Tag: New York City

Lizzy Young Releases LP “CooCoo Banana” and New Video

From Paris to New York City, Lizzy Young emerged to the scene in 2020 with her debut CooCoo Banana, a visual album of 10 tracks confronting mortality. In celebration of the upcoming release of her song Not that Bad, Lizzy has just unveiled a new video for the track “Everything is Beautiful.”

Lizzy explains, “Everything is Beautiful reflects the intangible in life, the little things we overlook and the big things we take for granted.”

Lizzy’s second album is centered around the experiences of women; “This album is my love letter to everyone who identifies as a woman. I find it complicated to be a woman, even in 2022, and I need to talk about what I know best.”

Not That Bad is not only an empowering tribute to women, it is also an album that at times captures the heady pulse of a night out; “something that people would want to play in a sweaty club,” she says. “A little different from what I’ve been hearing the last couple of years. Something that fits the times: dark, groovy, slightly funny, and a little apocalyptic.”

Work on this album began back in 2020, but then Young ended up at a friend’s farm for 6 months. “I barely took anything with me and wasn’t able to record until getting back to Brooklyn,” she says. “I wanted this album to be a Brooklyn baby and after finishing the demos I looked for someone local to work with to make it spicier.”

The opener “Cigarettes are good for Pain,” Young marries wonky pop with a charging techno beat, while the following “Shit Never Stops” takes a turn with snapping trap beats and merges them with subtle melodies. Young’s inimitable vocals are slow, considered, breathy.

To Listen to “Everything Is Beautiful,” click the link here.

December 15, 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
Whitney Brings SPARK to New York City’s Webster Hall

This past Sunday, Dec. 11, Whitney performed at New York City’s Webster Hall, bringing songs off their third album, SPARK, and many others. Expanding their touring lineup from the original two-piece, lead singer and drummer, Julien Ehrlich, and guitarist, Max Kakacek, were joined by a keyboard player, brass section, bass player, and additional drummer, evolving their sound (much like SPARK) and filling the music hall with their resonant melodies and R&B backbeats.

Whitney, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

Prior to the night’s headline act, the crowd was welcomed to Boston singer and songwriter Ella Williams, also known Squirrel Flower. She set the tone with songs off her debut album, I Was Born Swimming, and Sophomore album, Planet (i), which released last year.

Squirrel Flower, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

Whitney began their set with the group’s very first single, “No Matter Where We Go”, followed by Forever Turned Around‘s opener, “Giving Up”. The group seamlessly weaved through both new and old material, providing some with new instrumentals, most notably, “Kansas”, the original version of Forever Turned Around‘s title track.

Whitney, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

At one point, towards the end of the show, Julian exclaimed, “this has been the best New York show”, to much enthusiasm from the crowd, who had been singing along and raucously applauding after every song.

Whitney, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

A new, unreleased song, “Rolling Blackout” was performed. The band was joined on stage by Charlie Boss to play the song dating back to 2017.

The tour has a few dates left, concluding in their hometown of Chicago at the end month.

December 13, 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
In Focus: Lovejoy Plays Second Ever New York Show at Mercury Lounge

Lovejoy made a stop on Wednesday on December 7th at the Mercury Lounge in New York City. Selling out every one of their shows within minutes of announcing their US tour, the upbeat indie-rock band put on an amazing performance, full of jumping, head-banging, and enthusiastic crowd interaction. The UK-based band played various songs from their first EP Are You Alright, and their latest release, Pebble Brain.

Lead singer Wilbur Soot and bassist Ash Kabosu

Lovejoy, consisting of lead singer Will Gold—better known by his Youtube name, Wilbur Soot—guitarist Joe Goldsmith, bassist Ash Kabosu, and drummer Mark Boardman, played their second ever show in New York this past week. The band formed in 2020 when Wilbur Soot, with his already large fanbase of 6.35 million followers on Youtube and Twitch for video game streaming, uploaded his comedic yet catchy song, “Your New Boyfriend.” The song pushed Soot to pursue music on a more serious level. Already friends with guitarist Joe, Soot met bassist Ash Kabosu at a burger shop and drummer Mark Boardman through the freelance company Fiverr. After Soot and Goldsmith’s first day of recording music with their newly found instrumentalists, the four decided to form their band.

Lovejoy first entered the stage by pushing through the crowd, generating screams of excitement from the crazed fans, many of whom brought their parents with them to the packed venue. Given that Lovejoy had only four scheduled tour dates in the US, many dedicated followers traveled hours from far away states like Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and even Florida to see their favorite band play.

A teenager from the crowd handed guitarist Joe Goldsmith a black-and-white striped beanie, which he wore during the entire show. Prior to playing their song “Model Buses,” the crowd collectively booed Boris Johnson and sang along to lyrics like “We can barely see your hair receding..” and “Sound as good with slurred speech as I do when I’m sober…” After facing some technical difficulties during their performance of “Concrete,” the band replayed the song with the whole crowd screaming the lyrics and jumping eagerly to the beat.

Before their encore, the band members pretended to leave the stage and re-enter from behind the curtains, prompting the crowd to scream in excitement once again. Lovejoy is continuing their US tour with two last shows in California on December 9th and December 11th.

Setlist: Tomorrow, You’ll Understand When You’re Older; Oh Yeah, You Gonna Cry?; Taunt, Consequences, Model Buses, Cause for Concern, The Fall, It’s Golden Hour Somewhere (unreleased), One Day, Sex Sells

Encore: Perfume, It’s All Futile! It’s All Pointless!, Concrete

Guitarist Joe Goldsmith and Drummer Mark Boardman

December 11, 2022
Chris Mazuera Shares Debut Album “Lets Take A Trip”

New York-based producer and lo-fi sensation Chris Mazuera shares his latest album Let’s Take A Trip. The multi-instrumentalist released six singles leading up to the project, which received adds to Spotify’s chill lofi study beats playlist and Apple Music editorials such as “SLEEP” and “LoFi Jazz – Global.”

Mazuera is most known for his collaborative work, but Let’s Take a Trip is a solo album which is perfect for a chill relaxing study session. This project not only highlights his guitar skills, but also his beat making abilities, ranging from old-school boom-bap to more melodic, and guitar-driven jazz-hop.

“The album represents to me the musical growth that I’ve had,” says Mazuera, “more specifically in the last two years. I’ve learned better how to mold together all my different influences into a sound that’s more uniquely mine.”

From rock bands to lofi inspired hip-hop, Chris Mazuera has dabbled in a bit of everything and it brings out his unique style. A lover of music from a young age, Chris started his musical journey early by playing guitar for local bands in Miami.

When Chris moved to New York City, he began working with local producers in hip-hop and lo-fi. Energized by both the musical process and the ability to make entire tracks on his own in the genre, Chris released his first album Monstera in 2018.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGn4_-ylcaI

The project’s emphasis on guitar solos is personal to Mazuera, calling back to his musical introduction to New York City. “I would busk in Grand Central soloing over the blues for hours,” he recalls. From start to finish, Let’s Take A Trip truly is a trip to be experienced.

Currently, Chris’ career has focused on collaboration and innovation across all musical genres. He has even produced for several artists such as FELIVAND, Nafets, Jessica Domingo, and Habe.

To check out Lets Take A Trip, click the link here.

December 8, 2022
Gregory Dwane: A Music Industry Veteran Worth Emulation

After interviewing dozens of music industry up-and-comers to bonafide professionals, there is certainly much to learn from Gregory Dwane who is a music industry veteran worth emulating. I was captivated by his song, “When You Say California”, which has a Tom Petty feel to it and was a great introductory track exposing me to want to dive deeper into his catalog. You can find Gregory Dwane on Spotify.

I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Dwane on The Long Island Sound podcast. This minstrel hails from a small town in North Carolina and ultimately settled into the New York City music scene in the 90’s.

He’s a sort of a utility man in the music industry where the road to success is littered with its own detours and off ramps, Gregory Dwane is a survivor whose skill was to not only be good at his craft, but through an honest demeanor, made the best of the opportunities set before him.

A Road Well Chosen

Touring the world with Alanis Morrisette, Gregory Dwane worked with David Navarro, Macy Gray, Jane’s Addiction and Joan Osborne. The serendipitous twists and turns, set him on a trajectory from alcohol abuse to sobriety.

“I went from thinking my world was over to touring the world”
Gregory Dwane

Dwane’s resume would detail skills in record engineering, producing, fine art, singer/songwriting, jingle writing, and Country music entertainment. Sojourning from New York to Nashville, and from L.A. to Connecticut, provided this multi-talented music industry professional with a multi-dimensional group of experiences. HIs keen ear manages to guide an artist through the wormhole of production frustration to a fully produced album ready to launch on the market.

Alternative Country, a place worth the visit

With a firm footing in the Alt-Country genre, Gregory Dwayne’s songwriting presents an artist weathered by life’s experiences moving from rebellion to redemption. After a short hiatus from the music business, it was his reinvention as a fine-art painter that would eventually lead him back to songwriting.

I want my MTV

When I read Gregory Dwane’s EPK, I thought I spied a misprint. How could this rural North Carolinian be inspired by a combination of MTV, and the movie Beat Street and then move to New York City in the 90’s, finally settling in as an Americana and Alt-Country Singer/Songwriter?

I believe what separates the creatives in our world from the rest of us, is that an artist acts on the muse and opportunities they find within reach. Gregory Dwane’s humility and good-nature seemed to open doors, as his cohorts recognized his honed craft, ultimately opening doors to further expose his art.

Gregory Dwane is unstoppable. While continuing to produce his own music, he has also applied his expertise as a producer for Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls as well as other artists.

During the interview, I found a skilled artist whose creativity could not be contained. Dwane mirrors the desire we have to find understanding and equilibrium in our lives. Enrich your playlists with his music, and you will not be disappointed.

November 3, 2022
Beacon Theatre to Host Gregg Allman 75th Birthday Tribute in December

On December 8^th, the life of legendary Gregg Allman will be celebrated with a special tribute all-star event. “The Midnight Rider: Gregg Allman’s 75^th Birthday Jam” will feature a diverse range of artists paying homage to the legendary Allman.

With some unprecedented performances from an extraordinary lineup of superstar artists, the tribute features a variety of devoted fans and admirers. With the help of musical director Kenny Greenberg, there will be more exciting performances at one of the late Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s favorite venues, New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre.

Photo by Marc Millman

Some of the most exciting acts are 4x Academy of Country Music Award-winners Old Dominion, GRAMMY® Award-winning country duo Brothers Osborne, GRAMMY® Award-nominated NEEDTOBREATHE, Seven-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter (and Lady A co-founder) Charles Kelley. Along with this, Americana Music Award-winner Shakey Graves, acclaimed soul singer-songwriter-bass guitarist Shaun Munday, British singer-songwriter Lucie Silvas, and fast-rising country artist Jackson Dean. Additional superstar special guests will be announced soon.

Though Gregg Allman’s passing in 2017 has left a vast musical space that can never truly be filled. “The Midnight Rider: Gregg Allman’s 75th Birthday Jam” poses as a remarkable valedictory and memorial to a true giant of American music.

Allman was undoubtedly among rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest and most significant artists. He will forever be remembered for his hit songs “Midnight Rider,” “It’s Not My Cross to Bear,” “Dreams,” and “Whipping Post.” He also made a remarkable list of honors over his five-decade musical journey, including the Allman Brothers Band’s 1995 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards.

Tickets for “The Midnight Rider: Gregg Allman’s 75th Birthday Jam” event are available by clicking the link here or by phone at 800-745-3000. The pre-sale begins Wednesday October 12^th at noon EST and the general on-sale begins this Friday October 14^th at noon EST.

October 12, 2022
Lew Tabackin Presents “The Swinging Sounds of Coleman Hawkins” at Flushing Town Hall

On October 14th only at Flushing Town Hall Queens, Lew Tabackin and his ensemble present “The Swinging Sounds of Coleman Hawkins.” Saxophonist Lew Tabackin is one of New York City’s most notable jazz musicians, whose importance was acknowledged this summer when he was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Jazz Foundation of America.

Lew Tabackin is one of New York City’s most notable jazz musicians who will be honoring the great Coleman Hawkins live at the historic Flushing Town Hall theater. The performance will be featuring an array of music that Hawkins himself played during his tenure with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, recordings with Benny Goodman, Django Reinhardt, and many others.

Tabackin displays “great harmonic and rhythmic assurance,” and “an exceptional array of talent”
– The Washington Post

Tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins was the first major saxophonist in jazz history. His inventive style of improvising influenced many leading jazz figures such as Ben Webster, Chu Berry, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane. Hawkins was also one of the first saxophonists to bring attention to the saxophone as a solo instrument in 1939 when he played it on the song “Body and Soul.”

Tabackin’s interest in music began in his birthplace, Philadelphia, where he first studied flute and then tenor saxophone in high school. He majored in flute at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music and studied privately with composer Vincent Persichetti. Later in his life, moving to New York.

While in New York, Tabackin shared the stage with numerous other jazz luminaries such as Cab Calloway, Maynard Ferguson, Joe Henderson, Chuck Israels, Clark Terry, and Duke Pearson. He also spent some time in Europe as a soloist with various ensembles, including the Danish Radio Orchestra and the Hamburg Jazz Workshop.

More Information: Fall Jazz Programming at Flushing Town Hall

Friday, October 14, 2022, at 8:00 PM

“The Swinging Sounds of Coleman Hawkins” featuring Lew Tabackin and his Ensemble

In-Person Tickets: $40 /$32 Members /$20 Students w/ID

Table Packages: $130 /$110 Members (Table for 2 with refreshments/drinks)

Click the link here for tickets and more information on the venue here.

October 9, 2022
World Premiere of “Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker” Debuts in NYC This Fall

From November 15 to 27, the world premiere of “Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker” will come to New York City Center after a stay in Pittsburgh from October 19-30.

The new ballet reimagines the beloved classic, with a libretto by Jessica Swan and music of legends Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Embracing the jazz genre, the ballet comes at a perfect time to ring in this fall’s holiday season at New York City Center.

Composer Billy Strayhorn playing piano (Photo by Steve Schapiro/Corbis via Getty Images)

“Sugar Hill” is a tribute to collaboration, diversity, and individuality. The music arrangement celebrates the jazz heartbeat of Sugar Hill in Harlem. Directed by Emmy Award winner Joshua Bergasse, with choreography by Jade Hale-Christofi, the show will present amazing dancers, orchestrations, and arrangements.

Consummate master of self-expression Duke Ellington and classically-trained, jazz genius Billy Strayhorn, took something wholly European, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, and transformed it into a story that symbolizes the American ideal — the freedom of individualism — by marrying it to jazz. There is no finer visual representation of this than through dance.
-A. Alyce Claerbaut and Mercedes Ellington

A. Alyce Claerbaut, niece of Billy Strayhorn, is the “Sugar Hill” Executive Producer, and Mercedes Ellington, granddaughter of Duke Ellington, and producer, director, and choreographer in her own right, expressed the genius of the ballet’s intent.

American musician Duke Ellington (1899-1974). Undated photograph. (Photo by George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images)

The “Sugar Hill” creative team also includes the talent of Julian Crouch (Scenic Designer), Linda Cho (Costume Design), David Finn (Lighting Design), Austin Switser and Switser + Knight (Projection Design) and John Shivers (Sound Design). Stay tuned for when the New York City Center tickets to this genre-bending ballet go on sale.

August 1, 2022