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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

 

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 FaçadeFacebook | Twitter

Instagram | YouTube | Apple Music

 

Talullah Ruff | Twitter

Instagram | SoundCloud

 

Nessa DoveFacebook | Twitter

Instagram | Band Camp | SoundCloud

 

Katie Zaccardi | Facebook | Twitter

Instagram | YouTube | SoundCloud | Apple Music

 

American Pinup Leads a Stellar Indie-Line up at The Fox and King's Annual Farewell Summer Show

 
American Pinup at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

American Pinup at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Last weekend, we bid the summer season adieu with our 5th annual Farewell Summer Show at New York’s famed Arlene’s Grocery. Our closing party featured a stellar line up of indie-rock trios that crushed the stage with a gut-pounding performance and electrifying sounds that pulverized its way across the Lower East Side.

In front of a hands-on crowd that Saturday evening, Mala Vista, FREAKABOUT and American Pinup reverberated the sounds of 70’s punk rock, early 90’s grunge and alternative heartland rock that helped forged the halls of the famed LES venue twenty years ago. Each band displayed a roaring, smoky and exhilarating live performance that blew us all away. Coupled with detailed lyrical compositions and complex musical arrangements, these emerging acts set blaze to a storm of sonic energy, gripping vocals and static chords that set new standards for how our Farewell Summer Shows should be.

Myke Miranda on the strings and vocals at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Myke Miranda on the strings and vocals at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Mala Vista kicked off the show with a late 70’s punk rock statement synonymous of the days when The Ramones and the Clash blew the lights out on every corner of The Bowery and East London. Their presence on stage was commanding, economical and innovative. The dominance of their grungy-esque sound, elevated vocals and driving guitar licks portrayed a level of confidence and a no-nonsense attitude that forced us to listen and pay attention.

On Mala Vista’s punk anthem “Bare Bones,” lead vocalist/guitarist, Myke Miranda, portrayed a politically charge vocal that catapulted an array of expressive notes and an oppressing reach. Bassist, Manuel Labour, and drummer, Jordache®, set off an explosive supporting role with exceptionally lean beats and a vicious baseline. With accompanying performances of several covers, this band was an amazing opening act that helped prepare the crowd for the rest of our closing party.

Jordache on the bass at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Jordache on the bass at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Another impressive act that evening, FREAKABOUT, came all the way out from Omaha, Nebraska to kick off their national tour with headliner, American Pinup. Both bands had their anchor dates the night before and were sharing the bill together for a second-straight time in New York. The four-piece act, embedded in classic rock’ n’ roll, steer-headed a dynamic performance with an abundance of energizing sounds, vicious guitar riffs and conquering beats.

Cortney Kirby’s powerful, yet sensual voice, embraced our ears with powerful lyrical compositions that sent our minds floating in a mist of rock and pop melodies. Her roaring vocals portrayed a gentle touch that took command of the audience and guided them through a heart-pounding experience through a journey of how rock ‘n’ roll music is supposed to be.

Aaron Galvin ripping the guitar. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Aaron Galvin ripping the guitar. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Cortney Kirby on vocals at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Cortney Kirby on vocals at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Aaron Galvin’s kick-ass guitar play blew the amplifiers and speakers away with a thunderous assault on the strings, echoing the sounds of heavy blues and hardline rock. Along with drummer, Ian Francis, and bassists, Ben Frerichs, FREAKABOUT put on a masterful live performance that elicit a unique heartland and hard rock sound that had audiences bobbing their head and moving their hips.

American Pinup headlined our Farewell Summer Show with a galvanizing performance that swept Arlene’s off their feet. The three-piece alternative-punk and pop-rock band was sonorously provocative with fist-clenching vocals, leathery beats and an unyielding guitar play that pressured us to breakdown the walls.

Lauren West at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Lauren West at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

With thoughtful music arrangements and seasoned lyrical depth, front crooner, Lauren West, provided a boisterous indie-rock howl that was both versatile and gripping. West’s savvy and rapturous melodies generated edgy hooks and a rousing punk-rock attitude that twisted itself around the band’s music and lyrical structure. John Casale’s vicious drum set rendered a stringent assault of hard-iron beats and impetuous grooves that drew from the band’s expressive punk-rock persona and pop rock explosiveness. Along with a juicy baseline by bassist, Tim Robbins, American Pinup showed us why they're one of the most robust and versatile live acts in the indie-scene today.

John Casale on drums and Tim Robbins on bass at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

John Casale on drums and Tim Robbins on bass at Arlene's Grocery. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Each year we try and pull off something magical and different for you – the fans – for our annual Farewell Summer. Whether it’s extra merch, more bands on the bill or deals at the door, we’ve always put our friends, audiences and artists first: this year was no different. This was truly something special. With three insanely impressive bands, a great crowd and good vibes, this year’s Farewell Summer Show blew the doors off. With a gnarly pro-expressive attitude, these indie live acts provided gut-busting rhythms, savvy grooves, beefy vocals and flaying electric riffs that came out and conquered us all, allowing us to fall victim to the music that we heart the most: rock’ n’ roll. We couldn’t thank you all enough for being with us for the taking.

Listen, like and follow Mala Vista, FREAKABOUT and American Pinup below. Also check out our show recap on our You Tube page below.

Show Recap

 

Mala Vista

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FREAKABOUT

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American Pinup

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Hollis Brown Captures the Essence of American Rock & Roll at Berlin NYC

 

New York City rock & roll band, Hollis Brown, played in front of a packed-house at Berlin NYC last Wednesday during the second performance of their Berlin NYC residency. We've been fortunate to lay eyes on this emerging five-piece band for the fifth time, as they continue to raise our eyebrows with compelling melodic content, compassionate lyrics and mastery in live performance. The group's roaring sound, blended with roots of classic rock influences, resonated across the crowd-filled venue. With our ears full of the phonic notes of rock & roll, blues and Americana, it's no surprise Hollis Brown has a place as one of the leading independent bands in the genre.

Stemming from their Record Store Day release, Cluster Of Pearls, Hollis Brown began their month long residency at Berlin NYC on May 4, 2016. As in their first performance, their second date gave us a touch of both their older and latest works, jamming out songs such as "Ride on The Train," "Faith & Love", "Sweet Tooth," "Rain Dance" and "Cold City" as well as their iconic finale with "John Wayne". Each song exemplified Hollis Brown's raw, yet heart-felt, sonic arrangements that illustrate the band's vivid lyrical style and versatile songwriting ability. Hollis Brown's jeering and rapturous melodies capture the essence of rock & roll, inviting us into a realm where classic and contemporary rock blends together perfectly.

Lead singer/songwriter, Mike Montali, crooned the intimate LES venue with commanding, yet subtle vocals, enticing the crowd to draw closer towards him - mesmerized by the band’s jaunty and bluesy western-esque melodies. Standing up front side-stage, the crowd pushed us closer to lead guitarist Jonathan Bonilla as he demonstrated his stormy guitar skills filled with affirmation and ferocity. Bonilla’s muscular work on the strings, along with balancing touches from pianist Adam Bock, drummer Andrew Zehnal and bassist Scott Thompson, offered audiences with a complex and firmly rooted rock & roll sound that portrayed a heart-felt authenticity that radiated off stage.

International front-man, Tony Wright of VerseChorusVerse, kicked off the showcase with his musical brilliance that has spanned across the UK, Ireland and Europe. His polarizing lyrics and keen musical experimentation in the rock & roll space, offered a rare treat for the early birds that flocked to see Hollis Brown perform. Renowned alternative-country and folk-twang singer/songwriter, Don DiLego, followed putting on a spectacular show that drove audiences away from the cold Lower East Side and into a raw-boned saloon in middle-america - bringing bourbon, old tales and lost loves to mind. His mastery of the genre harnesses a melodious craft of fine-tuned musical skill, truly making Don DeLego one of the leading emerging artists to come out of the indie-rock and alternative country space.

As curators of classic rock, Hollis Brown is spearheading the modern rock & roll movement in a city that thirsts for an American-born sound. Their ambition to combine both classic and contemporary rock is a catalyst of their own music individuality that has garnished not only a revival in the genre, but a dedicated fan-base that seeks good-old fashioned rock & roll. Make sure to not miss your opportunity to see this incredible band perform live during their residency at Berlin NYC before it's too late. 

 

Stream, download, and listen to Hollis Brown today on...

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Also, be sure to follow them on...

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