Category: Brooklyn

Pimps of Joytime Drop Groovy New Singles “Are You Gonna?” and “Reachin’ Up”

Blending funk, soul, and indie, Brooklyn band Pimps of Joytime showcases their unique artistry on their new single, “Are You Gonna?” The release comes in anticipation of their new album Reachin’ Up, set to release Friday, April 15th. Accompanying this release, the band will be performing at Brooklyn Made with additional shows throughout the country.

Pimps of Joytime

Forming in 2005, Pimps of Joytime embellished the unique Brooklyn culture of the 2000s. After four studio albums, the band has found a unique sound encompassing a multitude of genres. They are unique, and their next album release is set to demonstrate the magnitude of this talent.

The Brooklyn band is no stranger to the soul and funk scenes, and “Are You Gonna?” showcases their experience. Combining Cuban blue rhythms, blues guitar progressions, and a vocal delivery akin to Bob Marley, the band beautifully demonstrates their ability to encompass multiple genres with grace and poise.

Their prior release, “Lesson,” also set to be on the album, further highlights their unique artistry. Pulsating drums and hypnotizing blues guitar capture the immediate attention of the listener. Most prominently, however, Brian Jay displays masterful and unique vocals that give the band its respective personality and flavor. His voice sensationally bounces over the instrumentation in a way that exhibits experience and confidence.

The latest single “Reachin’ Up” features Antibalas‘ shekere player and vocalist Marcus Farrar and singer Carol C (Si*Sé) for a funk and soul track sure to put smiles on people’s faces all spring long. Brian J comments, “‘Reachin’ Up’ originated from a batch of instrumentals I created in a two-week studio bender in 2019. I hit up old friend and early PJT collaborator Marcus Farrar to come work on one of the tracks. Marcus pretty quickly came up with great melody and lyric ideas. I had the lyric ‘Reachin’ Up’ kickin’ around for a few years and it fit perfectly. I hit record and Marcus did his thing with a stellar vocal performance. Carol C of Si*Sé and Pete Shand of New Mastersounds were the missing puzzle pieces who graced this track with an incredible vibe.”

Pimps of Joytime Winter 2022 Tour Dates:

Saturday, February 19 – The Fillmore – Denver, CO

Thursday, March 24 – Starline Social Club – Oakland, CA

Friday, March 25 – The Venice West – Venice, CA

Saturday, March 26 – Mustache Bash – San Diego, CA

Friday, April 15 – Brooklyn Made – Brooklyn, NY

Saturday, April 16 – Park City Music Hall – Bridgeport, CT

Saturday, Apr 30 – The Parish – House of Blues – New Orleans, LA

Saturday, May 28 – Denver Day of Rock – Denver, CO

Saturday, June 11 – Hog Farm Hideaway – Laytonville, CA

For more information on Pimps of Joytime, visit pimpsofjoytime.com

February 11, 2022
The Mommyheads Give 1991 Fan-favorite Bootleg a Proper Release

The Mommyheads’ Swiss Army Knife has never had a proper release. Trapped in obscurity, the long-awaited album will be out February 11th, 2022, for fans to enjoy.

The Mommyheads (Adam Elk, Michael Holt, Dan Fisherman, Jason McNair) are an indie pop band from Brooklyn, who played from around 1987 through 1998. They disbanded for a decade, and then reformed in 2008. After the death of original drummer, Jan Kotik, The Mommyheads re-united for a tribute show in New York City. Shortly after, they decided to reform and record a new album, “You’re Not A Dream.” In 2021, Big Takeover Magazine dubbed Adam Elk and Michael Holt, “two of the best songwriters currently active.”

“Four decades later and the Mommyheads are still undisputed godfathers of Baroque Prog Pop.”
Relix

Swiss Army Knife displays vocals from the wild creativity of Mommyheads songwriter, Adam Elk, who independently recorded these tunes on four-track during his teen years in Brooklyn. The album is striking in it’s eccentricity: schizophrenic wordplay, mind-bending chord structures, acoustic mayhem, and DIY experimentalism all meld together within these colorful song fragments.

Swiss Army Knife, The Mommyheads

When listening to the album, the manic creative energy is infectious throughout. There is an unrelenting playfulness to this set that makes it so enjoyable to listen to. Tracks such as “They Call it Accident,” have a playful, plucking bassline paired with sublime vocals that overall make the track a fun one to listen to.

“If you wanna do music, you have to have a really thick skin. You have to really wanna take the abuse of not making money for years and years.”
says Adam Elk

That most unique aspects of this album are its use of unusual use of instruments and vocals that make the album feel so raw featured in songs like “Freak Out Jam,” “I Won’t Eat Anymore,” and “They’ve Finally Landed.” Other tracks like “Lemon Merengue People” have fun melodies of guitar and vocals that pair with each other.

Another song, “We Are Intertwined,” can be described as having a waltz, up-beat and psychedelic sound. “Canoe Driver” is also another gorgeous piece of baroque pop with glorious melody. The Mommyheads Swiss Army Knife is a masterpiece of 90s-sounding baroque progressive pop.

Swiss Army Knife is available to listen to on Soundcloud.

February 8, 2022
Introducing NYS Music’s Black History Maps
Black history month can be a frustrating time of the year. The opportunity to celebrate the numerous Black vanguards is a great honor. Yet, having to encapsulate so much greatness in only 28 short days is a task in itself. How do you prioritize one Black success story over another? The truth is you can’t, but that doesn’t mean you don’t try.

While limiting the importance of Black people to just entertainment can be negligent to the immense contributions made to math, science, architecture and communication that laid the foundation for the modern world… this is a music website.
And while the likes of Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey’s roles as revolutionaries are to be studied and admired, it is the arts that continues to push pop culture forward. There is no greater form of pop culture now than hip hop, having overtaken rock & roll as the world’s most popular genre. Yet, hip hop would not exist without those that paved the way during the Harlem Renaissance.

Black history is everywhere, and New York State occupies some of the most important landmarks, where countless fabled musicians have inhabited. From The Cotton Club — where entertainers during the Harlem renaissance helped bring Black music to the mainstream — to the Marcy Projects that once housed Jay – Z.
- Cab Calloway.
Our Black History Maps give readers a chance to view the boroughs, neighborhoods and exact addresses where many a Black history that has shaped the world originated from within New York State, and the accompanying stories deriving from such landmarks. A fun interactive feature, the BHM will also serve music aficionados who may want to see just how close they are to where their favorite artist once frequented.
February 6, 2022
Brooklyn Band Endearments Share Video For Coldplay-Inspired “Delicate”

Brooklyn synth-pop project Endearments have released a Coldplay-inspired music video for their original song “Delicate,” off their debut EP Father of Wands.

Endearments and the video for “Delicate.”

The video for “Delicate” is directly influenced by Coldplay’s video for their song “Yellow.” Speaking of the video, singer Kevin Marksson spoke about the influence.

When we decided to make a music video for ‘Delicate’ I knew immediately that I wanted it to be an homage to Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’ video. It’s one of my all-time favorite music videos: beautiful, earnest, simple. Thematically ‘Delicate’ is really the opposite of ‘Yellow’ though. It’s a song about walking away from a bad relationship, so setting the video on an idyllic beach didn’t feel right. Filming on the street in Bushwick felt like the perfect way to pay tribute to the original while still being true to this song.
Kevin Marksson, Endearments.

Marksson recently began writing and composing for himself for the first time in over a decade, after his previous band ended. He chose the name for this project because he wanted to convey a sense of affection, though the music he makes is sad.

Father of Wands uses brilliant basslines and dream-pop aesthetics to tell the story of Marksson’s own heartbreak and healing. The title of the EP comes from tarot cards, as the Father (or King) is the ultimate card in the suit of Wands, which lets Marksson be guided to a place of healing.

Endearments.

Endearment’s Coldplay-inspired video for the new song “Delicate” is out now. Descrived as “irresistible and gratifyingly groovy” by Bands Do Brooklyn, your ears will transcend to a place of wonder.

February 1, 2022
Brooklyn Band Le big Zero announces April release of new album, “A Proper Mess”

Brooklyn based rock band Le Big Zero announced the release of their second album, A Proper Mess, on April 8.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7ozo1vt8zg

As part of the announcement, Le Big Zero released their first single and music video from the album, “Horror Movie Pie Fight.” According to a press release from the band’s label, Know Hope Records, the upcoming album, and newly released single, are “exploration[s] of monotony and anxiety in the modern age.”

Le Big Zero’s band members include guitarist and vocalist, Michael Pasuit (center),vocalist Carolina Aguilar (far right), bassist Ben Ross (right) and drummer Lukas Hirsch (left).

To put together their new single,”Horror Movie Pie Fight”, lead vocalists Michael Pasuit and Carolina Aguilar took on a novel approach to recording this particular song: they never harmonized. Meaning they don’t sing in the same octave and instead let their voices exist side by side to one another on the track.

Unique to the song is that Carolina and I don’t harmonize. It’s the only song that’s sung in parallel octaves instead…When we didn’t come upon a decent harmony for HMPF, (Horror Movie Pie Fight) we decided to go that route as an experiment, and we really liked the result.
Michael Pasuit, vocalist and guitarist

The song tells the story of an individual that writes a horror movie only to lose creative control over the project after a studio buys the movie rights. Despite addressing concerns that may be widespread and frighteningly possible for artists, “Horror Movie Pie Fight” has an absurdist tone that makes the song palatable while still being thought provoking.

Le Big Zero released their first studio album, Ollie Oxen Free, in 2019. A Proper Mess will be available on all streaming platforms.

January 31, 2022
Andrew Thomases’ Reminiscence of His Past In NY Inspires New Song “Suburban Void”

Andrew Thomases, reflects on his adolescence from the point of view of suburban life within the busy streets of New York. This past Friday, January 21, Thomases released a new single, “Suburban Void”, sharing his experiences.

Thomases discusses life as a teenager and all the boredom-driven antics he pursued during that time. “Suburban Void” is a catchy upbeat rock song listeners can dance to. He highlights some activities pursued that were “so pathetic”, which is a feeling people may share in remembrance of their immaturity as a teen. Thomases looks back into what was deemed important to adolescents, like getting drunk or preparing for a sweet sixteen. Ultimately, his views have changed since then, resulting from seeing the world differently as he grew up.

Looking back, it seems so pathetic. We were just living in a suburban void, we didn’t know all we could’ve enjoyed. We were just living in a suburban void, that explains why we were oh so annoyed.
Andrew Thomases

All within his first year of being an established artist, Thomases’ fan base spread across 35 countries, 388 streams, and 235 listeners through Spotify. Considering Thomases takes his audience on an emotional and thoughtful journey through his music, he presents himself as relatable to the masses.

For more information on Andrew Thomases’ music visit his website.

January 31, 2022
Brooklyn’s Evolfo Rocks the World with the Announcement of “Site Out Of Mind” Tour w/shows in Troy, Canton, Rochester

Evolfo, Brooklyn’s very own psych rockers, have released the tour dates for their most recent album, Site Out Of Mind. The tour is set to take place between this upcoming March and April for a total of 12 days, across the Midwest and Northeast.

In 2021, Evolfo’s Site Out Of Mind, showed their fans a different side of what they’re capable of, expressing their uniqueness. In regards to their sophomore album, the group’s vocalist and guitarist Matt Gibbs shared, there is a mixture of “tripped out, weirdo, psych improv with our more arranged and melodic tunes.”

Along with Gibbs is Rafferty Swink on keys and vocals, Ben Adams on guitar, Kai Sorensen singing harmonies and playing trumpet, Jared Yee on saxophones, Ronnie Lanzilotta on bass, and Dave Palazola on drums. In Gibbs’ at home recording studio, all seven members shared their ideas and aided in the writing process.

Concepts derived from sci-fiction and one group psychedelic trip, led to the creation of something visionary and beyond the ordinary perspective of a psych rock album. Site Out Of Mind, takes their listeners on a journey into the depths of the spiritual mind and the afterlife.

In 2017, the rockers released their revolutionary debut album, Last of the Acid Cowboys, which totaled to over 6 million streams. However, through the use of thoughtful planning, improvisation and an extensive variety within their fresh new sounds, there’s no doubt that Site Out of Mind will be a success; some may even call it a rocker’s dream.

If the protagonist of that album died at the end of Last of the Acid Cowboys, then this was the protagonist’s internal journey, flipping the landscape, and going through the mountain of their mind in that moment of mortality; perhaps a blurring of brain activity between dying and death, between life and the afterlife.
Matt Gibbs

Tickets are currently available for sale on Evolfo. Additionally, Site Out Of Mind is available on these streaming platforms Listen / Share.

January 29, 2022
Brooklynite Nathan Leigh’s Life Experiences Shape Genre Blending Album “All Myths Are Remixes”

An album full of alternative, rock, punk, indie and jazz vibes are what constitute Brooklyn musician, Nathan Leigh’s latest work of art. As of today, Leigh’s All Myths Are Remixes, is added to his never ending music portfolio. He released his lead single No Poetry (feat. Noie) [Timelapse Mix] [Timelapse Mix] – Single — Nathan Leigh, this past January 14th, providing listeners an idea of what to expect from his latest album.

Nathan Leigh portrays powerful messages throughout the duration of All Myths Are Remixes. It relays a creative vision on how to overcome the anxieties of our deepest thoughts, whereas other songs provide a more easy going and relaxing tone that listeners can vibe to.

“Pirkei Avot,” shares a message of perseverance, especially when all hope is lost. Meanwhile, “Thx::Spkr” opens with a woman discussing the protests taking place in today’s society, as well as the impact of revolutions that are necessary to establish change. Subsequently, “For When You Feel Like Giving Up” eases the mind with a slow jam without words, but is full of jazz melodies featuring saxophonist Anthony Cekay.

I started working on the album in the first days of the pandemic as a project to keep my mind off the existential dread. I thought of each song as a miniature world I could construct to escape into. The recording sessions for ‘Myths, Conspiracy Theories & Other Stuff I Made Up To Sound Interesting’ yielded so much great material that landed on the cutting room floor, and part of my goal with it was to highlight the contributions of my collaborators that didn’t make the album. So each song is constructed around showcasing one collaborator’s work. Working with their tracks has been my way of playing with them and existing in a room together at a time when it’s still not safe to gather such a large group to rehearse.
Nathan Leigh

As a composer, writer, animator, and activist , Leigh is well versed in the artistry of America’s society as we know it. His previous EP dropped on November 19, 2021, House On Stilts, which was accompanied by a stop-motion film.

Additionally, he has worked in the theater industry, sharing his talents for over 300 plays across the U.S. Specifically, he has designed sound and composed music for plays located at the American Repertory Theatre, Huntington Theatre Company, New York Theatre Workshop and more. Leigh was presented with his most recent award “Broadway World Berkshires” in 2020 for Sound Design of the Decade for Godspell. Therefore, there is no doubt that All Myths Are Remixes will significantly impact his music career.

To discover more of Leigh’s work visit nathanleigh.net.

January 28, 2022
Jake Scott Performs at MHOW for First New York Headline Show
On January 25th, 2022, Jake Scott performed his first headline New York show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg and he did not disappoint. Opener Josie Dunne, was accompanied by Will Honaker. Born and raised near Chicago, Josie always gravitated towards music, starting with YouTube videos and eventually signing with Atlantic Records while just in high school. Now 23 years old, her energy is contagious and she knows how to own a stage.

Singing, playing the keyboard, and even the trumpet, she got the audience jumping up and down. Her one goal of the night? For the audience to remember her name. After almost every song, she would ask the audience, “what’s my name?” and the audience screamed it right back, “JOSIE DUNNE.” She interacted with the audience on both ends of the stage and put on a great show. Her voice was absolutely beautiful as well.
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
After another 30 minutes, Jake Scott took the stage, opening up with one his most popular songs, “Like No One Does.” Song after song, the audience sang loudly with him. Josie Dunne even came back to join Jake in singing “CWJBHN.”

photo by Ambika Verma

After about an hour and 15 minutes on stage, Jake left the stage and then came back for an encore with two final songs, “Tuesday” and “Favorite T-Shirt.” It was a great headline show and many fans eagerly waiting for Jake to return next.

Josie Dunn Setlist: Theme, Love, Sorry, Ugly, Dancing Queen/Same, Santa Cruz, Dumb, Strangers, Sunday Morning, Cooped Up

Jake Scott Setlist: Like No One Does, Overthinking, We Haven’t Looked at Our Phones, I Don’t Miss You, Otherwise, I Don’t Want to Be Friends, Lie, Working for You, Yours, Goldenboy, CWJBHN, Like This, Anymore, Meet my Shadow, Off, She,

Encore: Tuesdays, Favorite T-Shirt
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
- photo by Ambika Verma
January 28, 2022
Laurel Canyon release debut EP “Victim”

Laurel Canyon released their debut EP, Victim, on January 14, featuring two brand new singles “Shove” and “Sade.” The album was produced by Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Hello Mary) at Trout Recording in Brooklyn. Along with this, the artist Savage Pencil, who has worked with Big Black and Sonic Youth, created the artwork for the EP.

Cover artwork by Savage Pencil (Big Black, Sonic Youth).

Laurel Canyon is a grunge band originally from Pennsylvania, however, they record their music and perform in Brooklyn. Nicholas Gillespie and Serg Cereja are the creators of this iconic band. To sum up, they met two years ago through a mutual friend in their hometown of Allentown. After that, through shared interests and collaboration, the two began writing and recording songs. Above all, creating the punk-rock band known today as Laurel Canyon.

Photo by @pielmelosa on Instagram

Victim embodies the sounds of original 90s grunge/pun music. Likewise, along with its melodic vocals, the album creates a unique tone. In songs like “Daddy’s Honey,” the two yell repeatedly “off her broken plates” together. Similarly, the song’s lyrics are said to be inspired by the band’s “real-life experiences in a troubled home” (Thomas Gallo).

Photo by Alex Hall

There’s no denying that this album has gained popularity online for its 90s-sound, with “Eczema” and “Daddy’s Honey” are featured in the Spotify playlists “All New Rock” and “Smells Like Stream Spirit.”

In October of 2020, Nick and Serg shared the song, “Two Times Emptiness,” released on May 1st, 2021. Both artists said they contributed equally to the music and the lyrics, thus creating a song neither could have written alone.

Photo by Nikola Burnett

The band quickly found themselves with a lot of material to work with and established a relationship with producer, Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Hello Mary). With the help of bassist Dylan Loccarini and Chip Williams, in July and November of 2021 the group recorded the 5-track EP Victim.

Victim can be found on Spotify and Bandcamp.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6ciEiH4RBAUYDRQkPS4GBR?si=f0048ac2d65f4345 https://linktr.ee/Laurel_Canyon

January 27, 2022

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