1.14 A wknd w/ KiTTN
The artist on theme songs, a virtual comic fest and celebrating National Bagel Day
“Made up my mind now is my time to shine // Now is my time to shine // Time that you let go // Time that you let go”
Don’t get us wrong, we love a love song.
But we love love love a self-love song.
After all, on occasion, you/me/we ALL need a self-affirming anthem. An upbeat track with which to pump ourselves up. A reminder in musical form that we’re smart! We’re capable! We’re creative! That there’s only one of each of us in the whole wide world and we’re unique and special and worthy of love and hey that person who was mean to us on the train or in the YouTube comments section was probably just having a really bad day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We digress. The point is that in an always unpredictable, often challenging world, sometimes we simply need to GET STOKED ON OURSELVES. And that’s where the new track from KiTTN comes in.
Today, the Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based artist dropped “Shine,” the first single off her forthcoming album and a song written to celebrate the launch of the new season of the Us People Podcast. Inspired by the podcast’s theme—“to bring a platform for creative & unique individuals from all walks of life to discuss their passion, creativity [and] individuality”—the track aims to delivers what the artist describes as “a message of peace within yourself and others, positivity in all its forms, and following your dreams no matter the hardships” and hopes “to inspire you to do that one thing you cannot live without, even when pushing through the face of adversity.”
Which is precisely the goddamn message we could all use right about now.
Listen to “Shine” (out everywhere!), stay tuned for more music from KiTTN, and catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the artist’s creative process via her Youtube series, Making The Album. BUT FIRST (obviously), go forth and enjoy your weekend, because KiTTN has kindly designed a short and sweet set of plans to help you make the most of the next three days.
Whatever you decide to do and wherever you decided to do it, just remember to ~love thyself~ and ~shine on.~ And hey, in case no one has told you recently: You matter. And you’ve got a really great butt.
[BUT FIRST: PRESS PLAY]
FRIDAY
Start your day by streaming '“Shine” (now streaming on all platforms) AND listen to KiTTN's interview on the Us People Podcast here. Fun fact: “Shine” is the new theme song for this season of the podcast.
And now that you're good and hungry, you can head over to Maison Pickle (or order online) for Challah French Toast & Hot Honey Chicken with a side cocktail of The Razzle.
Gimme Gimme Disco - A Dance Party Inspired by ABBA at Brooklyn Bowl. Self-explanatory - who doesn’t love a Disco Dance Party?!
SATURDAY
10th Annual Black Comic Book Festival - Virtual event celebrating black comic writers at The Schomburg Centre For Research in Black Culture.
National Bagel Day - check out your local bagel shop as they will likely have a special today. Mine is Best Bagel & Coffee on W. 35th & 7th Ave in Manhattan.
NBA is back baby! Brooklyn Nets vs. New Orleans Pelicans are live at The Barclays Center.
SUNDAY
This is KiTTN's 'self-care' day. For the ULTIMATE self-care experience, book a private sauna at the William Vale Hotel in Brooklyn.
In celebration of MLK Day, grab some brunch at BLVD Bistro in Harlem.
Funkbox MLK Weekend at Chelsea Music Hall - Tony Touch all night playing deep, soulful, afro ,techy, house music...get tickets here and come dance.
Itinerary above written + submitted by KiTTN. Follow the artist at @kittnmusic and add her music to your Spotify playlists!
Feature image provided by the artist.
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS
This week we were stoked to announce the BdBK THIRD BIRTHDAY BASH at The Broadway featuring Namesake, Tilden, New Myths and Wetsuit! Come laugh and cry and mostly dance and celebrate the fact that time might be an illusion but that this is a pretty cool milestone anyway.
The 2022 BAND LOTTERY presented by BdBK + East Williamsburg Econo Lodge has been rescheduled for 2/12, which is good news—because you still have time to sign up. Get the info + find the link to register here, and then show up that Saturday morning and get ready to meet/make your brand-new band.
This week, Wicked Lady announced their Winter Madness Sweet 16! Check out what bands are battling it out for $5,000 and be sure to go out in February and support your favez (and discover new ones).
On Wednesday night, a tragic fire in an apartment above Bossa Nova Civic Club broke out, causing what the venue described as a “tremendous amount of damage.” If you have the means, consider donating to the Bossa Nova Civic Club Restoration & Staff Fund.
Arlene’s Grocery is looking for a part-time booking agent. If it sounds like a gig you’re into, go forth and apply. Then book some Brooklyn bands and put us on the guest list plz.
RELEASE RADAR
New(ish) stuff from local artists we love, listed in no order whatsoever:
“Blind” // Dead Tooth
“Team Sport” video // Colatura
“It Won’t Be Love” // Jeremy & The Harlequins
“Living Proof” // Elliah Heifetz
“Drivin’” // Raman Mama
IT’S HAPPENIN’
Here’s a look at the shows we’ve got coming up this month and beyond. Mark your calendars and come hang!
1.20 BdBK Presents: Edna, Cameron Castan, Bummer Camp, Masculinity Crisis @ The Nest
1.23 BdBK Presents: Activity Partners (single release + debut show!), Real Clothes, Rafting @ Our Wicked Lady (tix here!)
1.25 Moonglow, Snake Lips, Grand Army Reapers, Significant Otters @ Berlin (tix here!)
1.29 BdBK 3RD BDAY BASH ft. Namesake, Tilden, New Myths, Wetsuit @ The Broadway (tix here!)
+ ICYMI
Around the blog + on the radio + from the archives:
PREMIERE: “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades” from Kid Le Chat
Thx 4 reading! Find more fun stuff at bandsdobk.com and @bandsdobk. <3