NEW MUSIC YOU SHOULD BE LISTENING TO WHILE YOU’RE HIBERNATING
“These are weird times we are living in,” is a phrase I’ve heard bounced around a lot over the past couple of weeks. Its true. Being stuck inside your own home, afraid of something you can’t visibly see, and for some of us, have only heard stories about- sounds a bit spooky. Almost like folklore or a fantastical tale of a beast in a cave that winds up just being your mother trying to keep you away from the woods at night. In times of fear, or anxiety, I always turn to music. A tiny escape from the world outside, giving you a way to connect and meditate.
Show yourself some extra love in the upcoming days and put on a great playlist, eat a comforting meal (mine have involved copious amounts of homemade bread and sweets) and check out these fine artists who are putting out music despite the craziness beyond.
WAS AND WHEN
Single Release: “Hang In The Balance”
Connecticut-based Mike Held is a guitar player, bass crusher, and now premiering as a vocalist on his new project, Was and When. I have had the pleasure of watching Mike perform many times in different projects such as Snowpiler and Lighthouse. Mike's stage presence, immersion in the music, and rhythmic bob/dancing often catches the eye and becomes the focal point of the show. A few months back in December, Mike had asked me about some vocal technique tips after one of my own shows, and I was hoping it would foreshadow that he was working on putting something out where not only his musicianship was put on the table, but also the vulnerability of lyric and song. Let me tell you- this does not disappoint.
Like Mike, I come from a pop-punk background: growing up going to Warped Tours, immersed in skinny jeans and sweat. But this is taking pop-punk in a whole new light. It's extremely vibey, with the honesty and relaxed tone giving you the ounce of punk you crave with a new emo flare. With some help from a drum favorite, (or at least my favorite), Nick Restivo (Ourselves Alone; Snowpiler), and support from Tim Marzik (Lighthouse), Gus Morales (recording), and John Naclerio of Nada Recording who mixed and mastered this song, Mike was no doubt in great hands.
You can now listen to “Hang in the Balance” on Spotify and Bandcamp. Give this guy some love and a follow. You’ll absolutely want this on your feed and under your radar when he comes out with the next one.
FFO: Citizen, Turnover, Prawn, Foxing
Berta Bigtoe
Demo: The Heavens @ Rhapsody Park
Single Release: Catskill
Chicago-based Berta Bigtoe is a ride from beginning to end of the best drug you’ve ever had. It’s like eating an endless bowl of penne alle vodka and every time it gets cheesier and erupts with more spices. Immediately when you turn Berta’s music on, you are plunged into the funky style, groovy melodies, and interesting riffs created by Ben Astrachan and Austin Koenigstein. Not one single thing they produce is expected or contrived, making it some of the most exciting and exhilarating music to listen to. My body knows not whether to dance or lay on the floor and let the music wash over me, both widely accepted options. Their sound is eclectic, yet grounded in classic post-punk mixed with funk... like walking into CBGB but finding Parliament playing a set. The music is timeless yet updated. It has the energy of Chicago, the sex appeal of New York, and the sunny, bright smiles of California.
I have had the privilege of being in the room with these geniuses when they are working on a new idea and they are focused with their eyes on perfection. Austin has scraps of cereal boxes strewed across the counter with chromatic notes handwritten on the back. Ben's voice soars over each new recording, without tiring or changing in timbre. I would sit and watch them all day, especially while eating some of Ben’s homemade bread (which is glorious, no doubt).
No one needs to ever leave their house to feel like they’ve gone on a journey now. I was excited to have them come to NYC in April for their gig at Mercury Lounge, but since that is no longer able to happen, please lend these gents some love and give them the show they would have had! Press play, and escape. In under 10 minutes, they’ll win your heart. Kudos to these boys. I look forward to hearing what comes next.
FFO: Television, Vulfpeck
Ellie Van Amerongen EP
Ep Premiere: Ellie van Amerongen (2020)
New York City based Ellie Van Amerongen is a singer-songwriter who comes from a musical theater background; combining her gifts and creating pop-inspired folk hits with the vocal technique she has worked on for years. The blend is- superb.
Two years ago, (wow time flies by), I had the privilege of previewing this EP when Ellie came on to my podcast, ElizaLeafs, and played some of her originals for me live. I was impressed with her ease and confidence, and since then I have been awaiting a release. I am happy to say that time is now!
Ellie dropped this EP on March 27, and it is full of her floating voice exploring range with no discernable end or beginning; soaring far beyond highs and lows. She strums with ease and you can even catch her behind the keys for a tune or two. With this being Ellie’s first EP release, she stays close to her heart in lyrics and melody with honesty and beauty. With a bright acoustic tone, Ellie writes warming ballads effortlessly. Another good friend of mine, Robert X. Newman (whom I just graduated with last May and another alumni of Boston Conservatory), can also be caught on three out of four of these tracks. Robert’s violin and mandolin skills, which has been impressing me for years, add depth and an air of folk rounding out the sound. If this is Ellie’s first swing at an EP, I cannot wait to see what comes next.
I suggest a joy ride around your neighborhood to blast “Adjust the Sails” for that good, uplifting feeling I am sure we all need right now.
FFO: Sara Bareilles, The Cranberries: (Dolores O’Riordan)
Smushie
Song Release: Complete Annihilation
Austin Koenigstein takes on his solo project to release a song about QUARANTINE!! Unlike the name of the song, “Complete Annihilation” brings life and happiness in a time where we need it most. Austin takes on recording, drumming, and singing, all while donning a guitar for his solo project entitled, Smushie. While locked inside in Chicago he decided to write an original about quarantine, record it and put it up for our listening ears. Austin creates soulful, but folky vibes with honesty streaming through the air.
If you have ever met Austin, you know he is a perfectionist. That is certain. He works towards putting out material that is without flaw whether that be with his songwriting or his comedy. (Please check out Austin at SecondCity when this all calms down). With that attention to detail- you would think he would remain in his head- or be hard to talk to. Austin is not that way. Always smiling, extraordinarily genuine, the most brilliant person in the room, he shows his heart on his sleeve and has wit to spare. His music encapsulates all of this and more. Partnered with California vibes and relaxing melodies, Smushie will have you questioning ever needing to leave your house again.
FFO: Mac DeMarco, White Denim
With these just being some of the amazing artists I know who are constantly putting out amazing music, fantastic comedy, and more, I will be putting together a playlist of Quarantine Musts; as far as music.
If you, or anyone you know has just recently put something out, please reach out! I’d love to listen and feature you/them.
There will be many more posts full of new and upcoming music, travel tips, and recipes. Stay safe, call your grandmother and enjoy this time being home.
New Music You Should Be Listening To While Hibernating Playlist