Celebrating Community
When harpist and composer Kirsten Agresta Copely talks about Kuruvinda, her latest album, she does it with the same focus you hear in the music itself. The record, released August 1, is ten tracks of harp-led meditations that travel from dark corners to moments of calm. It is personal, shaped by reflection, and unafraid to sit with what is imperfect. […]
A Critical Moment for a Beloved Brooklyn Venue On May 2nd and 3rd, The Music Matters will present a two-night indie music showcase at Our Wicked Lady (OWL)in Bushwick. What began as a grassroots blog has evolved into a platform dedicated to elevating New York City’s emerging music talent. The showcase also arrives at a turning point. OWL, one of […]
Nestled within the walls of Arlene’s Grocery on the Lower East Side, a vibrant pulse of sound and grit of resilient artists who just want to play great music. This November, a celebration of this music and its artists has arrived: Bands do BK Presents: The Music Matters NYC, is a VHS compilation capturing the electric heartbeat of NYC’s indie […]
Kaizers Return Kaizers Orchestra has always marched to the beat of their own drum. Now, after their first U.S. performance in years, the legendary Norwegian rock band made it clear they haven’t missed a step. Fresh off a triumphant show at Sony Hall, where their theatrical mix of rock, folk, and energy electrified the crowd, I had the chance to […]
Red Hook is known for its creative spirit, hardworking communities, and growing art scene. This September, at Coffey Street Studio, the Brooklyn neighborhood becomes home to Picture Day, the directorial debut of actor Levon Hawke. Picture Day focuses on masculinity, family dynamics, and hidden secrets. Joined by Booth McGowan, actor and co-founder of Quick & Dirty Theater Company, the play […]
Afrobeats vs. Amapiano Takeover at Barclays Center On Sunday, August 4, the plaza at Barclays Center echoed with the sounds of Afrobeats and Amapiano as the two genres took center stage at the third annual Africa Everything: Afrobeats vs. Amapiano Takeover. From 12:00 to 6:00 PM, music lovers, undeterred by the cloudy weather, gathered to experience the best of these […]
On June 28, 2024, the acclaimed singer-songwriter Troy Ramey released his latest single, “Pick Up Truck.” Known for his soul-stirring voice and evocative lyrics, Ramey’s new song, which began as a light-hearted jest, has evolved into a heartfelt piece that captures the essence of summer drives and the joy of music. Backstory The story of “Pick Up Truck” began […]
This past October, I walked into the Wythe Hotel eager to see the screening of the film and docuseries, Foster Care Film. I could feel the anticipation in the room, I had heard a few things about the Foster Care Film episode, Absence Presence, but nothing prepared me to be as moved and inspired as I was watching the film […]
A-Zal, the rising musical artist who navigated NYC in pursuit of his authentic sound and success, now stands in the spotlight. Today, we dive into A-Zal’s journey from a dreamer to a dazzling star, right here in the heart of the Big Apple. Roderick Thomas: Glad to finally speak to you A-Zal. A-Zal: Thank you, R.T. It’s a pleasure […]
The QVNYC Film Festival’s Opening Party set the stage for a remarkable showcase of diverse stories to come, shedding light on the lives and struggles of marginalized communities. One film, Vice’s series Transnational, brought attention to the devastating murder of Kelly Stough, a Black trans woman in Detroit by pastor Albert Weathers. Through the eyes of journalist Eva Rayne, who […]
