A Year in New York prepare to play St. Andrews Hall
“We aren’t coming at the new music we’re writing with a model or inspiring genre, we aren’t trying to write something hip or cool, we are just writing something that feels natural to us, something that we enjoy playing and listening to, and we are just happy that people seem to receive it well.”
Following their sold out show at The Pike Room back in November, Detroit based band A Year in New York has been putting a lot of work in behind the scenes in anticipation for their upcoming show at St. Andrews Hall in support of The Native Howl.
A Year in New York consists of Michael Miller and Brittany Christofel who are joined by Ben Schultz for their live sets.
2018 was a packed year for the band; a set at Bled Fest, headlining Vote With Your Wallet and opening for Tilian Pearson (Dance Gavin Dance).
“We are all very pleased with the strides we’ve made in the past year.” the band shared. “We definitely didn’t expect that we would be headlining the Vote With Your Wallet at the Crofoot this past year, so we want to continue moving forward with that momentum. We are especially appreciative of all the people who continue to support us and come out to see us and enjoy the new music.”
Forget Me Knots, the band’s sophomore EP was released in 2017. Since then, fans have eagerly anticipated new music. Miller and Christofel have nearly perfected their live performance, leaving the crowd mesmerized by Christofel’s endearing vocals and captivated by Miller’s intricate guitar work.
“We aren’t coming at the new music we’re writing with a model or inspiring genre, we aren’t trying to write something hip or cool, we are just writing something that feels natural to us, something that we enjoy playing and listening to, and we are just happy that people seem to receive it well.”
Something new that the band has introduced to their live set is a dual piano part by Christofel and Miller.
“The dual piano parts came about for several reasons; we are really trying to get the most music out of three members us as we can, so that involves pushing the instruments we have to their limits.” the band explained. “We also want to be able to play everything we record live, so we have to come up with ways to make it happen. Plus, Michael really can’t stop himself from putting piano in the new music.”
While writing new music, the band is preparing for their largest show to date, opening for The Native Howl at St. Andrews Hall on January 26. While nothing special is in store for their set, they claim they will be bringing back some old music to perform live alongside the new songs.
“Of course, we are a bit nervous about playing St. Andrews Hall, we are always a little nervous to play shows, regardless of the venue, but the last show went really well and we feel comfortable coming off of that.” the band said. “More importantly, we are excited to play more of our new material live. These new songs make us feel a bit more confident and excited to get to play them in front of people again.”
Following the show, the band plans on working on writing new music and looking towards a possible tour. They consider themselves a “live” band, and express the importance of reaching a new audience.
“A year ago we weren’t entirely sure on where the new music was going to end up.” the band said. “It is reminiscent of Forget Me Knots, but it’s new and improved and inspired, so we are excited to keep working on it.”
Below is a gallery of photos from A Year in New York’s sold out show at The Pike Room on November 2.
–
–