NYS Music 20​13

Author: Quinn Donnell

  • NYS Music Heads West to Pitchfork Music Festival

    As a student in Upstate New York and a Midwestern native, I know a thing or two about catching a ride, hopping on a train, or—when it’s financially possible for my tuition-dominated budget—buying a plane ticket and heading to Chicago. While these trips usually take place over holidays, the ends of semesters, or any other event dictated by university scheduling, Pitchfork Music Festival is as good a reason as any to travel to the Windy City for a mid-July weekend.

    PitchFork

    Taking place in the west side’s Union Park July 19-21; this year’s festival will feature headlining acts from Björk, Belle & Sebastian, and R. Kelly. While the opportunity to see one of Iceland’s most iconic musicians, a group of indie-folk legends, and Chicago’s king of R&B is reason enough to make the trip west, it’s the entirety of Pitchfork’s 2013 lineup that makes it one of this summer’s most appealing festivals.

    Here’s a day-by-day overview of the acts I hope to see between stocking up on as many free Kind bars as possible and digging through the Chirp Record Fair:

    On Friday, gates will open several hours later than the festival’s two succeeding days. Although a delayed start time brings about a smaller number of performances on Pitchfork’s opening day, I’m certainly not worried about a shortage of exciting acts. My first stop will be the green stage, where Mac DeMarco will probably be wearing his backwards baseball cap and his faded, appropriately too-big button-up that compliments his jangly Canadian surf rock so perfectly. Shortly thereafter, I’ll catch some of Angel Olsen’s set, where the longing and the range in her vocals will remind me of Roy Orbison, and I’ll feel conflicted when I decide to leave early for Woods at the red stage. For a moment I’ll feel like I’m in California as Woods plays their west coast folk rock and I appreciate Union Park’s distance from the Chicago Loop, but a set from Mikal Cronin will remind me that I’m at my fourth fantastic performance of the day and there’s no where I could possibly be other than Pitchfork Music Festival.

    Phosphorescent is the act I’m most looking forward to on Saturday; with a 2:30PM set time, it’s also one of the first acts I’ll see on day 2. I recently became a fan of Phosphorescent after Matthew Houck released his 6th album, Muchacho, under the luminous moniker. Houck’s laid-back alt-country will be a suitably contrastive introduction to an afternoon/evening of punk rock (Pissed Jeans, Parquet Courts, Metz) and electronic instrumental music (Ryan Hemsworth, Andy Scott, Rustie). I haven’t yet figured out how I’m going to make it to all of these shows while finding time for The Breeders, who will be playing the entirety of Last Splash and Solange, who performs soul-infused, hip hop-influenced R&B much like her sister with a similarly mononymous name, Beyoncé.

    Chicagoans Tree and DJ Rashad will play opening sets on Sunday, representing the city’s underground hip hop scene and the recently evolved footwork genre. Foxygen takes the red stage at 1:45, playing a show I’ve been waiting for since the release of We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic in January. The psych-rock duo, whose music takes cues from 70’s acts like the Rolling Stones and Velvet Underground, are known to put on a wild performance, complimenting their energetic, occasionally frantic music. At 3:45 Waxahatchee will play the blue stage; whether it’s just Katie Crutchfield and her guitar—much like the majority of her debut album, American Weekend—or she plays with the full band featured on this year’s Cerulean Salt, doesn’t particularly matter to me, as both styles display the candid songwriting and the  wistful melodies that make her set one of my most anticipated of the weekend.

    With tickets still available at $50 per day, it’s not too late to plan a weekend trip to Chicago and be a part of Pitchfork Music Festival 2013. If such a plan isn’t necessarily feasible until next year, however, I’ll be back next week with a recap of the festival’s best shows, photos from all three days, and an approximate number of personally consumed Kind bars.

    Pitchfork Music Festival on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Website

  • Roster McCabe Release Live 2013, Volume Cranked Up!

    Since 2006, Minneapolis-based electrorock four-piece Roster McCabe has been making music fit for jammin’ and dancin’. In their seven-year existence, McCabe has released several full-length studio albums, including The Rhythm The Elements and Through Space and Time. The band’s coalescence of sounds embodying reggae, jazz, and rock is best represented, however, by their high-energy live performances, which have led to several live albums, the most recent of which is Live 2013, Volume Cranked Up!

    Touring throughout the U.S. since early April, Roster McCabe has appeared at Summer Camp Music Festival and is scheduled to play the 80/35 Music Festival in July before finishing their tour with a stop at Hyperion Music and Arts Festival in Spencer, Indiana. After spending such a significant portion of their year on the road, another live album seems like a perfectly appropriate move for providing fans with an opportunity to experience the musicianship and energy exhibited by their live concerts.

    Live 2013, Volume Cranked Up! does just that. Between tracks like the upbeat, synth-driven “Take a Breath” and “The Only Truth,” whose steady introduction builds to a shredding guitar solo, the album offers classic Roster McCabe material in a form only fans fortunate enough to make it out for a tour stop have heard until now. The album includes a cover track as well, a version of Daft Punk’s recently released “Get Lucky.” For those who have already dubbed Daft Punk’s rendition ‘Song of the Summer,’ a listen to Roster McCabe’s version is highly recommended, along with the rest of Live 2013, Volume Cranked Up!

    Roster McCabe on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, RosterMcCabe.com

    Key Tracks: : Get Lucky, Take a Breath, The Only Truth

  • Album Review: Positive Mental Trip Releases ‘Change Your Mind’

    Luke Weiler is a busy man, between coordinating the annual Jam for Tots event to benefit the Marine Corp’s Toys for Tots fund, hosting PMT Festival in Northville, New York every summer to support Solid Rock Rescue, and caring for his appropriately named dog, Ruckus, Weiler makes music under the moniker, Positive Mental Trip. Recording with guitar, hand drums, synthesizer and a number of other instruments; Weiler’s music is inspired by everyone from the Simpsons’ Disco Stu to Mozart, according to his FaceBook page.

    Positive Mental Trip

    Positive Mental Trip’s debut album, “Change Your Mind” exemplifies this diverse range of influence, featuring genres like reggae, funk, folk and southern rock. Touching on feel-good themes throughout its twelve tracks, Weiler’s songwriting approach reminds listeners of Jack Johnson’s positive lyricism.

    The album’s opening track, “Brand New Day” demonstrates this style with the lines, “So I put a smile on my face ‘Cause I’m livin’ a brand new day I’m not gonna be afraid of change” on top of smooth acoustic guitar riffs. Continuing the topic of leading life with a positive attitude, Change Your Mind includes two versions of the track, “Smile,” the second of which is titled “Smile (Hip-Hop).” Displaying Weiler’s ability to diversify his music, “Smile (Hip-Hop)” features a more electronic feel than its parallel track, “Smile (Reggae),” as well as a guest vocalist. Based on these tracks, along with the rest of the songs found on Change Your Mind, it’s safe to bet that Positive Mental Trip has a bright future ahead.

    Key Tracks: Brand New Day, Smile (hip-hop), Smile (Reggae)

    Follow Positive Mental Trip on Facebook  | Jambase | Myspace

  • Hearing Aide: Van Gordon Martin Band ‘Take The High Road’

    After releasing their first album, No Limit to Love in 2010 and touring with the Skatalites throughout the United States, making stops at major music festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, the Van Gordon Martin Band has returned with “Take the High Road”, 12 tracks of funk-infused R&B and dub reggae. This eclectic blend of genres is a result of Martin’s role as a guitarist for number of other groups, including The Dub Down Crew & Scotch Bonnet Band, Sparkplug Tribute to Melvin Sparks, and The Nephork! All-Starts.

    Van Martin, second from left in hat
    Van Martin, second from left in hat

    Martin’s experience playing with a wide range of musicians influenced the recording process of Take the High Road, as the album features appearances from members of John Brown’s Body, Club D’elf, The Slip, Dub Appocalype, Otis Grove, and former Spiritual Rez horn alumni. These musicians, who contribute funked-out bass riffs, heavy horn sections, and groovy drum beats are some of the best that the east coast has to offer.

    Together, they have created an album that explores an array of musical styles. Between the breezy “Another World,” featuring clean guitar riffs and a smooth saxophone solo, and the jazzy organ-filled “Hard Decision,” which transitions into a reggae a influenced chorus driven by off-beat guitar licks, Take the High Road provides 43 minutes of crafty musicianship and epic jams.

    Key Tracks: “Dreams,” “Another World,” “Hard Decision”

    Van Gordon Martin on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

  • Fitz and The Tantrums Rocked The Westcott Theater on April 21st

    Since releasing their debut album, Pickin’ Up the Pieces in 2010, Fitz and the Tantrums haven’t updated their discography. Instead, Michael Fitzpatrick and the band have been touring all over the world, providing fans with an opportunity to see live performances of what Fitzpatrick has described as their “soul-influenced indie pop.” On Sunday April 22, Fitz and the Tantrums made an appearance at the Westcott Theater for their first ever performance in Syracuse.

    IMG_7383
    photo by Kevin McCallum

    For members of the Syracuse community, the show acted as an exciting conclusion to a mid-April weekend; for the students of nearby Syracuse University, however, the concert represented an end-of-the-year last hurrah as finals week approaches and summer awaits right around the corner.

    Fitz and the Tantrums proved to be the perfect band for such an occasion, as their celebratory soul pop encouraged all of the Westcott’s occupants to spend their Sunday evenings dancing and singing along to the Tantrums’ set composed of material from Picking’ Up the Pieces, their upcoming More Than Just a Dream LP, and several crowd-favorite covers.

    IMG_7346
    photo by Kevin McCallum

    Throughout the show, Michael Fitzpatrick shared lead vocals with Noelle Scaggs. While each singer displayed their massive vocal talent, Scaggs’ dancing skills particularly encouraged the audience to groove to the band’s sixty-minute set. Not only was shoe-shufflin’ a common aspect of the show, but also crowd involvement. Between finishing Fitzpatrick’s lines and clapping to Scaggs’ percussion section, the audience became just as much part of the show as Fitz and the four Tantrums.

    Fitzpatrick did manage to demonstrate some moves of his own. At age 43, the singer often found himself jumping on John Wicks’ drum stand and imitating Scaggs’ dance moves beside her. Although not nearly as smooth as the younger Scaggs, Fitzpatrick’s style made up for any lack of lack of dance moves associated with having middle-aged bones.

    IMG_7374
    photo by Kevin McCallum

    It was Fitzpatrick’s style and effort that made the show. As he and the Tantrums finished their first encore song, Fitzpatrick took a quick, much needed breather before a rendition of “Steady As She Goes” from Jack White’s 2006 side project, The Raconteurs. “Steady As She Goes” was the second cover of the evening after an earlier version of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This.” While the two songs weren’t originally performed with a horns section and two leading vocalists, Fitz and the Tantrums played them in a manner that made unaware concertgoers think they were written for their soul pop style.

    As Fitz and the Tantrums are set to release their sophomore album on May 7, they’re scheduled to continue touring throughout North America up until September 20.  Playing tour dates in support of artists like Dave Matthews Band and Bruno Mars, Fitz and the Tantrums will have an opportunity to gain exposure to new audiences and develop a wider fanbase. Although the upcoming tour dates don’t include another stop in Syracuse, a future appearance in Upstate New York isn’t unlikely, and when they come back, it will be surely be a cause for celebration.

  • The Westcott Theater: Syracuse’s Local Music Venue

    For nearly 100 years, students of Syracuse University and members of the Syracuse community have flocked to The Westcott Theater for countless evenings of entertainment. Located just outside of SU’s campus, the Westcott can be found in a neighborhood primarily occupied by upperclass students looking to catch a concert after spending time at Taps Bar & Restaurant, situated just across the street.

    the westcott theater

    The Westcott hasn’t always hosted live music, however, and it was only in 2008 that the venue opened its doors as a location for musicians traveling through Upstate New York. Before its transformation, the building acted as an independent movie theater known as The Westcott Cinema.

    Today, the Westcott still holds the occasional film screening, most of which are music-related. In the summer of 2012, the venue screened LCD Soundsystem’s Shut Up And Play The Hits, a film chronicling the band’s final show at Madison Square Garden. Comedians have also appeared at the venue, including the Broken Lizard Comedy Troupe, a group of actors best known for their work in Super Troopers and Beerfest, who performed at the Westcott in 2009.

    the westcott theater assembly of dust

    While special events usually occur at the venue several times throughout each year, live music is scheduled almost every night of the week. From show to show, performers represent an eclectic range of genres; at the Westcott, one night can be a country show and the next night a dance party.

    Some of today’s biggest EDM acts have come through the Westcott on their way to becoming internationally known artists whose tours consist of packed stadium after packed stadium. Between 2010’s Bassnectar performance and 2011’s Skrillex and Pretty Lights appearances, the Westcott has developed a history of catching electronic artists just before they break. Big name artists like the Avett Brothers and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals have also played the Westcott before becoming major festival headliners.

    New Riders of the Purple Sage, 10/5/12 - photo by Frances Huang the westcott theater
    New Riders of the Purple Sage, 10/5/12 – photo by Frances Huang

    It’s the venue’s cozy environment and well-equipped set-up that encourage such well-known acts to book the Westcott on their way to the east coast. With a spacious standing area and a high ceiling, the venue’s occupants can feel comfortable amongst 700 fellow concertgoers while experiencing an intimate performance.

    The venue’s slanted floor is helpful for those that are vertically challenged. Standing farther from the stage not only provides an unobstructed view, but also easy access to the bar. Located in the back of the room, getting a drink can be accomplished without missing a song.

    Although the Westcott has only offered live music since 2008, some of Syracuse’s most memorable shows have taken place at the off-campus venue. As emerging artists continue to play quality shows for crowds of Upstate music lovers, students and locals alike will spend their evenings at the Westcott Theater.

    Links: Website| Facebook | Twitter 

  • Lollapalooza 2013 Announces Full Lineup

    Although parts of the 2013 Lollapalooza lineup have been leaking throughout the past several weeks, the festival has officially announced its full lineup. Headliners will include The Cure, Mumford & Sons, The Killers, Phoenix, and Vampire Weekend, among others. Taking place in Chicago’s Grant Park on August 2-4, Lollapalooza will return for its eighth summer in the Windy City. After going on sale on March 26, 3-day passes, which were priced at $235, sold out in a manner of hours. On April 3, however, 1-day passes, priced at $95 each will be available.

    lollapalooza-logo-2012

    Take a look at the full lineup by day:

    Friday

    The Killers, Nine Inch Nails, New Order, Queens of the Stone Age, Steve Aoki, Thievery Corporation, Imagine Dragons, Lana Del Rey, Flux Pavilion, Band of Horses, Hot Chip, Crystal Castles, Frightened Rabbit, Dillon Francis, Smith Westerns, Disclosure, Father John Misty, Ghost B.C., Modestep, Emeli Sande, Jessie Ware, Atlas Genius, Timeflies, Theophilus London, Monsta, IO Echo, Icona Pop, Chance the Rapper, Lance Herbstrong, Robert DeLong, Deap Vally, Twenty One Pilots, San Cisco, Hey Marseilles, Keys N Krates, The Neighbourhood, Pacific Air, American Authors, Houndmouth, Brick & Mortar, D-Pryde, Brite Lite Brite

    Saturday

    Mumford & Sons, The Postal Service, The National, The Lumineers, Kendrick Lamar, Eric Church, Steve Angello, Ellie Goulding, Azealia Banks, Local Natives, Dad Life, Matt & Kim, Foals, Death Grips, Court Yard Hounds, Adventure Club, Ben Howard, GriZ, Charles Bradley, Heartless Bastards, Baauer, HAIM, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, St. Lucia, Shovels & Rope, Little Green Cars, Family of the Year, 360, The Bright Light Social Hour, Reignwolf, Pujol, Planet Hemp, Cole Plante, Lukas Nelson & P.O.T.R., Blondfire, Frontier Ruckus, Wheeler Brothers, The Dunwells, Supreme Cuts, Cherub, Wild Cub, Brooke Waggoner, Beast Patrol

    Sunday

    The Cure, Phoenix, Vampire Weekend, Knife Party, Grizzly Bear, Major Lazer, Dog Blood, Two Door Cinema Club, Tegan and Sara, Beach House, Cat Power, 2 Chainz, Alt-J, The Vaccines, DIIV, Alex Clare, Baroness, Lianne La Havas, Wild Nothing, Angel Haze, Wavves, Alvin Risk, Jake Bugg, Wild Belle, Art Department, MS MR, Guards, Kill the Noise, Skaters, The Orwells, Palma Violets, Astro, Machines are People Too, Yawn, Half Moon Run, The Mowgil’s, Wake Owl, Bear Mountain, O’Brother, Makeshift Prodigy

    Lollapalooza Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and Forum

  • Pitchfork 2013 Announces Full Lineup

    Pitchfork Music Festival returns for its 9th year and has announced its full lineup, taking place in Chicago’s Union Park on July 19-21, 2013. Three-day passes are currently on sale for $120 and single-day tickets are available for $50 each. Judging by previous years, three-day passes won’t last long. Although the full schedule with times will be revealed in the coming weeks, here is the breakdown of each act by day:

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    Friday, July 19
    Björk, Joanna Newsom, Wire, Woods, Mikal Cronin, Angel Olsen, Pissed Jeans, Daughn Gibson, Trash Talk, Frankie Rose

    Saturday, July 20
    Belle & Sebastian, Solange, The Breeders play Last Splash, Savages, Swans, Rustie, Low, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, Phosphorescent, Andy Scott, Mac DeMarco, Ryan Hemsworth, Julia Holter, Parquet Courts, Merchandise, Metz, White Lung, KEM Mode

    Sunday, July 21
    R. Kelly, MIA, Yo La Tengo, Lil B, Toro Y Moi, TNGHT, El-P, Killer Mike, Chairlift, Foxygen, Sky Ferreira, Glass Candy, Autre Ne Veut, Evian Christ, Waxahatchee, Blood Orange, DJ Rashad, Tree

    Pitchfork 2013 lineup Website, Facebook, Twitter