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| Next Stop: NYC subway musician compilation drops this week Headset Productions, a New York based artist development company, is set to release Songs from the Underground: NYC Subway late this summer. The album, which will be distributed nationally through traditional and alternative outlets, is a compilation disc of musicians and artists who share their talents with commuters and hone their craft in the subways of New York City. Songs from the Underground: NYC Subway is a full length CD that features eleven of the most impressive subway performers, represented in a raw, striped down context with the intent of bringing the vibrant live music from the underground to the mainstream surface. Mixed by Grammy Award winning Engineer Joe Blaney (The Clash, Prince, Soul Asylum), the album features an eclectic variety of music including acoustic hip-hop, Finnish a cappella, Haitian folk music, and much more, all of which is presented in a cohesive live context. Spokinn Movement, a hip-hop collective reminiscent of the Native Tongue's sound, brings lyrical freshness combined with driving melodies to two tracks on the album. “Central Park”, performed by singer-songwriter Krystle Warren is a romantic folk song that showcases her earthy, soulful voice, also heard on the song “Sparkle and Fade.” Another highlight is Theo Eastwind, whose raw, emotive material has led him to sell over ten thousand self-released albums to commuters and earned him comparisons to Jeff Buckley and Nick Drake. These artists, combined with the many other genres heard on the album, deftly reflect the diversity of New York City. Taylor Davis and Federico Evangelista, founding partners of Headset, spent six months listening and talking to over fifty subway performers. They also attended MUNY (Music Under New York) auditions and developed criteria for selections such as the need for original material and the desire for musicians to present their music in a professional light. “Busking performers have a passion and drive to present their music, on their terms, at all costs. That passion and drive deserves to be recognized, ” says Davis. A percentage of the profits from Songs from the Underground: NYC Subway will be donated to New York Cares, a non-profit organization, which provides hands-on volunteer service to NYC residents. Headset Productions will host a series of live concerts in support of the album during the months of July and August at Union Square NYC. An official release party is planned at Joe's Pub at the end of the summer. Releases from solo artists featured on Songs from the Underground: NYC Subway are coming within in the next two years. Headset also hosts monthly music showcases at the Living Room in Manhattan, three of which will be aired by BBC radio in mid-June. Partners Taylor Davis and Federico Evangelista formed Headset Productions in August 2004. Their primary objective is artist development and longevity in the marketplace. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |