Ring All the Bells (O Bambino): the new Christmas single by NY PodCat
Christmas is on the horizon and NY PodCat is all set to put us in the mood. Just in time for the holiday season, husband-and-wife music duo NY PodCat release their new single, “Ring All The Bells (O Bambino)”. The track is a heartwarming and festive reimagining of the classic Italian song, and it’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit. The two collect the emotions in the memories of their familial ties, their musician craftsmanship, the spirit of Christmas in this tune to bring you an old classic revisited. Experience the new holiday tune full of the caroling spirit of Christmas. The single is available across the streaming services from November 28, 2023. Here it right here with a short from their music video!
New versions
If you don’t recognise the 60s rendition by Nancy Sinatra, don’t worry, it is purposeful. Li Mann wanted to reinvent the song, and infuse elements that brought it to the more popular and modern word. She kept 4 Italian words and a melody in the chorus that quench our and her nostalgia but reinvented the song to make it the melodic and caroling message of love that it is.
Non content to offer a new and fresh English song inspired from the Italian oldie, the band collaborated with singer/songwriter Bianca Madrid on a Spanish version ofthe single. The Spanish version is entitled “Suenan Campanos (O Bambino)” and will be released December 1, 2023 to streaming services by NY PodCat with Bianca Madrid.
About NY PodCat
NY PodCat is a dynamic music duo hailing from New York City. Their music seamlessly blends all manners of Pop, influenced by the 80s and 90s era. Their music captivate listeners with catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. With years of music making under their belt and a growing fanbase, NY PodCat is poised to make an indelible mark on the music industry. You can find out more about the pair, their inner joyous spirit and their humour in NY Podcat’s exclusive interview with 1 In Music.
The making of Ring All the Bells (O Bambino)
There is a Christmas spirit in the way the release itself was produced. The duo enlisted the help of other musicians, a lot of whom they e-met at a music retreat. This new way of recording remotely showcases that the spirit of Christmas knows no bounds and that spirits of love and togetherness are not a matter of closeness. The production team comprised of:
Li Mann – writer, producer, arranger, percussion, lead and background vocals, as well as video producer and director
Pete Sawchuk – co NY PodCat member, assistant producer, arranger, guitars, mandolin, banjo, assorted other instruments as necessary (digital tuba and accordion, for example), vocal arranging, background vocals
Doug Wayne Holmquist – mixing engineer, mastering engineer, background vocals
Bianca Madrid – Background vocals. Bianca Madrid is also the lead vocals and performs some of the background vocals on the Spanish version “Suenan Campanas (O Bambino)” to be released December 1st.
Cat Ardoin – background vocals
Harriet Reynolds – Background vocals
The get together and the recording remotely and bringing it all together
When asked how they all met, Li Mann remembers:
“All the female singers in the background vocals are singer/songwriters I met in a Sync Songwriter class we all signed up for that runs online. There were Zooms where we all met and listened to each other’s music, some in the class and some we did on our own. Sometimes you just “connect” well with people on a personal and musical level and can call them friends too. That’s how I feel about all 3 of the ladies that helped with the vocals on NY PodCat’s “Ring All the Bells (O Bambino): Bianca Madrid (Spain), Cat Ardoin (Tennesee, USA), Harriet Reynolds (Texas, USA). So when the day came that mixing/mastering engineer Doug Wayne Holmquist said “More voices” when I asked him how we could make the ending sound BIGGER, I know who to call. Would I have loved to be there with them while they recorded? Yes, but I trusted them to deliver because I’ve heard all their excellent music before and our schedules are all over the place and the world. So the tracks came to either me to edit down or to Doug directly to work with, and when they were all included in the mix the sound was “WOW AMAZING” because we all have different vocal textures so they all complemented each other very well. And Doug used to sing in the choir at church, so he added some vocals to the mix also.
We did a similar process for the Spanish version, with the added complication of matching Bianca’s pronunciation, but turns out we all managed that too. So for a production with lots of remote vocals, we think it came out well and has the “bunch of people caroling at Christmas” vibe that we were going for. Thank you “Bells choir” Pete, Bianca, Cat, Harriet, and Doug!
And well it came out indeed. Well done NY PodCat and Merry Christmas to you too!
The dynamic duo that is NY PodCat returns with a new single celebrating the spirit of joy and celebration that is Christmas. Ms Li Mann and Pete Sawchuk, as the two are otherwise known are both writers, singer/songwriters, arranger and musicians with Li producing. Li & Pete write in numerous styles of Pop music fusing in anything from Classic Rock to EDM, Americana & more. Always evolving, they are beginning a new chapter of their journey. Li’s music often secreets hints of 80s and 90s which means it is often compared to the likes of Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson of Heart, Cyndi Lauper, Sheryl Crow, Kate Bush, Gloria Estefan, and many others from those eras. The band plans a surprising EP for next year but in the meantime, they met 1 In Music on the eve of the release of their much anticipated Christmas tune to give us exclusive insights into their sound, their partnership, what is to come, share a few laughs, and most of all to wish us all a wonderful and merry Christmas!
The sound of NY PodCat
1 In Music: What makes the sound of NY Podcat unique?
Li Mann [Li]:We explore many types of Pop music, and we both sing, so there will eventually be more songs with Pete singing lead too – sort of like Fleetwood Mac in a way? We’re also way past the age when many people release their first single, so maybe “senior singles” will be a new thing? Back in my 20s and 30s there was not much demand for female vocalists (unless you were Madonna, LOL, can only be myself). So we authentically command many styles but consider rock our mutual touchstone. Maybe why our first co-write was a classic rock tune?
1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
Li:I started playing classical piano in my childhood, but soon found I’d rather hit the chords and sing along to pop. Then guitar followed, then bands, songwriting, and moving to NYC to try for a record deal. Got close, but never happened.
Pete:I started on accordion at age 5 and soon was playing everything I heard on the radio. By 7, I was playing for my mom’s coffee group! The guitar followed at about 12 and soon I was fronting my own band of classmates and writing tunes too. Then I got a college degree in composition and I was on my way to being a professional player at clubs and events.
1 In Music: Pete and Li, you are married to each other and clearly fully support each other’s goals. When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
Pete:I started with paying gigs in Secondary school (US) / High School (UK).
Li:a band and paying gigs, with a vision of a professional career, but I didn’t start till college.
What inspires NY Podcat?
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
NY PodCat:Everything. We love all kinds of music.
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?:
Pete: Kate Bushwas always undervalued. I’m happy to see her get some acclaim now.
Li: I still can’t believe The Carpenters are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! There are all kinds of Rock, and soft Rock/Adult Contemporary is VALID ROCK music! And The Runaways, the first all-girl punk band who broke the glass ceiling for so many female rockers – ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
1 In Music: Very valid points. Kate Bush recognition is nowhere near her talent but I guess it is better than it has been and much better none at all. Yes, The Carpenters, the Runaways, there is definitelymore talent out there than there is recognition.
NY PodCat Inspire us
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
LM: 1) Take a shower 2) Pray 3) Take another shower while praying 4) Remember to take the guitar
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
LM: Watch the Jets and cry.
1 In Music: lol. You really are set on making me laugh, aren’t you? Ok (breathing), let me be serious.
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
NY PodCat:
[Success to us is…] Making original music every day and charting our own course.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?:
Love what you’re doing, and find other people who believe in you for support.
What is next for NY PodCat?
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
We’re planning on releasing an EP of Rock music in the new year.
1 In Music: Wow! Best wishes with it all. Just tell us where to find your music starting with your Christmas song!
NY PodCat: Our first release will be up on Spotify and iTunes and all streaming services and our website nypodcat.com on November 28, so look for our holiday single “Ring All the Bells (O Bambino)” and download/stream please!
Born in Albany, Georgia and raised just northwest of Atlanta, King Jesai started recording professionally as early as the 10th grade! Fueled by life’s experiences and an inherent ambitious, self-motivated spirit, King Jesai produces timeless music that is a “feel-good” groove. His voice is melodic yet unpredictable, edgy, sultry! Over the years, he has maintained an unbreakable drive to make moves professionally and personally without excuse. This perseverance speaks to his successes in R&B/ Hip-hop music and has paved the way to substantial opportunities. Some of King Jesai’s industry credentials include recordings with radio personality Jazze Pha as well as writing and recording with Keri Hilson in Atlanta’s Dallas Austin Studio. Under MTS Management with Michael Stover as music manager, King Jesai will be releasing upcoming projects and booking LIVE performances.
His first release, “OnlyFans” hit the UK iTunes Top 30 Rap/Hip-Hop Songs chart in November 2023.
The origins of the sound of King Jesai
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
King Jesai [KJ]:I believe my music delivers a unpredictable wave so I’m very intentional in my approach in my writing to be edgy as possible every chance I get.
1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
KJ: I come from a family of singers and musicians so I think it was automatic that i would create music. My oldest sister and my mothers has always been my biggest supporters for sure.
1 In Music: When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
KJ:When I was in high school i discovered a music studio not far from my school and from there on, I never ever stopped recording and making music.
What inspires King Jesai?
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
KJ:I’m a true music head so my playlist is vast depending on how I’m feeling. From Brandy to John Mayer then on to Lifehouse.
1 In Music: That is varied indeed. Which music artist, to you, is the most undervalued of them all?
KJ:I think it might be better for any artist to be undervalued than overrated, if I have to answer…
1 In Music: Ok… what about your performances? How do you prepare for them?
KJ:It’s weird but for some reason if I know I’m going to perform I won’t eat anything. I may go over what I’m going to perform a couple of times but that’s it.
Getting some inspiration from King Jesai
1 In Music: What do you do beside music and that your passionate about?
KJ:If I’m not hanging out on weekends I’m chill at home watching a movie. Music is truly my only passion.
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
[Success to me is…] Waking up everyday and doing exactly what u love.
1 In Music: What would you tell a new artist that you wish you were told?
King Jesai [KJ]: That it’s absolutely necessary to
isolate in order to reach whatever goal you’re trying to accomplish.
What is next for King Jesai?
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects by any chance?
KJ:Yes I have a few projects I’ll be releasing very excited about it, I wrote a song called “win” very laid-back vibe but dope!
1 In Music: Thank you so much King Jesai, for giving us that insight. Before we leave, could you drop your links so our audience knows where to find your music?
KJ:I’m pretty much on all social media bust IG is a great place.
DPB, also known as David Paul Brooks, is a Billboard charting artist with a unique sound that blends positive rap and hip-hop with powerful and uplifting messages. With his previous releases, DPB has garnered recognition and success, including multiple chart-topping hits, award nominations, and performances with legendary artists such as Kirk Franklin, Bootsy Collins, Salt ‘n Pepa, Kool Moe Dee, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, King and Country, Unspoken, Toby Mac, Anointed, Deion Sanders, Canton Jones to name a few. On top of it, Brooks has appeared and/or performed on television shows that include BET (Teen Summit) Gospel Special. He was also a member of Grammy and Dove Award nominated group, D.O.C. (Disciples of Christ.).
David Paul Brooks (DPB) is a positive rap artist, songwriter, actor, clothing designer, mentor, motivational speaker and Co-Founder and Co-Owner of BreBro International Group LLC and DPB Muzik Inc. His goal is to give people, particularly youth, an alternative and cutting-edge message in music that can set them free from painful issues they may be dealing with, in a relatable art form.
1 In Music meets the artist.
The sound of DPB aka David Paul Brooks
Q: What is unique about you and your music?
DPB answers [A]: My music sends my message to people of all ages, both young and old.
Q: When did you realize, you were going to make music professionally?
A: Right out of high school I started performing for a lot of parties and events and knew I wanted to do this as my career.
The Inspiration behind the sound
I want to be the Michael Jackson of Christian music
Q: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
A: God is the one who shapes my music and gives me the message that my music is to deliver. I want to be the Michael Jackson of Christian music and he has been my favourite artist since I was a child.
Q: What type of music do you listen to?
A: Christian mostly, but also other styles that provoke deep thoughts as to how I can improve my music.
Q: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
When asked about a biography, Girl aka Reniel Hernandez says “i’m a 16-year old indie artist from Covington. I love making music”. This short and sweet description exactly defines the precocious music artist as you will find for yourself in this interview with 1 In Music.
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
Girl aka Reniel Hernandez [RH]: I’m an independent artist and I like to try to do a mix of a little bit of everything. i take inspiration from my favorite artists and I like to try and make cutesy music most of the time.
Girl aka Reniel Hernandez: The inspiration behind the sound
1 In Music: Talking about inspiration from your favorite artists, what or who shaped your music and who supports you?
RH: In some of my discography, you can hear the influence from Alex Ghe’s one of my favorite artists. Other artists that I take inspiration from are probably Duster, Radiohead, and First of October.
1 In Music: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
RH: I’ve been musically inclined since i was younger. Learning the piano evolved into learning guitar and drums. It was around a couple of years ago that I started taking it seriously, learning to mix and making electronic music as regular practice.
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
RH: Alternative, Experimental electronic, Experimental hip-hop, and IDM
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
I like to make other forms of art like paintings. I also make videos with my friends of us doing whatever dumb s*** we feel like
1 In Music: Success to you is…?:
[Success for me is…] Being happy with your art
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?:
Perfect your craft and learn to love what you make before you release anything.
You don’t want to show someone your music and then think to yourself “wow they probably think this s***”
What is next for Girl aka Reniel Hernandez?
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
I have two albums, one of which is being released February 2024. It’s called Special and it is way better than my other projects. I can’t wait to release it!
1 In Music: Thank you for the interview! Where can we find it and any of your other music?
What is next for NY PodCat?
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
The Inspiration behind the sound
RH: I’ve been musically inclined since i was younger. Learning the piano evolved into learning guitar and drums. It was around a couple of years ago that I started taking it seriously, learning to mix and making electronic music as regular practice.