NYC based independent record label making original independent music since 2007

Tough times certainly come and go, but with the will to win, empowered individuals always land “on the right line.” That’s the overwhelming lyrical theme of “Hard Times,” the latest single from New York City-based indie label Young Pals Music. 

 

Even so, it’s just as likely that the anthem’s maddeningly catchy chorus will live long in listeners’ heads—and speakers. Written by Sahin with Bernadette O’Reilly, he sings, “In the starry twilight, west of ‘cannot do it,’ Southern California stands/Facing towards the ocean, bonding with the people, urging everyone to dance/L.A. Nights, the city of lights will zap you right between the eyes, one little slice is like a never-ending ride, open your mind and find the secrets that unfold.”

Issued by indie label Young Pals Music, the joyous disco single welcomes the summer of 2016

Alongside the global celebration of June as Gay Pride Month, the LGBT community’s momentous strides have a potent new party anthem from a voice that has been there since the beginning. As equality continues to become the undeniable law of the land, beloved platinum-selling dance artist Anita Ward is back with the single release of “Another Bad Mistake.” 

Her maddeningly catchy uptempo confection—which playfully acknowledges a relationship that might have betanter been left unrequited—is the latest release from New York City-based independent label Young Pals Music. The song was co-written and co-produced by Sahin with hit songwriter Bernadette O’Reilly, who has also worked for three decades in artist relations, management and song placement. Canadian singer/songwriter Karine Hannah is also a co-writer.

Opening with a force field of percolating, nervous and cleverly dissonant rhythms, “Another Bad Mistake” roars into a raucous frenzy of mad beats in the chorus, as Ward exclaims, “She turned my star-filled sky into rain, as the blood froze up in my veins, Cause she’s aimless and brainless… It’s dangerous how shameless you are/She was a bad, bad, bad mistake.”

Ward is, of course, renowned for her seminal No. 1 single “Ring My Bell,” which roared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, Disco, and Soul Singles charts in 1979. It also reached No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart, while striking the top 5 in a dozen other countries. And since, demonstrating the enduring appeal of her treasured hit, in 2002, Ward performed “Ring My Bell” in New York City’s Times Square as part of its official New Year’s Eve celebration. In 2005, she headlined New Year’s Eve on Beale Street in Memphis. She has also toured the world, including a heralded 2006 turn with comrades Chic, Village People, Thelma Houston and Rose Royce for the FIS World Cup in Zagreb, Croatia.

“Another Bad Mistake” is the fifth single release from “Pop,” the first full-length namesake collection from Young Pals Music founder Ayhan Sahin. In April, the album was awarded by The Akademia Music Awards as well as The Global Music Awards for Best Rock Song for previous single “Drink.” The album offers 12+ diverse vocalists & musicians across a myriad of styles, including R&B & soul, dance, jazz, country and of course… pop. 

As a songwriter and producer, Sahin has achieved notoriety in pop, rock, dance and musical theater, while working with Olivia Newton-John, Melba Moore, Phoebe Snow, Broadway star Bianca Marroquín, Turkish superstars Sezen Aksu and Sertab Erener, Sandra Bernhard and five “American Idol” finalists. He has appeared live on Telemundo, while Sahin’s music has been featured on CNN, The Los Angeles Times, Playbill, MTV, Yahoo! Music and “The Wendy Williams Show”; and heralded by USA Today, New York magazine, MTV and The New York Daily News.

OTHER RECORDS BY YOUNG PALS MUSIC RECENTLY RELEASED

Issued by indie label Young Pals Music, the joyous pop anthem celebrates unity and diversity. 

To acknowledge National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkey—an annual celebration that takes place each April 23—Young Pals Music has released the new single “Love Everybody.” This marks the fourth release from the upcoming album “Pop,” the first full-length namesake collection from Turkish-born, New York City-based songwriter & producer Ayhan Sahin.

The album “Pop” features 12+ diverse vocalists and musicians across a myriad of styles, including R&B & soul, dance, jazz, country and of course… pop. All songs are co-written and co-produced by Sahin with hit songwriter Bernadette O’Reilly, who has also worked for three decades in artist relations, management and song placement. She delivers the lead vocal for “Love Everybody,” with an upbeat rap from King James.

“This is a joyous pure pop anthem that unites all colors, all religions and all cultures in a world that remains too divided and saddled with discrimination.” Sahin says. “My partner Bernadette and I wanted to celebrate all the good things in life… our friends, family, pets and beloved places… for 4 fun-filled minutes.”

The production for “Love Everybody” revolves around a children’s choir that delivers the message of “L.O.V.E.” in each chorus: “Well you can love many people, doesn’t really matter how many people you love/Cause you can love everybody, every single body/Cause every single body needs love.” The track is an ideal accompaniment for elementary school instruction as well as a call for unity in what is a contentious election year in the United States. And adding to its delicious pure pop template, it’s no secret that the madcap song also draws inspiration from “Does Your Mother Know” by Swedish supergroup ABBA.

“Love Everybody” follows three previous singles from “Pop”: First, in December, was “New Year’s Eve At Home,” celebrating the joy of cozying up with loved ones, with full-on country flavor, courtesy of vocalist Christi Bauerlee. In February, rowdy break-up song “Since You’ve Been Gone” was issued, sung by award-winning rock singer/songwriter and film/Broadway actor David Keeley. And in March came “Drink,” about celebrating with a glass raised to the joys of life, love, family and all good things. Lead vocals for “Drink” are from veteran New York City-based singer and musician Denny Blake, whose credits include the Broadway musical “Movin’ Out.” All songs are available for purchase on iTunes.

The album “Pop” is the first namesake project for award-winning Turkish-born songwriter and producer Sahin. In April, he was awarded The Akademia Music Award as well as The Global Music Awards for Best Rock Song for “Pop” single “Drink.” Another single from “Pop” — “Since You’ve Been Gone” sung by David Keeley was awarded for Best Rock Ballad by The Akademia. Meanwhile, he has achieved notoriety in a range of musical genres, from pop, rock and dance to musical theater, while working with Olivia Newton-John, Mexican superstar & Broadway actress Bianca Marroquín, Melba Moore, Phoebe Snow, Turkish superstars Sezen Aksu and Sertab Erener, Sandra Bernhard and five “American Idol” finalists. He has appeared on Univision, while his music has been featured on CNN, The Los Angeles Times, Playbill, MTV, Yahoo! Music and “The Wendy Williams Show”; and heralded by USA Today, New York magazine, MTV and The New York Daily News.

In 2007, Sahin founded independent label Young Pals Music, through which he has released a dozen albums in less than a decade, including projects for Universal Records’ Karine Hannah, Chilean-American singer/songwriter Promis, MTV “Making the Band” finalist Adam Shenk, acclaimed Georgian singer/songwriter Tinatin, and Sony Turkey singer/songwriter/guitarist Emre Yilmaz.

All instrumentation for “Pop” was recorded live with renowned New York musicians, including Gene Blank on guitars, synth & keyboards from Rob Preuss, Mike Sorrentino on drums, and bassist Carras Paton. It was mastered at the legendary Sterling Sound.

For information, contact:

Ayhan Sahin at ayhan@YoungPalsMusic.com

917-693 2688

YoungPalsMusic.com

Third single from upcoming collection is commandeered by NYC-based label Young Pals Music’s founder & executive producer Ayhan Sahin.

St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating with a glass raised to the joys of life, love, family and all good things. Who needs a parade to step in line for the best of times, given the release of joyous new single “Drink,” from the upcoming album “Pop,” the first full-length namesake collection from songwriter & producer Ayhan Sahin, released by his indie label Young Pals Music. Vocals in “Drink” are commandeered by veteran New York City-based singer and musician Denny Blake, whose credits include metal band Helix and the Billy Joel Broadway musical “Movin’ Out.”

The album “Pop” features 12+ diverse vocalists & musicians across a myriad of styles, including R&B and; soul, dance, jazz, country and of course… pop. All songs are co-written and co-produced by Sahin with hit songwriter Bernadette O’Reilly, who has also worked for three decades in artist relations, management and song placement.

“Drink” offers a nod to all things worth celebrating, as Blake sings, “Five o clock, the weekend’s here and I got a little plan, free the next 48 hours… Time to get back what I give/Drink to the ones you love, to your god above, Drink to a better way, to a summer day/Drink to the milkman, to the one-night stand, to the cabbies, your sugar daddy, drink to St. Paddy…”

In addition, the song features a rap shout-out to a roster of beloved New York City haunts worth raising a glass to—including the likes of Jake’s Tavern, Raccoon Lodge, Otto’s Shrunken Head, One Fish Two Fish, Planet Rose, 40/40 Club, Coney Island High, Tally Ho, Jimmy’s Corner and the West Village’s Ty’s. No, it’s not Fetty Wap delivering the flow: It’s none other than co-writer O’Reilly.

Add to the global reach of “Drink” a third songwriting credit—alongside Sahin and O’Reilly—from Turkey’s most-acclaimed female singer/songwriter Sezen Aksu. She descended upon New York City in 2006 to record a dozen songs, while embracing multiple songwriting sessions… including “Drink.” In her native Turkey, Aksu is known as “the mother of all Turkish pop stars.” Yes, she is the Madonna of the nation.

The track is already gaining views on YouTube with a lyric video for “Drink” launched at the beginning of the month. An official video release will be celebrated before St. Patrick’s via an extravagant collective of footage from around the world collected from fans singing along to the song in bars, taverns and all other festive locations. The song is available for purchase on iTunes.

The album “Pop” is the first namesake project for Turkish-born songwriter & producer Ayhan Sahin. Sahin has achieved notoriety in a range of musical genres, from pop, rock and dance to musical theater. In 2015, he co-wrote and produced the debut album for Mexican superstar & Broadway veteran Bianca Marroquín. “El Mundo Era Mio” was featured in a live segment and performance from New York City on Univision’s top-rated morning show “Despierta America”, while garnering record sales on iTunes.

Sahin has also worked with Olivia Newton-John, Melba Moore, Phoebe Snow, Turkish superstars Sezen Aksu and Sertab Erener, Sandra Bernhard and five “American Idol” finalists. His music has been featured on CNN, The Los Angeles Times, Playbill, MTV, Yahoo! Music and “The Wendy Williams Show”; and heralded by USA Today, New York magazine, MTV and The New York Daily News.

 

All instrumentation for “Pop” was recorded live with renowned New York musicians, including Dan Delvecchio on guitars, synth & keyboards from Rob Preuss, Mike Sorrentino on drums, and Carras Paton on bass. It was mixed by Sahin and mastered by Greg Calbi of Sterling Sound.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day! But perhaps it’s not what you think. Celebrating the fact that not everyone’s Valentine’s is filled with candy hearts and romantic rose petals is radio-ready single “Since You’ve Been Gone,” a deliciously satisfying opus of post-breakup redemption.

Sung by award-winning rock n’roll singer/songwriter and film/Broadway actor David Keeley, the track conjures the timeless ballads of British singer/songwriter Robbie Williams. Released by Young Pals Music, “Since You’ve Been Gone” is the second single from upcoming album “Pop,” the first solo album from New York City-based songwriter and producer Ayhan Sahin.

Meshing organic instrumentation with contemporary production, the 10-track collection launched in January with “New Year’s Eve At Home,” which celebrates the joy of cozying up to a loved one for the holiday. The uptempo song offered full-on country flavor courtesy of vocalist Christi Bauerlee, a Nashville-based singer, actress and model.

The album “Pop” features 12+ diverse vocalists and musicians across a myriad of styles, including R&B & soul, dance, jazz, country and of course… pop. All songs are co-written and co-produced by Sahin with hit songwriter Bernadette O’Reilly, who has also worked for three decades in artist relations, management and song placement.

Each subsequent month, a new single will be released from “Pop” on all digital platforms, to celebrate an accompanying holiday—featuring a different vocalist among the project’s rich roster of artists. In February, we have Keeley’s “Since You’ve Been Gone,” and in March, “Drink,” featuring vocalist Denny Blake, will raise a glass to St. Patrick’s Day.

For Valentine’s, via “Since You’ve Been Gone,” Keeley celebrates his healing after a rough and tumble breakup, singing, “No I’m not traumatized, everything’s just fine, you haven’t crossed my mind/Since you’ve been gone, I’ve moved along, I’m happy all the time/Since you’ve been gone, my life’s not yours, it’s mine.”

As a veteran actor who has worked across stage and screen, Keeley starred in the original Broadway production of “Mamma Mia!,” and held the role of evil Evan Anderson in “The Manchurian Candidate,” opposite Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington. He also played “Dad” in Toronto’s stage production of “Billy Elliot,” and has starred in numerous TV shows, including “Due South,” with Paul Gross. The pair ultimately formed a successful rock band in their native Canada. While starring in “Mamma Mia,” Keeley and Sahin found musical kinship in New York, and together, wrote and composed full-length musical “The Conqueror” which tells the story of a family trapped in the Middle East conflict, with original authentic music.

All instrumentation for “Since You’ve Been Gone” was recorded live with renowned New York musicians, including Dennis DelGaudio and Gene Blank on guitars, piano & keyboards from Rob Preuss, Mike Sorrentino on drums, and bassist Michael Stanzilis. It was mixed by Sahin and mastered at the famous Sterling Sound in New York.

For information, contact:

Ayhan Sahin at ayhan@YoungPalsMusic.com

Christi Bauerlee

Just add champagne. The New Year’s spirit is in full swing with an originally composed new single from New York City-based Young Pals Music. “Let’s Spend This New Year’s Eve At Home” celebrates the joys of cozying up with loved ones via full-on country flavor, courtesy of vocalist Christi Bauerlee.

The joyous uptempo radio-ready single proclaims: “Five private parties, four invitations

three club choices, too many options/Got a revelation… one night only, private celebration, Let’s have this one night alone/Spend this New Year’s Eve at home.”

Vocalist Bauerlee is renowned as a singer, actress and model, with appearances in such TV shows and films as “Something about Mary,” “Days of Our Lives,” “Lawless,” “Jake 2.0,” “Family Law,” “Striptease” and “Gilmore Girls.” She has performed on “Jay Leno,” “The Late Night Show” and the Grand Ole Opry; and notably, is also known to much of America—without seeing her face—as the vocalist behind the theme song for CBS-TV’s hit series “Family Law,” where she sings a cover of the Edwin Starr classic “War.”

As a contestant on the beloved “Star Search,” Bauerlee was seen and heard on 250 syndicated TV stations around the country. In addition to being invited to record background vocals for Neil Young, solo achievements include the 2010 single and accompanying music video for the country-flavored “Show Me Who You Are.”

“New Years Eve At Home” was produced and written by Ayhan Sahin—the founder & executive producer of Young Pals Music—and industry veteran Bernadette O’Reilly, with additional lyrics from award-winning Billboard writer & editor Chuck Taylor. Musicians comprise: Mike Sorrentino on drums, bassist Carras Paton, guitarist Boo Refiners, Rob Preuss on keyboards, Tom Gallaher on piano, and saxist Carras Paton. Jerri Bocchino and Keith Fluitt provide backing vocals.

Bauerlee and Sahin’s initial meeting defines the essence of serendipity. Both were vacationing in Costa

Rico, when she overheard him talking about his 15 years of songwriting and production over dinner at the next table. When he rose, she asked if he was Turkish—because she had previously hosted a TV show in Istanbul. They remained closely in touch, and finally this year in 2015, their bond was etched… through the magic of music collaboration.

“New Year’s” is the launch single from “Pop,” the debut solo album from Sahin. The 10-track collective brings together 12+ diverse vocalists and musicians, blending organic instrumentation amid a myriad of styles, including R&B; soul, dance, rock, latin, country and of course… pop. All songs are written and co-produced with O’Reilly, who has also worked for three decades in artist relations, management and hit song placement.

The “Pop” album is due for release in first-quarter 2016.

What happens when you mesh such American musical heroines as Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith and Cat Power with an artist who was born and raised in Turkey? In a word… Melis.

Stage performer, actress, singer and songwriter Melis Aker—now based in New York City—is preparing to share with the world a unique melodic mélange, with the release of her debut album “Dirt,” via NYC’s Young Pals Music. The project comprises acoustically driven original songs, performed with guitars, piano and violin, and lyrical themes based on Melis’ observations of human nature, relationships, and life in the big city.

Contributing instrumentalists include Turkish guitarist Emre Yilmaz, Broadway pianist Tom Gallaher, percussionist Mike Sorrentino, double-bassist Evan Gregor, and Broadway musician Marshall Coid on violin. Melis wrote the majority of the collection’s titles, with one track composed with Young Pals’ Founder Ayhan Sahin (also Turkish). He arranged and produced “Dirt.”

Among highlights of the album is the tender “Dirt,” which offers an ode to hard-learned life lessons. Melis notes: “This is about coming to terms with those things I can’t change and accepting my own limitations—in a positive way.” Equally plaintive ballads “Take” and “These Days” are gentle acoustic strummers that hearken her many cultural influences.

The moody, ethereal “Height” offers an emotive call for personal harmony, as she sings: “I’m living in my head but I’m high up in the mountain/I’m trying to get back to the ground, you know it ain’t easy.” The song is actually a metaphor about a relationship that’s not quite on equal footing. She says: “You have a connection with a person, but you realize you’re not on the same level, and there’s pressure to come to terms with the differences. There are never any certainties, so you have to be content with where each of you stands.”

When composing her music, Melis begins with a melody, either on piano or guitar. From there, “the music tells me what the story will become. It’s almost like a soundtrack, where the lyrics come from the mood of the notes.”

She says, “Growing up in Turkey, it’s hard not to be political. Performance and theater bring diverse groups of people together. It’s an art, but it’s also part of an overall movement. As I traveled more and learned more, I realized it was time to just let life guide me.”

Melis then had her breakthrough role, originating the lead of Roya in Charles Randolph-Wright’s play “Love in Afghanistan” at Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage. She has also performed throughout the States, at Signature Theatre, New Dramatists, Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, PEN World Voices Festival, Boston’s Arts Emerson and the Players Club.

“These experiences were a reminder of my roots and how privileged I was to be in the States as an artist,” Melis notes. “It also drove me to realize that I wanted to share my music. A lot of what I want to say is rooted in my own culture—and elements of nature and nostalgia.”

“Dirt” is the ultimate result of those life influences, blended into a beautifully textured musical entity that tells her story—while relating tales that are at once universal to those who have the courage to take forward strides and escape our innate comfort zone.

“I guess I’m very sensitive. I’m affected by everything I see and hear and experience,” she adds. “Sometimes, it’s a personal and intimate connection, but you can just as often be impacted through interaction with a stranger. I want people to listen to this album and feel the intimacy of connecting with others.”

While 2015 may be designated as the year of the sheep, Manhattan-based independent record label Young Pals Music is forging ahead like a lion. Celebrating nearly 10 years as a full-service music & publishing company, the label continues to expand its versatile musical palette with R&B, rock, pop, dance, musical theater & jazz projects.

Topping the list of upcoming releases is Turkish-born, NYC-based performer, actress & songwriter Melis Aker, whose debut EP launches this spring. Collaborating with Young Pals Music Founder & Producer Ayhan Sahin, the project comprises acoustically driven original songs, performed with guitars, piano and violin, with lyrical themes based on Aker’s observations of life in the big city. Contributing instrumentalists include Turkish guitarist i Yilmaz, Broadway pianist Tom Gallaher, legendary percussionist Mike Sorrentino (Rainbow, Deep Purple) and double-bassist Evan Gregor.

In addition, Sahin is ushering in the new year as co-producer of the live show “Groovist,” a monthly

residency at Manhattan’s East Village club Drom (as well as other New York City venues), featuring Young Pals Music artist, singer, songwriter & guitarist (and longtime mutual collaborator) Emre Yilmaz. He will deliver popular covers and original songs in a festive, party atmosphere. Sahin is assisting in track production, as well as assisting in Emre’s live ensemble.

Young Pals Music is also prepping the sophomore release from award-winning Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter & guitarist Michael Benedetto, due in early summer. With its pop, dance & electronic template, the album represents an evolution from his traditional alt-folk roots. What remains is the artist’s savvy for traditional lyrical storytelling. 

Produced by Sahin, Benedetto’s CD follows 2012 debut “Burnt Hill Road,” which was dedicated to raising money for children’s charities, and profiled in the New York Daily News. He is a two-time winner of the West Coast Songwriters Association Awards (Best Song & Best Performance), and a regular performer throughout NYC’s illustrious downtown club scene. 

Also coming in the first half of 2015: a revival of Sahin’s original stage musical “1453,” which documents the fall of Constantinople. With a new staging in his native Turkey, the production will be followed with a freshly conceived concept soundtrack. Originally titled “The Conqueror,” the show was staged and performed nearly a dozen times across Europe and the Middle East. Sahin & Onur Orkut originated the story.

Later this year, Ayhan Sahin will release his first-ever solo album, which brings together 12+ award-winning vocalists and musicians. The 10-track opus is tentatively titled “POP,” blending organic instrumentation with contemporary production. All songs are written with and co-produced by hit songwriter Bernadette O’Reilly, the founder of Breaking Records, who has also worked in artist relations, management and song placement.

ABOUT YOUNG PALS MUSIC

Independent record label Young Pals Music was founded in 2007 by producer & songwriter Ayhan Sahin, with a global focus on artist development, songwriting & collaboration, vocal & instrumental recording, mixing, merchandising & consultancy services. 

With a Master’s degree from NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the arts, Sahin has staged original theatrical works in his native Turkey, Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. Now based in New York City, his full-service company has worked with the likes of Olivia Newton-John, Melba Moore, Phoebe Snow, Sezen Aksu and Sandra Bernhard. Sahin has been profiled in more than two dozen newspapers, magazines and online publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Billboard, Fox News, MTV, VH1, Yahoo Music and Life magazine.

In 2014, Young Pals Music achieved its greatest success to date, with the May release of the debut solo album from Mexican star Bianca Marroquin. She is renowned for her leading role as Roxie Hart in Broadway’s “Chicago,” and as a judge on TV’s “Mira Quien Baila” (the Spanish-language version of “Dancing With the Stars”). Marroquin’s full-length “El Mundo Era Mio” was courted by the Latin and Broadway press, including a live performance on Univision.

For more information, contact:

Ayhan Sahin

917-693 2688

ayhan@youngpalsmusic.com

YoungPalsMusic.com