Here are musician Ken Beasley’s top music picks on the Lower East Side for this weekend:
MELODY KILLS – Fri, July 7 | 8PM at Rockwood Music Hall
Melody Kills is the new project from New York singer/songwriter Leslie Mendelson. Mendelson has an exceptional knack for contemporary pop, which is certainly evident from her previous recording, ”Swan Feathers,” which was put out by Ryko. Melody Kills ups the ante though. From the hooks to the lyrics to the musicianship, each song is absolutely airtight, and tracks like the infectious “Nowhere Slow” trigger the feeling that you’re listening to our generation’s Carol King. FREE// 196 Allen St.
DEADBEAT DARLING – Sat, July 8 | 10PM at the Bowery Ballroom
New York’s Deadbeat Darling just returned home from recording over-seas – a result of recently being scooped up by UK label Spearhavoc Records. The rock 4-piece churns out a truly unique mix of rock, dub, and indie-surf. The sound that’s ultimately produced is hard to define, but it definitely has sharp edges and some dark chasms. This ain’t “happy” music. But it is strong, honest music. $13 Advance/$15 Door//6 Delancey St.
PARIS CARNEY – Sun, July 9 | 10:30PM at the Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2)
Paris Carney is a hometown girl, and originally studied Voice at the New School in Manhattan, but was ultimately pulled away by the desire to get started on her career. Early on, Paris joined her old brother Reeve Carney as part of The Revolving Band. Now pursuing a solo path, she released her debut EP last year, and has a full-length album on the way. Her songs initially come across as sweet compositions delivered by a skilled, sunny voice, but in truth, it’s the writing of Paris Carney that adds the most special ingredient to her music. FREE// 196 Allen St.
Splitting his time between performing and producing, contributor Ken Beasley primarily plays with his own roots/rock band, Ken Beasley & Co., as well as the power punk outfit, Missy Sport, while also curating the Underground at the Abrons music series on the Lower East Side
