Jess Novak has released her EP Sonrise, a love letter to the two most important men in Jess’ life: her husband and her son. She also comes with news of future concert dates and other projects to come.
Jess Novak (electric violin, guitar, vocals, piano, percussion, looping) makes The Jess Novak Band what it is with the help of Byron Cage on drums, Anthony Saturno on electric guitar, Jay Fabbri on bass, and Gavin George and Marcus Oliver on drums.
Having traveled across the country and playing 200 shows every year, Jess Novak and her band are well-versed in music, determined to make their next concert even better than their last.
Novak boasts many talents: with her electric violin and other instruments, she also is credited with aiding in the creation of F.I.R.E Festival (Females. Inspire. Rock. Empower.). This event is meant to create a safe space for women in a male-dominated industry, inviting old and young from all kinds of backgrounds.
F.I.R.E is also accepting applications for participants, be it volunteering, performing, or sponsoring.
On top of this festival, she also boasts a future in being an author, with one already published book Dare to Begin published in September 2022, discussing her own musical journey and dreams. Another book is also on the way– a fiction novel “The House Musician” likely to hit the shelves in 2024.
Just when you think she can’t do anything else, Jess brings a life into the world. She and her husband, Ben, collaborated on an EP called Sonrise, an in-depth and vulnerable love letter to her son, the life she brought into the world, and the immediate connection they shared since his birth.
It’s an eclectic album with heartfelt vocals and rock instrumentals, from the loving “Falling” to the hard rock “My Baby,” this EP shows all the emotions that can be experienced when one becomes a parent, and how this forever alters one’s life.
“This album doesn’t feel like an album to me. It feels like a love letter to the two most important men in my life. It feels like a proud way to say how much I love them and how I can’t believe I’m this lucky to be sharing my heart in these songs.”
On the corner of Lark and Hudson, one building hosts a great deal of women’s history that continues to be written to this day.
photo via Historic Albany Foundation
Built over 100 years ago, this building served as the location for the 48th Annual Suffrage Convention, as a chapter house for the Daughters of the Eastern Star (the female equivalent to Free Masons), as well as hosting USO events, dances, and a then serving as the eba Center for Dance & Fitness from 1977 until 2017.
Lark Hall, opened in 2021, continues this tradition of music and the arts at Lark and Hudson still being written 11 decades later, with the opening of a coffee house/bar/taproom, The Eleven.
Owner and manager of The Eleven, Jenn Miller, looks at The Eleven as bringing the building vision to full capacity, replacing Lark Street Yoga and Lark Street Mercantile in the downstairs of the building. Connecting to Lark Hall upstairs makes this an ideal pre-show stop, unique among all the choices Lark Street has to offer.
With a staff of four full time employees and another 20 part time between Lark Hall and The Eleven – including Chef Dale Hajdasz and General Manager Neil Benjamin, Jr. – Miller’s experience in the restaurant industry during college as well as many years within the live music scene puts a hospitality driven focus towards the guests, artists and staff. Whether it be the restaurant industry or music industry, knowing how to treat people so they want to come back, and bring their friends, is at the forefront of her business ethos.
photo by Zak Radick
Now is the time of returning
Miller attended college at Eastern Connecticut State University, and would meet her husband, Justin, in Saratoga Springs. The pair married in 2002, having three kids and relocating to Rochester where she earned a Masters in Counseling, then moving back to Albany with their family. Working as a guidance counselor in Rochester, Schenectady and Albany City Schools, after 15 years she looked to move out of education and into something new.
photo by Zak Radick
The Millers are true live music aficionados who have traveled the country and beyond seeing the best of live music and music festivals, as well as their favorites: My Morning Jacket and Phish. When they would return back to Albany, they lamented the music scene not having certain bands and shows, let alone a venue that club/bar bands can graduate from. At first, they joked about the idea of opening a music venue, and soon it became a goal, and then a serious venture.
Since purchasing the building in 2018, the Millers have invested more than $1 million into the space to increase accessibility to Lark Hall, and also received a grant from the City of Albany for further work. Now with two businesses both opened in the past two years, the vision has come full circle, with a dedicated bar/restaurant downstairs and music venue upstairs.
photo by Zak Radick
Now is the time past believing
The Eleven came to be about a year ago when they sought to utilize the vacated Lark Mercantile space downstairs. With a tenant gone and a grant for small business renovation from the City of Albany, they began work on refurbishing the downstairs into a waffle/charcuterie/taproom, something different and not found elsewhere on Lark. Add in a coffee bar, pastries and desserts, it took about a year for the vision to come full circle and be complete, with a grand opening coming on Saturday, November 11, featuring the music of Holly Bowling.
photo by Zak Radick
Dining on small plates of local, French or Italian meats and cheeses, waffles, and Grateful Dead themed sandwiches – “Reuben and Cherise” a fresh take on a classic reuben – the menu is not overwhelming and invites you back to try more of these samplings, carefully curated by Chef Dale. A selection of 12 beers – that’s Eleven, plus (the other) one – from around the Northeast pair well with all culinary offerings, was accompanied the evening of November 3 with a crackling fireplace on the widescreen TV, along with an acoustic set of covers from Jeff Becker.
A décor of Grateful Dead posters, Stealies, Garcia handprints, and classic show posters from upstairs at Lark Hall around the soffit, the Grateful Dead roots abounding through the modern setting in the perfect neighborhood in Albany for it. Chuck Berry, who played Lark Hall in the 1950s, would smile seeing how far rock ‘n roll has progressed, inspiring the genesis of Lark Hall and The Eleven.
photo by Zak Radick
Thought Jewels Polished and Gleaming
Bringing Lark Hall and The Eleven to where they are now has not been easy, as Miller recognizes and recounts the struggles she has experienced as a woman in the music industry. Miller faced an oft male dominated music industry upon the purchase of the building, which led to more skepticism and in-group favoritism against Miller as she navigated getting bands to play at Lark Hall, in the process bringing Albany a needed mid-size venue (current capacity is ~325). Despite opportunities, Miller found a scene less than responsive at first, yet persevered and has proven skeptics wrong, and does so a second time with the addition of The Eleven.
photo by Zak Radick
Working with Dan Smalls and Ed Maier – two promoters covering a great deal of Upstate New York and the Northeast – as mentors to Miller, offering guidance on booking shows and bringing in a variety of acts to Lark Hall. Miller sees the bigger picture of what is possible in the area as a result of this mentorship.
“With the growing scene in Albany, what should be happening is everyone in the local industry – tourism, businesses and promoters – working together to grow the scene for all benefit.”
Jenn Miller
The result is a calendar with a wider variety of shows than any other venue in the Capital Region. This summer, Lark Hall featured a month long residency of musical RENT, and in the past year welcomed Daniel Donato, The Motet, Ghost Light, Circles Around the Sun, The Seapods, LaMP, Karina Rykman, Yo La Tengo, Midnights: A Taylor Swift Dance Party, among dozens of others.
photo by Zak Radick
With a background of a guidance counselor as well as a business owner, I asked Miller what resources she would suggest for ambitious female entrepreneurs who are looking to open their own business or venture. Research through experience, as well as patience, are the keys to Miller, starting with making sure to find your spot in the scene. Beyond that, it is most important to learn the backend tasks that no one sees, as she sees that knowledge and experience to be where everything comes together. Indeed, getting involved and off the periphery is the best start, but diving in and finding a niche can bring greater curiosity and reward.
photo by Zak Radick
Were Miller able to give advice to her younger self, she shares a nod to the Grateful Dead, “Without love in a dream it will never come true.”
Albany’s Lark Street – the “Village in the City” – gains a feather in its cap with the City Winery vibe found at The Eleven, and along with Lark Hall upstairs, this double threat venue on Lark Street brings new life to an old building and neighborhood. Tickets for Holly Bowling at Lark Hall on November 11 can be found here.
In the heart of Syracuse, a remarkable artist has been cultivating a sound that defies boundaries and resonates with raw authenticity. Tyjhier, a native of the Salt City, has not only harnessed the diverse cultural tapestry of her hometown but has also drawn inspiration from her experiences to craft a distinct musical journey. Tyjhier shares her unique story with NYS Music, reflecting on her hometown’s influence, the evolution of her music, and the exciting future she envisions as she embarks on a promising career as a singer and songwriter.
Born and raised in Syracuse, Tyjhier reminisces about how her hometown and its unique culture have deeply influenced her music journey. She acknowledges the challenges of life in Syracuse, stating, “It’s not always easy being from here; the people that live here know what I mean.” Despite the hurdles, Tyjhier finds inspiration in her hometown’s experiences.
“I surely have taken many of my experiences growing up in Syracuse and used the memories, both happy and sad, within my music. Syracuse is always going to be home no matter how far I go.”
Tyjhier
A Lifelong Dream Realized
For Tyjhier, becoming a singer and songwriter was more of a calling than a choice. She reflects on her earliest memories of music, saying, “I used to sing songs with my dad on top of the coffee table all the time.” Tyjhier’s musical journey began as soon as she could talk, with the very first song she sang being Erykah Badu’s “Orange Moon.” She recalls her childhood filled with singing, songwriting, and even creating full concerts with her dad. She mentions, “Singing and songwriting have been ingrained in who I am for as long as I can remember.”
The Thrill of the First Live Performance
Tyjhier vividly remembers her first live performance at DROM, a renowned New York City venue, with MajorStage. She describes the lead-up to the event as a mix of emotions, admitting, “I was extremely anxious about the gig leading up to the performance and on the day of.” The experience involved a multitude of behind-the-scenes logistics, from promotion to equipment setup. She adds, “I didn’t want to mess anything up behind the scenes, but I also didn’t want to let all the stress behind the scenes bleed into my actual performance.” However, once she took the stage, the anxieties faded, and she felt like a seasoned performer.
“It was an amazing feeling to have other musicians not only singing along but coming up to me at the end and telling me what songs they loved because at that point I didn’t have anything released. It was a blast, and I honestly couldn’t wait to do it again.”
Tyjhier
Describing her music is no easy feat for Tyjhier, as she artfully blends elements of R&B and Neo Soul into her unique sound. These genres have been pivotal in her life, resonating not only with their musical styles but also with their cultural significance. Tyjhier draws inspiration from an array of legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Frank Ocean, and more. She explains, “I aspire to have a unique sound like that.”
TheIn–Betweens: A Journey of Growth
Tyjhier’s debut project, The In-Betweens, has been a profound journey that has resonated with listeners, amassing over 40,000 streams on various platforms. She reflects on the project’s inception, sharing, “At first, the idea wasn’t fully fleshed out, and some of the songs on the project weren’t completed, but it started off with the shower sessions.” These sessions served as a bridge between the album’s concepts and themes. She delves into the deeper meaning behind the project, stating, “I really wanted The In–Betweens to be a journey of not only growth over time and growth through life experience but to show that certain things can’t just be rushed through.” Tyjhier’s music provides solace and empowerment, encouraging listeners to embrace the in-between moments in life.
In the near future, fans and the music world can anticipate more music from Tyjhier. She’s already working on new material, pondering whether her next project will continue the narrative started with “The In-Betweens” or venture into uncharted territory. Additionally, Tyjhier envisions live performances, collaborations with fellow artists, and the possibility of taking her music on the road. With her distinctive sound and compelling narrative, Tyjhier is poised for a promising future in the music industry.
A person can be defined by the types of questions they ask. An artist can be defined by the amount of times you have to rewind their song. Therefore, true artists like Che Noir do all that they can to discover information before asking for a helping hand. That way, they ensure that their question and respective response is worthwhile.
We’re not quite sure where Buffalo keeps plucking these different heavy hitter spitters from. Seemingly, everyone who receives a coveted placement on a Griselda Records-affiliated track deserves a rewind. Nevertheless, the difference between these Buffalo Kids and the rest of the hip-hop world involves their craftsmanship, sharp wit and humility.
Many Pieces Comprise an Empire
Every individual incorporated within the Griselda Records multiplex releases tunes through layered release patterns. The content receives clean fine-tuning, polishing, packaging and promotion.
Furthermore, it is downright magnificent to witness these artists couple words, schemes and multisyllabic patterns then just sit back, display humility and even raw shyness in their body language.
Che Noir’s mother shared wisdom with her at a very impressionable age. As time passed, these worldly gems began to stick to her ribs and the craft-sharpening accelerated. One of her first sold-out show checks went directly into studio equipment. As she continued to elevate, this buttery-smooth lyricist realized that the work she put in on her own could finally mesh with some legitimate colleagues.
A trend that we continue to hear about deals with the increasingly timid nature of individuals. Che Noir admitted herself that she had to shake the shyness off and pump her own brand heavily. Conquering interviews, freestyles, podcasts and most importantly booth work separates this quiet one who lets the bars holler loudest.
Certainly, everyone in the session believes in themselves but after these artists finish freestyling it is difficult for the audience to comprehend exactly what just took place. Che Noir’s music really drives home the intensity of her chosen sonics.
Run It Back & Rewind
Che Noir shatters any verse as the most interwoven Shea Butter Queen and a true testament to Buffalo legend DJ Shay. DJ Shay was one of the few engineers who refused to let emcee Che punch in. A lot of times artists will only rap up until a certain point – take a break – then punch in when they’re ready to rhyme again.
DJ Shay from around the way provided some of the fondest recording memories for Che Noir and several Buffalo members of the Griselda camp. His presence and ability to instill work ethic, confidence and skills specific to an artist speak volumes. Much of the reason why Che has great breath control, transitions and poised punchline timing can be attributed to DJ Shay.
“Humans are judged by their outcomes. The results determine the future. Low key it ain’t no such thing as the end, the end is just a new start. You start how you finish.”
AA Rashid
The most intriguing facet of Griselda and Che Noir in unison stems from their copious focus upon the artwork. Music is meant to elicit so many emotions, notably it is supposed to be timeless.
Medieval Hustle
The artwork for Che Noir’s project “The Thrill of the Hunt” series gives medieval behemoth vibes. It exists within the realm of David & Goliath or Attilla the Hun. She actually built the entire project around the artwork from top down.
The wordplay drives the art which extends the marketing as it all operates in a cyclical nature. Che is not selling her body or her image rather she is selling an experience gleaned from carefully-sculpted verses and evocative cover artwork.
Many people just want to release content as soon as it reaches finalization. Going through the process makes one realize full potential can be reached through patience and steady momentum.
Che Noir’s work with 38 Spesh has put her in a sweet spot where she doesn’t need to drop as soon as she records. Rather, she fits right into the circumstance where art and poetic movements lead to immaculate timing and wondrous works of discography.
Punchline Exploration
“Its all about your body language and learn to spell your ABCs.” –Che Noir
This simplistic line builds up a stellar stanza. Are you sturdy enough? Do you personify greatness? Are you outwardly social enough?
“Not equivalent to these ******* not bout they benjamins get my dividends up.” -Che Noir
This line isn’t particularly witty or clever. Its noteworthiness comes from the way she delivers it with a Big-Pun-Little-Italy-type syllabic combination.
“Never kept they word they expose themselves by their memory.” –Che Noir
This line symbolizes nostalgia and perspective. It can be interpreted in so many different ways. We took it as a nod to the notion that memories are the longest lasting moments in your own mind. People come and go, this pen will live forever.
“We playing chess it’s hard to move til you find a Queen.” -Che Noir
If this isn’t the most pure line you will hear..
Looking to be graced by her goodness? Catch Che Noir in Ann Arbor, Michigan on September 24th, 2023, her only announced show at this time.
All that comes around – goes around. The cyclical nature of magnetic individuality remains inevitable. Basically, you must trust people to be who they will be.
DMX offers incredible wisdom on one of his last interviews ever recorded on Drink Champs with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN.
With that, nobody moves a crowd like the energetic empathetic. Never pathetic, incredibly poetic, and most definitely unapologetic comes Connie Diiamond from the Bronx. Additionally, as far as evolution exists, this woman adapts to the times. Rhymes galore and much more in store – she even cleared Ludacris’ “Move” sample through the door.
Nevertheless, amazement sets in when people move the right way. How wondrous the process of finding oneself. No outside source will bring you happiness quite like the gifted spirit within your being.
Indeed, Connie Diiamond operates within the same wavelength as Nipsey Hussle – who cleared the “Hard Knock Life” sample from Jay-Z. From winning slam poetry contests in high school to collaborating with Ludacris – this nose-to-the-grindstone BX woman continues to strive. Poetic visions and many revisions allowed her to become the fan-proclaimed “Queen of Drill.”
Individuality and Expression
Undoubtedly, as an emcee – Connie Diiamond will go toe-to-toe with anyone. As a classy individual, she stands on moral grounds and principles. With the utmost self-confidence – she does not mind being the only woman in the room. Otherwise, this artist knows her worth and will never sell solely sex for attention or become reliant on a sex symbol status.
Essentially, Connie Diiamond functions much like your typical American citizen. She works at the hair salon suite that she owns during the day and chases her dreams at night. Her craftsmanship knows no limitations as haircuts fund her musical aspirations.
Moreover, the reason why this artist will reach the heights she seeks revolves around her incredible sense of self-worth. As a humble and supportive individual, she continues to put in her 10,000 hours. She accepts the things that occur for what they are, stays in her lane and keeps pushing.
Initially, she rose in popularity due to her freestyle ability to hop on anyone else’s track and make it her own. As she progresses and learns elements of sound structure, how to make certain types of songs, and stay afloat in the industry – she will be dangerous and not one to be tested on the mic.
With positive reinforcement from her friends, family, and fans – it is impossible for her to lose. Many times, people automatically repost her songs due to the authenticity of the sounds. Somebody that radiates positive energy will always receive reciprocal energy – tenfold.
Finally, when it comes time to record, she locks in and blocks out any external influences. Clearly, this laser-sharp focus and multi-hyphenate approach earn dividends. Her song with Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers made it into NBA 2K23. Stay tuned to see what may come next from her!
A question has been floated as of late: Are Women Saving New York Rap? The answer may not be as definitive as you think. Artists like Maiya the Don put forth lyrical bodies of work that provide refreshment and flavor to save the genre one song at a time. Do more of those individuals tend to be women?
Maiya the Don in a gold parka
No debate surrounds the fact that New York hip-hop could use saving. Much of what hits the mainstream airwaves recycles and regurgitates the same radio-friendly formulas. Therefore, I see the original question and raise it: Are Women Gaining more Power as Artists? While all signs point to yes, one Brooklyn individual, Maiya the Don particularly embodies the notion that women have become hip-hop powerhouses, not just an accessory.
Women Increase Industry Footprint
As hip-hop grew, opportunities afforded to female artists were often limited. Often, having a woman in your crew was seen as the thing to do. Eve from Ruff Ryders exists as a prime example. Known as “a pitbull in a skirt,” Ruff Ryders chose her because she fit their rough-and-tumble type mold and she could rap very well. Without ascribing status or making assumptions – it is fair to say women have elevated their role within the hip-hop ecosystem.
Cover Art for Maiya the Don’s hit single, Telfy
Maiya the Don stomped confidently into her spot as a New York star. After gaining a large following on TikTok with videos displaying her beauty, makeup and personality – her manager helped position her within the music industry. While on TikTok, she promoted her music as a piece to the content puzzle. Doing so granted her the ability to speak as a representative of Black Visionary Voices – a TikTok initiative that recognizes Black creatives, business owners and cultural changemakers.
Maiya the Don and Lola Brooke goof around backstage
TikTok serves as a primary vehicle to transmit any message given that it has the least amount of barriers or hierarchy. Many artists will tease a snippet of their song as a ‘sound’ so that users can create videos which may cause the song to reach more listeners. Once snippets of Maiya the Don’s hit single, “Telfy” started to make the rounds – the beast of a song became difficult to contain.
Starting from Scratch
Maiya the Don knows how to communicate what she wants while making music. Her novice knowledge of the terms producers use does not limit her process, whatsoever. She still finds a way to verbalize where she wants what sounds to be placed to invoke maximum effect. When making a hit, all elements must be on point and that deals directly with tasteful tactics employed by people with expertise.
Women who speak from the vantage point of strength and authenticity continue to receive their just due. As ladies become less of an accessory, Maiya the Don created massive viral buzz around her household hit, “Telfy.” Maiya’s fashionable accessory – the Telfar bag – served as the thematic cornerstone for the song that propelled her into the spotlight. The song carries all the core components of a hit sonically, makes fashion statements and most importantly – popularizing self-worth, confidence and hyper-femininity.
Women Evolve within Hip-Hop
Throughout hip-hop history, many people presented women to the world through a one-dimensional lens. Nowadays, women like Maiya the Don reclaim power, demand respect and utilize fashion to reshape their role as hip-hop artists. A person who owns their narrative and creates a unique adaptation of their own aesthetic continually dismantles stereotypes and evolves as a powerhouse.
Maiya the Don’s Second Single – Dusties
Women of today refuse to be treated as lesser. Maiya the Don firmly cements her feet in hip-hop concrete by embracing sexual objectification in order to use it to her advantage. Today’s women operate with liberation in mind, speak up for what they want and function as empowered sexual beings. Having her needs fulfilled cannot come second as Maiya the Don will not stop until she reaches her goals.
Catch her live in concert on Day 3 of Rolling Loud in Miami, FL on July 23rd, although Maiya has the best stage presence in New York.
Maiya spoke with BleuMag about her favorite performance, saying “Probably Albany, New York. It was a huge crowd, and I got to open up for Glorilla, who I love. I think she’s so hard. That was my best performance by the way. I’ve never felt like that before.. I was shocked because I was pretty far from home. The fact that they were going that hard for me had me, like, Period!”
Hip-hop artists are the most envied and least protected individuals on the planet. Many pursue a rap career without knowledge of the risks associated with the occupation. Keisha Plum could be considered a rapper, yet she never has to sound like one. She sounds sensuous and soulful as her poetic tongue glides down the back end of Griselda tracks. A true spoken word poet – this woman gives hope to those who speak their truth in the form of soliloquies.
In Plum Poetry We Trust
Keisha Plum – a.k.a Buffalo Jill – drips Tears of Honey onto every page. A great deal of her poetry began when she would send meaningful letters to her brother who was serving in the military.
Growing up in Buffalo made her gravitate toward the African American Cultural Center to express herself. Within the AACC compound, she learned what she could do with her craft. A young Keisha Plum learned about her roots through various mediums of cultural black excellence.
“If Rakim & Nikki Giovanni did the nasty, they would have had me.”
K.Plum on Flygod
She learned that she could write poetry and talk shit at the same time. Obviously, it is much deeper than that but it is evident that she enjoys to paint vivid pictures with her poems. Drawing incredible inspiration from the likes of Maya Angelou, this phenomenal woman lays down piercing poetry that encapsulates the entire Griselda movement.
Griselda the Behemoth
Griselda Records hits you from so many different angles. With nearly 30 artists on roster – each one brings something different and puts the listener into a different perspective on each and every track.
Not to mention, they are the head of the umbrella to all of these spectacular artists that hear their work and strive to go harder than the day before. It is such a blessing to discover all of these underground talents adjacent to Griselda who just want to put their own spin on it.
Clearly, Westside Gunn never even had to touch a mic and he would still be set – his kid’s great-grandkids would be set. But we are so glad he did. His lead-by-example no nonsense approach, creative direction and guerilla marketing tactics place him head and shoulders above the competition.
Westside Gunn is the type of individual who ensures that his legacy will carry on for generations. Ultimately, humans judgment ultimately occurs as a result of outcomes. Did you push yourself every day to ensure that your work will live on when your physical form no longer can? WSG pushes him and his team to their furthest extent – hence all of the new artists and real rap that has risen to the forefront in the past decade.
Buffalo Kids Stick Together
Westside Gunn and Keisha Plum attended Grammar School for the Gifted & Talented together. When Keisha had to settle for a retail job, Wes pulled up on her at the mall to recruit her talent. He wrote poems for Keisha to lay down in the booth as everything came into fruition with meticulous planning and preparation. It was just up to her to fine tune the content, plug & play words that she saw fit and ultimately execute the vision laid before her.
The most impressive part about Keisha Plum and her ascension is the way that she bends the genre backwards and flips hip-hop on its headpiece. She is living proof that if you know yourself – know your worth – know what you’re capable of doing – and act upon ideas you can be successful. This woman is single-handedly rearranging the constructs of hip-hop one spoken word at a time.
Interested in hearing her live? Catch her at The Cookout in September.
The aftermath of the quarantine has left many of us longing for experiences and community. The ability of an artist to constitute community is what I love about music, especially local original music. Nancy Atlas is a well-known entity on the East End of Long Island, especially in her hometown of Montauk, famously called “The drinking village with a fishing problem”. Nancy knows how to inspire a community and connects with her audience though passion and performance.
I had the double blessing of interviewing Nancy on The Long Island Sound podcast and seeing her live recently at Stephen Talkhouse, a venue which I call the CBGB’s of Amagansett. Nancy became my antidote for the longing that can never be quenched, as I continue to explore the wellspring of talent on Long Island.
If you can find something that you’re passionate about and you can make a living at it, then you’re a lucky person
Nancy Atlas
A Force of Nature
Before we dive into the rollercoaster ride of a show, it’s important to get an understanding how this female force of nature embraces her craft like the ocean envelops us as we venture into the deep.
Prior to her moniker as The Nancy Atlas project, this Commack, NY native went to college in London to study marketing. Upon graduation, she was hard-pressed to find a job in her chosen field. With the creative juices flowing, original songs in hand, Nancy went to an open mic hosted by Johnny Leitch aka Johnny Blood, a fantastic guitarist in his own right. The rest is history.
The most important thing is to surround yourself with people that are better than you
Nancy Atlas
There are a wide range of artist influences who shaped her sound, from Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris to Lucinda Williams. Atlas also recounted how her experiences growing up on Long Island have influenced her music, particularly the ocean and the beach, which she described as her “sanctuary.”
Throughout the interview, Atlas discussed her creative process and how she approaches songwriting. She explained that she likes to write about real-life experiences and emotions, drawing inspiration from her own life and the world around her.
Atlas emphasized the importance of collaboration, both with her band members and other musicians in the industry. She described how working with others can bring new ideas and perspectives to the table, and ultimately lead to better music.
The more honest you are with your songwriting; the more people connect with it.
Nancy Atlas
We discussed the challenges of being a musician, particularly in today’s music industry.
Atlas acknowledged that the rise of streaming services has changed the landscape for musicians, making it more difficult to earn a living solely from music sales. However, she also noted that the internet has made it easier for independent artists to connect with their fans and reach new audiences. Atlas emphasized the importance of adapting to change and finding new ways to make a living as a musician.
I think the hardest thing about being an artist in this day and age is finding the balance between the art and the commerce.
Nancy Atlas
Performing at Stephen Talkhouse
During the interview, I told Nancy how I hoped to go to Stephen Talkhouse someday, and she quickly goateed me in to attending her April 22nd show. I was not disappointed. With the intent to open opportunities to others, Nancy had the PasserBy Band opened up for her, and the band was electric with youthful energy and talent. Nancy’s son Cash, a member of the band was joined by a cast of East Hampton Highschoolers who rounded out the group.
PasserBy covered Santana’s Oye Como Va, and Dexys Midnight Runners, Come on Eileen to the delight of a welcoming audience, as a proud mother stood in the wings with admiration and pride
The Nancy Atlas Project took the stage promptly at 8:15 pm, as a lighting bolt of energy pulsed with Nancy as she began to strum the intro, soon to be joined by her longtime guitarist, Johnny Blood. Her set was filled with original songs, that were familiar to adoring fans, as I watched and listened to a community of Eastender’s revel with enjoyment and celebration.
A key moment, came when Nancy recalled a famous ocean rescue in Montauk, as detailed in the New York Times best selling novel, A Speck in the Sea. Nancy’s song “The Tale of Johnny Load” recounts the key events in the “Montauk Miracle” and has become somewhat of an anthem to how the Montauk community came together to beging the search for Johnny. The song is about a voyage of the fishing boat , Anna Mary with only Johnny “Load” Aldridge and Anthony Sosinski aboard. Anthony Sosinski, one of the crewmembers was on hand, and took the stage to lead the crowd in a Happy Birthday song to both Nancy and her sidekick Johnny Blood.
You can see Nancy Atlas performing at Stephen Talkhouse on May 20th, it’s certianly a bucketlist item for any music lover.
Music and the Power to Heal
She talked about how music has the power to heal and bring people together, and how she hopes her music can have a positive impact on her listeners.
My interview with Nancy Atlas on the Long Island Sound podcast provided a fascinating look into the life and career of one of Long Island’s most talented musicians. From her early influences to her creative process and the challenges of the music industry, Atlas shared insights and stories that are sure to inspire aspiring musicians and fans alike. Her performance at Stephen Talkhouse was a powerful reminder of the healing power of music and the importance of spreading positivity in today’s world. If you’re a fan of Nancy Atlas or just love great music, be sure to check out her interview on The Long Island Sound podcast.
