“Diorama” explores all the unique nuances of Sam Rappaport’s voice and vision. The track opens up rather smoothly, with notes of contemporary jazz but with a modern undertone. A soft piano melody carries the tune to its heights and to its valleys. Rappaport’s soothing vocals and lyrics fall perfectly along the instruments throughout the entirety of the tune.
The track explores Sam’s inner fears, loves, and life experiences. “Diorama” refers to a layout of all of what makes up oneself. Sam wants to study his own diorama, who he truly is, what makes him who he is. What is he afraid of and what are the fundamental aspects of his person. What does he love, desire and need, and why?
My dad used to take me to the Natural History Museum growing up, and I would love looking at the dioramas. I started thinking, what if there was a diorama for my life and fears, what scenes would it show? So, I guess the main concept is reflectionâorganizing all one’s little traumas into a diorama for public viewing.
Sam Rappaport
Be sure to keep on eye on Sam Rappaport’s further releases by checking his Spotify, Instagram and YouTube. Visit Rappaport’s website to hear the new single “Diorama” For more information on the artist, click here.
Bushwick folk-indie artist Fox Indigo released her lyrical upbeat new single “Gravity” with Rexius Records.
Indigo has a beautiful almost haunting voice. The instrumentation melts together with her vocals perfectly. Her single’s production has a classic indie sound and a catchy chorus, but her talent brings “Gravity” to the next level.
“Gravity” is “about pursuing someone who’s leaving a toxic relationship & how you’re aware that it’s a terrible idea, but you can’t stop yourself. How gravity keeps pulling you back no matter how hard you fight it,” Indigo told NYS Music.
“Gravity” is the second single released this year as “Trail Of Tears” came out in June.
During quarantine, Indigo single handedly created her first album Seven Seas from scratch in her bedroom. In 2022 she signed with Rexius Records and finally released Seven Seas
Indigo says songwriting comes naturally to her. “Sometimes a melody feels like a pre-existing cosmic idea floating in the ether, waiting for the right soul to grab it,” she said. When it comes to lyrics she usually “vomits” words in a notebook and chooses the most meaningful lines.
Along with singing and songwriting, Indigo has other creative passions. She has been organizing her own events for the past 10 years and even started a music collective called Get Carried Away Collective. Her goal with the collective is to uplift other DIY artists like herself. “I’ve grown pretty tired of how traditional venues treat artists in this city over the past decade of performing here and I wanted to create a space where people could put on their own shows,” she said.
With her solo work, Indigo has another project in the works. She is aiming to complete an EP by next spring.
Her advice to other young DIY artists is to keep creating things they are passionate about. “In a world stifled by corporate influence & inflation, reach out to your community to work together on projects, outside of the oppressive venues and corporations. We’re powerful when we work together,” Indigo said.
To keep up with her work you can follow her on Instagram at @foxindigomusic.
All American rock band Certain Death released their new flashy single “Paranoid.” The Brooklyn band’s first single of 2024 came out just this past Monday on Aug. 12.
Paranoid has that amp heavy sound of classic 70’s hair metal. The single features lead singer Henry Black’s vocals and an organic sounding performance with little production. “This song really speaks to the shared experience of overindulgence and paranoia in nightlife that is both repulsive and irresistible,” Black said in a press release. Certain Death was born during the pandemic as a way for Black to confront his difficult feelings in a time of solitude.
Certain Death has a lot more music to come this fall. Next month they will release another single and they plan to release an LP titled Strange Garden in October.
It was just last year that the band came into the scene with two singles “When She Ain’t Around” and their very first song “Certain Death.” It was also last year that two new members joined the group- Matt White on Guitar and Jared Schapker on bass. Long-time member CJ Young performs all the heavy rock drums.
Not only does the band bring us back to the 70’s with their sound, but they emulate rock heroes with their style and album art.
You can listen to “Paranoid” on all streaming services. To keep up with Certain Death you can follow them on Instagram @certaindeathnyc.
This Sunday at The Brooklyn Monarch, MC’s better act like they know, as KRS-One headlines the annual Tour For Life concert this Sunday, August 18. Uniquely, Tour For Life is essentially a rap concert that also advocates for mental health awareness within the hip-hop community. At each stop, on-site therapists offer free sessions, live art, giveaways, community mending art projects, and performances. Presented by Full Blast Booking, a Connecticut-based booking company that specializes in booking tours, Tour For Life has raised over $60,000 for mental health non-profits over the past three years. Hence, this year’s tour will be raising money for organizations such as Mental Health Connecticut.
KRS will headline Tour for Life this Sunday August, 18.
Tour For Life’s Final Weekend
Yet, Brooklyn will be the final stop for Tour for Life. This weekend’s performances, from August 15 – 17, will see Tour For Life make stops in various neighboring east coast states including Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire. Meanwhile, performances will feature hip-hop headliners Sage Francis, Billy Danze of M.O.P., and Rome Streetz. Supporting this stop on the tour will be artists such as, Duece Bug, Konflik, Sosoon + Tony Dimes, DTaylz, Neema MC, Mickey Bourbon, Mic Hoffa, and more.
With this intention, Tour for Life also works to provide a platform for legendary headliners, as well a the many talented and independent artists from all over the nation. Thus, with the tour’s final stop will see hip hop pioneer/legend KRS-One replace initial headliner Redman. However, with one of the most comprehensive discographies in hip hop as well as a bevy of thought-provoking lyrics, KR-One is no stranger to nuance nor the healing properties of rap music.
Tour for Life Dates and Lineups
8/15 Manchester, NH- The Shaskeen feat. Sage Francis + Akrobatik
8/16 Providence, RI- Alchemy feat. Billy Danze of M.O.P.
8/17 Hamden, CT- Cellar on Treadwell feat. Rome Streetz
8/18 Brooklyn, NY – The Monarch feat. KRS-One (+ surprise guests)
Set to begin at 6:00 p.m. at 23 Meadow St, tickets for Tour for Life’s closing weekend can be found on Full Blast Booking’s official website.
South Korean soul singer, Saay, made her US debut at Elsewhere on Friday, August 9, her first show in the US after twelve years in the industry, seven of which have been as a soloist. The Korean artist recently came back with a new single, Domino, a bouncy track with digitally harmonized synth vocals, a la Imogen Heap’s hit song “Hide and Seek.” Her contract with Universal Music Korea also expired last month, but when asked about physical releases of her music during the show, she said she is planning to release a new EP next year.
Saay debuted in Korea twelve years ago as part of the group EvoL but began her solo career seven years ago with the release of her single “Circle” in July of 2017. This was a one-off show in Brooklyn, followed by another at The Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles on August 15th. Before her Elsewhere show, she also sang “Domino” on Fox’s Good Day New York. Expect more great content from Saay this week on social media as she experiences LA and continues to share photos and videos from her show at Elsewhere.
Performance
Elsewhere Zone One provided the perfect venue for this kind of intimate, emotionally charged show full of fan interaction. As people started filtering into the venue, the room’s cumulative energy made for a shared cathartic moment. A small, low-set stage puts the artist up close with fans. The production at Elsewhere was low-key. Besides the LED panel covering the wall behind Saay, a contrasting pair of purple and blue lights lit the stage.
Korean artists are always skilled at creating meaningful interactions with their fans, but you could clearly tell how much this show meant to Saay, at times bringing her to tears. During the show, she wore a Lucky Dragon hat that a fan later recognized as one they had given Saay at a past concert. She ended her set with a song ironically titled “Encore,” which was then followed by the actual encore, her breakout hit (and a personal favorite) from 2019, “ZGZG.”
After the final song, she stayed on stage to speak candidly to the audience and to tell everyone to get home safely, stay healthy, and eat well. We look forward to seeing footage of Saay’s August 15th show at the Moroccan Lounge and wish her luck in her future endeavors. Keep an eye out for new music from Saay in the next year and, hopefully, a return to New York following her upcoming EP.
Saay – Elsewhere Zone One – August 9, 2024
Setlist: Talk 2 Me Nice, Overzone, Baad, Omega, Circle, Domino, Rocky, Sh*t Makerrrrrrrr, I’m Okay, Sweet as Hell, Encore
DIIV, a beloved band from Brooklyn, has once again captured the hearts of fans with their latest album, Frog in Boiling Water. This record showcases a band that has truly evolved while staying true to their atmospheric roots. The album and its singles—such as “Brown Paper Bag,”—have been met with widespread fan acclaim.
Frog in Boiling Water is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to DIIV’s perseverance and growth. The album’s creation was a four-year odyssey that nearly pushed the band to its limits. With a desire to push their sound to new frontiers, DIIV embarked on an ambitious journey, navigating their own relationships and the pressures of the music industry. Fraying friendships, financial strains, and creative differences marked the process, but the band emerged from this chaos with an album that dives deep into new lyrical and musical territories.
The result is a record that is as gorgeous as it is haunted. Frog in Boiling Water balances powerful rhythms inspired by post-industrial sounds, creating a sound that is both mighty and ethereal. It’s a mesmeric reflection on endurance, capturing the essence of existing.
If you missed DIIV at their most recent homecoming show at Brooklyn Paramount, make sure to catch them live the next time they’re in New York. With each performance, DIIV not only solidifies their place in the indie music scene but also redefines what it means to create immersive, emotional art.
In the large oasis that is New York State’s music scene, it may seem difficult to stand out. Of course, there must be real talent; catchy melodies and hooks, a great ensemble-band that plays live flawlessly, but there’s always that “something” more. Perhaps its the person behind the music, a personality so undeniable that one simply must come and see it and hear it for themselves.
About BlackJeans
All of this and more sums up BlackJeans, a Musician and Producer based in Ridgewood, Queens who will be presenting “The End of The World, Part 2” at Purgatory on Friday, August 10. A torchbearer representing a lost art; the art of seduction through music. All in all, BlackJeans has an impressive resume thats bound to make anyones head turn. The event will look to live up to last year’s event by being bigger and better. A tough statement to back up based on last year’s turnout.
A Musician and Producer in NYC for the last ten years, BlackJeans has packed out shows like Sofar Sounds and venues such as Sultan Room, Brooklyn Bowl and more. Moreover, BlackJeans now finds himself at his biggest moment yet. His latest single “Belladonna” is joined with other certified bops such as “Cellphone“, “Painkiller.” Additionally, songs like “All Too Much” and “Lovin Again” have accompanying music videos which premiered on Vimeo. We sat down with BlackJeans about what goes into making his music. We also discussed his highly-anticipated show on August 10 at Purgatory.
TDW: What would you say your biggest influences are?
BlackJeans: Ooh baby, these days anything that gets me hot and bothered and ready to dance. Rhythm, tempo, and anything that feels like a party. Disco, electronic, house, salsa, big band swing. Put a little dirt on it and i’ll eat it right up and howl probably.
TDW: How would you best describe your sound?
BlackJeans: Thats a great question. Typically, I would do everything I can not to describe it…I’d say it sounds like seedy basement dance music that was tucked away in a forgotten section of an old denim factory in Ridgewood, Queens. Drum and bass-groove heavy music that you’d find in a damp speak easy with neon lights. Paired well with cocktails and a late night afterparty.
TDW: What is The End Of The World?
BlackJeans: The End Of The World is an event series im continuing to throw in NY for all the sexy late bloomers, weirdos, misfits, queers, and people who know how to turn it the fuck out. Its equal parts dance party, live show, and carnival with variety performers, a live set of music and always a special guest DJ. Chock full of free prizes, drinks, and some other stuff I cant get into here. Oh, and theres always a dress code.
TDW: What plays into your songwriting?
BlackJeans: I love love. Cant get away from it. Love is a mixed bag. Covers an overwhelmingly wide range, yea? It can make you feel alive, it can mess you up, make you wanna dance, make you wanna cry…sometimes all of these things at the SAME TIME! I think that juxtaposition and duality is beautiful and were all probably feeling it effects on any given day. I don’t really believe in genre, I like too many of them and I probably haven’t even heard them all! So Im going to keep playing in as many that feel right, its 2024, best be genre bending. For now, I’m wrapped up in dance music like someone who’s been tumbling in a washing machine for 7 months straight. With no AC or lights…
TDW: What can people expect from The End Of The World Part 2
BlackJeans: Im going to be clear with you. You can expect an EP’s worth of new music, a gorilla in lingere giving a lap dance to a horse, burlesque hoola hoopers, me growing 8 feet tall, a free round of drinks, and a DJ set by Souldrippp. Shes amazing and I’m shocked we got her to agree to come here all the way from France. Thats like 27% of what you can expect. Okay?
All this to say, momentum is on BlackJeans side. While August 10 will be an evening to capitalize on. Epic tunes, costumes and gorillias galore, who know what antics him and his band well be up to this time, very limited tickets remain for The End Of The World Part 2 at Purgatory.
On Sunday, August 4th, the Coney Island Amphitheater hosted Gorillafest, a free music festival hosted by Coney Islandâs own rapper NEMS, captivated thousands of fans. Part of the City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage series, this event was a tribute to the vibrant local culture, bringing together an eclectic mix of artists for a day of unforgettable performances.
Nems
NEMS, renowned for his catchphrases “Don’t Ever Disrespect Me!” and “Bing Bong!”, hosted the festival with charisma and flair. Signed to Goliath Records by Paul Rosenberg, NEMS has proven himself to be more than an internet sensation, showcasing his talents as a formidable rapper and an engaging host.
Tony Touch
The festival kicked off with a dynamic DJ set by the legendary Tony Touch, setting an energetic tone for the day. Following Tony Touch, the podcast “Outside with Gorilla Nems” took the stage, featuring NEMS alongside Pas, Six the Don, Hubert Ramos, and Christina Boykin. Their lively 20-minute session, filled with humor and candid conversation, entertained the audience and provided a glimpse into NEMSâs larger-than-life personality.
Statik Selektah
Next, DJ Statik Selektah took over, delivering an electrifying set and bringing out special guests Termanology and rising female rapper Billy B, who both delivered standout performances. DJ Drewski then kept the momentum going, thrilling the crowd with appearances by Consequence, Juelz Santana, and Grafh.
Nems
As the evening progressed, Scram Jones stepped up as the final DJ of the night, his set building anticipation for the headline act. Scram Jonesâs performance set the perfect stage for NEMS, who performed several of his hits, including the viral anthem “Bing Bong.” The crowd roared with excitement as NEMS delivered a high-energy set, demonstrating why he is a beloved figure in the local music scene.
Pharoahe Monch
Throughout the night, an impressive lineup of hip-hop talent took the stage, each adding their unique touch to the festival. Capone, Cory Gunz, Ron Browz, Justina Valentine, Masta Ace, Smif-N-Wessun, and Pharoahe Monch all made appearances, keeping the audience engaged and energized.
Bun B
The highlight of the night was a surprise performance by Bun B, who brought his southern rap style to the New York crowd, adding an unexpected and thrilling twist to the festival. The grand finale came with the appearance of the legendary Ghostface Killah. As the headliner, Ghostface delivered a powerful and captivating performance, closing out Gorillafest on a high note
Ghostface Killah
Gorillafest was more than just a music festival; it was a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring spirit of Coney Island. Thanks to NEMS, the City Parks Foundation, and SummerStage, fans were treated to an incredible day of free entertainment and iconic performances, cementing Gorillafest as a must-attend event in the heart of Brooklyn.
Best-selling author and comedian Trevor Noah has announced he will return to New York City to host a two-night celebration of the publication of his latest book, Into the Uncut Grass. The book will be released on October 8.
During these celebrations, Trevor Noah plans to do more than just party. Joining a moderator on stage, he offers a deep dive into the essence of his latest work.
Trevor is the author of the 2016 #1 New York Times bestseller Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, a memoir depicting the hardships of growing up mixed-raced in apartheid South Africa. His storytelling ability caught the attention of readers of all ages, adapting the bestseller into a young readers’ version in 2019. This year, he’s back with another testament to his storytelling abilities with his latest book, Into the Uncut Grass.
However, unlike Born a Crime, Trevor Noah’s latest book is a work of fiction rather than a memoir. Trevor’s new book is a gorgeously illustrated and moving modern fable for readers of all ages about forgiveness, acceptance, and the secret to solidarity. Inspired by classic children’s fables like Alice in Wonderland and The Little Prince, he adjusts these longstanding stories to fit his own personal experience, as well as
“Few memories in my life bring me more joy than the first few books I read as a child,” says Trevor Noah. “Either with my mom or reading alone, those simple stories shaped so much of how I saw the world. I hope this story can bring a little bit of that same joy to readers of all ages.”
General on-sale for these celebrations begins on Friday, August 9at 10 am local. Tickets are available with this link here.
Vermont’s own Greg Freeman has announced the details of his newest nationwide tour. Freeman’s tour includes two music festivals and several concerts, with two shows in New York, the first in Sprakers and the other at Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Freeman will be joined by supporting acts Snail Mail, Merce Lemon, and A. Savage on select dates.
In an eclectic combination of noise rock and Americana, Greg Freeman has been paving his way through the experimental music scene since his 2022 debut EP I Looked Out. With his use of instruments like soprano saxophone and slide guitar, Freeman brings his fresh, unique sound with him everywhere he goes.
For the last two years, Freeman has garnered attention in the experimental music scene, drawing in crowds from all genres. In regards to his performances, Rolling Stone raves, “He really means every word, bashing away on his electric guitar as bandmates on bass, drums, saxophone, and pedal steel guitar add rich colors to his visions.”
Freeman’s tour began on August 2 at the Pickathon experimental music festival in Portland, Oregon. His tour takes him across the United States, including the two separate shows in New York. His first trip to the Empire State brings him to The Root in Sprakers, celebrating The 11th Annual Limbsnapping with the rest of the town. His second show in New York takes him to Brooklyn, performing at Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg.
The full tour is listed below. Tickets and more information are available on Freeman’s website, linked here.
GREG FREEMAN LIVE!
August 2nd – Happy Valley – Portland, OR – Pickathon August 3rd – Seattle, WA – The Black Lodge August 4th – Happy Valley – Portland, OR – Pickathon August 16th – Sprakers, NY – The 11th Annual Limbsnapping- The Root Community August 26th – Portsmouth, VA – Prescott Park * October 4th – Burlington, VT – Radio Bean ^ October 5th – New York, NY – Baby’s All Right ^ October 6th – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s ^ October 8th – Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle !
* With Snail Mail ^ With Merce Lemon ! With A. Savage
