Brooklyn based rock band Dive Brake have just released their debut EP full of unapologetic progressive rock songs. Along with this, the band has a gig lined up for May 6th at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 in Manhattan. Joining them will be Nick Balzano’s band Whaley (fka Logan Whaley Band), and Dysfunktone.
Dive Brake is a progressive grunge jamband trio from Brooklyn. They recorded 9 tracks with Pinch Records, a very small startup label out of Long Island City, and just got their first 3 songs released as an EP titled The Approach.
The tracks are supposed to play well in order. “Static” being the leadoff, coming across funky and heavy. Next, “4 Banger” is an alt-prog banger with 2 different refrains and a jammed out multi part bridge section. Lastly, “Stay on Target” is an 11:34 long epic. The Approach EP is available everywhere.
There will be a follow up LP that contains the rest of the tracks from those sessions where The Approach was recorded. Keep your eyes peeled for more info on that in the coming months.
From casual jams between Nick Pascarella and Steve Remp, following the breakup of Gone Quite Mad, thus, Dive Brake was born. But after grabbing the attention of a longtime friend and collaborator, Dexter Larsen, a once innocuous trio launched into full blown ascent.
With using their distortion laden verses and enveloping choruses, the occasional Latin groove driven bridge, never ending tumults of guitar led melody. Their sound isn’t music you listen to casually, it’s for when you want to be assaulted by sound.
Rising Boston, MA artist, OneShotAce, continues to strike while the iron is hot releasing his 2nd project of 2023. His latest effort, Big Threat, is a quick follow-up to 2022’s Big Pressure, which saw the Boston native collaborate with the likes of Benny the Butcher, Harry Fraud, Rowdy Rebel and Sheff G. The East-coast friendly project was received positively, with the records “Mr. Fire” and “Resonate” serving as standout tracks. After releasing the deluxe edition to Big Pressure at the tail-end of January, he returns with another 10-track LP, keeping his foot on the gas.
Moreover, OneShotAce has recruited platinum selling rapper MoneyBagg Yo, for the project’s single “Blocks,” while once again reuniting with Benny The Butcher on “Mixed Fumes.” Fittingly, OneShotAce’s featured artists mesh well with his own raw, money-driven street tales. With OneShotAce finding a nice middle-ground between aggressive drill-like approach to street music and the emotional, harrowing street tales.
“Working with Moneybagg Yo was major; that’s one of the biggest artists In the industry I’ve worked with to date” OneShotAce exclaimed. “We pulled up to his studio in the A, vibed out, and he jumped on the record and went crazy. I’m really excited for the world to hear it.”
Today, April 28, the pop-punk band Nonstop to Cairo released a new song, “Not Today,” which will be followed by their LP, Kai, on May 5, via collaboration with Rama Entertainment and Creative Entertainment Network/The Orchard, a division of Sony Music. Before the debut of the new song and new album, the band re-released their single “Awkward Situations,” on March 31. Additionally, Nonstop to Cairo will appear at Hempfest at Dublin Deck Tiki Bar and Grill on April 29, for their album release party.
Kai album art. Credit: Dana Gordon, Indie Music Media.
Nonstop to Cairo consists of August “ASH” Harris (vocals,) Nick Diamond (guitar/vocals,) Alex Turner (drums/vocals,) and Ed Nevin (Bass guitar), from Baldwin. The band released their debut album, Dabble Heavy, and performed at several Long Island Music venues in support of the album in 2018, including Amityville Music Hall. Their upcoming LP, Kai, is in honor of the band’s former trumpet player/keyboardist, Kevin Anand Itwaru, who passed away in 2020, shortly before the album was recorded, and his initials make up the album title. While the album was inspired by their grief, it is also a celebration of life, according to Nonstop to Cairo.
“Our sophomore album Kai is a celebration of life, dedicated to our friend, brother, and former member Kevin Anand Itwaru who passed away in 2020. The project is a great portrayal of the vision we created with him, as our sound is ever-evolving. Kai is about the ups and downs of life, music, loss, and the connection needed to persevere,” shares guitarist Diamond.
“Awkward Situations,” has a pop-punk sound, with melodic punk rhythms, fast-paced riffs, and rapid-fire rap. It’s the perfect song for anyone that needs to let out any feelings of anxiousness or nerves they’ve been holding in. Sometimes, you just need to scream at the top of your lungs, and it’s clear from “Awkward Situations,” that the band understands that feeling.
Nonstop to Cairo will release their new song, “Not Today,” on April 28, and their LP, Kai, is due for release on May 5. Stream music by Nonstop to Cairo and pre-saveKai.
New York-based alternative indie band Evil Sweet has just debuted their newest EP Queen Victoria, on April 28th. According to the band, the album evokes a different she of love at various stages in a relationship.
Evil Sweet is an up-and-coming pop-rock band based in Long Island founded by members Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and Zachary Castro. Thus, having achieved over 100K streams on the singles for the EP and playing legendary venues like The Bowery Electric. Their energy is familiar to indie artists like The Neighborhood, Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys.
Zach is the guitarist and rapper for the group with Scotty on lead vocals, both having heavy roles in the songwriting. Evil Sweet blends multiple genres like rock, pop, blues, folk, and hip-hop. The two have been creating music together since their early high school years.
When listening to the album, keep in mind that each song is supposed to represent a different stage of love in a relationship. Queen Victoria is a unique album for Evil Sweet to release, it has sweet and delicate songs like “Long Live The Queen,” where the lyrics are quite meaningful. Almost very similar to Panic! At The Dico’s 2008 release Pretty Odd.
The intro song “Something” also hits differently, having sounded straight out of an 80’s soundboard, flowy and bubbly. Songs like “Queen Victoria” and “Out of Nowhere” are energetic and high-strung, the vocalist reminiscent of The Kooks. “How To Love You” was a favorite on the album, having meaningful lyrics and an upbeat tempo.
The band has also had an amazing start to 2023 with the two singles “Something” and “Out of Nowhere” achieving over 100,000 streams on Spotify being interviewed by underground indie-blog “Girl at the Rock Shows.” Evil Sweet prepare for the release of their debut EP Queen Victoria on April 28th.
New York-based Pop-punk band Against the Current began a world tour that kicked off its U.S. leg on April 22 and will have a performance at the Gramercy Theatre this coming May.
Against the Current also dropped their new single, “good guy.” Vocalist Chrissy Costanza describes the track as “all about going from anger to apathy, recognizing that this person that hurt you is too sad to hate,” urging listeners to “don’t ignore the red flags, trust your gut.”
The members of Against the Current, from left to right: Will Ferri (drums, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboards, backing vocals,) Chrissy Costanza (lead vocals,) and Dan Gow (lead guitar, backing vocals.)
Against the Current originated in Poughkeepsie and consists of Will Ferri, Chrissy Costanza, and Dan Gow. The band’s career spans over a decade, forming in 2011 before releasing their debut studio album, In Our Bones, in 2016. This was followed by 2018’s Past Lives, and aside from their two studio album, Against the Current have released several EPs.
“good guy” is a relatable track made even better by its visualizer. It tells the story of a romantic suitor (whether it be a guy, girl, etc.) who won’t drop their “good guy” act even when they’ve already made their true colors clear, and you’re finally seeing them for who they are. “good guy” and more music by Against the Current is now streaming.
Tickets for Against the Current’s world tour are now on sale.
Ace Frehley turns 72 on April 27th, proving you are never too old to keep rocking and rolling. While the famed guitarist is most known for his prominent role in the hard rock group KISS, he has also enjoyed a fruitful solo career.
Perhaps one of his biggest solo hits is “New York Groove” – an anthemic encapsulation of Frehley’s youthful spirit and the city that drove him to new heights. But it might surprise you to hear that he didn’t actually write the tune. And that it was popular in Europe long before it ever reached America.
Ace Frehley was born Paul Daniel Frehley in 1951. He grew up in the Bronx and first picked up a guitar at the age of 14. It was here in New York City that Frehley saw the Who and Cream perform live, further solidifying aspirations of rock stardom into his young, impressionable brain.
Frehley cut his teeth on the local NYC scene throughout the late 60s and early 70’s. It was during this time that he answered an ad calling for a guitarist in a hard rock group. It read, “Lead guitarist wanted with flash and ability.”
That fateful listing brought him into the fold of bassist/singer Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist/singer Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss – KISS was officially born.
The band was signed to Casablanca Records in November 1973 and for most of the decade they toured around the world, skyrocketing to the top of their charts. Catchy choruses, searing guitar riffs and a flair for the theatrics helped the band stand out in more ways than one. A string of platinum albums and sold-out tours lasted throughout the late 70’s.
KISS 1983 – Paul Stanley/Getty images
Despite the hectic schedule, all four members of KISS recorded and released respective solo albums on the exact same day in 1978. Frehley’s project was self-titled and featured what would become one of his most popular solo tracks: “New York Groove.”
While the song feels representative of Frehley’s own experiences in New York, the track is actually a cover, originally written by Russ Ballard and recorded by a glam-inspired rock band called Hello. The original track achieved a fair amount of success in Europe, charting at #9 in the U.K. and #7 in Germany. It was reportedly recorded in less than 5 hours in a studio just north of London.
Ballard said in an interview that he had the idea for the song while on a plane ride to NYC.
I felt that’d be a good title for a song,” he said. “The whole idea was of someone going back to New York and singing about the experience.”
The song encapsulates the feeling of a nostalgic return to a place once called home. It starts with the lyrics:
Many years since I was here On the street I was passin’ my time away To the left and to the right Buildings towering to the sky, it’s outta sight
After years of relentless touring, one would think Frehley could relate to the feeling of coming home for the first time in a while. But apparently, Frehley was not enthusiastic about recording the song; he had never even heard the track before covering it. But alas, the label wanted a more commercial song on the album and so, Frehley went ahead with it.
In an interview with Louder Sound in 2016, Frehley put it like this:
“A lot of people think I wrote New York Groove. It’s not a myth that I’ve perpetuated, but that’s the way it is. I wish I would’ve wrote the song, though. I would’ve made a lot more cash out of it, ha-ha-hargh!”
While most of Frehley’s solo album was recorded in a studio in Connecticut, “New York Groove” was a late addition and was recorded in Plaza Sound Studios, right above Radio City Music Hall.
Ace Frehley’s hit single “New York Groove,” released September 18th, 1978
Frehley, Simmons, Stanley and Criss all released their solo albums on September, 18th 1978. But Frehley was the only one who managed a hit single, with none other than “New York Groove. “It stayed on the U.S. charts for 21 weeks, peaking at #13.
Frehley told Louder Sound in that same interview that there was no competition among bandmates to have the best record. But he also revealed that he hadn’t really listened to his fellow bandmates’ projects.
“I did put Gene’s on once,” he recalled in the interview. “When I heard his version of When You Wish Upon A Star I had to pull it off the turntable, ha-ha-hargh!”
Origins Vol. 2, released in 2020, featuring classic rock covers such as “Good Times Bad Times” and Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Frehley has continued to release solo projects in the past few decades. His most recent solo album, Origins Vol. 2, was released on September 18, 2020. It is a follow-up to Origins Vol. 1, released in 2016. Both consist of covers of some of Ace Frehley’s favorite songs. Still, “New York Groove” remains a signature song.
In an interview, Russ Ballard attributes the song’s success to its simplicity. “I guess it surprised me because it’s so incredibly simple. They say a good song will always sell, and there’s a lot of truth in that.”
“New York Groove” Lyrics
Many years since I was here On the street I was passin’ my time away To the left and to the right, buildings towering to the sky It’s outta sight in the dead of night
(Ooh) Here I am, again in this city (Ooh) With a fistful of dollars And baby, you’d better believe
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove Back in the New York Groove, in the New York Groove In the back of my Cadillac Wicked lady, sittin’ by my side, sayin’ “Where are we?” Stopped at 3rd and 43, exit to the night It’s gonna be ecstasy, this place was meant for me
(Ooh) I feel so good tonight (Ooh) Who cares about tomorrow So baby, you’d better believe
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove Back in the New York Groove, in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
Long Island’s Family Dinner have just served the release their newest single “Revenge Dress,” a empowering/spicy break-up track. The band has also announced a few shows with The Dirty Nil this July and will head out on a short run with Only Sibling this week.
“Revenge Dress” is a total breakup anthem and with lines like “This pretty face is gonna raise some hell tonight,” it’s hard not to get stuck in your head. The song rides from floaty to fierce, with chiming riffs and upbeat drums complementing Natalie O’Keeffe’s cool and collected vocals. Along with this release, the music video for the song encapsulates the mood of the lyrics.
Speaking on the song, Natalie expands by stating, “‘Revenge Dress’, put very simply is a breakup ‘fuck you’ song about realizing your worth and no longer letting yourself get taken for granted. The best revenge is success and nothing gets you over some loser more than looking good and raising hell with your friends.”
Formed in 2017, Family Dinner are friends first and a band second. Living just a few miles apart, the group formed naturally when drummer Nick Amalfitano was jamming out with guitarist Michael O’Keeffe as Natalie hummed melodies while making dinner, and thus the band name came to be.
The members of Family Dinner are almost as carefree as the beach town they reside in. The band has created a unique alternative rock sound that makes you want to dance, paired with lyrics that take a dark twist.
Rounded out by bassist Sam Weiss, Family Dinner began crafting songs, released a few singles, and started playing shows at DIY spots within the tight-knit Long Island music scene. In 2021 the band released the EP, You’re So Cool, four melodic tracks that pull from 90’s alternative rock and punk ethos.
Following the EP, the band knew they had something special on their hands and soon found themselves opening for acts like The Lemonheads, Grouplove, Bayside and Iron Chic. Entering the studio with Brett Romnes and Vinnie Caruana (The Movielife, I Am The Avalanche) last year, Family Dinner is currently putting the finishing touches on their debut full-length.
Tour Dates:
w/ Only Sibling
4/20 – Brooklyn, NY @ The Kingsland
4/21 – Westfield, MA @ Hutghi’s
4/22 – Providence, RI @ Alchemy
w/ The Dirty Nil
7/12 – Boston, MA @ Sonia
7/13 – Syracuse, NY @ Song and Dance
7/14 – Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room
Listen to “Revenge Dress” by clicking the link here.
Brooklyn-based alt-band Citrus Maxima has dived headfirst into the indie-rock genre with their newest release “I Don’t Wanna Die,” the first single from their upcoming record. With hundreds of thousands of Spotify streams and years of local gigging experience around New York, the band is looking forward to releasing their upcoming debut album this spring.
The new single “I Don’t Wanna Die” is a song that cuts through the dirge of washed-out, lazy indie rock and instantly jolts the listener with its infectious chorus. The band captures this by combining wailing feedback, crunchy guitars, and driving drums with instantly catchy vocals and heartfelt melodies.
Formed in Albany, but now based in Brooklyn, Citrus Maxima offers up a fresh take on indie rock, anchored by strong songwriting, raw energetic rhythms, and melodic guitars. Citrus Maxima was originally formed in 2014 with Shawn Majeed on drums and Lucas Rinaldi on guitar and vocals. The band added members Wyatt Kirschner on lead guitar in 2018, and Max Gucinski on bass and backup vocals in 2021.
Citrus Maxima has built up a strong online presence with a string of successful releases. In December 2020, the band released “1970”, their most played song with over 250k Spotify streams, and followed up with “Sprouts” a small collection of songs including “Seeds Don’t Bleed”, which incorporates a 90s alternative rock influence.
Their “live session” videos uploaded to YouTube further solidified their online buzz, as their cover of Pavement song “Harness Your Hopes” even grabbed the attention of Pavement member Bob Nastanovich, who praised the cover on social media. Devotees of the DIY ethos, all releases, social media growth, and touring was planned and executed by the band alone without the assistance of a label or management.
Listen to “I Don’t Wanna Die” by clicking the link here.
The 20th Anniversary of the Django A Gogo Music Festival begins early this May and culminates with the main event: an intensive “Guitar and Violin Camp” at The Town Hall in New York City on May 6 at 8:00 p.m.
Additionally, Django A Gogo includes an enhanced “Guitar and Violin Camp” from May 2-May 7 at The Woodland in New Jersey. The concerts will follow the Django canon and veer into reinterpretation, improvisation, and interplay between artists.
Poster for the Django a Gogo Music Festival. Credit: Stephane Wrembel Presents.
Wrembel has produced Django a Gogo since 2003, bringing together some of the finest musicians to celebrate the constant evolution of the Sinti guitar style, commonly referred to as “gypsy jazz.”
The 3 concerts at The Woodland are as follows:
On May 3, Stephane Wrembel Band (Stephane Wrembel on guitar, Josh Kaye on guitar, Ari Folman-Cohen on bass, and Nick Anderson on drums) presents The Art of the Guitar with special guests Simba Baumgartner (Django Reinhardt’s great-grandson), Paulus Schaefer and more!
The Art of the Violin follows on May 4, featuring violinist Jason Anick and Trio Dinicu featuring Tommy Davy on guitar and Luann Homzy on violin as well as guitarists Stephane Wrembel, Debi Botos and, and Sam Farthing.
The Woodland concerts conclude May 5, celebrating the release of Wremble’s new album, Django New Orleans, recorded with his NYC-based supergroup of musicians. Django New Orleans features Stephane Wrembel and Josh Kaye on guitar, Adrien Chevalier on violin, Joe Correia on Tuba, Scott Kettner on drums, David Langlois on percussion, Nick Driscoll on sax/clarinet, Joe Boga on trumpet and Sarah King on vocals.
The main event on May 6 at The Town Hall opens with Stephane Wrembel Band, Simba Baumgartner (France), Paulus Schaefer (Holland), Debi Botos (Canada), Samy Daussat (France), and Sam Farthing (U.S.) on guitar; and Aurore Voilqué (France) on violin. The second set follows with a short performance by Trio Dinicu featuring Tommy Davy on guitar and Luann Homzy on violin, followed by a set from Django New Orleans. The concert concludes with a grand finale with all performers on stage.
The concerts for the Django a Gogo Music Festival, both at The Woodland and The Town Hall, are open to patrons of all ages. Tickets for The Woodland Concerts start at $35/show and a limited number of three-day passes for $90 are available. Tickets for The Django A Gogo Music Festival at The Town Hall start at 49.50.
42 North Brewing Company and Holiday Valley Resort have announced their partnership to celebrate the third annual Hilltap Festival at Holiday Valley on July 2nd. From 12pm-9pm this outstanding festival fuses music, craft beer, and outdoor adventure atop the mountain at Spruce Lake.
The Hilltap Festival will kick off with Kody & Herren bringing their roots from Springville, NY as the opening act. Following the guitarists will be the Buffalo-based Ten Cent Howl. The folk band is renowned for their up-tempo, Americana sound. Ionic band, The Probables will be giving a special performance at the base of the mountain for the closing act. Fans can expect to hear their bluegrass, rock and contemporary sounds at the festival as part of their 2023 Destination Tour.
“This is one of our favorite events of the year. There is no better place to merge craft beer, roots music, and adventure. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind venue”
-John Cimperman, 42 North Brewery Founder
Festival attendees will park at the Tannenbaum Lodge and take a chair lift ride to the top of the mountain. Once everyone has arrived at the mountain, a full day of music and adventure can be enjoyed along with thrilling activities such as mountain biking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), and ax throwing. Furthermore, attendees can fill their stomachs at Fat Bob’s BBQ and Villagio.
Presale tickets are $40, same day tickets are $45 and $50 if you want to transport a mountain bike on the chairlift. Admission provides a lift ride to Spruce Lake, a full day of music, and access to the vendors and demos. Children ten and under are admitted for free if they’re accompanied by a paying adult.
More information about about the Hilltap festival and tickets can be found here.
