NYS Music 202​2

Category: NYC Metro

  • New York Youth Symphony Announces New Music Director

    The New York Youth Symphony has appointed Andrew Jinhong Kim as its new Music Director beginning in the 2023-2024 season. He replaces Michael Repper, who will complete his tenure at the end of this season after six years. Kim is joining an illustrious roster of prior NYYS Music Directors, including Leonard Slatkin, David Alan Miller, Ryan McAdams, Joshua Gersen, and Miguel Harth-Bedoya.

    This season, Mr. Kim was Assistant Conductor of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO) and Conductor of the Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestra. In this joint role he appeared in pops and subscription concerts throughout the season with DSSO and led the top ensemble of its youth orchestra program.

    New York Youth Symphony director

    The NYYS Music Director Search Committee, chaired by Slade Mills, conducted an international search. More than 85 candidates were reviewed and vetted by the Committee and NYYS staff. Live auditions were held in October with the orchestra which allowed for the students’ opinions to be heard as well.

    “Working with passionate young musicians is one of the most meaningful aspects of my life,” said Kim, “so I’m thrilled and honored to be joining the distinguished New York Youth Symphony family. I am immensely looking forward to creating a memorable journey from the first rehearsal to the concert and to engaging the community with the love of music and pursuit of excellence that everyone in the organization shares.”

    Kim received his master’s degree at Ithaca College under the mentorship of Octavio Mas-Arocas. In addition to assisting the IC Symphony and Chamber Orchestras he worked with the IC Siinfonietta and the Contemporary Ensemble and enjoyed frequent collaborations with friends for recital performances and composition premieres.

  • Columbian-American Artist Valley Latini Releases Sensual Electro Pop Album “Attention Lover”

    NY-based Columbian-American pop artist Valley Latini has announced the release of Attention Lover, a sexy dose of introspection for lovers of electro pop. Musically inspired by the industrial sounds of Bushwick, Brooklyn, the album is sensual and direct. This 11-track project drops on December 1 and shares stories of past relationships and love affairs as well as a deeper look at self-love and female empowerment. 

    Valley Latini Columbian-American Artist Releases New Album

    As a singer, songwriter and music producer, Valley’s creative style reflects on a lot of social issues, self-realization, and personal philosophies on romance, delusion, and joy. “Attention Lover” branches further into Latini’s personal life and the relatable chaos that ensues when attempting to fall in love. 

    A huge part that goes into her sound and lyrics are fun and chaotic love life.  Along with this, she is highly influenced by her religious background. In a transgressive way, she chooses to combine said elements with contrasting themes like sensuality and divinity as a unified entity. 

    A lot of her live performances are centered around the expression of individual freedom and finding power in her female essence. Having recently performed on her national tour with comedian and author Jacq Frances, Valley has performed in venues and bars all across NYC. Valley’s music has been featured in a few local blogs like Bushwick Daily, The Hudson Valley News, Indie Wire, La Mezcla, and so much more.

    The combination of her Colombian upbringing with the sounds of NYC offer a diverse musical background. In her lyrics she embodies true strength through fearless vulnerability, proving herself to be a modern day renaissance woman. 

    As stated in a previous article from NYS Music, Valley talks about herself as the triumphant protagonist, dangles a literal carrot in front of the priest and wreaks havoc on his deserving soul in her song “Tu Y Yo.” Ultimately, as it turns out, the “haux house” leads to a beach utopia where the women can enjoy the finer things in paradise anyway.

    Valley expands on the concept, “the video is a metaphor for a modern day ‘witch hunt’ caused by men in power that fear female sexuality and censor the female body and sex workers.”

    Listen to “Attention Lover” by Valley Latini below.

  • Twiddle Put the Frends in Frendsgiving at The Capitol Theatre

    Twiddle performed for two nights at the legendary Capitol Theatre for their annual Friendsgiving, this time welcoming Dogs In a Pile on Friday and Neighbor on Saturday.

    Dogs In a Pile have been quickly gaining fame and have been on tour with Twiddle. Twiddle welcomed a two-piece horn section and members of Dogs in a Pile for multiple sit-ins, notably a “How Sweet It Is” encore featuring both bands, as an homage to Jerry must be paid when playing The Cap.

    “Apples” proved to be a lengthy, psychedelic jam. Favorites such as “Orlando’s,” “Syncopated Healing,” and “Lost in the Cold” were great within a jam heavy set list, especially with the added horns section.

    Twiddle “Frendsgiving” – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – November 25, 2022

    Set 1: Every Last Leaf I [1], Beautiful, Stroganoff, Life Back Now, Complacent Race [2], Moments [2], Latin Tang [2], Polluted Beauty [2] > The Box#

    Set 2: Syncopated Healing [2], Distance Makes the Heart [3], Enter [2] > Orlandos^ [2], Apples > White Light > Mushrooms of the Sea > Apples, Lost in the Cold [2]

    Encore: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) [4]

    [1] First time played. With Adrian Tramontano on guitar
    [2] With Michael Bafundo and Mike Oehmen (Horns)
    [3] With Brian Murray and Sam Lucid (Dogs In A Pile)
    [4] Marvin Gaye (Debut). With Jeremy Kaplan and Jimmy Law (Dogs In A Pile), plus Michael Bafundo and Mike Oehmen (Horns)

    # with Mihali Cowbell Jam
    ^ with Crosseyed and Painless teases

    Twiddle “Frendsgiving” – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – November 26, 2022

    Set 1: Frends Theme, The Devil, Dr Remidis Melodrium [1], Fighting For, Every Soul > Mamunes The Faun [2] > Every Soul

    Set 2: Grandpa Fox > The Mission, Beethoven & Greene, Frankenfoote > Grandpa Fox, Slippin in the Kitchen [3]

    Encore: Why Can’t We Be Frends [4] > When it Rains it Poors > Every Last Leaf II [2]

    [1] Apples Vocal Reprise
    [2] With Scott Hannay
    [3] With Rick James (Neighbor) & Scott Hannay
    [4] WAR (Debut)

  • Bobby Shmurda and NBA Youngboy Ignite Latest Social Media Beef

    Hip hop’s never ending machismo contest has reared its ugly head again. This time it involves two rappers whose words (or actions) could lead to serious legal complications. This latest brouhaha began with a Rowdy Rebel appearance on Math Hoffa’s  My Expert Opinion podcast.

    At around the four-minute mark of the clip, Rowdy begins to explain the reasoning behind some of the senseless violence in the streets. As he made his point, the “Computers” rapper used King Von’s late 2020 death at the hands of NBA Youngboy associate, Lul Tim as an example.

    His mind, off the rip, went to kill. How you went to kill? How much hate you have already to kill this man?” Rowdy continued. “Was it the drugs? You had the upper hand but just clear the seen and said, ‘Yo chill.’ You had the upper hand and could have just been like, ‘Yo, back your n***as up and get your dawg outta here.’ But you already chose the murder route.

    – Rowdy Rebel on Math Hoffa’s podcast

    In similar vain, Rowdy Rebel’s GS9 cohort, Bobby Shmurda, took to Instagram to share his thoughts on people who take credit for what their friends have done, since King Von’s death has been a major point of verbal warfare. Bobby’s rant began a long social media back-and-forth between the rappers.

    NBA Youngboy VS Bobby Shmurda

    In turn, NBA Youngboy took offense to Bobby Shmurda’s words and posted his own response on Instagram.

    Replying, “Ok mr ‘von shmurda’ you better stop the vilence boy!”

    “I thought you was a fan [laughing emoji] & don’t lie. Go make a hit. I just want to be friends.”

    Bobby Shmurda and NBA Youngboy
    Via NBA Youngboy’s Instagram story

    The “Make No Sense” rapper then provided another retort that read, “Well talking violent,” Youngboy wrote. “Help me keep the peace or just stay far away slave.”

    Bobby Shmurda and NBA Youngboy

    Youngboy continued his verbal attacks, posting another video message on Instagram addressing his New York counterparts.

    Including a sarcastic shot at the “Hot N***a” rapper, claiming that their social media interaction would only help Bobby’s views go up.

    Bobby Shmurda countered with with an Instagram live session and tried to get NBA Youngboy to join to they could have a “face-to-face” conversation. WIth his efforts for naught, he then started going off on a tangent, saying he doesn’t do “this Internet sh*t,” but that NBA Youngboy got what he wanted. He then countered Youngboy’s assertion that he needs a rub from the Louisiana rapper, going on to claim that he makes $100,000 a week and is “2-and-0 on the year” while being on parole.

    Bobby Shmurda continued with several more Instagram videos in which he accused Youngboy of being an “industry slave” and that all the streaming numbers (Which NBA Youngboy is known for) are fake. Before declaring that he will “boom” all the people speaking on his name.

    “Resolution”

    NBA Youngboy laughed off Bobby’s threatening remarks, YoungBoy then responded to Bobby‘s “boom” statements by laughing it off. He went on to say he has security and isn’t worried about anything. “I’m gonna stay out yo’ way, and hope you don’t get too close,” he said.

    Their exchange continued with another retort from Shmurda, walking back his initial threatening statement. He said his parole officer had been calling him and that he doesn’t want any problems with anyone due to him being on parole. The “Hot N***a” rapper added that he felt like this entire back-and-forth with YoungBoy might be a plot to put him back in jail.

    NBA Youngboy then shared a screenshot of a personal DM between him and Shmurda in which he claims he blocked the Brooklyn native.

    After that, Bobby posted a photo on his Instagram feed of the DMs that YB had shared, calling him the “feds” in the caption.

    “Nah you da feds how dis get outtt I don’t wanna hear nothing else I’m sorry to all the gangster entertaining this I apologize please I don’t want no beef with nobody,” he wrote.

    The duo then went ahead and shared several more thinly vailed Instagram messages aimed at each other before moving on. With hip hop culture becoming increasingly more violent, rappers are getting into disputes over the slightest of shots. While the two artists settled their differences by laughing off each other’s remarks, they are both paroled felons, and are putting their own freedom at risk by sending each other violent threats.

    Criminal History

    NBA YoungBoy is currently under 24-hour house arrest in Utah, while awaiting trial in Baton Rouge on weapons charges. Meanwhile, Bobby Shmurda was released from prison last year after serving 6 years on charges of drug and gun possession, reckless endangerment and conspiracy to commit murder.

    It would be in both rappers best interest to no longer involve themselves in rap beef.

  • Hearing Aide: Queens’ Iceblynk Washes and Swirls on Dreamy Self-Titled EP

    Queens dream pop group Iceblynk’s eponymous debut EP is a solid five-song, 25-minute effort that showcases the best of the genre.

    Appearing to be named after the acclaimed Cocteau Twins track “Iceblink Luck,” the group leans into dream pop’s prized traditions. From reverb-tinged vocals that ring familiar of the easy melodies and loose enunciation of Elizabeth Frazer, to the whirring, effects-drenched guitar playing of My Bloody Valentine, Iceblynk captures key elements of the genre with precision.

    iceblynk
    Cover art for the record.

    Notes of surf rock are obvious as well, especially on the EP’s first two tracks. Summery guitars characterize “Tragic,” an upbeat opener with slippery drumming and wistful lyrics that define the record. Its follow-up, the new-wavey “Spared,” is a highlight with its infectious, harmonic-laden guitar riff and a simple chugging bassline. It also features some of the EP’s most pointed lyricism, with lines such as “and then you’ll ask me to explain, I know I know that you won’t do the same.”

    All tracks are consistent but none are static, with guitar solos and waves of swirling effects padding out almost every song to around five minutes in length. Such is the case for track #3 “Imagined Life” with its subtle verses of watery synths contrasting atmospheric guitar-driven choruses. While melancholic, it’s not depressing with lyrics such as “and when you can’t imagine life, another day of asking why, I’ll take you to a quiet place.”

    This subdued energy continues on “Seen Gone,” the only number shorter than four minutes. Genuine lines such as “I always take two moments to break it all apart, to form a simple sentence from my scattered thoughts” add vulnerability to this lowkey, surf-rock oriented track, which also features some of the record’s grooviest drumming.

    This EP starts upbeat and fast, becoming subdued and meditative, before finishing loud with “Sunshine.” A slow, waltzy closer, its array of synths and vocal effects reminisce a bit of Animal Collective. Uplifting lines such as “sunshine, you always make me feel like I’m the only one in the sky” make this a final note that comes off as genuinely uplifting.

    Iceblynk’s debut EP doesn’t reinvent dream pop or shift drastically in tone at any point, but it doesn’t need to. The band’s musicianship is solid, the lyrics are endearing, and the songs are enjoyable. While just five songs long, this is a fulfilling debut project.

  • Phil Firetog Trio & Co. Release “Long Island Christmas Eve”

    In December, Long Island-based alternative acoustic rock band, Phil Firetog Trio & Co. will close out the holiday season with a festive and heartwarming set at Beach Brewing Co. in Westhampton Beach, NY. Their first show at the brewery is on December 30, the perfect way to end the year. The show follows their newest holiday single, released today, that speaks directly to their home community, “Long Island Christmas Eve.”

    Phil Firetog Trio & Co.

    Thanks to the musical talents of Phil Firetog Trio & Co — Firetog on lead vocals and guitar, Johnny “Pots” Potocnik on drums and Liam Gordon on bass — anyone can fulfill a secret desire to be from Long Island for the duration of the song. The tune is catchy, as most Christmas songs are engineered to be, so I’ve been singing it while home in Washington, D.C. for the holidays. This has been confusing, I’m sure, for family and friends. 

    Phil Firetog Trio & Co. have an indie-pop take on rock and roll, that feels nostalgic for decades past and, overall, spreads positive messages through chords. Their upcoming gigs come as they arrange and prepare material for 2023, so there is much to look forward to in the next year from the band, including two more shows at Westhampton beach Brewing Co. on January 21 and February 4. 

    Tickets to their show at Westhampton Beach Brewing Co. are on sale now on their site. 

  • NYC Winter Jazzfest Returning in January

    The NYC Winter Jazzfest is returning for its 19th year in mid-January, with a weeklong series of events at over a dozen venues with over 70 performers total.

    Beginning on January 12, opening night will feature the first-ever onstage presentation of jazz drummer Terri Lyne Carrington’s New Standards Live project. New Standards Live is composed of her book “New Standards: 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers” and “New Standards, Vol. 1,” an album bringing to life music from this book. Musicians in January’s performance include Michele Rosewoman, Melanie Charles, Michael Mayo, Linda May Han Oh, Kris Davis, Tia Fuller, Caroline Davis, Helen Sung and Mary Halvorson.

    Opening night will also showcase French accordionist Vincent Peirani and French saxophonist Émile Parisien leading their respective ensembles, with trumpeter Avishai Cohen joining with his quartet in this concert at LPR. Lastly, UK radio broadcaster, DJ, and record label owner Gilles Peterson will DJ a set at Nublu.

    Next are the festival’s marathons in Manhattan on the 13th at (Le) Poisson Rouge, City Winery, City Winery Loft, Zinc Bar, the Bitter End, Nublu, and the Jazz Gallery, and in Brooklyn on the 14th at Brooklyn Opera House, Brooklyn Bowl, Superior Ingredients, Baby’s All Right, National Sawdust, Loove Labs, Club Curious.

    The weekend will include a Marshall Allen-led Sun Arkestra set, and at Brooklyn Bowl, a tribute concert to late jazz music promoter Meghan Stabile, who passed away in June at 39. This show will feature Late Show bandleader Louis Cato, revered hip-hop producer Pete Rock with his band, the Soul Brothers, and Igmar Thomas’ Revive Big Band, as well as a number of different special guests. Both nights will run from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

    To close the weekend, on Sunday the 15th, the festival will also present a tribute to late trumpeter Jaimie “Breezy” Branch, who passed away in August at 39. The program, starting 8 p.m. at Nublu, will feature Jeff Parker, Chad Taylor, Fay Victor, and more.

    On Tuesday the 17th at 7 p.m., pianist and composer Samora Pinderhughes will present his politically charged multimedia project “Grief & Process,” a collaborative exhibition and performance series taking place at The Kitchen’s temporary location at The Westbeth’s West Side Loft.

    At 8pm that same night, multi-instrumentalist Nate Mercereau will direct “Take Two,” in which audience and performers alike will listen to Pharoah Sanders’ 1974 album Elevation in its entirety, after which the musicians will take to the stage for a live reinterpretation of what they just heard.

    As in past years, the festival will also present a series of “Jazz Talks” for the afternoons of January 15-17, covering the topics of jazz and gender, wellness, social justice and more.

    On the 18th, NYC Winter Jazzfest will close with a concert at Nublu. Information regarding tickets and more can be found on the festival’s website.

  • Twiddle Announce Indefinite Hiatus, Final Tour Stops in Ithaca and Huntington next January

    Vermont-based jam band Twiddle has announced an indefinite hiatus starting in 2024 after 18 years of touring together. Coming with the announcement is probably their final tour as a band, called the Distance Makes The Heart Tour.

    Twiddle

    Twiddle is comprised of members Mihali Savoulidis [vocals, guitar], Ryan Dempsey [keys, organ, synth], Brook Jordan [drums], and Zdenek Gubb [bass]. They recently celebrated the release of their fifth full-length album Every Last Leaf. Over the past almost two decades, the group has performed many at notable places and started traditions of their own, including Tumbledown and their annual Frendsgiving celebration. They have also played the newer Memorial Meltdown festival in Lake George as well.

    Savoulidis spoke in a statement about the announcement, citing that change is important for creative growth and necessary for proper reflection.

    We are so blessed to have been able to live out our dreams because of you and your support. Without all of you, none of this would have been possible. I wouldn’t trade a second of this experience for anything. So from the bottom of my heart and with all my love, thank you so much for everything. The Twiddle community really feels like a big family and the amount of kindness and love that you have shown us and each other over the years has been nothing but inspiring. I am so proud to have been a part of it. 

    Mihali Savoulidis [vocals, guitar] of Twiddle

    Savoulidis went on to say that their new tour will be their last tour for a long time. More shows are to be announced soon, and they are excited to bring people together to celebrate the group’s music. He stressed it isn’t the end, but it is goodbye for now.

    The Distance Makes The Heart Tour will be find Twiddle stopping in Huntington and Ithaca in the winter of 2023, and newly added dates in Plattsburgh and Ithaca in March and April. There will be a limited amount of VIP packages available, with presale starting Nov. 30. You can purchase tickets here.

    Distance Makes The Heart Tour

    2/17 | Flagstaff, AZ ^
    2/18 | Tempe, AZ ^
     2/19 | Tucson, AZ ^
      2/22 | San Luis Obispo, CA ^
      2/23 | San Diego, CA ^ Tickets going fast! 
      2/24 | West Hollywood, CA ^ Tickets going fast! 
      2/25 | San Francisco, CA ^
       2/26 | Crystal Bay, NV ^
      3/1 | Portland, OR ^ Tickets going fast! 
      3/2 | Seattle, WA ^
      3/3 | Bend, OR ^
     3/4 | Boise, ID ^
     3/5 | Bozeman, MT ^
     3/7 | Jackson Hole, WY Tickets going fast! 
     3/8 | Salt Lake City, UT ^
     3/9 | Aspen, CO Tickets going fast! 
     3/10 | Denver, CO *
     3/11 | Denver, CO ^
     3/12 | Frisco, CO ^ Tickets going fast! 
     3/30 | Plattsburgh, NY ** NEW!
     3/31 | New Haven, CT ** NEW!
     4/1 | Boston, MA ** NEW!
     4/2 | Ithaca, NY + Rescheduled – Tickets going fast! 
     4/6 | New York, NY  NEW!
     4/7 | Baltimore, MD **  NEW!
     4/8 | Harrisburg, PA $ Rescheduled – Tickets going fast! 
     6/16-17 | Northlands Music & Arts Festival
    • 6/29-7/2 | Peach Music Festival
     10/5 | Providence, RI + Rescheduled – Tickets going fast! 

    ^ with Eggy
    + with Yam Yam
    ** with One Time Weekend
    * with Banshee Tree
    $ with Great Time

  • Blake Sandberg of ALIENS: a Post-Punk and a 9-11 Story of Survival

    Never considering myself attracted to post-punk, I was engrossed by the story of both a visual and audio post-punk artist, Blake Sandberg of ALIENS. His story opened me up to a genre I would have not considered to be in my wheelhouse. It is one of a thousand 9/11 attack survival stories and how an artist can dig into his craft to cope with suffering on the way to survival.  You can hear the rest of the story in the interview I conducted with Blake on The Long Island Sound Podcast. 

    EP Release Party in Brooklyn

    Blake Sandberg’s New York City post-punk band ALIENS announced the  last show of the year and EP release party at Littlefield in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Friday December 2. I was able to sample their songs a few weeks ago.

    The AGORAPHONIC EP compiles singles from 2007 to the present.  ALIENS new songs were captured in Brooklyn at B.C. Studios, by Martin Bisi. The singles are “Leave Luck to Heaven” and a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Tower of Song.”  The songs feature Blake Sandberg on guitar and vocals with ALIENS new bassist Kevin Jones and George Fiala on drums. 

    AGORAPHONIC is getting steady radio airplay across the country landing it in the NACC Top 200 and in the Top 20 Alternative Chart – currently at #13.  Check out the Brooklyn Release Party at Littlefield’s here.

    Blake Sandberg is an accomplished American artist. He creates iconic images and uses words in his paintings to explore meaning and associations with objects in our environments. 

    The Best Laid Plans

    Blake Sandberg battles a rare inner-ear disorder and illnesses from exposure to Ground Zero after 9/11.  Blake died in a hospital in 2005 and was resuscitated.  He is an artist and has been described as an “idea machine.”  His first guitar was given to him by a friend, it became a mission.  Words he wrote quickly became songs.  Chords bashed out on the guitar to carry them. And his 9/11 story begins with the planned opening of his art exhibit.

    BLAKE BY ANDREA BUCCI

    … and then 911 happened. And I had an art opening a couple of days before that. And my parents and my brother were in town for it. You know, there were fires a few blocks below me. It was a strange world to be in. So I think it naturally went to painting and writing and things.”

    Blake Sandberg

    The New EP

    ALIENS frontman, Blake Sandberg says “Tower of Song” became important to him during the Covid shutdown. 

    I thought I might learn the song. I was home playing guitar and looking out the window

    Blake Sandberg

    Leonard Cohen’s lyrics have similar imagery.  One day while walking to get something to eat he found a vinyl copy of Hank Williams Greatest Hits album someone had put out on their steps.  He took it as a sign.  In the song Cohen says “I said to Hank Williams how lonely does it get?”  

    Leonard Cohen

    
Sandberg sped up the song up to a runaway train pace, while managing to cram all the words into the song without ruining it and making something of his own out of it. He also related the current times with political upheaval and division to the lyrics of this song. “I see you standing there on the other side. I don’t know how this river got so wide.”  Sandberg takes on the weight of this cover song and his vocal performance is noteworthy.  Martin Bisi’s production work keeps the train on the tracks.

    “Enjoy Killing Time” was released in the first Covid shutdown in NYC.  This track was recorded with guest drummer Hunt Sales, the legendary drummer for Iggy Pop “Lust For Life” and David Bowie’s Tin Machine.

    ALIENS are Blake Sandberg, Miguel Vela, and Kevin Jones. Vela has taken over the drums over the last 12 months.  As a trio they form a powerful post-punk band capable of scream-along anthems, searing sci-fi guitar riffs, with a heavy dose of Jones’s bass and Vela’s pounding drums.  

    It’s refreshing to come across an artist who takes his suffering and joys and bangs out raw emotion into his music. Post-punk is a discover, I need to explore, it’s an appropriate megaphone to express what we need to hear. ALIENS deliver!  

  • Josh X Rings In ‘Cuffing Season’ With ‘Forever Love’

    Multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter and producer, Josh X, brings in winter season with his heartwarming new single “Forever Love.” The snappy, swooping single sees Josh X affirm his feelings of “forever love” in passionate croons. The catchy chorus and bridge confidently shows the singer-songwriter’s evolution as an R&B artist, able to capture the heart in quick wails. Moreover, “Forever Love” gives fans a glimpse of what they may expect on his anticipated forthcoming album, The X Project, expected in early 2023.

    I wanted to release “Forever Love” because when it’s cold outside it’s time to cuddle. With everything that’s going on in the world, love is hard to find, and I want people to fight for love when they find it.

    -Josh X

    The Rise of Josh X

    The the KSR Records signee and producer has seen his career ascend since his breakthrough in 2016 with the release of his multi-million streaming hit, “Heaven on My Mind,” featuring Cardi B. All in all, Josh X has been prepping for his time in the limelight since childhood. The Queens native began playing the classical piano at the age of six and attended The Juilliard School’s summer program after receiving a scholarship from the prestigious musical institution. Inspired by music legends Stevie Wonder and Brian McKnight, Josh X’s music is brimming with themes of love and forgiveness, something he shares with his idols.

    Prior to stepping in front of the mic, he served as a writer and producer, working with upper echelon artists such as Jadakiss, Swizz Beatz, Cardi B, Nipsy Hussle and Lil Wayne. After signing with Epic Record in 2018, Josh X released his single “All on Me” featuring Rick Ross. The ensuing music video has since been viewed over 5 million times.

    Moreover, the Haitian-American singer and producer released the street smash, “Eskize Mwen” in 2020, featuring Haitian superstar, BAKY. The record showcased his diversity and the music video saw Josh X once again eclipse the 1 million views benchmark. During the pandemic, he picked up the role of Derrick in the Amazon Prime series, Sister’s Keeper.  Although bitten by the acting bug, Josh X has not forgotten about his forever love.