A few words with Desmond White

I've recently photographed Desmond White on his show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with him about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Desmond White: Eraserhead. Not that it really needs any musical augmentation, but it would have been a fun challenge to match those visuals.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
DW: Elliott Smith.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
DW: Drive to my favorite Thai supermarket in Queens, 3 Aunties.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
DW: Somnolent.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
https://desmondwhite.bandcamp.com/album/glace
https://desmondwhite.bandcamp.com/album/short-stories

A few words with Boy Who Cried Wolf

I've recently photographed Boy Who Cried Wolf on his show in NYC at Mercury Lounge, and took the opportunity to chat with him about a few other things:

(live at Mercury Lounge, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Boy Who Cried Wolf: I love horror movies... I'd love to have written the "Halloween" theme by John Carpenter... or the "Psycho" theme by Bernard Herrmann. Both minimal, iconic songs that don't require lyrics to invoke a feeling. The "mother!" score by Johann Johannsson seems mighty interesting too... wish I had done that!

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
BWCW: I missed AFI when they toured "Sing The Sorrow" and will kick myself forever because of it. I wish I had seen Manson during his "Antichrist Superstar" days too.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
BWCW: I'm a bit of a hermit, but when I do emerge from my cave, I like to take long walks. Preferably not on a beach.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
BWCW: Synthmetal

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
www.facebook.com/boywhocriedwolfnyc
www.reverbnation.com/boywhocriedwolfnyc
www.soundcloud.com/boywhocriedwolfnyc
www.instagram.com/boywhocriedwolfnyc

A few words with Emily Browning

I've recently photographed Emily Browning on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Emily Browning: I'm a big sucker for romance movies if they're well written! There's a movie called About Time - a beautiful love story that surrounds a young guy who discovers that he can travel back in time through his own life. The reason I'd want to write a song for this particular movie is because there's no big love-drama or "chase the girl" scene... Instead, it is more focused on the finer details of what it actually means to be in love.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
EB: Earth Wind and Fire!

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
EB: I've only been to NYC once and had a total of three days there. But one of my favorite parts was grabbing a bagel with a friend and taking it to Bryant Park - sitting on the grass and watching the local juggling club.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
EB: Intimate

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
I'm mostly active on Instagram but my music is on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, and Youtube!
https://open.spotify.com/track/3PoZoHfvOHrptTZC6YN5cJ
https://soundcloud.com/emilycbrowning
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTZl9gXMn3iEhol77H3_thw?view_as=subscriber
https://www.instagram.com/emily.c.browning/?hl=en

A few words with Leah Harris

I've recently photographed Leah Harris on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Leah Harris: I would love to have written a song for August Rush. I found the music in that movie to be so touching. Loved the way different genres were combined too.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
LH: Ray Charles!! 100%!! He is my hero and I wish I had been around to hear him live. I can only imagine the energy in the room when he's playing live, since the recordings already blow my mind.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
LH: Every time I come to NYC I get locked into the Greenwich Village soul scene and just keep returning to Groove and Cafe Wha? over and over again. Amazing R&B - the songs I grew up with on the Detroit radio - and I absolutely love the musicians that play there!

How would you describe your music in just one word?
LH: Real. I sometimes find it hard to describe the genre of my music, but I always make sure that it's coming from someplace real.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
Instagram: @leahharrismusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leahharrismusic
Spotify: Leah Harris Music
YouTube: www.youtube.com/leahharrismusic
Website: www.leahharrismusic.com

A few words with Keith Ward

I've recently photographed Keith Ward on his show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with him about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Keith Ward: "James Bond - Casino Royale". All the Bond movie songs are iconic and this my favorite! 

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
KW: Led Zeppelin

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
KW: Take a long run through Brooklyn and over the bridge.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
KW: Positive.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-best-year-ep/id902520860
https://open.spotify.com/artist/46RNEhOBbNdtY10EpirICy?si=8igMVRVs

A few words with Mosa

I've recently photographed Mosa on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Mosa: The Endless Summer - that movie embodies such a cool lifestyle, and I'd love to capture the imagery and landscapes through sound. 

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
Mosa: This is a tough one! But probably Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, or Joni Mitchell.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
Mosa: Definitely includes eating at Johns Pizzeria on Bleecker street (just order a plain pie) and then going next door for ice cream at Cones (my favorite is a scoop of the almond ice cream and the cantaloupe sorbet.) Then checking out Matt Umanov Guitars across the street and playing some really rad old instruments. I also love wandering around the city and just people watching, hanging out in Washington Square Park, and checking out the farmers market in Union Square.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
Mosa: Genuine.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
www.facebook.com/mosamusic
(New Album to be recorded in a few weeks... and it's expected to be released Spring 2018!)

A few words with Jessi Mason

I've recently photographed singer/song-writer Jessi Mason on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Jessi Mason: The original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder. I love that that movie is so full of wonder, but is simultaneously pretty dark. I'd want my song to reflect that whimsical eeriness. 

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you wouldn’t miss a concert?
JM: Joni Mitchell. 

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
JM: Look for good bookstores/coffee!

How would you describe your music in just one word?
JM: Nostalgic.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
www.jessimason.com
www.facebook.com/jessimasonmusic
www.instagram.com/jessi.mason
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gJfcr0UWAk7lLNgiGhbZg

A few words with Scotch the Filmmaker

I've recently photographed Chicago based indie-rock band Scotch the Filmmaker on their show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Joe: Point Break for me; It is the cult classic of my people.
Franny: Ferris Bueller because of the same reasons.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you wouldn’t miss a concert?
Franny: David Bowie with my dad. That would've been special. They grew up in the same parts of London and he remembers when Bowie was just this new weird kid playing new weird music.
Joe: Ugh, the Family factor would make me want to say Grateful Dead with my dad and brother or Carole King with my mom. Hendrix is it for me: I couldn't miss all that energy, and the guitar playing is still amazing. 

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
Joe: Eat. Food culture here is bonkers.
Franny: See a performance of something - comedy, musical, opera, ballet, doesn't matter what.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
Joe: Clever
Franny: Inclusive
Joe: I like hers better.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
https://open.spotify.com/album/7eW9zPtC5cSX3EG1t1pF6i
https://soundcloud.com/jmonaha2/sets/lake-effect-indie-vol-1
instagram.com/scotchthefilmmaker/

A few words with McLovins

I've recently photographed JAM Rock band McLovins on their show in NYC at Mercury Lounge, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:

(live at Mercury Lounge, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Jake Huffman: Oh' Brother Where art Tho, I feel like getting entirely lost and ending up back where you started a changed man is something that resonates in our music and our lives. 

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you wouldn’t miss a concert?
JH: John Coltrain

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
JH: Kicking back a few at a cool bar, and watching the sun set in Washington Square Park.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
JH: Party

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mclovins/id1045544413

A few words with Ritual Talk

I've recently photographed NYC based Psychedelic Indie Rock band Ritual Talk on their show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Ritual Talk: Any movie that creates a fully realized world - thinking Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Kubrick films - that convinces its audience of its reality. For us, making music is very much like that - convincing a listener that the sonic world in our heads is a reasonable way to hear the world!

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you wouldn’t miss a concert?
Alex D: Led Zeppelin. Rock & Roll. Trem: Uh, probs Led Zeppelin. Tom: Led Zeppelin, no doubt. Dylan: Dude, Led Zeppelin! T.J:  Prime CSN

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
Ritual Talk: Make a great scramble to start off the day. Hit the nearest park for a stroll and a frisbee toss. And then see where the day takes us (hopefully towards a game of catan).

How would you describe your music in just one word?
RT: Expansive

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
Website: https://ritualtalk.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritualtalk/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VKLniHOjxzm8I8IXp7bej

A few words with Carolyn Miller

I've recently photographed NYC based singer/song-writer Carolyn Miller on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Carolyn Miller: A Walk To Remember - I was OBSESSED with that movie and soundtrack all throughout middle school and high school. That CD was on repeat all the time! So many great memories associated with those songs and that movie... love me a good love story :)

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you wouldn’t miss a concert?
CM: Whitney Houston - Hearing that voice live would've been magical.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
CM: Oh man, this is a hard one. I don't get them too often but when I do, I'd say shop, mani/pedi, massage - I'm such a girly girl! Also, if the weather allows, I love going to a rooftop bar on a night off. Nothing's better than sharing a few good convos with a few good friends over a few good cocktails -- all while watching the sunset over NYC! My personal favorite spot is Pod 39 - highly recommend!

How would you describe your music in just one word?
CM: Country-Pop

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
My debut EP will be released in the coming months -- can't wait! My music website is currently being built, so social media is the best place right now for everything :-)
www.instagram.com/carolynmillermusic
www.facebook.com/carolynmillermusic
www.twitter.com/carolyn_miller

A few words with Kate Kay Es

I've recently photographed NYC based singer/musician/song-writer Kate Kay Es on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Kate Kay Es: I would love to have written a song for the movie "Babel". This is a beautiful, visually stunning film about the human experience through different lenses. It evokes a strong feeling and emotion from beginning to end. The music that I write hopes to do the same.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
KKS: Whitney Houston or Michael Jackson. Both would be a dream!

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
KKS: I love to walk around different areas of New York, as well as going to modern art galleries and drinking coffee!

How would you describe your music in just one word?
KKS: Experiential.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3EY8WqKgXDJcG3qGUvpzMK
https://soundcloud.com/katekayes
https://www.instagram.com/katekayesmusic
https://www.facebook.com/katekayesmusic/

A few words with Hotsy Totsy

I've recently photographed indie pop trio Hotsy Totsy on their show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Jenny Pilong: I kept racking my brain for a “cool” answer to this one, but… alas... I don’t have one. I actually don’t see a lot of movies, but I feel like it would have been cool to have had something on the "Hunger Games" soundtrack. I love writing melancholy, minor chord filled songs, so I think pairing that with a dystopian centric story would have been a match made in heaven. At least for me. Haha. Also, I kind of wish our song, “South Seas”, was around for Adam Sandler’s “50 First Dates”… which may or may not be one of my favorite movies… that I’ve actually seen. ;)

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
JP: John Lennon… or maybe Billie Holiday.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
JP: Art museums and vegan food! Particularly, Blossom Restaurant in Chelsea. I need to try every single thing on that menu.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
JP: This is a tough one. For me, personally, I think it would be wistful. For Hotsy Totsy as a whole I need two: exuberant harmony. Which I think is sort of fair, since there are three of us. Haha.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? 
Links to our Soundcloud, youtube, Spotify, etc. can all be found on our website.

A few words with Naomi Gillies

I've recently photographed singer/song-writer Naomi Gillies on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Naomi Gillies: Hmmm, I'm not actually a huge movie person, but I'll have to say "Requiem for a Dream". The music from that movie is so creepy and cool.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
NG: Probably sounds pretty cliche, but Michael Jackson and Prince. I never got to see either of them live and I'll regret that forever.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
NG: I like to go to the park and chill or go walk doggo's at the local animal shelter. :)

How would you describe your music in just one word?
NG: I don't think I'm self aware enough to answer this one :-P I asked my fiancé, he said he thinks soulful. I'll say "soulpop."

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? My very first EP is still in the production stage, but it will be out soon, I hope! You will be able to find it on my website, and of course Spotify, iTunes, etc. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

A few words with Kathleen Potton

I've recently photographed NYC based singer/songwriter Kathleen Potton on her show in NYC at Nublu, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Nublu, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Kathleen Potton: Well I kinda did already. My song 'Montauk' is based around "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind". There are so many aspects of this movie that I love... but anything to do with memory, time and perception of time fascinates me!! And subconsciously it was a theme to a lot of the songs I wrote for my album Nero. In "Eternal sunshine..." I love how they try to save certain memories by changing their perception of them & try "hiding" them by giving them different associations. And also love the idea of being predestined, that you can't help who you are, who you love, how you love & that despite trying to block out people, we can't help who we're drawn to.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
KP: Ooh this is hard... and to chose just one?? I think I would like to go back and see any of the artists who I'm inspired by (Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Prince, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles) and see their first gig... I want to see where they started and how they morphed into the icons we know today. Seeing an artist's journey is incredibly inspiring.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
KP: Actually work and play are kinda intertwined for me... As long as there is music in whatever capacity, I'm happy! I do really love walking in the city though, especially at night when there are not too many people around, like after a gig... just put on some music and walk for ages. Best thinking and inspiration time for me!

How would you describe your music in just one word?
KP: Sincere.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
My album NERO is out:
on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6leBXcfj0zCjGy1SN7qDGG
on iTunes https://itun.es/us/y9_djb ...
follow me on Instagram at instagram.com/katpotton 

A few words with Francis Aud

I've recently photographed Singer/Songwriter Francis Aud on his show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with him about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Francis Aud: What a great question! So my favorite movie of all time is this super low-budget (or maybe it was a really big budget film but good lord the special effects don't seem that way) film called Short Circuit 2. It's about this self-aware robot who comes to live in NYC with a computer scientist/engineer, a swindler, and a shady banker to make toys and learn about human emotions. Anyways, I say all that because it's one of those typical, cheesy 80's movies where the soundtrack has music you'd listen to while wearing neon spandex, doing aerobics wearing a headband, and I'd love to just use a whole bunch of synths and totally cheap sounding sound effects to make something really fun.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
FA: This one is a three-way tie between Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Jackie Wilson. Note for anyone who wants to see what a TRUE performance looks like, go watch Otis Redding's performance at The Monterey International Pop Festival.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
FA: Depends on the season! Spring/Summer: Going for a walk in Greenwich village. Fall: Going for a walk around Morningside Heights and writing in Straus Park. Winter: Not going for any walks and exploring a new coffee shop to journal in.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
FA: Genuine.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? 
The lovely masses can listen to my music at my website as well as searching 'Francis Aud' on Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud:
Website: francisaud.com
Bandcamp: https://francisaudmusic.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/francisaudmusic

A few words with Janelle & the Gentlemen

I've recently photographed Nashville based rock-n-roll band Janelle & The Gentlemen on their show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Janelle Faiman: Anything Quentin Tarantino has produced. There is a dark sexy energy that I connect with. I probably watched Natural Born Killers 100 times in my early 20's.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
JF: Elvis Presley in the late 60's and early 70's. He had nothing to prove, but he continued to perform, older, out of shape and better than ever.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
JF: Museum of Sex.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
JF: Rich.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? 
www.janelleandthegentlemen.com
www.facebook.com/janelleandthegentlemen
https://play.spotify.com/album/4LqmBgaVYWukcasrf2UJUH

A few words with Brian Charette

I've recently photographed New York City organist/pianist Brian Charette on his show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with him about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Brian Charette: Blade Runner. It's my favorite movie sound track and I find the tone of the film dark and inspiring.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
BC: The Beatles.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
BC: Sleep.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
BC: Genius.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? 
Briancharette.com

A few words with Tim Chernikoff

I've recently photographed Jazz Pianist and Composer Tim Chernikoff on his show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with him about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Tim Chernikoff: Out of all the movies I've seen that I can remember right now, I would probably have to go with Shawshank Redemption.  I think making up themes for all of the different scenarios would be very cathartic. It's one of the movies that I identified with back in high school when a lot of my musical sensibilities were just forming.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
TC: Probably a Giant Steps-era John Coltrane gig, at one of the gigs he did while forming his concept, maybe 1958? Preferably the dingiest hole in the wall he had to play at. And then try to get a lesson with him.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
TC: On a day off... I would meet up with a girl and go to the park, or visit an outdoor salsa concert - depending on my current relationship status of course.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
TC: Wistful.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? 
All my online posts will appear in the following places:
http://www.timchernikoffjazz.com
http://www.facebook.com/timchernikoffjazz
http://www.soundcloud.com/timchernikoff
http://www.instagram.com/chernijazz

A few words with Nabiyah Be

I've recently photographed the Brazilian singer song-writer Nabiyah Be on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:

(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)

One, two, three, four!

Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Nabiyah Be: Ha! Would be a very tricky question for me in any other scenario but right now I have to say Marvel's Black Panther since it is my very first movie as an actress and it's such a pivotal tool for black representation in the center of the machine that is Hollywood.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
NB: Equally hard question...Although I love some of my oldies I have to say Amy Winehouse because she changed my approach to songwriting and introduced me to a whole generation of Jazz music that she drew from. Before her, I was quite ignorant about it and didn't really understand jazz. She also had a killer live band.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
NB: Hang out with friends on my backyard and enjoy live music at the park.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
NB: Fusion.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? 
You can find everything available at www.nabiyahbe.com
I'll be making official releases this year! Follow me on social media at: 
- Instagram: instagram.com/nabiyahbe
- Facebook: facebook.com/nabiyahbe
- Twitter: twitter.com/nabiyahbe
- Youtube: youtube.com/nabiyahbe