NYS Music 2023

Tag: brooklyn

  • In Focus: Punk-Rock Icon Patti Smith Returns to the Brooklyn Steel for Birthday Show

    This past Friday, December 29, punk-rock icon, singer-songwriter, poet, artist, and New York Times Bestselling author Patti Smith graced the stage at the Brooklyn Steel for two nights. Patti returned for her birthday show, this time commemorating turning 77. Fans from all generations came to see Patti’s incredible, lively performance at Brooklyn’s intimate, 1800-capacity venue.

    Patti Smith, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Patti Smith, though raised in South Jersey, moved to NYC at the ripe age of 21 to study art and poetry. Her bestselling novel, Just Kids, which details her experience living in NYC, brought a new wave of people—especially younger ones—to Patti’s fanbase and show. Although Patti is not currently touring, she frequently returns to NYC to play with her band which consists of Lenny Kaye, Jay Dee Daugherty, Tony Shanahan, and Jackson Frederick Smith (her son!).

    Patti Smith, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Patti opened the night with an extraordinary rendition of “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.” Scaling around the stage with incredible ease and her nimble dance moves, Patti made the crowd go wild with her performance. Her silver braids almost seemed to glow under the stage lights, drawing all eyes to her throughout the whole concert. One fan screamed, “I love you Patti! I’m your number one fan!” 

    After playing “Free Money,” Patti stopped and began conversing with the crowd about how confusing TV remotes are. “It’s unbelievable right? You need one to put the TV on, the other for volume, and the other to get the Netflix or whatever you want on. It’s taken me hours just to get the TV on.” A fan screamed “Happy Birthday!” where Patti responded with, “Not yet! Don’t age me any faster than I am.”

    Ending the night on a powerful note, Patti played “Because the Night” and “People Have the Power,” where she brought out her daughter Jesse Paris Smith and her high school friend Laura to sing. Patti Smith is truly legendary, and her show was nothing short of that.

  • mxmtoon, Live in Brooklyn!

    On December 15th, the indie-pop luminary mxmtoon/Maia wrapped up her “plum blossom (revisited) tour” in style at the cozy Roulette venue in Brooklyn, her adopted home. Despite her Bay Area origins, the artist warmly acknowledged the show as a second hometown gig, solidifying the special bond she shares with the Brooklyn crowd. The night was a whirlwind of distinctive moments, from a fan capturing the event with a 3DS to the collective knuckle-cracking orchestrated by Maia, showcasing both the uniqueness of her fanbase and her penchant for the offbeat.

    In a touching moment, the emotional crescendo transpired during the performance of “Stuck.” Overwhelmed by a fan project featuring signs proclaiming “you are more than enough for us,” Maia paused and restarted the song, getting overwhelmed with emotion and tearing up a bit over the profound connection her music forms with her dedicated followers.

    The concert became an interactive experience when Maia encouraged the audience to join her in a spirited rendition of “Prom Dress,” a poignant moment of shared emotion. Adding layers of sentimentality, Mxmtoon revealed that “Hong Kong” held a special place in her heart, as it was her mom’s favorite among all her compositions. The setlist, a carefully curated blend of fan favorites and surprises, included an unreleased jewel titled “Sarah,” a clever and quippy exploration of the concept of hate-watching YouTube videos.

    The night unfolded as more than just a concert; it was a narrative journey with Maia providing glimpses into the stories behind her songs. The anecdote about “I Feel Like Chet,” a song where her youthful enunciation led to amusing misinterpretations (like “I feel like shit”), showcased her ability to infuse humor into her reflections. The concert concluded with an encore, featuring a cover of Vance Joy’s “Riptide,” cementing the evening as a nuanced exchange between artist and audience, leaving an indelible mark on all those present.

    Setlist: cliché, the idea of you, mona lisa, sad disco, fever dream, porcelain, i feel like chet, temporary nothing, sarah (unreleased), hong kong, stuck, feelings are fatal, prom dress

    Encore: Riptide (Vance Joy cover)

  • The 16th Annual Bushwick Film Festival Announces Award Winning Films

    The Bushwick Film Festival celebrates it’s 16th edition this year screening over 125 films from Brooklyn and around the world from October 25th through 29th.

    Over the past 16 years, BFF has showcased the works of nearly 1000 independent filmmakers from Brooklyn and more than 50 different countries. The BFF has evolved into one of Brooklyn’s most highly anticipated cinematic events and is celebrated for its significant contributions to the borough’s artistic, cultural, and economic development.

    The festival culminated with an award ceremony on Sunday, October 29th where over 10 films and filmmakers received awards featuring categories including Best Feature Narrative, Best Short Narrative, Feature Documentary, and Short Series. The award winners told bold stories that embody an independent spirit and featured extraordinary characters revealing tales of change, self-discovery, transitions and new phases of life.

    This year’s jurors included Theo Rigby, Danelle Eliav, Melody C Roscher, Amenya Makuku, Courtney Andrialis-Vincent, Niki Williams, and BFF Founder Kweighbaye Kotee. During opening night, Oviation TV awarded The Bushwick Film Festival with a $10,000 check through the Stand For The Arts Awards a partnership with Spectrum that recognizes local arts, cultural, and educational organizations and programs. These contributions support artists that are community driven, advocating for equality with the access of arts and providing accessible spaces for creative expression.

    Full list of winners:

    FEATURE NARRATIVE CATEGORY

    Best Feature Narrative

    Darla in Space

    Director: Susie Moon, Eric Laplante

    Special Jury Prize

    Bittersweet

    Director: Haroldo Borges

    Honorable Mention

    Playing Sam

    Director: Ramon Felipe Pesante

    SHORT NARRATIVE CATEGORY

    Best Short Narrative

    The Old Young Crow

    Director: Liam LoPinto

    Special Jury Prize

    The Vacation

    Director: Jarreau Carrillo

    Honorable Mention

    Bodies Will Tumble and Roll

    Director: Eli Vazquez

    FEATURE DOCUMENTARY CATEGORY

    Best Feature Doc

    Storming Caesar’s Palace

    Director: Hazel Gurland-Pooler

    Special Jury Prize

    Estamos Unidos

    Director: Alvaro Manuel Morales

    Honorable Mention

    Esu and The Universe

    Director: Thiago Zanato

    SHORT SERIES CATEGORY

    Best Series

    Story of Godia

    Director: Mouayed Zabtia

    Special Jury Prize 

    Awesome

    Director: Paul Munger

    Honorable Mention

    Monologue

    Director: Nick Clifford, Stef Smith

  • Razor Braids’ “She” Celebrates Sapphic Love and Spontaneity, Pop-Rock Style

    Brooklyn pop-rock sensation Razor Braids has released their latest single, “She,” a femme-focused, upbeat pop track that captures the excitement and spontaneity of Sapphic love. Accompanied by a carefree music video portraying a lively party scene, Razor Braids invites us into the vibrant world of queer hookup culture.

    “She” isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem for being unapologetically yourself and seizing the opportunity for love. With vocal timbres reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen and The Cranberries, “She” offers a fresh take on pop. However, production-wise, the track introduces a rougher edge, echoing the spirit of punk-rock legends such as The Clash and Bikini Kill.

    Razor Braids She

    In discussing the themes of “She,” Razor Braids shared, “Letting yourself be present during moments of change or uncertainty is a common thread across our upcoming releases. ‘She’ is such a fun encapsulation of that theme: embracing the unknown and jumping into something that feels good and joyful, and allowing yourself to accept that joy even when fear is also present in that moment.”

    Regarding their distinctive sound, Razor Braids explained, “We all grew up in different places and with different musical influences. We’ve learned how to embrace and utilize that within our songwriting. We all bring so many different inspirations to the table: country, folk rock, garage, indie rock, and punk. By tapping into the elements of these genres that we each connect with most, we’ve shaped our music. Connection—connecting with each other and with our audience—is an integral part of our live performance.

    “We want everyone to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves when they see us live. That really shines through in the music and lyrics and also with how wild and fun we get on stage.”

    Razor Braids

    Razor Braids Fall 2023 US Tour

    10/18 Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme

    10/20 Lincoln, NE @ 1867 Bar

    10/21 Denver, CO @ The Black Buzzard

    11/8 Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie

    11/9 Pittsburgh, PA @ Bottlerocket Social Club

    11/10 Chicago, IL @ SubT Downstairs

    11/11 Toledo, OH @ The Ottawa Tavern

    11/13 Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo Iron Works

    11/14 Medford, MA @ The Rockwell

    11/16 Troy, NY @ No Fun

    11/17 Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right

  • AZ Releases ‘This Is Why’ In Anticipation of Latest Album

    With hip hop’s ever-changing landscape, it had been a decade since Brooklyn native AZ graced fans with an album. The reserved hip hop legend has maintained status as a result of his pen and classic album cuts. However, his long-teased sequel, Doe Or Die II, became one of 2021’s undeniable success stories and proved AZ’s potent hip hop poetry still had a place in the rap game.

    Since the release of Doe Or Die II, AZ has appeared on Westside Gunn’s “99 Avirex” Rick Ross’ “Vacheron,” Statik Selektah’s “Historic” and most recently on Tony Touch’s “Rampage 2.0” for Def Jam’s mixtape Documentary.

    AZ "This Is Why" single release cover

    Now AZ is back with the release of his single “This Is Why” in anticipation of his latest album, Truth Be Told, set for release on December 1. “This Is Why” interpolates a classic Slick Rick sample throughout, as the hip hop veteran takes on the role of the “been there, done that” MC. In light, he shouts out two Brooklyn legends — The Notorious B.I.G. and Mike Tyson — for serving as inspirations behind his success. With his effortless delivery and poignant rhymes, AZ embodies the grace and knowledge that comes with having survived some of New York City’s roughest eras.

    Album Details

    After contributing behind the boards on both Doe Or Die and Doe Or Die II, AZ and legendary producer Buckwild team up once again. The GRAMMY-nominated Buckwild handles all of the production on the new album. With his own crate of classic production, Buckwild will look to recreate the mafioso, final-boss themed production that the elder AZ has thrived on in his late career surge. In addition, the album will feature guest appearances from fellow New York rhymers Fat Joe and Pharoahe Munch, adding diversified flavor and point of views.

  • Brooklyn Electro-Pop Duo ‘FIIZ’ Announce New Single “ALL MY WORLDS”

    Electronic-Pop duo ‘FIIZ’ return to ignite dance enthusiasts with their new energetic single “ALL MY WORLDS”, released on November 2nd.

    FIIZ was born from the deep bond between best friends Fiona (Fi) and Isabelle (Iz) during shared quarantine, and a desire to fearlessly represent the LGBTQ+ community, defying norms in pop culture. United by their friendship, they create queer empowerment through music, challenging heteronormative standards with unapologetic expression.

    The Brooklyn based duo FIIZ entrance their listeners by exploring themes of imagination, the multiverse and questioning the boundaries between reality and the power of the mind. They draw concepts from the endless possibilities that lie beyond our perception which intertwine with their unique musical expression fusing electronic-pop, hyper pop and EDM into a groundbreaking sound that can be heard in the latest single.

    “ALL MY WORLDS”, forefronts the duos consistent pursuit of enlightenment, fluidity of time and the liberation of both the mind and body. FIIZ invites audiences to embark through the multiverse—an idea that has long captivated their creative spirit,  the track becomes an anthem, chanting a powerful mantra, “All my worlds are real, all my dreams are true.”

    With its pulsating beats, ethereal synths, and thought-provoking lyrical concepts, “ALL MY WORLDS” is poised to capture audiences worldwide. Hailing from the diverse and kinetic music scene of Brooklyn, FIIZ has once again encapsulated its progress in creating electrifying pop anthems that resonate deep within the mind space of its audience.

  • San Holo’s Cosmic Concert at Brooklyn Steel: A Sonic and Visual Wonderland

    As the doors of Brooklyn Steel swung open on a crisp, autumn evening, fans of San Holo streamed into the venue, eager to immerse themselves in an evening of music and visuals that would take them on an existential journey. San Holo, the Dutch DJ and producer known for his distinctive blend of emotional, existential music, was about to captivate the audience with an electrifying performance.

    Images captured by @adrian_hernandezz on instagram

    The concert began with a sense of anticipation, which only intensified as the venue plunged into darkness. The crowd’s murmurs turned into roars of excitement as the moment we had all been waiting for arrived. A massive curtain, suspended above the stage, dropped dramatically to the ground. It was a jaw-dropping moment that marked the beginning of this sonic and visual odyssey.

    Colorful lasers pierced through the blackness. These lasers danced and swirled above the crowd, setting the stage for an otherworldly experience. The visuals were nothing short of breathtaking, and they would play a pivotal role throughout the night.

    As the audience was spellbound by the mesmerizing light show, San Holo opened with the classic track “Lift me from the Ground,” immediately sending waves of nostalgia through the crowd. The existential soundscapes that define San Holo’s music began to envelop the room, and the audience was entranced. The ethereal, guitar-driven melodies intertwined with his signature glitchy beats, creating an emotional resonance that was tangible.

    San Holo’s connection with the audience was palpable as he swayed to the music, pouring his heart into every chord and beat. His energy was infectious, and it didn’t take long for the crowd to become a unified, pulsating mass of fans, all lost in the music and the moment.

    But this was not merely a trip down memory lane. San Holo was on a mission to showcase his latest album, “EXISTENTIAL DANCE MUSIC,” and the audience was more than ready. Tracks like “DON’T LOOK DOWN” and “ENERGY” pushed the boundaries of his signature sound. The bass was deeper, the drops more intense, and the audience responded with an electrifying surge of energy.

    The visuals accompanying these tracks were a sight to behold. Colors and shapes exploded on the screens, perfectly synced with the music, creating an immersive experience that left the crowd in awe. The existential themes of the album were brought to life through the interplay of light and sound, making us question the very essence of our existence in this dance music universe.

    As the night drew to a close, San Holo returned to some classic tracks, including “Light” which had the crowd swaying and singing along with heartfelt emotion. It was the perfect ending to a night filled with introspection, energy, and incredible music.

    San Holo’s concert at Brooklyn Steel was more than a show; it was an existential experience. The fusion of his timeless tracks and the visually stunning performance left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. As the crowd spilled out into the Brooklyn night, the shared experience of San Holo’s music and visuals created a sense of connection, reminding us all that, in the midst of life’s complexities, there’s always room to dance and lose ourselves in the beauty of existence.

  • “Walrus in Wonderland” Debuts in Brooklyn, A Psychedelic Triumph Through Alice’s Adventures

    On Thursday, October 26, in a mesmerizing fusion of musical prowess and theatrical artistry, Brooklyn’s own Walrus brought a Brooklyn Bowl audience on a transcendent journey through a musical reimagination of Lewis Carroll’s timeless Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The original production, “Walrus in Wonderland,” presented by Loop Toupe, delivered an immersive experience that blended the iconic sounds of the 60s psychedelic era with mesmerizing live dancers, enchanting costumes, and light show projections.

    Since forming in 2021 WALRUS has been on a mission to celebrate the psychedelic music of the Beatles and their contemporaries. From a weekly residency at Manhattan’s The Delancey, to becoming a regular presence at Brooklyn Bowl, Walrus has solidified their status as a cultural staple among New York area concert-goers.

    Led by the musical ingenuity of brothers Chris and Tom Mackin and collaborator Josh Santiago, the original soundtrack of “Walrus in Wonderland”  enveloped listeners in a psychedelic symphony that evoked the sonic oeuvre of the 1960s across the show’s 13 songs. The night’s standout performance was the debut of the Walrus original “Cheshire Cat” with groovy baselines and ripping solos that left the audience grinning from ear to ear. 

    During the show, Walrus band members Chris Mackin (Guitar/Vocals), Josh Santiago (Guitar/Vocals), Satoko Mori (Keyboard/Vocals), Dan Shein (Drums) and Sarah Elaz (Bass/Vocals) were joined by a roster of talented guest musicians including Will Corona, Michael Conklin, and Coco Solazzo who took attendees on a musical adventure down the rabbit hole.

    The debut performance was elevated by the visual spectacle projection-mapped by Ghost of Provence and seamlessly matched with dance choreography by the talented Megan Roe. Together, the ensemble delivered an experience that defied convention and brought attendees through the looking glass for an evening of unrivaled artistic immersion. “Walrus in Wonderland” was put on by the New York production company Loop Troupe, a group of artists presenting new and experimental material.

    Reflecting on opening night, Chris Mackin the show’s lead guitarist said, “It is incredible to see this cacophonous experience brought to life. Tom and I have talked for a long time about wanting to create a concert experience that went beyond the music and played to all of your senses. It is thrilling to watch audiences go on this multi-sensory adventure.”

    Walrus in Wonderland – Brooklyn Bowl –October 26

    Set One: Mr. W Rabbit > Down, Down, Down > Bottle Says Drink Me, Pig Baby, Garden Of Live Flowers [1], Cheshire Cat, Looking Glass House, Mad Tea Party [2]

    Set Two: Nonsense If You Like [3], Vorpal Sword, The Mouse > Caterpillar Hookah, Curious Dream [3] > Down, Down, Down Reprise 

    Encore: I Am the Walrus [1] [4]

    [1] Featuring Will Corona on vocals
    [2] Featuring Michael Conklin on saxophone
    [3] Featuring Coco Solazzo on vocals
    [4] Beatles Cover

  • Catch the Dreamy Track “Don’t Throw Your Words” From Brooklyn-Based Like A Doll

    Like A Doll, Brooklyn’s music project from musician Emma Stacher, shared their brand new track, “Don’t Throw Your Words,” from their upcoming self-titled album. The record is set to release on November 10, with a release party that night at Alphaville in Bushwick.

    Single art for Don't Throw Your Words

    “Don’t Throw Your Words” is a hypnotic, insistent track that truly evokes the band’s dollhouse aesthetics. The dreamy vocals and recurring guitar riff create a stirring aura, repeating the lyrics “Don’t throw your words out.”

    This feels like an anthem to believe in yourself. It jolts you from slower to faster and swings to reflect the back and forth of birthing self-confidence. The lyric ‘Don’t throw your words out’ repeats in the chorus with the overall message emphasizing how important our thoughts and voices are.

    Emma Stacher, vocalist, guitarist, and leader of Like A Doll

    Like A Doll was created by Emma Stacher, who rallied a group of childhood friends to comprise the project’s live band: Isabella Dafonseca and Gabriel Paiano on drums, Daniel Barbrack on bass/synth, Adrian Dilulio on guitar, and Leah Beck on synth. The group grew up together in NYC’s East Village neighborhood, parting ways for many to study music at Berklee College, The New School, and Purchase College. Like A Doll marks a new beginning for the group, but is also a reunion of old friends.

    Emma Stacher of Like A Doll

    Like A Doll’s debut self-titled album is set to release on November 10. The band will play a celebratory album release party at Bushwick’s Alphaville on November 10, alongside Noah Kesey and The Burning Sun.

  • Psymon Spine Release Kinetic Single “Boys” Ahead of Hometown Brooklyn Show

    Psymon Spine, a Brooklyn-based alt-pop group, recently embarked on their US tour, finishing with a hometown show at Alphaville on October 26. The group recently released their newest single, “Boys,” alongside an official music video on October 10.

    Psymon Spine

    Psymon Spine developed as members Noah Prebish and Peter Spears were in college, later adding Brother Michael to the group. Vocalist and former member Sabine Holler lends her voice to the new track, “Boys,” since her relocation to Berlin during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Boys” is an upbeat alt-pop track, featuring a new-wave-inspired melodic riff. The track features Sabine Holler’s light yet hypnotizing vocals against a synth-heavy dance rhythm. The group cites influences such as Talking Heads, Os Mutantes, and the NYC dance music scene.

    By nature every Psymon Spine song must be a little cheeky to bypass our own self-criticism, but in reality ‘Boys’ is just a very earnest song about friendship.

    Psymon Spine
    Psymon Spine live photo Photo Credit: Alyssa Gisselle
    Photo Credit: Alyssa Gisselle

    Psymon Spine will make their way home for a show at Brooklyn’s Alphaville on October 26, as well as a show in Troy on November 8. The group will play new tracks like “Boys,” as well as hits from their most recent album, 2021’s Charismatic Megafauna. Tickets are on-sale now.

    Psymon Spine Tour

    10/13 – Madison, WI @ UW Madison

    10/14 – Northfield, MI @ Carleton College – The Cave (private event)

    10/15 – Galesburg, IL @ Knox College

    10/16 – Chicago, IL @ Color Club

    10/17 – St Louis, MO @ The Sinkhole

    10/18 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement

    10/21 – Memphis, TN @ Wiseacre Festival

    10/26 – Brooklyn, NY @ Alphaville

    11/8 – Troy, NY @ No Fun