NYS Music 2024

Category: New York Singles

  • Jelani Aryeh Releases Infectious New Track “Hang On”

    Genre-disrupting star Jelani Aryeh makes waves with his new complex single “Hang On” which dropped last May 17. The up-and-coming artist headlined The Wild Honey Pie x Stereogum Present: A Pizza Party at Round Top last February and played at the inaugural First River Festival in October 2021.

    “Hang On” is accompanied by a visually stunning short film shot by acclaimed photographer Silken Weinberg in Yosemite National Park.  “Hang On,” co-written with Jonny Pierce (The Drums) is the final single release off Aryeh’s upcoming sophomore album, The Sweater Club, out everywhere June 14.

    Sonically, “Hold On” presents as a clipped, summer-ready feast of alt-pop. Yet, its lyrics dive headfirst into the bewitching early stages of love, particularly the exploration of the relationship between pleasure and pain. The interplay between its uptempo rhythm and trance-like melody further saturates the song with this bittersweet feeling. “Hold On” captures a sentiment where emotional struggle and connection through adversity can lead to a form of cathartic pleasure or deeper understanding.

    Jelani Aryeh explains, “This is a sister song to “I’m In Love.” I think it comes from a more sincere place, or maybe honest is the right word. While “I’m In Love” is kind of in a fantasy/heady space, this one is me quite literally wishing I was speaking to this person. It’s talking about the same things but from a more dark and submissive kind of place.” 

    The previous release that Aryeh references leans heavily into the indie-rock aspects of “Hang On,” but from a more optimistic, idealized standpoint with lyrics like “a fantasy version of us, don’t wake me from this dreaming, just let me hold onto this dream that I have…”. The young artist first broke into the scene with his single “Stella Brown.” However, this distinct emotional perspective is one Aryeh has been drawing from since before 2019 in his debut EP “Helvetica” which includes popular favorites like “Brown” and “Marigold.”

    Fans old and new can find this release and links to the upcoming album The Sweater Club here.

  • Brooklyn Artist Jehry Robinson Releases New Single “Pilot”

    Rising rap, reggae and R&B artist Jehry Robinson released his new single “Pilot” alongside a music video on May 24. This is the first solo single from the Brooklyn native, following his 2023 album, Drink More Water.

    After jumping into the scene with his first record, Pt. IV, V, VI, in 2017, Robinson made his Strange Music record label debut with his August 2020 record 20/Twenty. Since then, Robinson has found a clear lane in the industry, showcasing a unique blend of rap, reggae and R&B influences. With multiple co-signs from rap veteran Tech N9ne and an opening spot on country star Jelly Roll‘s 2022 Son of a Sinner Tour, Robinson’s role as a notable figure in the rapverse is undeniable.

    Since his Strange Music debut, Robinson has released two more studio albums, one in 2021 and the other in 2023. His 2023 album, Drink More Water, earned positive reviews from Underground Hip Hop Blog, Folk N Rock and Dancing About Architecture. Now, with the release of “Pilot,” Robinson appears to be starting the album cycle once again.

    On “Pilot,” a nimbly plucked guitar gives way to a head-nodding beat kickstarted by simmering cymbals. Robinson alternates between hummable melodies and airtight rhymes in the verses. However, his vocals really take flight on the chantable chorus, “I think we’re going down, so I went to see the pilot ’cause I been getting tired, let’s turn this plane around.” In the accompanying visual, Robinson assumes the multiple roles of passengers on a commercial flight, breaking through the turbulence as our hero confronts the man at the wheel (who just so happens to be him).

    “It’s about being the pilot of your own life and you can always turn it around. You’re in control to follow your destiny,” said Robinson.

    Listen to “Pilot” on your preferred streaming platform here. 

  • NYC-Based Electronic Musician Moby Shares new Track “where is your pride?”

    Acclaimed New York City-based electronic musician, producer and activist Moby celebrates the life of Benjamin Zephaniah with the new track “where is your pride?,” out now taken from his 22nd studio album always centered at night, due out June 14th .

    Moby
    Moby, photo credit: Lindsay Hicks

    The break-beat-driven track is spoken word with a powerful message delivered in the late dub poet’s characteristically warm burr. “Where is your love? / Where is your faith? / Where is your hope? / Where is your place? / Where is your pride?” Moby is proud to share a track with the late Benjamin Zephaniah to continue celebrating his life and note their aligned ideals: “As a vegan activist, and as a wise and compassionate man, Benjamin inspired me for many years. I hope that ‘where is your pride’ honors his legacy and also draws people’s attention to his life, work, and principles.”

    Benjamin Zephaniah was a British writer, dub poet, actor, musician, and poetry and creative writing professor. He was included in The Times list of Britain’s top 50 post-war writers in 2008. He won the BBC Radio 4 Young Playwrights Festival Award in 1998 and received at least sixteen honorary doctorates.

    Benjamin Zephaniah | Photo credit: Adrian Pope.

    Moby was born Richard Melville Hall, in Harlem, in 1965. His father gave him his nickname, Moby, because of his hereditary relationship with Herman Melville. Moby started playing classical music and studying music theory when he was nine and came of age musically in the punk rock scene in and around New York in the early 80’s. He released his first single, “Go,” in 1991 (listed as one of Rolling Stone magazine’s best records) and has been making albums ever since. He has sold over 20,000,000 albums worldwide.

    Even by Moby’s standards, always centered at night is special. The album features 13 collaborations from names many might recognize to others many undoubtedly will come to know. The captivating voices on always centered at night include Sudanese, Netherlands-based chanteuse Gaidaa, London-based, Burundian royal refugee J.P. Bimeni, and Kingston-raised, London-based Aynzli Jones. These are often personal songs, and the personal is the political, as is the border-defying nature of the work.

    In his pursuit of new sounds, Moby has become a collector of voices. He’s a connoisseur of the timbre and texture of human vocal chords, whether sampling artists like Bessie Jones, Vera Hall, or Boy Blue, or working with superstars like David Bowie.

    Thrilled to bring this dynamic body of work to the world, Moby explains, “For the last 30 years, I’ve worked with amazing singers–everyone from David Bowie to Freddie Mercury, Gregory Porter to Jill Scott. Always centered at night continues my love of collaborating, but has a focus of working with amazing singers who might not be as well known as David Bowie and Gregory Porter.” Though all tracks are collaborations, the music remains unmistakably Moby, dripping with glittery melodies and warm, hypnotic instrumentals.

    For more information, visit here.

  • Castle Black Release “Fly (Just Try)” for Women’s Health Month

    On May 17, Brooklyn-based punk band Castle Black released their new single, “Fly (Just Try),” a powerful rock anthem that dives into the traumatic experience of dealing with the lead singer’s health issues.

    Castle Black single

    Formed in 2015 by lead singer and frontwoman Leigh Celent and drummer Joey Russo, Castle Black is a post-punk powerhouse that combines elements of punk, grunge, and new wave into one showstopping rock duo. The last 10 years before the release of their first album have brought Castle Black’s sound all across North America, performing in several festivals and making their mark as one of the few female-fronted punk bands emerging out of New York City.

    Since their inception, Castle Black has released four EPs: Find You There (2015), Losing Forever (2016), Trapped Under All You Know (2017), and the gods that adored you (2018). Furthermore, the first single of their upcoming album, “Bright-Eyed,” was released in November 2023 and received critical acclaim, being named as one of the top 20 songs of 2023 by Scenes from the Underground.

    Released during Women’s Health Month, “Fly (Just Try)” is an anthem for women who have had traumatic and life-changing experiences with their health. Castle Black’s single is no different. Leigh included her experiences with her own health as inspiration. Above all, this single served as Leigh’s way of expressing what the experience was like, from the symptoms, the diagnosis, treatment, and even the stigma against these issues.

    “The song coincides with Women’s Health Month and is a tune largely about my own personal journey with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids.”

    Leigh Celent, lead singer

    “Fly (Just Try)” is an ode to those women who have struggled not just with reproductive health issues but with their mental and physical health, as well as the damage that illness can cause to their bodies. A music video for the single will be released on May 23, 2024. The highly emotional and personal single is the third to come from the band off their upcoming album, The Highway at Night, set to release on June 21, 2024.

    Following the release of their album, Castle Black will tour all over North America in June and July, including two shows in Brooklyn.

    Castle Black Tour Dates

    May 18 – Brooklyn, NY (Fly Single release) – Unruly Collective

    June 8 – Montreal, Canada – L’Esco (Equinox Festival)

    June 22 – Brooklyn, NY (album release) – Bar Freda

    June 5 – Carrboro, NC – Speakeasy

    July 6 – Columbia, SC – Art Bar

    July 7 – Atlanta, GA – Bogg’s

    July 8 – Athens, GA – Flicker

    July 10 – Chattanooga, TN – Cherry Street

    July 11 – Knoxville, TN – Six O’Clock Swerve at Barley’s and Preservation Pub

    July 12 – Nashville, TN – Punk Wok

    July 13 – Louisville, KY – Mag Bar

    July 14 – Cincinnati, OH – Northside Tavern

    July 17 – St. Paul, MN – White Rock

    July 18 – Madison, WI – The Rigby

    July 19 – Green Bay, WI – UFO Fest

    July 20 – Kenosha, WI – The Port

    July 24 – Grand Rapids, MI – Pux Cider

    July 25 – Saginaw, MI – Hamilton Pub

    July 26 – Detroit, MI – Corktown Tavern

    July 27 – Toronto, Ontario – Hard Luck Bar

    Their new single, Fly (Just Try), is available to stream everywhere. For more information, fans can visit here.

  • NYC Indie Singer Nikita Lev Releases Single “We All Die Anyway”

    Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Nikita Lev has released her new single “We All Die Anyway” on May 15. This single comes in the leadup to a new EP and her first European tour in the fall. 

    Lev’s musical instincts began at a young age. Coming from a family of chamber musicians, music surrounded Lev since childhood. As a result, during her youth on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, she quickly picked up piano and flute.

    The Cover for Nikita Lev's new single "We All Die Anyway"
    Nikita Lev

    By the time her family relocated to Westchester, she had learned guitar and begun writing songs. Lev says “I always know what I’m going to say first and the melody comes later,” using her musical chops to back up her deep lyrical narratives. To date, Lev has written over 200 songs that are “evocative, relatable, universal, yet ambiguous.”

    Lev’s music has quickly gained renown from both radio and print media. Her debut single “Elegance” was highlighted by both SiriusXM and MTV’s Spankin’ New. Additionally, publications like the LA Music Review and Earmilk have showcased Lev’s songs.

    Her new single “We All Die Anyway” is a highlight of the indie folk genre. Lev is accompanied by gentle fingerpicked guitars, trip-hop influenced drums and eerie synths. This dreamy instrumentation backs up Lev’s soft, emotional vocals and mature lyricism. The song tackles a relationship gone cold, and the feelings that accompany having to leave someone you cared about. Her meaningful and clever songwriting is reminiscent of indie icons like Lana Del Ray, and Phoebe Bridgers.

    This single comes just after her May 10 release of the music video for “Now I Think Of You Unspeakably.” The song’s lyrics touch on the pains of being in love with someone who does not feel the same. Driving drums and growing distorted guitars back up the song’s heavy lyricism, adding an edge to the acoustic instrumentation. The video features Lev dancing around a bonfire in a winter scene. Its atmosphere matches with the instrumentals and lyrics that all aid in a simultaneously warm yet icy feeling. Michael Rees directed the video, following collaborations with Charli XCX and The Kid LARoi. 

    This new single is just the start of a busy Summer and Fall for Lev. Later this year, she will release her first EP, titled Clearly Misunderstood. The EP’s songs will tackle the theme of the conflict between adult responsibilities and youthful independence. In November, Lev will depart for Europe for a tour stopping in Berlin and Vienna. 

    For more information, visit Nikita Lev’s website here.

  • Summer Fling tease debut album with single “Blissful Haze”

    Up-and-coming New York City funk-rock band Summer Fling has announced a new single “Blissful Haze” set to release on May 10. The single comes in the leadup to a new album set to release in late Summer.

    Summer Fling

    Singer-keyboardist Eddie Kam originally formed Summer Fling in Larchmont, NY before relocating to New York City. The group mixes chops learned from New York’s jazz conservatories with an eclectic blend of styles, ranging from indie-pop to funk, to forge an infectious sound. With a newly solidified lineup of seven recent college graduates, the band has torn up the live scene. They have played more than 35 gigs, even opening for names like They Might Be Giants and Spin Doctors. 

    “Blissful Haze” is a delightful song that accentuates Kam’s soulful vocals with wah-wah guitar and jazzy horns. The song’s lyrics explore the joys of a short-lived romance, with instrumentation that lends to the rosy, nostalgic atmosphere. On this track, Summer Fling’s jazz chops are on full display, crafting a smooth, yet complex pop-funk sound, with instrumentation reminiscent of Steely Dan.

    Summer Fling

    This new single comes in the leadup to a very busy season for Summer Fling. The band is currently recording their debut album, which explores pop, funk and yacht rock, for release in late Summer. 

    The band has also planned festival appearances and tour dates in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. At these shows, Summer Fling are sure to spread their message of inclusivity, and some great music tackling themes ranging from heartbreak to fun romance. In Eddie Kam’s words “Fun, silliness and great musicianship are the only rules at a Summer Fling performance.”

    More information can be found at Summer Fling’s website and instagram.

  • Gooseberry Gives A Taste Of New LP With Alt-Rock Single ‘Kikiyon’

    With the announcement of their highly anticipated debut album, All My Friends Are Cattle, set for release on September 6,, Brooklyn-based trio Gooseberry has once again set the music world on fire. The news follows the release of their incredible new song, “Kikiyon,” accompanied by a visually stunning music video.

    “Kikiyon” is a raw and intense song that pulsates with rebellious energy. This song demands attention and makes an impression, whether you’re headbanging to the beats or wondering the meaning behind the lyrics. Listen to “Kikiyon” below.

    Moreover, their EP Validate Me cemented Gooseberry’s place as a major player in the music industry. With a growing fan base and more than 500K Spotify streams, the band started The Validation Tour and impressed audiences.

    All My Friends Are Cattle is expected to be an unmatched experience that shows the band’s versatility and inventiveness. Additionally, the album travels a wide musical setting, from lyrically-driven ballads to punch-you-in-the-mouth punk rock. With songs like “Golden,” “Cherry Blossoms,” and “Bitter,” Gooseberry creates an intense vibe that cuts across genres.

    Evin Rossington on drums and Will Hammond on bass give a powerful rhythm section that backs up frontman Asa Daniels‘s dynamic songwriting. Additionally, GRAMMY-winning artists Phil Joly and James “Jimmy T” Meslin add their production and mixing skills, guaranteeing that All My Friends Are Cattle is a masterwork.

    Further, Gooseberry is getting ready for a cross-country tour as excitement builds for their music. With All My Friends Are Cattle leading the charge, 2024 is shaping to be their year.

  • Olatuja Release “Ijo” Ahead of Long-Awaited Album

    World/roots duo Olatuja has announced the release of their latest single, “Ijo” which heralds their upcoming self-titled album, Olatuja set to release on May 31.

    Olatuja

    Olatuja is a duo comprised of Alicia and Michael Olatuja. “Ijo” fuses the rich heritage of Michael’s Yoruba culture, the evolving popular music of West Africa, and the gospel and jazz traditions that inform Alicia’s musicality. The two have played a prominent role in New York’s music scene for years. Their work spans the worlds of jazz, Broadway, soul, African music, film, and more.

    The duo released their last album The Promise in 2011. The release of their self-titled album May 31 marks their first completed compilation since then. The track “Ijo” has been in genesis since the pandemic, and the duo are eager to share their combined talent with the world.

    Olatuja

    “Ijo” is a song heavily inspired by the music of West Africa. Its powerful bassline drives the music forward. The percussion is dynamic, the strings add a wonderful element, and the layered vocals make the track pop with life. The song is vibrant. Olatuja added several small elements along with large ones throughout.

    You can hear horns, strings, percussion, and vocals in each sector of the tune. There is a rising action and a climax followed by a triumphant finish. “Ijo” is certainly a song that makes you want to move and sing. The track’s lyrical presence is strong, and it holds meaningful themes about not giving up in the face of hardship.

    For more information on Olatuja, their past releases, and to stay up to date on upcoming music, click here.

  • Bad Mary Release “Better Days”, Announce 3 Shows in New York

    Long Island alternative/punk band Bad Mary has announced the release of their re-recorded mix of “Better Days” on April 23. The band also announced six live dates, three of which in New York.

    bad mary better days

    The song is the second release from their Better(er) Days EP, which is a collection of re-recorded and remixed versions of the songs from their first album Better Days. The re-release celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the debut album.

    The group is composed of Mike Staub, Amanda Mac, Bill Mac, and David Henderson. Together, Bad Mary brings the heat with their alt-punk attitude. The group showcases nasty basslines, strong, catchy riffs, and a frontwoman with an uplifting yet seductive vocal style.

    The track is released with a new music video, and a few live shows to celebrate the drop. Bad Mary sees three dates in New York on April 26, June 8, and July 5. The band performs two shows at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, Long Island followed by a stop at Arlene’s Grocery in Manhattan.

    bad mary better days

    The single, “Better Days” is a tune about the shortcomings, the setbacks, and the misfortunes in life. It is a theme every individual can get behind. The song is hopeful and encourages you to keep your head up and look forward to those better days.

    “’Better Days’ is a song about trying your hardest and just feeling like nothing is working out. We’ve all been there. We as people… we overthink, we feel paralyzed, we can feel like nothing is going our way – but the only thing to do is keep moving forward and hope that there are better (or maybe even betterER) days ahead. This song continues to mean more to me every day, and I love that it’s been with us since the beginning,”

    Vocalist Amanda Mac

    Better(er) Days will be released in the summer of 2024. The band is currently writing and recording new songs to be released later this year. Along with this, Bad Mary is still adding live dates to their list of shows this year.

    bad mary better days

    See them live:

    April 26 at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, NY

    May 17 at SpiFest in Windsor, CT

    May 23 at The Fire in Philadelphia, PA

    June 8 at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, NY

    July 5 at Arlene’s Grocery in New York, NY

    July 24 at The Middle East in Boston, MA

    For more information on Bad Mary, their upcoming music and dates, click here. Make sure to stay up to date on the band’s upcoming album Better(er) Days, releasing this Spring.

  • Rebecca Karpen Finds Closure In Her New Single “23”

    Indie artist Rebecca Karpen has released a new single “23” that deals with finding closure and moving on, streaming now. 

    NYC-based singer and songwriter Rebecca Karpen has been making music for the past 10 years that blends her outstanding vocals and distinctive songwriting. In her new acoustic, sentimental and melancholy single “23”, Rebecca shared that her song is a means of finding closure after being psychologically abused by her mentor during college, the effects of which almost cost her life as she inadvertently neglected her health. “I have never felt as free as I did after completing this song,  and I hope that you find something of meaning for yourselves in it.”

    “23” can be interpreted as a genuinely personal piece of work about a traumatizing experience. Rebecca added that “grief is a really weird thing because we never entirely stop grieving, we just gradually stop letting it control us and allow it to disappear, piece by piece, into the recesses of our minds. It doesn’t leave, so occasionally, something will be a bit of a jump scare and drag this fear and pain up again suddenly and it makes it incredibly difficult to live your life outside of the fear of encountering this horrible sense of dread again”. 

    After not being able to cope for a while, she found the best and only way to cope and move on was to speak about her isolating and overwhelming experience hence she wrote “23”. “I was fighting a war against someone who wasn’t there any longer and it still felt like I was losing. I was angry and frustrated because it felt like this other person who had caused so much destruction and ruined my life, had caused me to neglect my own health out of stress, was able to steal away without any consequence for what they had inflicted, while I just needed to deal with it alone as the people closest to me struggled to understand if my rage was warranted or just me speaking from a place of anger and vilifying someone none of them had ever met.” Rebecca added.

    It usually takes a while for someone to get the clarity that they need, as it took Rebecca about 3 years to finish writing “23”, a song reflecting on still being haunted by someone who couldn’t be more physically absent in their world, yet mentally and emotionally ubiquitous. Although her single might sound dark and appear tragic, in a weird way, “23” gave Rebecca peace. “I think it allowed me to get the closure  I needed and find the words to describe something I had been incapable of processing or articulating for years and now that I could tell this story, I didn’t feel chained to it anymore. It actually freed me from this person’s hold in recording it.” The newly released single was a moment of triumph for the singer and she doesn’t think she’s ever been so nervous and so passionate about any song she’s ever released. 

    Accompanied with the new single, Rebecca also teased to her fans that she’s working on her debut album “Edelweiss, Or Soundtrack to a Nervous Breakdown”, that could potentially release next year, and fans should be on lookout for new singles coming out later this year.

    “23” from Rebecca Karopen is available to stream everywhere. And for more information about the singer, fans can visit here.