Yola performed an intimate live set for YouTube Space in New York City’s Chelsea Market on July 22nd. Surrounded by cameras in a small studio, Yola and her band were unfazed by the fanfare, playing an energetic, infectious set as if no one else was in the room. Yola is an extraordinary performer; her voice takes flight, soaring on the wings of its own power, immediately capturing the listener. With her latest record, Walk Through Fire, Yola leaves no one untamed.
Largely performing tracks off Walk Through Fire, Yola peppered her set with a cover of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “What You Do” off 2016’s Orphan Offering.
Just four days later, Yola performed at the iconic Newport Folk Festival. She also made appearances during other sets, joining Dawes and Brandi Carlile’s The Highwomen, along with luminary Sheryl Crow. Most incredibly, she joined Dolly Parton herself.
On August 10th, she’ll be opening for Patty Griffin at Lincoln Center’s Roots of American Music Weekend: Americanafest.
Arthur Moon opened for the illustrious Palehound on July 10th in the depths of Brooklyn at Elsewhere. The band – comprised of Lora-Faye Åshuvud, Nick Lerman, Marty Fowler, Dave Palazola, Aviva Jaye, and Cale Hawkins – was absolutely mesmerizing, and we were lucky to have photographer Kevin McGann out to capture it! Check out some highlights below!
Palehound took to the stage last Wednesday night on Elsewhere’s Rooftop in Brooklyn just as the sun was setting. The whole scene was surreal as the stage was decked out in fake flowers and tropical plants juxtaposed with the neighborhood’s industrial setting. And as the sun set and the the night sky grew dark, neon lights kicked on overhead to illuminate what would be an electric set from the Ellen Kempner led band. Her delivery provided as much contrast as the backdrop, singing at times in a soft, almost whisper like voice only to then break into a frenetic guitar solo before returning to the mic like she had just exercised her demons. The band, which includes Jesse Weiss on drums and Larz Brogan on bass, provided a solid framework and helped flesh out the songs from the recently released album, Black Friday.
Palehound returns to NYC in October where they’ll be playing alongside Big Thief. Not to be missed.
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Erin Rae performed at New York City’s Rough Trade on June 19th, opening for Dylan LeBlanc. Rae recently released an EP of demos off last year’s record, Putting On Airs. In front of an audience still filing in and getting drinks, Rae was unmoved, focusing on her performance and her connection to those already in the crowd. Her set was poignant, speaking of pain and empathy, and the room swelled larger with each subsequent song. By the end, she held the audience in her hand, and thunderous applause broke out.
Photographer Christie McMenamin had the pleasure of meeting up with London-based collective The Skints in New York recently. The band – comprised of Jon Doyle, Jamie Kyriakides, Josh Waters Rudge, and Marcia Richards – was absolutely delightful, and we have some portraits to prove it!
On November 7th, our incredible photographer Christie McMenamin captured some drop-dead photos of Julien Baker when she performed at Brooklyn Steel in NYC. Check them out – and get lost in the mood – below!
On October 27th, the indelible Garbage regaled a full house at Kings Theater in New York City. Our wonderful friend and glorious photographer Christie McMenamin was there to nab some highlights for you.
Keep up with Garbage here.
**Please send all of your positive thoughts to Christie as she is going through a bit of a rough time health-wise, hence why some of her photo sets are going up a bit belated.
If you haven’t seen Lauren Ruth Ward yet – no matter what type of music you’re into – you’re 110% missing out. An incredible rock songstress with a slight twang, Lauren Ruth Ward’s music reaches far and wide in its influence. But her live performance is absolutely unheard of, which is why it was so easy for Christie McMenamin to dive in and get photos of this young talent during her recent show at Zone One in some breathtaking lowlight.
As I type this up, I’m chillin’ with Sarah Sharp‘s new track, “Right Through Me”. It is areally relaxing song as you get into it, profound music that really draws in the listener. I could also describe it as a slow jam with a little jazz feel, and it has a lovely tempo with a hint of electro involved. People can cruise with this single.
This track was produced by Phoebe Hunt and recorded by Evan Felts and Isaac Stycker at the Magnolia Motel in Brooklyn, NY. As the producer says, “Everything about working with SarahSharp on this collection of songs has felt in alignment with her personal journey.”
And though Sharp has grown since her “sleeping in the living room floor” days, she is branching out in different ways and making connections with other artists through her work. Sarah’s new EP cover for Dream seems cool too; like falling in a dream. She also has 4 other EPs, soulfully made, to keep you in a consistent and beautiful frame of mind. Keep up the good work Sarah Sharp.
