NYS Music 20​15

Category: News Desk

  • CashorTrade.org Announces Mobile App and CashorTrade.com Purchase

    Brando and Dusty from CashorTrade.org announced a new Android mobile app and an updated iPhone app through a posting at their website.

    cashortradeThe update includes bug fixes, an updated layout of the inbox and threads, push notifications and a new alert popup to notify the user that notification preferences are turned off. The free apps can be found in Apple’s App Store for iPhones and in Google Play for Android devices by searching “cashortrade.”

    CashorTrade.org is also trying to purchase the CashorTrade.com domain. Many of their users try visiting cashortrade.com instead of cashortrade.org. The domain was priced at $25,000. They have negotiated it down to $5,250, which they are trying to raise through donations. While the site has paid Gold members, the owners wish to use those funds to continue improving the code and service. The new domain will be used to redirect potential users to the correct domain at cashortrade.org.

    New York State Music is one of CashorTrade.org’s partner sites.

  • Albany’s Spectrum 8 Sold to Landmark Theatres

    Independent films can typically be found at only one theater in the greater Albany area, that being Spectrum 8 on Delaware Avenue, aka “Albany’s Main Street.” Oscar contenders, art house flicks and foreign films you wouldn’t see in a big chain theater are to be found on a weekly basis, making it a popular destination when you didn’t want to go to the mall to see a movie.

    spectrum 8 landmark theatres
    photo via Spotlight News

    Now, after 35 years of business, Spectrum 8 Theatres has been sold to the California-based chain Landmark Theatres, leading to the shuttering of the doors while the new owner takes over.

    In a statement, Landmark President and CEO Ted Mundorff said the Los Angeles-based chain is “pleased that Spectrum looked to Landmark Theatres to continue the legacy of the theatre. We anticipate no changes in the programming or staffing. The Spectrum will continue to bring smart movie selections and great customer service to Albany,” as reported by the Times Union.

    Fans should fear not, as Landmark is the nation’s largest theatre circuit dedicated to exhibiting independent and foreign films, so fans should expect to see the same caliber of films at their favorite hometown venue, especially as award season draws near.

    The venue is slated to close on Nov. 17 and will re-open at the end of that week as Landmark.

  • Updated: Brick By Brick to Release ‘This World, My Enemy’

    Update (Nov. 14): Brick by Brick has released an official music video for “These Streets,” the first single off This World, My Enemy. The video was filmed at The Fuzebox in Albany, capturing the band in live performance mode.

    Original article follows below:

    Albany hardcore metal band Brick By Brick is set to release a full-length album on Friday the 13th of November. This World, My Enemy features a new vocalist, Ray Mazzola of Full Blown Chaos.

    Two tracks from the album have been premiered. “Burden of Life” was recently premiered by Metal Injection yesterday. Guitarist Michael Valente had this to say about the track:

    Burden Of Life is the anthem for every blue collar, working class individual that is always one step forward and 2 steps back. Getting brow beaten on a daily basis fuels the rage, angst, and despair witching ourselves.

    The first track off the album, “These Streets,” was premiered by Exclaim earlier this month.

    They will be playing two shows in support of This World, My Enemy. You can catch them Friday, Nov. 13 at Trickshot Billiards in Clifton Park or Saturday, Nov. 14 at Turn Hall in Adams, Massachusetts.

    This World, My Enemy track listing:

    1. These Streets
    2. In Memory
    3. Burden of Life
    4. No Regrets
    5. Prove You Wrong
    6. Last Breath
    7. Space Truckin’
    8. HateBreedsRage
    9. Final Cry
    10. Brohym

  • The Empire State Building Syncs Steely Dan’s “FM” to Live Light Show Tonight

    Kick off your high heel sneakers; it’s party time. The Empire State Building is going to sync Steely Dan’s “FM” to a live light show tonight at 7 p.m., in honor of the Master FM Antenna’s 50th anniversary.

    Viewers in New York City can see the show from the Brooklyn Bridge, Bryant Park, The Chelsea Highline, Madison Square Park, Tribeca Park, Union Square or the Williamsburg Waterfront. And for all you Jerseyites, there are viewing possibilities from the Jersey City Waterfront. It looks like the title track of John Alonzo’s ’78 film FM might finally give the beloved scenes from An Affair to Remember and Sleepless in Seattle a run for their money.

    In case you miss this spectacular event, you can tune into WCBS-FM 101.1 for a live broadcast. And of course, read about it on NewYorkStateMusic after the show. No static at all.

  • Giant Panda, The Simpkin Project, Ocular Panther and Haewa Play the Westcott Halloween Weekend

    Friday October 30 will spotlight a collection of reggae and jam-based music, delivered by the musical intertwining of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, The Simpkin Project, Ocular Panther and Haewa at the Westcott Theater on Halloween weekend. Giant Panda and The Simpkin Project fall more into the reggae and americana genre, while Ocular Panther and Haewa will be showcasing their more instrumental experimentations.

    Giant Panda, hailing from Rochester, are continuing along their Fall Steady tour spanning October 22-30. Concentrating in the lower New England area, the tour began in Washington, DC and will conclude in Syracuse. James Searl (bass/vocals), Chris O’Brian (drums/vocals), Dylan Savage (guitar/vocals), Dan Keller (guitar/vocals) and Tony Gallicchio (keys) will be pulling from their eclectic mix of reggae and a more recent divergence into the sphere of americana/folk. Their heartening brand of country-bred tunes comprise their newest album Bright Days, released May 2015.

    Indigenous Californians Phil Simpkin (vocals/guitar), Shawn Taylor (B3 organ/vocals), Sergio Sandoval (percussion) and Jules Luna (guitar/vocals) will nicely complement Giant Panda with their own reggae rhythms and folksy harmonizations.Giant Panda’s own O’brian and Searl will be providing their instrumentation to complete the ensemble and support The Simpkin Project, a band which Giant Panda has adored for years. With a noticeable Jack Johnson influence, The Simpkin Project will bring a warmth to the Westcott Theater.

    The New York natives of Ocular Panther perform as an all instrumental trio featuring Jason Gilly (bass), Collin Jones (guitar/synth/samples) and Michael Pantano (guitar). Their free-flowing jams will give listeners a chance to contemplate the universe or any last-minute Halloween costume changes they may need to manufacture. Rochester-based Haewa, also soliciting the guitar work and vocals of Collin Jones, along with Brendon Caroselli (drums/percussion) and Ben Chilbert (bass) will open the show with a splash of psychedelic funkiness. Like an old pillow case bulging with the winnings of a blood thirsty trick-or-treaters plunder, the collection of sounds at the Westcott Thursday will provide something for every taste.

    Westcott Halloween Weekend doors open at 8:00 pm, show starts at 9:00 pm. Get tickets here.

  • It’s an Upstate Halloween Throwdown at Putnam Den with Formula 5, Lucid and Mister F

    Halloween in Saratoga means the Putnam Den will be rockin’, this year with three of Upstate New York’s biggest names: Mister F, Lucid and Formula 5.

    Upstate HalloweenAll three bands have performed throughout New York and Putnam Den is one spot they call home. Formula 5’s Joe Davis: “I’ve really been looking forward to this show for a while. Putnam Den is one of my favorite venues to play in the Northeast and probably my favorite in the Capital Region. Add in Formula 5, Mister F and Lucid and it should equate to quite the rager. We have a lot of surprises in store and you know Mister F and Lucid will be pulling out all the stops.”

    When it comes to Halloween, fans can expect a special set from each of the three bands, with music getting started around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and going until early Sunday morning. Taking the stage first is Mister F, the prog-rocking quartet who recently debuted FTV Cribs. “I’m so glad we’re all on this bill together. The 518 rolls deep with incredible talent, and this is one hell of a sampler platter of that. I’m excited to see some collaborations between these bands – we’re all good friends, and it’s really gonna show on Halloween,” said Mister F keyboardist Scott Hannay.

    Lucid takes the stage after Mister F, ready for a night of costumed originals and that Northern New York sound Lucid is best known for. Lucid’s Lowell Wurster: “We are very excited to be sharing the stage with our super great friends this Halloween. These are two bands that we’ve known since their creation and couldn’t be more excited to jam with them. It will be a night filled with great music and lots of laughs.”

    Formula 5 closes out the night with a late night set for the Halloween ragers that will bring a cap a truly memorable night. More info, as well as costume contest details, can be found in the event. For fans who can’t make the show and want to tune in, ShowtheShow will be providing a free audio stream for the night.

  • Luke Bryan Will Return to Syracuse on his 2016 Kill the Lights Tour

    Luke Bryan is set to top himself yet again with the announcement of his 2016 Kill The Lights Tour. He will be supporting his number-one album of the same name, Bryan’s fifth studio album, by bringing along special guests Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch.luke bryan kill the lights

    The first leg of the tour will start in mid February and will roll through the Carrier Dome in Syracuse on April 9, 2016. No official date for ticket sales have been set but, according to his website, they will start to go on sale in November.

    This tour announcement comes on the heels of his current single “Strip It Down” taking the number-one spot on the country music charts and on his two ACM Award nominations.

    Bryan’s Kick The Dust Up tour is wrapping up this week, but you can still catch him live on Thanksgiving during halftime at the Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium.

  • Aqueous and Funktional Flow go Back to the Future and Over the Rainbow this Halloween

    Groove rock quartet Aqueous returns home from a three-week southeastern tour to host tribute to two classic American films this weekend at Buffalo Iron Works. The two night hometown Halloween run kicks off with Back to the Future on Friday night Oct. 30. Saturday night, Oct. 31 will lean more Technicolor with a Wizard of Oz themed evening. Buffalo is preparing for a monster party as fellow Buffalo based rock/funk/reggae fusion jam band Funktional Flow opens in support on both nights.

    aqueous

    For Buffalo music fans looking for a hometown option this weekend, the two night engagement offers an incredible option. Both bands are staying tight-lipped about exactly what to expect. Aqueous guitarist Mike Gantzer noted that ”you’ll be getting something unprecedented from us for sure,” but neither band are giving away many details. However, the promise of an Aqueous/Funktional Flow collaboration seems promising.

    “Halloween carries such a specific vibe in terms of atmosphere, people are ready to get weird and silly and strange, and those three things might just be a cornerstone of what our band enjoys the most about each other and our music. The element of surprise is certainly one of my favorite aspects of live performance, and I’m excited about several things that are happening over this two night run.” — Mike Gantzer

    Funktional flow

    According to Funktional Flow bassist Ben Whelan, Halloween offers both the band and the fans a unique opportunity.

    “Halloween is always a fun time to play shows because you can really do whatever you want for the most part and ‘get away with it’. It’s always fun when you’re in that element and can step outside the box for crazy cover ideas or different spins on originals. We really try to maximize that in a live setting and it seems to be ideal on Halloween.” — Ben Whelan

    In addition to the two nights of costumes, music and cinematic nostalgia, both bands are utilizing the event as a way to give back to the community. A drive has been set up to benefit The Friends of Night People, a Buffalo based organization that provides food, clothing, medical care, counseling and hope to those in need. Canned food items, warm clothing and blankets are high on the organizations need list and will be collected on site both nights.

    Both nights are expected to sell out. Tickets are still available at Ticketfly.com

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN1JvsLQG8A[/embedyt]

  • Smashed Face: Cannibal Corpse Collaborates on Craft Beer Release

    If pop-culture critic Chuck Klosterman taught us anything from his memoir Fargo Rock City, it’s that Midwesterners love their metal. And one Munster, Indiana, company has been making new noise for the hard-fast-and-heavy genre by crafting special-release beers in concert with favorite metal groups.

    Smashed FaceThree Floyds Brewing Company, whose coveted Citra-forward American Pale Ale Zombie Dust holds a steady Top 20 Beer Advocate rating, started hosting its annual beer-and-metal festival 12 years ago to showcase rising bands and release its “demonic” Russian imperial stout bearing the same moniker as the once-a-year event, Dark Lord Day. And in 2010, the metal-friendly brewery began collaborating with groups like Pelican (The Creeper Doppelbock), Pig Destroyer (Permanent Funeral Pale Ale) and Municipal Waste (Toxic Revolution Stout) to create limited-batch brews; Three Floyds‘ latest victim is Buffalo-spawned death metal vets Cannibal Corpse.

    On Oct. 14, the brewing company announced through its Facebook page that Amber Smashed Face—a play on the band’s Hammer Smashed Face (1993) album—would soon be released. The brewery describes the beer as “an aggressively hopped American Amber Ale sure to crush your skull and liquefy your brain.” Sounds like every metalhead and beer nerd’s wet-hopped dream.

    Smashed FaceFor a brewery that aims to cook up “intense” beer labeled with Vince Locke’s gore-obsessed artwork and a band whose graphic lyrics of blood and carnage spill across its 27-year catalog, one can only believe it’s the perfect pairing—plus, it’s fun to fantasize about the grotesque tasting notes if life were to truly imitate art. Think: a malty base of crushed bone and blood broth with juicy notes of worm and maggot pulp that finishes with a heavy mouth feel and the nose smells a bit of dead flesh, like a “Rotting Head,” a “brain turned to soup, ears are dripping goop” for fans—err, zombies—to drink up.

    Vince Locke gave fans a sneak peak of the label art on his Instagram account:

    Cannibal Corpse is currently on tour in support of A Skeletal Domain—the bands’ lucky-number-13 studio release—with one nearby stop in Pittsburgh on Nov. 3. The 12-track album, produced by Mark Lewis (The Black Dahlia Murder, DevilDriver) at Audio Hammer Studios in Florida, where Cannibal Corpse is now based, debuted at number 32 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart during its first week, and ASD remains as the band’s highest-charting record to date. We’ll raise our skull chalice to that.

  • Fare Thee Well Setbreak Music to be Released as ‘Interludes for the Dead’

    Those lucky enough to have attended or watched a stream of the Fare Thee Well concerts this summer, celebrating 50 years of the Grateful Dead, will remember the psychedelic jams played during the intermissions. The band behind the music is called Circles Around the Sun, and they have compiled those songs into an album to be released on Rhino as Interludes for the Dead.

    interludes_for_the_dead

    Neal Casal, lead guitarist and co-songwriter for the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and part-time member of Phil Lesh & Friends, convened a group of musicians as Circles Around the Sun specifically for creation of music for the Fare Thee Well intermissions. The new band composed and recorded the songs over the course of a two-day jam session.

    According to a press release announcing the forthcoming album:

    The project began when Casal was asked by video director Justin Kreutzmann to compose and record more than five hours of original music to be played along with the visuals Kreutzmann was preparing for the Fare Thee Well intermissions. “The idea was to not only show reverence for the past but to ultimately, move it forward. If there’s anything to be learned from the Grateful Dead, it is to dissolve your boundaries, push your limits, and discover your own voice in this world,” explains Casal.

    Circles Around the Sun consists of Casal on guitar, Adam MacDougall (Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Phil Lesh & Friends) on keyboards, Dan Horne (Beachwood Sparks, Jonathan Wilson) on bass and Mark Levy (The Congress) on drums. All the music was written collectively with nothing prepared prior to the band’s formation.

    Interludes for the Dead will be available on Nov. 27. It will be released digitally as well as in a two-CD package. Additionally, a 180-gram vinyl version will be available on the same day in a limited edition of 5,000 as part of Record Store Day’s Black Friday event.

    Interludes for the Dead track listing:

    Disc One

    1. Hallucinate A Solution
    2. Gilbert’s Groove
    3. Kasey’s Bones
    4. Space Wheel

    Disc Two

    1. Ginger Says
    2. Farewell Franklins
    3. Saturday’s Children
    4. Scarlotta’s Magnolias
    5. Hate And Cane
    6. Mountains Of The Moon

    circles_around_the_sun