New Artist: Monica Ott

Today's NEW featured artist is Monica Ott, whose debut album "Only Human" is set to release at The Bitter End Thursday, October 1 at 8:30pm! Also be sure to visit her brand new website- www.monicaott.com for more information, downloads, and show dates. Here's a little info on Monica, who received Honorable Mention in the prestigious New York Songwriter's Circle contest:

"Singer/songwriter, Monica Ott is proving to be what the term is all about. Hailing from Baltimore, and relocated to New York City, Monica's not a self-proclaimed singer/songwriter because she writes a couple lines of a song, but is, instead, involved in the process every step of the way. From the original conception of the words to the evolution of the music and melodies and final production, Monica Ott's personal goal is to showcase the story of each song. That said, her debut album Only Human was just recently released. Only Human has been called 'a modern album with a timeless sound'."

Welcome to NYC Artists Scene Monica! We'll be sure to take a listen!

The Larney Brothers: Hello To Farewell EP Release

This Saturday marks a new chapter in Patryk Larney's music career, as he and brother Michael are set to release "Farewell Buffalo," a four-track EP produced by Mike Visceglia and Zak Soulam, featuring the first wave of new songs to hit audiences since 2006, when the two formerly known as "Naked Underneath" recorded "50 Miles From Hope."

Highlights of "Farewell Buffalo" include Patryk and Michael Larney on vocals and guitar, and the combined talent of some of New York's finest musicians: Visceglia, Soulam, Dan Torres, Ryan Vaughn, Brian Killeen, Doug Yowell, and Caleb Hawley. The separately produced bonus track by DBV Productions, "City in the Fall," explores Larney's homage to the city that reawakened his songwriting, creativity, and spirit, rounding out an EP infused with a consummate blend of liveliness and honesty, exemplifying a maturity in sound and a love for the art.

Join Patryk and Michael, Chris Anderson, Josh Dion, Dan Tirer and a variety of special guests at The Bitter End this Saturday, August 29 at 9:30pm... CD's will be available! Additional info can be found at www.patryklarney.com.

Martin Rivas' "Sea of Clouds" Album Release

With wild blonde hair, dark-rimmed glasses, and a smile that brightens and comforts even the gloomiest New York day, Martin Rivas is the unsurpassed winner of the NYC Artist Scene award for “Slow and Steady Wins the Race.” After years of diligently plugging away at his talent, accepting all performance opportunities and collaborating with a variety of artists, the gifted musician has brought the concept of family into the scene, creating a loving, supportive environment and nurturing opportunities for every artist to grow together. His previous albums, Glorious, Bottleneck, and Pride of the Valley were lovely seedlings, homegrown and ripe for picking, but with his fourth effort he’s finally found his prize-winning garden.

In a time when music can come across as contrived and forced, the serene, genuine quality and exquisite execution of “Sea of Clouds” provides loyal listeners with Martin Rivas’ best album to date. Tracks alternate between simple acoustic guitar riffs, soft piano melodies, and the explosive percussions of long-time friend and drummer Craig Meyer, bringing warmth, telling stories, and breathing life into the songs, while still maintaining the classic rock and reminiscent element that Rivas fans have grown to admire.

Perhaps the strongest feature of the twelve-track album, produced by Dave Pittenger, is the underlying positive consistency found in each of the songs, an attribute that Rivas is known for. Hope, love, happiness, and empathy are all superior messages, dominating the lyrics and intricately woven into the music. From the encouraging words “In the hour that’s the darkest, remember that you’re blessed,” found in “Get Yourself Together,” a tune that brings you back to the sweetness and soul of Smokey Robinson, to the rock n’roll sounds of “A Name Scratched on a Desk” and the infectious, sunny beat behind “Heckuva Day,” which draws subtle influences from pop greats like The Beach Boys, Martin has fully captured the journey he’s taken to date, sharing it graciously, powerfully, and with humility.

There are people in this world who sing for the glory and there are people who sing for love and fulfillment that a single lyric may touch just one person and change them, whether for a split-second or a lifetime. A master of his terrain, a role model to fresh singer-songwriters, and a constant supporter of the community who so obviously adores him, Martin Rivas is the latter, once again blessing us with his gift, softening the hardest of those New York hearts, slowing down the eternal rush of the city, and lifting us to a place in the sky where we can gently rest our weary, worn-out minds and escape into the simplicity of sound.

Please join Martin and crew at The Bitter End this Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 10:00pm for the “Sea of Clouds” album release and visit www.martinrivas.net for purchasing options.

What NOT to Miss, This Week in NYC!

Big week of shows and events happening here in New York, so mark your calendars!

Tuesday, August 11

@ THE RED LION

DAVE PITTENGER, 8:30pm- www.redlionnyc.com

@ARLENE'S GROCERY

WALKING UPRIGHT, 8:00pm- www.arlenesgrocery.net

Wednesday, August 12

@ LE POISSON ROUGE

RUDDER, 7:00pm- www.lepoissonrouge.com

@ ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL:

JEFF JACOBSON, 9:00 PM

PORTER BLOCK CD RELEASE, 10:00 PM

SHWA LOSBEN BAND, 11:00 PM

www.rockwoodmusichall.com

@PUBLIC ASSEMBLY:

Silver Sound Presents
NYC's 1st Music Video Film Festival + Band Battle
8pm sharp!

Front room - MVFF
Back room - Band Battle
70 N6 St, Williamsburg Brooklyn
First Brooklyn stop on the L train

BAND BATTLE:
The 10 Finalists performing live for a chance to win their very own music video worth over $10,000 are:
Belikos
Dinosaur Feathers
Hank & Cupcakes
Holler Wild Rose!
No Lindsay
Sami Akbari
The Basements
The Courtesy Tier
The Dead River Company
and
The Glorious Veins
(for pics and bios head to http://www.silversound.us/music-video-film-festival-band-battle/band-battle)

All packaged nicely and hosted by senior editor of VH1s bestweekever.tv (and talking head extraordinaire) Dan Hopper.

AND

The MVFF
Thirty eight music videos from 5 different countries have made the cut. They range from Cannes Award-winning to homemade.
For a full list visit: http://www.silversound.us/music-video-film-festival-band-battle/nyc-1st-mvff

AND, the Music Video Film Festival will feature performances in between music video blocks by:
Lowry
H.Wood
Ivan and the Terribles
AND
a special post festival performance by
The Ludlow Lions

www.publicassemblynyc.com

Thursday, August 13

@THE BITTER END

MARTIN RIVAS- Sea of Clouds Record Release!! 10:00pm, www.martinrivas.net

@ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL

MIEKA PAULEY- Week 2 Residency @Rockwood Music Hall, 10:00pm

DON'T MISS THIS FANTASTIC LINE-UP OF ARTISTS THIS WEEK!

Happening This Week!

After a brief hiatus NYC Artists Scene is back in full swing!  This is a busy week for some of our featured artists, if you are in the area definitely be sure to check out the following shows:

Tuesday, May 26- Canal Room Presents Artists You Should Know: Brent Shuttleworth with Miranda Lee Richards and Trey Lockerbie, 8:00pm. www.canalroom.com.

Friday, May 29- Caleb Hawley with Full Band at The Living Room, 9:00pm.  www.livingroomny.com

Next artist in the line-up is Dave Pittenger, who will be playing a show at the Bitter End this Thursday, May 28, 9:00pm.  www.bitterend.com.

All of these guys are FANTASTIC, don't miss these shows!