NYS Music 2023

Tag: electronic

  • MIDNIGHTCHOIR Shares “Lovecrimes” Single + Video

    NYC electronic act MIDNIGHTCHOIR has just released the single “Lovecrimes,” along with this, a music video to accompany it. Along with this, they have also confirmed the forthcoming release of their second album, Loverboy Molotov, to be released July 14th. 

    New York-born and raised electronic producer Patrick Bobilin has been producing music as MIDNIGHTCHOIR since 2014. Bobilin’s love for 80s goth rock and pounding electronic beats combined with his political experiences color the tone and tenor of his music. 

    Speaking on this new single, Bobilin wrote, “After 7 years of being in the public eye, the only times I felt I could be myself were at NYC dance bars like Pyramid Club or Saint Vitus. I started traveling to Austin, TX more often to visit a group of friends, free from the political infamy I’d become ensnared in.”

    “I recorded it quickly in one night, with the urgency of having to get out of town and shake loose of those tangles. ‘Lovecrimes’ was inspired by late nights in NYC and dancing at Barbarella in Austin, where they always play INXS on 80’s Night. The cover of ‘Need You Tonight’ was also inspired by those late nights and features guitar from David Simutis who I met at an office job and who I learned was a seasoned indie rock vet, having engineered and played on some of the coolest records of the last 20 years.” 

    The combinations of sex, politics, and gothic imagery explain the lyrical content and the inclusion of three covers: Bauhaus’ “Bela Lugosi’s Dead,” INXS’ “Need You Tonight,” and “Personal Jesus” by Depeche Mode. 

    Since then, Bobilin ran for public office, led community action organizations during the 2020 social justice uprisings, and has been an active community organizer. He was even arrested twice during the 2020 movement for black lives while organizing protests. That social justice work, which had Bobilin arguing with former-mayor de Blasio about policing on live radio, has found its way into the lyrics of the punk-infused new darkwave album he recorded in the first few weeks of 2023. 

    The new album was made with much of Bobilin’s urgency and energy of his political campaigns in 2017, 2020, and 2022. Having firmly decided to leave politics behind, Bobilin was compelled to write about many of the frustrations that inspired his far-left politics.  

    While Bobilin may lean on 80’s new wave and goth influences, the autobiographical elements of the album reflect his experiences in politics and protest. The politics of the album are far left, with emotional, social, religious, and political concerns peppered throughout. 

    Listen to “Lovecrimes” by clicking the link here. 
    Loverboy Molotov will be available on all streaming services this July. 

  • Karina Rykman Releases “Joyride” Single and Video, debut Album due in August

    Standout singer, songwriter, and bassist Karina Rykman dropped her first single and title track from her upcoming debut album JOYRIDE. The project is set to be released on August 18 and marks Rykman’s first collection of songs since she’s put out a slew of acclaimed singles dating back to 2019. 

    Karina Rykman was born and raised in New York City. She found music at an early age, making her way around the city performing at and attending live music venues. By the end of her time at NYU she had appeared on America’s Got Talent and the TODAY show. As part of Marco Benevento’s band, Rykman performed dates with Vulfpeck, Dispatch, and The Claypool Lennon Delirium. 

    Photo Credit: Brantley Gutierrez

    Rykman’s own band is made up of Adam November (guitar, loopers, effects) and Chris Corsico (drums). Together the group has made a name for themselves due to their strong instrumentation, funky groove, layered production, and often genreless sound. 

    All these elements help to make “Joyride” such an interesting and fun listen. The track features a strong vocal performance from Rkyman, whose breathy voice and wistful lyrics could compete with any indie-pop record. The song’s tasteful synths and syrupy bass drive the beat toward an almost psychedelic sound. Joyride also features a guitar performance from JOYRIDE co-producer Trey Anastasio. 

    ’Joyride’ is about being driven insane as you’re kept awake by music in your head all night – so much so that eventually, you give up and ask your partner to take you on a joyride instead of tossing and turning

    Karina Rykman

    The connection between Rkyman and Anastasio goes back to childhood. Rykman went to middle school with the Phish star’s daughters and became family friends because of it. However, the two had no musical relationship until they both performed at Peach Music Festival in Scranton. Anastasio became interested in being a part of Rykman’s first album, offering the use of his iconic Vermont studio “The Barn.”

    When I first heard the early demos, the first thing I said was more Karina… Turn up the bass, sing more, and step out. What makes me most happy about the finished album now is that to my ears, it sounds like Karina unapologetically. It has her nature. It has her incredible joyous outlook that I know is real because I saw it in her when she was a kid.

    Trey Anastasio
    Photo Credit: Jesse Faatz

    JOYRIDE was written and recorded with Rykyman’s childhood friend, producer Gabe Monro. Trey Anastasio’s guitar appears on five of the album’s nine tracks. Legendary mixer Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Swans, Ramones) also helped to create the project. 

    “You only get to make your first album once,” she adds, “and I couldn’t be prouder of what we created with this one. It’s a moment in time – the first of what I hope to be a lifetime of making records and touring behind them.

    JOYRIDE pre-order can be found here.

  • Goth Babe Sends New York City Into Summer as “The Lola Tour” Stops At Pier 17

    On Friday, May 5, Goth Babe’s performance at Pier 17 catapulted New York City into summer. On the East River below the FiDi skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge-facing venue hosted Goth Babe’s “The Lola Tour” with Yoke Lore. The outdoor venue could not defend against the on and off rain showers, but the risk of weather was made worth it when sunset rolled around.

    The sky turned into something of pink brilliance, and a rainbow casted over the river. The colorful streak of spring arched over the stage to turn the evening into the ultimate setting for Goth Babe’s sound – light, natural, and vibrant.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    The crowd spilled onto the Pier 17 rooftop hours before Goth Babe’s show to see the opener, Yoke Lore. A renowned artist in the alternative/indie realm, singer Adrian Galvin attracted fans of his own and collected some new ones as he gave a dynamic performance. He spun around on stage in between verses and communed with the audience kindly. Yoke Lore’s sound strikes a comforting chord in the musical soul. With only raw vocals, percussion, and a banjo to seal his sound, he successfully composes a unique warmth with his music.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd
    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    The sun continued to set over the enthusiastic crowd, and an unbelievable flower moon took its spot in the sky. Its massivity attracted a volley of OOOs and AAAhhhs as everyone waited eagerly for the party to start. Eventually the twin screens on either side of the stage darkened, and blues and whites flashed in lengthy strobes over the crowd. The indie-electronic vocalist, Griffin Washburn, and his two touring bandmates on percussion, keys, and strings made their way onto stage. Washburn seemed to talk to himself in happy disbelief as a response to seeing Pier 17 crowd, “This is f*cking nuts! So cool! This is insane, it’s going to be awesome.”

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Griffin Washburn is a known nomad. He lives in and out of sailboats and tiny homes in the mountains of Washington, hence his new single “Alone in the Mountains.” His free-spirit is a light in the music industry, for he cares more about the connections and differences he can make with his music rather than his profits and status. The day of the show, he posted on his instagram story to invite fans to participate in a pre-show run club. Connecting with his fans who he sees as friends has been a tour priority. His kind and mellow persona shines through his music and could be felt throughout the show.

    After getting the crowd warmed up with some songs, he asked for a volunteer to crowd surf. Once a member of the audience was elected, the stage crew brought out a watermelon slice pool-floatie. The fan was released to surf the hands of her fellow Goth Babe listeners. Griffin sent her off with a wave, “Be kind to her, and be safe with her!” She totally rocked the role, fist-bumping and belting song lyrics in a spell of pure joy.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Goth Babe established a friendly community from the start. He encouraged the crowd to participate in dance-offs and sing-alongs, insisting “you’re all not too old for sing-alongs!” His stage presence consisted of audible yipping, head-banging, and epiphanic gratitude. It was impossible not to dance. The music seemed to lift the crowd into movement.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Electronic music gets wrapped with the stigma of being synthetic and repetitive. Goth Babe’s sound strongly defies this tired narrative. The blend of guitar strings, light chimes, and seemingly element-inspired melodies composes a natural almost healing sound. Combined with relatable and celebratory human lyrics, Goth Babe has created something unique and informative of a lifestyle – unbound and transient.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Towards the end of the show, Griffin spun around to take in the glory of New York City. The skyline lights shimmered on the water, and the traffic on the bridge strung red ribbons of light across the storm clouded sky. He encouraged everyone to introduce themselves to a stranger and tell them why they live in New York City, and why they love it so much. A minute from the show was sacrificed to organic conversation. The crowd seemed more tightly knit for the remainder of the show.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Griffin and his fellow performers put on silly hats for the remainder of the show. He adorned a shark hat, the percussionist wore a disco helmet, and the keys player wore a cow-print cowboy hat. The last few songs rolled by too easily. Griffin conducted the gold-star concert move of commanding the crowd to get really low and jump up on the beat. He sang a crowd favorite, and  what he deemed his favorite song, “Taking Over The Sun.” The crowd was electric.

    “We try to make this more than a normal concert you’d come to for an hour. We want to make you a part of something and leave feeling better than you came!” That they did. When the show came to a close, the party did not. Fans poured out from Pier 17 and continued to dance and sing in the Manhattan streets. Goth Babe set the summer tone for New York City.

  • FRIDAY Shares Clown-like Grunge Single/Video “Dear God”

    NYC-based multihyphenate creative Nicole Daddona, also known as FRIDAY, has shared her new single and music video, “Dear God.” The grunged-out ballad is a punk reclamation of emotions, paired with a video that shows her dressed up as a crying, cigarette-smoking clown as she takes over an empty indoor children’s entertainment facility.  

    When Nicole Daddona preforms as her alter ego FRIDAY, she channels her creativity in each moment and brings a sense of nostalgic fun to each track. Daddona catches her audience with an emotionally deep sound that when you listen, you’ll transport you to a world where the weekend never ends.  

    FRIDAY Shares Clown-like Grunge Single/Video "Dear God"

    With each song, FRIDAY captures different aspects of the human experience, adding her unique, colorful perspective. When listening to “Dear God,” her hook-filled songs and playful melodies will get stuck in your head and your heart. 

    FRIDAY Shares Clown-like Grunge Single/Video "Dear God"

    Besides Nicole’s new project FRIDAY, she is the founder and designer of the “lowbrow, high fashion” clothing and accessories company Magic Society, creating iconic, playful, and maximalist designs like the Judy Bag (a purse made from deadstock blow-up dolls). She’s also one half of the production company Magic Society Pictures, who just debuted their most recent film The Mundanes at this year’s SXSW.  

    FRIDAY Shares Clown-like Grunge Single/Video "Dear God"

    It’s well known that FRIDAY is a true creative powerhouse. This talented artist is not only a visual artist and filmmaker but also a fashion designer who has turned her hand to music. Through her whimsical and eclectic solo musical project, FRIDAY explores themes of love and loss with a touch of nostalgia and DIY aesthetics. In fact, she once described her music as “Harry Nilsson meets Nirvana,” which gives you a taste of the unique sound she brings to the table. 

    FRIDAY Shares Clown-like Grunge Single/Video "Dear God"

    FRIDAY’s music draws inspiration from a range of artists, including Marc Bolan, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Nirvana, and Harry Nilsson. Her sound is an accumulation of multiple genres, inspired by Art Rock, 70s power pop, grunge, bubblegum pop, and NU-Disco influences.  

    From the influences of NYC, her music is inspired by vintage horror films, unrequited love, dreamcore, and weirdcore. It’s a cross-genre project that has something for everyone. FRIDAY channels her creativity in each moment and brings a sense of nostalgic fun to each track. 

    To listen to “Dear God” by FRIDAY, click the link here. 

    To watch the music video for “Dear God,” click the link here. 

    For more on FRIDAY, click the link here. 

  • Conomor Duo Releases First EP: “One Step (At A Time)”  

    Rochester’s Conomor duo has just released their first ever EP One Step (At A Time) on January 6th. The album is heavily influenced by sounds like Daft Punk, Outkast, Damon Albarn, Kendrick Lamar, and many others.  

    Conomor Duo Releases First EP: “One Step (At A Time)”  

    Overall, the songs on the album are solid, have defined identity, and are led by a creative and unique perspective that the duo provides. Songs like “One Step (At A Time)” sound so familiar to Gorillaz/Damon Albarn’s vocals.  

    Conomor Duo Releases First EP: “One Step (At A Time)”  

    Conomor is a duo based in USA and France, made up of Kevin (Vocals/music) and Paul (Music). While going to the same high school, they in the neighborhood hip-hop studio named TCA. Through producing beats and creating their first band Drozophyl, the duo forged a friendship as well as an artistic collaboration that still lasts today.  

    https://soundcloud.com/conomor/sets/conomor-one-step-at-a-time/s-rbB14nHsMC4?si=79f237d1f99e442cb18589060139448d&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

    Conomor is a boundless project made by both Kevin and Paul, venturing between electronic music, trip hop, pop with hints of hip-hop and rock. Both have collaborated on different projects in the past, and have been active in multiple musical experiences in both countries. 

    “I had thought of a wrecked life 

    Rifles screaming into darkness 

    A bunch of dope and a blunt knife 

    It’s as weak as I am 

    I could go lifeless” 

    As life separates the duo geographically, Paul works on many different projects, and so does Kévin after having moved to Rochester. 

    The duo stated, “With this first EP, we demonstrate that, from the complexity of our musical world results a truly universal sensitivity. One Step (at a Time) seeks to be resolutely modern and contemporary without abandoning its traditional musical heritage. Kévin’s instrumental melodies often rely on Paul’s electronic rhythms. The use of machines enriches and sublimates each musical phrase: early, the minimalist One Step (at a Time), alternates between hot and cold, and ends up delivering a rhythmic groove. With Arms, guitars mix with Trap beats, before a harmonica strikes a heady blow. Materialize resonates as a dark electro/club anthem, with its captivating vocal layering. Flower City Groove holds a lively rhythm, evolving into a chanted chorus, an ode to the city of Rochester, NY. Finally, lyrical piano chords accompany elements of a cold ambiance, with synthetic Notes.” 

    To listen to the album “One Step (At A Time),” click the link here.