NYS Music 202​2

Tag: New Single

  • 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 11th. “Stuck In A Loop” leans into the band’s ‘90s alternative influences, flowing through rich guitar tones into an intoxicating breakdown.

    Soul Blind Releases "Feel It All Around" On 11/11

    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 Releases "Feel It All Around" On 11/11
    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.

  • An Interview with NYC Artist Craig Greenberg

    Native to New York City, Craig Greenberg has been heavily involved in the region’s music scene for over a decade and a half. Greenberg has channeled the spirit of classic alternative and soul musicians, such as Billy Joel, Ben Folds and Randy Newman, while blending their influences with new narratives concomitant to his experiences, in his music.

    Craig Greenberg

    While his performances on stage in New York City-based venues have harnessed crowds of music fans in the Metro area, the timeline of his works begins in 2007, after the release of his rock debut EP The World and Back. Three years later, his second debut EP Spinning in Time receiving national airplay helps to conjure momentum to his career, following his third release (as well as his first full length album) The Grand Loss & Legacy being covered by Huffington Post and ranking the top of RELIX’s Top 30 Radio albums chart.

    2015 “The Grand Loss & Legacy” Album Cover

    His 2020 album Phantom Life carries tracks conveying a blend of sounds derived from pop and rock, and lyrical sentiments wielding an axis on life obstacles and opportunities. The Between the Sea and the Sky EP is set to be released on December 16, 2022.

    Greenberg’s most recent piece is his single “Quarantine Queen” from September, 2022, which emerged from the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and touches on the frustrations he experienced in his dating life, living in NYC. Craig sat down with NYS Music to discuss his discography and upcoming release of Between the Sea and the Sky.

    Heather Occhino: I came across your website and I was reading your bio just to find out more about your background as an artist, so I wanted to ask you, what made you initially pursue a career in music?

    Craig Greenberg: Well I actually feel the path chose me..  When I graduated from college and I was mainly just a guitar player I didn’t think I was up for the lifestyle of being a musician.  I tried out other creative areas (including comedy writing) and also considered studying creativity for a graduate degree in psychology.  It wasn’t until I finished my first few full songs that it started to click in my head that I could actually do it.  And then a couple years later when I got my first gig singing in bars (while living abroad in South America), that was my no turning back point.

    HO: I read in your bio that your independent work of pop/Americana music started with your ‘The World and Back’ EP back in 2007. What drove you to make music within that genre (were you involved in that music scene growing up?)

    CG: I didn’t set out to make music in that genre.. I just got labeled that way.  I actually think “Americana” is used as a default when there isn’t a more apt description or if the reviewer is lazy (lol).  As far as the “pop” description, I think I’ve always had a good sense of writing hooky melodies, so maybe that’s where that came from.  

    HO: Going more into your biography on your website, I also saw that your debut album, “The Grand Loss & Legacy” was included in a publication by the Huffington Post and received national airplay and was ranked in another publication as being in the Top 30 Radio albums. (Congratulations) How did that momentum impact you and what did it mean for your career, moving forward from that point? 

    CG: Well it certainly put me on the map in terms ofindustry recognition.. especially from the singles “That Girl is Wrong for You”, and “Death on the Liberty Line” that got praise from the HuffPost and Relix magazine and received airplay around the country.   And that album also gave me confidence to move closer to what my band sounds like live, a more raw and rocking sound. That was rewarding and liberating!

    HO: Your latest single that came out last month on the 30th is called “Quarantine Queen”. Is it intended to be about anyone in particular, perhaps someone dear to you in your life? 

    CG: Well, sometimes my songs are true stories, sometimes they’re based on a true story, and sometimes they’re complete fiction. Quarantine Queen would fall in the last category.  It came out of a lonely period during the early days of the pandemic in NYC.  I was frustrated with the reality of dating during those weird times and wrote a song about my dream companion to spend lockdown with.

    HO: Is this song set to be part of your upcoming EP to be released in December?

    CG: Yes

    HO: I read that your music reflects the experiences you are going through. That leads me into my next question, which is, do you find that the emotional tones you inject in your music are part of a more spontaneous creative process or do you usually plan prior on what type of energy a project is going to deliver?

    CG: I find that the emotional feeling in my songs can come out of my experience, but also could be just a mood I’m in, but for sure it’s never planned in advance–I never sit down and say I want to write a song about this or that topic.  Generally I sit at the piano (or guitar) and just see where the feeling in the moment takes me.  Though when making an album, the songs I choose to record may be based on wanting to have a variety of mood and energy to give it range.

    HO: When and where do you plan on performing next?

    CG: Rockwood Music Hall, Dec 21st – it will be the EP release show!

    HO: In the last part of your bio, I read that you performed with prominent musicians such as Mike Gordon of Phish, Jackson Browne and Victor DeLorenzo from Violent Femmes. Do you plan on working with musicians like the ones just mentioned again and what has the experience of performing with big names given you?  

    CG: Well, I would jump at the chance to perform with any of them again.  Aside from Jackson Browne, who I’ve had the extreme privilege of getting to know a bit and performing with a few times over the years, the others were more random occurrences.  Victor DeLorenzo was at a songwriting event I attended for many years in the mid-west, and we have many musical friends in common, so there’s a decent chance our paths will cross again.

  • Joshua Thew NYC Gem Releases Video For “Where Do Feelings Go?”

    NYC’s hidden gem Joshua Thew released his newest melancholic single and video, “Where Do Feelings Go?” on Friday, October 28th. Being a New York-based singer, songwriter, and former dancer at the New York City Ballet, ‘Where Do Feelings Go?’ navigates the cognitive dissonance that sets in after a relationship ends. Thew’s voice soars effortlessly as he reaches into the aftermath of a breakup, building up to an infectious chorus.

    London-born and NY-based, Joshua Thew gathered attention in 2019 with his debut single, “Think You’re Getting Through.” The single gained over 450,000 streams on Spotify alone and picked up notable press support. Now he returns with his soulful offering, ‘Where Do Feelings Go,’ which is out now on all platforms.

    Joshua Threw Releases Newest Single And Video "Where Do Feelings Go?"
    Processed with VSCO with kp9 preset

    On the inspiration behind the song’s themes, Thew explains:

    There is something so strange and absurd about the abruptness of a breakup; like air suddenly deflating from a balloon. I tried to capture as close to the moment of separation as possible. It felt cathartic making this song, and I leaned on the music when I needed it. Sometimes it was more personal than I intended. I see it like a nighttime dream that’s sensual and sad.

    About five years ago, Thew was dancing and performing for the New York City Ballet alongside top-tier talent for audiences from around the globe. Even though he worked his entire life for this, Thew couldn’t shake the feeling that he was missing something. In 2017, after nearly a decade at NYC Ballet, Thew left the professional dancing space behind to pursue another dream, and alongside producer Cale Hawkings, his new single, ‘Where Do Feelings Go,’ further demonstrates his ability to craft emotionally powerful songs. 

    ‘Where Do Feelings Go?’ is out now across platforms. To watch the video, click the link here.

    To listen to more Joshua Thew, click the link here.

  • State Champs Release Acoustic Singles “Act Like That” and “Outta My Head”

    Local to Albany, State Champs have released their newest acoustic single “Act Like That,” an energetic, bouncing track, and “Outta My Head,” with its stripped back guitar licks, both bringing vocal harmonies and breathing new life into the songs. Earlier this year, State Champs planted their flag firmly in pop-punk history with their 4th studio album, Kings Of The New Age, out now via Pure Noise Records. 

    State Champs Act Like That Outta My Head

    Kings Of The New Age includes hit singles “Eventually”, “Everybody But You” (ft. Ben Barlow), “Outta My Head”, and “Just Sound.” Alongside this, seven new tracks featuring additional guest vocalists Chrissy Costanza, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Four Year Strong. 

    “If any band were to be crowned royalty amongst the current generation of pop-punk acts, we have little doubt the honor would go to New York’s State Champs.”

    – Beyond The Stage Magazine

    Starting in bedrooms and basements in 2010, State Champs quickly ascended in the pop punk scene owing as much to early Fall Out Boy and Green Day as latter-day Warped Tour bands. In 2022, Kerrang! declared them “one of the most authentic and well-respected bands in pop-punk. Derek DiScanio, Tyler Szalkowski, Ryan Scott Graham, and Evan Ambrosio deliver a strong message throughout Kings Of The New Age.

    State Champs delivered their music and heartfelt message on extensive tours with bands like Fall Out Boy, 5 Seconds Of Summer, A Day To Remember, and Simple Plan; three different Warped Tours; and a co-headliner with Neck Deep. 

    “With their pop-punk flag firmly planted, State Champs may have just provided us with the soundtrack to help remind us of the carefree days and the endless possibilities of a summer that could change our lives for the better.”

    – Chorus.fm 

    On the highly anticipated release, the band shares, “Kings of The New Age is our fourth album, the one that we spent the most time on, and the one that makes the biggest statement. After writing over 30 songs, we narrowed it down to 11 that best represent our mission as a band, and sonically, match the energy level we wanted to captivate heading into this new chapter.” 

    State Champs Act Like That

    “We had a short press week back in June where we did some in studio acoustic sessions,” explains guitarist Tyler Szalkowski. “We fell in love with the acoustic versions of Act Like That and Outta My Head. We knew we had to get these recorded and get them out to you all. Enjoy and see you all very soon on the Kings of the New Age tour.” 

    “[Kings Of The New Age] is full of engaging, high-velocity pop punk songs that are great for summertime listening.”

    – New Noise Magazine

    State Champs Upcoming Tour Dates 

    Nov 11 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues * 

    Nov 12 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live * 

    Nov 13 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel * 

    Nov 15 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre * 

    Nov 18 – Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall * 

    Nov 19 – St. Louis, MO – Red Flag * 

    Nov 20 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater * 

    Nov 22 – Denver, CO – Gothic # 

    Nov 23 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union # 

    Nov 25 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues # 

    Nov 26 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues # 

    Nov 27 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren # 

    Nov 29 – Austin, TX – Empire Garage # 

    Nov 30 – Dallas, TX – South Side Music Hall # 

    Dec 2 – Orlando, FL – Plaza Live + 

    Dec 3 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore + 

    Dec 4 – Nashville, TN – Eastside Bowl + 

    Dec 6 – Richmond, VA – The National + 

    Dec 7 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom + 

    Dec 9 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner + 

    Dec 10 – Albany, NY – Empire Live + 

    To listen to State Champs release on Youtube, click the link here.

  • Fake Dad Release Alt-pop Single “New Machines”

    Brooklyn alt-pop duo Fake Dad have just announced their newest aesthetic release “New Machines” out on November 10th. The single is dreamy yet electrifying, overall capturing the nostalgic experience of younger generations who have grown up in a world characterized by tragedy and fear. 

    Fake Dad Release Alt-pop Single "New Machines"

    This particular single reflects on global stressors like climate crisis, “New Machines” channels a care-free sound reflective of the consistent lack of seriousness society seems to meet very real issues with. “New Machines” is also a powerful follow-up to their most recent single, “Painkiller,” that caught the attention of esteemed indie music tastemakers like Ones to Watch and A1234, who premiered the single.  

    “We hope that the upbeat sound on New Machines is motivating and empowering to anyone feeling dejected, anxious, and emotionally burdened. Most of all, we hope this makes every listener feel a little less alone in this scary mess of a world.”

    – Fake Dad

    Fake dad fans still obsess over their anthemic June single“How Do I Cry?,” which landed itself on eight major Spotify editorial playlists like All New Indie and Indie Arrivals. Fake dad release some of the most aesthetic songs and share their conceptual ideas with their listeners. Thus, their newest single “New Machines,” which is dreamy yet electrifying with a nostalgic taste, will surely do that.

    Fake Dad Release Alt-pop Single "New Machines"

    Fake dad, also known as Andrea de Varona and Josh Ford, have made music together in their studio apartment since 2018. The duo had designated their roles within the band and have worked with a variety of up and coming artists. Both artists come from different musical backgrounds, but they do share one common goal. And that goal is to create something that understands the listener. Both Andrea and Josh wanted to create music that comforted people, especially if the listener had a rough day in life, stated in a previous article from NYS Music.

    To listen to Fake dad’s newest release “New Machines,” click the link to Soundcloud here.

    And to read more about Fake dad from NYS Music, click the link here.

  • ALYXX Shares Powerful New Single and Video “Serenity”

    NY-based solo artist ALYXX released her newest single, titled “Serenity.” The emotional track reminds listeners it is okay to put mental health first and take time for yourself amidst the chaos of life.

    ALYXX in a white dress in a field for her single cover art.

    Based out of Rockland County, ALYXX wrote the track in March of 2022 and recorded “Serenity” at her home studio and at Cinderella Man Studios with Zaki Ali. The song is haunting, starting slowly with piano and backing vocals before building with an impressive vocal style and rock instrumentals.

    Drums from Ali and guitar from Brandon Hawkes contribute to the single’s intense sound. The accompanying music video showcases all three musicians performing the song alongside moody lighting and visuals.

    “Serenity” is powerful not only in sound but also message, with ALYXX singing, “Let the weight of the world / Fall on someone else’s shoulders / Cause I’m tired of taking on the responses of others” as part of the track’s bridge. The melodic metal single is catchy, and the artist’s talent as a singer and songwriter shines.

    It’s about putting yourself and your mental health first. Wanting to do something and being able to do something are two different things. Sometimes you have to say no, for your own well being. Life will always be hectic, but one must find the calmness within the chaos.

    – ALYXX

    Take a listen to ALYXX’s latest musical release and video below. “Serenity” is out now on all streaming platforms. To keep up with ALYXX, find her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

  • Andrew Thomases Releases New Single “Two Sides”

    On Sept. 9, alt-rocker Andrew Thomases released his newest single, “Two Sides.” With varying instrumentation, the song explores the line between leading an energetic existence and needing time to yourself.

    Andrew Thomases cover art for single with a party in one corner and a single tent in the other

    Hailing from just north of NYC before making the move out to San Francisco, much of Andrew Thomases’ music draws on personal experiences, and this “Two Sides” release is no different. The artist picked up the bass guitar at the age of 12 and continued to pursue music with cover bands in high school and as a DJ at a radio station in college. During the pandemic, Thomases recently picked up his passion again, sharing music and recording new work. 

    Andrew Thomases’ newest single shines with his enthralling vocals and relatable lyricism. He sings, “I wonder why I can’t be that guy who always arrives with fun in his eyes, always happy, now that isn’t me, why can’t I see, happiness ain’t free.” The switch between a slow acoustic guitar and the upbeat rock portions of “Two Sides” really drives Thomases’ message to his audience and listeners straight home.

    Do you ever feel torn between wanting to have an always-effervescent personality and just wanting to hang out alone? Do you long to be the life of the party sometimes, while other times, you just want to stay at home with a good book or show? Does this split depend on your mood at the time? I certainly have these competing desires, so I decided to write a song about it. “Two Sides” explores this split, both in its lyrics and in its music. The song varies between a slow acoustic guitar portion and a more upbeat rocking portion, with driving bass and guitar lines. In the end, the song explains that it is ok to have different personalities at different times.

    – Andrew Thomases

    “Two Sides” is the perfect single and reminder for the ambiverts of the world. The accompanying lyric video also illustrates the sentiment exactly with fun and engaging graphics. With this newest track, Andrew Thomases shares a relatable and genuine experience many people can resonate with.

    Utilizing retro-rock rhythms and melodies that pay homage to the music of the ‘80s and ‘90s alongside conscious lyricism, Thomases’ music captivates. Much of Thomases’ work reflects on our world and society, where he breaks up serious topics with the occasional satire and a keen sense of humor.

    Fans of Thomases’ sound can find him on his website, as well as on Instagram and Facebook. Take a listen to some more of Andrew Thomases’ music with the video below.

  • Austin Jay Brings the Passion to R&B With ‘Loving on You’

    Manhattan-born pop/r&b singer, Austin Jay, brings the heat with his latest single, “Loving on You.” Released in anticipation of his debut EP, “Loving You” follows the release of “All I Wanna Do,” his debut single. In a short period of time the passionate wailer has amassed over 50 thousand streams on each of his singles.

    After graduating from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Austin Jay embarked on his musical career. Classically trained in piano and voice, he earned his promising newcomer status in 2019 with covers of Khalid’s “Location” and Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes” gaining a significant following on Instagram for his soulful and imaginative Gen- Z reinterpretations of popular songs.

    Stylistically, Austin Jay can fill a void within the r&b realm. While the too-cool-for-school crooners have their place, they don’t fully encapsulate the love and vulnerability that r&b is rooted in. A proper love ballad requires a certain kind of indifference to public perception. A generational trend that Austin Jay is aware of, yet embraces.

    Loving on You is about the infatuation of new love. It’s about finding someone that you really care about and telling them, and not being ashamed of love. A lot of people think dramatic declarations of love are corny/cheesy, but really it’s healthy and needed more in life.

    – Austin Jay

    On “Loving On You” Austin Jay reverts to the impassioned, romance-laden croons of r&b’s heyday. In fact, the music video itself is a nod to r&b hits of the past, as Jay shirtless-ly serenades his love interest on a secluded California beach.

    Despite his r&b talents, Austin sees himself growing into the likes of Dominic Fike, Khalid, and Bruno Mars, an aggressive, all-genre artist with strong vocals. He performed as the lead singer of the nationally touring band ‘Earth to Mars’, growing his fanbase and earning his performance chops. Now a more complete artist, Austin Jay looks to cement himself as a player in the r&b world.

  • Khruangbin and Vieux Farka Touré Release “Tongo Barra” off Upcoming Album

    Musical trio Khruangbin and Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré have released “Tongo Barra,” a preview of their upcoming collaborative album Ali. The project honors Vieux’s late father, Ali Farka Touré, who helped shape African desert blues throughout his career.

    Khruangbin trio pose in front of blue wall with Vieux Farka Touré
    Photo Credit: Jackie Lee Young

    Over five minutes long, “Tongo Barra,” is accompanied by a visualizer of hypnotic patterns. Sung in the Malian Songhai dialect, the single is engrossing and captivating. “Tongo Barra” is a fuse of blues, dub, and groove, as is the highly anticipated album which releases on Sep. 23.

    The single release is the newest from the pairing, with the lead single “Savanne,” released earlier this year with widespread acclaim. All 8 songs included on Ali pay homage to Ali Farka Touré, with a renewed West African blend that Khruangbin and Touré hope reaches new generations and audiences. Ali Farka Touré’s music touched so many and is consistently ranked as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

    Cover art based on the original work ”Homme Du Sahel” by Abdoulaye Konaté, 2015. Courtesy of Primo Marella Gallery, Milan. 

    Prior to the album’s release, the collaborators announced listening sessions at SEY in Brooklyn and Fringe in Paris. Attendees can immerse themselves in the music and enjoy bespoke tea in a respectful setting. Attendees will be selected at random through a ticket lottery with winners chosen on Sep. 9. The pairing will not be in attendance but the event will have voiceover introductions from the artists. For a chance to attend, visit here.

    “Tongo Barra” from Khruangbin and Vieux Farka Touré solidifies the group’s creativity and commitment to honoring a late musical legend. The single pulls you in and the album, Ali, is sure to include tracks created to do the same. Stay tuned for when the full album releases on Sep. 23.

  • Brooklyn Artist Tyrin Released New Music Video

    Brooklyn artist Tyrin unveiled the new music video for his latest single “It’s All Alright”. With daydreaming hues and visuals, this cinematic music video is fulfilled with nostalgia.

    Tyrin

    Tyrin is an evolving creative artist born and raised in Brooklyn. He is never afraid to reflect on what keeps him up at night while he has a genreless approach to composition. Influenced by the pop-punk and hip-hop, Tyrin started making music in 2010 to explore the realm of rap. With years of progress, he has accumulated his influence and been continuously growing while working and performing alongside his band to produce a truly unique soundscape.

    Tyrin recently unveiled “Its All Alright”, a song explaining and concerning mental health. He hopes to give out his energy to reduce his listeners’ loneliness as he new music video offers a meditative visuals to enjoy.

    The blaring basslines and an ecstatic realm of sound in “Its All Alright” illustrated the comfort with dreamy hues and euphoric visuals. Tyrin hopes listeners will find a minute for themselves within his latest tune. Sitting atop echoing vocal energy, relentless melodies and a truly encapsulating rhythm, his latest release and accompanying visuals make for an idyllic pairing.

    “It started with heavy Hip-Hop roots, and through the few months of working on it with my engineer the song started to evolve and mimic my true musical influences. ‘Its All Alright’ uncovers my truly impressive musical persona, I wrote this song to affirm that even with my flaws, I have value.”

    Tyrin

    Tyrin is looking across the alternative genre and inject his passion for hip hop and euphoric rap into something truly extraordinary. With enriched performing experience in pervious performances at numerous larger venues like Webster Hall and The Gramercy, he is nurturing a blossoming community in the heart of New York City.