Bronx native, hip-hop musician, and professional yo-yoer Richard Pigkaso has released the music video for “Ready, Set, Go,” alongside “Wanna Play With My Yo-Yo?” ahead of the release of the album slated to be his final studio release.
Born in Castle Hill in the Bronx, Richard Pigkaso has been influenced by old school Hip Hop and R&B since youth. Described as a loner and often set apart from the crowd for being marching to the beat of his own drum, Pigkaso found solace and joy in the yoyo.
“It became my creative outlet because I would always be alone – playing video games, going outside and not having many friends. I realized it became something calming for me. Something that allowed me to forget what was going on in my life at that point.”
– Pigkaso
Over time, playing with the classic toy grew from a simple hobby to an impressive skill he showed off in competitions across the United States- even qualifying in a few international meets. The joy of the yo-yo has never left Pigkaso’s heart, but since graduating from college he saw his horizons broadened with the exciting addition of music as a medium.
Pigkaso’s musical ventures have brought him incredible joy already, but with his upcoming release he hopes to expand his love for the yo-yo and channel his musical roots through a message of love and support for those who struggle to find acceptance within themselves.
Lusus Naturae 3: You’re Beautiful Gorgeous is set to be Pigkaso’s final studio album as an artist, the culmination of both his image as the humble and charismatic yo-yoer and the ambitious emcee inextricably tied to the Bronx.
With a hard-hitting beat and one piece of the culminating lyrical royale that is the album, “Wanna Play With My Yo-Yo?” will excite old listeners and new with its hard-hitting sound.
In addition to the release of “Wanna Play With My Yo-Yo?” is the publication of the official music video for “Ready, Set, Go,” fittingly utilizing sharp editing tricks and an overarching race car driving theme.
Pigkaso’s final studio release Lusus Naturae 3: You’re Beautiful Gorgeous, the culmination of his multidisciplinary skill as a yo-yoer and musician, will release on November 15, 2024.
To learn more about Pigkaso, his past work, and all future ventures, check out his official website here.
New York City-based indie singer-songwriter and star of Hulu’s Claim to Fame Season 3 Gracie Lou has released her second single, “September.”
Born in California, Gracie Lou Hyland grew up in a home utterly immersed in music. Her parents are both talented singer-songwriters who were once a part of New York unit Girlfriend, which cultivated a love for all things musical in Gracie Lou from an early age.
She spent her younger years performing alongside her parents in their worship band and on the stage with her local church choir, alongside a notable nearly decade-long career in competitive figure skating.
In 2017, Gracie joined the ranks of the Young American College of Performing Arts and spent time touring globally, sharing her passion for music education with countless cultures across the map. The pandemic provided a turning point and quite a bit of newfound downtime, which led Gracie to the guitar. Picking up the instrument on her own and a songwriting venture to boot, Gracie Lou discovered an online resonance with her music that allowed her musical career to begin to bloom.
Relocating to New York City in 2022 to assist her grandmother Gretchen Cryer with the musical “House On Fire,” Gracie took the stage for the first time as a solo singer-songwriter at Rockwood Music Hall in October of 2023.
In addition to her solo ventures, Gracie Lou can be found performing with vintage jazz trio The Satin Dollz, touring as a front and backing vocalist with The Chiclettes, and providing her voice on tour with the Oldies Circuit which notably hosts member Bobby Wilson, son of the legendary Jackie Wilson. Lou is also the co-founder of the “Girl Dinner” all-female cabaret and variety show that celebrates women in the arts.
She recently made a notable appearance on hit Hulu show Claim to Fame hosted by Kevin and Frankie Jonas in which the competitors are challenged with guessing each other’s celebrity relatives, Gracie’s being her uncle- the well-known actor, comedian, and filmmaker Jon Cryer. It was on Claim to Fame where Gracie dazzled television audiences with a performance of an original song.
Soon following was the release of Gracie Lou’s debut single, “to have & to hold.” Self-written, sung, and produced, the track set an exciting precedent for her solo career and capabilities. After the success of her first song officially released to the public, Gracie has returned with her newest track, “September.”
With twinkling piano, the distant hum of crickets, and warm strings, Gracie paints a glowing image of the last bits of warmth held in the month of September. Her utilizations of indie lyricism, jazz homeliness, and folk twang meld perfectly with her hopeful wonderings about what awaits her at the end of the month and how she hopes to change, even if it isn’t a fully formed image quite yet.
“I wrote this during the first month I moved to New York, when nothing in my life felt solid and the future was uncertain. I was tentatively hopeful.”
– Gracie Lou
Following the release of “September,” Gracie will be appearing for a special guest performance on November 20 at fellow musician Blair Lamb’s show at Sanger Hall in Queens. For more information on the show and ticket purchasing, visit Blair’s post about the evening here.
“September” by Gracie Lou is out now. To learn more about the track, watch an archive of her performances, and keep up to date with her latest musical ventures, visit her official website here.
Sam Kogon has released his latest single “America”. The track arrives as a timely commentary on the current political landscape, just as the 2024 election season begins to heat up.
“America” was born during the tumultuous period of COVID-19 lockdowns and widespread protests, capturing the zeitgeist of a nation grappling with its identity and future. The song’s lyrics touch on various hot-button issues, from voting rights and social justice to healthcare and reparations, all wrapped in Kogon’s signature blend of catchy melodies and thought-provoking wordplay. This single is a precursor to whatâs next for Kogon, who recently completed recording a full album’s worth of material with Agnello this past spring.
This new body of work promises to build on the success of his previous releases, including his self-titled EP from 2022, which garnered critical acclaim and expanded his fanbase. Kogon has collaborated with notable artists throughout his career, including Al Jardine of The Beach Boys and Grammy Award nominee Patty Smyth. He also fronted the revived baroque pop group The Left Banke, known for their classic hit “Walk Away Renee.” These experiences have enriched Kogon’s musical palette, allowing him to blend influences from various genres into his own unique sound.
The track was co-produced by Jeff Berrall of the band Caveman and Zach Brewer, with Sam Kogon himself also taking on production duties. It features Kogon’s own vocals, guitar, and organ, alongside Graeme Gengras on piano and the rhythm section of Caveman providing bass and drums. The song was mixed by industry veteran John Agnello, whose credits include Dinosaur Jr. and Kurt Vile, adding a polished sheen to Kogon’s raw, emotive style.
With its timely release and politically charged lyrics, “America” is poised to resonate with listeners as they navigate the complex landscape of the upcoming election year. The chorus encapsulates the frustration and hope that many Americans are feeling: “You bought it, you broke it / How come nothing gets done right around here? / You built it, now fix it / We can’t wait another 4 more years.”
For more information on Sam Kogon’s music and to listen to his latest single, click here.
Pat Tato has announced the first release with his band, Pat Tato & The Baked Potatoes, titled “Spaceship”.
Born out of the local SUNY Oneonta music scene in 2013, Pat Tato & the Baked Potatoes released their debut album ‘Loaded’ in 2016 after their graduation and were met with critical acclaim.
Following this release, however, the unit found themselves in a hiatus as the original members moved throughout the country to pursue their own paths. Titular member Pat continued to play music and shifted to solo releases over the years with a different, lyrical, and ambitious sound.
Cobbling together a new band, Pat Tato has emerged on festival circuits with a mixed set list of his newer works and older Baked Potato songs, evolving into the new sound has become uniquely ‘Pat Tato & the Baked Potatoes’.
In an exciting announcement for fans old and new, the upcoming single “Spaceship” marks Tato’s newest release since “Heady” earlier this summer, and even more excitingly acts as the Baked Potatoes’ triumphant return to music- the track being their first release since 2016.
Recorded in Syracuse Sound Studios in Brewerton paired with visuals by Danny of Guava God Creative, “Spaceship” indicates a bright, energetic new era for the group.
With vibrant horns from Dan O’Herien and Sigurjon Stefansson, adventurous keys from Alex Seubert, kicking percussion from Joey Wise, earworm bass licks from Shannon Zory, playful lyrics and vocals from Pat Tato himself, and more, “Spaceship” invites the listener on a journey of self-reflection, escapism, and the road to healing- that is, if the adventure also consisted of absolutely jamming out while rocketing through space.
“Spaceship” is set to be released on October 24- to receive a notification and become one of the first to hear the Baked Potatoes’ triumphant return to with this new track, be sure to follow Pat Tato on Spotify here.
To learn more about Pat Tato & The Baked Potatoes, keep up to date with their latest events, and follow their social media, please visit here.
Brooklyn-born country artist and songwriter Jessica Lynn has released the sixth and final pre-release single from her upcoming album All I Own, “Something ‘Bout You.”
Jessica Lynn’s connection to country and passion for combining music with philanthropy runs deep. With talents in piano, harmonica, drums, guitar, and vocals, she’s a musical force to be reckoned with. Brooklyn-born and community focused, Lynn regularly brought her musical performance to local children’s hospitals and nursing homes.
Eventually, her skills landed her at PBS where she performed concert specials for the network alongside an intense touring schedule where she shared the stage with the likes of Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Loretta Lynn, ZZ Top, Richard Marx, and the list goes on.
In 2020, Lynn’s giving spirit was recognized through her employment by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as a consultant to their American Voices program and a member of American Music Abroad, a project that has brought her across the globe as a musical ambassador for the country. In addition to performing, Lynn teaches a course titled “Tips & Tricks for The Independent Musician” that helps to ensure young musicians have equal opportunity in the music industry regardless of their roots.
Following her 2022 album Lone Rider, Lynn found herself struggling with a bout of postoperative complications from a routine sinus surgery that would develop into muscle tension dysphonia, or MTD. For many musicians and vocalists, MTD can spell the beginning of the end for their careers and voices as a whole – and yet Lynn persevered.
Her latest project and upcoming album All I Own is a testament to Jessica’s determination and refusal to lose something as precious to her as music. Recorded in 10-minute bursts of vocal effort, she channeled the weight of her recovery journey into every second of the tracks. Exploring double meanings and invitations for reflection in the listeners while fighting through her vocal injury determinedly, each of the ten tracks contains an overflow of emotion and a resolve to be heard.
“I started singing as soon as I could talk and I started my first band when I was 13. Music is all I’ve ever known and the thought of potentially never being able to sing normally again was a feeling I couldn’t quite put into words.”
– Jessica Lynn
All I Own has been officially announced for release on January 17, 2025, along with the publishing of the album’s final pre-release single “Something ‘Bout You.” Inspired by her experiences with her husband, Lynn’s newest single encapsulates the feeling of falling in love and experiencing incredible adventures alongside another person in the hopes of bringing listeners back to a special time of their own.
Complete with an insightful and personal tour diary style music video, the song’s warm and uplifting energy shines even brighter through on-stage shenanigans and adventures through Europe. While the kind of love Lynn writes about in “Something ‘Bout You” may have been romantic, the affection felt from fans around the world and the obvious adoration she holds for bringing her music to life on stage elevates the video even further.
The full ten tracks of All I Own are set to be released in January with “Something ‘Bout You” being the final single prior to the complete project- listen here.
Prior to the album’s release and coinciding with her annual A Very Merry Classic Christmas tour, Lynn will be releasing a four-song live EP of tracks from the show with all proceeds from the project going to support Toys for Tots, the same organization she partners with to spread her philosophy of equal opportunity for all young musicians and artists every year during the Christmas themed tour.
Complete with the talents of local musicians and dancers of each and every stop, tickets to Lynn’s A Very Merry Classic Christmas tour are on sale now. The full list of tour dates is below, including a total of four dates throughout New York State. For more information, ticket purchasing and keeping up on the latest on Jessica Lynn, visit her website here.
TOUR DATES
Weds, November 27: The Marilyn Performing Arts Center – Foxborough, MA
Fri, November 29: The Marilyn Performing Arts Center – Foxborough, MA
Sat, November 30: The Warner Theatre – Torrington, CT
Sun, December 1: The Newton Theatre – Newton, NJ
Weds, December 4: The Jefferson Center – Roanoke, VA
Fri, December 6: The Colonial Theatre – Phoenixville, PA
Sat, December 7: The Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA
Sun, December 8: The State Theatre – Ithaca, NY
Tues, December 10: The Palace Theater – Syracuse, NY
Sat, December 14: The Paramount Theater Hudson Valley – Peekskill, NY
Sun, December 15: The Paramount Theater Hudson Valley – Peekskill, NY
Fri, December 20: The Acorn Center – Littleton, NC
Sat, December 21: The Acorn Center – Littleton, NC
Sun, December 22: The Acorn Center – Littleton, NC
Contemporary pop visionary and musician Stranger Cat has released the second pre-release single off of her upcoming sophomore album, “Hollow Heartbreak”.
With her hands on every step of the creative process, New York City based Stranger Cat is a vocalist, producer, composer, light artist, video maker, DJ, and dancer- creativity is her calling, and each contemporary pop release of hers encompasses Cat’s inner mind, bringing it into the physical for others to appreciate and connect to.
Cat’s self-made range of creative skills have earned her merits such as the New York Foundation of the Arts Women’s Grant in 2020 and the NYFA/NYC City Corps Grant in 2021, in addition to a performance spot at the iii Points festival in Miami in 2023 and installations of her self-programmed light sculptures at Art Basel Miami events from 2021-2023.
Stranger Cat’s skills have also made their way into collaborations with musical luminaries like Sufjan Stevens, Sharon Van Etten, Son Lux, Lucius, and the Shins on Saturday Night Live, among many others.
Following her debut album In the Wilderness, Cat’s sophomore album Slow Jam Love Letters To My Body In Pieces gives the listener permission to feel and express every emotion, no matter how embarrassing or big- “the kind of dance you do alone when no one is looking.”
This album in particular encapsulates several experiences of high emotions, as the tracks were produced from bed while Cat recovered from a life-threatening accident that kept her completely immobilized for five months, doctors predicting that she would not be able to dance again. As Cat healed physically and emotionally, Slow Jam Love Letters To My Body In Pieces was brought into fruition, piece by piece.
Despite predictions of the worst, Cat returned to dancing and left all of her pain, heartbreak, and hope in ten tracks that would become her upcoming album. Slow Jam Love Letters To My Body In Pieces may have been largely a tool for healing and an emotional outlet for herself in a moment of great emotional stress, but it has become larger than just the singular- the project channels these emotions and connects with the listener, allowing them to reflect and heal as well.
“Hollow Heartbreak” allowed Cat to process the ache of loss, opening the track and the production process with the idea of angels weeping in mind. Throughout the iterations of vocals and audio mixing, the music became cleansing- it enabled emotional realization and reflection in a way other things simply couldn’t. “By the end of building the track I’d reached a total 180,” Cat admits- “through creating an 808s and synths dance party, letting it all go.”
A synth-heavy anthemic dance track, “Hollow Heartbreak” invites the listener along the journey to rediscovering the relief and joy at the end of the grieving process when coping with a breakup. A testament to Cat’s personal journey and desire to bring listeners the same emotional catharsis, “Hollow Heartbreak” bares emotions raw and dances without care.
Stranger Cat will be performing alongside Laura Burhenn of The Mynabirds in New York City and Brooklyn for two nights at the end of October. Night one will be held at the Francis Kite Club as a part of the Artists For Ceasefire + Special Guests event on October 26, and night two will be held on October 27 at the Agrarian Loft in Brooklyn.
To learn more about Slow Jam Love Letters To My Body In Pieces, Stranger Cat’s other projects, and keep up with her latest releases, you can visit her website here.
Indie-pop artist Olivia Reid has announced the release of her latest heartwarming single “Love Don’t Leave.”
Based in NYC, Olivia Reid’s unique production style blends indie acoustics with exploratory pop soundscapes, creating a distinctive sonic space to express her most inward emotions. Reid’s artistic style fuses the expressive sounds of artists like Bon Iver, Norah Jones, Sylvan Esso, and Florence + The Machine, with the intensely emotional experiences she channels.
“Love Don’t Leave” is a song about the little elements of connection that feel so simple, yet make love feel deep and pure. That purity and depth of connection is the very thing that makes the hard times in life sting less. The track begins with an otherworldly soothing aura that entices and pacifies the listener in the best ways possible.
The track combines Olivia’s signature indie-pop sound whilst also implementing notes of folk and even country. The track is upbeat, yet lowkey. Its full of life and vibrancy yet is suited to soothe and relax the audience. The theme here is love and Olivia Reid does a beautiful job at conveying the message that love is simple but extraordinary and deep. The dynamic nature of the track truly speaks to the impressive songwriting abilities of the artist.
“Love Don’t Leave” is the first song off of her forthcoming EP and is born out of Reid’s centering experiences in Poland’s countryside. She describes the track as a love letter to love, which is the perfect explanation of the song’s overall feel. The EP, titled soft songs for the soul, is to be released in the coming months and will be available on all streaming services.
For more information on Olivia Reid and to hear her latest single “Love Don’t Leave,” visit her website by clicking here.
Brooklyn-based alternative-rock band The Amatory Murder has announced the release of their latest single “Crazy in a Coffin (On a Saturday Night).” The single releases ahead of their “Dreamers & Screamers Tour” which helps raise money for Hurricane Helene relief.
“Crazy in a Coffin (On a Saturday Night)” which releases on October 10 is an upbeat, Halloween-inspired groove with jazz roots and will be available on all streaming platforms. The tour sees a total of six confirmed dates beginning in Marlinton, West Virginia on October 24 and wrapping up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on November 16. Along the way, the tour plans to stop at Area 140 First Bar in NYC on November 1. Shows on October 28 and November 17 are to be determined.
The band is heavy alternative but also employs textures of grunge, punk, pop and metal. Joining The Amatory Murder on their tour for select dates are special guests Sins of Eden, Vicki’s Dream, and Hand of the Tribe. The tour’s main theme is to help raise money and awareness of the devastation and loss caused by Hurricane Helene. The band plans to gain enough traction to supply each affected venue with the tools they need to leverage their businesses. The Amatory Murder has created a GoFundMe to raise funds for the residents and businesses ravaged by Hurricane Helene along our tour route.
The Amatory Murder “Dreamers & Screamers Tour” Dates:
Oct 24 – Marlinton, WV – Discovery Junction
Oct 25 – Duluth, GA – Sweetwater Bar & Grill
Oct 26 – Knoxville, TN – Scruffy City
Oct 27 – Asheville, NC – 27 Club
Oct 28 – TBD – TBD
Nov 1 – New York, NY – Area 140 First Bar
Nov 16 – Harrisburg, PA – JB Lovedraft’s MicroPub
Nov 17 – TBD – TBD
Buying tickets means donating to the cause – Hurricane Helene relief. Don’t wait, jump on it now. For more information on the upcoming “Dreamers & Screamers Tour” and to purchase tickets click here. To hear some of The Amatory Murder’s music including their latest single “Crazy in a Coffin (On a Saturday Night),” click here.
Folk unit and twin brothers Spillway have released their second single to date, titled “Indiana.”
Having found a way to communicate with the world through music together when they were young, twin brothers Aaron and Wyatt Mones have been Spillway since long before the moniker came to them. Named in reference to Spillway Road, the street that was home to the small garage they began their musical journey in, Spillway grew their professional musical skills by playing and producing for other artists for several years- eventually amassing a total of five million streams to their credit.
Now split geographically between New York and Los Angeles, the two singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalists bridge their physical distance with their mutually engrained passion for music and creating. Melding nostalgic folk pop sounds with whimsical and idiosyncratic lyrics, Spillway offers their poetically packaged belief that music communicates more than simple words ever could.
Spillway’s debut single “Are You Having Fun Yet?” was released earlier this summer and has amassed over 130,000 streams to date in the span of just three months. With achingly raw lyrics and an unapologetically human sonic touch, it’s no wonder why Spillway has seen such success so early in their professional career.
The duo’s newest release, “Indiana,” is rooted in its namesake. A snapshot of modern Midwestern life, “Indiana” encapsulates Spillway’s immediate impression and experience of the state after less than 24 hours spent in the flatlands of Southwestern Indiana that their label, Wally Opus Records, calls home. Channeling the stories and daily lives of the people they had just met, Spillway layers acoustic guitar, brushed drums, and gentle vocals to create a sonic encapsulation of warm, folksy routine.
In just shy of three minutes, the brothers paint the midwestern life in all of its shades so vibrantly that it brings the listener into their conversations being had with the locals around them. With such vivid sonic imagery, it’s no wonder why they’ve described “Indiana” to be their favorite piece to come out of at least the past two years of songwriting.
The official music video for “Indiana” coincides with the track’s release and reflects the listening experience perfectly. With frames of the duo in the Wally Opus recording studio spread throughout scenic, mellow moments in the nature of the midwest, the video’s warm tone and nostalgic attitude weave yet another layer into the deeply human moments Spillway seeks to capture.
“Indiana” is out now- listen here. To learn more about Spillway’s work and future plans, visit their website here.
sweet93, the moniker of New York City-based guitarist and vocalist Chloe, excitedly shares her latest single, “what’s true?” Her first release of the year continues to establish sweet93 as a project destined for exponential sonic growth.
The track is a swirling shoegaze lullaby that rocks the listener back and forth. sweet93 embodies the hazy, drifting summers of the early 90s – a time when the lullabies of Slowdive and the sweetness of Mazzy Star ruled the alternative rock scene. Based in NYC, Chloe’s songs are the soundtrack to a waking dream.
“what’s true?” holds an intensely soothing aura around it that captivates listeners and brings them to a kind of lo-fi dreamscape. The track is relaxing yet uplifting, calming yet refueling, spacey yet grounding. With the release of this single, sweet93 plans to embark on her first US tour with support from her friend and collaborator, Porches.
SWEET93 LIVE US TOUR DATES:
OCTOBER
15 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
16 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis
17 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
18 – Durham, NC – Motorco Music Hall
19 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
21 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
22 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
24 – Saint Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar and Hall
25 – Kansas City, MO – recordBar
26 – Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge
28 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
29 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Urban Lounge
31 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
NOVEMBER
1 – Vancouver, BC – Hollywood Theatre
2 – Seattle, WA – Barboza
6 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club
7 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre
9 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
12 – Dallas, TX – Dada Dallas
13 – Austin, TX – Antone’s
15 – Birmingham, AL – WORKPLAY
16 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI
20 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel
“‘what’s true?’ changed shape several times before I realized what I was actually trying to say. I spent days in my room trying to tell some version of a story, when in reality I was struggling with understanding reality at all… Lately I’ve been filled with more questions than answers, like when nothing is real and no one’s around – what’s actually true?”
Chloe aka sweet93
For more information on sweet93’s new release and upcoming tour, click here.
