NYS Music 2023

Category: Manhattan

  • The Darkness Shine Bright at Terminal 5

    Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their platinum-selling debut album Permission to Land, The Darkness flew into Terminal 5 this past Wednesday night, October 18 at a 3,000 capacity concert hall located in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen – for the twelfth layover on their massive, 52-date global trek.

    For those unfamiliar, the British quartet of Justin Hawkins (vocals, guitar, keyboards), brother Dan Hawkins (guitar), Frankie Poullain (bass) and Rufus Tiger Taylor (drums), son of Queen’s Roger Taylor, erupted onto the music scene in 2003 with said album’s infectious hit single “I Believe In A Thing Called Love.”

    Justin Hawkins of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Providing opening support for The Darkness were Josh Dion (vocals, drums, keyboards) and Geoff Kraly (bass, modular synthesizer), better known as Paris Monster. Formed in 2012, the indie experimental duo and local natives hailing from Brooklyn took the stage promptly at 7:50 pm. Known for their musical virtuosity, Dion and Kraly play multiple instruments simultaneously and sound more like a quartet rather than just the two of them. As Hawkins would exude to the packed venue later in The Darkness’ set, “Frankie described it to me earlier. He says, ‘it sounds like aliens came down to Earth, listened to some of our music, and then decided to do their own version of it.’ Their fucking amazing. Paris Monster, it’s my favorite band.” The highlight of Paris Monster’s 40-minute, 10-song set was the closing number “A Vision Complete,” lifted from their debut EP It Once Had Been Kind released in 2013.  For fans of the beat-driven, groove-based sound, inter-mixed with elements of funk and soul, I strongly urge you to check out their first full-length album entitled Lamplight (2019).

    Paris Monster | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    With The Darkness’ stage crew having put the finishing touch to the set, all of whom donned matching navy blue boiler suits complete with their nickname on the back, Abba’s instrumental “Arrival” played on tape over the house PA. And right on schedule, at a few ticks past 9;00 pm, the house lights went dark and the rock and roll outfit from ‘the other side of the pond’ appeared from the shadows.

    Dan Hawkins of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Playing 2003 Permission to Land’s album in its entirety (and according to Justin, “in no particular order”), the 90-minute set kicked off with “Black Shuck,” a song about the Old English legend of a ghostly black dog roaming the English coastline – which actually is the lead track from their debut album. Before exploding into “Get Your Hands Off My Woman,” Justin spotted a fan along the rail sporting a brilliant, Queen-branded Hawaiian shirt that he confessed has “coveted for many moons.” After asking that the shirt be taken off and handed over, Justin quipped, “Thanks friend, you’re never going to see it again. Cheers!”

    Frankie Poullain of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    As the festive night ensued, Justin and his mates gifted the power ballad and fan favorite “Love Is Only a Feeling,” and then ripped through their pop anthem and smash hit “Friday Night,” backed by an exceptional Gotham audience who belted out the infectious chorus in unison. With the epic gig’s denouement upon us, Justin sang a beautiful rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Josh of Paris Monster, followed by “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” – sans audience members taking pictures or video with their phones – as per Justin’s request.

    Rufus Tiger Taylor of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    After taking a few moments off stage for everyone to catch a collective breath, The Darkness triumphantly returned to the stage rocking silk bathrobes. As Justin introduced the band before commencing the penultimate track “I Love You 5 Times,” there had been some personnel reshuffling – brother Dan was now behind the kit, Frankie had taken up an acoustic guitar, Rufus had a bass in his hands and their guitar tech, Softy, was seated at the Mellotron. The night concluded at 10:30 pm, but not before Justin majestically rode atop the shoulders of a roadie through the floor crowd during the solo to “Love on the Rocks With No Ice,” which was preceded by an impromptu jam of Don McLean’s “American Pie” (and not the full version that Justin had jokingly promised!).

    Justin Hawkins of The Darkness | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Hawkins is the quintessential embodiment of the rock star persona, and per usual, he was at the top of his game on ‘hump day.’ His flamboyant, explosive on-stage energy was truly a spectacle to behold. Equipped with a signature falsetto and exquisitely delivered guitar solos featuring an intricate fingerpicking style, Hawkins gives The Darkness a magnificent pageantry that stands up in comparison to the likes of his biggest influences, notably Bon Scott, Steven Tyler, Robert Plant and Mick Jagger. Whether it be his dramatic gesticulations, a high-flying leap off the drum riser that would make David Lee Roth proud, or a show of strength by holding a self-supported handstand for what seemed like an eternity, he exhibited true showmanship and an enduring passion for his craft.

    Watch The Darkness perform a cover of Radioheads’ “Street Spirit (Fade Out),” immediately followed by “Holding My Own” here:

    This past October 6th, an expanded edition of Permission To Land was dropped by the band as a five-LP package, a four-CD+DVD package, a double-CD package, as well as across various digital streaming platforms. Fans of The Darkness can also look forward to a feature-length documentary dubbed “Welcome To The Darkness” coming to cinemas for one night only, on November 9th, in the UK and Ireland. Distributed by Lightbulb Film Distribution and directed by renowned photographer Simon Emmett, the film is a comeback tale of a “cult band” in search of its past glory that will also be available on digital download and Blu-ray beginning December 4th.

    Paris Monster Setlist: The Unclean > Laugh it Off > Andalusia > Hot Canyon Air > Ape > I’m Not Gonna Miss This Dive > Grandma > Darkest Days > Had Damon Caught His Sloane > A Vision Complete

    The Darkness Setlist: Black Shuck > Get Your Hands Off My Woman > Growing on Me > The Best of Me > Makin’ Out > Givin’ Up > Love Is Only a Feeling > Curse of the Tollund Man > Stuck in a Rut > How Dare You Call This Love? > Street Spirit (Fade Out) > Holding My Own > Friday Night > Happy Birthday > I Believe in a Thing Called Love > Encore: I Love You 5 Times > Love on the Rocks With No Ice

    UPCOMING WORLD TOUR DATES

    10/21/23 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
    10/22/23 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
    11/07/23 – Berlin, Germany @ Admiralspalast
    11/08/23 – Hamburg, Germany @ Markthalle
    11/09/23 – Köln, Germany @ Essigfabrik
    11/11/23 – München, Germany @ Technikum
    11/13/23 – Ciampino, Italy @ Orion Live Club
    11/14/23 – Milan, Italy @ Alcatraz
    11/15/23 – Nonantola, Italy @ VOX CLUB
    11/17/23 – Prattleln, Switzerland @ Konzertfabrik Z7
    11/18/23 – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg @ den Atelier
    11/20/23 – Rubigen, Switzerland @ Muhle Hunziken
    11/22/23 – Bruxelles, Belgium @ AB
    11/23/23 – Paris, France @ La Cigale
    11/24/23 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Melkweg
    12/02/23 – Belfast, Northern Ireland @ The Telegraph Building
    12/03/23 – Dublin, Ireland @ 3Olympia Theatre
    12/05/23 – Edinburgh, Scotland @ 02 Academy
    12/07/23 – Newcastle Upon Tyne, England @ O2 City Hall
    12/08/23 – Norwich, England @ UEA LCR Norwich
    12/09/23 – London, England @ Roundhouse
    12/11/23 – Glasgow, Scotland @ Barrowland Ballroom
    12/12/23 – Manchester, England @ New Century Hall
    12/14/23 – Bristol, England @ Bristol Beacon
    12/15/23 – Nottingham, England @ Rock City
    12/16/23 – Wolverhampton, England @ Wulfrun Hall
    12/18/23 – Leeds, England @ O2 Academy
    12/19/23 – Nottingham, England @ Rock City
    12/20/23 – Brighton, England @ Brighton Dome
    12/22/23 – London, England @ Roundhouse
    01/26/24 – Wellington, New Zealand @ The Opera House
    01/27/24 – Auckland, New Zealand @ Powerstation
    01/30/24 – Adelaide, Australia @ Hindley Street Music Hall
    02/01/24 – Fremantle, Australia @ Metropolis
    02/03/24 – West Melbourne, Australia @ Festival Hall
    02/07/24 – Brisbane, Australia @ The Fortitude Music Hall
    02/09/24 – Bruce, Australia @ UC Refectory
    02/10/24 – Moore Park, Australia @ Horden Pavilion
    03/02/24 – Miami, FL @ Monsters of Rock Cruise

    PARIS MONSTER

    THE DARKNESS

  • globalFEST 2024: A World of Music Unites at Lincoln Center for Its 21st Year

    New York’s globalFEST makes its highly anticipated return for its 21st year to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) with a full day of music and performances on Sunday, January 14, 2024, as part of Lincoln Center Presents. Newly announced artists are set to perform across three stages inside David Geffen Hall, celebrating musical traditions, and encouraging discovery.

    globalFEST 2023- Son Rompe Pera

    After hosting its 20th anniversary at Lincoln Center’s newly-renovated David Geffen Hall, and with its biggest, sold-out crowd ever, globalFEST returns to Lincoln Center with a new lineup curated by festival co-directors Bill Bragin, Isabel Soffer, and Shanta Thake, also Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, plus guest curator Zion Jackson.

    The 2024 globalFEST lineup features artists from across the world, including the traditional South African Xhosa rhythms and funk of Thandiswa Mazwai; the electronic-infused Indo-classical sounds of Karsh Kale; Yasser Tejeda’s new spin on Afro Dominican Roots music; gripping singer-songwriter and Brazilian activist Bia Ferreira; Catalan electro-folk duo Tarta Relena; Lonnie Holley whose live shows contain new and spontaneously created sounds; psychedelic Moroccan-French Gnawa quartet Bab L’ Bluz; GRAMMY award-winning Villalobos Brothers, fusing Mexican folk with jazz and classical music; the captivating contemporary Puerto Rican Bomba band El Laberinto del Coco; and the Ukrainian-Canadian Balaklava Blues that fuses Ukrainian polyphony and folk traditions with electronica.

    “We are thrilled to once again bring artists from all over the world to Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall. The power of music to bring people together during trying times is more important than ever. globalFEST began following the dark days between 9/11 and the start of the Iraq War. Now in its 21st year, as the world faces new conflicts and the horrors of war are all around us, we remain devoted to encouraging cultural awareness through musical discovery.”

    Bragin, Soffer, and Thake

    Throughout globalFEST’s history, the festival has acted as a musical beacon, bridging cultural divides and bringing audiences together through the universal language of music. The beloved curation has proven influential to arts organizations and venues across the country and jump-started the US touring careers of incredible artists, including Antibalas, Amythyst Kiah, Angelique Kidjo, DakhaBrakha, Jupiter and Okwess, Martha Redbone, Rhiannon Giddens and more.

    Since its beginning, globalFEST has showcased more than 200 artists and groups from 70 different countries, and always to sold-out audiences. Founded in response to the aftermath of 9/11, the run-up to the Iraq war, the closing of borders, and rising xenophobia, the festival was a music-filled light in a dark time. The festival has grown from a concert into a catalytic non-profit organization that serves an intersectional array of global artists and the larger performing arts field. Recognizing that artists are often advocates and ambassadors, globalFEST has also become a platform for those whose homes were under duress, from Gulf artists post-Katrina to Haitian artists after the 2010 earthquake to Muslim artists amidst Trump’s “Muslim Ban.” Additionally, the festival has centered gender equity as a goal and made LGBTQ+ voices a programming priority.

    globalFEST 2023 Recap

    globalFEST 2024 takes place on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Lincoln Center, inside David Geffen Hall. Tickets for the general public go on sale Thursday, October 26 at 12 p.m. ET. For the latest news on globalFEST, visit LincolnCenter.org/globalFEST.

  • The Museum of the City of New York Unveils Centennial Exhibition “This Is New York”

    The Museum of the City of New York opened a new exhibition, titled People, Place, and Influence: The Collection at 100. The exhibition celebrates 100 years of the Upper East Side museum, showing a selection of MCNY’s collection of over 750,000 objects. 

    The new exhibition opened on October 13, presented as part of the Museum’s Centennial celebrations. The selection includes rarely seen items such as a dress worn by opera star Marian Anderson, a golden Tiffany & Company tea and coffee set, a mouthguard used by boxer Joe Louis, and a 1985 street art painting by Sandra “Lady Pink” Fabara. Each object was selected from the museum’s collection of over 750,000 pieces, and reveals a unique perspective of the history of New York City.

    People, Place, and Influence: The Collection at 100
    Credit: Brad Farwell

    A proud highlight of the exhibition, titled Produced by New York, shows a diverse collection crafted and sourced from New York City. Relics from pre-1973 Yankee Stadium, original runs of Broadway productions, Vera Maxwell masterpieces, and more show the rich and expansive culture of New York through the years.

    For the last 100 years, MCNY has wrestled with the ambitious notion that a single institution can capture the history, physical transformation, and diversity of this complex metropolis. People, Place, and Influence is a testament to the enduring themes that have defined our museum over the last 100 years. We are not just showcasing objects; we’re weaving together the incredible narratives of a city that has shaped style, politics, and business on a global scale.

    Lilly Tuttle, Curator, Museum of the City of New York

    In addition to the selection of historical items, the exhibition also includes a look at the history and founding of the Museum of the City of New York. The museum stands as the first city museum in the United States, and is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of New York. People, Place, and Influence: The Collection at 100 is on display until April 21, 2024.

    People, Place, and Influence: The Collection at 100
    Credit: Brad Farwell

    The Museum continues another centennial exhibition, This Is New York: 100 Years of the City in Art and Pop Culture. It features an interactive exhibit showcasing artists, writers, and creatives who were both inspired by and influenced the culture and development of New York City. This exhibit is on view through June 21, 2024.

    The Museum is also hosting a monthly film and speaker series in celebration of the centennial, titled New York on Film: Decade by Decade. The events feature studio, independent, and documentary films that tell the story of New York City at the time they were made. A full schedule and lineup are available here.

  • Ice Spice and Pete Davidson Welcome Back Saturday Night Live

    The first episode of Saturday Night Live‘s 49th season aired on October 14, with former cast member Pete Davidson hosting, joined by musical guest and Bronx native, Ice Spice. The show had been on hold due to the recently ended Writers Guild of America strike.

    pete davidson saturday night live ice spice

    Opening the show with an uncharacteristically serious message, Davidson discussed the events in Israel and Gaza, comparing the recent terrorist attacks to those of 9/11, when Davidson’s father Scott, a firefighter, was killed in the tragic events of that day. It was comedy – Eddie Murphy’s Delirious – that helped Pete deal with the childhood trauma he endured, and with saying that, Davidson shared he would try to be funny this evening.

    And try he did, with a few fresh sketches – Wired Autocomplete Interview, Beach Day and Secretary – plus topical sketches including FOX NFL Sunday pregame coverage, where the hosts cannot stop talking about Taylor Swift, regardless of her lack of connection to football.

    Davidson didn’t appear as Chad or at the Weekend Update desk as he would while a cast member, instead dialing all his energy into “I’m Just Pete,” a parody of “I’m Just Ken” from this summer’s Barbie movie. Self-deprecating to the core, Pete makes light of himself and criticisms of his character in a poignant and hilarious digital short.

    Ice Spice served as musical guest for the first time on Saturday Night Live, having gained a following for her unique voice and style of rapping. This past week, the Bronx-native rapper won big at the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards for Best Breakthrough hip-hop artist, and coming up in November, she will open select dates for Doja Cat.

    Standing stiffly on the Studio 8H stage, an LED box was created around Ice, with two dancers flanking her with a low LED ceiling and dancefloor, while she sang her hit “In Ha Mood.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4t2SKGjkTE

    Ice Spice’s second song this evening was introduced surprisingly by Taylor Swift, with her new song “Pretty Girl” on, with Nigerian singer Rema joining her for a duet.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3FzkxeEACE

    SNL returns on October 21 with host and musical guest, Bad Bunny.

  • Get a first look at SPAMALOT, Coming to Broadway on October 31

    Broadway’s SPAMALOT is slated to begin performances on Tuesday, October 31, with the official opening ‘knight’ Thursday, November 16 at the St. James Theatre on 44th Street.

    broadway spamalot

    SPAMALOT features Tony Award nominee Christopher Fitzgerald (Waitress) as Patsy, Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin, Hamilton) as King Arthur, Taran Killam (“Saturday Night Live”) as Lancelot, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Beetlejuice) as The Lady of the Lake, Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical) as The Historian/Prince Herbert, Jimmy Smagula (Billy Elliot) as Sir Bedevere, Drama Desk Award winner Michael Urie (“Shrinking,” Torch Song) as Sir Robin and Nik Walker (Hamilton) as Sir Galahad.

    Additional cast include with David Josefsberg, Graham Stevens, Daniel Beeman, Maria Briggs, Gabriella Enriquez, Michael Fatica, Denis Lambert, Shina Ann Morris, Kaylee Olson, Kristin Piro, Drew Redington, Tyler Roberts, Anju Cloud, Darrell T. Joe, Lily Kaufmann, and Charlie Sutton. Iglehart, Kritzer, Smagula, Urie and Walker will be reprising their roles from the record-breaking sold-out run at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

    SPAMALOT features SNL alum Taran Killam as Lancelot

    The musical first galloped onto Broadway in 2005, featuring a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. The original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and won three, including Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical (Mike Nichols) and Best Featured Actress (Sara Ramirez as The Lady of the Lake) and featured choreography by Casey Nicholaw. Josh Rhodes (Bright Star, Cinderella) will return from the Kennedy Center production to direct and choreograph on Broadway. Jeffrey Finn, Vice President & Executive Producer of Theater and Artistic Director, Broadway Center Stage at The Kennedy Center serves as lead producer.

    The creative team also includes scenic and projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III, costume design by Jen Caprio, lighting design by Cory Pattak, sound design by Kai Harada & Haley Parcher, wig design by Tom Watson and music direction by John Bell. Casting is by JZ Casting, Matthew Lacey will serve as the Production Stage Manager and RCI Theatricals will serve as General Manager.

  • Warren Haynes to play Love Rocks NYC On 3-Date Solo Tour

    Gov’t Mule frontman Warren Haynes is hitting the road for three intimate solo shows in April, ahead of Gov’t Mule’s full spring tour, celebrating 30 years. Warren Haynes will play Love Rocks NYC at the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan on March 10. 

    Gov't Mule performs for a sold-out crowd at the Salvage Station in Asheville, North Carolina on June 3, 2022.
    Gov’t Mule performs for a sold-out crowd at the Salvage Station in Asheville, North Carolina on June 3, 2022. Photo by David Simchock

    Love Rocks NYC is an annual charity event benefitting God’s Love We Deliver, a secular non-profit that prepares and delivers meals to sick New York City residents. The event takes place at The Beacon Theatre on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and this year will feature performers including Mavis Staples, Hozier, Melissa Etheridge, Allison Russell, Larkin Poe, Tyler Bryant, David Shaw, and more. This year will mark Warren Haynes’ fourth appearance at the charity event on March 10.

    After the past 2 years, I’m excited, like everyone else, to get back to doing what I love. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to do a handful of intimate, solo shows before the Mule gets rolling.

    Warren Haynes

    Haynes will also make stops in South Deerfield, MA, and Ridgefield, CT along his solo run. In addition to Love Rocks NYC, Haynes will join his band Gov’t Mule at the Beacon Theatre on December 30 and 31. The group will tour in support of their most recent album, Heavy Load Blues, released in November 2021 to chart-topping success.

    Gov't Mule Thirty Years Strong Tour

    Pre-sale tickets for Love Rocks NYC go on sale Thursday, February 17th with the public on-sale starting Friday, February 18th at 10am ET. More information available here.

    Tickets for the South Deerfield dates go on sale Tuesday, February 15th, at 6pm ET. Tickets for the Ridgefield show go on sale Wednesday, February 16th at 10am ET. For more details or to purchase, visit www.warrenhaynes.net. 

    For information on Gov’t Mule’s upcoming Spring 2024 tour, visit mule.net.

  • 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.

  • In Focus: Metric’s Old World Underground 20th Anniversary Show at Bowery Ballroom

    Metric is one of those bands I had heard so much about over the last 20 years, yet never got to see live, that is until Tuesday, October 10 at New York’s intimate Bowery Ballroom.

    Fresh off the Gargage/Noel Gallagher tour this summer, the band has often been comfortable as an opening act, even opening up for Paramore at Madison Square Garden. To Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their first album Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? they set out on a short run of small intimate clubs.

    The Canadian synthpop four-piece (though this night they were nothing short of high energy rock show) really held nothing back last night as they strolled out in style onto the stage at the Bowery. No fluff, not even an opening act booked, just doors at 8pm, Metric at 9pm, as the sign at the door stated. Front woman Emily Haines came out with nothing to prove as the room erupted and the band plowed through a few songs before she addressed the crowd.

    It’s hard to keep your eyes off her on stage, the band was really tight and energetic, a crammed stage full of keyboards facing pretty much every direction, rotating between rock, pop and some acoustic numbers. Half the set was of course songs off Old World, followed by 5 off Formentera, a few covers and one song off the new Album out Today, Formentera II.

    Metric – Bowery Ballroom, NYC – Tuesday, October 10

    Setlist: IOU, The List, False Dichotomy, What Feels Like Eternity, Succexy, Dead Disco, Who Would You Be for Me, Love Is a Place, Formentera, Just the Once, All Comes Crashing, Calculation Theme, On a Slow Night, Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl, Doomscroller, Hustle Rose, Combat Baby, Nothing Is Perfect

  • 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.