NYS Music 2023

Category: Special

  • Brooklyn-based salamander Share Psychedelic Single and Tease LP “[container]”

    Brooklyn-based salamander has announced their forthcoming debut LP, [container],set for release on October 18, but keeps their fans occupied with their newest single, “the label.”

    salamander, currently made up of Leo Frampton, PJ Hunter, and Ben Verde (percussion), began when songwriters PJ Hunter and Leo Frampton decided to play a last-minute experimental pop show during the last week of their spring semester SUNY Purchase in 2019. The show included a flute, a loop pedal, pre-set casio beats, heavy distortion, and, under all of it, melodies. In the winter of 2021, drummer Ben Verde joined the group, solidifying the three-piece setup of the current-day band. salamander’s songwriting process is fluid and highly collaborative, with contributions coming from multiple, sometimes all, members of the band.

    While some songs, such as “wildfire” and “xylem,” have lyrics and chords written mostly by one of the band members of salamander (the former PJ and the latter Leo), other songs such as “ride” and “ ” were written in full collaboration. Leo and Ben currently live in Brooklyn, and PJ lives in upstate New York near New Paltz.

    Following the previous release of the record’s first few singles, among them “xylem,” “wildfire,” as well as “ride,” salamander returns with its newest cut, “the label.” With a distorted yet melodic bite, the track propels forward with sludgy verses and a guitar-driven backbone.

    “I woke up one morning with the melody to the label in my head, and immediately made a guitar demo on my computer. PJ’s ableton beat on this really gives me chills. I have a verse about loneliness and alienation, PJ later sings about surviving the apocalypse, and in an emotional ending, we bring it all together. ‘the label’ is what people see from the outside, it is what they choose to look at or away from.”

    Leo Frampton

    The intro of “label” opens with a cool syncopation between the percussion and backup vocals. About 20 seconds in, the lead vocals begin– raspy and supported by melodic harmonies that calmly fade into the background. The middle portion of this song is especially captivating due to an encapsulating electric guitar solo backed with some percussion and synths.

    Stream “the label” on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube and follow salamander on Instagram and Bandcamp.

  • Israeli-American Rapper Kosha Dillz Speaks Out Against Antisemitism In New Track

    Israeli-American rapper Kosha Dillz has released a new song, “Bring The Family Home,” written following the news of Hamas’ recent attack on Israel. The song came alongside a video shot in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, featuring the famous Yonah Schimmel’s Knishery and the new Beastie Boys Square.

    Kosha Dillz

    Kosha Dillz, also known as Rami Even-Esh, was born to Israeli parents, and has been an outspoken advocate against anti-semitism in the US. After hearing the news of his friends and relatives experiencing the recent violence in Israel, Dillz felt called to speak out against the violence as an Israeli-American. 

    “Bring The Family Home” is an honest reflection of Dillz’ experience with antisemitism and his family experiences as an Israeli-American. A native of New Jersey, he spoke out against Kanye West’s antisemitic comments, and continues to be a voice for his community advocating for peace. Kosha Dillz has made a successful career touring with artists such as SZA and Matisyahu. 

    Kosha Dillz

    The music video for “Bring The Family Home” released on October 12, featuring Kosha Dillz in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The video shows the famous Yonah Schimmel’s Knishery and the new Beastie Boys Square, as Dillz speaks out against antisemitism, calling for peace.

  • NYC Folk Singer-Songwriter Dan Rauchwerk Releases Meditative “Only January Knows”

    NYC’s celebrated folk singer-songwriter Dan Rauchwerk has released his brand new single, “Only January Knows.” After a decade as part of the folk duo The Lords of Liechtenstein, Rauchwerk has made a name for himself as a solo artist since 2018.

    Dan Rauchwerk

    “Only January Knows” is a meditative ballad to the winter months, with Rauchwerk diving deeper into his introspective realms. With skillful guitar picking and his emotive voice, Rauchwerk injects hope into the seeming dreariness of winter in the city. 

    I live on the Upper West Side near Central Park, so I spend a lot of time in nature. I use my daily runs and walks in the park as a way to recharge my body and mind. It’s so easy to get completely cut off from the natural world in New York City and to get stuck in the “always on” mindset, so it’s helpful for me to see the seasons change in the park and acknowledge and appreciate the passing of time.

    “Only January Knows” speaks to the significance of seasonal change and the unexpected joy I find on wintry walks in the park on snowy days when very few people are around.

    Dan Rauchwerk

    Dan Rauchwerk takes great inspiration from the nature found in the beloved Central Park, which serves as a sanctuary for New Yorkers looking for a quiet moment. His new track both addresses that in vocals, and with it’s slow, swaying tempo which creates that meditative moment itself. “Only January Knows” follows his signature style of strong, clear vocals, and a heartwarmingly familiar folk tune.

    Only January Knows by Dan Rauchwerk

    Rauchwerk’s new single comes as a follow up to his 2018 debut solo album, We Are More Than What We Leave Behind.

    “Only January Knows” is available on all streaming services on October 13.

  • TANSU, NYC-Based Pop Artist Drops Second Single, “Got 2 Me”

    TANSU, a NYC-based singer-songwriter, has released her brand new track titled “Got 2 Me,” sparked from a collaboration with American Authors’ Dave Rublin. “Got 2 Me” is a soul-pop ballad that shines a spotlight on the singer’s talented vocal ability.

    Got 2 Me by TANSU

    TANSU takes her name from the Turkish term for the sun’s radiant touch on ocean waters just before sunrise. With roots in both Turkey and Ireland and a background in fashion, the singer has been based in New York City for 13 years after graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston. 

    “Got 2 Me” is a dreamy pop ballad, punctuated by a strong synth bass line. With echoing backtrack vocals and sounds of water flowing, TANSU shows a strong grasp of the path laid by legends like Whitney Houston, from whom she cites her inspiration.

    ‘Got 2 Me’ is a very vulnerable song about trusting someone to love you the right way. After falling in love the wrong way, it’s all the more difficult to fall in love again, correctly. This song is about that path.

    TANSU

    Last month, TANSU released “DOWNTOWN,” her first single alongside Dave Rublin of American Authors. The two met in college and formed a strong duo, combining their talents in the musical arts to form hits like “DOWNTOWN” and “Got 2 Me.” 

    TANSU

    TANSU continues to integrate herself into the New York City scene, having played a residency at Lafolia Restaurant in Manhattan, and lending her vocals to NYC indie hip-hop artist Lars Viola’s 2018 EP The Wash Up. She is co-producing her debut EP, set to release this summer. Stream “Downtown” and “Got 2 Me” on all platforms.

  • telly Teases Future EP “EPISODE 1” With Latest Ballad, “Broken Heart Baby”

    Electronic synth-pop band from Brooklyn, telly, has shared their latest track, “Broken Heart Baby.” The nostalgic synth track is a breakup ballad perfect for screaming at the top of your lungs with your friends in your car, and predates their future EP, EPISODE 1.

    telly

    telly is a duo made up of Ashley Claude (vocals, production) and Max Solomon (guitar, synths, sfx, production).

    telly will be releasing their debut EP EPISODE 1 on October 11. The EP will feature previous singles “BLINK” and “Arena Gates” – as well as newly released single “Broken Heart Baby.” In the duo’s own words, “EPISODE 1 is an escapist reflection of the relentless digital landscape.” 

    To celebrate the release of EPISODE 1, telly will be performing live on release day. Join the band at Gold Sounds in Brooklyn, New York on October 11 at 7:30pm ET to hear songs from the new EP live, with support from Couch Prints, Chroma, & Jand.

    “’Broken Heart Baby’ is a crushing breakup ballad told through the lens of a road trip. The nostalgic synth lead, propelling live drums, and reverberating vocals evoke the overwhelming emptiness that hits you when you realize you’re alone in a relationship. It’s the perfect song to scream cry to in the car with your friends!”

    telly

    “Broken Heart Baby” is a great addition to any playlist for those who prefer an electronic-pop vibe, one that complements Ashley’s vocals well. Her voice is deep and guttural, but portrays a lot of emotion and matches the carefree vibe of the song. It seems to have a good deal of indie influence, and feels like a song to blast in the car with friends while going for a late night drive to and from McDonald’s (if you’re an Upstate New Yorker past midnight).

    Pre-save EPISODE 1 HERE, Stream “Broken Heart Baby” HERE, and follow telly on Instagram and TikTok.

  • 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

  • West Falls Center for the Arts Has Announced This Year’s Fallsfest

    West Falls Center for the Arts will hold its second annual Fallsfest this October, in conjunction with The Blueberry Treehouse Farm in West Falls, NY, outside of Buffalo.

    west falls center for the arts fallsfest

    The West Falls Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual, performing, music, and healing arts programming to a diverse rural population.

    Their ongoing programs include a weekly concert series with local youth performers opening for national talent, a free kids music jam series for young musicians (partnering with the Sportsman’s Foundation), the prestigious Southtowns Youth Jazz Orchestra led by Mark Filsinger, as well as the Buffalo Jazz Collective with young musicians performing alongside accomplished professionals.

    This year, they’re hosting FallsFest on October 14 from 10am-10pm, and October 15, from 10am-6pm. Come enjoy live music, the AKG Art Truck, craft vendors and artists, pumpkin smashing, animals, food trucks, the Super Hilarious Magic Show with Nick Mambretti, homemade WFCA pizza, a Prehistoric Reptile Show, a treehouse café, and beautiful nature trails.

    Purchase tickets online here for October 14 and/or October 15. Adults are $10, kids 3-12 are $5, and kids 2 and under are free.

    For more information, visit their website.