Nicolas McCoppin, the NYC-based alt-pop artist released a brand new single, “more like u,” a synth-pop track that delves into body acceptance and rebirth. The single is part of the rollout for McCoppin’s sophomore album mind motel, to be released November 10.
“more like u” is a catchy alt-pop track full of synth and fun rhythm, but the lyrics delve into meaningful topics. McCoppin sings about bodily acceptance as a gay man, referencing pressures and insecurities that led him to a new feeling of rebirth and acceptance.
‘more like u’ is by far one of the most vulnerable tracks on the record. it was a very intentional contrast to have the production feel so big against the intimate details of the relationship I had with my body at the time. I think everybody can relate to a breakup driving you a little crazy. however, as a gay man, there is an added layer of social pressure in terms of my body image. ‘more like u’ is the story of my destruction and rebirth into the person i am today – which is someone i’ve finally grown to love. I hope this song can first and foremost be a banger, but second something that offers a little comfort to people that don’t feel at home in their body. this song allowed me to reckon with myself and my image of my body and come out the other side as a more whole person.
Nicolas McCoppin
“more like u” follows McCoppin’s previous single, “L.E.S. boy,” marking a new era for the up-and-coming artist. He made an official US radio debut in 2021 with his single “Heaven,” and has since skyrocketed with billboards in Times Square, becoming an Instagram Official Pride Creator, and creative collaborations with the likes of Bonnie McKee (Katy Perry – “Teenage Dream”).
Nicolas McCoppin’s new album mind motel will be released worldwide on November 10th. Album release shows in NYC, LA and Boston will be announced soon, along with vinyl and merch pre-orders. You can stream “more like u” and keep up with Nicolas on social media here.
Bobby Darin, a multi-genre star and activist known for his talents in the ’60s and ’70s, has announced his first ever digital release of two landmark ’60s albums, including Born Walden Robert Cassotto and Commitment.
Born as Walden Robert Cassotto in East Harlem, Darin was raised by his grandmother Polly and fell in love with music in his teens. He could play piano, drums, and guitar, and later added harmonica and xylophone to his repertoire. He later moved to the Bronx, where he graduated from the prestigious Bronx High School of Science. Later, he went to Hunter College but quickly dropped out after two semesters to pursue an acting career. He coined his stage name from the actor Darren McGavin later in his career, but his legal name remains Cassotto.
Bobby Darin was, by any definition, a superstar – a chart-topping, multimillion-selling, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, a Golden Globe-winning actor, visionary entrepreneur, and committed political activist. By 1966 the 30-year-old was already more than a decade into his one-of-a-kind career, his diverse body of work characterized by frequent changes in musical direction, spanning pop and cabaret to show tunes and contemporary folk.
Restless and daring, Darin refused to be constrained by genre, instead placing his signature vocal style upon rock ‘n’ roll, pop, country and western, folk, big band, and jazz. The result was a seemingly endless string of top 10 hits, including “Splish Splash,” “Queen of the Hop,” “Dream Lover,” “Beyond the Sea,” and “If I Were a Carpenter,” the latter found on 1966’s If I Was A Carpenter (recently re-released by Direction Records and available everywhere now).
While he appeared to be “living the life,” the shifting cultural winds and strains of celebrity life affected his professional and personal successes, from his 1967 divorce from Sandra Dee and the traumatic uncovering of family revelations, on top of a heart condition sustained following childhood bouts with rheumatic fever.
“In terms of his career, the constant hits and the glory of his early days were long gone by this point,” says Dodd Darin, the only son of Bobby Darin and Hollywood sweetheart Sandra Dee. “Gone also was his relentless need to be at the top of the entertainment industry. The brashness and bravado that was so evident in his youth had been mellowed. The changing music scene and his perceived lesser place, combined with a serious medical condition, will humble a man.”
While his public persona was all bright lights and glamour, Darin was, like so many of his era, driven and inspired by the generational shifts and social upheaval of the 1960s. Despite his weakened health, Darin devoted nearly all his free time towards multiple causes: such as tirelessly campaigning for his friend Robert F. Kennedy until his assassination in June 1968. Shattered by Kennedy’s death and disheartened with the changing world around him, Darin withdrew from the spotlight and embarked on an unlikely personal journey to convey his truest self. He swapped his crooner’s tuxedo for folk singer denim, his toupee for an outlaw mustache, and a Beverly Hills mansion for a secluded trailer at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur.
More importantly, Darin was determined to express himself through his own songwriting, penning two albums worth of original songs that in many ways pre-date the singer-songwriter movement that would bloom in the early 1970s. Though the voice heard on 1968’s Born Walden Robert Cassotto was familiar, the songs were something very different than Darin’s previous fare. Gone was the big band pop of his biggest hits, the brass, and glamour in favor of arrangements inspired by contemporary folk rock, country, and soul.
Lyrically, Born Walden Robert Cassotto began to explore a range of issues – the environment, loss of faith, capitalism, and police brutality. “Long Line Rider,” tells the timely tale of three skeletons found on an Arkansas prison farm, while “Change” sees Darin explicitly examining his own seismic personal and creative shifts, singing, “Get yourself up off your past, friend//There’s so much to rearrange//Tomorrow sits right next to never//Damned if what your feelin’ isn’t change.”
Fearless, compelling, and undoubtedly cathartic, Born Walden Robert Cassotto set the stage for an even braver work. Released under the name “Bob Darin”, Commitment is even grittier than its predecessor. From the counterculture anthem “Me and My Hohner” and the soul-searching “Sausalito” to the wryly autobiographical “Distractions (Part 1)” the album’s studio experimentation and songcraft affirms Darin’s generational talent of uniquely c crossing the borders of age and politics.
The evolution from Bobby Darin to Bob Darin was not without its headwinds, however. The music critics, fans, and industry folks didn’t know what to make of the albums as they were such a large departure from the Darin they knew. They did not really chart or achieve commercial success. His longtime friend Dick Clark told him he was ‘a latter-day hippie and to put his tuxedo back on.’ The Landmark was paying him $40,000 a week and people were walking out because he refused to do the old hits. He told them, ‘That was yesterday and the door is right over there.’ Elvis was a genuine friend and came to see his show and told him, ‘Bobby, do the hits.’ I believe he was brave and acted on his conscience by doing the material he was doing. If his career took a hit – and it did – so be it; at least he could sleep at night.
Dodd Darin
Sadly, in December 1973, Bobby Darin fell ill and died in a Los Angeles hospital at just 37 years old following emergency open heart surgery. Darin’s remarkable legacy has only grown in the years that followed, with honors including induction in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an award-winning stage musical, a Golden Globe-nominated film biography, and multiple top-selling career anthologies. Though at the time the Direction albums seemed a risky left turn for a star near the top of his game, time has shown both Born Walden Robert Cassotto and Commitment to be milestone works of the folk-rock renaissance, and in character for an artist whose forward-thinking, boundary-free approach in many ways predated the creative freedom today.
In commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of his tragic 1973 passing, the Bobby Darin Estate recently relaunched Direction Records: the groundbreaking label founded by Darin in 1968. Distributed by Secretly Distribution, the Direction Records collection kicked off with the release of five classic albums recorded between 1966 and 1967 and newly reverted to the Bobby Darin Estate, all available on digital platforms for the first time ever. The new releases include: Bobby Darin Sings The Shadow Of Your Smile (1966), In A Broadway Bag (1966), If I Were A Carpenter (1966), Inside Out (1967), and Bobby Darin Sings Doctor Dolittle (1967). A special trailer heralding the return of Direction Records is streaming now on the official Bobby Darin YouTube channel.
Now, with the relaunch of Direction Records and future archival releases to come, Bobby Darin’s groundbreaking life and career can remain timeless, and reach audiences like never before.
On Wednesday September 20 at Irving Plaza, English Band Ladytron returned to perform the first show of their Fall 2023 Tour. This was a highly anticipated tour for fans since their last appearance in NY back in 2019 at the Brooklyn Steel.
Ladytron has defined the electropop movement of the early 2000’s using synthesizing sounds to encompass a unique psychedelic, ethereal and electronic rock performance. Irving Plaza was the perfect venue to highlight the bands ambience with sparkling chandeliers, hanging disco ball, dim-lit standing room and balcony to illuminate the show goers atmospheric experience.
As the band walked on stage the crowd cheered and danced to express their enthusiasm for Ladytron and the performance of fan favorites and new album release Times Arrow. With Strobe lights, polka dots and dream-like psychedelic visuals enhancing the hard bass driven beats, contemporary melodies, synth tones and female vocals. Ladytron put on quite an invoking show to kickoff the Fall tour.
Alongside the exciting Time’s Arrow release their soundscapes and innovative music leaves fans in awe while they are able to create visual narratives within their songs, Ladytron attendees leave with an unforgettable experience. Following their Irving Plaza show, Ladytron plans to continue the long awaited tour with their next stop on Friday, September 22 in Los Angeles, California at The Belasco.
LADYTRON 2023 TOUR DATES
Fri Sep 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Sat Sep 23 – San Diego, CA – Crossroads at House of Blues
Thu Nov 16 – Austin, TX – The Mohawk
Fri Nov 17 – Dallas, TX – The Granada Theater
Sat Nov 18 – Houston TX – Numbers Night Club
Sun Nov 19 – Mexico City, MX – Corona Capital Festival
Ladytron – Irving Plaza, NYC – Wednesday, September 20
Setlist: City of Angels, Faces, Ghosts, Deadzone, True Mathematics, The Animals, Flight From Angkor, Soft Power, USA vs. White Noise, Misery Remember Me, International Dateline, Fighting in Built Up Areas, The Island, Paper Highways, Discotraxx, Ace of Hz Encore: California, Playgirl, Seventeen, Destroy Everything You Touch
Long Island Author Steve Matteo will take part in a discussion and book signing event at LIMEHOF, spotlighting his new book Act Naturally: The Beatles on Film, on Saturday, September 30th at 2pm.
The event is free with admission to the Hall of Fame, open to the public, and will be moderated by Tony Traguardo of the Fab4Free4All podcast.
I grew up on Long Island and have written for many Long Island music and entertainment publications. I’m thrilled to be interviewed at LIMEHOF about my new book on the Beatles. The hall is all about honoring and celebrating the legacy of great music. When I write my books, chronicling musical history that give music fans a deeper understanding of artists and their times is very important to me. Long Island has a rich history of popular music and music fans on Long Island are some of the most knowledgeable and passionate in the world.
Author Steve Matteo
Act Naturally: the Beatles on Film examines the five films the Beatles made during their time together: A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine, and Let It Be. Some were successes, some were not, but thanks in part to reissues, bonus material, and Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back, the band’s filmography is a fascinating document of key phases in the group’s short career.
Act Naturally: The Beatles on Film is a comprehensive deep-dive into the band’s movies from longtime music journalist Steve Matteo, and follows the origins, filming, and often frenzied fan reception of projects including the 1964 premiere of A Hard Day’s Night, 1970’s Let It Be and 2022’s Get Back. Matteo explores all aspects of the band’s film history, including production process, original theatrical film releases, VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray releases, and bonus materials, along with the US and UK soundtracks. Full of anecdotes and behind-the-scenes details, Matteo places these films in their larger context as a period of unprecedented artistic and commercial innovation in British and world cinema, offering a definitive account of an underappreciated part of the Beatles’ creative output.
We are excited to have Steve come speak at The Hall of Fame about his book “Act Naturally” and share his insights on The Beatles on Film. Having Tony Traguedo from the Fab4Free4All podcast moderate and speak is also an added bonus to what is sure to be a fun event. We continue to welcome opportunities to introduce Long Islanders to local authors and podcasters on a regular basis at the museum.
Kelly Leung, LIMEHOF Board Member and Director of Community Outreach, event organizer
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, located in Stony Brook Village, opened its building location in 2022, and has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives since 2004. The organization also offers education programs and scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase to be signed at the event and LIMEHOF has expressed plans to do more author themed events in the future.
In August’s blurry end of sweltering heat and constant music in New York City, NYS Music and the band HOKO found a summer second to have a chat. The day following their Bowery Ballroom show, on their debut tour with almost monday and Weathers, band members Nathaniel Hoho and Jesse Kotansky gathered to discuss a vast expanse of topics with myself, Kali Kugler.
From the band’s first tour experience, to the pandemic effect, to New York City recommendations and their upcoming residency, HOKO provided a rich dialogue on their transient spot in the music industry.
HOKO was formed in New York City, but the band pulls in flair from many places and faces. Jesse Kotansky, the vital melody of HOKO, is from New York. As lead singer Nathaniel put it, “he’s the go to guy for strings in New York.” Nathaniel himself was born in Pennsylvania but claims New York City as his homebase. The two of them met through mutual friends, and the rest of their connection unfolded naturally through the development of their sound.
“Freaky-pop!”
– Nathaniel Hoho
When asked how to describe themselves through the niche language of genre, there were many categorical dialects tossed around: experimental, alternative, rock, pop. Jesse spewed a vast yet accurate platter of descriptors – “Experimental is the key word to describe us, because experimenting is our process.” Nathaniel chimed in and stamped the label, “freaky-pop!” Having attended their show at the ballroom just the night before, I can back the freaky nature they brought to the familiar pop sound.
When posed the question about the evolution of HOKO since their first release “OK OK” back in 2020, every performing artist’s black cloud entered the conversation – the pandemic. Jesse spoke on their blooming process as a band and the halting choke COVID had on their initial exposure. Prior to the pandemic, HOKO had worked with EQT Studios and produced over forty songs they were ready to release. They put out an EP and their single “OK OK” that reached top 20 on the radio only a week before the universal shut down. Like everyone else HOKO remained indoors, but their time proved fruitful, for they spent two years writing and merging and learning about themselves and their tastefully ephemeral style.
“We find the more often we dive in, the deeper we go… as we grow as humans our sound is also growing. While things around us change we are influenced by it all.”
– Jesse Kotansky
HOKO’s creative process is an observant one. They are in a constant state of listening, sensing, reading, talking – living, really. Being human – the great collaboration. A lot of their inspiration comes from sharing a sound, having a conversation and “diving deep.” Jesse couldn’t pinpoint their inspiration on one person or place: “…what makes us wanna dance; everything we’ve ever listened to; every book we’ve ever read; every color we’ve ever seen all go into it.”
“I depend on the energy the crowd gives back – it’s a conversation.”
– Nathaniel Hoho
Coming back to the music community and getting to tour for the very first time, HOKO found the crowd’s energy to be an additional member in their band. Touring with almost monday and Weathers informed their style, for they were finally able to experiment and explore their sound with an audience. Jesse spoke on Nathaniel’s stage presence in relation to their fans: “I feed off of his energy.” He went on to state his pride in being an opening band and holding the responsibility to win a crowd.
“It has been lovely seeing our music interact with people.”
– Nathaniel Hoho
New York City is a lucky spot, because HOKO established their return date. On Thursday, September 21st, HOKO will be performing at Berlin Under A in East Village (tickets are still available, and are worth the purchase)! New York City is crawling with esteemed musicians, which is a positive factor according to Jesse as he reflected on their Bowery Ballroom performance: “There was a physical energy in New York, and there were a lot of musicians at the show that we look up to. That definitely added some nerves.”
Both Jesse and Nathaniel expressed gratitude for the hometown show crowd. It’s always sweet to see familiar faces and display growth in the place that raised you. Even though Jesse and Nathaniel still live in the city, they hold a heightened degree of excitement for their shows here. Both agreed the Bowery Ballroom show was their favorite of all their stops on tour. At the end of our conversation, HOKO even graced me with their sacred New York City recommendations: Bar Victoria, The York, Treasure Club, Cozy Royale for a burger, C&B Coffee, and Taco Ramirez.
HOKO was as kind as they were impressive, eager to speak on their artistry and to compliment their audience. Having witnessed their eclectic, colorful, and boundary breaking performance, I can confidently encourage anyone to get the chance to see them live. They are a group to keep your eye on – they are a blow up no one will want to miss.
Brooklyn-based electropop duo, FIIZ, released their newest single “Phantom Limb” on September 14. “Phantom Limb” skillfully captures the torment of an emotional rupture that is often overlooked, and faced by everyone in today’s society.
This new track forces listeners to contemplate a deeply personal sentiment: the odd feeling of missing someone even if they are physically present. While songs, movies, and literature prepare us for the heartache of romantic love, few artists offer solace for the experience of losing a platonic friend. “Phantom Limb” invites listeners to face these feelings head-on, and normalize this sensation.
“We wanted to write about the aftermath when time has passed and healing has begun, but maybe there will never be closure.”
Isabelle, FIIZ
The band FIIZ is comprised of Fiona (Fi) and Isabelle (Iz). The band sprouted from their profound friendship that grew during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic. As artists, they aim to defy norms as they both fearlessly represent the LGBTQ+ community, and champion the queer community proudly through their music. They continue to break the heteronormative pop culture that’s deeply engraved in the music industry, shattering barriers with their unapologetic artistic expression and empowering presence.
FIIZ’s sound is a canvas where both band members blend their influences, resulting in an electronic-pop sound that incorporates elements of hyperpop and EDM. Their previous single, “Lungs,” stands as a celebration of queer sensuality, capturing the emotions experienced during a woman’s first encounter with another woman.
In an era where music tends to romanticize and idealize heteronormative relationships, FIIZ’s “Phantom Limb” stands as a testament to the complexity of human connections, reaching their listeners on a deeper, more personal level.
Listen to their single on Spotify and follow them on Instagram for future updates.
Electronic pop band Ladytron has announced their Fall Tour, revealing their first pit stop at Irving Plaza on September 20th.
The band formed in Liverpool, England in 1999 with members including vocalists Helen Marnie and Mira Aroyo, electric guitarist Daniel Hunt and synthesizer Reuben Wu.
Ladytron blends sounds of electronic pop, new wave, distorted chimes and hallucinogenic soundscapes, exploring voices and sound that inhabit a dreamy optimistic feel. The tour celebrates the most recent album release Time’s Arrow with ten songs and video release of top hit “Misery Remember Me”. The song has flourished among the electro pop community and encapsulates the theme that defines Time’s Arrow. The focus of the album balances between experimental sounds and pop structures.
Helen explains, “we must embrace the now, but always allow ourselves to dream. ‘Misery Remember Me’ encapsulates this ethos.”
Ladytron continues to push boundaries among the music scene while using conceptual space and time to achieve their conceit of electronic music. Irving Plaza welcomes Ladytron this Wednesday opening doors at 7:00pm, for ticket info visit here
Affectionately dubbed “The BABYKLOK Tour,” the infectious metal tandem of BABYMETAL and Dethklok descended upon the Hammerstein Ballroom this past Friday night (September 15) – a turn-of-the-century opera house located in Midtown Manhattan – for the twelfth stop on their 29-date trek across North America.
Providing opening support on this night, and for the entire tour, was 32-year-old guitar virtuoso Jason Richardson of Manassas, Virginia. Hours before the show, an eclectic recipe of fans lined West 34th Street in eager anticipation of the show, including anime girls in full costume, tattooed death metal fans, and conservative mothers and fathers with their teenage daughters.
BABYMETAL | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
The evening’s first co-headliner to appear on stage was Dethklok, both a virtual band featured in Adult Swim’s animated, dark comedy program Metalocalpse and a natural melodic death metal band created to perform in front of a live audience. The fictional members of the band, who were featured throughout the 16-song set in numerous dark and macabre animations on a huge monitor that functioned as the stage backdrop, include Nathan Explosion, Toki Wartooth, Pickles, Skwisgaar Skwigelf, and William Murderface.
Dethklok | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
The actual members of the band are comprised of Brendon Small (a co-creator of both bands along with Tommy Blacha), Gene Hoglan, Bryan Beller, and Mike Keneally. Also joining Dethklok in their live performances for this tour is Nili Brosh, an Israeli-American guitarist who has played with Steve Vai, DragonForce, and The Iron Maidens. Watch Dethklok perform “Bloodlines,” lifted from their 2009 studio album Dethalbum II, below:
Last to take the stage, but certainly not least, was the Japanese kawaii metal band (a musical fusion of heavy metal and J-Pop) known as BABYMETAL who are touring in support of their fourth album The Other One, a concept album released in March 2023. A trio of young women ranging in age from 20 to 25 years old, BABYMETAL formed in 2010 and is comprised of main vocalist Suzuka Nakamoto as “Su-metal,” Moa Kikuchi as “Moametal” and Momoko Okazaki as “Momometal” (the band’s latest addition).
With vocals backed by heavy metal instrumentation performed by a group of session musicians known as the “Kami Band,” BABYMETAL thrilled the sold-out 2,200-capacity crowd with a breathtaking routine filled with their own brand of non-stop, synchronized dancing, while at the same time willing their fans to harness raw, head-bang inducing energy. Watch BABYMETAL perform “PA PA YA!!,” taken from their 2019 studio album titled Metal Resistance Episode VII – Apocrypha – The Chosen Seven, below:
Dethklok Setlist: Deththeme > Briefcase Full of Guts > Birthday Dethday > Awaken > Bloodlines > The Gears > Hatredcopter > Dethsupport > Duncan Hills Coffee Jingle > Aortic Desecration > I Ejaculate Fire > The Duel > Murmaider > Thunderhorse > SOS > Go Into the Water
BABYMETAL Setlist: BABYMETAL DEATH > Gimme Chocolate!! > PA PA YA!! > Distortion > BxMxC > Believing > Monochrome > METALI!! > Megitsune > Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!! > Road of Resistance
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
09/20 – Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe 09/21 – Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom 09/23 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life Festival 09/24 – Milwaukee, MN @ The Rave/Eagles Club 09/25 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore 09/27 – St. Louis, MO @ Saint Louis Music Park 09/28 – Omaha, NE @ Steelhouse Omaha 09/30 – Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium 10/01 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex 10/03 – Vancouver, BC @ PNE Forum 10/04 – Seattle, WA @ WaMu Theater 10/07 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival 10/08 – Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort 10/10 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theater 10/11 – Los Angeles, CA @ YouTube Theater
Afropunk returned to Brooklyn for 2 days of music on August 26th & 27th. The festival took place at Brooklyn’s Greenpoint Terminal Market for 2023.
As on brand for Afropunk, the lineup for the festival was all black artists from various genres. Some notable names included Tobe Nwigwe, Baby Tate, and Vince Staples. The lineup also included New York’s own Joey Bada$$, and day 2 headliner, Teyana Taylor.
Unlike last year, this year had a theme, which was Circus of Soul. Motifs of this theme could be seen throughout the event. Both on stage and in the crowd, fans and artists dressed as though they were part of a circus. R&B artist Cleo Reed really leaned into the theme by dressing them selves and other stage performers in clown attire during their set. There were performers on stilts wearing kente cloth patterns walking throughout the crowd. There were also Aerial Ring performers periodically doing stunts throughout the weekend.
This year was truly one to be at, as there were many performances and attractions that festival goers could really interact with all day.
A festival of the Arts
Afropunk is a festival that is bigger than music. Though music may be the highlight, it also features art and artists from all over the globe that center their creativity around the African diaspora. Inside the Spin Thrift Market, there were vendors selling things like clothes, jewelry, books, and weed products. Outside the Market, there were spaces for health and beauty. Festival goers were able to get their hair and makeup done, henna tattoos, and facials. Most of the vendors were also African American owned and operated.
In addition to vendors that were selling merchandise, there were also areas for festival goers to interact. In the center between the two stages, there were tents set up for festival goers to play games and run through a bubble pit. It seems as though they learned from last year as most activities and vendors were set up under large tents to protect against any potential rain.
Nonetheless, as much as there was to do off stage, there was much to watch on stage. There was a two stage setup to accommodate for about 30 performances. In between performances on both stages were DJ SNS and DJ Mohogany. They helped to keep the party going as people awaited some of their favorite artists to take the stage.
Day 1 Highlights
Day 1 had strong performances from Cleo Reed and a collaboration from the Soapbox presents on the 3 Ring Stage. The Soapbox brought together vocalists and musicians to bring a rock, R&B, and gospel like performance. This was one of the many perfect displays of how African American music is has roots in so many different genres that tend to overlap one another. The performance had fans feeling cool in the end of summer heat.
One of day 1’s most notable and electric performances was from Tobe Nwigwe. Originally from Houston, TX, Tobe holds on to his Nigerian roots well as they could be seen in his performances. He is always recognizable with his seafoam green outfits and sets. He brought out his wife, Martica Nwigwe, for a few songs from his set. He also had Olu from Earthgang come out for a song. Olu came out on brand, wearing seafoam green wings to sing “WILDLINGS” with Tobe. The performance was full of energy and surprises that keep the audience screaming for an hour.
Tobe’s performance was evened out by a more mellow from Vince Staples. Vince stared as “Maurice” earlier this year in the Emmy award winning show, Abbott Elementary. His Long Beach, CA vibes really brought the crowd down from their state of choas from before. Though his set did not features as many theatrics like Tobe’s, he still had the attention of the crowd. Vince had the crowd singing along to his hit song, “Norf Norf,” before there was a mass exodus from the event.
An uneventful end to the hype
The first night was headlined by Flying Lotus. He is a producer and DJ who has worked on many projects on TV shows and film. One of the most notable projects was Netflix’sYasuke, an anime centered around the story of Japan’s first black samurai. He makes a lot of EDM and electronic rap songs primarily.
Flying Lotus did not receive much of an introduction which left many fans confused. Though his fans would be familiar with his music and style, this may have been many’s first exposure to him. He could barely be seen from behind his DJ booth and did not say a word for at least the first 20 minutes of his set. About halfway through, he was joined by rapper Smoke DZA, who he is working on a collaborative album with. Smoke DZA did bring some excitement and energy to his performance.
After Smoke DZA’s exit, Flying Lotus played a few more songs and was about to leave. He did not realize that his set was not over and played for about another 15 minutes. Flying Lotus had a pretty anti-climatic exit, as it was a pretty bleak end to day 1 of Afropunk 2023.
A stark turn around from Day 1’s mishaps
Day 2 still featured a full lineup that had Greenpoint full. What was nice about this year’s festival was the scheduling of performances. With the stage schedules pretty staggered, fans were able to see all their artists without really having to miss a performance. This really set Afropunk apart from other festivals as many usually have fans contemplating which artists they wanted to see more. If they wanted to, fans could see just about every artist and take in the full Afropunk experience.
Some notable performances from Day 2 were from Baby Tate and Joey Bada$$. Baby Tate brought a fun energy out of the crowd. With a lot of positive sexual messages infused in her lyrics, her music and performance made Greenpoint a safe space for women to express themselves. In the middle of her set, Baby Tate took a break and her DJ Sky Jetta tapped into a different side of her fans. Though Baby Tate makes rap music, Sky Jetta played alternative rock hits, including “I write sins not tragedies” that absolutely killed.
Baby Tate came back and continued to kill. She played unreleased song “Wig” and ended on her hit “I am” to leave things on a high. Joey Bad$$ proceeded her and continues to bring smiles.
New York showing out for New York artists
Joey Bad$$ was happy to be back in his hometown as he expressed his love for Brooklyn all through out his performance. The theme around his performance was love as he turned the camera toward the audience to celebrate black love. He had a kiss cam going on for a bit before singing “Love is only a feeling.” He dedicated a few songs to fallen black artists including, XXXTentacion, Nipsey Hustle, Pop Smoke, Young Dolph, and more.
Before he left, he expressed his happiness to be playing at an event where he could see so many black faces. He also threw a jab at Afropunk for being a bit unprofessional behind the scenes. He still left things on a high with “Devasated” before handing the stage over to Teyana Taylor.
The energy from day 2 was drastically different than from the previous day. Day 2’s lineup featured so many artist that people knew and loved. They had performances that people wanted to be a part of and sing along with. Day 2 was originally supposed to end with Grammy award winner Jazmine Sullivan. Due to some personal reasons, she could not perform, but Teyana Taylor was passed the torch to close out the weekend.
Rose of Harlem feeling the love
Nicked named the “Rose of Harlem”, Teyana Taylor closed out to packed audience in her city. Teyana had mentioned during her performance that she was nervous to headline a show as she felt as though no one would stay for her. Though some mic issues may have fueled those nerves early on, New York showed her so much love that it brought her to tears.
The sound was getting too much for Teyana as she asked for just the keys to play during one of her songs. She was able to get real close and emotional with the crowd before turning things back up. The crowd screamed “Issues” and ” Gonna Love Me” with Teyana.
She was joined on stage by her daughter ,”Junnie,” and husband Iman Shumphert, for a few songs. Her daughter helped her throw out free t-shirts to the audience. Teyana also had 3 outfit changes that synced up with the many different vibes of her performance.
She exited the stage, but quickly came back for an encore. Teyana ran into the middle column of the pit to slap the hands of her fans before closing out the night. She thanked New York for showing her so much love and making this performance one worth leaving retirement for.
Afropunk continued to bring peace, love, and education about African American culture to one of the biggest melting pots of the world. With Afropunk’s voice continuing to reach millions, it’s only a matter of time before it starts to expand to other cities across the globe.
Cold War Kids have announced their new single “Another Name” off of their upcoming record Cold War Kids, their tenth record. The group also announced a headline tour in support of the record, with two nights at NYC’s Webster Hall.
Cold War Kids from California is made up of Nathan Willett (vocals, piano, guitar), Matt Maust (bass guitar), David Quon (guitar, backing vocals), Matthew Schwartz (keyboards, backing vocals, guitar, percussion), and Joe Plummer (drums, percussion). Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the group has garnered over one billion streams, adding to its eclectic catalog with its newest endeavor Cold War Kids.
“The band started out with four guys who have very specific tastes and styles, and now it’s mostly me making the records in a way I love and have always envisioned,” Willett says. “The sound of Cold War Kids has always been there, and I wanted this record to be the ideal, best version of all those things we’ve always been.” Instead of just releasing a five-song EP or an entirely different record, Willett took a breather and contemplated how the record should sound, infusing it with meaningful discourse about his life, and the state of the world.
The aptly self-titled result is perhaps the strongest and most well-rounded record Cold War Kids has ever produced. They previously shared their current single “Run Away With Me” which debuted at #33 on the AltRock charts. With its funky groove and huge chorus, the track sets the tone for the LP as a whole, featuring 12 high-minded, stylistically diverse songs referencing everything from Curtis Mayfield to the Pretenders and Elton John to Happy Mondays and Gang Of Four. They also released “Double Life,” which American Songwriter called “an energetic, shoulder-shaking new single.”
The album draws inspiration from the band’s blues-and-soul-driven past as well as fresh dance beats and 80s pop/rock. The themes of the record speak about Willett’s introspective state of mind and his reality. The newest single “Another Name” is an emotionally driven track, slow and melodic, speaking of heartbreak in a tear-jerking way.
This summer Cold War Kids were on the road as the direct support for Tears For Fears. Now, they are excited to announce a North American headline tour in support of Cold War Kids with dates kicking off in January. They will play at New York City’s Webster Hall on March 1 and 2. Tickets are on sale Friday, Sept 15th at 10 AM local time.
Cold War Kids tour dates
1/31 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore^
2/01 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom^
2/02 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre^
2/03 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre^
2/05 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory^
2/06 – Bozeman, MT – The ELM^
2/08 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen^
2/09 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre^
2/10 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre^
2/13 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom^
2/15 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues^
2/16 – Houston, TX – House of Blues^
2/17 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater^
2/23 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed#
2/24 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue#
2/26 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues#
2/27 – Toronto, ON – The Phoenix Concert Theatre#
2/28 – Boston, MA – House of Blues#
3/01 – New York, NY – Webster Hall#
3/02 – New York, NY – Webster Hall#
3/03 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore#
3/05 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club#
3/08 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz#
3/09 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre#
03/15 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post*
03/16 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst*
03/18 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park*
