Tag: NYC

Nai’a Releases Vulnerable and Passionate “Newman Beauty” Single

Manhattan’s Nai’a has just released a very vulnerable and passionate single titled “Newman Beauty,” on February 16^th. This heartfelt single is part of Nai’a’s craft; with head turning, shocking visuals, and raw, emotional compositions, Nai’a isn’t just making music, but art.

Being a pensive and exploring artist in the space of adventures circling through his life, Nai’a’s creative mind comes to life as he creates music. By intertwining the melodies and wordplays appealingly, he knits his song flawlessly.

There’s a dichotomy of thoughts and escapades he powders his songs with. Nai’a meanders by his beliefs finding the meaning of life through the songs that he writes. “Newman Beauty”, Nai’a’s latest record, is an intimate closure of thoughts with simply him and a guitar. The yearning guitar riffs & his voice overflowing with a thousand stories culminate into an emotionally strong tune.

“I was in love, now you’re just a memory”
– Nai’a

The song acts as a journal of his emotional journey when dreaming to be in love. His encumbered voice carries the weight of ardor. The single is a straightforward, easy, unadorned yet brilliantly crafted song that Nai’a has released.

While talking about the song Nai’a stated, “Writing Newman Beauty has been the biggest risk I’ve taken as a songwriter. I had to tell my story in the most honest way, with no sugar coating,” and he’s given it justice by keeping both his lyricism and the music minimal and honest.

The song feels like he’s floating on a sea of vulnerability, as he sings the words. He paints the picture of him longing for something that isn’t his.

The ambiguity of his mind preoccupies the thoughts that flow, as he communicates through the music. It’s like Nai’a is fixated on a person he can’t let go of, from a place of love and affection. You can hear the tenderness and pain along his dreamy melodies. “Newman Beauty” is a way of healing himself.

For more by Nai’a, click the link here.

To listen to “Newman Beauty,” click the link here.

March 13, 2023
Olivia Reid Releases Indie-Pop Single “Runner’s High”

NYC-based indie-pop artist Olivia Reid has just released her newest single “Runner’s High,” on March 3rd. This new eclectic single serves as a self-reflection of Olivia’s dedication to her path to success, above all of the challenges.

Olivia grabs the attention of her listeners with potent lyrics and a pumping beat. “Runners High” carries you through a musical journey perfect for a windows-down drive or an outdoor festival. She states, “’Runner’s High’ describes the way I’ve conditioned myself to be a workhorse. A product of growing up in America, I guess.”

https://soundcloud.com/oliviareidmusic/01-runners-high/s-YYqgd8587s7

Based in NYC, Reid’s production style blends indie acoustics with exploratory electronic pop soundscapes, landing listeners in a visceral sonic world. Reid’s interests are diversified, exploring areas such as screenwriting, neuroscience, digesting current events, advocating for nature.

Currently, Olivia is involved with Brian Eno’s charity EarthPercent, she also formerly hosted Spotify For Artists and Notable’s Song Start podcast. Thus, where she interviewed artists like Sam Smith, Victoria Monet, Hayley Williams of Paramore.

As a self-proclaimed “chronic collaborator,” Olivia Reid has connected with audiences around the world via collaborations such as “Time is Mine” with Kidswaste, “What You Came Here For” with Jae Luna, and “Above the Clouds” with SŸDE. Her music has been featured in Flaunt Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan, The New Yorker, and American Songwriter and has been added to several official Spotify playlists like Happy Pop, Metropolis, Chill Tracks, Sunday Session, Dance Hits, and Golden Hour, garnering her over 40 million streams.

Olivia Reid’s debut EP Earth Water hit streaming platforms in 2021, with new songs on the way in 2023. Fueled by deeply personal lyrics and boundary-pushing production, the new project conceptually details an artist’s slow descent into madness.

To listen to “Runner’s High,” click the Spotify link here.

For more about Olivia Reid, click the link to her website here.

March 3, 2023
In Focus: The Backfires Return From London

Equal parts British and American, The Backfires returned from a show across the pond to play at Brooklyn’s very own Baby’s All Right on Februrary 22. With support from indie rock band Secondhand Sound, The Backfires fully entranced the fans at the sold-out show.

Frontman Alex Gomez (Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma)

Rock group The Backfires hails from both sides of the Atlantic. When Alex Gomez, the frontman, went to London to study abroad in 2018, he met Harry Ruprecht (lead guitarist) and Max Wanduragala (drums). Right before the production of their debut EP “Consider the Backfires” in 2019, bassist Matt Walter joined the group. The band completed recording the EP in London in January 2020. In 2021, the band released the EP and later that year, remotely recorded and published “Song 55.” The British members of the Backfires have secured their visas for 2023, ready for many more live shows in the upcoming year.

Secondhand Sound (Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma)

Nashville-based alt-rock quartet Secondhand Sound was originally formed in Urbana, Maryland after Sawyer John Estok (lead vocalist/guitarist) and Collin Plank (drummer) began writing songs in their parent’s basements. Eventually, Estok and Plank headed to Nashville, making friends with Teagan Proctor (bassist) and Cam Schmidt (guitarist/keyboard player). Through anthemic hooks, fuzzy garage-rock riffs, and irresistible youthful energy, Secondhand Sound craft songs that have granted them vast success, with more to come as the band self-proclaims that they “Will Be The Biggest Band In The World”.

Bassist Matt Walter (Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma)

During the show, Estok’s voice carried a windful southern howl that carries a weight of melancholy with a feisty rock n’ roll punch throughout the performance, while the band danced around and moshed in the pit. After playing stand-out songs “Dominoes” and “Pocket Change”, Estok left the stage to join the crowd in moshing. The remainder of the show kept the vibe energetic and fun. As their set closed out, the impression of their performance introduced an array of new followers to their rich Nashville sound.

Secondhand Sound Setlist: Heavy Metal Parking Lot Kind Of Cool, Darby, Stone’s Throw, Rorschach, Dominoes, Colm’s, Veritas, Pocket Change

Guitarist Harry Ruprecht (Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma)

When The Backfires finally started playing, the crowd immediately went wild as Gomez launched straight into singing “Matador”. Throughout the show, their enthusiasm and stage presence shone through as they played such hits as “Song 55” and “City Queen”. Before the end of the show, after much anticipation, The Backfires played their new single “Joyride” live for the first time. The atmosphere in the room was absolutely unmatched as they rocked the house down. As their first show back in the US in 2023, The Backfires showed that they’re up to incredibly exciting things and new sounds.

The Backfires Setlist: Matador, Preoccupied, Never Seen You Before, Figure It Out, Anything, R U Mine, City Queen, Turn off The Lights, Reflection On My TV, I am the Walrus, Brighter Lights, Song 55, Joyride, Blindsided

Bassist Teagan Proctor (Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma)

In terms of upcoming shows, Secondhand Sound doesn’t have any performances set up but be sure to check their Instagram for any updates. The Backfires also don’t currently have any upcoming tours, but any announcements can be monitored on their website or their social media accounts.

Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma

Photographed by Chinaza Ajuonuma

February 27, 2023
Robert Walter Releases “White Lines” from Aquarium Drunkard Session (Vol. 3)

Robert Walter interprets infamous soul and jazz artists on his third session for the music journal, Aquarium Drunkard. The EP’s opening track, a reimagination of Melle Mel’s “White Lines,” which itself was a reinvention of Liquid Liquid’s track “Cavern,” has just released on February 17^th.

A founding member of The Greyboy Allstars, Walter splits his time between The Greyboy Allstars, his own 20th Congress, playing organ and keys in Mike Gordon Band and on tour with Roger Waters, in addition to a robust film soundtrack career in Los Angeles.

“These tracks were all recorded for Aquarium Drunkard’s Lagniappe series. This was my 3rd installment,” explains Walter. “I always try to find some interesting tunes that have inspired me in some way over the years. It’s also a fun challenge to record the music all by myself. I played all the instruments here and arranged, recorded and mixed at home.”

Robert Walter said of the session, “I have always loved ‘White Lines (Don’t Do It).’ I remember hearing this when I was first discovering rap music as a kid. I learned later that the music is based on Liquid Liquid’s ‘Cavern.’ I love how the interactions between the NYC art scene, punk rock, and emerging hip-hop were happening so naturally and quickly during the late ’70s,” continued Walter. “This tune manages to be a message song, embrace some avant-garde musical ideas and still work as dance music even to this day. I have been playing it off and on in bands my entire life. I started doing it a lot as an organ vehicle during late night Jazzfest gigs as a comment on the wild party atmosphere. This version references both the original Liquid Liquid track and the brilliant Melle Mel interpolation.”

The keyboardist, who co-founded The Greyboy Allstars and is currently on tour as a member of Roger Waters’ band, plays all of the instruments. Some of the artists being featured on Aquarium Drunkard are Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel, Liquid Liquid, Jackie Mittoo, Eddie Harris, Rammellzee & K-Rob and Les Baxter & Martin Denny.

Pre-order/save Aquarium Drunkard sessions featuring Robert Walter’s cover of “White Lines” by clicking the link here. For more on Robert Walter, click the link here.

February 18, 2023
Talib Kweli, DMC, Slick Rick, Rakim And Bob James Perform At The Blue Note

For the second year in a row Talib Kweli perfomed at The Blue Note with legendary jazz pianist Bob James. Kweli brought a few of Hip-Hop’s biggest names as special guests including DMC, Slick Rick and Rakim plus a full band for the shows held on February 7th – 9th.

Since 1981, The Blue Note has been called home by some of the greatest jazz musicians including Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown and Tito Puente. Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Liza Minelli and many others have also performed there. The club is a cultural institution in New York City.

Talib Kweli is one of the most lyrically-gifted rappers to emerge in the last 20 years. He was born in Brooklyn but made his debut in 1997 with five appearances on the album Doom by Cincinnati group Mood. That is where he also met Hi-Tech and collaborated on a few underground recordings as Reflection Eternal.

When returning to New York, he formed Black Star with fellow Brooklyn rapper Mos Def. They then released their critically acclaimed album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star in 1998. Talib has also had a huge solo career including collaborations with producers and rappers Kanye West, Just Blaze, Madlib and Pharrell Williams. Next month Kweli and Madlib will be dropping the sequel to their 2007 album Liberation.

Bob James is undoubtedly one of Hip-Hop’s most sampled artists. James recorded his first solo album after being discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1963. Two of his songs, “Nautilus” and “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” are among the most sampled in hip hop history. The title track to James’ 1981 album Sign of the Times was sampled in De La Soul’s “Keepin’ the Faith” and Warren G’s “Regulate”. N.W.A.’s “Alwayz into Somthin” uses a sample of “Storm King” from the album Three. He also wrote “Angela”, the theme song for the TV show Taxi which he performed at Tuesday’s show.

On Tuesday night, Talib Kweli’s special guest was Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. They performed Run-DMC hits “Rock Box”, “It’s Tricky”, “Peter Piper” and “Walk This Way.” Run-DMC is regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of hip hop culture and probably the most famous hip hop act of the 1980’s. The group was among the first to highlight the importance of the MC and the DJ relationship. They were the first hip hop act to achieve a Gold Record and also the first to go platinum. Their cover of “Walk This Way” actually featured Aerosmith and became one of the best known songs in hip hop and rock while combining the two cultures.

Havoc from Mobb Deep also made an appearance at Talib Kweli’s Tuesday night show. Him and Kweli performed Mobb Deep classics “The Learning” and “Quiet Storm”. Kweli’s band, Whisky Boys, include Brady Watt on bass, Chris Rob on keys, Matthias Loescher on guitar an Camau Bernstine on drums.

February 10, 2023
Kali Uchis Announces Radio City Music Hall Show

Grammy-winning artist Kali Uchis will headline a tour to support her upcoming album throughout the country, including a stop at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Thursday, May 4. Uchis is one of the top-billed performers at this year’s Coachella.

On her new album, Uchis explains that “Love is the message. Red Moon In Venus is a timeless, burning expression of desire, heartbreak, faith, and honesty, reflecting the divine femininity of the moon and Venus. This body of work represents all levels of love—releasing people with love, drawing love into your life, and self-love.”

Last year, Uchis won three Billboard Latin Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, and an American Music Award. Uchis achieved her first Billboard Latin Music Award in 2021, for her critically acclaimed Spanish language album, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞, released in 2020. Additionally, that same year she won her first Grammy, Premios Nuestra Tierra, and Univision Premios Juventud, performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and toured arenas across North America with Tyler the Creator.

Uchis grew up between Virginia and Colombia and rose to fame with her extended play Por Vida in 2015. This was followed by the release of her debut album, Isolation, in 2018, to widespread critical acclaim. Uchis has collaborated and shared stages with SZA, Gorillaz, Jorja Smith, Diplo, Major Lazer, Snoop Dogg, Kaytranada, Leon Bridges, and more and has toured the world over, with lauded sets headlining Coachella, Governors Ball, and many others.

Tickets can be purchased beginning Thursday, Jan. 26, starting at 10 a.m., at kaliuchis.com. The tour is in support of her upcoming new album, Red Moon in Venus, due for release on Mar. 3 through Geffen Records. Pre-order here.

KALI UCHIS LIVE
March 17—Santiago, CL—Lollapalooza Chile
March 19—Buenos Aires, AR—Lollapalooza Argentina
March 24— São Paulo, BR—Lollapalooza Brazil
March 26—Bogotá, CO—Estéreo Picnic
April 16 & 23—Indio, CA—Coachella
April 25—Austin, TX—Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park*
April 26—Houston, TX—713 Music Hall*
April 27—Irving, TX—The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory*
April 30—Miami, FL— FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park*
May 1—Orlando, FL—Hard Rock Live Orlando*
May 2—Atlanta, GA—Coca-Cola Roxy
May 4—New York, NY—Radio City Music Hall*
May 7—Philadelphia, PA—The Met Philadelphia*
May 9—Washington, D.C.—The Anthem*
May 10—Boston, MA—MGM Music Hall at Fenway*
May 12—Toronto, ON—Coca-Cola Coliseum*
May 14— Detroit, MI—The Fillmore*
May 16—Chicago, IL—Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom*
May 18—Denver, CO—Fillmore Auditorium*
May 21—Portland, OR—Keller Auditorium*
May 23—Vancouver, BC—UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre*
May 24—Seattle, WA—WAMU Theater*
May 26—San Francisco, CA—Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
May 28—Las Vegas, NV—The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
May 30—Phoenix, AZ—Arizona Financial Theatre
* with RAE

January 31, 2023
Bayside Tours NYC’s Le Poisson Rouge In March

Esteemed punk band Bayside has announced they are hitting the road next month for their “Just Like Home Tour.” Joining them will be I Am The Avalanche and Koyo, making a stop at NYC’s Le Poisson Rouge on March 8th and 9th.

In addition to the new EP, Bayside have announced that they will be hitting the road this winter for the Just Like Home Tour. The lineup pays homage to the band’s local scene, with fellow New Yorkers I Am The Avalanche and Koyo providing support on the month long run. The Just Like Home Tour kicks off on February 10th in Houston, with stops to follow in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York City, and more.

Last year Bayside shocked their fans with The Red EP, as well as their cover of Kacey Musgraves’”Rainbow.” They then closed out 2022 with their latest single “Go To Hell”. With The Red EP, fans see Bayside refining their unique brand of punk rock even further. The EP’s three songs offer powerful, hard-hitting melodies that draw upon the band’s heavier influences. You can be sure that they are just getting started, with more music to come soon.

“We wanted to go out and do some places that are a little smaller than what we’ve been doing the last few years. We really cut our teeth in a lot of these venues and we can’t wait to get back to some of them for the first time in ages,” shares the band.

Bayside has deep roots in New York (they are named after the Queens neighborhood where they formed), so it is not out of place that they wrote a song dedicated to one of the state’s most famous vacation getaways. When most people think of Montauk they often have wonderful memories of their time on the beach, eating lobster with their families, or visiting the Montauk lighthouse. However, when Bayside wrote “Montauk,” they made a conscious decision to avoid all of the pleasant memories they might have had and took a more negative, yet humbling, approach to writing about the seaside town. They wanted to remind people that unfortunate circumstances can occur in amazing places, and sometimes saying goodbye is the hardest part of life.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

2/10 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall

2/11 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater

2/12 – Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room & Garage

2/14 – Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater

2/15 – Garden Grove, CA @ Garden AMP

2/16 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues

2/17 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco

2/18 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall

2/20 – Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall

2/21 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

2/23 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex

2/24 – Denver, CO @ The Gothic Theatre

2/25 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre

2/26 – Chicago, IL @ Metro

2/28 – Milwaukee, WI @ Th Rave

3/1 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s

3/3 – Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall

3/4 – Toronto, ON @ The Opera House

3/5 – Montreal, QC @ Corona Theatre

3/7 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

3/8 + 3/9 – New York, NY @ LPR

3/10 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage

3/11 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer

3/12 – Jersey City, NJ @ White Eagle Hall

To check out more by Bayside and to purchase tickets for their upcoming shows, click the link here.

January 12, 2023