Freestyle Fam Music Video, Omnia Makes a Statement, and Four Nights Gone

FREESTYLE FAM
First up we have Freestyle Fam, two dudes who just so happen to be good friend's of mine. These two guys, Quest the Wordsmith and Redeemed are just straight up beasts on the microphone. They got together with a few of their buddies and dropped a hot music video for their song "Bar Fights." Watch the video below.



Download the single FREE here: https://soundcloud.com/freestylefam/b...

Freestyle Fam on the web: http://FreestyleFam.com

OMNIA
Had the privilege of playing with this artist a few years ago. She's very impressive live and even better is the message she portrays in her music. As a Muslim woman, she is standing against some of the more  pressing issues portrayed and some times pushed on the women of that culture. In fact she was interviewed by Fox News about it - http://t.co/fNJFLA0gLq  . Read about it at the link to the left. Fair warning, Omnia said on Facebook some of her wording is wrong, and may have portrayed her view negatively. She said the following in a comment on Facebook -

"It's a slight wording issue, but it says that I'm speaking about inequities in my religion - but the problem is much more with the people than with the religion. The people have perverted the religion - and the last thing I'm trying to do is fuel Islamophobia, which we already have enough of."

Anyway, check out the video for "Grace" below!



http://omniamusic.bandcamp.com/

FOUR NIGHTS GONE
The boys in FNG just released their lyric video for their new single "J. Buck." You can pre-order the Resilience EP at http://fournightsgone.bandcamp.com/

Check out the video!

Spoken Album Review for 'Illusion'

Finally the wait is over! Hard rock band Spoken is back, and they are bringing the noise with their newest release, Illusion.

Prior to Illusion, which will be released on February 12th, Spoken hadn't released an album since their self-titled in 2007. However, that time gap hasn't been all idol time, the band has been working on the album since 2010.

"We've always been a band that tours nonstop, and we live in three different states. Writing music is sometimes difficult with that equation. There's been a little time between records, but we've never slowed down as far as being a band. You can expect better songwriting on the new record. We approached this record differently than we have the other records. We did the new record with Jasen Rauch, (Brian HEAD Welch, Disciple, RED, and more)," said singer Matt Baird in a previous interview on here.

'Illusion' Cover

Spoken has always been a band that has varied in styles musically. Their first couple of albums were rap/metal reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine, while their next few were more post hardcore before naturally maturing to a refined metal sound. Illusion takes the best of their previous formulas and infuses it with poppier hooks and catchier choruses.

Illusion kicks off with powerful guitars on "Stand Alone." The verses are yelled as Baird is forcing them through a controlled and synchronized scream to go with the music. The chorus then switches to more of a melodic section before he flips it back to screaming.

"Beneath the Surface" starts off very much like the first track; with dual guitars blazing and screaming vocals. Following the same formula as "Stand Alone," the chorus features sung vocals. There's a cool little underwater effect placed throughout the song that adds just the right amount of filter 'beneath the surface.'

The next track in "Don't Go." Heavy guitars open up, but the verses are more of an aggressive singing. The chorus is layered with strong melodies, "Close your eyes and remember me the way I was before...Just stay with me and we can weather the storm," powerful lyrics.

"Through it All All" is the first song on the album that switches gears and also their first single. It's a bit mid-tempo and has a nice blend of guitar work and what sounds like subtle piano or guitar. It positive with a message with the hook proclaiming, "Though our hearts have been broken, we've been burned by the flame/We will rise from the ashes again!"

"More Than You Know" showcases a poppier side of Spoken. The vocals are a bit whispery at times, and again are layered with fantastic harmonies. Overall it's just a solid song touching upon the subjects of self worth and self admittance.



Flowing perfectly from the last track, "Remember the Day" has a soft tone but a big feel. The recording itself has a grand quality, heavy guitars and booming vocals. Spoken does a superb job in capturing a "rock ballad" with this one.

Bang, que the noise, "Shadow Over Me" adds the jolt back into the album after the two-track lull. Adversely, this song is the first time where Baird screams over the chorus and sings the verse. The bridge into the drop out/outro is nicely done as well.

To sum up the song "Accuser" simply... it's heavy. Everything about the song is gut punchingly heavy and it's awesome, especially the metal breakdown part towards the end!

"Take Everything"is a track that could probably be another single because it has a very commercial sound, and a clear relatable focus. "My heart is yours for the taking," could be about a girl or in the case of Spoken's Christian roots, a reference to the forgiveness of God.

"Tonight" slows it back up and is about feeling alive and making a declaration of change and using one moment, 'Tonight,' to transform and "leave it all behind." A great message of encouragement in an easy package.

Next up is the softest track on the album, "Calm the Storm." Again, another powerful song with an inspirational chorus. "Be the hope when the world is crashing down/Come wrap your arms around me/Calm the storm inside me." The song is a cry out to God for his comforting touch to get through any situation.

The title track, "Illusion," finishes up the album with a burst of energy just like in the beginning. Back is the screaming, back is the harmonic melodies, and on come the gritty guitars. "Illusion" matches "Stand Alone" musically as it follows similar guitar patterns, and even starts the same with the faded in sound. The song ends with Baird's chanting as guitar feedback overcomes it.

Through and through, this album is a great welcome back for Spoken. The production is great, the vocals are on point, and the heaviness is brutal with some solid standard rock tracks sprinkled in. Illusion takes the listener through ups and downs as far as sonically, with bouts of heaviness, ballads, and midtempo coming in clusters. Spoken has certainly evolved through the years and with this latest transformation, they are going the right way.

Love and Death 'Between Here & Lost' Review Brian 'Head' Welch

Love and Death's Between Here & Lost is an inspiring foray into the world of former Korn member Brian "Head" Welch's mind and past demons as he transitions into a Christian. The message conveyed through the album is about finding a way through being stuck between complacency and misdirection.

The album opens fittingly with the lyrics, "Wake up sleepy wide awake!" as Welch screams of not giving up on "The Abandoning." This song has a killer melodic chorus with lots of harmonic layers. A great start to the album.

The second track is a cover of Devo's "Whip It." However, that's where the similarities end; this version is amped up with crunchy guitars and grungy vocals. Love and Death truly made this song their own; not to mention a guest vocal appearance by Spoken's Matt Baird.

"Watching the Bottom Fall" is about falling for the same lies and promises we make to ourselves and yet still expecting to have a different result. The bridge into the last chorus has a nice flow to it as it changes up slightly.

This song is very personal and deep for Welch as reflects over a death in his life and while the song is mostly heavy the chorus mellows out more into a heartfelt angst free cry of sorts. "By the Way" is LaD's version of a rock ballad.

"Meltdown" opens with brutal guitars into Welch's signature deep songy whisper that he so often uses on verses which then leads into a growling mini breakdown before the chorus. Later on into the song it completely drops out into a chanting and soft bridge before kicking the adrenaline back in.

"Disaster" focuses on the Welch's inner turmoil with God as he feels sometimes he is left to fend for himself. He's not blaming God, but rather asking Him why He allows periods of loneliness to occur. Some of the highlights of this song is the instrumentation. The drums are great and the cool effected guitar riff over the chorus fits perfectly.

Next up is "I W8 4 U" featuring Mattie Montgomery of For Today. He contributes some heavy screams to the track as he blasts lines "Tell me you lost it, tell me you lost it." It makes the song feel like it's up in your face, a very nice touch.

"Fading Away" goes back into the theme of lies and encourages all those who fall for them to "Lie down and let go" before they fade away.

"Paralyzed" opens up with synthy guitar sounds reminiscent of the work he used to do in Korn. It's easy to see why this song was chosen as a single. It's one of the more catchier tunes on the album, and would appeal to a good spectrum of rock fans as it has multiple changing styles to it.

"Chemicals," which was also selected as a single and had an EP of the same name may very well be the best track on the album. It's crazy to hear how Welch gets his voice so low on parts like, "You're the killer and I'm the kisser." The song rings out almost as if it were an anthem for what the band stands for.

The final song on the album is, "Bruises." Everything about "Bruises" is powerful and hauntingly beautiful. The keys and light guitar work compliment Welch's mellowed out soft singing. It picks up for a little bit within the last minute of the song but never enters into the realm of brutality like the other tracks. The best part of this song are the lyrics. "Show us how to live/How do we forgive...Show us how to die/How to give our lives/Living sacrifice."

Overall Between Here & Lost tells a story of a broken man looking for a change. "This record was birthed from trials, tribulations, pain, suffering, anxiety, depression, and drama. However, we came out on top and the end result is a very real, raw & honest record," Welch said to antiMusic.com. With that being said, the album encompasses everything we'd expect, awesome nu metal heaviness with a positive message and amazing musicianship. Love and Death is just scratching the surface of their musical journey, and I can't wait to see what's next.

Link Drop - New Music, Free Music , and More!

FigureHead
My boys in FigureHead are back! Thank God! Check out some footage of them at their return show at Sullivan Hall a few weeks ago.


Fairday Skyline
Check out their music video for "Spread the Disease" filmed on Staten Island at Rustic Music Center.


Breaking Even
Hmmm...Does this count as a music video? Who knows, but it's awesome. Shout out to the guys in Breaking Even for having fans who care enough to make fan videos. Check it out, it's pretty funny!


Audioscar
Had the privilege of meeting these guys on Sunday after they connected with my band and helped get us a show in Brooklyn at Five Spot Soul Food (awesome venue, staff, and food by the way). Audioscar kind of has a similar sound to my band, but with a mix of Evanescene and Linkin Park. Download and stream their EP.

Learn how to make a free Electronic Press Kit

Lyrics
This dude is going to be doing big things real soon. His newest project, Lyrics vs The Weeknd, is dropping 2/13/13. Check out his first track below.


Antonio Yhap
My man Antonio has been releasing tracks every other day. This kid has some serious skill. Listen to some of his tracks below.

New Music and More!

Here's a quick little link drop to keep the masses satisfied!

In case you missed it (most of you did, which is a shame) a pretty famous rapper came through Staten Island last week with his band of merry lyricists. The creator of 2010's big hit, "I'm Awesome," was here with Cam Groves and the Educated Advocates. Check out some video I took of them!



This next video is by a good friend of mine who's just starting to get his music out. Shout out to Antonio Yhap. Here's his mixtape, Immature.



Of course, here's lovable local Backslashes & Bad Ideas. Check out their song Phoenix With an F.



December 21st the world is supposed to end, so go see a last show and check out End Of The World Christmas Brewhorsehorse @Dock Street! Oh yeah, and FigureHead and West of Dennis are going to be there! Here's the Facebook invite and a promo video. http://www.facebook.com/events/466675143384239/



Last but not least a show that is dear to my heart because I created it by some insane miracle and the power of giving...Hurricane Sandy Benefit & Christmas Party! F/T - EveryNightDrive, SpreadThe Rumor, Corrao Q, and More at Full Cup! http://www.facebook.com/events/512183518801567/?ref=ts&fref=ts

This show, December 23rd, is going to be great for so many reasons. #1 and most importantly we will be donating all proceeds to organizations that can help families affected by Hurricane Sandy, especially important during Christmas time. #2, my band was part of a music scene that more less died at the end of 2010, and now I've managed to recreate the "Superfriends" of my era. So to play with my best friends of music is very exciting. #3, EveryNight Drive is back together and the Corrao Q and Spread the Rumor have reassembled for one special night.

Throughout the night there will be raffles and giveaways as well as an after party! Here are some promo videos I made for the event.

Fairday Skyline 'My Empire' EP Review

Fairday Skyline is a local Staten Island band consisting of:

Kyle Blaine Corman - Vocals
Matt Kessler - Guitar
Patrick Granton - Guitar/ Backing Vocals
Michael Koltosky - Bass/ Backing Vocals
Manny Mavrakis - Drums/ Screams

I know a couple of the members of this band very well from them being members of various other S.I bands. Glad they found a home together in a band that seems to be going places.

Their EP, My Empire, which to my understanding has not been released (SNEAK PEEK!), is the first studio compilation by Fairday Skyline, so here we go!

The album opens up with an instrumental called "With Glad Tidings." I really like the track, it's almost like the score for the intro of a film and is kind of ominous as it goes into the first track. A perfect intro that leads right into the ripping chords of "Waiting For Someone."

"Waiting For Someone" is a solid start to the album. Kyle's harmonies over the chorus are great and are complimented nicely with Manny's screams. The track has just enough instrumentation in it and features a gritty instrumental part into a softer lull before picking up into the final chorus.

Artwork by Nick Pisani

Next up is "Who Decides," and I'm deciding it's the catchiest song on the EP (sorry, I had to). The chorus is almost like an anthem to adolescence and the whole music scene. It's an awesome story to paint a picture in song, as we all know somebody that can relate. This would be the most worthy radio single on the album. Just like the first track, there's a slower bridge that leads into an almost break down like rendition of the chorus.

"Spreading the Disease" feels like a heavy acoustic song in the beginning, if that makes sense. Mike's bass-line throughout the song is great, and the music is the most dynamic on the album. There's a lot of nice guitar and drum parts. Overall, just a really good song that has something for everyone whether they are looking to just jam or vibe out. Also, around the 3:50 mark there's a pretty cool humming bridge which allows Kyle to get in at showing his talents off.

The following track kind of feels like a throwback in music to me. "Down to Earth" has an interesting sound that I can't put my finger on. At times the guitars and their tuning remind me of something out of the early 90s or even 80s but the vocalization is more dare I say Senses Fail-ish Alternative/Nu Metal like Shinedown. I'm very confused but in a good way, nice job guys! And finally the song displays some of Manny's deep growls!

The last track, "Maynard Fights Fan," is the most different on My Empire. The verse kicks in with an almost jazzy like guitar part interlaced with Kyle's singing and Manny's screams. It's very cool to say the least. We also see the bands catchphrase come in during the chorus, "We Are Terrifying." The second verse is musically like the first, but a lot heavier. Guitarists Matt and Patrick do a splendid job on this song going back in fourth between sounds and the song becomes almost genre bending. The heaviest part of the EP comes at the end of this song, providing a great way to go out.

Fairday Skyline has a signature sound and way they create songs. They seem always have an intro to the song that changes as the vocals come in, and they have a quieted down bridge and/or solo instrument section. The production and instrumentation is great. Kyle's vocals are well done and well layered. Manny's screams are on point and piercing. My only complaint is that he be featured more, but that's my preference for heavier stuff. A great first effort by the band, I encourage you all to get yourself a copy of My Empire!

http://www.facebook.com/fairdayskyline
http://www.twitter.com/fairdayskyline
http://www.youtube.com/fairdayskylineband
http://fairdayskyline.bandcamp.com
http://soundcloud.com/fairdayskyline
http://www.reverbnation.com/fairdayskyline
http://www.purevolume.com/fairdayskyline
fairdayskylinebooking@gmail.com

KidsWithSoul 'Puzzles of Ceres' Mixtape Review

By Gerard Ucelli

Hailing from Staten Island, NY, Leroy Goodwin better known as KidsWithSoul released his
debut R&B/Hip-Hop mixtape, Puzzles of Ceres in September 2012. If you were to create a recipe
of good music deriving from Frank Ocean, Childish Gambino, and Maxwell as ingredients, the
outcome is this mixtape.

With that being said, my appreciation of this mixtape is on a very high scale. KidsWithSoul
really puts in an amazing mix of rapping and singing. Not to mention that as a piece of work, it’s
well structured, and makes his style quite distinctive. It’s one of the first mixtapes that I listened
to in a while where I can honestly say I played it from beginning to end.

Getting into the songs, “The Cry of a Goddess” was the perfect first track to captivate a
listener into discovering more about the artist. Not only is it very soothing, it also makes you
think about how the rest of his work is going to sound like. To me, a good album is when the
first song makes you want to keep listening throughout. First impressions can really come a long
way and “The Cry of a Goddess” certainly proves that.


If one was to ask me which song from this mixtape I would instantly put on the
radio, “Weeping Skies (All I Do)” would be it. The piano in that track really sets the tone.
Personally speaking, that piano really motivates me to really pay attention to the lyrics. Although
it’s a very melancholy track, it brings out the melodic talent of KidsWithSoul. At the same time,
I feel that song out of all of them is the most relatable for a wider audience.

Going into more of his rapping, his rendition of “Ready or Not” by The Fugees really
expresses his talent in that spectrum. Every time I listen to his rendition on it, I feel like I’m
listening to the original version of it. The vintage aspect of how he recorded it portrays how
prosperous his flow and delivery is. That track also depicts how intellectual and insightful his
wordplay is.

To check out this mixtape:
http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kidswithsoul-puzzle-s-of-ceres-mixtape.64058.html

To follow him:
https://twitter.com/KidsWithSoul

Heroes Drops Their First Full Length Album, 'The Compassion'

Local Staten Island Hardcore band Heroes just dropped their first full length album, The Compassion, and trust me, you don't want to miss it!

Consisting of band members: Nick Vitale (Vocals), Chris Benne (Guitar/Vocals), Peter Martingano (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Colella (Bass), and Paul Pipitone (Drums), this five piece is taking over the hardcore scene by storm, by mixing melodic and well driven instrumentals to break up the monotony seen from a lot of bands in the same genre.

The Compassion was released on September 17 on Contain Records with a heavy tour to come in the works.

The album opens up on a pretty unique note. "Intro" is like a really cool post-hardcore instrumental that almost fools the listener into thinking this will be the sound on the album. Then it breaks into a really fast paced punk sequence that dives further into what you'll hear before getting your face ripped off. Yeah, it's pretty awesome!

Next up is "One More Time." This song feels like an old Thrice song from The Illusion of Safety. The guitar work on this track is infectious and is a great start to the album.

Skipping ahead a bit to "Ancestors," this track is one big heavy breakdown. Lyrically, the words go punch for punch with the music. All you can really do is just nod your head. "They hope that we see what once was/ The compassion is not in our eyes/ Our fate is in one place."

"Frequency" harkens back to the intro and is reminiscent of something Moving Mountains would play, a nice little interlude before kicking down the door again with the next track, "Crossing Over."

Skip ahead to "Choke Hold" and you'll find Heroes at their angstiest and angriest. The music is brutal and the vocals are even more so, "Let this f****** end/ Hate fills my veins/ Punishing starts now/ Don't say a word/ Now this is what you made/ Look at what you did/ And all this tension here won't kill me."

"Subsister" has a punkier sound compared to some of the tracks, and vocally there's a lot of good dynamic on the track with different types of screaming mixing with clean spoken vocals.

"Survivors Guilt" is pretty awesome because it mixes the softer interludes with some background screaming. The distant screams of "I don't know what I will turn into/ But the panic seems to always settle in/ Thinking has been torture/ I just want to be safe" has a really cool effect on the song and adds depth.

Overall The Compassion is a great first effort by the guys in in Heroes. The transitions between the soft and skillful played interludes that lead into the shrill beat-down hardcore songs is great. So please please please, check out Heroes and pick up The Compassion.

http://www.facebook.com/HEROESNY
http://heroes.bandcamp.com
http://www.twitter.com/HeroesNY
heroesny@ymail.com

Hip-Hop and Techno, Check these people out!!!

Respect The Producer Vol. I
A tribute to J. Dilla

April 13th, 2011- Respect the Producer is a mixtape series paying homage to the most innovative producers in the Hip Hop community. Doc Zootz, a Staten Island emcee, goes over the best of Dilla's instrumentals in Volume One of this mixtape series. This highly anticipated project pays tribute to producers who have paved the way for Hip Hop. Doc Zootz brings vivid and powerful lyrics to a collection of the finest Dilla instrumentals.
Respect the Producer Vol. I will be released for free on May 18th digitally. Limited cd copies will be available.

For more information regarding Doc Zootz or the Respect the Producer mixtape please contact Stephanie Hologounis  at Vitalsubstance@gmail.com


Freestyle Fam
If you haven't checked out Freestyle Fam yet, you are missing the best Hip-Hop STaten Island has to offer outside of the Wu.
DOWNLOAD HERE

DJ BURNOUT
Born and raised on the mean streets of Brooklyn, DJ Burnout started his musical journey when he was just 6. He was abducted by alien lifeforms and they introduced him to the rave scene. It was at this moment that Burnout knew he wanted to be a DJ.

He first became interested in the electronic music scene in 1994. In 2002, aged 14, he won his first set of turntables in a game of Russian Roulette. At the age of 17, he was already being viewed as Brooklyn's answer to DJ Qbert. He did various warm up sets before the doors opened in clubs hosting major names. In 2006, he achieved his big break when he realized he was big in the game. It was after this point when he started getting gigs at big events such as Highline NYC and Ultrabar DC.

After receiving several offers, Burnout joined Phinger Ink Records Recordings, who helped distribute his first internet release, 'Burnout Spark That' in 2008. Though the album didn't sell as many as he probably would have liked, Burnout is a fighter and since 2010 has been locked in the studio perfecting his craft.

Suffice to say, the electro house, dirty dutch, and dubstep scene should be expecting big things from Burnout in 2011.

 Till The World Ends (Burnout Remix) by DJ Burnout 


 Barbra Streisand (BURNOUT ULTIMATE MASHUP) by DJ Burnout 

http://www.djburnout.webs.com
http://www.twitter.com/dj_BURNOUT
http://www.myspace.com/djburnoutnyc
http://www.reverbnation.com/djburnout
http://www.soundcloud.com/dj-burnout
http://www.facebook.com/djburnoutmusic

DJ Menic

While I'm on the rare kick of DJ's, check out my cousin Dom's mixes.

 Buckwild (Original Mix) by Menic 

 Crave You (Menic Bootleg) by Menic 

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