NYS Music 20​17

Category: Manhattan

  • Breaking Biscuits in the Bowl

    Brooklyn Bowl, the iconic music haven in the heart of Williamsburg, served up some delicious sounds last weekend, courtesy of a mashup of two giants in the jamtronica world.  Breaking Biscuits is the name of this super group which is comprised of Aron Magner (keys) and Marc Brownstein (bass) of Disco Biscuits fame alongside renowned drummer Adam Deitch and Borahm Lee (keys) who together form Break Science, an emerging force all their own.  As a sparse crowd of people took their hacks on the bowling lines on the other side of the room, the dance floor was full of attentive listeners and dancers enjoying everything this uber talented side project had to offer.

    Breaking Biscuits in the BowlThe show featured two opening acts in Upright Man, a relatively new act formed in the halls of NYU’s music school, and Space Bacon.  The latter of which was an ideal choice for an opener as the Disco Biscuits influence was palpable in some impressive jamming that saw virtual hat tips to Bisco staples like “Morph Dusseldorf” and “Basis for a Day” with a noticeable “Funkytown” tease thrown in for good measure at some point.  But the main course was served via two sets of precise and enthralling electronica orchestrated by some of the best in the business.

    With Deitch and Brownstein setting much of the rhythmic foundation, Lee and Magner seemed to go back and forth, trading incendiary leads and emptying out all the tricks their respective keyboard rigs carried.  While it didn’t quite have the raging intensity of a Bisco show, both sets featured constant downtempo grooves that were more than easy to move along to as well as selective covers of some of the genre’s finest like Air’s “La Femme D’Argent” and RJD2’s “The Horror.”  This was only the second night of a short three show tour, after playing only once before that, but it seems as if these artists have formed a collective that yields a unique sound that also pays respect to its forefathers in the electronica scene.

  • SOLARiS to Perform in Saratoga and Brooklyn this Weekend

    The electronic jam sounds of SOLARiS return to New York State this weekend with two big shows in Saratoga Springs and Brooklyn. 
    Saturday catch SOLARiS at Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs featuring Orchard Lounge DJ Ben Silver and on Sunday at Brooklyn Bowl featuring Wax Future and Polyvamp.

    solaris saratoga
    Solaris

    The all instrumental SOLARiS features a great deal of original music with a range of electronica including dubstep, drum n bass, jazz fusion and funk, all intertwined between drummer Daniel Scott Lyons, keyboardist Jared Raphel and bassist Vinny Naro. Naro shared his thoughts on the upcoming run:

    “Expect a new and improved Solaris. We’re sounding surprisingly more polished these days, most likely from the result of the new sounds we’ve been developing and just simply being together as a band for 7 years. While there will always be the staple original songs, like “Vice” and “Nostromo,” there are some new covers as well; such as the “Stranger Things” TV theme, our new instrumental remix of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” and more. As always, we will also be doing our usual exploratory improv, finding new sounds, deep electronic grooves, etc… If you’re attending the shows this weekend, put your seatbelt on because it’s gonna be a very intense and funky ride.”

  • Joywave Makes a Splash with New Music Video “It’s a Trip”

    Joywave unveiled the music video for “It’s a Trip,” the first single from its upcoming album, Content. The lyrics of this catchy surf rock song are laced with dark humor.  What should be a fun day at the shore becomes commentary on wasting time trying to please someone else. The video captures the concept of the song by showing the members of the pop quintet aging progressively. The video was directed by up-and-comers Ghost + Cow Films, with makeup by Ben Bornstein.

    Visit Joywave.com to download or stream the song, or to sign up for their email list.

    The LP Content is out on July 28.

    The quintet from Rochester will spend August and September touring across the U.S. with Young the Giant and Cold War Kids. Their only show in New York State currently scheduled is in Central Park on September 13. Touring information and ticket information can be found on the Joywave website.

    Joywave It's a trip

  • Music Community Responds to Allegations of Abuse by Member of PWR BTTM

    Multiple accusations of sexual abuse and harassment have been levied against Ben Hopkins, a member of the pop duo PWR BTTM, coming into the public spotlight via social media on the eve of the launch of their sophomore album, Pageant.

    The music industry and community are resoundingly sympathizing with survivors and witnesses of abuse. As a result, PWR BTTM’s album release show in New York scheduled for Friday was cancelled. Their managers and labels have dropped them. Supporting acts have withdrawn from upcoming shows. At least one festival has dropped them from the lineup so far.

    In a statement on PWR BTTM’s Facebook page on Thursday, the band offered to participate in mediation with those who are reporting abuse online. In part, the statement reads:

    Our primary goal here is to ensure that a survivor of abuse has a voice, that their story should be heard and that people who cross the line should be held accountable. What this means for the band, our album, our fans and our upcoming tours is, as of yet, unclear. Music is everything to us, but we feel strongly that this matter needs to be addressed first.”

    A touring member of the band who also helped with the arrangements on the album Pageant immediately resigned from the band. Cameron West had this to say on Twitter:

    Today, like many PWR BTTM fans, I was shocked to discover that sexual assault allegations were levied against Ben Hopkins. From my understanding, these accusations were in fact levied via e-mail months ago, but were left unshared with other members of the band, including myself. In order to provide the highest possible respect to everyone who has come forward, I am hereby ending my tenure with the band as an arranger and touring musician.”

    The band’s album release show which was scheduled for Friday night in New York City was cancelled.

    Also on Friday, the band’s management agency, Salty Artist Management dropped the band. A portion of their Facebook statement reads:

    In light of the allegations involving members of PWR BTTM, Salty Artist Management will no longer be working with the band. We do not take these kind of allegations lightly and our thoughts are with victims and survivors of abuse who have been affected by this.”

    By Saturday, PWR BTTM was dropped from their current and former labels. Polyvinyl is offering refunds on any purchases of PWR BTTM music or merchandise made through their company. Those who made purchases can send a request via mailorder@polyvinylrecords.com. Polyvinyl is also making donations to RAINN, and AVP, organizations which assist survivors of sexual assault and violence. The label Father/Daughter Records, who released PWR BTTM’s debut album, Ugly Cherries, have also followed suit, pulling PWR BTTM music and merchandise, and donating to the same charities.

    Over the past few days, supporting acts have withdrawn from billing on PWR BTTM shows. Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, iji,  Ratboys, and Tancred have distanced themselves from the band in light of the allegations in public statements on social media.  T-Rextacy acknowledged hearing about the allegations prior to them being made public. “We made a mistake supporting this band,” they stated. “We put our career above the safety of fans who have trusted us and supported us and there’s no way for us to remedy that.”

    Furthermore, the band has been removed from the lineup of this fall’s Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina. “It is the primary goal of the festival organizers to ensure that everyone feels safe and free to express themselves.”

    Friends and fellow members of the Brooklyn music scene Diet Cig summed up the feelings of many fans and supporters in a Tweet on Sunday:

    we’re so heartbroken about these allegations and have been trying to sort through our feelings the last few days. one thing we know for certain is we believe and stand with the survivors, we take this very seriously. it’s scary thinking your friends could hurt someone like this but friendship doesn’t excuse these actions, or make them any less real.

    Support and compassion goes out to all survivors and witnesses of abuse. The resources below are available 24/7 via online chat or phone to anyone impacted directly or indirectly by violence.

    National Sexual Assault Hotline – (800) 656-4673
    The Trevor Project – (866) 488-7386
    LGBT National Help Center – (888) 843-4564
    Anti-Violence Project – (212) 714-1141

  • The Meadows Festival, Featuring Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Jay Z, Weezer, NAS, Gorillaz Announced for September in Queens

    The second year of the Meadows Festival, held in Citi Field, is set to host a plethora of artists reaching across a variety of genres. Tickets went on sale May 10 with prices starting at $275, plus fees, for an early bird three day general admission ticket.

    the meadows festivalIt is unclear if any more artists will be added to the lineup, but can be expected with such a large gap of time between now and the first day. Last year, there were several late additions to the lineup, which would lead people to believe the same will happen this year. The current lineup can be found on the festival’s website and includes some of the following: Future, Bassnectar, LL Cool J ft. DJ Z-Trip, M.I.A., Foster the People, Big Gigantic, Milky Chance, and over 40 more.

    The first year of the festival went off with a few glitches both during and prior to the event. First, according to the Meadows website, Kanye West’s show ended a bit early due to a, “very frightening and unexpected family emergency.” Refunds were not issued, which may have flustered many patrons after Founders Entertainment, creators of Governors Ball and the Meadows, billed West’s performance as a make-up show after his Governors performance was cancelled due to heavy rain.

    Legal trouble came about prior to the event after the announcement of festival’s partnerships and supporters. A report by Billboard.com revealed that the festival announced it had the support of the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Alliance (FMCPA), which was false. The poor communication resulted in a clash between Founders Entertainment and the FMCPA mainly because of two large events being held in the same general area on the same day (the Meadows Festival and the Makers Faire.)

  • Brian Wilson Brings ‘Pet Sounds’ Tour to New York

    Brian Wilson has extended his Pet Sounds: The Final Performances tour. The new dates include stops in Rochester, New York City and Syracuse.Brian Wilson has been on an extensive tour performing the Beach Boys album Pet Sounds in its entirety. The tour, billed as “Pet Sounds: The Final Performances,” was recently extended to add a number of dates in Europe and North America. The tour makes three stops in New York. Rochester’s Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre gets a visit on Sept. 19. They make a stop on Sept. 23 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The final New York date is Oct. 1 in Syracuse at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre.

    The tour extension also includes several stop in the nearby Northeast. Wilson plays Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut on Sept. 21. They stop by Boston’s Orpheum Theatre on Sept. 22. Following their stop in New York City, they head to Lancaster, Pennsylvania on Sept. 25 to play the American Music Theatre. The next day, Sept. 26, they hit up the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey. They head back to Massachusetts on Sept. 29 to play New Bedford’s Zeiterion Theatre before returning to New Jersey on Sept. 30 for a show at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City.

    Pet Sounds: The Final Performances North American Tour Extension

    Sept. 15 – Molson Canadian Centre, Moncton, NB
    Sept. 16 – Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS
    Sept. 18 – Centre in the Square, Kitchener, ON
    Sept. 19 – Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, Rochester, NY
    Sept. 21 – Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT
    Sept. 22 – Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA
    Sept. 23 – Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY
    Sept. 25 – American Music Theatre, Lancaster, PA
    Sept. 26 – Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ
    Sept. 29 – Zeiterion Theatre, New Bedford, MA
    Sept. 30 – Golden Nugget, Atlantic City, NJ
    Oct. 1 – The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre, Syracuse, NY
    Oct. 3 – Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend, IN
    Oct. 4 – Stranahan Theatre, Toledo, OH
    Oct. 6 – Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont, IL
    Oct. 7 – Belterra Casino, Florence, IN
    Oct. 8 – Civic Center Theatre, Peoria, IL
    Oct. 12 – The Big Fresno Fair, Fresno, CA
    Oct. 13 – The Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA
    Oct. 14 – Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa, CA

  • Hearing Aide: Jocelyn & Chris Arndt ‘Go’

    As much as we’ve seen styles change over the past few decades within our current blues genre, it’s frustrating that many of the blues creators we see don’t vary in general characteristics. In an older, mostly male-dominated blues world, there seems to be few oddball types of pioneers that redefine the ‘modern’ blues genre, that possess elements of instrumental mastery as well as superb songwriting chops. More specifically, there just doesn’t seem to be enough young people in the blues genre whatsoever.

    As early adults and siblings, Jocelyn and Chris share a creative blood. They are unapologetic with their entrance into listener’s speakers in their recently-released sophomore album, Go. Chris Arndt is a powerful songwriting force on all twelve tracks of the album, delivering piercing guitar riffs that are precise, yet purposefully sluggish as a means to flirt with his listeners. Many of his melodic lines are the forefront of song creation, that can be especially noticeable in songs like “History” and “Red Stops Traffic.”

    Only to balance the sound (without overshadowing the existing space) is Jocelyn Arndt, whose lyrics paint several pictures we can all relate to, in tracks such as their uplifting ode to dreams “Footprints on the Moon,” and desolate lullaby “Bad Business.” More apparent than her story is Jocelyn’s extroverted voice, that commands the room by presenting listeners with a delicate, soothing head voice to contrast an assertive, powerful chest voice, and then back, with a complete sense of ease and elegance.

    While they have the support of a full band on this album (occasionally featuring members of Gov’t Mule and Kung Fu), Jocelyn and Chris maintain a unified sound that doesn’t need any backing. They have the freedom to do this by choice, and only being in their early stages speaks volumes as to what their future may bring for blues music, both as performers and songwriters.

    While their tour is nearing its final stops, Jocelyn and Chris will make one more visit to New York on July 6 at the Mercury Lounge. You can buy tickets and follow their happenings on the artist website.

    Key Tracks: Footprints on the Moon, Red Stops Traffic, History

  • Six Places in NY Ranked Among ‘Best Cities for Music Fans’

    Ever wonder where your city measures up when it comes to the music scene? Value Penguin, a company which compiles information for consumers, compared 200 US cities using more than a dozen variables from reputable sources to create a list of best places for music lovers. Six cities in New York State are in the top 30%: Albany, Rochester, Binghamton, New York, Buffalo, and Syracuse.

    Best Cities for Music Fans

    The top 10 cities in the nation are: Nashville, Honolulu, Seattle, Madison WI, Austin TX, Albany, Tuscon, Rochester, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco. Binghamton came in at No. 20, New York City at No. 26, Buffalo/Niagara Falls at No. 43, and Syracuse at No. 56.

    Cities were rated in three categories: Bands, Crowds, and Intangibles. For bands, factors included the number of musicians and bands per capita, the number of recording studios and labels, and the average hourly wage. The crowd category included information about venues, music-related stores, and number of radio stations. The intangible category was a catch-all for miscellaneous info on weather, public transportation, music schools, and closing time for bars, all of which may impact the quality of the music-going experience. Data was pulled from government sources such as the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Department of Commerce. Additional information came from sites such as Music School Central, USA Today, Songwriter Universe, and Fodors. The information spanned the years 2014-2016.

    The Albany area took a high position, thanks in part to venues like Palace Theater, Cohoes Music Hall, The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, Madison Theater, Troy Music Hall, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Proctors Theater, The Massry Center for the Arts, Times Union Center, EMPAC and many more.

    Rochester was not far behind, known by music lovers for the Eastman School of Music, Eastman Theater, Blue Cross Arena, The Bug Jar, The International Jazz Festival, The Record Archive and The House of Guitars, to name a few.

    You can see the complete list and view the data sources at Value Penguin.

  • Hearing Aide: Woods ‘Love is Love’

    Some protest music speaks to specific events. Sometimes it commands specific actions. Other times it is a non-specified reaction. Woods’ Love is Love is a reaction to the unexpected turn of events that flipped the United States on it’s head last November.

    Recorded in the immediate months that followed, it is not overly negative, angry or sad. As the title clearly states, it is steeped in feelings of love. If you made a word cloud of the compiled lyrics of this six-song EP, ‘LOVE‘ would stand central, big and bold, eclipsing all others by a large margin. This is a record borne in protest, but one that exists to lift up and comfort. If the ‘Love Trumps Hate’ slogan needs a soundtrack, this is it.

    Woods fans will find immediate comfort in the familiar psychedelic rock sounds with it’s signature mix of Ethiopian jazz influences as the band had built into their last standout record, City Sun Eater in the River of Light. Horns, psychedelic guitar, groovy bass and in-the-pocket rhythms wrap around each other to form a bond not easily broken throughout this tight 30+ minute set.

    The record kicks off with positivity and warmth on the title track. It’s a song that instantaneously gets added to the Woods canon like it was there all along. “Bleeding Blue” sounds like the soundtrack to a Rocky montage, had Rocky been training in the streets of London while being chased by a throng of young screaming women. “Lost in a Crowd” brilliantly adds a sunny splash from the Caribbean to the already thick mix. Beginning with a din of digital crickets, “Spring is in the Air” builds to colorful and blooming horn blasts, but never quite explodes through to summer. Instead it falls quietly into “Hit That Drum.” The EP isn’t just oozing positivity, doubt and struggle do rear their ugly heads. But lead man Jeremy Earl more or less explains the main drive for the album in “Hit That Drum,” singing “Feeling dark / feeling down / I hit that drum / It takes me away.”

    They end it with a return to the title track, and a question, “How can we love with this kind of hate?” And comes the answer: “Say that love is love.”

    Key tracks: Bleeding Blue, Lost in a Crowd, Spring is in the Air

  • Hearing Aide: Arthur Moon ‘Our Head’

    Arthur Moon, the transcendental Brooklyn-based project, has released its expanded debut EP entitled Our Head. The band’s founder and song-smith Lora-Faye Ashuvud was born in Sweden and raised in Brooklyn. She studied contemporary art at Smith College in Northampton and later relocated back to NYC to pursue music. The remaining members of the six-piece band consists of Rachel Brotman (keyboard and banjo), Nick Lerman (guitar), Marty Fowler (bass), Dave Palazola (drum) and Aviva Jaye (back-up vocals).

    arthur moon our head
    Lora-Faye Ashuvud lead singer of Arthur Moon

    Ashuvud has a unique way of creating the lyrics for her songs. She cuts out words from magazines and randomly combines them, thereby creating a contemplative and creative texture to her raw and hypnotic vocals. The first track and latest video from Our Head entitled “Room” showcases this unique process, with the addition of Lerman’s reverberating guitar and Brotman’s stark banjo creating a puzzling menagerie that the listener will relish deciphering.

    The politically minded track “Wind Up,” also recently released by the band as a video directed by film maker Sam Jones, interlaces spoken phrases from a robotic male voice that comments on today’s daily hypocrisies combined with Ashuvud’s haunting vocals. The track’s repetitive chorus, “Oh but the mind is narrow, love little wind up bird” is illustrative of a multi-layered critique of today’s social and political landscape.

    Tracks like “Bold Affair” and “Boxing” both use generous amounts of Palazola’s percussion which showcases various rhythms and time signatures that keep the listener actively engaged with the music. These tunes forces the audience to pay attention to the band’s musical details, a definite contrast from most contemporary popular music artists who do not exact that kind of scrutiny from their listeners.

    Arthur Moon’s fifth and final track on their EP Our Head is simply named “The Beatles Cover.” The song is the band’s modernistic homage to The Beatles’ White Album classic, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Ashuvud and company took many liberties with their take on this Beatles gem, one of which was the omission of the title phrase “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” from the chorus of their rendition entirely. “The Beatles Cover” also has a surprising lack of guitar on a track that historically relies heavily on the instrument for it’s renowned lengthy solos. The band fills this void with multiple synthesizer overlays and Ashuvud’s vocals creating an original version that is almost as creative and unique as the band Arthur Moon itself.