by Jane Lambert

Galactic Monk Releases Ethereal Pop Anthem “Secretly Admire”

Galactic Monk has released his ethereal new single, “Secretly Admire,” out now!

The track invites listeners to embrace self-love and overcome insecurities, delivering a powerful message wrapped in an ethereal pop sound with hints of Tropical House.

“The inspiration for writing and recording this song stems from my anticipation of a relationship with my Twin Flame. My intuition tells me we will have a fiery relationship supported by the divine. This song is a manifestation of the reality I want to create. As a writer and artist with roots in Hip-Hop, exploring singing vocals was a new venture for me,” says Galactic Monk.

He adds, “Recording, mixing, and mastering the track myself was crucial in achieving the ethereal and upbeat energy I envisioned.”

The story behind “Secretly Admire” is one of true perseverance. After prioritizing his mental health with a leave of absence from work in 2015, Galactic Monk rebuilt his recording studio from scratch in 2022.

“Secretly Admire” is the first song completed in his newly equipped studio, symbolizing a return to his creative roots.

Accompanying the single is a new lyric video. Galactic Monk plans to release one song each month until the full album is unveiled. The aim is to empower listeners to step into their authentic power and shine unapologetically, blending ethereal pop, catchy beats, and lyrical magic.

Galactic Monk has dedicated himself to an unwavering pursuit of self-mastery, honing his skills in recording, mixing, mastering, writing, and producing to develop a unique sound.

Starting as a recording engineer, he wrote and recorded his songs during studio downtime, creating each track as a vessel for powerful mantras, affirmations, and manifestations.

At the heart of his art is a profound commitment to his “Star Mission” – a crusade to save planet Earth and activate enlightenment in all who encounter his work. Galactic Monk’s music is a vehicle for transformation, awakening dormant potentials and unlocking inherent power within each listener.

In an increasingly disconnected world, Galactic Monk stands out as a beacon of hope, showcasing art’s transformative power and the human spirit’s limitless potential.

When not in the studio, he shares daily doses of motivational wisdom on social media platforms and plots world-changing initiatives with fellow truth seekers.

Keep up with Galactic Monk here:

Website / X / Spotify / YouTube Music

05.05.24

by Jane Lambert

Wren Astra’s New Single ‘Concussed’: A Musical Journey of Resilience and Social Justice

Wren Astra embodies a unique blend of creativity and academia, seamlessly navigating her roles as an indie blues musician and a respected professor at USC.

Her new single, “Concussed”, is a profound exploration of societal issues, drawing from a diverse range of musical influences to tell the story of experiencing concussion at the hands of an abuser.

It is a powerful and emotionally charged song that delves into the harrowing experience of living through physical assault and the complex dynamics of trauma bonds.

The decision to release it on leap year day adds an extra layer of symbolism, reflecting the disorienting and surreal nature of the events depicted in the song:

“This was a very difficult video for the crew and actors to make. I wanted it to be a graphic and realistic retelling of the very real events that survivors live through. I want viewers and listeners to live through and feel why many of us return over and over to our abuser with hope that things will turn out differently.“

The collaboration with guest vocalist Zero Surico of @for3sthills brings additional depth to the vocals, amplifying the intensity of the message. It’s evident that a lot of thought and emotion went into creating both the music and the accompanying video, making it a compelling and thought-provoking piece of art.

The song also explores the confusing thoughts, feelings, and physical disorientation that occurs in real time of an abuse event. It features Wren Astra reading the legal restraining order for her abuser as she whispers, with haunting melancholy vocals by Surico and the moody strings of guest celloist Christopher McCarthy.

In her dedication to inclusivity, Wren actively collaborates with artists from marginalized communities, diversifying the artistic landscape and fostering a sense of representation and belonging.

Crafting the Wren Astra brand as an outlet for pain and trauma through music reflects a courageous and inspired endeavor. Music’s capacity to convey profound emotions serves as a perfect medium for sharing her story and fostering healing, not only for herself but also for others who have encountered similar challenges.

Through her interdisciplinary approach, informed by her background in social justice medicine and medical writing, she brings depth to her music, offering insights into the systemic issues she addresses.

Wren ensures that her commitment to inclusivity extends to her live performances, creating spaces where individuals of all backgrounds and identities feel welcomed and celebrated.

Her work serves as a powerful catalyst for social change, inspiring others to join the fight for justice and equality through artistic expression.

Keep up to date with Wren Astra on Instagram and Facebook

Stream music on Spotify and YouTube

05.02.24

by Jane Lambert

Lady Charles’ New Single “Bedroom Pop” ft. Zoe Towne is a Captivating Tribute to Indie Spirit

Lady Charles’ latest release, “Bedroom Pop,” featuring Zoe Towne, is a mesmerizing journey into the evocative ambiance of the early 2010s indie music scene.

Channeling the spirit of DIY creativity and the raw intimacy of lo-fi sounds, the song serves as a poignant tribute to an era where artists carved out their own spaces within the musical landscape, often from the comfort of their own bedrooms.

At its core, “Bedroom Pop” weaves a narrative rich in themes of self-discovery, collaboration, and the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of the music industry. Through a lyrical exploration of the protagonist’s journey, Lady Charles confronts the spectre of exploitation and the quest for autonomy in a world where artistic integrity can often be compromised.

The song unfolds like a conversation between friends, each verse and chorus revealing layers of emotional depth and introspection. Zoe Towne’s ethereal vocals provide a captivating counterpoint to Lady Charles’ introspective lyrics, adding an additional dimension to the song.

“I have seen a lot of predatory behaviour aimed at young, talented artists, and I wanted to affirm that if you’re finding yourself disrespected or worse you do not owe anything to these types” says Charles of the lyric.

“I’ve always felt very protective of my artistic friends’ output, and there is little more disheartening than seeing someone’s energy sucked away by the promise of success with a hidden cost. The song isn’t inspired by a particular experience, and that’s partially just because of how unfortunately widespread this is. I have helped bands re-record their demos after producers began to demand dates in return for what was supposed to be free help, I have been kicked out of a band only to find out that a remaining member isolated and verbally abused the other once it was just the two of them. I have seen incredibly talented people absolutely burned out by the ludicrous parasatism of these types.”

Musically, “Bedroom Pop” represents a departure from Lady Charles’ usual style, incorporating a blend of major and minor 7th chords that evoke a sense of harmonic richness and complexity.

The inclusion of saxophone refrains and a soulful guitar solo further enhances the song’s atmospheric allure, transporting listeners to a realm where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.

“The song differs a bit from my usual writing. I used a lot of major and minor 7th chords and arranged the progression such that adjacent chords share harmonic content but the entire progression doesn’t stay in one key. It’s effectively like how a lot of jazz is composed, and I did it because it has a certain airy, open sound that I associate with dreaminess – a major tendency with bedroom pop music is a certain hazy dreamlike quality and because the track isn’t actually that lo-fi I think it helps evoke that atmosphere well. The chorus is a bit more like a traditional pop chorus, and I think it anchors the flow of the verses well – here the lyric is far more direct and less stream of consciousness. The guitar solo is completely opposite my playing on Manic Pixie Dream World – a clean, gentle melodic line drenched in reverb not unlike what you might find in bedroom and dream pop of the era.”

Drawing from personal experiences and influences ranging from David Bowie to the glam-rock era, Lady Charles infuses “Bedroom Pop” with a sense of authenticity and vulnerability.

With its thought provoking lyrics and captivating dreamy sound, the song leaves a lasting impression and invites listeners to embrace their own unique voice and creative vision.

Listen to “Bedroom Pop” on Spotify now!

Stay current with Lady Charles:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music

04.09.24

by Jane Lambert

Peter Calandra Shows Brilliance with new Album Release “Spirit”

Peter Calandra’s latest album, “Spirit,” offers a captivating blend of emotive piano compositions and ambient soundscapes, providing a sanctuary for listeners amidst the chaos of the modern world.

This brand new album consists of 10 original tracks as well as 3 re-imagined classics, reflecting Calandra’s journey from his teenage years to the present day.

The original compositions were curated from material improvised during the pandemic, recorded during Calandra’s Saturday Night Live Sets on YouTube. From these sessions, favorite pieces were selected to be included on the album, all of which are improvised. “Spirit” also features cover songs from Calandra’s earlier days performing in bar bands.

Each track on “Spirit” is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, with the album unfolding like a series of paintings. Layers of sound are carefully blended together.

Tracks such as “Joyful Light,” “Fading Memories,” and “Night Sky” show Calandra’s ability to convey deep emotions through delicate piano solos and ethereal textures.

A standout track on the album is “Layla,” where Calandra reinterprets this classic Eric Clapton song with serene notes and touches of gospel that bring a fresh perspective on the familiar melody.

Overall, “Spirit” offers a reprieve from the noise of the world, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its beauty and solace. Calandra’s musical expertise shines through in every composition, reflecting his diverse career spanning Broadway productions, film scoring, and composing for prestigious events.

Peter Calandra, based in New York City, is a versatile composer, keyboardist, and guitarist renowned for his contributions to various realms of the music industry. With a remarkable career spanning decades, Calandra has left an indelible mark through his prolific output and diverse musical endeavors.

Notably, Calandra’s expertise in composing extends to the realm of film, where he has scored over 100 films, bringing his distinctive musical touch to a wide array of cinematic productions.

Additionally, his compositions have graced television screens globally, with over 2500 pieces created for TV broadcast.

Calandra’s talent for crafting memorable theme songs has garnered widespread acclaim, with his compositions for network television, including the FIFA World Cup Theme for Fox Sports, The Special Olympics World Games Theme for ESPN, and the Invictus Games Theme for ESPN, standing out as for his versatility as a composer.

In addition to his work in film and television, Calandra has established himself as a prolific recording artist, having released 15 albums of original music.

Calandra has also graced stages around the world, serving as a keyboardist for iconic productions such as the original Little Shop Of Horrors, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables, and The Lion King. His performances, both in theater orchestras as well as alongside esteemed artists such as NY Pops, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Aretha Franklin, further exemplify an ability to be versatile in genre.

Calandra shares his expertise as a teacher at the Aaron Copland School Of Music at Queens College, CUNY in New York City. Through his teaching, he continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians.

Keep up to date with Peter Calandra:

Website / Facebook / Spotify / YouTube Music / Soundcloud

04.08.24

by Jane Lambert

Faint Halos Drops New Single “Something To Lose” Ahead of Album Release – A Must-Listen for Indie Rock Fans!

Faint Halos, the brainchild of singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Paul Hashemi, has released their latest single, “Something To Lose,” from the eagerly awaited album “I can see a million lights.”

With a captivating blend of raw emotion and undeniable charm, “Something To Lose” delves into the introspective territory of questioning life choices, especially those that pertain to love and lost love.

Originally conceived with a modern rock sound upon its initial release in 2022, Paul Hashemi has taken the song in a fresh direction opting for a more intimate acoustic setup.

Reflecting on this fresh new take, Hashemi shares:

“After the original release, I felt drawn to explore a different dimension of the song. Stripping away the layers revealed a tender, almost folky quality that I wanted to bring to the forefront.”

The track narrates a poignant tale of lost love with intricate emotional lyrics and instrumentation.

“Something To Lose” exudes a lighthearted charm, seamlessly blending old-school indie rock sounds with a contemporary edge. With unconventional instrumentation, including a sofa repurposed as a kick drum, and the melodic richness of the accordion, Hashemi has an innovative approach within the indie rock genre.

The result is a refreshing departure in a sometimes-stagnant music scene of indie rock music today.

“Something To Lose” was recorded, mixed, and mastered in Paul’s home studio in Berwyn, Pennsylvania;. Vocals were also tracked at home in North Carolina. The instrumentation is two acoustic guitars, an accordion, and some couch slaps/floor stomps. (Although truth be told, the accordion and percussion were both MIDI and not real).

Paul’s daughter Cate joins in too, with vocal harmonies, lending a really bright sound.

Based in Philadelphia, Paul Hashemi is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is influenced by his formal training in classical piano, viola, and violin, and has taken much from the vibrant music scene of the 1990s, touring extensively with various rock bands along the East Coast.

Paul says: “I play a half-dozen instruments and could never just focus on being a “singer” or “guitarist”, which is a really intriguing quality.

Despite a hiatus from music to prioritize familial responsibilities, Hashemi rediscovered his passion during the pandemic lockdown of 2020.

Under the moniker Faint Halos, he embarked on a new chapter in his musical career, crafting deeply introspective songs that explore themes of adulthood, fatherhood, and societal progress.

Connect with Faint Halos:
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music

Listen to “Something To Lose” on Spotify and YouTube Music.

11.01.10

by kenami

Concert Photos of CMJ 2010

For a New Yorker such as myself who is deeply into modern music and the direction its headed, there simply is no time greater in the year then CMJ. Last year was my first taste of the five day long Music/Film festival and despite photographing musicians for a full year prior to the festival, never have I experienced such respect, access, and simple gratefulness from musicians for coming out and seeing them perform. What also made this an exciting time was interacting with fellow music fans from all over the world! 2010’s CMJ has ended and though it is sad to imagine such an amazing event being over I was lucky to capture some amazing moments during the concerts of the festival.

For me the festival started on Tuesday (the 19th) where I headed to Music Hall of Williamsburg. Not only did I get to photograph a Kevin Devine headlining gig (who in my opinion is one of the most talented musicians you can find) but since it was CMJ the support list was varied and filled with musicians I’ve never heard of. This gave me the privilege to photograph artists such as:

Oh Land. A Danish electro/pop duo.

Death On Two Wheels. A Georgian hard rock outfit which wears confidence on their sleeves.

River City Extension. An orchestral indie band who make sure their listeners are fully engulfed into their tunes.

Miniature Tigers. Festival favorites who stressed the importance of singing along to their songs.

and of course our hometown favorite, Kevin Devine.

The following day featured me and my girlfriend venturing to Madison Square Garden for a highly anticipated show. Indie heroes Phoenix were to grace the stage to celebrate their widely received album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. To everyones surprise old friends of theirs took the stage with them to everyones delight.

WAVVES kept everyones attention afloat with their infectious garage energy.

Dirty Projectors kept the momentum up with an Arcade Fire esque stage presence.

Phoenix and Daft Punk took the entire arena by surprise!

The excitement of CMJ just ran more rampant within me as a band I have been in love with all year finally made their way to the city. Two Door Cinema Club is the most recent export from Northern Ireland, a country which is considered a personal mecca to me in terms of music. Their Webster Hall gig totally sold out quickly and impressed everyone who attended, and I dare say even amaze also.

Grouplove redefined the word enthusiasm as they played through their set. Its always great to see a band thats truly thankful to be there.

Penguin Prison smoothed the crowd with their jazz toned vocals. Dancing was a must as this band made the stage their own.

"Holy shit New York! I can feel the fucking ground shaking from here from all your dancing!" shouted Alex Trimble as the band went into their hit single "Undercover Martyn"

The exhaustion of CMJ was beginning to seep in as I headed to my final gig of the festival. It also felt fitting having it take place in Music Hall of Williamsburg again. What kept me excited was seeing British newcomers Everything Everything. Their debut album Man Alive is certainly one of the most addictive releases of 2010 so far and highly recommended.

Porcelain Raft

Dominant Legs

Mr.Johnny Flynn definitely wins the award for making the most women swoon during CMJ. His honest and well constructed songs are also a firm plus.

Chapel Club aimed to pave the way for British indie bands in New York and surprisingly enough I'd say they were successful in stirring interest.

I clearly wasn't the only concert goer who was tired from the weeks activities, but the energy and stage presence of Everything Everything made us all forget for 30 minutes how tired we were.

Blood Red Shoes filled the room with smoke and ended the night with an explosive set that no one saw coming (or at least being as wicked as it was!)

And that is my recount of CMJ 2010. This has been my second year of taking part of the festival and it truly is a privilege not only to see these acts perform but to interact with these musicians and help spread the word about them. For more photos be sure to go here to enjoy a full gallery of each show I covered.