NYC's Best Local Musicians For 2011
Lee Rocker
From: New York, NY
Lee Rocker made his mark on the New York stage more than two decades ago, rockin', romping and spinning his giant upright bass in the Grammy-nominated music group The Stray Cats. Since then, Rocker's solo career has taken off and today he's often recognized for his brooding slow blues and catchy Americana tunes. As of January 2011 you can find him on Broadway, making his debut in the musical Million Dollar Quartet.
Albums: The Cover Sessions EP (available March 2011), Black Cat Bone (2010), No Cats (2000), Atomic Boogie HouLee (2000), Blast Off (2000), Rock Therapy (2000)
Sounds Like: Stray Cats, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson
Amber and The Little Criminals
From: Brooklyn, NY
Amber Lee, an advertising exec turned musician croons with her sweet set of four on New York's stages. Lee's coolly deceptive voice and intimate lyrics are accompanied by hauntingly rhythmic folk melodies. Highly originally, yet completely relatable, her soft spoken dry humor lends itself well to local audiences.
Albums: This Comes After (2010)
Sounds Like: Jenny Owens Young, Cat Power, Mazzy Star
Sweet Cyanide
From: The Bronx
Fronted by Bronx based rock guitarist/vocalist Sal Scoca, Sweet Cyanide is a high-energy band with some serious attitude. The glam-rock group infuses elements of garage and punk music with hard knocks-esque songwriting. These tough guy rockers can often be found playing at their local stomping grounds, Southpaw and Arlene's Grocery.
Albums: Sweet Cyanide II (2010), Sweet Cyanide (2008)
Sounds Like: Nirvana, Motley Crue, Green Day
The Drums
From: Brooklyn
Based on whistly sounding bubble gum-pop, The Drums represent a new generation of youth-- ones consumed by self liberation. The four-piece's effortless sound takes audiences on a journey filled with fun times and fragile hearts.
Albums: The Drums (2010), Summertime! (2009)
Sounds Like: The Smiths, Beach Boys, Vampire Weekend
DeScribe
From: Brooklyn
DeScribe approaches his music from a spiritual place. His unique combination of Hip Hop, Reggae, and R&B, form the vehicle for some genuinely upbeat music. This former Israeli Army sharpshooter used to roam the streets in search of inspiration. Today, DeScribe has become a YouTube sensation, combining music and technology to promote racial harmony and encourage Jewish teens to record and produce their own music.
Albums: Harmony (2010), The Change (2009)
Sounds Like: Michael Franti, Matisyahu, T-Shma
Children's Chorus P.S. 22
From: Staten Island
Gregg Breinberg or Mr. B's fifth graders practice more than three hours each week in their Staten Island auditorium—that's a commitment almost unheard of at most schools. Devoted to sharing his love for music, this teacher and his 'kids' sure know how to lay it down. Discovered on YouTube, the chorus sings everything from Lady Gaga to Black Sabbath. It's like Glee, but better.
Albums: N/A
Sounds Like: The Von Trapp Choir, Young People's Chorus of New York, Brooklyn Youth Chorus
Panda Bear
Noah Lennox aka Panda Bear, made a name for himself more than a decade ago as a founding member of the experimental band Animal Collective. His musical concoctions include the layering of crestfallen sounds and emotive guitar sampling. The result? A mid blowing neo-psychedelic experience.
Albums: Tomboy (April 2011), Person Pitch (2007), Young Prayer (2004), Panda Bear (1998)
Sounds Like: Animal Collective, El Guincho, Caribou
Zachary Cale
From: Brooklyn
New York transplant, Zachary Cale's folk sound is as beautifully raw as they come. Local audiences enjoy quietly reflective ballads from this shaggy haired musician. His unusual voice and poetic songwriting are pleasantly welcomed surprises, ideal for pensive subway rides. This year you'll find him playing at Barbès in Brooklyn and several other local spots.
Albums: Noise of Welcome (April 2011), Walking Papers (2008), Outlander Sessions (2005)
Sounds Like: Bob Dylan, Andy Cabic, Leonard Cohen
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