The 2014 New Music Seminar kicked off yesterday at the New Yorker Hotel, hosting the biggest players in the music business as well as many aspiring artists and industry pros. The conference began with a bang, but last night at Webster Hall things really got started as NMS held its annual Opening Night Red Carpet Party.
Camera flashes illuminated the historic East Village venue as our stars walked the red carpet and posed for pictures. The celebration of music entertained old friends and new, allowing real relationships to pave the way for the future of our industry.
Guests flowed between Webster Hall’s Marlin Room and The Studio as each performer ended in one room, another began in the other room – allowing attendees constant live music and energy throughout the night. Whether you were upstairs or down, last night, Webster Hall was certainly the place to be.
Following Red Carpet festivities, guests made their way towards The Marlin Room where the lovely and always fashionable DJ Donna D’Cruz got the crowd more than ready for Cardinox’s opening set.
Attendees quickly filled the space as the band’s catchy indie-pop sound echoed throughout Marlin Room and along the Red Carpet outside the performance space. Bringing a more alt/rock vibe to the stage, Born Cages’ singer and guitarist Vlad Holiday showcased his natural talent for music (and guitar).
As previous AOV artist, Meg Myers, took the stage and it was clear she was more than a crowd favorite. Myer’s pop sound infused with angst-filled lyrics and raw emotion you could see visibly resonate with every member of the crowd, ranging from full dancing to fierce head bobs or finger taps to the beats, all as the crowd echoed her lyrics throughout each song to show their admiration. Brooklyn-duo ASTR closed out the night with a live production that couldn’t have been a better ending to Sunday night’s party. The room’s lights flashed behind singer Zoe Silverman, forming a silhouette to her dramatic movements across the stage synced to the band’s percussion.
Downstairs in The Studio, Mayaeni showed NYC her Detroit-bred rock and soul sound. Justina had all eyes on her from the movement she walked the red carpet with her vibrantly red, long locks and multi-colored mini dress mixed with pastel blue oversized sunglasses accessorized to the max. Her unique-raspy vocals with hip-hop and playful pop sound, Justina brought the crowd the life as she jumped off the stage mid-song to interact with fans.
Afro-Jazz/Pop band Jomion & The Uklos closed the night downstairs at The Studio – a personal favorite performance of the night. Originally from Benin, a smaller country in West Africa, in 2012 the band came to the US as an invitation from Harvard University as they truly have a sound unlike any other. Hypnotic rhythms with jazz-influenced beats, nothing but good energy was flowing throughout the room and smiles on everyones faces from the crowd to the band themselves.
Did you miss the fun of last night?
Not to fear – we’ve got two more action-packed days of live music that you can’t miss!
By day at the conference at the New Yorker Hotel, our AOV Top 3 Finalists will be playing acoustic sets throughout the day between movements, and who knows what other artists may decide to play an impromptu song or two at the Gibson table?
At night, NMS New Music Nights takes over the Lower East Side with five showcases filled with top emerging talent live.
Tonight, Drom (85 Avenue A) hosts the 2014 NMS Artists On The Verge Top 3 Showcase. Rising talents June Divided, Kiah Victoria, and VanLadyLove take the stage at what will undoubtedly be an incredible night of music! Don’t miss out on these incredible young talents.
Love to say you saw them first? Then what are you waiting for – get ready to take on NMS 2014!