Brooklyn-based indie artist Buffchick has released a new single titled, “Gone Awhile,” out on all streaming services now. The release comes ahead of her anticipated LP Showtime.
Erin Manion, known by her stage name Buffchick, brings strong female vocals to the forefront of modern indie music.
“Gone Awhile” begins with a rising and falling of energy that really grabs the listener and lets them know a climax is to be expected. The track has traditional indie tones and vocal styles, but Buffchick’s vocal strength is certainly unique. Her voice soars majestically and really pushes the backing instrumental forward.
Around two-thirds of the way into the song, it falls down to an intimate volume before rising back up sharply and stunningly. Buffchick really displays her vocal talents in this section of the song. In my opinion, this ending of the track was the most impressive part, and really shows the talent she possesses.
To check out Buffchick’s music, “Gone Awhile,” and to stay up to date on upcoming releases, visit her Spotify by clicking here.
Ithaca trio Pocket Bandits have announced the release of their sophomore single “Midway” and their debut performance in Buffalo on September 27. Listen to premiere of the track below.
Pocket Bandits, the dynamic instrumental organ trio that emerged on the Central New York music scene in the fall of 2023, release “Midway,” on Friday, September 27. The band also makes their Buffalo debut that evening, hitting the stage at Nietzche’s with award-winning Boston soul singer-songwriter Jill McCracken and Buffalo local artist Sara Elizabeth.
Equal parts light and dark, shiny and grungy, melodious and angular, the new single captures all the intensity and fun of the trio. On the heels of their debut release from the spring of 2024, “The Pocket Bandit,” the progressive funk-fusion trio return with another live show favorite. “Midway” deftly splits the difference between inviting danceability and avant-garde exploration, synthesizing the extremes of the three-piece’s identity into one jubilant track.
The track is captivating to the ears of many genre-enjoyers. “Midway” encapsulates every persona and sound that each member possesses. It is dynamic, powerful and diverse in taste. There’s a little something for everyone here, and this is a staple of Pocket Bandits’ style.
They are a modern twist on the old-school organ trio: the power of a big band in a tiny package. The group is also performing a free hometown show that weekend, on the final day of the Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival, Sunday, September 29 at 4pm on the Dewitt Park Stage.
With “Midway,” Pocket Bandits expand on “The Pocket Bandit” in their grand ambitions for their new collaboration. With more shows and more music on deck as 2024 moves into 2025, Pocket Bandits invite you to hop aboard and follow along for the ride.
Thrilling your senses and filling the dance floor, the trio engage their audiences with melodic, dynamic original compositions, as well as crowd-pleasers by The Beatles, Chappell Roan, Steely Dan, and even the Super Mario Brothers.
For more information on the Pocket Bandits, their new release “Midway” and to purchase tickets to their show in Buffalo, click here.
Afrobeat artist AMAYO released his new single, “Madam President,” on August 22, garnering attention across streaming services.
The track “Madam President” begins with an explosion of percussion, brass, keys, and vocals. Right off the bat the song hooks the listener and once you read into the lyrics, you see the subject matter is deep upon the funky, groovy, upbeat instrumentals.
AMAYO is urging the listener to fight – for freedom, for peace, and for justice. With the upcoming presidential election this November 5, the political nature of the track speaks volumes. The artist is speaking through his heart about moving forward and never back.
AMAYO believes that all people of color, and other marginalized groups win if Kamala wins, clear that he is for Kamala Harris’ victory in the presidency. It is also clear that he draws much inspiration from Bob Marley and the Wailers, Steel Pulse, and other reggae/afrobeat artists.
Once a part of Antibalas, a massively influential Afrobeat band, AMAYO is no stranger to the sounds he is currently releasing unto the world. He is credited for bringing Afrobeat to a global audience, leading it to become a genre of itself.
Antibalas Live
To hear AMAYO’s new single “Madam President,” click here and choose your preferred service.
“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.
Singer-songwriter Leo Sawikin from New York City put out his latest single “What Is The Answer” on July 10.
Sawikin is coming off of the success of his last single, “Till You’re Somebody Else,” which charted #1 on the Mediabase A/C Independent Artists Chart.
Leo Sawikin is the former frontman of the NYC indie-folk band The Chordaes and has continued to make solo music of the same caliber, as exemplified by “What Is The Answer”. Over the past few years, he’s been busy releasing singles, including “Hold On”, “The Same Mistakes”, “Don’t Pass It By”, “New York I’m Coming Home”, and “This River.” Sawikin’s songwriting and musicianship have earned him rave reviews from a slew of music critics.
“What Is The Answer” enters the existential realm, asking important questions about “what consciousness is and questions whether it’s something that transcends our physical lives or ends when we pass,” as Sawikin explains. The instrumentation and harmonies project that constant wondering about life, the unknown, and stronger forces.
…a profound message wrapped in indie-folk with dreamy shimmer pop sensibilities reminiscent of a gentle breeze on a warm summer night. Leo’s vocal performance is consistently captivating, evoking a sense of raw sincerity and emotional depth that resonates with listeners.
Honk Magazine
Fans of Sawikin’s music can also look forward to his sophomore solo album, which will drop sometime in 2024, produced by Phil Ek (Grouplove, Fleet Foxes, Modest Mouse) and mastered by Greg Calbi (The Smile, Bob Dylan, Bon Iver). More information to be released in the near future. For now, however, his 2021 album Row Me Away is available to listen to on all streaming platforms.
In the midst of “What Is The Answer’s” release, Sawikin has been on a national tour opening for Jon McLaughlin in May and June. Additionally, he has big things in store for Fall 2024 with a handful of more dates. He’ll be hitting the road again starting Sep. 17, traveling the East Coast until late November.
‘What Is The Answer’ is a song that asks what consciousness is and questions whether it’s something that transcends our physical lives or ends when we pass. Will there be pain, or will it be peaceful? It also ties into the theme of ‘Till You’re Somebody Else,’ in that it sees our current lives as just a moment in our existence.
Leo Sawikin
Leo Sawikin with Jon McLaughlin Tour Dates:
Tues, Sept 17- Hummelstown, PA at The Englewood
Thurs, Sept 19- Sellersville, PA at Sellersville Theater
Fri, Sept 20- Bay Shore, NY at Boulton Center For The Arts
Sat, Sept 21- Northampton, MA at Iron Horse
Sun, Sept 22- Pawling, NY at Daryl’s House
Thurs, Sept 26- Portland, ME at One Longfellow Square
Fri, Sept 27- Natick, MA at The Center For The Arts
Sat, Sept 28- Old Saybrook, CT at The Kate
Sun, Sept 29- New York, NY at City Winery
Sat, Nov 23- Nashville, TN at City Winery
For more information about Leo Sawikin or to listen to “What Is The Answer,” visit www.leosawikin.com.
On June 21, NYC-based punk rock band WYLDLIFE released their newest single, “Fast Dreams.” The new single is the band’s first release since their 2020 album, “Year of the Snake.” Complete with fast-paced guitar riffs, a moving bassline, and exciting, gritty vocals, “Fast Dreams,” WYLDLIFE makes headbanging-worthy rock and roll music fun again.
For over the last decade, WYLDLIFE has brought the 70s rock and roll style back to New York City’s music scene. Their fun-filled single and music video are the latest thing to come out of their label, Wicked Cool Records. WYLDLIFE has four members: Dave Feldman (vocals), Sam Allen (guitar), Spencer Alexander (bass), and Russ Barrnett (drums), each committed to bringing back the classic sounds of the 70s like Blondie and Ramones. Since 2009, WYLDLIFE has released 4 full studio albums and were nominated for an Independent Music Award for Best Rock/Hard Rock Song.
Their newest single, however, is a captivating mix of sounds from different eras. The 70s inspiration is absolutely prevalent, but upon first listen, it feels like a 2000s power anthem. The fast-moving bassline, combined with Feldman’s vocals, is reminiscent of alt-rock outfits like Palaye Royale, Arcade Fire, and The White Stripes. Amidst the current ever-popular trap and indie-pop scene, WYLDLIFE’s newest single is a fantastic juxtaposition that has all the right elements of nostalgia, yet still manages to sound fresh, original, and new.
The lyrics of “Fast Dreams” tell an incredibly relatable story about someone excited for their dreams to come true while having to wrestle with the mundane parts of life. “Fast Dreams” brings us a familiar narrative about someone trying to make their dreams come true as fast as possible because they are simply too excited for success. “Fast Dreams” feels like a song that would belong on the soundtrack of a coming-of-age movie, with the narrator’s contradictory feelings of angst and excitement.
Along with their newest single, the music video for “Fast Dreams” is also out for consumption. Animated in the style of a 2-bit arcade game, the music video features WYLDLIFE as video game characters, racing against reality and time to achieve their goal. The message of the single is executed perfectly, and it is obvious that the group had a blast when creating the video together. “Fast Dreams” was the best thing to come out of their four-year-long hiatus.
“Fast Dreams” is available on all streaming platforms. To watch their music video or check out any of WYLDLIFE’s other powerhouse anthems, check them out on Bandcamp. For any touring information, follow their Facebook page.
Brooklyn-based artist Left Circles has released his debut LP titled, Nothing is One Thing on April 26. The LP contains 13 tracks, all with diverse sound from the skills of Brian Pluta and his accomplices.
Nothing is One Thing, is not content to stay confined to one style. The hook-heavy album shifts through several modes of rock, from ‘90s lo-fi to British-pop to ‘50s folk. Left Circles is the solo project of Brooklyn-based musician Brian Pluta who is the live guitarist for Space Cadet.
Nothing is One Thing starts out very interestingly. To me, the opening track “Over Her Range/She Told Me” has a very Foo Fighters or Pearl Jam feel. It has grungy riffs, alternative vocals, and that rugged, somber heaviness. It also sees multiple parts with soft, acoustic, touching tones.
The next tune, “The Gashouse Gang is Here” is full of a youthful, anthem-like energy. It certainly gives me Misfits energy with its pop-alternative, quick-paced sound. Throughout many of songs on the LP, there is apparent 90s grunge inspiration as well as indie, soft-rock, and classic rock. Left Circles does not stick to a specific genre and shows the dynamic musicianship him and his band possesses.
The album has great energy, range, and power. It boasts strong, catchy riffs, a dynamic voice, and intriguing themes and sound overall. Nothing is One Thing was mixed by Travis Harrison (Guided By Voices, Built to Spill) and features drums from Kellii Scott (Failure), as well as guest vocals from Matt Hock (Space Cadet, The Explosion).
Left Circles also recently released a new animated music video for their latest single “The Gashouse Gang Is Here.” The track is the second on the LP. The music video is animated by 30s cartoonist Ub Iwerks and fits perfectly over the track in every way from theme to the syncing of sound and motion.
“I was running out of time, with no idea what video #2 would be. By the dumbest of luck, I stumbled upon this 1937 cartoon directed by Ub Iwerks, who also did ‘Steamboat Willie’ and all those early Mickey Mouse cartoons. Those folks were masters of animation/music synchronicity having been the ones who invented it. So it’s no wonder I was able to edit it to work with my straightforward 4/4 song. But the sync with Kellii’s drum fills, with what the lyrics are saying…that’s 100% chance. It’s like they were meant to go together. Art director Jon Cochran brought the illusion home with those amazing title cards.”
Brian Pluta
For more information on Left Circles and his debut LP Nothing is One Thing, click here. Stay up to date on upcoming releases and shows.
World/roots duo Olatuja has announced the release of their latest single, “Ijo” which heralds their upcoming self-titled album, Olatuja set to release on May 31.
Olatuja is a duo comprised of Alicia and Michael Olatuja. “Ijo” fuses the rich heritage of Michael’s Yoruba culture, the evolving popular music of West Africa, and the gospel and jazz traditions that inform Alicia’s musicality. The two have played a prominent role in New York’s music scene for years. Their work spans the worlds of jazz, Broadway, soul, African music, film, and more.
The duo released their last album The Promise in 2011. The release of their self-titled album May 31 marks their first completed compilation since then. The track “Ijo” has been in genesis since the pandemic, and the duo are eager to share their combined talent with the world.
“Ijo” is a song heavily inspired by the music of West Africa. Its powerful bassline drives the music forward. The percussion is dynamic, the strings add a wonderful element, and the layered vocals make the track pop with life. The song is vibrant. Olatuja added several small elements along with large ones throughout.
You can hear horns, strings, percussion, and vocals in each sector of the tune. There is a rising action and a climax followed by a triumphant finish. “Ijo” is certainly a song that makes you want to move and sing. The track’s lyrical presence is strong, and it holds meaningful themes about not giving up in the face of hardship.
For more information on Olatuja, their past releases, and to stay up to date on upcoming music, click here.
Long Island alternative/punk band Bad Mary has announced the release of their re-recorded mix of “Better Days” on April 23. The band also announced six live dates, three of which in New York.
The song is the second release from their Better(er) Days EP, which is a collection of re-recorded and remixed versions of the songs from their first album Better Days. The re-release celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the debut album.
The group is composed of Mike Staub, Amanda Mac, Bill Mac, and David Henderson. Together, Bad Mary brings the heat with their alt-punk attitude. The group showcases nasty basslines, strong, catchy riffs, and a frontwoman with an uplifting yet seductive vocal style.
The track is released with a new music video, and a few live shows to celebrate the drop. Bad Mary sees three dates in New York on April 26, June 8, and July 5. The band performs two shows at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, Long Island followed by a stop at Arlene’s Grocery in Manhattan.
The single, “Better Days” is a tune about the shortcomings, the setbacks, and the misfortunes in life. It is a theme every individual can get behind. The song is hopeful and encourages you to keep your head up and look forward to those better days.
“’Better Days’ is a song about trying your hardest and just feeling like nothing is working out. We’ve all been there. We as people… we overthink, we feel paralyzed, we can feel like nothing is going our way – but the only thing to do is keep moving forward and hope that there are better (or maybe even betterER) days ahead. This song continues to mean more to me every day, and I love that it’s been with us since the beginning,”
Vocalist Amanda Mac
Better(er) Days will be released in the summer of 2024. The band is currently writing and recording new songs to be released later this year. Along with this, Bad Mary is still adding live dates to their list of shows this year.
See them live:
April 26 at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, NY
May 17 at SpiFest in Windsor, CT
May 23 at The Fire in Philadelphia, PA
June 8 at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage, NY
July 5 at Arlene’s Grocery in New York, NY
July 24 at The Middle East in Boston, MA
For more information on Bad Mary, their upcoming music and dates, click here. Make sure to stay up to date on the band’s upcoming album Better(er) Days, releasing this Spring.
Singer-songwriter Terre Roche of thelegendary NYC sibling folk trio, The Roches has announced the release of album INNER ADULT. Along with this, Terre also dropped her single, “Fish Out of Water,” on April 10.
Terre Roche has written and performed music across the country for over 50 years. Her colorful and celebrated music career refuses to let up as Roche dropped “Fish Out of Water” April 10. The upcoming album INNER ADULT sees Terre continue to add depth to her folk/rock library and will also be released as a limited-edition book featuring illustrations by Terre, song lyrics, photographs, and more.
The album released is to be celebrated May 20 with a show at City Winery Loft in NYC.
The single “Fish Out of Water” has a soothing, yet mesmerizing aura to it. This is a sound only the most talented artists can achieve. The theme of change, growth, moving on, is perfectly embodied by the soft and hopeful acoustic sound. Terre Roche’s vocals are somber yet sweet.
Terre Roche proved that she still has the ear, the mind, and the talent to put out folk works like this no matter the decade. Longevity in an artist is paramount and Terre has it. The sounds lull you while the lyrics keep you thinking. The track is simple in sound but profound in writing. It is simply great.
For more information on Terre Roche, her single, and upcoming album, click here.
