The Young Presidents @ Maxwell’s, Aug. 17th

Posted: 22nd August 2011 by Editor in Alternative Rock, New Jersey, Original Music, Rock
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The Young Presidents performing at Maxwells in Hoboken, NJ on 8/17/11

The Young Presidents performing at Maxwells in Hoboken, NJ (8/17/11)

When The Young Presidents took the stage at Maxwell’s, the room filled quickly as their sound trickled through the doors to lure listeners in. By the time their set was done, it was clear this New York band has a sound that transcends boundaries.

The Young Presidents is a three piece power rock band comprised of Mitchell Kaneff on bass, Leon Bibi on drums, and Jake Hertzog on guitar and vocals. Their sound is eclectic; though their classic rock base is always present, a touch of 90′s alternative sneaks in every so often to blend with the classics. A savvy listener will pick up that this band has jam roots, and hints of jazz harken back to this sound.

Jazz and 90′s alternative is a unique combination, one that made the Dave Matthews Band famous. But The Young Presidents have a different sound. Listening to their cd Freedom of Speech, the beginning of their song “Never Far Away” is instantly reminiscent of the start of Train‘s “Calling All Angels,” but sung with the voice of Raine Maida from Our Lady Peace (“Somewhere Out There”).

It didn’t surprise me to find out that Jake is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, or that Mitchell studied bass there. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen talented musicians from Berklee tearing up the stage.

Perhaps most impressive, though, was the passion and synergy with which the group played. Jake and Mitchell came together at moments during the show that emphasized the cohesiveness of their music, with Leon on the drums smiling and making eye contact with fans. Jake and Mitchell offset each other nicely, with Jake being energetic and sprightly and Mitchell strumming the bass mellowly and passionately.

The Young Presidents performing at Maxwells in Hoboken, NJ on 8/17/11

Mitchell Kaneff of The Young Presidents performing at Maxwells in Hoboken, NJ (8/17/11)

To find future shows for The Young Presidents, visit them on Facebook (you can sample their music while you’re there). Check out the photo gallery with pictures from the show below, and don’t forget to check out The Young Presidents at www.theyoungpresidents.com.


The Young Presidents @ Maxwell’s – Images by Rebecca Prince

Gentlemen Hall @ Billboard.com Summer Blowout, Pier 36

Posted: 15th August 2011 by Editor in Alternative Rock, Boston, Dance Music, Featured, Indie, New York
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Jake Michael of Gentlemen Hall performing at the Billboard.com Summer Blowout at Pier 36, NYC

Jake Michael of Gentlemen Hall performing at the Billboard.com Summer Blowout at Pier 36, NYC on August 11, 2011

We caught up with Jake Michael (guitarist and co-vocalist) and Rory Given (bassist) of Gentlemen Hall after their performance at the Billboard.com Summer Blowout at Pier 36 in NYC. Fresh off the stage from performing with LMFAO, Swizz Beatz and Estelle, Jake and Rory share with us the mystery behind the Gentlemen Hall name, what it’s like to perform with major acts like Muse and Rihanna, and sage advice for how bands in the changing music industry can promote themselves without the help of a record label.

Read on for this in depth extended interview (conducted by Rebecca Prince) and to see pictures of the show.

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Asphalt Green @ Clash Bar, 7/30/11

Posted: 31st July 2011 by Editor in Alternative Rock, New Jersey, Soul
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Asphalt Green performing at Clash Bar in Clifton, NJ, July 31 2011

Asphalt Green performing at Clash Bar in Clifton, NJ, July 31 2011

Listen to Asphalt Green - White Whine

If there’s one thing to know about Asphalt Green, it’s that you have to see them live to truly appreciate their music.

Asphalt Green displays immense energy on stage that brings to life every note of their music. There is no review that is more fun to write than the review for a band who completely and utterly surpasses the vibrance of their recordings when they play live and you can feel every note coming from the soul.

Websong’s Art Director chimes in:

This band is different.

Expressing creativity with a peculiar twinge that beats excitement and a spiritual upheaval of newness.

Fresh, invigorating and contagious enthusiasm. Loved it. Read the rest of this entry »

Amy Winehouse Tribute

Posted: 23rd July 2011 by Editor in Soul, Tribute
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Amy Winehouse at the Bowery Ballroom, NYC

Loss of an icon: Amy Winehouse found dead at age 27

Talented soul, R&B and jazz singer Amy Winehouse passed away today, Saturday July 23rd 2011, at age 27. Found dead in her apartment in London, the cause of death is unknown at this time. She joins the ranks of music legends Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain who also died at age 27. Read the rest of this entry »

The Lords of Liechtenstein @ Peanut Butter Blues Cafe

Posted: 4th July 2011 by Editor in Folk Rock, New Jersey, Original Music
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The Lords of Lichtenstein performing at Peanut Butter Blues Cafe in Allendale, NJ on April 30, 2011

Dan and Noah Rauchwerk of The Lords of Liechtenstein performing at Peanut Butter Blues Cafe in Allendale, NJ on April 30, 2011

For our Fourth of July special, we bring you a piece of Americana: folk group The Lords of Liechtenstein.

Yes, while Liechtenstein is another country, these brothers remind me of good old fashioned entertainment that could have taken place in America 200 years ago. Read the rest of this entry »

Thank You Scientist @ Maxwell’s

Posted: 20th June 2011 by Editor in Fusion, Original Music, Progressive Rock
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Sal Marrano of Thank You Scientist singing at Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ

Sal Marrano of Thank You Scientist singing at Maxwell's in Hoboken, NJ

In what was one of the best underground shows of the year, Robbin Pain’, Don’t Upset The Bear, Love Assassin and Thank You Scientist blew the crowd away at Maxwell’s on April 23rd, 2011.

Thank You Scientist ended the night on an excellent musical note. The seven piece band plays progressive rock featuring an infusion of violin, trumpet and sax. In what will be pleasing news to the ears of fusion fans, unlike many bands who incorporate classical instruments, Thank You Scientist doesn’t use classical instruments sparingly. Instead, the classical instruments are as integral to each song as guitar. Read the rest of this entry »

Audio Insight to Play Bamboozle 2011

Posted: 28th April 2011 by Editor in New Jersey, Original Music, Progressive Rock
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NJ band Audio Insight will play at Bamboozle at the Meadowlands tomorrow, April 29th 2011

NJ band Audio Insight will play at Bamboozle at the Meadowlands tomorrow, April 29th 2011

When WebSong last covered Audio Insight, we asked, “Can a progressive rock band make it in today’s music industry?”

Turns out they can. Audio Insight will be playing at Bamboozle at the Meadowlands tomorrow, April 29th, alongside acts like Thirty Seconds to Mars, Wiz Khalifa, and Taking Back Sunday, The Gaslight Anthem, Lil Wayne, Bruno Mars, and Motley Crue. We’d like to take this moment to say, I told you so.

Want a behind-the-scenes look at NJ locals Anthony Celi, Dan Sullivan and Mike Deverin of Audio Insight? Check out this video, and look for our upcoming piece on Audio Insight that dives deeply into who the guys in Audio Insight are and what drives them to create their thought-provoking music.

HMS Revenge

Posted: 26th April 2011 by Editor in Uncategorized
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Lead vocalist Rick Warren performing with his band HMS Revenge at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, NJ

Lead vocalist Rick Warren performing with his band HMS Revenge at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, NJ

If you want to see a band with great music and even better energy, HMS Revenge is the band to see. HMS Revenge doesn’t fit your typical “x band meets y band” description, especially where their second CD is concerned – each song is different, with the only connector being Rick’s voice.

Rick Warren’s evocative voice and mellow stage presence let the music do the talking. A vessel for a wonderful voice, Rick’s performance is a subdued one that prompts the audience to kick back and enjoy the music. Guitarist Ciaran O’Donnell and drummer Daniel C Monda execute their music exceptionally. And the bassist? There’s hair whipping, there’s thrashing, and then there’s Tom Warren.

Tom Warren of HMS Revenge pictured at Clash Bar

Tom Warren of HMS Revenge pictured at Clash Bar

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Featured: Train at Origins Rocks Earth Concert

Posted: 22nd April 2011 by Editor in Featured, New York, Original Music, Pop, Top 40s
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Pat Monahan of Train performing for Origins Rocks Earth at Webster Hall in NYC on April 20th, 2011

Pat Monahan of Train performing for Origins Rocks Earth at Webster Hall in NYC on April 20th, 2011

In celebration of Earth Month 2011 and its Global Earth Initiatives, Origins – the skin care brand powered by nature and proven by science – partnered with the three-time Grammy Award-winning band Train to host its second annual Origins Rocks Earth Month™ concert at Webster Hall in New York City on April 20, 2011.

“Origins was founded on its commitment to protecting the planet, its resources and all those who populate it,” says Jane Lauder, Global President/General Manager, Origins. “Since Origins sources its natural ingredients from the earth we are committed to giving back via eco-conscious brand practices, our tree planting program and through raising awareness with Origins Rocks Earth Month™.

Fans waited in line for hours to secure the best spot in the house, and Train didn’t disappoint. Included in the set list were their hits “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me),” “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Marry Me,” “Meet Virginia,” and “Calling All Angels.” At one point during the show, the audience fell quiet as Pat Monahan sang without music and without a microphone, interrupted only by screams of delight. His desire to get close to the audience continued as he also did something most musicians would never consider – he walked through the audience while singing “Marry Me” directly to fans and posing for pictures with fans while singing:

Pat Monahan of Train walking through the crowd while singing "Marry Me"

Pat Monahan of Train walking through the crowd while singing "Marry Me"

To secure tickets, concert attendees visited an Origins retail store in the Tri-State area and received one pair of tickets in exchange for making a personal “Earth pledge” to be more environmentally proactive. Origins is planting a tree on behalf of every concert attendee through its partner American Forests’ Global ReLeaf™.

Click the photo gallery below to see more photos of Train at the Origins Rocks Earth concert at Webster Hall.


Train Photos at Origins Rocks Earth Concert at Webster Hall, NYC – Images by Rebecca Prince

FEATURED: The Alternative Outfit @ Clash Bar, April 2nd

Posted: 10th April 2011 by Editor in Alternative Rock, Featured, Original Music
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The Alternative Outfit performs at The Clash Bar in Clifton, NJ

The Alternative Outfit performs at The Clash Bar in Clifton, NJ

If Tim Burton threw a carnival, The Alternative Outfit would playing the music in the background.

Macabre and mysterious, The Alternative Outfit’s music tantalizes the senses and their live show is a feast for the eyes. Drawing from influences like Freddie Mercury, the music is dramatic and captivating. Lead singer Chris Sulit hunches dramatically over his keyboard like a modern Phantom of the Opera, weaving the notes of the keys into a musical playground.

Play The Alternative Outfit's Waltz of the Ill

Everything is exaggerated with a touch of flair that brings The Alternative Outfit’s music to life. Even the way The Alternative Outfit organized their instruments on the stage at The Clash Bar had an artistic touch. Drummer Kenny Grillo sat surrounded by mirrors that reflected every hit of the drum. Guitarist Will Lewis stood in the spotlight, his head down and shagged hair covering his face throughout the show. Bassist Bobby Kay provided extra vocals while dramatically lit by an isolated spotlight, and lead guitarist Sandor Taboada played tucked away from the lights on the side of the stage. And Chris Sulit, when not dramatically hunched over the keyboard in exaggerated concentration, stood in front of the backdrop to bring focus to his singing, and made good use of a beam in front of the state to swing out into the audience and pull them into the music.

(More review and photo gallery after the jump)

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