The Paper Raincoat is brought to you by imagination and Rebel Spirit Music was lucky to witness an impromptu performance that brings us back to the beginning when they played our 1 year anniversary showcase at Rockwood Music Hall. Over the last few years, the members of this eclectic group of talent have made a massive impact on the singer/songwriter community producing and touring the world with Vienna Teng {Alex Wong}, Brandon Flower {Adam Christgau}, The Virgins and Miranda Cosgrove {Kevin Rice}. Amber Rubarth, the sweetheart of the music scene, has been busy writing lullabies with Jason Mraz and the Grammy winner  popped on stage for a two song duet during an intimate Rockwood set; but Mraz wasn’t the only star in the audience who Amber called up for a cameo. Jason Blynn of Harper Blynn rocked a Tom Petty cover, Ian Axel graced us with his ukelele, Adam Levy, Nate Campany plus Rosi Golan are just a few of the talented artists who took turns providing harmonious support for a captivated audience full of stars.

click & listen

click & listen

click & listen

click & listen

THE YOUNG THINGS: Bursting out of Brooklyn in true indie rock fashion, The Young Things joins this month’s Rebel Spirit Music series as the rock n’ roll nightcap to a fine evening line-up. Their new album, cleverly titled “…is the killer,” adds to their already buzzing reputation which has brought them to stages like CBGB’s, The Knitting Factory, Mercury Lounge, Spike Hill, Pete’s Candy Store, and Cameo Gallery. Bold, dark, and powerful in sound, The Young Things is quickly rising as a name to know in the scene, capturing audiences with their “East meets West” sound while sticking to the true nature of gritty, garage band rock.

CHRIS AYER: With the success of sixth and most recent album, “Don’t Go Back To Sleep,” accompanied by a thriving career and recent cross-country tour, Chris Ayer has made a name for himself as a NYC artist to watch.  The singer-songwriter has a warm and charming way of reaching his audience through comfortable, clever lyrics and pop-infused tunes, offering a pleasurable listening experience in both solo and full band performances.  He was the recipient of the Lennon Award Winner in Folk for the John Lennon Songwriting Contest as well as a finalist in the New York Songwriting Contest in 2008, and he’ll be playing the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. this April.  Rebel Spirit Music is excited to bring the talents and vocal styling of Chris Ayer to the April RSM Series.

STORM WEATHER SHANTY CHOIR: Formed in 2000 by Haakon Vatle, Shanty Choir was born of the background music used for a Norwegian tall ship, where Vatle has worked since 1997.  The fun, eclectic folk sound is comprised of six crew-members of various musical backgrounds, joining together to produce soulful and unique rhythms and melodies that rely more on the crisp sound of their voices than loud and overwhelming instruments.  They typically perform a Capella, often forgoing even microphones and simply focusing on the range in their voices, providing audiences with a one-of-a-kind experience each time they witness a performance.  Rebel Spirit Music is enthralled to have the likes of this international group join the April series, exposing our audience to not only new music and talent, but showing how cross-culturally art still translates to be such a beautiful thing.

MATT SIMONS: This California transplant landed in NYC for college to study jazz saxophone a few years ago and never looked back. Now invested in climbing the ladder of the NYC singer-songwriter CD, Matt’s first solo EP, “Fall In Line,” has had songs played on both pod-casts and internet radio, and he’s continuing to write, perform, and hone his talent to produce catchy, clever pop/rock music. Listing influences like Gavin Degree, Ben Folds, and Eric Hutchinson, Matt Simons has also collaborated with this month’s fellow Rebel Spirit artist Chris Ayer to release his latest single, “Awake,” now available for free download. The combination of these two singer-songwriters is sure to make April’s series not one to be missed.

clik & listen

click & listen

click & see

click & listen

EMILY ZUZIK: Writing from an independent, strong-willed mindset, Emily Zuzik has observed many shifts in perspective as she’s grown and experienced life. Lyrically, she examines the complicated parts of relationships, the relatable pieces many are often unwilling or ashamed to talk about, such as those where a strong connection cannot compensate for the pain of moving forward, making it easier to simply walk away. This exploration of vulnerability, a commanding stage presence, and a delicate fusion of beauty, intimidation, humor, and talent beguiles audiences, channeling the same musical dominance of early 90s fem-rockers like Aimee Mann, Liz Phair, and PJ Harvey. Admired by many in the NYC community, Zuzik is not only successful as a solo artist but also as a collaborator, frequently sent tracks and given carte blanche to write, bringing the pressure down in working with others, and opening the doors of opportunity to write from alternate perspectives and try on different personalities. Her latest EP, The Jagged Life, is now available on iTunes and CD Baby.

MISTY BOYCE: Modern Vintage Recordings artist Misty Boyce will be gracing the Rebel Spirit stage less than a month prior to the release of her first full-length, self-titled album. The singer-songwriter, known for her beautiful and impeccable piano skills, first entered the music world as a keyboardist for The Naked Brothers Band, as well as playing with Tim Williams on tour. She’s appeared at SXSW and Sundance Film Festival, on “The View” and “The Today Show,” and studied at the prestigious University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Compared to powerhouse artists like Regina Spektor, Tori Amos, and Radiohead, Boyce thrives on the healing power of writing, penning all the songs on her new album including a duet with singer-songwriter Ari Hest. Heartfelt lyrics and exquisite melodies round out this songstress’ repertoire, making her the perfect addition to the ever-growing talent of the Rebel Spirit Series.

RUSSELL HOWARD: Southern gentleman Russell Howard was practically born to make music after being raised in a house with two professional musicians. The twenty-five year old singer-songwriter took to his time following that path, discovering his own personal talents when entering college in 2002. A journey that began with open mics and Battle of the Bands offered Howard the chance to make his mark on stage, as he then set off to record his first 8-song album, Too Late Too Soon in 2006. Russell joins us now upon completing Too Late Too Soon 2.0, a project years in the making that includes two new and previously unreleased songs, “Take Your Time” and “Anna’s Waltz.” His latest record shows the growth and maturity of this songwriter, coupled with the everlasting journey of improving and evolving his music. We are thrilled to welcome Russell to Rockwood Music Hall as a March Rebel Spirit artist.