NYS Music 20​17

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • Clearwater Festival Returns After a One-Year Hiatus

    Returning to Croton Point Park after taking last year off, the Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival (Clearwater Festival), the country’s oldest music and environmental festival started by none other than folk legend Pete Seeger, came back full force in 2017. Taking place during its usual Father’s Day Weekend, Clearwater continued its tradition of being one of the most family-friendly festivals out there, making it the ideal location to take dad on his special day.

    From the kid-oriented Story Grove and Family Stage, providing entertainment and education to people of all ages, to the Dance Stage and Circle of Song, giving folks the opportunity to actively participate in the music, to the “new this year” Workshop Stage, giving audience members the chance to see artists in a more intimate setting and learn more about their backgrounds and how they got into music, not to mention the main Rainbow and Hudson Stages, featuring some of this event’s biggest named artists to date, Clearwater has something for everyone.

    Saturday’s line-up featured Clearwater favorites Toshi Reagon, Holly Near and The Kennedys to ring in this year’s festival, helping to bring everyone back into the spirit of this folk­ gathering. Day One also included Woodstock locals Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, a Hudson Valley Song Swap, indie/folk singer Josh Ritter, NYC’s dance brass band Lucky Chops, the soulful and sultry Joan Osborne and bluegrass-influenced Lake Street Dive. And this is all on top of the lovely and varied crafts, jewelry, and clothing to be found in Handcrafters’ Village, the Artisanal Food & Farm Market, where everything from tempeh reubens and kombucha to shiitake mushroom starter kits could be purchased and, perhaps most excitingly, the sending off of the Sloop Clearwater on a historic sail to Washington, D.C. to demonstrate to our country’s officials that clean water is a right for all.

    Sunday, the hotter but drier day of the two, saw its own share of big names mixed with festival faves like David Amram and Jay Ungar & Molly Mason (based out of Ashokan, from right here in our backyard). A day of commemorations unfolded, including Story Songs of Harry Chapin, featuring Harry’s equally talented brother Tom Chapin, Songs of Leonard Cohen, which climaxed with an emotional sing-along of “Hallelujah” and a 50th anniversary celebration of the Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band  given a New Orleans twist by Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution.  Acts on the main Rainbow Stage included the Dolly Parton-meets-Beyonce, Valerie June, ‘60s British folk rocker Richard Thompson and folk trio Cry Cry Cry, consisting of folk legends Dar Williams, Lucy Kaplansky and Richard Shindell, performing together for the first time in 18 years. To top it all off, with a beautiful sunset as the backdrop on the Hudson River Stage, jamband The Barr Brothers flawlessly meshed guitar, bass, percussion and harp in a bluesy-folky blend. And perhaps the most fitting way to end the festival on the Rainbow Stage was Arlo Guthrie with his signature political folk stylings.

    Clearwater provides a plethora of musical entertainment, tasty food choices and unique shopping options, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about environmental issues and ways to help make this world a better place. You can feel good about buying your ticket to this festival as all proceeds go directly to support Clearwater’s environmental research, education and advocacy efforts to help protect the Hudson River. For those who haven’t been able to make it to a Clearwater Festival yet, this is definitely one you’ll want to be sure to add to your calendars for next year’s Father’s Day Weekend.

  • Clifton Park Free Summer Performing Arts Series Makes its Debut July 2

    July 2 marks the beginning of the Performing Arts at the Common & Performing Arts Family Series at the outdoor Clifton Common Stage. The series will offer free shows geared towards adults on Sunday nights with kids shows being featured on Wednesday nights.

    Some of the performers on Wednesday nights include: Let’s Get Cookin’, “a fun-filled performance that utilizes drama, music, complex rhythms, and acrobatics,” The Puppet People featuring their performance, The Last Dragon, comedian Sylvia Fletcher as The Magic Trunk and many others. The Town of Clifton welcomes the entire family to these shows but invites an older audience to their free Sunday shows. Some acts include: The Accents, soulful indie pop group Sirsy, Fiddler on The Roof performed by The Not So Common Players and a plethora of other works.

    Clifton Park, located just north of Albany is a fitting location for a series like this. The stage they will be using for both of the series is a smaller one but has an ample amount of lawn seating to fit hundreds of people. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a late summer’s night show by honest and hardworking performers set at the best price – absolutely free.

    More information about all these events are found on the Town of Clifton’s website. Most shows start after 7 and, as previously mentioned, there is no charge for any of these events.

  • Saranac Jams Lineup Includes Taking Back Sunday, Dark Star Orchestra, Dirty Heads, Get The Led Out

    Saranac Brewery has booked some exciting jams and shows this summer. American Reggae bands Dirty Heads and SOJA will be taking the stage on Tuesday, June 20. Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led Out will perform Friday, July 21. Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra will be playing on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Alternative rockers Taking Back Sunday are slated to play alongside Every Time I Die and All Get Out on Friday, Aug. 18.

    Saranac Jams

    Saranac Brewery, located at 830 Varick Street in Utica, offers summer music events, a tavern on site, tours, and a gift shop. See the website for more information and hours of operation.

    Saranac Jams Lineup

    June 20 – Dirty Heads & Soja with the Green, RDGLDGRN
    July 21 – Get The Led Out
    Aug. 1 – Dark Star Orchestra
    Aug. 18 – Taking Back Sunday with Every Time I Die, All Get Out

  • Phoenix Rises From Red Ashes at Red Rocks

    There are certain things in life that move you in the most harmonious manner, that it sends chills down your spine. Phoenix was the cause of that exact sensation on a splendid and spectacular evening at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in colorful Colorado on Wednesday, June 7. The night was simply captivating, as giant natural rock formations surround you at this outside venue. An occasion like this should definitely be on a bucket list for those of you who have not had the chance to experience such an event at this magical place.

    phoenix red rocksThe night started off with an energetic group called The Lemon Twigs, who demonstrated their capacity to jam all while rocking funky outfits and made the crowd pop with extreme intrigue and positive responses. The audience slowly filled the arena and nature’s light began to dim. As their performance came to a close, boulders as crimson as can be started to glow underneath the moonlight in the background, and Miike Snow entered the stage not too long after that. As a Swedish indie pop band, they incorporated a sense of synthpop and alternative dance flare and gave fans a sweet taste for what’s to come next.

    Everyone was fooled that night; what was once a clear starry night moments before, took a turn for what was least expected. When it rains, it pours. However, the heaviest of downpours and even slight hail that evening surely didn’t stop the crowd from going wild. The weather gods somehow knew Phoenix was about to perform and it almost seemed like the rain was a grand opening display before an incredibly riveting performance. This French ensemble conquered the stage while standing on a giant LED platform and created a tantalizing memory to store in everyone’s minds. Thomas Mars soothed the surroundings with his vocals, Christian Mazzalai rocked on guitar, Deck d’Arcy on bass and keyboards, and Laurent Brancowitz on guitar and keyboards. The group included their touring members Robin Coudert on keyboards and percussion, as well as Thomas Hedlund on drums and percussion.

    This group’s style has developed over time only to create distinct soundwaves that hit one’s pleasure centers even more. Flavors of synth pop, alternative rock, and new wave filled the atmosphere all while including the French language in some of their masterpieces. This particular show at Red Rocks was actually the last one before they released their newest album, Ti Amo, which is now available for all to listen. It holds a unique and upbeat essence that puts the move in groove. They performed a couple fresh tunes off the new album such as “J-Boy” and “Ti Amo” as well. Certain underlying musical elements are discovered in the back beats of their songs. Other oldies magically graced the air including “If I Ever Feel Better,” “Lasso,” “Girlfriend,” “Trying to be Cool,” “Fences,” “Lisztomania” and “1901.”

    At the end of the performance, Thomas Mars of Phoenix entered the Red Rocks crowd as a personal closing of the night and shared that special moment with everyone around. ‘Twas a heart-warming and sincere performance with a sprinkle of friendliness. Phoenix rose and thus vanished into the night after wooing the crowd with their delectable sound.

  • So Last Year Embarks on Summer Tour, with a Little Help from Their Friends

    So Last Year celebrated the first night of their summer tour with a hometown show at The California Brew Haus on June 3. The send off included performances by bands they’ve been sharing a stage with for some time: Maple Hill, Daily Milestone, Pilot The Universe, and Nostalgic Stereo. See the photo gallery at the end of the article for more pictures.

    So last year
    Logan Van Epps, Curtis Matteson, and Jason Campbell – So Last Year Photo by Corinne Cummings

    What The California Brew Haus lacks in style, it makes up for in character. The furnishings are worn in. Musicians load and unload gear through exit doors covered in band stickers. The wall behind the stage is plywood, hand painted with the name of the bar. But the food is good, the patrons are friendly, and the live shows rock.

    This night was no exception. We arrived when Maple Hill was taking the stage. The lively pop punk band from Ithaca played a set which included “Stomping Ground” from their 2016 album Headspace and “Well, Well, Well” from their earlier EP. Daily Milestone performed next. They had the audience clapping along to their catchy song “Silence.” It was announced that the drummer, Austin Porrata, will be moving to Nashville soon. He picked up an acoustic guitar and delivered a touching rendition of “Learning How To Love,” originally by Colony House.

    Then So Last Year was on. Frontman Logan Van Epps asked the audience to sing along to the intro. The band started playing the theme song to the show “Reading Rainbow,” and the crowd belted out the lines enthusiastically. They kept the momentum going with their song “The End of My Excuses pt.II,” a vibrant rock anthem with a strong beat. Fans clapped along and sang the chorus, “One day all we’ll have is stories and songs, but this is our chance to sing along… tonight.” They followed with their ballad  “You Can Imagine The Wild Times,” which showcases Van Epps’ vocal range, from soft and low to soaring heights.

    Also included in the set was the love song, “In Light of Summer,” which featured Van Epps on keyboard. This title track from their second album is also notable for its phenomenal guitar segments. Lead guitarist Jon Stowell positioned his hand over the top of the neck of his Les Paul, working over the fretboard with unbelievable speed and dexterity. Jason Campbell and Curt Matteson were a dynamic duo, and it was fun to watch them play rhythm guitar and bass, respectively. While Mitch VanDenBerge is a new addition to the band, he is a seasoned musician and performed admirably. They ended with “The Enchantment of Our Youth,” a song from the 2013 debut album.

    The disappointment of the end of So Last Year’s set was quickly replaced with curiosity as a group of kids (one decked out in a Boy Scout uniform and another in a karate school windbreaker) started setting up their gear. They hung up their band banner, with their logo and name Pilot The Universe. Jaws dropped when they started jamming some funky originals composed in band class. The five-piece outfit included a keyboard player, and the lead singer also played saxophone.

    Set included their most recent creation, “Koto.” Immediately following was Nostalgic Stereo from nearby Williamson. Playing exclusively alt rock covers from the past few decades, this is the band that time forgot. They got everyone to sing along to hits from Blink 182, Fallout Boy, and Yellowcard. Mid-set, lead vocalist Alan Overslaugh announced, “Let’s do something different.” Drummer Ty Palmer grabbed an acoustic guitar and the pair launched into a medley of emo ballads originally performed by the likes of We The Kings, Mayday Parade, and Dashboard Confessional. The finale was Blink 182’s “Dammit,” ending with Overslaugh saluting the audience from atop the monitor box, a thank you to the audience and send-off to So Last Year as they embark on their summer tour.

    Tour Dates:
    June 11 Boston MA – House Show
    June 15 Akron OH – The Overlook
    June 16 Kent OH – The Outpost
    June 17 Pittsburgh PA – Black Forge Coffee
    June 18 Buffalo NY – Buffalo Iron works
    June 25 Syracuse NY – Spark Art Gallery

  • Woodhenge Music, Art and Sustainability Festival 2017 Announced

    Off the grid sustainable community, Woodhenge, has announced its first Woodhenge Music, Art, and Sustainability Festival, located in Adams Center near the Adirondacks, the community will host the festival on June 23-25, 2017.

    The three day event features a diverse mix of music genres including rock, jam, jazz, reggae, bluegrass, electronic, and funk, and features over 20 artist including Formula 5, Space Carnival, Root Shock, Intrepid Travelers, Lord Electro, Jiggawaltz and Drumadics.

    Fans will have the privilege to explore each morning the 60+ acres of nature and trails the area has to offer, along with yoga and workshops focused on how to live mortgage free, creating a sustainable lifestyle, optimal nutrition, and how to build with recycled materials. The event itself will be held in a field, between the village’s garden and orchard.

    In 1997, James and Krista Juczak, created the eco/self reliance village known as Woodhenge. The mortgage free community is set in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains along the outskirts of a large forest, complete with a stream and waterfall set between a pond and an orchard. The off the grid solar and wind powered sustainable community practices upcycling, using environmentally friendly materials along with alternative building techniques.

    The village grows and cans most of their own fruits, berries, nuts and vegetables in their community garden and raises their own ducks and honey bees for honey and eggs. The community also hosts several workshops throughout the year on building a tiny house, living off the grid, and renewable energy.

    Known as the “King of Scrounge,” Juczak took 5 years to build his 3000 square foot home, set on 50 acres, out of recycled material including beams salvaged from an old bowling alley, and a two-story concrete column made out of scrapped manholes. Windows, doors, sinks, tubs, and other items were bought cheap, or salvaged for free from renovated buildings. The mortar holding the walls is made from 80% paper sludge waste from a nearby mill. The other 20% is made of masonry cement. Juczak has also buried a 10,000 gallon fuel tank used as a guest home buried into the side of a hill.

    Woodhenge has also hosted other music festivals in the past including Summer Solstice Campout in 2016, and the Halloween Costume Fiesta.

    Fans who purchase full weekend passes to the festival online will save some cash. The online pass costs $50 for all three days, and $60 at the gate on Friday, June 23. Other passes range between $20-$40. Camping is available in the field, and in the forest close by.

  • Photo Gallery: Tool Thrills in Rochester

    It was an incredible night on Tuesday, May 30, at the Blue Cross Arena. Tool made a stop in Rochester and was nothing short of incredible and a visual masterpiece as one would expect!! They brought with them the jazzy and trippy Oakland, CA based band Once and Future. It was a very visually and musically intense show to which Tool are masters of. Some of the high points of the show would definitely be them playing some tracks I have not heard live probably in close to fifteen years. “Opiate,” “Third Eye,” and a really deep cut off their debut album “Sweat.” Please enjoy the selection of photos below from this show.

    Tool – Blue Cross Arena – Rochester – Tuesday, May 30, 2017

    Set 1: The Grudge, Parabol, Parabola, Schism, Opiate, Ænema, Descending, Jambi, Third Eye, Forty Six & 2

    Set 2: Chocolate Chip Trip, Vicarious, Sweat, (-) Ions, Stinkfist

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  • Hearing Aide: St. Phillip’s Escalator ‘The Derelict Sound’

    Come on out to the garage, it’s hot in here. Rochester’s St. Phillip’s Escalator released its latest batch of psych-garage-blues rock on Record Store Day. The Derelict Sound, the band’s second full-length, is just that, an amalgam of the influences this power trio has cited since first forming as teenagers back in the early aughts.The band, guitarist/vocalist Ryan Moore, drummer Zachary Koch and bassist Noel Wilfeard, have been best friends since childhood and have been playing together as a unit just as long.

    The Derelict Sound is heavily rooted in the psychedelic sounds of the late ’60s garage bands. Many of the tracks wouldn’t be out of place on Lenny Kaye’s Nuggets compilation. Yet while there’s that trace of the past in the band’s sound, there’s a sense of looking forward as well. “New Age,” the lead single from Derelict signals just that in the band’s sound. It’s a swirling, not-quite-a-pop song that takes a step back from the band’s more frequent references of the Stooges, the Sonics and Blue Cheer.

    The album was recorded live at Temperamental Recording in Geneseo near Rochester. In an interview with NYS Music in March, Koch spoke about why they chose to record live, “It was not just a live record, but the bass, drums, and guitar, the core of it we played together because it’s the only way we could draw that energy. We tried before to record separately.” This is a band that thrives in a live environment. That is apparent when listening. The production feels live and gives the listener a great indication of what to expect in person.

    While the production value isn’t exactly what one would call “clean,” it is, after all, a garage rock album and it hits all the right spots. “Turn On, Get Out” opens with uptempo snare drumming reminiscent of Mudhoney. Koch’s beat drives this one and is one of the high points of the album. A Ron Asheton-style guitar solo kicks the frenzy up a notch before settling back in to Koch’s pocket.

    Influences are a-plenty throughout. Aside from the Stones, Stooges and Sonics references, there are times one can pick up shades of the Dickies’ “You Drive Me Ape (You Big Gorilla)” at the open of “Outside Mind.” The Escalator then brings you back down to Fun House-era Stooges dirge before kicking you over the rail into Dickies territory again. Koch is the driving force on this album. It is obvious that he is informed by such icons as Ginger Baker and Keith Moon.

    Ultimately, The Derelict Sound is a highly satisfying record that implores repeated listening. The band had a limited edition run of 300 copies printed in vinyl format. It is also available for download/streaming and on CD.

    Key Tracks: Turn On, Get Out, New Age, Outside Mind

    The Derelict Sound Tracklist:

    1. Sleepy Silver Train Haze
    2. Turn On, Get Out
    3. New Age
    4. Outside Mind
    5. Find My Way
    6. She’s Gone
    7. Turn the Blame
    8. Whiskey Woman Blues
    9. Undone
    10. All is Lost

  • Kevin Morby Provides a Preview of Things to Come in Philadelphia

    Kevin Morby is releasing his new album in just a couple weeks (out June 16), but you’d forgive those in attendance on Friday, May 26 during the sold out show at Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia if they were unaware.

    The album didn’t even getting a passing mention from the stage, even as the band filled half the 80 minute set with it’s songs. That is of course unless you count Morby’s stark white suit, decorated with bold black musical notes. Across the back the album’s title, City Music, was spelled out in sparkling jewels, while the lapels included his initials. An unorthodox but rather fashionable way of getting the message across.

    Regardless, there was no need for the announcement. Most in the crowd seemed well aware of the music that was on it’s way, to the point of singing along with the couple of singles that have already made their public appearance. The set got off to a wailing good start with the title track off the new album. Morby played a dueling guitar lead with Albany’s Meg Duffy, who released her own stellar album earlier this year under the Hand Habits moniker. Her soft voice and precise playing were the perfect foil for Morby’s monotone and brasher guitar strokes throughout the night.

    The set explored material from the full breadth of Morby’s catalog. The energy peaked with “Destroyer,” where the rhythm section, Nick Kinsey on drums and Cyrus Gengras on bass, locked into a tight groove while Duffy soared with slide guitar leads. They kept the energy high with “I Have Been to the Mountain” and “Harlem River” featuring more heady guitar action. It slowly mellowed out from there, before closing with the quietest moment, Morby playing solo on “Beautiful Strangers.”

    Though non-traditional with the album promotion, Morby promised the crowd that they would honor the old concert tradition of coming back out for a few more songs if the crowd clapped after they left the stage. And they didn’t disappoint, playing two fan favorites off of last year’s breakout album, Singing Saw, and then finishing it off with a bombastic cover of Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll.”

    John Andrews, who we last saw drumming in Quilt, was fronting his own band, The Yawns, in the opening slot. They played a short but exciting set featuring material off their recent release, Bad Posture. Lazy, slinky, psychedelic folk rock, songs like “Drivers” and “Old News” gave way to the engrossing set closer “Audrey” that had the crowd desperate for more.

    Kevin Morby Setlist:
    City Music, Crybaby, 1234, Aboard My Train, Destroyer, I Have Been to the Mountain, Harlem River, Come to Me Now, Parade, Downtown Lights, Beautiful Strangers
    E: Cut Me Down, Dorothy, Rock and Roll

  • Interview: Olivia Grace Discusses her Upcoming Releases and Next Steps in Brooklyn

    Indie pop artist Olivia Grace is originally from Maryland but ready to take the New York music scene by storm. She’s focusing her energy and creative juices into launching a musical career while completing her senior year of college. Her latest single “Blackbird” was released on September 30 enticing listeners with her unique style. NYS Music had the chance to find out more about Olivia Grace’s unreleased music including “Shoestrings” to be released early June.

    Sammy Steiner: As a singer-songwriter, where did your inspiration for “Shoestrings” come from?

    Olivia Grace: Ultimately, the song is about feeling out of place. It’s somewhat unapologetic, but it’s also about trying to make sense of everything when you’re not quite sure how you fit in. The story isn’t completely about me, as I do love creating fictional characters in my songs. However, when I wrote this song I had just moved to New York, and it was completely different from what I had been used to. I lived in Chicago beforehand, but New York just doesn’t compare. I think that feeling of navigating a new city and finding my place inspired a bit of the song.

    SS: Can you take us through your journey and involvement in the creation of this track? What was your favorite part of the record-making process?

    OG: The song took over a year to write. When I first started it, it sounded more like a folk song. It was slower with completely different rhythms. It didn’t really feel like THE song. I came back to it when I was flipping through old song ideas, trying to write something new. I picked it back up and it just flowed out. My favorite part recording was the “oh’s” that you hear in the beginning and after the chorus. They were actually added last minute. The song didn’t feel complete when my producer Matt and I had finished. He told me to just go crazy improvising over my piano/instrumental part, and eventually I started singing the “oh” melody. We both knew when we heard it that, that was it!

    SS: Do you have any upcoming plans or prospective venues where you hope to perform in the New York State area?

    OG: I do! I’m currently setting up some shows for July in New York, so I’ll probably be posting about it in June!

    SS: Can you name your top three favorite artists to cover at your shows and why?

    OG: Truthfully, I don’t cover that many artists at shows! I mostly perform my original songs. The one song I always try to fit in my set is Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games.” It’s just so beautiful and after years of performing it, I still love it.

    SS: What are your plans going forward? Are you going to focus on future musical projects or touring?

    OG: I have a lot of unreleased recordings right now, and I’m still going in the studio and recording more. I’m writing quite often as well. Both those things are my main focus right now. I don’t see myself doing a full on tour *right now* but I am traveling a lot this upcoming year, so I probably will be doing a few shows here and there.

    SS: What is one thing you’ve learned from your glimpse into life as an artist thus far?

    OG: Be patient. Everything takes time, hard work, and persistence. You can’t rush success.

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