music

All Is Full of Love at the MOMA... by Cynthia Catera

...and it's all because of Bjork! =) I finally had the chance to see the exhibit, (I became a member to skip the lines...and in case I wanted to see the exhibit again), and I was blown away! I've heard mixed reviews, but I think going into the exhibit, you need to know who Bjork is, or at least know of her eccentricity.   Although I'm not fanatic, I mostly love Bjork for her originality and keeping true to herself, which is one of the toughest aspect of being a commercial artist. But even when it's over the top, I can still appreciate what she's putting out there....because no one else would have the balls to, or to execute it in a eloquent fashion in which she does =)

The exhibit is totally interactive, so bring your ears and eyes. My favorite part being, Black Swan, where you're ushered into a soundproof, cavernous room with two large flat screens and surrounded by 49 speakers. As the video begins, the dual screens are in sync, but then each taking their own route. This is where you're encouraged to walk around the room, visiting the speakers on the walls, becoming introduced to each musical composition of the video. I couldn't decide which I liked better...the strings or the oddly, weird background percussion....and I still can't decide!

Next were escorted to a large viewing room with plush, red multi-leveled boxed sofas showcasing all of Bjork's music videos (some of which I never seen!)... I could have spent hours in there...in fact, the way some people were laying down, I wouldn't be surprised if that's how they spent Saturday:) 

For the 3rd floor exhibit, I recommend getting tickets when you arrive. Running every 15, this is the journey of the life of a girl-a girl named Bjork. Headphones...check....and cue the music! Room by room-it's starts with her beginnings in Iceland with each room themed, reflecting her albums. The music and narration hold hand-in-hand as you observe her writing, evolving into lyrics, and costuming she wore for performances.

The journey is astounding, and while dancing to the few music breaks within the narration, I realize what it must feel to attend a silent rave as I'm dancing in my seat. I wonder which part my neighbor is listening to..I guess it's a secret...which I'm sure is what Bjork wanted...an intimate exhibit of her lifetime's work-with the personalization of the viewer.... Everyone has their own interpretation and take-aways from the exhibit, reflecting their own journey...which I'm sure reflects why Bjork has reached such an impactful fanbase in her career. <3

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THE MOTS NOUVEAUX by Cynthia Catera

The Mots Nouveaux are taking NYC by storm!!! 

With their Friday night residency at SideWalk Cafe, to their appearances at Rockwood Music Hall, check out the vids below featuring last week's performance at SideWalk.

Their name, meaning "words new",  combines a little rag-time & a little sultry cabaret...all mixed with catchy & melodic pop hooks...........you know the ones you wake up to singing in your head =)

With the dynamic voice of EMMA FITZPATRICK, the magnetic harmonies from AMANDA WALLACE, and the ebony & ivory mastermind of AARON BEAUMONT, this LA to NY band is a force of nature (and talent) taking the NYC music scene to new heights.


Rockwood Music Hall-THIS IS NOT THE RADIO by Cynthia Catera

   Sunday night, I found myself sitting in a basement exploding with talent. A music showcase at Rockwood Music Hall has begun every third Sunday of the month, and has to be better than any full-price, big box office artist (but then again I AM a fan of intimate venues.) One after another, each artist was better than the next. The talent, heart, and the soul of each artist resonated so deeply...with such ease and relaxation extending from their pipes. 

   The event is put on by THIS IS NOT THE RADIO, which is a community of performance artists and musicians coming together to share their art and finding support in a city where it's a struggle for even the finest of artists to get noticed and stage time. Tonight, I got to see THE MOTS NOUVEAUX, LINDSEY LUFF, and AKIE BERMISS

My personal sweet spot is for the MOTS, I may even consider myself a groupie. And who wouldn't.... with front woman EMMA FITZPATRICK, key pounding AARON BEAUMONT, and background vocals from AMANDA WALLACE, this LA group ventured cross-country to build their following on the east coast...and my... are we lucky to have them:) A little rag-time, a little sultry cabaret, mixed with catchy pop hooks, you're likely to fall in love in a moment's time....

THE MOTS NOUVEAUX

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Here's a jam from back west....CALIFORNIA

...still not enough? You can catch them at SIDEWALK CAFE on Friday nights!!! (This Friday at 10:30pm)

LINDSEY LUFF

I've always had a soft spot for truthful song-writing, paired with a melodic piano. Throw in a guitar with a beat-ful bass and the trio's complete! THAT VOICE!!!!

 

AKIE BERMISS

The OTHER piano man....This guy kills it with his playing technique and a voice to match. Bonus points...ending on his personal rendition of "Still the One" by Miss Shania.

FLUME CONCERT by Cynthia Catera

Looking forward to this upcoming concert at Terminal 5, FLUME on July 18th!!! A.K.A Harley Edward Streten[, this Australian is known for electronic and instrumental beats and has one of the few albums I've been able to listen from start to finish and actually LIKE every song. In today's world of music and one hit tracks, I say, "Bravo Flume!"

 

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