This summer, on my daily commute around the city that never sleeps, I stumbled upon a diamond in the rough. Turns out, the diamond was/still is the best artist I’ve seen perform acoustically in the underground world of New York City. To read more on this day of discovery click the related post link below, which features the awesomeness of Freddy Marx Street.

Now, the Ukrainian-born singer/songwriter has independently released his debut music video and, as expected, it’s breathtaking.

When I asked Max (a name he prefers to be called) to give his perspective on the clip, this is how he responded:

“Well, the song is about life. And how it always changes after everything… It’s good because that means you are on the way. Some words in the song are dedicated to my sister’s little daughter. I was writing that song when she was borning (but I knew nothing about that). By the way, in the video, that baby is not my sister’s. So the video shows that you can choose to live in your own little cold world with its thick walls or to leave it for real life with more “air” and colors. But you need to let someone help you. And sometimes THAT is one of the greatest challenges of your life. You think that you know everything, you are so aware…”

The stunning video was filmed at Grebnevs’ estate in Russia and by the walls of the Penal Colony-43 in the Ukraine. The clip was directed by Marina Nikitina, who also took the artist photo above.

I cannot wait to see what blossoms from this talented soul in the future.

Please watch + pass along! Support quality indie artists like Max!

[Related Post: Exclusive Interview: Freddy Marx Street]

MARIA CIEZAK: Thanks for taking the time to chat with BiggerThanBeyonce. I recently was given your music and became an instant fan. You’re a very talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. At what age did you start making music?

LEONARD FRIEND: I started playing drums when I was 12. I first picked up the guitar a year later and taught myself enough basics to write my first song (for my girlfriend at the time). I had this little 4 track in high school that I used to record songs that I wrote. My senior project in high school was my first EP, I think it was 6 songs or so. That EP actually became the early foundations for my old band, The XYZ Affair.

MC: I know you were previously the front man, Alex Feder, for Brooklyn indie rockers The XYZ Affair. How did this alter ego come about?

LF: I had the idea in the shower about a week after XYZ broke up. I knew I was going to record a solo record, and the idea that I had for it was just BIGGER than “Alex Feder,” I knew the project needed a different name. So I decided to adopt my grandfather’s name, Leonard Friend. He had recently passed away, and he had wanted to be a musician his whole life but couldn’t, for a variety of reasons. Now, in a way, he can be.

MC: Did you always aspire to be a solo artist down the line, or did life take you that way?

LF: I never aspired to be a solo artist, really. I had always been in bands, and The XYZ Affair was my heart and soul. But at a certain point the idea of doing things on my own just made sense. And I felt ready for it. So here we are.

MC: I am totally digging ‘Serious Music’ and cannot wait to hear the rest of the ‘Lynyrd Frynd’ EP. Did you have a tough time deciding what the lead single would be?

LF:It was tough only because I view the EP as a unified whole as opposed to a bunch of single songs. But in my mind, ‘Serious Music’ makes a good Musical Mission Statement for Leonard Friend. And I really can’t wait for people to see the video, I’m super proud of it.

MC: Would you say you are a bigger fan of the music scene in LA rather than NY?

LF: I haven’t gotten much of a feel for the LA scene yet! We’ll see.

MC: You have been called the “Indie Justin Timberlake”. How do you feel about that comparison?

LF: I think JT’s killer, one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. So it’s an honor to be compared to him! I wish that dude was still making music, I loved his last record. But yeah, it’s very flattering.

MC: Who are your musical influences?

LF: This is always a tough question because I listen to a TON of stuff, so I’ll just tell you what I’ve been listening to lately. My favorite artist of all time is Michael Jackson, he’s always in regular rotation. Beyond that, lately I’ve been listening to James Blake’s new self titled record, Kendrick Lamar’s new record, ‘Here, My Dear’ by Marvin Gaye, ‘Let It Be’ by the Replacements, ‘Watch The Throne’ by Kanye and Jay-Z, and ‘Lodger’ by David Bowie.

MC: Can we find you touring in the near future?

LF: Right now I’m focused on recording more music. I love making videos, so I’d like to make another one after the ‘Serious Music’ video comes out. I’d definitely love to play sometime soon, but I don’t have anything planned in the immediate future.

MC: For BiggerThanBeyonce readers who are just getting to know you, what would you like them to know?

LF: I wore braces for 13 years. So when I do take Leonard Friend out on tour and you see me smiling huge on stage, that’s why.

Thanks for your time!

ROB BRAYL: Ok, first things first. That shirtless pic of you in the Yankee’s hat has an old skool Marky Mark Calvin Klein vibe going on. How would you describe yourself, sound and image for those unaware?

KDREW: That picture shows more of the fitness side of me which played a huge role in my life. But on the other hand I guess my image is a little more rock when I’m fully clothed. [Laughs] I have a ton of sides to me, which definitely translates to my music.

RB: I understand that, like Lil Wayne, you tend to swing it in the studio? Do you always go in to record without lyrics in mind?

KD: Pretty much. I like to get caught up in the moment whenever I’m making a track. I never say, “Hey, you have to go into the studio at 1:15 and write a ballad about unicorns and fairy dust.” [Laughs] Sometimes it will be 4 in the morning and I’ll feel like making a dubstep record. So I just break out my laptop and start working. I guess I just go with the flow.

RB: I’ve gotta say that I love your music — it’s got a very commercial appeal that I think will go far. Has radio been supportive? I know radio can be a bitch to break.

KD: Thank you very much. Some stations have definitely been supportive and to this day still are. The other ones that haven’t jumped on my music yet hopefully will in the near future. But as hard as radio is, it’s just one piece to the puzzle. Sometimes people make it their number one priority to get on it. You gotta just make music for yourself and fans, everything else will come after that.

RB: Last album you purchased.

KD: ‘Mylo Xyloto’ by Coldplay.

RB: I see that you’re a huge Michael Jackson fan (join the club!). Was he your first inspiration for starting music? Also, can you moonwalk? Just curious!

KD: Michael was definitely one of the many influences I had growing up. I was raised around all different types and styles so I hope people can really hear that in my music. Every once in a while when I go to the store I’ll moonwalk there. Great cardio.

RB: How sad are you that Justin Timberlake hasn’t recorded a new album in 5 years? Your stuff is right up his alley BTW.

KD: I wouldn’t say sad. I would say more eager to hear what he’s been conjuring up in the studio. Whenever he comes out, his music becomes a style. So I understand as an artist why he hasn’t put anything out. He’s smart though for waiting.

RB: Any new projects you’re currently working on? Upcoming shows?

KD: I’m always working on new projects so you never know when you might be hearing a record I wrote or produced. Currently I’m working with a hip hop artist who’s really dope. Also I’m trying to get a bunch of my dubstep and house records finished so I can put them out. Show-wise I’m sporadically doing them all over the country. But soon I really wanna sit down and plan a tour or even hop on someone else’s.

RB: This might be a tough one, but what’s your favorite track you’ve ever recorded?

KD: Truthfully, every song I do is probably my favorite. I put so much time and energy into each one that to say I have a favorite would be unfair to the rest of my songs!

RB: Finally, thanks for talking to me, yo! Give us something random to end this interview on.

KD: Thank you for having me and I like turtles. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are great and I want to go skydiving.

ROB BRAYL: ‘True Colors’ is certainly one of the biggest anthems of the gay community. Are there any songs from your own collection or other artists that you consider to be your personal anthem?

CYNDI LAUPER: I have quite a few with my own catalog. To choose one is going to be tough. Changes from time to time. Anything from Joni Mitchell.

RB: It’s wonderful to see any artist, but specifically artists of your level really reaching out to their gay fan base and working on strengthening the community. How has working on projects like the Give A Damn Campaign, and opening the True Colors homeless shelter for LGBT youth affected you personally?

CL: I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to raise awareness about equality and issues impacting the community that do not get enough attention, especially homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. To be able to do that through the Give a Damn Campaign and the True Colors Residence, which is actually permanent housing, not a shelter, means a great deal to me.

RB: Your video on YouTube speaking on bullying and on the flood of suicides with regards to gay teens was really touching. How have you handled those in the past who may have been punks in the way that they treated you?

CL: I think it is important to say that while the media has been focusing on the recent suicides of these young men as a result of anti-gay bullying, this has been an epidemic that has been growing and in dire need of attention for far too long. I do know what it is like to be viewed as ‘different’ and I have owned that about myself and have been unapologetic about it. We all have to be who we are. It can be hard to do that though as life has ways of knockin’ ya down time and time again. I would urge all the young people reading this to contact the Trevor Project at 1-866-4-U-TREVOR or the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-RUNAWAY if you are having a hard time and need someone to talk to.

RB: Your most recent record, ‘Memphis Blues’, is a beautiful piece of work and showcases a different side of yourself. What can we expect from your next album? Working on any new material?

CL: I don’t have a “next” CD planned — I’m living and enjoying this one! I am filming a live DVD in Memphis. Basically it’s the show we’ve been doing on the road since ‘Memphis Blues’ came out. It will include songs from ‘Memphis Blues’, my hits and a few new songs.

RB: Crazy but I’ve got to ask, do you listen to any rap music?

CL: I have a 13 year old son, what do you think? I listen to A LOT of rap!

TONY CORTOPASSI: Having many acting roles in: Vibes, Off & Running, Life with Mikey, Here & There, Section B, as well as an Emmy award winning role in Mad About You as “Marianne Lugasso” — Is there a type of role you’d love to do next?

CL: Love to revamp my style and genre with everything I do. Of course I‘d love to try something different, new and challenging.

TC: Since you’ve already done Threepenny Opera…any role you’d like to do on Broadway?

CL: My next Broadway project is as composer. I am writing songs for the Broadway adaptation of the film Kinky Boots. Harvey Fierstein is writing the book and Jerry Mitchell is the director. It’s very exciting.

TC: We are all excited to read your autobiography. When is that slated to be released? Can you give us a teaser from the book?

Cyndi: I am writing an autobiography that will be released via Simon & Schuster. I am in the middle of writing right now so ask me this question again next time we chat.

TC: Can you elaborate a little on your new reality show and what we can expect?

CL: Yes. I did a deal with Mark Burnett Productions before I signed on to Celebrity Apprentice. Mark Burnett Productions is probably the most successful producers of reality tv so I am really happy to be in partnership with them. The folks there are smart and creative and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to do. I love the medium, so I’m excited about it. It is going to be mostly about me and my day to day, focusing on my career.

TC: If you could travel to any time in history, who would you love to meet?

CL: John Lennon.

Watch the incredible Cyndi in action, during a recent performance, below.

MARIA CIEZAK: Thank you for taking the time to chat with me! You have been singing for quite some time. How has life changed for you since the release of ‘Time Travel’?

ALESSI’S ARK: It has been really nice to play a mixture of these newer songs from the album at the shows and to share the music in new areas. I was on tour with John Grant in Europe when the album was released over here in the UK and it was my very first time visiting a lot of the cities we travelled through. It was a double treat, being able to visit at all and to be able to share the new songs. I also really, really recommend having a listen to John Grant if you haven’t already.

MC: Do you write your music yourself? And where do you get your song inspiration from?

AA: Yes, I do write my own music. Sometimes I go through spells of not feeling very inspired when the feeling is there, inspiration can flow and be found just about anywhere; in overheard conversations, through the movements of leaves, conversations and stories shared with family and friends, dreams, past experiences and the imagination itself.

MC: What do you enjoy more, recording in the studio or taking your music live on the road?

AA: Both are special experiences in their own way. While recording you can be more in control of the environment and can really make a studio feel like a handmade den, which makes playing very comfortable. It is equally lovely to see other places and be able to meet others through playing the songs in their neck of the woods.

MC: ‘Kind of Man’ and ‘The Fever’ are two of my favorite tracks. Are there any songs you enjoy performing the most?

AA: On this upcoming tour I’ll be playing solo but when playing with the Ark we have fun playing ‘Must have grown’ as it has bloomed a new ending that ebbs and flows nightly.

MC: We are so excited to see you tour here in America. A high profile support slot with Laura Marling. What kind of trouble do two talented young ladies get up to out on the road?

AA: Nothing too disgraceful!

MC: Who would you perform your dream duet with?

AA: I think Jim James’ voice is beautiful.

MC: For those people just getting to know you, what are some words of inspiration you can leave behind?

AA: Trust your stomach and follow your heart.

ROB BRAYL: Let’s start off this interview randomly, shall we? What are you doing this exact moment?

CAROLINA LIAR FRONTMAN CHAD WOLF: I’m in my kitchen packing for a move, combined with some extra lunges so I can get an extra work out, while eating what shouldn’t be packed up… It’s a good day!

ROB: The new record, ‘Wild Blessed Freedom’ — in three words is about?

CHAD: A new approach.

ROB: As any other CL fan, I was moved by your breakout single ‘Show Me What I’m Looking For’ — do you feel the new album is full of similar emotionally charged content?

CHAD: Thank you! I don’t think it would be honest if it didn’t have that emotion. One thing I’m so grateful for is that ‘Show Me’ is and was as honest as it could be. When we play it live it comes from something deep inside.

ROB: I know that you’ve worked with Max Martin and other pop industry giants for your new and previous albums, and I wanted to get an opinion on something I recently read, an article in which Linda Perry called Katy Perry’s music “popcorn”, basically insinuating it wasn’t as authentic as say the new Adele. Any thoughts on this?

CHAD: Personally, I love popcorn. Some of the greatest moments of my life were shared with a big fat greasy box of popcorn. Those kind of comments seem silly to me. There are people who experience Katy Perry on the same emotional level that someone will experience Adele and both are great and very real. It all comes from where you are in your life — being “cool” can really skew perspective.

ROB: Is it true that you grew up in a Pentecostal household? (I have a similar background, also growing up Pentecostal in the South. Southern pride, what what!)

CHAD: Oh yes, I did! At one point I was looking into becoming a preacher but my mom told me I needed to work in music, that was my first love and always will be. But I’ve seen the Holy Ghost in action twice in my life and whatever that was, once you feel something like that you will always be Pentecostal no matter how far you get away from the church… right?

ROB: Which track do you feel is the standout on the new record? Care to provide the backstory to said track?

CHAD: ‘Beautiful People’ has got some special mojo. There is something so real in that song that I can’t quite put it into words. It was an idea that my friend Alex Kronlund had, and it got its start when me, my girlfriend at the time and Tobias Karlsson moved out of his house, and we all stopped talking to each other because of some drama that has long since been worked out. But he focused all of that energy into that song when we started working on this record. He played me what he started and I really came out of my skin. That song is a real gift.

ROB: I always ask this and it never gets old: What’s your current guilty pleasure? (Music and non-related musical items welcome.)

CHAD: Cooking and eating. I honestly cannot get enough of all this amazing food that is available right now. I mean we got some Sprinkles Cupcakes the other day, thinking that all the hype was just BS, but no no no. That is not the case. Those things are crazy.

ROB: Most played song on your iPod at the moment?

CHAD: Kvelertak ‘Utrydd dei Svake’ — it’s a great black metal band.

ROB: Do you guys plan to tour the US with this album? Specifically NYC? Pretty please.

CHAD: We are planning everything right now. We hope we will have the details on where and what we are up to before weeks end! We will come to NYC, there’s no way we couldn’t.

ROB: And finally, can you get me an job/internship with Max Martin or Diane Warren. I have no shame! Also, can you explain what it was/has been like working with these pop powerhouses.

CHAD: I’ll see what I can do — I’ll put in a five star reference at the least. Those guys have taught me that no matter how big and great you are, you are only as good as the moment that you are in and you have got to work every time you get a chance and have complete reckless abandon when it comes to your art! Let me get back to you on the jobs! Thanks for reaching out to us.

Carolina Liar’s new album, Wild Blessed Freedom drops September 27th.

Watch the video for Drown, the first single off the new record below.

Some people’s lives are changed in normal ways — ya know, graduating college, buying a home, plopping out a baby. But me? My life was changed this weekend at a Beyonce concert.

Not just any Beyonce concert, mind you. This concert was the real deal — Beyonce, like she’s never been seen before, in an intimate setting, a small venue to truly capture the bootylicious essence we all know and love. But beyond the dance numbers, Beyonce’s heart and soul came bursting through and by the end of the show — when she sang my personal favorite ‘I Was Here’ — I found myself moved to tears.

I feel so blessed to have a part of such an intimate rare Beyonce experience.

The night was taped and will be released on an upcoming DVD/TV special I do believe.

And as expected, the show was absolutely incredible.

Watch some videos I shot from the show below.

I hope each of you get a chance to see this woman perform live once in your lifetime.

And oh! I guess I should also point out that Sir Paul McCartney was in attendance and even gave Bey a standing ovation. Get it, gurl! Even royalty is taking notice of your brilliance.

[To see photos I took from the show + captions, click HERE.]

When I first met Max AKA Freddy Marx Street, I was running late & pissed by the fact that I was waiting on the train. Then, I looked across the platform and suddenly felt the need to remove my headphones. There against the tile wall underneath one of the busiest cities in the world was a scruffy boy in his 20s, stroking his guitar with a voice and emotion so honest it cut like glass.

I struggled for change to put in his guitar case but only found a piece of Orbit Maui Melon Mint gum. As I placed the gum in his case I asked for his info, and the rest is history. For the record, Max is a musician from the Ukraine who came to NYC to pursue his dreams, living off the money earned while playing the streets of New York City.

He is amazing and needs to be signed ASAP!

He is currently back in the Ukraine (damn you, rules of America), but should be back for his second round of NYC domination in June.

This is a look at his story.

[Sidenote: Please keep in mind that English is not his first language.]

//

ROB BRAYL: I have to say that out of the three years I’ve lived in New York, you’re probably the best subway artist I’ve heard. No joke. Immediately, when I heard your music, I felt a strong connection to it. Would you agree that your music often carries an emotional weight?

FREDDY MARX STREET: Well, emotions and feelings are the power that makes me turn to music. Even more, music talks to me with the help of those emotions. For me, if there are no emotions then it’s not music. Yeah, music exists to show the depth of feelings. Can’t imagine anything else.

RB: You’re from the Ukraine. You dropped everything that you’ve always known to move to New York to perform on the streets for a living. Can you tell us a little about what was going through your brain the day you left your country behind?

FMS: Tons of lie, there was just the lie in my head. I didn’t and I do not want my mother and sister to know the entire truth about my trip to the US. So I needed to lie. They still think that I am an art-manager in one of the Ukrainian galleries as I was before. And we have some international projects in NYC. So my family has no worries about my living here. I hope so. Barely a couple of people in Ukraine are aware about my real trip.

And sure, at the same time with that lie I felt the truth: Ok, man! You have no shelter, no friends in NYC. Nothing! Just your dreams. And definitely it’s not gonna be a movie. So I was a bit scared. But that was my choice. My decision. I was given some skills in writing and singing and not for wasting them. Feel that I need to prove that was a mistake. This thought is always with me, especially when I have hard times.

RB: I know we’ve talked about the struggles you’ve faced along the way, one of them being the times you’ve crashed in Penn Station, but besides the financial aspect, have there been any other struggles you’ve faced while being in New York?

FMS: Our Ukrainian terminals are not as safe and peaceful as yours. Oh, I have not been to Port Authority for a whole month already. Are they doing well? Must go and check. They are like my family.

And about struggles… Every day is the struggle. Even in my country, all the time I had to fight. I don’t mean financial things, but music and dreams and the real purpose of my life. Why am I here? Why do I face all these problems? And it doesn’t depend on what you are – musician, physician, or politician, there’s some truth everyone must find in his life. You can easily find this theme in my music.

RB: The fact that you moved here with raw talent and a guitar and just went for your dream, refusing to give up, shows incredible passion. Where do you think this passion comes from?

FMS: First of all I must believe, believe in my lyrics and music. If you don’t this music will fail. And if you believe then it’s true. And you are ready to fight for it for its truth. I guess the passion we are talking about comes from right here, from this truth.

RB: It’s apparent when you listen to your music that you pour out every ounce of your heart into it. What’s the ultimate goal?

FMS: Sharing… I don’t feel that all this music is mine. Sometimes I use other people’s stories, experiences… Let’s call them co-creators. I mean, yeah, that’s my luck, that my skill is in music. But it doesn’t make me better for you or for anyone else. We all are sisters and brothers. My music is my happiness and it’s wonderful that I’m able to share it with people.

RB: So, you’re leaving for the Ukraine soon to update your visa. You’re definitely coming back to perform in New York though, right?

FMS: I am. There’s no way back. I must fight till the end. Hope to meet NYC in June again.

RB: I almost forgot, can you give us the scoop on the origin of the name?

FMS: Long time ago one guy in Ukraine found on my face some familiar features with Freddie Mercury. One letter was changed. That’s how Freddy appeared. Marx… My name is Max. We added one more letter to this word to make it, to make it not so obvious. During some years only FREDDY MARX was used as the band name. But I felt that there was a great lack of something. I was walking down the street one late night thinking about a new song. Got back to that street the next day to finish the lyrics. Suddenly all my songs’ characters rushed to that street. And they still live there. The name of this place is FREDDY MARX STREET.

RB: My friend recently joked, saying that we should all hope that Adele gets her heart broken again because her latest CD is a masterpiece because of it. How do you feel about pain and how it can create beautiful music?

FMS: Pain can easily get your heart, your real heart where you don’t pretend and play no fake role. So pain gets your truth. And if you don’t miss this moment, this truth will be in your music for sure. I feel music just wins from this.

RB: If I were to steal your iPod right now, what’s on your current playlist? Can you give us a few artists, songs, or albums? Any guilty pleasures?

FMS: Sigur Ros, Beyonce, Tori Amos, Peter Gabriel, Atmasfera (a cool Ukrainian world music band) and of course some mantras.

RB: And to wrap this up where can readers find out more/stay connected with Freddy Marx?

FMS: Email: freddymarxstreet@gmail.com, Reverb Nation: www.reverbnation.com/freddymarxstreet, or on the FMS website: www.freddymarx.com.

Listen to my favorite Freddy Marx Street song, the hauntingly beautiful Sorry, below.

So tonight, I saw JJ in concert and as expected, was completely blown away dot com! Socks knocked off dot org! Yup, and I even met her after the show and she signed my cell phone. Holla! That was pretty cool. Such a genuine, down to earth performer who deserves every bit of praise that’s been coming her way.

Check out three videos from the show last night as recorded from my iPhone 4. And I can’t believe I’m saying this but screw it! If you’re on YouTube subscribe to my channel, por favor.

Sorry for not hyping this post up with grandeur and detail but to be honest, it’s currently 12:41AM and I’m exhausted dot net! (LOL, sorry, last domain reference I promise. It’s just something that’s attached itself to my vocab lately.)

[Note: I tagged this post under 'Covers' (among other tags) but wanted you to know (if you didn't already) that JJ wrote Party In The U.S.A. so technically it's not a cover. Ok, I'm tired and rambling but felt the need to clarify because I have issues!]