New York’s goth metal band Nefariant have released their new single “Beg” this August. The first single from their upcoming EP Noct scheduled to release on February 9th, 2024.
The band includes quartet members vocalist Jason Lekberg, pianist Paul Cibrano, bassist Daniel Martinez, and drummer Andrew Maciejewski. They’ve created a new expression of music they call ‘brutal elegance’ that allows metal to work without a guitarist. The band defines their music by using vocals, piano and bass elements to produce an intense and powerful genre of hard metal.
‘Beg’ begins with an instrumental build up that provokes the listeners as Lekberg emits strong and powerful vocals accompanied by the drums. Nefariant once again produces the sound of heavy metal with an array of growled vocals. Thematically darker and deeper with a progressive theme of self-realization and independence.
Nefariant has begun the release process for Noct by releasing one song a month, starting with “Beg”. In addition, the band has announced an upcoming show in Brooklyn on October 21st at The Meadows. Not only did they release just a new single but a music video as well, highlighting how the song adopts strong vocals, drums and invokes an emotional response that connects the fans to the band.
Brooklyn Celebrates! is one of New York City’s most beloved musical experiences. At the outdoor setting of the Bandshell stage, free admission and delicious locally sourced foods made city goers flock to the park for one last summer hoorah. The Head And The Heart’s long-standing luminary folk sound pulled in one of the largest crowds to ever attend the festival.
Photograph by Erin Reid Coker
One of August’s faltering days where rain overtakes the forecast to hint at autumn’s approach took place. The grass turned to mud, people huddled under trees dense with leaves for shelter, and umbrellas sprouted and flowered above heads in the crowd like colorful flower buds. Despite the wet chill in the air, people spent their entire days in the park in a slow burn of anticipation. A Brooklyn crowd cannot be beaten, for the kindest people mingled and introduced themselves over the common ground of an affinity for music.
Photograph by Erin Reid Coker
Between the spouts of drizzling rain the opener, Izzy Heltai, took the stage. The alternative folk singer provided a great introduction, for his sound was unique and the crowd received him warmly. Izzy’s lyrics were humanly raw with an unwavering braveness to them, braveness through vulnerability. The queer singer sang passionately about the cruciality of mental health and its interconnection with the queer community. He sang of relationships, places, and seasons from a very personal perspective. Though, it’s wondrous how the most personal ideas can be so universal, for each song was lifted up and represented by the audience. Heltai expressed his gratitude for the platform he commanded that evening, and for the opportunity to share the same stage as The Head And The Heart.
Photograph by Erin Reid Coker
After a brief intermission between sets and another rain shower, The Head And The Heart finally made their way onto the Bandshell stage. The murmurs of conversations abruptly shifted into eager cheers, and the tungsten lights turned blue in solidarity with The Head And The Heart’s most recent record Every Shade Of Blue. The sextet took their places behind their instruments and mics to begin the show.
Photograph by Erin Reid Coker
The Head And The Heart is an esteemed band in the music industry, having released their first record in 2011. They moved into a particular corner of folk music and consistently paid rent, delivering five total records of great esteem. Lead singer, Josiah Johnson, reminisced on the last time the band was at Celebrate Brooklyn! back in 2012. He spoke lightly about the band’s origin and journey since then and thanked everyone in the audience for supporting them all these years. Johnson introduced the rest of his band members; the impressive multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Charity Rose Thielen, guitarist Johnathan Russel, bassist Chris Zasche, drummer Tyler Williams, and pianist Kenny Hensely.
Photograph by Erin Reid Coker
Each of the members’ contributions to The Head And The Heart’s sound proved vital and intentional. They have a raw sound cultivated in production that isn’t lost but tastefully added to during their live sets. Dominant, messy, tuneful piano notes mixed with crisp and punctual percussion, all led by the melody of Rose’s violin strings, made for a distinct foundation for their collective musicality. If the emotional sensation of longing could be a sound, it would be The Head And The Heart song.
Photograph by Erin Reid Coker
Their song “Lost In My Mind” from their first self-titled album made a lasting impression on the show. Each band member’s stage presence was electrified, and the high-energy crowd fed off of it. Pockets of fans linked arms to spin and skip. Arms flung up towards the sky in praise. One audience member even lifted their head-phoned baby above the crowd, gently bouncing him to the beat of the music. Johnson shouted out the young fan between choruses to acknowledge, “baby’s first concert!” Even the trees that swallowed the stage seemed to dance.
As the sun set behind the gray sheet of rain, nature’s lights dimmed. The stage glowed through the light fog settling over the audience. Russel smiled up at the darkening clouds, “I swear it always rains when we come to New York.” The audience laughed at their state, soaked and content. For their last song on stage, Josiah made his way into the pit and through the audience. The Head And The Heart’s fans are very gracious. They made way for him and respected his space while he roamed.
Photograph by Erin Reid Coker
The band abruptly left the stage, but the audience would not accept a goodbye. There were too many songs people desperately needed to hear. Voices called out pleading for an encore. Shortly after their departure, the band returned.
They put on a three-song encore, the first of three being “The Orchid.” Lyrically, the song was a meditation on isolation and glimmers of hope that can only be spotted during dark stillness. It was so quiet in the audience that for the first time all evening, one could hear the wind brushing the trees. The last two songs were “Living Mirage,” and their most iconic song, “Rivers And Roads.” In a collective voice, the audience sang the song back to The Head And The Heart. The slow and drawn-out pounds of the drum counted out the remainder of the night. True to their sound, The Head And The Heart left Brooklyn longing for more.
New York is a breeding ground for all kinds of talented individuals. The densely populated nature of NYC makes it challenging to achieve stardom there. With all of the people in this world, it can be difficult to differentiate yourself.
A major part of standing out deals with genetic makeup, upbringing and the place you grew to become familiar with your surroundings. However, New York encourages an unmatched hustle and rewards individuals who persevere with the utmost ambition. If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.
DonMonique, or DonDada releases refreshing tunes every time she steps into the studio. She dismantles traditional hip-hop by dispelling the notion that there can only be one Queen of Rap. She appreciates her hometown for its hectic jungle atmosphere, nuances, and grounds for uncontained creativity. With an old soul and a Brooklyn drawl, this artist consistently asserts a quintessential New York sound every time she lays rhymes down on wax.
Where Brooklyn @?
Brooklyn has birthed a few legends within its time. This is not to say she’s reached legend stature yet, but DonMonique is taking all the right steps to disrupt the game of hip-hop as a whole. She first gained recognition and garnered major attention through her fashion choices and photoshoots.
For a while, she modeled for Pharrell Williams on a website called Karmaloop. A major turning point came about when she did a photoshoot in rare FUBU attire that made its way to Tumblr and had thousands of “notes” and reposts within hours. With a fashion outlook, she set the tone at a high level with crossover appeal between fashion and hip-hop with style and distinction.
Before becoming a hip-hop artist, Don immersed herself within important spheres of influence and made connections with people who are relevant within the genre. Her manager recommended that she avoid popping up in studios without anybody knowing her personally. By building rapport, networking and gradually placing herself on people’s radar she saw success. This whole process took about a year, but proved worthwhile as she focused upon relationship-building and creating a good reputation for her brand.
The Dutchess
When it was finally time to burst upon the scene, DonMo captured her moment in all of its glory. A common theme within hip-hop involves replacing certain powdery substances with the names of white females. On the song, “Pilates,” DonMonique name-dropped Kendall, Kylie and Miley. Furthermore, this song premiered on an Alexander Wang fashion show runway which caused it to gain additional traction.
Pilates took flight when Kylie Jenner posted the song on her Snapchat. Kylie has been known to post new music on her Snapchat account and the fact that this quality song mentioned her name must have made a good impression. Subsequently, people began to take notice of this young Brooklyn artist with only a few songs to her name.
Thereafter, she started working with artists like Danny Brown, Justine Skye and Chuck Inglish. She toured with Lil Debbie, opened Webster Hall for Lil Yachty and got Stelios Phili (the same man who helped produce Ferg Forever) to entirely produce her mixtape, Thirst Trap. Without a doubt, she has that New York pizzazz that many covet and few are able to generate.
Autonomous Maneuverability
DonMonique discovered her voice through trial and error. Much more than just a face in the crowd – she possesses originality and unmistakable flavor. Hence, a strong-willed woman who thrives upon independence and confidence carries complete control over her trajectory. She takes risks regardless of obstacles, embraces her sexuality and rejects the approval-seeking nature that many feel required to subscribe to in America. Furthermore, with spunk and determination, she emerges noticeably different from other artists and travels along her path with subversive femininity.
When it comes to developing songs, DonMonique takes a minimalist approach. By giving the people just what they need and not a drop more, she keeps the fans honest and insatiable. Her clever verses and raspy vocals allow her to wisely navigate the male-dominated industry and reach new wavelengths. As a calm, cool and cozy Brooklyn cat she comes up with music that keeps her audience directly in mind which ultimately boosts her credibility and relatability.
Hypnotic Radiance
DonMo provides a rugged, rough around the edges tomboyish vibe. As a hungry artist she provides gritty bars, deadpan delivery and brash rhymes. With a raw persona, she approaches the genre with titillating, enticing, menacing and genuine bars. Being a noticeably distinct person speaks volumes to her audience and those who are in tune take specific notice of her energetic hustle.
She stands firmly within the throws of an era where hip-hop connoisseurs continue to witness women gain much deserved respect. As a result, she serves as a symbol of empowerment and advocates about unity for women in the form of uplifting anthems and dialogue.
Her first mixtape, Thirst Trap dropped in conjunction with the Hot 97, “Who’s Got Next” showcase. The mixtape title plays on the phrase for social media posts that attract viewers and persuade them into leaving desperate comments. Thirst Trap also relates to the fact that her body of music paired with her physical body and outstanding style leaves the audience thirsty for more.
Before dropping her album,Black Kate Moss, DonMonique took a hiatus to appreciate the moment and rejuvenate herself in order to supply the best possible product for her consumers. The release date was pushed back so that she could concentrate on herself, reflect via introspection and develop her sound further.
As a rebirth effort, this move gave her a chance to reevaluate, appreciate the entire process, cherish her gifts and prioritize her health. She continues to innovate and receive incredible reception from her loyal New York fan base. She performed at the Bowery Ballroom and the Meadows last fall. Stay tuned to hear where she performs next.
Cracker has been described as a lot of things over the years: alt-rock, Americana, insurgent-country, and have even had the terms punk and classic-rock thrown at them. But more than anything Cracker are survivors. Now on the road now for their 2023 Summer Tour, Cracker stopped at City Winery New York, on Saturday, June 3, featured two shows, the first of which was also livestreamed.
The tour features many hits, fan favorites, and deep cuts from Cracker’s 31-year recording career, including material from their last acclaimed double album, Berkeley To Bakersfield – their ode to both northern California’s edgier-rock scene and the country-western music that emanated from further down state.
Cracker City Winery New York 06/03/23
Co-founders David Lowery and Johnny Hickman have been at it for over three decades – amassing nine studio albums, multiple gold records, thousands of live performances, hit songs that are still in current radio rotation around the globe – “Low,” “Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now),” “Euro-Trash Girl” and “Get Off This,” to name just a few – and a worldwide fan base that despite the major sea-changes within the music industry continues to grow each year.
Setlist (early show): Disneyland Jail, 1977, Been Around the World, Seven Days, The Good Life, Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now), 100 Flower Power Maximum, Someday, Hey Bret (You Know What Time It Is), El Cerrito, Get Off This, Dr. Bernice, Loser, Low, Another Song About the Rain, Euro-Trash Girl
Setlist (late show): Poor Life Choices, Get on Down the Road, Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now), Show Me How This Thing Works, The World Is Mine, Time Machine, Sweet Thistle Pie, California Country Boy, Get Off This, Pictures of Matchstick Men, Ambiguity Song, Take the Skinheads Bowling, Take Me Down to the Infirmary, Low, Wedding Day, One Fine Day
Watch exclusive video of “Low” from the livestream below.
CRACKER SUMMER TOUR
Sunday, June 4 – The World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA
Friday, June 9 – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC
Saturday, June 10 – Harborfest Norfolk VA
Thursday, June 15 – Space, Evanston IL [Sold Out]
Friday, June 16 – Space, Evanston IL [Sold Out]
Saturday, June 17 – The Acorn Festival, Three Oaks, MI
Sunday, June 18 David Lowery Solo Acoustic – Bur Oak, Madison WI *
Wednesday, June 21 David Lowery Solo Acoustic – Heavy Metal Shop, Salt Lake City, UT *
Friday, June 23 – Live Oak Music Festival San Luis Obispo CA
Saturday, June 24 – Hopmonk Cookout Concert Series, Novato, CA
Sunday, June 25 – Hopmonk Cookout Concert Series, Novato, CA
Thursday, June 29 – David Lowery Solo Acoustic – Lodge Room, Los Angeles, CA *
Friday, June 30 – The Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach CA
Saturday, July 1 – Pappy and Harriets, Pioneertown, CA
Monday, July 3 Toad the Wet Sprocket and Cracker – Arvada Center, Arvada, CO
Tuesday, July 4 – The Orpheum, Flagstaff, AZ
Thursday, July 6 – TBA, New Mexico
Wednesday, July 12 Spin Doctors and Cracker – Empire State Plaza at Capitol, Albany NY
Thursday, July 13 – Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River MA
Friday, July 14 – Double E Performance Center, Essex Junction, VT
Saturday, July 15 – City Winery – Boston, MA
Friday, July 21 – Riverfront Live Cincinnati, OH
Saturday, July 22 – The Shed Concert Series 2023 at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, Maryville, TN
Producers Sonia Friedman and Tom Kirdahy announced that broadway musical New York, New York will launch a North American tour in January 2025. The tour will begin in a New York State city that will be announced at a later date.
Earl M. Rauch wrote the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Motion Picture “New York, New York,” which inspired the creation of the new musical. The musical follows a group of New Yorkers who come together to chase their dreams of music, money, and love. The broadway musical promises to be as spectacular as the city itself. If they can make it there, they’ll make it anywhere.
New York, New York, hailed by Vogue, Variety, Entertainment Weekly, and The Wall Street Journal, is a rhapsodic love letter to the city. A dazzling, energetic performance, the broadway musical emphasizes the image of New York as the dream-chasing capitol of the world.
New York, New York has garnered 9 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. Additionally, 6 Drama Desk Award nominations, 4 Drama League Award nominations including Best Musical, and 3 Chita Rivera Award nominations. Composer John Kander received the 2023 Tony for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chita Rivera Awards. Furthermore, New York, New York won Outer Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play or Musical.
The broadway musical will feature music and lyrics by Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winners and Acadamcy Award nominees John Kander and Fred Ebb. Additionally, New York, New York features scenic design by Tony and 2023 Outer Critics Circle Award winner and Tony Award nominee Beowulf Boritt. Tony and Emmy winners and nominees oversee costume, lighting, sound, projection, and other production aspects.
Cities and tour dates along with casting and other information, will be announced later.
Follow New York, New York at @nynybway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok. Visit their website here for more information.
