Melanie Martinez is widely recognized for her intricate and detailed production concepts for shows. Undeniably so, Melanie is dedicated to their craft. Since 2012, Melanie has been known to create alter-egos and alternate universes through her music and childhood-related themes.
Last Sunday, July 9th, singer-songwriter and performer MAX hit the stage with charm and grace at Long Island’s Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY. MAX stole the spotlight, performing a high-energy set as one of the opening acts for beloved boyband Big Time Rush’s highly anticipated Can’t Get Enough Tour.
AEG Presents announced their 2023 lineup for the Re: SET Concert Series, launched this year. Re: SET is a traveling series of outdoor concerts, and this year, it included a strong lineup of headliners and performers such as boygenius, LCD Soundsystem, and Steve Lacy.
With household names such as Cardi B, J Lo, French Montana, Swizz Beats and the legendary Notorious B.I.G; it’s safe to say the Bronx, New York is responsible for some of the most influential musical artists. Sharing the same birthplace as Hip-Hop may have greatly shaped the many musical talents that continuously emerge from the “boogie down” Bronx; which is the case of up and coming rapper GuddaBabby who credits the nitty gritty borough for fueling his craft.
Taking influences from Notorious B.I.G, Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Drake and more; GuddaBaby released his first studio record “Mhtl” on December 22,2020. Since, the Bronx native locked into the studio to record his latest project, “Life is Beautiful.” The Knocktural was able to conduct an interview via email with GuddaBabby, to get some insight to the story behind the artist.
Q: What’s the story behind your stage name?
A: GuddaBabyy steams from the slang, “Gutter Child.” Growing up I spent a lot of time in the streets, or in slum areas. Growing up in a low economic station I kind of adapted to the lifestyle that came with it. However, as I got older, I started to lean towards the more positive things in life. I could never forget where I Came from . I’ll forever be a GuddaBabyy.
Q: When did you start making music?
A: I started making music around 2015 during high school, however, I never took it as seriously as I do now until around late 2019. Once my first studio recorded track “Mhtl” hit all platforms, I just kind of took off from there .
Q: Tell me about your latest project? How did it come about? What’s the main message behind it?
A: “Life is beautiful,” my first studio project released on March 20, 2023. It was inspired by the events that took place within the three months of me actually focusing on my craft.I took about three months to actually focus, plan and execute the mission no matter what was going on in my life. Three months of dedication opened doors for me I never thought I’d walk into. This project was everything I felt, went through and did within that time span and I just wanted to share it with everyone.
Q: Drill is so popular right now, how do you keep your sound and image unique?
A: With the drill scene taking over mass majority of the industry, I do my best to stay versatile and have unique schemes, punchlines, metaphors, and sounds. As far as my image goes, I like to keep it calm, clean and not too extra.
Q: How do you hope your music will contribute to the NYC music scene?
A: I wouldn’t consider myself a Drill artist, however, I hope my music can contribute to the NYC drill scene to inspire, uplift, motivate and relate to my supporters. I pursue music to let everyone know: no matter who you are, you can do whatever you want. You just have apply the pressure and don’t ever quit! 
Supporters can stream Gudda Babby on Apple Music and YouTube! He will also be releasing a single titled, “Don’t Know,” on his birthday July 6.
In advance of her debut album, Messy, Olivia Dean played a show at New York City’s infamous Le Poisson Rouge, in the heart of the West Village, on the 15th of June. This show marked a significant milestone for the up-and-coming artist, as the performance was her first in the United States.
The heart of SoHo just got a lot more stylish, as Love, Bonito, the renowned womenswear brand from Asia, has made an exciting leap with the opening of its first pop-up store This significant milestone signifies Love, Bonito’s global expansion beyond Asia and brings its purpose-driven fashion to the American market.
When Carolina de Castiglioni penned Syrma, she had no idea it would land her an opportunity to participate in the New York Theatre Festival in June 2020. The contemporary, Greek mythological, tale is Castiglioni’s debut play; though as an actor, she’s no stranger to the theater world. Following a reading of Syrma at the Center for Italian Modern Art on May 20, The Knocktural was able to chat with the NYU alum and hear how Syrma came to be.
This past Sunday marked the commencement of New York City’s Anti-Social Camp organized by the Anti-Social Producer’s Club. More than 150 artists, producers, and songwriters have gathered to use their combined and creative forces to craft music.
On June 10, the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) screened ‘Back to the Future.’ The ‘80s classic starred Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr. Emmett Brown. MoMI featured this movie as part of their “See It Big” summer series. The screenings started on May 5 and will end on July 28.
Under the guidance of Executive Chef Francisco Blanco, IXTA Cocina Mexicana and Mezcal Bar indulges in the sophisticated corners of Mexican cuisine, striking a balance between modern and traditional. It’s an ideal date or group dinner spot.