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.

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Deem Spencer's Raw Emotion Shined At El Cortez

Deem Spencer breathing on the mic at The Safari Room. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

New York’s independent hip-hop scene has endured a multitude of changes over the years with the rise of trap-infused beats and sharp-edged vocals; this growth has spawned some of the mainstream titans that flow through our airwaves today.  As listeners crave for the club ravaging and intensifying sounds of trap music one can argue that the raw lyricism, vivid storytelling and deep productions of New York hip-hop - which made the east coast so successful - has been put on the back-burner.

Yet, some of NY’s young and talented emcees continue adopt the traditional flows of east coast hip-hop alive with fresh new sounds and production, which altogether, has even attempted to move the trend needle forward: This is where Deem Spencer comes in.

Deem Spencer prepping up at The Safari Room. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

The Queens-based rapper, overnight, has become one of the biggest talks on the scene and has impressed both his listeners and audiences with razor sharp lyricism, honest emotion and raspy-esque flows. His ambling vocalization and handsomely smooth compositions resembles the flows of Mos Def mixed with a hint of Tyler, The Creator.

Over a series of crispy bundled-up beats blended with an array of soft keys and complex strings, Deem’s rhymes are as complex as his stage presence: keeping audiences guessing and on their toes for what comes next next.

We came out to El Cortez in Brooklyn last Saturday to watch Deem Spencer’s performance of his latest EP, “We Think We Alone.” The show took place at El Cortez’s, The Safari Room, adjacent to the Tex-Mex bistro in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn (definitely recommended for some hearty bites and luscious margaritas). The faint aromas of Mary Jane, overnight IPA hops and cigarettes hovered in the air as audiences slowly poured in to catch a scent of some good old NY hip-hop.

Deem Spencer movin' on stage at The Safari Room. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

Crimdella and Venture Klan opened the show for Deem as they kicked off the night with ferocious bars, brilliant production and ravaging beats that assailed audiences into that uptown sound that never disappoints.

Crimdella, aka Black Zeusx, provided a series of poetic rhymes and intense imagery that breathed heavily through pulverizing beats. Zeusx’ gripping charisma on the mic pierced through every chord, as the Harlem emcee broke into the crowd – getting us wiled up for an awesome night of hip-hop.

Venture Klan also offered a pulsating performance through their club-banging anthems filled with character, swag and humor. This three-piece act conquered the stage with their enduring styles; precision-like flows and energetic jibes that made The Safari Room crowd keep their hands in the air. They even gave us some free merch for us to make our friends hate us just a little more.

Deem Spencer showing his lyrical talent at The Safari Room. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

With his performance on “We Think We Alone,” Deem Spencer delivered an unforgettable performance that was rich, grieving and outright amusement that forced us to all “shake our a$$” while Deem performed the record in its entirety. Inspired by the death of his grandfather last winter, the Queens-based artists’ stage presence reflected a mellow and introverted persona, it was Deem’s precise melodies and intricate wordplay that helped keep audiences afloat – keened in on his heavy-hearted storytelling and brilliance.

Perfectionist, soft-spoken and meticulous, the Southside Jamaica emcee, poured his soul into every bar and mastered them beautifully behind a complex nebula of sensual synths, soulful chords and a mix of venomous beats that elicited a challenging sound of emotion and exasperation.

Deem opened with a killer freestyle on Saturday that showcased the indie-rapper at his lyrical best, along with an early 90’s-esque boom-bap and lulling keys. On “Soap” and “Eve’s T*****s,” we caught a glimpse of Deem’s vivid symbolism, strategic metaphors and illustrious productions with an instrumentation that’s unnerving with its precise strings. On these tracks, we got a sense of Deem’s patience and detailed flow that spoke assertively through his mic.

Deem Spencer spittin' on the mic at The Safari Room. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

The night flowed on, and on tracks such as “Mother Earth” and “Moonflower,” we saw Deem with a more peevish and scrappier vocal with a high degree of synths and complex percussions. With “F***d Up Flowers,” Deem relieved himself of that conservative stage presence with a groovy chilled-out track that got him, Sly Cooper and the rest of crowd “shaking their a$$.” With a jazzed-out J-Pop sample, patient chords and complex percussion, Deems' vibed out track helped to bridge that relaxed demeanor with a stellar upbeat performance.

Deem Spencer’s nebulous sound, smoky aroma and artistic lyricism is blueprint for the future of indie hip-hop. It’s genuine & cunning, apologetically honest and deeply descriptive with grief & empathy. With raw emotion and petite aggression, Deem Spencer’s metaphoric scriptures are surely a trend ahead of today’s mainstream and independent hip-hop scenes. No doubt, Deem Spencer will be obtaining that recognition as his music persists.

Deem Spencers honesty & grief on display at The Safari Room. Photo courtesy of Sergio Carrasco.

For more information, and to stream/download his music, follow Deem Spencer today. Also be sure to catch Deem live at his next show at Baby’s All Right on December 4.

Deem Spencer

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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!

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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

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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

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Raul Midón Releases New Single “Pedal to The Metal” ahead of his upcoming album “Bad Ass and Blind”

Photo courtesy of Blair Allen

Raul Midón unveiled his latest heel-clapping single last week, “Petal to The Medal,” as the multi-instrumentalist singer-guitarist will release his highly anticipated ninth studio album “Bad Ass and Blind” this Friday.

Midón’s latest tune is a true testament to the percussionist’s jazz-inspired soul that has placed him among some of the finest musicians in the genre. This get-on-your-feet jam is a philosophical expression that glides into Midón’s musical success, confidence and commitment that drives his passion for music and instrumentation.

Visually challenged at birth, Raul Midón’s artistry allowed him to shatter barriers throughout the industry, playing along side the likes of Jose Feliciano, George Benson, Shakira, Stevie Wonder and the late great Al Jarreau. His influences in the Latin, jazz and soul genres, exemplify Midón’s willingness to adopt, evolve and sustain his sound that has spanned over an illustrious thirty-year career.

Raul Midón’s mastery of the guitar, percussion and complex vocals stem from his extensive musical experience and influences. His elusive style on the strings enables Midón to create a jazz-infused flamenco that allows his audience to embrace his harmonic melodies and tender voice. Midón’s impressive vocal-horn technique creates a Miles Davis-esque sound that brings roaring 20’s bebop sound straight from his lips.

Along with his free two-hand play that makes him synonymous with a “one-man orchestra,” Raul Midón’s music elicits the freedom, enthusiasm and charisma that aptly provide strong instrumentation with complex rhythms and keen lyricism.

We truly recommend experiencing this brilliant artist and his music, as Midón’s impeccable work is a constant reminder as to why this genre remains a must-listen for years to come.  Make sure to pre-order his album today!

Guitar Center Clinic:

Raul Midón will be kicking off the New York leg of his “Bad Ass and Blind” tour with his Guitar Clinic at Guitar Center Time Square on Thursday, March 23rd at 6:00pm. Fans will be able to witness the singer-songwriter perform live, host a Q&A for fans, and offer a meet & greet. The show is opened to the public. Please arrive early, as space is limited.

Album Release Show:

Also, come out this Friday, March 24th, to watch Midón perform live at the Highline Ballroom for his album release show. Doors will open at 6:00pm and show starts at 8:00pm.  RSVP today!

Follow, stream and listen to Raul Midón on his social below!

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