NYS Music 20​13

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  • Catskill Chill Music Festival Announces “Dopadosio” Festival Closing Set

    The team at Catskill Chill Music Festival has announced a collaboration that all of the ChillFam is sure to love. An official “Dopadosio” set featuring all members of Papadosio and Dopapod together on one stage to close out the fourth annual event. As much fun as it has been for us fans to combine the two names “Papadosio” and “Dopapod,” finally we have a name that will stick. You surely will not want to miss this amazing festival closing set at Camp Minglewood in Hancock, New York.

    After the success of last year’s intimate Acoustic Junction and the response to Consider the Source’s first-time endeavor at the musical style, the festival organizers have doubled the offerings. This year’s roster features Consider The Source along with a mix of artists that regularly perform acoustic such as Brock Butler, The Brummy Brothers and Dan Collins, along with acts performing stripped down sets for the first time. These performances by Tom Hamilton & Friends, Primate Fiasco and MUN are definitely not to be missed.

    Yoga lovers will also be happy to hear that the Catskill Chill has expanded their program adding additional classes, some of which will be accompanied by live music from Cosmal  so  you can get down while getting downward dog.  Also, new to the ever expanding Vendor Village for 2013 is a local Farmer’s Market serving fresh, seasonal produce and other delicious specialties.

    Buy your Catskill Chill Music Festival Tickets Now and don’t miss Dopadosio

  • Album Review: Head for the Hills “Blue Ruin”

    Head For The Hills is not your typical bluegrass band. In their third record, Blue Ruin, the Colorado based quartet squeezes the hillbilly out of country music, infusing their sound with the bitter aftertaste of indie rock and a jazzy sense of restlessness. Granted, the record was a little less Rob Mathes/Abbey Road Studios and a little more Falzarano, and the band was able to weave in elements of baroque pop without scourging for The Beach Boys records.

    Songs like “Never Does” sport teasing hooks from the string sections, and witty lyrics that deal with desk jobs and dirty dinner table politics. The cushy bass bottom complements their murder ballad aesthetic with phrases like “(he’s) looking at her, thinking she’s too good to be a bad spouse” and “trying to save her from a hell that only heaven knows”, giving it an almost theatrical aura.

    Though “Breakfast Noir” is not as overheated as the title suggests, the plethora of tubby layers do make you wonder if you were better off ordering a sunny side egg. There’s no doubt, however, beneath the unnecessary amount of cackle and spatter, lies undeniably great musicianship.

    The jailbird gang vocals serve as an instant pick up in “Dependency Co” and go to show that the band is definitely not trying to shoehorn themselves in a particular direction. The lyrics inject a splash of wit with lines like, “Trying to find the one and only we can fight to the death/ till our skin grows thicker than the ice we tread”.

    Head for the Hills brings something new to the table with their comic book inspiration and acerbic tone. With great musicianship, solid lyrics and an inexplicable sexual appeal, their name begins to seem ironic because after listening to Blue Ruin, the last thing you want to do is head for the hills.

    Key Tracks: Never Does, Breakfast Noir, Dependency Co

  • Review: DEVOUR THE DAY Heats Up West Virginia

    IMG_4130The outdoor music came to a screeching halt, bringing a moment of silence to the summer air, a strong hint that Devour the Day was ready to knock everyone out of the ballpark. The setting sun’s light hit the stage as one by one, each band member stepped out from behind; Dustin Schoenhofer (drums), Joey “Chicago” Walser (bass), Jeff James (guitar), and last but not least, Blake Allison (vocals). The band was more than eager to put the pedal to the metal as they started their set with the first track from their debut record, Time & Pressure, “Respect”, definitely the right way to begin the evening with such an explosive track. Following was “You and Not Me”, as the fellow concert junkies stared in amazement as the band rocked out like there was no tomorrow. As soon as “Get Out of My Way” started, the energy from Devour the Day combined with the fans’ was absolutely through the roof, fairly certain the residents across the Ohio border could hear and feel the band’s pulsating power. “Blackout” brought on the heavy head-banging and the drunken loud cheers of excitement. The fans watched with such a thrill as Walser rapidly spun around with his bass, jumping with such glee on his face.

    IMG_4146It was clear that Devour the Day was way past warmed up, as evidenced by the fact that they were dripping with sweat. The summer heat didn’t stop them from continuing their set with “Reckless”, as some of the fans waved their arms in the air to the beat of the song. The pace was nowhere near slowed down as they played “Oath”, finishing the set with “Hand Shakes to Fist Fights” and their current as well as the album’s leading single, “Good Man”, the music lovers singing along very passionately, some dancing to the rhythm. It was definitely the perfect track to end a killer setlist.

    IMG_4138Overall, no other words to describe Devour the Day’s performance except for: WOW. Absolutely mind blowing and an indescribable experience, one would have to witness these moments to get a better understanding of what a superlative show the band puts on. They will be hitting the stage at X-Fest in Syracuse this Sunday. Be sure to check out their debut record, Time & Pressure, available for digital download and to purchase at your nearest music store. Also, check their Facebook page for tour dates or visit their website (www.devourtheday.com). This is a band you will not want to miss!

  • Review: SEVENDUST Blacks Out Bearfest

    The crowd moved in closer and closer to the barricade, some could no longer contain their excitement and let out the occasional overeager cheers. Finally, the moment they were all waiting for at Bearfest Sevendust’s arrival. The lights dimmed to a dark red hue, a very daunting setting to the outdoor stage. One by one, the band members emerged from the shadows, Morgan Rose (drums), Vince Hornsby (bass), Clint Lowery (guitar), John Connolly (guitar), and finally, the one and only, Lajon Witherspoon. The way the red and green lights hit his features gave off a very bone-chilling, terrifying view of Witherspoon. The band began their set with “Pieces” followed by a track from their latest record, Black Out the Sun, “Till Death”, the fans waving their horns in the air to the beat of the song, mouthing along to the words whole-heartedly. After playing “Denial” and “Praise”, Lajon asked some of his ever-adoring fans not to mosh but to march in a circle to the rhythm of the next song, “Waffle”, purple lights complimenting the mood of the song, a very intimate feeling. The set was then slowed down with “Got a Feeling” followed by “Angel’s Son”, the fans with their loved ones holding each other from behind and swaying along. The pace was picked back up with “Black”, “Strong Arm Broken”, and Black Out the Sun’s leading single, “Decay”. Witherspoon walked toward the front of the stage and reached out for the fans, holding some of their hands.

    At the end of the song, the stage lights suddenly shut off and all of Sevendust disappeared into the darkness. The dedicated fans chanted for an encore for what seemed like a long while, every living soul hungry for more. Then the stage was lit with an orange and green-like hue as Lajon appeared on stage with the rest of the band and the familiar lyrics to “Bitch” filled the ears of the crowd, which encouraged them to roar with cheer and excitement. They all sang along loudly and some quite drunkenly. The set was then finished with “Splinter” and “Face to Face”, a great way to end the warm, lively summer evening.

    All in all, it was one hell of a performance. The band broke the country silence with their powerful classics as well as new and incredibly catchy songs. In the end, Sevendust let all of West Virginia know that they have left their mark. Be sure to check out their latest record, Black Out the Sun, available at your nearest music store and for digital download. More tour dates are on their website as well as their Facebook page, if you have a chance, see where Sevendust will black out a stage near you.

  • Baroness and Royal Thunder coming to Water Street Music Hall August 7th

    Savannah, Georgia’s critically acclaimed stoner/sludge metal outfit Baroness has had a trying year. Sidelined just a month after the release of their latest album Yellow and Green by a bus accident in London that left several members injured, they are just getting back on the road again.

    This Wednesday, joined by label mates Royal Thunder, they will be bringing their fierce musical onslaught to Rochester’s Water Street Music Hall. Ticket’s are $15 and can be purchased here or at the Water Street box office. Doors at 7, showtime at 8. Throw on some black and come rage! 16+ w/ ID.

  • K-Rockathon 18: Photo Gallery

    Sometimes as a photographer you are lucky enough to shoot a decent band or two.  As a concert photographer I have been lucky enough to photograph some of the best in the business.  On July 27th, I was able to shoot a whole shitload of great bands in one place, just a couple hours from my home at K-Rockathon 18 at the Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds.  Bands like Sevendust, All That Remains, Chevelle, Skillet and many more shared the stage with Three Days Grace.  Luckily for me my relationship with 3DG helped get me access to everything to bring those photos to you… the fans.  The readers of Upstate Metal are the greatest fans in the world.  We know it, and every band that visits our region knows it too.

    I’m not going to spend a lot of time with words on this one… it’s all about the photos for me.  I hope you enjoy and I hope to see you at the next show.  If you see me out there in a vest, a couple cameras and my hair blowing all over the place, yell out “Upstate Metal” or “JT”.  I will be sure to answer!  Until then, “Horns Up!”

  • Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at Ommegang Brewery, July 25th

    Grace Potter and the Nocturnals brought out young and old alike Thursday night in Cooperstown as part of Brewery Ommegang Summer Concert series. Parking lots filled up quickly and tents were set up, taking advantage of the onsite camping and beautiful weather.

    Grace Potter ommegangThe easy-going folk tunes provided by Alpenglow, an indie rock group out of Burlington, added to the summertime flavor of the day. The band warmly welcomed everyone to the show and thanked family and friends for coming out to support them.  JD McPherson followed, providing catchy rockabilly and good old-fashioned Rock & Roll. With a saxophone and stand up bass, it was just what the crowd needed to get ready for the headliner.

    With the sun setting and the Brewery Ommegang providing a backdrop like no other, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals took the stage. Grace was resplendent as usual in a head to toe sequined gown, perfectly cut to show her trademark long legs. The band started immediately with “Stop the Bus”, a familiar tune to many, bringing the crowd to their feet. The area in front of the stage filled and there were fireworks in the distance as the sun began to set.

    Known for her broad musical talents, from vocals to tambourine, at many points in between, Grace and the band had no trouble vacillating between genres throughout the night. Pensive and heartfelt with “Apologies”, poppy and upbeat in “Goodbye Kiss”, and rolled comfortably into the Little Junior’s Blue Flames rocking “Mystery Train”.

    Deftly mixing in well-known tunes like “Joey” and “Medicine” with newer material from the 2012 release The Lion, The Beast, The Beat, the night was infused with a consistent level of energy. Grace’s excited squeal and frenetic stage presence incited the crowd to dance and cheer harder as the night wore on.

    Grace Potter ommegangClosing the night with the title track from the latest album, Grace quickly returned to stage with just her flying V guitar, launching into “Nothing But the Water”. Without the support of the band, she still shone bright, sequins glimmering in the stage light. As the brewery billowed steam in the background, The Nocturnals rejoined her for The Rolling Stones‘ “Paint it Black”, and finally into perhaps their most well-known song, “Paris (Ooh La La)”. The song was an all-out throw down including a drum solo in which the entire band joined in on the kit.

    Not ready to be done quite yet, a second encore of “Stars” aptly closed the night with the band’s lighting adding to the beauty of the clear and starry Cooperstown night. Fireworks exploded above the stage as the band exited, a perfect end to a wonderful summer night of music.

    Grace Potter ommegangSetlist: Stop the Bus, Turntable, Oasis, Apologies, Goodbye Kiss, One Short Night, Mystery Train (Little Junior Blue Flames), Atlantic City (Bruce Springsteen), Roulette, Keepsake, Joey, Medicine, Sugar, The Divide, The Lion The Beast The Beat.

    Encore: Nothing but the Water (I), Nothing but the Water (II), Paint it Black (The Rolling Stones), Paris (Ooh La La)

    Encore 2: Stars

  • Neutral Milk Hotel is Reunited and Bringing Their Music to The Capitol Theatre on January 22, 2014

    Some bands don’t last for a very long time.  It’s just how it goes in the music industry.  Whether there are creative differences or just being burnt out from too many shows on the road, bands tend to call it quits before their time is up.  However, some of these bands get back together many years later and send fans rejoicing all over the world.  One of those bands is Neutral Milk Hotel.

    Neutral_Milk_Hotel

    Neutral Milk Hotel has influenced many of the Indie bands popular today, from Arcade Fire to Franz Ferdinand to Bon Iver and countless others.  Their sound is unique with lots of experimentation, large instrumentation and beautiful lyrics woven throughout all of their songs.  The band has not played a live show together since 1998, but has shown up at each other’s shows from time to time.  Their two albums, On Avery Island and In the Aeroplane Over the Sea are both amazing records and should be heard by music fans all over the world.

    After being out of the public eye for many years, lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter Jeff Mangum has spent the last year playing solo acoustic shows to sold out audiences all over the country.  Earlier this year it was announced the band would be getting back together to play shows throughout the country.  They will be playing at the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York on January 22, 2014.  Tickets go on sale Friday August 2nd at Noon here.  Do not miss this show if you can make it as there is no telling how long this reunion tour will last.

    Here is a video of Jeff Mangum playing “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” from earlier this year

  • Americanarama Rolls into Darien Lake

    On July 18, 2013 the Americanarama festival caravan kicked up clouds of dust into Darien Lake Performing Arts Center for an extended afternoon of eclectic and distinctly ‘American’ music. Featuring an impressive collection of talent, the tour spotlights rock and roll innovators My Morning Jacket, alt-country pioneers and sonic travelers Wilco, and the man superlatives won’t do justice for, Bob Dylan. The festival has been wagon training across the country (with Bob Weir hopping on for five dates) bringing a special collection of artists and a communal vibe to each stop.

    The intimate and friendly crowd at Darien slowly gathered under the blistering sun for early opener Ryan Bingham, who was well received. Following Bingham the venue was buzzing in anticipation of My Morning Jacket’s appearance. MMJ’s set contained silvery guitars and funky grooves, settling the crowd into a danceable yet experimental place. Live and in concert is the way to enjoy this band, as the energy just oozes off of the stage. Closing their set with the steamy pairing of “Off the Record” and “Phone Went West”, the crowd was primed properly and responded in kind with a fitting ovation.

    Wilco followed with an impressive cross-section of their storied career, which fit nicely into a truncated festival set. Opening with the always welcome “Cars Can’t Escape”, Wilco then unveiled a well-paced selection that included tasty samples from the entirety of their colorful pallet such as “Passenger Side”, “Bull Black Nova” and “I’m A Wheel”. A peak moment in the show was the collaboration between Wilco and My Morning Jacket for a sing-along version of Nick Lowe’s, (via Elvis Costello) “What’s So Funny About (Peace Love and Understanding)” that had everyone dressed in sun baked smiles.

    As the air cooled and evening closed in, Dylan and his swinging band took the stage for a concluding set filled with new takes on familiar classics. Dylan growled, spat and chanted his way through fresh arrangements of “Times Have Changed” and “Tangled Up in Blue”, and excitedly dictated new songs like “Early Roman Kings” and “Duquesne Whistle”. He also took some breathy harp breaks to the excitement of the crowd. While often an acquired taste these days, Dylan put on a diverse and crisp show covering all corners of his catalog, enjoyable for the uninitiated as well as the diehards.

    A wonderful evening of tunes and tales was had by all in attendance. All three of the headlining acts for the first ever ‘Americanarama’ festival shared the common thread of a love for song. While the music of the artists on the bill is as different as it is similar, their common respect for the craft of the tunes and their emotional effect brought them together for this summer of musical symmetry.

  • Meet The Big Up Artists – An Interview with Horizon Wireless

    With The Big Up Festival just a few weeks away, I had the pleasure of conducting an interview with The Big Up artist, DJ Harrison Waxenberg of Horizon Wireless, to talk about his upcoming set at the festival.

    Jenni Wilson: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the music industry? Tell us a story about a day in your life.

    Harrison Waxenberg: Okay well I’m 5′ 8″ on a good day, I’m prone to mania induced encounters with inter-dimensional energies and beings. I’ve piloted real spaceships, and even crash landed one once! Oh, and I have dimples… which from what I understand is a common and endearing physical attribute amongst Libras. When I met George Clinton he asked me if I was an alien.

    I started playing piano, clarinet, and saxophone when I was younger, and began playing drums in different bands when I was in middle school and continued all the way up through my senior year of college until I moved on from the drama that comes with playing with too many other strong personalities. Simultaneously, I had been experimenting with programs like FL Studio and Garageband as well, kind of unaware that an “electronic music” scene was developing, or even had existed. So on my 22nd birthday my dad got me an APC40 and Ableton (he knew I was about to hang it up with my band) and I just kind of ran with that.

    I guess I first decided I was really going to go for it when I was at Summerdance in 2009 I believe. I was in a drum circle with Michael Travis and some of the guys from Lotus, and I got to lead for a bit. After that, some old black guy with a lot of soul slapped me on the back and was like “you got it dude!” and poured some wine in my mouth and I was all like, “ok cool I can do this!”

    JW: How would you describe your music to someone who had never heard it before?

    HW: I guess I would say that I like to take a lot of sub-alien tech funk and psychedelic break-beat grooves, and blend them with some minimal house and trance elements, all the while sprinkling in some pop culture elements throughout.

    JW: What are your biggest musical and non-musical influences?

    HW: My biggest musical influence is probably my dad, I don’t think I’d be playing music if it weren’t for him. My biggest non musical influence is realignment of the Andromeda and Milky Way schism. Oh, and love too, although I think that could be considered a musical influence.

    JW: What goes into your process of creating a new song or album?

    HW: Well I used to play my productions out when I first got Ableton (actually my first show doing that, and even using the moniker Horizon Wireless was at the first edition of The Big Up), but over time my computer started not being able to handle anything so I began to do mash-ups and remixes for a while. Through this I discovered a fun way to mix over 5-6 channels simultaneously and blend infinite sounds and samples to create new things on the fly all the time, and that’s kind of what I became known for. I do like to tell a story with every set, and nothing really goes into what we do that doesn’t have some sort of meaning or relevance to the overall Horizon story. I just got a new computer though and my drummer is finishing up production school so we’ll see what the end of 2013 holds in terms of an EP. There have been many producers I admire who have reached out to me about coming on board with it and that is very humbling.

    JW: How do you feel about DJs you use novelties/masks on stage, such as Deadmau5 with his mask, Destroid and their costumes, etc…

    HW: We all wear masks. Everyone.

    JW: What would you say is the hardest part of being a musical artist today?

    HW: I’m not sure, everything is very accessible today like it never was before. I suppose the hardest part would be coming to terms with the divide between what you thought the music industry would be like when you first decided you wanted to be a part of it, and what it actually is today. As soon as you accept the changes that have been made, and see the community for what it truly is, you start to realize how much better it is as a network of artists, friends, and music lovers, and you become grateful for any little amount of success you have at all.

    JW: You play a majority of your shows in New York, are you originally from here?

    HW: I was born in Florida, lived in Indiana and Maryland for a bit, and then moved to New York. I live on Long Island so the city is a pretty good place to play… I hear if you make it there you can make it anywhere!

    JW: You played this years Camp Bisco which is a pretty big fest. How was your experience playing a festival that size?

    HW: I’ve been going to Camp since 8, managed a stage there for 10 and 11 and closed out the festival at 11 and 12. It’s always a pretty fun time, and that’s where I would be going anyway so it’s a blessing to be able to play there and be exposed to a lot of new fans each year.

    JW: What do you want attendees to The Big Up to expect from your performance and how will it differ from what they may have seen at Camp?

    HW: Well at The Big Up I’m playing with my live drummer, Monty from Digital Frontier, and these sets are always a lot different then solo sets like the ones I do at Camp (Bisco). It’s also the anniversary of Horizon Wireless and the theme is Star Trek/Star Wars so it’s very fitting. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a set than this one (which I find myself saying a lot, but it’s always true, ha ha), so I think anyone who comes out to it is going to be very glad they did.

    JW: What advice would you give to other artists at The Big Up festival?

    HW: No matter what time you’re playing at or in front of how many people, this is a very important festival. I did my first Horizon show there as a thirty minute set break between Ultraviolet Hippopotamus and Consider the Source in front of probably thirty people at like five o’clock on a Thursday in a barn, and now three years later I’m closing out the woods with a Zonrise. It’s a huge platform, especially for artists that are just starting to get some decent exposure, so give it your all.

    You can catch Horizon Wireless Saturday August 10th at The Big Up Festival in Claverack, New York. If you catch Horizon Wireless August 3rd at the Santos Party House in NY, NY you will be automatically entered to win tickets to The Big Up Festival.

    Horizon Wireless Facebook
    Listen To Horizon Wireless’ Camp 12 Set 
    The Big Up Facebook
    The Big Up Twitter