Renowned NYC-based reggae band Easy Star All-Stars have just released their new album Ziggy Stardub, a reggae reimagining of David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.
Their newest track “Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide” features vocals by the iconic multi-award-winning musician, songwriter, and producer Macy Gray. Offering a fresh spin, the band has created a laid-back atmosphere within the song through a bounding drum beat and swaggering horns.
Michael Goldwasser, producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist of Easy Star says, “The main key was finding an emotive and groundbreaking vocalist, and we did just that with Macy Gray, who is truly inimitable in every song that she sings, including this one.” The track is paired with a stop motion video, taking viewers through the journey of two cats during an evening in a paper town.
After a run of sonically mesmerizing singles, the band releases their highly anticipated album Ziggy Stardub on the 21st.The project is a reggae reimagining of David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and features guest performances by Maxi Priest, Steel Pulse, Fishbone, Alex Lifeson (Rush), Vernon Reid (Living Colour), The Skints, Mortimer, The Expanders, Samory I, and many others.
Blending musical versatility, instrumental prowess, beautiful vocal harmonies, and a premier rhythm section, Easy Star All-Stars have established themselves as one of the top international reggae acts on the scene for over two decades. The band will also be performing at the Sea.Hear.Now music festival in New Jersey this September.
To watch the video for “Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide,” click the link here.
Urbano Street announced their U Street Music Festival, inviting people of all ages with an appreciation for street art, culture, and vinyl to celebrate record store day and the return of live music. The all-day festival will be on April 22 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY on Suydam St. between Irving Ave and Knickerbocker Ave.
The U Street Festival will feature two stages that serve as a discovery platform for multicultural and non-commercial musicians and street artists. Stars such as Rebelmatic, La Sazound, Dubcorps, Spite Fuxxx, Chico Raro, Tambor y Caña, Hecho en Brooklyn, Eclectic Charango Beats, Prince of Queens, Jah Point, Vee Vee, and Wild Roots will take the stage. The festival also emphasizes the long-standing record of street culture and urban art, focusing on BIPOC artists who enrich New York City. U Street is on a mission to support underground and alternative artists in the independent space.
U Street Music Fest is the first street event of its kind, no one has ever attempted to bring subcultural music communities together before. Think of it as a cumbia punky reggae party on the streets of Brooklyn.
– Diana Hernandez, Urbano Street Lead Organizer
The music festival will expose local talent while also celebrating the diversity of its vibrant community which is largely made up of immigrants from Latin America. Although the neighborhood has recently battled gentrification-related tensions, the U Street Music Festival strives to cultivate collaboration uniting its residents with Bushwick’s artistic roots. They also hope to help bridge the generational and socio-economic gap between old and new members of the community.
Urbano Street is a nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers, music lovers, and donors. Whilst focusing on BIPOC artists who enrich New York City. Urbano Street is on a mission to support underground and alternative artists in the independent space, opening doors for underrepresented musicians by bringing them to urban places and shooting music videos, a passport to more gigs, press, and opportunities.
More information about the non-profit organization can be accessed here.
Brooklyn’s indie-dance band Underground System announced that the release of their latest EP, “Looking In” will be on April 26. The band also revealed their series of live spring performances stopping in Ridgewood NY, and Kingston.
Underground System is one of the most exuberant bands to emerge from New York City within the past few years. The five-member band is acclaimed for innovating a brand that fuses various genres of music. Listening to “Looking In”, gives fans the opportunity to see how Underground System recreates, redefines, and reconstructs elements of afrobeat, dance punk, disco and electronic music. The band has also received global attention from outlets such as Billboard, NPR, and The Rolling Stones, crediting them for their true New York eclecticism.
“It was a long form exploration of various genres we like to blend within the band, and a pointed lyrical climax that paints a picture of action in the face of inequality.”
– Peter Matson, Songwriter and Producer
Peter Matson revealed that to achieve the right sound, the band dug further into stylistic gestures first explored on their debut LP. The group opened with chopped rhythmic flute layers that featured the flute played by Domenica as reminiscent of minimalist music. The EP also features drums played by Chris Eggan.
In December 2018, following Underground System’s release of ‘What Are You’, the band dominated the stage at the French tastemaking festival Transmusicales. This launched the band into an 18-show European tour in 2019, rocking the stages at Eurockeennes de Belfort, Fusion Festival in Germany, and Laurent Garnier’s Festival Yeah as a headliner.
Additionally, Underground System’s partnership with Brooklyn based label Razor-n-Tape, and French label Heavenly Sweetness in the EU has led the group into their next era. After the release of “Looking In”, Underground System will drop club-ready remixes to further cement their penchant for clever songwriting that causes listeners to make their way to the dancefloor.
More information about Underground System and tickets to their live show can be found here .
Troy pop-rock natives Gracies Paris has released their newest single “Fragile”
Gracie’s Paris is a hook-oriented, power pop-inspired rock band from the NY Capital Region. Originally formed as a trio in 2007, the original lineup included Carl Ferritto on guitar and lead vocals, Randy Rose on bass, and Eric Buechner on drums. The band went on hiatus in 2013 and reunited as a four-piece during COVID, adding lead guitarist Steve Hourigan to the original 3. Since mid-2022, Gracie’s Paris has focused on writing and recording.
To keep listeners engaged, Gracies Paris like to change sound for each single. Despite the differences in inspirations, lyrics and genres, Gracies Paris manages to build a cohesive, yet intricately different soundscape for their fans.
Coming in at just under 3 and a half minutes,”Fragile” describes a failing relationship with a narcissist. This track is a high-energy bass driven song with an 80’s inspired feel. Despite the heavy topic, this track manages to hook itself into your brain, with an incredibly catchy chorus. Perfect for your commute to work, or reminiscing on past relationships, “Fragile” shows off the best of Gracies Paris unique vibe.
NYC indie-pop artist Olivia Reid is getting ready to release her newest single “Wounds (Healing)” on Friday, April 14th. The track is an introspective, ethereal reflection that sees the budding singer-songwriter questioning the layered, complex healing process.
Olivia Reid stated about the single, “I recognized how much I had to heal from, but simultaneously feared that truly healing it would leave an absence or a blankness in me. When I’m in fight or flight mode long enough, wounds in the form of anxiety or sadness can mistakenly feel like a crucial part of who I am. The wounds feel familiar, so starting the healing process made me feel so much weaker at first.”
Based in NYC, Olivia Reid’s production style blends indie acoustics with exploratory electronic pop soundscapes, landing listeners in a visceral sonic world. Reid’s interests are diversified, exploring areas such as screenwriting, neuroscience, digesting current events, advocating for nature.
Currently, Olivia is involved with Brian Eno’s charity EarthPercent, and listening to podcasts, she formerly hosted Spotify For Artists and Notable’s Song Start podcast where she interviewed artists like Sam Smith, Victoria Monet, Hayley Williams of Paramore.
As a self-proclaimed “chronic collaborator,” Reid has connected with audiences around the world via collaborations such as “Time is Mine” with Kidswaste, “What You Came Here For” with Jae Luna, and “Above the Clouds” with SŸDE.
As stated in a previous article by NYS Music, Reid’s music serves as a self-reflection and dedication to her path to success, above all of the challenges. Olivia Reid’s debut EP Earth Water hit streaming platforms in 2021, with new songs on the way in 2023. Fueled by deeply personal lyrics and boundary-pushing production, the new project conceptually details an artist’s slow descent into madness.
NYC’s Alt-pop duo Fake Dad has released their newest single titled “Fashion Girl,” today, April 14th. The alt-pop duo is delivering their second project of 2023 that perfectly captures an electrifying, cathartic, throwback 90’s grunge sound that is a departure from their usual discography, demonstrating their versatility as both songwriters and performers.
The single “FASHION GIRL” is angsty and nostalgic sounding, paying homage to groundbreaking throwback styles like 80’s new wave and 90’s female led riot grrrl punk. In the song, Fake Dad tells the story of a personal best friend breakup while offering commentary on a variety of topics like beauty standards, body and gender dysmorphia, daddy issues, insecurity, and female rage.
At first glance, “FASHION GIRL” is a fun, energetic track that calls upon listeners to let-lose with contagiously danceable reverb-soaked Oberheim drum machine patterns, messy driving distorted guitar, heavy bass, and surf-rock style riffs. With a deeper look into the single, Fake Dad speaks to an untapped, silent pain that so many people carry around with them about constantly being made to feel like they will never look good enough, be pretty or hot in the right way, and the unacknowledged frustration, and rage, that they live in a world that assigns so much of their worth to people’s ability to live up to superficial ideals.
Following recent releases “maybe next year” and “New Machines,” the duo delivers their second project of 202. They perfectly capture an electrifying, cathartic, throwback 90’s grunge sound that is a departure from their usual discography, demonstrating their versatility as both songwriters and performers.
Birthed from Fake Dad’s deep dive into Russian Dark Wave (and post-punk bands) and a tragic falling out with a fashion major (childhood) best friend who hailed from a wealthy UES Manhattan type family, this song is about the insecurity and sadness hidden behind the eyes of so many of the people the fashion industry swallows up with the promise of beauty and power. It at once exalts, criticizes, and empathizes with them, aiming to hand the fashion girls back their power and grant them an opportunity to reconcile with the ephemeral love and power that masquerades as the ideal, golden shell of a life.
When listening to the single, fans can hear a reminiscent of 80s New Wave (New Order, Joy Division, The Cure, Talking Heads) for a non-male-led era. In other words, all the female-fronted, angsty energy of 90s riot grrrl/bikini kill punk along with its slightly more pop-leaning, bratty (yet still unequivocally angry) early 2000s sound reminiscent of bands like No Doubt, The Cardigans, Alanis Morissette, Paramore, and P!nk.
Fake Dad wants listeners to experience a sense of catharsis from this track, “whether it’s someone who dedicates their life to changing themselves into something that looks good enough, or someone who wishes they could opt out of the value system entirely, there is an anger that needs to be released.”
“Fashion Girl” premiers on all platforms April 14th.
Hudson Valley based indie rock-folk band Setting Sun has just announced their sixth full-length studio album in ten years, The Feelings Cure due out on May 19th.
Alongside the announcement, the band shares a brand-new hit single “Feelings Cure,” along with an accompanying music video. Setting Sun will also be playing live in Woodstock for their official album release show the day before the album drops.
The single “Feelings Cure” aims to resist feelings of pain and sadness through music. Levitt says the track is about “denial and playing music and finding a cure for sadness or pain.” Written three months into the start of the pandemic, Levitt was forced to confront the reality of diving back into music, only this time, in quarantine with his wife and toddler which presented new challenges.
“Setting Sun create an Arcade Fire urgency, creating sweeping orchestrations, driving rhythms”
–Pop Matters
Levitt adds, “It took a while to be able to turn on the creativity at will according to the clock, but I found it was actually possible. The limitations made me more productive. This song was one of the first I recorded for the new record and maybe it helped get out some of that frustration from being forced into a new life and future not made by my choice.”
The band Setting Sun, led by songwriter Gary Levitt, began in San Francisco where the band’s first release, holed up, was recorded in 2003. From there, Levitt moved to Los Angeles, then to Brooklyn and now resides in the Hudson Valley.
With their newest, and most comprehensive body of work yet, Setting Sun is ready to re-introduce themselves to society. In the band’s current state, joining Levitt are long-time collaborators Lawrence Roper (keyboards, vocals), Jonathan Hambright (drums) and John Burdick(bass/vocals).
The Feelings Cure was recorded like no other Setting Sun record, diligently. Explaining the creative process and creating the album while now being a father, Levitt says,“I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get in the creative zone with set times of having to turn creativity on and off like a switch. I used to write and record in creative blasts when I felt it come on like a wave or virus. Having kids forced me to write, record, and mix in the gaps of being a father and the maturity shows on this record.”
Over 10 rich tracks, Levitt turns inward to blend genres and juxtapose upbeat instrumentals and production with melancholic lyrics. Unafraid to take risks and allowing himself to create without reserve, the album chronicles Levitt further discovering himself and his artistry, culminating in the band’s most realized work to date.
While producing the album, Levitt learned to listen to himself and how he was feeling to best use his time and play to his strengths. “I produced this record myself in my studio and enlisted friends to lay down some tracks like drums, harmonies, violins, etc. One trick I learned is to be aware of my mood. If I wasn’t feeling a creative wave, I’d then do some mixing. If I was in the creative zone, I’d sit and write and record a part to one of the songs.”
The creative process became casual, free-flowing and unforced. Levitt says, “Most of the sounds you hear on this record were written and recorded simultaneously, so you’re getting the raw thing, not a reenactment of the moment it was written, this is the moment.”
Setting Sun will celebrate the release of their first album in ten years with a show at Colony in Woodstock on May 18th. The following month, the band will perform at Riverside Concerts in Germantown on June 15th.
Tickets for the release show are on sale, to purchase click the link here.
To pre-order The Feelings Cure, click the link here.
For more music by Setting Sun, click the link here.
The World Music Institute (WMI) announced its partnership with the New York Arab Festival (NYAF) in celebration of Arab-American Heritage Month.
New York City’s first Arab and Arab-American art and culture festival, celebrating the song, dance, fashion, performance, ideas, and cuisine that have made Arab heritage part of American heritage.
The festival can be enjoyed at Nublu (151 Avenue C) from 8pm-10pm and encompasses an evening of music by Arab artists, Felukah, DJ Nadia, and DJ meëraj.
The World Music Institute was founded in 1985 and is recognized as one of the most remarkable presenters of world music and dance within the United States. WMI strives to educate communities on traditional and contemporary music and dance from around the world. They hope to promote awareness, appreciation and encouragement for cross-cultural dialog and exchange. The institute performs at venues throughout the city and depends on both public and private funding to accomplish its mission.
With DJs and live bands playing music from countries including Ghana, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Morocco, Colombia, Botswana and more, we celebrate the diversity of locally based international artists, and welcome everyone to energize the dance floor. In any language, we say ‘let’s dance!’
Brice Rosenbloom, WMI Artistic Director
The Egyptian Neo-soul singer Felukah is known for “bringing the Nile to New York.” Felukah’s voice is distinct and versatile in her contemporary genre-bending rap. The singer moved to New York City in 2017 to study creative writing and later dropped her first bilingual independent project, Citadel in 2019. Felukah also signed to the indie label, Abu Recordings and together they produced and distributed her debut album Dream 23 in 2020. Lastly, the Neo-soul singer released the Kawkab EP on 2021. The EP featured her indie rock debut Love on the Comedown.
DJ Nadia is an Egyptian-American DJ with sets showcasing percussive and experimental music across various genres such as techno, rap, downtempo, and more. She currently plays at The Bar at Cafe Kitsuné and has performed at The Lot Radio, Eavesdrop, Mood Ring, etc.
DJ meëraj is acclaimed for honoring his heritage by combining music from North Africa and the Middle East with international instruments in sets. He has played SXM, Burning Man, Soho House, and other clubs across New York City, gathering an eclectic crowd of serious partygoers.
More information about The World Music Institute can be found here and more info on the New York Arab Festival can be found here.
Lower East Side legend and classic rock musician Robin Eaton is excited to announce the release of “Wishing Well.” The latest single from Eaton’s upcoming album, Memories of A Misspent Youth, due for release on May 1st.
The single “Wishing Well” combines cinematic Western music with classic rock instrumentals. Using sensibilities reminiscent of Eric Clapton, Robin Eaton evokes memories of days gone by with his haunting vocals.
On the single release, there are many layers of folk, Americana, and classic rock sounds infused with cosmic synths and reminiscent of the Lower East Side in the 1970s. Thus, where Eaton earned his stripes on the local music scene. The latest single, alongside “Drugs R 4 Kids” and “Tell Me Your Dream,” helps Robin Eaton continue to pave a sonic lane for himself.
As a prolific songwriter and producer, Robin Eaton is reintroducing himself as a performing artist in 2023. In addition to his background as a songwriter and artist, he was also in the original Broadway production of Hair.
In the 80s, Robin moved to Nashville and built the studios Alex The Great Recordings and Club Roar Recordings, where Memories of A Misspent Youth was recorded. Eaton is also a combination of a producer, recording engineer, and mixer with an instrumentalist able to fill in wherever there is a hole, be it a guitar gnat, bass bump, even a sitar squiggle.
There should be no shock in naming the latter instrument prior to mentioning Eaton’s status in Nashville, where he moved from his native Pennsylvania to follow the musical muse. The country & western capital, after all, is where the sitar was utilized on a whole series of hits at the height of pop music’s raga rage in the ’60s and ’70s.
Aside from his personal music, Robin Eaton is also a respected composer. Robin’s recent score credits include the film Mountain Rest and, written with collaborator Roger Moutenot, the Narcissa podcast (which was one of last year’s top dramatic podcasts). Both works were directed and written by Robin’s daughter, Alex O Eaton.
Listen to “Wishing Well” from Robin Eaton by clicking the link here.
Memories of A Misspent Youth is due for release on May 1st.
For more music by Robin Eaton, click the link here.
Governors Ball 2023 is just over two months away, and the stacked lineup of artists is not the only thing to get excited about. Founders Entertainment has released the food lineup and the site map for this year’s festival. Governors Ball has found a new home at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and will feature a wide array of food to add on to the listening experience.
Governors Ball 2023 food lineup
The 2023 food lineup features cuisines from all over the world, fitting of the Queens, the world’s most diverse borough. Family-owned and NYC based Doughnuttery will be at this year’s festival serving their iconic mini doughnuts alongside more than 50 food vendors. The festival will have plenty of free water stations to keep fans hydrated, and Dunkin’ will be at the festival to satisfy your caffeine needs. Blue Point Brewing Company has brought in a custom Gov Ball Summer Ale, where you find a can at a retail location and scan the QR code for your chance to win 2 VIP tickets!
Doughnuttery at Governors Ball 2022, photograph by Joseph Buscarello
The new location will allow for the layout of the stages to be more spread out. Leaving the parking lot of Citi Field is a big improvement for the fan experience of the event as listening to music is much more pleasurable when you have soft grass underfoot rather than concrete. The green feel of the festival should bring back nostalgia from the festival’s days on Governors Island.
Governors Ball 2023 site map
In addition to the new scenery among the trees, the festival has added a “GA+” ticket to the selection. The new ticket gives fans access to air-conditioned restrooms, an exclusive centrally located lounge area with shade, seating, and its own exclusive bar, food vendors and water refill stations. It also has a dedicated concierge for GA+ ticket holders to assist with their festival needs. VIP and Platinum tickets are also available, holding their own lounges and viewing areas at each stage, food vendors, bars, concierge, storage lockers and mobile charging units, premium entrance and other amenities.
For full details on each ticket type visit GovBall.com/Tickets for more information.
