and at babygotbacktalk.com.

  • Marina Laurendi Releases Nostalgic New Single “Neighborhood Kids”

    Buffalo-based indie singer-songwriter Marina Laurendi has released her second single “Neighborhood Kids” of her Stay Mine EP releasing this August.

    Neighborhood Kids – Mariana Laurendi

    “Neighborhood Kids” is a sweet and summertime hometown ballad. It starts with simple acoustic guitar, piano and light synth until it culminates with the bluesy electric guitar solo ending. The folksy Americana vibe reminiscent of Brandi Carlile, melancholic indie pop evoking Lana Del Rey, and an edgier blues sound with notes of Gary Clark Jr. could be sensed from this song. The lyric video of “Neighborhood Kids” will be released on Monday, June 27th.

    Marina Laurendi is a unique singer-songwriter who fuses elements of cinematic pop, alternative rock, and singer-songwriter lyricism. She was also a theatre performer and moved to NYC shortly after college to perform Off-Broadway and around the East Coast. However, as she returned to her hometown of Buffalo during the pandemic, she explored her roots with the “everything happens for a reason” attitude. Her music is heavily influenced by the pulse of the city along with the quiet nostalgia of her roots

    I wrote “Neighborhood Kids” after coming back home after years of living away. Seeing and re-experiencing my hometown in the summertime as an adult hit me with a wave of nostalgia-driving down the neighborhood streets at sunset, reconnecting with people I hung out with in high school- all of it brought back this youthful sense of rebellion, curiosity, and a sense of suburban restlessness that summed up my entire youth pretty well.

    Marina Laurendi

    She sums it up perfectly at the end of the song when she croons, “Bittersweet baby, I got nothing to chase it. The music’s been here but we don’t wanna face it. Nothing feels different when I’m hanging with the neighborhood kids.”

    Marina will be performing this summer at Griffon Gastropub in Lewiston on July 9, and at Gallo Coal Fire Kitchin in Lewiston on August 7. For more info visit her webpage.

  • Stevexcooper Releases Imaginative New Single “Water Wings”

    Brooklyn-based artist stevexcooper has just dropped his new single “Water Wings,” sharing open-hearted tales of human connection in all its glory, from romance, awkwardness, and uncertainty.

    stevexcooper by Pete Gibson

    Recognized by Wonderland Magazine, stevexcooper has embossed within the music business for nearly 20 years. He earned credits in writing, recording and performing, as well as collaborated with Grammy nominees. He has also previously co-produced London’s ATO (MCMXCV) alongside platinum artist EDEN, which garnered on-air support from pop star Tom Grennan and multiple BBC Radio 1 DJs.

    stevexcooper

    Influenced by the artists Aphex Twin and Squarepusher, stevexcooper expressed his fond of “capturing the sound of worlds breaking”. His works are also described as left-wing pop and rap, his music bends stereotypical genres, creating dynamic beats and a uniquely exclusive sound.

    The recently unveiled “Water Wings” feat with Rothstein is off of the pair’s upcoming collaborative EP, What Are You Made Of?, which was written in Brooklyn over the course of a year and a half. The uptempo “Water Wings” demonstrates Rothstein’s polished pop songwriting over Cooper’s off-kilter anthems. Delicate chiming synths and syncopated beats provide the backdrop for Rothstein’s glossy vocals, as he sings “It’s contagious, the way that you’re so sure we’ll be alright.”

    This is my first producer project release that’s about relationships. I’m excited about the prospect of not only switching genres with abandon, but also switching message and content. They’re pop tracks but without straight up pop sounds. The structures are familiar, but the guts of the place are new.

    stevexcooper