NYS Music 20​12

Category: Profiles

  • TURN THE TIDE is ready to bring their crushing sound to the world

    For those of you who are enthralled in the underground metal scene like me, you’ve previously heard, or have begun to hear the name Turn the Tide.

    I remember the first time I booked them at a little venue called Trace’s in Rome NY. I thought this will probably be just another hardcore band at work here tonight. With 6 guys playing—2 of which are of drinking age—they proved me wrong after the first song. The room became electrified as they played, and the audience connected immediately with them.

    A few weeks ago I was able to sit down face to face with them. Formed in 2011, the group consists of Gianni Varela on bass, Mike Hopper on drums, Vinny Sardo singing clean vocals, Steve Swenszkowski on guitar, Dylan Holgate on guitar and Kyle O’Kane screaming.

    With a line-up made for disaster, they are now setting there sights on much bigger fish. Their EP is set for release in early spring. With their victory in the battle of the bands, opening for My Bitter End and Towers tour—a We Are Triumph artist—and supporting The Animal In Me, they have now been reaching out as far as Albany and Syracuse to expand their fan base. With their latest single “Whirlpools” being released on Youtube, they are getting ready to bring their crushing sound to the world. For fans of The Word Alive, Asking Alexandria, Bless the Fall and Devil Wears Prada, check out Turn the Tide on Reverbnation, Facebook and Youtube.

    In the words of Turn the Tide… Keep it Metal.

    -Fred Marriott

  • Trace’s: Rome NY’s Hardcore Little Secret

    Trace’s: Rome NY’s Hardcore Little Secret

    trace's logoFor those who don’t know about Trace’s in Rome, NY. You either A: live under a rock, or B: don’t get out and support your scene. But regardless, I sat down to get the 411 with the owner and operator Phil Price to get the inside “hardcore scoop” on the readily-becoming venue with some of the best food you will find in the state; opening January 2011 with the intensions of bringing the music scene back to Rome (single handedly I might add).

    “There was no outlet in Rome for original music or arts in general,” Price said. “I wanted to make this a foundation for all types of musicians to play and feel welcome. It has also helped with the growth of my business as well.”

    Trace’s has food has inspirations from modern American and Korean styling; a fusion all stemming from things Price has experienced in his life. Trace’s is also a great place for family with its warm atmosphere as soon as you walk in, and with Price’s witty wife, Heather, behind the bar, it’s a combination that will make you come back over and over again.

    Not being the typical bar of sorts, with the normal light beers on draft, Price and Heather realize the growth in craft beers and specialty teas. “Not many places around here serve tea,” Price said. “If they do, it’s a normal restaurant. You will get bagged hot tea or iced tea. Two different variations. But here my wife is a tea specialist. [She] runs her own blends by hand with ten different types of teas, [along with] twenty different types of herbs we use for different ailments. That’s one thing that makes us different from everybody else.

    “We also specialize in craft beers from across the country. We support Ithaca brewing a lot. They are a really great brewery in the area.

    “The design of the bar came from a place called Café’ Coca in Nashville. I saw a coffee bar with baristas working simultaneously with a beer system, [and] a great art scene and community. People all co-existed in a drinking and non- drinking fashion. That, to me, was pretty awesome.”

    So I also asked Price for some advice he could give to bands to help generate numbers through the door, and help build a solid fan base.

    “There are multiple avenues to help promote your band and your music,” Price said. “Nowadays, social media is a great tool. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Websites, Reverbnation, all these different sites. I also find hitting the streets, posting up flyers, talking to people one on one, helping the other bands and them returning the favor. Those are the strongest tools you have as a musician to promote yourself. Besides just performing in general, the more you perform the more people you will see and touch. How I promote the shows here at my bar is I personally tell people. I can reach more individuals [that way] than most people can in a week’s time. I also put it on the local licks on 96.9 radio station. It’s free and a great outlet.”

    Some of the highlights they have seen are The Animal in Me in October, and one of their first metal shows with Ligeia.

    Price and Heather’s biggest goals as far as the venue goes are to revitalize the scene in Rome, to stay connected and as Trace’s would say “get you some.”

    For booking inquires, Price advised they get in contact with The Addendum Promotions via Facebook, or call the bar at 315-533-6214 and Heather or himself will direct them to the proper promoter.

    Look them up on Facebook for a full menu, takeout orders and show inquires.

    -Fred Marriott

  • Syracuse Guitarist Miss E. Releases Killer New CD Yesterday’s Muse

    Miss E. is Missy Ragonese, a guitarist/percussionist/ singer/songwriter based in Syracuse. She plies her trade in and around Central NY under several monikers: Miss E., Miss E. Duo, her main band Dovetail Joint and Miss 3, a female power trio.

    Ya gotta do what ya gotta do to get your name out there and this lady lays it on the line every day. Yesterday’s Muse is like “the story so far” in her journey as a professional musician. While her influences become clear, her voice and guitar licks quickly establish a style both contemporary and individual.

    Let’s run this baby up the flagpole and see what happens. Miss E. is joined by her Dovetail Joint band-mates Paul Carpenter on bass guitar and Dan Redmond on drums, along with a guest appearance from Syracuse native Paulie Cerra on sax.  “Cherie”, the opener, is sweetly melodic featuring Paulie’s silky licks rolling over Miss E’s deft rhythm line, a very smooth beginning that transitions nicely into “Always”, a bittersweet reminiscence. Miss E. knows how to tell a love story and you can feel her swoon as the memory swirls. It’s downright beautiful, her voice rich and sure, the guitar dances with her while her heart opens lyrically.

    Each song segues to the next with sounds from nature leaving no empty spaces between each piece mixed by perfectly by Jeff Moleski at Moletrax Studios. “Just One Kiss” is the first track where Miss E. lets the electric guitar rip and cuts loose some solos. Her soaring licks melding with the heart-felt vocals to fully express her emotion in the moment.

    “A Girl Like Me” switches up gears a bit with this song of determination and defiance against the road-blocks of a musician’s life and the belief in a dream that keeps her going against it.

    “The Tide is Turnin’” turns it up several notches on the attitude meter as Miss E. wails a growling vocal line accenting her screaming guitar solos. This is all about spitting in the face of oppression no matter what form it takes and she reveals several. The reggae break puts a light beat behind the most serious in a Marleyesque way.

    Isolation can be confused by onlookers as arrogance and “Anything Less” paints a picture of reality vs. conceived illusion from others jealousy. A hand that holds you down, instead of lifting you up, until you realize what really counts is your own image of yourself. Her sultry, knowing voice echoes their words until you can feel her confidence take over in the final verse. Very powerful stuff here, most artists don’t have the nerve to be this self-expressive and it’s a hallmark of the whole album.

    “Oh No” let’s Miss E. wave her Hendrix flag, her funky wah pedal work and gritty voice scream out, trying to pull someone back from the edge and expressing the intense frustration that can bring.  Her solo lines cast a lifeline that seems to not reach the intended goal.

    “Hold On” brings a reggae feel to a lover’s cry for patience, but we all know how difficult waiting can be. She pleads for the space to make things right before they can be together, and the raw emotion in her voice makes you want to believe.

    Paulie Cerra returns on “Super Woman Lover (SWL)”, his sax is as sultry as her dream sequence verbalized. I know I said it before, but the lady can write a love song. This time she’s flat out confident and sexy, determined and strong. The “Spooky” feel is perfect for the topic and twists the lyric in your mind.

    A little bit of Carlos pops right out of “When It’s Your Turn”, from the Latin percussion feel to the chord progression. Almost a dare or a challenge to step-up and keep it real, it’s softly in your face and honest.

    “Is This Love” could almost be a Toy Caldwell tune, simple and to the point, yet emotive in the guitar line, more than through the lyric. Each solo ascending the previous to the ultimate conclusion and the answer to the question asked. Both.

    “Shoot Me Down” sets its tone right off the bat, it rocks hard and bares her heart. Humility is always a tough topic and the wanting to retain it is tougher.  She pleads for honesty and guidance from her inner self, or is it from her lover? To be oblique as a writer is a slippery slope and she navigates this one with skill.

    “Indigo Sunset” pays a musical homage to the Indigo Girls, Miss E.’s light touch on the acoustic reminds me of a lighter “History Of Us” melody, not the topic, but the feel of the guitar.  A great closer that gives her a chance to show-off her acoustic chops to match the variety of feels she has playing electric.

    Overall this is a fabulous and daring album of life-stories, the best music always comes from the heart and Miss E.’s heart is all over each cut here. I found this to be a great cruising disc, especially when you can listen to it completely without interruption. I bet it’s pretty good to make-out to as well.

    You can find Miss E. and Dovetail Joint on facebook and her disc is available on cdbaby

    Check it out and support local music!

    Key Tracks: Always, The Tide is Turnin’, Is This Love

  • Matt’s Music Together – Music Education for Children in the Capital District

    Matt’s Music Together – Music Education for Children in the Capital District

    A musical education is the foundation of early learning for infants and young children, and children are proven to learn best by exploring their environments and playing and watching their peers and role models. Matt’s Music Together, a program that offers music classes for families and their children age newborn to age 4, brings together research-based groups of children of a variety of ages that fosters a natural, family-style learning environment. Music Together is an international program with centers in most metro areas, so even outside of the Capital District of New York, visit www.musictogether.com to find classes near you.

    Matt's Music TogetherClasses with Matt’s Music Together are completely non-structured class, with very few rules and where children are playing along side other kiddos. Here, there is not a focus on learning theory, how to play instruments or anything too structured but rather a chance for children to learn a broad foundation of musical understanding, exposing children to a huge amount of language, culturally diverse music and a bunch of music that is rhythmically different and in a different key than most other children’s music.

    By playing around and observing people, children begin to learn the ABCs of music, how to sing in tune and play in rhythm. Director Matt Yaeger notes “I can say pretty much without fail that a child who stays in the program for a few years will be able to do these three things. Not to mention, every 10 weeks we use a collection of music that has about 25 new songs. Each year, that is approximately 75-100 songs being added to your child’s musical cannon that most others do not have.”

    Meeting once a week for 45 minute classes, the groups incorporate songs, rhythmic rhymes, movement and instrument play. These activities are presented as informal, non-performance-oriented musical experiences that are developmentally appropriate for children and easy for parents and caregivers, regardless of their own musical ability. Sessions are held in the Fall, Winter and Spring for 10 weeks long, with a Summer session that is six weeks long and an upcoming early-Winter session in early-December that is three weeks long.

    The early-Winter session starts on December 7th and costs $65 for the first child, and an additional $25 for the first sibling over eight months and additional siblings over eight months only $15 while additional children under 8 months are FREE. Each sessions comes with Music Together’s “Family Favorites” CD, a $15 retail value. Classes are held at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in North Greenbush, NY and are held twice Friday from 9:30-10:15 am and 10:30-11:15 am.

    To register for Matt’s Music Together, go to mattsmusictogether.com and for more information on Music Together, check out Musictogether.com

    “Learning the basics of music is like riding a bike. Once you’ve learned how to sing in key and play in rhythm you never forget… Except you don’t need training wheels.” – Matt Yaeger

  • Interview: INNER DAM

    Interview: INNER DAM

    I went to my first hardcore show in 1994. The landscape was completely different. Shows were far more dangerous. Local bands were almost always at least decent. There were more fans than bands. Touring bands often came to town for a few bucks and some sandwiches based on handshake deals. Only rock stars had management. If it sounds better than today, that’s because it was. One of my favorite bands from that era was Inner Dam, so when I heard Inner Dam was doing some shows this year, I leapt on the chance to catch them again. I had a conversation with vocalist/mainstay John Viista outside of their show with Skarhead and Wisdom in Chains.

    Brian: When did Inner Dam form?

    John: We started in the fall of 1995. It was me and the original drummer, Ernie. He was still in high school at the time, I think he was in 10th grade. He was my brother in law at the time and he told me he played drums and I never really believed him and he said he was going to put a band together and he wanted me to sing for him and I said ‘yeah sure, I’ll sing for you’ never really thinking he would get a band together, but he did by October of 1995 and that’s when we started originally.

    Brian: I remember considering the Day Everything Meant Nothing to be somewhat standard issue to fans of local music in the 90s. Do you feel there’s any local bands primed to release a really good album, or local bands you’re stoked on?

    John: There’s a lot of really cool things going on here. It’s kinda like the 90s where there’s a lot of shit going on. A lot of bullshit bands, with the attitudes and the egos. Just like the 90’s, or early 2000s or any time era. Locally or nationally. Now locally, there’s a lot of great bands. Like Dead Channels or Nothing But Wolves. I feel like those two bands in particular are rising in terms of material they’re putting out. Or Living Laser. That’s another band that’s on the rise. There’s still a lot of really cool bands doing shit, which thankfully keeps the music scene alive, even though it needs to be on a respirator at times.

    Brian: Bands like Hatebreed, All Out War, Inner Dam were kind of on the forefront in terms of metallic hardcore in the mid to late 90’s which influenced a lot of current bands. How do you feel about the scene today compared to back then?

    John: I don’t know. I’m really far removed from it, just being older. Even though I am still in this music scene… I was gonna say in the shit.

    Brian: Same thing.

    John: Yeah, it’s the same thing. But, locally I don’t hear a lot of bands influenced by Inner Dam, All Out War, Dissolve. I don’t hear that a lot locally. I hear a lot of bands elsewhere where I’ll say ‘that band sounds like All Out War’. But to me, All Out War always sounded like Bolt Thrower. So, you know.

    Brian: Are you guys planning on writing and recording new material?

    John: We’ve talked about it. Our last show for now is going to be in 2013 at the Tuscan Cafe with Armedalite Rifles and Troublebound. After that, we’re supposed to write new shit and not play until the spring. Our goal is to try to write 4 to 6 new songs and see how it goes. This has been the best combination. We did a few shows in 2005 and 2007, but as the quote unquote ‘leader of the band’ I knew those combinations weren’t right to write new shit, but this seems like the best combination now.

    Brian: Being from an earlier era and playing currently, how do you feel promoting your band has changed in terms of promoting shows..

    John: It’s terrible!

    Brian: …and would you consider the change a positive thing? (laughs)

    John: It’s just terrible. And this goes back to the early 2000’s. Kids don’t know what a flyer is. They don’t know what a fanzine is. My girlfriend does a zine for the last 12 years and we give them out at shows and sometimes people don’t know what the hell they are. They don’t know it’s free. They don’t know what the hell to do with it when they get it. We put up an event page for our show and people RSVP, but that doesn’t mean those people are showing up… it just means they pressed the fucking button. In this time era, we play the Chance and Frank is just excited that we make flyers. We hand them out at other shows, we put them up at record stores and book stores. Put them on cars at other local shows. And that’s just my work ethic, because I grew up in a time era where that’s just what we did. And the older I get, I just can never change that. I don’t like computers anyway, because even if 100 people say they’re going to go to a show and 25 show up, the promoter ends up standing there with their thumb in their ass. So, things have changed, but I don’t think they’ve changed for the better at all, man.

    Brian: If you could ressurect any dead band to tour with, what band would it be?

    John: Oh man…. There’s a lot of good bands. I think of bands from when we went to Europe, and I love those bands. A lot of those bands that were really small then, that got really big like Born From Pain and Knuckledust. As far as tour with a band, I had a lot of connection with All Out War and I was lucky enough to roadie for them when they went on tour with the Cro-Mags. I like a lot of those guys, and I think this area misses bands like that. I don’t think they appreciate bands like that when they’re around. Kids in this time era take shit for granted because it’s so accessible. They should realize this isn’t going to be here forever.

    Brian: Especially with the way they treat it.

    John: Yeah. They may leave the scene themselves. If they see a band playing and say “Screw it, I’ll see them next week.” Next week may never come for this band, that’s how fragile these stupid bands are. My band included.

    Brian: I feel like a lot of 90s bands music holds up today. Do you feel like music a lot of current bands are releasing will hold up?

    John: No. The short answer for that question is no. I really don’t think so. That’s just my opinion. People may hear my band and say ‘that shit doesn’t hold up’. And some of it doesn’t. But some of it does. There’s always certain things that will hold up and you’ll go back to it ten years from now and say ‘you know what, that sounds really fresh and really good.’ It’s a lot of trial and error. I listen to a lot of my bands demo stuff and I just cringe in horror. But we at least had an excuse: It was the 90s and nobody recorded shit good.


    Photos by Jim Gilbert

    for more on Inner Dam: https://www.facebook.com/InnerDam

  • Venue Spotlight: The Waterhole – Saranac Lake

    Venue Spotlight: The Waterhole – Saranac Lake

    The Waterhole, the north country’s premier live music venue, is in the spotlight this week. The original building dates back to the late 1800’s and was built as the Saranac Lake Village Livery and Stables.  They rented, shoe’d, and took care of the fire department’s horses.  With the advent of the automobile, the need for a livery died, and the downstairs became a tire vulcanizing shop, and some say that the 2nd floor turned into a brothel.

    In 1970 Bill Grogan and friends opened it as The Waterhole #3, named after the 1967 Western comedy film of the same name (considered to be a comic remake of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly) starring James Coburn, Carroll O’Connor and Margaret Blye.

    In the mid eighties, the “godfather” Billy Allen bought the business and brought live music with him. Seeing the lack of venues in the area for music,  he dreamed of a performing arts center in town.  Under his ownership he renovated and expanded the upstairs, and brought live music to Saranac Lake.

    Today, The Waterhole’s Upstairs Music room is considered one of the “must play” venues in Upstate NY. The highlight each year is the annual Winter Carnival, which brings the regions top touring acts to town in a 9 day stretch in early February. Recent Winter Carnival performances include Donna The Buffalo, The Ominous Seapods, Lucid, Hot Day at The Zoo, and Raisinhead. Look for The 2013 Winter Carnival announcement soon on .com.

    For more information on The Waterhole visit them online at www.saranaclakewaterhole.com

  • LED BY THE BLIND Releases debut music video

    Led By The Blind has released their debut music video for “O#2”, a song from their 2011 release “Controversy”. The video is entirely self-produced and directed by Jamie Ervay, the drummer/singer of the band, on the ridiculously small budget of just $500. The video features a creepy storyline in which the main character (also played by Jamie Ervay) wakes up in an unfamiliar environment and can’t find his way out. The video has memorable visuals and a great cinematic style, giving some insight into the minds of the artists and giving the video a feel of it’s own that differs from the traditional style of music videos seen everyday. The video was shot regionally to the band over just 3 days with a Canon 6D camera. The editing and visual effects were all created over just a 30 day period.

    Jamie had this to say, “I’m pretty proud of this video. It’s the first I’ve ever made of this magnitude and it’s the first time I’ve combined all of the skills I’ve acquired over the past decade. I give the credit to all the bonus features on ‘The Lord Of The Rings’, and ‘Matrix’ trilogies. I just hope people enjoy it.”

    The video can be seen here http://youtu.be/ZNlNyw5YiU8 or at most any of the band’s web presences including www.ledbytheblind.com

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNlNyw5YiU8&w=560&h=315].

  • Live Free But Die Digital : An Interview with Jimkata Frontman Evan Friedell

    Live Free But Die Digital : An Interview with Jimkata Frontman Evan Friedell

    Nearly exactly four and half years ago, I drove up to Ithaca to interview four young musicians making local waves as an up and coming college band called Jimkata. They had barely released a 5-track LP and were playing Friday nights in Ithaca and Oneonta. Fast forward to today, that same foursome has caught the attention of more than just Ithacans or regional Upstate New York jam fans.

    Evan Friedell On the heels of releasing their 4th album Die Digital, due out September 18th, and a 10-week national fall tour, I caught up with Jimkata’s front man and guitarist Evan Friedell. The following is the transcript of our recent discussion covering everything from sharing the stage w/ Umphrey’s McGee, their new fan-funded album and how the uniquely infectious sound Jimkata has patented continues to evolve.

    Johnny Goff: so I believe it was 2008 when I came over to your house in Ithaca and sat down to interview you guys. You guys were just getting going. What’s changed in the past 4 and half years as a band?

    Evan Friedell:  We’ve come miles in those 4-5 years. No. 1,  we’ve all grown up and changed as individuals. And also, we’re just kind of starting to find our sound. When we started, our sound went many different directions. And now finally, the sound writing, the instrumentation, the use of technology w/ analog/synth and e-drums has really evolved our sound to what it is today. We’ve also started touring more extensively in the past several years and that has helped us grow a fan-base which is awesome. Also, the new record has been entirely fan-funded. So yeah, we’ve come a long way from a scrappy, little college bar band into you know what we are today.

    Evan FriedellJohnny:  So, in attempting to achieve a good fan base, how important is it that you guys, as a band play every night of the week and not just weekends in attempting to win over new fans?

    Evan: Well, you know, that’s something that has changed over time too. We’ve realized now that we can’t pick a day here or there and play those dates. We’ve realized that in order to get your name out there, you have to play every day of the week. For example, when we go out to Colorado, we decide to play Michigan on the way. And it’s funny, one of the bi-products we’ve found is when we leave our home area and venture away and then return to our home area, our local fans seem to be more energized and at the same time, we are building new grounds withnew fans.

    Johnny: So I’ve noticed that recently, you’ve shared the stage with some pretty notable bands. Can you talk about that?

    Evan: We’ve played a number of festivals on the same bill as some pretty big acts. And we’ve also had the chance to directly support Umphreys McGee for a few shows in Colorado and in Utah. I think as of right now, it’s pretty inspiring to see how bigger acts work from the inside. The professionalism is a totally different ballgame. Everything’s pretty regimented for them and they are on schedules, etc…and then there’s us…you know, we slept in the van and go on stage. We’d love to be there someday but right now, even though we’re growing, it feels like a different world.  The big ones are great too, but I love seeing bands we’ve built the comradery together over the years and seeing them at regional festivals and hanging out before or after our sets.

    Johnny: So, considering this interview is for NYS Music, I’d be remised if I didn’t touch on Upstate New York and its festivals and JImkata’s plans going forward. Also, if you could, discuss my home festival, Grassroots, in Trumansburg, NY and  how Jimkata has taken off there also. It seems like every year, you guys are jumping up to a bigger stage and a better timeslot.

    Evan: Yeah, yeah. We are very grateful for that. All of us are. It’s been great for me because I grew up a couple hours from there (Oneonta) and I used to go to Grassroots when I was 16 and I was like “Holy Shit, ya know, this would be sick to play at sometimes”, and then, well, we were. So it was a huge thrill to get that slot after midnight on a Friday and thinking about back when I was 16 and wondering if I was 16 and watching this, what would I be thinking about these guys? So, it’s pretty cool.

    Johnny: So the way your guys’ sound has morphed from album to album,  I’ve drawn some other comparisons besides just Umphreys McGee; the way your sound is headed with added synthesizers and e-drums, but how would you describe Jimkata’s evolution of sound?

    Evan: First of all, after seeing first-hand what and how Umphrey’s does what they do, I don’t think we would ever be as virtuosic doing what they do. Their skills are out of the park. But, I think, with this latest album, what we’re going for, is we’re simply trying to create songs that hit home for people. That hit home for people in two ways: 1) We’re trying to drop a beat that’s infectious and 2) bust out a melody and chorus that people can bring home with them in their daily lives. I mean that’s one thing I’ve always loved about watching jambands because of they’re playing, skills, and live improvisation but that’s one thing you miss by not putting out an album, the “Wow! Holy Shit!” Factor of a song where you wanna listen and relisten to the melody or chorus was our focus.

    Johnny: If you can, for readers who may not be all that familiar with Jimkata or reading about you for the first time, drop on us some chronological album history and how your sound has morphed from album to album up to your very latest release.

    Evan:  So our first album has some of our earliest songs and is way more guitar oriented and some has killer early rippage. And then, “Burn My Money” was after that and that is when we began to gain some of our earliest fans and has some of our songs that we had been working on for years and years and so we had a ton of available possible songs to choose from to put on that album and that had some of our core songs that we still play today and you can start to hear to some of those synths and e-drums begin to make some appearances and it really was the album where we began to hone a lot of our songwriting. And Next was “Ghosts & Killers” and that came after we had come into some analog synthesizers that we had been playing around with and That was recorded with very little being done to it afterwards post-production. Like with “Burn My Money” we did a lot in the studio to that album but with “Ghosts and Killers”, it was almost like it was simpler arrangements but more complicated instrumentation.

    Johnny: So, take “Ghosts and Killers” and that simpler approach to album making to this latest album Die Digital, I just listened to the other day, it’s obvious there’s a clear delineation now between your album creating philosophies from previous to this latest JImkata album. Is that fair to say?

    Evan:  Our songwriting process has morphed a little bit. The recording process was different also. We recorded w/ a different engineer, a different space and the song writing process, we all started writing music on a laptop to start. So, like If I had an idea, to start the process, I would immediately open the laptop and start putting something down. So, it was like instead of me walking up to see the band and saying I have this great idea for a song and they’re like, “What is it?” and I can’t describe it…I am able to say, “well, here ya go. Here’s an idea for a song,” and simply pull out my laptop and immediately give them an audio sample of where we can go with something. We are all were writing on our own and we were touring more too so it was actually an natural adaptation because it meant we had less practice time.  This album, there’s a couple songs that are straight up Packy (drums) which is a first for all of our records. There’s a couple songs from Aaron as always.

    Johnny: So with the help of technology, you are able to get a better picture of what a song could end up becoming?

    Evan: Exactly. And I think our song-writing skills have gotten a lot better also. You know, for example, when to add something or to cut something from a tune.  Knowing when to keep things simple is the key. Knowing when to keep things simple when you have a lot of different elements happening…that is key; and we had quite a few of these actually from this latest album. We had a million things going on in this album and we seemed better at knowing when and where to cut something.

    Another thing that was noticeable from this album is us as a band really embracing our electronica and hip-hop influences we’ve had. We’re children of the 90’s…ya know? We’ve listened to tons of 90’s hip-hop and electronica music and that’s been huge for us. BUT, we also all love our rock-n-roll. And not just classic rock and jambands but again, being a child of the 90’s, our grunge rock music…Nirvana, Weezer and Smashing Pumpkins and all of that stuff…. and I think finally, all of those influences, all of those factors are finally beginning to come together to form the sound we have on this album.

    Johnny: It’s ironic you mentioned you guys were ‘Children of the 90’s’ because a lot of the sounds coming off this new album is almost from the 80’s. The combination of the electro and synth-sounds just brings me back to when new-wave was really popular.

    Evan: Yeah, it’s funny. I thought “Ghosts & Killers” came out sounding like the 80’s too. So, I guess, you’re right, it’d be fair to say we’re products of our generation, whether it be the 90’s or the 80’s. Music on the radio, commercials on t.v., movie soundtracks, c.d.’s, etc…whatever it was, it apparently influenced us and how we’re making music.

    Johnny: So, there’s a track on your new album “Die Digital” called “Night Shade.” I fell in love with this track and the more I listened to the new album again and again in preparation to speak with you, I found myself going back again and again to this track “Night Shade” with its very infectious rhythm.

    Evan: So, the song is sort about ‘working through hard times and everything turning out all right in the end.’…and now that I’m saying that, I’m realizing I end up writing about that an awful lot. (laughs out loud). The synth hook was written and then the bass line came around and it took me a while to write some lyrics to it because I didn’t want to fuck it up. The track is so epic and fun to begin with so I wanted the hook to be fun and “We don’t give a shit” and not to be too serious.

    Johnny: So, let’s turn the attention to your upcoming tour, your travels in New York and what’s immediately ahead for Jimkata.

    Evan: We have like 10 straight weeks of touring. We’re going, pretty much everywhere but all the way to the west coast. We’re going out to Colorado again, the south. We’re hitting the Midwest and up to Minnesota so we’re basically hitting up everywhere. Finding a gig is not that hard anymore and we’re super thankful for all the work our new agent has put in to get us into some bigger festivals.

    Johnny: So, the new album Die Digital is about to be released. Tell readers how they can listen to this new Jimkata album.

    Evan: It comes out September 18th. A lot of people who donated are going to get a copy in advance. We’re going to have it on our website and I-tunes. I also think we’re going to have it streaming so I know it’s going to be around. We’re just about to head into album promotion mode now as a band.

    Catch Jimkata when they come through Upstate New York over the next three months.

    Thurs. 9/20 – Albany, NY – Red Square
    Fri. 9/21 – Ithaca, NY – The Haunt, with Manhattan Project
    Sat. 9/22 – Rochester, NY – Lovapalooza, with Lovin Cup
    Tues. 9/25 – Buffalo, NY – The Tralf, with Papadosio
    Fri. 10/26 – Jamestown, NY – MoJo’s
    Weds. 10/31 – Syracuse, NY – The Westcott Theater
    Thurs. 11/1 – Burlington, VT – Nectar’s
    Sat. 11/3 – New York, NY – Sullivan Hall

  • Master Thieves talk about their latest release ‘Nature of Gravity’

    A chance to sit down with three of the members of Master Thieves – though a wonderful time – felt far too brief. Chuck Dorgan (guitar/vocals), was joined by vocalist Denise Shuart, as well as bassist and vocalist Jacob Alaniz. Sitting across from the three you can feel the closeness, care and admiration they have for one other. That same feeling is also palpable on stage with all five members, which they all agree lends to the joy of creating and performing music together.

    Dorgan is the first to admit that putting a band together is no easy task, one that takes patience and perseverance. Lately, from what this writer has seen, that patience is finally paying off. Jokingly, he states, “I think the band is on version 4.2.,” noting that he first formed the group in 2006 with an entirely different set of members. There never seemed to be a “meeting of the minds,” however, when it came to the musical aspect.

    Dorgan met Shuart at the Syracuse-based Shenanigan’s during an open mic hosted by a mutual friend in 2007. From there they decided to perform an open mic at Shifty’s, and shortly after the guitarist decided to bring her into the fold, after getting on stage for a tune or two. Shuart herself is a classically trained vocalist (opera) and also studied viola and violin, always a treat to see brought out for a song or two during a gig. With musical influences such as Pat Benetar and K.D. Tundstall, Shuart taken the time to learn the background of the singers she emulates and was surprised to find out they are classically trained – or the product of classically trained parents – as she was.  Shuart also laughingly points out that singing in a band like Master Thieves is extremely enjoyable. It’s a credit to her talent and dedication as the only woman in a group of musically talented men and the ensemble, as a whole, has a great amount of respect for one other.

    Drummer Eric Tozer, first asked to join a bluegrass band due to Dorgan’s reluctance with the way things were going with the Thieves, subsequently joined the band. It was an easy transition for the drummer – who joined in the fall of 2009 – bringing along some straight-up funk, with influences including greats such as Galactic, James Brown, Karl Denson, the Meters and the Greyboy Allstars, just to name a few. Songs he would like the band to tackle, said Tozer Deep Banana Blackout’s “God Made You Funky”. And while the summer of 2012 has been a bit dry for the band (as far as gigs go), Tozer did get to marry the love of his life, wife Renee. Now that the dust has settled, however, the band is ready to knock some socks off.

    Guitarist Brian Golden, of Norwich, NY, Tozer’s best friend, best man and long-time fellow musician, was brought into the fold shortly after the group’s then-lead guitarist exited to pursue other avenues. Golden, said Dorgan,  brings “a very bluesy feel to his music,” much of which is influenced by the artistry of  Hendrix, Clapton, Derek Trucks and Stevie Ray Vaughan, to name a few. As for a tune Golden would like to cover with the group … Hendrix’s “Bold As Love.” The band, added Dorgan, would love to see its lead guitarist relocate to the Syracuse area (where the various other members are based), a sentiment shared by Golden himself.

    Bassist Jake Alaniz, who stepped in at a crucial time in the band’s development (the recording of its first album, Robbing the Blind) said it was tough to step in and re-record someone else’s bass lines, yet it was necessary for consistency in the album. Once completed, Dorgan said it was like trying to give up a cute puppy; it was just too hard to do. Alaniz’s bandmates all agreed it only made sense to add the inspirational bassist to the group. Alaniz – who also performs with the popular CNY, Grateful Dread tribute band Dark Hollow – has been more than willing to share his musical talents. With a strong background in music – much thanks to his father the late David ‘Ese’ Alaniz – Alaniz said he finds inspiration in all different types of music, encompassing a wide range of artists. When asked, he couldn’t name just one song he would love to cover, because it changes so often. He did say, however, that he walked into rehearsal one day and proclaimed the band needed a reggae song, a genre that’s a clear focus on the group’s latest release, Nature of Gravity.

    A true sign of a natural leader, Dorgan spent most of the interview highlighting his fellow bandmates’ talents. To be fair, Master Thieves is a labor of love for the guitarist, singer and songwriter. His inspiration, he added, was The Band, and he modeled much of his hopes on what the band could accomplish on that group’s success. Other inspirations? The Grateful Dead, Phish, and every other band that takes the stage knowing that soul – more than anything – makes for good music.

    On Nature of Gravity, the band also has two other members who step-in for much of the album. Young saxophonist and guitarist Mikey Dufresne (I was very impressed considering he is in his mid to late teens) and keyboardist Mark Nanni (known best for his work with Los Blancos) both added their talent to the new release; something that truly creates an amazing, dynamic sound. And while Master Thieves’ debut recording, the aforementioned Robbing the Blind, was a good start, Nature of Gravity is much more of a collaborative effort, said Dorgan. From blues to rock, reggae to Americana, the songs have the ability to make you laugh, cry or inspire one to dance (or hula hoop!)

    Camaraderie, said Shuart, is the most important element of the band.

    “We can be playing … and we know each other well enough to know that each member is given the ability to have some freedom to freestyle, but when necessary there are moments to hold back,” she added. “Yet there is never a feeling that we are stepping on each others’ toes. When there is a disagreement, the issue is dealt with and [we] move on. The band works very hard to make sure they know the sound we are going for … we thoroughly practice, and are fully prepared, before stepping into the studio.”

    Dorgan said he feels that Subcat Studios really enjoys having the band record there because its members arrive “fully prepared to knock out each tune. The Nature of Gravity CD release party, kindly hosted at the Redhouse, was a wonderful experience, said the band’s members (during the show, the band teased fans by telling them about a seventeen minute jam near the end of the album, what I consider the icing on the already rich red velvet cake).

    Most of all there is a palpable sense of love, joy and kinship shared among this group that makes it feel more like a tight-knit – and functional – family unit. Such feelings are translated beautifully to their music and their performances.

    The band has a few gigs lined up this month:
    September 7th, 9:30pm @ Limp Lizard in Liverpool NY
    September 15th , pm @ 58 Main in Brockport NY (Dorgan’s hometown)
    September 22nd @Tipp Hill Music Fest time TBA

    The band has a few favorite places they like to play in the CNY area by the way, including The Westcott Theater, Bull and Bear, Thunderbird Lanes and Coleman’s. The band is hoping to make it to more locations around CNY, such as Al’s Wine and Whiskey Lounge and Dinosaur BBQ, among many others. The Thieves most recent CD is on sale at the Soundgarden (and at every gig they play), and don’t forget to pick up your very own t-shirt (and other merchandise) that the group has for sale. Be sure to look up Master Thieves on Facebook and Reverb Nation to catch a taste of the group’s unique sound and stay up to date with what’s going on by visiting masterthieves.net

    by Ashleigh Dunseath

  • Utica Music and Arts Festival Enters 5th Year

    Utica Music and Arts Festival Enters 5th Year

    The 2012 Utica Music and Arts Festival marks 5 years strong!

    In less than one month, the 5th annual Utica Music and Arts Festival will hit the streets of Utica, NY.  September 13, 14 and 15th, headliners Badfish, Zach Deputy, XVSK, and Twiddle will be joined by returning favorites Hank & Cupcakes, My Pet Dragon, Shane Maux from Belikos (now in Duk Duk Goose), Randy Niles, j. Schnitt, The Rick Short Band, Brian Mulkerne, Brass Knuckle Intercourse, Autumn Fire, and The End Men, and more than 150 other artists!  In all, approximately 200 performers on 19 stages, the UMAF is CNY’s largest music festival.

    It is the mission of the Utica Music & Arts Fest to revitalize Utica’s historic appreciation of the musical arts while providing a stimulus to our local economy. The intention is to initiate the creation of a solid, growing, and eternal network of industry professionals, centered in Utica with local, national, and international expansion.

    Artists will exhibit their work in the Radisson which is also festival check in.  This year the hotel will venue not only performing artists and out of town bands and fans, but also two ‘firsts’ for the UMAF, an Industry Meet and Greet and a wine tasting event.

    Utica Greens Festival, sponsored by Price Chopper, takes place on Varick Street from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday the 15th.  The UGF is the part of the UMAF that highlights our families and community and will feature vendors, an exhibition by Bailey’s Karate, a pop-up skate park brought to us by Lifted Apparel and Board Shop, belly dancing, face painting, a community Zumba bash in the street, and many regional dishes to taste under the Greens Tent.     The UGF is a part of the UMAF and all bands on Varick Street during that time period are free to the public.  Access to the Greens Tent, however, requires a donation, a portion of which will benefit Pack A Back, a community organization that gathers school supplies for the Utica City School District students.

    The UMAF is thrilled to announce a relationship with this year’s San Gennaro Feast occurring at the Cathedral of the Theotokos of Great Grace during the weekend of the UMAF.  SGF attendees will benefit from musical acts which have been provided by the UMAF playing songs for all ages.  Performances begin on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and run until 11:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

    Strangers Helping Strangers is a charity organization gathering canned goods at the Radisson, the festival’s hub.  SHS encourages festival attendees to bring a nonperishable food item or personal toiletry with them to check in and these items will be donated to a local area charity.

    Additional information is available at the Official UMAF website with Official Venue Listing and 2012 Performing Artists.

    Tickets are available online, through contact with volunteers and organizers, and at the following locations.  A limited number of 3 Day All Access Passes for the 2012 Utica Music & Arts Fest are available for purchase starting at $60.00 plus applicable fees.  After these tickets are sold out, tickets will continue to be sold for $70.00 in advance and will go up to $80.00 day of show.

    A limited number of 3 Day VIP All Access Passes for the 2012 Utica Music & Arts Fest are available for purchase starting at $80.00 plus applicable fees.  After these tickets are sold out, tickets will continue to be sold for $90.00 in advance and will go up to $100.00 day of show.  Discounts are available for ticket bundles, as detailed on the website.  Individual shows may be attended without a weekend pass by paying a cover charge which will vary according to venue ($5-$15) or by purchasing a day pass which will only be available once the festival has begun.

    Ticket Outlets:
    The Brewery Giftshop –  830 Varick St. Utica
    Utica Coffee Roasting Company – 92 Genesee St. Utica
    Puff N Stuff – 333 Genesee St. Utica
    Big Apple Music – 8441 Seneca Turnpike New Hartford
    Cafe Domenico – 2011 Genesee St. Utica
    Lifted Boardshop – 709 East Dominick St. Rome
    Pizza Boys New York Mills – 9 Clinton St. New York Mills

    Thank you to our sponsors and participating venues:  Price Chopper, Lifted Apparel and Board Shop, Bank of Utica, Puff N Stuff, Pizza Boys New York Mills, Saranac, Mohawk Valley Promotions, United Auto Sales, Jagermeister, BLU, The Celtic Harp, The Nailcreek Pub & Brewery, The Stage at Saranac Thursdays, Piers & Blake, Shots Sports Bar, Dick Smith’s Tavern, The Radisson, O’Donnell’s Pub & Grill, Sickenberger Lane, The Cage, The Green Onion Pub, and the St. Gennaro Feast.