NYS Music 2024

Category: New York Singles

  • Ciao Malz Releases “Two Feet Tall” Ahead of New EP

    On Nov. 15, Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist Ciao Malz (Malia DelaCruz) released her newest single “Two Feet Tall.” The single is the first from her debut EP, Safe Then Sorry, to be released via Audio Antihero on Dec. 6.

    Ciao Malz

    The memorable melodies and infectious chorus sticks in your head long after the song ends while the emotionally rich lyrics leave you with much to think about. In true Bedroom Pop fashion, the cheerful verses are complemented by thoughtful, albeit pessimistic, moments of sheer honesty as the chorus comes back around.

    Each time the tempo slows, the song avoids hitting a resolving note until it returns to the verse. As the song ends, DelaCruz’s repetition of the phrase “I can never tell” hits home in a genuine way that most songs lack. The production on the song is top-tier and makes the track fit comfortably on any college radio rotation, or indie pop playlist you can imagine. All this, combined with the thematically resonant vocal delivery and wobbly guitars, strikes a distinct note, helping “Two Feet Tall” quickly become her most-streamed song since its release.

    Ciao Malz draws inspiration from artists such as Elliott Smith, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Men I Trust, blending witty introspection with a dynamic musical style. While her self-released demos garnered attention from NPR, WFUV, Loud Women, and others, this latest work is her most mature, eclectic, and polished to date.

    Her music first reached the Audio Antihero label when she issued a cover of Frog’s “You Know I’m Down” in 2023, and the label then offered to work with her on this debut. In addition to numerous other collaborations at her Lower East Side studio, Malia DelaCruz has also been played bass for the acclaimed Sister. group (with Hannah Pruzinsky, Ceci Sturman, and James Chrisman).

    Learn more here.

  • sweet93 Release Dreamy New Single, “what’s true?”

    On Oct. 3, Brooklyn-based rock project sweet93, fronted by lead vocalist Chloe Kohanski, released their latest single, “what’s true?”

    what's true?

    The titular question drives the melancholy track to a desolate dreamscape in three-quarter time. “what’s true?” represents a foray deep into Dream Pop. Drawing inspiration from notable groups such as Beach House, sweet93 moves away from the angst-ridden, rougher sound of previous singles (“Stars Above” and “Be My Best“) and continue down that path of introspection, getting tighter more straightforward in their songwriting.

    The loss of hope conveyed so clearly in “what’s true?” is most recognizable in Kohanski’s 2023 OurVinyl Sessions Acoustic EP. However, sweet93’s newest effort delivers layers of ambient noise, reverberated into oblivion, creating a sound that holds up on all fronts. On the acoustic live EP, Kohanski’s vocals shine brilliantly, proving beyond any shadow of a doubt that she’s a talented singer. Yet, the professional-grade production on their newest song only adds to the list of factors that make sweet93 a standout listen.

    The best thing about sweet93 is they’re a new act that’s still trying to find their sound. When every sound they try sounds great, you know you have a special group on your hands, especially when Kohanski’s vocals sound like a young, mellow Janis Joplin.

    Since 2021, sweet93 has been apart of the NYC music scene collaborating with friends like Porches and playing shows with Ovlov and untitled (halo). sweet93 opened for Porches, at their most recent gig at Brooklyn Steel on Nov. 20, and contributed vocals to his latest album Shirt, on the song “Bread Believer.”

    sweet93 informs us “There’s more music on the way, they’re constantly trying new things and experimenting in the studio.”

    Learn more here.

  • Ski Team Release Experimental Song “Me”

    Brooklyn-based Indie Pop artist Ski Team (Lucie Lozinski) has announced Dec. 3. as the release date for the music video of “Me”.

    Ski Team

    “Me” is about “the struggle of adjusting someone’s role in your life, or your own role to them, and giving up control in that process,” shares Lucie Lozinski, otherwise known as Ski Team. “It’s about realizing if you have to assign roles, maybe it’s not as special as you think. And, like, challenging this idea of roles being the whole of someone’s identity. It’s scary to not know who’s on your roster, or who you are without a particular person/job/trait/whatever, and just go forth into life’s abyss as a human, but it’s often better for everyone involved to get on with it.”

    While the song is classified as experimental, there is enough common elements to make the song relatable to the average listener. The saxophone that begins the song is a nice touch and each time the sax makes an appearance in the mix it is always a welcome addition. The lyrics take the song to a personal level that gives the feeling of listening to a journal entry.

    The video reflects the isolation and mundanity of the roles we play in everyday life by the use of the grey office space, escalators, and packed public transportation. Lozinski wears her hair pinned back as tight as can be and an all-white suit and tie combined with a long flowing skirt and a fo-leather jacket. All this draws stark connections to Apple’s famous “1984 Macintosh” commercial in the sense of routine and technology controlling life. With fantastic editing and shots that beautifully depict the liminal, the music video is an incredibly impressive achievement.

    Lozinski found the saxophone player on Hinge. He had a bunch of videos of him playing sax, and she reached out saying, “hey I don’t want to date each other, but can you come put down some saxophone on this song?” And he did. Ski Team collaborated with popular producer Daniel Knowles (Sharon Van Etten, Cigarettes After Sex) on the new single. Ski Team has received praise from the likes of American Songwriter, Atwood Magazine and more.

    Learn more about Ski Team here.

  • Amayo Releases Vibrant Single “Black Magic Sister” Ahead Of Debut Solo Album

    Former frontman of Antibalas and Afrobeat pioneer Amayo has released “Black Magic Sister” ahead of his debut solo album, Lion Awakes.

    Photo: Kory Thibeault

    Known best as the former frontman of Antibalas, it’s nearly an understatement to describe Amayo as a legend in the Afrobeat scene. Often credited with the globalization of Afrobeat and contributing to the sound becoming a genre of itself, Amayo moved to New York City in 1995 from Nigeria.

    Having attended Howard University, Amayo eventually moved to Brooklyn and found his niche in designing clothing and teaching Kung Fu out of his Afrospot Temple.

    While there, Amayo was approached by two of his future bandmates with an invitation to join their new band named Antibalas- and the rest is history. Over the course of 23 years, Amayo became the face of the band while lending his voice and songwriting skills to the group. 

    Parting ways with Antibalas to pursue his solo career, Amayo has returned to the public eye with the announcement of his debut album Lion Awakes and the release of its first track, “Black Magic Sister”. 

    Dedicated to his rich Nigerian heritage and Chinese martial arts teachings, Lion Awakens is a testament to Amayo’s boundless creative vision and deep love for his craft. Opening the five track album with “Black Magic Sister,” he makes a vibrant first impression. 

    Just under six and a half minutes in length, “Black Magic Sister” is a rich soundscape of percussion, keyboard, horns, and vocals- both Amayo’s own and a chorus of supporting voices.

    “[Black Magic Sister is] about offering Blessings for an abundant mindset. It’s also a prayer for twins and a wish for those who lost close ones.” 

    – Amayo

    Amayo’s debut solo album Lion Awakes is slated for release on January 17, a set of fierce afrobeat tracks that promises listeners a sonic adventure through myth and reality. In anticipation for the release an official album release party to be held at the Brooklyn Bowl on January 29.

    To learn more about Amayo, find out how to attend the official Lion Awakes listening party, and keep up to date on his latest ventures, be sure to check out his official Facebook page here.

  • Harrison Lipton Releases Post-Breakup Soft Rock Single “On My Own”

    Brooklyn-based soft rock/indie artist Harrison Lipton has released his latest single “On My Own” which masks post-breakup sadness with cheeky humor.

    harrison lipton

    Musical jack-of-all-trades Harrison Lipton releases his cheeky new breakup anthem “On My Own” via Amuse. The facetious, 70s-inspired dad rock song uses the all too familiar coping mechanism of poking fun at inherent sadness to make it through the day. His voice full of smooth earnestness, Lipton ushers listeners towards the greener grass on the other side. Harrison Lipton is a 30-year-old singer, songwriter and producer. The Brooklyn artist’s musical flair resides in the intersection of indie, R&B and 70s soft rock.

    Now with the focus shifted to his own releases, Lipton unveiled “Synchronized Swimming,” with its captivating accompanying music video, back in September. Exploring romance coyly nestled within the metaphor of synchronized swimming, listeners witness Lipton’s proven songwriting and production talent in raw form. Complete with dusty piano, laid-back Khruangbin-like drums, and an underwater guitar solo, the final touch is the perfect pairing of background vocals from MICHELLE’s Layla Ku. “On My Own” keeps building the world “Synchronized Swimming” started, putting forth a distinctly clean and modernized late 70s aesthetic.

    harrison lipton

    Lipton prides himself on fully realizing a track from start to finish, leading the charge with songwriting, producing, and mixing, as well as creative direction. Lipton’s music is a product of his singular imagination, presenting a style that is sincere, authentic and all his own.

    His music has been featured in NPR and Early Rising as well as on numerous editorial playlists such as Apple Music’s Late-Night Menu and Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Chill Vibes. Now focusing on new singles leading toward a larger project, Lipton emerges as a promising and unique voice, blending soulful vocals with singular and catchy production.

    For more information on Harrison Lipton and to lend an ear to some of his recent works, click here.

  • Louisiana Child Releases Gritty Debut Single “Cocaine Cowboy”

    Rock unit Louisiana Child has released their debut single, a gritty Old West and rock ‘n roll fusion track titled “Cocaine Cowboy”.

    Louisiana Child

    Louisiana Child is a gritty powerhouse of a rock unit based out of Toronto that blends the kick of southern rock, the swing of blues, and the tone of country into a dynamic sound of foot-stomping and head-banging that leaves a long-lasting impression full of raw energy.

    Comprised of Daniel Theriault on vocals and guitar, Ricky Theriault on drums and backup vocals, Jean-Marc Lanteigne on lead guitar, and Chris Moore on bass, Louisiana Child is currently working away on their debut EP in collaboration with seasoned producers and mixing engineers George Panagopoulos and Mark McCaster, the former being widely recognized for his work with Audioslave, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the legendary producer Rick Rubin. These music industry powerhouses bring a wealth of expertise and experience to Louisiana Child’s already promising sound.

    The first product of the project to go public and Louisiana Child’s debut single comes in the form of “Cocaine Cowboy,” a hauntingly gritty track that follows the internal battle of a man facing his demons.

    Painting the image of a haunting Old West setting through rounded blues-y guitar tones, a sharp country-tinged vocal punch, and lyrics that tell the tale of a lone vagabond, Louisiana Child explores the concepts of temptation towards things that are inherently destructive, namely drugs and alcohol.

    Mastered by Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound, “Cocaine Cowboy” marks a promising beginning for Louisiana Child, establishing a distinct sense of storytelling and carefully crafted sound as they enter the rock scene with a bang.

    This track is just the beginning for the band- to learn more about Louisiana Child, stay up to date with their latest endeavors, and keep an eye out for future shows, follow their official Instagram and Facebook pages.

  • Math Rock Trio Peaer Return After Five Years with Single “Just Because”

    Math-rock trio Peaer has announced their return to music after five years with the release of single “Just Because.”

    NYC-based math rock trio Peaer return with their new single, “Just Because.” It’s their first new offering since 2019’s A Healthy Earth, which earned raves from fans and media alike. A drop-tuned, four-on-the-floor thumper that crescendos with a moment of headbanging catharsis, the track is a perfect blend of Wish-era The Cure’s glittery rhythms and the melancholic post-rock emo of American Football.

    The band will also be making its live return with their first show in nearly a year this Saturday, November 16, in Brooklyn at Baby’s All Right alongside Pet Fox. “Just Because” is the fruit of their focus — a soaring introduction to Peaer’s new era and a tantalizing promise of what else lies ahead.

    Peaer began in earnest in 2014, when Katz sought to blend his love of windy math rock with contemplative slowcore. From this sprang 2014’s lo-fi, home-recorded album the eyes sink into the skull, released digitally via Bandcamp with Katz taking on all of the instrumentation himself. From there the idea of Peaer evolved, and while touring on 2016’s self-titled LP (Peaer), Katz joined forces with now long-term close-collaborators Jeremy Kinney (drums, engineering) and Thom Lombardi (bass, vocals).

    The trio came together to write and produce 2019’s aforementioned, critically acclaimed A Healthy Earth, which they quickly followed up with The Hands and Feet Turn Blue (2019) — an Eyes companion album featuring reworked songs, demos, and remixes. 

    For more information on Peaer and to hear their new single “Just Because” click here.

  • Pocket Bandits Release Groovy Single “Second Drink” Ahead Of Debut LP

    Ithaca-based trio Pocket Bandits have released their Groovy third single “Second Drink” alongside the announcement of their debut LP.

    pocket bandits

    A modern twist to the old-school organ trio, Pocket Bandits packs the musical punch of a large ensemble in a smaller unit. Members Joe Massa on guitar, Simon Bjarning on drums, and Samuel B. Lupowitz on organ, synth, and pedal keyboards combine their musical prowess into a final product that is full of infectious dancing energy. 

    Having performed separately in various groups across Central New York prior to the pandemic, when the group’s regular musical roster came to a halt they found themselves faced with a unique opportunity- and with that Pocket Bandits was born.

    Since then, the trio has performed countless covers from Steely Dan to Chappell Roan with original compositions sprinkled throughout.

    The unit debuted their first official release in April of this year, and since then have been hard at work writing, rehearsing, and recording. Returning for their third track to date, Pocket Bandits has released the infectiously funky “Second Drink.” 

    Clocking in at just over six and a half minutes, “Second Drink” capitalizes on each and every second with an overflowing, undeniable, stylish funk. Recorded almost entirely live at Redwood Lane in Ithaca, there’s some serious technical work at play hidden beneath the layers of boogy with shifting time signatures, a suitelike structure, and a gradual buildup to an organ solo that really bring the piece to life.

    Even more exciting is the news that dropped alongside “Second Drink”- the reveal of Pocket Bandit’s debut EP. Releasing on January 24 is Nine– a set of nine vibrant originals from the trio that are sure to excite.

    The group has also teased an album release show in their homebase of Ithaca with more dates across the Northeast to follow. To learn more about Pocket Bandits, find out about a show near you, and keep up to date with all of their latest endeavors, be sure to visit their official website here.

  • Camille Schmidt Releases Unflinchingly Honest Single “XOXO”

    Brooklyn based singer-songwriter Camille Schmidt has released her latest single “XOXO” in preparation for her debut album Nude #9.

    camille schmidt

    Brooklyn based and raised in a constant environment of creativity, it’s no wonder why Camille Schmidt has picked up all spans of musical skill over the years. Spending extensive amounts of time in her parents’ art studio, Schmidt found endless inspiration in both the work her parents created and the people who would come in and out of the space.

    Debuting as a musician this past June with the EP Good Person, Camille carved out a queer folk-rock sound for herself that reflected her larger ability to balance an innately wry sense of humor with deeper moments of devastatingly quiet self-reflection with tracks like the alt-country “Your Game” and her wistful approach to heartbreak with “Bumblebee Drinks Lavender.”

    Returning for her debut album, Schmidt pulls from her experiences in her parents’ studio in Nude #9, each track a portrait of herself, her family, and her lovers past and future- just as each live model drawing session would result in pieces titled in the same convention, a unique reflection of each individual’s perspective on the subject.

    Whimsical, hilarious, and deeply felt, Schmidt’s debut album digs deeper into her experiences with romance, sexuality, friendship, and her sense of self. Newly released from the Nude #9 project is “XOXO,” a fascinating layering of electronic manipulation that speaks to every corner of Camille’s inner thoughts.

    Wandering from thoughts of raising a child with her best friend to contemplating the “demon in my room” she faces when she’s alone, “XOXO” is a track tinged with an unplaceable sense of something impending. Beginning with a rather upbeat digital track, the song progressively spirals and collapses in on itself as Schmidt becomes half-woman, half-machine. By the conclusion of the song, listeners are left with a feeling of evolution- she’s buried her former self and grown into something new.

    Paired with the release of “XOXO” is its official music video that takes the concept of burying your past self to another level. Viewers watch as Camille dons a hazmat suit and brandishes a mop, opening the door to the bloodied motel bathroom where the body of her past self lies.

    A perfect echo of the song’s themes that are simultaneously impressive and ironic, the “XOXO” music video is a testament to Schmidt’s signature creative attitude and growth as an artist.

    “XOXO” by Camille Schmidt is out now and Nude #9 is slated for release on January 10. To keep up with Camille Schmidt’s current works and future endeavors, check out her official website here.

  • NYC-Based Pop Artist Ren Genevieve Reveals a Heartfelt Reflection on Growing Up in “forts”

    NYC-based singer-songwriter Ren Genevieve has released her latest single “forts,” an extremely intimate track that illustrates the cycle of growing up and outgrowing relationships. “forts” delves into themes of nostalgia, sadness, and the heartfelt yet inevitable nature of change and growing up. 

    Ren Genevieve

    “forts” is the feeling one gets when they are deep in reminiscing about being a child and how it is to navigate life as a full-time adult. The track draws listeners in, tugging at their heartstrings and allowing them to connect with their deepest emotions. Ren Genevieve’s approach to songwriting and storytelling is what makes her stand out amongst many, “forts” is a prime example of her mastery. With its expressive and deep-seated lyrics, the track hits home for many listeners, while presenting a relatable angle on the struggles of adulthood and how it re-molds past connections people had. With the blend of soul-touching melodies and soft vocals, Genevieve captures all the elements perfectly.

    Born in Boston and raised in New York, Michigan, and Bermuda, Genevieve has always been one for the arts. Genevieve started singing, acting, and dancing at a young age, her college years at NYU were what pushed her to pursue writing and sharing her music. She made a name for herself back when her single “I Like You (I Think)” dropped in February 2022 which was then followed by her second single “tongue-tied” in November 2022. Her first few projects were created to share with her friends and family, however, she took the idea and ran with it to perfect her producing skills. Genevieve’s singles helped pave her way as an ardent introduction to her story.

    Ren Genevieve

    For more information on Ren Genevieve’s music including her latest single “forts” click here.