"Family & Friends" - The Gospel According to Tommy Botz

The art of the songwriter does not come without pain and suffering. A true wordsmith must have a story to tell, whether it be a tale of redemption or the road to recovery. Without falling, one cannot learn how to pick oneself up, and without sharing what he or she learns through hard life lessons, one cannot serve any kind of artistic purpose of any significance.

Tommy Botz comes from the realm of the old school troubadours, the singer songwriters of the road. He has battled with alchohol addiction and come back from the darkness to tell his tale through song form. It's a place of sincerity and brutal honesty that his songs come from, much like the legends of the past- Gene Clark, Merle Haggard, Townes Van Zandt. He has written over 200 songs and recorded several with a full stacked top notch backing band to boot. Of these songs, you will discover Tommy Botz' authenticity, his voice and passion come through in only the way of legends.

"Maggie" starts up with pedal steel guitars and a heavy back beat with lyrics about sleeping on trains, barflys and the loss of a good woman. It's the way the 12 bar country blues was meant to be, performed with devotion and heartache.

"Train of Glory" rumbles a half-step, up tempo drum beat with Johnny Cash style vocals. It's produced like it's blasting out of a jukebox down south in a vintage concert hall filled with drifters and wanderers. 

"Teddy Bear" is Botz' prettiest ballad, a song featuring female vocals reminiscent of Emmy Lou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. Brings back memories of the early '70s L.A. Troubadour country scene. The song is a conversation with the lord, a spiritual song with beautifully arranged strings and piano. 

Tommy Botz has been around the bend, a hidden gem among singer songwriters of epic folk lore. The music is executed in a masterful way unlike most mainstream country artists who just don't have much wisdom in their music. Botz' music is filled with clever wordplay, painful honesty and the poetry of the influential roadmasters of the 1960's and 70's. Perhaps a renaissance of this musical genre is coming... and Tommy Botz is willing to lead the way. 

AP: What was the first album you ever purchased?

TB: Elvis 

AP: At what age did you first learn an instrument? 

TB: Ten 

AP: Have you ever played in any other projects or has it been a solo trip from the beginning? 

TB: Was lead singer in the Chevells group and the Caesars 5 

AP: What are your thoughts on the modern country music industry? 

TB: I miss old school country and gospel 

AP: How have you evolved creatively through your experiences with addiction and recovery? 

TB: I hold the pen and GOD writes the words please listen to the words in my song Teddy Bear and I’ve never had children of my own 

AP: What should we expect next from you in the wild world of country rock? 

TB: Magic and Miracles

Singer/Songwriter Mariel Darling Releases First Single and Video “No Mirrors”

With a bold tenacity that shines bright in her music and brand new video, it’s no wonder singer/songwriter Mariel Darling has already had a headstart in her music career having been performing and building her career for the past seven years. And with her brand new single and video “No Mirrors”, she continues to make waves in the ever growing and changing world of music media.

A Western Massachusetts native, 16yr old Mariel Darling started recording music when she was only nine years old after being discovered by manager Jackie Sarkis - formerly of Radio Disney, and at age ten she was already turning heads performing at the New York Knicks halftime show. Even in her early years, the young singer knew that she wanted to use her talent to help promote positive messages, and by eleven she was already hard at work writing and performing songs for the National Education Institute encouraging other kids in a fun and upbeat way to read, study, and focus on their education as a way to further their well-being. These initiatives lead Darling to perform on bigger national stages and festivals including the Maritime Festival, Washington D.C.’s CureFest for Childhood Cancer, and the Camplified Tour which saw her perform in front of thousands of teens and tweens at summer camps across the nation at fourteen.

Cut to 2017, and Darling has become an emerging star in the new music world of social media! A verified, crowned “Muser” and host of the globally syndicated show "Jukebox Countdown" on Musical.ly’s “Live.ly TV”, she quickly grew to have a large number of fans on the popular music app. Constantly writing and collaborating, she’s been recently working with major label producer/songwriter Cass Dillon, while consulting with Artist Manager/Developer Stefano DiBenedetto of The Hang Productions.



“All of the things that I let get to me, gonna let them fly away// All of the love that I have in me, Oh It’s gonna set me free//I don’t need no mirrors here, I can see it clearer and clearer”

WATCH: “NO MIRRORS” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Delving into her latest release “No Mirrors”, co-written with Dillon, the song and accompanying video were two incredibly creative experiences for Darling during a time where she was really trying to find herself. “This is a song about being confident on the inside. People, especially young girls, are always looking for external validation” she says, continuing “I wanted to write a song to encourage everyone to stop trying to look a certain way or act a certain way to fit in. As young woman we go through so many transformations - mind, body, soul. We need to stop trying to live up to all of the perfection”.

In the video, which sees her going through persona changes from “glam” to “raw” and finally finding inner beauty, she considered the process to be an amazing experience turning deeply personal lyrics into a unique visual representation. “I start off with a pop star look, trying to be something that I think people expect to see as a female pop star performer, and go through another phase as I look in the mirror. Done with the glam, I find myself in a kind of darker place and then transition into a simple look, nude colors, to show the raw internal me. The video helped me really express what I’m going through. The teenage years are tough- with social media and all of the images you see on Instagram. It just makes you second guess who you are and try to ‘be like them’, to fit in.

But through all the challenges and triumphs, Darling - who sees Taylor Swift as one of her biggest influences as a multitalented positive role model - still seems to be enjoying the ride. “Being in the studio is such a special experience. In my opinion it’s the hardest work, but the most fun! Its magical and so satisfying to see it all come together right before your eyes!”.

With more music on the way as she continues to write and collaborate with Dillon in 2018, make sure to check out “No Mirrors” (Available via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify etc.) today!

Monsieur Job Tops Latin Billboard and Heatseeker Charts with BASS PA$$I

Having recently dropped their lead single and Video “Chow Chow Eyyy Pow Pow” Feat. No Mercy followed by their full BASS PA$$I LP via Basswalk Latino and Musik and Film, Latino/Pop/EDM superstars Monsieur Job are continuing to climb charts worldwide, with the album hitting #6 on the Billboard Latin Charts this week!

Toby Holguin dreams music, lives music and gives music life. It was Toby’s vision to create Monsieur Job, a band that will rock you make you move your feet. A band that will make you cry with passion. Formed by Toby Holguin from Cali, Colombia, a beautiful place high in the mountains above the clouds . Toby then asked Stan Kolev from Sofia, Bulgaria, Charlie Illera from Barranquilla, Colombia, and Leo Jaramillo from Bogota, Colombia. To become one musically as Monsieur Job.



“It makes some demands of the listener, but none they won’t be happy to oblige. The demands are centered on how artfully ‘Chow Chow eyyy Pow Pow’ upends expectations for pop music in this vein thanks to its strong musical pedigree and vocal presentation. The performance is unfailingly accessible, but there’s a real sophistication present in the song as well.The three and a half minute radio edit of this initial offering from the quartet is augmented by the presence of guest star Martin Cintron, lead singer for the band No Mercy, and the Bronx born vocalist is the added cherry on top of what will likely prove one of 2018’s more delectable musical confections” - No Depression

All of them them live and breathe their own style of music combined they are Monsieur Job. Toby, Stan, and Charlie spin records as DJs constantly for different pools and venues around the world. Moreover, Toby had the idea to start doing Urban Music besides Chill Out and Electronic Music, which is the vision that created the album “Bass Passi”. they started dropping broken beats with a more festive, shaky, groovy Caribbean latin flavor turning it into an international exclusive mash up of world talents and a unique blend of genres.

For their debut release of Chow Chow Eyyy Pow Pow , The record has hit the Euro Indie Music Chart at #1 for 9 consecutive weeks, the Digital Radio Tracker Top 10, and the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Top 100 Songs for their single and Top 200 for Best Albums for their album “Bass Passi”.

The album “BASS PA$$I” was recorded in Bogota and Miami at Basswalk Studios, Outta Limits Studios in Miami, and Barba Studios in Belgrade and mastered at Sterling Studios, New York.



Purchase: Monsieur Job "BASS PA$$I 1" Feat. "Chow Chow Eyyy Pow Pow" via iTunes

LISTEN: Monsieur Job "BASS PA$$I 1" Feat. "Chow Chow Eyyy Pow Pow" via Spotify



Purchase: Monsieur Job "BASS PA$$I 2" via iTunes

LISTEN: Monsieur Job "BASS PA$$I 2" via Spotify

Julian Morgan performing at the 2018 BLI Summer Jam, Northwell Health and Jones Beach Theater!

With the Summer in full swing as he puts the finishing touches on his Debut EP AND having just hit 1,000,000 streams for his single “Company” on Spotify - Long Island’s own R&B singer/songwriter/producer and superstar Julian Morgan is getting ready to perform LIVE at the 2018 BLI Summer Jam along with fellow Islander Ali B on Friday, June 15th!

21-year-old Julian Morgan immediately evokes the peak of '90s R&B with relevant Urban Pop. His combination of talents empowers Julian to connect with listeners by making music for fans and media alike as he prepares for the release of his debut of his debut EP via Prepared Records. You could say Julian Morgan was destined to bring people to their feet; After picking up piano at just seven-years-old, the young phenom dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the instrument. He listened to an array of greats, from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Chris Brown and John Legend. Julian also learned to play the trumpet and joined choir in high school, discovering his voice along the way. By 12th grade, he earned a spot in his school's all-state jazz choir. However, it was solo performance of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" at the Capitol Building in Albany, New York that properly kick started his journey. "That really opened my eyes," Julian recalls. "It was such a magical feeling to sing while backed by a band. I was so comfortable. Being on stage just like it was meant to be. There was no other place I'd rather be, either."




More Upcoming Performances:

Friday, July 27th, 8PM @ Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell, Wantagh, NY

Friday, August 3rd @ Long Beach International Film Festival's "Concert On the Beach", Long Beach, NY

After attending Suffolk County Community College, Julian buckled down and focused on music. As he wrote countless songs, he worked with renowned vocal coach Jan Smith [Justin Bieber, Drake] to hone his chops. In 2016, he linked up with producer Will Caballero and engineer Mitch Tricarico and began recording original tracks. After one listen, Prepared Records C.E.O. Eric Sfoglia immediately signed Julian. The impact of Julian's musical training can be clearly felt on his debut single "Company", which he co-produced with multi-platinum hit-maker Drumma Boy. The song lures us in as a simmering beat builds into an unshakable refrain, while impressive vocal runs and impeccable falsetto highlight Julian's inimitable voice.

Julian Morgan represents a fresh, reality-inspired movement for Urban Pop. "It's about just being honest for me," he explains. "I'm letting everybody know what I'm going through, so we can all share in something true."

Following a ton of praise with his hit new track, which has seen him interviewed on Sirius XM’s Shade 45, New York’s Hot 97 with DJ Drewski and Power 105.1FM, and played on over 38 Hip-Hop/R&B stations nationwide - you can catch him LIVE along with AliB on Friday, June 15th at the 2018 BLI Summer Jam at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater (895 Bay Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793)!



To Purchase Julian Morgan’s Latest Single “Company” via iTunes, VISIT: https://apple.co/2qFTNjx

R&B Girl Group TRACY Bringing Power & Soul to NY Stages

With Their Second Place Win at the Legendary Apollo Theater’s Ameteur Night and an Enthralling Performance in Center Court of the Walt Whitman Shops This Past Weekend, the Sister-Trio Along with Their Poet/Papper Brother “Too” Are Turning Heads With More Upcoming Live Performances

Following the fierce talent and dynamic stage presence of girl groups before them from Destiny’s Child to Fifth Harmony, TLC, the Spice Girls and more – NY’s Tracy and their Poet/Rapper Brother “Too” are making new fans all across NY following their powerful performance on the legendary Apollo Theater and during the 2018 Rising Stars Tour at Walt Whitman Shops! With the Summer almost here, you’ll have plenty of chances to catch them performing LIVE for the All White Yacht Party on the Sapphire Princess sailing from Freeport NY’s Nautical Mile on Thursday, June 28th, 6-11PM AND Saturday, July 21st at 8PM on the World Famous Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell stage (FREE SHOW!), with more to come!

Tracy is a group of three sisters, Shijuan Williams, Sydney Williams, and Tyler-Lenai Williams who have been singing almost their “entire life.” Coming from a musically-inclined family from Freeport, Long Island – their brother, Anthony Williams is known as “Too” who performs poetry and rap and their younger sister, Sincere Williams, sings as well. “She misses no beats what so ever, she can sing any note high or low,” says Shijuan.

They came to fame back in 2015-2016 with their two widely praised performances at the Apollo, in which they came in second at Ameteur Night, and it’s no surprise they quickly gained notoriety, as the sisters had always sang at family occasions since they were young. However, they officially became Tracy five years ago. “Our bond as family and blend as vocalists just formulates so well, it’s strange,” says Shijuan, “it’s like God made all three of us with different voice types to go together. Seriously amazing! We take the best from each other and that’s what makes us Tracy,” says Sydney.

Their Father, Anthony Williams, used to rap as well and was known as “Poetry.” “It’s fantastic. Someone is always singing, spitting bars, or bouncing a freshly written lyrics off someone. It’s our way of life. It’s the one thing we all have in common, the love for music,” says Williams

Now, with two upcoming performances at the All White Yacht Party on the Sapphire Princess sailing from Freeport NY’s Nautical Mile on Thursday, June 28th, 6-11PM AND Saturday, July 21st at 8PM on the World Famous Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell stage, Tracy & Too are sure to continue their rise to stardom!

LUV DOT GOV Release First Single “Luv Me Blue” Off Forthcoming Debut LP

As they get ready to unleash their DEBUT LP “At Least We’ve Got This Madness” NYC/U.K. based rockers LUV DOT GOV are giving fans a taste of what’s to come as they’ve just released their first Single “Luv Me Blue”! And with their upcoming RECORD RELEASE at NYC’s The Local Friday, May 18th at 6PM along with a string of upcoming U.K. dates this Summer, they’ll have plenty chances to check out this young blooded power-pop outfit that’s tearing up stages from Brooklyn to Edinburgh! (Upcoming U.K. Dates Below)

Luv Dot Gov, the brainchild of Matthew Pop (vocals/guitar) and Stevie Seaweeds (drums/vocals), was born on a rooftop in Brooklyn in the summer 2016 as a response to dark, trying times — both personally and politically. The band would quickly become a vehicle for some of the best emotionally honest power pop this side of the 90s. Thankfully, they were armed with the finest collection of tunes penned by Pop over the course of his decades-long career, marrying heartbroken but hopeful lyrics to sticky-sweet melodies — all set to precisely arranged, chunky down-tuned guitars.

By fall 2016, the fledgling Luv Dot Gov had recruited Sean Egan on bass, and had a few local gigs under their belts. However, stressed and depressed in a post-election US, Pop ran away to Scotland for a brief respite in November. It was here he linked up with Graeme Young, a producer and operator of Chamber Studio in Edinburgh. A plan was soon hatched to record Luv Dot Gov’s debut album abroad, taking advantage of Young’s top notch equipment, expertise and extensive network of first-class musicians. After another smattering of stateside and UK shows, Matt and Steve decamped to Scotland for the spring of 2017 to lay down tracks for the record. Here, isolated from the stressors of the States, the songs blossomed into intricate but accessible pop-rock anthems, equally suited for blasting out a car stereo or headphones-on introspection.

Upcoming Performances:

Upon Matt and Steve’s return to New York that summer, the band rounded out its roster by bringing in Brandon von Fehr (lead guitar) and Patrick Fischer (keyboard/synth). Now equipped to capture the record’s expansive arrangements live, the new five-piece lineup started honing their skills, sharpening their set into a muscular, airtight slice of indie rock. Soon thereafter, they began booking gigs at venues both trendy and historic (Pine Box Rock Shop, the Bitter End), winning over audiences with their lively stage presence and nostalgic yet forward-thinking sound.

Meanwhile, Young continued refining tracks across the pond, and the resulting album; the hooky and bittersweet “At Least We’ve Got This Madness,” is ready to make its debut on May 18th.

In honour of its release, the band will perform the album in its entirety at The Local in Queens, NY on Friday, May 18th but you can hear the first Single “Luv Me Blue” TODAY!

Mark Newman & The Doobie Brothers at The Paramount, October 13

Having recently performed at LIU Post for the “Musicians Without Borders” Benefit Concert this past September and releasing a bluesy new single titled “Scapegoat” singer/songwriter and guitarist Mark Newman is getting ready to open for legendary rockers The Doobie Brothers this Thursday, October 13th at The Paramount- 370 New York Ave, Huntington, NY!

Although Newman has played a ton of exciting solo and full-band showcases in the past few months--notably NYC’s B.B. King’s for the Delbert McClinton Birthday Show, The Space at Westbury opening for the one and only Don Felder, The Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan, The Space at Westbury opening for David Bromberg, NYC’s Legendary Bitter End, and the Pig’n Whistle in Los Angeles with Fred Herrera and Alex Del Zoppo, founding members of Sweetwater--he has also worked as sideman to so many soul, blues, and rock greats of our time like John Oates (Hall and Oates), Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds), Willy DeVille, Sam The Sham, and Sam Moore! 

A New York native, Newman’s musical prowess has taken him around the world several times over, playing with an eclectic mix of noted musical talents from Sting to Elvis Costello, and Travis Tritt as well as his own solo work. A multi stringsman, Mark has mastered electric/acoustic/lap steel guitar as well as the mandolin and dobro, and with a voice reminiscent of many rock and bluesmen before him- it has the familiarity of an old friend yet the power and soul of many of today’s rock, soul, folk and R&B icons. For over five years, Newman and fellow songwriter Naomi Margolin have run the “Music From the Hive” Singer/Songwriter Series, and for the past two years- “The Original Music Series” for bands, in an attempt to keep original music alive on Long Island. Newman also records and produces local artists in the Long Island/NYC area. 

“Walls of Jericho,” which was released in 2010, is filled with intricate guitar work and mixed with a plethora of sounds from hard rock to a lighter more Dylanesque folk tinge, but this style comes even more to the forefront on 2015’s “Brussels” out now on Danal Music and available via iTunes and CD Baby. The live acoustic-driven EP packs a bluesy punch reminiscent of Clapton’s “Unplugged” album through both the guitar work and raw vocal power. On the first track “Mean Season (Lucille, Lucille)”, Newman bellows “I waited til’ dawn, see if the sun will shine when you’re gone // You turn away, I just can’t stay where I don’t belong” and like many early bluesmen before him, you can hear the soulful longing and strife in his voice. With the brilliant slide-guitar work in “Dead Man’s Shoes” we’re easily transported in our minds to the West in the era of outlaws and cowboy boots, and in “Must Be A Pony” reminded about the power of a child’s enthusiasm and the efforts not to lose it as time goes by. 

His most recent release “Scapegoat” is yet another tune that brings Newman’s full-scale musicianship into the forefront as not only a brilliant slide-guitarist, but a gifted lyricist as well. His imagery depicts an innocent man on the run from the law after being framed for a murder he didn’t commit when he bellows “Walking home through an alley when I witnessed a hit, he was fightin’ for his life when his throat got slit // I screamed ‘hey stop!’ but not in time, I saw their faces and they saw mine”. The story takes an even darker turn when he continues “The police showed up to take care of business // They were looking for a weapon, looking for a witness // Though I know who it was I refused to name names // They took me downtown, I think I’m about to get framed”. Though a darker tale, the song itself verges more on the upbeat and danceable blues feel with a hammond organ solo that wouldn't be out of place in The Band, The Doors, or many of the great iconic rock songs of our time. But to judge for yourself, check it out via SoundCloud. 

With further shows coming up in the next few months including a Tao Jones Reunion (8PM) performance in Sea Cliff, NY Monday, October 17th and Saturday, December 3rd at Bar Louie (Commack) (10PM), you won’t want to miss a great opportunity to see Mark open for The Doobie Brothers on the Main Stage at The Paramount Thursday, October 13th at 8PM!

Gnarly Karma start up 2016 with new album and show at The Bitter End, January 23rd!

New York alternative rock band Gnarly Karma just debuted a fresh new album called "Classic Breeze" and play The Bitter End, Saturday - January 23rd.

Gnarly Karma is one of the most interesting bands on the New York City scene right now. They have a unique sound made up of guitar, bass, drums, sax, keyboards, harmonica and vocals. Mike Renert is an emotional singer with a dynamic range, full of classic rock influences and a grungy rasp. He has the lyrical wit of Neil Young, or similar to Adam Duritz on the softer songs, songs about 'love and life' from a storyteller's point of view. The more upbeat acoustic tracks are in the vein of the Dave Matthews Band and O.A.R.. There's always a great groove. There's always a solid pulse. The saxophone gives the music a transcendental vibe and contemporary jazz/rock feel that works with Renert's hypnotic songwriting style. They are an exciting act to catch live and always impress. Top notch musicians.. Check them out at The Bitter End, January 23rd!

"Classic Breeze" is now available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, and more.

Mark Newman's Americana & the American Dream

World renowned multi-instrumentalist Mark Newman is touring on the heels of his latest album: "Walls of Jericho" and it's a mountain sized record of songs of Americana and the American dream. He is a masterful composer of many styles along with his talents for a variety of instruments, but for now he is focusing on his own material with a brand new collection of funky raw jams and smooth mellow grooves.

"Walls of Jericho" is a real singer/songwriting guitar slinger album. Newman has the mystical vibe of Neil Young with the bluesy rasp of Stevie Ray Vaughn. He sings about politics, life and women. The album features some of the most remarkable slide guitar playing I've ever heard, impressively reminiscent of the great Lowell George. This is more than 'a casual blues band at the bar' record. It's Mark Newman's vision of the modern day blues and contemporary rock and roll. 

Mark Newman has shared the stage with such legends as Sting to Elvis Costello and performed numerous times all around the world. He is in a sweet spot in his career right now and the music is reaching masses. "Walls of Jericho" is essential for the serious and sincere listener and I highly recommend that Mark Newman's predecessors should listen to this too. 

THIS IS HAPPENING.

Upcoming dates:

Dec. 28, 8 pm - Still Partner's, Sea Cliff, Music From The Hive Singer/Songwriter Series

Jan. 13, 9 pm - The Bitter End, NYC

Drastic Andrew "Live Without Warning"

'New Rock Country Wave' is a label you don’t hear often, if ever, for a musical genre. As I finger through new releases of the month, it crosses my mind that I don’t think anyone has attempted to brand that kind of music or define that category. It would have to consist of influences ranging from Johnny Cash to Echo & The Bunnymen. Americana and New Wave are relatively distant styles and few have mixed the two together. Bands like R.E.M. or The Replacements have taken a stab at it. I love those bands, but I wish more would try to fuse the ingredients that make up those sounds today.

Drastic Andrew is a five piece group from Santa Fe, New Mexico that just released their third full length album “Live Without Warning”. It’s a unique blend of alternative country rock and art pop lyrical content that’s on the brink of a fresh new sound I’ve never really heard before. It’s like the next logical step from what R.E.M. was tinkering with on the massively successful- “Out of Time” around the early 1990’s. I can hear similarities to artists like Vic Chestnutt and Elvis Costello too. The instrumentation and arrangements are impressively distinct, led by singer/songwriter Andrew MacLauchlan’s existential lyrics and heartfelt melodies. His voice is strikingly similar to David Byrne and the band is obviously made up of top notch seasoned musicians, making them one of the most versatile groups out there.

“Live without Warning” is a truly inspired collection of influences from David Bowie’s slinky lounge music of the 1970’s to honest storytelling, beer fueled acoustic songs about life. “Pedestrian Love Song” is a perfect acoustic ballad, a love song about a couple living through the mundane parts of relationship and marriage. “End of the Line” is another stand out acoustic track where MacLauchlan ponders the ironies of everyday characters with a classic Bob Dylan tone to his delivery. But the vibe of the majority of the album centers around a new wave existential backdrop you can clearly connect to on songs like “Now” and “Evolution”. MacLauchlan tends to gravitate toward his apocalyptic science fiction world while the band is flawless, hitting every nuance with style. 

If you’re a wide ranged record collector, a Talking Heads fan, or interested in a flourishing new indie rock group, this is the band for you.

Casinova: What I Need (single)

8.7

“Waking up is the hardest part, but doing what I do everyday has become the easiest thing for me.” – Casinova.

Young talent is a dime a dozen these days, with all the burgeoning artists trying to score a record deal with the majors, but a young talent that stands out always comes forth with obvious intentions for more than success and shines brighter than the rest of the competition. Critics, record heads, A & R people and the common radio listener can usually spot the few with that 'special' gift. Casinova, born and raised in Miami, Florida but now involved in the New York City scene, gaining a buzz off his recent single "What I Need" is more ambitious than most, aiming to greater forms of success. From legendary artists like Michael Jackson to modern stars like Chris Brown, Casinova's music is somewhere in between. His music is current with the vibe of an experienced singer whether he's new to the scene or not. "What I Need" is a slick, smooth R & B song with one of the catchiest hooks I've heard in years. Anyone that hears this track in a club or on the radio will take an instant liking to it. Not only is it a well crafted Pop song, but highlights Casinova's vocal abilities most impressively. I love the exemption of auto-tune, which typically would be used in this style of music, but I don't think he needs it. His vocals are naturally pleasing to the ear, much like the icons of soul. This is something we need more of in modern Pop music. The genre has fallen to gimmicks and overcooked effects, when it should focus on the artist himself. In Casinova's bio, it quotes Bruce Lee- "Don't fear failure. Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail."  I think that pretty much sums up where his career is going. When you're in that mindset and the music is as fresh as this, you're bound to make your mark and achieve your goals. The only thing to do now, is continue giving us great tunes and see where the chips fall. Something tells me, this kid is going farther than even he may know.