NYS Music 2023

Tag: NYC

  • In Focus: Hayley Kiyoko brings “The Panorama Tour” to Irving Plaza, with Allison Ponthier

    On May 31st, Hayley Kiyoko took over Irving Plaza in the heart of NYC, igniting a firestorm of excitement and pure musical magic. This show was incredible and energetic as she played Irving Plaza for the second day in a row on “The Panorama Tour”; delivering one breathtaking performance after another.

    To make the night even more unforgettable, the incredibly talented Allison Ponthier opened her the night, adding an extra layer of brilliance to an already sensational evening. With Irving Plaza’s intimate setting, the energy in the room was palpable as fans eagerly awaited a night they knew would leave a lasting impact on their hearts and souls.

    Allison Ponthier, the mesmerizing singer-songwriter hailing from Texas, has been making waves in the music scene with her unique sound and captivating storytelling. In a serendipitous turn of events, Ponthier’s journey took a remarkable leap forward when she shared her heartfelt song “Harshest Critic” on social media platforms, catching the attention of listeners around the world. Her raw vulnerability and haunting melodies struck a chord with audiences, leading to a growing fanbase and critical acclaim.

    With her debut EP Faking My Own Death released in 2021, Ponthier showcased her introspective lyrics and ethereal vocals, solidifying her place as an artist to watch. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the human condition, Allison Ponthier’s evocative music resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of those who listen.

    Allison Ponthier Setlist: Autopilot, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hardcore, Crash Test Dummy, Cowboy, Faking My Own Death, I Lied, Character Development

    Hayley Kiyoko

    Hayley Kiyoko, the charismatic 28-year-old artist hailing from California, has been making waves in the music industry with her unwavering talent and unapologetic authenticity. In an unanticipated but welcomed turn of events, Kiyoko’s journey took a remarkable pivot from acting when she released her breakthrough single “Girls Like Girls” in 2015. The empowering anthem not only resonated deeply with audiences but also caught the attention of major influencers in the industry.

    Garnering a devoted following, Kiyoko continued to captivate hearts with her distinct sound and emphasis on sharing queer stories. With each subsequent release, including her debut album Expectations in 2018, Kiyoko solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with. Embracing her role as an LGBTQ+ icon and advocate, she fearlessly uses her platform to champion self-acceptance and love. Hayley Kiyoko’s undeniable talent, combined with her unwavering dedication to authentic expression, has firmly established her as a rising star, destined to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.

    Kiyoko’s electrifying performance left the audience in a state of pure euphoria. From the moment she took the stage and launched into the opening chords of “Found My Friends,” the crowd was swept up in a whirlwind of energy and emotion. Kiyoko’s magnetic presence and infectious enthusiasm had everyone dancing and singing along, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration. 

    In a surprise moment, Kiyoko treated the crowd to a nostalgic rendition of “Determinate,” a throwback to her performance as a main character in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Lemonade Mouth, which had the entire audience belting out the chorus. As a dedicated fan named Jennifer was called out, Kiyoko dedicated a heartfelt rendition of “Pretty Girl” to her, further solidifying the connection she has with her dedicated fanbase.

    As the familiar notes of “Girls Like Girls” rang out, the energy reached its peak, with the crowd erupting in a chorus of voices, an amazing start to Pride month, and affirming Kiyoko’s impact as an LGBTQ+ icon. The introspective and empowering “Gravel to Tempo” followed, further solidifying Kiyoko’s message of self-acceptance and authenticity.

    The night drew to a close with the poignant “Well…” and the empowering anthem “For the Girls,” leaving the audience with a sense of empowerment and unity. However, the crowd’s fervent cheers and applause brought Kiyoko back for an unforgettable encore, culminating in the breathtaking “Panorama.” As the final notes echoed through the venue, there was a collective understanding that this was a performance that would be etched in their memories forever.

    Hayley Kiyoko’s show at Irving Plaza was a masterclass in connecting with an audience and creating an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and celebration.

    Hayley Kiyoko

    In terms of upcoming shows, “The Panorama Tour” has come to a close, but updates for any future Hayley Kiyoko shows can be found on socials, and her website. The same goes for Allison Ponthier, and you can find her socials and website linked here.

    Hayley Kiyoko

    Hayley Kiyoko Setlist: found my friends, luna, sugar at the bottom, What I Need, underground, deep in the woods, Greenlight, flicker start, Curious, Determinate [Lemonade Mouth song], Pretty Girl (Dedicated to Jennifer, fan from crowd), forever, Sleepover, demons, Girls Like Girls, Gravel to Tempo, Hungry Heart [Steve Aoki, Galantis feat. Hayley Kiyoko], well…, for the girls, panorama

  • New York City’s Quarters of Change Announce US Tour For The Fall

    Quarters of Change, an alternative rock band based in New York City, has just announced a headline tour spanning the US. The group will kick off their twenty-city trek in Virginia Beach on September 14th and will come to a close in NYC in December.

    The band is no stranger to the title of headliner as earlier this year, Quarters of Change wrapped their first-ever US headline run, The Deluxe Tour. The inaugural event was largely sold-out and featured the group in historic venues including Los Angeles, CA’s The Roxy Theater, and New York’s Irving Plaza.  

    Last year, Quarters of Change unveiled a deluxe edition of their debut studio album Into The Rift. Originally released in July of 2022, Into The Rift introduced and solidified Quarters of Change as a standout quartet going beyond the typical conventions and traditional boundaries of genre to take the rock scene by storm. Into The Rift (Deluxe) boasts three new songs, including “To Let Go,” “T Love – Extended,” and “Blue Copper.” 

    Through the release and re-release of their first album along with shoutouts from celebrity fans such as Joe Jonas, Fred Durst, and Lewis Capaldi, Quarters of Change have worked their way not only into the limelight but into a second headline tour. The band is expected to announce plans for new music in the coming weeks, but until then fans can look forward to the upcoming performances.

    The Quarters of Change Show

    September 14 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27

    September 16 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern

    September 18 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird

    September 19 – Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar

    September 21 – Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig

    September 22 – Milwaukee, WI – XRay Arcade

    September 23 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s 

    September 24 – Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck

    September 26 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada

    September 27 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall 

    September 28 – Austin, TX – Antones

    September 30 – Orlando, FL – The Social

    October 01 – Tampa, FL – Crowbar

    October 03 – Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern

    October 04 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theater

    October 06 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theater

    October 08 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar

    October 13 – Asbury Park, NJ – House of Independents 

    October 14 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom

    December 09 – New York, NY – Webster Hall

  • Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP “Crisis to Crisis”  

    NYC’s Sons of Venus have just released their latest LP Crisis to Crisis on June 8th, a fuse of classic psychedelic and jam band. Musically, the release is hypnotic and immersive, almost like meditation, but has roaring guitars and electronic-type sound design.

    Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP "Crisis to Crisis"  

    While previous albums have mostly been fully improvised in one way or another, this new release was written and recorded remotely with drums and bass recorded last, an approach which is different from what bands usually do. The album is a spiritual reflection on us as humans and forces us to ask the question why we constantly end up in one world crisis after another.  

    Sons of Venus is made up of guitarist John Sully, drummer Ruslan Baimurzin and bassist Igor Reznik. The three musicians share a chemistry that allow them to improvise instantaneously on almost all complete compositions. Drawing on many influences such as cinema, theater, psychology, and sociology, they found themselves spontaneously experimenting with musical styles like prog, punk, elektro, blues and funk. 

    “It’s the good sound, the mix of psych and funk”

    -Audio Antihero Records 

    Crisis to Crisis is the third Sons of Venus album. As with their first and second albums, the recording followed specific parameters. For example, their first self-titled record was composed by editing improvised recordings, then learning the parts to be performed and recorded live in a state-of-the-art studio.  

    Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP "Crisis to Crisis"  

    Their second record, Adventures in Caution, was fully improvised and recorded on a single portable stereo recorder. The album was recorded first by Sully, who tracked all the vocals, guitars and keyboards in his home, after which he sent the tracks to Baimurzin and Reznik for overdubbing. 

    Sons of Venus Release Psychedelic Rock LP "Crisis to Crisis"  

    Songs like “Living in Blood,” “World on Fire,” and “Dead Languages” are a precarious ride through a doom and gloom landscape. This album is not just simply music for the casual listener. It’s an all or nothing hero’s journey that draws you in like a hypnotist while leading you to the slaughter. Like Hunter S. Thompson said, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” 

    To listen to Crisis to Crisis, click the link here. 

    For more music by Sons of Venus, click the link here. 

  • John Malkovich to Star in “The Music Critic” at The Beacon Theatre

    Acclaimed actor John Malkovich will star in The Music Critic at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on Oct. 28. The Beacon Theatre’s production of The Music Critic will be the last of its 2023 tour dates, before its final performance in June 2024 at Portland, Oregon’s Arlene Schnitzer Theatre.

    Written and conceived by Aleksey Igudesman, The Music Critic is a show in which classical music, theater, and comedy collide.

    John Malkovich the Music Critic Beacon Theatre
    Actor of John Malkovich, star of The Music Critic. Credit: Aleksey Igudesman and Julia Wesely.

    John Malkovich’s career spans over four decades and 70 films, the first of which was an uncredited role in 1978’s A Wedding. Malkovich has worked with several big names in the business, including Sally Field in Places in the Heart (1984) and Glenn Close in Dangerous Liaisons (1988.) He has also ventured into producing, with Ghost World (2001), The Libertine (2004), Juno (2007), and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012).

    Aleksey Igudesman was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, formerly known as Petrograd (1914–1924) and later Leningrad (1924–1991.) He is known as a violinist, composer, conductor, comedian, filmmaker, actor, writer, poet, and entrepreneur. His secret passions are cooking, eating out in luxurious restaurants, and writing reviews on TripAdvisor.

    Tickets for The Music Critic at New York City’s Beacon Theatre starring John Malkovich go on sale May 12 beginning at 10 a.m. Until then, check out the program for The Music Critic.

    The Music Critic U.S. Tour Dates:

    Benaroya Hall, Seattle Washington, Oct 17, 2023

    Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles California, Oct 20, 2023 

    Majestic Theater, Dallas, Texas, Oct 21, 2023

    Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio, Texas, Oct 22, 2023 

    Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin, Texas, Oct 23, 2023 

    Filmore Theatre, Detroit, Michigan, Oct 25, 2023

    Chicago Theatre, Chicago Illinois, Oct 26, 2023 

    The Beacon Theatre, New York City, New York, Oct 28, 2023

    Arlene Schnitzer Theatre, Portland, Oregon, June 12, 2024

  • Syrian Music Preservation Initiative Presents Love and Loss: Traditional Music of Syria at Carnegie Hall on May 19

    On May 19, the Syrian Music Preservation Initiative will celebrate its 5th anniversary at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall with a presentation of works by Syrian composers, Love and Loss: Classical Music of Syria.

    The one-night-only event begins at 8 p.m. featuring SMPI’s Takht al-Nagham (an Arab chamber music ensemble), led by Artistic Director Samer Ali. This group includes instruments traditional to the Takht such as the oud (Arab lute), qanun (Arab zither), and riq (tambourine).

    Syrian Music Preservation Initiative
    Founder and Artistic Director Samer Ali and President Marissa Arciola. Credit: Syrian Music Preservation Initiative

    The 5th-anniversary celebration will include works by Mahmood Aijan, Wanees Wartanian, Majdi al-’Aqili, Ramez Khaskiyya, Khalil Haj Hussein, and Ali, and traditional works by other Syrian composers. Joining Ali (violin) on stage are Marissa Arciola Ali (bass), Brian Prunka (oud), John Murchison (qanun), Nezih Antakli (riq), Gideon Forbes (nay), Lubana Al Quntar (vocals), and Zahra al-Zubaidi, Erik Jönsson, Marwa Morgan, and Stefan Paolini in the choir.

    The theme of love and loss is common throughout the classical Syrian repertoire and remains relevant to their reality today. We are dedicated to preserving and invigorating the diverse regional music traditions of Syria, and this performance will promote the musical heritage through both older, lesser-known works and contemporary pieces. In this way, we celebrate the past, present, and future of Syrian music.

    Samer Ali

    The show also features several musicians who were selected after an audition process, which was open to anyone from the community who wanted to perform with SMPI; the musicians include Syrian siblings of from Pennsylvania: Kyla (violin), Chris (qanun), and Makayl Manja (violin); as well as Amirah Ismail (violin), of Egyptian descent and from Washington, D.C., and Laith al-Attar (oud), of Iraqi descent and also from the DC area.

    Founded in 2018, SMPI promotes and celebrates the diverse musical traditions of Syria through preservation, innovation, research, and education, including music and dance performances, classes, workshops, and seminars, as well as digital resources and recordings. SMPI is partly funded by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

    Syrian Native Samer Ali is a physician, violinist, oudist, composer, and founder and artistic director of SMPI, and has led Takht al-Nagham, SMPI’s Arab chamber music ensemble, in New York at Roulette Intermedium; Florida at Miami Beach Bandshell; and Washington, DC at Kennedy Center. 

    Marissa Arciola Ali is a bassist, strategist, and leader with a unique combination of artistic and business experience who has worked with a number of nonprofit organizations while playing with groups ranging from classical, to rock, and Middle Eastern music. As President of the SMPI board and member of Takht al-Nagham, she helps to move the organization forward by putting a focus on digital initiatives, prioritizing projects, and growing donation and fundraising prospects.

    Damascus-born Lubana al-Quntar, considered one of the leading opera singers of the Arab world, has a repertoire that includes traditional Arabic, folk, and pop music. She completed her academic studies at the Royal College of Music in London and the Damascus Conservatory of Music and studied operatic performance at the Maastricht Academy of Music in Holland. She has appeared globally as an opera soloist and as a traditional Arab singer, and headed the opera department at the Damascus Conservatory where she taught opera and Arabic singing.

    John Murchison is a Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist who performs in the worlds of pop and musical theater, jazz and avant-garde, and traditional music from the Middle East and Africa. Murchison is one of the most in-demand bassists for traditional Arabic music in the United States and also performs regularly on qanun, gimbri, oud, and percussion. He is a co-founder of Brooklyn Maqam, an organization dedicated to presenting, promoting, and building a community around Arabic music in the NYC area.

    Zahra al-Zubaidi is a New York-based Iraqi vocalist who performs a wide range of Arabic styles, with a focus on Iraqi music. She has performed as a featured artist around the US, and as a guest/chorus with several internationally renowned artists such as Muhammad Qadri Dalal, Lubana AlQuntar, with Takht al-Nagham and other ensembles like Safaafir and Hamid al-Saadi. In 2021, she was awarded the City Artist Corps grant to showcase women’s voices and the Iraqi Maqam and recently performed at NYC’s historic Joe’s Pub for the 2022 Habibi Festival.

    New York City-based percussionist Nezih Antakli has performed nationally in numerous venues such as the Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, as well as internationally on a variety of festivals around the world as well as on the Broadway Show “The Band’s Visit”. An alum of the University for the Arts in Rotterdam, Netherlands (CODARTS), he moved to the United States in 2007 and has been involved in the Middle Eastern and Balkan music scene in the wider New York City and Philadelphia area.

    Marwa Morgan is a New York City-based Egyptian singer and journalist who grew up in Cairo surrounded by classical Egyptian music and started singing at an early age, before moving to the U.S. in 2015, where she has performed with several ensembles, including Takht al-Nagham, The Middle East Music Orchestra at Rutgers University among others.

    Brooklyn-based vocalist Erik Jönsson began singing at a young age in his church’s choir in the Hudson Valley, and decades later, he is still singing in church as a member of Trinity Church Wall Street’s Downtown Voices. He has also sung as a member of that choir at Carnegie Hall with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) as part of the Mark Morris Dance Group’s production of L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, and Madison Square Garden in concert with Andrea Bocelli.

    Tickets are now available for the 5th-anniversary celebration of the Syrian Music Preservation Initiative at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.

  • Pop-punk Band Against the Current to Perform at the Gramercy Theatre on World Tour

    New York-based Pop-punk band Against the Current began a world tour that kicked off its U.S. leg on April 22 and will have a performance at the Gramercy Theatre this coming May.

    Against the Current also dropped their new single, “good guy.” Vocalist Chrissy Costanza describes the track as “all about going from anger to apathy, recognizing that this person that hurt you is too sad to hate,” urging listeners to “don’t ignore the red flags, trust your gut.”

    The members of Against the Current, from left to right: Will Ferri (drums, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboards, backing vocals,) Chrissy Costanza (lead vocals,) and Dan Gow (lead guitar, backing vocals.)

    Against the Current originated in Poughkeepsie and consists of Will Ferri, Chrissy Costanza, and Dan Gow. The band’s career spans over a decade, forming in 2011 before releasing their debut studio album, In Our Bones, in 2016. This was followed by 2018’s Past Lives, and aside from their two studio album, Against the Current have released several EPs.

    “good guy” is a relatable track made even better by its visualizer. It tells the story of a romantic suitor (whether it be a guy, girl, etc.) who won’t drop their “good guy” act even when they’ve already made their true colors clear, and you’re finally seeing them for who they are. “good guy” and more music by Against the Current is now streaming.

    Tickets for Against the Current’s world tour are now on sale.

    Nightmares & Daydreams U.S. Tour Dates

    April 22 – Orlando, FL – Level 13

    April 23 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Hell)

    April 25 – Houston, TX – Rise Rooftop

    April 26 – Dallas, TX – Trees

    April 28 – Phoenix, AZ – The Rebel Lounge

    April 29 – Pomona, CA – The Glasshouse

    April 30 – Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades

    May 2 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

    May 3 – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater

    May 5 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada

    May 6 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater

    May 8 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge

    May 9 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone

    May 10 – Detroit, MI – Magic Stick

    May 12 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club

    May 13 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre

    May 14 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer

    May 15 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live!

    May 17 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819

  • Moscot Mobileyes and Music Will Present “Punk & Beyond: Legends of the Lower East Side” at the Mark Miller Gallery

    The Moscot Mobileyes Foundation has announced a partnership with national music education nonprofit, Music Will, for Punk & Beyond: Legends of the Lower East Side, at the Mark Miller Gallery in New York City.

    Punk & Beyond: Legends of the Lower East Side is an immersive art experience celebrating the musicians that rose to fame in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The exhibit is free and open to the public, running Wednesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. from April 20th – July 9th.

    “My Love Rains” by artist Hektad, from a previous exhibition at the Mark Miller Gallery. Credit: Hektad

    With support from legendary music producers Perry Margouleff and Steve Rosenthal, Punk & Beyond: Legends of the Lower East Side will raise funds for the launch and expansion of Music Will’s music programming in public schools, and The Moscot Mobileyes Foundation has kicked off the initiative with a $26,000 donation to open four music programs in local public schools to fund teacher training, instrument donations, curricular resources, and scholarships to attend the Music Will Modern Band Summit. Both organizations hope to continue this initiative annually, building lifelong connections between students and music worldwide.

    I’m delighted to have the opportunity to evolve Moscat Mobileyes from one passion of providing eye care to those in need, to my other great joy in life—music, by providing music education to local public-school kids. I am dedicated to finding ways to give back to the city that has been so good to Moscat.

     Dr. Harvey Moscot

    Designed by Daniel Kershaw, Exhibition Design Manager at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Punk & Beyond: Legends of the Lower East Side will feature artifacts from Johnny Thunders, Lou Reed, Norah Jones, David Peel, and more. 

    “We are so grateful to Moscot Mobileyes for their invaluable support of our mission promoting music education in the Lower East Side, and to Perry Margouleff for his unwavering dedication to our cause,” says Janice Polizzotto, Music Will Interim CEO. “We are so proud to be part of an exhibit that commemorates the rich musical heritage of this historic neighborhood and celebrates its vibrant diversity.”

    Moscot Music originated in 2004 when Harvey Moscot grabbed his guitar and started jamming on a rainy Saturday. Since then, Moscot has added a music element to its repertoire, by connecting fans worldwide with emerging and established musical artists. Presently, their initiative has shifted from solely providing medical eyecare to supporting the needs of the community as a whole.

    The largest nonprofit music program for schools in the United States, Music Will, in the last 20 years, has provided teacher training, curriculum, and instruments to over 6,000 schools across all 50 states – impacting over 1.2 million students to date. The organization strives to restore and transform music education in schools as districts continue to lose funding for music and arts programs. Music Will hopes to reach one million more students in the next five years. 

  • Cable Ties Announce Tour, Stops at Woodstock and NYC

    Australian punk band Cable Ties are scheduled to embark on a North American tour, stopping at Colony Woodstock on Sept. 15 and the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Sept. 16., in support of their new album All Her Plans, due for release on June 23.

    Cable Ties
    The members of Cable Ties, from left to right: Jenny McKechnie (lead vocals and guitar), Nick Brown (bass), and Shauna Boyle (drums) Credit: Kalindy Williams.

    Cable Ties are based in Melbourne and were formed in 2015 with Jenny McKechnie, Nick Brown, and Shauna Boyle. They released their self-titled debut album in 2017, and the forthcoming All Her Plans marks their studio release. A supporting single, “Time For You” is available now. All Her Plans has received considerable global praise from Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, NME, The Line of Best Fit, and Rolling Stone, to name a few. The album also marks the band’s first album since the pandemic began and their touring plans for 2020’s Far Enough were canceled.

    “I found the idea of writing a new album a little terrifying after all our touring plans got canceled just after we released Far Enough in 2020,” McKechnie says. “It felt as though that album had been lost. I thought I needed to write another album like that again, which wouldn’t be lost. This of course wasn’t true. I needed to write whatever album came out of me at this moment in time.”

    “Time For You,” definitely stands out as the best track on the album, and is made even better by its accompanying music video. The song highlights the solace found in the love of a partner, any partner, whether it be romantic, friendship, or otherwise. This message is reinforced at the end of the music video when the members of Cable Ties are lying down and embracing each other, reminding audiences of the power of friendship.

    “Thoughts Back,” sees Brown take the vocal reigns for the first time since the band’s formation, delivering a fierce take on the toll of mental health challenges. “I wrote this song mostly centered around my own experiences with mental illness,” she says. “It also plays into the themes of the record, such as caregiving and mental workload. So often people give up their own lives to help others and, as a result, rarely have their voices, their experiences or their history acknowledged.”

    All Her Plans is out June 23 via Merge Records. Tickets to see Cable Ties on their North American Tour, which includes a performance at Colony Woodstock before concluding at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City are available here.

    Cable Ties North American Tour Dates 2023

    Sep 8 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall

    Sep 9 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar

    Sep 10 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

    Sep 12 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

    Sep 13 – Portland, ME – SPACE Gallery

    Sep 14 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom

    Sep 15 – Woodstock, NY – Colony

    Sep 16 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

  • Fake Dad Releases 80’s New Wave Single “FASHION GIRL”

    NYC’s Alt-pop duo Fake Dad has released their newest single titled “Fashion Girl,” today, April 14th. The alt-pop duo is delivering their second project of 2023 that perfectly captures an electrifying, cathartic, throwback 90’s grunge sound that is a departure from their usual discography, demonstrating their versatility as both songwriters and performers. 

    Fake Dad Releases 80’s New Wave Single “FASHION GIRL”

    The single “FASHION GIRL” is angsty and nostalgic sounding, paying homage to groundbreaking throwback styles like 80’s new wave and 90’s female led riot grrrl punk. In the song, Fake Dad tells the story of a personal best friend breakup while offering commentary on a variety of topics like beauty standards, body and gender dysmorphia, daddy issues, insecurity, and female rage. 

    Fake Dad Releases 80’s New Wave Single “FASHION GIRL”

    At first glance, “FASHION GIRL” is a fun, energetic track that calls upon listeners to let-lose with contagiously danceable reverb-soaked Oberheim drum machine patterns, messy driving distorted guitar, heavy bass, and surf-rock style riffs. With a deeper look into the single, Fake Dad speaks to an untapped, silent pain that so many people carry around with them about constantly being made to feel like they will never look good enough, be pretty or hot in the right way, and the unacknowledged frustration, and rage, that they live in a world that assigns so much of their worth to people’s ability to live up to superficial ideals. 

    Fake Dad Releases 80’s New Wave Single “FASHION GIRL”

    Following recent releases “maybe next year” and “New Machines,” the duo delivers their second project of 202. They perfectly capture an electrifying, cathartic, throwback 90’s grunge sound that is a departure from their usual discography, demonstrating their versatility as both songwriters and performers.  

    18.jpg

    Birthed from Fake Dad’s deep dive into Russian Dark Wave (and post-punk bands) and a tragic falling out with a fashion major (childhood) best friend who hailed from a wealthy UES Manhattan type family, this song is about the insecurity and sadness hidden behind the eyes of so many of the people the fashion industry swallows up with the promise of beauty and power. It at once exalts, criticizes, and empathizes with them, aiming to hand the fashion girls back their power and grant them an opportunity to reconcile with the ephemeral love and power that masquerades as the ideal, golden shell of a life.  

    When listening to the single, fans can hear a reminiscent of 80s New Wave (New Order, Joy Division, The Cure, Talking Heads) for a non-male-led era. In other words, all the female-fronted, angsty energy of 90s riot grrrl/bikini kill punk along with its slightly more pop-leaning, bratty (yet still unequivocally angry) early 2000s sound reminiscent of bands like No Doubt, The Cardigans, Alanis Morissette, Paramore, and P!nk. 

    Fake Dad wants listeners to experience a sense of catharsis from this track, “whether it’s someone who dedicates their life to changing themselves into something that looks good enough, or someone who wishes they could opt out of the value system entirely, there is an anger that needs to be released.”

    “Fashion Girl” premiers on all platforms April 14th.

    For more music by Fake Dad, click the link here.

  • Robin Eaton Releases Classic Rock Single “Wishing Well” 

    Lower East Side legend and classic rock musician Robin Eaton is excited to announce the release of “Wishing Well.” The latest single from Eaton’s upcoming album, Memories of A Misspent Youth, due for release on May 1st. 

    Robin Eaton Releases Classic Rock Single “Wishing Well” 

    The single “Wishing Well” combines cinematic Western music with classic rock instrumentals. Using sensibilities reminiscent of Eric Clapton, Robin Eaton evokes memories of days gone by with his haunting vocals. 

    On the single release, there are many layers of folk, Americana, and classic rock sounds infused with cosmic synths and reminiscent of the Lower East Side in the 1970s. Thus, where Eaton earned his stripes on the local music scene. The latest single, alongside “Drugs R 4 Kids” and “Tell Me Your Dream,” helps Robin Eaton continue to pave a sonic lane for himself. 

    As a prolific songwriter and producer, Robin Eaton is reintroducing himself as a performing artist in 2023. In addition to his background as a songwriter and artist, he was also in the original Broadway production of Hair.  

    In the 80s, Robin moved to Nashville and built the studios Alex The Great Recordings and Club Roar Recordings, where Memories of A Misspent Youth was recorded. Eaton is also a combination of a producer, recording engineer, and mixer with an instrumentalist able to fill in wherever there is a hole, be it a guitar gnat, bass bump, even a sitar squiggle.  

    There should be no shock in naming the latter instrument prior to mentioning Eaton’s status in Nashville, where he moved from his native Pennsylvania to follow the musical muse. The country & western capital, after all, is where the sitar was utilized on a whole series of hits at the height of pop music’s raga rage in the ’60s and ’70s. 

    Aside from his personal music, Robin Eaton is also a respected composer. Robin’s recent score credits include the film Mountain Rest and, written with collaborator Roger Moutenot, the Narcissa podcast (which was one of last year’s top dramatic podcasts). Both works were directed and written by Robin’s daughter, Alex O Eaton.  

    Listen to “Wishing Well” from Robin Eaton by clicking the link here. 

    Memories of A Misspent Youth is due for release on May 1st. 

    For more music by Robin Eaton, click the link here.