The event was supposed to start at 7 p.m., but the fans had camped out by the venue an hour or two early. At 7 p.m., the line was already extending around the block. People waited for a while to get in and even got rained on during a short storm. It was all part of the the thrill before the anticipated event. My friend joked that Bazzi would descend from a cloud with lightning.

Finally inside, a young female DJ warmed up the crowd with some recent hits before Bazzi came on. My friend and I were one of the few who were old enough to order alcoholic drinks. I sipped on a Cosmo and she on a vodka cranberry. It felt like we had just turned 21 and could finally rub it into everyone’s face.

Apple music screened the short film, which introduced Bazzi as this sweet, humble, down-to-earth dreamer who wants to makes people feel good with his music. 20-year-old Bazzi comes from Detroit, Michigan and is not one of those kids who’s had everything served to him on a silver platter. “The hardships in life were usually financial, “ he said in the film. “Getting evicted from place to place when you’re young–it can make you feel like you’re valueless. I never really let that beat me down,which is something I’m really grateful for.”

Bazzi has played instruments since he was 6-years-old. “Every time a girl has broken my heart or someone has made me incredibly mad, I always just turn to music,” he said. At the age of 17, he moved to Los Angeles and went straight to the management group to introduce his music.

Jared Cotter, manager at The Heavy group, said: “For us, immediately after that first session, we were like, ‘wait a second, this is even bigger than what we thought.’”

Bazzi is extremely dedicated to creating music and speaks wiser than his age. “The studio feels more like home to me than my actual home does. I feel like I can take these thoughts and this pain and this anxiety or this love or whatever it is and I can disconnect it from myself and from inside of me and I can put it into an Ableton session or a Logic session,” he explained, gesturing with his hands.

A lot of his comments during the screening were followed by “awws” in the crowd and the fans sang along to the background songs, such as the hit “Mine” and “Why.”

When Bazzi finally came on stage, fans started screaming from excitement and immediately took their phone’s out to record every second of the performance. He was wearing a red shirt that had a sign on the back “blind for love.” The artist brought in incredible energy to the room and was a natural at talking to the crowd and moving on stage. He sang most of the songs from his new album Cosmic, including “Beautiful,” “Dreams,” “Gone,” “Star,” “Honest” and obviously closing with “Mine.” Bazzi got the crowd going wild—their hands up in the air and moving to the music. They sang along to every song and at some points he even let the crowd sing alone. He was great live and overall exceeded all of my expectations.

I’ve listened to Cosmic on repeat every day since it dropped on April 12. There’s something about Bazzi’s dream-like songs, the lyrics and the melodies that are so simple and yet so packed with raw emotion, that is so relatable to everyone. I’m not going to lie, I’ve shed quite a few tears while listening to the album. Even my friend, who’s never listened to Bazzi prior the performance, loved his music and said she would download his album onto her playlist.

After the concert, I chatted with a few young fans: Shareece Leveque, 16, and Arshina Balkaran, 15, who drove an hour from Rockland County, NY to come see Bazzi.

“I love Bazzi. I love all his music. I think he’s pretty inspirational. He could turn anything that happens in life and make it into a song,” Leveque said. She discovered Bazzi through a pop-duo Jack & Jack and listens to him every day.

The girls found out about the event from Bazzi’s Instagram story. They also have already bought tickets during pre-sale to see him during his tour in NYC in July. They arrived an hour and a half early to stand in line. It was all worth it. Leveque said seeing him live was “amazing” and Balkaran said “it was really fun.”

Bazzi has joined Camila Cabello on her tour as the opening act and he starts his own tour this summer, which has already sold out in most cities during the pre-sale. The tickets sold out so fast, he even had to add a second show in NYC. He will be back here on July 30, so buy your tickets before it’s too late!

The post An Evening with Rising Star Bazzi in Brooklyn appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Bryan Fein led me up the stairs of the office building. The halls were lined with glass offices and red brick walls that offered a modern rustic vibe. I plopped onto the couch, and he sat on the chair next to me.

From watching his social media stories, I knew Fein didn’t get much sleep: between working out and working on his upcoming album, there was hardly a day or a night when Fein wasn’t hustling. But now he was leaning forward attentively, hands clasped, ready.

Fein began telling his story. He grew up in Manhattan, and was fully immersed in music from a young age, whether he was  attending classic rock-and-roll concerts with his father to see legends, like the Rolling Stones and AC/DC, or with his mom listening to classical music at home. Fein attended Turtle Bay Music School as a teenager, learning piano and guitar. He was advised in his growing interest in electronic music by his martial arts instructor, who was himself a DJ, and would later become Fein’s mentor.

“I was taking taekwondo at the time. That explains my figure,” the 26-year-old joked. His instructor played old house music during their training sessions. “It resonated well with me,” Fein said.

Curious to start mixing, Fein downloaded a DJ software to mix tacks from the likes of Benny Benassi and the Ministry of Sound label. “I thought I was awesome at it. I sent my mixes to all of my friends and got some good feedback. In high school, I started djing karaoke parties and small loft parties my friends rented out,” he said.

Fein was all about house music. He started going to clubs in the Meatpacking District, wanting to DJ more seriously. Around 2010, mainstream artists, like David Guetta and Avicii, made house music more popular, which gave Fein the perfect niche to break into. Fein’s mentor—the martial arts instructor—let him play opening and closing sets at places, such as Ajna Bar, Veranda, and the Hudson Terrace, allowing him to perfect his craft in mixing while reading the energy of the crowd.

Still, Fein yearned for more—producing. He started dabbling in Ableton Live, a production software, learning to create electronic music. “The first year, I was the most discouraged person on the face of the planet just because I didn’t know how to do anything. It was just opening my laptop, turning on the software, and closing my laptop for a year,” he said.

But Fein kept going. He began producing simple beats, influenced by the tribal sounds of Roger Sanchez or Dennis Ferrer, and adding his own “electronic flavor,” looking to the styles of masters Deadmau5 and Eric Prydz.

In 2013, Fein attended a renown music festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, where seeing Mark Knight live brought Fein into the world of techno for the first time. Since then, Fein has been  obsessed with tech house, deep house, and techno.

Fein released his first album on Soundcloud in 2016. It garnered international attention from Italian label Elektrobeats Records, for which Fein released some widely successful remixes, including “Come With Me” in 2017, which hit #1 on Traxsource’s Top 100.

In 2017, Fein co-founded the party series Origins Underground with high school classmate Dylan Farrugia (otherwise known as Dysco). The idea behind the series was simple: to bring underground techno back to Manhattan. These parties happen once every month.

Fein explains that techno is in right now, but the scene in New York City isn’t doing well. EDM peaked and fell off in 2014, leaving a hole where electronic music should be. “The scene is really strong in Brooklyn, and we want to bring some of that flavor to the city. Not everyone has the privilege to commute to Brooklyn for an event.”

As far as new music from Mafia B—Fein’s upcoming 12-track album explores progressive house and techno while showcasing melodic motifs and underground vibes. One track will be released every month.

As a die-hard techno fan, I am always burning to know what DJs think of the genre. While I know my answer, I closed with—what sets techno apart from other genres?

“Community. Everyone’s like, ‘Hey, you want to DJ at my party?’ No one is there for the money. If you’re trying to get your name out there…everyone is helping each other. Techno is for people who are open-minded.”

Catch Mafia B’s latest tunes here: https://soundcloud.com/mafiab

The post Bryan Fein Is Bringing Electronic Music Back to Manhattan appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

It is time to celebrate “throwback Thursdays.”

Last month, the scene of a subculture celebration popped up with a rebellious punk streak on Carnaby Street in London. The brains behind the operation have united a collective of influencers, historians, and creatives to deliver a truly unique experience showcasing the multigenerational independence, defiance, and DIY attitude that has shaped Britain’s subcultures and countercultures.

The new concept store, The Subculture Archives, unites a selection of British artists, thinkers, and makers to bring a range of free cultural experiences, exclusive events, and emerging talent in the birthplace of 1960s Swinging London and home to London’s vast music scene from the Mods to the New Romantics. The Subculture Archives have presented iconic collections including Paul Tickell’s documentary “Punk and the Pistols,” the social history photo book “Exist To Resist” from Matthew Smith, and candid shots from Mancunian rave photographer Peter Walsh.

The Subculture Archives is your one-stop shop for all things counterculture, so, hit Carnaby Street while you can, and peruse a curated selection of books around the topic of counterculture and subculture, limited edition clothing, irreverent mugs from “People’s Republic of Stokes Croft,” affordable photographic prints and treats from the Vendart vending machine.

The post The Subculture Archive Preserves the History of British Youth appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Texture is a huge trend this season and we’re betting on lots of fun fabrics to keep you warm. Velvet is a notoriously popular trend right now that is flattering as well as warming. Hundreds of brands offer velvet in some form of another, from jumpsuits to long sleeve rompers or dresses. As the autumn alternative to your sequined summer dress, a velvet ensemble can amp up the glitz and glam of an otherwise bulky winter outfit. Mix textures by layering a velvet outfit underneath a leather jacket for extra warmth and dimension.

In early fall months, the nighttime cool in New York is enough for a long-sleeved top or long sleeved romper. Bare legs, however, can be just as vulnerable to the chill. Instead of exposing your legs to the city wind, wearing a pair of thigh-high boots looks chic and covers up the goosebumps. The latest trend in high boots is suede thigh-highs—just look Stuart Weitzman’s campaign with Gigi Hadid.

Another trend-centered solution is the re-emergence of the jumpsuit. Usually offset with a deep V-neck or a scoop back, brightly colored jumpsuits keep club goers warm while shuffling through the city streets on cool autumn nights. Coupled with a pair of strappy heels, jumpsuits are no longer a 70’s fad—they have been popping up on the red carpet and runway, especially in the A/W season. Like knee-high boots, suede is a popular textured look for jumpsuits, but they also come in more versatile fabrics such as cotton, velvet, and lace. Jumpsuits have the potential to fit and flatter every body shape since they come in hundreds of different styles and shapes. Wide leg jumpsuits with a fitted top are essential for someone looking for movement when they dance, but skinny leg jumpsuits are perfect  for the girl who wants a sleek silhouette.

In the wake of the hipster revolution, layering has made a huge appearance on the streets of New York, mostly during the day. This quick and simple trend is also a money-saver because you can re-use your thin-strapped summer dresses by simply layering them over a long sleeve top. Layering a bright or sequined mini dress over a simple black top with a mock neck brings a chic smoothness to the outfit while keeping you warm outside the bar. 90’s ribbed tops are also back in-style, so layering one of those underneath a silk or lace dress is an edgier option.

Walking the streets of New York is the equivalent of walking a runway, but you don’t need to catch a cold while doing it. Paying attention to trends is key to making any look undergo the elements.

Edited by Brianna Arrighi 

The post How to Club Cool but Stay Hot in NYC appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

1. Get your freak on and down an insect

Join The Colony | Artesian, London | £18-

Absolut Elyx, wheat, almond, juniper, bergamot

2. Party on the ceiling with the Mad Hatter’s top hat

The Mad Hatter | Barts, London | Serves 4-6 | £90

Russian Standard vodka, spiced berries & apple, topped with prosecco

3. Knock back a beaver

Here’s Buddy | Beaver Lodge, London | $12

Beaver Moonshine and apricot liqueur, cranberry juice, passionfruit juice

4. Go loco for a coco-nut

Coconut | ZZ’s Clam Bar, NYC | $20

Trinidadian rum, Acacia honey, smoked cinnamon

5. Get jingled on a jam jar

The Godfather Sour | The Shop NW10, London | £8

Rebel Yell bourbon, amaretto agave, lime juice, orange bitters

6. Sip from a sweetheart

Vera Lynn | Cahoots, London | ~£10

Tanqueray No.TEN gin, ginger wine, apple juice, elderflower cordial, pear purée, fresh lime

7. Misbehave with a poptail

Poppy Horror | Adventure Bar Convent Garden, London | Serves 5-8 | £22-59

Eristoff vodka, blackcurrant liqueur, fresh lemon juice, sugar, prosecco, lipstick, handcuffs

8. Intrigue with a brass pineapple

Pineapple | ZZ’s Clam Bar, NYC | $20

American gin, house limoncello, chamomile

9. Get horsed on a horse head

Horse Head | Bunga Bunga, London | Serves 3 | £55

Don Julio Blanco tequila, Ratafia black cherry liqueur, cranberry juice

10. Make sparks fly with a light bulb

Flower | The Standing Room, NYC | $12

Dry gin, lavender, elderflower, cranberry

11. Take a swig from a flaming skull…

Flaming Zombie | The Escapologist, London | £11.50

Bacardi Oro, dark rum, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, mango, passion fruit, pineapple juice, over-proof rum

12. …or a gloriously pink one

Disco Skull | Simmons, London | Serves 4 | £35

Malibu, apple juice, cold brew Earl Grey tea, fresh lime juice, raspberries, lime wedges, sugar syrup

13. Be all class with a Chemex coffee maker

Tahitian Coffee | Slowly Shirley, NYC | Serves 2 | $35

Plantation Barbados rum, Campo de Encnato pisco, house falernum, honey, guava, passion fruit, orange, lime, cold brew coffee

14. Get spiritual with a porcelain Buddha

Cardamom | ZZ’s Clam Bar, NYC | $20

Gin, vanilla, VEP Chartreuse

15. Enjoy a tipple from an Italian

Supermario Monti | Bunga Bunga, London | £12

Fresh cucumber muddled with Hendrick’s gin, mixed with elderflower cordial, apple juice, 7UP

16. Put away a can or two

Jamo & Ginger Cha-Chunker | Genuine Liquorette, NYC | $10.10+tax

Jameson irish whiskey, ginger ale, bitters, lemon

Photo credit: Genuine Liquorette

17. Mystify with an alcoholic capsicum

Cucumber | The Standing Room, NYC | $12

Spicy tequila, cucumber, lime, bell pepper

Photo credit: @pierangeliwit

18. Pick a vintage hit with a raspberry-kissed teacup

Bikini Martini | Simmons, London | £9

Vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice

19. Have a cereal-sly good night with a milk bottle

American Cereal Killer | The Clocktower’s Gold Bar, NYC |$16

Michter’s bourbon, cheerios milk, Madagascan vanilla syrup, Angostura bitters

20. Defeat Jaws

The Shark’s Eye | Mother Of Pearl, NYC | $15

Passion fruit, lemon, maraschino, curacao, bourbon, Tiki bitters

The post 20 Most Bizarre and Fantastic Cocktails You Should Taste appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Highgate Cemetery

The most famous of the seven, Highgate Cemetery is a labyrinth of crumbling beauty. From imposing mausoleums to dishevelled, ivy-clad angel statues, it has the air of a hidden fantasy world. Be sure to visit the famous residents (many with fittingly outlandish headstones) including Karl Marx, George Eliot, Patrick Caulfield, Malcolm McClaren and Douglas Adams.

Events: On the 1st of November they open late for a beautiful candle lighting cemetery in honour of All Saints Day.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm, Weekends: 11am-5pm

Entrance Fee: £12 for East and West Cemetery Tour, £4 for East Cemetery

Closest Station: Archway

www.highgatecemetery.org

Abney Park Cemetery

An overgrown jumble of gravestones, nature and modern fencing, Abney Park is just the right side of decaying beauty. This Hackney cemetery became the resting place for many of London’s religious nonconformists, and has at its heart Europe’s oldest non-denominational chapel. With a surprise around every corner, Abney Park is perfect for explorers.

Events: Fear In The Dark, a Hallowe’en anthology show adapted from stories by Edgar Allan Poe, HP Lovecraft, Sheridan Le Fanu and MR James. 20-23 and 26-31 Oct, 7pm & 8.30pm.

Opening Times: 8am-7pm

Entrance Fee: Free

Closest Station: Stoke Newington

www.abneypark.org

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

More nature reserve than cemetery, Tower Hamlets is a colourful addition to the seven. To add extra magic, download one of these specially written audio walks: www.abneyrambles.com.

Opening Times: Dawn-dusk

Entrance Fee: Free

Closest Station: Mile End/Bow Road

www.fothcp.org

Kensal Green Cemetery

A more formal, manicured cemetery, inspired by Paris’ famous Père Lachaise. Kensal Green’s gothic atmosphere has provided the backdrop for a number of horror films, and also makes it the perfect Hallowe’en trip.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 10am-5pm

Entrance Fee: Free

Closest Station: Kensal Green/Ladbroke Grove

www.kensalgreencemetery.com

Brompton Cemetery

Owned by the Crown, this regal cemetery has stunning architecture at its heart. Famous residents include Emmeline Pankhurst, John Jackson and Blanche Roosevelt Macchetta. To add some fun to your visit, play a game of Beatrix potter bingo – many of her character names can be found on the tombstones, including Peter Rabbett, Mr Nutkins and Mr McGregor.

Events: To check the website for latest, click here or follow the link: www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/brompton-cemetery

Opening Times: Dawn – dusk

Entrance Fee: Free

Closest Station: West Brompton

Nunhead Cemetery

One of the lesser known of the seven, Nunhead is well worth a visit for winding romantic lanes and a beautiful view over London. Over 1,000 angels are hiding amongst the foliage.

Opening Times: Dawn – dusk

Entrance Fee: Free

Closest Station: Nunhead

www.fonc.org.uk

West Norwood Cemetery

West Norwood suffered heavily from bombing during World War II and when Lambeth Council (illegally) cleared many of the old monuments for new ones. A little more like a modern lawn cemetery than the other six, it is still a delightful place to visit. The fairly ordered gardens give way to hints of wilderness here and there, with flowers adding spots of colour to the green.

Opening Times: Dawn – dusk

Entrance Fee: Free

Closest Station: West Norwood

www.fownc.org

The post Meet Me at the Cemetery Gates… appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.