Manhattan Digest

All you need to know about Manhattan culture and so much more...

MUSIC

Manhattan Digest Exclusive With The ‘Psychedelic’ Chris Ruben Band

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I sort of giggled when I first heard that Long Island’s very own The Chris Ruben Band partially referred to themselves as “psychedelic”. That’s because it’s a word barely if ever used in the music industry anymore, so their sound immediately caught my eye for all the right reasons.

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Two Men in Love: An Interview with PS Classics’ Philip Chaffin

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Philip Chaffin has a story to tell. Actually, he has one to sing. The co-founder of PS Classics has recently released an album which spans a life fully lived from the gay perspective–from the nervous first date through the loss of a partner. “Will He Like Me” is a collection of both well-known and rare gems. Produced with his husband Tommy Krasker, the album has been selected as a 2018 NY Times pick for Gift Giving. Times critic Jesse Green wrote,   “Chaffin turns the great songs of love gay, merely by refusing to alter the titles and pronouns. From “When I Marry Mr. Snow,” to “I Got Lost in His Arms,” he tells a familiar story that has never sounded so new.”

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Another Exclusive: Country Rock Trio Honey River Makes ‘Sweet’ Love With Their Amazing Music

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The world of country has found its footing in the mainstream music world over the past couple of years, thanks to a ton of artists that have found success outside of their industry hopping in and working with some of the biggest talents out there. For Country rock trio Honey River, they have a different idea on what type of music should be out there as the inspirations for their sounds date back to a time where artists were truly known as iconic. [Read more…] about Another Exclusive: Country Rock Trio Honey River Makes ‘Sweet’ Love With Their Amazing Music

Vaeda Black’s Indie-Pop Sound Blends Well Within the Industry Today

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Several music icons have come from Long Island. Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J. 16-year-old Vaeda Black, who comes from the North Shore (an area I am all too familiar with) could be next on that list given how incredible her indie-pop and alternative sound is that resonates so well with what’s going on in the music industry today. [Read more…] about Vaeda Black’s Indie-Pop Sound Blends Well Within the Industry Today

Monsieur Job on Their Meteoric Rise in the Music Industry

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A trend that has occurred for several years now is primarily Spanish-speaking songs finding their way to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This dates all the way back to the mid-90’s when Los Del Rio released “Macarena” and has continued on from there with songs from J. Balvin, Luis Fonsi and several more just to name a few. [Read more…] about Monsieur Job on Their Meteoric Rise in the Music Industry

J. Hernandez and Sons’ Pop-Up Brings Community and Spice To Brooklyn

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Those that got a chance to attend the J. Hernandez and Sons (named for the brand’s father-son distiller duo of Jesus Hernandez and Jesus Hernandez Jr.) Pop-Up Bodega in Brooklyn this week were gifted with a great night of food, drink, and music. Part of a continued series that started in April, the pop-up bodega series has been going to several major cities across the country, providing people with the irresistible taste of Altos Tequila, one of Mexico’s premiere liquors. Opening for two nights in six different cities, the brand has appeared in Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, and Nashville before coming to New York, right before making its final stop in Chicago. With these events, Altos Tequila is ardently trying to communicate a strong honor for community. [Read more…] about J. Hernandez and Sons’ Pop-Up Brings Community and Spice To Brooklyn