Browsing Tag

NY

Surfing The Stratosphere: Queens, NY-based Elevated Focusion breathtakingly boosts our mindsets forever on brilliant interview

Posted on 23 July 2023

Watching from below and moving on from Jonny Rythmns and keeping it rather experimental all the way, Elevated Focusion flows into our lives and illuminates a ray of hope for us all. We find out more in an exclusive interview that can’t be ignored with streetwear added in to make things extra intriguing.

Llewelyn: We appreciate you joining us Elevated Focusion. Firstly, we love your artist name. Where did it come from and what is the story behind it?

Elevated Focusion: Elevated Focusion is the moment where an idea and the execution come together. Counter culture. not being complacent. trying to break the mold. going against the grain

Llewelyn: Please tell us more about your debut album and release of the clothing line?

Elevated Focusion: The self-titled debut album is a genre-bending album in June 2023 that will combine his love for New York culture and all genres of music. It’s a mixed bag from of all my musical and cultural influences as well as life experiences.

Growing up in New York in the 90s, I was a huge fan of the creativity in the graffiti characters in NYC street fashion. The body art in 80s/90s horror always captivated me as well. In addition, I grew up watching trippy cartoons like The Ren & Stimpy Show and Duckman. I love science fiction, and tatoo art always fascinated me. With the Elevated Focusion clothing line, I really wanted to take all of my childhood influences and combine them with the creativity of NYC graffiti and streetwear fashion.

Llewelyn: Jonny Rythmns. That was your artist name before. Please detail the change and what made you rebrand?

Elevated Focusion: I used the name Jonny Rythmns when I made instrumental music on my synthesizer keyboard. All of this music was created during 2001-2004. It is 100% instrumental music made up of hip-hop beats, music for video games, trippy music, concept albums, new age music, experimental music, sci-fi soundtrack, and space music.

In 2022, during quarantine, I decided to release all my old music under the name Jonny Rythmns. The first Jonny Rythmns’ release was my most experimental album called Elevated Focusion.

I chose Elevated Focusion to be my name going forward as it represents who I want to be as an artist, whether in experimental electronic music or as a streetwear clothing brand. My goal with the Elevated Focusion brand is to unite my love for all different genres and art styles through eclectic music and alternative fashion in collaboration with various artists.

Llewelyn: Is there a particular series you’d like to be in or perhaps a movie franchise?

Elevated Focusion: I would love to make music for any kind of movie or TV. But I personally love Horror, Drama, and Sci Fi.

Llewelyn: Experimental electronic music is your game. Why do you love it so much and how did you get into it? Was it through a live show or just exploring different genres?

Elevated Focusion: I really do love every genre of music and I like to make people dance. I’m also a bit of a weirdo. Experimental electronic music just called to me I guess.

Llewelyn: How would you describe your music to someone who’d just arrived from another galaxy?

Elevated Focusion: The Elevated Focusion album is a soundtrack to my life. It is everything I have felt emotionally and experienced physically. It is my life. It is my mind. And it is New York as seen through my eyes.

Llewelyn: Queens, NY. What’s it like there? Some really famous artists are from your home town. Is the music culture alive and kicking like you want it to be?

Elevated Focusion: Queens is the most culturally diverse place in the world. From people to sounds to food and beyond. There is also a mix of darkness, danger, and depression which has heavily influenced my lyrics on the album.

Llewelyn: Lastly, who do you make music for and who inspires you every day?

Elevated Focusion: This is a passion project for me so I make music in whatever way I feel inspired. A lot of love goes into every song. I created this project to reach open-minded people who are looking for something different.

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Feel the vibe on Spotify.

Follow the energy on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Let’s Get It: Stephan wants it all over on Rock Your Body

Posted on 7 May 2023

Signed to Steady Muzik and inspired previously by Usher and Chris Brown, Stephan wants to have fun all night and makes his intentions rather clear on the superb new sizzle to get a tan with, Rock Your Body.

Stephan aka Stephan Chin is a well-established Brooklyn, NY-born RnB artist of Jamaican heritage who was raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

After reinvigorating his career with new-found confidence and an unbreakable attitude to succeed, Stephan sings with so much intent and shall take us into a romantic light for the better,

Rock Your Body from Brooklyn, NY-born indie RnB artist Stephan is one of those likeable singles to hold with when you know you want to be with someone. Impressing us with an incredible soundtrack to hold onto forever, this is an attractive track which might give many blushes to those who want it the most.

Listen up deeply on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Maria Lane tells us more about that special feeling and leads us into her new single Nashville

Posted on 6 April 2023

After sitting down with the soulfully real Brooklyn creative Maria Lane recently, our hearts were calmed by such a genuine human. Telling us more about how she got into music, her inspirations and we found out more about her new single which drops on the 7th of April, Nashville.

Thank you for sitting down with us Maria Lane. Where in the world are you today and what inspires you in life?

Maria: Happy to be here, thank you for having me. I am in Brooklyn, NY. What inspires me is experiencing different things in life, achieving my goals, and overcoming challenges.

How did you get started in the music game and what do you love about the creation process?

Maria: I’ve been singing and writing songs since I was little. I always knew it was where I felt the most like myself and I felt writing was a really good way to process my thoughts and feelings.

I love the feeling when you first finish writing a song, and then you get to take it to the studio and add the production process on top of it. My songs are so personal to me so getting to add the production to match the story and lyrics is really special to me.

Please tell us more about your new single Nashville and the lyrics behind this personal song?

Maria: I started writing “nashville” last year. My oldest sister knew in 2023 she would officially be moving out of NYC and writing this song felt like closure for me to accept that she is really leaving. My sister was my first roommate when I moved to NYC, I had my first legal drink with her when I turned 21 and hated it, she recently got engaged last year and a wedding is now on the horizon. These lyrics remind me of reminiscing on our time together in NYC. My favorite lyrics in the song are “and suddenly it’s silent, left with your bags and an empty apartment” because it’s like shit.. she’s really gone now.

Who did you grow up listening to and what was the last performance you saw live?

Maria: I grew up listening to The Beatles, Billy Joel, Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana, Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, James Taylor, Regina Spektor, Paramore, lots of Broadway Cast Recordings, and a lot of Alt Rock bands. I discovered I enjoyed a variety of genres, which I think have influenced me today. The last concert I went to was Lizzy McAlpine who has become one of my favorite artists.

Who has helped you in your career the most so far?

Maria: Anyone who has ever believed in me and continued to encourage me. My producer Julian has really helped me grow as an artist and discover my sound, so I’m really grateful I get to create with him.

When you close your eyes for a few moments and visualize your ideal place in the world, where is it and who do you see with you?

Maria: In terms of outside my current reality, the ideal place in the world for me would be to be performing on Broadway, with my friends and family supporting me in the audience. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was 7 years old and I get lost daydreaming about it pretty often.

Last, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever heard?

Maria: Know what YOU have to offer is special and there is a place for you. It’s easy to compare yourself to others because people are similar in so many ways but there is no one like you. Whether or not you sound or look like somebody else, you are your own authentic self. Also manifest and be delusional, I’ve heard that works wonders haha.

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Listen up on Spotify.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

I’m Alone: Nyack-based rocker YQ Reed must let go before its too late on Unknown

Posted on 1 April 2023

In command and ready to lead no matter what the consequences, YQ Reed has come way too far to let it go now on the powerful new single with intent called Unknown.

YQ Reed is a Yonkers, NY-born indie alternative punk-rock solo singer-songwriter who is now based in Nyack, NY and seems to make anthems for breakfast.

”With a growing fanbase he has released multiple albums, including “Libra Love” and “The Voyage,” and continues to impress fans with his sincerity and unforgettable sound.” ~ YQ Reed

Spreading himself across the globe and enchanting all listeners with something rather illuminating, YQ Reed breaks the chains and shows the world that he is ready for new adventures. Sending our minds into an overload of emotions, we find a delightfully intriguing sizzler to unwrap for its pure energy.

Unknown from Yonkers, NY-born indie rock solo singer-songwriter YQ Reed is a top-quality soundtrack for anyone who needs to get out of that cosy bed right now. Sending our emotions for a ride and inspiring many to open the locked door, this is an outstanding delivery which will open up many eyes to what is possible.

Listen closer on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Kourdell Shows Up to Show It

Posted on 17 December 2022

Sometimes an artist’s story arc seems like it was written by a Hollywood script wizard. Kourdell, a New York State native, has had a successful life doing things in the background – such as being a dancer on MTV, BET, and performing at Madison Square Garden. Completing his bona fides it looks like he’s ready to become the main attraction. And dear readers, let me tell you, the word “ready” is an understatement.

Kourdell’s song “Just Show It” (available on his Spotify page) is a breakout track in a million ways. First, his vocals are captivating and resonant – with crisply articulated lyrics and a romantic swagger that Cary Grant would admire. The beat too is an engineering work of art. With phased guitar strums, and ear-candy vocalizations in the background – morphing drums a la Bjork’s “Vespertine.” The track evolves in a way that shows it was meticulously crafted.

There’s also an interesting sci-fi/space-themed lyric video on YouTube. Here we get to see Kourdell’s visual arts side. He seems like a classy guy, which goes with the style of his music, so no surprise there. I end up reviewing a lot of music as part of my day job, and I feel like I have a pretty good sense of whose music is going to gain traction, and I can say confidently that Kourdell is a safe bet.

Wacko Fest presents: “This Is Fine.”

Posted on 26 November 2022

Wacko Fest is a project with a truly one-of-a-kind sound and style. What makes the artistry of this musical act so special is that it all started in a very serendipitous way, just from friends having fun and jamming together. The spontaneity at the heart of Wack Fest is still a huge and vital component of this release and a really good example of why their formula is so exciting and always connects with people. Wacko Fest’s most recent work, “This Is Fine,” drops on November 25th, 2022. This is a great introduction to the band’s music and a fantastic example of the broad scope that fuels its artistic endeavours overall.

This release is highly recommended to fans of jangly, melodic and energetic indie rock.

Find out more about Wack Fest: http://www.wackofest.com/

‘No Escape’ as Canella Throws Everything But the Kitchen Sink at Their Short and Sweet Sophomore Release

Posted on 28 October 2022
Canella

Somewhere between the vocal melodies of Angel Olsen, Taylor Swift & Hayley Williams sits the arresting timbre of Canella’s vocalist in their sophomore single, No Escape. The short and sweet indie-rock release unravels through complex instrumental layering, a pinch of Avant Garde pop production and a juicy chorus that you won’t be eager to get out of the grips of.

The rising indie rock outfit from Albany, NY, and Colombia, respectively, takes inspiration from 00s alt-rock and they’ve gone down a storm based on their accolade as the winners of the WCDB Radio’s Song of The Year for their debut single, Quiet Love. With their sophomore release now galvanising the airwaves, more hype is sure to follow.

No Escape will officially release on October 28th; it will be available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Addressing rising poverty in lower income areas: Schenectady, NY retro rock duo Pigpen Jonez drop ‘On The Hill’ lyric video

Posted on 21 December 2020

Pigpen Jonez drop their real story about how some neighborhoods change so quickly and progress, while others are left in ruin on their ‘On The Hill‘ lyric video which is taken off ‘Livin’ In Delafly Side 1‘.

With a 70’s funky rhythm that will remind you of the good old days, this is a track that cuts into the huge problems that face a lot of lower income communities in the USA and across the world.

A loud police siren blares through as the bass-lines show the quality of this duo that have been friends from school days and just love making music together. When the gigs shut down, the tough got going and the band got together to release music that actually means something.

After living in Schenectady for many a year, leaving and coming back recently due to covid-19, the realness really hit home. The area hasn’t changed in a good way and crime has risen to almost unimaginable levels of disorder, that a 7pm curfew had to be implemented. The sad thing is that other areas close by have blossomed like a sprouting flower which shows you how things really work in life.

‘On The Hill‘ from Schenectady locals Pigpen Jonez is a real look inside the door of what really goes on inside neighborhoods that are often left to fend for themselves. The funky retro rock is a warm embrace to the good people in the community that want change badly but nothing ever seems to change. Crime and drugs are main thing that is spoken about and the example to the youngsters is extremely scary and sets the wrong example.

Music has the power to change and if there ever is a massive peace concert after covid-19, this is a band that needs to be on that big stage, singing about peace and helping with the solutions to better the lives of all humans in the world. Love must always win over hate.

See this real-life lyric video on YouTube on IG & FB.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

A.K.A. The Truth – Not Empty: When the East Coast always remains a reliable production hub

Posted on 24 May 2020

Do you know that feeling when a track hits you in guts within the first 5 seconds? From the very first synth bass note drop, A.K.A. The Truth’s new track Not Empty embraced me with a sparkling captivating flow.

The East Coast always remains a reliable production hub when it comes to hip hop in all of its forms, whether it’s for the metrics, the sound precision, the rhythmic rap bars that fall perfectly on the tempo, or all the above, these fellas have an innate gift for creating catchy flows and stimulating beats.

Raised in Buffalo, NY, A.K.A. The Truth keeps the above statement true, and puts forward a creative collage of sound and rhythm in the name of an innovative mixture of rap and R&B, for which Not Empty is a living example. And it’s now part of my Feeling way better Spotify playlist!

Check out Not Empty on Spotify but do not hesitate to go through all of the artist’s other efforts.

Review by Jim Esposito.

1Day chug into full gear with rapturous new track ‘Bar = Magic!’

Posted on 16 May 2020

Pop punkers 1Day have released a new track ‘Bar = Magic!’. 

For those wanting a new wave of pop-punk without being adorned with too much complicated genre crossing and production experiments, 1Day have proven that possible with their latest track. ‘Bar = Magic!’ is a skillful number with enough drive to fans of the genre to hitchhike without any trouble on a vastly enjoyable pop-punk rise and 1Day showcase some strong songwriting skills in getting listeners to their destinations. . 

The track shines where it gets most raunchy and raw – unafraid to dive into a looser pop-rock appeal – with hard harmonic riffing and some pleasantly wailing vocals drifting across the speakers. Check it out. 

You can listen to ‘Bar = Magic’ on 1Day’s Spotify page here.