Don DiLego Puts on a Foot-Stomping Performance at The Bowery Electric

Don DiLego & band at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Alt-country artist, Don DiLego, gave us a foot-stomping performance at the Bowery Electric this month during his impressive record release show for his new album Magnificent Ram A. Along with a bottle of bourbon and a few bales of hay, DiLego’s astonishing seven-piece band rocked the stage as they wooed the sounds of western Americana and some feel good rock n’ roll in front of a packed-audience.

Coupled with fellow indie-folk artists, Linda Draper and Emily Duff, the Velvet-Elk crooner commanded an impression collection of musical arrangements that gently carried the crowd through a cowboy’s journey – synonymous with the old whiskey saloons and boot strapping jamborees of the great west. DiLego’s outstanding performance provided a collage of rich complex melodies that had us both moving our hips and singing along to the indie-folk singer’s dynamic vocals paired masterfully with a gritty acoustic sound.

Don DiLego performs at his record release show. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

DiLego performed the majority of his songs from Magnificent Ram A throughout that steamy Thursday evening, portraying his innovative delicacies both on stage and in his new record. DiLego’s music provided a range of indie-folk harmonies, graceful melodies and the pride of blue-collar heartland rock. DiLego’s mastery was illustrated perfectly on stage with the harmonious beauty “Go Pack Your Suitcase” and the soothing gospel-esque tune of “Running in Place with a Desperate Heart.” With every heart-felt note, DiLego’s caressing vocals and comforting rhythms passionately embraced the crowd, encouraging us to follow his carefully orchestrated compositions that profoundly detail DiLego’s precise musicianship.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

DiLego’s complex sound and on stage depth, however, howled for audiences to jump on their feet during DiLego’s alt-country jams, “Drive Like a Pirate” and “I’m on Fire.” Here, we witnessed a contrast to DiLego’s phonic sound with a gritty savory arrangement to his music along with an his incredible relationship with his already endearing fans, mustering them together as they sung and dance to his Americana tunes. DiLego’s country anthem, “The Westside Oak” had us all stomping our feet and clapping, revealing the versatility that exists with DiLego’s on-stage presence.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Linda Draper and Emily Duff provided a perfect mesh for DiLego’s record release show portraying both indie-folk harmonies and gospel-esque chords to the brewing audience for DiLego’s headline set. Draper’s tranquil vocals and in-depth storytelling delighted the on-hands crowd, drawing them closer to her tender musical arrangements that soothed listeners as they eased their way into the Bowery’s main stage.

Linda Draper performs at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Duff’s acoustic trio provided an incredible blend of folk, gospel and heartland rock n’ roll throughout their impressive set. Along with guitarist Scott Aldrich and Skip Ward on the “gut bucket bass,” Duff’s sensational compositions and powerful lyrical ability provided audiences with an array of bible-belt blues and Americana novelties.

Emily Duff performs at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

After witnessing Don DiLego's incredible performance, it is safe to say that the indie-folk rocker is in a class of his own. Gathering amongst the sounds of old country and contemporary rock, DiLego has set the bar for how the sound of modern country should be. His ingenious lyrical ability and savvy storytelling technique places us, as an audience, in the boots of the modern cowboy, and within the heart and pride of blue-collar Americana, in each of his works.

Don DiLego at The Bowery Electric. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

DiLego’s dynamic energy on-stage and the utilization of his flourished cohesive sound, makes him one of the best singer-songwriters in the genre. DiLego’s emerging status within the alt-country scene has made him a must-see act whose music we highly recommend for you to listen. His new album, Magnificent Ram A, is out now on digital, streaming and vinyl via Velvet Elk Records/One Little Indian. Follow and listen to Don DiLego today!

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Toy Cities Brings You New Music for the Summer

The Brooklyn-based group Toy Cities has released a new song just in time for your summery, beachy, good-vibes. Their track “Basement” is an up tempo track heavy in synth and snare, but with a mellow, soothing vocal, that stunningly resembles that of classic Morrissey.

Their lyrics come off as somewhat melancholy, but when you take a closer look, the message of the song is actually pretty uplifting. It’s the idea that in a basement you’re able to feel comfortable and secure, but in that state there’s also no room to grow. The narrative provides, I’m sure, a familiar feeling to all of us, and a tremendous amount of imagery.

This is the first new song we’ve heard from Toy Cities in awhile, after the release of their debut album, Via Death in 2014. Coming up next for the band is the release of their new EP, Ocean Bloom which will be dropping on Tuesday, July 19th.

Thankfully, until then we have this feel-good track to tide us over. 

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Music Video Spotlight: Jetta - "Take It Easy" (Matstubs Remix)

Jetta is an English indie artist from the streets of Liverpool, a place notorious for being the homeland of so many amazing artists. (Need I mention The Beatles?) A couple of years ago, in 2013, Jetta gained recognition for her song, “Feels Like Coming Home” and began touring here in the states along festivals such as SXSW (South By Southwest) in Austin, Texas. She was then signed to Republic Records and afterwards released her EP, Start A Riot.

On the EP, one stand out track is “Take It Easy”. The song itself takes after it’s title with it’s feel-good, silky melody. After the release of Start A Riot, the track was remixed by producer Matstubs. The remix alone gained immediate traction on YouTube, gaining over 10 million views in less than three months, and now standing high at over 24 million.

The video released last week on Tuesday, July 12th and it is definitely worthy of the remix itself. The visual narrative is edgy and beautiful with a subtle sense of lost innocence. Jetta herself makes her way through the video while interacting with a choreographed team of young gymnasts at what appears to be a school auditorium. It's a different narrative from the original song, but it definitely works.

Watch the music video for Jetta's "Take It Easy" Remix here and let us know what you think.

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Marcus Machado - Bringing Back Lead Guitar at Soul in the Horn 2016

Marcus Machado at SummerStage 2016. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos. 

It was the Soul in the Horn festival at Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn last Wednesday and the amphitheater was filled with the thick, smooth, sounds of Marcus Machado and his guitar. Performing among a line up of talented acts, such as Maurice “Mobetta” Brown and Kendra Foster, Machado stands out amongst a roster of serious talent that flowed together beautifully at this years Soul in the Horn Festival.

Machado strummed his guitar effortlessly with a full and powerful sound. The jazzy notes and bluesy rock arrangements closely resembled those from Machado’s legendary influencers, such as Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Carlos Santana and Eddie Hazel to name a few. Yet, Machado projected an upbeat, fun, unique and intricate arrangement that blend the sounds of blues, rock and jazz masterfully. During his performance, a five-piece band accompanied Machado on the drums, sax, bass, keys and smooth vocals, filling out the sound. Songs ranged from classic jazz, to full on “I absolutely must move my shoulders” funk.

Marcus Machado and band at SummerStage 2016. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Marcus Machado at SummerStage 2016. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

The music had the whole crowd moving and filled the summery air with a sweet, smooth and positive vibe. One that Machado purposely created, reminding the audience to “give love” and “practice peace” throughout his performance. At a particularly beautiful moment, before one of his closing songs, he asked the audience to hold up their peace signs as he dedicated the piece to those we lost in the tragic Orlando attack, as well as Mohammad Ali and Prince, whom we also lost this year. The amphitheater quickly filled with peace signs in the air and a subtle moment of silence before launching into another graceful, roaring, guitar track.

Soul in The Horn 2016. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

If his undeniable talent isn't’ enough to consume you, his stage presence will be. Machado stands tall and cool, front and center of the stage, holding his guitar like it’s an extension of himself and strumming it casually as if it’s completely second nature. He has a swagger to the way he moves about the stage; nodding at this band and coyly demonstrating that he’s the one in charge.

Marcus Machado at Soul in The Horn 2016. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

It’s not often you see the guitarist front and center, leading the show; which Machado is trying to change. As he said in Rolling Stone Magazine’s “Next Young Gun” featured article, “While I feel like these days there’s a lot of great players out there, something has changed where you don't’ really see guitar players as the lead people.” He’s doing his part to bring it back. The entire band was amazing, and delivered a full sound, but the guitar lead the way. And those guitar solos? Damn.

Soul in The Horn 2016. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Soul in The Horn 2016. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Seeing Machado playing live is a must. He willfully, and unapologetically, commands the stage beautifully with his presence, skill, and effervescent sense of love and harmony. He has dates here in New York from now through December. His guitar-powered EP, 29 is currently streaming on Spotify and on his website, Official Marcus Machado, where you can also see all of his show dates, bio and music. This artist is an act you don’t want to miss! 

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French HipHop/Blues Band Scarecrow Put On a Roaring Performance at Drom NYC

Very rarely do we get the chance to witness a group of music who can grasp the sounds of different cultures so effortlessly and harness them as their own. With the power of a roaring bluesy vocal, a groovy baseline and a smoking late 80’s/early 90’s sound, Scarecrow - The Blues Hip Hop showed us how artists can successfully master that calling. 

With much thanks to the combined efforts of The French Embassy and Bureau Export, Scarecrow showcased their talents for the France Rocks SummerFest in New York for the first time in over two years last Friday. We caught their performance at the mysteriously intimate and gypsy-esque Drom NYC amongst a group of music enthusiasts excited to take part in the French quartet’s latest act as they prepared for their second album, The Last, releasing this coming Friday.

Scarecrow’s featured performance was a spine chilling and aggressive piece that spoke of the band’s ingenuity and aesthetic appeal. Ahead of a thunderous and enticing intro, lead vocalist and bluesman, Slim Paul, let out a roaring vocal that channeled across the shadowy halls of Drom, crawling up its back-stage curtains and hurling towards us. It was a unique sound that truly blew us away: A kick-ass note that personified beautifully through Paul’s affirmed lyrical and edgy voice, labeling its mark at any New Orleans jazz club or Memphis BBQ joint.

What followed was a genre binding and sound twisting bar from French emcee, Antibiotik Daw, who also masterfully scratched the turntables with late 80’s/early 90’s urban adlibs, screeching hints of Chuck D, Run DMC and The Wu Tang Clan. Although we unfortunately couldn’t understand the fast hitting French lyrics, it was Antibiotik’s confidence, swag and all-out vibe that helped get our heads bopping, while the bluesy bass lines from Jamo and funky drum set from Le Pap, helped solidify Scarecrow’s urban and bluesy musical arrangements.

What really struck us was Scarecrow’s consistency. Whether their song was predominately hip-hop, blues, funk or a bit of both, the quartet meshed the sounds together flawlessly. When Antibiotik viciously spit on the mic, Slim Paul's raw vocals and Jamo's gripping guitar play brought Scarecrow's performance from the sounds of classic hop-hop into the essence of rock. Accompanied by Antibiotik’s scratches, we were constantly taken for a musical ride that stopped along 80’s hip-hop, 70’s funk and good old fashion dirt-road blues.

Scarecrow’s hip-hop elements, raw rural bluesy notes and urban-esque vibe provided the finishing touches on an already bubbling melting pot that billowed a steam enriched with generations of musical influences, cultures and instrumentation. Scarecrow’s continuous efforts to bridge together American and French music are groundbreaking. With sounds reminiscent of both Screamin' Jay Hawkins and 90's Hip-Hop, the group truly is deserving of their international praise. Their ability to embrace these different sounds allows them to conquer audiences in not only the U.S. or Europe, but throughout the world as they've performed over 400 shows in 10 countries and have a tenacity to produce even more.

This group can truly be an inspiration to aspiring artists and bands across the globe not only for their incredible showcases, gritty music, and cool vibes but for how they can bring cultures together. Somehow we seemed to have lost that in both the mainstream and independent music scenes, but Scarecrow tackles it head on. Truly, they are one of the best bands we’ve seen this year. Can’t wait to catch these guys again. Their new album, The Last, will be available for streaming and digital download this Friday, June 24, 2016. Make sure to catch Scarecrow the next time they’re in your city!

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Raye Zaragoza Offers a Bluesy New York Farewell at Rockwood Music Hall

Raye Zaragoza live at Rockwood music Hall. Photo courtesy of Larufoto

Saturday nights in the Lower East Side are typically crawling with artists and their guitar cases rushing to their next gig and filled with partially belligerent fans scattering about to find the nearest music venue. But last night, Rockwood Music Hall housed a one-of-a-kind bluesy, dreamy, folky, and all together beautiful showcase from Raye Zaragoza; your new favorite singer-songwriter.

When Raye takes the stage she resembles the presence of a revolving door. It’s as if every time she opened her mouth she would deliver a seemingly flawless note with more and more people rushing in from the streets.

Raye is a New York based singer songwriter who has been training in live music for years. Unsurprisingly, given her natural talents, it gives me no pause to learn that her father is Broadway actor Gregory Zaragoza, who had her started at a young age. Her sound is seasoned, technical, classic, and effortless at the same time.

Raye Zaragoza live at Rockwood Music Hall

Raye has been a part of the music scene here in New York for years, frequenting venues like Arlene’s Grocery, The Knitting Factory, and Bizarre Bar in Brooklyn. Back in 2013 she was even a featured artist at LA Skins Music Fest, which must have inspired her in someway, seeing as Raye is now relocating to Los Angeles.

“All my songs are about New York, I don’t know what I’m doing going to LA. What am I going to write about?” Raye jokes in between songs. 

The room was so involved in her, she had them completely captivated. Through the crowded audience, I couldn’t tell if it was her beautiful lyrics about love, heartbreak, and New York City, or if it was her undeniable beauty and genuine stage presence, that had everyone so enchanted. But regardless, the room was silent as she sung, and roaring with applause when she finished.

Christian Nourijanian (left), Raye Zaragoza (center) and Tim Bassom (right)

Raye’s sound is reminiscent of Norah Jones, Billie Holliday, and Eva Cassidy. She’s a strong vocalist, but perhaps even a stronger writer. Her arrangements are simple, clean and highlight the lyrics of her songs. All of which are relatable without being boring, and beautiful without being over the top. Her EP, Heroine (available on SoundCloud and Spotify), is a beautiful collection of songs that represent her vibe perfectly: a classic and moving artist.

Though this is her farewell show in New York, to end things Raye just sweetly says, “thank you,” as she strums the last note on her guitar- because this is not goodbye - you'll being seeing amazing things from this girl from here on out.

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The Zombies Reclaim their Status Amongst The Pillars of Rock & Roll In NYC

Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone - founding members of legendary British invasion band the Zombies - played an impressive set at Rough Trade NYC last month in front of a packed-house filled with generations of inspired fans. Argent and Blunstone showcased an incredible set that was indicative of the Zombies harmonious sound and psychedelic expressions. Their performance highlighted how the band has reclaimed their relevancy in the rock & roll genre; while also making a substantial impact on both older and younger audiences bridging the gap between classic and modern rock.

As with most British Invasion bands that spread through the airwaves throughout the early to mid-1960s, the Zombies began touring the United States in 1964 behind their hit single, “She’s Not There,” which peaked to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. the Zombies performed at various venues across the U.S. while on tour and made their first U.S. television appearance in 1965. Their subsequent hit single, “Tell Her No” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March of 1965 and had become one of their biggest U.S. releases.

After signing with CBS Records from Decca Music Group, the Zombies released their classic studio album, Odessey and Oracle, in 1968. Over the past several decades, the album has since received international acclaim as one of the staples of 1960s expressionism with the Zombies hit song, “Time of The Season,” “This Will Be Our Year” and “Care of Cell 44.”

On that Thursday evening in Brooklyn, we were honored to witness Argent and Blunstone perform some of the Zombies' hit songs that triumphed during their 1960's debut. With open arms, Blunstone’s entrancing voice embraced audiences as they were drawn closer to the intriguing harmonies and melancholy hooks. The duo opened the show with the charming “Tell Her No” followed by the Zombies' debut hit “She’s Not There.” We stood together with the crowd and sang along with Blunstone’s cadent voice, echoing graciously across the stage. He helped the crowd follow his lead, providing comfort for both those reviving their youth and for the new generation reaffirming their appreciation for the Zombies' pioneering sound.

We were ultimately blown away when the Zombies performed their hit song, “Time of The Season,” when the crowd, no matter the generation, sung along to the classic record. Blunstone and Argent’s breezy acapella smoothed our ears with the songs expressive harmonies and relaxed melodies that were able to make us feel as one. They also performed songs from Still Got That Hunger, which provided audiences with a fresh taste of the Zombies latest works such as, “Moving On” and “Edge of the Rainbow,” that exemplified the band’s historic versatility and dynamic reach within their music.

Our experience of the Zombies performance that evening was intangible. The ability to witness these two pioneers of rock & roll brought upon a rare treat that reinforced our appreciation for musicians from that classic area and illustrated how powerful their impact has been and will be on current and future musicians. Although their music careers have had twists and turns – make no mistake – the Zombies are here to stay. As one of many 60’s and 70’s rock bands re-defining their legendary status through new albums and sold-out tours around the world, the Zombies have come off the bench and into the starting line-up.

Their new album is filled with vividly expressive lyrics, powerful instrumental talent, and a puff of smoky vocals that's rare to find these days. The Zombies showcased those talents effortlessly at Rough Trade, and most importantly, they did so by collectively bringing back the classic hits that continue to draw appreciation from fans and musicians across the world. They have continued their musical journey that aims to break barriers and surpass preconceived notions of rock: we couldn't be any more thrilled to hop along for the ride.

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All The Way From Nashville, Jet Black Alley Cat Blew New York City Away

On a Saturday night mission to find what was next in the New York City music scene, we stumbled across something amazing at the very well-known Lower East Side venue, Pianos. We had no idea who would be playing that night or what genres were in store for us but all it took was simply seeing the name of the opening band on the night's bill - Jet Black Alley Cat. After heading upstairs to the second stage of the venue we sat down, ordered some drinks and prepared ourselves to hear exactly what this group was about. When vocalist Joe Wilkinson ran through some vocal warm-ups the entire floor stood attention to see what was in store, and needless to say, they put on one of the best shows we saw that night. 

Coming out of Nashville, Tennessee on a tour stop in New York City, the self-proclaimed "Vintage-Pop/Rock-Groove" group had the crowds dancing with every song and jumping with every snare beat. We were hypnotized throughout the entire performance by the powerful echoing vocals, the catchy melodies, and the unique indie/dance vibes that were reminiscent of late night dance clubs, crowded venues at 2AM, and roaming the streets after leaving the bar. Their latest single, ROXY, especially caught our attention. The group truly comes together on this one in every way between the narrative lyrics and vintage electric sounds. Not only is this radio quality music, it's what Top 40 music should aspire to be.

The five-piece band consists of Joe on vocals, Zach Douglas and Christian Harrison on guitar, Cristofer Johnson on bass, with Bryant Lowry on drums. Catch them on tour June 4th at The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA and June 13th at The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, AZ. Watch their premier film for ROXY below:

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