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EMILY KING PERFORMS ACOUSTIC VERSION OF "THE SWITCH"
Against a white backdrop, Emily King and Jeremy Most perform an acoustic version of the title track from her album The Switch, out now.--GB
NEW SONG: FRANCESCO YATES, "SOMETHING DIFFERENT"
Slow thumping bass accompanies high piano keys as Francesco Yates sings to his girl about giving him "Something Different" than he has experienced with anyone else. This ain't no (typical) ordinary love. His EP is out now.--GB
NGAIIRE STEALS THE SHOW ON "LIKE A VERSION" WITH TAME IMPALA COVER "THE LESS I KNOW THE BETTER"
Ngaiire stopped by "Like A Version" held by Triple J, a video YouTube showcase of popular Australian artists covering other popular artists; she raised the bar with her version of "The Less I Know The Better," by Tame Impala, and her own track "Once." The Papua New Guinea born singer showed undeniable range in her emotional Tame Impala cover, and grooved to "Once," with her amazing back-up singers. Catch that after the cut.
NEW SONG: LUKE CHRISTOPHER, "UPSIDE DOWN"
What does triple threat (singer, producer, rapper) Luke Christopher do when he finds out his latest EP's, YSTRDY and TMRW, are pushed back until September 11? Graces the fans with the track "Upside Down," a well orchestrated diddy about the girl who just won't budge...from pulling his heart strings. --GB
NEW SONG: FRANCESCO YATES, "CHANGE THE CHANNEL"
Francesco Yates releases his self-titled EP on September 11, but not before gracing the fans with another song, "Change The Channel." Electric guitar strums and higher vocal octaves rule in this fun track as Yates explores his edgier side. --GB
FRANCESCO YATES AND ANDY ALLO COVER THE WEEKND'S "CAN'T FEEL MY FACE"
Light on the ears, but heavy on the sultriness, Francesco Yates has just covered The Weeknd's "Can't Feel My Face;"
Andy Allo has also taken an acoustic turn with the song in an airy yet alluring cover (find that after the cut).
KIMBRA GETS DOWN AT BABY'S ALL RIGHT IN NYC
Kimbra got up in her vibe at Baby's All Right in NYC this
past July, performing on behalf of the event "SPACE JAM: A Night Of
Experimentation and Improvisation." The vid features Vishal
(Empress Of), Ian Williams (BATTLES), and Dan Edinberg (The Stepkids).--GB
NEW SONG: PHONY PPL, "TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON (SEX SELLS)"
Phony Ppl delves into the deeper question visual, musical, and creative artists face on their way up the ladder in "To Keep The Lights On (Sex Sells)." Whats an artist supposed to do to keep the lights on?--GB
NEW SONG: LAURA MVULA, "YOU WORK FOR ME"
In the slow and sultry track "You Work For Me" from the Cold War action flick The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Laura Mvula shows em' who's boss. Listen above.--GB
NEW SONG: FRANCESCO YATES, "HONEY I'M HOME"
Take a minute or two to adore the slick vocals of Francesco Yates. His new song "Honey I'm Home" will create some swoon; Francesco trickles over the scale like water over sand, and yes, he hit the high note at the end. Winner.
His debut EP drops September 11 on Atlantic Records.
VIDEO: EMILY KING PERFORMS "DISTANCE" AND "GOOD FRIEND" AT BOWERY BALLROOM
Emily King performed "Distance" and "Good Friend" at her recent show at Bowery Ballroom, NYC, and captured pristine video of it all. Her latest album, The Switch is out now.
NEW SONG: BIRDY AND RHODES, "LET IT ALL GO"
Birdy teamed up with newcomer Rhodes for the slow jam "Let It All Go." It's on Rhodes' debut album coming out called Wishes; check out the release when it comes out on September 18.
JDVBBS GIVES A PRODUCTION SPIN TO RDGLDGRN'S "DOING THE MOST"
RDGLDGRN is a collective from the area (Reston, VA) who were granted a special chance to work with Dave Navarro and Pharrell Williams for Pharrell's iamOTHER YouTube channel. The label focuses on unique creatives from all walks in the industry, from artists, to musicians, to fashion icons. Find the original after the cut.
FRANCESCO YATES COVERS SHAWN MENDES' "STITCHES"
Francesco Yates took to his YouTube to cover up-and-comer Shawn Mendes' "Stitches, " and his light croon and R&B style just glide over the track. Stay tuned for Francesco's debut on Atlantic Records.
NEW SONG: LIANNE LA HAVAS, "NEVER GET ENOUGH"
The acoustic slow-jam turned metal anthem above, "Never Get Enough," is the latest single off Lianne La Havas' album Blood. Check it when it comes out tomorrow (7/31).
MACK WILDS ROUSES UP STATEN ISLAND IN HOMECOMING CONCERT
Mack Wilds stirred up his hometown of Staten Island last night, giving his all to native fam, friends, and oodles of screaming girls. The Grammy-nominated artist performed hits from his debut album New York: A Love Story and his underground EP Remember, Remember at Clove Lakes Park, showing off his range and diversity of influences.
FANTASTIC NEGRITO, YOUNG FATHERS AND BOMBINO LEAVE THEIR MARK ON RUMSEY PLAYFIELD
Rumsey Playfield was live once again for a dynamic showcase of world talent last Saturday in NYC with Taureg artist Bombino from Niger, Scotland bred trio Young Fathers, and Oakland, CA singer Fantastic Negrito, making for an eclectic sonic mash-up.
NEW VIDEO: KIMBRA, "GOLDMINE"
NEW VIDEO: SELAH SUE, " I WON'T GO FOR MORE"
A rotating lens captures Selah Sue and her band in the video for "I Won't Go For More," in which the singer promises not to trouble the waters; the song can be found on her new album Reason, out now. -GB
ALBUM REVIEW: EMILY KING, "THE SWITCH"
Emily King “switched” it up for her sophomore album, The Switch, moving from a stint at J Records to her own independent record label, Making Music Records, producing favorable results. The album is a classic, a timeless mixture of innovative instrumentals and her soft yet poignant voice. GBSTL has a breakdown of what to expect when it drops Friday, June 26.*
NEW VIDEO: LIANNE LA HAVAS, "WHAT YOU DON'T DO"
Before clicking on Lianne La Havas's new video "What You Don't Do," one may gather that she would talk about the positive things that her beau doesn't do, but it's just the opposite. It's the negative things that her beau doesn't do that makes him the ultimate keeper.
Lianne La Havas' sophomore release is called Blood; it's slated for July 31. --GB
NEW SONG: NGAIIRE, "ONCE"
Ngaiire's back with a great single, compliments of a co-writing partnership with Paul Mac and Megan Washington. The single is called "Once;" the relaxed jam a prelude to her sophomore album Blastoma. The Papua New Guinea born singer has just filmed a video for the single last week in New South Wales. Listen above.--GB
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PHONY PPL
Elijah Rawk (guitarist) and Sheriff PJ (rapper) took the time to explain 5 factoids that will put you in the
know to this upcoming act.
UNLOCKING THE TRUTH AND MORE ROCK SUMMERSTAGE'S FAMILY DAY
It was a fun day Sunday as Summerstage held its first Family Day of the season! With Willie Mae Rock Camp For Girls, Black Girls Rock, and Unlocking the Truth, the kid-friendly concert displayed the fire of the next generation.
Willie Mae Rock celebrated it’s 10th Anniversary this year, showcasing one of their alumni bands, Harsh Crowd. The four piece punk band got off on the right foot singing songs of teenage crush angst and rebellion. They covered Radiohead’s “Creep” and performed their songs “Fine,” and “Don’t Ask Me,” among others.
DJ Diamond Kuts rocked the interim getting the grown crowd on the floor with “Wobble” and “Electric Slide” before Beverly Bond and the Black Girls Rock girls came on. BGR’s mentorship program supports African-American girls from all over the world, and some of Beverly’s youth came out to perform. BGR sang covers of Alicia Keys' “New Day”, and Imagine Dragons' “Radioactive,”while poet Mercy Jaye performed her “Shut It” and “Empire” poetry and song. Abby the DJ kept the crowd live before the BGR girls ended with a chilling rendition of the once-televised BGR performance of For Colored Girls … “Four Women.”
Next, Omari Mizrahi and Ephrat Asherie, dance extraordinaires, got the kids poppin’ and locking on the stage, playing songs that they knew the dances to like Silento’s “Watch Me Whip (Nae Nae).”
Unlocking The Truth closed the latter portion of the show with some heavy metal. They rocked out with “Help Me,” “Other Side,” “Escape,” “Native's Thorne,” “Spiritual Wannabe,” and more. Whether it’s on one knee jamming on the bass, or bending their heads backward while they play to show they know their chords, the band’s performance had no dull moments.
Who says the future isn’t bright? Sunday proved that there are many youth who want to change the world for the better.-GB
(Propers: Merissa Blitz/ City Parks Foundation)
ZENDEE CREATES WAVES WITH JESSIE J'S SMULE "FLASHLIGHT" DUET
SMULE is an app in which can do all types of cool stuff, and it may be next after Snapchat as the biggest tech sensation. One really innovative thing that can be done on SMULE is the "duet" function, in which the sender can sing a tune and his or her followers can sing with them.
UK singer Jessie J took to her SMULE a few days ago to post an invite to duet her song "Flashlight" from the new movie Pitch Perfect 2, and Zendee Tenerefe, internet sensation from the Philippines, took up the offer. Along with 75,700 others from around the world, and counting, Zendee sang alongside her idol; she blew it out the water and hit 900,000 views in the process. Catch the duet above.--GB
GBSTL RECAP: PHONY PPL AND TROY AVE. BRING THE ENERGY TO RED HOOK PARK
Brooklyn came out last night for Summerstage’s first show of the season. With hosts Laura Stylez and Ebro from Hot 97, Red Hook Park was live for Phony PPL and Troy Ave., and crowd was full of die-hard fans of both ready to jam.
GBSTL RECAP: THE ROOTS BACK ERYKAH BADU IN THE DOPE-TASTIC "ROOTS PICNIC"
One great thing about the Roots is that they embrace all types of music. With an eclectic set of artists on the bill which includes new artists such as the electro Marc E. Bassy, reggae brethren Chronixx, internet sensation Brianna Cash, Hiatus Kaiyote, Rae Stremmured, Donn T, Phantogram and more, there was something for everyone.
Raury was a sight for sore eyes. The adorable 18 year old played his hits on the come-up from the ATL, and the crowd was feeling his set. He wore a brown opened shirt and had fun parading around the stage to “God’s Whisperer,” and others.
DJ Mustard got the crowd going with radio hits from the new age. Everyone was lit from the time he stepped on the stage to the time he stepped off. Spinning tracks from Fetty Wap and Drake, Big Sean, Omarion and more, he was definitely the hype needed to get everyone excited for the headliner events.
A$AP Rocky played songs from his latest album “AT.LONG.AT.LAST.A$AP” (and “Wild For the Night” from his first album) while the crowd was feeling him, they were a little too chill for his taste. He commented that they all must be smoking, but stayed positive saying that he loved the vibe and that it was a “beautiful day” in Philadelphia.
Talk about crowd hype when The Weeknd came on the stage; the ladies went wild for his passionate lyrics and smooth vocals. He did not miss a beat on the vocal tip by the way. He proved his point in a stationary position in the middle of the stage, only moving his hands up and down slowly while he sang. Girls were melting singing all of his songs word for word like “Love Me Harder,” and “Wicked Games.”
The Roots took the stage and played two hits before introducing Erykah Badu, who started off with “Window Seat.” Every one in the crowd was singing her lyrics back at her the entire time. She wore a loose white shirt, loose white pants, a taupe cloak, feather earrings, space sunglasses, beaded neck attire, and a flowing fro.
During her song “Love of My Life“, Erykah would sing a verse, and then the Roots would flip it to another one of their tracks like “The Rising,” but when Erykah sang a verse and Freeway came out to perform “Roc The Mic” the crowd went wild. Then she sang another verse and the Roots flipped it and the LOX came out to perform “All About The Benjamins (Remix).” It was a great throwback.
One of the highlights of Erykah’s performance was “Green Eyes.” This is one of her most poignant songs ever; it just pulls on the heart strings, you know, like music is supposed to do. After performing the last line, “You tried to trick me” she shook her head with so much emotion, as if she could still tap into the pain that it took her to write the song in the first place. Erykah also sang more hits like, “Bag Lady,” and “Gone Baby/Don't Be Long” and the crowd was all ears the whole time. The Weeknd came out and closed the show with one last hit, and everyone left filled.
The Roots are thinking about taking the show on the road, considering that the attendance is growing and so is their notoriety of being “the best band in the land.” If you missed it, you may have another chance to catch them in your city in the future.--GB
GBSTL SUMMER 2015 "TO DO" NYC FREE CONCERT CALENDAR (UPDATED)
This summer it's all about getting out and having fun. More pollen and less rain means more sunshine, and more time to enjoy all things musically related! (How do you do that while reading a blog, you ask? This site is mobile friendly!) GBSTL has your remedy for your music hungry, festival pangs, and your ready-to-two-step feet. Your aural-desires will be fulfilled this season, at a fraction of the cost. So maybe you can spend your mula on some good grub! Be free...
Check out the GBSTL SUMMER 2015 "TO DO" NYC FREE CONCERT CALENDAR. Maybe your guilty pleasure is Jazmine Sullivan at Summerstage, or you are a hip-hop head that wants to take it back to the 80's/90's with Pete Rock or Marley Marl. Or maybe you like salsa, or jazz, or electro. It's all covered.
Things to remember when out and about at these events:
--Get there early, especially if it's a morning show with a major label artist.
--Make sure you know what you can or can't bring. Check each individual site for details.
--Cancellations due to weather are posted on the event planner's Twitter.
Below are the masters behind the free shows this summer:
CELEBRATE BROOKLYN:
What it's about: The best of music, dance, and theater come together at Prospect Park Bandshell run by BRIC Arts Media. Chill in the background picnic style, or enjoy the standing room in the bandshell pit. A combination of benefit shows and free shows are available this season (free one's are on the calendar).
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell
Check out more: CELEBRATE BK
TODAY TOYOTA CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: An artist knows he/she has made it when he does a TODAY show concert. Head to the plaza bright and early (they suggest by 5AM) to catch your favorite radio musician. You know, those songs you just can't get out of your head, and some you just don't want to.
Where: TODAY's Window on the World Studio, located at 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza in New York City
Check out more: TODAY
CITY PARKS FOUNDATION/ SUMMERSTAGE:
What it's about: It's Summerstage's 30th Anniversary season, and with more than 160 free shows (and some benefit shows, only free shows on calendar) you just can't miss all the surprises that are in store. You're in for all genres of music, dance classes, documentaries, and stuff for the kiddies as well. There's something for everyone this season at this established concert series.
Where: Various, NYC and the boroughs
Where: Various, NYC and the boroughs
Check out more: CITY PARKS/SUMMERSTAGE
MLK JR CONCERT SERIES:
What it 's about: Hosted by Borough President Marty Markowitz, this Monday Night concert series is in it’s 33rd year. The series showcases many R&B, soul and throwback artists.
Where: Wingate Field, Brooklyn
GOOD MORNING AMERICA CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: Rumsey Playfield hosts the GMA Concert Series, and it's pretty much is like being backstage on a television set for a concert taping. The biggest starts come together early morning, and you may need to set your clock to go. They say arrive at 6AM.
Where: Rumsey Playfield in Central Park
Check out more: GOOD MORNINGAMERICA
RIVER TO RIVER
What it's about: It’s music dance theater and visual art--everything comes into play with River-To-River's 60 summer event schedule, showing in various spots in NYC and more from June 18 to June 28. This year an RSVP is required to attend each individual show.
Where: Various
Check our more: RIVER TO RIVER
THE LOWDOWN HUDSON BLUES FESTIVAL:
What it's about: Two days of the best of blues, then and now. This year, the Wood Brothers and O.A.R. take the stage.
Where: Brookfield Place (formerlyWFC--220 Vesey Street btwn West Street and the Hudson River
Check out more: LOWDOWN HUDSON
BAM RHYTHM AND BLUES FESTIVAL:
What it's about: This is the heart of Brooklyn, with cultural shows that will tickle your heart strings. It's mid-day lunch hour greatness for your ears.
Where: Metrotech Commons, (Flatbush and Myrtle Ave cross-street)
Check out more: BAM RHYTM AND BLUES
VILLAGE VOICE MUSIC FESTIVAL
What it's about: Mikal Cronin, Twin Peaks, Happyness, Meatbodies, and Heaters take the stage at the free Village Voice Music Festival. If you like indie music, this is for you.
What it's about: Mikal Cronin, Twin Peaks, Happyness, Meatbodies, and Heaters take the stage at the free Village Voice Music Festival. If you like indie music, this is for you.
Where: South Street Seaport, Pier 17
Check out more: VV 4 KNOTS
RIVER ROCKS CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: three magic concerts by the pier.
Where: Pier 84
Check out more: TBD
BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK:
What it's about: Sing along to your favorite Broadway tunes in Bryant Park. It's your lunch hour, with pep.
Where: Bryant Park Lawn, NYC
Check out more: BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK
NEW VIDEO: LIANNE LA HAVAS, "UNSTOPPABLE"
The new video from Lianne La Havas' song "Unstoppable" has the enamored singer dancing and twirling in a building with a high ceiling. It's the first single from her forthcoming album "Blood," out July 31.
NEW SONG: EMILY KING, "THE ANIMALS"
As an alternative to her catchy soulful single, "Good Friend," Emily King has just released the video to her latest single entitled, "The Animals." Feeding wolves just wasn't good enough for the crooner, and giving ammunition to frenemies didn't suit her fancy. It did make for a good song, though.
This second single from her sophomore album The Switch available June 26 is sure to turn some heads.
I Like
Marc E. Bassy, "Stick To Your Guns"
Seinabo Sey, "Hard Time"
Jennah Bell, "Yes, This is a hold up."
AARADHNA REWINDS TO THE 90'S WITH "SO MUCH IN LOVE/IF I EVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN" COVER
Aaradhna's back with a cover of a mashup of "So Much In Love" by 90's group All-4-One, and "If I Ever Fall In Love Again" from Shai. Capture her sweet vocals in an a-cappella treat for all her fans as they await her next official release.
VIDEO: FRANCESCO YATES "I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE" (SAM SMITH COVER)
Francesco Yates croons his hummingbird voice and his falsetto for his Sam Smith cover of "I'm Not The Only One." Francesco makes it his own in the video; watch above.
VIDEO: SELAH SUE PERFORMS "ALWAYS HOME" IN ZURICH
Selah Sue takes to Zurich, amidst the hustle and bustle of the country of Switzerland, to sing her latest song, "Always Home," which can be found on Reason, her latest album. The album drops on March 30 (March 31 US). Amongst a crowd and a bunch of trains and cars, Selah gets intimate with her audience.
NEW SONG: EMILY KING, "GOOD FRIEND"
Calling all good friends. OTLC alumnus Emily King is shouting you out on her new song "Good Friend," presumably preparation for her second album, which fans have been long awaiting. All tried-and-true comrades funk out.
VIDEO: BRENDAN MACFARLANE PERFORMS "HERE I GO"
Brendan MacFarlane keeps bringing the originals. This one's called "Here I Go," performed acoustic on guitar. His sophomore album Brendan MacFARLANE is out now.
VIDEO: BRENDAN MACFARLANE SINGS NEW ACOUSTIC, "BLACK MAGIC"
Brendan MacFarlane is back with an original song of a "romance turned tragic." The acoustic is called "Black Magic," and it sports Brendan's quick runs and beat boxing skills.
Like him? His sophomore album Brendan MacFARLANE is out now.
VIDEO: REBECCA FERGUSON PERFORMS "GET HAPPY" LIVE
Watch Rebecca Ferguson perform her hit "Get Happy" live in studio, and nail it. The song will be on her new Billie Holiday tribute album Lady Sings The Blues.
VIDEO: FRANCESCO YATES COVER MASHES UP "THINKING ABOUT YOU/LET'S GET IT ON"
Francesco Yates performs a mash-hup of Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud/ Let's Get It On" in the video above. It's a cover of a song Ed plays live, the latter song inspired by Marvin Gaye. Hear the sultry soul on the keys above.
VIDEO: FRANCESCO YATES, "BETTER TO BE LOVED"
Francesco Yates rocks a house party in the funkadelic video for "Better To Be Loved," well, that is, until it gets shut down. Watch above.
NEW SONG: FRANCESCO YATES: "BETTER TO BE LOVED"
Francesco Yates uses his smooth croon wisely on "Better To Be Loved." The mid-tempo jam is a timely new tune with influences from the soul greats of the past. Have to hear more from the next young soul crooner of this generation? Download the song from iTunes on 2/17, and stay tuned for his debut album from Atlantic Records.
ANDY ALLO SINGS ROCKER VERSION OF SAM SMITH'S "STAY WITH ME"
Got to adore this rocker girl version of Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" by Andy Allo. Previously one of Prince's singers in the band "The New Power Generation," this girl knows how softly chime her vocals, rock the guitar strings and roll out head-to-toe royal garb when she needs to. The singer's EP, Hello, drops on March 3.
VIDEO: REBECCA FERGUSON PERFORMS "EMBRACEABLE YOU" IN STUDIO
Rebecca Ferguson performs a taintless "Embraceable You," off of her third album Lady Sings The Blues; the Billie Holiday inspired album will be out in the UK in March.
NEW SONG: REBECCA FERGUSON, "GET HAPPY"
Hear the joyous "Get Happy" off of Rebecca Ferguson's third album Lady Sings The Blues above. The upbeat track is based on the Billie Holiday record of the same name. Get uplifted above.
VIDEO: SELAH SUE, "ALONE"
Selah Sue dropped her video for "Alone" off of her EP of the same name yesterday. In it she is surrounded by mirrors, singing and dancing at multiple reflections of herself.
She also recently dropped a version of "Alone" featuring French rap artist Guizmo. Find that when clicking "Read More."
VIDEO: REBECCA FERGUSON SNEAK PEEK: LADY SINGS THE BLUES
Rebecca Ferguson explores new territories with her new Billie Holiday cover album entitled Lady Sings The Blues. Recorded at Capitol Records in LA and directed by Troy Miller, the third album from the UK songbird doesn't stray far from the original production, but gives a new vocal take and a new energy to the classics. Rebecca didn't want to veer too far off from the samples because they were already perfection in itself. "When I was listening to her music I couldn't fault it, which is not like me!" Rebecca exclaims.
The new take on Billie's 1956 classics will be released with all the original songs, along with other Billie classics like "Get Happy." Rebecca be releasing the album in the UK in March.
The new take on Billie's 1956 classics will be released with all the original songs, along with other Billie classics like "Get Happy." Rebecca be releasing the album in the UK in March.
VIDEO: SELAH SUE IN STUDIO PERFORMS "WON'T GO FOR MORE" ACOUSTIC
Selah Sue performs one of her latest songs, "Won't Go For More," off of her latest EP, Alone. In the song the raspy-voiced singer is in it for the long haul, at least until the stormy weather in her relationship calms.
Fans excited about Selah will also be happy to know that she is releasing an new album called Reason, dropping March 30.
Fans excited about Selah will also be happy to know that she is releasing an new album called Reason, dropping March 30.
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