Tag: brooklyn

Alan Robert ‘Arrested’ in Brooklyn

Spoiler NYC frontman, Life of Agony bassist, and graphic artist Alan Robert was recently caught on video being arrested with his bandmates from Spoiler at Brooklyn’s Lucky 13 Saloon.

Well, not really. The group’s music video for “Banned in 38 States,” released this past Thursday, October 18, showed the band being carried out of the heavy metal-themed bar in handcuffs and performing from behind bars in a skit-like approach.

Produced by Ken Lewis, a producer whose repertoire includes work with the Wu-Tang Clan, Eminem, and countless other hip-hop icons, it’s a quick, pounding punk rock track which just crosses the two minute mark. Robert proclaims the band’s infamy as inciters of punk-infused chaos, yelling on the first verse, “no where left to play, lots of hell to raise, pour me another bourbon, whiskey or wine.”

“Banned in 38 States” is one of two new tracks from their August-released album of the same name. It’s a 15th anniversary edition of their debut album Grease Fire in Hell’s Kitchen, featuring remastered versions of the record’s original 12 songs.

Spoiler NYC band members from left to right: Chris “Junkyard” Silletti (guitar), Alan Robert (lead vocals/bass), Tommy “The Kid” Clayton (drums).

The other new addition is the slower, more melodic “Damaged Goods,” an ode to Robert’s tumultuous upbringing with an abusive father. “People say I will never amount to nothing, and then they’ll wait ’till I kill myself or something, then they’ll say ‘oh what a shame, he was damaged goods,” he sings on the chorus.

The song received a Taxi Driver-themed music video back in August when the remastered album dropped.

Spoiler NYC is also promoting Banned in 38 States with three upcoming shows: one in November in a return to the Lucky 13 Saloon, and two in December, with appearances at Coney Island USA and Bowery Electric.

Information regarding tickets, Banned in 38 States’ limited vinyl release on Halloween, and more can be found on the Spoiler NYC website.

Dates:

Friday, 11/18/22: Lucky 13 Saloon, Brooklyn, NY. Spoiler NYC ‘Record Release Show’

Sunday, 12/11/22: Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave. Brooklyn, NY. Matinee.

Sunday, 12/18/22: The Bowery Electric, NYC. All ages matinee.

October 22, 2022
DIE the Monk Thrives in Grim Detail on New Album “Nailed to a Star”

Brooklyn artist Sebastien Carnot isn’t new to what he does. Known by the musical alias DIE the Monk, his experience is on full display with his fourth album Nailed to a Star.

The record follows up 2020’s The Beauty Complex, and maintains the brevity signature to DIE the Monk as the fourth consecutive album under 30 minutes. Its cross between industrial music, hip-hop and synth pop makes for a moody, abrasive record about inner turmoil.

Album art for “NAILED TO A STAR.”

The subdued minute-long intro track “Shapeless” sets the tone with Carnot musing, “what if I’m an unlucky person making many bad decisions,” before launching into the pacing, catchy “Underbite.”

On “Underbite,” the album’s lead single, forboding bass pulsates like an alarm clock as he yells about hidden anguish with lines such as “where do you go, a life they see is a life they know, not a life disguised.” The track also introduces the record’s unconventional song structure, shelving a normal verse-chorus pattern for a wave of noise that bursts into a psychedelic outro with melodic synths.

While Carnot’s voice competes to not be drowned out by the volume of his blasting musical backdrop on this record, like a Steve Albini-made album during hardcore’s heyday, there’s something intentional about his distortion-drenched vocals being pit against Carnot’s digital overdrive production.

The same can be said for the following song “Recollect,” with autotuned delivery that reminisces of premier hip-hop experimentalists Injury Reserve that builds an overwhelming environment of metallic drums and wailing horns into a reverb-tinged, gloomy conclusion.

Carnot’s flexibility in approach to noise music remains apparent on songs like the metal-adjacent “Honor” with its rolling drums and dramatic synth melody and the hardcore rap infused “Commander” with sci-fi-esque sound effects in a track that only gains speed.

The interludes on Nailed to a Star assist the flow of the album as well. The lush synths on “Lost” well suit a phone call to friend from a stressed but stable Carnot asking for a ride home, and the melodica-driven “Stars Talk” well articulates his anxiety.

Underneath the chaos, Carnot shows great capacity for writing engaging melodies, and such is the case on the cloud rap oriented second single “Bless Up.” Playful rapping and synth lines make this a brighter song than the rest, even if the subject matter keeps dark with lyrics like “all my fears turn to problems” keeping consistent with the album’s tone.

This loud album ends things rather quietly on “A Boy Untrained.” It stays consistent with the record’s persistent themes of self-doubt and gloom, as tribal drums and mystical synths lay foreground for lines such as “trying to understand why you won’t go, I must be nasty.”

While Carnot doesn’t change up song structure much on Nailed to a Star, he shows plenty of creativity and versatility for different angles of noise music. While short, this is an explorative and intense project that gets personal in an intimate way for DIE The Monk.

Key Tracks: Underbite, Bless Up, A Boy Untrained

October 21, 2022
Brooklyn Funk Essentials Release Video For “AA Side Single”

NYC’s cult funk ensemble Brooklyn Funk Essentials have just shared a playful video for their irresistible new jazz-funk jam “AA Side Single.” The music video was just released October 16^th, in follow up to the critically acclaimed recent single “Scream!” released on Dorado Records.

The tongue in cheek video is full of vibes and features legendary lead singer Alison Limerick, BFE founder and bassist Lati Kronlund and the entire BFE lineup.

Brooklyn Funk Essentials is a music collective who mix jazz, funk, and hip hop, featuring musicians and poets from different cultures. Across a career that stretches 28 years and six albums, Brooklyn Funk Essentials have established themselves as an audacious project fusing soul, hip hop, spoken word, jazz, Latin and of course, funk. BFE have built up a loyal international cult following on every continent since its inception in 1993 by iconic producer Arthur Baker and bassist Lati Kronlund.

The band was born out of New York’s buzzing hip-hop, jazz and slam poetry scenes in the early 90s, rotating some of the finest musicians, DJs, poets, rappers and singers. BFE’s debut album Cool & Steady & Easy is a classic underground hit with the version of Pharoah Sanders’ “The Creator Has a Master Plan,” while tracks like “Take The L Train” and “Big Apple Boogaloo” became DJ favorites.

“The cult funk ensemble Brooklyn Funk Essentials share the playful video for their infectious new jazz-funk jam “AA Side Single” today”
– Ghettoblaster

The songs “AA Side Single” and ‘Scream!’ are both taken from the BFE’s hotly anticipated seventh studio album Intuition, which will come out in early 2023 on Dorado Records. Thus, the original label who first signed Brooklyn Funk Essentials in 1994.

BFE are on a European Tour through summer to autumn, with European festival dates across Sweden, Norway, France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Turkey and more.

To watch the video for “AA Side Single,” click here. To listen to Brooklyn Funk Essentials, click here.

October 18, 2022
Puma Blue and Hamond Levitate Brooklyn with Baby’s All Right Performance

London-based, indie-jazz artist Puma Blue performed alongside Houston artist Hamond at Baby’s All Right on Oct. 15, headlining two performances after supporting Arlo Park’s Collapsed in Sunbeams Tour. Returning to the venue where they first performed in the US over 3 years ago, Puma Blue supplied the audience with lush, lo-fi jazz and R&B music for the hour-long set.

Puma Blue, 2022 Photo By Parker Alexander

The night began with a similarly moving performance by Hamond, whose album, Pirate Radio, released this past June. Alone with a guitar and MIDI keyboard controller, he filled the 280-capcity venue of soul-stirring melodies with every chord. Hamond performed songs off the aforementioned LP, dazzling the crowd early in the night and showcasing his musical finesse, backed by cinematic pop beats.

Hamond, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

After a short break between sets, Puma Blue came on stage. They traversed an intricate 15-song set, featuring songs from their debut album, In Praise of Shadows, and two EPs released in 2017 and 2019. Two new, unreleased songs were played.

“Pretty”, was gentle and tranquil, reminiscent of “Only Trying 2 Tell You”. “Light That Is Gone” featured a riff with glimmers of Jeff Buckley’s “Dream Brother”, who Puma Blue’s singer, Jacob Allen, has cited as a central influence on his work (even playing a Fender Telecaster that Buckley had regularly performed with).

Puma Blue, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

The group’s newly released song “Hounds” also made an appearance during the show. The brooding bass line reverberated across the snare and into the crowd, a highlight of the night. Finishing off with “(She’s) Just A Phase” and an accompanying raucous applause, Puma Blue concluded their fall supporting and headlining show schedule.

More music was teased to come (likely next year) and they undoubtedly will make a stop in New York.

Puma Blue | Baby’s All Right | Brooklyn, NY | October 15, 2022

Setlist: Midnight Blue, Soft Porn, Velvet Leaves, Already Falling, Snowflower, Lust, Oil Slick, Pretty, Bath House, Bruise Cruise, Light That Is Gone, Hounds, Moon Undah Water

Encore: Want Me, (She’s) Just A Phase

October 17, 2022
Snail Mail Perseveres at Brooklyn Mirage

Snail Mail opened up a highly anticipated show at The Brooklyn Mirage on Oct. 3. The band, an indie rock project started by Lindsey Jordan, opened for the trilogy of Baltimore-based acts. The group warmed up the crowd for JPEGMAFIA and the main act, hardcore band Turnstile.

As the remnants of Hurricane Ian descended upon the open-air venue, a sizable crowd huddled together to keep warm. Decked out in ponchos and raincoats, the crowd didn’t let the bad weather deter them from Snail Mail’s set.

In an effort to preserve the equipment on stage, the band was forced to perform under tents. Though the circumstances were far from ideal, they didn’t let the environment affect the quality of the performance.

Snail Mail performed a carefully curated mix of songs, including “Pristine” and “Heat Wave,” two standouts from their first album, Lush. The band mixed in many songs from their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Valentine, most notably performing “Valentine” and “Ben Franklin.:

Valentine is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2018’s Lush, which Jordan released at just 17 years old. Now at 22, Jordan has gained much more life experience. She’s able to dive deeply into life-altering experiences, ranging from navigating life-altering success, a painful breakup, and 6 weeks in treatment.

We look forward to Snail Mail’s continued growth as the band matures and hope that the next time they perform in New York, they’ll be able to do so without the constriction of a tent. Listen to our favorite song off of Valentine, “Ben Franklin” here and enjoy the photo recap of the show below.

October 6, 2022
Jellz Is Back and Wants to Run it up til ‘Infinity’ With Newest Single

After a hiatus in-between singles, Brooklyn bred rapper Jellz is back with his latest effort, “Infinity.” In his return from his musical sabbatical, he introduces a new version of himself. His prior releases like “Bullsh*t” and “Ghost” saw Jellz try his hand at his own wave of drill music. Bringing an extravagant feel to the violent-laden sub-genre. With a renewed focus and plan, Jellz returns to show fans that he has more in his bag.

Shot while on vacation in Los Santos, Colombia, the music video for “Ghost (Freestyle)” saw Jellz bring much more flair than the drill scene is accustomed to.

I still have drill music in the bag, but I’m more than just a drill artist. I have a lot of different flows, and feel like I’m just an artist honestly. So I wanted to give the fans a little something different this time around. In the future you’ll be hearing a lot of drill type beats mixed with my own melodies.

His New Single

The auto-tune laced “Infinity” brings the feel-good ambience of life’s never ending chase for success. In an enticing opening chorus, Jellz raps, “I done made some friends made some enemies, I can’t f**k with ni***s that move finicky, I just wanna ball with my day ones, know we got the sauce keep it A1.”

Jellz spends much of his time away from the States

The song’s theme of never-ending success keep in theme with what he wants to bring to the rap game. Since his initial release, he has amassed over 400 thousand streams and another 400 thousand in YouTube views, while remaining self-funded. Contrary to other rappers, rap isn’t the means to success, it’s one of the many avenues in running it up til infinity.

It’s been a while since I wrote it, but I think it’s just a culmination of life and what I want from it. One of my biggest values are friends and family, and I plan on living a great life with them in the future, and we all plan on achieving the goals we set for ourselves. In the song I talk about what the song has already brought and taught me. I’m also manifesting a lot of my future self in it.

In like manner, Jellz has operated his short rap-career as an extension of the life he has created for himself. The music video for “Ghost” was shot while on vacation in Los Santos, Colombia. In it, Jellz presents himself with a Jefe-like persona, surrounded by local women in bathing suits and ski masks. In the “Bachata” visuals, he channels his inner Escobar while in the South American republic, segueing between a game of soccer and a night out with a dame.

What’s the next Step?

Although brimming with career know-how beyond his years, Jellz’ obstacle remains his consistency. Despite success on visuals and streams from his singles, months usually go by in-between Jellz releases. Something he knows can be the difference in career trajectory.

I want to be more consistent this time around, with the releases and with the content. So, I was just taking time off to build my arsenal so I can be more consistent this time around. Because I know consistency is the final piece to the puzzle to get me where I want to be.

Expect a few more singles from Jellz until a project is released

Although family oriented, Jellz spends much of his time away from the states, citing New York City’s cold weather as the reason for his long respite’s. “I can record from anywhere in the world, but I still have my engineer from back home mix it for me,” he divulges. As cold temperatures near, expect Jellz to be somewhere warm, where he can create better. As for the next drop? Expect a slew of singles until he feels the time is right. Much like on “Infinity,” Jellz’ success cannot be rushed.

I don’t really do empty lyrics, a lot of the time my words do have a lot to of with my situation, or what I want my future to bring

September 23, 2022
Big Eyed Blues Festival Returns to Brooklyn for 12 Anniversary

The Big Eyed Blues Festival returns to Brooklyn for its 12-anniversary celebration, featuring three days of blues with established and upcoming artists on Sept. 22, 24, and 25.

The Blues Festival was created by Blues singer Beareather Reddy, who resides in Brooklyn to showcase talented Blues singers and provide a venue where these artists can be seen and heard. She noticed there was a lack of Blues venues in the city, and she wanted to create a solution to the problem.

Her passion to help keep Blues music striving, inspired her to found the not-for-profit organization, the Brooklyn Blues Society. “In some way, I feel it is my purpose to open the gateway to some and to bring others back to the realization, that Blues music is an integral part of their rich heritage,” she said.

Big Blue Eyed Blues Festival Schedule

Sept. 22, 7-9 P.M.- “The Acoustics” The Jalopy Theatre, 315 Columbia Street Brooklyn

The night features Junior Mack “Exploring The Blues And The Truth”, Mimi Block, and Keith “The Captain” Gamble will play “Blues in the Key of Violin”. Michael Hill’s Acoustic Blue Duo ends the night with electric blues. The event will be live streamed and is in partnership with the Jalopy Theatre.

Sept. 24, 7-10 P.M. “Command Performance” The BKLYN Commons 495 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn.

Michael Hill is the MC for the event, which features talented singer/songwriter and guitarist from Paterson, NJ, Clarence Spady. Also performing are Beareather & The Brown Liquor Sounds as well as the musical and historically focused group the Antoinette Montague Experience. Brooklyn’s own The Alexis P. Suter Band will end the night with her earth-shattering vocals and electrifying rhythm. The schedule for the evening is as follows:

7:00 P.M. – 7:05 P.M. – Master of Ceremonies – Michael Hill
7:05 P.M. – 7:40 P.M.– Clarence Spady
7:45 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. – Beareather & The Brown Liquor Sounds
8:20 P.M. – 8:35 P.M. – Break
8:35 P.M. – 8:45 P.M. – Citation Presentation & Board Members Introductions
8:45 P.M. – 9:20 P.M. – The Antoinette Montague Experience & Band
9:20 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. – The Alexis P. Band

Sept. 25, 12-3 P.M.- “A Day in the Park” The Prospect Park Boat House Brooklyn.

The free final event is The Tilden Senior Center Drama Club presenting their version of “The Classic Blueswomen,” written by Beareather Reddy and directed by Evria Ince Waldron, in partnership with NIA Theatrical Production and The Prospect Park Alliance.

Tickets for the events on Sept. 22 and 24 are available here.

September 22, 2022
Sam Rappaport Pops Back Up with “Easy to Love”

Brooklyn singer-songwriter Sam Rappaport has returned with his third single, “Easy to Love,” a candid, romantic soft rock song.

It’s the lead single off his upcoming debut EP “Get Me Away From Myself,” and follows “Till the Morning Comes” and “Journeyman’s Ballet,” released in February & November of 2021. With this track he also continues to supplement his work with Gooseberry, an indie-rock band for which he sings and plays keyboards.

Promotional art for “Easy to Love.”

It follows a simple pop song structure and includes jazzy instrumentation, with saxophone and watery keys leading the way. The song’s slow tempo and simple rhythm section make for a relaxed tone along with Rappaport’s soft vocals, as he muses about being enveloped in an enamoring feeling of love. “The way you laugh makes me tingle,” he sings on the chorus, nicely supplemented by female background vocals. “The way you touch me makes me cry.”

Produced by Lorenzo Wolff, subtle touches such as the gurgle of a baritone sax distantly in the background give the song an added element of depth, and make the rise in energy during the louder, more outgoing chorus even more satisfying.

“Easy to Love” by Sam Rappaport doesn’t take any serious risks musically, but given the song’s romantic themes, maybe that’s okay. Sometimes love is simple, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

September 16, 2022
Brooklyn Pop Duo Fake Dad Release New Single “Painkiller”

Fake Dad, a Brooklyn alt. pop duo just released their new single “Painkiller,” about struggles with mental health and addiction, and how hard it is to support someone as they struggle with both.

Fake Dad is made up of Andrea de Varona and Josh Ford. They make music out of their tiny Brooklyn apartment, and since the beginning of 2018 have been inseparable with a love of music at the center of their relationship long before they started writing together.

Their music has a signature production sound with distinct voice styles and is there to give you a friendly pat on the back after a long day, and they want you to know everything is going to be okay.

We hope listeners feel understood and not alone in their respective battles with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, self-harm or really any kind of mental health struggle. Sometimes our connections with others, and a sense of belonging alone are reasons to stay on this earth and try to get better.
Fake Dad

Their new single “Painkillers” is a nod to the 80s synth-pop era, with uplifting lyrics about trying to break free from inner demons, and an ode to a relationship between two extremely anxious individuals desperately looking inward for ways to love each other better.

The lyrics that get repeated a lot throughout the song are “Someone tell me I’ll survive this/please just tell me I’ll survive.” These set of lyrics are very emotional and fans have actually thanked the band for writing it, as it helps those going through a mental health crisis tell themselves they will get through it.

Overall, the song is very well produced, and Varona’s vocals are very haunting and make you feel like you will make it through anything. “Painkillers” by Fake Dad is out now on all streaming platforms.

September 16, 2022
Mike Doughty with Ghost of Vroom Announce Brooklyn Residency in Nov.

Mike Doughty announced his first solo tour in two years, as well as an exclusive Brooklyn residency with his band, Ghost of Vroom at Union Pool in Nov.

Photo Credit: Jamie Harmon

Mike Doughty hasn’t had a solo show in over two years because of the pandemic. He is known for his over two-decade career full of solo work, and his band Ghost of Vroom, which he created with his longtime musical collaborator, bassist Andrew “Scrap” Livingston. They have two albums, praised by American Songwriter for their “urgency and relevance…a beyond-perfect union, centered around a solid rhythm section, that elaborates on the hip-hop influences Doughty picked up as a young kid when he had just moved to New York in the late eighties.”

They change their sound up a lot, mashing up weird jazz, psychedelic trances, and Doughty’s blend of his signature art pop. The band will be having a residency in Brooklyn at Union Pool, every Sunday in Nov., starting the 6, with Doughty doing a set of his solo music. Surprise guests will be announced soon, some including Billy Martin (Medeski Martin & Wood), Michael Wilbur (Moon Hooch), and Jamie Saft (John Zorn, Wadada Leo Smith).

For more information and to buy tickets to Mike Doughty’s tour and Brooklyn residency, go here.

OCTOBER

26 – St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway *

27 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi *

28 – Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall *

29 – Evanston, IL – Space *

NOVEMBER

6 – Brooklyn, NY – Union Pool (Two Sets)

13 – Brooklyn, NY – Union Pool (Two Sets)

20 – Brooklyn, NY – Union Pool (Two Sets)

27 – Brooklyn, NY – Union Pool (Two Sets)

* Mike Doughty Solo Performance

September 15, 2022

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