by Jane Lambert

Torsha Lynn Gets “Supa Baddd”

“Supa Baddd” is the first single (released October 28th) off of edgy R&B/HipHop artist Torsha Lynn’s upcoming album Inappropriate. On this track Torsha aims to introduce herself with a self-confidence worn like a pair of well-fitting skinny jeans. “This song is all about being a strong woman and in control of your life. I often write from a place of women empowerment. Being raised by a young, single mom, I had my first job at 14 and owned my own company at the age of 26.” But she also wanted to create a track that would be a hot request for the dance floor.

Inappropriate is an album that touches on topics that span the breadth of womanhood as Torsha has experienced it. As an entrepreneur (Snug Pet Resort), mother of two, and wife of an NFL football player she has some interesting insights to unfurl.

LISTEN : “Supa Baddd” on Soundcloud

11.03.14

by Jane Lambert

Paul Maged Releases “Diamonds & Demons”

New York staple Paul Maged, has just released his new record, Diamonds & Demons. An album filled with social awareness, Maged touches upon the topics of climate change, human warfare, religion and today’s evolving society. The first single from the record is “Look at Me,” that gravitates towards a rebellious sound with punk tendencies.

Maged’s vocals are clear so he can get his point across without distraction. The songs on Diamonds & Demons recall the sounds of Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen, while providing his own originality to boot. His cutting vocals breathe energy into the lead single, which is found throughout the rest of the album.

Other standout pieces include “Cause & Effect,” which send a little Eddie Vedder nostalgia down your spine, and “I’m Okay,” which delves in a dose of funk, subtly, into the record. Diamonds & Demons is 17-tracks of riff heavy and politically charged pieces, that brings issues to life, in a way that captures your attention and makes you want to change the world.

Listen to Paul Maged’s “Look at Me,”: https://soundcloud.com/paulmaged/look-at-me

11.03.14

by tonyachin

Brooklyn’s What Model Citizens Release “Too Late” Video

“Too Late,” is the newest video by What Model Citizens, who hail from Brooklyn. Singer and frontman Alex Musto says of the eerie new video:

“Generally I prefer to let the work speak for itself but the concept behind the video is the age old idea of obsession overwhelming and destroying a person. The main character is Captain Ahab. He’s Doctor Frankenstein. He’s so engulfed in his work it kills the only other person he may have cared about other than himself. Seeing the destruction he hath wrought he realizes he maybe able to save her but through his work. He sets about collecting the parts to rebuild her pouring his obsession into into his latest project. In the end when she finally wakes back up he’s put so much of his own hatred and soul into rebuilding her that his personality overwhelms hers and starts attacking him. He’s forced to destroy the monster he created.”

The highly anticipated video has just landed a high profile premiere via Buzznet, and is already making the rounds with music listeners alike. The brainchild of Alex Musto, What Model Citizens’ unique electronic sound is a danceable storm that firmly places the band in New York’s music scene. Compared to groups such as Gang of Four and The Faint, What Model Citizens delivers reverb-laden guitars, heavy with electronic sounds and a driving tenacity.

Watch the video for “Too Late,” here: http://vimeo.com/100473479

10.31.14

by Jane Lambert

Vajra is Taking Over with their High Octane Rock n’ Roll

Vajra is a name I am very familiar with in the New York area. Also making their rounds on Sirius XM, playing SXSW, countless NYC venues and more, the band is taking off in a whole new light. Formed by Annamaria Pinna while she was in India, a bit of self discovery brought to life Vajra. Pinna is an accomplished composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist. The group have just released their latest single “Blind (Blood Mix)” at the end of this Summer, and the track is just as strong, a couple of months down the line. The haunting and dark undertones are hypnotically laced, as it recalls Eastern Indian themes. Pinna’s voice is captivating and strong; an unstoppable force crawling out of the musical bed. While heavy hitting and dark the band proves to be very accessible, especially with the addition of Pinna’s smoky and seductive vocals.

Vajra is Annamaria Pinna (Vocals, Composer, Keyboards), Kevin Jones (Bass), James Rosenberg (Guitar); and John Keener (Drums, Percussion).

Listen “Blood Blind” https://soundcloud.com/vajratemple/blind-blood-edit-mp3

10.31.14

by Jane Lambert

Tomás Doncker and Yusef Komunyakaa Reunite on “Big Apple Blues” LP

I have been a long time fan of the Blues, first becoming interested in the genre during my college years of studying music history. Recently I have had the chance to check out Tomas Doncker’s latest release, Big Apple Blues (True Groove Records), which features legendary poet, Yusef Komunyakaa.

This is the second record the two have collaborated on, and they have recently officially introduced the album during the Dodge Poetry Festival. Doncker has been making his name in the music world for quite a while, as he started out in the ‘no wave,’ scene in NYC in the 1980s. Fast forward into 2014, when his music has taken a more intricate and enticing turn, with standout songs such as “The New Day,” which is featured on the record. The accessible tune is a musical journey all of its own. The mixture of Doncker’s stunning musicianship and Komunyakaa’s use of words is unstoppable and breathtaking, stirring philosophical lyrics.

Track after track on Big Apple Blues, definitely do deliver the goods. Opener “Big Apple Blues,” brings the album to life immediately, which ebbs and flows throughout the record without missing a beat. This unique record is uplifting, heartfelt, and flawless. One I have had on repeat since I first discovered it. A great discovery indeed.

Listen to “Big Apple Blues”: https://soundcloud.com/tomasdoncker/01-big-apple-blues

10.31.14

by Jane Lambert

Chuckie Campbell Releases “All I Meant,” (feat. Cole Jonique)

Critically acclaimed Chuckie Campbell is making major waves in the music scene. His unique brand of hip hop has captured the ears of outlets such as Huffington Post, Young Hollywood and Buzzfeed. Recently releasing his latest single, “All I Meant (feat. Cole Jonique), from his album More Die of Heartbreak, the in-your-face track makes Campbell a prominent name to watch out for. The new record features Wu Tang members Cappadonna and Solomon Childs, as well as Cole Jonique, Block McCloud and Erin Breeding. Impressive? I think so!

Hailing from Buffalo, NY, Campbell is an all around jack of trades. Not only does he write music, but he writes stories and poetry as well, and is also the founder and editor of the online and print Arts journal, Sunsets and Silencers. His unique and smooth lyrical flow makes him standout from the rest, as does his knack for writing intriguing lyrics.If you dig artists such as The Roots, Macklemore, Nas and Dead Prez, than Chuckie Campbell is DEFINITELY for you.

Watch “All I Meant”, directed by Steve Pyne, on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WRUoyGyJmQ