Brooklyn-based R&B/Soul band 79.5 has had a busy year – their new single, “Long Term Parking,” was released with an accompanying music video ahead of their self-titled sophomore LP out May 5 .
The band’s tour will make a stop at their home base at Brooklyn Made on June 2. The summer-ready record has earned support from KCRW’s “Today’s Top Tune”, Under The Radar, CABBAGES, SPIN, Ones To Watch, and more.
Cover art for “Long Term Parking” the single 79.5 released ahead of their self-titled second LP with a supporting music video. Credit: Charm School Media.
The band’s self-titled LP takes fans on a magical journey from start to finish, and it’s safe to say 79.5 will relay this same energy live on their tour. “Club Level” starts the LP off perfectly, with a disco sound that makes you want to get up and dance. “Long Term Parking,” perfectly portrays the feeling of being in a relationship so powerful and complicated, that even with a tragic ending, the love forever remains. Other highlights include “B.D.F.Q.,” and “Feel Like Dancin’.” Brooklyn’s 79.5 are sure to have a long and successful career ahead of them.
Named after an imaginary radio station, Brooklyn’s 79.5 was formed in 2010 by Kate Mattison, who was later joined by singer and rapper Lola Adanna and sax player/flautist Izaak Mills with drummer Caito Sanchez and bassist Andrew Raposo rounding out the rhythm section. The sound of 79.5 is full-bodied and straight from the heart—recalling the thrilling work of Patrice Rushen and the type of dance music that’s been the beating heart of New York City for centuries. Prior to their upcoming self-titled LP, 79.5 self-released an album, Predictions, in 2018.
Music by 79.5, including their upcoming self-titled LP, is now streaming, and tickets for their upcoming tour, which includes a show at Brooklyn Made, is out now.
The Barclays Center will host the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 3.
Among the honorees are Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners, DJ Kool Herc, Link Wray, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper, Bernie Taupin, and Don Cornelius. The group will all be inducted at Barclays Center celebration of the 38th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Performer inductee Kate Bush. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Kate Bush created a unique space in rock. She used lush soundscapes, radical experimentation, literary themes, sampling, and theatricality to captivate audiences and inspire countless musicians.
Performer inductee Sheryl Crow: Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Missouri-born Sheryl Crow is forever woven into the tapestry of American music. Through her powerhouse solo performances, collaborations with industry icons, and early session musician work, Crow’s influence reverberates through classic 1990s rock, pop, country, folk, blues, and the work of countless singer-songwriters.
Performer inductee Missy Elliot. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Singer-songwriter, groundbreaking producer, label executive, and video trendsetter, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, of Virginia, rose to fame as a member of the all-girl R&B group Sista in the 90s. She established herself as an in-demand songwriter and producer and founded her own record label, all before breaking out as a Platinum-selling solo star.
Performer inductee George Michael. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
English singer-songwriter and record producer George Michael (1963-2016) had an incomparable vision and drive that propelled him to superstardom, becoming the most-played artist on British radio from 1984 to 2004 and one of the best-selling artists of all time. Michael’s career began when he formed the pop duo Wham! with schoolmate Andrew Ridgeley in 1981, but his foray into the solo spotlight with the introspective hits “Careless Whisper” and “A Different Corner” eventually spelled the end of the group in 1986.
Performer inductee Willie Nelson. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Texas-born singer, songwriter, performer, anti-establishment outlaw, political activist, and philanthropist Willie Nelson has over 60 years in the music business. Nelson may call country music his home, but he has always pushed stylistic boundaries – mixing in rock & roll, jazz, pop, and blues.
Performer inductees Rage Against the Machine. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1991, Rage Against the Machine shook the foundations of the status quo lyrically, sonically, and philosophically, mixing hip-hop, punk, metal, funk, and rock in an entirely new way. They took aim at oppressive systems of power and set a new standard for how to ignite a revolution through the power of music.
Performer inductees The Spinners. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Formed in Ferndale, Michigan in 1954, The Spinners have a career that spans almost 70 years. The Spinners remain one of the most beloved R&B vocal groups in the world, celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.
Musical Influence inductee DJ Kool Herc. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Born Clive Campbell in Kingston, Jamaica, DJ Kool Herc is credited with contributing to the development of hip-hop music in the Bronx. Herc’s innovation and experimentation with music helped create the blueprint for hip-hop and set the stage for future artists to build upon, taking existing music and technology and innovating new ways of thinking about how the music could be played, how it could directly interact with the audience and eventually, how emcees such as Coke La Rock and the Herculords would rap over his beats.
Musical Influence inductee Link Wray. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
North Carolina native Link Wray was the original punk, the inventor of the power chord, and the architect of a sound that laid the foundation for metal, punk, and every genre that relies on raw, untamed noise to convey its message. With a DIY ethos and an electric intensity unlike any other guitarist, Wray was a decade ahead of his time when he emerged in the 1950s, and embraced sounds that had rarely been heard before – distortion, fuzz, tremolo, and wah-wah effects – all of which have become staples of rock guitar.
Musical Excellence inductee Chaka Khan. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Chicago-born singer Chaka Khan has a voice and presence that represents the racial and social integration at the heart of rock & roll. With her incredible vocal range and mastery of dynamics, Chaka Khan has recorded long-lasting, powerful music for close to five decades.
Musical Excellence inductee Al Kooper. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, arranger, and producer Al Kooper, born in Brooklyn, has collaborated with the biggest names in rock & roll. His work as a songwriter, session player, and producer places him among the giants of popular music.
Musical Excellence inductee Bernie Taupin. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
English-American songwriter, singer, songwriter, and visual artist Bernie Taupin has been collaborating with Elton for over 50 years, and their songwriting partnership is one of the most successful in rock & roll history. In addition to his work with Elton John, Taupin has written songs for other artists, including Alice Cooper and Brian Wilson, and earned Number One hits with songs like Starship’s “We Built This City” and Heart’s “These Dreams.”
Ahmet Ertegun inductee Don Cornelius. Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Chicago-born Don Cornelius created Soul Train a vehicle for soul, R&B, dance, and hip-hop to find their way into our living rooms. In the process, he became a visionary entrepreneur who opened the door, holding it open for many others to follow him through.
Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture, honoring the artists who connect us all. They foster a diverse, equitable, educational nonprofit Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation.
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.
Brooklyn-based alt-band Citrus Maxima has dived headfirst into the indie-rock genre with their newest release “I Don’t Wanna Die,” the first single from their upcoming record. With hundreds of thousands of Spotify streams and years of local gigging experience around New York, the band is looking forward to releasing their upcoming debut album this spring.
The new single “I Don’t Wanna Die” is a song that cuts through the dirge of washed-out, lazy indie rock and instantly jolts the listener with its infectious chorus. The band captures this by combining wailing feedback, crunchy guitars, and driving drums with instantly catchy vocals and heartfelt melodies.
Formed in Albany, but now based in Brooklyn, Citrus Maxima offers up a fresh take on indie rock, anchored by strong songwriting, raw energetic rhythms, and melodic guitars. Citrus Maxima was originally formed in 2014 with Shawn Majeed on drums and Lucas Rinaldi on guitar and vocals. The band added members Wyatt Kirschner on lead guitar in 2018, and Max Gucinski on bass and backup vocals in 2021.
Citrus Maxima has built up a strong online presence with a string of successful releases. In December 2020, the band released “1970”, their most played song with over 250k Spotify streams, and followed up with “Sprouts” a small collection of songs including “Seeds Don’t Bleed”, which incorporates a 90s alternative rock influence.
Their “live session” videos uploaded to YouTube further solidified their online buzz, as their cover of Pavement song “Harness Your Hopes” even grabbed the attention of Pavement member Bob Nastanovich, who praised the cover on social media. Devotees of the DIY ethos, all releases, social media growth, and touring was planned and executed by the band alone without the assistance of a label or management.
Listen to “I Don’t Wanna Die” by clicking the link here.
Urbano Street announced their U Street Music Festival, inviting people of all ages with an appreciation for street art, culture, and vinyl to celebrate record store day and the return of live music. The all-day festival will be on April 22 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY on Suydam St. between Irving Ave and Knickerbocker Ave.
The U Street Festival will feature two stages that serve as a discovery platform for multicultural and non-commercial musicians and street artists. Stars such as Rebelmatic, La Sazound, Dubcorps, Spite Fuxxx, Chico Raro, Tambor y Caña, Hecho en Brooklyn, Eclectic Charango Beats, Prince of Queens, Jah Point, Vee Vee, and Wild Roots will take the stage. The festival also emphasizes the long-standing record of street culture and urban art, focusing on BIPOC artists who enrich New York City. U Street is on a mission to support underground and alternative artists in the independent space.
U Street Music Fest is the first street event of its kind, no one has ever attempted to bring subcultural music communities together before. Think of it as a cumbia punky reggae party on the streets of Brooklyn.
– Diana Hernandez, Urbano Street Lead Organizer
The music festival will expose local talent while also celebrating the diversity of its vibrant community which is largely made up of immigrants from Latin America. Although the neighborhood has recently battled gentrification-related tensions, the U Street Music Festival strives to cultivate collaboration uniting its residents with Bushwick’s artistic roots. They also hope to help bridge the generational and socio-economic gap between old and new members of the community.
Urbano Street is a nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers, music lovers, and donors. Whilst focusing on BIPOC artists who enrich New York City. Urbano Street is on a mission to support underground and alternative artists in the independent space, opening doors for underrepresented musicians by bringing them to urban places and shooting music videos, a passport to more gigs, press, and opportunities.
More information about the non-profit organization can be accessed here.
Brooklyn’s Romi O has just released her second ever single “M2M” on Friday, March 24th, a ballad you won’t want to miss. The single is brilliant, having a truly one-of-a-kind musical journey feel to it; retaining more immediate elements from punk and alternative music.
Understanding the flow of “M2M” requires a bit of a backstory about the artist. This is the second single from her upcoming debut album, which is expected to be released later in 2023. Hailing from Tel Aviv, Israel, Romi O has been making music ever since she can remember. She continued to develop her songwriting chips, eventually switching from singing and writing in Hebrew to performing in English.
Romi O’s sound is unique because of the juxtaposition of understated textures, relatable lyrics, and hard-hitting grooves. By the time she turned 22, the artist had relocated to Brooklyn, where she had sought a fresh start in music. She co-founded the band “PowerSnap” to pursue high-octane punk and garage aesthetics.
Eventually, Romi O circled back to her initial fondness for ballads. The resulting sound she made is truly one-of-a-kind, still retaining more immediate elements from punk and alternative music. But this time, in “M2M,” she comes to light in a soothing, softer way that makes her sound more intriguing and dynamic.
Her chosen stage name comes from the beloved figure of “Romeo,” from Shakespeare’s timeless “Romeo and Juliette” play. Being a huge fan of Shakespeare herself, Rome O felt a truly special connection to the character.
The single stands out as an example of her art and musical craft. The song deals with the idea of always being ready to question life choices and decisions and approaching everything without the fear of taking things too seriously. It’s important to find a balance, and the song is a very poignant observation of the fleeting nature of the path we carve for ourselves in life with our choices.
The song’s music video feels like another layer. In a way, it is another approach to telling the story, and it offers a visual representation of the core concept that drives this release. Overall, it features some punchy electronic sounds, as well as organic elements such as vocals and guitars to round up the wide palette of sonic colors on this song.
To listen and watch the music video for “M2M,” click the link here.
To listen to more music by Romi O, click the link here.
Brooklyn was the last stop on the band’s debut North American tour before it was shuttered in early 2020, only performing twice. Since then, they have played all across Europe and the UK, finally making their way back overseas this month, hot off the release of their self-released (on Human Season Records) second album, Gigi’s Recovery, this past January.
Much like the album, the show brought a fully realized, introspective post-punk set with dynamic energy that elevated the record for the 650-capacity venue.
The show started with For Everything, the brooding opener off their debut album, When I Have Fears, which released in 2019.
They continued on at a monstrous pace, invoking a few raucous mosh pits, making it to a newer track, Return My Head and onto More Is Less.
There were moments of Radiohead imbued with Bauhaus, sharing a great polyphonic relationship between both guitars and bass, with the drums driving the rhythm amidst every harsh snare hit, most notably in the 2-part song, Slowdance I+II. Frontman James McGovern’s poetic lyricism gracefully complemented every movement, switching between thunderous bellows and spoken pieces.
The North American Gigi’s Recovery Tour continues through April, where the band will make a surely momentous visit to California’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, followed by a few other international festival appearances throughout the rest of the Summer.
The Murder Capital | Music Hall of Williamsburg | Brooklyn, NY | March 28, 2023
Setlist: For Everything, Return My Head, More Is Less, The Stars Will Leave Their Stage, Green & Blue, Crying, A Thousand Lives, Gigi’s Recovery, Slowdance I, Slowdance II, We Had to Disappear, Feeling Fades, Only Good Things, Don’t Cling to Life, Ethel
New band Telecom, from Brooklyn-based musician Sean McVerry, has released their debut single, “Ramon” on March 21 and have plans to release more music soon. Telecom melds 60s brit-pop, late 2000s New York indie grit, and cheeky theatrics. McVerry has worked and toured with artists such as Karen O, Danger Mouse, and Aurora.
Telecom members, from left to right: Andres Valbuena, Zeno Pittarelli, and Jonathan Sacca. Credit: Matt Speno
Telecon comprises Andres Valbuena on drums, Zeno Pittarelli on guitar, Jonathan Sacca on bass, and several other Brooklyn musicians. Their founder, Sean McVerry, is a New York music scene veteran, and recently on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he won the show’s “instant songwriter” segment. Telecom has earned millions of streams on music platforms, and music has been featured on several television shows such as NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and Adult Swim on Cartoon Network.
Telecom’s debut single “Ramon” and its upcoming counterpart were co-produced and mixed by former DFA engineer Abe Seiferth at Brookly’s Transmitter Park studios. McVerry moved a free piano he found on Craigslist into the apartment, (nearly crushing himself to death) and the songs quickly came together. He started working on the songs in late 2020 in his home studio in Crown Heights, as a way to express his feelings about the Covid-19 pandemic. The songs provide different takes on the situation, with “Ramon” describing McVerry’s feelings of being trapped with his neighbors in their Brooklyn apartment building. Both songs remained dormant until a writing retreat with Pittarelli and Rahn in 2021, at which point Telecom was beginning to take form.
If Telecom’s future music is anything like “Ramon,” the band is certain to have a long and successful career ahead of them. Upon listening to their debut single, audiences are sure to be eager for more by Telecom. McVerry truly found magic with the three artists that make up the group.
McVerry said of Telecom’s Debut Single:
‘Ramon’ began with a free piano from Craigslist. After mining a ’70s drum break from my vinyl collection, I laid down the initial cassette tape demo of the song. The track thumps along a hypnotic groove, as the speaker romanticizes the cat in the courtyard, and the introspection that comes with isolation.
Brooklyn-based artist, producer, and engineer Justin Meyer has just released his newest single “Friends With Fear,” out Friday, March 24th. Inspired by Justin’s journey of graduating during the pandemic, the single puts a positive spin on uncertainty and the shared experience of having a quarter-life crisis.
Written in 2022, “Friends With Fear” explores the experience of having a quarter-life crisis while confronting the unique challenges of graduating during a pandemic. The upbeat track fuses thought-provoking lyrics with Lily Kelso’s background vocals and Alden Spence’s electric guitar layers to create an undeniably hypnotic sound.
Sharing more behind the song’s inspiration, Justin Meyer explains, “‘Friends With Fear’ is about having a quarter-life crisis and trying to be okay with life’s unknowns. I went through college during the pandemic and graduated a year early, leaving me feeling this sense of time slipping away very quickly. I got super focused on the impermanence of life for about a year. This song is about making friends with those feelings and letting them settle instead of fighting them and making them even worse. Furthermore, it’s about reclaiming the joy of being alive.”
Hailing from Golden, Colorado, Justin Meyer has had a lifelong passion for music. In 2019, he followed his dream and moved across the country to pursue his Music Production and Engineering degree at the renowned Berklee College of Music.
“Justin’s musical career has just begun, but I see it continuing into the far future.”
—The Crescent Magazine
After graduating in 2021, he moved to Brooklyn, New York, and secured a position as an assistant engineer at the prestigious Kensaltown East studio. With his latest single, “Friends With Fear,” Justin continues to demonstrate his exceptional production and songwriting prowess.
Prior to his studies at Berklee, Justin had already begun to hone his sound with his first two EPs, Afterthought and Dreams. During the 2020 lockdown, Justin kept busy, producing his first album Metanoia released in 2021. His third EP, Lonely Rock Star, was recorded as part of Justin’s capstone project at Berklee and featured instrumentation by fellow Berklee alumni.
Justin has had the pleasure of collaborating with many talented artists such as Mae McCoy, Lily Kelso, Aldo Rey, and Claire Donzelli. Returning with his latest single, “Friends With Fear,” Justin continues to demonstrate his exceptional production and songwriting prowess.
To listen to “Friends With Fear,” click the link here.
For more music by Justin Meyer, click the link here.
Sound Mind Live has announced the fifth annual Sound Music Festival for Mental Health will take place on Saturday, May 20, between Irving Ave and Wyckoff Ave in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The free event, which starts at 12 p.m., will feature a number of performers including Iron & Wine, Hiss Golden Messenger, Langhorne Slim, Kamauu, and Pom Pom Squad, and includes DJ sets from House of Yes, Food by Smorgsaburg, Yoga and Sound, Bath Sessions, and more.
BetterHelp is partnering with Sound Mind Live for this year’s Sound Music Festival
For this year’s festival, the world’s largest therapy platform, BetterHelp, is partnering with Sound Mind Live to provide a month of free therapy for their combined communities.
“We’re so proud to partner with Sound Mind on this amazing festival,” Co-founder of House of Yes Anya Sapozhnikova says.
Additionally, containing its focus on mental health awareness, the Sound Music Festival will host a series of panels in partnership with Absurd Conclave, including Mental Health in Communities of Color, Mental Health in the Music Industry, The Importance Of Fostering Community, and more.
Research shows that since the pandemic, more people have contemplated self-harm, with one in four youth having considered suicide, and the fall out of post-pandemic depression is expected to last 3-5 years. The upcoming Sound Mind Music Festival hopes to bring about deeper community connections for healing and elevate conversations and resources that can help those in need find affordable resources sooner.
“Over the past several years the world recognized that mental health issues impact us all in one form or another,” Executive Director of Sound Mind Live Chris Bullard says.
Guests will have the opportunity to make a donation and enjoy a VIP experience, which includes an enhanced viewing area, a private bar, and complimentary swag bags. This year’s Sound Music Festival is in partnership with over 10 music artists, 3 local venues, and over 20 mental health organizations including National Alliance on Mental Illness, JED Foundation, and TransLifeline, and is supported by the Society of Valued Minds, an initiative of Otsuka America, Pharmaceutical, Inc., BetterHelp, Sozosei Foundation, and G4D Productions. Media partners include YouTube Health and Consequence.
While this year’s Sound Music Festival for Mental Health in Brooklyn is free, tickets are still needed to enter the event and can be found here.
