Robert E. Zucker is publisher of the Entertainment Magazine Online (EMOL.org) web site, launched in 1995. Prior to that, he published several local Tucson, Arizona newspapers from 1978-1994, including Entertainment Magazine (1985), Magazine (1982), Youth Awareness Press (1979), and Youth Alternatives (1978). In the past decade, he has published several books, including "Treasures of the Santa Catalina Mountains," "Entertaining Tucson Across the Decades (V 1-3)," "Kabbalah's Secret Circles," "Twilight of Consciousness," and "Traveling Show." His latest, "Print to Pixels," is in final editing. Through his company BZB Publishing, he has also published books for other local authors.
Articulations on an Age Old Topic Mixed with Modern Sounds on New Track
You already know! After exploding on the scene with “Misa Misa”, garnering almost a million and a half streams on Spotify, and then cementing his place along the alternative rap timeline on follow ups “Ain’t the Same” and “What Do You Mean”, gifted NYC based indie artist Hoodie Rob presents his emotional new single “Teardrops (2010)”, available now on Spotify and all the major audio services.
With wide ranging stylistic and musical influences, and a nod to his contemporaries like The Kid Laroi, 93feetofsmoke, Convolk and Anxiety Attacks, Hoodie Rob Uzumaki is the newest name in the music scene – poised to leave a lasting impact. Immersed in music from a young age, Hoodie Rob became fascinated with hip-hop and punk rock. Since then he has cultivated his talents to what they are today. The artist, producer, singer, and songwriter radiates a versatile style that encapsulates both of those genres.
The New York-bred artist seeks to leave an everlasting impact on his audience, as his music evokes raw emotions. Through every release, Hoodie Rob Uzumaki seeks to connect with listeners on a personal level that will help them connect to his music. Inspired by his life experiences, Hoodie Rob is creating his artistic lane as his sound crosses the genre divide to create a unique, distinctive emo-rap sound that differentiates him from many in the scene. Garnering over a million streams in the last year, Hoodie Rob Uzumaki is set to leave his footprint in the scene.
The Entertainment Magazine has launched a new virtual reality (VR) “world” on the Oculus Horizon-Worlds platform in May 2022.
The new virtual reality hang-out and meeting space can be searched by ‘EMVR’ for Entertainment Magazine Virtual Reality.
EMVR provides a bridge between the web version of The Entertainment Magazine On Line at EMOL.org- celebrating its 27th year online- and Entertainment Magazine VR.
Explore the landscape and connect to other virtual reality worlds on the Horizon Worlds platform. Hang out with friends and discover new ways to experience the metaverse.
BRIT AWARD-WINNING & GRAMMY® AWARD-NOMINATED JAMES BAY ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM LEAP OUT JULY 8th
LEAP FEATURES COLLABORATIONS WITH GRAMMY WINNING PRODUCERS & SONGWRITERS INCLUDING DAVE COBB, IAN FITCHUK, JOEL LITTLE, FOY VANCE, FINNEAS AND MORE
SHARES BRAND NEW SINGLE “ONE LIFE” TODAY (James Bay Leap Album Artwork)
Press Assets (Artwork, Photos etc HERE) New York, NY (May 13, 2022) – Three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated and BRIT Award-winning multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist James Bay will release his highly anticipated third full-length album, Leap, on July 8th via Mercury/Republic Records.
For Leap, Bay worked with some of the most sought after producers and songwriters in a mixture of in person and remote sessions in Nashville & London including Foy Vance [Ed Sheeran], Dave Cobb [Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton], Ian Fitchuk [Kacey Musgraves, Brett Eldredge], Joel Little [Lorde, Taylor Swift] & Finneas [Billie Eilish, The Knocks]. Check out the full tracklist below!
To herald the arrival of the record, he just shared a brand-new single entitled “One Life.” Bay previewed the single this week with a heartfelt note on socials talking about the inspiration behind the song – his relationship with his longtime girlfriend Lucy. On the song Bay said: “This is a song I wrote about me and Lucy. We first got together at 16 and have been together ever since. She’s supported me since day 1. From open mic nights, right through to my biggest shows. It’s been one adventure after another, but now we’re on the biggest one of all. Raising our beautiful daughter Ada.” Check out the post HERE
Listen to “One Life”—HERE and check out the lyric video HERE.
To announce the album and this next chapter, Bay shared a powerful letter on social media where he talked about his mental journey towards the making of this next body of work. Read the letter below and on social media– HERE.
It arrives on the heels of “Give Me The Reason”. The latter has already gathered nearly 8 million global streams and right out of the gate, Rolling Stone detailed how the single captures “that feeling of being on the verge of letting go of someone, while looking for any excuse to give it another try.” NME dubbed it “bittersweet,” and mxdwn noted, “the song opens up with his iconic voice that ignites the listener.” “Give Me The Reason” was recorded at both Blackbird studios in Nashville and in London with producer Gabe Simon [Lana Del Rey, Maroon 5, Calum Scott] and co-written with Foy Vance and features Ian Fitchuk on drums. Watch the incredible music video HERE.
This summer James will be joining The Lumineers on their 2022 Brightside World Tour where he will be joining them on nine dates including Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on September 1st and Chicago’s Wrigley Field on September 3rd. See full dates below. James Bay Press Photo: PC Julia Broad FROM JAMES BAYIn 2019 I was really struggling. I started writing songs to try and help me deal with fear, anxiety and problems with self-confidence. Feelings that run deep, that I’ve never wanted to share. Somehow, it all turned into some of the most hopeful and uplifting music I have ever made.
I didn’t realize I was only halfway through making my third album when I came across John Burroughs’ quote “leap and the net will appear”. It was in a book about creative rediscovery and those words really sparked something in me. I was reading it because I was lost, feeling worthless. By 2020 I’d written a new batch of sad songs. I recorded them and thought the record was done. Then suddenly the world shut down and I couldn’t tour my new music. All I could do was stay home and write more. That’s when the album really started to take shape. It turns out there is light to be found even in the darkest moments.
I spend a lot of time (too much time) tangled up in negative thoughts. It’s so easy to spiral. But during all that extra time writing, I decided to embrace my sadness rather than fight it and I began to recognize what lifts me up when things get tough. Suddenly I was pushing the boundaries of my writing in ways I never had before. I looked around at the people in my life that love and care about me the most and for the first time ever, I found a way to write from that emotion. I’ve always been afraid to go to those places, be that vulnerable; to say I love you, I need you and thank you in my writing.
It was so freeing to celebrate those people in my life that I love the most, that hold me up when I really need it. They’re the ones who give me the courage to go for it, to dare. When I can’t see the net, they give me the courage to leap. Leap Tracklist “Give Me The Reason”“Nowhere Left To Go” “Save Your Love”“Everyone Needs Someone”“One Life”“Silent Love”“Love Don’t Hate Me”“Brilliant Still”“Right Now”“We Used To Shine”“Endless Summer Nights”“Better” James Bay 2022 Tour Dates: August 17th Tulsa, OK Bok Center August 19th Dallas, TX American Airlines Center August 20th Austin, TX Moody Center August 26th Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena August 27th Charlotte, NC Spectum Center August 31st Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center September 1st Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena September 3rd Chicago, IL Wrigley Field September 6th Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
James Bay For as much as James Bay upholds traditions of timeless songcraft, the UK singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer also confidently challenges himself and popular music. He spikes a tried-and-true style with clever lyricism, honest confessions, and instrumental proficiency. On the heels of his platinum- certified 2015 debut Chaos And The Calm, he garnered GRAMMY® nods in the categories of “Best New Artist,” “Best Rock Album,” and “Best Rock Song” for the gold-selling single “Hold Back The River.” Meanwhile, “Let It Go” went triple-platinum. Nominated for dozens of awards, he took home two BRIT Awards, two Q Awards, and top honors at the Ivor Novello Awards and ECHO Awards. Tallying nearly 7.5 billion streams by 2022, he has performed on Saturday Night Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. He has notably dueted with numerous musical icons including Alicia Keys on The Voice, asked to join Mick Jagger while supporting The Rolling Stones at Twickenham Stadium in London, and joined Sheryl Crow on stage after performing his own set at Eric Clapton’s 2019 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, TX. In addition to selling out shows on four continents, Epiphone honored him with his own Limited-Edition James Bay Signature “1966” guitar. Following the success of 2018’s Electric Light, he deconstructed his sound to its bare essentials on the Oh My Messy Mind EP a year later hitting nearly 550 million global streams. It yielded the hit “Peer Pressure” [feat. Julia Michaels], generating nearly 350 million global streams, received critical acclaim from Time, Rolling Stone, and Billboard and the next year James opening up for Ed Sheeran on his 2019 record-breaking stadium run. In 2020, James released his new single “Chew On My Heart” which has already hit nearly 90 million streams , delivered a historic performance on the top of the London Eye for The Late Late Show with James Corden, performed on The Today Show, Mahogany Sessions and a full concert on YouTube in support of #SaveOurVenues. He also created his own virtual event to share his music to fans during the pandemic, James Bay – Live At Shakespeare’s Globe which was a full concert event livestreamed at the historic venue. Last year, he guested on Maisie Peter’s song “Funeral,” which was featured on Apple TV+ original series “Trying: Season2” soundtrack.
To set the tone for the new year and his next chapter of music James recently finished a sold out “New Songs & New Stories” solo tour across the UK in support of Independent Venue Week. On the tour he returned to numerous independent music venues where he first got his start as an artist- performing with just a microphone & a guitar – and previewed new music set to come in 2022….
May 13, 2022 – Washington, DC – Post pop-punk band Dear Spring have today announced their brand new EP Moments, set to be released on June 3rd via Open Your Ears Records. The band has also shared their new single and music video “Newspeak,” premiering now on The Alternative. Fans can pre-save Moments now at https://orcd.co/momentsds.Speaking on the new release the band shares, “The EP’s second single, “Newspeak”, examines self-destructive tendencies and the struggle of expression in an age of extreme polarization. The lyrics from the song were mostly written between March and May of 2020 and were heavily influenced by feelings of frustration and helplessness watching the pandemic unfold and examining the dichotomy of selfishness and selflessness on display in our society during that time.”Washington DC’s Dear Spring is blending the old with the new to deliver post pop punk anthems that transcend genre. In an age of disconnection, Dear Spring sounds like 4 best friends in a room, giving birth to something powerful and fresh. If one were to describe Dear Spring, they would characterize their songs as having driving vocals, catchy layered guitar voicings, and a powerful rhythm section. Most of all, their music is made to make you feel something. Dear Spring is David Colon-Margolies (vocals, guitar), Martin MacAlister (drums), Jonah Tenney (vocals), Kamran Hassan (guitar, vocals).
49 WINCHESTER RELEASE FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD VIA NEW WEST RECORDSON NATIONWIDE HEADLINE TOUR NOW SUPPORTING WHISKEY MYERS’ TORNILLO SUMMER TOUR
49 Winchester Photo by Joshua Black Wilkins 49 Winchester released their anticipated Fortune Favors The Bold today via New West Records. Met with critical acclaim, Whiskey Riff said, “49 Winchester strikes gold with new album Fortune Favors the Bold…
The best record released so far in 2022, don’t be surprised if it still remains on top at the year’s end” while Holler said in their 8 out of 10 Star review, “If there was any doubt that 49 Winchester was ready for the big – or at least – bigger time as they graduate to a higher profile label, it is quickly dismissed with one spin of these 10 expertly crafted slices of life” and Glide Magazinesaid, “…the Virginia-based 49 Winchester has put plenty of miles on the van, playing hundreds of shows, sticking with their own brand of outlaw country that would make Willie, Waylon and the boys beam with pride.”
Rolling Stone Country has praised 49 Winchester’s live performance while Magnet Magazine said “49 Winchester has a bright future ahead as an outlaw-country institution.” 49 Winchester’s New West Records debut follows their acclaimed 2020 self-released III, which American Songwriter named “…a confident collection that gives voice to the band’s pure, unfettered intents” while Americana Highways called frontman Isaac Gibson’s songwriting “Unforgettable,” saying, “…together they are distinctly and proudly Appalachian — carrying on and reinventing the musical traditions of their region with a sound that is wholly and distinctively their own.”
Formed on Winchester Street in the small mountain town of Castlewood, Virginia (population: 2,045), 49 Winchester started as a group of neighborhood teenage friends set on a calculated DIY path. In 2014 they independently released their eponymous debut, followed by 2018’s The Wind, and 2020’s celebrated III. Reflecting on his early days as a jack-of-all-trades stone mason, where it was about trying to make ends meet in an effort to keep the band rolling along, frontman Gibson can’t help but be grateful for a well-earned notion at the core of the band’s ethos — anything worthwhile in life is built brick-by-brick.
“Everything has to be built. And very few people are going to achieve success overnight,” says Gibson. “We didn’t start out as a bunch of hot shot pickers out of Nashville. We started out on the ground floor — very basic songwriting and instrumentation. But we kept working at it, always progressing in what we wanted to do and how we wanted to sound — each song better than the previous one, the show this evening better than last night.”
Of the album’s title track, Gibson says “Fortune Favors the Bold ended up making for a perfect title track because that phrase really sums up how we have approached things since our last record was released. We have been bold in every step we take, with a real conscious decision to work harder, be better, and do greater than we did yesterday, and I think this record reflects that. That phrase has been our mantra for years now.”
Since their formation, there have been hundreds of shows and thousands of miles between the starting line in Castlewood and where 49 Winchester stands today as a rapidly rising band. In its essence, Fortune Favors The Bold is about going against all odds to bring your art into fruition and into the world.
Quickly becoming a standout live act, 49 Winchester have been confirmed to support Whiskey Myers on their Tornillo Summer Tour as well as their recently announced Firewater Festival. Before continuing their own headline dates, 49 Winchester will celebrate the release of Fortune Favors the Bold this evening at their official release block party; a free, all ages event at the Lauderdale Stage at the Sessions Hotel in Bristol, VA.
Additionally, the band are also confirmed to appear at this year’s Floydfest (where they were named the winner of the “On The Rise” award at last year’s festival), Red Wing Roots Music Fest, and will also return to the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, where they have solidified themselves as a fan favorite. Please see tour dates below, with more to be announced soon.
49 Winchester’s Fortune Favors The Bold is available across digital retailers, on compact disc, and standard black vinyl. A stamped & numbered to 500 bronze color vinyl edition is available exclusively via Vinyl Me, Please, while a limited, translucent orange vinyl edition is available at Independent Retailers.
An autographed, “Seaglass Blue” color vinyl edition limited to 500 sold out immediately, however, the standard black vinyl edition, as well as limited edition, autographed compact discs are available NOW via NEW WEST RECORDS.
CHARLOTTE WESSELS Presents Cinematic Music Video for “Afkicken” Watch NOW! Compilation Record, Tales From Six Feet Under, Out on Various Vinyl Editions Get your Copy HERE!Tales From Six Feet Under, the first solo endeavor of former Delain singer and songwriter CHARLOTTE WESSELS, was released via Napalm Records in fall 2021, and debuts a song in her native language, Dutch rocker “Afkicken”. Today, Wessels’ has released a breathtaking new full production music video for the song, which marks the last video for Tales From Six Feet Under at the same time. “Afkicken”, the compilation’s second track, enchants with electronic industrial vibes and a flattering vocal performance while conjuring a hauntingly dark atmosphere wrapping around from the very first tone. It’s another inimitable proof of Wessels’ multifaceted nature and wide artistic range, heating the anticipation even more for everything that is to come in the future! CHARLOTTE WESSELS on the song and video:“From the moment I finished the track “Afkicken” – my very first song in Dutch, I desperately wanted to tell the story of the song’s protagonist in a way that transcends language. I’m thrilled about this absolute fever dream of a video full of cults, monsters and murder I’ve put together with the amazing cast and VideoInk crew. This video isn’t only an ode to some of my favorite films; on a personal level, it presented some brand new experiences and challenges, from wild choreographies to some serious shape-shifting. I’m really excited to bring this one into the world!”Watch the official video for “Afkicken”HERE:[A VideoInk production]
Get your copy of Tales From Six Feet Under NOW:[Cover Art: Maarten Donders] Unable to perform live due to the pandemic, Wessels spent most of last year buried in her Six Feet Under home studio, writing, performing and producing an eclectic wealth of songs. Tales From Six Feet Under offers her favorites out of the bunch and marks an electrifying collection with gems ranging from melancholic indie pop to synth-infused rock. The record features Wessels’ rendition of Goth classic “Cry Little Sister”, as well as a beautiful synergy of the stunning voices of CHARLOTTE WESSELS and Alissa White-Gluz on “Lizzie”. The mesmerizing and haunting “Victor” was released in April this year along with a visually palpable music video. “Soft Revolution” showcases the artist right where the magic happens; in her Six Feet Under studio. The song – part sweet sorrow, part soaring call to action, is quickly becoming a fan favourite. Vinyl Tracklisting: Side A1. Superhuman2. Afkicken3. Masterpiece4. Victor5. New Mythology6. Source Of The Flame Side B7. Cry Little Sister8. Lizzie – A Duet with Alissa White-Gluz9. FSU (2020)10. Soft Revolution Tales From Six Feet Under is available in the following formats:– 1 LP Gatefold Black- 1 LP Gatefold orange/cream marbled – SOLD OUT- 1 LP Gatefold viola/cream marbled (Patreon exclusive) – SOLD OUT
Tales From Six Feet Under – Live in Concert CHARLOTTE WESSELS will bring her work to the stage on October 23 at TivoliVredenburg – Ronda, in Utrecht, NL, for her first and only live show so far: Tales From Six Feet Under – Live in Concert. Get tickets HERE.
Living with a physical disability, Inspiring Artist Presents Empowerment Album
“Life is like a GPS. You may need to find an alternate route to get to where you are going but, with creative perseverance, you will always arrive at your destination!” – Pidgie
“Just Breathe”, the new record from Singer/Songwriter and self proclaimed Renaissance woman on wheels; the differently abled and exceptionally gifted former “Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts” Pidgie (Patti Panzarino) – is available on Spotify and all the major music services now!
One of the CD’s highlights is a powerful version of the Nina Simone gospel classic, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free.”
Pidgie recorded “Just Breathe” alongside a host of celebrated friends including Liberty Devitto (drums-Billy Joel): Scott Spray (bass-Johnny & Edgar Winter), Christine Ohlman (vocals, The Saturday Night Live Band), Bobby T Torello (drums, Johnny Winter/Grace Slick), Cliff Goodwin (guitar, Joe Cocker), Al Ferrante (guitar, Cyndi Lauper/Edgar Winter), Ron Rifkin (keys, Charlie Karp), and Bill Holloman, (horns, Nile Rodgers & Chic). Some select cuts include Flat-out rockers like “All Revved Up” and the first single “Accessory”, as well as the dreamy, evocative title track and the poignant “They Took You Away”; an anthem for all those lost during these turbulent past few years. The CD was produced by multi-award-winning New England record man Vic Steffens at his studio Horizon Music Group. All In, a 2011 CD with her first band OLYPSYS, was a collaboration with her husband Vinny Rinaldi, who joins on guitar for multiple tracks on Just Breathe.
With the album’s release, Pidgie has made her platform, “Creative Perseverance”, the theme of her entire life.
“Creative Perseverance empowers you to reach beyond what you ever thought possible. It encompasses every facet of your existence: your home, job, education, health, relationships and your passions,” she says. “Being able to tell my stories and feelings through my music is something I am forever grateful for.”
Born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Pidgie learned to self-advocate from her now-deceased older sister, who had the same disability and mentored her at a very young age.
“The more that people with disabilities push through obstacles and participate in life, the more people will really see us,” says Pidgie, “and our acceptance and encouragement to participate increases. It becomes an upward spiral.”
Pidgie’s dedication to the theme of empowerment is unshakeable.
“Many people think that obstacles can be just physical,” she says. “But that can be changed by laws and creativity. I believe the biggest challenge toward people with disabilities are attitudes from others. I have always been one to look people in the eye and smile and say hello.”
It is obvious that Pidgie has triumphed over obstacles her entire life. Raised in the Sixties and mainstreamed, she has lived on both sides of the Americans with Disabilities Act. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Hofstra University, becoming president of the organization for students with disabilities and taking two First Place trophies in wheelchair karate. She worked in both the corporate world and in the performing arts world.
“There is always a song going through my head,” Pidgie remarks, continuing: “My influences run from Stevie Nicks to Natalie Merchant, Edie Brickell, Aimee Mann and Christine Ohlman. I sing with a lot of feeling. I reach deep down into my heart and pull it out. Recently, podcaster Aj Wachtel said I sounded like Marianne Faithful ‘who purrs, then growls’—I love that!”
Pidgie was a founding member of the Coalition for Disabled Musicians (CDM) and currently serves as its vice-president. She was co-host of a popular cable TV program and hosted her own live Christian radio show on disability and empowerment for two years. She competed and won Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2012 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Ms. Wheelchair America Leadership and Advocacy Competition.
“I’ve been singing since before I can even remember. I write music the way I cook; I don’t stick to recipes, I just add a little here and a little there to make a masterpiece. I like to think outside the box. I never liked paint-by-number or sheet music because it was too limiting. I like to sing by ear. I love to entertain, connect with people’s feelings, validate them, and cheer them up when I sing.”
She continues to advocate, mentor, and push through social and relational barriers to redefine the representation of people with disabilities in a more positive light. She finds that some relationship myths that can be confusing for women in general can weigh even heavier on women with disabilities.
But above it all, there is music. In another one of Just Breathe’s romps, “Kick Ass Boots,” Pidgie takes aim at a cheating ex, truth-telling a la Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walking,” and it’s a joyous moment.
You will find Pidgie right in the middle of most activities, sharing messages of creativity and the power it brings. And now, with the release of “Just Breathe”, she joins the mainstream of American popular music—for real.
Breakout Star Milanis Clark Hits Broadway in “Tina”, Set to Appear on “Better Nate Than Ever” for Disney +
Young Talents Skills on Display Across Multiple Mediums
(Photo Credit: Rowena Husbands @rowenahusbands)
11 year old Milanis Clark, of Adunni Rose Talent Agency, a standout performer in both music and film, will be hitting Broadway this spring as part of the cast for “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W 46th St, in New York City.
Watch Milanis in the Disney + movie “Better Nate Than Ever” (Directed by Tim Federle with cast including Rueby Wood, Aria Brooks, Lisa Kudrow and Joshua Bassett) starting this Friday April 1st on your favorite device of choice.
The fun loving afro-latina Harlem, New York native 5th grader started acting at the age of 5 in school productions for School House Rocks and the Michael Jackson vs. Prince Collections. She started singing at the age of 3 at school talent shows and in local restaurants, which led to her being booked to play at more high profile events.
(Photo Credit: Rowena Husbands @rowenahusbands)
“I love what I do and I plan on being an entertainer for the rest of my life, this is my passion.” – Milanis
Besides her gifts of song and on stage, Milanis also loves to dance, to paint and just to laugh! She’s double jointed! She likes funky glasses! Milanis is pure energy and just plain fun. Check out her YouTube show “Mila Tales” at https://youtu.be/g-ncDpnd9UU
(Photo Credit: Rowena Husbands @rowenahusbands)
Milanis Clark comes from a family full of talent; Her mother Yeimis is a longtime professional dancer who currently tours with the legendary Lisa Lisa from the iconic 80s group Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam and is co-founder of the nonprofit Designed 2 Dance Inc, and her step-mother Toni Menage – a renowned singer and performer in her own right – is the Personal Manager and Musical Director for Lisa Lisa and has helped guide the careers of many artists of note throughout her illustrious career on the management side of the business. As Milanis continues to grow in the industry, she would like to thank her family and friends, Talent Manager Mrs. Theresa Bastien @324.tamtheresa, Talent Agent Shirley Faison @adunnirosetalent, Vocal Coach Robert Marks @bobmarks and Acting Coach Wendy Mckenzie @wendyactingcoach. Follow Milanis Clark! @iammilanis
Experience Meditative Moments Through a Sonic Portal
Accomplished multi-talented musician and spoken word artist Martin Graff, a finalist for Best Classical Artist in the 2022 DC “Wammie Awards”, presents “Sativa”, the exceptional new single from his recently released offering “Trips for Piano” – which is now available for your aural excitement on Spotify and all the major audio services – as well as in the visual medium with a gorgeous, scenic video montage for the song on YouTube.
If we’re being honest, creativity can kill you. Instinctually, we all know this, and yet we tend to view art as a product of our highest nature responsible for bringing immeasurable beauty into the world. Pianist/composer and spoken word artist Martin Graff would be the first to acknowledge that beauty. But as someone who felt the inexorable rush of knowing—from the very first time he laid hands on the keys at the age of 4—that he and the piano were “meant to be,” Graff can tell you that creativity and passion are extraordinarily powerful forces that need to be handled with care. For almost 17 years, in fact, he had to step away.
Trips for Piano, Graff’s album of solo instrumental compositions, chronicles his return to music, along with his newfound experience of creation as a source of grounding, liberation and joy. It took years for Graff to make it back to a state of flow, but Trips for Piano is the sound of realizing that what he felt during that initial love-at-first-sight encounter with the instrument never actually left him. And he wants to remind you that whatever resides in your essence will always be there for you to fall back on too. The album, which doubles as the score for Graff’s long-running spoken word show The Face Zone, is meant to function as a catalyst for setting the audience’s imagination free.
Artistry, Graff feels, belongs to all people—whether we identify as artists or not. And as far as he’s concerned, his music can only truly come to life when the listener brings their own personalized narrative arc to the experience.
Do a Little Dance to Funkified Release from New York Jam Master
Let’s all get down and get funky with the old-school sensibilities and new new-school vibe of Long Island’s Logan Whaley on his brand-new single “Funky Tonight” – as he drops the instantly danceable new track on Spotify and all the major music services on Friday March 4th, along with an Indiegogo campaign for a planned full length album of the same name, and a single release party at The Spotlight at The Paramount in Huntington, NY on Thursday March 3rd at 9pm.
A little more than a year after introducing the world to his debut album, “On the Cusp”, Logan finally locked in his live line-up and decided to get them on record along with special guests Tosh Peterson and Meredith Whaley.
After some time spent tracking unrecorded favorites from old project GeoTribe, Logan told engineer and co-producer Daveer Mohan that he wanted to work on something fresh. So while Logan got his mind right for a session, Daveer put the 4-on-the-floor and got FUNKY with some synth bass. What happened next can only be explained as “studio magic” as “Funky Tonight” was born. The band learned the song and it made its live debut a few short weeks after it was written at STATTfest 2021. It’s quickly become a live-favorite and was a no-brainer as a title track, single and mantra for a new era of the band.
The Indiegogo that’s launching with the single will serve as a Pre-Order for the album and accompanying merch that will come early Summer 2022. There are also some fun packages that include Personalized Cover Videos and even a Private Show from the band! It’s no secret that the way bands progress in the music business has changed. It takes a lot of capital to get your music into new ears, from publicity to touring. The money from this Indiegogo Pre-Order will help the band pay for just that. The band plans to hit the road in May in support of the release and to spread the gift of funk! Let’s get funky…tonight!
While perhaps best known for performing all over New York City and for his work with Vana Liya, Long Island musical icon Long Whaley continues to build momentum as a solo performer, gaining respect in the music community as a songwriter, singer, poet, artist, and musician. He has toured at the Angry Orchard Festival, Hightopps Festival, Bitter End, and Pianos. Logan Whaley is a creative force whose deeply-felt lyrics, mesmerizing stage presence, and evocative style translate into unforgettable live sets. His music is a decorative motif of fusion pop, rock, R&B, classical, and even jazz, and backed by a talented band; his music refuses to be categorized.
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[photo credit: Sandra Ludewig]
Tales From Six Feet Under, the first solo endeavor of former Delain singer and songwriter CHARLOTTE WESSELS, was released via Napalm Records in fall 2021, and debuts a song in her native language, Dutch rocker “Afkicken”. Today, Wessels’ has released a breathtaking new full production music video for the song, which marks the last video for Tales From Six Feet Under at the same time.
Watch the official video for “Afkicken” 
[Cover Art: Maarten Donders]
