The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT bore witness on Sunday, August 20, to an epic convergence of Norse mythology and haunting mystique as two Swedish metal powerhouses, Ghost and Amon Amarth, graced the stage for their highly anticipated “Re-Imperatour” tour. The night unfolded as a mesmerizing journey through the realms of heavy metal, with each band offering a distinct, yet equally captivating performance that left the audience entranced and exhilarated, an indelible mark etched into the hearts of metal enthusiasts.
Ghost | Photo: Michael Dinger
As the sun gradually dipped beneath the horizon, an electric energy crackled through the air, a palpable anticipation that heralded the impending sonic onslaught. The stage underwent a transformation, a living tableau of Norse legends emerged before the crowd’s eyes. Amon Amarth’s stage presence was nothing short of breathtaking, a testament to their commitment to creating an all-encompassing experience that transcends music alone. With their drummer perched atop a colossal, illuminated Thor helmet and flanked by stone statues whose piercing eyes glowed with intensity, the visual spectacle was akin to stepping into a living mythology.
Amon Amarth | Photo: Michael Dinger
Amon Amarth’s setlist was a symphony of raw power and mythic storytelling, a riveting journey that delved deep into Viking lore. The ferocious energy of “Raven’s Flight” ignited the night, propelling the audience into a realm where axes clashed, and ships sailed on stormy seas. Each subsequent song, from the rallying anthem of “Guardians of Asgaard” to the epic crescendo of “Twilight of the Thunder God,” was an auditory saga that stirred the soul. The unexpected moments, like the crowd becoming Viking rowers during “Put Your Back Into The Oar” or the dragon battle during the aforementioned finale, demonstrated Amon Amarth’s ability to create an immersive experience that bridges the gap between music and the mythic.
Amon Amarth | Photo: Michael Dinger
Following Amon Amarth’s thunderous display, the stage underwent a transformation of a different kind, the atmosphere shifting to one of enigmatic reverence as Ghost made their entrance. The band’s mastery of theatricality and musical prowess was immediately evident, with every song seamlessly weaving into the next. The setlist, a carefully curated journey through their discography, was an ode to their unique blend of infectious melodies and haunting storytelling. Tracks like the infectious “Rats,” the dark allure of “Cirice,” and the mesmerizing chants of “Year Zero” resonated deeply with the audience, who became ensnared by Ghost’s mystique.
Yet, it was the unexpected twists that truly showcased Ghost’s ability to captivate and surprise. The resurrection of Papa Nihil during “Miasma” for a masterful saxophone solo was a moment that underscored the band’s penchant for defying expectations. Amid a stage design evoking the ambiance of a gothic church, Ghost spun a spellbinding narrative that balanced arcane themes with auditory enchantment.
Ghost | Photo: Michael Dinger
Amon Amarth and Ghost, each in their distinctive ways, crafted performances that married music and visual artistry, weaving a tapestry of sights and sounds that enveloped the audience in a visceral embrace. The “Re-Imperatour” tour etched itself into Bridgeport’s musical history as a night when the spirit of metal surged to the forefront, a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of heavy music. Attendees departed with not only cherished memories, but also renewed fervor for the immersive possibilities of live music.
Amon Amarth Setlist: Raven’s Flight, Shield Wall, Heidrun, Deceiver of the Gods, Put Your Back Into The Oar, The Way of the Vikings, Guardians of Asgaard, Raise Your Horns, Twilight of the Thunder God
Ghost Setlist: Kaisarion, Rats, From the Pinnacle to the Pit, Spillways, Cirice, Absolution, Ritual, Call Me, Little Sunshine, Con Clavi Con Dio, Watcher in the Sky, Year Zero, He Is, Miasma (featuring Papa Nihil’s saxophone solo), Mary on a Cross, Mummy Dust, Respite on the Spitalfields Encore: Kiss the Go-Goat, Dance Macabre, Square Hammer
Excitement grew as I was able to snag an interview with Robin Wilson, the frontman for both the Gin Blossoms and now the Smithereens, on The Long Island Sound podcast. To be frank, this is my biggest celebrity interview to date and I was a bit nervous.
Sure, like any seasoned interviewer, I did my homework as the familuar Gin Blossoms’ repertoire came front and center to the cacophoney of songs rambling around this tattered brain of mine. “Allison Road,” “Follow You Down” and “Hey Jealousy” all bounced back into my mind as I researched Robin Wilson.
Still I was a bit concerned about going the interview alone, so I reached out to an old guest of the podcast, Peter Mancini, a fabulous singer/songwriter in his own right. With about thirty years between Peter and myself, I was captivated to see my co-host question one of his musical influences, and provide a true songwritters perspective on the podcast episode. During an earlier interview with Mancini, he mentioned the Gin Blossoms as one of bands he admired. Pete really stepped up with some great insights, and literally saved the session, when a camera glitch could have been an unfortunate hiccup for the flow of the conversation. You can hear the full interview right here on The Long Island Sound Podcast.
Record Store Rendezvous
Prior to streaming service playlists, the teenage Rock-n-Roll faithful would peruse the local record store to quench their thirst for audio excelence. That’s exactly the nexis where the Gin Blossoms began.
…so pretty much all the musicians either hung out at Tower Records or worked there, and so I knew Bill Leen, the Gin Blossoms’ Bass player.
Robin Wilson
Robin brought us back to the path of his incorporation into the group and how generous bandmate would share the limelight and have him take the frontman position.
Being in the company of musicians, and surrounding yourself with great music from all genres cultivates a furtile field for aspiring musicians to find their path. The recipe of placing oneself in the company of music lovers seems to have helped Robin Wilson be in the right place at the right time. That’s one of the reasons why I love hosting The Long Island Sound podcast. Connecting with artists of all stripes has given me the opportunity to make connections, and root out inspiration, not only for music, but for my personal well-being.
From MTV to SNL Making Connections
Curious to understand how this Tempe, Arizona navtive came upon the shore of Long Island. Robin recalled meeting his ex-wife, Gena Rositano on Jon Stewart’s show on MTV in 1993.
And so all these all these years, you know, I’ve had an inside track to you know, the world of MTV and of Saturday Night Live. And that’s just through Gena.
Robin Wilson
The Gin Blossoms appeared on Stewart’s premiere show, along with a guest appearance by Howard Stern. Gena is a native of Valley Stream, and both Robin and Gena settled there. Jon Stewart later officiated Robin and Gena’s wedding and as they say, the rest is history. Gena later moved on to Saturday Night Live, where the Gin Blossoms appeard in March of 1996.
Chance Meetings
Wilson has built an amazing music career through timely connections, talent and perseverance. Whether it was working with Marshall Crenshaw and the Smithereens or working with fantastic producers like Don Dixon or John Hampton the Gin Blossoms were in the company of the very crew who produced, R.E.M., The Replacements, the White Stripes, and Jimmy Vaughn.
Lamenting the pending induction at The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, I pointed out the wellspring of talent Robin will join who all made their home on Long Island. From Billy Joel to Joan Jett and the likes of Harry Chapin, Jimmy Webb and Steve Vai. Robin will be playing at his induction on Friday, August 25th along side his son, Aubrey. He plans on playing some Gin Blossom and Smithereen tunes and will be joined by Graham Maby (Bassist for Joe Jackson) who also resides on Long Island. You can find all the details about Robin’s induction ceremony by going to The Long Island Music and Entertainment website.
I’ve been continually amazed at the ability for artists, particularly singer/songwriters and their ability to create the songs that often become the soundtracks for our lives. Talent and hardwork don’t always pay immediate dividends, but for the lucky few who are skilled at making their own breaks, with purposeful networking; sometimes they get to snatch the brass ring for their chance to sing the words, we cannot find, and draw out sweet emotions from time to time.
For the rest of the story and my interview with Robin Wilson, as well as other amazing artists and new music, search for “The Long Island Sound” wherever you listen to podcasts or find it right here on Spotify.
New York-based artist The Bones of J.R. Jones have released the single and music video for their newest song “The Good Life,” the third leading song for his October 13 album Slow Lightning.
Photo Credit – Chloe Horseman
Preparing for his first project in five years, Jonathon Linaberry’s (best known by his stage name The Bones of J.R. Jones) “The Good Life” arrives alongside a music video featuring actress Maggie McDowell who encompasses many of the song’s free-thinking themes in the visual form.
Across the music video, McDowell ditches the past and thrives on her own, flees the chaos of a day job, explores the open fields of life, and overall indulges in moments of pure joy, the song’s central message.
Prior to “The Good Life,” Jones dropped “The Flood” on July 17 and the lead single “Heaven Help Me” on June 20, further setting the stage for the 12-track Slow Lightning coming this October.
When it comes to the creative process for “The Good Life” music video, Linaberry discusses how he “wanted this video to walk the line of joy and heaviness of life,” utilizing McDowell’s acting skills to create the additionally help build the song’s storyline.
“’The Good Life’ was definitely a product of me trying to break through and learn to enjoy the moment I am in. Even if that moment is hard. Even if it is frustrating. Even if it feels like treading water, which in my mind is a synonym for death. I suppose I wrote ‘The Good Life’ to help remind myself of that. That we can always find a way out.”
– Jonathon Linaberry (The Bones of J.R. Jones)
Serving as his first album in five years and the artist’s first collective release since the 2021 EP ACelebration, Slow Lightning expects to display The Bones of J.R. Jones’ folk talent and evolution over the years.
On top of the upcoming project are his U.S. and European tour from September 2 to November 18 (including four stops in New York) and an album release show at Mercury Lounge in New York City on October 13.
The Bones of J.R. Jones Tour Dates
United States –
9/2 – Fairmont, WV – Palatine Park
9/7 – Buffalo, NY – Ninth Ward
9/8 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe
9/9 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
9/10 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
9/12 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi
9/13 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
9/14 – Columbus, OH – Basement
9/15 – Syracuse, NY – Funk N’ Waffles
10/12 – Washington, DC – DC9
10/13 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
10/14 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios
10/16 – Richmond, VA – Camel
10/17 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Cafe and Music Hall
10/18 – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
Karina Rykman has just released her debut album JOYRIDE for all to stream and enjoy. The nine-track project comes just ahead of her 2023 tour, beginning September 20 with multiple festival appearances before hand.
In light, Rykman’s debut album has been highly anticipated since its announcement, due to the singer’s uniqueness and ability to captivate an audience. Moreover, she brings an original style to fans as the album thoroughly captures Rykman’s jubilant brand of sonic exploration. Additionally bridging an array of genres to arrive at her own take on psychedelic indie rock. With this intention, the album includes the artist’s newest single “All That You Wanted” which features vocal accompaniment from Veronica Stewart-Frommer of Melt, as well as guitars from Melt guitarist Marlo Shankweiler and Phish’s Trey Anastasio.
About the Album
Equally important is that JOYRIDE features Trey Anastasio as co-producer and featured musician, contributing guitar on five of the album’s nine tracks. In turn, Anastasio has taken a profound interest in being a part of Rykman’s debut album, since encountering each other at 2021’s Peach Music Festival in Scranton, PA. As well as the Phish frontman offering the use of his storied Vermont studio, The Barn, along with the suggestion to work with renowned mixer Bryce Goggin, the collaboration was set right from the start.
Moreover, in celebration of the release, Rykman will finish up her summer schedule and head out on her largest headlined tour yet, visiting New York nooks with a sold out show in Brooklyn and a performance in Lake George.
Although her headline tour truly begins September 20th, the artist will perform in select music festivals all over the states including Thornville, OH’s Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival, Cockeysville, MD’s Hot August Music Festival, Lake George, NY’s Adirondack Independence Music Festival, and many more. Meanwhile fans can catch the artist at the shows shown below or can simply meander to any streaming service to listen to JOYRIDE.
JOYRIDE TOUR 2023
August 18th – Thornville, OH – Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival *
August 19th – Cockeysville, MD – Hot August Music Festival *
September 1st -3rd – Lake George, NY – Adirondack Independence Music Festival *
September 9th – Indianapolis, IN – All In Music & Arts Festival *
September 10th – Mundelein, IL – The Miracle In Mundelein *
September 15th – Fredericton, NB – Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival *
September 16th – Greenfield, MA – Wormtown Music Festival
September 17th – East Aurora, NY – Borderland Music Festival *
September 20th – Brooklyn, NY – Baby’s All Right (SOLD OUT)
September 21st – Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar †
September 22nd – Baltimore, MD – The 8×10 †
September 23rd – Richmond, VA – The Camel †
September 25th – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall †
September 26th – Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall †
September 28th – Charleston, SC – The Charleston Pour House †
September 29th – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5 †
September 30th – Nashville, TN – The Blue Room at Third Man Records †
October 27th – San Diego, CA – Winstons Beach Club †
October 28th – Los Angeles, CA – Venice West †
October 29th – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel †
November 1st – Cave Junction, OR – Bruno’s Cavern †
November 2nd – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub †
November 3rd – Portland, OR – Polaris Hall †
November 4th – Seattle, WA – High Dive †
December 1st – Burlington, VT – Nectar’s
December 2nd – Burlington, VT – Nectar’s
December 3rd – Portland, ME – Portland House of Music and Events
As hip hop celebrates its 50th year of existence, its stronghold on pop-culture remains ever-present. With exhibits, festivals and documentaries in honor of the world’s most popular genre. As hip hop evolves, nuances and pieces of history tend to be lost in the shuffle. Despite reaching the rest of the world, hip hop got its education in New York City. Before the South had something to say, the boroughs battled for supremacy and laid out a blueprint for all to follow. This is what Best of The Boroughs is for. Capturing the essence of hip hop throughout all of New York’s five boroughs and neighboring towns.
The Formative Years
Emerging from the Bronx in 1973, this counter-culture movement quickly sashayed throughout New York. Meanwhile, in Queens, hip hop’s grimy and raw energy went through a maturation process, unveiling an inner-consciousness and business sense. However, Queens’ family oriented local did little to gain the rappers credibility in what remained a rugged genre. Yet, as the movement grew, the masses learned more about Queens’ underworld and the various project housing’s where terror rained. This is what makes Queens unique, there isn’t one singular identity. Much like its socio-economic makeup, the rap scene emerged as a diverse oasis where mainstream, conscious and hardcore all meet.
Queens is home to a diverse mix of hip hop
Manhattan keeps on makin it, Brooklyn keeps on takin it Bronx keeps creatin’ it, and Queens keeps on fakin’ it
– KRS One, “The Bridge is Over”
Having existed in inner-city communities for years, the genre tasted mild success in 1979 with Kurtis Blow‘s Gold single “The Breaks” giving hip hop its own break into the mainstream. However, this cultural consolidation of styles, fashion, street life and music still lacked true superstars to solidify it. Stars that transcended race and culture.
The Beginning of The Golden Era
In essence, this is where Queens made its biggest imprint on the genre, delivering hip hop its first true superstars in Run DMC and LL Cool J. For their part, the “Kings of Rock” were the first rappers to have a platinum album and to appear on MTV — paving the way for fellow Queens native Ed Lover and the culturally monumental Yo! MTV Raps. In a sense, Run DMC showed that hip hop had arrived and rappers were deserving or major label deals. In turn, LL Cool J broke the mold by showing that sustained stardom could come from a solo act and serve as a segue into other business and entertainment opportunities. With their trademark B-Boy fashion, they brought the culture and style of the street dudes to the mainstream, introducing America to a new wave of urban and youth culture.
Queens MC’s have pioneered several trends in hip hop history
In light of this, Queens’ hearty contribution to hip hop often played into the facade that the rappers were soft. With a hub of African American and Caribbean homeowners, it gave an impression that anyone from the borough was the product of some kind of suburbia. Yet the dichotomy was ever-present in the music. While the West Coast gets credit for gangsta rap, Kool G Rap of Corona, Queens is a forefather of the hardcore, street, story-telling style that made the careers of so many rappers.
Of course, Kool G Rap got his start with Queensbridge natives, The Juice Crew. The fabled hip hop collective — spearheaded by producers Mr. Magic and Marley Marl — introduced several legendary acts to the scene including Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie and Roxanne Shante who at only 14 became one of the first women to gain notoriety as a rapper.
Equally important are the Queens-adjacent Long Island rappers who paved the way. A list that includes Rakim, Biz Markie, MF Doom, Erick Sermon, Keith Murray and De La Soul. Now these bunch weren’t from Queens but shared similar rap ideologies, and well they’re closer to Queens than anywhere else.
Hip Hop Evolves
Following behind their predecessors, the next generation of Queens rappers brought on a run of genuine, diverse and innovativeness that created a moment-in-time. Before vulgarity and street ethos became the norm in popular music, acts like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul (Long Island) and Pharoahe Monch offered variance to the scene. As Gangsta Rap rose in popularity, the alternative acts gave insight to the other black existence. And With their own imagination to draw upon, they helped bridge the gap between hip hop and its preceding genres. Eventually bringing about an implementation of jazz and house music into their production to mix with more easy-going subject matter.
Queens rappers brought a unique blend of conscious and gangeter music
At the same time, Queens’ version of gangster music brought about the philosophical street rapper. Hugely influenced by Islamic — but mostly — mafioso ideologies and tactics — thanks to John Gotti’s celebrity status and the cultural impact of films like Scarface and The Godfather — the methodical, tactical and observatory ways of organized crime played a large role thematically in hip hop, street music. Under this backdrop legendary acts like Nas, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga, delivered timeless records that not only depicted the criminal life but instilled valuable life lessons. In contrast, Queens still provided the raucous, wild energy. Both Onyx and The Lost Boyz (R.I.P. Freaky Tah) brought a different frenzied element to the scene, helping showcase how truly diverse in sound Queens was.
The End Of Golden Era
However, for anyone wondering how hip hop became so violent, look no further than the end of the golden era. As popularity grew, so did the stakes. And with the glitz-and-glamour of hip hop at full-force during the late 90’s, it became even harder to blur the lines and separate the streets from the music. Coupled with the monetary benefits of pushing the envelope, name-dropping became the norm as the genre grew to be confrontational.
In Queens, this was epitomized in the beef between Ja Rule and 50 Cent. On the heels of Tupac Shakur’s death, Gangsta Rap had officially taken over. Shakur’s volatile personality and propensity for thought-provoking soundbites — along with his talent — turned him into a media darling. A Queens habitant for a period (being close with E-Moneybags and Stretch of Live Squad), his impact was felt.
Changes
In this aftermath, the Hollis-raised Ja Rule emerged as a star in the late 90’s using similar aesthetics as the now-mythical Tupac. In one of the earlier-instances of the 4th wall breaking, he was mocked by rivals for fabricating a street persona. Which was a cornerstone of something the Southside Jamaica-bred 50 Cent’s image. In essence, their beef stems from 50 feeling slighted because neighborhood hero Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff backed Ja Rule’s music over his. Someone who he felt didn’t have the pedigree of a gangster, not like him. That and many other incidents have led to the two Queens rappers loathing each other for over two decades.
Queens maintained its status throughout the 2000’s
Over the years, the two multi-platinum selling rappers have gone back and forth with numerous diss records and even a physical run-in that resulted in stabbings. As their anomisity towards one another played out in the music and on TV, it continued a trend of street politics making its way to the record label’s marketing rooms. And all in all, the wreckage left behind created animosity city-wide. Although the golden era’s major players were still at their peak, anomisity and testorone filled the air.
Nonetheless, Queens was well represented with the emergence of 50 Cent as a worldwide force. In turn, his G-Unit imprint launched the careers of Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo. And the old garde of LL Cool J, Nas and Mobb Deep remained relevant.
Present Day Queens Hip Hop
Be that as it may, hip hop in Queens has suffered since veering away from the boom bap sound. However, rather than a host of power players, Queens has one dominant Queen in Nicki Minaj. The last decade-and-a-half saw the South Jamaica native achieve commercial success that puts her in a league of her own among women in hip hop.
But altogether, street culture has taken its toll on the rap game and Queens is no exception. The respective slayings of Stack Bundles and Chinx Drugz ended two buzzing careers set for take-off. Meanwhile, one of the faces of the new generation of Queens music, Shawny Binladen, has had trouble staying under the radar.
However, Queens still generates stars, Lil Tecca had a top 5 Billboard hit at 16-years-old and 10 overall chart entries. While to a lesser degree LoutGotCash has maintained a presence in the local hip hop scene. It may be true that the road ahead is unclear in the era of microwave music, yet the impact of Queens in hip hop is ever-present. For better or worse.
An unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Stony Creek Band awaits at Lake George’s Shepard Park on Thursday, Aug. 24, at 6:30 PM, presented by The Lake George Arts Project and the Village of Lake George, featuring a special performance by The Switch. The 50th Anniversary Concert is free and will feature the Village’s spectacular fireworks after the show.
For 50 years, The Stony Creek Band has thrilled generations of fans with its high-energy blend of rock, folk, country, and bluegrass; a sound that has consistently defied description but is “a product of the landscape as authentically upstate as any Hudson River School painting or sculpture by David Smith,” and performed in a manner described by one reviewer as “a ferocious ensemble attack; like a runaway train.”
The Stony Creek Band began with the 1973 meeting of John Strong, a folksinger/guitarist from the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, and Hank Soto, a guitarist and songwriter from the Bavarian Alps of Germany. Along with a bass player the Stony Creek Band began life as a folk trio, touring coffee houses in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. After moving to the Adirondack mountain hamlet of Stony Creek, NY the band quickly developed into a seven-piece musical powerhouse featuring drums, a rock guitarist, pedal steel guitar, and banjo that, for a time, was the little town’s largest year-round employer.
In the 1980’s the band evolved into its current five-piece configuration which now includes producer/ singer /songwriter Dave Maswick on bass, blues Hall of Fame member Mike Lomaestro on drums, and noted bluegrass mandolin virtuoso Fred Lantz. Over the years, the Stony Creek Band has made hundreds (if not thousands) of concert appearances including a live performance on international TV for the closing ceremonies of the Goodwill Winter Games, an appearance at a New York State gubernatorial inauguration, a February outdoor appearance at the 25th-anniversary celebration of the “Miracle on Ice” (brrrr) and a live performance on NBC’s TODAY show with Meredith Viera and Ann Curry.
Hank Soto, the co-founder of the Stony Creek Band, says “50 years! Never did I think, where the band was concerned, I’d be referencing time in decades let alone five. In that time, we’ve met so many great folks who have encouraged and supported us. Nothing succeeds without that love and that is the real reason for our longevity. Thinking of all of the venues we’ve played, Shepard Park in Lake George is just a stand-out treasure. We are so grateful to LGAP and the Village of Lake George for their continuous support and the opportunity to celebrate our 50th on that great stage. Another 50 years? If we could only fool the flesh – the spirit is willing.”
This golden anniversary marks a milestone not only for the band but also for the fans who have supported them throughout their incredible journey. “The Stony Creek Band is really looking forward to this gig and looking forward to seeing all of our friends – we even have a few special guests who have played with us over the years. Shepard Park is a very special venue and one of our favorite places to play, you can’t beat the crowd or the backdrop,” says John Strong, co-founder of the Stony Creek Band.
Admission is free, so grab a blanket, some chairs, and your family and friends, and come early to secure your favorite spot. For more information visit here.
Utica artist Nick Vanderwood dropped his latest single “Shimmy” accompanied by a music video on August 19. “Shimmy” ushers in the next phase of Vanderwood’s artistic journey, as the track signals the incoming release of his September EP Reload. The music video premiere and subsequent live performance headlined the opening ceremonies for the first annual Dreamland Theatre Music and Arts Festival.
The release of “Shimmy” marks the second audio-visual collaboration between Nick and Utica-born filmmaker, Lukas Sunderlin. The two friends joined forces years ago for Nick’s project “Little Vacation.” Since then, the duo have moved to Los Angeles and have been consolidating their creative visions under their new media production label known as “Monomaniac.”
Reload has been in the works for many years, as Vanderwood has struggled with a chronic neck injury that has hindered his performance behind a microphone. “Shimmy” started as a product of Vanderwood’s efforts at putting together a debut album. Recorded at the artists’ home in New York Mills, the track escalated from a brief demo to a full seven-minute cinematic short film.
The project not only attests to the creativity of Sunderlin but also the strength of “Shimmy” as a song. Funky, syrupy, and full of attitude, the track is a masterful blend of guitar and bass. The song perfectly fits the mysterious sci-fi world that comes alive in the video. Directed by Sunderlin with cinematography from Scott Sweitzer, the short film is fun and genuine. The duo cultivates an intriguing and imaginative visual experience that helps to showcase Vanderwood’s unique artistic vision.
We didn’t want to just throw something together and do something cute. The new work Nick is creating has an amazing amount of energy behind it, so we wanted to make this a truly cinematic experience that could represent it appropriately.
Lukas Sunderlin
Click here for more on Nick Vanderwood, and visit here to listen to “Shimmy.”
NYC-based band Black Rose Burning released their latest single, “Night Terrors.” The new song precedes the release of their upcoming album Ad Astra on September 15.
Formed in 2018 by instrumentalist, producer and engineer George Grant, Black Rose Burning also involves guitarist Frank Morin (World Inferno Friendship Society) and drummer Luis Infantas (Monster Zero).
“Night Terrors is pretty much straight forward – if you have them, then you know,” Grant said. “If you don’t, imagine being in the middle of sleep but feeling wide awake and in a nightmare. There can even be ‘monsters’ that sometime remain in your consciousness even after you’ve woken up. Nasty business this. I tried to encapsulate the feeling in a song, but I’m not sure you could ever REALLY explain the experience. I haven’t had this happen to me in years, and I hope it never happens again honestly.”
Ad Astra is Black Rose Burning’s third studio album. In 2021, the post-punk band released their second album The Wheel, one year after debuting with The Year of the Scorpion.
Black Rose Burning is a very unique combination of Goth, Postpunk, Synthwave, Rock and Shoegaze. The project comes bearing multi-generational influences accepting no boundaries, but still maintaining an overall succinct flow and feel. Grant’s soulful vocal delivery, instantly recognizable voice, and solid instrumentation crossing several genres are standout features of this music. Roughly 40 years of songwriting across various styles helped Grant embellish on clever hooks, drive, and the gothic-pop sensibilities of The Cult’s early years.
‘Night Terrors’ is out now exclusively via Bandcamp. The Ad Astra album will be released on September 15 and available digitally on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. That same night, Black Rose Burning will be playing their album release show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge for The Red Party.
Shauna Quill, the Executive Director of the New York Youth Symphony (NYYS), will be leaving the organization on Oct. 3, 2023, after 12 years of experience. This comes after her announcement that she will be joining Music Academy in Santa Barbara, CA as their newest President and CEO.
Photo via NYYS website
Over the past 12 years with the NYYS, Quill has helped the organization reach new heights and launch projects across the New York community. When it comes to some of her accomplishments, some of the highlights include guiding the organization to receive a Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance for its first professional recording, creating international touring programs, and theater involvement groups for NYC kids.
Building the NYC music partnerships and communities served as a major goal for Quill in her time with NYYS, joining forces with Interlochen Center for the Arts, Harmony Program, Harlem School of the Arts, and Orchestra of St. Luke’s, raising national attention for the organization.
Alongside the national recognition came appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, boosting NYYS and its following.
Over the past 12 years, the students, staff, trustees, and parents have become a huge part of my life and working with them all to inspire and educate our young musicians has been a true honor.
– Shauna Quill
Founded in 1963, the New York Youth Symphony has been the music hub for over music 7,000 students, giving them the opportunities to sharpen their craft while also performing at major venues such as Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
As for Quill’s departure, the NYYS Board of Trustees has started the search process for a new Executive Director, working with a search firm, The Catherine French Group, to make this happen.
William Kapell, Board President of NYYS, believes that Quill will continue to hit amazing strides as her career progresses, stating that he has “no doubt that she will bring the same focus and creativity to her next endeavors.”
The Soul Rebels are set to perform for four nights at the Blue Note Jazz Club from Sept. 21 through Sept. 24. The group will also be accompanied by a slew of special guests including Rakim & Big Daddy Kane. Comedian Tony Woods, New York icon Ja Rule, and rapper G-Eazy are all scheduled to host a different night.
A product of New Orleans’ rich musical history, The Soul Rebels is an eight-piece brass ensemble. The band has long been admired for its ability to fuse together elements of jazz, soul, hip-hop, pop, and rock. An artistic Swiss Army knife, The Soul Rebels have performed with the likes of Nas, Rakim, Katy Perry, Portugal. The Man, and even Metallica.
The eight-member collective has appeared on multiple major releases including G-Eazy’s “When You’re Gone” ft. Lil Wayne and Dave East and Nas’ “Godfather 4.” The ensemble’s 2019 album Poetry in Motion impressed listeners and spawned appearances on The Late Show and NPR’s Tiny Desk.
Performing a Blue Note Jazz Club residency is the holy grail of artistic experiences for our band. This opportunity brings together our favorite artists including our long-time friends and collaborators Rakim and G-Eazy and marks our debut performances with Big Daddy Kane and Ja Rule. This Blue Note engagement is truly monumental within our career and in culture. We are going big this year for the 50th anniversary of hip hop.
Drummer and co-founder, Lumar Leblanc.
The Blue Note Jazz Club continues to attract artists from a multitude of musical backgrounds. A Manhattan staple, the institution has been up and running since 1981. The Soul Rebels will be joined onstage by an all-star cast of jazz musicians. Louis Cato, Ray Angry, Elena Pinderhughes, and James Carter are all scheduled to be part of the band’s four-night run of performances.
Blue Note owns and operates New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club, Sony Hall, and Arthur’s Tavern; D.C.’s The Howard Theatre; and Blue Note Jazz Clubs Worldwide, which includes venues in Milan, Italy; Honolulu, HI; Beijing and Shanghai, China; Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan; Napa, CA; and Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil.
Here for tickets and more information about the performances.
