NYS Music 20​17

Category: Genres

  • Hearing Aide: Creamery Station ‘Creamery Station EP’

    Connecticut isn’t known to pump out world renowned musicians like New York, Seattle and California do, so it’s refreshing to see a group of guys emerge from the backwoods of the state with some true talent and passion for the art. Over the past three years, Creamery Station has been cooking up a collection that’s surprisingly good.

    Creamery says they’re a combination of the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, The Band, Little Feat, Railroad Earth, David Grisman, Doc Watson, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and their first album is a fantastic representation of all these legendary groups. They manage to sound unique while giving glimpses of the defining characteristics of their inspiration rather than a copy of them. Some songs sound more familiar than others, but this is their  first compilation and it’s thoroughly impressive.

    They started from humble beginnings as a small band playing for a few house parties and slowly grew to a full seven-man group that brings a classic and a universally enjoyable country/ jam sound to the stage. They are based in CT but are making their way to New York City for the very first time and are definitely worth checking out.

    A lot of the inspiration came from the adventures some members endured, as well as a love for playing and performing music. All of the tracks were written and contributed to by every member of the band, which makes the connection between the musicians something truly exceptional, says singer and mandolin player Dylan Kader. “The energy between us when we play is something special and the crowd can feel that and they respond to it,” said Kader.

    This album is a bit all over the place, and that’s meant in the best way possible. Every song has a tie to country music with most of the tracks being based in that genre. But then some can, arguably, even have a reggae feel to it which is a combination that works surprisingly well.

    Things start off with “Ramblers Delight” and it’s about as country as it gets. It has a pretty straightforward chord progression with spices of mandolin a violin/ fiddle and relatable lyrical content. The feel of the song changes a bit when a very bluesy and fairly distorted guitar solo rings over the group that reminds listeners that a lot more is in store for the rest of the album. Country sounds are the basis of their musical content but that’s just the ground floor, and it’s a sturdy and simple one to build upon, giving Creamery free range to experiment with all sorts of genres.

    “Kansas City Blues” is appropriately named and placed at a  slower pace and even more like the typical melancholy country song. It’s the same sound as “Ramblers Delight” in terms of country sounding instruments, but the pace and chord progressions and lyrics make it a little more somber with just a few hints of uplifting major chords.

    “Walking for miles just to get a drink, then resting when we could find the shade, it’s hard to find the time for this poor boy to think, when he only eats if he sings and plays.” It’s still a well done song but this isn’t something that changes the minds of people who don’t like country.

    “Railroad Blues” is another very well-performed and professional sounding track. It’s comparably more upbeat and will definitely hit home with anyone willing to give Creamery Station a shot. There are light hints of country style instruments and it is based on a 12 bar blues chord progression which makes this one feel more rock and roll than anything else.

    Now “Sam the Clam” is where things get interesting. Harmonica player Don DeStefano dreamt up this song years ago in a separate band of his own while rehearsing backstage of a blues club called “Sam the Clam’s.” John Coltrane and Miles Davis were a big part of the inspiration behind this track as well as renowned harmonica virtuosos like Toots Thielmans and Little Walter. The combination makes for a jazzy, bluesy and damned smooth recording. It’s all instrumental to give keyboardist Jon Truelson, guitarist Jim Kader and DeStefano a chance to strut their stuff. The guitar is set to a perfectly smooth and warm tone, Truelson nails his time in the limelight and DeStefano absolutely kills his solo. It’s definitely the most fascinating song on the album and should be the go-to for first time listeners and those not soon keen on getting into the country scene.

    And just like that, “You Did Me Wrong” jumps on and the listener is thrown back into the world of country. Unfortunately, like the first three songs, it blends into the rest of the old-school country scene, but they still absolutely nail the style.

    “Out of Reach” is one of the most interesting songs on the album being that a country group created a pretty in-depth reggae sounding song. Everything about it is quintessentially reggae; a down beat, loads of percussion and funky guitar but a little hint of blues with a flavor of harmonica that sets this track apart from other songs of the same style. The best part of this song has to be the guitar solo. It’s a little dissonant and very similar to the styling of Carlos Santana. It’s a phenomenal track considering the roots of the band

    The album ends on a bit of a bittersweet note with “Sleep Late,” a very lazy country sound that leaves a little bit of an odd taste in the mouth of the listener, but again, as far as EP’s go, this one was really, really well done.

    Again, Creamery Station is coming to New York for the very first time and is going to blow the socks off of anyone that attends. This is a band that will be appreciated most in a live  setting, so see them on Friday, January 20th at American Beauty in Manhattan, find their free first album online, and keep an eye out for their soon to be released full length album, Pastures of Plenty.

    Key Tracks: Sam the Clam, Out of My Reach, Railroad Blues, Rambler’s Delight

  • Talking Under Water Treats Audience to Songs from Upcoming Album

    Talking Under Water has emerged from the studio, where they recorded their first full-length album, which will be available in April. On Friday, January 13, the five-piece indie rock band performed some of those new songs to a live audience for the first time.

    Talking Under Water - C. Cummings (1)

    Talking Under Water played to an intimate audience at one of their favorite hometown venues, the Little Theatre Café in Rochester. Situated in Rochester’s East End district, the café is located inside the Little Theatre. This cozy spot seats 70 people, and was relatively full with friends, fans, and café patrons. However, it wasn’t long before it became standing room only, as the theater-going crowd was drawn in by the music.

    The set started with a new tune, “Lost,” with singer Dave Chisholm on guitar, Elise Hughey on cello, Sam Thomas on vocals, Matt Bevan-Perkins on drums and Colin Gordon on keyboard. The heartfelt song is typical of the band’s ability to morph elements of rock, jazz, and blues into their own contemporary style.

    Chisholm introduced the songs, and talked a little about them. “Rubber Band,” is about distractibility. “Window to Witness” is about having compassion despite differences. And as the name suggests, “5 am” was written on a sleepless morning.

    They also played tunes from their EP’s, which are notable not only for the music but also the lyrical storytelling. Chisholm spun a tale of an unrequited love triangle in the anthemic “Tossing and Turning.”  In the breathtakingly melancholy “First Act,” Chisholm sang the lines, “You try to breathe her in/ To always have a part of her contained within/ ‘Cause any day she’ll walk away/ You still can’t help it/ It’s a sin.”

    The melodies swelled and crested in artful arrangement, as Chisholm sung in his soulful voice and Thomas harmonized. Bevan-Perkins used a small drum kit for this performance, but pulled out some interesting tools like drum brushes. Gordon’s played the keys with heart, but would have had a fuller sound if he had access to a piano. The overall depth of the music was enhanced by the prominent use of the cello. Conservatory-trained cellist Hughey played with equal measures of skill and emotional expression.

    Talking Under Water - C. Cummings (3)

    A cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” was also thrown in for fun. The other songs they covered mid-set reflected their musical influences – “Jealous Guy” by John Lennon, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” by Bob Dylan, and “Lua” by Bright Eyes. Some more original songs rounded out the two-hour set. On “Hopeful,” the audience was invited to stomp and clap along. The night ended with the final song off the forthcoming album, “If My Body Freezes.”

    Talking Under Water’s yet-to-be-titled debut album will be released April 28, 2017. In the meantime, their current body of work can be streamed on Spotify or purchased on Bandcamp or on iTunes. Follow the band on Facebook or Twitter for updates on the album and plans for an album release party.

    Set list: Lost, We Used to Dream, Nomad, The Truth, Tossing & Turning, Only the Strong Survive, Days Like Today, Gravity, Window to Witness, Blank Space (Taylor Swift), 5 am, Space, Time Machine, Horizon, Rubber Band, First Act, Jealous Guy (John Lennon), Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right (Bob Dylan) Luna (Bright Eyes), The Boxer, Hopeful, If My Body Freezes

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGMoz6YQEg4[/embedyt]

  • Def Leppard and Poison To Hit The Road Together Again This Spring

    Def Leppard and Poison will reunite and hit the road together for the third time in in less than 10 years, with an extensive spring tour across North America that will hit 38 different cities across the United States and Canada. The two bands last toured together on the Rock Of Ages tour in 2012 that also featured Lita Ford.

    Kicking off on April 4, at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH, the tour will also feature Tesla in the opening slot for most of the shows. The tour is set to close on June 25 at the Klipsch Music Center in Indianapolis, IN.

    Cites in New York, and surrounding areas, that were missed during the 2016 tour will benefit from this go-around. The tour will make stops at the Bell Centre in Montreal on April 10, the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT on April 12, and at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY on April 15. Tickets go on sale on Jan. 20 and Jan. 21  through Live Nation.

    Blabbermouth reports, when talking about the upcoming tour, Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliot stated:

    We’re thrilled to be able to take this tour to cities we didn’t play in 2016. The demand for us to return, or rather extend the tour was phenomenal! There’s a great buzz around the band right now and we’re loving the fact that we can do this with the latest album being so well received.

    Poison frontman Bret Michaels added:

    I could not be more excited. I know all of us will give one thousand percent on stage and we are looking forward to performing our hits together. I personally could not be more thankful for the three generations of fans and I love the music of Def Leppard and Tesla. This will be an amazing night of rock and roll. Don’t wait because god only knows.

    Def Leppard, who toured over 70 cities in 2016, will also headline some of the major rock festivals this summer including Fort Rock, Welcome To Rockville, Carolina Rebellion, and River City Rockfest.

    This will also mark the first time in over five years that all the original members of Poison:  Bret Michaels, C.C. DeVille, Bobby Dall and Rikki Rockett, will take the stage together and perform. Rockett, who was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2015, is now cancer free.

    Def Leppard, Poison & Tesla Tour:

    April 8 – SNHU Arena – Manchester, NH
    April 10 – Bell Centre – Montreal, QC *
    April 12 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
    April 14  – Royal Farms Arena – Baltimore, MD
    April 15  – Nassau Coliseum – Uniondale, NY
    April 17 – Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
    April 19 – Resch Center – Green Bay, WI
    April 21 – Xcel Energy Center – St Paul, MN
    April 22 – Sanford Premier Center – Sioux Falls, SD
    April 24 – Wells Fargo Arena – Des Moines, IA
    April 26 – KFC Yum! Center  –  Louisville, KY **
    April 27 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
    April 29 – Fort Rock  – Ft Myers, FL ***
    April 30 – Welcome to Rockville – Jacksonville, FL ***
    May 2 – Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre – Tuscaloosa, AL
    May 3 – Lakewood Amphitheatre – Atlanta, GA
    May 5 – John Paul Jones Arena – Charlottesville, VA
    May 6 – Carolina Rebellion  – Charlotte, NC ***
    May 24 – Pinnacle Bank Arena – Lincoln, NE
    May 26 – Rocklahoma  – Pryor, OK ***
    May 27 – River City Rockfest – San Antonio, TX ***
    May 29 – Broadmoor World Arena – Colorado Springs, CO
    May 31 – Brick Breeden Fieldhouse – Bozeman, MT
    June 2 – Rogers Place – Edmonton, AB *
    June 3 – Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB *
    June 6 – Rogers Arena Vancouver, BC *
    June 7 – Spokane Arena – Spokane, WA
    June 9 – White River Amphitheatre – Seattle, WA
    June 10 – Moda Center – Portland, OR
    June 12 – Save Mart Center – Fresno, CA
    June 14 – Citizens Bank Arena – Ontario, CA
    June 16 – Sleep Train Amphitheatre – San Diego, CA
    June 17 – MGM Grand Garden Arena – Las Vegas, NV
    June 19 – ASANA Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT
    June 21 – Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO **
    June 22 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – St Louis, MO
    June 24 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – Chicago, IL
    June 25 – Klipsch Music Center – Indianapolis, IN

    Tour Key:

    Def Leppard solo date *
    Def Leppard & Poison date only**
    Def Leppard festival appearances ***

  • Hearing Aide: Dave Fields ‘Unleashed’

    This coming Valentine’s Day, New York City-based blues guitar player Dave Fields will release his seventh studio album, Unleashed. In a career that spans writing jingles for the likes of IBM and Publishers Clearing House, working with legendary British bluesman John Mayall, and getting inducted into the NY Blues Hall of Fame in 2012, Fields is definitely making the most of his musical talents. And with an album title like Unleashed, he’s certainly building up some kind of anticipation. And I must say, Unleashed is a fitting title.

    The album opens with “Anticipating You,” an instrumental jam more on the jazz side of things. It also starts what’s a regular occurrence on the album. Though he bills himself as a blues player, Fields goes on long shredding passages like he’s an 80’s hair metal guitarist.

    If you want an idea about what kind of lyricist Fields is, look no further than “Child of the World.” The song is about having to deal with all the bad things currently happening in the world, like terrorists and people who have extremist thinking. And Fields says he’s on a “love crusade” to try and right these wrongs. It’s the kind of lyrics you’d hear from a 1960’s artist, but trying to specifically address modern day topics in that exact way sounds odd.

    The blues aspects really come out on songs like “My Mama’s got the Blues” and “The Boy Wants to Play,” the former sounding like it comes straight from Memphis and the latter having backing singers and more of a soul/gospel feel, even if it is about a boy wanting sex. Meanwhile, the two-parter “Jagged Line” probably gives the best example of Field’s attempt to blend these varying styles together. The rock guitar, backing organ sounds, and blues lyrics about growing up with a hard life, gives any passive listener a good idea of where modern blues music is heading or what it’s trying to be.

    Starting at “Better Be Good,” another song about trying to love one another in the face of terrorism and corrupt governments, the album suddenly transitions to a live set at a NYC blues club. From there, he makes his Jimi Hendrix influences bright as day with a faithful cover of “Hey Joe” and his own rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. It wasn’t a note-for-note recreation of the Hendrix version (I don’t think that’s possible), but he does make some impressive runs that leave any fan of shredding pleased.

    The two songs that end the album couldn’t be further from the rest of the album. “New York City Nights” is the only real ballad here, with Fields switching to acoustic guitar and backed by synth strings. Meanwhile, “Les Hoedown” is easily the fastest song here. An instrumental featuring very fast guitar plucking that sounds like Jeff Beck doing rockabilly, with the drum fills and bass managing to keep up.

    I have no doubt an audience for this music exists, for those who like frequenting establishments who play blues, roots, or Americana music. And if you do appreciate shredding and fretting guitar playing, Fields is worth a listen.

    Key Tracks: Jagged Line (Pts. 1 & 2), The Boy Wants to Play, Pocket Full of Dust (live)

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd3zvlvoLuo[/embedyt]

  • Ed Sheeran Forgot He Wrote One of the Biggest EDM Tracks of 2016

    Folk singer Ed Sheeran, wrote one of the hottest crossover EDM tracks of 2016. Only thing is, he forgot he wrote it. Your EDM reports that DJ/producer and Major Lazer member Diplo, tried to contact Sheeran wanting the song “Cold Water”. Sheeran, not knowing what Diplo was talking about, just blew off the text message. The track that features Justin Bieber and MO is currently certified twice platinum by the RIAA.

    ed sheeran
    Ed Sheeran – CMAC

    Diplo contacted Sheeran again telling the singer that Bieber wanted in on the song, and if it would be OK. Still not knowing what Diplo was talking about, it took until Sheeran heard the track on the radio to trigger the light bulb over his head.

    Ed Sheeran stated about the EDM track:

    ‘Cold Water’ was a weird one because I didn’t even know that song existed. It was a song I must’ve half-written somewhere at a time where I was writing a lot of songs and I did it at Benny Blanco’s house and then I got an email from Diplo just being like, ‘Yo! That ‘Cold Water’ song is dope! Can I have it?’ And I was like, ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about,’ so I just didn’t reply. And then he emailed and was like, ‘Yo, Justin [Bieber] wants to hop on the ‘Cold Water’ song. Is that cool?’ And I’m just like, ‘What are you talking about?’… And then the song came out and it was number one and I was like ‘Oh, that song!’ I remember doing it, but it was really, really slow. I remember hearing it and being like ‘That kind of sounds like me. Oh wait, it was me.

  • Hearing Aide: The Wood Brothers ‘Live At The Barn’

    Over the years, The Wood Brothers repeatedly visited Levon Helm at his barn in Woodstock, New York for the popular Midnight Ramble. These visits eventually led to a cherished friendship between the trio and Helm. The group made a trek back to the barn on August 19, 2016, for their first Ramble since the passing of Helm, where they recorded their latest album, Live At The Barn. Helms’ influence reached well beyond the notes of a song. Guitarist Oliver Wood named his son after the late Levon, adding that “since we actually got to know him, his influence was more than musical—it was personal. He was one of those unique and powerful personalities, and I’ll always remember how gracious he was.”

    Live At The Barn revisits 9 songs that run the gamut of The Wood Brothers’ musical catalog. The trio also consists of bassist Chris Wood, and drummer Jano Rix. The opening track, “Mary Anna,” gracefully eases listeners into the album. The deep, rich tones fill the barn with warmth and purity, as whoops and hollers are chimed in from the audience. Right away the song brings you into the barn among the crowd sitting alongside the band. With eyes closed, the faintly familiar smell of barn wood and slight chimney smoke in the air also teases at the senses.

    A spirited “I Got Loaded” captures the electrified audience as lyrics are playfully sung back and forth with enthusiasm. Mystifying tones gently tiptoe into “Tried & Tempted” before the melody curves into a head swaying blues jam. The vibe in the room can only be envisioned with a dancing crowd to this melody.

    A crisp guitar cools off the barn with a gentle “Trouble In Mind.” Resonating with heavy, psychedelic undertones, this delicate melody keeps the ears filled with colorful imagery. Picking up the pace, “Who The Devil” is tightly stacked with thick bass, vigorous drums, and guitar that rocks the hell out of this soaker of a tune.

    In your face bass bombs stealthily glide into “Wastin’ My Mind,” before picking up hitchhiking guitar and drums. The song builds with increasing intensity and mischievous rhythm, creating a musical ambiance filled with empty whiskey bottles and lingering cigar smoke. A massive fan favorite, “Postcards From Hell,” is fittingly dedicated to the memory of Levon Helm. This track takes its time building. Midway through it explodes with massive energy, pumping the live audience, as well as the listener, with shake your bones vibes. It’s impossible not to react to the intensity of this song, as swinging arms, bobbing heads, and dancing legs instinctively react to the beat. Expect to hit the repeat button over and over.

    “Honey Jar” twists around funky rhythms to bluesy tones and back again. Crunchy guitar and full bodied bass envelop the melody, as drums keep the pace, creating a lush and smooth ride for the eardrums. Wrapping up the album, “Ophelia” takes the live experience at the barn to a close. This dynamic track strides along, with the notes practically high-fiving each audience member before closing out the music for the evening.

    If you’ve never seen The Wood Brothers perform, this is the perfect album to capture their energy in a live setting.  It’s highly suggested to throw on the headphones, crank the volume, and soak in the songs with eyes closed. Within the first few minutes, don’t be surprised to be tapping and shaking along to the beats. This is one album that will fit perfectly in any musical collection.

    The Wood Brothers will be kicking off a U.S. tour in Philadelphia shortly following the release of their new album.  Full tour dates and information can be found on their official website.

    Key Tracks: I Got Loaded, Who The Devil, Postcards From Hell

    https://soundcloud.com/thewoodbrothers/ophelia/s-VMAu3

  • Moon Hooch, Karma Darwin, and Honeycomb Get Geared Up For New Year’s At Daryl’s House

    Just before the New Year’s weekend began, Daryl’s House Club welcomed three local/regional acts on December 29 for a uniquely fun night of music to help get warmed up for the weekend. The night started with a set of homegrown Hudson Valley rock from just down the road in Brewster courtesy of  Karma Darwin. After hearing their live set it was fairly obvious why they make frequent appearances at Daryl’s House. Their sound was solid, built off a nice blend of rock, jam, and rhythm.

    Stepping over the Massachusetts border we arrived at a unique five-song set from freestyle beatboxer Honeycomb. His set was composed entirely from his beatboxing, each tune and freestyle consisting of percussion, melody and even some apparent harmony all at once. The beats were seamless and clean to the point where he would be a direct competitor side-by-side against any drum-and-bass DJ. As a common collaborator with the night’s headliner, Honeycomb was joined by members of Moon Hooch on his final song.

    Hailing from Brooklyn with a NYC subway busking origin, Moon Hooch’s Wenzl McGowen (sax/contrabass clarinet/EWI) , Mike Wilbur (sax), and James Muschler (drums) quickly turned Daryl’s House into a Union Square station dance session with “Something Else” from their recent 2016 album Red Sky. Through the set they touched upon their other two albums as well, This Is Cave Music (2014) and Moon Hooch (2013) and brought Honeycomb back out for some help during their encore.

    Using only tenor and bari saxes, a contrabass clarinet, drums and some electronic effects/processing, Moon Hooch approaches the conventional sounds somewhat unconventionally and turns them into rhythmic hooks and lures – the embodiment of exploring sound and its interaction with other sounds and the ears absorbing it. That was the driving force behind a sustained level of energy that gripped their set from start to finish, from the hyped-up “Number 8” through the entrancing arpeggios of “St. Louis” and extended sustained notes that require a level of mastery to achieve on the sax.

    Moon Hooch’s sound on their four albums, including their latest free EP release Joshua Tree (check out NYS Music’s review of that album here) is incredibly fun to listen to, but remarkably infectious in their live performance. While most of their live show is composed, there is plenty of improv and room for surprises different from the CD version of their songs that make it a must-see performance for fans who have only heard their CDs, vinyl, or videos.

    Aside from the arrangement and composition of the songs in the live setting, Moon Hooch has a tight-knit energy driven stage presence that the audience thrived from, and even vice-versa. The cozy setting of Daryl’s House lets the audience get right up close with the band, which got everyone in the room (Moon Hooch included) chewing into the experience of the show.

    Moon Hooch is back in New York at Buffalo Iron Works on Feb. 8, Waterhole in Saranac Lake on Feb. 9, and Brooklyn Bowl on Feb. 18 as well as several other shows around the Northeast in the next month.

  • Hearing Aide: Phantom Chemistry “Everything’s Great!”

    Local Syracuse, NY group Phantom Chemistry release their fourth full-length album, “Everything’s Great!” on Friday, January 13. This rock band stays true to their genre with the prominent use of electrical guitar and drums in most every song. The 13-track album includes songs such as “Waste” and “Hospital” that build on the very real subject matter the band tackles in previous albums.

    The album opens with “Dream in the Dark” portraying a darker tone seen in some of the latter songs on the album. It ends with “Come Watch TV,” a noticeably longer song that carries a melodious feel.

    Scattered throughout the album are songs including “Extension 23” being an interesting and upbeat take sung from the perspective of a male prostitute as well as an “Ode to Die Hard” – yes, the movie. It also features “Shades of Blue,” a song that carries a different mood from the others. The audible harmonies at the beginning of this song in addition to its lighter feel help to juxtapose the heavy material expressed lyrically.

    Throughout this album, Phantom Chemistry takes their listeners on a musical journey that reflects day-to-day realities as they embrace even the ugly bumps in the road we ca
    ll life. The band is excited to showcase their new music at their upcoming album release show this Friday, January 13 at Funk N Waffles (Clinton St).

    Key Tracks: Hospital, Shades of Blue, Come Watch TV

  • Times Like These on Following Their Dreams, Forthcoming Release, and New Song

    Long Island pop punk band Times Like These announced that they are working on a second EP, Take It or Leave It. Coinciding with the announcement, they released the single “Too Little Too Late,” as a free download on Bandcamp. The song was produced and co-written with Okan Kazdal of the band This Is All Now. Both bands will be playing a show at Revolution Bar and Music Hall in Amityville on January 29.

    Times Like These - P. Cummings (1)

    Mike Acampora (lead vocals/guitar), Zach Dyer (bass/vocals), and Eddie Giuffo (lead guitar) have been friends since high school, and formed Times Like These in the summer of 2015. NYS Music reached out to Mike to learn a little more about this up-and-coming band.

    Paula Cummings: How did you decide on the name Times Like These?

    Mike Acampora: We were going back-and-forth with names for a while, and there is a lyric in the All Time Low song “Noel.” We thought the lyric was cool, and the name would be cool and it kind of just stuck after that.

    PC: Based on the band name, it’s safe to guess that All Time Low is a band that you are inspired by. Who else would you list?

    MA: Yeah, All Time Low is a huge inspiration. Other bands would be State Champs, With Confidence, Neck Deep, and of course Blink 182 and Green Day.

    PC: Tell me about the new single.

    MA: It’s called “Too Little Too Late,” it’ll be the first song we drop off the new EP which is called Take It or Leave It and we are super stoked about it. We are so proud of this song. It also features Okan Kazdal from This Is All Now. It’s just so awesome in itself to be able to work with such a fun and talented person like Okan.

    PC: What is Take It or Leave It like, compared to your first EP Follow Your Stupid Dreams?

    MA: I would say it’s definitely a change, not a huge change, but our writing has improved and I want to say this EP has more pop in it. It’s still a pop punk/pop rock EP but the pop influence definitely shows a lot.

    PC: What are the meanings behind the names of your EP’s?

    MA: Follow Your Stupid Dreams was all about doing what you wanted and never letting anyone hold you back. Days before the album came out we had people send us their dream jobs and we posted them all with the hashtag Follow Your Stupid Dreams and it was really cool having all these people open up to us and tell us about their life goals and telling us what they want to do for the rest of their life. And when you dream big, there will be people who shut you down and tell you you’ll never be able to do the things you want to do. Follow Your Stupid Dreams is all about ignoring those people and dreaming big and not letting anyone shut down your master plan. As for Take It or Leave It, the name comes from a lyric in one of our songs off the new EP called “Chicago” and we felt that the lyric was so strong that it should be the EP title!

    PC: I heard that you’re upgrading your equipment. Are you getting a new guitar?

    MA: Yes! We all got new guitars and basses! I just got a new Fender Duo Sonic with an orange cab. Zach just got a new Jaguar bass with a Snake eyes cab. And Eddie just got a new LTD guitar with a Marshall cab.

    Times Like These - P. Cummings (3)

    PC: What has been the best gig so far?

    MA: We played a show at a local spot called O’Briens a few weeks back. We packed it and the whole room was screaming our lyrics and moshing. It was just so cool. All the shows we play there are always amazing. So many people come out to see us there, and we always make sure we put on an amazing show.

    PC: Your band profile lists your interest as milkshakes. What are each of your favorite flavors?

    MA: Eddie digs chocolate shakes. Zach and I are more fans of vanilla milkshakes.

    PC: Want to give a shout out to your favorite place to get milkshakes?

    MA: Lake Grove Diner. We love the shakes there!

    Photos by Sofie Vasquez

    [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3MB1ApSGh8[/embedyt]

  • Q&A: Adam Weston from Birds Of Tokyo Talks About New LP ‘Brace’

    Rock music across the pond in Australia is starting to have quite the following here state side with bands such as Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus and 12 Foot Ninja. But one band that seems to be looked in the rock genre is Birds Of Tokyo. Birds Of Tokyo have been pigeon holed into the pop genre with singles from their self titled and March Fires albums. But this time around Birds embrace their heavier roots on their latest album Brace, which was released on November 4, 2016.

    Brace has a dark, heavy and sometimes retro tone throughout the entire album, yet it is enlightening lyrically. Birds pushed the envelope and delivered a much needed album reflecting current political events happening all over the world. Digging deep, Birds transcended by taking their fans to a new level of music greatness with Brace.

    Fresh off of their Australia tour, Birds Of Tokyo’s drummer Adam Weston graciously took time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for NYS Music!

    Rebecca Clark: What was the hardest track to record on Brace and why?
    Adam Weston: “Empire.” In demo form it had its strengths but lacked an identity that the other album tracks solidified during pre-production, so once we actually started drum recording it really was against the ropes. Some songs really tell you what direction they want to go in and others you sometimes end up putting through the ringer. After all tracking had been done we had a breakthrough with the song, flew our producer David Bottrill back out from Canada, set everything back up again and nailed it.

    RC: If you could go in a time machine and could tell your past self anything what would it be?
    AW: Other than a decade’s worth of NBA winners I’m not sure I would have anything pivotal to say. No regrets!

    RC: What did you guys do to celebrate on release day of Brace?
    AW: Our bass player Berney and his wife are great cooks, so it was food, plenty of drinks and arguments over album track listing at his pad. We shunned the tradition of cigars which is probably a good thing.

    RC: How was it working with Hayley on “Discoloured?” How did teaming up with her come into play on the record?
    AW:     Haley’s a gem and really gave “Discoloured” an extra edge. We’ve run into The Jezabels often when billed on the same festivals or just out at pubs in Sydney, so Hayley was our first choice and the first time Birds have collaborated with another vocalist on record.

    RC: Your lyrics have always been amazing and dig deep on a personal level. Was it nerve wracking stepping into writing about the more political and heavier events going on in our world? With the US presidential election at fever pitch while writing, I personally love what you have done with the lyrics.
    AW:     Lyrically, Birds often had a ‘you and I’ connection in their early storytelling, then with March Fires it became more of a ‘we’ perspective and Brace is more of a current ‘state of things’ extension of that.

    While we knew we were aiming towards a harder edged record, some content naturally found its way in purely from what was and of course still is going on in our daily lives. Current Australian government policies, environmental issues and other worldly concerns were an alarming fit to the dystopian-tinged tales and end of days vibes we were feeling.

    RC: What is the story behind the art concept on the cover of Brace?
    AW:     We came across some amazing art done by the wonderful Sean Mundy and that acted as a visual starting point. Mood boards followed that encompassed a lot of sci-fi and dystopian content but we didn’t really want to blatantly take that path. So many facets of the album process were about making new and bold decisions, so the final cover art I personally feel is certainly bold while suggesting despair from oppression. Based on a lot of feedback it really is open to interpretation.

    RC: What is the one thing you hope your fans take away from the songs by crossing the “political line” in your songs?
    AW:     Awareness. I think all members have been passionate about particular causes since our teenage years, but as a group of friends continuing to grow and write together I feel we’re just more aware than ever about issues that concern everyone around us. Of course this isn’t literal amongst the material, but there’s a sense of shining a light on the things that trouble us.

    RC: Is Glenn jealous that there isn’t another Glenn in the band? I know Kenny goes by his last name, do any of the Adams have nick names so you don’t get confused?
    AW:     Ha, well there’s Kenny, Sparky, Westy, Berney and Glenn is Diffy.

    RC: Is it hard sharing Kenny with Karnivool? How does he compartmentalize being in two successful bands?
    AW: That all just comes down to time management/effective planning. Naturally not everything lines up exactly but we all make it work.

    RC: Do any of the other band members have other projects they work on as well as BOT?
    AW: Berney and Diffy have recently begun a Sydney based band Kiko Smokes – check em out.

    RC: Who has pulled the most epic prank and what was it and on who?
    AW:     A friend of ours and a studio colleague of a couple of members recently reported a break-in where a whole heap of valuable gear and irreplaceable hard drives full of work were stolen. The break-in was real, but fortunately the stolen gear was not. I’m not sure how long the members were left stewing, but I know my stomach sank when I heard the first half of the story!

    RC: What is your theme song when you walk into a room? (like in the movies)
    AW: Spanish Flea

    RC: Do you have anything else to add?
    AW: In the space of two weeks this month I get to see (again) two of my favourite acts, Every Time I Die and PJ Harvey, while other weekends include Birds shows, then in February it’ll be a guilty pleasure as Glenn are off to Gn’R! Not a bad start to 2017…

    Thank you so much for your time Adam!

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

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