NYS Music 20​17

Category: Central NY

  • Bringing the Boy Back Home: Brit Floyd Bassist and Syracuse Son, Ian Cattell Discusses Playing a Hometown Show

    The spectacular Pink Floyd experience known as Brit Floyd visits the Crouse Hinds Theater at the OnCenter in Syracuse Tues. April 18. The band has been proclaimed, “The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show.” The spectacle and grandeur of each Brit Floyd show leaves few to argue that point. The Immersion World Tour celebrates the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s 1977 album Animals. Tickets for the show are still available through Ticketmaster and the OnCenter box office.

    Recently, NYS Music sat down with Brit Floyd bassist Ian Cattell, who grew up in the Syracuse area, to discuss the current tour; the pressure to perform Floyd material and playing in his hometown.

    brit floydBrit Floyd has been touring the world performing the music of Pink Floyd since 2011 but has its genesis in the Australian Pink Show back in 2005. Cattell has performed with both units in addition to playing in several prog-oriented outfits as an up-and-comer in the Central New York Scene.

    Cattell moved to Syracuse at the age of 10 and lived there throughout high school. He played with several local outfits that gathered some large followings during his time in Syracuse: Crazy Diamond and Childhood’s End, both Pink Floyd tribute projects; the United Booty Foundation, a popular funk-disco band and Seconds Out, a Genesis cover band. It was through these endeavors that Cattell honed his prog-rock chops, leading to his current gig with Brit Floyd.

    When you’re performing the music of such an iconic band in rock history, there is already a built-in fan base looking for note-for-note replication of that band’s work. When asked if he ever feels that pressure or if he places any pressure on himself, Cattell responded,

    Oh, definitely. If we were out doing original music, you can kind of do it however you like. It’s yours. Whereas, there are so many Floyd fans that listen to the albums over and over again and they’re so familiar with every last detail. We try to put a little bit of our own flavor into it for our own fun, but it’s only to a point, because people are expecting to hear how it is on the album.

    Cattell performs both David Gilmour and Roger Waters songs but finds his natural singing voice closer to that of Gilmour’s. He first “tried his Roger Waters vocals on with Childhood’s End” around 2001. He does admit to his voice being “in character” while singing Waters’ vocals. See below for Cattell in character during “The Trial” section from The Wall. Cattell goes full-on Waters. First timers may be fooled into thinking the Floyd bassist is making a guest appearance onstage.

    When attending a Brit Floyd show, expect to spend the night. Each show is approximately three hours long, with songs spanning Pink Floyd’s career. This tour focuses on not only the 40th anniversary of Animals but also the 1994 release The Division Bell, with other eras being represented as well.

    When asked what makes playing in his adopted hometown different from other venues, Cattell states, “Each time we play in Syracuse, it’s quite amazing. I feel like I know at least half the audience. If not from having done gigs or going to see gigs or through Facebook…I get a vibe off the Syracuse crowd like no other because I know so many people there. I do so many gigs where I don’t know anybody…but Syracuse is unique where it’s that the people I know are everywhere I look.”

    If you miss Tuesday’s show in Syracuse, Brit Floyd will be performing in Schenectady at Proctor’s Theater Wed., April 19.

  • Hearing Aide: Big Mean Sound Machine ‘Runnin’ for the Ghost’

    Big Mean Sound Machine is an instrumental funk group which has been evolving since the summer of 2009.  The adjectives in the band’s name are normally used to describe a Godzilla-like monster and this 9-piece out of Ithaca, NY has a sound that is far from gorgeous.  While members have come and gone to aid in the experimental efforts, their urge to grow creatively never ceases to amaze their loyal fan base.  Known for throwing some of the sweatiest dance parties in the Northeast, Big Mean Sound Machine has been ambitiously touring and working hard to welcome new followers with no plans of slowing down.  The new fan-funded album, Runnin’ for the Ghost, is just one example of how relentless experimentation on the road can lead to something positive and fruitful in the studio.

    The opening track, “Return of the March” begins with sound effects reminiscent of spaceship maintenance from a galaxy far away.  The futuristic afro-beat introduction to the album peppers in the perfect amount of brass giving it a relaxing hookah lounge feel.  “Runnin’ for the Ghost” features haunting synthesizer-bass interplay with a worldly drumbeat acting as the powerful nucleus.  The title track is the longest on the album, inviting listeners to embark on the meanest, craziest and biggest journey of all and is sure to become a staple of their already bustling live music repertoire.  “Hired Guns” takes to the streets of New Orleans for a straight forward funk piece that would mix well with any Mardi Gras influenced cocktail.  Extremely danceable and groovy, the track exits on the other side of the Earth with a tribal, West African percussion section.

    Big Mean Sound Machine attempts to travel to all parts of the globe in terms of musical influences and in “Burning Van” they cover the slums of Latin America.  The tenor sax and trombone combine forces as other band members delicately weave in and out of the track to create a perfect theme song for any 1970’s police detective TV montage.  Every band has a song that can attract attention simply based on the name.  On their newest release, “Triple Bacon” is that song.  While the title may induce hunger for one of our planet’s finest meat products, the gritty jazz will help you get your ass on the floor and burn some calories.  The 11 tracks come to an end with “Another Grain of Sand” returning to the afro-beat and Jamaican dancehall influence that has appeared throughout the 44-minute album.  An Epcot-like adventure through many different cultures and influences proves that these talented musicians have studied the encyclohpedias of sound.  From James Brown to Fela Kuti, the ghosts of artists that have come before them are sure to be dancing wherever they may be.

    Check out Big Mean Sound Machine on tour and pick up Runnin’ for the Ghost now!

    Key Tracks: Runnin’ for the Ghost, Hired Guns, Triple Bacon

  • Space Carnival Release New Song “Pleasure in Sin”

    Space Carnival has released the debut of a new composition, “Pleasure in Sin” from their performance at Lefty’s in Des Moines, Iowa. The spacey track has remarkable synth work from Cameron “Ron” Fitch and a mellow groove that gets increasingly funkier as the track develops. The disco funk quartet wraps up their Midwest run with four shows before returning to the east coast next week for performances in Ithaca opening up for Dopapod and in Philadelphia with Formula 5.

    Thursday April 6th in Chicago, IL at Emporium Arcade Wicker Park w/ Digiometric and Zoofunkyou

    Friday April 7th in Mt Pleasant, MI at Rubbles w/Desmond Jones

    Saturday April 8th in Grand Rapids, MI at Tip Top w/ Desmond Jones

    Sunday April 9th in Cincinnati, OH at Stanley’s Pub w/ The Jared Presley Experience

    Wednesday April 12th in Ithaca, NY at The Haunt, opening up for Dopapod

    Thursday April 13th in Philadelphia, PA at Bourbon and Branch with Formula 5

  • Metal Couch Cast Talk Warped Tour, Debate Lamb Of God, Ex-Dream Theater Drummers.

    This week’s Metal Couch Cast, the Metal Talk YouTube channel based in Syracuse, get into a plethora of topics such as Warped Tour, Lamb of God, and get astounded by actor Forest Whitaker at a Bring Me To The Horizon show.

    Co Hosts Jay Saint G, Moshpit Fardo, and Black Metal Steve along with the help from Steve Losurdo Productions once again go at with another “MCC Vs.” where they debate who the better drummer is between Chris Adler and Mike Portnoy.

    Enjoy the clip below and be sure to share and subscribe and get ready for another episode every Friday!

  • Syracuse University’s Bandier Program Moves to Newhouse School

    Syracuse University has announced the relocation of the prestigious Martin Bandier Program for the Music Business and Entertainment Industries from the College of Visual and Performing Arts to the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications, as reported by Billboard. The move houses the Bandier program alongside nationally ranked programs in broadcast journalism, television, radio and film, and newspaper and online journalism.

    bandier Joining the Newhouse School ensures that non-performance students interested in pursuing careers in the music industry have a variety of options to conduct interdisciplinary studies at Syracuse.

    “Over the years, graduates of the Bandier Program have gone on to achieve very successful careers in all sectors of the music industry,” said Martin Bandier (class of ’62)  in a statement. “I wanted to ensure that the program will continue to groom our future innovators — students that will lead the trends and growth across all entertainment industries. The Program is honored to join the Newhouse School, where it will continue to provide curricula that will prepare students for the ever transforming and growing music and entertainment industries.”

    martin bandierThe Bandier Program was founded by Mr. Bandier in 2006 and Billboard has ranked it among the top music business schools in the U.S.  Students study all aspects of the industry and have the opportunity to take part in internships at leading music companies in New York, Los Angeles and London. They earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in recording and allied entertainment studies.

  • The Winner of NYS Music 2017 March Madness is….

    Root SHOCK takes the crown as the winner of NYS Music’s 2017 March Madness. Over 6 rounds, Root SHOCK brought their fanbase together to propel them to the top, holding off Buffalo’s Intrepid Travelers in the finals.

    Catch Root Shock on April 14 at Funk n Waffles in Syracuse with Danielle Ponder and The Tomorrow People, as well as all across New York State this May and June.

    march madness root shockNYS Music talked to bassist Bill Eppel this weekend about winning March Madness:

    Pete Mason: Congrats on winning NYS Music’s 2017 March Madness! How does it feel to win?

    Bill Eppel: It’s a total blast! March Madness has been a great experience all along the way. Checking out all the bands represented underlines the diversity of music in the region. It’s definitely opened our eyes to some bands we weren’t aware of. The support we’ve received from our fans (what we think of as our family) along the way has reinforced that we’re on the right track and connecting with people in a positive way with our music and our lyrics. We’re blown away by the outpouring of votes and positive vibes from everyone, it’s humbling for us.

    root shock march madnessPM: For those who aren’t familiar with the reggae sounds of Root Shock, what influences do you draw on and what can fans expect from your live performances?

    BE: We always refer to ourselves as ‘high energy reggae soul.’ While we have great respect and draw musical and spiritual inspiration from the wide range of reggae styles (roots, dub, dancehall and more), we color that with the classic soul, modern neo-soul, funk, American rock and roots that we grew up with. All that aside, the first thing most first time listeners notice is the powerful vocals, presence and will of our lead singer, Jessica Brown. She’s an overwhelming force of nature on stage and the embodiment of the positive uplifting lyrics that she and guitarist/singer Phil Grajko pen. Hopefully the listener can feel the sincerity of what we do, and walks away with our message of empowerment, equality, respect and love.

    PM: How has growing up and performing in CNY impacted the group’s growth?

    BE: This band probably couldn’t have happened somewhere else. When we came together about 5 years ago, we’d all been involved in the wider CNY music scene and connected with the modern reggae scene in some way previously. Seeing regional bands (John Brown’s Body, Thunderbody, and many others) that had been creating reggae related music but weren’t copying classic Jamaican and world reggae; synthesizing something new with it felt like there was positive artistic and spiritual motion that was furthering the genre. But more importantly the greater CNY area was so obviously supportive and accepting of stretching the genre that we felt comfortable putting ourselves out there stylistically even if we weren’t doing the traditional thing. We don’t write songs to ‘fit in’ to a specific niche, we write them to express ourselves, we’ve thrown lots of stuff at the audience and are consistently surprised with the reaction. It’s given us a freedom to explore. It turns out that the listeners, bands, clubs, pretty much everyone, has been really receptive and supportive. Luckily we also live in an area with a vibrant music scene these days, so we’ve been able to play such a cool and wide variety of places. It’s funny, living in a place that’s so cold and hostile environmentally for so much of the year is obviously difficult…but it’s balanced by the warmth of the people here and how really enthusiastic music fans are once you get them in front of a stage.

    Stream Root Shock’s self titled album and read the NYS Music review of the breakout release.

  • The Finals of NYS Music’s March Madness 2017

    We have made it to the finals of NYS Music’s March Madness! From our Final Four, two bands, Intrepid Travelers from Buffalo and Root SHOCK from Syracuse have reached the finals in our month long friendly competition between bands.

    A brief intro to each of our finalists:

    Intrepid Travelers specialize in creating sprawling improvisational soundscapes, infusing elements of  jazz, rock, funk, and bluegrass. Most of what the group plays are original compositions, and their covers get a groovy IT makeover.

    The group holds their annual IT Fest each year, and last year NYS Music had this to say about their performance: “The first two sets were a mixture of original songs with a few covers thrown in the mix. The last set they covered MGMT’s album Oracular Spectacular from start to finish. They put their own twist on the album, showing fans a side of the band that they might not be aware of.”

    Root SHOCK was formed in Winter of 2012 with veteran musicians whose love of reggae music flows deep. Last  fall we reviewed Root SHOCK’s self-titled release and said “Their self titled debut is an authentic embodiment of the magnetizing performances that have continued to draw in larger crowds wherever they go” amid an interview with Phil Grajko.

    In September 2015, we reviewed the group’s Funk n Waffles show and editor Ally Dean said “The high-energy atmosphere fostered a connectedness and comfort level allowing several liberated spectators to remove their shoes, showing off some fancy footwork, toes unrestricted.” The band just last week released their latest video “Sunlight.”

    Check back Monday for the 2017 winner!

    Voting begins at Noon on Thursday, March 30 and ends at midnight on Saturday, April 1 and we’ll announce the winner on Monday, April 3!

    We’d like to thank our regional sponsors The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, Nietzsche’s Buffalo, The Downtown Barn and Castle Studio. These small businesses represent the best of what New York State has to offer and celebrate music while inviting local and touring bands to perform for growing local scenes across the state.

  • Metal Couch Cast Returns With Season 2, Talk The Rods Returning, Feuds, and Review Obituary’s New Album

    Metal Couch Cast, the metal talk show on YouTube based in Syracuse returns after a brief hiatus, now featuring two of NYS Music’s writers Jay Saint G and Black Metal Steve

    Along with voice actor Matthew “Moshpit” Fardo, with Steve Losurdo Productions handling all of the show production go into a frenzy of metal topics including Tool’s recent tour announcement, along with The Rods new album and label with much, much more.

    Check out the video below and be sure to subscribe.

  • X Ambassadors Curate Inaugural Cayuga Sound Festival

    Ithaca natives, the X Ambassadors, will return to where it all started, as the alternative indie rockers return home to headline and present the inaugural Cayuga Sound Festival. The festival will take place at historic Stewart Park, on Sept. 22-23. Tickets go on sale March 31, at 10 a.m.

    Alternative hip hop, and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon house band, the Roots, will headline an evening as well. Other artists performing during the two-day festival include K.Flay, the Knocks, Tei Shi, Margaret Glaspy, Jukebox the Ghost, Savoir Adore, Crush Club, Sammus, Izzy True, Imperials, Stone Cold Miracle, and Mail the Horse. More artists will be announced later.

    Cayuga Sound will showcase vendors from across the region that will be on hand to feed festival goers, along with local brews made just for the festival from Ithaca Beer Company. The full food lineup will be announced soon.

    X Ambassador frontman Sam Harris commented about the upcoming fall festival:

    My brother Casey and I are proud to call ourselves native Ithacans. The city is an important part of our identity, personally, and professionally. We cut our teeth as musicians in Ithaca, so X Ambassadors owe the city a great deal. We wanted to curate a music festival in Ithaca that celebrates the city where we hail from. With an eclectic line-up of artists from all different genres of music, wonderful food and drink from local vendors and the opportunity to give back to the community we are so proud of.

    X Ambassadors debut full length album VHS, debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, and is certified gold by the RIAA. The album churned out three hit singles.  Their single “Jungle,” which features Jamie N Collins and Jay-Z, is certified gold. The band’s release of the single “Renegades,” earned them their first certified platinum hit, and the X Ambassadors biggest selling single, “Unsteady,” is certified twice platinum. X Ambassadors are featured in the hip hop track “Sucker For Pain,” which is certified twice platinum and features Lil’ Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Imagine Dragons, Logic and Ty Dolla $ign.

  • Riff Raff’s Rap got the Crowd Roaring at The Lost Horizon

    Riff Raff gave Syracuse “4 million” reasons why they should have been at The Lost Horizon This past Thursday, March 2, performing his signature brand of crunk braggadocio to a packed house of CNY’s trillest. Draped in a gold chain to match his shiny rings and belt buckle, the Houston-based rapper dazzled the audience with thumping beats and catchy refrains about his lavish lifestyle. The crescendo of his set was the aforementioned banger “4 million,” which had the crowd singing in unison about Riff Raff’s purported income from the 2016 fiscal year.

    riff raffAll in all, it was a high-energy performance and unforgettable party for everyone in attendance. The opening acts were Sig Roy, Dom x Vince Cioci, followed by Cuse Williams featuring DJ Lionheart. Yola Cerew replaced Atrilla for one last crowd exciter before Riff Raff hit the stage. The first song in Cuse Williams’ set “Left for Dead” was definitely a highlight of the evening. The track began with clips from a news report about a shooting in Syracuse, and was followed by heartfelt lyrics against gun violence.