NYC Scene Report – Annika Zee, Kelly Paige, & more

This week's NYC Scene Report features the multitalented Annika Zee switching up her style, Kelly Paige giving us soul, sass, and substance, Dru Barnes setting the mood for an intimate evening, and hip-hop artist Hasan Salaam continuing with that theme, but in mid-air.

* I first discovered the music of NYC, by way of Toronto, artist Annika Zee late last year, and was drawn to her work. Her debut tape, yes you read that correctly, tape, Aging Aesthetics, was released in January, and while it’s still fresh in listeners’ ears, she's hitting us with even more new music.

Zee's latest is "Assembly," a standalone single that signifies a musical transition to dark, more electronic, pop. The video for "Assembly” was self-produced, and self-directed, as Zee is also a visual artist, in addition to being a musician.

Check out the clip, and see, and hear, what the multitalented Zee has to offer.


* NYC-based blues-pop artist Kelly Paige describes her music as having "soul, sass, and substance," and after hearing her exuberant single "Get You Down," I’d say she has those qualities in abundance.

The lyric video for "Get You Down" is filled with classic footage, as Paige explains, "The idea was to take this message of female empowerment and apply it to more than just women. I wanted to use old commercials and ads that were really sexist and contrast them with modern times to celebrate progress, but also to highlight current issues. We've come a long way, but the need to keep fighting for equality on all fronts is still very necessary."

"Get You Down" is a song with a message that will get you out of your seat. Click play, and move to it.


* The more I hear from Dru Barnes, the more it becomes clear that he's a really dope artist. With his work spanning an impressive musical gamut, his latest single is "You," a soulful song that is meant to challenge traditional R&B conventions on love in the erotic, emotional, and spiritual senses.

"You" is off of Dru Barnes' solo album, Silent Light, which was released on May 6th via Dither Down Records, and it is definitely going to get you in the mood. As a matter of fact, if your reaction to Dru Barnes' "You" lasts more than four hours, you should consult your physician. His label probably should’ve put that warning on the single. Ah well, too late now. Enjoy "You."


* Speaking of the erotic, New Jersey based hip-hop artist Hasan Salaam’s latest single, "Mile High Club," combines two of his greatest passions – music, and adult activities.

I think we all know what the mile high club is, but for the uninformed, it's the act of having sex while on a plane in mid-flight. Imagine that while watching the video, which features body paint, collars, whipped cream, and... you stopped reading, and clicked play, after "body paint," didn't you?

"Mile High Club" is off of Salaam's Life in Black and White, which was released last fall on Viper Records. Check out the video, and let Salaam, "Introduce ya to all the positions of the Kama Sutra."


For more of the best of NYC’s indie music scene, come back next Wednesday, and check out the archives for previous columns.