Connecticut’s femme pop artist Lexi Mariah has just released her newest single “No Worries…,” a catchy electro-pop tune that is truly vibrant with melody. Presenting an upbeat tempo and electrifying melody, the track truly showcases Lexi Mariah’s vibrant personality and remarkable songwriting skills.
This new pop single features a captivating chorus that will have you humming along in no time produced by the acclaimed Kenny Cash (Sony, Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix). The track is a fusion of Lexi’s unique style and Cash’s signature production.
“No Worries…” is completely full of infectious hooks, with pulsing beats and relatable lyrics. Lexi took inspiration from the styles of the industry’s top artists such as Taylor Swift, Bebe Rexha, and Ava Max. Overall, the single showcases all the best elements of electro-pop for fans to enjoy.
The storyline behind the single comes from the artist’s personal frustrations with disloyalty. “You know that feeling when you’re hanging out with someone, putting in the effort, giving them your undivided attention, but you can tell they’re distracted by someone else the entire time?” says Lexi.
“Then by the end of the night or the next day, they’re so apologetic and you’re just too emotionally exhausted to deal with it, so you brush them off with the low key sarcastic ‘it’s fine, no worries!’” she adds. “It’s a phrase I say a lot, and honestly, it’s almost always a lie. There’s pretty much always a worry and it’s usually never fine.” the singer laughs. The upbeat track can resonate with anyone who has ever felt the sting of betrayal, making it relatable for fans old and new.
With her previous songs receiving love and praise from outlets such as Rolling Stone IN, Melodic Magazine and EARMILK, it is no surprise that Lexi Mariah has cemented her status as one of the most exciting new voices in electro-pop with this track. “No Worries…” is a true testament to her growth as an artist.
Listen to “No Worries…” by clicking the link here.
For more information and music by Lexi Mariah, click the link here.
Independent DIY pop artist and acclaimed NYC-based producer Josh Lumsden has just released his debut EP SCION i just in time for Pride Month. The album features many dramatic hit songs accompanied by a handful of LGBTQIA icons.
For instance, the album starts off strong by introducing Rupaul’s Drag Race Winner Yvie Oddly on first single, “Energy,” multi-dimensional trans icon Cottontail makes their mark on second single, “Holiday,” and Australian pop-sensation Brendan Maclean croons on “Drowning.”
The remaining tracks of the EP mark a close to its collaborative first half, and a start of its visual-album experience. “Right Here,” an industrial house track that takes you right into a Brooklyn warehouse rave was accompanied by a music video that centered around high-fashion by up & coming designers SIKK Designs & SKNDLSS.
The song “Wanna Have Fun” is a Pop/R&B turned Techno earworm features a futuristic AI-infused music video making a statement on the emergence of AI generated art. The final single, “Waiting,” is a downcast pop dream that turns violent, featuring melodic vocals and infectious harmonies. The music video for “Waiting” is currently in production and will be released in the coming weeks.
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, the classically trained musician and self-taught producer Josh reins as NYC’s “Independent DIY pop artist” (Kaltblut Magazine). Thus, for being the sole producer of their entire discography, director and editor of their music videos, and graphic designer of album and singles artwork.
“The ability to produce my own music came from not knowing anyone who made beats, along with my innate apprehensiveness to bother anyone,” recalls Josh. “Being able to create things on my own and not rely on anyone is not only practical, but liberating.” Josh cites their biggest musical influences, as fellow self-producing artists like Grimes and Rosalia, for giving him the drive to continue doing things his own way and on his own terms.
1988 was a groundbreaking year for Steven Page. 1988 was the year Steven Page was introduced to the locals in Toronto, Ontario, as he was taking the stage with Ed Robertson for the first time as Barenaked Ladies. Witty lyrics and quirky stage presence quickly become the norm for this duo who routinely missed or skipped show rehearsals and relied more on improv as they took to the stage.
After a successful run with the band including Juno awards, Grammy nods, and huge pop songs, Page left in 2009 and pursued a solo career. A solo career which still includes the witty lyrics and quirky antics, both of which helped make him a household name in Toronto, and across SUNY school campuses in New York. Having seen Barenaked Ladies 10 times, all with Page as the front man, I was hoping for some of that charisma at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda.
With nearly 1000 fans filling the seats at this 97-year-old theatre, Steven Page opened up the show with ‘It’s All Been Done,” from the album Stunt. Fans of all ages were immediately into it. Hands waving in the air, random lyrics being belted, and a couple 20-somethings dancing in the aisles. We all knew then how this show was going to go. While he is no longer with the band, Page routinely plays favorites like this as diehard fans still enjoy them.
Coming up next was one of my favorites, from 1994’s Maybe You Should Drive, Page belted out lyrics to “Jane.” More of the sellout crowd began singing along and dancing in the aisles. Sadly, the security wasn’t having it, as they were quick to make these young ladies take their seat. It wouldn’t last though.
When Page was done talking about Jane, he began to reminisce of yesteryear, touring with Barenaked Ladies across campuses of SUNY schools. Recalling shows at Fredonia, which some fans cheered at, as well as driving around saying “we played there, we played that college…” I recall seeing Barenaked Ladies at SUNY Brockport in 1993, or maybe 1994. Either way, it was few years ago and the year doesn’t matter. What matters is watching Steven and the band have a blast on stage and fans throwing boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese during one of their songs. These are the memories that Page was getting at, along with meeting new people and seeing how they perform. Bands such as The Odds, featuring Craig Northey, who now tours with Page as one third of Steven Page Trio.
Done recalling the past, page continues his set with an extended version of “Alternative Girlfriend,” “Golden Age,” and “What a Good Boy.”
In the midst of all this, of course he has to plug his newest album, Excelsior – Steven Page, to which he references New York’s state motto, and continues on about the new NY rest stops. Being a newer NY resident, Page seems to not agree with the size of some of the newer rest stops as well as the choice of an un-named chicken place that isn’t open on Sundays. All of which got some loud applause and cheers from the crowd.
During the height of the pandemic, Page began doing home show, as many artists to keep in contact with their fanbase. Although the worst is behind us as far as the pandemic goes, Page continues his live from home shows and recently aired his 100th episode Steven Page Announces 100th Live From Home Show ::antiMusic.com. With this he recorded the song “Zoom,” which is an ode to a way of life for everyone for a great while. The song talks about seeing your family and your living room, making new friends, and of course hoping the internet holds up.
As Page finishes his set with Northey and Kevin Fox on cello, he is still amazed that he sold out the theatre and thanks everyone for their continued support. Very grateful for 30+ years in the business, both with Barenaked Ladies and on his own. The support he has received over the years is clear as the packed house is on their feet for the entire 4 song encore.
Follow and support Steven as he continues touring and pushing his albums. Steven Page | Musician
Setlist: It’s All Been Done, New Shore, Jane, Alternative Girlfriend/SW Cool, Golden Age, What a Good Boy, Gravity, Linda Ronstadt in The 70’s, Something About Me, No Song Left to Save Me, Looking For The Light, Zoom, Bull in a China Shop, Old Apartment, Brian Wilson Encore: Asleep at the Wheel, Enid, Call And Answer, Shoe Box
New York-based alternative indie band Evil Sweet has just debuted their newest EP Queen Victoria, on April 28th. According to the band, the album evokes a different she of love at various stages in a relationship.
Evil Sweet is an up-and-coming pop-rock band based in Long Island founded by members Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and Zachary Castro. Thus, having achieved over 100K streams on the singles for the EP and playing legendary venues like The Bowery Electric. Their energy is familiar to indie artists like The Neighborhood, Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys.
Zach is the guitarist and rapper for the group with Scotty on lead vocals, both having heavy roles in the songwriting. Evil Sweet blends multiple genres like rock, pop, blues, folk, and hip-hop. The two have been creating music together since their early high school years.
When listening to the album, keep in mind that each song is supposed to represent a different stage of love in a relationship. Queen Victoria is a unique album for Evil Sweet to release, it has sweet and delicate songs like “Long Live The Queen,” where the lyrics are quite meaningful. Almost very similar to Panic! At The Dico’s 2008 release Pretty Odd.
The intro song “Something” also hits differently, having sounded straight out of an 80’s soundboard, flowy and bubbly. Songs like “Queen Victoria” and “Out of Nowhere” are energetic and high-strung, the vocalist reminiscent of The Kooks. “How To Love You” was a favorite on the album, having meaningful lyrics and an upbeat tempo.
The band has also had an amazing start to 2023 with the two singles “Something” and “Out of Nowhere” achieving over 100,000 streams on Spotify being interviewed by underground indie-blog “Girl at the Rock Shows.” Evil Sweet prepare for the release of their debut EP Queen Victoria on April 28th.
Following his live performance debut at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Jai Paul traveled East to Queens‘ Knockdown Center on Tuesday, April 25.
It has been over 10 years since Jai released his first single, “BTSTU” on the acclaimed British label, XL Recordings. In that time, his debut project was leaked prematurely (then made officially available), founded a label with his brother, aptly called The Paul Institute, and returned with two new singles.
Due to this mystifyingly sporadic release pattern, it is no surprise his first headlining performance would be to much fanfare (and a consistently lengthy merch line).
Backed by his brother A. K. Paul on guitar, fellow Paul Institute member, Fabiana Palladino on keyboard and backing vocals, Rocco Palladino on bass, and Isaac Kizito on drums, the group performed an hour-long featuring many songs from the aforementioned leaked project (Bait Ones) and a new song titled, “So Long”, which he premiered a week prior in Indio.
Jai had the audience from the start, jumping into “He” after an interlude of “Higher Res”, many in the crowd finally feeling a sense of relief after anticipation of a live performance lurked for over a decade.
Numerous times throughout the night he showed genuine appreciation for the fans sticking with him for this long, repeating “I know I’ve been gone a long time” in the chorus of “BTSTU”.
The show concluded with the sonically expansive track “Str8 Outta Mumbai”, reaching back out to the crowd with the line “but you know I’ll do anything for you” to conclude the song and cathartic performance.
As soon as the Vani Jairam sample hit, the crowd immediately erupted into exhilaration, dancing and bouncing throughout the packed sold-out venue.
Jai Paul returns to his hometown of London, England to perform two shows at HERE @ Outernet on May 9th and 10th.
Jai Paul | Knockdown Center | Queens, NY | April 25, 2023
Setlist: Higher Res, He, Crush, 100,000, So Long, All Night, Zion Wolf Theme, Good Time, Genevieve, Do You Love Her Now, Jasmine, BTSTU, Str8 Outta Mumbai
Big Time Rush became an overnight boy band sensation in November 2009 during the launching of a scripted TV show of the same name on Nickelodeon. The show highlighted the Hollywood escapades of four hockey players from Minnesota after they were chosen to form a pop band. Throughout the show’s success Carlos, Kendall, James, and Logan came to life as a band off the screen releasing three full length albums and performing worldwide. Big Time Rush concluded in July 2013 and after four years of touring as a band, the guys went their separate ways but remained close friends through the years.
The band is also being honored with a celebratory day known as Big Time Rush Day on April 4. Emily Larson, the Mayor of Duluth, Minnesota will make an official pronouncement from the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center making BTR day a national holiday. Duluth holds special significance for Big Time Rush since it is the hometown of the four band members. Duluth will also have a ceremonial street renamed as tribute to Big Time Rush.
In addition to the celebratory day and international tour, BTR announced a highly anticipated new album that will be released on June 9. The album will be Big Time Rush’s first new studio album in a decade. The guys have begun working on the album in 2022 and are thrilled to share it with their Rushers worldwide.
In attempts to bring joy to their fans during quarantine, the members of Big Time Rush gathered to send a message of love and togetherness. Following the announcement was a socially distant performance of an acoustic version of their smash hit, “Worldwide.” The band received 10+ million streams because of hysteria amongst their fans and in the media. Furthermore, four seasons of the television series were added to Netflix in March 2021. BTR ended 2021 with a release of their first single in 8 years, “Call It Like I See It.” They also performed at iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in Philadelphia and had two sold out shows in Chicago and NYC.
The sensational band kicked off 2022 with the launch of their wildly successful Forever Tour. with over 300,000 tickets across North America. They also released new music, with hit singles “Honey,” “Fall,” and “Not Giving You Up.” BTR also performed live at the Latin Kids Choice Awards, iHeart Music Festival, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the premiere of their first pay-per-view event, “The City Is Ours.” It was a concert film that captured the band’s sold-out show at Madison Square Garden.
BTR fans can purchase tickets to “Can’t Get Enough Tour” here. Additionally, Big Time Rush will offer special sharable content and GIFs that fans can share.
Full details of the “Can’t Get Enough Tour” can be found here.
Big Time Rush | CAN’T GET ENOUGH TOUR 2023
6/22/2023 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena
6/24/2023 Durant, OK Choctaw Casino & Resort
6/25/2023 Southaven, MS BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
6/27/2023 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
6/28/2023 Burgettstown, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake
6/30/2023 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
7/1/2023 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
7/2/2023 Hershey, PA Hersheypark Stadium
7/3/2023 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
7/5/2023 Toronto, ON History* ^
7/7/2023 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
7/8/2023 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
7/9/2023 Wantagh, NY Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
7/11/2023 Bangor, ME Maine Savings Amphitheater
7/12/2023 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center
7/14/2023 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
7/15/2023 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
7/16/2023 Tinley Park, IL Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
7/17/2023 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
7/19/2023 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre
7/21/2023 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
7/22/2023 Milwaukee, WI American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7/23/2023 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
7/24/2023 Nashville, TN Ascend Amphitheater
7/26/2023 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
7/28/2023 Simpsonville, SC CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
7/29/2023 Charleston, SC Credit One Stadium
7/30/2023 Orlando, FL Amway Center
8/1/2023 Pelham, AL Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
8/3/2023 The Woodlands, TX The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
8/5/2023 Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
NYC-based singer-songwriter and actor, Homeschool, has just announced the release of his newest EP Just Now. As a follow-up to the EP’s first track and lead single which documents D’Agustino’s burgeoning sense of self, today finds the release of another new track entitled “Loving You To Death.”
It has been a tumultuous year for Tom D’Agustino, also known as “Homeschool,” a solo project of NYC singer-songwriter. As an independent artist with unfettered control of the creative process, Homeschool has spent the past year experimenting with music and masculinity, inching closer to what they feel is an “authentic” way of being in the world. As a newcomer to acting, D’Agustino is reveling in the opportunity to explore the worlds of different characters, to “experiment with who I’m able to become,” he states.
Formerly known as the front person of the garage pop quartet, Active Bird Community, Homeschool pokes fun at traditional masculine rock archetypes by blending bedroom pop textures with anthemic, self-aware hooks to tell detailed stories of loss, identity, and self-exploration.
Just Now, the new 6-track EP slated for May 19th, is the result of this new exploration. AsD’Agustino’s first foray into self-producing his own music, Just Now showcases their independence and shameless autonomy as a gender-fluid person, while taking ownership over all aspects of their creative life, whether it be songwriting, production, acting or writing.
In celebration of these new releases, Homeschool sold out their debut headlining show at Mercury Lounge in NYC and received positive press from outlets such as Ones To Watch, Brooklyn Vegan, FLOOD, Under The Radar, Paste, Stereogum, Our Culture. Now, D’Agustino announces the upcoming release of a long-awaited brand new EP entitled Just Now, due May 19th. As a follow-up to the EP’s first track, he has also relased the single “Loveing You To Death.”
D’Agustino wrote, “‘Loving You To Death’ was written during the tail-end of the Covid lockdown when my partner and I had just moved into an apartment together. We had spent a year living with her parents before that, and this song explores my neediness, clinginess, and overall attachment to her. It’s a fun, upbeat way to interrogate my constant need for love and reassurance that I have value. I think by reminding someone how much I love them, I can be sheltered from how I don’t love myself enough. I’m sure all that affection can get annoying though, so in the song I am trying to convince her of all of these positive things about me so she won’t think I’m a needy little baby. But I so am.”
To celebrate the EP on its release day, May 19, Homeschool will play an EP release show at Baby’s All Right with fellow NYC rocker and queer/non-binary TikTok champion Libby Larkin. Tickets are on sale this Friday, March 31th click the link HERE to purchase.
Homeschool’s Just Now weaves genre-bending stylings into self-aware reflections that paint the pain of life with a surprisingly upbeat and humorous brush. “While some of these topics are heavy, I think a lot of this record turned into me poking fun at myself,” they say. At the end of the day becoming “just now,” doesn’t have to be a bummer. It can be a dance, a laugh. It can be the glitter on your eyes that make the tears sparkle.
To listen to “Loving You To Death,” click the link here.
For more music by Homeschool, click the link here.
Brooklyn-based artist, producer, and engineer Justin Meyer has just released his newest single “Friends With Fear,” out Friday, March 24th. Inspired by Justin’s journey of graduating during the pandemic, the single puts a positive spin on uncertainty and the shared experience of having a quarter-life crisis.
Written in 2022, “Friends With Fear” explores the experience of having a quarter-life crisis while confronting the unique challenges of graduating during a pandemic. The upbeat track fuses thought-provoking lyrics with Lily Kelso’s background vocals and Alden Spence’s electric guitar layers to create an undeniably hypnotic sound.
Sharing more behind the song’s inspiration, Justin Meyer explains, “‘Friends With Fear’ is about having a quarter-life crisis and trying to be okay with life’s unknowns. I went through college during the pandemic and graduated a year early, leaving me feeling this sense of time slipping away very quickly. I got super focused on the impermanence of life for about a year. This song is about making friends with those feelings and letting them settle instead of fighting them and making them even worse. Furthermore, it’s about reclaiming the joy of being alive.”
Hailing from Golden, Colorado, Justin Meyer has had a lifelong passion for music. In 2019, he followed his dream and moved across the country to pursue his Music Production and Engineering degree at the renowned Berklee College of Music.
“Justin’s musical career has just begun, but I see it continuing into the far future.”
—The Crescent Magazine
After graduating in 2021, he moved to Brooklyn, New York, and secured a position as an assistant engineer at the prestigious Kensaltown East studio. With his latest single, “Friends With Fear,” Justin continues to demonstrate his exceptional production and songwriting prowess.
Prior to his studies at Berklee, Justin had already begun to hone his sound with his first two EPs, Afterthought and Dreams. During the 2020 lockdown, Justin kept busy, producing his first album Metanoia released in 2021. His third EP, Lonely Rock Star, was recorded as part of Justin’s capstone project at Berklee and featured instrumentation by fellow Berklee alumni.
Justin has had the pleasure of collaborating with many talented artists such as Mae McCoy, Lily Kelso, Aldo Rey, and Claire Donzelli. Returning with his latest single, “Friends With Fear,” Justin continues to demonstrate his exceptional production and songwriting prowess.
To listen to “Friends With Fear,” click the link here.
For more music by Justin Meyer, click the link here.
Brooklyn based folk-pop trio Camp Bedford have just shared the second single from their upcoming debut EP So Often & So Sweet titled “Jupiter.” With Roxanne Quilty on guitar and vocals, Mariela Flor Olivo on lead rhythm guitar and vocals, and Tallen Gabriel helming the cello, this anticipated album comes out on March 31st.
The queer and femme-led band’s deep friendship shines through in their music. At once witchy, nostalgic, and magical, “Jupiter” and “2 AM,” which were released in February to warm reviews, both capture Camp Bedford’s sonic essence beautifully. Thus, these two releases are setting the stage for what’s soon to come from the band.
Of their newest single, Camp Bedford wrote, “‘Jupiter’ is about recognizing the parts of yourself that no longer serve you and setting them on fire. Written like a spell or incantation, this track’s ethereal elements and driving energy capture the experience of surrendering to your own power.”
“This folk-pop trio finds beauty in the form of complex musical arrangements packed with substance”
When talking about their follow-up single “2AM,” the band wrote, “A rousing angsty anthem, ‘2AM’ captures the post-breakup frustration and anger of watching your former partner give someone else the time and energy you wished they would have been able to give you. Even if it’s not logical and both parties grow and expand into new versions of themselves after a breakup, we wanted to honor the gnawing hurt that comes in initially watching an ex be ‘better’ to someone else than they were to you.”
By melding their unique voices and styles of instrumentation, Camp Bedford is a folk-pop-rock band spinning tales of adventure, self-discovery, and overall, their life’s journeys. They are nostalgic forward-thinkers, for instance, Camp Bedford’s music is infused with the magic of possibility. Compared to the likes of Joseph, First Aid Kit, and Wye Oak, the group finds inspiration in poetry, nature, and musical genres ranging from bluegrass to hyper pop.
Brooklyn indie-pop artist Oropendola has just released a music video for her newest single “Rorschach Sky.” This is the third and final single off her upcoming album Waiting for the Sky to Speak which has just released today, Friday, March 17th.
Oropendola, who has played with singer/songwriters Half Waif, Barrie, and Samir Langus, stated, “Rorschach Sky” points to the missed opportunity of spending your life waiting for something when life is happening all around you. If you’re waiting for some kind of answer from the sky, you’re not seeing the beauty and the motion in every passing moment.”
“I paused Twin Peaks to watch the kitchen clock,” said Joanna when thinking back on writing Rorschach Sky. “It was moving backwards. A slow, disorienting, luxuriously surreal countdown. April 7th, 2020, which I only knew because I grabbed my phone to type a bunch of exclamation points in my notepad. I had barely changed out of my pajamas for three weeks. I was happy for Time: being able to veer off course. Stretch like silly putty until becoming shimmery and translucent, changing color and sequence like a kaleidoscope. Shifting identity like the clouds.”
Joanna Schubert’s debut album is titled Oropendola, which is a bird whose name translates to “golden pendulum.” These tracks shimmer with bursts of energy and emotion, swinging from playfulness to earnestness with deft, technicolor brushstrokes. The album is a celebration of choosing life even in the face of its ephemerality, and of finding motion even in the midst of stillness.
The album title, which comes from the album’s opening track “Rorschach Sky,” is a fitting one then: the phrase points to the missed opportunity of spending your life waiting for something when life is happening all around you.
On lead single “Knocking Down Flowers,” Schubert finds life in the least likely of places: a construction site. Here, she recognizes and illuminates the power of living at the intersection of contrasts. The album’s emotional core comes through on roiling ballad “Trust the Sun” and clear-eyed album closer “When You Carried Me.”
While much of the rest of Waiting for the Sky to Speak careens across black-ice patches of inner conflict, both these songs offer a tentative hand outward, towards love, friendship, and family. Overall, Waiting for the Sky to Speak is an imaginative and colorful chimera of a collection that marks Oropendola’s triumphant arrival.
To watch the video for “Rorschach Sky,” click the link here.
To listen to Waiting for the Sky to Speak, click the link here.
