NYS Music 2024

Author: Alana Jones

  • Enrose Shares Empowering Message on New Single, “My Happiness”

    Enrose took a break from touring to record and release their new single, “My Happiness”. Led by Gabi Rose, the New York based band explored life’s challenges and how we face them. Sonically, the single is reminiscent of late ’90s early 2000s alt-rock, with a sax chorus, upbeat rhythm, and synth solo.

    The lyrics delve into life’s darkest moments, and the power we have to overcome them. Rose describes the desperation on continuing to survive while at rock bottom, singing, “Been surviving this long on dangerously low gasoline… How dumb, you only come and call when you’re needing me?”. Rose questions why she only takes care of herself when it’s too late, reminding herself, “that girl I’m talking to/ my happiness depends on you”.

    Erose originated in basement parties and house shows, and paid homage to their roots in the “My Happiness” music video. The video features Rose talking to herself in the mirror, representing the song’s internal monologue perspective. The video also features a high energy performance by the band, surrounded by friends.

    Enrose “My Happiness” represents a nostalgia that has become increasingly popular, a return to pop-rock of the late ’90s. The infectious chorus, along with the emotional lyrics, draw listeners in and do not disappoint. The optimistic message is refreshing, and delivered in an honest and sincere way. The high energy performance in the music video solidifies Enrose’s reputation as dynamic performers, in addition to skilled artists.

    Enrose is performing at the Great South Bay Music Festival on July 19th. Tickets can be found at the following link, and a 10% discount is available with code “ROSE”.

  • Totten Bridge Releases Powerful New Single, “Seasons Change”

    Rising Pop-Rock artist Totten Bridge pulls on fans’ heartstrings with his latest single, “Seasons Change.” Motivated by the loss of his mother, the New York artist drew inspiration from Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird.”

    Times of difficulty have been a catalyst of inspiration for Totten Bridge, whose career began during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Defying categorization, the NYC-based artist draws inspiration from Alt-Pop, infused with folk, EDM, and American Heartland influences. Totten Bridge has received critical acclaim from numerous publications, including Clash, Notion, and Earmilk. Totten Bridge’s poetic lyrics explore universal themes of life, love, and in the case of “Seasons Change,” loss.

    In the face of grief, “Seasons Change” offers a refreshingly optimistic perspective. Totten Bridge revealed his desire for the song to be a call to action, saying, “I wanted ‘Seasons Change’ to feel powerful and cause someone to… [embrace] change and [overcome] their fears.” “Seasons Change” shifts focus to the future, encouraging listeners to focus on what is to come and overcoming life’s challenges. The infectious beat and anthemic chorus promises listeners “long winding roads will lead the way”.

    The influence of Fleetwood Mac is apparent in the personal lyrics and strong message. Speaking to universal experiences of love and loss, Totten Bridge successfully resonates with listeners’ emotions. The driving beat and gripping chorus draw listeners in and demand full attention. Change is one of the few certainties in life, and “Seasons Change” empathizes with fear while encouraging optimism.

  • Nathan Lane and André Bishop To Be Honored at This Year’s Drama Desk Awards

    This year’s Drama Desk Awards will honor Nathan Lane and André Bishop for their contributions to New York City theater on June 10. André Bishop will receive the William Wolf Award, and Nathan Lane will receive the Harold S. Prince Award.

    The Drama Desk Awards have brought theater critics and writers together since 1949. The Awards began in 1955 to honor New York’s theater, including productions on and off-Broadway. The Awards’ impartiality is a source of pride for the organization, with 100 theater critics, reporters, writers, and arts editors voting on the winners.

    Nathan Lane’s prolific career through film, television, and theater has earned him the Harold S. Prince Award. Honoring the legendary director, the Harold S. Prince Award recognizes lifetime achievement in theater. Lane has performed in 25 Broadway productions, including Guys and Dolls, The Addams Family, and most recently, Pictures from Home.

    As longtime artistic director and producing artistic director of Lincoln Center, André Bishop has produced multiple significant projects. During his 33-year tenure at Lincoln Center, Bishop worked with leading playwrights, composers, and lyricists. As Playwrights Horizons’ creative director, Bishop also produced three Pulitzer Prize winning plays.

    The Awards will be hosted June 10th at the NYU Skirball Center, 556 LaGuardia Place. Tickets for the event are limited, but a request can be submitted through the following link.

    Kathleen Turner announced the nominations for all the Drama Desk Awards on New York Live.

  • South Street Seaport & Gaia Music Collective Announce First Event Of Blue Mind Fest

    The South Street Seaport Museum and Gaia Music Collective have announced the first event of Blue Mind Fest: a one-day choir event set to take place tomorrow. This will be the first of a series of performances throughout the year that focus on the impact that water has on our lives. These programs that will run throughout the year promise to focus on education, well-being, and sustainability.

    The Gaia Music Collective, based in Brooklyn, is dedicated to creating accessible spaces for music making. In accordance with the theme, singers of all levels are invited to sing the song “Water” by singer songwriter Tyla. In light of Gaia’s dedication to inclusivity, singers of all levels are welcome.

    This first event of Blue Mind Fest will begin with a rehearsal in the hull of the 1885 ship Wavertree. As the experience progresses, the choir will move to the main deck to perform. The South Street Seaport Museum features collections of art, galleries, and artifacts preserving New York’s history as a port city. The Seaport Museum offers excellent opportunities to learn about New York’s history as a port city. PIX11 News explored the South Seaport Museum and discussed its mission with the museum president.

    Proceeds from Blue Mind Fest will be split between the Gaia Music Collective and the South Street Seaport. Tickets start at $1, but a donation of $11-$30 is suggested. This event will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 3-6 PM. Advanced registration is required, and a beverage is included with the ticket.

  • Seventh Annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists at SPAC Announced

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced their seventh annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists. The community festival celebrates over 700 of the Capital Region’s promising young artists, including dancers, musicians, poets, and visual artists. Pop-up performances and art displays will culminate in a large-scale production on the main stage.

    Performing organizations include Empire State Youth Orchestra, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, Capital District Artis initiative. Additionally, an original musical composition 12th Grader Lucia Vysohlid will be performed by ESYO Symphony Orchestra, Capital District Youth Chorale, and singers from three local high schools.

    Festival of Young Artists_2023. June 04, 2023 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, New York, USA

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is dedicated to providing New Yorkers access to the arts. Through their partnerships with nonprofits and over 120 schools, SPAC provides arts programing and outreach, prioritizing historically marginalized groups.

    The festival’s theme is Rhythm, a thread that was woven throughout the 2024 season. SPAC’s annual student gallery features 95 pieces inspired by a passage from Langston Hughes’ “The First Book of Rhythms”.

    Performances will be held from 2-5:30 PM on Sunday, June 2. Food-stands and immersive arts activities will be available on the grounds, along with free ice cream provided by Stewart’s Shops. The production on the main stage will begin at 4:45. The event is free to the community, but registration is required for admission. A recap of last year’s Summer SPAC events can be found below.