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Culture Music

Rockstar On The Rise: Luke Elliot

luke elliot

Luke Elliot and his band playing live at the Rockwood Music Hall.

Lower Manhattan is home to some of today’s biggest names in the entertainment industry. DOWNTOWN had the opportunity to learn a bit about the area’s next up and coming star: Luke Elliot. A true downtown dude, Elliot got his start right here in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. His following grew quickly, and culminated in his concert at Rockwood Music Hall on Wednesday, June 25. At 8 p.m. guests filled the two-story hall to listen to Elliot’s folk-rock jam music. Elliot moved the crowd with his soulful voice, accompanied by an enthusiastic band playing catchy piano and guitar chords. The set was a well-balanced combination of upbeat tunes and romantic ballads showcasing Elliot’s style of early rock music influence with shimmers of modern folk and indie rock. His eclectic mix of influences creates unique melodies that truly captivate his audience. By the end of the evening the crowd was begging for an encore. Based on the audience reaction, the night was a hit. Take it from us, you’ll be hearing more of Luke Elliot. Don’t miss the boat — check out Luke Elliot’s EP, Provisions, out now.

– Linda Tell

Provisions

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Culture Music

Old Man Canyon and The Modern Electric at Mercury Lounge

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The Modern Electric And Old Man Canyon Summer 2014 Tour

Two up-and-coming bands are coming to Lower Manhattan’s Mercury Lounge on June 24.

The Modern Electric will open the show, a four-man cinematic pop band from Cleveland. Critics rave about their captivating melodies, moving acoustic sounds, and catchy hooks. The Modern Electric likes to compare their music to that of The Killers, Delta Spirit, and Spoon.

Old Man Canyon will then take the stage. They have been featured on shows like MTV’s Awkward, Showtime’s Shameless and USA’s series Suits airing on Bravo Canada. Old Man Canyon’s sound can be described as indie folk, with acoustic chords and vocal tones comparable to that of Bon Iver or Mumford and Sons. Front man Jett Pace is hailed for his hearty performances and introspective lyrical themes. The band is certainly not one to miss.

When: Tues., 6/24
Where: Mercury Lounge. 217 E Houston St. New York, NY, 10002
Who: 21 and older only
Visit the event page at Mercury Lounge’s website for more details.

-Linda Tell

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Events

Meghann Wright At the Mercury Lounge

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Meghann Wright’s music reflects different aspects of her experience. Her powerful vocals point to her overcoming of difficulties growing up and the resulting strength she gained. Her repertoire reflects her musical background and the influence her family members had on her. Based in Brooklyn, she shares her singles through several mediums including her SoundCloud account.

Her single “Can’t Carry Water” begins as a ballad. Listeners may expect the mellow feel to continue throughout the song but will be shocked by the buildup. Wright laments her inability to draw love from her lover before the drums kick in and the beat intensifies. She parallels the frustrations of trying to carry water in her hands or “bring down all the stars in the sky” to the emotion she wants but is not receiving. The buildup following the chorus reflects how emotions that are held in tend to bubble up and spill over. Her ability to convey human emotions in her voice and through the accompaniment points to her skill as a songwriter and singer.

“Can’t Carry Water” is just one of many songs Meghann Wright will be performing on June 22nd at the Mercury Lounge in the Lower East Side at 5:30pm. For tickets, follow this link.

– Gabrielle Rejouis

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Culture Events Music

Red Bull Music Academy Festival to Rock NYC

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Calendar for The Red Bull Academy Music Festival

 

The Red Bull Music Academy Festival New York will launch on May 1 with 15 public events spanning the entire month.

The festival is unique in its variety of venues and show styles. Venues include restaurants, traditional concert halls, and the streets of New York City. D’Angelo, Panda Bear, Hudson Mohawke, David Byrne, Tim Hecker, Napalm Death, Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), and Kele Okereke (Bloc Party) are just a few of this year’s performers.

This will be second time Red Bull is bringing the music festival to New York since 2001. The academy takes applicants from all round the world, from established musicians to up-and-coming hopefuls. No expertise is required to apply, only a strong passion and talent for music. Participation is not limited to musicians. The festival also welcomes participation from  producers, vocalists, beat-makers, engineer, songwriter or DJ.

Most events this year take place in Brooklyn, but the Larry Levan Street Party on May 11 will be Downtown on King Street between Varick and Hudson. Honoring the late trailblazing DJ Larry Levan, the event will take place in the street with sets by David Depino, Francois Kevorkian, Joey Llanos and special guests.

The festival is made possible by the fifteen year-old Red Bull Music Academy, which continues to broaden its offerings and locations around the world. This year marks the beginning of the festival in New York, and it is expected to become an annual event.

For more information and tickets, visit redbullmusicacademy.com/nyc

Categories
Culture Music

Austin’s Danny Malone to Rock the Lower East Side’s Rockwood Music Hall

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Austin, Texas sensation, Danny Malone, is heading our way to do two NYC shows — one tomorrow night at Rockwood Stage 3 on the Lower East Side and the other on February 4 at the Communion Music Showcase, also at Rockwood.

Danny describes his music as “future folk / sexy depression.” The Deli Magazine calls it “dark and beautiful” and The Huffington Post refers to it as “wonderful folk rock.” Personally, I say it’s haunting and like nothing I’ve ever heard before.

His new album Balloons is an exercise in powerful and poetic songwriting. It was recorded in Denmark, in a 15th Century castle called Engelsholm. The castle is widely believed to be haunted by the souls of tortured slaves housed there many hundreds of years ago, as well as those of the philosophers and Alchemists who freed the castle of slavery after buying it from the Danish King.

Danny and co-producer Mattie Smith spent 10 days recording 10 songs in this castleand will be showcasing the result of those sessions in these shows.

Don’t miss the opportunity to feast your eyes and ears on this rising young talent.

For more information about Danny Malone, please visit: www.dannymalone.com

For tickets, please visit:  http://rockwoodmusichall.tix.musictoday.com/basket.aspx?Action=AddTickets&eventId=159664