Brooklyn based rock band Dive Brake have just released their debut EP full of unapologetic progressive rock songs. Along with this, the band has a gig lined up for May 6th at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 in Manhattan. Joining them will be Nick Balzano’s band Whaley (fka Logan Whaley Band), and Dysfunktone.
Dive Brake is a progressive grunge jamband trio from Brooklyn. They recorded 9 tracks with Pinch Records, a very small startup label out of Long Island City, and just got their first 3 songs released as an EP titled The Approach.
The tracks are supposed to play well in order. “Static” being the leadoff, coming across funky and heavy. Next, “4 Banger” is an alt-prog banger with 2 different refrains and a jammed out multi part bridge section. Lastly, “Stay on Target” is an 11:34 long epic. The Approach EP is available everywhere.
There will be a follow up LP that contains the rest of the tracks from those sessions where The Approach was recorded. Keep your eyes peeled for more info on that in the coming months.
From casual jams between Nick Pascarella and Steve Remp, following the breakup of Gone Quite Mad, thus, Dive Brake was born. But after grabbing the attention of a longtime friend and collaborator, Dexter Larsen, a once innocuous trio launched into full blown ascent.
With using their distortion laden verses and enveloping choruses, the occasional Latin groove driven bridge, never ending tumults of guitar led melody. Their sound isn’t music you listen to casually, it’s for when you want to be assaulted by sound.
Olivia Barton and Lizzy McAlpine delivered an unforgettable performance at Brooklyn Steel on April 25th. With Olivia’s whimsical and dreamy indie-folk sound, followed by Lizzy’s soulful and emotionally charged ballads, the night was filled with an electric energy that left the audience mesmerized. The two talented musicians complemented each other perfectly, creating a show that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Olivia Barton – Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Olivia Barton is a Boston-based singer-songwriter originally from Orlando, Florida. Growing up as the youngest of four children to an English teacher and a literary writer, Barton was a sensitive child who quickly took to songwriting. Her musical influences range from The Eagles, James Taylor, and Indigo Girls, which have all shaped her writing style. Her writing can now be compared to contemporary indie folk rock artists such as Margaret Glaspy, Pinegrove, The Staves, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Olivia Barton Setlist: Good Day, I Don’t Sing My Songs, Control Freak, Sonic [Unreleased], I Don’t Do Anything, if i were a fish [corook cover, with corook], I Love You Just For Trying
Lizzy McAlpine – Photograph by Caroline Reynolds
Lizzy McAlpine is an indie folk singer-songwriter from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who has been writing music since the 6th grade. She studied songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston before leaving in her junior year to pursue music full-time. McAlpine’s debut studio album, Give Me a Minute, released in August 2020, received critical acclaim and has been streamed millions of times on Spotify. She has since released an 8-song EP “When the World Stopped Moving: The Live EP”, made her late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel, and released her second studio album, Five Seconds Flat. She has a growing global fanbase, as shown by her entirely sold out Spring tour, including 2 shows in NY. With a unique voice and heartfelt lyrics, she has solidified her place in the indie-folk scene.
Lizzy McAlpine Setlist: an ego thing, Over-the-Ocean Call (Andrew), all my ghosts, firearm, doomsday, Give Me A Minute, Nothing / Sad N Stuff, called you again, ceilings, Broken Glass [Unreleased], I Guess [Unreleased], In What World, erase me, come down soon [Unreleased], Pancakes for Dinner, orange show speedway
Olivia Barton – Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
Olivia Barton’s set was an intimate and engaging affair, with the crowd hanging onto every word and chord. From the very beginning, the audience was in sync with the performer – with one fan even shouting out that they were fellow acapella academy alumni like Barton. She kicked things off with “Good Day”, a buoyant and soulful tune that set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Barton’s banter between songs was just as charming and captivating as her music, with the singer reminiscing about her time living in Brooklyn and working at three restaurants simultaneously. She congratulated the crowd on their strength and resilience, telling them that they must be “strong as hell” to make it in the city. The standout song of the night was undoubtedly “Sonic”, a brand new, unreleased track that Barton explained was actually about the restaurant chain “Steak and Shake” and also about the love of her life. The singer stumbled adorably during her performance, accidentally blending the chords of “I Don’t Do Anything” with “Sonic” – a moment that only added to the overall charm of the night. She closed out her set with “If I Were a Fish”, bringing up her partner and fellow musician Corook to sing the song together – a fitting end to an unforgettable set.
Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
The US leg of The End of the Movie Tour is going on all the way until May 13 in Oakland, CA before Lizzy jets off to Dublin for the European leg of the sold out tour.
This summer Jodeci will be headlining one of the biggest R&B tours of 2023 known as the Summer Block Party. The tour will also feature the legendary R&B vocal trio Sisters With Voices (SWV) and R&B group Dru Hill. On August 4 the icons will make a stop at the Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, New York. Fans will be able to enjoy a night of generational smashes and instantly recognizable R&B hits.
Recognized as “The Bad Boys of R&B,” Jodeci is one of the most influential R&B groups of all time. The band consists of K-Ci, DeVante Swing, JoJo, and Mr. Dalvin. The band quickly established themselves as trendsetters through their signature style, soulful harmonies, and chart-topping hits. Together they have sold over 20 million global records and achieved three #1 albums on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.
Jodeci’s 1991 debut album “Forever My Lady” ranked #1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart in its first week of release. Additionally, the album’s hits “Come & Talk To Me,” and “Stay,” topped the charts reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The group gained more success with their albums “Diary Of A Mad Band”, “The Show, The After Party, The Hotel”, and a hit single, “Cry For You”. The albums ranked #1 album on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and the single landed #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks chart.
In 2021, Jodeci reunited and signed with P Music Group for management by Founder and CEO Michael Paran. To deliberate their reunion, Jodeci united with Charlie Wilson and New Edition for a 30-city tour in 2022. Following the tour, Jodeci gave an exceptional performance at the 2022 BET Awards paying homage to Diddy with a medley of their famed hits.
Sisters With Voices is a New York City based R&B vocal trio featuring the members Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” George and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons. Growing up, the vocalists perfected their harmonies singing in church that later became synonymous with the group in the 1990s. Kenny Ortiz, a Grammy-nominated record executive heard the girl’s early demo and quickly signed them to RCA. Ortiz introduced SWV to Brian Morgan who wrote and produced songs on their debut album, “It’s About Time”. The album was a huge success making double platinum within its first year of release.
The album features hit songs “Right Here/Human Nature” and “Weak” both of which went to #1 on the R&B Billboard charts. Additionally, their song “Weak” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop chart and was certified Gold. SWV’s follow-up albums, “New Beginning” and “Release Some Tension” were certified Platinum and Gold, containing hit singles “Rain,” “Someone,” “You’re The One,” and “Use Your Heart.” The trio has made significant achievements by being honored on VH1’s “100 Greatest Women in Music” list, nominated for an American Music Award and Source Award. They also won the Soul Train “Lady of Soul” award, landed #7 on Billboard’s list of Top R&B acts and #2 on Billboard’s Top Selling/Airplay R&B Female Group of the 1990’s.
Dru Hill was founded in 1992 and was discovered by their manager Kevin Peck. The members Mark “Sisqó” Andrews, Larry “Jazz”Anthony, Tamir “Nikio” the N-Tity” Ruffin, and James “Woody Rock” Green engraved themselves into the legacy of R&B music and brought a dynamic sound to the ever-changing industry. The superstars given the world music for the ages with hits like “Tell Me,” “In My Bed,” “Never Make a Promise,” and “How Deep Is Your Love”
Over the years, Dru Hill has received multiple awards, performed across the world, topped the Billboard Music charts multiple times, and has sold over 40 million records worldwide. Dru Hill continues to solidify their legacy as one of the greatest groups of all time. The band was recently awarded with an Urban Music Icon Award presented by Black Music Honors.
Artist presale goes live on Tuesday, April 25 and lasts until April 27. The general on-sale begins on Friday, April 28 at 10 am. Tickets can be found here.
TOUR DATES
7/28 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
7/29 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena
7/30 Greensboro, NC White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Today, April 28, the pop-punk band Nonstop to Cairo released a new song, “Not Today,” which will be followed by their LP, Kai, on May 5, via collaboration with Rama Entertainment and Creative Entertainment Network/The Orchard, a division of Sony Music. Before the debut of the new song and new album, the band re-released their single “Awkward Situations,” on March 31. Additionally, Nonstop to Cairo will appear at Hempfest at Dublin Deck Tiki Bar and Grill on April 29, for their album release party.
Kai album art. Credit: Dana Gordon, Indie Music Media.
Nonstop to Cairo consists of August “ASH” Harris (vocals,) Nick Diamond (guitar/vocals,) Alex Turner (drums/vocals,) and Ed Nevin (Bass guitar), from Baldwin. The band released their debut album, Dabble Heavy, and performed at several Long Island Music venues in support of the album in 2018, including Amityville Music Hall. Their upcoming LP, Kai, is in honor of the band’s former trumpet player/keyboardist, Kevin Anand Itwaru, who passed away in 2020, shortly before the album was recorded, and his initials make up the album title. While the album was inspired by their grief, it is also a celebration of life, according to Nonstop to Cairo.
“Our sophomore album Kai is a celebration of life, dedicated to our friend, brother, and former member Kevin Anand Itwaru who passed away in 2020. The project is a great portrayal of the vision we created with him, as our sound is ever-evolving. Kai is about the ups and downs of life, music, loss, and the connection needed to persevere,” shares guitarist Diamond.
“Awkward Situations,” has a pop-punk sound, with melodic punk rhythms, fast-paced riffs, and rapid-fire rap. It’s the perfect song for anyone that needs to let out any feelings of anxiousness or nerves they’ve been holding in. Sometimes, you just need to scream at the top of your lungs, and it’s clear from “Awkward Situations,” that the band understands that feeling.
Nonstop to Cairo will release their new song, “Not Today,” on April 28, and their LP, Kai, is due for release on May 5. Stream music by Nonstop to Cairo and pre-saveKai.
New York-based alternative indie band Evil Sweet has just debuted their newest EP Queen Victoria, on April 28th. According to the band, the album evokes a different she of love at various stages in a relationship.
Evil Sweet is an up-and-coming pop-rock band based in Long Island founded by members Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and Zachary Castro. Thus, having achieved over 100K streams on the singles for the EP and playing legendary venues like The Bowery Electric. Their energy is familiar to indie artists like The Neighborhood, Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys.
Zach is the guitarist and rapper for the group with Scotty on lead vocals, both having heavy roles in the songwriting. Evil Sweet blends multiple genres like rock, pop, blues, folk, and hip-hop. The two have been creating music together since their early high school years.
When listening to the album, keep in mind that each song is supposed to represent a different stage of love in a relationship. Queen Victoria is a unique album for Evil Sweet to release, it has sweet and delicate songs like “Long Live The Queen,” where the lyrics are quite meaningful. Almost very similar to Panic! At The Dico’s 2008 release Pretty Odd.
The intro song “Something” also hits differently, having sounded straight out of an 80’s soundboard, flowy and bubbly. Songs like “Queen Victoria” and “Out of Nowhere” are energetic and high-strung, the vocalist reminiscent of The Kooks. “How To Love You” was a favorite on the album, having meaningful lyrics and an upbeat tempo.
The band has also had an amazing start to 2023 with the two singles “Something” and “Out of Nowhere” achieving over 100,000 streams on Spotify being interviewed by underground indie-blog “Girl at the Rock Shows.” Evil Sweet prepare for the release of their debut EP Queen Victoria on April 28th.
New York-based Pop-punk band Against the Current began a world tour that kicked off its U.S. leg on April 22 and will have a performance at the Gramercy Theatre this coming May.
Against the Current also dropped their new single, “good guy.” Vocalist Chrissy Costanza describes the track as “all about going from anger to apathy, recognizing that this person that hurt you is too sad to hate,” urging listeners to “don’t ignore the red flags, trust your gut.”
The members of Against the Current, from left to right: Will Ferri (drums, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboards, backing vocals,) Chrissy Costanza (lead vocals,) and Dan Gow (lead guitar, backing vocals.)
Against the Current originated in Poughkeepsie and consists of Will Ferri, Chrissy Costanza, and Dan Gow. The band’s career spans over a decade, forming in 2011 before releasing their debut studio album, In Our Bones, in 2016. This was followed by 2018’s Past Lives, and aside from their two studio album, Against the Current have released several EPs.
“good guy” is a relatable track made even better by its visualizer. It tells the story of a romantic suitor (whether it be a guy, girl, etc.) who won’t drop their “good guy” act even when they’ve already made their true colors clear, and you’re finally seeing them for who they are. “good guy” and more music by Against the Current is now streaming.
Tickets for Against the Current’s world tour are now on sale.
Following his live performance debut at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Jai Paul traveled East to Queens‘ Knockdown Center on Tuesday, April 25.
It has been over 10 years since Jai released his first single, “BTSTU” on the acclaimed British label, XL Recordings. In that time, his debut project was leaked prematurely (then made officially available), founded a label with his brother, aptly called The Paul Institute, and returned with two new singles.
Due to this mystifyingly sporadic release pattern, it is no surprise his first headlining performance would be to much fanfare (and a consistently lengthy merch line).
Backed by his brother A. K. Paul on guitar, fellow Paul Institute member, Fabiana Palladino on keyboard and backing vocals, Rocco Palladino on bass, and Isaac Kizito on drums, the group performed an hour-long featuring many songs from the aforementioned leaked project (Bait Ones) and a new song titled, “So Long”, which he premiered a week prior in Indio.
Jai had the audience from the start, jumping into “He” after an interlude of “Higher Res”, many in the crowd finally feeling a sense of relief after anticipation of a live performance lurked for over a decade.
Numerous times throughout the night he showed genuine appreciation for the fans sticking with him for this long, repeating “I know I’ve been gone a long time” in the chorus of “BTSTU”.
The show concluded with the sonically expansive track “Str8 Outta Mumbai”, reaching back out to the crowd with the line “but you know I’ll do anything for you” to conclude the song and cathartic performance.
As soon as the Vani Jairam sample hit, the crowd immediately erupted into exhilaration, dancing and bouncing throughout the packed sold-out venue.
Jai Paul returns to his hometown of London, England to perform two shows at HERE @ Outernet on May 9th and 10th.
Jai Paul | Knockdown Center | Queens, NY | April 25, 2023
Setlist: Higher Res, He, Crush, 100,000, So Long, All Night, Zion Wolf Theme, Good Time, Genevieve, Do You Love Her Now, Jasmine, BTSTU, Str8 Outta Mumbai
Lloyd Banks continues his run of quality projects with his latest release, The Course Of The Inevitable 3: Pieces Of My Pain. The PLK’s (Punch Line King) latest release came with little press-run and debuted near the top of the iTunes rap charts, eventually climbing its way up to number 1. However, this is a familiar feat for the Jamaica Queens native, whose Course of The Inevitable series has seen Lloyd Banks return to studio albums after years of free mixtape downloads.
All in all, the response has been positive. The Course Of The Inevitable 3 currently sits at number 3 on the iTunes chart trailing only NF’s Hope and Youngboy Never Broke Again’s Don’t Try This At Home. Known for his introverted personality as much as for his lyrical prowess, Lloyd Banks kept the project’s features close to home as usual. With guest verses from Method Man, Dave East, Vado, 38 Spesh, Cormega and longtime friend and G-unit cohort, Tony Yayo.
In light, Lloyd Banks has sculpted The Course Of The Inevitable 3 to be a New York-centric album, full of hustlers and survivors of the streets who can help Banks relay his message. As the album’s Apple Music synopsis says, “A haze of philosophical street raps and sleekly sinister production.”
Ace Frehley turns 72 on April 27th, proving you are never too old to keep rocking and rolling. While the famed guitarist is most known for his prominent role in the hard rock group KISS, he has also enjoyed a fruitful solo career.
Perhaps one of his biggest solo hits is “New York Groove” – an anthemic encapsulation of Frehley’s youthful spirit and the city that drove him to new heights. But it might surprise you to hear that he didn’t actually write the tune. And that it was popular in Europe long before it ever reached America.
Ace Frehley was born Paul Daniel Frehley in 1951. He grew up in the Bronx and first picked up a guitar at the age of 14. It was here in New York City that Frehley saw the Who and Cream perform live, further solidifying aspirations of rock stardom into his young, impressionable brain.
Frehley cut his teeth on the local NYC scene throughout the late 60s and early 70’s. It was during this time that he answered an ad calling for a guitarist in a hard rock group. It read, “Lead guitarist wanted with flash and ability.”
That fateful listing brought him into the fold of bassist/singer Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist/singer Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss – KISS was officially born.
The band was signed to Casablanca Records in November 1973 and for most of the decade they toured around the world, skyrocketing to the top of their charts. Catchy choruses, searing guitar riffs and a flair for the theatrics helped the band stand out in more ways than one. A string of platinum albums and sold-out tours lasted throughout the late 70’s.
KISS 1983 – Paul Stanley/Getty images
Despite the hectic schedule, all four members of KISS recorded and released respective solo albums on the exact same day in 1978. Frehley’s project was self-titled and featured what would become one of his most popular solo tracks: “New York Groove.”
While the song feels representative of Frehley’s own experiences in New York, the track is actually a cover, originally written by Russ Ballard and recorded by a glam-inspired rock band called Hello. The original track achieved a fair amount of success in Europe, charting at #9 in the U.K. and #7 in Germany. It was reportedly recorded in less than 5 hours in a studio just north of London.
Ballard said in an interview that he had the idea for the song while on a plane ride to NYC.
I felt that’d be a good title for a song,” he said. “The whole idea was of someone going back to New York and singing about the experience.”
The song encapsulates the feeling of a nostalgic return to a place once called home. It starts with the lyrics:
Many years since I was here On the street I was passin’ my time away To the left and to the right Buildings towering to the sky, it’s outta sight
After years of relentless touring, one would think Frehley could relate to the feeling of coming home for the first time in a while. But apparently, Frehley was not enthusiastic about recording the song; he had never even heard the track before covering it. But alas, the label wanted a more commercial song on the album and so, Frehley went ahead with it.
In an interview with Louder Sound in 2016, Frehley put it like this:
“A lot of people think I wrote New York Groove. It’s not a myth that I’ve perpetuated, but that’s the way it is. I wish I would’ve wrote the song, though. I would’ve made a lot more cash out of it, ha-ha-hargh!”
While most of Frehley’s solo album was recorded in a studio in Connecticut, “New York Groove” was a late addition and was recorded in Plaza Sound Studios, right above Radio City Music Hall.
Ace Frehley’s hit single “New York Groove,” released September 18th, 1978
Frehley, Simmons, Stanley and Criss all released their solo albums on September, 18th 1978. But Frehley was the only one who managed a hit single, with none other than “New York Groove. “It stayed on the U.S. charts for 21 weeks, peaking at #13.
Frehley told Louder Sound in that same interview that there was no competition among bandmates to have the best record. But he also revealed that he hadn’t really listened to his fellow bandmates’ projects.
“I did put Gene’s on once,” he recalled in the interview. “When I heard his version of When You Wish Upon A Star I had to pull it off the turntable, ha-ha-hargh!”
Origins Vol. 2, released in 2020, featuring classic rock covers such as “Good Times Bad Times” and Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Frehley has continued to release solo projects in the past few decades. His most recent solo album, Origins Vol. 2, was released on September 18, 2020. It is a follow-up to Origins Vol. 1, released in 2016. Both consist of covers of some of Ace Frehley’s favorite songs. Still, “New York Groove” remains a signature song.
In an interview, Russ Ballard attributes the song’s success to its simplicity. “I guess it surprised me because it’s so incredibly simple. They say a good song will always sell, and there’s a lot of truth in that.”
“New York Groove” Lyrics
Many years since I was here On the street I was passin’ my time away To the left and to the right, buildings towering to the sky It’s outta sight in the dead of night
(Ooh) Here I am, again in this city (Ooh) With a fistful of dollars And baby, you’d better believe
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove Back in the New York Groove, in the New York Groove In the back of my Cadillac Wicked lady, sittin’ by my side, sayin’ “Where are we?” Stopped at 3rd and 43, exit to the night It’s gonna be ecstasy, this place was meant for me
(Ooh) I feel so good tonight (Ooh) Who cares about tomorrow So baby, you’d better believe
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove Back in the New York Groove, in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
I’m back, back in the New York Groove I’m back, back in the New York Groove
The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) has announced the launch of a new 44-piece string orchestra for New York City residents ages 10-18 years old, named Crescendo.
The brand-new orchestra Crescendo will provide access to outstanding music education for a diverse range of students affected by the pandemic. In addition to weekly ensemble rehearsals, students will receive chamber music coaching, workshops, and masterclasses with professional musicians as well as guidance on audience engagement, careers in the arts, audition preparation, and more. Students will study and prepare music by historically underrepresented composers, including women, members of the LGBTQIA community, and people of color, as well as standard works from classical composers.
The New York Youth Symphony was founded in 1963, internationally recognized for its award-winning and innovative educational programs for talented young musicians. It was awarded the 2023 Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance – Classical, the first youth orchestra to win a Grammy in this category. The NYYS has provided over 7,000 students opportunities to perform at world-class venues including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and The Times Center, all while learning valuable skills like commitment, discipline, focus, and collaboration.
Music Director of Crescendo, Tanatchaya Chanphanitpornkit
The Music Director of Crescendo is Tanatchaya (Tanya) Chanphanitpornkit, who is no stranger to the impact music can have on a child’s life. “I never had access to, or really knew about playing music until I came to the United States. In Thailand, it wasn’t part of the conversation at all, and it has made me understand the importance of access and education right here in our own backyard.” She was born into poverty in the farmlands of Thailand, and it wasn’t until she moved to New Jersey at the age of 10 that she had some exposure to classical music in middle school, and after her father’s death, she dived into playing the bass. “It is with that experience that I truly believe that Crescendo could not only help the lives of youth around NYC, but the world by bridging the gap in music education and teaching everyone the power of music and building a love for it,” she added.
Crescendo’s Ensemble-in-Residence for the first year will be the Aizuri Quartet, who has had a relationship with NYYS for several seasons through the Chamber Music and Composition programs. They will be holding four sectionals – two for each concert cycle, performing with the orchestra at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall on April 21, 2024, at 3 P.M. Crescendo will perform an additional concert at Merkin Hall on November 20, 2023, at 7 P.M. For more information, visit here.
