Category: Special

Lexi Mariah Releases New Pop Single “No Worries…”

Connecticut’s femme pop artist Lexi Mariah has just released her newest single “No Worries…,” a catchy electro-pop tune that is truly vibrant with melody. Presenting an upbeat tempo and electrifying melody, the track truly showcases Lexi Mariah’s vibrant personality and remarkable songwriting skills.

This new pop single features a captivating chorus that will have you humming along in no time produced by the acclaimed Kenny Cash (Sony, Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix). The track is a fusion of Lexi’s unique style and Cash’s signature production.

“No Worries…” is completely full of infectious hooks, with pulsing beats and relatable lyrics. Lexi took inspiration from the styles of the industry’s top artists such as Taylor Swift, Bebe Rexha, and Ava Max. Overall, the single showcases all the best elements of electro-pop for fans to enjoy.

The storyline behind the single comes from the artist’s personal frustrations with disloyalty. “You know that feeling when you’re hanging out with someone, putting in the effort, giving them your undivided attention, but you can tell they’re distracted by someone else the entire time?” says Lexi.

“Then by the end of the night or the next day, they’re so apologetic and you’re just too emotionally exhausted to deal with it, so you brush them off with the low key sarcastic ‘it’s fine, no worries!’” she adds. “It’s a phrase I say a lot, and honestly, it’s almost always a lie. There’s pretty much always a worry and it’s usually never fine.” the singer laughs. The upbeat track can resonate with anyone who has ever felt the sting of betrayal, making it relatable for fans old and new.

With her previous songs receiving love and praise from outlets such as Rolling Stone IN, Melodic Magazine and EARMILK, it is no surprise that Lexi Mariah has cemented her status as one of the most exciting new voices in electro-pop with this track. “No Worries…” is a true testament to her growth as an artist.

Listen to “No Worries…” by clicking the link here.

For more information and music by Lexi Mariah, click the link here.

May 28, 2023
Michael Ian Cummings of Skaters Announces Debut Solo EP, Releases Single “Contemporary Me”

Infamous lead singer/songwriter of NYC’s Skaters, Michael Ian Cummings, has just announced his debut solo EP Oldest Troubles, out May 26^th. To tease the upcoming release, he has decided to release a single from the album titled “Contemporary Me.”

10 short years have passed since Skaters’ formation in Lower East Side Manhattan. Within months of forming and a self-released EP, the band was signed to Warner Brothers Records. They toured around the world, had global critical acclaim from NME to the New York Times. And two years later, they released their debut album, self-released their sophomore album Rock n Roll Bye Bye independently, and then disappeared.

It was a whirlwind ride for the band that came at one of the most difficult transitions in the music industry, the exact time digital downloads plummeted, and streaming had not yet reached the masses. Skaters were caught in the shuffle, and broke up.

Now, after years of reevaluation and new inspiration, working an array of day jobs and night jobs for that matter, Michael Ian Cummings has rediscovered his muse. He has something special to show for the struggle, returning just a bit wiser with the debut solo EP titled Oldest Troubles.

“There are things in everyone’s life that will haunt them forever,” he writes of the EP’s title track. “Whether it stems from internal or external influences from our past that have marred, mamed, and influenced the way we handle life. No matter how far we try to run from them they always find us. This song is about welcoming those relentless “troubles” in, confronting them, and beginning to make yourself stronger. Or, at the very least, learning to live with them.”

“I love having autonomy over how and when I release music. Making decisions and moving on,” Cummings continued. “Reminds me of when I was a teenager. Just make things because they are worth making. Move forward and try not to look back too much.”

To accompany his new release, Michael Ian Cummings will perform at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn on May 31 (7:00 PM).

To listen to “Contemporary Me,” click the link here.

Tickets and more information about the show can be found HERE.

May 24, 2023
Brooklyn Artist Jehry Robinson Releases New Genre-Mixing Song

Rising artist Jehry Robinson released his new single “Razor” on May 12. Not conforming to one genre, “Razor,” like Robinson’s other music, blends rap, reggae, pop, and rap into one sound.

Jehry Robinson grew up on Long Island but was encouraged to move forward with his music dreams after forming a friendship with Grammy winning artist Macklemore. Then, in 2016, he co-founded FBA Management with Tara Ennis and launched his solo career.

After reading an article about Kansas City based Strange Music in Forbes, he urged Tara to reach
out to C.E.O. Travis O’Guin. After months of persistence and diligence the label head surprisingly returned her direct message. The two got on a plane to Kansas City with hopes of joining the Strange Music family. After more months of planning, and many conversations with O’Guin, Jehry signed the label and got right to work.

So far, Robinson’s songs and videos have accumulated over ten million views and streams. On his genre mixing music, he said, “I’m taking all of those genres and emotions and fusing them into one sound. You’ll get the happy side. You’ll get the depressed side. If there’s a reggae vibe or rock energy, that’s just how I felt that day.”

Fusing numerous genres, his songs reflect Robinson’s ear for melody and his ability to make seemingly conflicting sounds mesh together. His latest song “Razor” is the follow-up to the melodic rap and vocal harmonies of “No Happy Days” which features label-mate King Iso. Earlier in 2023 he delivered “Kill My Daydreams” and “Question Why.” Expect more songs and videos from Jehry Robinson leading up to the release of his upcoming LP this summer.

May 22, 2023
Danielle Ponder Releases New Spiritual Single “Roll the Credits”

Rising soul and R&B artist, Danielle Ponder, released her new song “Roll the Credits” on May 5th. Her single is accompanied by a cinematic music video directed by Broadway choreographer and dancer Hettie Barnhill. Originally from Rochester, the singer has left her mark on New York’s music scene for more than a decade.

“Roll the Credits” takes listeners into a passionate and pulsating world of spirituality. Filmed in the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the video allows listeners to connect the spiritual relationship that Ponder speaks of in her dynamic lyrics with culture, dance, music, and nature. Throughout the verses, the artist shows off her range and confidence in her weighty, graveling vocal style along with her clarity and evocation in her alternative gospel-like chorus.

After playing the song in various live shows, it has clearly become a crowd and fan favorite throughout North America as well as Europe. The video itself has reached over 16,000 views in the past two weeks and continues to rise.

Ponder’s new single is produced by Grammy nominated musician Gianluca Buccellati who has worked with artists ranging from Lana Del Ray to Paris Texas. The pair collaborated on Ponder’s debut album Some of Us Are Brave which was released last year.

When speaking about her biggest influences Ponder comments, “We couldn’t listen to secular music so, I was listening to a lot of gospel early on, like Shirley Caesar, John P. Kee, the Blind Boys of Alabama — a mix of old and new school stuff. However, the blues is where I really developed a desire to sing. Listening to Big Mama Thornton and Koko Taylor, I wanted to know how to do that.“

After taking the risk of leaving her career as a public defender behind in 2018, the artist has followed a path of expression and music all the way to the lime-light. She has unveiled her voice and passion with the world, landing her television appearances on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

In order to celebrate and share her new music, Ponder has set out on a twenty-four date tour. Her live show will be performed in select cities throughout North America and Europe.

Danielle Ponder Live Shows

May 12 – Miramar Beach, FL – Brandi Charlie’s Mothership Weekend

May 13—New Orleans, LA—Toulouse Theatre

May 16—Austin, TX—Antone’s Nightclub

May 18—Dallas, TX—Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit

May 19—Houston, TX—The Heights Theater

May 21—Phoenix, AZ—Valley Bar

May 22—San Diego, CA—Voodoo Room at House of Blues

May 24—West Hollywood, CA—Troubadour

May 26—San Francisco, CA—Cafe Du Nord

May 27—Napa, CA—BottleRock Napa Valley

June 2—Ogden, UT—Ogden Music Festival

June 17—Manchester, TN—Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

June 22—Rothbury, MI—Electric Forest Festival

June 29—Montreal, Québec—Montreal International Jazz Festival

July 1—Werchter, Belgium—Rock Werchter

July 5—Aix-les-Bains, France—Festival Musilac

July 7—Rotterdam, Netherlands—North Sea Jazz Festival

July 29—Newport, RI—Newport Folk Festival

August 5—Chicago, IL—Lollapalooza

August 18—North Adams, MA—MASS MoCA

August 29—Red Bank, NJ—Count Basie Center for the Arts

August 30—Syracuse, NY—Chevy Court Stage

September 14 – September 17—Louisville, KY—Bourbon & Beyond

September 29 – October 1—Dana Point, CA—Ohana Fest

Watch the official music video for Danielle Ponder “Roll the Credits” below.

May 21, 2023
Interstate Island Release Rock Single “Grey Wolf”

LI rock band Interstate Island have just released their newest single “Grey Wolf” on May 18^th. The single explores the dichotomies of choosing between freedom and companionship.

The track “Grey Wolf” navigates these feelings through the lens of a “lone wolf,” one searching for clarity. Throughout the song, both ideas are celebrated as the singer tries to decipher what he needs the most. Sonically, the track has a similar vibe to singers/band like Elton John, Styx, and REO Speedwagon.

Interstate Island was initially formed by Eddie Andrews, who was born and raised with a firm appreciation for classic rock music. More Inspiration for the project came after seeking to reimagine Electric Light Orchestra’s classic albums of the 1970’s. The first visions of Interstate Island emerged in 2019 when Andrews met with accomplished producer Matt Wallace (O.A.R., Maroon 5, Andy Grammer).

Matt Wallace had listened to a few of Andrews’ demos and expressed an interest in working together on a project. They initially recorded an early version of “Love Song” with a group of rock musicians who have regularly toured and recorded with some of the world’s most successful artists.

While the results were inspiring, Andrews believed there was an opportunity to expand on the concept by incorporating leading (as opposed to background) string arrangements – and perhaps using a live orchestra to perform those arrangements.

After a brief hiatus caused mainly by the Covid-19 pandemic, Wallace and Andrews were finally able to record Brave New World in 2021. Simultaneously, Interstate Island began to scope out the best fit for a leading string arranger.

Since a centerpiece of ELO’s work was the way in which they glistened string arrangements over pop-rock tracks, Andrews felt this was imperative to incorporate. This led Andrews to collaborate with Steve Turner, a well renowned arranger who previously toured with Electric Light Orchestra.

Listen to “Grey Wolf” by clicking the link here.

For more on Interstate Island, click the link here.

For more information on the band, click the link here.

May 18, 2023
Cannastock NY 2023 – It’s more than just Weed

The Spring Cannastock NY 2023 Festival was held at the MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie on Saturday May 13. This is year two for the festival which identifies itself as a cannabis consumption – friendly immersive experience for the industry, consumers and those who are canna-curious.

In New York State, recreational marijuana became legal in 2021 and available for sale in 2022. Last year’s inaugural festival was held at The Colony in Woodstock.  The event sold out, prompting the move to the MJN Center to handle the capacity demand.  A wise move by the promoters.  With VIP and pre-event tickets selling out again, the increase in available space enabled day of event ticket sales. VIP attendees were given early access and treated to a swag bag with all the necessities a consumer would need, including a bud of flower grown in New York.

Once inside, attendees could view products and gather information from 50+ exhibitors from the NY area. From farmers, to dispensaries, to paraphernalia, if it pertained to cannabis, it was here. Throughout the day stilt walkers strutted through the convention center, hula hoopers performed, and an air hockey tournament was held adding to the festivities.

You could not purchase cannabis at the event, but the opportunity to sample some of NY’s finest was available. Being “consumption friendly”, a lounge was set up outside the building to offer that opportunity. Stepping into the lounge area, you were greeted by a table with multiple bongs for people to try.  Farther in, sampling of flavored THC seltzers was offered. In the back, a covered space with chairs and tables encouraged you to roll one, smoke, and chill. The upstairs balcony had a Dab bar offering samples of the concentrated form of THC.  You could even take a chance on a prize wheel to win a freshly rolled joint.

On the face of this it sounds like a stoner’s heaven. It was certainly all that. But this year’s festival also had its eye on the future. With legalization, this is now an industry. Speakers from the business side of cannabis spoke throughout the day. Topics included launching a brand, compliance, marketing, and design.  Insights to the legal aspects of a regulated industry where shared. Jojo Simmon s (son of rapper Reverend Run of Run DMC) spoke about the community surrounding and supporting cannabis sales and consumption.  The Department of Labor even offered a session about creating a resume to work in the industry.

With two years in and no end in sight, Cannastock NY is setting it’s hopes high on an industry that has stepped out of the shadows and into the mainstream. So, pass the Dutchie.

May 16, 2023
Ukrainian Artist Nora Polinnia Shares Spirited Singles “Gotham” and “Midnight Boy”

Ukrainian singer-songwriter, Nora Polinnia, dropped three new singles over the past few months. She released her debut single, “Gotham,” last October, followed by “Late Love,” and her most recent song, “Midnight Boy,” which dropped on April 28th.

These songs are heavily influenced by the singer’s adolescent experiences and the hardships of love and life during wartime. The up and coming artist currently resides in NYC and has lived there since the fall of 2022.

Polinnia co-created her debut single, “Gotham,” with her long-time friend Martin Nikov, as a part of an artistic movement to support Ukraine. The single itself, takes listeners on an eerie and haunting trip into the artists’ perspectives on the destruction of their home. It compares the country’s condition with the dark, fictional city of Gotham. The lyrics, at times over-literal with this metaphor, express a sense of hopelessness and pain. The strong, pulsating beat and rhythm contrastingly emphasize the singer’s anger, allowing it to become an anthem of rebellion and discontent.

Her newest single, “Midnight Boy” strays drastically from the mood of her first release, as it takes on the genres of disco and funk. The song describes a reckless type of man that has the ability to make others do what he wants through his surface-level charm. The fun, upbeat listen calls on women to discard these types of men and focus on their own independence.

Polinnia is currently working on publicity for “Midnight Boy” which includes a comedic and upbeat music video that will be released at the end of the month. Alongside the video, the artist is in the process of launching a TikTok dance challenge for the single. She hopes to get as many people involved around the world as she can, especially highschool students.

The singer’s recent singles are a part of her debut EP, Past Chronicles, which addresses the more careless and oblivious years of her youth. Following its completion, the artist plans to release two additional EP’s called Present Chronicles and Future Chronicles in order to create a trilogy. Present Chronicles is set to be released at the end of June this year which will address the challenges of living in the current state of the world.

Nora Polinnia, an artist with a unique sound, uses her fresh singles as a way to express herself as well as deal with her past, present, and future struggles. The artist remarks, “There’s no concrete explanation for how music and art makes people feel. However, it is something that connects us all and allows fleeting moments to be encapsulated.”

May 15, 2023
Tennis Courts Release New Indie/Folk Single “Am I Not Talking Enough”

Brooklyn’s 4-piece indie band Tennis Courts have just released their latest single “Am I Not Talking Enough” on May 3^rd. The song is about the realization of how it feels to be not young anymore, but also not old either.

Consisting of the singer/songwriter duo of Pat Walsh and Andrew Clarke, lead guitarist Brian McKenna and bassist Spencer Brigman, the band started writing songs together in college in Charleston, SC before moving to Brooklyn in 2022. Tennis Courts’ sound overall offers a delicate mix of indie, folk, and power pop.

Of the new single, Walsh says, “This song is probably the most personal song we’ve ever put out. It’s about a lot of things, but I think it’s mostly just about how I have felt over the last year. I’ve spent a lot of time coming to terms with myself, how I fit in the world, and how I fit into other people’s lives. I spend a lot of time examining my relationship with myself, family, friends, and partners. And at the end of the day, maybe I am just thinking too much.”

“Pensive and gorgeous, opening with acoustic strums accompanying subdued vocals, swelling with atmospheric treatments until the full band kicks in for a stunning final movement.”
– Tuned Up

The band has played countless shows with Dogwood Tales, Sun Room, Hotel Fiction, Sonic Blume, Mo Lowda + The Humble, Wakelee, Daddy’s Beemer, Teenage Halloween, Easy Honey and many more. Tennis Courts forthcoming LP, which will come out later this year, was produced by Erik Kase Romero (The Front Bottoms, Lorde, Dogwood Tales).

Tennis Courts will also be accompanying Charlie & Margot on June 22^nd at the Bond Street Basement in Asbury Park, NJ. For more information on this upcoming event, click the link here.

To listen to “Am I Not Talking Enough,” click the link here.

For more music by Tennis Courts and more information on upcoming shows, click the link here.

May 6, 2023
Brooklyn’s 79.5 Drops New Single “Long Term Parking” Ahead of New LP and Tour

Brooklyn-based R&B/Soul band 79.5 has had a busy year – their new single, “Long Term Parking,” was released with an accompanying music video ahead of their self-titled sophomore LP out May 5 .

The band’s tour will make a stop at their home base at Brooklyn Made on June 2. The summer-ready record has earned support from KCRW’s “Today’s Top Tune”, Under The Radar, CABBAGES, SPIN, Ones To Watch, and more.

Cover art for “Long Term Parking” the single 79.5 released ahead of their self-titled second LP with a supporting music video. Credit: Charm School Media.

The band’s self-titled LP takes fans on a magical journey from start to finish, and it’s safe to say 79.5 will relay this same energy live on their tour. “Club Level” starts the LP off perfectly, with a disco sound that makes you want to get up and dance. “Long Term Parking,” perfectly portrays the feeling of being in a relationship so powerful and complicated, that even with a tragic ending, the love forever remains. Other highlights include “B.D.F.Q.,” and “Feel Like Dancin’.” Brooklyn’s 79.5 are sure to have a long and successful career ahead of them.

Named after an imaginary radio station, Brooklyn’s 79.5 was formed in 2010 by Kate Mattison, who was later joined by singer and rapper Lola Adanna and sax player/flautist Izaak Mills with drummer Caito Sanchez and bassist Andrew Raposo rounding out the rhythm section. The sound of 79.5 is full-bodied and straight from the heart—recalling the thrilling work of Patrice Rushen and the type of dance music that’s been the beating heart of New York City for centuries. Prior to their upcoming self-titled LP, 79.5 self-released an album, Predictions, in 2018.

Music by 79.5, including their upcoming self-titled LP, is now streaming, and tickets for their upcoming tour, which includes a show at Brooklyn Made, is out now.

79.5 Tourdates

5/8: Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou’s

5/11: San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop

5/12: Los Angeles, CA @ The Paramount

6/2: Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Made

6/24: Philadelphia, PA, @ Johnny Brenda’s

May 5, 2023
Stolen Gin Share Dance/funk “Drunk Ambition” Single + Video

NYC-based dance-funk quintet Stolen Gin have released their newest single “Drunk Ambition” paired alongside a lyric video. The single gives the feeling of an intense love for a person, never wanting them to leave your side.

Stolen Gin, a dance-funk quintet formed in 2019 from New York City, is known for their high-energy live act and avid improvisation–they never play songs the same way twice. The band first came together playing college parties on NYC rooftops, and their goal then was the same as it is now: to make every gig feel like a party, and to keep people dancing.

The band writes, “This song was written a couple months after meeting someone really special. I’m looking back at how it started and counting my blessings that it happened the way it did. The first verse is a flashback to that original moment where a relationship was the last thing on my mind- or so I thought. The chorus then brings us back to the present, where ‘Drunk Ambition’ is my own little way describing the untamable love I feel for this person, never wanting to leave their side.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Y3XhGifto

“As a band, we’ve recorded some projects in the past at full service studios but realized that we’re most comfortable locked in a room together with no outside influences. For ‘Drunk Ambition,’ we decided to book a session at a DIY studio in Brooklyn. We produced the verses of the song to be tight and funky, while playing with longer, distorted chords and pumping drums in the chorus to create tension and release. Our guitarist, Will Adler, engineered the session and mixed the track, and the song was mastered by Will Quinnell at Sterling Sound.”

Having gotten their start playing college rooftop shows around the city, the band is continuing to utilize all New York has to offer, with this latest track being recorded at a DIY studio in Brooklyn. But Stolen Gin’s sound can be heard all over the world, given their immense TikTok following after songs like “Tension Release” and “Take Your Problems to the Disco” went viral across the platform.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ajj4D7YCdw

Stolen Gin goes on tour consistently, selling out their last eight consecutive NYC headliners in the span of the last 18 months at venues such as Baby’s All Right, Mercury Lounge, and more. The band recently played in both D.C. and Boston for the first time, with sellouts in both of those cities. They’ve also just finished a tour with the legendary jam band TAUK, and now Stolen Gin is heading back into the studio to make more new music.

To listen/watch “Drunk Ambition,” click the link here.

For more music by Stolen Gin, click the link here.

May 2, 2023