Lowdown Brass Band Release Their Roaring New Single "Ghost Town"

Photo courtesy of Lowdown Brass Band and The Bloom Effect

We’ve sure seen our share of hip-hop/funk brass bands over the years, but nothing has compared to the thoughtfully hip, energizing and funky sounds of Lowdown Brass Band (LDB). This thriving eight-piece second-line extravaganza has been marching their way through venues across the U.S., steering audiences through a thrilling brass-powered experience that emulates a diverse and irresistible sound.

With a blistering array of horns, funktacious drums and a powerful sousaphone, the Chicago-based brass set has also perfected a gritty and dynamic sound through the genres of hip-hop, soul, ska and rock. The fusion of MC Billa Camp’s poetic rhymes and adaptive storytelling, one of the band’s leading vocalists, has helped catapulted LDB’s national movement with cruising vocals, ferocious depth and provocative flows that helped audiences to capture the LDB experience.

With the release of their fifth self-produced studio album Lowdown Breaks arriving January 19th, Lowdown Brass Band has continued to build upon their hip-hop, ska and jazz styles under their newest single, “Ghost Town". Lead by Billa Camp with illustrious wordplay, keen lyricism and intricate arrangements, “Ghost Town,” exemplifies LDB’s music through groovy brass hip-hop with a unique alloy of genres that is indulgently entertaining to hear.

What began as a Chicago collaboration between Lowdown Brass Band and Chicago hip-hop punk set, The Dread,” has grown into one of LDB’s biggest songs of 2017, aligning perfectly with the 2018 release of their new LP. With a commanding tempo ripe with roaring horns, long brass and robust beats, the song contrasts perfectly with Billa Camps flourishing vocals and profound individuality.

What we really dig about LDB’s new track is the music video – an entertaining, high-energy adventure shot on a fishing boat during Lowdown Brass’s Alaskan tour in July 2017. As a recommendation of a great way to see the Cordova region in Alaska, the band brought their instruments on the boat and randomly had a quick jam session right in the middle of the Prince William Sound. Suddenly, the session quickly turned into a video shoot for “Ghost Town” with people on the boat shooting the session entirely on their iPhone’s. A wild ride filled with humor and dance, Lowdown Brass Band’s “Ghost Town” video is one for the ages and is certainly a must watch!

LDB’s barrier breaking sound is as intricate and explosive through your headphones, as it is on-stage: A second-line brass-knuckle spectacular that gets you on your feet and keeps the party pumping all-night long. They’re a band that get’s it: progressive brass beats with a festive attitude and a groovy onslaught of stellar vocal harmonies and horns that are marvelously entertaining and unique. Lowdown Brass is a band that can’t be missed and a must see for when they march across your town.

For more on Lowdown Brass Band, follow their social media and stream/download their music below. 

Lowdown Brass Band

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Jackie Venson Shreds the Stage at Rockwood Music Hall

Jackie Venson live at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3.

Austin-based guitarist and singer-songwriter, Jackie Venson, ripped the stage at Rockwood Music Hall last week with an explosive performance that blew us away with electrifying amps, growling rifts and sensual vocals. Rockwood’s serene and tranquilly intimate Stage 3 was the perfect feeding ground for harvesting Venson’s powerful guitar solo that savored our appetite with a mix of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll.

The warm candle-lit venue brought us closer to each other, as we sipped on our brews and cocktails while Venson rock out on her 45-minute set. Performing usually with a full set band, Jackie came up to New York as a solo act, giving us New Yorkers a mouthful of that Texas southern soul that blended beautifully with bluesy rock elements and a distinctive sound of pop.

Jackie Venson on guitar at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3.

Exposed to music since eight years old, Jackie Venson is a young musician/guitarist that has captivated the hearts and minds of her audiences through her music. Coming off an impressive summer tour with guitarist/singer-songwriter, Gary Clark, Jr., Jackie has become a household name in the independent blues and rock scene. Her mastery of blending the genres blues, soul and rock together speaks to her profound musicianship that’s coupled with her lyrical depth and gripping storytelling.

With local shows and tours performed across Austin, TX, Jackie has toured extensively throughout the south and the west coast, enthralling audiences that capture the Jackie Venson experience through the raw power and vibrant soul of her guitar. As a powerful and passionate artist, Jackie Venson illustrated these traits last week with an invigorating performance that elicited those gritty bayou blues and southern rock ‘n’ roll.  

Jackie Venson on vocals at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3.

Jackie’s new EP Transcends released earlier this month and was on hand for that weekend as she performed several hit songs from the record. Her solo acts to “Flying,” “Fight” and “Transcends” exemplified Jackie’s versatile compositions and her complexity as an artist to span across genres. On “Flying,” Jackie gave us a flawless mix of pop and rock elements that provided enhanced lyrical ability and stellar musicianship. Her impressive command on stage held audiences in their seats, as Jackie’s guitar rifts fueled a smooth, yet dominating sound. Her play on “Fight” and “Transcends” spoke to Jackie’s ruthlessness on the guitar, while also assembling those 80’s pop kicks and savvy guitar licks that conquered the grasps of the rock ‘n’ roll and blues genre.

Her opening song, “Don’t Lie to Me,” as well as her incredible cover to Tab Benoit’s, “Nice and Warm,” were essential memories from Jackie’s NYC visit. On her opener, Jackie displayed a fantastic guitar solo that wowed audiences and provided an alluring sound that drew audiences thirsty for more. On the Tab Benoit cover, Jackie informed us of how Benoit’s song was one of the artists’ many influences for picking up the guitar. Jackie’s act breathed a fresh air of classic bayou blues and American rock ‘n’ roll that took stage 3 by storm, delivering a simmering guitar play, decadent licks and Orleans style amps.

Jackie Venson mesmerizing audiences at Rockwood Music Hall.

Jackie Venson is a guitarist that has mastered the raw and gritty southern blues with each note her fingers find on the neck and body of her guitar. Her mesmerizing voice, delicate, yet cool attitude and shear talent on the strings are but of the few components that allow her musical expression to be so powerful. Her dominance on the guitar, musical depth and command of her audience has placed Jackie as one of the top emerging guitarists in the independent scene.

Her innate ability to blend the genres produces a rich sound of passion and emotion that establishes a connection with her audiences, as well as illustrates the complexities with her musicianship. She has certainly become a driving force for indie-guitarists today and has our recommendation for anyone’s playlist.

Follow, stream and listen to Jackie Venson's music today!

Jackie Venson

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Music Premiere: J. Alan Schneider Takes us on a Journey with "The State Line"

Photo courtesy of Derek Springsteen

New York City is home to one of the most diverse areas in the world, and if you're a native, then you already know I'm talking about Queens. It is a borough overflowing with culture, culinary expertise, and most important of all, some of the worlds best music. It was here that indie-folk artist J. Alan Schneider debuted his first album Lo & Behold which was written and recorded alongside other Queens-bred musicians. We're not surprised that J. Alan has chosen to follow suit and bring his brand new EP On Precipice to fruition in the same way. Prior to the long-awaited release arriving soon on October 27th, 2017, Alan has released its first single, "The State Line", which gives us a small taste of what's to come on his second major record. 

The slow, earnest, guitar riffs convey a melancholic melody; it evokes a story of someone lost in their thoughts eager to find a path, but may never. "The State Line" is a haunting take on an artist searching the world to find himself yet never needing to leave the confines of his own mind. With raw lyrics such as, "Colorado's fucked since everyone's moved there / And she's been in a rut since November of '16", Alan not only has the rare ability to tell us a story, but to take us along on his journey. There is no doubt that this latest single adds much to the indie-folk catalog, and leaves us impatiently waiting for the full EP release later this month.

Until then, read our exclusive interview with the man himself below. Get to know his thoughts on being an independent artist in New York City, the creative process behind his latest single, and where to get the best bourbon-glazed bacon tots in Queens. We'll try and save you some. 

J. Alan performing live at Pianos in NYC. Photo courtesy of Angelo Santoro

- How did you first get into music, what was your inspiration?

Music started, for me, as the piano lessons I trudged to my next door neighbor's house for (she was a piano teacher). It became the thing I was pretty good at when I took up clarinet in the Middle School band, and the passion I became pretty proficient at when I won regional chamber competitions and joined All State and All Eastern bands on clarinet and string bass. In my adult life it has morphed into something that occupies space in my brain that people normally reserve for faith. Songwriting is what I turn to when I'm anxious, down, or generally directionless. I first started writing songs in the pop-punk band I played in in Junior High, and I've never put that pen down.

- Being from New York City, is it easier or harder to build a career as an artist?

That's a double edged sword. On the one hand there is so much noise in this city that it's sometimes hard to get people to stop and listen, let alone care and make a connection. On the other hand, I have access to some of the best venues in the world for my level of music career, and I can legit play at them. I can take meetings with journalists, or go to music industry events. Hell, every night of the week there's even an open mic night that would pass in any other market as a perfectly serviceable singer-songwriter show. Beyond that, in NYC, you don't really look at the city -- as a whole -- as a scene. In the 90s, you had alt pop/rock in the East Village... before that it was punk. The scene is segmented. I live in Astoria -- a hip neighborhood in Queens -- and between the local breweries and the roots-blues-themed brunch spots, you can find a lot of local passion just in my neighborhood alone.

- As an independent artist, do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

I'm not sure I'm at the level to give advice to aspiring musicians, but I think one thing that I struggle with even myself is to stay focused on what's important and what it is I love about this -- the music. It's easy to look left and right at other musicians in your network who get achievements that you want. It's easy to feel that jealousy and wonder what you can do to get on that playlist or get that press coverage. But, while hustling and staying motivated and promoting the hell out of yourself is important, it's arguably more important to remember that sitting down to write a song, arrange it, and record it in a way that perfectly expresses your mind is really what it's all about. Stay focused and you'll stay determined.

J. Alan performing live at Rockwood Music Hall. Photo courtesy of Derek Springsteen.

- Can you tell us about your creative method behind your latest EP single, “The State Line”?

As with pretty much every song I record, "The State Line" was produced and laid down entirely in my home studio in Queens, NY. I record all of my music around the guitar and vocal tracks. The piano and keyboards were done after, the electric guitar was done to add texture (I had one of my good friends Tory Mance lay some down for me). But beyond production, the song is sort of a warm, dark take on fate. As humans, we can't necessarily control everything in our lives, and grappling with that can be hard to reconcile when you have goals. That's what the lyrics are loosely based on.

- What tone can we expect from the upcoming EP?

That theme of accepting and adapting to fate is kind of what the EP is about in a nutshell. This album will probably be a good bit darker and a little rougher around the edges than my last record. Lo & Behold (which I released in July of last year) was an attempt to show the world what kind of music I can make with just a full, bright-sounding acoustic guitar and my voice. On Precipice is going to bring in more electric guitar, rougher-feeling acoustic tracks, and lyrics that are less contained in one song, and more related from song-to-song.

- Each musician has a unique writing process, how do you define your artistry?

After being asked this question numerous times by friends and other journalists (both for this project and my previous indie rock band Jet Black Sunrise), I've decided that I honestly don't know how the hell a song comes about. For me, there's no way to plan it. Sometimes I'll start a song that I think I love, and then find out the next day that I hate it. And from there I'll have to pick what I like about it (the lyrics? the chord progression? the weird specific riff-hook I started with?) and spend days and days just chipping away at it, deciding if a good song is in there. Sometimes, I'll get a new guitar, or a new pedal, and I'll sit there with the guitar, maybe noodling as I'm watching TV or something, and stumble on a vibe/hook that speaks to me, and then I build on that and finish a whole song in one night. Some of my best songs have been written on nights I hadn't even planned on writing. It's weird when that happens, but there is something really cool knowing that something tangible like a song does actually come from a really intangible place.

- Which artists are you listening to today, anyone you'd recommend?

I have my go-to artists that I keep coming back to year after year (Bon Iver and Tallest Man On Earth to name a couple), but on a monthly basis, there's a revolving door of new albums I'm listening to non-stop. This month I'm spinning Pinegrove's latest record, the newest release from Jason Isbell, and Haim's LP. They're all great and you should give them a try!

Photo courtesy of Derek Springsteen

- What's the best concert you've attended, and if you could perform onstage with anyone - who?

It's hard to pinpoint a best concert, but a few that come to mind: Mutemath at The Met in Pawtucket, RI (the most energy I've seen at a concert, ever, I think), Bon Iver in Port Chester, NY, and Tallest Man On Earth at Newport Folk Festival. If I could perform with anyone on stage it would probably be Phil Cook --he used to play in Justin Vernon's band and now has his own records and performs with Hiss Golden Messenger. This dude is a serious keys and guitar player who knows the best way to service a song. And I think it would be a huge inspiration to play with him.

- If you could eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life - where would it be and why?

There's a spot in Astoria, NY called the Sandwich Bar that isn't particularly big, nor is it particularly notable in the larger NYC restaurant scene. But between their bourbon-glazed bacon tots at brunch, and their house-roasted chicken grilled cheese, their food is some that I don't think I'd ever get tired of. They also have a really killer tap list.

- When is the EP set to release, and what can we expect after?

On Precipice will hit digital shelves on October 27th of this year, and you can expect a release show in NYC, plus a short run of northeast dates to support it. From there, I'll just see where the momentum takes -- you never know how a record is going to be received, and like I said up there, I can't expect anything. All I can do is put out music I love and hope other people love it, too.

"The State Line" is available now and keep up with J. Alan below!

J. Alan Schneider

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Music Premiere: "Vibe" with Fly By Midnight in Exclusive Interview

Slavo (L) and Justin Bryte (R) of Fly By Midnight.

It was a warm Wednesday night last week and as we walked the streets of New York City, the Lower West Side was alive and buzzing with the promise of a good time. We were heading to the swanky Soho House, known for it's vintage decadence, beautifully constructed menus, and mixologists with enough flair to shake a room and enough talent to pour a drink you'd never forget. New York-based, Retro-Pop duo, Fly By Midnight was hosting a secret show at The Vinyl Room and we were the last lucky few to get a glimpse of their musical energy in action. 

The stage was blue-lit, warm, and set up for an hour and a half of music that would soon capture a performance few could forget. Fly By Midnights' Justin Bryte and Slavo even having just touched down from a London tour one day prior were full of excitement and absolutely ready to not only embrace the mics, but showcase their brand new single: "Vibe". With electricity in the air and the crowd buzzing, the duo leaped onstage and got to work showing those in attendance the results of their hard work.

With Justin on the keys and Slavo on guitar, their vibrant sounds merged perfectly as their combined vocals told stories of young love, the pitfalls of modern dating, and how exciting it is finding that special vibe with someone new. The audience couldn't help dancing to every single track; a live showcase turned into a full party once the retro-pop team jumped off-stage and sang among the crowd. In all, Fly By Midnight is a brilliant duo that not only commands a stage but also make their passion for music shine brightly in each track. From the retro head-bobbing beats, catchy pop hooks, and lyrics that anyone can relate to, we can all agree that these guys will undoubtedly make a mark in music.

Before you run off to listen to their latest track, "Vibe", read our interview below with Justin and Slavo to get an exclusive inside look into their inspiration behind the music, touring advice for artists, and most importantly, who their favorite super heroes are.

Slavo (L) and Justin Bryte (R) of Fly By Midnight.

- How did you both get into music and how did Fly By Midnight start?

J: Fly By Midnight has really been a culmination of both of our journeys building our craft as artists. I started off in a theatrical background. I was cast in plays like Pippin, Crazy For You and a handful of others. Mid high school years I had uploaded my first YouTube cover that caught way more attention than I had expected. From there I began listening to all genres of music and really fell in love with songwriting. It's always been to me about continuing to grow and learn more and that's the best part of Fly By Midnight. We're constantly pushing each other to be better and take our music in new & exciting directions.

S: I began playing guitar when I was 10 years old and made it an immediate goal to become good enough to play in my older brothers band. After about a year of playing my Fender Squire Strat non stop he let me join one of their band practices and I fell in love. I moved to New York from Florida (my hometown) about 4 years ago on my 19th birthday to pursue an engineering/producer apprenticeship at Chung King Studios. After that program ended, I needed a new reason to stay in NY and I found that in Fly By Midnight.  

- What were some of your favorite collaborations early on?

J: I think one of the best collaborations still has to be our cover of "We Don't Talk Anymore" with Nicole Medoro & Nicolette Mare. We had filmed it right before hopping on a flight to perform in China. The video was super simple & we genuinely had fun shooting it. I think that genuineness is what really sells these days and was a huge factor behind it performing as well as it did.

S: My favorite collab was probably the one we did before Fly By Midnight was technically a thing. The cover we did of “I Really Like You” by Carly Rae Jepsen was a lot of fun and laid the groundwork for what was to come of this duo. That collab was pivotal to surfacing the potential of our combined creativity.

Slavo on Guitar at Soho House. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

- What drew you to cover Charlie Puths' “We Don't Talk Anymore”, did you expect it to go viral?

J: We didn't expect it to go viral at all. Even the song choice was a bit out of the box for us being that it wasn't a single at the time. Slavo and I just thought it was the strongest song on his album so we brought in the girls and just vibed out.

S: That was early on in the Fly By Midnight project if I’m not mistaken and at that time I don’t think we had any expectations. Starting a new project requires a lot of trial and error to discover what excites you and what excites your audience and this was one of those where we discovered something special.

- What’s life like being on tour? Do you have any advice for artists looking to hit the road?

J: It's been such a fun ride. We love meeting new and old fans alike. Whether it's acoustic sessions at colleges or full blown festivals. My advice would be to always make it a point to meet as many people as you can after the shows. Take the time to make that connection. It's gone a really long way for us.

S: It’s one thing to make music that people enjoy, but when you get to physically see people react to something you’ve created night after night in unfamiliar places it’s truly special. I would second what Justin said. There’s nothing like making genuine human interaction with new fans/friends.

Justin on vocals at Soho House. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

- Who are your favorite artists today?

J: I've been really digging the throwback sounds of Computer Games & Fickle Friends. Imagine Dragons new album was so dope as well!

S: With music being so accessible I feel like my “favorite” artist is constantly changing. Right now I would say I’m really into Khalid and Thomas Rhett’s new album.

- If you could perform in any city or country, where would it be and why?

J: We definitely want to tour the whole world, but knowing how strong our influence is in the Philippines & Hong Kong  that would be on another level. We get so many comments from overseas and to meet those fans would be super rewarding.

S: I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. I know getting there would be brutal, but it’s always been on the top of my list. We actually have a cool little following down there as well.

Justin (L) and Slavo (R) onstage at The Vinyl Room. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

- Who's your favorite superhero? What's better: DC or Marvel Comics?

S: I’ve never been big into superheros, but I’ll have to go with Batman. I think it’s dope how he doesn’t technically have any powers, but he still manages to kick a**. With that being said I suppose I’m team DC.

J: Well I’m obsessed with superheros so it’s hard to just choose one. I’d say Marvel wise definitely Spiderman. I actually dressed up in a full costume to see the latest movie in theaters (geek alert). DC wise, probably Shazam. Love the idea of this young boy becoming this super powerful man by saying one word. I can’t choose one, ah!

- Can you tell us about your inspiration behind your latest track, “Vibe”?

S: “Vibe” was a track inspired by the word itself. The chorus and the concept came pretty easy, to be honest the verse and the pre chorus required the most effort. Once we had it all finished in front of us though, we knew it was something different and special for us.

J: It’s a song purely about attraction. The fun adventure of exploring feelings for someone new.

- What can we expect from Fly By Midnight in the future?

S: We’re constantly writing/producing/touring and building our platform. One thing we’ve always wanted to release was a body of work. Whether it be an EP or a full length album. Right now it’s all about timing, but that’s definitely in our near future.

J: I second that. Slavo & I are obsessed with creating and taking as much new material as we can on the road. We want to give the world a body of work that is Fly By Midnight. It’s only the beginning and that’s truly the exciting part.

Listen to the latest single "Vibe" now and be sure to follow them below!

Fly By Midnight

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Water Seed Marvels The Bitter End During The We Are Stars 2017 Tour

Water Seed continues their dominance as one of the premier funk/soul acts in the independent music scene. Their performance at The Bitter End resulted in a pumped-up-crowd standing ovation that marveled New York City through the bands innovative musicianship.

Hailing from New Orleans, Water Seed’s funkalistic performance was vocally breathtaking, soulfully beloved and instrumentally magnificent as the sounds of jazz, funk and early 60’s R&B flushed throughout the legendary NYC venue.

Water Seed kicked off the night with a little “Funktimus” while audiences danced away to their seats, feeling the vibe of Water Seed’s livid and extravagant sound filled with dynamic horns, immense string and rumbling percussion that ascended through rivetingly alluring vocals. The band’s impressively funktagious performance blew us away with a jammed out session bursting with big band arrangements and reverberating instrumentation.

Water Seed’s breezy Nawlins’ groove, “Work It Out,” was a delightfully smooth example of the band’s soulful and jazzy-esque sound that allowed audiences to give themselves away to the chilled early 60’s boardwalk rhythms. Water Seed’s refreshing jazz piece, “Duke’ish,” held electrically jazzy overtones, funky 70’s-esque vibes and profound artistry that merged beautifully among soothing keys and distinct basslines.

Nawlins’ finest then gave the crowd a little positivity under their song, “Brand New Day,” as Lou Hill led the charge with an “I feel good! - I feel great!” chant, guiding audiences through a full-on jazz-funk fest filled with a harmoniously spacious flute, seductively provocative keys and driven horns. Berkley The Artist and Shaleyah added another powerful vocal performance as Water Seed jammed out on stage in front of a packed crowd, offering a climactically exhilarating voice ushered with gospel-esque and funkadelic rhythms.

Water Seed’s memorable performances continue to be a testimony to the band’s innovative and progressive style that has dominated the indie music scene. Their album is rich with immense sound, charming melodies, funkalistic grooves and complex instrumentation. Their sound forces audiences on their feet – to dance, applaud and relish in the Water Seed experience.

The band’s vigorous energy, jazzy arrangements, along with genre binding musicianship, allows Water Seed to sustain their spine-tingling presence within a genre that continues to gain appeal in the industry.

Make sure to catch Water Seed live in a city near you and download/stream, “We Are Stars,” today! Tour dates and locations shown below.

Tour Dates

7/13. Seven. Santa Barbara, CA

7/18. Hotel Utah. San Francisco, CA

7/19. Crazy Horse. Nevada City, CA

7/20 through 7/22. Peppermill Casino. Reno, NV

7/23. Lagunitas. Petaluma, CA

7/25. Winston's. San Diego, CA

7/27. Pour House. Oceanside, CA

7/28. Hotel Cafe. Los Angeles, CA

Water Seed

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#WomenInRock: Back to the Bowery with Revel In Romance

Revel In Romance at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Last month we kicked off our first ever #WomenInRock showcase at The Bowery Electric, recognizing both women in music and the female-led independent bands making waves throughout New York City and further.

With the second installment of the series hosted at The Bowery again last week, we featured two phenomenal bands that offered a rock/alternative sound coupled with an unparalleled stage presence and electrically driven compositions.

DD White opened the show in front of an early Friday evening crowd, offering versatile sounds fueled with an energizing appetite, dynamic vocals and an intuitively robust drum set. The Detroit-based/NYC-living band was an instant hit among audiences, as DD White portrayed a riveting performance charged with influences of alternative-rock, soul and cabaret. Along with an energetic and in-your-face instrumentation, DD White’s performance was fantastically catchy, intimate and exciting. Lead singer, Tiffany Wiesend, dominated a league of charming yet powerful vocals that ushered DD White’s alluring, raw charisma on stage.

L to R: Collin Stanley (Guitar), Tiffany Wiesand (Lead Vox), and Chris Agar (Bass) Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Tiffany Wiesand of DD White on Lead Vox. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Collin Stanley of DD White on Guitar. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Guitarist Collin Stanley and bassist Chris Agar were the backbone of this five-set band turned trio (as two members were unable to perform). Collin’s work on the strings was ultimately explosive. His blend of classic rock’ n’ roll and mid-90’s punk, provided edgy and addictive guitar riffs that blended perfectly with the bands overall pop-soul and cabaret-esque notes.

The bands performance of their latest singles “Even a Girl” and “Blame You” was an exhilarating and captivating experience that kept audiences struck. Tiffany’s roaring vocals were complimented beautifully with Agar’s funky play on bass and Stanley’s dynamic style on guitar. DD White’s opener was epic; another example of the soaring vibes, genuine talent and eclectic stage presence that many indie female-led bands have today.

Coming all the way from Atlanta, GA, Revel in Romance headlined our #WomeninRock showcase with an alternative-pop sound infused with hints of early 00’s rock. This five-piece band was loaded with an arsenal of gorgeous electric riffs, in-depth beats and profound rock melodies that quickly packed the room at The Bowery Electric.

Devin Maier and Saxony Raine of Revel In Romance. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Award-winning vocalist, Saxony Raine, lead the performance with poetically soothing harmonies that were rich with emotional lyrics, crushingly reckless pop vocals and enchanting arrangements that gave a breath of life to Revel’s tight instrumentation. Saxony’s voice on “Echoes” and “Dust” were a prime example of lyrical depth and thematic storytelling filled with passionate sentiment that propelled Revel In Romance into a powerful and invigorating performance elicited with the themes of love, pain, passion and sex.

Guitarists Parker Rehklau and Devin Maier were an essential component of the bands alternative-pop inspired sound bursting with galvanizing strings, pulse-jolting rhythms and punk-rock swag. Rehklau and Maier were the highlights of the performance as they illustrated their strong guitar play in front of the crowd as they drew closer to the embolden rock melodies piercing sharply through the Bowery’s amplifiers. 

Devin Maier and Saxony Raine of Revel In Romance. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Mark Robinson of Revel In Romance on Drums. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

L to R: Devin Maier (Guitar), Mark Robinson (Drums), Saxony Raine (Lead Vox), Remington Rehklau (Bass), and Parker Rehklau (Guitar). Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Revel In Romance complex sound and measured instrumentation offered us an overall sound that fit beautifully throughout the night, displaying how female-led indie-bands not only emerging with great music, but also by providing incredible experiences that fans can remember.

With the second installment of our #WomenInRock show behind, we're already well underway to planning the next series' installments. The artists we've had the pleasure of working with thus far are a clear sign as to just how many hard working bands fly under the radar. With this series, we hope to highlight more with each months show. Stay tuned for our next segment!

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Bruce Sudano Examines Music, Society & Politics at The Cutting Room

Bruce Sudano on stage at The Cutting Room.

Bruce Sudano performed his record release show this month at The Cutting Room in New York City for his new album “21st Century World". In front of a full crowd at the renowned midtown venue, Sudano guided us through his journey of love, reflection and acceptance, while also brilliantly examining the societal, political and emotional facets we endure today.

A prolific singer-songwriter and instrumentalist, Bruce Sudano has had a distinguished career co-writing songs for Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and his late wife, the Grammy-awarding winning and generation-defining artist, Donna Summer.

For music enthusiasts out there (including you hardcore disco fans), Sudano managed most of Donna Summer’s career and co-wrote some of her biggest hits including “Bad Girls”. Sudano was also one of the founding members of late 60’s pop-rock band Alive N’ Kickin’ and late 70’s doo-wop/soul band Brooklyn Dreams. Alive N’ Kickin earned a Billboard Hot 100 spot with their record “Tighter, Tighter,” as well as Brooklyn Dreams with their song “Music, Harmony and Rhythm".

Bruce Sudano performing "Your World Now" during his album-release show at The Cutting Room.

Just coming off a European tour with emerging New York rock band, Hollis Brown, Sudano’s masterful performance was an inspiring, bold and informative excursion into the human element of today’s social and political challenges. The veteran musician’s distinct range of sound, beautifully coiled melodies and visionary storytelling illustrated Sudano’s brilliance on stage and the meticulous artistry he provides in his music.

As opposed to the jazz, pop and soulful elements portrayed in previous solo works, Sudano’s recent masterpiece provides listeners with components of American rock & roll, folk and activist song-writing that merge the lines between music and politics. Since the untimely passing on his late wife, Sudano’s music has increasingly gone into the fabrics of adulthood and the issues surrounding our society through his personal experiences.

In a direct testament to Sudano’s versatility and reach as an artist, we witnessed the singer-songwriter’s adaptive lyricism and precise compositions in his songs “Your World Now” and “It Ain’t Cool". Sudano’s intuitive arrangements gave off indie-folk and rock elements that enhanced a collection of voluminous beats, sassy strings and fine narratives. His passion and confident eloquence were illustrated beautifully in these performances as he sat intimately close to us, singing the memoirs of our time.

Bruce Sudano performs "21st Century World" at The Cutting Room

His songs “True Believer” and “Common Sense” exemplify Sudano’s strength as a vivid storyteller and a measured songwriter. His take on the meaning of Christianity in “True Believer” are presented with still folk harmonies and revealing Americana vibes. In “Common Sense", Sudano provides a softer piece coupled with a smoldering outrage that calls for us to wake up and understand the responsibilities within our fragile society.

One of the more memorable segments of the evening featured Mike Montali, lead singer of New York rock band Hollis Brown and producer of Sudano’s “21st Century World” album, who performed over Sudano’s cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution". As the crowd majestically clapped their hands, Montali and Sudano delivered a resounding performance that was filled with a communal and defiant sound.

Bruce Sudano (far-left) and Mike Montali (right) performing Tracy Chapman's "Talkin' Bout a Revolution" at The Cutting Room.

With storied musicianship, gifted songwriting and avid storytelling, Bruce Sudano’s sound has transcended throughout the decades from timeless dance hits to protest memoirs. Despite the ups and downs throughout his career, Bruce Sudano has maintained relevancy with an ever-changing sound that customizes to the changing times. “21st Century World” is a brilliant example of Sudano’s resilient lyricism, indulging musicianship and embracive measure. Certainly a must listen for the year.

Bruce Sudano on the guitar at The Cutting Room.

For more on Bruce Sudano, please visit his social below and make sure to download/stream, “21st Century World,” today. Out now on all digital and streaming music platforms.

Bruce Sudano

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#WomenInRock: A Music Series Kick-off at The Bowery Electric

Danielle Minch at guitar during our #WomenInRock show. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

We launched our very first “Women In Rock” show at The Bowery Electric’s last week, featuring some of the rising female-led bands that are re-defining today’s independent music throughout New York City.

Singer-songwriter/guitarist, Nessa Dove, kicked off our show with a vibrant performance that filled the Map Room with airy licks, sonic rips and electrifying strings, drawing audiences towards the dimmed-light Map Room on that dreary Tuesday night. The Queens-based musician was inviting, gripping and energized with heavy doses of rhythm and soul. Performing songs from her latest EP “Here We Go,” as well as upcoming music releasing later this summer, Nessa portrayed a mean guitar play, catchy vocals and indulging arrangements that blended the genres of alternative, blues and pop for us to experience beautifully on stage.  Her performances to the smooth riding titled EP song “Here We Go” and the rock heartbreaking tune “Last Cigarette” left us captivated and mesmerized by Nessa’s firm, yet delicate strings, soft melodies and easy-riding rifts. 

Nessa Dove on vocals at our #WomenInRock show. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Multi-instrumentalist, Katie Zaccardi, was the second act on our bill that provided us with a gentle performance bounding the elements of indie-folk, country and alternative beautifully together. Her crooning vocals and compelling lyrics expressed vibrantly on stage, as she played alongside her four-piece band performing some of her new songs and selected covers throughout the set. Equipped with a unique alternative sound that mirror the pillars of Americana and alternative-folk music, Zaccardi’s musicianship and songwriting ability were illustrated profoundly through her songs “Cave” and “Crazy.” Both compositions were a testament to Zaccardi’s artistry, dynamic lyrics and quilted arrangements stuffed with pop and rock mixtures.

Katie Zaccardi crooning the night away at our #WomenInRock show. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Talullah Ruff and Behind The Façade closed out the night with a dazzling rock and singer-songwriter finale that wowed the Bowery Electric audience to their feet. Talullah’s vocals and play on the keys was elegant, mesmerizing and hauntingly glowing. Her detailed compositions and heartfelt songwriting hushed the Map Room crowd, as she performed graciously with an uncanny approach that was gentle, collected and refine. As confident as she was anxious, Talullah expressed her artistry with a measured sense of love and reflection through a unique piano and bluesy alternative sound. Her performances to “Hungry” and “In Love With My Paper Skin” flowed majestically throughout the quiet space with powerful harmonies and beautiful keys.

Talullah Ruff on keys at our #WomenInRock show. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Female-fronted alternative-pop and rock band, Behind The Façade, headlined our “Women in Rock” show with an all-star jam fest that had Map Room audiences on their feet, bobbing their heads and pumping their fists. Straight from the inner boroughs of New York City, Behind The Façade provided an awesome show-stopping experience that filled the Bowery Electric with ear-shattering amps, ferocious rifts and explosive beats.  The hardcore punk-pop band howled loudly through our ears offering a rush of crushing attitude, absolute command and daring confidence.

The band’s lead vocalist/guitarist, Danielle Minch, put on a superb performance for us with clean and rejuvenating vocals, entrenched guitar play and thriving lyrical ability. Danielle maybe small in stature, but it’s her demeanor and musicianship that maintained a grand and invigorating presence on stage that magnified the band’s dominating poise and tenacity. Guitarist Louie Baerga and bassist Nick Quiles provided the backbone to the band’s wild and airy presence. Baerga’s energized performance on strings and reverberating vocals were exhilarating: a perfect one-two punch and pairing to Danielle’s dynamic presence. Along with drummer Christian Estrella, the band kept jamming throughout the set – never letting the energy suck out of the room. We all were trapped to BTF’s realm of punk-infused pop and heavy-hitting rock music.

Danielle Minch and Louie Baerga on vocals. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Nick Quilles on bass and Danielle Minch at the mic. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Christian Estrella on drums at our #WomenInRock show. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

The band’s performances to “Good Intentions,” “Hypochondriac” and “Things to Believe In” was a roaring amplified diary that put us in the middle of a late afternoon Vans Warped Tour set or an evening jam fest from the old Bronx Underground days. The sonic echo that pulverized the Map Room speakers was tantalizing and made us hungry for more, as we lost ourselves to the adrenaline and electrified velocity of alternative-punk music.

With the lasting presence of female-fronted bands in the independent music scene, female artists have always adopted a unique approach with how they have merged their various genre and songwriting skills. Whether it’s through early 90’s punk, southern blues, powerful ballads or mid-60’s activism, these female icons have been able to adopt a holistic sound that has re-defined the way we view and listen to music both then and now in today’s evolving society.

The artists who performed during our #WomenInRock show exemplify not only poise, confidence and charisma, but more importantly that quality musicianship goes beyond sex, gender, ethnicity or background. Their unconventional sound spans across genres to develop a hearty following of fans that fall in love with the artist and their music just the same. With future records, bigger shows and more touring to come, it's safe to say that these musicians will undoubtedly hold their spot in the New York City music scene with much more to come. 

Behind The Façade | Facebook | Twitter

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Talullah Ruff | Twitter

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Nessa Dove | Facebook | Twitter

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Katie Zaccardi | Facebook | Twitter

Instagram | YouTube | SoundCloud | Apple Music