NYS Music 2023

Tag: New Single

  • Craig Greenberg Releases Soulful Single “Song of December”

    NYC native and “troubadour piano man” Craig Greenberg has released his new soulful track “Song of December,” encompassing the feelings that come with the creative process and pushing forward.

    Over the past 15+ years, Craig Greenberg has been a staple on the New York City music scene, capturing and building on the spirited ivory traditions of greats like Billy Joel, Ben Folds, and Randy Newman with sparkling, soulful new musical twists, a larger than life personality and his insightful, dramatic sense of storytelling. He has independently released five albums (his most recent EP, Between the Sea and the Sky, released in Dec 2022), and has performed upwards of 1000 shows from New York to Israel, since his start playing in bars while living in Chile, and later Spain, in the early 2000s.

    He has received praise in American Songwriter, the Huffington Post, and Relix Magazine, and has been played on radio stations all around the country and internationally. In 2021, his song “Oh Caroline” was placed in the semifinals of the International Song Competition and his music video for “Between the Sea and the Sky” received a Europe Music Video Award in March 2023, and placed finalist in the Around International Film Festival (Paris) in June 2023. He has performed with esteemed musicians such as Jackson Browne, Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), Jane Wiedlin (the Go Go’s), Louise Goffin, and Jerry Joseph.

    “Song of December” is a layered track that brings the listener on a journey, with his iconic piano and booming percussions. “It’s a song about the struggle of the creative process, and about finding inspiration to push through that struggle. It’s about looking back at the challenges of the year and looking toward a brighter tomorrow, so it is indeed a hopeful song,” he said. He started writing the song back in 2017 and finally finished it just in time for December.

    Greenberg lays all his emotion out in this track, bringing in a multitude of instruments that play together in perfect harmony. With intricate lyrics and soulful vocals, he paints the picture of his struggles with being creative but knows, in the end, everything is going to be okay.

    “Song of December” is available to stream now.

  • Benny The Butcher Drops Scintillating New Single And Music Video Ahead of New Album

    Benny The Butcher continues to ramp things up in anticipation of his Def Jam debut, Everybody Can’t Go. His latest drop, the thumping new single “One Foot In,” features frequent collaborator Stove God Cooks and sees Benny The Butcher continue his evolution into the mainstream.

    Benny The Butcher "One Foot In" covert art

    Accompanied by a scintillating music video, Benny The Butcher and Stove God exchange bars on life in the streets. Meanwhile, the hook illustrates this duality as Benny examines a life with one foot in the streets and one in the rap game. In like manner, the music video illustrates the parallels between life and the streets and life as a successful rapper. Coupled with more digestible production, the uptempo street anthem offers to fill the void of authentic street records that littered hip hop of yesteryear. However, despite the uptick in production budget, the Buffalo native has maintained his raw and descriptive style, with lyrics full of vivid imagery.

    And this one for the hustlers I was handing ounces. Now look at God, I wrote this in my Grammy outfit.

    – Benny The Butcher

    After all, “One Foot In” follows the release of Benny’s previous single, “Big Dog,” featuring Lil Wayne, who is no stranger to hard-hitting, lyrical bangers. Correspondingly, the record has already amassed 3.2 million Spotify streams and counting, with the music video tracking an additional 2.5 million views. With Everybody Can’t Go slated for a January 26 release, Benny continues to build anticipation for what could be a trajectory defining-album.

  • Deb Cavanaugh and Dandelion Wine Share New Single, “Come On Over”

    Singer-songwriter Deb Cavanaugh and her band, Dandelion Wine, released a new single on Friday, November 17, titled “Come On Over,” as a preview of their record slotted to come out next year. Recorded at Jive Hive Live, the accompanying music video offers a fun rendition of the brand new track.

    Deb Cavanaugh
    Photo Credit: Stephanie Bartik, nyROCKSTARphotographer

    Deb Cavanaugh, a singer-songwriter and longtime musician based in Upstate New York, has been focusing on folk music since the 90s. She now plays shows with Dandelion Wine, a rotating cast of musicians featuring Deb Cavanaugh, Anders Johansson, Jared Carrozza, and Andy DeBell, all of whom contributed to the new single and upcoming record.

    Inspiration for this song, like many others, came to me while driving down the road. I started thinking about relationships and how important it is to me to have a balance between partnership and independence.

    Deb Cavanaugh

    “Come On Over” was recorded at Jive Hive Live, a private Albany venue built for live recordings and livestream productions. Backup vocals, as well as the mixing, mastering, and producing were done at Mountaintop Studios in Petersburgh, NY. Backup vocals feature family with Tabitha Cavanaugh, as well as Brenda Fisher and Laura Johnson

    Photo Credit: Stephanie Bartik, nyROCKSTARphotographer

    Deb Cavanaugh and Dandelion Wine’s new record, Come On Over, will be released in 2024. The new single, of the same name, is available now with the brand new music video below.

  • Benny The Butcher Snags Lil Wayne Feature With New Album On The Way

    Benny The Butcher has graced fans with a prolific new single from his forthcoming album, Everybody Can’t Go. Featuring the legendary Lil Wayne, “Big Dog” is the first new music from Benny since 2022’s Tana Talk 4 broke inside the Top 25 on the Billboard 200 album chart last year, and notably his first release for Def Jam Recordings, who he signed with after his contractual obligations to his cousin Westside Gunn’s Griselda imprint ended.

    Cover art for the new Benny The Butcher single "Big Dog."

    Co-produced by famed hip hop producer, Alchemist, “Big Dog” sees Benny The Butcher try his hand at another lyrical back-and-forth with a platinum selling rapper. His last effort, “Johnny P’s Caddy” — featuring J. Cole — peaked #14 Hot Rap Songs hit. Moreover, it was Benny’s first single to break inside the Hot 100. Furthermore, the Buffalo native was able to earn his first gold record and the first for any Griselda affiliate.

    “Big Dog”

    The new single is a change of pace for Benny The Butcher as the sped-up production departs from his usual laid-back, soulful, or sample heavy beats. What remains the same is his fervor, as he perfects his aggressive, braggadocios, grimy style. Backing him up is a looping classically inspired beat full of urgency. In like manner, Benny attacks the beat with the same intensity as if he was rapping about bricks on the table over a Daringer beat. Rather, Benny follows a formulaic song structure. While his subject matter remains close to home, the production and flow is a nice change of pace. Likewise, Lil Wayne continues to prove that he remains a rapper to be reckoned with, delivering a prolific verse in his own right in the duo’s first collaboration since “Timeless” from Benny’s 2020 album, Burden of Proof.

    Over the last year, Benny has spent time promoting his Black Soprano Family artists including Fuego Base and Rick Hyde. However, the first quarter of 2024 will see Benny release his new album, Everybody Can’t Go.

  • Dave East & Vado Release ‘Deniro & Pesci’ With New Album On The Way

    Two of Harlem‘s finest — Dave East and Vado — have graced the hip hop world with a new single. “Deniro & Pesci” is the latest record from 2/3 of hip hop collective “The Council” (which includes Dave East, Lloyd Banks and Vado). The ominously themed record is an ode to the lifestyles of mobsters James Conway and Tommy DeVito portrayed by Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci from one of hip hop’s most referenced films, Goodfellas.

    Dave East and Vado single cover art,

    In like manner, Vado and Dave East metaphorically reference the film and other famous mobsters. For instance, East begins the song with an introspective recounting of his rough upbringing that inspired his hustler mindset. Similarly to how Goodfellas begins with the telling of Henry Hill’s youth. Meanwhile, Vado juxtaposes Dave East, playing the role of the fully realized hustler. For his part, Vado’s verse is full of vivid imagery, whether it be intimate hustler tales, or stories of lavish expenditures. Together, the duo captures the evolvement from impressionable youth to “goodfella” as well the surrounding factors that play a role.

    Best Lyric

    With a vision like Bugsy, I’m Warren Beaty inspired, or like LL, standing at the crowd at Supreme Team party with murderers all around. Kingpins on stage, reppin’ the seven crowds. Analyzing they style, wishing that I was down.

    – Vado, “Deniro & Pesci”

    Album On The Way

    Meanwhile, “Deniro & Pesci” serves as a prelude to the duo’s forthcoming collaborative album set for release in the first quarter of 2024. Dave East’s last EP Fortune Favors the Bold was released in July, while Vado dropped V-Day 4 in May. This will be their second joint-project together following 2017’s It’s Harlem, hosted by DJ Kay Slay.

    V and I have been locked in for the longest, that’s family, it’s only right we team and up do something for the town. 

    -Dave East

    2/3 of The Council are back with more heat, and just wait until we drop the album  

    – Vado

  • 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.

  • MVW and Valee Drop Single ‘Tailor Swift’ In Anticipation of New Album ‘Valeedation’

    MVW and Valee continue their dynamic association with the release of their new single, “Tailor Swift.” A play on the name of pop superstar Taylor Swift, this latest record arrives as MVW and Valee gear up for the release of their debut joint-album, Valeedation. Set for release on October 20, the slowed-down, classically inspired tune follows a similar formula as the pair’s prior collaborations on MVW’s last two albums, CLASSIC$ and Connections.

    Valee and MVW song cover.

    In similar fashion, MVW juxtaposes Valee’s nonchalant delivery with refined instrumentation blending into a sound coined as “museum rap.” On “Tailor Swift” Valee rides MVW’s choppy, slowed-down production while expounding on his luxury-filled wardrobe. In usual fashion, Valee song title are often a precursor to a witty metaphor. Rapping, “white Gucci pants same color Taylor Swift. Yeah, getting measured in Gucci b*tch my tailor swift.”

    While Valee’s quick-witted one liners feel improvised, his meticulous approach to music and fashion has led to a cult-following, as he’s always provided a alternative sound and delivery to his contemporaries.

    Throughout my career I’ve been known to tailor my own clothes because I like them to fit a certain way. They have to be precise. I approached making this song the same way. When MVW sent it to me I knew it was the one.

    Valee on “Tailor Swift”

    Meanwhile, with each record, MVW aims to transport the listener into a world of musical radicalism. In effect, the two idiosyncratic artists serve a similar musical purpose, albeit with different approaches.

    The underlying sound and flow in Tailor Swift is essentially avant-garde, compounded by the depth of the entendres and visual metaphors, this track transports the listener into a world of radicalism.

    MVW on “Tailor Swift”

    The release of “Tailor Swift” arrives following the summer drops of “Could Be” and “Pistachio.” These two releases preluded the eventual collab-album from the frequent collaborators. While Valee remains a season vet of the hip hop world, Staten Island native MVW continues to build on a repertoire that has seen him work with other innovative rappers such as TiaCorine, Xavier Wulf, Lil Gotit, Matt Ox, Zelooperz and Anycia.

  • The Bones of J.R. Jones Releases Single and Video for “The Good Life”

    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 A Celebration, 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

    10/19 – Charlotte, NC – Evening Muse 

    10/20 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic

    10/21 – Nashville, TN – The Basement 

    Europe –

    11/8 – Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso 

    11/9 – Luxembourg, LUX – Gudde Wellen 

    11/10 – Paris, FR – No.Pi 

    11/11 – London, UK – Omeara 

    11/14 – Cologne, DE – Jaki 

    11/15 – Hamburg, DE – Uebel & Gefährlich 

    11/16 – Berlin, DE – Kantine Berghain 

    11/17 – Leipzig, DE – Naumanns 

    11/18 –Frankfurt, DE – Brotfabrik

  • Nick Vanderwood Returns To Utica For New Single “Shimmy”

    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.”

  • MVW & Anycia Are ‘Makin em’ Dance’ With Latest Single

    Newly-minted trap producer Michael Vincent Waller has found his latest muse, teaming up with Atlanta-based Anycia for his latest single “Makin’ em’ Dance.” The Staten Island bred producer continues to broaden his musical horizons dropping this slowed-down thumper with the up-and-coming rapper.

    MVW tabs Atlanta-bred Anycia for his newest single
    MVW and Anycia are “Makin em’ Dance”

    In similar fashion, MVW tabs Anycia as the latest to rhyme over his unique production. “Makin em’ Dance” is a slow-pace thumper. Backed by poignant piano and violin chop and thumping 808 drums that offers a spaced-out ambiance, the Atlanta-based rhymer delivers the type of easy-going and mellow flow that meshes so well with MVW’s minimalist style.

    Altogether, MVW is ramping up and diversifying his releases in anticipation of another album. The California-based producer has raised his profile with two unique projects in his first two years as a hip hop producer. As of late MVW has teamed with TiaCorine and Lil Cherry for the global trap record “Tru Tru.” Not to mention a pair of summer releases with the Chicago-bred Valee as they tease their upcoming joint-album.