Browsing: Features

Singer Sky Ferreira helped with grand opening festivities at Rough Trade record store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn last Monday. The store, itself, has been a long time coming for music lovers everywhere. Many naysayers say what’s different from a regular record store? Why resurrect something in already dying industry? From Vinyl to CDs to books, you name it Rough Trade has it–including something different—a  live performance intimate concert hall, which is an extension to the store, which already showcased a big talent opening night of the store–Sky Ferreira. The store has a fierce line up in weeks to come. Check out their…

First look at Smokey Jones, you might think she’s another Britney Spears or Jessica Simpson. Looks can be deceiving. Island Def Jam held a listening session for the newly christened singer and once she opened her mouth, a different story is told. Husky vocals and top-notch vocal range—Smokey can be compared to the style of Adele. Her breath control was spot on especially during the cover of Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody”. Her songs “Naked” and “Bumps and Bruises” illustrates her foray into the music world. Her soulful ambition is easily recognized as humble and eager to continue to carve…

Meet the edgier Tori Amos: Jillette Johnson. Johnson is beyond her time of today’s pop music. Astounding and surprising vocals left the audience at Joe’s stunned. Johnson is classy and leaves an emotional mark with her exceptional lyrics. Sporting an all leather rock star ensemble Saturday night at Joe’s Pub made you think she was the next Sheryl Crow, but she evoked emotion with her epic piano playing backed with her breathtaking band featuring a cellist, drummer, guitarist, and keyboardist. Known for her breakthrough single, “Cameron”, Johnson played to a full room that connected to every single song. Johnson’s debut…

In all fairness, pop and hip hop are ruling the roost these days but rock and roll still does exist according to Potty Mouth’s lead guitarist and vocalist Abby Weems at some level. You just have to find it. The rock darlings of Potty Mouth are bringing back a wave of feel good organic rock and roll with a glam vintage feel to it. Think Hole, but grittier. I recently sat down with Abby Weems from the all girl group Potty Mouth and discussed a possible new rock revolution, their debut CD Hellbent, and Bill Cosby, yes Bill Cosby. How did Potty Mouth…

Katy Perry’s first single from her upcoming fall release, Prism, has been leaked early. The song, “Roar”, is a definite anthem as Perry sings “I’ve got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire / ’cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar!” Check out the song below. Where do you think Katy Perry got the inspiration from this song? Sound off in the comment area below.

One of Lady Gaga’s newest songs has officially leaked and it sounds like a demo—so that means it’s not finished. It’s called “Burqa” and will be featured on her November 11 release of Artpop. She is also due to take the stage at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards on August 25 to perform her first single from that record called “Applause”. (Artwork can be seen in the picture provided.) Take a listen at “Burqa” & enjoy….

Some bands sound better on MySpace than they do on an actual stage. That was the problem with Aussie act Strange Talk at Santos Party House in NYC Thursday night. As the headline act, their befuddled vocals and a wall of loud guitars drowned out some of the better songs. Just when you think you understood what lead singer Stephen Docker was singing, it didn’t pass for memorable. The highlight of their set was a song called “Falling In Love” with true 80s synth that brought you back to the decade that made you want to dance. If you want…

Quite a few influencers in NYC’s fashion world came together for the 2013 Fall private showing of Parish Nation’s Clothing Brand. The urban men’s fashion label draws inspiration from traditional work gear and military uniforms. The brand, which has been around for about seven years now has quite the motto or slogan, “Health, Wealth, and Wisdom”, which rings true through its promotion, marketing, and community service. The line targets the streets and has much urban appeal, but the upcoming autumn line is definitely touching on the American spirit. The Parish designers started with the whole Americana theme, but they injected…

Alternative/Industrial band Filter has seen many changes in its line up over the years, but that is not slowing them down a bit. Their new album, The Sun Comes Out Tonight, out on June 4 on Wind-Up Records, is a hard rock opus that will make you forget that rock and roll is dead. Frontman and lead singer, Richard Patrick, wanted to go back to his roots on this album and aimed for the album to sound like 1995’s Short Bus, but done with today’s recording technology. I sat down with Jonny Radtke, formerly of Kill Hannah. He joined Filter…

Child music prodigy at 8 years old, drummer Ilan Rubin, has mastered not only the art of drumming, but has guitar and piano down now as well. Rubin’s resume included drumming for Lost Prophets, Paramore, and now the infamous Nine Inch Nails. Trent Reznor invited him to come aboard after he saw him play for Lost Prophets. Rubin also has his own project out entitled Exhibit A under his band and ultimately own solo project, The New Regime. I was entitled an interview with Rubin as I talked to him briefly over the phone about being discovered by Trent Reznor,…