If I Dropped By…with Haley Bowery of The Manimals + Show Details

Today, we dropped in on Haley Bowery of The Manimals.

The Manimals are taking part in Spring Fling 98 at the Knitting Factory this Sunday, May 29. Doors are at 6:30PM and it will cost you $10…more details after our visit.

Here's what we found out when we dropped by.

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Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Haley Bowery (HB): “Teeth” from our new album, SEVEN. It’s a concept album and it veers into a few different styles that are new for us, but “Teeth” still feels like classic Manimals. It’s a glam-rock stomper with tons of attitude that belies its emotional core. 

If I Dropped By…with Julia Haltigan + Show Details

Today, we drop in on singer/guitarist Julia Haltigan.  She has a show coming up at (le) poisson rouge on April 25…doors are at 6PM and it will cost you $10.  She will also be releasing her new EP, Hot Tears on the same day.

Here's what we found out when we dropped by.

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Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Julia Haltigan (JH): I would probably play "Burning Bridges & Breaking Hearts" off of my new EP, Hot Tears. I think it's a great example of the vibe I'm setting with my music these days. It's got that classic 60s feel and hints at James Bond themes while still setting it's own tone. The lyrics are both vulnerable and empowering which are oppositions that I love to play around with in my song writing.

If I Dropped By… with Elaine Romanelli + Show Details

Today, we dropped in on Elaine Romanelli who just released her new album, The Hour Before, this week.  She'll be celebrating its release with a show at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3 this Saturday, April 25 at 7PM. It'll cost you $10 (full details at the end of our visit).  

We paid her our customary hypothetical visit.  This is what we learned.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): … and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Elaine Romanelli (ER): Probably '25', because it can apply to most everyone. Feel as vital today as your body allows, value your friends, and, whenever possible, dance with abandon! 

If I Dropped By… with Maggie Rogers + Show Details

Maggie Rogers will be taking the stage this Friday, September 26 at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 1 (196 Allen Street, NYC).  It all happens at 7PM, 21+. Free.

She released her new record, Blood Ballet in June 2014.  Check out the track "Little Joys" at the bottom of the page.

We paid her a hypothetical visit.  This is what we learned.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Maggie Rogers (MR): Probably whatever I've written most recently. It's the best representation of who I currently am as an artist. 

(QNYC): ... what song or album would you feel I needed to hear before I left?

(MR): Bar Chords by Bahamass.

If I Dropped By… with Roswitha + Ticket Giveaway

Today I posed my "If I Dropped By…" question to violinist, singer-songwriter Roswitha.  I've been hip to this versatile lady  for a little while now so I'm happy to to have dropped by.  

New York, you have the chance to see her live.  She'll be playing at the famed Blue Note on August 29 for their Late Night Groove series.  Doors are at 12AM (Midnight).  It'll cost you $10 if you make a reservation or $15 at the door.  BUT, I happen to have two (2) tickets for one reader…see below for ore deals on how to win!  Continue reading to see what I found out during my hypothetical visit.

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Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Roswitha: if he/she is...

in a summer mood: Smile

discouraged: Purpose, Destiny, My Life, Here & Now or Change

in love: Just near to me, Desire

mad at a partner who is unavailable: Do you remember

after or in the middle of a break-up: Connected, It's Time

not sure about a man/partner? Man of my life

interested in social change: One of us

If I Dropped By… with Jared Griffin of Sioux City Kid

Sioux City Kid will be at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2 this coming Tuesday, June 10 at 10PM.  So, in anticipation of the show, it seemed like the perfect time to pose my "If I Dropped By…" questions to Sioux City Kid's Jared Griffin.  Now, if you're not familiar, scroll down to the bottom of the post and checkout the band's new single "Heartbreak Shakedown".  I think you'll like it.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Jared Griffin (JG): Ol' Tennessee. It's my most personal song. 

If I Dropped By... with Jared Kolesar of Jared & The Mill

This week, I posed my "If i Dropped By…" question to Jared Kolesar of Jared & The Mill. The band garnered national attention after they went to the hospital and played for a fan who had been injured in the horrible vehicle accident that took place during SXSW.  Then, came word that they would be supporting pop legend Barry Gibb on his current tour which will make a stop at Jones Beach Theater on Friday, May 23.  I recommend checking them out if you haven't already done so; they're talented fellas. That being said, it seemed like the perfect time to make one of my hypothetical visits.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Jared Kolesar (JK): There's a song we play that isn't on the record unfortunately, but it's a fairly clear example of what we're about, it's a western waltz ballad about missing somebody back home despite how much fun you're having with your friends out on adventures. Larry also has a phat solo he plays and it gets me all riled up.  It's called "Confessions of an Outlaw" by the way.

If I Dropped By… with Casey Tennis of Pravada

This week, I posed my "If I Dropped By…" question to Pravada drummer Casey Tennis.  With a couple of shows coming up at The Bowery Electric on May 6 and May 13 (see below for more details and how to win a pair of tickets to see them live) and a fondness for their music…check out their album Dirty Looks, my curious mind got the best of me.  So, of course, I had to make one of my hypothetical visits.  

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Casey Tennis (CT): The Pravada song I’d play you would depend on the moment -- we hop genres a lot. As a starter, perhaps ‘Touch Too Much.’ Its a new version of an old favorite. 

If I Dropped By.. with Spencer Miles of Space Fight

This week, I posed my “If I Dropped By...” question to Spencer Miles of Space Flight. With them having a show coming up at Mercury Lounge this Saturday, December 21 at 10:30PM; $10 adv / $12 dos (full details below) and a catchy song that landed in my inbox in the form of the video “Who Do You Think You’re Foolin’?” from their album All Systems Wait, of course, curiosity got the best of me. Well, my people talked to his people which led to our hypothetical visit.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Spencer Miles (SM): "Who Do You Think You're Foolin." It gets to the chorus in under 30 seconds, and people tell me it's very catchy. I think it's important to not bore the listener the first time they're hearing you. I would also show you the video, directed by Joey Palestina, the frontman of the band Thing One, who we're playing with at the Mercury Lounge this Saturday.

If I Dropped By... with Nytyly

Today, we hypothetically drop by the home of audio visual performing artist Nytyly (pronounced nightly).  I was recently turned onto her music and liked what I heard.  So, with an upcoming FREE show at The Delancey on Wednesday, December 11 (doors at 11:45PM / show at Midnight), it seemed like a perfect time to 'drop by' for a visit with Nytyly. 

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Nytyly: Thank you for hypothetically coming over (: I appreciate it. Love me some music loving house guests! 

Currently "Legs ' r '$hakin"  - a good place to start. It's got electronics which is very 2013, this way I appear hip to the groove. You know, despite the washy reverb doubled up vocal thing.

My friend Nate Terepka from the band Zula says "reverb is auto-tune for hipsters".  

Absolutely true, lol. 

Only my self accepting hipster aspect really shines forth in this track. The tuning of the guitar is bit-off, but that makes it sort of special. Like a misshapen shadow that looks beautiful for some reason. And I also appreciate the occurrence of a 1980's electronic breakdown section which reminds me of a Barbie Workout video I used to exercise to as an awkward duckling (Jennifer Love Hewitt was the dance instructor). 

The track means a lot to me. I wrote and produced it.  It has an unconventional structure and a very strangely enticing logic to it.  Maybe because of the odd tuning and the strict adherence to sparse instrument ion. It is just guitar, drum and vocal + one sample.

Limitation necessitates ingenuity and creativity. 

This song marks this big break through where I realized that songs are meant to be simple. The complexity comes from simplifying and simplifying.  That mindset carried over into my LIFE. It changed my being entirely. That and regular prayer, lol. (: 

At any rate, it is a spiritually energizing and unique pop tune. 

Thank you for metaphorically visiting me lol, come again soon! 

If I Dropped By... with Julie Edwards of Deap Vally

A while back, I was introduced to the music of Deap Vally.  My first thought was simply “woah”.  They are full of attitude, they are raw, they are bluesy, they are balls out, sexy, sweaty rock ‘n’ roll.  The duo, Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards, released their debut full-length album Sistrionix this past October.

With Deap Vally poised to take the Mercury Lounge stage this Sunday, December 8 (doors are at 7PM, $12), I posed my “If I Dropped By...” question to drummer Julie Edwards.  This is what I found out during my hypothetical visit to her home.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Julie Edwards (JE): Six Feet Under, because it's one of our favorites, heavy and sexy and slow.

If I Dropped By... with Rachel Griffin + Ticket & EP Giveaway

Singer/songwriter Rachel Griffin is having a video release show for her new video, “Over The Moon For You”.  The track is from her recently released EP, Over The Moon For You.  The show will take place at Cake Shop on November 17 at 8PM.  To celebrate, not only did we pose our “If I Dropped By...” questions to her, we also have some goodies to give away.  

Enter to win 2 tickets + 1 copy of the Over The Moon For You EP.  Email your name to, contest@quirkynychick.com by Friday, November 15 for your chance.  Please put “Rachel Griffin” in the subject line.

Continue reading to see what I found out during my hypothetical visit to her home.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Rachel Griffin (RG): I'd play the title track of the EP "Over The Moon for You."  I really like playing the piano part (it's super fun and happy) and its also just an excited, joyful tune in general, about finding an incredible love that at one time I really didn't think existed. It's also about how everyone deserves that kind of love and care and that you don't need to fear it. So I'd want to leave the friend with that feeling rather then depressing them with a song and being like, "Looooove suuuccckkkssss .. You'll always be alllooooneeeee" (which I am also very good at doing.. lol extremes... I'm a true artist!) Also, I'm super excited about, "Over The Moon For You" right now because the music video is coming out and it's my first music video ever and I'm been wanting to make music videos forEVER! Since I was a kid I've pretended to be in a music video in my mirror and lip sank. Thank God no one has videos of that. ;) 

If I Dropped By... with Justin Vassallo of Bedfellows

This week I posed my "If I Dropped By..." question to Justin Vassallo of Brooklyn based band Bedfellows.  I've been digging the track "Coming Up" which you can check out at the end of my "visit".  If you're in the New York area, you can catch Bedfellows live and in-person at Pianos on Wednesday, August 7 at 9PM and it'll cost you $8.  They will also be at Cake Shop on Thursday, August 22.  Continue reading to see what I found out during my hypothetical visit to his home.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Justin Vassallo (JV): "Like A Hostage" from our new EP "World Apart". When we did the final mix, it had a euphoric rush to it that beat any other mix session I've been a part of. When you've worked hard at something, it's a revelation and a relief when you catch yourself smiling a bit at the end result.

If I Dropped By... with DOE EYE

This week I posed my "If I Dropped By..." question to Bay Area musician, Maryam Qudus, who performs under the moniker DOE EYE.  She is currently working on her full-length debut record with producer John Vanderslice.  You can find out more about the upcoming album by visiting her Kickstarter project page.  Continue reading to see what I found out during my hypothetical visit to DOE EYE's home.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

DOE EYE (DE): I would play them “I Hate You”. It's a relatable song and has a cool music video to go along with it. Or I would show them a new song I am working on for my new record.

If I Dropped By… with Joe Salgo of Of Clocks And Clouds

This week I posed my "If I Dropped By..." question to Joe Salgo from the Brooklyn based band Of Clocks And Clouds.  They've been busy working on new music which we hope to hear very soon.  Continue reading to see what I found out during my hypothetical visit to his home.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Joe Salgo (JS): Our new single "What You Need" which we plan to release very very soon...

If I Dropped By... with Tarra Thiessen of Sharkmuffin

This week I posed my "If I Dropped By..." question to Tarra Thiessen of the Brooklyn based band Sharkmuffin.  The band recently released the second single, "Mermaid Sex Slave", from their debut EP She-Gods of Champagne Valley. If you haven't had a chance to check out Sharkmuffin, they're a raw pleasure filled treat; see for yourself at the bottom of the post.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Tarra Thiessen (TT): "Mermaid Sex Slave", because it's my grandma's favorite Sharkmuffin song (seriously!). (Editor’s note: Grandma is obviously a very cool and awesome lady!)

If I Dropped By… with Elephant 12

This week, I posed my “If I Dropped By…” question to Elephant 12.  I paid hypothetical visits to the homes of Jerome, Robbie and Andy. This is what I learned.  Also, I copped a copy of their latest EP, Sold Out.  See the bottom of the post to find out how you can win a copy!

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Robbie: I guess you would knock on my door right?? So the answer is our new single LOVE KNOCK ON WOOD.

Andy Metro: RENEGADE because it’s not a love song.

If I Dropped By... with Imperial Railway

This week, I posed my "If I Dropped By..." question to the band Imperial Railway.  They're out of the Pittsburgh area.  I spent some time in Pittsburgh so I thought hey, we must be simpatico or homies or something...how about we get to know them?  So, I hypothetically stopped by the homes of Dave Beshero, Ryan Matteo, Sean Atkins and Michael Duncan. This is what I learned.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Dave Beshero (DB): The Nest. It's the song I wanted to write when I was 15. I think lyrically, it's the best I'll ever write as it means the most to me. 

Sean Atkins (SA): Twin Sisters - because it's my favorite song by us and I think it shows what we do best as a group - everyone has a part in it.

Ryan Matteo (RM): I'd have to go with You are the Blood. It's a really simple and to-the-point song that covers all of the dynamics of our sound pretty well along with clever lyrics to back it up.

Michael Duncan (MD): Twin Sisters. It's our most diverse, and it has a really epic/climactic ending that's really fun to play live.

If I Dropped By... with Jamie DiTringo and John BellaVia of The Golden Furs

This week, I posed my "If I Dropped By..." question to Jamie DiTringo and John BellaVia of New York based band The Golden Furs.  This is what I found out during my hypothetical visits to their homes.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

John BellaVia (JBV): O Father! Acapella. You would play bongos and your friend can do hand claps. As long as there is someone else with a deep Barry White-ish voice for the bass, we are set.  O Father! just brings people together.

Jamie DiTringo (JDT): Amethyst. It’s one of the 1st songs John, Saul and I wrote together when we started the band and has a special place in my heart. Awww.. It has a lot of elements we really enjoy from the experimental intro, to the snappy verses and heaviness that drives the song. It’s tough to pick one because O Father is fan favorite at the moment.

If I Dropped By… with Louis Epstein of HITS

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you decided to be random and drop by a musician’s home? No?  Well, I have.  So, I posed my, "If I Dropped By..." question to HITS frontman, Louis Epstein.  This is what I learned about my host when I paid a hypothetical visit to his home.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): ... and brought a friend who didn't know your music, what song of yours would you play for them and why?

Louis Epstein (LE): I'd casually play well-known songs from bands like The Talking Heads and Talk Talk and Tom Waits who just talks sometimes, while I slipped in a HITS song here and there, so when it stood out, they'd say, "Wait. Who's this?" I could say, "What this? Oh weird this is actually MY band. Why? Do you like it?"