NYS Music 20​17

Author: Chad Vergine

  • OmniZen Studio in Cohoes Set For Grand Opening

    Local artists looking to make their first professional recording or those simply looking for a change have a new option beginning this Saturday. OmniZen Studios in Cohoes is holding its grand opening Saturday, March 18 from 4:00 -8:00 p.m.

    Hosted by the owners, entrepreneurs and New York natives, Shane Morris and Peter Alexander, the grand opening located at 3 McElwain Ave. in Cohoes will feature local artists including Carl Daniels. Free food, beer and liquor will be on hand for those attending the event. Morris and Alexander will be on hand to answer any questions and discuss what they are looking to accomplish.

    OmniZen Studio will provide services in audio/video recording and editing, audio mastering, artist management and production and graphic design. OmniZen will also feature yoga classes during the studio’s downtime.

    Morris and Alexander met each other through a mutual friend and quickly found that they both share a love for music, artistry and people. The duo’s ultimate goal is to make OmniZen, an actual record label, and help mold local talent into the stars of tomorrow.

    Morris on his and Alexander’s plan for OmniZen:

    We plan to make this the best studio for artists that are trying to get up and running with their music, while also producing and managing artists. We plan to progress to a point where we eventually start a record label, where we will be using my connections with music industry professionals to shop artist and songwriters to major labels like Sony Music and Warner Music. Eventually, we also plan to develop a music engineering workshop for people to learn mixing and engineering skills. Further, this studio will be more than just a recording studio, as we currently have a professional graphic designer on staff, and Peter is a talented videographer who produces music videos and web series weekly. Going even further with diversity we will be hosting yoga classes in our studio during downtime. We are both Avid certified engineers (Avid is the company that makes Pro Tools recording software).

    Alexander on the upcoming venture:

    While attending school I gained much more knowledge and understanding on sound as a whole, my perspective has changed immensely. Also, I was able to connect with people and work live sound almost my entire time attending the new school. After finishing the course, I became a stay at home dad who currently spends most every evening building toward my dreams, goals, and putting together our recording studio in hopes to make our services the best available.

    Shane Morris is a native of Newburgh and was part of the College of Saint Rose’s Music Industry program, where he perfected his skills in Pro Tools and audio engineering.

    While attending St. Rose, Morris worked in several local venues as a live sound engineer including Valentines Music Hall, Red Square, and Legends on Pearl to name a few. Morris started DownBeat Music Group to record and do live sound after he graduated. He also gave private vocal and  guitar lessons during this time. In 2014, Morris worked the MOVE Music Festival in Albany as a promoter and sound engineer

    Peter Alexander is a Kingston native. During his time trying to get a solo career off the ground, Alexander managed other local artists booking studio time and shows as well as online promotion. Alexander worked live sound at local bars and venues while performing throughout the northeast for a year. After needing a change in his surroundings, Alexander moved to Albany. After just over a year in Upstate N.Y., Alexander became a certified Avid Operator in Pro Tools after attending the New School For Media for Engineering and Music Production.

  • From Ashes to New lose Vocalist and Drummer over possible rift

    One of the hottest and fastest growing acts in the rock genre and live music scene, From Ashes To New, have announced that they have parted ways with vocalist Chris Musser, and drummer Tim D’ Onofrio. On stage, this group seemed to have great chemistry together, and put on amazing live shows. In a recent social media post about the situation, some band members hint at a possible rift in the band, as some play it cool.

    from ashes to new

    From Ashes to New now consists of Matt Brandyberry (vocals), Lance Dowdle (guitar), Branden “Boo” Kreider (guitar) and new drummer Mat Madiro, who was recently was let go by Trivium, and filled in on drums for From Ashes to New after D’Onofrio married and went on his honeymoon.

    In a chat with Brandyberry after a show in fall of 2016, he stated that the band was days away from announcing a headlining tour, and that they would bring Letters From the Fire, Stitched Up Heart and Palisades as support. Weeks went by with no announcement and the band suddenly took themselves off of the annual rock cruise, Shiprocked, which they were scheduled to take part of.

    Matt Brandyberry posted the following statement on his personal, and From Ashes to New’s Facebook page:

    As I’m sure most of you have heard, there are some changes happening with From Ashes to New. Unfortunately Tim and Chris decided this wasn’t for them anymore and have ultimately stepped away from the band. That being said, we are more excited now than ever before with the new music we are writing! To us (Lance, Branden, myself) change brings opportunity. I’d like to personally thank Mat Madiro for stepping in on drums, as he is a force to reckon with behind the kit! Keep an eye out for updates and awesome news moving forward. I cannot thank everyone enough for all of the amazing support you have showed and continue to show. I love all of you…here’s to the future!!!

    Guitarist Lance Dowdle tried to lighten the mood with his Facebook post:

    As most of you already know by now, From Ashes to New is continuing on without Chris and Tim. I’ve been locked in a room with Matt for a month now, and let me tell ya…. it’s starting to smell in here. But that’s ok cause this next record is off to an amazing start! I promise you guys it’s gonna be fire. These songs are HUGE! So while we finish up writing, we will keep all the fans involved with every move we make as you are our number one priority ALWAYS! We look forward to taking the next step with you guys, and sharing an incredible future together. And for the record… Matt just farted.

    Former drummer Tim D’Onofrio posted this insightful statement on Facebook:

    As I’m sure many of you have already heard, Chris Musser and I have decided to go our separate ways with From Ashes to New.

    When I decided to devote my life to music I did so based on the fact that playing drums makes me happy. Over time, there were too many toxic and negative elements that came with FATN that I could no longer overlook. Ultimately, the aforementioned aspects outweighed the happiness that playing drums brings me which led to my decision to remove myself from the equation. I hope everyone can understand that when the joy of playing drums for From Ashes to New no longer existed, I would be doing myself, the band and all the fans a disservice by continuing to move forward. I appreciate every single person that has helped and supported me on my journey all the way from my YouTube covers to my time with FATN and for that I am eternally grateful.

    I have put everything I had to give into my time with FATN. I am incredibly proud and grateful for all of the accomplishments, experiences and opportunity I have helped the band and myself achieve along the way. I’ve learned more in my 3 years in the band than could be gained in a lifetime. Though my outlook on a career in music has changed over the years, I still have a passion for music and drumming so this isn’t the end of my journey. This is the beginning of what I hope to be a very exciting next step and I can’t wait to share it with all of you who choose to follow it with me.

    Suck out the poison. F**k the negativity. Follow your heart. Be happy. Love all of you for the support.
    Peace!

  • Black Sabbath Officially Marks The End

    It’s official. After almost 50 years together, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler, aka Black Sabbath, have put the end the final stamp on their legendary career touring under the Black Sabbath banner. Fans of Black Sabbath knew that the day was inevitable and the band confirmed it as they posted a picture on social media confirming the end of an era. Guitarist Tony Iommi has stated that the band may still create music, and possibly perform one-off shows here and there.

    Black Sabbath has been on the road touring for over a year, on the band’s “The End” tour, which brought the band all over the globe, giving die hard Sabbath fans some closure. Black Sabbath performed their last show on February 4, in the band’s hometown of Birmingham, England at the Genting Arena.

    Considered one of the pioneer’s in heavy metal, Black Sabbath released 19 studio albums, and sold over 70 million albums worldwide including 15 million albums in the United States. Some of those albums include their self titled debut Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970), which some call one of the most influential metal albums in history, helping form the metal genre, 2x platinum certified album, Master Of Reality (1971), and the bands final studio album 13 (2013). Black Sabbath has won two Grammy awards for Best Metal Performance, including in 2014 for “God Is Dead?”

    Formed in 1968, Black Sabbath was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006, and the UK Music Hall Of Fame in 2005. Rolling Stone ranked the band #85, on their 100 greatest artist of all time.

  • Korn To Headline the Return of K-Rockathon

    After going on what seemed like a forced hiatus after it’s 20th year anniversary due to various reasons, K-Rockathon makes its triumphant return in 2017 at the Lakewood Amphitheater on July 19, as they mash-up with Korn’s “The Serenity Of Summer Tour,” with some minor alterations.

    First thing Central NY fans will notice, is that the festival has moved to the Lakeview Amphitheater from it’s usual stomping grounds at Chevy Court, inside the the New York State Fairgrounds.

    After 20 festivals, and last year’s hiatus, it looks like K-Rockathon, will shed is numeration, and replace it with the current year the event takes place.

    K-Rockathon’s Wednesday, July 19 date also means that the festival will not take place on a Saturday as in year’s past.

    So far, K-Rockathon features a much smaller lineup than usual, with only five bands performing instead of twelve, but more bands should be added down the line according to the radio stations Facebook page. Syracuse’s K Rock  falls in line with what many other radio stations have been doing over the years when trying to organize bands for a one day festival. Each year it seems to be getting tougher for promoters and organizers to put together these type of events for fans, so it only makes sense for local radio stations to put their name on a show, and promote what they feel will be the hottest tour for their genre for that said year.

    Slated to appear at this years K-Rockathon will be headliners Korn, Stone Sour, Skillet, Yelawolf and DED. Korn, Stone Sour and Skillet are all supporting new music on this tour.

    Korn released their twelfth studio album The Serenity Of Suffering, on Oct. 21 2016. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200.

    Stone Sour’s sixth studio album, Hydrograd, will be released in June of 2017, just in time for the upcoming tour.

    Skillet released it’s tenth studio album, Unleashed, on Aug. 5 2016. The album reached number thre on the Billboard 200.

    Tickets go on sale to the general public March 10, with ticket prices slated at $74.50, $54.50, and $25.00. VIP packages are also available.

  • Catskill Chill Takes Hiatus in 2017

    Catskill Chill festival lovers received a disappointing announcement that the fest is going on hiatus for 2017. Fans have been waiting for an announcement on 2017’s Catskill Chill Festival since the stage lights extinguished on 2016’s festival Sept. 25. Hoping for a lineup and date announcement for 2017, fans received the opposite news instead. Festival lovers can only hope the festival returns in 2018.

    After seven years, Catskill Chill will take a hiatus in 2017. In a post to fans on social media, the Chillfam team reflected on how the festival brought people together and the one of a kind atmosphere that the festival created. The Chillfam team also thanked everyone from fans, vendors, bands/artist, volunteers, venues, promoters and media, who have supported the festival since its inception in September 2010.

    One thing the festival promoters did not state in the post was why the festival would not take place, just stating that they needed to take a step back and that they will be be announcing Chillfam parties throughout the northeast real soon.

    Many jamband favorites have played the festival throughout the years including Mike Gordon, George Clinton & Parliamant/Funkadelic, Greensky Bluegrass, Lettuce, moe., Twiddle, Dopapod, Kung Fu, Nth Power, Papadosio, and Pink Talking Fish to name a few.

    Below is the festival’s statement issued through Facebook regarding the hiatus:

    https://www.facebook.com/CatskillChill/posts/1592016847493442

  • Extensive Lou Reed Archive Donated to NY Public Library

    American singer, songwriter and musician, Lou Reed, will soon have his archive of various unreleased material available at the New York Public Library. Reed’s wife Laurie Anderson told the New York Times that she didn’t want Reed’s work to get lost in an archive that only people with white gloves could see. Reed, a Brooklyn native and Syracuse University alumnus, died at the age of 71, on October 27, 2013 from liver disease.

    lou reed archivesIncluded in the archives, is an estimated 600 hours of demos, concerts, and poetry readings, from throughout Reed’s career. The archives also consist of more than just recordings, as there are several various types of paperwork and photographs in the collection.

    Wanting for everyone to see the big picture, Reed’s wife Laurie Anderson first contemplated putting the works online before finally deciding to hand the collection over to the library for public viewing. The archive will take at least a year for the library to catalog, and make available to the public. The works can be found in the New York Public Library’s performing arts branch, the Library for the Performing Arts, at Lincoln Center.

    Reed’s recordings date back to near the beginning of his career in the mid ’60s, when he was on the verge of his Velvet Underground Days. There are around 3,600 audio recordings to go along with 1,300 video recordings. Another cool thing about the collection that music historians love, is that the collection of recordings, shows the evolution of the recording industry for over a half of century, from reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes, digital audiotapes and finally, computer hard drives.

    lou reed archivesWhen Anderson was going through the tapes with hired archivist Don Fleming, some mysteries were brought to light. There is a reel of Velvet Underground, with handwritten notes “Delightful,” and “Gas,” that Fleming believes may be from Warhol. In May of 1965, In an even bigger mystery, Reed mailed himself a five inch reel-to-reel tape. The box remains unopened to this day, and it’s contents on the reel unknown. Fleming thinks this may have been an attempt for Reed to establish a copyright for the material.

    Anderson and Fleming went through the archives for almost three years. Anderson noticed a New York Times article about the library having a program that is able to digitize archival material, giving her another reason to reach her decision on what to do with the collection.

    Anderson stated about her late husband’s work to soon be viewed at the NYPL:

    Lou is kind of Mr. New York. This is the city he loved the most. It doesn’t make any sense for him to be anywhere else. Then what’s the best place in New York? This is the best place in New York. I just love that somebody who is so loud is in the New York Public Library.

  • The Peach Music Festival Announces 2017 Lineup

    Montage Mountain, in Scranton, PA is ready for another four-day festival weekend this summer, as the Peach Music Festival, has announced its 2017 lineup for the festival’s sixth annual event which takes place Aug. 10-13.

    This year’s lineup will include several New York State, including New Hartford native Joe Bonamassa, NYC natives Lettuce, who will feature Chaka Kahn during their set, and Buffalo’s Aqueous, performing two sets during the festival.

    Other artist appearing over the four-day festival will include Gov’t Mule and Friends, My Morning Jacket, Dark Star Orchestra, Rusted Root, Mike Gordon, Papadosio, the Record Company, Whiskey Myers, Pink Talking Fish, Holly Bowling, the Jauntee, Elise Testone and Widespread Panic, who will be performing on two separate nights.

    Also, Umphrey’s McGee, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, will each perform 2 sets in one night during the festival.

    Jam band fans love the Peach Music Festival. The festival has a wide variety of music genres that include folk, country, jazz, and several styles of rock.

    The festival was created by the Allman Brothers Band, along with Live Nation Entertainment, in 2012. Festival lovers were worried in 2015, that the annual event would end, after the Allman Brothers Band decided to quit touring after 45 years in 2014, but side projects of band members appearing at the festival, helped ease the minds of attendees that the Peach Music Festival is sticking around for awhile.

    Vendors for the festival have not been named as yet, and the festival itself is still taking vendor applications.

    There are several different ticket levels to purchase. Pass levels include General Admission (GA), Reserved, VIP, and Super VIP. All passes include all four days of the festival. No single day passes are available. Prices for passes increase $20-$30 over time as the show draws closer. Children passes (ages 6-10) will be available at the door for $60 before fees while supplies last. Children five and under do not require a ticket.

  • Minus Zero Winter Sports and Music Festival Finalizes Lineup

    Putting an end to the winter season, the Minus Zero Winter Sports and Music Festival, is ready for another go-around.  Festival organizers have announced the lineup for their second annual event, taking place at the Stratton Mountain Resort, in South Londonderry, VT, on April 7 and 8. Minus Zero, not only features music across three different stages, festival goers can also hit the slopes with their skis or snowboards.

    Zeds Dead, will headline the opening night of the festival, with Bassnectar and GRiZ, headlining the closing night. Fans will see support from Illenium, Pierce Fulton – who returns for his second stint on the festival – and a back-to-back set by Nekro and Exssv.

    Fans with lift passes can head up the mountain where they will find the Summit Stage, and take in not only beautiful scenery, but some live music before heading back down one of the 97 trails the mountain has to offer over it’s 670 plus acres. The summit stage will run both days (weather permitting) from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm.

    Last years inaugural event saw the likes of Deadmau5, and Kaskade in the headlining spot with support from Surge Devant, Thomas Jack and Tony Arazdon to name a few.

    Two day passes will cost $139.00 before fees. Fans in Manhattan can purchase a 2-day shuttle option to and from the festival for $209.00 before fees. Single day tickets cost $69.00 before fees. One, Two, and Three day lift tickets are available for $62, $122, and $180, before fees. Onsite lodging, V.I.P passes, and free parking are also available.

    Friday’s Lineup: (Main Stage)
    Zeds Dead  – 10:30 – 12:00
    Illenium  – 8:50 – 10:20
    Marvel Years – 7:50 – 8:50
    Dj Shift – 6:50 – 7:50
    Dudenguy – 6:00 – 6:50
    Lestats – 5:00 – 5:55

    Apres Ski:
    Bamboora – 3:10 – 4:00
    Voltran – 2:20 – 3:10
    Nekro/Exssv – 1:30 – 2:20
    Detox – 12:40 – 1:30
    Michael Pata – 12:00 – 12:40

    Saturday’s Lineup: (Main Stage)
    Bassnectar – 10:30 – 12:00
    GRiZ – 8:50 – 10:20
    Pierce Fulton – 7:35 – 8:35
    Yookie 6:40 – 7:35
    Brightside 5:50 – 6:40
    Mike Chach – 5:00 – 5:50

    Apres Ski:
    Sam Allan – 3:10 – 4:00
    Vavo – 2:20 – 3:10
    Adam Scott – 1:30 – 2:20
    Shotgun Styles – 12:40 – 1:30
    Nelvis Tolentino – 12:00 – 12:40

    Summit Stage (Friday/Saturday, 11:30 – 3:00 – weather permitting):
    Auten, Average Joe, FENX, Fifth Year, Lucid Noise, Sicoli, Tony Mancuso, Vinny Vibe.

  • Frank Palangi Shines at Lucky Strike Social

    On Friday, Feb 17, local rock artist from Upstate NY, Frank Palangi, and his band, had the sold out crowd at Jupiter Hall inside the Lucky Strike Social located at the Crossgates Mall in Albany, on their feet. Opening for Red Sun Rising and Badflower, Palangi performed all his fan favorite tracks, and threw a cover in by Full Devil Jacket. The boys more than did their job, and after their set, they had the sold out venue more than ready for a rock show.

    New York state is filled with a tremendous amount of musical talent on the rise. Whether you’re a local writer, photographer, or both, NYS Music is one of the leaders when it comes to promoting local talent chasing down their dreams in the music industry, while we hone our crafts by covering these artists.

    Palangi got right down to business, and rocked out track after track, which is expected, since he was slated in the crucial spot of opening the show to warm the crowd up. In the end, he and his band rocked the faces off everyone inside Jupiter Hall. It was obvious by the crowds reaction, and those who have not ever seen Palangi perform, and wrote him off as just a local talent not worthy, had their minds changed in a heartbeat making a perfect example why fans should show up early to events, and take in all the artist on the bill.

    This group of musicians have a good chemistry on stage. They come off as well polished veterans in the business with their stage presence, playing style, and personality which are traits you look for in a band. All three seemed to be genuinely having a blast on stage.

    Palangi is really coming together as an artist, and owned the crowd with his deep husky vocals and catchy rock tunes. His confidence and professionalism on stage grows with each performance. The Queensbury native opened the show with the track “Break These Chains,” which he recorded with Daughtry guitarist Brian Craddock, at Craddock’s recording studio in Virginia. Before the band played the single “I’m Waiting,” drummer Josh Opitz held down the beat, as Palangi tossed out free merchandise to the crowd. New guitarist Dillon Swertner, is very charismatic in showing off his guitar skills throughout the bands set.

    Palangi is no stranger when it comes to opening up shows for national artist. He has opened up shows and festivals that have included several major rock artists including Shinedown, Megadeth, Alice in Chains, Ghost, Janes Addiction, Buckcherry, 3 Doors Down, Trapt, Lacey Sturm, Powerman 5000 and Aaron Lewis to name a few.

    Electric is not his only forte, Palangi holds many acoustic shows across the region. He has upcoming shows on March 25, at Mean Max Brew Works in Glens Falls, and April 21 at Dinosaur BBQ in Troy. Frank Palangi consists of himself on vocals and guitar, Josh Opitz (drums), and Dillon Swertner (guitar).

    Setlist: Break These Chains – I Am Ready – Now You Know (Full Devil Jacket Cover) – Thank You – Jam – I’m Waiting – Turn It All Around

  • NYC Busker Gives Earnings to Those in Need

    Come to find out, our generous busker not only resides in NYC, current street performer Will Boyajian, is a Clifton Park native, and son of notable Albany lawyer, Don Boyajian. Boyajian graduated from Shenendehowa High School in 2008. He studied music theater at Ithaca College, and has been living in NYC since 2012.

    As word of his story rapidly spreads, Boyajian stated to The Schenectady Gazette, that he hopes someone will step in and make it bigger, as he will be leaving NYC in March to act in the Capital Repertory Theater production of “They Built America: The Workers of the Erie Canal.” After that, Boyajian will take his acting skills, and head back to the cruise ship from April through December.

    Musicians from Los Angeles and Chicago have reached out to Boyajian, wanting to start their own #HopefulCases, but Boyajian wants to make sure that people are doing it for the right reasons, at that the campaigns name is never used for profit and personal gain.

    Original Article Follows:

    In Upstate NY, you can usually catch street performers playing their instruments, looking for a little extra cash near all the downtown hot spots in whatever city you reside. When you travel to a bigger city, like New York, one common place to see street performers looking for earnings, are in subway terminals. In a different twist, one specific street performer does it solely for humanitarian reasons, and now has the whole city talking.

    The New York Post reports that 26-year-old Will Boyajian, performs his bluegrass style of music to strap hangers walking by at the 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal subway station, and gives away his earnings throughout the day to those in need while trying to show New Yorkers a different way to give back and donate.

    Boyajian, who saved money for his cause by performing 8 months for Norwegian Cruise Line, earns around $400 daily in tips from passersby. Before he starts playing, the busker leans a sign against his case that reads, “If you’re homeless or need help, take as much as you need from the case.” His goal at the end of the day is to end with zero dollars in the case. If any cash is left, Boyajian will either hand out the left over singles, or purchase single ride MetroCards to pass out.

    There is no limit to what a person can take from the case as Boyajian trusts the persons taking from the case are truly in need. When talking about his experiment, which he calls Hopeful Cases, Boyajian stated to the New York Post:

    It’s really wild. Some people come up and take a dollar or take five dollars,  some people come up and take $80… It’s not my job to judge it’s just my job to give.

    Boyajian reflected about a moment that grabbed his heart Sunday when a man, with his dog, approached the case:

    I probably had $40 or $50 left, and my voice was trashed, and I wanted go home. ‘I said, just empty it out man…Treat yourself.’ And he said it’s enough for one of those hotels that let the dogs come, and he told the dog, ‘Moby, we’re going to be OK.’

    He also recounted about a time when he first moved to the city:

    When I first moved to the city… this dude got on the train… and was clearly homeless. The whole train moved away. None of us will ever experience that kind of rejection in our lives.

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