Browsing: Featured Story

Australians love their rock and the Aussie band Vacations had Rough Trade Below NYC filled for an intimate performance with lead singer Campbell Burns. Vacations soft rock tunes pull at our emotional strings. The band consists of Campbell on vocals, Jake Johnson on bass, Nate Delizzotti on lead guitar, and Joseph Van Lier on drums. I had the chance to interview Burns and Johnson about their new album Pursuit of Anything (out now), who they think is next from the Australian rock scene (Swapmeet), and the tour ahead of them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zZfVPxR3N4

Joe Germanotta, the owner of Joanne Trattoria, located in the upper west side of New York City is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary. If Joe Germanotta’s name sounds familiar, it should. He is none other than Lady Gaga’s father. He launched the restaurant in 2012 in memory of his sister Joanne. The restaurant is now celebrating all month long with performances including the tenth anniversary of Lady Gaga’s Joanne album in October 17. Germanotta has recently extended the restaurant into a musical destination featuring cabaret, covers, and yes Lady Gaga tunes. I talked to both Germanotta and resident singer Grace Romanello…

As we celebrate 35 years of Nirvana’s Nevermind, Grunge is remerging as a musical staple once again and it feels like Holy Vulture is leading the way. The New York City band recently played Silver Lining Lounge opening for Fuel. Lead singer Dante Vessio had the chance to talk with me about the band, their rise, and how grunge is coming back in a major way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPKjXxMERrs

Drummer Brian Sachs is ready for his second act. His first band The Authority was on the cusp of making it as they played with Spin Doctors, Dave Matthews Band, and Blues Traveler back in the 90s. Now Sachs and Shelby Kemp on vocals, Tonin on guitar, Zach Johnson on bass, and Chris Spies on keys are ready for their next chapter. Their new band Mynd Reader is ready to release their new EP called Sunday Drive. It’s an honest, raw southern sounding project that picks up where Kings of Leon left off. I talked to Sachs about the project,…

Josh Evert of the Fatty Acids rock band is breaking away with his solo project called Photogenic Memory. Evert, who is from Milwaukee, has released “Sound of Machines” which is influenced by The Flaming Lips and sounds like a pop psychedelic tune that we need right now. We chatted it up about his new solo album, his personal experiences that leads him to write so profoundly about subject matter at hand, and much more. Check out the interview below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bry3nAf7ijA

Luiza Girardello is as unique as her music. Her Brazilian background shows up in her style, authenticity, and music. Born in Brazil, her eclectic style is catapulting into the musical stratosphere. From her lyrical content to her music Girardello is shining a bright light on her heritage. The singer recorded a unique cover of Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” with strings that is a quite a different take of the original song recorded circa 1993. Her new album World Ablaze is out August 13. Girardello fought the good fight with cancer and is able to tell her story today as a survivor.…

Alabama’s The Family touch on country, blues, and rock and roll. They have been through their fair shares of ups and downs. They are singing about it on their new album called Delusions of Grandeur, out now. The Family is Dylan Leblanc, James Leblanc, Angela Hacker, and Bay Simpson. Together they make blissful harmonies and are a collective you won’t soon forget. Watch the interview below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37vWU7BBDbM

Ruby Alexander is a folk soul singer from down under and her style is unique and one of its own. She echoes the styles of Amy Winehouse mixed in with the folk sensibilities of some Joni Mitchell. Growing up in Australia and now making the trek to the States, Alexander’s voice is rich as she knows how to manage her vocals to a tee. She looks up to the guitar prowess of Nick Drake and the talents of the lead vocalist of Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard. Alexander was featured in Australia’s Lion King. She acquired guitar playing skills at the…

Los Angeles indie pop star Ian Cobiella is inventing his own sound and style. Classically trained on the piano and learning the cello in four weeks is a talent in itself. His new EP All I Have I Give is bursting with emotions and his music is steeped in integrity and is paving the way for a new indie pop regimen to begin. His single “Control, Out” blends synth electronic beats with piano. His Cuban and Bolivian roots shows up in his music as well. I talk to the budding indie pop star about his new EP, his culture, and more. What…

Indie hip hop producer and artist Student 1 is following into some big footsteps like Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, the Creator. The Minneapolis resident and Ethiopian native, is making a dent in the music industry all on his own. He put his all into his new album called Truant and the result is the beginning of something special. He also collaborated with Tierra Whack on his song “Yin Yang”. Student 1 will be playing Baby’s Alright on August 4. What drew you into hip hop? Family members that played Eminem, DMX, 50 Cent was the beginning of learning more about…