Tag: alternative

Kids That Fly Release “Tracks of the High Line” and VHS Music Video

New York City-based four-piece alternative pop/rock band Kids That Fly have released their newest five-track EP Tracks of the High Line, on December 9. With hopes of recreating their viral 2019 single “Kiss Her You Fool,” the group came up with this nostalgic, genre-blending EP. Along with this, the band has also released a VHS Music video for the song “Talk of the Town,” a catchy pop/alternative hit.

In October, Kids that Fly released the EP’s lead single, “High Line,” along with a vibrant music video to pair. “The synth-y beat and fast drums brought me back…it’s pop with enticing guitar chords and a synth that fits right in…conjures 80’s nostalgia. ‘High Line’ evokes a more technical The 1975, a less sad Backseat Lovers,” said NYS Music contributor Sydney Pollack in October.

Yet their newest “Talk of the Town” showcases the energy of Tracks of the High Line in its entirety, which can be described as a combination of sounds from the early 2000s alt-rock era, 80s synth pop, British alternative, and modern pop/rock.

Nick Smeriglio (vocals/guitar), Blake Henry (guitar/synth), Braden Frandino (bass/vocals) and Ryan Hendry (drums/vocals) make up Kids That Fly. Composed of college comrades, they formed in the fall of 2018 while attending the University of Connecticut. Having all grown up in Connecticut, the crew has had a lot of influence from other Connecticut musicians such as Rivers Cuomo of Weezer and indie/rock duo MGMT.

Tracks of the High Line is the “next logical step in the band’s evolution,” shares Nick. Composed of songs written throughout the heart and tail end of the pandemic. “It’s a reflection of lots of different romantic experiences that the four of us have had,” Nick confides. “On a deeper level though, it deals with the different struggles that came from the pandemic, how the isolation took a toll on people, and the recovery of it all.”

“Throughout the process we’ve been experimenting with different synthesizers and other interesting digital production techniques that give each song a bit of a retro futuristic style,” Braden reflects about the EP’s sounds.

Since the very beginning, the band has always put a focus on their fans, prioritizing the importance of live music. With their electrifying up close and personal performances, Kids That Fly will continue to prove their vast potential. You won’t want to miss out on their newest viral hits on Tracks of the High Line.

December 21, 2022
American Authors Announce “The Best Night Of My Life” Tour, Stop at Racket in Chelsea

Alternative rock band American Authors will be back on the road for the new year. The band has just announced a full US headline tour this winter, titled the “Best Night Of My Life Tour” featuring Billy Raffoul. The month-long tour kicks off on February 10th in Fairfield, then makes a stop in New York City February 12^th at the new venue in Chelsea, Racket.

Frontman Zac Barnett shares about the tour: “It’s been so long since we’ve done a proper tour, we’re pulling out all the stops on this one! Playing all your favorite American Authors songs from the past, new jams from our upcoming album, & who knows, maybe even some requests & cover songs. Oh ya, & there might be some special collaborations with our good friend Billy Rafoul who will be opening the shows every night too.”

Since releasing their debut album Oh, What a Life in 2014, pop-rock outfit American Authors have experienced milestones most bands only dream about. Their anthemic hit single “Best Day of My Life” has been featured in over 600 movie trailers, TV shows, commercials, and as a theme song for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite this, lead singer Zac Barnett states, “We just want to keep going. We can’t wait to continue this adventure.”

Earlier this year, the American Authors pushed their limits with six different versions of their new single “Blind For Love.” They even recently released a brand new music video for this track. They’ve also been getting into the holiday spirit with the festive “Christmas Karaoke” and “Sleigh Ride.”

Fans can look forward to more new music soon, as the band gears up to release a new album in early 2023.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

12/29 – Bombay, India @ Mood Indigo

1/23-1/28 – Miami, FL @ Rock Boat XXII

2/10 – Fairfield, CT @ The Warehouse

2/15 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27

2/16 – Washington, DC @ Union Stage

2/17 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live

2/18 – New York, NY @ Racket

2/19 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall

2/21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird Music Hall

2/23 – Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre

2/24 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Café

2/25 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge

2/26 – St. Louis, MO @ Old Rock House

2/28 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater

3/2 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall

3/3 – Las Vegas, NV @ Rocks Lounge

3/5 – Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit Live

3/4 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues (Parish)

3/7 – Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up

3/8 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour

3/9 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall

3/11 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre

3/12 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos

For more information on upcoming news and events from the American Authors, click the link here.

December 15, 2022
The Van Pelt Returns With New Music in 2023

After twenty-five years of anticipation, NYC indie-cult fan favorites the Van Pelt return with a new album titled “Artisans & Merchants” in 2023. The Van Pelt has returned to explore what was left behind with a new collection of hit songs, including the latest track, “Grid.”

For lovers of The Van Pelt, listening to “Artisans & Merchants” is like hearing the voice of a dear friend you haven’t seen in years. This is a stand-alone album, incredible vital songwriting regardless of the long history this band has. Pitchfork even stated that, “The lines between post-hardcore, indie rock, and emo blurred on the two mid-’90s full-lengths from the Van Pelt.”

The Van Pelt is an American indie rock band from New York City that were active from 1993 to 1997, but have reformed briefly several times since then including now. The band formed around 1993 at New York University, with Chris Leo on vocals and guitar, David Baum on guitar, Barry London on bass, and Neil O’Brien on drums. In a reunion show, soundchecks revealed that the band has a voice that was prematurely muted by their inability to see clearly in the thick of their rise.

“New York City’s The Van Pelt are an influential, but too often overlooked indie rock band — cult favorites for many an emo-inclined crate digger.”
– Consequence

The Van Pelt’s newer album can be viewed as “a friend you used to share countless beers with over banter that went nowhere other than delivering a solid night. Your friend is older, they’ve changed. In some ways you’re worried for them, looks like they might be teetering on the brink of something. In other ways it’s the same old them, a nugget of a soul too unique to ever be altered.”

The chores of the single “Image of Health” describes the beautiful desperation of the album best, “And you never felt more alive / Than when the priest came to read you your rites!”

Stream The Van Pelt and their newest album coming in Spring 2023 by clicking the link here.

Listen to the latest track from The Van Pelt, “Grid,” below.

December 13, 2022
Hudson Valley Native Soul Blind Releases New Single “Feel It All Around”

Local to the Hudson Valley, Soul Blind released their newest alternative single “Feel It All Around” on November 11^th. “Stuck In A Loop” leans into the band’s ‘90s alternative influences, flowing through rich guitar tones into an intoxicating breakdown.

As you listen through tracks like “Ain’t Hard To Tell” and “System (Failing),” it’s easy to see the juxtaposition of the environment the band grew up in bleeding into how they approach music. The songs serve as a pair centered around people sucking the life out of you, as “Ain’t Hard To Tell” takes the viewpoint of watching a person change into someone unlikable, “System (Failing)” finds one progressing past the relationship.

The band explains how inner struggles serve as a recurring theme throughout the album, this particular track feeds into the paranoia of the mind. “Imagine the visual of being stuck in a loop inside one’s thoughts due to a mental lapse onset by a drug induced night, and not knowing how to escape” vocalist Cen comments on the song’s lyrical content. “The ‘view’ is this other, brighter side that you can put yourself in, but the ‘glue’ has you stuck in a loop until you can get yourself out.”

Soul Blind is Cen (vocals/bass), Justin Sarica (guitar), Finn Lovell (guitar), and Steve Hurley (drums).

Much of Feel It All Around was written in Soul Blind’s hometown of Hudson Valley, NY, which the band describes as “a place of beauty within hopelessness of its people, where you find the richness between the despair.”

Alternative rock band Soul Blind pushes the boundaries of their genre with a rich collage of sounds and emotionally charged lyrics. Formed back in 2018, the band hit their stride in 2021 with the release of their critically acclaimed Third Chain EP. They have been praised for lush, distorted riffs and divine, whirling vocals, the band build on those elements on their upcoming full-length album, Feel It All Around.

To listen to Soul Blind releases and Feel It All Around, click the link here.

November 19, 2022
Sea Glass Release Benét Collab “(I have jokes) If You Wanna Hear One”

Project of New York-based producer Jake Muskat, Sea Glass is back in collaboration with a euphoric artist named Benét. Their dreamy new single “(i have jokes) If You Wanna Hear One” has just dropped on all platforms. Sea Glass has been praised by the likes of Indie Shuffle, Wonderland Magazine, WFUV, Record of the Day, Variance Magazine, The Wild Honey Pie among others, garnering over 250k streams on his last EP alone.

Inspired to release music after the birth of his first child, Sea Glass’s music taps into universal emotions around growing up and dreaming. His sound invokes yearning, hope and nostalgia filtered through a positive lens.

Coming back into the alternative/indie scene with his new single “(i have jokes) If You Wanna Hear One” in collaboration with euphoric artist Benét, the duo unite ethereal melodies and flowing narratives into a sound of their own. Finding its origins on a simple, classical guitar, this new single was written the week Sea Glass’s son was born as a lullaby.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Bq9xhNKqs

He shares, “I liked the idea so much I decided to record it, but wanted to make it fit my production style. As I worked on it, I was more excited by its progress than anything else at the time. It took me 6 months of searching for a good top line when Benét offered to write on it. Their playful melody and lyrics just smashed the demo death loop I was in into smithereens. It came together very quickly from there. I had my close friend Jared Saltiel add live drums and the whole thing gelled together perfectly.”

Written during Sea Glass’s last few months in Brooklyn as he prepared to depart the city, he states, “My son was just born and I was both thrilled to have this new love in our family but also overwhelmed with the added pressure that the responsibility brought. The music was a sort of escape from the moment, an idealized version of how I hoped things would go. It was written in the summer and there are definitely island vibes to the sounds, but the escapism I’m exploring in the music also makes this song relevant for any time of year.”

To listen to Sea Glass’s newest song “(i have jokes) If You Wanna Hear One,” click here.

November 10, 2022
Sub Lights Release New EP ‘Half-Life’

NYC’s Sub Lights have just released their newest EP Half-Life, an album that describes how if you only live in the past or for the future, you miss the present. Thus, marking the duo’s second release following last year’s Medicine EP and a pair of successful debut shows in Manhattan.

The band has also released a new video for another track from this project, titled “Hell’s Kitchen Sink.”

To the artists, the challenge of making music as a duo has inspired them to put together a small studio in their new home in New York City, an effort that went into overdrive during the 2020 lockdowns. Their new Half-Life EP marks the duo’s second release, following last year’s Medicine.

“Big and brash electropop from this NY duo that centers blazing hooks amidst spiraling guitars and sizzling synths.”
Bandcamp New and Notable

“Music should be fun, it’s entertainment after all,” states Stephen. “But it’s also art and part of the purpose of art is to allow listeners to explore different ways of being. That’s our goal: to offer the chance to explore a bit of social consciousness along with fun.”

“Sub lights has a distinct electronic sound . . . sure to get you in your feels. . . . an incredible atmosphere. . . . creative and fun. More music from Sub lights is on the way; be on the lookout.”
Road Trips & Playlists

“The idea was to transform traditionally-written songs, mostly played on piano or acoustic guitar, into our indie-electronic style,” says the Stephen. “Lyrically, we wanted to try to capture the kind of social melancholy coming out of the pandemic and the Trump years, but then express that in a hopeful way. Like, life is tough and can be really sad, but even then people are amazing and able to find joy by connecting with each other. We also wanted to take our music seriously without taking ourselves too seriously—it’s a fine line, but I admire artists who can pull that off. But also I’m a college history professor and fairly politically active, so there’s always an element of the big picture mixed in there too, grand themes of what it means to be human and all that.”

“Half-Life has multiple meanings as it relates to the album,” continues Meredith. “It is one of the key lines in ‘Strange New Breed,’ and it is a way to describe how if you only live in the past or for the future, you miss the present, so essentially it feels like you are only experiencing half of your life at any given moment… It’s also my word for what deep depression feels like. All these missed opportunities, just watching life go by from your bed. ‘Black & White’ and ‘Rockville’ are songs about the past. ‘Traffic’ and ‘Hell’s Kitchen Sink’ are about living in the moment which is the only time we can experience the full interconnectedness of life, that we are all the same.”

“I think some of our songs conceptually resemble protest music,” says Merideth. “Common themes are anti-religion, anti-patriarchy, anti-unfettered capitalism, anti-fascism. Think for yourself, question things, wake up, be kind.”
<a href="https://submarinelights.bandcamp.com/track/strange-new-breed">Strange New Breed by Sub Lights</a>

October 28, 2022
Arctic Monkeys Announce 2023 North American Tour

English rock band Arctic Monkeys have announced their North American tour for Summer 2023 with support from acclaimed Irish band Fontaines D.C. The tour includes two nights you won’t want to miss at New York’s Forest Hills Stadium and a quick stop at The KIA Forum in Los Angeles.

The Arctic Monkeys announced a UK stadium tour for Summer 2023. Along with this, they have just released “Body Paint” – the second song to be released from their forthcoming 7th album The Car (October 21st on Domino). They returned to the stage of 30 Rock’s Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon for their first TV performance since 2019’s Austin City Limits.

The last time the Arctic Monkeys made stops in New York was back in 2018 when they played at Forest Hills Stadium and in Canandaigua. In honor of being in their inspiration’s hometown, The Strokes, the band covered one of their most popular songs “Is This It” exclusively for their New York fans.

Fans can register by clicking the link HERE for Ticketmaster Verified Fan Presale now through October 4th at 10am EST. Presale will begin October 6th at 10am local and general on sale starts Friday, October 7th at 10 am local. Purchase tickets by clicking the link HERE.

ARCTIC MONKEYS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:

Friday, August 25, 2023 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

Sunday, August 27, 2023 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Tuesday, August 29, 2023 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

Wednesday, August 30, 2023 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Saturday, September 2, 2023 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

Sunday, September 3, 2023 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann

Thursday, September 7, 2023 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion

Friday, September 8, 2023 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium

Saturday, September 9, 2023 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium

Monday, September 11, 2023 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater

Friday, September 15, 2023 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

Saturday, September 16, 2023 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

Monday, September 18, 2023 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena

Friday, September 22, 2023 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Saturday, September 23, 2023 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum

Sunday, September 24, 2023 – Portland, OR – Moda Center

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center

Friday, September 29, 2023 – Inglewood, CA – The KIA Forum

October 20, 2022
Sarah King A/B Album “Always an Almost” and “You Were Wrong About Me”

Ripton, VT, artist Sarah King has recently just delivered a soulful new A/B sided release with “Always an Almost” and “You Were Wrong About Me.” There’s no arguing that King’s talents are being celebrated by some of the biggest names in music. Her music has a similar resemblance to artists like The Lumineers, Lana Del Rey, Lenny Kravitz, Michael Jackson, Shawn Mendes and more.

Sarah King A/B

Just off the heels of her most recent EP The Hour, Sarah King shows her newest releases exuding a clear contrast to her previous works. Most which were originally inspired by loss of loved ones, grief and the heavier feelings that she had carried with her for years. In her newest releases, each song can be both musically and lyrically versatility. King does this through dynamic vocal delivery and refreshing heart-on-sleeve storytelling.

Sarah King A/B

The track “Always an Almost” describes the sudden chances we thought we just missed, much like the relationships that didn’t last, and all of the dreams we struggle to let go of in order to make space for what is really meant for us. King sings heartfelt lyrics with tears streaming down her face, solidifying the fact that she had an undeniable hit in her hands.

“Almost thought I couldn’t let go, But the pain’s how you grow / It gets better I know, Always an almost” ~ Always An Almost

Followed by a fierce rock companion “You Were Wrong About Me,” this release offers a bit of modern rock n roll. This release looks back on the situations that didn’t work out from a place of strength, growth and confidence. Originally the song was written in about 10 minutes; the two-minute-long rocker was inspired by a music venue that rejected King to perform before even listening to her music. Thus, King has written one of her most simple, yet impactful tracks that musicians will be able to relate to.

“Don’t need your permission now, Didn’t want it anyhow / Live my life the way I please, You’ll never be the boss of me” ~ You Were Wrong About Me

October 18, 2022
Fernway Announces Fourth Annual Halloween Show

Buffalo-based Fernway has announced the return of their fourth annual Halloween Show on Oct. 29 at Buffalo Iron Works.

Poster by Francesca Bubb

Fernway’s Halloween Show features stacked performances, including Vertigo Child, The Safest Ledge, Amateur Hockey Club, and Roy G Biv. In addition to the musical performances, attendees can also participate in a costume contest to win prizes.

Fresh off of the release of their debut album, Autocrave, Fernway has been on the road with shows across the U.S. The group recently supported Ohio-based band The Safest Ledge earlier this September and will reunite with them for the Halloween Show on Oct. 29.

Photo by: Matt Sledziewski

Formed in 2017, Fernway consists of five Buffalo natives: RJ DeMarco, Brett Robertson, Jonah Wrest, Alec Dube, and Tanner DeMarco. The five musicians blend together pop rock, alternative emo, jazz, and more for a sound uniquely their own.

Tickets for the Halloween Fernway show at Buffalo Iron Works go on sale on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. EST. The price for an advanced ticket is $15 and $20 for a ticket at the door. The show will open at 6 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m. Fans of Fernway’s music can find them and keep up with them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

September 12, 2022
Marina Laurendi to Release Debut EP Stay Mine

NYC-based singer-songwriter Marina Laurendi is set to release her full debut EP, Stay Mine, on Friday, Aug. 26.

A native of Western NY, Laurendi blends two energies into her album: the pulse of NYC and the nostalgia of her quieter roots. The EP comes after three previous single releases, “Gramercy,” “Neighborhood Kids,” and “Upper East Side,” out earlier this year.

With a sound similar to early Lana Del Rey, Best Coast, and Phoebe Bridgers, and vivid lyricism intertwined, the four-track Stay Mine EP cuts deep. The title track describes a larger-than-life romance with an invitation for adventure. With a moody timpani beat, electric guitar, and ethereal three-part harmony, the song pulls you in and keeps you there throughout the journey.

Marina Laurendi’s tales of idealism, dreaming, nostalgia, and wanderlust are beautifully written and captured within the tracks of Stay Mine. The poetic stories Laurendi shares are genuine as they are creative. While the instrumentation on the album varies from slow strums to upbeat pop percussion, Laurendi’s voice and clear tone stay consistent.

With the debut EP Stay Mine, Marina Laurendi cements herself as someone to watch in the alternative music scene. The young artist is also currently a quarter-finalist in the competition to open at this year’s Hollywood Bowl with voting ending Sep. 1.

Be sure to take a listen to the entire EP when it releases on Aug. 26. Until then, croon alongside Laurendi with her recent single releases and reminisce with her authentic lyricism.

August 25, 2022