NYS Music 2024

Category: NYC Metro

  • Berklee NYC Celebrates Landmark 2024 Commencement

    The Berklee College of Music announced that their New York City graduate program recently celebrated its graduation with a commencement ceremony at Lincoln Center.

    On Sunday, June 29, Berklee NYC honored its largest cohort of Master’s recipients in the Appel Room of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall. 

    berklee nyc
    Photo credit – Yusuke Yamanouchi

    Betsie Becker, acting executive director of Berklee NYC and Power Station at Berklee NYC, and David Bogen, interim president and provost of Berklee College of Music, conferred degrees to 119 scholars and four post-master’s fellows. The graduates were recipients of one-year Master of Arts degrees in creative media and technology, specializing in either songwriting and production, live music production and design, or writing and design for musical theatre. Music for the ceremony was even written and produced by the graduates, with the processional written by Power Station at Berklee NYC alumnus and staff member Glenn Forsythe (Class of 2008).

    The commencement speech was given by Grammy and Tony award-winning musician and composer Charlie Rosen, a Berklee graduate of the class of 2012. This past February, Rosen took home the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album as orchestrator of the Broadway smash hit Some Like It Hot. In 2022, Rosen and his band, 8-Bit Big Band, received the Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella.  Rosen has won two Tony Awards for Best Orchestration for his work on Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2020) and A Strange Loop (2023).

    berklee nyc
    Charlie Rosen ’12 addresses graduates at the 2024 Berklee NYC commencement ceremony. Image by Yusuke Yamanouchi

    Rosen, who is also a cancer survivor, gave a rousing speech to the graduates and fellows, inspiring each to pursue their creativity, even in the face of an incredibly difficult, competitive industry. Other keynote speakers were Xenia Rubos (Class of 2006), an assistant professor of songwriting and production, and songwriting and production scholar Tamieyah Johnson, who delivered remarks on behalf of her fellow graduates.

    “This industry and this city can be challenging and unpredictable. Having a community around you of people who understand your struggles, share your passion, and celebrate your successes is invaluable. They will help you navigate the uncertainties, celebrate your victories, and provide solace during tough times,” said Rosen. “As a recent cancer survivor, I can attest most to the power of the support system of friends and peers. If there is one thing I continue to learn, it’s that no one succeeds in this industry alone. The connections you have made at Berklee are just the beginning.”

  • Monobloc Get Existential on New Single, “Where is My Garden?”

    Monobloc, a band emerging from New York City’s DIY scene, has released a new single, “Where is My Garden?”.

    Led by vocalist Tommy Waldron and bassist Michael Silverglade, Monobloc effortlessly merges post-punk instrumentation and attitude with pop sensibilities. With Zack Pockrose on drums, and guitarists Ben Scofield and Nina Lüders, Monobloc creates a nostalgic sound reminiscent of Television and The Strokes.

    Monobloc Where is my garden
    Julia Tarantino

    Chronicling the internal battle between materialism and gratitude, Monobloc describes conflict with vivid imagery and refreshing honesty.

    Unpublished praised the single for its honesty and timelessness: “with intricate, overlapping rhythms balanced with the straightforward ‘tell it how it is’ type lyrics, Monobloc … [creates] a timeless track that will be accessible through generations.”

    The black and white music video, self-directed by the band, compliments the wiry, insistent guitar work and rousing chorus. Tommy Waldron said of the instrumentation, “Attached to the main riff of the song was this chorus I really wanted to use but could never find a place where it made sense. … It was a great wide theme – a bit Springsteen and better yet, the closest I could legally get to saying “Where are your friends tonight?”

    Monobloc shared their first single, “I’m Just Trying to Love You” in early 2024. As Monobloc continues to hone in on their electric live shows, DIY attitude and artistic capabilities, more music is to come. 

    A full list of Monobloc’s tour dates is available below, along with the official “Where is My Garden?” music video. Tickets are available here.

    AUGUST

    2 – Pete’s Candy Store – Brooklyn NY

    21 – Sebright Arms – London, UK (debut UK performance)

    23 – All Points East Festival – London, UK (w/ LCD Soundsystem)

    25 – Rock En Seine Festival – Paris, FR (debut EU performance)

    29 – Kalorama Festival – Lisbon, PT

    31 – Kalorama Festival – Madrid, ES

    NOVEMBER

    8 – Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavík, IS

    17 – Corona Capital Festival – Mexico City, MX

  • Brooklyn Duo Rubblebucket Release Funky New Single “Rattlesnake”

    On July 10, Brooklyn-based art-pop duo Rubblebucket released their newest single, “Rattlesnake,” along with its corresponding music video. Filled with groovy basslines, punchy brass and saxophone riffs, and hard-hitting lyrics in a deceptively cool and catchy tone, “Rattlesnake” is the newest edition to a laundry list of funky tunes sure to make your hips move.

    rubblebucket

    Based on lead singer Klamia Traver’s own struggles with mental health and anxiety, the lyrics to “Rattlesnake” present a situation that almost everyone can relate to. The band loosely adapted a poem Kalmia wrote called “Time For the Rattlesnake” from her poetry book Year of The Banana. The poem recalls an encounter Traver had with the animal, jokingly saying, “The beauty of it took my breath away. But I later ruminated about how even when I am faced with the most breathtaking of our planet’s offerings, it can still be very hard to be present, focused & relaxed because of the chronic anxiety from which I suffer.”

    The song opens with, “I don’t want to analyze you / But it seems you’re stuck in a cage / Let the child inside drive you / You’ve got what it takes.” Rattlesnake, in this instance, acts as a metaphor for someone so coiled and wrapped up in their own worries, fears, and anxieties that they prevent themselves from chasing new opportunities and ideas, even if it is something their “inner child” so desperately craved. The bridge’s lyrics further implement this idea, this time bringing the perspectives of outsiders into it: “Sometimes you gotta kill your idols / Psychedelic cage / In the footsteps of our mothers / We make the same mistakes.”  

    rattlesnake rubblebucket

    With such an intense undertone, looking at the lyrics alone makes the tune sound morose and dark. But instead, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the song is almost deceptively catchy. The groovy bassline, provided by the band’s other half, Alex Toth, nearly makes you forget about the unsettling lyrics. Renata Zieguer’s strings certainly add another unique element to the instrumentation, bringing a classic ’70s-style disco charm. Kalmia Traver’s light, soothing vocals almost make you forget about the fears the song forces you to face. The band went full disco-funk with “Rattlesnake”, producing a track that sounds like Bee Gees and Michael Jackson meets Stereolab.

    For Rubblebucket, therapy takes the form of a dance party. “Rattlesnake” is a refreshing, funky tune that certainly stands out with its creative sound, and even more creative music video, reminiscent of something we would’ve seen from Talking Heads. The message here is clear: uncoil yourself like a rattlesnake, but dance while you do it.

    “Rattlesnake” is out now and available on all streaming platforms and be sure to catch Rubblebucket at their announced live shows for 2024, one in Washington and one in New Hampshire.

    Find tickets and more info HERE.

    Rubblebucket Live

    July 13 – Seattle, WA – Ballard Seafood Festival
    October 19 – Concord, NH – Concord Sound & Color Festival

  • Frank Black Announces Teenager Of The Year Anniversary Tour

    Frank Black announced his “Teenager Of The Year” tour Jan 15 through Feb 6, and on Feb 1, Black and his band will perform at Brooklyn Steel.

    Black made the announcement through Brooklyn Vegan, a NYC based music blog. Teenager Of The Year is Black’s second studio album and was released 30 years ago under 4AD records. The classic alternative rock album was released a year after Black’s former band, The Pixies split up. 

    Eric Drew Feldman, who had previously played Keyboard on one of the Pixies tours, co-produced the album. The album also features Joey Santiago on guitar, a founding member of The Pixies. Teenager was originally not well received by fans but is now considered one of the greatest alternative rock albums and made it onto Pitchfork’s top 100 albums of the 1990s.

    College roommates, Santiago and Black formed The Pixies in 1986 after dropping out of The University Massachusetts Amherst. After a few years of conflict between the members, the band officially split in 1993. Before Teenager, Black released his first self-titled album in 1992. In 1997 he formed his band, Frank Black and The Catholics and the band recorded music throughout the early 2000’s.

    The Teenager Of the Year tour will include Feldman, Lyle Workman and Nick Vincent who originally appeared on the album.

    Tickets for the tour go on sale on July 19 and on Black’s Website here.

  • Pink Talking Fish Announce 2024 Tour With Five Shows in New York

    Pink Talking Fish – the Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish tribute fusion act – has announced a huge fall tour running all the way into December, with five stops in New York State. Along with last month’s New Year’s Run announcement, the rest of 2024 is mapped out for the hybrid phenomenon.

    Known for their mind-blowing live performances, the three-act tribute band Pink Talking Fish has announced a two-leg tour, with stops in Lafayette, Lake George, Tarrytown, Buffalo and Brooklyn.

    Pink Talking Fish is a must-see for any fan of the three bands they cover: Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish. The band features Eric Gould on bass, Richard James on keyboards, Zack Burwick on drums and Cal Kehoe on guitar. 

    The Pink Talking Fish fall tour kicks off in late September and brings the band coast-to-coast through 12 states around the country. Shows start on the East Coast in Tarrytown, NY, and Harrisburg, PA, with the band then heading to the Midwest through Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky.

    For Halloween, the band will be in Portsmouth, NH, at The Music Hall, directly following the annual Portsmouth Halloween Parade. In November, Pink Talking Fish will head to California for the Golden Road Festival in Sanger, along with other shows in San Luis Obispo, Menlo Park, and Auburn.

    Later in November marks a return to the Brooklyn Bowl in NYC with special guest Trukken, a band that performs heavy metal versions of Grateful Dead songs. 

    After the fall tour, Pink Talking Fish will close out the year with a New Year’s Eve run, which includes two-night runs in Mill Valley, CA, and Seattle, WA. 

    For those eager to catch a show as soon as possible, Pink Talking Fish will be performing this weekend in Atlanta, GA, at Buckhead Theatre and Charleston, SC, at The Refinery, joining Allman Brothers Band tribute band Trouble No More for a double bill. 

    Visit here for tickets to any of the shows. See below for the tour graphic and a full written list of dates.

    Pink Talking Fish Tour Dates

    Summer Tour:

    7/19: Atlanta GA at Buckhead Theatre – double bill with Trouble No More

    7/20: Charleston SC at The Refinery – double bill with Trouble No More

    7/25: Jackson WY at Snow King Mountain – King Concerts Series with Moe. & Melvin Seals JGB

    7/26: Steamboat CO at Steamboat Square – Stranahan’s FREE Concert Series

    7/27: Denver CO at Cervantes Other Side

    8/02: Atlantic City NJ at The Tropicana Showroom

    8/03: Westport CT at Levitt Pavilion

    8/04: Lafayette NY at Wonderland Forest – Grateful Getaway: The Eleven

    8/10: Dover NH at Revel In The Meadow

    8/30: Salisbury MA at Blue Ocean Music Hall

    8/31: Lake George NY at Adirondack Independence Music Festival

    9/01: Murphysboro IL at The Shawnee Cave Amphitheater – Weekend At The Cave

    Fall Tour:

    9/27: Tarrytown NY at Tarrytown Music Hall

    9/28: Harrisburg PA at XL Live

    10/09: Cleveland OH at Beachland Ballroom

    10/10: Columbus OH at Woodlands Tavern

    10/11: Chicago IL at Park West

    10/12: Covington KY at Madison Theater

    10/13: Buffalo NY at Buffalo Iron Works

    10/17: Chattanooga TN at Barrelhouse Ballroom

    10/18: Nashville TN at Eastside Bowl

    10/19: Louisville KY at Brown Forman Amphitheater

    10/20: Asheville NC at Asheville Music Hall

    10/31: Portsmouth NH at The Music Hall

    11/01: Hartford CT at Infinity Music Hall

    11/07: San Luis Obispo at SLO Brewing Co

    11/08: Sanger CA at Golden Road Festival

    11/09: Menlo Park CA at The Guild Theater

    11/10: Auburn CA at Odd Fellows Hall

    11/22: Brooklyn NY at Brooklyn Bowl w/s/g Trukken

    11/23: Keene NH at The Colonial Theatre

    12/06: Plymouth NH at The Flying Monkey

    12/07: Burlington VT at Higher Ground

    12/21: Portland ME at State Theatre

    New Years Eve Run:

    12/28-29: Mill Valley CA at Sweetwater Music Hall

    12/30-31: Seattle WA at Nectar Lounge

  • Hearing Aide: “Better(er) Days” Brings Out The Best of Bad Mary

    On July 16, Long Island-based punk band Bad Mary released their newest EP, Better(er) Days. Their EP celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the release of their first album, Better Days.

    Complete with remixes and re-recorded versions of their first album’s hits, Better(er) Days is a refreshing, hard-hitting collection that brings out the best of Bad Mary.

    better(er) days

    In the ten years since the release of Better Days, Bad Mary released four killer EPs – Killing Dinosaurs (2016), We Could Have Saved the World (2016), Glitter Bomb (2017), and Trash And Glamour (2023), and punk-rock opera The Return of Space Girl in 2019. But despite their ever-growing discography, the band kept their first album quite near and dear to them. Ten years later, the tracks on Better Days are still part of their touring setlist.

    That being said, to be loved, at its core, is to be changed. Better(er) Days not only shows how Bad Mary has grown over time, but how much they truly loved the original songs on the original album. Bad Mary manages to keep the original integrity of each track, but the differences are still incredibly noticeable. It’s not just another way to re-release songs that fans have already heard hundreds of times, but a respectable homage to their debut. The re-release of these classic tracks shows how the band has grown over time, and how far they’ve come in the last decade. The tracks on Better(er) Days are tailored not only to each individual musician’s talent, but to their audience, giving their fans the songs they’ve loved in the past in the styles they love today.

    Harder and louder than the original album, Better(er) Days makes a point of highlighting the band’s influences: classic punk artists like The Ramones, Sex Pistols, and Misfits. Unlike the original album, the instrumentation of songs on Better(er) Days is much clearer, and the fast drums and rolling guitars juxtapose perfectly against lead singer Amanda Mac’s punchy vocals.

    Most noticeably different from their original tracks are “Ninja” and “Forget About It,” removing and replacing entire verses and backing track. For Bad Mary, Better(er) Days pays a fantastic tribute to their debut, reviving their classics in a unique way while still keeping them new, fresh, and modern. The EP perfectly reflects the roots of punk music yet updates it to the styles fans love today.

    Better(er) Days is out now and available on all streaming platforms. Listen to it here. For more information, visit Bad Mary’s website, here.

  • Nicole Atkins Announces East Coast Tour, Three Shows in New York

    Rock singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins announced an East Coast Tour starting in September with a show at Daryl’s House in Pawling, NY. Justin & the Cosmics will serve as support for the entire run.

    nicole atkins

    A prominent figure in rock music for over two decades, Nicole Atkins has been actively touring and producing music since 2002. Mostly inspired by 1960s and 70s psychedelic rock artists like The Doors and The Sundays, she started writing what she termed “a mix of Americana, 60s, and indie rock.” In 2003, Atkins released her first EP, Bleeding Diamonds.

    Along with her tour, Atkins is currently working on her sixth studio album. “Now, with a bunch of new songs and a great band and some time before the studio, I can’t wait to figure out what these new songs want to be at the shows!” Atkins says about her upcoming album. “I’ve always wanted to do it that way like I did it before my first record, but now it actually feels like time is on my side and I have some to make it happen.” Her previous album, Italian Ice (2020), was her best-reviewed album to date, drawing rave reviews internationally.

    For the last two decades of her career, Nicole Atkins has performed in several festivals and concerts. Halfway into 2024, Atkins has already had an incredible year, opening for both Stevie Nicks and also her friends, The Mavericks, whose new album she is featured on.  Now, after remarkable stretches with rock icons and showstoppers, she reemerges with her own headlining tour.

    Starting on September 5, Atkins heads to Pawling, NY, for a night in Daryl’s House. Catch her at Woodstock and Ridgewood, Queens, on September 7 and 21, respectively. Atkins’ new album, which is yet to be named, is set to release in 2025.

    The full tour dates are listed below. Tickets are available now on Nicole Atkins’ website, linked here.

    SEPTEMBER

    5 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House

    6 – Montclair, NJ – Outpost In The Burbs

    7 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios

    9 – Boston, MA – City Winery – Boston

    11 – Philadelphia, PA – 118 North

    12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar

    15 – Manchester Center, VT – Billsville House Concerts

    20 – Uncasville, CT – Wolf Den

    21 – Ridgewood, NY – TV Eye

  • Isaac Mizrahi returns to Manhattan’s 54 Below

    Designer, actor, and musician Isaac Mizrahi will return to Midtown Manhattan’s 54 Below. Back by popular demand, Mizrahi and his band will perform a set titled A Brief History. The performances will take place August 28-31st. 

    Isaac Mizrahi

    Since his youth in Brooklyn, Isaac Mizrahi has devoted himself to the arts. His career began at age 10 when he bought his first sewing machine. By 1987, Mizrahi presented his first fashion line, garnering critical praise. Since then, his clothing has been sold at chains like Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. Mega-stars like Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, and Nicole Kidman have also sported his styles. 

    This success in the designing industry has allowed Mizrahi to pursue other artistic careers, notably music. Mizrahi views himself foremost as an entertainer. Following shows on E! And Oxygen, Mizrahi grew increasingly notable as a public figure. Using this notoriety, he has directed stage productions across the country, including A Little Night Music and The Magic Flute for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and Peter and the Wolf at New York’s Guggenheim. 

    A scene from the Guggenheim’s Peter and the Wolf, directed by Mizrahi

    Included in these artistic endeavors is stage performance. Starting with his show on Oxygen, Mizrahi has performed as a jazz singer. However, Mizrahi’s performance is so much more than just music. The New York Times has described Mizrahi as “a founding father of a genre that fuses performance, art, music and stand-up comedy.” His set at 54 Below – titled A Brief History – lives up to its name including everything from Billie Eilish to Cole Porter. On top of music, his shows contain jokes, cultural references, and sarcastic interjections into song lyrics. 

    Mizrahi will perform at Midtown Manhattan’s 54 Below Club. Broadway producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel and Steve Baruch founded the club to celebrate New York City’s musical talent. 54 Below highlights not only Broadway musicians, but also cabaret, and performers of the Great American Songbook. The club’s intimate environment allows audiences to see their favorite performers in a more somber setting, and allows performers to workshop new materials and collaborate with other artists. Performances at 54 Below have helped develop new Broadway shows and musicals throughout the year. 

    Tony-Winning designers John Lee Beatty, Ken Billington, and Peter Hylenski designed the 140 person dining room, bringing their stage production know-how. The club’s layout makes it so that no tables are further than 24 feet from the stage, ensuring audience members get the best possible experience. The club also has broadcasting and recording capabilities to preserve its 3 nightly shows. With this unparalleled quality, the club received the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre. Additionally, 54 Below has gained the name “Broadway’s Living Room” for the number of performers who grace its stage. 

    Mizrahi and his band will perform August 28-31st. His set will begin at 7:00pm each night. Various ticket and seating tiers are available, starting at $78.50. For more information on Isaac Mizrahi’s performance, visit the 54 Below website here.

  • Punk Icons NOFX Deliver a Farewell to Remember at Brooklyn Paramount

    Brooklyn Paramount was electric on Saturday, July 13, as NOFX delivered a powerful performance on the second of their three-night stand, part of their much-anticipated final tour.

    These shows were the only US dates on their tour, making them a unique and intimate experience compared to the rest of the Punk in Drublic festival.

    The legendary punk rock band kicked off their worldwide farewell tour on April 22, 2023, in Austin, TX. The tour spans forty cities across the globe, including stops in Australia in January, Europe in May and June, and North America from April to October 2024.

    Each night, NOFX performs 40 songs, featuring full albums and rare tracks, ensuring no setlist is ever repeated. This meticulous planning guarantees a unique experience for every show, culminating in their final performance in Los Angeles on October 6, 2024.

    Frontman Fat Mike, alongside bandmates Eric Melvin, Erik Sandin, and El Hefe, poured their hearts into the Brooklyn Paramount show. The setlist on July 13 was a blend of tracks from at least 12 different albums, with a heavy focus on Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing and Pump Up the Valuum. The night began with the energetic “60%,” and included fan favorites like “Murder the Government,” “Bob,” “What’s the Matter with Parents Today,” “The Longest Line,” and “Drugs Are Good.” The encore was a high-energy conclusion featuring “Bottle to the Ground” and the iconic “Kill All the White Man.”

    Opening the night was Fat Mike’s new project, Codefendants, whose set included “Brutiful,” “Prison Camp,” “Fast Ones,” and “Sell Me Youth.” Following them was Murphy’s Law, a staple of the New York hardcore punk scene since 1982. Despite numerous lineup changes, vocalist Jimmy Drescher remains the heart of the band. Their energetic set included “Quest for Herb,” “Crucial Bar-B-Q,” “Cavity Creeps,” and “Someone’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked in Tonight.”

    Formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, NOFX has been a cornerstone of the punk rock scene for over four decades. Their rebellious spirit and distinctive sound have influenced countless bands and garnered a dedicated global fanbase. Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, NOFX has maintained their independence, releasing music through their own label, Fat Wreck Chords.

    Fat Mike, the band’s charismatic and often controversial frontman, has been vocal about his reasons for ending NOFX. “Because I don’t enjoy it like I used to,” he told Louder in December 2022. “And if I don’t get loaded, I really don’t want to do it. I don’t need to be onstage hearing people applaud and dance. I don’t need that. Some people are addicted to that.”

    He added, “I’ve started doing stand-up comedy and I like that way better, in front of 30 people. And writing music. I’ve been writing [string] quartets, which I really enjoy, and writing for other people. I have another band called the Codefendants, which is really exciting to me.”

    As the final tour progresses, fans worldwide are cherishing these last moments with NOFX. The Brooklyn Paramount shows are a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their unwavering connection with their audience. For those in attendance on July 13, it was a night of nostalgia, high energy, and a bittersweet farewell to one of punk rock’s most influential bands.

    Codefendants Setlist: Brutifal, Defcons, Abscessed, Suicide by Pigs, Disaster Scenes, Prison Camp, Fast Ones, Counting Back From 13, Sell Me Youth

    NOFX Setlist: 60%, Seeing Double at the Triple Rock, Murder the Government, Bob, Pharmacist’s Daughter, 72 Hookers, All Outta Angst, Louise, The Man I Killed, Leaving Jesusland, What’s the Matter With Parents Today, 100 Times Fuckeder, The Marxist Brothers, Fuck the Kids, Juice Head, Hobophobic, Monosyllabic Girls, I’m Telling Tim, Instant Crassic, Can’t Get the Stink Out, The Longest Line, What Now My Love, I Don’t Like Me Anymore, Drugs Are Good, Benny Got Blowed Up, Radio, Shut Up Already, Green Corn, All My Friends In New York, The Seperation of Church and Skate

    Encore: Riff Raff, Dinosaurs Will Die, Herojuana, Bottles to the Ground, Kill all the White Man

  • Dazed Cannabis Packed as Havoc and Cormega Preview Tracks From Forthcoming Album

    The essence of Queensbridge was alive and well inside Dazed Cannabis, as Havoc and Cormega played songs from their forthcoming album. Vibe Magazine editor-at-large Datwon Thomas hosted the Havoc x Cormega Album Listening Event, where the two hip hop legends welcomed fans to a behind the scenes look into their creative journey, inspirations, and the collaborative process behind their unreleased, untitled album.

    Dazed Cannabis Havoc and Cormega
    Cormega and Havoc’s untittled album brought out core hip hop fans/ Photo by Dazed Cannabis.

    As a result, the dispensary/event space was full to the brim by the time Havoc and Cormega graced the stage. As the duo entered the venue to lukewarm applause –Havoc in his now trademark shades, and Cormega with his assertive presence– they carried with them a steely determination and –Havoc in particular– a business like approach to this public appearance.

    Datwon Thomas Havoc and Cormega
    Darwin Thomas hosted the Havoc X Cormega Listening Event/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

    In turn, Thomas warmed up the crowd, as he commenced the listening and Q&A portion of the event. Setting the tone with a couple of the duo’s classic collaborations in “Angel Dust,” (where Cormega revealed that Havoc’s standout chorus was due to his own unfamiliarity with song structures) and the Marley Marl produced “On The Real,” which served as a rite of passage between Queensbridge legends. “Getting on a Marley record was everything to us,” said Havoc.

    Havoc Havoc and Cormega
    The platinum producer did most of his talking behind the boards/Photo by Dazed Cannabis..

    Havoc X Cormega Listening Event: Music Review

    Cormega starred, playing the part of hood poet, enforcer and gentleman throughout the evening. And after quick intermission for ‘Mega to enforce the event’s strict no cell phone policy, Thomas transitioned into songs from the new album. Although unfinished, the duo previewed 10 quality tracks, gauging fan response and opinions along the way. Particularly due to Havoc’s meticulous approach, as Cormega enlisted the help of the crowd as he petitioned for his favorite beats to make the album’s final cut.

    Cormega and fans Havoc and Cormega
    Cormega starred and played the part of hood poet, enforcer, gentleman/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

    Nonetheless, Havoc, stoic as ever, kept answers short and sweet as Cormega fielded most of the questions. However, it seems as though Hav’ does most of his talking behind the boards. Hence why Dazed Cannabis experienced its first bobble head night this past Saturday, as heads bopped to one hard-hitting beat after the other. Havoc’s trademark gritty, bass-line heavy style and classical samples were in full-effect as he flawlessly captured the grimy, rugged, street tone with which Cormega does his best work.

    Dazed Cannabis
    Hip Hop fans showed love to the Queensbridge legends last night at Dazed Cannabis. Photo by Shaquan Bell.

    Yet the legendary producer was the least surprised at his excellence behind the boards. After all, earlier this year, Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Part II” was named the greatest hip hop beat of all-time. When Thomas broached the topic, Havoc nonchalantly responded with, “it took ya’ll this long to realize that?”

    After a few more records, and another brief intermission for Cormega to hilariously reiterate the no recording policy to an overzealous fan, he previewed the album’s only guest appearance, featuring a verse from Raekwon.

    Album Release Date?

    All in all, despite the intimate preview, neither a release date nor month was revealed. Even though a joint-project between the Queensbridge natives is years in the making, there doesn’t seem to be any rush. On Saturday night at least, Havoc and Cormega seemed content to let the creative process play itself out. And The Havoc X Cormega Listening Event was like a comic testing out jokes before a new special.

    Cormega
    Cormega autographs a t-shirt/Photo by Dazed Cannabis

    As Cormega delved into the journey behind the album, he revealed that there’s more at play than meets the eye. “I understand the healing process. Sometimes people forget we’re humans. This man just lost his brother and someone he considered a brother-in-rhyme. I understood it was going to take time for him [Havoc] to heal,” explained Cormega as he referred to Havoc’s loss of his brother Killa Black, and Mobb Deep partner Prodigy.

    Merch

    To commemorate the special occasion Dazed created a collectible, numbered (1-200), premium t-shirt, featuring exclusive artwork by Casa. Along with a pair of socks marked 40th and 41st side symbolizing the addresses to Havoc and Cormega’s project housing in Queensbridge. This limited edition capsule was unveiled at the Cormega x Havoc Listening Event with limited quantities for sale at Dazed Cannabis located at 33 Union Square W.

    Merch
    According to Cormega if you get two pairs you can have a 40th side pair and a 41st side/Photo by Dazed Cannabis