Stay tuned for the newest indie music release this 2019 from Driftwood Studio in Montauk, NY. My Own Label Records proudly showcases the many local artists in our own backyard to help promote peace in the Hudson Valley & beyond...
Our productions encourage a self-sustainable & peaceful community by creating together, in harmony. We offer professional musical productions including various concerts
including benefit concerts, private parties, fund raisers, social mixers, workshops (including THE SCHOOL HOUSE JAM: a gentle approach to music therapy & music appreciation for all ages in Rosendale, NY) stellar, creative productions & unique showcases. By supporting local businesses, artists, musicians, producers, engineers, directors, designers, photographers, film makers, editors, writers, dreamers etc. we are building awareness & positive vibrations, while we strengthen our own circle. Previous Productions include:
The first ever "Organic Rock Concert" inside the cave at the Historic, Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale, NY (Oct 2009). This all acoustic event was professionally captured (recorded, mixed & mastered by Tod Levine of Magnetic North Studio, Woodstock, NY). An eclectic, outdoor gallery was created on site by VARGA gallery, Woodstock, NY (thanks Chloe, Barry & Christina VARGA)
Professional, natural photography by Emily Dermer Curran. Various Organic sounds echoed in the cave such as: harp, violin, acoustic guitar, accordion, mandolin, barafon, hammered dulcimer, double bass, frame drum, flute, violin, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, haunting vocals & such. Original music was provided by local, independent musicians within the natural reverb of the cave at Widow Jane Mine. Special thanks to the fossiliferous limestone & all of the miners & ghosts whom worked so hard to build such a natural concert hall for the future. Special thanks to Gayle & Dietrich of the Century House Historical Society for welcoming this unique event to our community. "The Century House Historical Society is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to the industrial history of the Rosendale natural cement region.The Society is located at the Snyder Estate
in Rosendale, New York's historic Hudson Valley. The Snyder Estate Natural Cement Historic District
is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Society is chartered by the New York State Education Department."
**Stay Tuned in for the next Organic Rock Concert in the mix.. "Music Videos & Voices of the Valley" (July 2011) (film) (Rosendale Theatre)
This debut showcase proudly included local, original music and independent music videos shot & created exclusively in the Hudson Valley. I had proposed this production idea to the Rosendale Theatre Collective, in order to promote the diverse music in our Valley on the big screen, as an ongoing series to encourage artists to create Music Videos together. Proceeds went to the Rosendale Theatre Collective. http://rosendaletheatre.org/
Now accepting Independent Music Videos (shot within the Hudson Valley, original song, and entries for a possible future series.) Please send links to [email protected]
I had created My Own Label Records when my band, The Virginia Wolves' debut album was released in Feb 2009. Our album, "Curse of the Kill" was quickly reviewed in 3 publications that year including Chronogram, Roll Magazine & the Daily Freeman. We are currently working on our second album, "Ghetto" to be released this 2014! Album review, Curse of the Kill 4/09
(Roll Magazine)
"The Rosendale/New Paltz-area Virginia Wolves’ MySpace page proudly touts the band as “Organic Rock,” which rightly nails its ultra-earthy acoustic folk-psych sound. The group also makes its macrobiotic philosophy physically manifest with the packaging of its debut Curse of the Kill, which arrives in a handmade, recycled brown paper sleeve printed with soy-based ink. Vocal supporters of environmental protection and animal rights, the Wolves walk their talk but lyrically don’t beat you over the head with the guilt club, as other, more self-righteous, hippie rockers are wont to do. Despite lead vocalist and songwriter Kelly McNally’s unwavering ecological stance, however, Curse of the Kill’s dominant theme is that of war protest; see the title track, “The War Song,” “Let Me Come Home,” and “Folk Singer,” which spins the yarn of a shell-shocked Vietnam vet who dumps his M16 for a D28. A varying, five-to-seven piece collective wrapped around the core duo of McNally and back-up singer/multi-instrumentalist Adele Schulz, the band has a wide, droning, patchouli-and-incense-soaked sound that smacks of Jefferson Airplane and, more so to these ears, Grace Slick’s under-heard pre-Airplane outfit the Great Society (it makes perfect sense that the group covers the Airplane/Society classic “White Rabbit” live). In addition to McNally’s mournful vocal and percussionist Tommy Be’s bells and chimes, it’s Schulz’s slowly arcing French horn that makes the Wolves stand out from the rest of the, er, pack.—Peter Aaron (Roll Magazine 4/09) (music journalist Roll magazine, music editor Chronogram; musician from the rock band, Chrome Cranks)
CD Review: The Virginia Wolves Curse of the Kill
by Sharon Nichols, June 29, 2009
2009, My Own Label Records
"Flower child Kelly McNally and her Organic Rock band The Virginia Wolves are fresh-faced out of bohemia, saluting America’s soldiers on this poetic 13-track disc, which McNally hopes to bring to the ears of our dedicated troops and veterans. She dubs these “pro-peace songs”—not antiwar songs—and brings a message of hope and truth through her authentic ’60s attitude and rootsy musical passion. McNally’s controlled, steady guitar and lustrous voice is supported by Adele Schulz, Chris Macchia, Tommy Be, and various other local talents who nail a creeping folk groove on the head while maintaining a highly emotive and lyrical sound. The theme here is the tragedy of war, one that never shies away from the charged topics of Agent Orange, blind obedience to authority, lost innocence, and plain and simple hell. The tone of the record never deviates, from the hang-loose chill of “The War Song” to the mollified groove of “Drafted Dove (for Dad)” and the laid-back “Zen,” the latter in which McNally cries “bring them home.” Perhaps not surprisingly, McNally is also a music therapist, so hopefully this recording will serve up a little anodyne to those brave individuals for the time being. Flower power, indeed. www.thevirginiawolves.com." I am still proud to say that I have personally hugged everyone involved on our debut album, knowing it truly takes a small village to complete such a goal. When it came time to duplicate and create an album cover & packaging design, I chose to stay completely local and green. Our album was mastered & duplicated by Tod Levine of Magnetic North Studio, Woodstock NY. (Analogue (reel 2 reel tape) was actually used in the mastering process to keep a warm & Organic Rock feel. ([email protected])
Our album cover photo was shot by local photographer Emily Curran
right on the Walkill River in our band mate's backyard. My brother's album cover design included a 100 % recycled brown paper sleeve, hand stamp with the band's website address, detailed liner note (front & back) w/photograph, album cover & professional layout. (www.johndmcnally.com)
Tracks were recorded and mixed at Free Range Recording Studio
(www.freerangerecording.com)
We have received positive reviews & recognition for thinking "outside of the box." "Curse of the Kill" revolves around the songs of singer Kelly McNally, and the bands' dark, angst-filled fare goes far beyond typical girls-with-guitars (or pianos) cliches. It's a fine first effort from an adventurous band that's not afraid to think "out of the box." -David Malachowski (Kingston Daily Freeman 2/13/09) (guitarist, producer and freelance journalist living in Woodstock, NY)
The Virginia Wolves
"Kelly McNally of The Virginia Wolves is fashioning tunes that are enormously relevant in these troubled times. Her recently released Curse of the Kill (My Own Label Records, 2009) consists of 13 lyrical compositions in the “bring them home” millieu, presented through McNally’s self-proclaimed “Organic Rock.” Implementing guitar, piano, tambourine and vox, McNally is joined by Adele Schulz (vocal harmonies, french horn, trumpet & tambourine) Alan Macaluso (electric guitar, pedal steel) Chris Macchia (bass) and Tommy Be (drums, tree bells, chimes). Musically, the album is rootsy and even-tempered, hailing back to the bohemian vibe of the ‘60s. Consistently chilled, the record’s folksy harmonies and slow-groove is further refined by McNally’s soulful, buttery-smooth vocals. Though seemingly relaxed on the surface, a closer lyrical listen will reveal a themed body of work that is deeply significant and emotionally charged. While spreading a powerful message of peace." -Sharon Nichols (music writer Chronogram)
Quotes & Reviews:
"Curse of the Kill" revolves around the songs of singer Kelly McNally, and the bands' dark, angst-filled fare goes far beyond typical girls-with-guitars (or pianos) cliches. It's a fine first effort from an adventurous band that's not afraid to think "out of the box." -David Malachowski (Kingston Daily Freeman 2/13/09) (guitarist, producer and freelance journalist living in Woodstock, NY)
"Sheryl Crow meets Neil Young, meets Jefferson Starship."
-John Barry (Poughkeepsie Journal)
"The Virginia Wolves are very genuine and a joy to work with at Beltane's Spring Festival."
-Taconic Sound (Beltane Annual Festival, Stone Mountain Farm, New Paltz, NY)
"Hard Rock Goddesses! The Virginia Wolves' tag line is "Organic Rock." Now, I don't claim to exactly know what that means, but if it has something to do with thoughtful writing and an earthy and nuanced delivery, then I'll warmly accept this new term into my musical vocabulary. Kelly McNally meters out sensually spiritual vocals, complemented smoothly by Adele Schulz's contemplative and understated french horn and trumpet. McNally's vocal and guitar rhythms intertwine to create an oddly soothing, almost hypnotic drive. I usually get nervous when a small acoustic act decides to up-the-ante and add a full backing band. In this case the Wolves have wonderfully expanded their sound without losing the certain subtlety that made them a remarkable duo. Much of this is probably due to supporting musicians that contribute a delightful array of innovative ideas, while knowing when to hold back. If there are egos here, they are not apparent in the music. The delicate spaces remain intact, as The Virginia Wolves "go legit" and seem ready for the big time."
- Mark Bernard (Host & curator of The Rosendale Cafe Community Music Night, Rosendale, NY)
"The Virginia Wolves are unique in the Hudson Valley. It's not just the odd combination of instruments -- French horn and the occasional banjo to go with a stellar back line -- or the way their voices blend in tight intervals. It's the songs themselves that haunt you long after the music stops. Kelly McNally's words are a perfect match for her rich alto -- dark, thought-provoking and mesmerizing, yet strangely optimistic, as though she were giving you bad news in a very comforting way. "Curse of the Kill" is a great album!" -Steve Lasardo (Producer & host of The John Street Jam, Saugerties, NY) www.johnstreetjam.com
"The Virginia Wolves rock! Their thought-provoking songs have a truly original rootsy sound, laced with entrancing vocals and harmonies." -Sari Botton (New York Times freelance writer)
Television & Radio Appearances:
"Today I was joined in the WVKR Lunch Room by musical guests Kelly McNally (vocals, guitar, tambourine) and Adele Schulz (vocal harmonies, french horn, trumpet, tambourine), two members of the Organic Indie Rock band The Virginia Wolves. Kelly's songwriting is highly spiritual and delves into the realms of war and peace and matters of heart; her rhythm guitar work has a notable tribal beat. Adele's vocal and horn accompaniments add a rich and sometimes sweet, sometimes somber, texture. It is obvious to anyone who listens to the Virginia Wolves that these two people sing as one voice. Guaranteed to move and shake you and bring a tear to your eye. Kelly and Adele performed songs from the upcoming album "Curse of the Kill" - a series of peace songs with a deeply spiritual bent and subtle political undertones which are unavoidably elicited when dealing with the human issue of war and peace and life and death and soldiers returning from the battlefield." (DJ RadmanX host and creator of Radio Active Lunch, 91.3FM WVKR,Vassar College Independent Radio)
"A sensuous tapestry of voices and voicings, The Virginia Wolves will reach deep down inside of you to let you know you are there. Kelly McNally, Adele Schulz, and their ensemble of choice musicians will make their mark on you. Rich in content and deserving of your respect and attention."
-(RX) (your prescription for disaster) -RadioactiveLunch.com WVKR
"Traditional American music gets a real shot in the arm with this album, "Curse of the Kill" a sampling of good stuff to come. I can't wait to hear more! The sound is fresh, and the music is timeless. The Virginia Wolves Rock!!! More, please!"-DJ Sharon Panaro (Host/ Regional Frequency 91.3FM WVKR)
"The Virginia Wolves put the O in Organic! These self-billed babes play Organic Rock and they mean it. Sultry, earthy celebrations, their songs mingle ashes with molasses and spread it on pumper nickle toast. They could rock a mountain!"
Triple x hardcore exxcellent LIVE performance on my show, "Apocalypse VARGA!" -Christina Varga (Founder & curator of VARGA Gallery & weekly TV Broadcast show hostess, APOCALYPSE VARGA, Woodstock, NY) www.vargagallery.com
"The Virginia Wolves offer the audience a mesmerizing, intriguing, melodic sound making one want to fly away with the beautiful currents of their voices along with the deep and ever reverent lyrics and symbolic chords. Watching, listening to the Virginia Wolves evolve over the past few years has been inspiring and a sumptuous treat to listen and watch." -Chloe' Valentine, Co-host and booker of guests for The Apocalypse Varga TV Show. My Own Label Records Productions are like minded, as we continue to strengthen our hearts & creative minds and encourage one another to nourish the inner child in all of us. The more we create, the more we are at peace with ourselves. The more we are in harmony, the more we are promoting world peace. Peace, Love & Flower Power,
Kelly McNally
Producer My Own Label Records
www.thevirginiawolves.com
For booking and more info contact:
[email protected]
