NYS Music 2023

Category: New York Singles

  • A-Zal, NYC-Based Acoustic Pop Artist, Drops Single “Lonely Town”

    A-Zal, a New York City-based acoustic pop artist has released his newest track, “Lonely Town,” a ballad to the quiet side of the city of New York. The release comes as a follow up to his most recent release, “Movie Script,” from August 2023.

    Lonely Town

    Migrating to the US in 2018, A-Zal found a quiet, intimate side of the city through integrating with a new city and country. 

    When I first came to New York, the glamour and energy of Midtown NYC pulled me like a magnet. But, I eventually got refuge in the unexplored streets of the city which had an altogether different story. When I performed in the subway stations next to Times Square or Bryant Park, I had a large set of audience members who would listen to my music while they passed me. However, as I went to the quieter side of uptown, I had very few listeners. And, the magic happened when these handful of listeners grew in number and turned into my real fans.

    A-Zal

    “Lonely Town” is a heartfelt, acoustic ballad that follows A-Zal’s search for company in such a vast city environment. As he navigates the “lonely town,” an ironic title considering the gradiosity of the city, the crowds and skyscrapers escape his perspective, and the city becomes his true companion.

    A-Zal

    A-Zal’s latest track, “Movie Script,” released in August to great success, climbing to the Mediabase TOP 40 Activator Charts within just two weeks of its release. After working with Marvel Studios on the popular TV series, Loki and Ms. Marvel, A-Zal is expecting an upcoming album, 17 & 11 Nights, soon after his newest singles.

    “Lonely Town” is now available alongside an official music video, capturing A-Zal’s journey from India to the United States in pursuit of the famed “american dream.” The video follows him as he reminisces on performances in New York City subway stations, before his most recent big break with Marvel Studios.

  • MVW and Valee Drop Single ‘Tailor Swift’ In Anticipation of New Album ‘Valeedation’

    MVW and Valee continue their dynamic association with the release of their new single, “Tailor Swift.” A play on the name of pop superstar Taylor Swift, this latest record arrives as MVW and Valee gear up for the release of their debut joint-album, Valeedation. Set for release on October 20, the slowed-down, classically inspired tune follows a similar formula as the pair’s prior collaborations on MVW’s last two albums, CLASSIC$ and Connections.

    Valee and MVW song cover.

    In similar fashion, MVW juxtaposes Valee’s nonchalant delivery with refined instrumentation blending into a sound coined as “museum rap.” On “Tailor Swift” Valee rides MVW’s choppy, slowed-down production while expounding on his luxury-filled wardrobe. In usual fashion, Valee song title are often a precursor to a witty metaphor. Rapping, “white Gucci pants same color Taylor Swift. Yeah, getting measured in Gucci b*tch my tailor swift.”

    While Valee’s quick-witted one liners feel improvised, his meticulous approach to music and fashion has led to a cult-following, as he’s always provided a alternative sound and delivery to his contemporaries.

    Throughout my career I’ve been known to tailor my own clothes because I like them to fit a certain way. They have to be precise. I approached making this song the same way. When MVW sent it to me I knew it was the one.

    Valee on “Tailor Swift”

    Meanwhile, with each record, MVW aims to transport the listener into a world of musical radicalism. In effect, the two idiosyncratic artists serve a similar musical purpose, albeit with different approaches.

    The underlying sound and flow in Tailor Swift is essentially avant-garde, compounded by the depth of the entendres and visual metaphors, this track transports the listener into a world of radicalism.

    MVW on “Tailor Swift”

    The release of “Tailor Swift” arrives following the summer drops of “Could Be” and “Pistachio.” These two releases preluded the eventual collab-album from the frequent collaborators. While Valee remains a season vet of the hip hop world, Staten Island native MVW continues to build on a repertoire that has seen him work with other innovative rappers such as TiaCorine, Xavier Wulf, Lil Gotit, Matt Ox, Zelooperz and Anycia.

  • Rochester New Wave Duo The Heroic Enthusiasts Reimagine 80’s Classic ‘Tears Run Rings’

    In a thrilling collision of musical generations, New York’s own The Heroic Enthusiasts have teamed up with producer Stephen Hague to breathe new life into a timeless classic. Their latest single, ‘Tears Run Rings,’ is a reimagining of Marc Almond’s 1988 hit, and it’s nothing short of a musical revelation.

    The Heroic Enthusiasts, a dynamic New Wave duo, take us on a mesmerizing journey into the past with their rendition of ‘Tears Run Rings.’ Guitarist Thomas Ferrara reveals the profound impact that Marc Almond and Soft Cell had on their musical upbringing. “It was a magical awakening—a whole fresh and beautiful world opened up for us in lyrics, instrumentation, and production,” Ferrara explained.

    To bring their vision to life, The Heroic Enthusiasts enlisted the expertise of renowned producer Stephen Hague, known for his work with Pet Shop Boys, New Order, and Blur, among others. The result is a rich and textured soundscape featuring layered synth lines and pulsating drum beats.

    Hague previously produced the duo’s two EPs, and their collaboration reached new heights with the reimagining of ‘It’s A Sin,’ a chart-topping hit originally produced by Hague for Pet Shop Boys in 1987. Speaking about their collaboration, Hague notes, “So much of what I’m sent these days is basically beats with hooks, but the Heroic’s stuff was a breath of fresh air—I was taken by their songcraft and musicality.”

    With ‘Tears Run Rings,’ The Heroic Enthusiasts continue to deliver their emotionally charged brand of New Wave/synth-pop to a global audience. The song captures the essence of their unique musical identity while honoring the artists who inspired them.

    The Heroic Enthusiasts’ reimagining of ‘Tears Run Rings’ is a nostalgic journey infused with new energy, showcasing their commitment to preserving the essence of classic hits while infusing them with their distinctive style. As they continue to redefine the New Wave genre, The Heroic Enthusiasts remind us that great music is both timeless and ever-evolving.

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    Download The Heroic Enthusiasts – EPK

  • Blue Öyster Cult Announces Upcoming Live Album, Single, and November Westbury Show

    Blue Öyster Cult released a new single this week, “I’m On the Lamb but I Ain’t No Sheep (Live),” alongside the announcement of their upcoming live album, 50th Anniversary Live – First Night, set to release on December 8. 

    Blue Öyster Cult 50th Anniversary Live – First Night

    The new single, “I’m On the Lamb but I Ain’t No Sheep (Live),” was released alongside an official live music video. The entire album was recorded live at NYC’s Sony Hall in September 2022. The group celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a set of 3 sold out shows at the Midtown Manhattan venue.

    For the historic career milestone, the group played each of their first three albums in their entirety at the three respective shows. The live album will include live recordings of each entire album.

    Blue Öyster Cult was formed in 1967 on Long Island, developing a cult following throughout the 70s and 80s. The group made their debut at Stony Brook University’s Pritchard Gymnasium. Eric Bloom, a Brooklyn native, joined the group in 1969, after original guitarist Allen Lanier accompanied him on a road trip through Upstate New York and heard his tapes as a talented vocalist.

    Blue Öyster Cult

    The group is set to play a show at The Space at Westbury Theatre, in Westbury, NY on November 22. Tickets are on sale now and available here.

    Blue Öyster Cult are Eric Bloom (guitar, keyboard, vocals), Donald “Buck Dharma ” Roeser (guitar, vocals), Richie Castellano (guitar, keyboard, vocals), Danny Miranda (bass, vocals), and Jules Radino (drums). The group is joined by special guest Albert Bouchard (drums, percussion, guitar, vocals). 

    Upcoming Tour Dates:

    10/14/23 – Sante Fe Springs, CA @ Sante Fe Springs Marketplace & Concert Venue

    11/10/23 – Carterville, IL @ Walker’s Bluff Casino

    11/11/23 – St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre

    11/18/23 – Davenport, IA @ Rhythm City Casino Resort

    11/22/23 – Westbury, NY @ The Space at Westbury Theatre

    12/05/23 – Auburn, WA @ Muckleshoot Casino Events Center

    12/07/23 – Enoch, Alberta, Canada @ River Cree Resort

    12/28/23 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre

    12/29/23 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Golden Nugget

  • Samara Joy, Grammy Winner for Best New Artist, Announces ‘A Joyful Holiday’ EP

    Bronx native and two-time GRAMMY winner Samara Joy is set to release A Joyful Holiday, a 6-song EP of beloved seasonal favorites.

    Photo credit: Ambe J. Williams

    This extension of her latest album, Linger Awhile, features accomplished jazz musicians and includes singles like “O Holy Night,” “Warm in December,” and a new take on Stevie Wonder’s “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me.”

    A Joyful Holiday, produced by Matt Pierson, will drop on October 27 via Verve, with an exclusive emerald green color variant LP available.

    The holiday EP comes after an extraordinary year for Samara Joy, who clinched the prestigious Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album awards at this year’s Grammys.

    Samara Joy has shared a delightful rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” which you can listen to here.

    “Singing alongside my family has always been a special time kept between us, but this December, I’m excited to share that special feeling with you all! This holiday season, it brings me great joy to present my first role models, the McLendon Family, on a month-long tour throughout the US. Join us for a show you’ll never forget!”

    Samara Joy

    Samara Joy has also announced the Verve Vinyl Collection, comprising her three Verve LPs, Linger Awhile, Linger Awhile Longer, and A Joyful Holiday. This collection will hit the shelves on November 17 and can be pre-ordered here.

    A Joyful Holiday Tracklist

    “Warm In December”
    “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me ft. Sullivan Fortner”
    “The Christmas Song”
    “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
    “O Holy Night”
    “The Christmas Song (Live)”

    Samara Joy 2023 Tour Dates

    9/28 – 10/1 – Seattle, WA @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley Jazz

    10/4 – Davis, CA @ Mondavi Center

    10/6 – 7 – New York, NY @ Rose Hall at The Lincoln Center

    10/14 – Kansas City @ Folly Theater

    10/15 – Denver, CO @ Newman Center

    10/18 – Easton, PA @ Williams Center for the Arts / Performance Series

    10/20 – Storrs, CT @ Jorgenson Center

    10/22 – Brookville, NY @ Tilles Center

    10/24 – Columbia, MO @ Missouri Theater

    10/25 – Iowa City @ Hancher Auditorium

    10/27 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Symphony Orchestra

    11/3 – Zurich, Switzerland @ TVD

    11/5 – Athens, Greece @ Megaron Athens

    11/7 – Hamburg, Germany @ Elb Philharmonic

    11/8 – Berlin, Germany @ TBD

    11/12 – Paris, FR @ Le Trianon

    11/17 – Bologna, Italy @ TBD

    11/18 – Milan, Italy @ TBD

    11/19 – London, UK @ Barbican Center, London Jazz Festival

    12/3 – Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall, UT Austin

    12/4 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Symphony

    12/7 – Los Angeles, CA @ Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts

    12/8 – Santa Barbara, CA @ The Granada Theater

    12/12 – Chesterfield, MO @ The Factory

    12/14 – 12/15 – New York, NY @ Apollo Theater

    12/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Atlanta Symphony Hall

    12/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kimmel Center

    12/23 – North Bethesda, MD @ Strathmore

  • Nick Vanderwood Releases a Visionary New Single “Shimmy”

    Utica-born and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Nick Vanderwood has released his latest single “Shimmy”, a song preceding the recent EP entitled ‘Reload‘ released on September 29th.

    Nick Vanderwood encapsulates alternative indie in new single “Shimmy” using a blend of guitar and bass creating a mysterious sci-fi world that is brought to life in the music video. The short film is fun and cinematic which cultivates an imaginative visual experience, showcasing Vanderwood’s artistic vision.

    While “Shimmy” excludes a vocal aspect, the song in itself does more than enough without relying on vocals to make it complete. The build up of bass and guitar offers a blend of funk, syrupy and track mixed with an upbeat attitude, and recorded at Big Blue North Studio in Utica.

    Following the release of his single and music video “Shimmy”, Nick’s EP Reload became the sum of many years as Nick labored to overcome a chronic neck injury that impeded his ability to sing. Nick was kept at a distance from the microphone, as the EP title suggests, he is more than ready to come back with a bang.

    Vanderwood is not just a vocalist but writes and performs all instruments included in his solo projects. Over the course of the year, he took this period of silence and healing seriously while creating a silent short film/music video for “Shimmy” included in the EP. His collaboration with monomaniac studios allowed Nick to lean back into acting and sound design.

    Follow Nick Vanderwood on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram for more information on all-things such as future releases and music videos.

  • NYC Designer and Musician Dylan Seeger Has Released Vulnerable Single “Writer/Pretender”

    Dylan Seeger, a designer and musician living in New York City, and has just released his latest single: “Writer/Pretender,” where he explores themes such as writer’s block and betrayal.

    With family roots in New York’s folk scene, Seeger’s interest in music was immediate and profound. After discovering The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in his parents’ CD collection, he was inspired to write and record his own music, releasing his first album of original songs when he was just fourteen years old. A few years later, he started performing at clubs on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

    At nineteen, Seeger released his seminal album, Claye, and dropped out of art school in search of independence. He moved to Manhattan and founded Lovably, a graphic design firm which has since served hundreds of clients across a diverse range of industries including architecture, art, fashion, and interior design. He remains the firm’s director and spends his weekdays in the design studio and with clients.

    Dylan also runs Adequate Records, a label where he has released several original albums including Moon House, Metropolitan Hospital Center, and Claye.

    In his spare time, Seeger performs in Central Park, studies old records and prints, and bikes around the city taking pictures of bridges, buildings, and the minutia of daily life in the bustling city.

    Dylan’s single “Writer/Pretender” is 2 songs, one “Writer” and one “Pretender.” The song “Writer” is a little more laid back compared to “Pretender,” and seems to explore how it feels being an artist and not liking anything you create, stuck in a constant feeling of artistic block: “So you say // That you’re a musician // Got lost between the notes // To find that // They’ve all been played before.”

    “Pretender” takes on a rock vibe with much more movement, and it strikes me as someone talking about a past lover or friend who wasn’t their authentic self, potentially involved in cheating, and how the speaker wants them regardless.

    “Writer/Pretender” is available for streaming now. Listen to the single here.

  • Jeremy Button Crafts Regional Anthems for the Finger Lakes and Delaware Valley

    Finger Lakes musician Jeremy Button of Americana band Growl Bear, has penned a few tunes as of late that celebrate two distinct regions of New York State, the Delaware Valley and the Finger Lakes.

    Among them are the comedic tune, with a dash of regional pride, “Fingerlakes Wine,” and the history-infused “The Ballad of Orrin & Squire.”

    Growing up in Wayland, NY, Button attended SUNY Fredonia, and currently works for NYSDOT. A guitarist and songwriter in Americana band Growl Bear, Button has learned a variety of instruments, among them fiddle, mandolin, bagpipes, and banjo as well as writing music for both Growl Bear and his solo performances.

    Speaking of “Fingerlakes Wine,” Button says, “I just wanted my area to have a song like this. I love Rochester and the Fingerlakes area and I like writing songs about where I live, we don’t have a lot of them and we need more, creating lore, making us feel more in touch with this place we call home.”

    Button’s tune “Fingerlakes Wine” comes in both a classy (above, for all ages) and original versions, while “The Ballad of Orrin & Squire” is ripped from the history books and lyrics mention various stops in the Southern Catskills.

    Button’s Great-great Grandfather and his brother fought in the Civil War for the Union Army, part of the NY 56th Regiment of Volunteers, also known as the 10th Legion. A tune that comes right out of Button’s family tree, the song tells of their travels from small towns near the New York-Pennslyvania border to New York City before heading south to fight. Button says of the song’s historical accuracy, “95% true. Not many songs about NY regiments going to go kick butt.” 

    Another tune from Button, “Goodbye Fredonia,” the reluctance that he found in moving onto the next stage of his life, post-college.

    You can catch Jeremy Button performing solo and with Growl Bear this fall around the Finger Lakes. Growl Bear plays at Lovin Cup, near Rochester Institute of Technology at 8:30 on Friday, October 6 and the trio version of Growl Bear plays at the B-side in Fairport on October 25. For more info visit the band’s website.

    jeremy button

  • The Bones of J.R. Jones Drops New Single “Animals” Ahead of NYC, Woodstock Shows

    New York-based artist The Bones of J.R. Jones released a new single, “Animals,” the final single from his upcoming album Slow Lightning. The release comes alongside his upcoming tour, featuring a show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge and Woodstock’s Levon Helm Studios. 

    The Bones of J.R. Jones

    “Animals” is an upbeat, soulful folk track, supporting the musician’s upcoming record, Slow Lightning, slotted for release on October 13. That day will feature a hometown show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge for a special album release show, followed by a full US and European tour this fall.

    The new track follow the release of the musician’s previous single, “The Good Life,” which dropped last month alongside an official music video featuring actress Maggie McDowell. In addition, the first promotional single, “Heaven Help Me,” debuted to great success, and has now garnered over 250,000 streams.

    Slow Lightning by The Bones of J.R. Jones

    Known off-stage as Jonathan Linaberry, The Bones of J.R. Jones is a one-man band, songwriter, storyteller, and visual artist. 

    Animals’ is about letting yourself go and giving into another version of yourself. Going out, getting into trouble, letting whatever may happen, happen and finding out you’re happier that way.

    Jonathan Linaberry, The Bones of J.R. Jones

    Tickets for The Bones of J.R. Jones’ upcoming tour are now on sale. More information and tickets are available here.

    Tour Dates:

    10/12 – Washington, DC – DC9 

    10/13 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge

    10/14 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios

    10/16 – Richmond, VA – Camel 

    10/17 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Cafe and Music Hall 

    10/18 – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

    10/19 – Charlotte, NC – Evening Muse 

    10/20 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    10/21 – Nashville, TN – The Basement 

    11/8 – Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso 

    11/9 – Luxembourg, LUX – Gudde Wellen 

    11/10 – Paris, FR – No.Pi 

    11/11 – London, UK – Omeara 

    11/14 – Cologne, DE – Jaki 

    11/15 – Hamburg, DE – Uebel & Gefährlich 

    11/16 – Berlin, DE – Kantine Berghain 

    11/17 – Leipzig, DE – Naumanns 

    11/18 –Frankfurt, DE – Brotfabrik

  • Listen To Alex Northrup’s Newest Single, “What Did I Miss”

    Alex Northrup, a Rochester composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, has released his newest single “What Did I Miss” as part of his bigger album, Turning Point, set for release this January.

    Alex Northrup what did I miss

    You may recognize Alex Northrup from other Rochester-based groups in the past such as Northern Spies, Brindamor, Jon Lewis Band, and the Demos. More recently, he has been touring the keyboardist for Kill Rock Stars artist Sean Barna.

    Locally, he has made appearances in the bands of Katie Morey and Overhand Sam. Recently, he’s been performing around Rochester both solo and with his latest backing group of the Darlingtones– anchored by Ryan Yarmrel on bass and Sam Hirsh on drums, with a revolving cast of guests.

    A follow-up to his album, Popular Songs That Will Live Forever, Alex Northrup’s Turning Point follows in the same home-made vein, with more guest appearances and a more soothing vibe. Popular Songs That Will Live Forever featured 10 songs, including the single “The Only Thought I Need,” released in June of 2020, with a quirky and whimsical tone via an upbeat tambourine from beginning to end.

    “What Did I Miss” follows that same psychedelic rock genre, but with a more relaxing feeling from an upbeat guitar and soothing vocals. “What Did I Miss” is a single that reminds me of the COVID shut down, where everyone was encouraged to take breaks from social media when it became “too much.” I love the sound but I, as always, am drawn to the lyrics: “What did I miss? // Don’t tell me – I don’t want to know // What did I miss? // This absence was to help me grow // What did I miss?” It’s like when you take a break from social media, but part of you– the addicted part of you– wants to know what is going on despite knowing it’s for the best that you don’t.

    “…I was distracted by things such as life and contributing to other people’s bands and recording projects. Actual songwriting was the furthest from my mind – I thought I had totally lost that part of me, and with the way things were going with the world, I wondered what the point even was. But after a couple years of that, the fog started to lift and the words started to come again. And soon enough, out of the mess of unfinished tracks and jams, a dozen actual songs emerged! Nearly half were written fresh at that point, and one 11 year old song that had never been properly recorded was revived. So now I’m back to writing and playing again (with my live band the Darlingtones) and there are definitely more songs that will be coming out! So Turning Point is hopefully the start of something bigger.”

    Alex Northrup

    Turning Point’s lead single “What Did I Miss” is available now to preview what’s to come from Northrup’s album set for release come January, which has been nearly three years in the making.

    To find out where Alex will perform next, or for any other info, check out his Instagram.

    For his single, “What Did I Miss,” click this link.