Brooklyn’s Jake Pinto announces the release of his upcoming album Sad Songs for Happy People, on March 31st. The album was set for release right when the pandemic hit, and then further delayed when Jake’s talents were sought out by Miami psych-funksters Magic City Hippies and Brooklyn’s afrobeat Antibalas, leading to months of global touring.
Pinto’s eclectic musical story has shaped a charmingly honest solo debut rich in instinctive melodicism and cultured arrangements. Being a jazz musician since his early teens, Jake attended NYU for jazz piano and was soon booking gigs and festivals worldwide, including the Blue Note in New York City and Milan.
While still in college, Jake Pinto found himself already playing alongside genre luminaries like François Mouton, Ralph Lalama, and the late Lew Soloff. He went on to play prestigious engagements, including the Montreal and Rochester International jazz festivals.
Getting back to writing on piano, Jake found fresh excitement and energy. He began working with a diverse variety of artists at Silverman’s Future Sounds studio in Brooklyn, and on off days, he would bring in his own band and record what would become Sad Songs for Happy People, much of it tracked live on vintage, analog equipment.
“The Beatles are still my favorite band, but I was also obsessed with D’Angelo for so long,” Pinto says. “And I love the crooners like Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra; the directness of how they sing and tell stories. It’s a hard thing to do, to tell show-tune stories in a way that doesn’t feel corny.”
The result of this album is 11 ultra-accomplished tracks of eclectic, Americana, and blues-flecked indie rock delivered straight from the source. These are songs emotional and quality rather than adherence to genre or style.
“There’s something beautiful about taking a sad song and putting it to a bright beat and bright instrumental,” Jake continued. “Just an interesting combination of melancholy, nostalgia, love, and happiness.”
To pre-save Sad Songs for Happy People, click the link here.
For more music by Jack Pinto, click the link here.
Brooklyn-born rapper CeddyJay released his debut extended play, “Heartbroken In England” on Feb. 25. His EP was born out of heartbreak, detailing the emotions from his trip to England for love, and not getting what he hoped for. The single “Ginger” was released ahead of the EP on Feb. 14.
Cover of CeddyJay’s Heartbroken in England. Credit: Spotify
CeddyJay grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatbush and is of Haitian descent. Pursuing his career since the age of five, he quickly became a hit in New York City’s hip-hop scene. He has been compared to the likes of J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, but still has his own unique style. CeddyJay draws audiences in with his special sound and catchy lyrics, and fans are certain to be entertained by all four tracks on his EP. The previously mentioned debut single, “Ginger” stands out as the best track from Heartbroken In England, followed shortly by the opening track, “Broken.“
The EP signifies a new chapter in Ceddyjay’s career. As they say, cliche as it is, “everything happens for a reason.” The rapper certainly found his reason, being the creation of a powerful EP reflecting the raw emotions of heartbreak and the resilience it takes to move on. Significantly, CeddyJay’s music is versatile. His music simultaneously showcases his love for music and personal experiences, telling a story that many can relate to.
Hip-hop icons Wu-Tang Clan and Nas announce the 2023 co-headline run of their N.Y. State of Mind Tour, spanning multiple continents and stopping at the Barclays Center on Sept. 27.
Wu-Tang Clan
Last year the group went on a sold-out run of the 2022 N.Y. State of Mind Tour, being nominated for Pollstar’s 2022 Hip Hop Tour of The Year. Founded in New York City’s Staten Island in the early 1990s, the Wu-Tang Clan is comprised of members RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, and the deceased Ol’ Dirty Bastard (ODB). Considered by many to be the most significant hip-hop group of all time, the group has three platinum albums among their eight LPs, and the group’s complete anthology (including solo albums) has more than 85 full-length releases. They are also entrepreneurs and successful cultural influencers, with an empire that features everything from clothing lines and video games to books, and more.
Nas (Nasir Jones) first reached an international audience when his track “Halftime” was the opening cut on 1992’s Zebrahead movie soundtrack. His first full-length album arrived in 1994, Illmatic, becoming RIAA platinum, featuring “It Ain’t Hard To Tell,” “The World Is Yours,” and “One.” In 1996 he released the breakthrough double-platinum It Was Written with his first major crossover singles “Street Dreams” and “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That).” He has released many albums since then, his 2012 album, Life Is Good earned him 4 Grammy nominations including Rap Album of the Year, and is certified RIAA gold. He won the “Best Rap Album” Grammy at the 2021 awards for the 2020 release King’s Disease. King’s Disease.
The 32-date global tour kicks off on May 9 in Auckland, New Zealand at Spark Arena, and will be stopping at the Barclays Center on Sept. 27. Tickets will be available beginning with American Express Early Access on Feb. 28 in select North American markets. Additional presales will be available throughout the week before the general on-sale starting March 3 at 9 a.m. Fans in North America can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the VIP Lounge, a limited edition numbered tour poster, and more. For more information, go here.
2023 N.Y. STATE OF MIND TOUR DATES:
AUSTRALIA + NEW ZEALAND
Tue May 9 – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena
Fri May 12 – Brisbane, AU – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Sat May 13 – Sydney, AU – Qudos Bank Arena
Sun May 14 – Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena
EUROPE
Fri June 2 – Stockholm, SE – Avicii Arena
Sat June 3 – Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena
Mon June 5 – Berlin, DE – Parkbuhne Wuhlheide
Tues June 6 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome
Wed June 7 – Paris, FR – Accor Arena
Fri June 9 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena
Mon June 12 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
Tue June 13 – London, UK – The O2
NORTH AMERICA
Wed Sep 20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Fri Sep 22 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Sat Sep 23 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
Sun Sep 24 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino^
Tue Sep 26 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Wed Sep 27 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Fri Sep 29 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Sun Oct 01 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Mon Oct 02 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
Wed Oct 04 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Sat Oct 07 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
Sun Oct 08 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Tue Oct 10 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
Fri Oct 13 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
Sat Oct 14 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
Mon Oct 16 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Tue Oct 17 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Wed Oct 18 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sat Oct 21 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
Equal parts British and American, The Backfires returned from a show across the pond to play at Brooklyn’s very own Baby’s All Right on Februrary 22. With support from indie rock band Secondhand Sound, The Backfires fully entranced the fans at the sold-out show.
Frontman Alex Gomez (Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma)
Rock group The Backfires hails from both sides of the Atlantic. When Alex Gomez, the frontman, went to London to study abroad in 2018, he met Harry Ruprecht (lead guitarist) and Max Wanduragala (drums). Right before the production of their debut EP “Consider the Backfires” in 2019, bassist Matt Walter joined the group. The band completed recording the EP in London in January 2020. In 2021, the band released the EP and later that year, remotely recorded and published “Song 55.” The British members of the Backfires have secured their visas for 2023, ready for many more live shows in the upcoming year.
Secondhand Sound (Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma)
Nashville-based alt-rock quartet Secondhand Sound was originally formed in Urbana, Maryland after Sawyer John Estok (lead vocalist/guitarist) and Collin Plank (drummer) began writing songs in their parent’s basements. Eventually, Estok and Plank headed to Nashville, making friends with Teagan Proctor (bassist) and Cam Schmidt (guitarist/keyboard player). Through anthemic hooks, fuzzy garage-rock riffs, and irresistible youthful energy, Secondhand Sound craft songs that have granted them vast success, with more to come as the band self-proclaims that they “Will Be The Biggest Band In The World”.
Bassist Matt Walter (Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma)
During the show, Estok’s voice carried a windful southern howl that carries a weight of melancholy with a feisty rock n’ roll punch throughout the performance, while the band danced around and moshed in the pit. After playing stand-out songs “Dominoes” and “Pocket Change”, Estok left the stage to join the crowd in moshing. The remainder of the show kept the vibe energetic and fun. As their set closed out, the impression of their performance introduced an array of new followers to their rich Nashville sound.
Secondhand Sound Setlist: Heavy Metal Parking Lot Kind Of Cool, Darby, Stone’s Throw, Rorschach, Dominoes, Colm’s, Veritas, Pocket Change
Guitarist Harry Ruprecht (Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma)
When The Backfires finally started playing, the crowd immediately went wild as Gomez launched straight into singing “Matador”. Throughout the show, their enthusiasm and stage presence shone through as they played such hits as “Song 55” and “City Queen”. Before the end of the show, after much anticipation, The Backfires played their new single “Joyride” live for the first time. The atmosphere in the room was absolutely unmatched as they rocked the house down. As their first show back in the US in 2023, The Backfires showed that they’re up to incredibly exciting things and new sounds.
The Backfires Setlist: Matador, Preoccupied, Never Seen You Before, Figure It Out, Anything, R U Mine, City Queen, Turn off The Lights, Reflection On My TV, I am the Walrus, Brighter Lights, Song 55, Joyride, Blindsided
Bassist Teagan Proctor (Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma)
In terms of upcoming shows, Secondhand Sound doesn’t have any performances set up but be sure to check their Instagram for any updates. The Backfires also don’t currently have any upcoming tours, but any announcements can be monitored on their website or their social media accounts.
Photographed by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotographed by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotographed by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotographed by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotographed by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotographed by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotographed by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotographed by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotographed by Chinaza AjuonumaPhotographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Brooklyn‘s indie-dance band Underground System have just announced their new EP Looking In, out on April 17th. Along with this, they have also released an iconic music video for their song “Sleazy” which embodies NYC in a psychedelic nutshell.
The band’s EP Looking In is the second in a series of two. Of the song inspiration, Domenica explains to Northern Transmissions, “This song is about having a spontaneous night with strangers. Doesn’t necessarily mean in the romantic sense. Just a night where you’re out on the town feeling alone (not lonely just alone) in a big ass city, but then meeting one or two people, instantly hitting it off, and next thing you know, you’re having a nocturnal adventure until sunrise.”
“The music video we made for ‘Sleazy’ with our friend Chris Egan is the cherry on top,” says the group’s co-leader Peter Matson. “…We ran around the city for many nights in a row filming at golden hour, and the crown jewel of the whole shoot… when we finally got a hold of a very elusive party limo that once returned me and several passed out friends from a DJ gig at the nightclub LeBain to our homes in BK… It just all made sense for “Sleazy.”
Underground System is one of the most dynamic bands to emerge from New York City in recent years, continuously innovating a brand of global dance music that is uniquely their own. Domenica Fossati, headman of the group, cites “A true New York eclecticism” running through the band’s core. If you’ve crossed paths with Underground System, then you’ve witnessed the group’s larger than life presence.
The band had described “a natural synthesis of styles” being born out of their journey from humble beginnings performing rare grooves and DJing bars around Brooklyn, to the development of an authentically original, internationally touring indie-dance band.
Whether political philosopher Emma Goldman actually said, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution,” or not is still up for debate, there’s no doubt that New York City’s Underground System wholly embodies that vibe”
– Remezcla
To watch the video for “Sleazy,” click the link here. For more of Underground System, click the link here.
Grammy-winning guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela have announced their latest album, In Between Thoughts…A New World, and an international tour in support. The duo’s first album since 2019 is due for release on April 21. Their international tour is scheduled for a performance at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on June 27.
Rodrigo y Gabriela’s latest album, In Between Thoughts…A New World
Rodrigo y Gabriela self-produced the album in their recording studio in Ixtapa, Mexico. The album’s debut single, “Descending To Nowhere,” is available now and can be heard below. The new album sees Rodrigo y Gabriela explore electronic and orchestral elements, a departure from their previous releases.
Rodrigo y Gabriela’s career spans more than two decades with, including the forthcoming In Between Thoughts…A New World, six studio albums. The duo’s first widely released album, re-Foc, debuted in 2002. Their sixth studio album comes after a period of spiritual awakening for Rodrigo y Gabriela.
While recovering from Covid in the fall of 2020, Rodrigo discovered the concept of non-dualism. According to the study of non-dualism, there is a “single, infinite, and indivisible reality, whose nature is pure consciousness, from which all objects and selves derive their apparently independent existence,”, says author/teacher Rupert Spira. When Rodrigo shared his feelings with Gabriela, she felt a similar epiphany, and they began channeling these feelings in song form. The music just started flowing out, without any real intention. We didn’t change the foundation of the songs from that point, so what you hear on the album is the music as we were creating it.”
In a testament to Rodrigo y Gabriela’s musicality, In Between Thoughts leads the listener through a complex narrative with a plot, emotional arcs, and dramatic tension.
Available exclusively at www.rodgab.com, the band is offering a deluxe version of the album on vinyl. Pre-orders are available now. Tickets for the international tour go on sale this Friday, Feb 17, and can be purchased here.
ODRIGO Y GABRIELA
TOUR 2023
+A Special Performance with Antonio Sanchez
*With support from Krooked Kings
^With support from Bahamas
⁰With support from Ondara
APRIL
24 – London, UK – Roundhouse
25 – Paris, FR – Bouffes Du Nord
26 – Paris, FR – Bouffes Du Nord
30 – Cheltenham, UK – Cheltenham Jazz Festival
MAY
18 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre*
19 – Austin, TX – ACL Live At Moody Theatre*
20 – San Antonio, TX – The Espee*
21 – Dallas, TX – AT&T Strauss Square*
25 – Scottsdale, AZ – Scottsdale Center for the Arts*
26 – San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts By The Bay*+
27 – San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts By The Bay*+
JUNE
1 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theatre^+
2 – San Bernardino, CA – Yaamava’ Theater
3 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater^
4 – Sacramento, CA – Mondavi Center UC Davis^
7 – Portland, OR – Grand Lodge^
10 – Salt Lake City, UT – Sandy Amphitheater^
11 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre^+
13 – Minneapolis, MN – Fitzgerald Theatre
14 – Madison, WI – Orpheum Theater⁰
16 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre⁰
17 – Detroit, MI – Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre⁰
19 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium⁰
20 – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall⁰
22 – Durham, NC – Carolina Theatre⁰
23 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater⁰
25 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club⁰
27 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre⁰
28 – Philadelphia, PA – Longwood Gardens⁰
29 – Boston, MA – Chevalier Theatre⁰
JULY
1 – Montreal, QC – Montreal Jazz Fest, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier | Place des Arts
2 – Niagara Falls, ON – Fallsview Casino Avalon Theatre
SEPTEMBER
25 – Hamburg, DE Mojo
26 – Berlin, DE Passionskirche
29 – Milan, IT – Santeria
30 – Bologna, IT – Estragon
OCTOBER
2 – Rome, IT – Auditorium Parco della Musica/Sala Sinopoli
NY-based indie pop bandDaisy the Great have just released the music video for “I Don’t Wanna Fall” from their new album All You Need Is Time. To celebrate the album release, the band will embark on another nationwide tour as headliners. Daisy the Great’s All You Need Is Time Tour begins April 12th at Brighton Music Hall in Allston, MA, making their final destination at Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Daisy the Great is an American indie pop band from Brooklyn led by Kelley Nicole Dugan and Mina Walker. The song “Record Player” from their debut album was released in August 2021, with additional verses and production performed by AJR. It went to number 6 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.
The band stated, “The “I Don’t Wanna Fall” music video is a compilation of footage from our most recent tour. It follows us on the road, backstage and on stage at the shows. We chose to pair “I Don’t Wanna Fall” with this very sweet docu-style footage because it felt really heartwarming and also heartbreaking to watch us so happy and in our element, tied up with this song about the temporary nature of good things. It feels important to remember to really live in the joyful moment when you’re in it, because everything comes and goes. The song was initially about a romantic relationship, but it brought new importance to the music to recontextualize it using our relationship with our audience and with live music in general. We love touring and we are very lucky to have our first headline tour EVER coming up this spring!!! We’re so excited to play all over the US. We hope you love the video and can’t wait to see you on the road.”
Both Kelley Nicole Dugan and Mina Walker make folk-inflected indie rock together that spans a multitude of moods, capable of being clever, devastating, simultaneous pop to powerhouse balladry. The pair first met as acting majors at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where they began co-writing a musical about a fictional band before realizing they could make it happen in real life and set out as Daisy the Great.
“Our music is generally pretty introspective, and we are often interested in the complexities or ironies we see within ourselves,” Dugan says. “That’s something we love about writing—you can say something small and delicate and true that maybe feels scary to say, but once you put it out there, it can turn into a comfort for anyone that might also be feeling that way.”
ALL YOU NEED IS TIME Tour Dates:
April 12 – Allston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
April 14 – Columbus, OH – The Basement
April 15 – Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen
April 17 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St. Entry
April 18 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
April 19 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
April 21 – Portland, OR – Holocene
April 22 – Seattle, WA – Barboza
April 25 – San Francisco, CA – Café Du Nord
April 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo
April 29 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues San Diego
May 2 – Dallas, TX – Dada Dallas
May 3 – Austin, TX – Antone’s
May 5 – New Orleans, LA – Gasa Gasa
May 6 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Festival
May 7 – Nashville, TN – The End
May 10 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
May 11 – Washington, DC – Songbyrd Music House
May 12 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
For details about the Daisy the Great, the upcoming tour, and ticket availability, please visit the link here.
NYC-based The Backfires are scheduled to headline a performance at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Prior to the show, they have released the single “Joyride”, out on Feb. 21. The track follows an alternative rock sound, in line much of the band’s other work.
The Backfires: Alex Gomez (frontman, bottom right) Harry Ruprecht (lead guitar, top left) Max Wanduragala (drums, top right), and Matt Walter (bass, bottom left) Credit: The Backfiress
If the rest of The Backfires’ performance is anything like “Joyride”, fans are in for a treat at their Baby’s All Right Show. The track is the perfect song to open a show and get fans in the concert mood. It’s upbeat, but not in a “bubble gum pop song” way. The title of “Joyride” can have multiple meanings, depending on the fan. A “joyride” can be literal, like a trip you take with close friends, or metaphorical to describe the high you feel around someone significant or important in your life.
Equally British and American, The Backfires formed in 2018 when Alex Gomez was studying in London and met Harry Ruprecht and Max Wanduragala. Matt Walter, a childhood friend of Gomez, joined the band in 2019 ahead of recording their debut EP, Consider the Backfires. They finished recording their debut EP in Jan. 2020, shortly before the world shut down due to COVID-19. Since then, they relocated to New York City at the beginning of 2022. Honoring both their British and American roots, they performed in London on Jan. 12, and are scheduled to perform in New York on Feb. 22.
Brooklyn’s Hello Mary have just dropped a new single “Special Treat,” right before the release of their self-titled debut album on March 3rd. The song opens with disarming harmonies that might recall a schoolyard taunt, or something more sinister, like the summoning of a coven.
The band explains that, “‘Special Treat’ is pretty much about indulgence of any kind, and doing things for pure momentary pleasure. For the music video, we just wanted to be crazy, eat dope food, and take out our deep resentment towards each other through a food fight.”
Hello Mary will also play a record-release party at Brooklyn’s Elsewhere Zone One on March 24. Their first ever tour kicks off on March 23rd in Hamden, CT and concludes in Providence, RI on April 6th. Tickets for all shows are on-sale now and all dates are listed below.
Hello Mary is made up of Helena Straight (guitar, vox), Mikaela Oppenheimer (bass), and Stella Wave (drums, vox). Mikaela started Hello Mary with Helena as freshmen in high school. When they met Stella by happenstance the three became an inseparable unit, as good of friends as they are bandmates.
The album Hello Mary references alternative rock of the nineties alongside Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley as influences. For sound, the band tends to meld elements of 90s shoegaze with indie rock and grunge, making a unique sound of their own.
The album’s song “Looking Right Into the Sun,” is most honestly described as “delightful,” driven by a tight and dynamic rhythm section that gives way to Straight’s crystalline and confident falsetto.
Hello Mary Tour Dates:
3/23 – Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT
3/24 – Elsewhere Zone One – Brooklyn, NY
3/25 – Songbyrd – Washington, DC
4/5 – Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA*
4/6 – Columbus Theatre – Providence, RI*
*Denotes Dates with Deerhoof
Pre-order Hello Mary by clicking the link here. Listen/share “Special Treat” by clicking the link here.
Viagra Boys made a triumphant return to New York City on February 15 with the first of three straight sold-out shows at Elsewhere. Sebastian Murphy, irreverent as always, led the six-piece band through a pulsating set that included eight songs from 2022 release Cave World.
The six-piece Viagra Boys hail from Sweden, with Murphy having grown up in California before making the move to Europe and forming the band. And after the set of three shows in Brooklyn, the band is taking this particular leg of their tour to Boston, Montréal, and making a quick rip across the continent to finish the tour in Seattle on March 4.
Having just played a show at Brooklyn Steel in October, Murphy immediately embraced the feel of the significantly smaller venue that is the Hall at Elsewhere. Between the band’s tight musical performance and Murphy’s self-aware and often hilarious stage banter, the crowd was fully engaged with the performance from the outset.
While Murphy is certainly the center of attention in the universe that is the Viagra Boys, saxophone Oscar Carls is a very close second, mixing it up with both the crowd and the rest of the band throughout the set, rocking very short shorts and making outstanding contributions to the performance with his instrument along the way.
By the time the set was over, the crowd was thoroughly satisfied, and Murphy assured everyone that this show would be the best of the three in Brooklyn, predicting a massive hangover ahead of the rest of the stint in the city.
The Steens, a band from Orange County, California, opened the show with a quick burst set of fast garage rock tunes—one of which was a cover of the Brian Jonestown Massacre’s “Oh Lord”—and plenty of energy.
Setlist: Ain’t No Thief, Ain’t Nice, Punk Rock Loser, Baby Criminal, Slow Learner, Big Boy, It Ain’t Enough, Cold Play, Creepy Crawlers, Liquids, Troglodyte, Sports, Shrimp Shack Encore: Worms, Research Chemicals
