The Means of Production is a Brooklyn-based collective of artists interested in an output of experimental jazz. The group released the single “Silver Pools” on April 11, and see the release of their debut LP in June.
The Means of Production is a meeting point for six of Brooklyn’s most fearless, young musicians with musical backgrounds as divergent as you’ll find in any modern outfit. They are comprised of Matt Gibbs, Ben Pirani, Tre D’Ambrocia, Rafferty Swink, Pat Carr and Jay Mumford. Each of these artists have their own diverse, unique, and mind-expanding talents.
Rafferty Swink was entrusted with the job of arranging these group improvised, spontaneous compositions. The result is a potent, genre-defying kaleidoscope of electric jazz, psych, and soul. The Means Of Production can be described as nothing less than the raw and adventurous sound of the current.
“Silver Pools” by The Means of Production kind of slapped me in the face in the best way possible. The opening little diddly and soft drum kit fiddling followed by the burst of jazzy life took me for a ride. That old style organ, xylophone backing, indie-sounding guitar, smooth bass, and all the other intricate instruments combined to form some real soulful jazz.
There are elements of several artists and eras here. It is clear off the bat that this is heavily influenced by 30s-40s jazz. Not only that but 60s-early 70s rock, blues, and even some modern indie twists are heard here. The Means of Production are certainly performing in the spirit of free-form music and creative lightning.
Ben Pirani
“Silver Pools” was released as a single, and also as the second track on the band’s upcoming self-titled LP. The LP titled The Means of Production is set to release June 14.
The Means of Production Track Listing
1. Welcome 2. Silver Pools 3. Provence Avanti 4. In A Silent Jay 5. Sertraline 6. Positively 5th Street 7. Sun, Moon, Wind, Earth 8. (Di)stance 9. Beware Of The Midnight Special 10. Blank 11. The Lone Square 12. Well…
Rafferty Swink
To hear the bands recently released single, “Silver Pools” and to stay up to date on future releases, click here.
Saigon and Swedish, multi-platinum producer Fredro release another track from their upcoming EP, The Jordan Era, channeling the musical ethos from one of the most romanticized periods in pop culture history. After the initial release of “Lyrical Genius” featuring Grandmaster Caz (co-author of “Rappers Delight” and the emcee with the longest running tenure atop the billboard Hot 100 Charts), the duo then released “Get Loose” featuring the legendary Pete Rock, with Saigon channeling the frenzied, experimental sound of hip hop from the early 90’s. In like manner, this latest effort,”Think Twice,” sees the duo recruit another great from hip hop’s golden age in Brand Nubian‘s Grand Puba.
Saigon and Fredro recruit another hip hop great for their latest release “Think Twice.”
Saigon and Grand Puba Make you “Think Twice”
“Think Twice” follows a similar recipe as the rest of The Jordan Era. In fact, you can hear “Think Twice” in season 3 episode 2 of the Starz breakout hit show BMF, chronicling the late ’80’s and ’90’s rise of the real life BMF drug empire. Staying true to the era Fredro comes with the jazz-inspired, funky production that littered the late ’80’s and ’90’s in hip hop. Moreover, Saigon and Grand Puba’s purposeful delivery are matched by their equally apt rhymes.
Keeping in theme with ’90’s lore, the duo drop plenty of knowledge along with their fair share of hip hop braggadocio. However, the purposeful record maintains an overall uptempo, positive and knowledgeable tone. While hip hop has evolved over the years, one of the main downturns in the genre has been the lack of positive messaging in contemporary music. In light Saigon, Fredro and Grand Puba look to bring back the times with this latest effort.
Growing up, Brand Nubian was one of my favorite groups, and Grand Puba as a solo artist shaped and molded my fashion sense at that time, and he is my favorite artist of all time. Grand Puba has never gotten his due respect. Before Kanye, it was Puba who made the rugby with the knapsack look cool. He also always made sure there was some kind of a positive message in his music.
– Saigon
The Jordan Era sees production entirely from Fredro, while sonically honing in on the 10-year from 1986 through 1996. Additionally, the album features guest appearances from Grandmaster Caz, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch—with more features set for reveal upon release. The Jordan Era will be releasing on May 3 via Payday Records.
Kingston-based rock band Hide and Shine announced the release of their debut single, “Detroit Rising” along with their upcoming debut album Soft Machines. The single is out now on all streaming services with the debut album releasing on June 7.
Hide and Shine call themselves the stewards of this kind of music, tasked with translating the images and commands of the unconscious world, into the sounds and words of this world. The sounds reflect a range of themes, across seven decades of American and British music. Their lyrics often hint at esoteric themes.
The band recorded and produced their debut album and had the great privilege of mixing it with Steve Albini. The next batch of 14 songs is already being recorded, prior to the debut being released. There is much work ahead.
The track begins with an energy and has tones reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age. “Detroit Rising” has a consistent, punching drumbeat, dynamic riffs throughout, and a very catchy and fun set of lyrics. The track is a promising debut from an all-new rock group. There is definite influence from classic rock and also alternative, indie, and hard rock. There are elements of southern rock twang, alternative overdrive tones, and other little nuances of various genres. The track is quite catchy and brings me excitement to see what else Hide and Shine can produce.
For more information on Hide and Shine and to stay in tune with future releases like their upcoming debut album Soft Machines, click here.
NYC-based pop/indie-rock band Um Jennifer? released their debut EP titled, The Girl Class, released on April 5.
The group’s debut extended play is chock full of charming, energetic, punk-tinged indie rock. Each song on the album is different than the last, with its own sound and charm. There is clear influence from The Cure, Eyedress, Sonic Youth, MGMT, and more. Much of their songs are reminiscent of love, sexuality, adventure, and youth.
Elijah and Fig set out to pierce the soundscape with their sharp-witted, psyche-puncturing, and simply fun musical skill. The EP does exactly that. The Girl Class collection of songs is an ode to break ups, freak outs, and deep queer longing. Um Jennifer? utilizes their pop/indie/alternative sound to convey their dynamic range of song.
Throughout TheGirl Class EP, love is personified as something fantastic, gory, loud, needy, and needed. These songs were all written within the past year of the band’s life, and were the first songs they wrote together. These songs are the band’s attempt at measuring the immeasurable; at understanding themselves, each other, and the world around them.
Um Jennifer? has conveyed their ideas and vibe as a band well on this EP. They have proven their ability to switch sound and still remain original and themselves. With a debut album like this, with punchy, catchy, emotional, and passionate tracks, the band catches attention and has an audience awaiting further release.
Dynamic hip hop duo Gumbo — consisting of Caro Adé and Danger — continue to fight the power with the release of their debut album, Stir The Pot. Moreover, the duo have joined forces with the iconic Chuck D of Public Enemy on behalf of Black Lives Matter Grassroots to create a unique blend of music and activism. Furthermore, this partnership, encapsulated by the mantra “art + cause = community,” aims to make a meaningful impact on social justice through the universal language of music & art.
Gumbo are keeping conscious hip hop alive with their debut album
All in all, Gumbo are keen to keep conscious hip hop alive and their recruitment of Chuck D speaks to their values. After all the “Fight the Power” rapper has long used his music for purposes of social justice, unity and to spread uncomfortable truths. In light, Gumbo tabbed Chuck D for a collaboration on “All True” as the lead single for Stir The Pot.
Additionally, their social justice efforts have led them to collaborate with Black Lives Matter Grassroots and Chuck D to release a limited and exclusive merchandise collection during both celebrations for Black History Month and National Jazz Music Month (March/April). This exclusive collection is selling for $30 and will feature a specially designed t-shirt curated by renowned stylist Tony Magnetic and artwork by Tristan Childs.
Those who purchase the merchandise using the QR code will get exclusive access to “Stir The Pot.”
Uniquely, those who purchase the merchandise using the QR Code will get immediate access to Stir The Pot. Creating an immersive experience for fans, connecting them directly to GUMBO’s groundbreaking music and their cause. Notably, a share of the proceeds from this exclusive merchandise release will be to support Black Lives Matter Grassroots.
Grab your BLM Grassroots + Gumbo merch! Powerful partnership with Hip Hop legend @mrchuckd and prolific duo @gumboofficial to raise funds for our boots-on-the-ground organizing. BUY A SHIRT FOR $30 AND GET THE NEW GUMBO ALBUM “Stir the Pot” FREE!https://t.co/ju30sUoIz1pic.twitter.com/YzgKZhavqc
We believe in the power of music to bring people together and amplify important messages. This partnership with Chuck D/Public Enemy and Black Lives Matter Grassroots is a testament to the transformative potential of art when combined with a meaningful cause.
– Cado Adé and Danger
Moreover, Gumbo, Chuck D, and a representative from Black Lives Matter Grassroots stopped by Sway’s Universeto discuss the latest social justice efforts and the reason behind their activism. This culminated in a riveting live performance of “All True” by Cado Adé and Danger where their passion for their cause could be seen first hand. Stir The Pot is available for streaming on all DSP’s.
The Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY announced their first-ever Earth Fest hosted on April 21 from 12 to 4pm.
Earth lovers of all ages are invited to the Ashokan Center for a variety of family-friendly and planet-focused activities. This includes a birds of prey demonstration, hands-on educational workshops, story readings, nature crafts, art-making activities, guided hikes, and live music presented by Shokoloko.
Ravensbeard Wildlife Center will host an educational birds of prey demonstration at 12:30pm spotlighting their rescued and rehabilitating birds. Ravensbeard provides wildlife rehabilitation for injured, ill and orphaned animals in order to return them back to the wild.
Earth Fest features a guided hike around Cathedral Gorge. The trail passes relics of the recent and prehistoric past, including a 19th-century water mill, a 130-year-old covered bridge, and a glacial gorge, before it ends at a 80-foot waterfall. Folks can enjoy this day filled with art, music, nature, and food regardless of financial situation.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but any donation is appreciated. The Ashokan kitchen plans to serve savory vegetarian dishes to all. Various workshops are in store including Ink Making and Drawing with Natural Materials, Patching & Upcycling Clothes, and Nature Art. These workshops are hands-on and are encouraged for people of all ages.
For more information on Earth Fest 2024 on April 21 and to select tickets, click here.
In the formative years of hip hop, where the DJ reigned supreme, skill was the only testament to success. And if that world remained Mister Cee’s name would be commonplace in contemporary folklore. However, much like the rest of the entertainment industry, the glory goes to whomever fans see holding the mantle. Hip hop resembles the sports world in that sense. The MVP trophy holder gets all the credit, no matter the invaluable contributions of coaches, trainers and lesser-known role players.
In like manner, if an album goes number 1 then the name on the cover has accomplished a great feat. Notwithstanding, hip hop much like sports is a collaborative effort. One rapper can’t make a great album. It takes a team of producers, engineers, marketing experts and much more to propel a body of work to critical-acclaim. However, before any rapper reaches that point they need someone to believe in them and connect them to the industry.
This is where Bedford-Stuyvesant native and hip hop purist Mister Cee made his greatest contributions to the game. In the world of hip hop, Mister Cee–born Calvin LeBrun on August 17, 1966–was a connector. Someone who was a fan of the genre and pushed it forward several times over. Although, his talents as a DJ were second-to-none. Ultimately he was “the finisher because, you know, after he plays, the party’s over. You can’t go on after him,” according to Peter Rosenberg, protege and Hot 97 cohort of the legendary DJ.
Thus, in a sense his meticulous mixes featuring rare freestyles and album cuts was a microcosm of his overall presence within hip hop. After all DJ’s aren’t inherently creators, hip hop emerged from the turntable masters putting soul records together in a rhythmic, uptempo groove. Nonetheless, the connections made with sampling and knowing which records sounded best for scratching set the stage for hip hop.
Mister Cee The Connector
Alongside the other proprietors of hip hop’s golden era, Mr. Cee lived and bled the genre and along the way served as a connector for two of hip hop’s most influential acts. Beginning with Big Daddy Kane, who Mr. Cee connected with in high school and served as a DJ for beginning in the late ’80’s. With his connections to the Juice Crew, the fabled hip hop collective â spearheaded by producers Mr. Magic and Marley Marl â who introduced several legendary acts to the scene including Big Daddy Kane, Mr. Cee had successfully helped one of hip hop’s revered lyricist get on. As a testament to this, Mr. Cee notably featured on Big Daddy Kane’s classic debut album on the track “Mister Cee’s Master Plan.”
🙏🏿R.I.P to the legend MR. Cee God bless him, to all his family and friends I send my condolences. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/poOcoaruVe
Moreover, the one known as “The Finisher” is widely recognized as the man who connected the Notorious B.I.G. with Puff Daddy and what eventually became Bad Boy Records. The rest as they say is history, but history’s nuance is rarely discussed. Hence, Mister Cee’s contributions to the career of arguably the greatest rapper ever remains stuff of legend. Yet, as he kept his ear to the streets as a local celebrity, he became known for showcasing rising acts. Along the way he came across the Notorious B.I.G. — who at the time went by Biggie Smalls– and connected him to the industry while also serving as an early producer for the legendary rhymer.
So Cee would definitely want me to credit Biggie’s first DJ, who was a guy named 50 Grand. And while Biggie and 50 Grand were working on a demo, doing their thing, Mister Cee was the DJ who was actually connected to the industry. He was the one who could get him different places, and he played the connector for Biggie. Sometimes it’s more complicated than rapper and DJ or artist and DJ, whatever it may be. There are these other people who play roles, and Cee was a connector for Biggie Smalls.
Furthermore, as he settled into his role as a tastemaker for hip hop, he enthralled listeners with his “Throwback at Noon” mixes on Hot 97. Which then became a staple of the lives of fellow hip hop enthusiasts. As his legend grew his moniker of “The Finisher” felt more apt than ever. With the April 10 passing of Mister Cee, hip hop lost one of its purists, someone who selflessly pushed others and the genre forward. As hip hop grew from local neighborhood parties to a worldwide phenomenon, Mister Cee’s contributions as one of the genre’s vanguards must not be forgotten.
Like, you knew you were listening to a guy who believed in every word that he was saying. But one thing that has to be stressed – I have never – in my now 30 years of DJing, I have never known a more meticulous, prepared deejay than Mister Cee
Rock group The FMs have announced the upcoming “Frankie Fest” music festival honoring the late Frankie Rex in Coney Island this May 11. The festival sees a stellar lineup of NYC queer bands and performers and marks the festival’s inaugural opening.
The event will also serve as the record release party for PINK + BLACK and features the first performance from The FMs in over four years – and the first-ever without Frankie. Frankie Fest highlights a range of cutting-edge, NYC-based queer performers showcasing indie rock, goth, riot grrrl, punk, metal, and more. Featured acts include Pink Velvet Witch, Jordan Fiction, Villains, Llynks, The FMs, Frida Kill, Miss Cherry Delight and more.
Their sophomore double album was completed the moment the pandemic started. It is now making its release after the tragic death of singer Frankie Rex in 2022. The material highlights the group’s love of analog synthesizers combined, ethereal guitars and takes a more emotionally dynamic turn. This contrasts their debut album spanning themes from sexual irreverence, the nature of dreams and human connection, to hope for the future of gender freedom.
The show begins May 11 in Coney Island. Doors for the show open at 4pm and music lasts until 10pm. The FMs will release PINK + BLACK on May 10.
To learn more about Frankie Fest and to purchase tickets, click here – to learn more about The FMs and to stay up to date on the group’s upcoming release, click here.
Long Island-based grunge band The Suicide Disease announced the release of their latest single, “Descent,” released on April 12.
The track is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to hold on to. The Suicide Disease continue to be a beacon of hope for those navigating through their own personal battles. The theme is accompanied by gritty instrumentation and haunting melodies showcasing their signature sound.
The Suicide Disease saw success in their previously released tracks “Flood” and “War.” The band hopes to see even greater success with the release of “Descent.” With its raw energy and emotive lyrics, the anthem of resilience and perseverance speaks to life’s struggles and the importance of pushing forward in the face of adversity. This major theme is common in the band’s writing and performance.
The group showcases their pop-grunge sound, which is carried by their emotional vocals, punching drumbeats, and rugged, chuggy riffs. Hailing from Mastic, Long Island, The Suicide Disease utilizes their locale of depressive-beach as an outlet for creativity and sees nodes of bands like The Cure, Chevelle, and Fallout Boy. They simultaneously inhabit the spirit of bands like My Chemical Romance and Three Days Grace with the loud, in-your-face emo sound. “Descent” stays true with these sounds and inspirations and holds something inspiring yet dark in their writing.
“Descent is the dark path we take when we are constantly thinking about the macabre. Wanting someone back from the dead and not moving forward with your life because of it. It’s as bad as trying to dig up a body, you’re just digging up the past. And the message here is that death is final – so loved ones would tell you to live on.”
Jay Francis – Lead Vocals
Stream “Descent” by The Suicide Disease on all platforms here. Be sure to stay up to date on the band by checking out their socials. Click here to listen to their other music via Spotify.
Legendary rockers Deep Purple have announced the “1 More Time” tour alongside fellow rock legends, YES this summer. The tour sees stops at SPAC, Jones Beach Amphitheater, and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
Deep Purple Live in 1971
The tour kicks off on August 14 in Hollywood, Florida and wraps up September 8 in Scranton, PA. The tour makes its way to New York State for three shows September 1, 4, and 6. Deep Purple and YES plan to rock cities all across the US with their highly influential and explosive discographies. The groups have lineups of unforgettable hits that are sure to get the audience rocking.
Legendary Ian Gillan fronts the band with vocals that have defined generations. He is accompanied by the masterful bassist Roger Glover, the powerhouse drummer Ian Paice, the maestro on keyboards Don Airey, and the sensational guitarist Simon McBride. Deep Purple guarantees a musical journey like no other.
Yes
Deep Purple, Yes 2024 Tour
Aug 14 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live Aug 15 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Event Center Aug 17 – The Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Aug 19 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena Aug 21 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center Aug 22 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill Aug 23 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Aug 25 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage Aug 27 – Montreal, QC – Bell Center Aug 28 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion Aug 30 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Aug 31 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center Sep 01 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Sep 03 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Sep 04 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC Sep 06 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center For the Arts Sep 07 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live Sep 08 – Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
To learn more about Deep Purple and Yes’ upcoming tour, and to purchase tickets, click here.
