Depending how you look at it, I either have the best timing or the worst. “Un-Block The Music” had the great pleasure (and honor) of interviewing Joe Iconis on August 29. That was just a few days before it was announced that “Be More Chill,” (the musical that was an internet sensation for which he... Continue Reading →
Jacob Brandt Takes Time To Talk About His Folk Musical, “1969: The Second Man,” Opening Tonight In New York
It’s opening night! Jacob Brandt’s “1969: The Second Man” will premiere at the Fourth Street Theatre, as part of Next Door at New York Theatre Work Shop. After working on this show for five years, Jacob’s musical vision of the second man on the moon has finally landed on the stage for a limited run... Continue Reading →
Broadway’s “Gorgeous” Barbara Harris Passes At 83
I was just reading Playbill.com, and saw an obituary for Barbara Harris who died of lung cancer at 83 years old. How sad it made me. If you don’t know Barbara, she was a Broadway and film actress who starred in the original Broadway production of “The Apple Tree.” While she also starred in many... Continue Reading →
Madonna Turns 60!
Madonna turns 60 today! Wow! She has defied every convention in pop music. I remember watching her performance on the very first MTV awards in 1984. I didn’t have cable TV in my house, so I gathered with a group of friends at my friend Lisa’s house. I remember Madonna crawling around the floor in... Continue Reading →
“Angels In America” Composer, Adrian Sutton, Talks About His Tony-Nomination For A Play Score, In A Musical Category
When watching a play like “Angels In America” (which received the most Tony nominations of any play in 2018), perhaps you are not really paying conscious attention to the score as you might to songs in a musical, but most certainly you are feeling that music. This particular score was nominated in a category usually... Continue Reading →
“Be More Chill,” Sold Out! But, You Can Still Get Tix!!!
Back in May, “Un-Block The Music,” did a story about Jennifer Ashley Tepper, author of the book series, “The Untold Stories of Broadway,” Creative and Programming Director at Feinstein’s/ 54 Below and producer of “Be More Chill” off-Broadway. Here’s an update. The show, which is set to run through September 23 is all sold out... Continue Reading →
Concrete Dream’s “Inverse,” Definition Of Trap-Metal
So…guitars are not cool anymore? "Un-Block The Music" begs to differ. Check out Concrete Dream. They’ve got it all…guitars, drums, bass and steaming hot vocals. It’s hip hop banging into metal banging into EDM! The band describes itself as Trap Metal. The band, Jeremiah Mayhem (vocals), John Kennedy (guitar), Alejandro Mena (bass) and Juan Bang... Continue Reading →
Att: Indie Artists
Welcome To Un-Block The Music (unblockthemusic.blog) As a music journalist, I have found that the best artists are often those that are unsigned and working hard to get noticed. I can help. Fill out this form and send it to me with a picture. If it looks good and sound good, I will post... Continue Reading →
The Brummies Make Analog Recording Cutting Edge Again
You have probably have heard the duet “Drive Away” featuring Kacey Musgraves. Bet you have also sung along to The Band Perry’s “Done”. And, do you watch “Nashville”? Then, you’ve heard “Be My Girl”. However, do you recognize the names John Davidson and Jacob Bryant? Well…pay attention, they have written all of those songs, and... Continue Reading →
Orchestral Music & Pop Become One At J.C. Santalis’ Raw Recording Studio
Whatever happened to musical artists that paint a picture and evoke drama and heart palpitations when you listen? Well…I found a few at Raw Recording in Patterson, NY. (http://www.rawrecording.com/) Thankfully, Producer/Engineer, Jean-Christophe Santalis (J.C.), Raw Recording’s owner brought together the young and talented Bond Villain (aka Robert Roche) and former “American Idol,” Kimberley Locke. Anyway,... Continue Reading →