July Quin Debuts Abelton Live/Launchpad Pro Session At The Fox Hole - Dying Is Expensive ('19 RMX's)

When fellow Bronx-native, July Quin, released his 2017 come back single, “Luh You,” the indie hip-hop scene couldn’t have imagined what the smooth crooning, lyrically gripping and self-producing emcee had up his sleeves. For an emcee that embodies the borough’s grit and hustle, 2019 rang out as an aggressive campaign with newly released singles, live video & in-studio performances and a digital push that engaged both new and current listeners on his socials – a rallying cry for July’s 2020 debut album “Wild Eyed Child.”

His most recent songs to date have already given buzz to his 2020 project with the release of, “Dying is Expensive (’19 RMXs),” a three-singled EP of re-produced and re-mastered works that embodied the creativity set-off by Quin in 2017.  We invited July, and his team, to perform/record the live video session of the “Singles” at The Fox Hole – our DIY basement and performance space for local bands, musicians, touring bands, rappers and DJ’s – and a new home for The Bronx music scene.  

July Quin spittin’ the truth live at The Fox Hole. Photo courtesy of Angel Photography.

With the recent purchase of a Launchpad Pro, and Abelton music software for his in-studio and live music performances, July shot (in just one take I might add) his first ever Abelton Live/Launch Pad performance with the help of his friends Derek Aurelius (local Bronx lyricist/poet) and Sergio Reyes (photographer/videographer).

Consisting of three songs, “Matilda’s Brujeria (Freestyle),” “Waters” and “Day Dream (Feat. Derek Aurelius), July’s Abelton Live performance illustrate his strength in production, lyricism and engineering that capture the essence of the young emcees craft and savvy approach to music. His innate ability to adapt, and find new ways of expressing his creativity, is vividly displayed with every Launch Pad key stoke, gorgeous melodies and razor-edge bars. With both humor and charm, July shined masterfully on camera with every hook, dashing personality and soothing vocals.

Watch July Quin’s first ever Abelton Live/Launchpad Pro performance session at The Fox Hole below – playing now on YouTube and throughout July’s socials. Make sure to follow, and listen, to July Quinn on Spotify, Apple Music and all other music streaming platforms. 

July Quin’s first experience using & recording in Ableton Live while performing with the Launchpad Pro. 3 records. Back to back. All in one take. Live at The Fox Hole.

For more information on how YOU can showcase your live performance at The Fox Hole, contact us below.

July Quin

Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram | YouTube 

Apple Music | Spotify | SoundCloud

The Fox and King Hosts Its First Ever Bronx Basement Riot Feat. UK Band Eat Defeat & More.

On November 9th, The Fox and King hosted the first ever Bronx Basement Riot show. Hailing from Massachusetts,  In the Meantime kicked things off with some high octane rock that started the show off with a bang, and things only went up from there. Bronx band, Left in the Attic, did not disappoint. Their high energy punk rock, and powerful vocals, had the whole crowd moving and singing along.

Jacks (Left In The Attic) on the mic at Bronx Basement Riot. Photo courtesy of Christopher Vasquez.

Eat Defeat, visiting from across the pond as a stop on their North American tour, captivated the packed room. Their first time playing in the Bronx, they joked about pineapple pizza and showed off their best New York accents. 

When asked about their experience playing a basement show in the Bronx, drummer Steve responded, “[We] love that intimate feeling, so close to the crowd.”  Lead singer and bass player, Sommers, followed up with this comparison: “Playing in a basement to 30 people who give a shit or playing in a 250 capped room to nobody, we’ll take the basement.” 

Eat Defeat live at Bronx Basement Riot. Photo courtesy of Christopher Vasquez.

Last but not least, Jersey based band, The Components closed out the night.  Despite their line up only consisting of two members, the Components powerful sound consumed the room, and shook the house.

Follow these awesome bands on their socials and stay tuned for information on the next Bronx Basement Riot.

Eat Defeat

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon Music

In The Meantime

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube 

Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon Music

Left In The Attic

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube 

Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon Music

The Components

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube 

Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon Music

Jacks (Left In The Attic) on vocals at Bronx Basement Riot. Photo courtesy of Christopher Vasquez.

Eat Defeat live at Bronx Basement Riot. Photo courtesy of Christopher Vasquez

Andrew Summers (Eat Defeat) gets emotional at Bronx Basement Riot. Photo courtesy of Christopher Vasquez.

Ronnie Sena shredding the guitar at Bronx Basement Riot. Photo courtesy of Christopher Vasquez.

Zoe Ekonomidis on drums at Bronx Basement Riot. Photo courtesy of Christopher Vasquez.

The Components live at Bronx Basement Riot show. Photo courtesy of Christopher Vasquez.

Andrew Summers live at Bronx Basement Riot. Photo courtesy of Christopher Vasquez

In The Meantime live at Bronx Basement Riot. Photo courtesy of Christopher Vasquez.

In The Meantime and Eat Defeat

The Fox and King, Inc. - Bronx Basement Riot. Photo courtesy of Fernando Michael.

Bronx Music Heritage Center Showcases Local Aspiring Musicians For Their Second "Rock The Bronx" Open Mic

Bronx Music Heritage Center (BMHC) hosted the second installment of their “Rock The Bronx” open mic show this past weekend featuring talented and aspiring Bronx musicians to showcase their music.

Hosted by legendary music industry rep, Marco Soccoli, former drummer of New York-based glamrock band, Roxx, BMHC’s emerging music platform provided an intimate and inviting setting for local musicians to highlight their talents in front of local audiences and industry greats alike. Genres performed ranged from contemporary soul, hip-hop, acoustic, jazz and funk.

Morrisania Band on stage at BMHC. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

The Bronx’s very own, Morrisania Band, was the featured artist for the evening performing their original works, and covers, from some of soul’s favorite cuts.

In partnership with both The Underground and The Fox and King, Bronx Music Heritage Center will continue to work with emerging Bronx artists of all genres and hosts quarterly open mic shows to highlight their talents for both the borough and across New York City.

For more information follow Bronx Music Heritage Center and The Fox and King today.

This is Bronx music.

Jay Crawford dropping bars at BMHC. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

Brandon Taylor crooning on stage at BMHC. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

Klasiq grooving the night away at BMHC. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

“Rock The Bronx” Open Mic Show at BMHC. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

Siobhan Francis on the guitar at BMHC. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

Richard Jimenez on the Cello at BMHC. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

Marcel (Kid Goku) spittin’ that ninja life at BMHC. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

Division X reppin BX borough hard at BMHC.

Mister Salon gettin down at BMHC. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

Pablo Blak grippin the mic at BMHC. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

BMHC Team. Photo courtesy of A. Quiles.

Grace The Enemy Releases New Single "Fade Away"

You should be listening to Grace The Enemy.

This three-piece metal band from The Bronx is continuing to make waves across New York’s thriving metal core/punk rock scene with the release of their new single “Fade Away.”

Raw, aggressive and melodically pure, Grace The Enemy’s new song is a throbbing and kinetically charged composition that finds itself confined in all its sophistication.

They’ll be performing next Sunday at The Nest in Brooklyn along side rising metal core hit makers, Maintenance, Save The Broken and Statik Vision.

Add Grace The Enemy to your Memorial Day playlist today and watch them perform live in Brooklyn Next week!

Like. Listen. Share!

Grace The Enemy

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

Apple Music | Spotify

Watch Behind The Façade's Music Video To Their Single - "I Don't Wanna Die (In Ohio)"

This one’s for all you daring spring breaker’s out there!! Watch out for the crazies!

Rising pop-punk band, Behind The Façade, released the hilarious, yet disturbing music video earlier this year to their new song, “I Don’t Wanna Die (In Ohio).”

Danielle Minch: guitar & vocals, Nick Quiles: bass & vocals, Danny Briones: guitar & vocals ,Eliran Malakov: drums. Co-directed, edited, conformed & sound designed by Danielle Minch, Co-directed, filmed & colored by Joe Marte. Ryan Dempsey as "The crazy old dude"

Filmed in a beautiful Airb&b in Ohio, Danielle Minch, Nick Quiles, Danny Briones and Eliran Malakov narrowly escape a house of horror from a four-eyed lunatic. Watch the music video above and make sure to download/stream their latest single on all music digital music streaming platforms.

The Queens-based band will be performing with Patch Kid during his EP release show at The Well in Brooklyn this Friday - 03-23-2019.

We’ll see ya there!

Behind The Façade 

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

Apple Music | Spotify | Google Play | Amazon

The Lesson GK Raises Hearts & Minds During An Unforgettable Experience At Mercury Lounge

On a bustling Saturday night in New York’s Lower East Side, where the restaurants are scrambling for walk-ins, bars crawling with hordes of encroaching yuppies and art-craving hipsters and girls looking to pre-game before the inevitable rooftop parties throughout the night, its not easy to find the places and sounds that can really stand to you. Even more so, where musicians from across the five boroughs, and far in between, flock to be heard, as they attempt to impress the on-the-go Gotham faithful with the talents of their music. Yet, despite all the noise, one music group has made they’re mark on the City and have been increasingly noticeable to many of us native New Yorkers that take pride in what we have coined as a sound of our own – hip hop.

And they’re not just your typical boom-bap hip-hop group either, but a collective that’s ripe with such experimental sound, delightful cross-cutting genres and astounding music compositions that they can be a genre of their own - An underground outfit we’ve come to known as The Lesson GK.

Phase One standing strong on stage at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

Embraced in the concepts of culture, spirituality and community, The Lesson GK has become the cornerstone of the underground hip-hop community in New York City.  Bred from NY’s classic borough sound, the Lesson bridges funk, jazz and soul that are perfect for any underground dance floor. The bands explosive compositions and impressive musical arrangements are an astounding component to their holistically adaptive approach.  With weekly sold out jam sessions at the legendary Lower East Side venue, Arlene’s Grocery, The Lesson has become a staple for up and coming acts and A-list names alike that embrace artistry and musicianship.

Group leader/drummer, Lenny “The Ox” Reece, on the drums live at Mercury Lounge.

Founded in 2012 by drummer/group leader, Lenny “The Ox” Reece, The Lesson GK started out as a collaborative weekly project with the goal of countering the ever-increasing social issues regarding xenophobia, police brutality, domestic violence and homophobia - just to name a few.  The band’s secondary name, “Gentei Kaijo” (Japanese for “limitation cancellation”), embraces the aesthetic approach and sound of improv and experimental hip-hop, contemporary jazz and progressive soul/funk that resonates through each of their members and artists that performs on stage. With vivid imagery and euphoric sounds, The Lesson offers their audience experiences that force to remove the bounds of cultural background, race and orientation. It’s a sound and unilateral idea that captures family, the home and a place where everyone is welcome.

We were given the exclusive opportunity to cover The Lesson GK last weekend during their first ever performance at another LES classic, Mercury Lounge, all while being a part of the lucky few who experienced The Lesson’s unreleased songs and experimental sounds that blew us away.

The Lesson GK jamming out on stage at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

With a glass of Bullet Rye & club in one hand, and my outdated 6 plus on the other, The Lesson was an experience to behold – and that’s not just the rye talking. The band was quite simply – phenomenal. A cradle in the art of lyricism, vocals and composition that is, unfortunately to say, a rarity in the genre today. Amongst a sea of catchy trappers and mumble rap, The Lesson challenges the mainstream sound that’s refreshing, poise and dare I say – refreshing.

Yet, it shouldn’t be all that surprising. The Lesson’s accomplished roster has a resume loaded with extensive talent and music experience that has touched the stage with some of the biggest acts in hip-hop. Classic acts such as Slum Village, The Roots, DJ Premier, Talib Kwali, Joey Bada$$, Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, Thundercat, Bilal, Anderson.Paak and others. The Lesson’s members have already accomplished an array of accolades in their music careers that bring a fruitful of trailblazing artistry, blended with an aesthetically smoothing and groovy sound, which dwells deep within the group’s hip-hop heritage.

Jonathan Hoard live on stage at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

Already pumped and eager for the show, The Lesson GK opened with a killer performance that was gorgeously decadent, with seductive keys, bulging basslines and a mean drum play that clicked perfectly with every strobe light flashing throughout a packed out Mercury Lounge. Pressed up in front, the LES crowd poured in from the bar and pushed up against the stage, cheering and screaming to The Lesson’s opening jam, all while hushing so slightly to the angelic voice of lead vocalist Jonathan Hoard. Hoard’s gentle and soothing voice lifted the crowd on the harmonious melody – “everyone has a place here –“ as we were all welcomed and invited to rejoice together, embracing in the experience that is The Lesson.

In savvy and strategic fashion, Lenny Reece (drummer), along with David Cutler (bassist) and Christian Almiron (keys) beautifully steered the production into a driving musical arrangement that illustrated a collage of soulful funk and fiercely charged keys. These guys really pulled the band together on every note and synced each composition perfectly on stage. Their command on stage pulled the band together on every note and synced each composition perfectly, as they drew out the fiery engulfed flows and lyrical tenacity of lead emcee, Phase One - a perfect contrast to The Lesson’s soothing rhythms and fluorescently deep grooves. Hoard continued to encourage the Mercury Lounge faithful to sing together as the chorus transitioned to another peaceful and melodic harmony on the gospel-esque “everyone is welcome here.” We clapped, we danced and “raised our hands high enough” to this band’s wild, crazy and experimentally soulful opener that will last in our minds for years to come.

The Lesson GK live at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

As their set continued, The Lesson brought out local veteran and emerging emcees that exemplified the group’s hip-hop spirit. Equipped with riveting bars and dynamic flows, these emcees blended perfectly with the group’s contemporary funk and urban soul sound. Pure lyricists at their finest, their performances bore the original cloth that brought on swag, heavy-hitting jabs and poetic prose passed on by some of New Yorks greatest street disciples – pure gripping talent at its best.

The Lesson’s very own, Phase One, stood by that mantra and put on a captivating performance that displayed a lyrically strategic and bustling approach, emerging from every spoken word. His ability as a master storyteller, with gifted metaphoric wordplay, illustrated his lyrical talent as he wielded the mic to launch an array of daggering bars that sped through The Lesson’s experimental nostalgia. With a 90’s-esque boom-bap and precession cutting jabs, The Lesson’s emcee roster landed uppercuts and swift jumping bars that illustrated some of the finest wordplay in the NY rap scene today.

David Cutler on bass at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

The Lesson GK’s performance at Mercury Lounge was one of the more impressive sets we’ve seen this year. Not just through their roaring boom-bap, experimental sounds and genre-meshing arrangements, but also by providing a unique cutting edge and an illustrious music approach that affirms The Lessons’ positive presence in New York’s Lower East Side.

With sensual vocals and a groovy funkadelic attitude, this emerging hip-hop collective encourages us to be consumed by our own musical appetite: a feast that warrants through the love of song, dance and harmony. An entre that brings us to a place where the hearts and minds of individuals deter the needs of physical attributes and orientation, but desire the need to shed a light on being together.

Jonathan Hoard’s angelic voice croons away at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

With raw and invigorating delivery, The Lesson has become one of New York’s greatest treasures as their family first and community vibe generously offers us a thirst quenching sound and a formidable music experience. I must say that I feel fortunate to have such an incredibly holistic band perform every Thursday at Arlene’s Grocery. Their platform for providing other artists – with the same look and feel – in which to excel truly showcases the value of experiencing some of the best music New York underground has to offer.

It’s one of the many reasons why The Lesson has become the leading voice, and artistic pedestal, in independent music today and how their efforts and conceptual music approach have helped us to raise our hearts and thoughts one note at a time.

Catch the Lesson during their residency at Arlene’s Grocery this week!

A packed house at Mercury Lounge experiencing The Lesson GK. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

The Lesson GK

iTunes | Spotify | Amazon

Facebook | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Fly By Midnight Gives New York The Feels at Mercury Lounge

Justin Bryte (left) & Justin Salvo (right) performing live at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

Fly By Midnight performed at Mercury Lounge last week after a prolonged absence from their native New York City. The indie-retro pop sensation, known for their charm, unique vocals and infectious hooks, packed-out the legendary LES venue with screaming fans as they performed covers and songs from their compilation album “New York Nostalgia.”

The Staten Island duo have had a successful 2018 so far, coming off the heels of a successful college tour, the release of their break-up song, ‘Just Say It” (on Valentines Day we might add) and a compilation album of previously released singles back in March. Recently, Fly By Midnight was one of the first artists to be voted solely by their fans to perform at this year’s Firefly Music Festival in July.

Justin Salvo with emotion on stage at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

Fly By Midnight opened their headliner with two unreleased tracks on Wednesday that showcased the duos groovy basslines, gushy harmonies and retro-pop elements that blossomed perfectly with Fly By’s seductive vocals.

Fly By Midnight crooning underneath the lights. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

We were trilled to watch Fly By Midnight perform “All The Feels,” which they performed that morning at Billboard Studios. Their performance highlighted some of Fly By Midnight’s best traits with stellar production, sex appeal and a two-step basslines that had Mercury Lounge grooving the night away.

Their performances to “Vinyl” and “Just Say It” displayed Fly By’s resilient stage presence that exemplified their strong fan engagement and humble approach within their music. We sang along harmoniously and clapped to the beat, as Fly By put on an anthem-esque style performance on, “Vinyl,” under Mercury’s flashing lights. On “Just Say It,” the band jammed out with commanding, yet sensual vocals, strong guitar licks and a powerful drum set that kept the audiences hands in the air.

Official break up song visual for "Just Say It" by Fly By Midnight.

Along with amazing renditions to Michelle Branch’s “Everywhere” and The Beatle’s timeless hit “Hey Jude,” Fly By Midnight closed out their set with their chart-topping track, “Vibe” ending the night with an explosively rich performance with alluring melodies and a breezy summery feel that lit up the crowd.

Justin Bryte on stage at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

Fly By Midnight crouching in front of the crowd at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

With their consistent fan engagement, unique music style and charming on-stage presence, it’s no wonder why Fly By Midnight is an emerging band that has rippled across the indie-pop landscape. With sold out shows in colleges and universities across the country, Fly By is slowly transitioning on becoming one of the larger names in the independent space.

Fly By Midnight playing live at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

Through their savvy use of social media, post-show presence and approachability the band has forged their path towards creating a growing and trending brand that strikes the hearts of their young fanbase.

Catch Fly By Midnight at a city near you and add their new single, “All The Feels,” to your playlist this week!

Fly By Midnight on stage at Mercury Lounge. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

Fly By Midnight

iTunes | Spotify | Amazon | Google Play

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

J. Alan Schneider Unveils Honesty, Reflection And Fate During His EP Release Show at Rockwood Music Hall

J. Alan Schneider with raw honesty & emotion at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

When J. Alan Schneider released his new EP On Precipice in October, we couldn’t wait to see him perform the new record on stage – an EP so tenderly rich with patient guitar riffs, soft and timid melodies and a surrealism of vivid imagery that can only be bred from one of the scene’s most gifted folk artists.

We sat down with the J. Alan last month to discuss his EP’s lead single, "The State Line," and the creative process behind the records overall theme. There was no doubt that the Queens-bred indie-folk artists' haunting elegance, lyrical illustrations and raw storytelling ability were shown graciously throughout the EP would eventually marvel on stage during his release performance. We were anxiously waiting to see how it would play out.

J. Alan Schneider on the strings at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

Alan’s performance at Rockwood Music Hall’s stage 3 last Wednesday guided us through the singer-songwriter’s journey of accepting and adapting to fate. Alan’s timid vocals, distinct honesty and acoustic sound channeled an uncanny tale of human emotion, atonement and reflection that was touched with each fabric of his lyrical shroud. His music was a shepherd to our ears, placing tranquil and raw sentiments that maintained a sense of noir while Alan ruminated through his guitar play.

His performances to "Labor Day" and "All The Same" shined gently with precious harmonies, profound, yet tender acoustics and caressing lyricism that brought us into Alan’s consciousness and reflective artistry. With candid lyrics such as, “What if the world was taking place/behind a camera phone/and if the world was breaking down/ would anybody know/if it’ll grow on frozen ground under seas/ will it be,” Alan’s precedence on these songs are illustrated through expressive storytelling and compositions, that exemplify the artist’s unique folk-singing approach.

J. Alan Schneider performing in front of an intimate crowd at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

On the EP’s leading single, "The State Line," Alan’s performance portrayed hints of melancholic imagery and delicate melodies for his warm, yet dark take on fate. Alan’s passionate and relieving vocals helped serene a soothing crowd from the portrayal of his voice and earnest guitar strings.

On his song, "They’re On to Us," Alan’s displayed a euphorically glowing performance that gently whispered over amplifying strings and calming percussion. His gifted storytelling ability is shown through his tantalizing and subtle lyrics through the song. “This day belongs to us/,” Alan crooned, “The cracks and gleams and scuff/and the side streets are so rough/ they lied to us/.” Another illustration of Alan’s purity and veracity that relished as we witnessed the folk artist perform.

J. Alan Schneider performing a quaint acoustic show in front of a Lower East Side crowd at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

J. Alan Schneider’s artistry is an esthetic platform for the contemporary indie-folk catalog. His work as a singer-songwriter is purified through the honesty of his lyrics, gentle, yet rough-edged compositions and a blistering vocal that helps us captivate our own humanity. Through his themes of fate, lost and reflection, Alan utilizes his musical talent as a wandering storyteller, passing though the events of common folk, while also contemplating his own path. His music is raw and stellar to the indie-folk scene and is a pedestal that fans of this scene can relate with: truly a treasure worth witnessing and listening to.

J. Alan Schneider performing his EP release show at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

For more on J. Alan Schneider, be sure to follow his socials and listen/stream to his EP, “On Precipice” today. Out now on all digital stream services.

J. Alan Schneider

iTunes | Spotify | Bandcamp | Soundcloud

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram