NYC Scene Report – Jessie Wagner, Arsun, & Split Second Meltdown

This week’s NYC Scene Report features Jessie Wagner looking for a love that will last until the “End of Time,” a song with serious classic rock vibes from Arsun, and the “Flesh and Blood” of Split Second Meltdown.

* Sometimes you’ll hear a song and immediately go, “DAYUM that’s good!” That’s the case with Jessie Wagner’s soulful, funky single, “End of Time.”

A vocalist with an incredible resume that includes touring with Lenny Kravitz, Chic, Duran Duran, Kid Rock, and Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Wagner is also the frontwoman of the NYC-based rock/soul band Army of the Underdog. Now, however, she’s front and center, all on her own, prepping the release of her solo album, titled Shoes Droppin’, which is due out October 9th via Wicked Cool Records.

Wagner discussed the project in a statement, saying, “I’ve had some of these songs with me for years, but I was always waiting for the right time to put them out. It’s scary, because this is my voice, my words, just me. It was cathartic to get out some of that anger and sadness, but there’s also the presence of faith that it will all get better.”

After listening to “End of Time,” you might think it gets no better than Jessie Wagner.


* If you love a good classic rock ballad, NYC-based artist Arsun’s “Lay Me Down” is going to be right up your alley. I swear, the first time I heard it I thought it was a song from the ‘60s.

Arsun explained the inspiration for “Lay Me Down” in a statement, saying, “The instrumental side of ‘Lay Me Down’ is inspired by ‘60s R&B and rock music. The lyrics are inspired by 16th and 17th century poetry, as well as 1960s R&B and folk lyrics. I attempted to mix the surreal and lavish romanticism from the poetry with the stark simplicity, and focus on the individual, that I see in some ‘60s folk and R&B lyricism.”

After giving the song a listen, I’m sure you’ll agree that he more than accomplished his musical goals.


* The world can be a difficult place, and sometimes you might feel like you’re going to have a meltdown, but if it’s just for a split second, maybe you’re listening to alt-rock artist Rob Clores’ latest project, Split Second Meltdown.

A man who’s been on a stage or two over the years, Clores has performed with the likes of The Black Crowes, Colin Hay (Men at Work), Jesse Malin (D-Generation), and Alejandro Escovedo, but with Split Second Meltdown he’s handling all the songwriting, production, and vocals himself, as well as the rhythm guitar, and keyboard.

Split Second Meltdown recently released a self-titled EP, the latest single off of which is “Flesh and Blood.” Check out the lyric video, and rock out with Rob Clores.


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