Today, Primus will turn Rochester Main Street Armory into a twisted-nostalgia-psychedelic-fun-house in support of their new record, Primus and the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble. The band released the album October 21 and Rochester marks the ninth stop on their countrywide tour, which has been well received. Essentially, the album is exactly what you would expect from Primus
: heavy, psych-funk with a playful dark side—except this time they are covering songs from Willy Wonka, which adds an extra dose of strangeness. Bassist Les Claypool is the mastermind behind the freak show, and he, along with band members Larry LaLonde (Ler) and Tim Alexander (Herb) will be dressed up as characters from the film to go along with the elaborate stage design. The music alone is a trip, but paired with lighting and theatrics, this evening is sure to be a spectacle. As an added treat, fans can win Primus tickets for life by finding one of six golden vinyl records (as opposed to the regular chocolate-brown color).
Doors are at 6:30PM but show time is slated for 8PM; this is Sunday show, and it is the Armory, so expect an early evening. Tickets are $39.95-$45.00, and available at the box office, Ticketfly.com, House of Guitars and Aaron’s Alley.
Halloween falls on a Friday this year, and while there’s always a lot to do in and around Buffalo for the holiday, if you’re looking for great music and someplace to dance, LiFT Nightclub has you covered. The club is throwing a party late Friday night called Nightmare on Franklin Street and will feature Switzerland-based DJ/Producer EDX.
Since August, the DJ has been everywhere from Ibiza, Spain to Mumbai, India, both coasts of the US, and everything in between. The world traveler has been making a name for himself to say the least. If you need proof, look no further than who he’s worked with, including names like Deadmas5, Armin Van Buuren, Axwell and Benny Benassi among many others. If you haven’t caught him on tour or at one of the many festivals he’s played, this is your chance. The Swiss DJ doesn’t come around often and his shows are only getting better.
LiFT’s first show last week was a great kick off and the club is definitely something to check out if you still haven’t been there. Opening the night will be local acts Jesse Aaron and Swagglerock. With things kicking off around 10pm and going through the night, I recommend you get there early and take part in what’s sure to be a solid Halloween in Buffalo. As always, the club recommends to “Dress to impress. Dress to dance,” so don’t worry about a costume if you don’t have one, but certainly wear one if you’d like.
Grab your tickets ahead of time here or at the door.
The leaves are changing, the temperatures are just starting to fall, and if the color of the foliage is any indicator, Halloween is upon us. As any music fan will tell you, the holiday seems to bring out the weird in bands as antics around the industry are aplenty. This year, Halloween in Buffalo is shaping up nicely with no snow (always a plus here) and two incredible bands coming to town to share a bill at Waiting Room downtown, Turkuaz and Jimkata.
Kicking the night off is none other than Turkuaz, the funk army who call New York City home. The nine-piece band was last in the area for Night Lights Music Festival back in September and they tore the place up with their catchy melodies and powerful sound. The band has a Buffalo tie-in as their drummer Michelangelo Carubba is a fellow graduate of St. Joe’s High School and grew up in the area. Turkuaz also just wrapped up recording a new album that is due out sometime next year which has fans excited for new material. I got a chance to catch up with the band at Night Lights for an interview and they hinted at what types of shenanigans they might be pulling for the show this week. Check out the video by our friends at Buffalo.fm
Co-headlining the night will be Ithaca’s Jimkata who bring an indie spin to electronic rock. The band is a favorite all over Upstate New York and should draw a solid crowd on Friday. The band was also at Night Lights and their headlining set there was one of the favorites from the weekend. Their latest album, Feel in Light, came out earlier this year and the band is currently touring throughout the fall season in support of it. Upon reaching out to Evan Friedell, the lead singer of the band, in regards to what to expect, the frontman didn’t tip his hand, but he did mention that they always plan surprises and try to make the Halloween show something special.
Between these two heavy hitters and all of the antics we’re sure to see, there’s only one thing you have to make sure you grab for an incredible Halloween night and it’s right here.
Bluegrass has been taking on different personas these last few years and a genre that encompasses all that is bluegrass has grown to include the old-timey tunes of Bill Monroe and Del McCoury to the jamgrass of YMSB and Greensky Bluegrass, Cabinet‘s show on October 10 in Rochester at Montage Music Hall proved to fans that they are fully capable of existing in both suits. Cabinet has their roots planted in the old-timey music of the past while existing in the present and fans of the bluegrass genre are pumped to have this band in the mix.
“I was determined to carve out a music of my own, I didn’t want to copy anybody” – Bill Monroe
The night began with a solid jam with high energy, Todd Kopec played his soul out on the fiddle with style and ease. In fact the entire set seemed to have a strong jamgrass tone to it; the dance floor was full of fans whom enjoyed the slight change in pace from previous Rochester appearances. “Oxygen” was strong, the energy was not that of their DelFest appearance but a much jammier session with moments of instrumental ecstasy from each band member. Also notable was the energy that came from mandolin player, JP Biondo on “Doors” was unmatchable and resonated throughout the venue with fans singing out loud to the inspiring lyrics of a song that represents the paths we take in life and how we view our place in this universe.
Without a doubt this show was one of the best Rochester has seen from Cabinet. The band continues to climb higher and higher on the pecking order of bluegrass bands. Cabinet’s last New York appearance on this tour will be at the Highline Ballroom in NYC Oct. 30 for a two-night Halloween event, Night of the Living Dead, featuring the Infamous String Dusters featuring Keller Williams and special guests Cabinet; whom will be showcasing the music of the Grateful Dead for this special event. The show is sold out at this time, please contact the venue for further information on tickets.
Cabinet shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon, their continuous touring, their depth of talent and their excellent stage presence are carving a path through the bluegrass genre, and rightfully so by the caliber of this show. Expect to see more and more of this band as time goes forward.
On Sunday, Oct. 19, Buffalo’s Town Ballroom was treated to a timeless spectacle, in the likes of which metalheads have simply come to expect from the one and only GWAR. Only this time around, something very different was in the atmosphere. It was the kind of family-like atmosphere you’d typically feel around the Thanksgiving dinner table or at a Fourth of July barbecue.
On March 23 of this year, the band lost longtime frontman and friend, Dave Brockie, to an accidental heroin overdose. Since his passing, many have been skeptical about GWAR’s fate in the metal universe, but that didn’t stop an impressive crowd of loyal fans from storming the gates of hell to greet the “scumdogs” head on.
Many diehard GWAR supporters made themselves known with their signature white wife-beaters and tee shirts, featuring hand-drawn fan art and brandings, proudly displaying the words “Hail Oderus”, referring to Brockie’s stage name, in bold black Sharpie. The masses showed up early to take in the entire event from start to finish, not missing a single beat or a single excuse to mosh during the opening acts.
American Sharks from Austin, Texas, kicked off the night with a relentless assault of punishing chords, driving melodic vocals and pulverizing punk beats. For only a three-piece, they started the night off right, creating energy amongst the GWAR and Decapitated fans alike, paving the way for a night they’ll all remember for years to come. As it was my first time hearing them, I can say that they instantly reminded me of a cross between Danzig-era Misfits and Black Sabbath. I found it very refreshing, and from what I heard, the majority of the crowd seemed to agree. These guys even announced that they had a black and white vinyl for sale at their merch table, which fans could color in for a chance to win six hundred and sixty-six dollars; one of the most unique gimmicks I’ve ever heard from a band.
However, the infamous death metal tyrants, Decapitated, were another story all together. They got the crowd amped with their soundcheck by abruptly breaking into “Walk” by Pantera before moseying off stage to cast an ominious cloud over the night. Their well-received soundcheck was then immediately followed up by an eerie drum, bass, and guitar intro on a backtrack, which shook the venue to its core with overwhelming bass bombs. The overall feel reminded me of the beginning of a Ridley Scott film, before they quickly switched gears and started their first song. The same merciless death and thrash metal vibe their fans know and love was on full display, with all-powerful low growls courtesy of vocalist, Rafal Rasta Piotrowski leading the charge. The guys are currently promoting their latest album, Blood Mantra, which in my opinion is a must-listen for any old or new fans of death or thrash metal.
Then, finally, the “scumdogs of the universe” themselves appeared before an awestruck crowd, with theatrics meant to send chills down your spine. But despite their usual displays of blood, guts, alien monsters, and just downright gore, you still can’t help but get the impression that in the end, they’re just here to warm our hearts. Their songs are fun and energetic. Even their merch table caters to the masses with an array of comics, action figures, cartoon shirts and hoodies, and even onesies! That’s right! Want your newborn or toddler to be immersed in the GWAR universe right from the beginning of their lives, then check out their hilarious onesies. You won’t regret it.
As for their set, they covered their entire discography, treating us to classics as well as newer material off of their latest album, Battle Maximus. But more importantly, Buffalo was introduced to their two newest members, Blothar and Vulvatron. Now armed with two lead vocalists, Blothar, the “male barbarian from the distant past”, and Vulvatron, “the female cybernetic assassin from the distant future”, delivered an action packed set, complete with ritualistic sacrifices and blood-squirting breasts, courtesy of Vulvatron’s demonic tendencies. And although she didn’t make an appearance until much later in their performance, she clearly isn’t the type who needs to keep up appearances in order to maintain a commanding presence.
All in all, it was a great night and none left disappointed. I can only hope to have just as much fun and be just as captivated at future shows. Hail Oderus!
LiFT Nightclub in downtown Buffalo sure picked the right guy to blow the doors off its grand opening this past Friday night. The club brought Audien to town who was fresh off his Sunday stint at TomorrowWorld and is generally blowing up as of late. His set was sandwiched between local support from Jesse Aaron & DJ3 who also added stellar performances to the night. Formally known as Rendezvous, the club changed names and moved uptown, settling in between Darcy McGee’s and Skybar on Franklin Street. The spot is a perfect one as it was near capacity for its kickoff.
Audien
The club is located on the second floor, but walking in, patrons were greeted with a friendly bartender named Sara who was keeping busy as nearly everyone stopped for a drink to start the night off before heading upstairs. The club itself had an exceptional layout with an array of lights spread throughout, a balcony if you wanted to step outside, and an elevated DJ booth that allowed everyone in the room to keep a close eye on the artists while they kept the music going.
First up was Jesse Aaron, and judging from the already assembled crowd, you would have thought it was the ten-year anniversary of the club and not its opening night. His set had bodies packing the dance floor and bouncing off one another as he got the night started on the right foot. The sound in club was exception and no matter where you were dancing, you could feel the music hitting hard. You could tell the crowd was ready to go and weren’t waiting for Audien who was up next.
As seamlessly as Jesse Aaron dipped in and out of songs, the transition between his set and Audien was just as smooth with many not even noticing the switch as they were deep into the music. Factory Nightlife, the promotion group who put together the lineup did a fantastic job as the three DJ’s fit together extremely well. As Audien’s hands touched down, the energy in the room reached its peak and his layering of classic and contemporary pulsated through the floor. He had complete control over the rhythm, slowing things down to a grinding tempo before building it back up to a peak full of momentum and drive. The slow rolling builds between the blissful highs and ambient passages kept the crowd transfixed. His remix of Michael Jackson’s “Slave to the Music” was so tight and its incessant beat propelled the night forward.
Thanks to Justin Bondi, here’s a video recapping the amazing night and the start of something great at LiFT! Check out his website here for more information.
As his set wound down, the energy was certainly not. DJ3, also known as Jillie Wags, was up and the crowd wasn’t going to let her off the hook. The near capacity crowd was staying the night until they were pushed out the door. Throughout her set you could feel her energy and the crowd parlayed that back, continuing to dance well past 2am. Speaking with her following her set, she said she played that night for her brother who passed away earlier this year after his 25th birthday in May. You could tell she was laying it all out as the set was dripping with emotion. It’s no wonder the majority of the crowd closed the place down and stayed the entire night.
All and all, the three DJ’s put together an incredible night of music and the club played a great host as it kicked off its opening night. Clearly this is the place to be if you’re looking for solid electronic music in and around Buffalo. Factory Nightlife’s next show at LiFT will be NIGHTMARE ON FRANKLIN ST. on Halloween featuring EDX and local support from Jesse Aaron & Swagglerock. Grab your tickets here and make sure to check this place out if you’re ready to dance late into the night.
In the face of happenings in Ferguson, MO and a national media seemingly hellbent on sensationalizing every unfortunate interaction between a civilian and officer it’s easy to forget that most of these guys (and gals) selflessly put their lives on the lines every day to protect our liberties. That’s their job. And on the night of September 23, Rochester Police Department officer Daryl Pierson was doing nothing more than his job when he was murdered in the line of duty trying to apprehend a subject.
Since then the community of Rochester has come out in droves for the Pierson family and RPD with multiple benefits, donations, and a simply breath-taking display of support at a massive service at the Blue Cross Arena attended by seemingly every officer and dignitary in a 100 mile radius. The love will continue this Dec. 6 at the Main Street Armory with a benefit night filled with some well-known and up and coming hard rocking entertainment.
Headlining the event is life long Rochester native and songwriter Hall of Fame member Lou Gramm. Well known as the long time “Juke Box Hero” for classic rock heavy weight Foreigner, Lou has been fronting his own band since leaving Foreigner for good in 2003. With a set list heavily weighted with Foreigner classics and a mix of his own solo material Lou commanded a huge audience at this past years Xerox International Jazz Festival (Check out our gallery of XRIJF Lou Gramm unreleased photos below) and no doubt will bring a lot of fans to this charity event.
Steve Augeri is best known for being the first “official” replacement singer for Steve Perry in everyone’s favorite sing-a-long group Journey. Now off with his own group, fans should expect to hear a ton of that former bands repertoire which is back loaded with some of the most heartwarming songs of all time. I can’t imagine their will be a dry eye in the house during “Don’t Stop Believin’” or “Faithfully”.
Two band’s demise became one bands journey – up and coming bands Abandoned Buildings Club and Velvet Elvis both bit the dust in 2013 and those that continued joined forces as King Buffalo. Featuring deep grooves with a heavy background overlaid with psychedelic vocals and a fantastic rhythm section, this band has gathered a ton of buzz and will make a lot of new fans for a great cause this night.
Also joining the fun will be Download – Rochester’s favorite hard rock cover band – and Rainline, who gathered some new fans of their own playing their heavy hitting originals at the 2012 Lilac Festival. Tickets are 20$ and are available on Ticketfly, at the House of Guitars, or Aaron’s Alley. All proceeds will benefit the Pierson family. Come on out and pay tribute to one of Rochester’s hero’s, why wouldn’t you?
Lou Gramm band LIVE at Xerox International Jazz festival
If you have yet to hear the collective talent from the funkiest group in the world, you’re sadly missing out. Although they’ve been around now for damn near twenty years, Lettuce is that elusive band that once you hear, you don’t know how you’ve lived without. Everything from their extremely tight and infectious rhythms thrown down by drummer Adam Deitch and bassist Jesus Coomes, to the offset melodies that just reek of funky hooks is what makes this band so dope. No matter where you look, there’s a diverse mix of talent who all bring their own flavor to their otherwise flavorless name. Maybe that’s part of the thing that gets people. With a somewhat unsuspecting name, you’re instantly gripped by the music that just feels so right.
This Thursday, Lettuce is making their way to the area as they make a stop at Water Street Music Hall in Rochester. The band played Buffalo earlier this year in February, and for the sold out crowd that was present, there wasn’t a still body in the place. From wall to wall, the band seduced the audience through nothing but sound and their feel-good energy.
The band began their fall tour at the beginning of October and over the course of the last couple of weeks has excited their devoted fans as they’re feeding off of the energy and excitement of playing some new music. Their last record, Fly, was released back in 2012, and to say people are eager to hear something new from this group would be an understatement. Already, the band has played at least three new songs on this tour, so fans should expect something they’ve yet to hear. The band is locking in and the new material has provided fuel to this funky fire. If you’ve been following their live journal, you know the guys are feeling it with segments like the following:
Schmeeans (guitar): We came, we saw, we raged. And we had a great show, we played a brand new song for the very first time tonight, never ever done before, can’t ever be the first time again. Only one first time baby.
Neal (keyboard/organ): The coolest thing about tonight is if you’re in Baton Rouge tonight and you witness this show with Lettuce and Gramatik at The Varsity, we are dropping brand new music that’s never been heard, and I think people are gonna bug out cause we’re bugging out. We’re having such a great time and this is only day three. This is gonna be an incredible tour.
Deitch (drums): Tonight in Tuscaloosa was off the chain. We added a new song that we’re calling for now “The Big Anthem,” and it felt really big and powerful for the first time, we’re really excited to have added that. And then we played another song that Shmeeans and I wrote in Harlem entitled “Chief,” played that again and it was even better tonight. The new songs are infusing a lot of energy into our sets, and when we’re excited you know the crowd’s gonna be excited, so we feel like they got it tonight.
Want to know how fresh this material is? Check out Krasno’s log in the diary about a new song he heard a day prior to playing:
Krasno (guitar): It’s always fun to play new stuff super fresh, its way fresh for me because I didn’t play it till today pretty much.
Casual fan or dedicated one, there’s no reason why this tour specifically isn’t one of the most exciting the band has ever been on and luckily Rochester’s in their sights. Their Emo’s show in Austin, TX last week was streamed, and while it was choppy, the new music was somehow crisp and full of that typical Lettuce RAGE. If you don’t have your ticket yet, you’re going to want to grab one quickly here.
The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame might not read like a who’s who of popular music artists, but like the city’s well-known blue-collar values, the majority of inductees have put in their blood, sweat, and tears into a craft and passion while likely making enough to get to the next gig. The integrity and legacy that the group stands upon is just another reason I am personally proud to be a Buffalonian.
This year, the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inducted eighteen new members in its 32nd year. The nomination is based on their overall impact, versatility, and longevity in the Western New York music community. Of those inductees includes people who touch music from all angles, but with a common thread of calling Buffalo home at one point or another. The list this year included a wide variety, as it always does, including performers and producers to teachers and the president of VH1. Also in that list is someone whom I personally respect as he is the voice of the city for all of the talent, and lack there of, that plays shows in and around the area. I am talking about Buffalo News Music Critic Jeff Miers who doesn’t just critique, but plays himself and has been involved in the city’s music scene for many years now. I got the chance to speak with Jeff on his induction and his overall view of Buffalo’s resurgence in the realm of music.
Jeremiah Shea: What was it like hearing the news that you were going to be inducted this year?
Jeff Miers: It was a total thrill, to be honest. What incredible company to be in!
I moved to Buffalo during the summer of 1990, after graduating from SUNY Fredonia. I came here to join a Buffalo band that had just started out, called the Tails. I’d met Nelson Starr, who was the singer and principal songwriter with the band, at Fredonia, and we’d become really close, to the point where we’d formed a band to perform around the campus and in town while we were there. At the same time, he and the rest of the guys in the Tails were playing gigs in Buffalo during the summer, when everyone came back from their respective colleges.
I grew up first in Massachusetts, and then later, in the Saratoga/Albany area. There was not much happening there musically, at the time. So after we graduated from Fredonia, the Tails asked me to join. When I came to Buffalo, I was amazed by the level of talent here, and psyched to be in a band that gigged regularly in town, and could build an audience by playing original music.
Buffalo felt like home to me right away, and now, with the Hall of Fame honor, I really feel like Buffalo has embraced me, in the same way I’ve embraced it.
JS: Walk us through your career in a highlight reel sort of way and explain some of the things that you are most proud of contributing to the Buffalo music scene.
JM: I’ll start with the musical side of the equation. I’m really proud of the work we did with the Tails. I loved that band – and we were truly a band, a group of brothers with total belief in our music and commitment to each other. It was wonderful to be a part of the burgeoning independent music scene in the mid 90s, and I feel we helped to pave the way for some of the more progressive, jam-oriented, and indie bands that followed us. We had a great 11-year run.
I joined with the Dollywatchers after the Tails broke up in 2001, and working with that band was rewarding. Terry Sullivan, the singer and frontman, was already a legend on the Buffalo music scene by that point, and I loved performing and writing with him and the rest of the band – Howard Wilson, Kent Weber and Mikel Doktor, all of whom contributed greatly to the Buffalo music community. We played Mohawk Place a lot during that time, and being a part of that whole scene while it was really booming was an honor.
I started writing about music in 1993, in alternative weekly papers, and covered the local music scene from that point forward. When The Buffalo News hired me in 2002, I was firm in my belief that I could really shine a direct spotlight on the talent in the city and surrounding areas. I truly believe that we have something special here, and I’ve done my very best to celebrate that fact in my writing. I always treat local artists the same way I treat national and international artists. It has always been important to me to avoid patronizing local musicians. They are good enough to be judged by the same standards as an artist signed to major label..
Having said all of that, the single thing I’m most proud of is my mentoring of young talent in the area. The next generation of local musicians is pretty much blowing my mind with their talent, the variety of their taste in music, their knowledge of music history and the best present-day music, and their ability to push the music forward. I’m proud to have worked with a lot of these young musicians, because they represent the future, not the past.
Jeff Miers pictured left with award in hand
JS: Even with a music career full of achievements and a solid understanding of good music, you’re still questioned from time to time on your point of view. Most recently, your Brand New review seemed to ruffle some feathers. What would you say to those who questioned your critique of the band?
JM: The first response, of course, is ‘Let’s agree to disagree; My stating my own opinion and arguing to back up that opinion does not negate your own opinion’.
But beyond that, when things start getting heated, and people can become genuinely nasty and confrontational, I try to remind them that a music critic’s job is not to review how much the crowd was into a particular artist, or how many albums they may have sold, or whatever. It’s about the music. It’s not about how much fun you had with your friends at the show. I’m not there to review a fan’s good time.
And none of it should ever be taken as some sort of personal attack. People are always welcome to “critique the critic,” so to speak. And very many people understand that all of this is about generating thought and discourse about music, which is always a good thing. There will always be those fans who simply can’t tolerate a single negative criticism of their favorite band. I get it. But I have a very clear idea of what my job is.
JS: Growing up in the Buffalo music scene and now being THE music critic in the city, who would be in your list of unsung heroes the city has produced that just don’t get the same exposure as the Goo Goo Dolls and Rick James?
JM: Right away, you have to say moe.! I’m always amazed that this band isn’t mentioned in the same breath as some of the more mainstream acts who’ve done well coming out of Buffalo. The story of moe. is a story of true independent spirit and the spreading of grass-roots support through constant touring and hard work. They were the first big jam band to come out of Buffalo, and you can so clearly see their influence on the current generation of Buffalo jam bands who are making a name for themselves – Aqueous, Funktional Flow, Universe Shark, and others.
Other folks who don’t get mentioned as often – Ani DiFranco, who isn’t exactly under the radar, but still, is clearly an excellent representative of the Buffalo music scene’s true independent spirit. And then there are so many bands that never got “huge,” but could’ve – Girlpope, the Bloody Hollies, Irving Klaws, Lazlo Hollyfeld, and tons more.
JS: With your son already deeply entrenched in music, what kind of advice are you giving him in regards to a career in music?
JM: It was important to me that he understand the difference between “a life in music” and “making it big in music.”
A life in music is unfailingly rewarding. That means you go to music as a sort of sacred place. Music has such immense power to change people for the better. It should never be confused with the idea of “playing music for money or straight-up ego gratification.” It can’t be about that, or it will show.
Of course, musicians need to make a living, and it has become increasingly difficult to do so. But I still believe that there is a way to do that without sacrificing your integrity by playing music you don’t believe in.
I’ve urged Declan to listen to as much music as possible, to study it and feel it deeply, to practice a lot, to keep an open mind, to play often and with musicians who are better than him whenever possible, and to learn as much as he can about how and why music works.
Most importantly, I’ve urged him to find the joy in his own music-making, because that’s what it’s all about.
JS: What’s your view on the current Buffalo music scene, especially compared to where it has been historically?
JM: I hate to sound like a cheerleader, but in this case, I can’t help it. I’ve been here for 25 years, and I have never seen the music scene healthier. There are great artists in so many genres – jazz, indie rock, fusion, prog rock, hip-hop, jam bands, Americana and roots music, neo-soul – you name it. I can find great artists to see for pure enjoyment or for reviewing purposes pretty much 7 nights a week. Buffalo is a music Mecca.
What are the kids listening to? Apparently dub step — lots and lots of dub step. Or, on a broader level, “EDM”, a term hijacked by festival sponsors and marketing execs who barely explain what the three letters stand for. But I digress. The point is: electronic music is big and getting bigger—a truth made apparent at Friday’s show in Rochester at Main Street Armory, featuring Kill Paris and Son of Kick before headliner Bassnectar. This all ages show began around 7:30PM and was over by 11, at which point partygoers spilled out onto the streets and back to reality. I looked forward to reviewing this show for a number of reasons but was left feeling underwhelmed—at no fault of the music. As a matter of fact the music was on-point throughout the show, but the night itself was a weird one. Here is my experience.
Having seen Bassnectar about seven years ago at BB King’s Underground in NYC (a small club in Times Square), I was excited to see him on a much larger scale. In addition to growing his fan base through numerous festivals and shows, the passage of time also included the release of four successful albums—two of which made Billboard charts. All of this is evidence that Bassnectar is doing something right, and being a veteran of the genre, deserves all the respect and success he has garnered. In fact, this is one of the main reasons I love Lorin Ashton, AKA Bassnectar: he is a self-proclaimed bass head, a huge music nerd and an extremely articulate individual. The blending of influences that make up Bassnectar are so far-reaching – from hip hop to break beat and two-step – that there is no question of Ashton’s musical awareness or ability. His latest album, Noise VS Beauty (for which his current tour is supporting), is a perfect example of this, with perhaps some of Ashton’s most complex orchestrations yet. There is no shortage of thick, wet bass – laid on heavy and in your face – but this is subtly balanced with moments of almost serene beauty. This equilibrium is masterful; an abrasive rock-and-roll “fuck you” as it moves into tranquil ambiance. This is not the case with every track, of course, but the point is, Ashton is not a one trick pony. There is a lot going on if you take the time to listen to the music. But after Friday’s show, I wondered how many people were there for this reason as opposed to the spectacle and party.
Because a spectacle and party it was. The light show was absolutely jaw dropping, the bass drops were enough to rumble your stomach out of your mouth, and the energy was bouncing into the red. As far as an experience goes, this was one for the books. There was little doubt left in my mind as to how (or why) the show sold out – and I was genuinely happy to see the way Bassnectar had grown as an artist and was now translating his music to a much larger audience. Back at BB Kings he performed to maybe 200 people at 3AM, and my friends and I walked in for free (sorry, Lorin) while the bouncer chatted up a girl. Now, he was performing to 5,000+ fans (hardly his largest crowd) for a 40-dollar ticket. What joy he must have, I thought, to be able to provide such an audio and visual marvel to thousands of adoring fans. What joy to be at the forefront of a musical revolution and grow into a wild success. What a success story for such a smart, talented and hard-working entertainer.
Then I began to look around at the cost, and that’s when things got weird. I hardly consider myself a prude to the parties, people and drugs that can be found along with a live music experience. I have been in my fair share of shows, and parking lots and have seen… stuff. But this was different. Perhaps the biggest difference was the level of decadence, or maybe the lack of substance to the scene, or maybe the blatant shadiness. Or maybe I’m just getting old. Regardless the reason, I was hit head-on with a new generation of concertgoers and the result was concerning. For blocks surrounding the venue, kids stumbled with dinner-plate pupils, grinding their jaws, or sitting moaning with their heads between their knees. A stretcher hauled a kid out to the ambulance out front. One of the more sober ones, smoking a cigarette, said to me “that must be the sixth one I’ve seen tonight.” On each corner within a five-block radius, portable streetlights shone down onto cop cars below. Neon-adorned fans crowded the streets and moved in herds with eerie uniformity. It was hard to think about the music at all.
My point here is not to discredit any electronic musician, any electronic music fan (I am one myself) or even the safe use of recreational drugs. My point is to draw attention to a scene that may have gotten ahead of itself and be spiraling towards a dangerous place. As “EDM” and music festivals continue to grow, there is a great amount of responsibility necessarily burdened to performers and promoters, but more importantly to the fans themselves. To avoid complete self-destruction, and consequently the loss of so many great new musical outlets, and more importantly the loss of human lives, we must return to two very simple adages. One, a message an old Deadhead and 100+ show Phish fan once told me: “You’re never doing it wrong if you’re listening to the music.” The music is, after all, why we are all here and what brings us together at shows. Let’s remember that and support the artists we love in a way that allows them to keep creating, while keeping the show experience pleasant for fellow concertgoers. And two, which is perhaps the most important in all aspects of life: take care of each other. You have to be alive to enjoy music, and it’s better to enjoy it with friends who are alive, too. By promoting the good things about the music, scenes and people we love (and protecting from the bad) we can necessarily guarantee longevity and growth that will continue to provide the music and moments we so desire. And that’s what it’s really all about, isn’t it?
Doors are at 6:30PM but show time is slated for 8PM; this is Sunday show, and it is the Armory, so expect an early evening. Tickets are $39.95-$45.00, and available at the box office, Ticketfly.com, House of Guitars and Aaron’s Alley.
Halloween falls on a Friday this year, and while there’s always a lot to do in and around Buffalo for the holiday, if you’re looking for great music and someplace to dance, 
