-Newborn-

Rock is not dead. Brooklyn trio Newborn released a new single called “Runaround” last week, and it is everything you have been waiting for. The track is just the right combination of alt rock, punk, and metal, and blends powerful vocals with thought-provoking lyrics. “Runaround” follows the success of the band’s debut EP, Broken Virgo, which was self-recorded in Williamsburg’s Grand Street Studios. The eclectic release demonstrates the diverse influences that have molded the band. “We definitely started out with our roots in Metallica,” Newborn told AXS.

Another huge influence is Muse. They completely blew our minds the first time we heard them, and still do every time. Other influences would be Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Chris Isaak, The Eagles, RHCP, and Leonard Cohen. I don’t think a lot of bands would mention Nirvana and Chris Isaak in the same sentence, but for us, great music is great music.”

The band members—Allen James (guitar), Eric Ross (bass), and Blake Suben—were born and raised in New York, and the “Runaround” cover features One World Trade Center prominently. The men said that cultural acceptance and diversity are two of the things they love about New York. “This city really helps you grow not only as an artist but also as a human being,” they explained. “It’s strange because New York can be so intimidating, yet at the same time it comfortably lets you be the person you are.”

Fans can look forward to more music from the band in the coming months, as well as some opportunities to see Newborn live. The group has a show on July 25 at The Knitting Factory, and will be joined by The Gay Blades and The Courtesy Tier. There is also an August 16 show at iconic venue Arlene’s Grocery that is sure to be amazing. Stay up to date on new music and performances on Newborn’s website. - AXS Magazine

Newborn may be one of the seemingly endless “Brooklyn-based” bands in the world at the moment, but right from the outset of their Broken Virgo EP it becomes clear they’re of a different ilk than their neighbors in Williamsburg and Park Slope. Whereas the rock that comes out of this most unaffordable of the Five Boroughs trends toward the twee, Newborn inject a muscular, hard edge into their rock—check the metallic opening riff to “Passing By”. The catchy “Uma” even has a guitar solo that will satisfy fans of classic hard rock. Those looking for rock ‘n’ roll that’s willing to fall out of line of its regional scene should no doubt look into Broken Virgo EP.

The band tells PopMatters about the process of making the EP: “All 5 songs on the EP were recorded at Grand Street Studios, a place that felt like home to us from the second we walked in. In the end, it felt like every song could be a single; there are no “fillers” whatsoever, and that’s something we’re really proud of. Regardless of what genre of rock you’re into, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the album, from hard to soft and everything in between. We honestly couldn’t be happier with Broken Virgo. It’s our way of saying “rock is not dead”. - Pop Matters

PEV happily welcomes another band influenced by our favorite musical era – that sweet, sweet alternative rock takeover in the 1990′s. The band is called Newborn and they also bring classical rock influences into their alternative rock hybrid sound – a mix we’ve been jamming too pretty hard. The band (Allen James, Eric Ross, Blake Suben) is based out of Coney Island and has only Newborn1been playing together for a year, but having already played to a packed house at the legendary Bitter End, we’d say these guys are pretty well on their way.

Newborn has a new EP arriving next month called Broken Virgo - complete with a new single of the same name. We asked the trio to get into the new music with us – they said of the new song, “Expect a guitar solo. It’s our first single and we are really proud of it. I think it will strike a chord with those who have been waiting for a great new rock song.” The band is also preparing for a new music video in support of Broken Virgo - click to www.facebook.com/newbornrockmusic to keep up. But first, keep reading – there’s so much more to get into in all the answers to the XXQs below.

XXQs: Newborn

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over others in your genre?

Allen James (AJ): It’s hard to describe our sound because we can sound like Metallica or Muse on one song and the next we’ll sound like Pink Floyd or The Eagles. I think that’s exactly what makes us stand out in our genre… the fact that we don’t stick to a genre. We like to take listeners (and ourselves) on a roller coaster of feelings and energy…sort of like having your iPod on shuffle.

PEV: Calling Coney Island home, what kind of music were you all into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

Eric Ross (ER): Growing up, I listened predominantly to rap music. I always had a thing for artists with a very deep message. This is why I think Tupac and Eminem spoke to me most. I had a guitar class in my high school which is where I was introduced into the world of rock. Hearing Allen play “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica made me say For my guitar class final…”This is what I wanna get up on stage and play…not ‘Mary Had A Little Lamb’” like all the other kids!

AJ: I remember when Eric and I first went to go see Metallica. It wasn’t my first concert but by far the most memorable. Till this day I’ve yet to see a band match them in energy and passion. That show made a huge impression on us. Both of us were like “Hell yeah, this is what we’ve got to do with our lives.” Pink Floyd was another favorite growing up.

Blake Suben (BS): The Beatles, the Stones, Dave Brubeck, Grant Green, Pat Metheny, Nirvana, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Led Zeppelin. My experiences playing violin and viola in middle school and high school orchestras have left me with an affinity for all string instruments (ukulele4life) and a profound respect for classical works (a favorite is Tchaikovsky), especially the performers that apply their personal interpretations. On the topic of Coney Island, the first concert I saw was one of the shows of the Beachside Bandshell free concerts series, a night with Smokey Robinson.

PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene in your hometown, when you first started out as a band? What was your first show like together as a band?

AJ: It was a Wednesday night at The Delancey and we didn’t invite a single person so we ended up playing to about four people, one of whom was the bartender. I just remember pretending it was a sold out stadium and rocking out like our lives depended on it. It’s pretty funny looking back at it now… we did a full cover of Metallica’s 8 minute epic “Orion” to an empty room. Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better beginning. At the end of that month we had 40 people come out to see us, so we grew our fan base fairly quick. I don’t know any bands from Coney Island but every time I mention that’s where we’re from, there’s always applause and some cheers. A lot of history lies in that area which is why it holds a lot of respect amongst New Yorkers. We are definitely proud to be from Coney Island.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Newborn show?

AJ: Expect a kick ass show.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

AJ: Honestly, I can’t recall those first thoughts. The second we start playing my mind goes blank. I’m not thinking at all, I’m just playing and singing and being. It’s the only time in my life where I’m completely free from my mind.

ER: When I step on stage, I feel like this is where I definitely belong. I feel like it is my purpose in life.

BS: The anticipation of putting yourself out there for a crowd of fans, friends, and strangers (aka future fans); and the calm focus on supporting your bandmates and the satisfaction that is the reward for the dedicated work you have done to prepare for your performance.

PEV: How has playing in Newborn been different from working with other artists or projects in the past?

AJ: I can only compare it to my band in college. I was still writing all the lyrics but I wasn’t the singer. That always felt a little strange to me. This is the first time in my life where I am actually singing. It took a lot of practice and vocals lessons to finally get a chance to sing the words I write.

ER: Newborn is the only band I have ever been a part of. Allen and I have been jamming though for a long time even before Newborn came into fruition.

BS: Being part of Newborn has been a unique experience: Newborn has a strong identity/style and direction through which performances are crafted, an aspect that Allen and Eric are very passionate about and have been very consistent and responsible with as the band evolves and progresses. They’ve been enthusiastic and supportive of the sound I bring to the trio and have shown patience and encouragement when it comes to applying my ear and experimenting with my role.

PEV: What is the underlying inspiration for your music? Where do you get your best ideas for songs?

AJ: I think the best ideas come when you aren’t actively trying to write a song, but rather when there’s some kind of emotion inside of you that’s begging to be put into song. From thoughts on life and society, to alcoholism, to relationships…our inspiration is always based off of experiences and how sensitive we are to them. That’s one way we do it. Other times we just say “Let’s write a fucking kick ass riff”, and that’s it.

Newborn-1PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out, do you ever look back on your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?

AJ: Well we only started out a year ago so there hasn’t been much to look back on. But considering we played our first show to four people and then a year later we packed out The Bitter End, I’d say that’s pretty good for a year. Our fan base has grown tremendously, but it’s not so much the quantity but the quality of fans that we’re most proud of. Really genuine and interesting people, many of whom I’ve become good friends with.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about the members of Newborn?

ER: I am a pharmacist. People ask me how I have the time to be in a band while being a health care professional. I tell them…. Arnold Schwarzenegger was way busier at my age.

BS: Both Eric and Allen are fluent Russian speakers, where as I can only boast the semesters of Russian language courses I took in college.

AJ: Blake loves Tchaikovsky.

PEV: Tell us about your latest project, Broken Virgo. What can fans expect from this work?

AJ: Expect a guitar solo. It’s our new EP and the first single and we are really proud of it. I think it will strike a chord with those who have been waiting for a great new rock song.

PEV: What is the feeling you get after a song is complete, and you can sit back and listen to it for the first time?

AJ: We’re perfectionists so we automatically hear a thousand things wrong with it. But you can only go back to the studio so many times to change things around. So eventually we just learn to accept them as the perfect imperfections that they are.

PEV: With all your traveling, is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

AJ: It’s a tough life being on the road. Sometimes we have to drive 30, even 40 minutes from Brooklyn to Manhattan to play a gig, but hey, that’s just the life we chose I guess.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What’s it like when you get to play in your hometown?

BS: The support of friends and family cannot be understated: I owe my role in Newborn to a friend that connected and introduced me to Allen and Eric, and family has kept me motivated for putting in the work and having their feedback as fans!

ER: Luckily I am blessed with having supportive friends and family. They are very honest people, so the fact that they are telling me to keep pushing for my dream makes me believe even more that I am doing the right thing.

AJ: When you start a band at 23, you’d think your family and friends would put you down and try to talk you out of it, but mine have shown nothing but love and support. I’m incredibly grateful for them.

PEV: What can we find each of you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

AJ: Climbing things and reading musician’s biographies (currently reading Nirvana’s book, Come As You Are).

ER: Working, at the gym, or just going crazy with friends on weekends.

BS: Lately I’ve been playing quite a bit of golf with my father and brother around Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Long Island. I’m a big reader (always had a soft spot for sci-fi and fantasy novels, but recently I’ve gone for some of the more classic literature, especially since an early summer trip to Ireland sparked a craving for James Joyce) and I’m an avid fan of the NHL (go Rangers!!!) and Olympic hockey.

Newborn4PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration. Why?

AJ: Johnny Cash.

ER: Metallica. For sure. Metallica has provided so much joy and excitement in my life…from going to their concerts to just sitting at home and trying to learn their crazy riffs…they truly have a special place in my heart. My one hour train rides to pharmacy school would have been a hell of a lot more boring if I wasn’t rocking out to Master of Puppets, or in deep thoughts while listening to “The Unforgiven”.

BS: Daryl Hall! The guy has been an innovator in pop and soul and has worked with an amazing generation of contemporaries from the 70′s to the present.

PEV: Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

AJ: Kacey Musgraves…what an incredible songwriter. She’s a country singer from Texas and is probably one of the few gems out there in music today. When I’m alone in my car, I put her cd in, crank it up and sing along at the top of my lungs. Wait, did I just say that out loud?

ER: Newborn…we are coming.

PEV: If playing music wasn’t your life (or life’s goal), what do you think each of you would be doing for a career?

ER: I would continue working as a pharmacist and serving my community. I absolutely love music, but I also love being able to care for my patients and provide the proper therapeutic knowledge in order to ensure them the best quality of life.

BS: I’ve always been interested in recording musicians and offering them ideas and advice in the production setting. Outside of that, I like to write so perhaps I could apply myself in that way.

AJ: A holistic physical therapist, working primarily with kids.

PEV: So, what is next for Newborn?

AJ: A

ER: Music

BS: Video! - Pens Eye View Magazine

Brooklyn, NY natives Newborn drops their new song today, and Ghost Cult is proud to bring it to you. ‘Pulse’ off of Broken Virgo has foreboding riffage, clever lyrics, and a confidence lacking in a lot of new rock bands. They are looking to make a dent in the scene in a big way with this release. - Ghost Cult Magazine

Today (Dec. 17), Diffuser is thrilled to help Brooklyn alt rockers Newborn prep for the release of their debut EP, ‘Broken Virgo.’ The self-recorded EP will hit the streets on Feb. 10, and you can check out the brand-new track, ‘Uma,’ in the audio player below.
Newborn are known for their DIY ethos and strict focus on bringing back unsullied rock and roll; that mission is expertly captured in ‘Uma,’ a song about lost love (sort of).
“Last year on Halloween, we played a show at Lulu’s in Brooklyn,” frontman Allen James tells us. “Just minutes before our set, I happened to meet a girl who I felt this really strong connection to. We spoke briefly and I told her I was playing next, hoping she would stay to watch the show. After our performance I went to look for her but she was gone and had left with another guy. That night I came home and stayed up until the morning, writing a song about her. I didn’t know her name, but she was dressed up as Uma Thurman’s character from Pulp Fiction.”

James goes on, “Out of all our recording on the new EP, this one is my favorite because we really managed to capture the soul of the song. There is a part near the end, the last note of the outré solo that fades out with a ghostly vibrato, that actually happened accidentally. During a take, I was holding that last note when the soundboard glitched and produced this chilling sound. We all jumped out of our chairs and were like, ‘Yes! Keep that!.’ So, that’s the ghostly wail you hear on the recording — no effect pedals, no tremolo, just an incredibly beautiful recording malfunction.”
Newborn have one show left to wrap up 2014. They’ll be rocking the Bowery Electric in New York City — get details on the show at this location.


Read More: Newborn, ‘Uma’ - Exclusive Premiere | http://diffuser.fm/newborn-uma-exclusive-premiere/?trackback=tsmclip - Diffuser.fm

Let´s talk about your new album Broken Virgo – What´s the story behind the title?

Broken Virgo started out as a song about my ex girlfriend. In astrology, a Virgo is characterized by innocence and represented by the Virgin maiden. She was the complete opposite of that. We’re both Virgos actually so maybe the song is a little reflection of myself as well. I think every person is born pure and over the course of time that purity breaks. Broken Virgo is about that loss of innocence.

Can you talk to us more about the recording and writing process?

Broken Virgo was the first song we recorded… ever. I think that’s why there is a certain rawness and natural feel to it. We were literally learning as we were going along. You could probably guess the order in which we recorded the songs in just by listening to them. In fact, most of the original tracks that we planned to record did not make the EP, as we started writing better songs during the months in between studio sessions. The whole 5 -track album was recorded at Grand Street Studios in Brooklyn and mastered at Sterling Sound.

Where did you guys find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics in this record?

Whenever it hit us like a ton of bricks. Every melody and lyric on this album was shaped by real moments and events. Feelings and thoughts eventually reach a boiling point where you have no choice but to release them… for us it’s through music. Emotionally it’s overwhelming, but it’s a great place to be because the songs practically write themselves. Luckily for us we’ve had a lot of those moments.

I can hear some Them Crooked Vulture and Zeppelin in your music – what role would you say they play in the band?

Funny you say that. Lately a lot of people have been telling us we sound like Zeppelin. While it’s a huge honor to be compared to Led Zeppelin, we aren’t heavily influenced by them nor Them Crooked Vultures. Those are two amazing bands for sure, but our hearts lie with Metallica, Muse, Nirvana, and Pink Floyd. Generally, the comparisons we hear are all over the spectrum. I think it’s a good thing. Everybody hears music differently, that’s the beauty of it.

Will you be hitting the road this year?
For us, “hitting the road” has meant taking the Belt Parkway from Brooklyn to Manhattan to play a show. Hopefully that will change soon. We definitely plan on touring… no doubt about it.
What else is happening next in Newborn´s world?

A music video for “Broken Virgo” is in the works. We are also getting ready for our EP release show/party scheduled sometime in February (TBA). We have our next single, “Uma” being premiered December 18th and a show on December 27th at The Bowery Electric in NYC. - Vents Magazine

The Skinny: Check out hard alt/rock trio Newborn and the title track from their forthcoming debut EP, Broken Virgo, due out February 10, 2015. Listen to "Broken Virgo" now just above!

Self-recording the EP at Grand Street Studios, the Coney-Island natives are forging a path for a new generation of rock lovers with a DIY attitude and mainstream accessibility. Having performed at New York's notable clubs, The Delancey, The Bitter End and Spike Hill, Newborn is set to gig throughout the winter in anticipation of the EP's February 10 release. This is only the start to Newborn's upward trajectory and mission to bring back quality rock 'n roll.

Broken Virgo Track Listing:

01. Broken Virgo
02. Uma
03. Pulse
04. Black Sky
05. Passing By - Pure Grain

We're three months away before Newborn releases their Broken Virgo EP but the trip are giving people a chance to not only hear them, but to hear one of the songs from it. Have a listen to the title track for it, which may reveal a sound similar to some of your favorite bands on your iPod or heavy rock radio stations. - This Is Book's Music

Coney Island ( Brooklyn, NY.) rock band NewBorn created by vocalist/ lead guitarist Allen James with Eric Ross (rhythm guitar) and Blake Suben (drums) have been working hard.

Having performed at New York’s notable clubs, The Delancey, The Bitter End and Spike Hill, NewBorn is set to gig throughout the winter in anticipation of the February launch of their forthcoming debut EP – Broken Virgo.

Newborn - A safe riff chugs along like a taproot for the song...
Newborn – A safe riff chugs along like a taproot for the song…
The title track from the EP is out now. We had a listen:

With a screech that slams into your headphones – this song wakes you up right away!

Then a drizzle of sleazy low-slung fuzz greets you.

A safe riff chugs along like a taproot for the song… while the dirty-sweet main voice is muscle-bound without being too growly.

The voices that accompany him are coco-sweet, too.

The guitars fluster and glow with joy, as they expand into the slots of the song – thrilling – without being over indulgent. - Rawramp

Each track on the Broken Virgo Ep has such a diverse and different sound, style and tempo from the next song is this due to you guys still looking for a specific sound or is this the style of album that you were going for?

Allen: Neither really. We just take it song by song rather then think how we are supposed to sound as a whole. Different moods create different tunes and we never deny anything that doesn’t sound “hard rock enough”, as long as it’s good music. I’m really proud of our diverse sound. Personally, I never enjoyed listening to a band who’s songs all sound the same. I think contrast is underrated. The hard stuff compliments the soft stuff and vice versa.

Now with using many different styles did it make the song writing a little more difficult especially when it comes to the tempo changes?

Allen: Personally, it’s more difficult for me to write and stick to one tempo. I always slow it down or speed it up by accidentally. I’m not a very good robot who can keep his arm strumming precisely to the beat the entire song. That’s something I’ve been working on. When it comes to different styles, it’s not so much the writing but the playing that becomes difficult. It’s a great challenge and has really made us better musicians.

How does the writing process work for each song? Lyrics, drums, guitar?

Allen: It changes all the time. We don’t have a single “process” or an assembly line of guitar, bass, and drums. Sometimes it starts with a melody in your head before you even touch an instrument.

With only five songs making it out of the recording studio, were there any tracks that didn’t make the cut for this release?

Allen: We had two that didn’t make it, one of which we are debuting at our show on December 27th at The Bowery Electric in NYC.

Can you describe your first single Broken Virgo?

Allen: Broken Virgo was written by Eric (bass) and I on two guitars. It’s a song about lust, loneliness, and the loss of innocence. It was also the first song we ever recorded.
Why did you choose to go with this track as the first single?

Allen: Going back to your first question, Broken Virgo is the song that captures our sound the best. It’s the best representation of our identity as a band. I think it will strike a chord with a lot of people, especially those who have been waiting for a great rock song to come out.
Who in the band is a fan of Iggy Pop? the second I heard the acoustics in “Uma”, “The Passenger”

Allen: Haha… you’re good you. I can definitely hear that too, but it was definitely more of a subconscious thing when I was writing that part. I do love that Iggy song though.
Links?

Instagram.com/_newborn
Soundcloud.com/newborn-6
Facebook.com/newbornrockmusic
Twitter.com/_Newbornband - Kingston Music Reviews

A Happy Easter Monday to all! Let's keep those Monday blues out with New Music Mondays! This weeks feature goes to @_newborn an alternative rock trio from Coney Island. This band has some gratifying tunes that will tranquilize you into their music. It's the impeccable deep vocals from this trio that will catch your ears to give a serious listen to. Bringing their influences from rock classics such as Muse, Nirvana, and Metallica this band has the set skills to become as big as their rock predecessors. Already generating thousands of views in the music video for their single "Runaround" surely the talents are being recognized. The song is a solid commendable tune that also has an underlying positive message to it. In a digital age where we all can be disconnected from the physical world through our phones it's important to look up and seize the moments of our lives. It goes to show that we must not runaround life otherwise we lose sight of the connections that make us human. The incredible vocals can be compared to the deepness and soulfulness to that of Elvis Presley. A description from Pure Grain Audio magazine perfectly describes this band as Coney Island natives that are forging a path for a new generation of rock lovers with a DIY attitude and mainstream accessibility. Newborn keeps true to their name representing a way of looking at life with constant marvel, the way a child does. This is the type of experience you will get from listening to their music. Last Wednesday Newborn gave an excellent performance at Gramercy Theater. So keep up the admirable passionate rock! We'll keep tuned to this band - Entertainmuse

The single, “Shadow Of Your Heart” is a successful demonstration of the progression of Newborn as a band. With emblematic lyrically content, well-crafted vocals, and brilliant instrumentation, this is the gem of the band’s catalog thus far. Cathartically channeling their 90’s grunge predecessors, the beautiful bone-chilling arrangement takes in various genre influences to deliver something intrinsically their own. The band’s credentials as musicians have never been in question since their debut release, but even so, the seamless nature with which they gel is impressive. And while the driving rhythm section and guitars never fail to keep things interesting, it’s vocally where the key to Newborn’s captivating elements remain. Allen James’ powerful and gritty performances are without a doubt one of the band’s defining characteristics, in-between the powerful drumming by Dave Goldenberg and the driving basslines by Eric Weglicki.

It’s all too often that contemporary bands who fall under the rock or alternative music umbrella eschew the idea of simplicity, equating technical skill to the mastery of song craft and thus creating over saturated pieces that lack memorability.

With “Shadow Of Your Heart”, The Coney Island, Brooklyn-based band has achieved both, by embracing the merits of an easily digestible, infectiously arrangement and the unbridled technical power and absolute clarity in its intent and execution. Refining the sounds found on their previous releases, the trio maintain the thick, fuzzy punch of their guitars and intoxicating chord progressions.

The slow to mid-tempo “Shadow Of Your Heart” is atmospheric, it’s beefy, and more than a little radio friendly. The vocals pedal back and forth between the cleaner mid-range and gravely, higher register of Allen James, as the song transitions between its varying moods and tones.

Of significant importance are the guitar twangs and solos which give the track a resonating, soul-searching dynamic. Yet while Newborn nods to their share of indie and alternative reference points, the manner in which they merge a dense, wall-of-guitars sound with radio-friendly melodies sounds surprisingly fresh. Some of that comes from simply not being a carbon copy of anything.

The silk and thunder of “Shadow Of Your Heart” is thrilling in its own right, but there’s a surprising amount of space in the song, making superb use of the loud-quiet-loud approach by letting poignant moments linger longer.

At the same time, the slower moving parts have a spectral creep, which gives them a darker, moodier tone, allowing the song to rise from a gently grungy verse to a radio-hit-like chorus. This gives “Shadow Of Your Heart” a slightly more intangible, harder to define quality, which is also emotionally thirsty in lyrical content.

Newborn have truly come up trumps with this record. “Shadow Of Your Heart” is infinitely catchy and brings back a sound that they now hold the crown to, and rethinking it in a way that makes it accessible to the masses.

From its sad seducing lyrics, to its buoyant guitar splendor, and stellar vocals, this is an honest, compelling and obsessively alluring track. “Shadow Of Your Heart” certainly surges and sways with a reflective and thoughtful tone. - Rick J