NYS Music 202​2

Tag: pop

  • Latin Band Bacilos Announces ‘Back In The USA ’23’ Tour, Irving Plaza Date Set for May

    The hit Latin band, Bacilos, featuring Jorge Villamizar and André Lopes, have announced their first tour in the United States since 2004. Produced by Live Nation, the nine-city — Back in the USA ‘23 — tour kicks-off on April 27, 2023 at North Beach Bandshell in Miami, FL, and will make stops in Orlando, Atlanta, Houston, Boston and New York‘s own Irving Plaza on May 12, before wrapping up in Chicago, IL at House of Blues on May 14.

    Bacilos’ first tour in the U.S. in 19 years will make a stop at Irving Plaza in New York City on Friday, May 12, 2023.

    When curating their set the duo decided to give an exciting spin to their classic records while bringing sensational new material into their performance. In addition to Villamizar and Lopes, Bacilos will be accompanied by their high-caliber band. Moreover, having performed across Latin America to huge crowds with immense success, Bacilos’ show is representative of their vibrancy and impact-fulness as critical trendsetters in modern Latin Pop music. 

    This past year, Bacilos released new classic songs and collaborations with Latin America’s most outstanding young artists. Their music has reached around 22 million people around the globe, reaching up to 180 countries. In addition, with more than 1 million creations, Caraluna — the tittle of their Latin Grammy winning album and single — became a Worldwide trend when the community accomplished a very successful TikTok movement with new choreography.

    BACILOS BACK IN THE USA ‘23 TOUR DATES: 

    Thursday, April 27, 2023 – Miami – Miami Beach Bandshell

    Friday, April 28, 2023 – Orlando — House of Blues

    Sunday, April 30, 2023 – Atlanta – Buckhead Theatre

    Thursday, May 4, 2023 – Houston – House of Blues

    Saturday, May 6, 2023 – Austin – Emo’s

    Sunday, May 7, 2023 – Dallas – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall

    Wednesday, May 10, 2023 – Boston – Paradise Rock Club

    Friday, May 12, 2023 – New York – Irving Plaza

    Sunday, May 14, 2023 – Chicago – House of Blues

    Tickets for Bacilos go on sale starting on Friday, December 9 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.

  • 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 Young Releases New Video and LP Out 12/5

    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.

  • Havanna Winter Releases Song And Video For “Daddy’s Kissing Santa Claus”

    16-year-old viral sensation Havanna Winter is lighting up this holiday season with her festive new single, “Daddy’s Kissing Santa Claus.” The track is accompanied by a hilariously outrageous Christmas video with an 80s-inspired twist. The video co-star’s Havanna alongside a great group of people including Guevara, Marsha Molinari, Vince Rossi, Jordan Xidas, and more. 

    Havanna Winter Releases Song And Video For "Daddy's Kissing Santa Claus"

    “‘Daddy’s Kissing Santa Claus’ is such a fun song,” says Havanna Winter. “It’s chaotic and catchy, and it gets stuck in your head. I feel like it’s very relatable because most of us have experienced some Christmas gatherings that didn’t go as planned. I think that with all the serious things that have been going on in the world lately, people need a break from it, especially over the holidays, and to just be able to relax and have a laugh with some funny and happy vibes.” 

    Havanna Winter gained worldwide attention in 2020 with a series of hugely popular TikTok videos, she now has over 6 million followers across social media. Born in Norway but raised in Los Angeles, CA, the wildly talented musical artist, actress, and influencer gained popularity with a trio of singles released throughout 2022. Some of her most famous being “rain rain go away,” “Heaven To Me,” and “Hollywood Forever.” 

    Havanna Winter Releases Song And Video For "Daddy's Kissing Santa Claus"

    The still-evolving young artist is determined to bring a similarly vivid and creative approach to modern Pop, infusing retro influences with forward-facing spirit to create something altogether her own.She has already released 3 singles this year with an album to come next year all guided by Executive Producer Maya K (Bebe Rexha, Anita, J Balvin). 

    Listen to more of Havanna Winter and “Daddy’s Kissing Santa Claus” by clicking 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.

  • The Beach Boys ‘Tis The Season Tour with The Holiday Vibrations Orchestra Making Numerous Stops Across New York This Holiday Season

    Highlighting both newly-made holiday songs and traditional Christmas tunes will be the ‘Tis the Season with the Beach Boys tour performance event on Wednesday, Dec. 7. The featured album, Reason for the Season, having been produced by established musicians such as Sam Hollander from Panic! at the Disco and Train, and Steve Greenberg of Hanson and AJR, features artists like Hanson and Beach Boys co-founder Love’s children.

    Beach Boys Tis the Season
    ‘Tis The Season with The Beach Boys 2022 Tour Advertisement

    The 16-date tour starts on November 26th and takes place in several cities across the country, including at Carnegie Hall in New York on December 5th. Their following performance in New York will be held at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse on December 7th.

    Tickets will be on sale on Friday, October 7th and may be purchased online at Ticketmaster or at the Solvay Bank Box Office at The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters.

    Tis the Season with the Beach Boys featuring the Holidays Vibrations Orchestra Tour Dates:

    10/8 – Syracuse Crunch vs Rochester Americans

    10/8-10/9 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Convention Center – RetroGameCon

    10/11 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater – FOCL Presents Yusef Salaam

    10/14 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinders Theater Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Scared Shitless

    10/16 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater – The Princess Bride – An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes

    10/18 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Convention Center – The Salvation Army’s 51st Annual Civic Celebration

    10/27 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater – Whose Live Anyway?

    10/29 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater – Zach Williams

    10/30 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinders Theater – Kevin James

    11/2 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater – Ray LaMontagne The MONOVISION Tour

    11/15 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater – FOCL Presents Casey McQuinston

    11/18 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater – Ancient Aliens Live

    11/18 – Syracuse, NY – Upstate Medical University Arena – Oncenter War Memorial – Trey Anastasio Band & Goose

    11/19 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater – Daryl Hall and the Daryl’s House Band

    11/26 – Mashantucket, CT – Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino

    11/27 – Medford, MA – Chevalier Theatre

    11/30 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center

    12/2 – Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

    12/2-12/4 – Syracuse City Ballet Presents Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”

    12/3 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

    12/5 – New York, NY – Carnegie Hall – Isaac Stern Auditorium / Ronald O. Perelman

    12/7 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater

    12/7 – ‘Tis the Season with The Beach Boys featuring The Holiday Vibrations Orchestra

    12/9 – Buffalo, NY – Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

    12/10 – Akron, OH – E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall

    12/11 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace

    12/11 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater -Championships of Magic

    12/12 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater -Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet

    12/13 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre

    12/14 – Saint Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox Theatre

    12/15 – Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic Center

    12/16 – Welch, MN – Treasure Island Resort & Casino

    12/17 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater

    12/18 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre

    1/13/23 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinder Theater – Brian Regan

    3/21/23 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinder Theater – FOCL Presents Kate Quinn

    4/18/23 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinder Theater – FOCL Presents Garry Trideau

    5/9/23 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter Crouse Hinder Theater – FOCL Presents Jill Lepore

  • Billy Joel Announces 87th Monthly Show At Madison Square Garden

    Madison Square Garden Entertainment have announced that legendary musician and MSG’s first-ever music franchise, Billy Joel, has added another show as part of his record-breaking residency at the world’s most famous arena. Set for Friday, January 13, 2023, the show will mark 133rd lifetime concert at the Garden.

    Billy Joel had turned the garden into his personal residency

    In December 2013, Billy Joel was named the historic venue’s first-ever music franchise. In doing so, he joined the ranks of other monumental MSG franchises, the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. The record-breaking residency began in January 2014 with Joel playing one show every month at the Garden, “as long as the demand continues.”

    Fittingly, Billy Joel is one of the world’s biggest draw, having sold out arenas and stadiums across the globe. The grammy-winning musician is the sixth best-selling recording artist of all time and the third best-selling solo artist. Having sold over 150 million records and scoring 33 consecutive Top 40 hits. In 2016, the Library of Congress selected his debut North American single “Piano Man” for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its “cultural, historic, and artistic significance.”

    Billy Joel has been mesmerizing the Garden for decades.

    All in all, Billy Joe’s residency at the Garden is no accident. Joel brings prestige to an already prestigious venue. Fans of the “piano man” have watched him ascend to legendary status. Joel has been inducted into the Songwriter’s and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Mr. Long Island also received a TONY award for “Movin’ Out,” a Broadway musical based on Joel’s music.

    Ticketing Information

    Citi cardmembers will have first access to presale tickets. Beginning Monday, September 19 at 10:00 a.m. through Thursday, September 22 at 10:00 p.m. via www.citientertainment.com.

    Tickets will be available for purchase by the general public beginning at 10:00 a.m. (east) on Friday, September 23 via www.ticketmaster.com. Due to congestion and high-demand, it can be difficult to purchase tickets right away, so continue to check Ticketmaster throughout the day.

  • Sara Bareilles to Play Benefit Concert at The Capitol Theatre

    On Thursday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m., Sara Bareilles will play a full-length benefit concert at The Capitol Theatre in support of Pace Women’s Justice Center. The Raising the Bar Benefit Concert with Bareilles marks PWJC’s 30th year of protecting thousands of women and children.

    Sara Bareilles headshot next to poster for the benefit concert.

    Pace Women’s Justice Center is a nonprofit legal center located at Pace University. The self-funded center provides legal services to over 3,500 victims and survivors of domestic abuse. PWJC offers services, community partnerships, education, and awareness.

    A Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Bareilles recently finished an engagement of “Into The Woods” on Broadway. Known in music for her powerful lyrics and piano-based pop sound, Bareilles has also had an impressive career as a singer, actress, and author. 

    It is thrilling to have Sara Bareilles collaborate on our benefit concert to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence … at a time when the rights of so many are being challenged, it is imperative to continue our work, protecting the rights of women and victims of abuse.

    Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director for PWJC

    The Raising the Bar Benefit Concert honors PWJC’s commitment to increasing access to justice and providing free legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The monies raised from the event at The Capitol Theatre will allow the PWJC to continue helping those who need it.

    During the concert, the center will also honor Pam Kaufman, President and CEO of International Markets, Global Consumer Products &  Experiences at Paramount Global with their Making a Difference Award. PWJC gives the award each October to an individual who dedicates support to the PWJC mission and its clients. 

    For more information about the benefit concert, and for tickets, visit The Capitol Theatre’s website, here.

  • 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.

    Marina Laurendi

    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.

  • J-LINE Drops End-Of-Summer Hit ‘If I Don’t Have You’

    NYC-based LGBTQ dance-pop artist J-LINE is dropping his instantly catchy new dance pop hit “If I Don’t Have You” on August 19. The song is an upbeat yet lyrically haunting track about letting go of an ex, right before the end of the summer. Thus, allowing listeners to dance out their own feelings of loss and loneliness

    J-LINE Drops End-Of-Summer Hit "If I Don't Have You"

    Using elements of 80’s synth-pop and modern dance music, the track “If I Don’t Have You” brilliantly captures that post-breakup feeling without falling into despair. Because of it’s upbeat tempo and memorable lines like, “I sit and wait for you at a table set for two” and “I know I sound desperate but I’m crazy and I can’t forget about you.”

    J-LINE has described his newest hit as “seeing your ex as an ethereal being/ghost that haunts you every minute of your life. As you walk downtown, as you sleep, when you feel the summer breeze on your face. Every second brings back a memory until you get to such a fragile emotional space you’re someone who’s ‘haunted’. It’s about that desperate attempt to reconcile, ignore all the issues in the relationship and plead with your ex to ‘come back’ to you.”  

    – J-LINE

    J-LINE has gathered over 1 million streams, 2 million youtube views and fans all over the globe with his unique sound. Using a synth electro-pop sound that mirrors the brightness of the late 80’s/early 90s, J-LINE makes the underground music scene feel alive again with an electrifying-80’s twist. “If I Don’t Have You” captures the best of what J-LINE offers, emotionally complex dance music from a queer perspective mixed with a retro yet modern twist.  

    J-LINE will continue to release more music throughout 2022, as well as dazzle crowds with his live show. More recently, including a recent breakout performance to a crowd of well-over 5000 people at the first-ever Montclair Pride.  

    Currently, J-LINE is touring with his “Dirty pop party” concert, where he performs alongside LGBTQ artists (including Myylo, Peppermint, and Dillon Burnside) in major US cities, highlighting what the diverse future of music looks and sounds like. His live set is an energetic blend of choreography, vocals and music that leave audiences electrified.

    To listen to “If I Don’t Have You,” click the link here.

  • Summer Hoot Festival Returns for its 10th Year

    The 10th annual Summer Hoot Festival will return to Olivebridge, NY, from Aug. 26-28 for three days of music, food, nature, and community. The festival will feature nearly two dozen musical performances in a family-friendly environment.

    Folk-roots musicians Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar Merenda of The Mammals together produce and host the event. The duo started the Hoot Festival back in 2013 with friends and hold the event twice a year in the winter and summer to celebrate music and nature. 

    This year’s lineup features the talents of NY-based Naiika Sings, Catalan instrumentalist Lau Noah, Hudson Valley’s What?, dancers City Stompers, The Mammals, and many more. The Hoot has long attracted some amazing acts, including previous performances from Pete Seeger, David Bromberg, Natalie Merchant, Ani DiFranco, and Amy Helm, among others. 

    The Summer Hoot Festival promotes environmental sustainability alongside its intention to spread a love of music. The festival is completely powered by solar energy and uses reusable pint cups to reduce waste. Additionally, festival proceeds will benefit the year-round cultural and environmental education programs at the Ashokan Center.

    It’s not every day that people of all ages can safely explore nature and enjoy new music together, but here at the Hoot that’s just the beginning. This festival lets us share the joy and freedom I was privileged to experience in my own childhood at Ashokan, and keep the party going for generations to come.

    – Ruth Ungar Merenda, Hoot Event Producer and Director of Community Outreach for the Ashokan Center

    The Summer Hoot Festival musical acts will take place across two stages with speakers in between sets offering talks on nature, nutrition, fitness, and more. Guided hikes to the Ashokan Center’s Cathedral Gorge and historic Covered Bridge will also be made available. 

    Information about ticket prices, additional programming, camping, and more, can be found on the festival’s website. The Summer Hoot Festival will take place at the Ashokan Center, located at 477 Beaverkill Road in Olivebridge, New York.