NYS Music 20​17

Category: Regions

  • Westcott Theater to Feature Grammy Nominee The Record Company

    What a difference a year makes. Los Angeles based trio The Record Company released their Concord Records debut album, Give It Back to You, on February 12, 2016. Exactly one year later, they were among the nominees for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2017 Grammy Awards.

    “Off the Ground” and “Rita Mae Young” are infectious songs showcasing Chris Vos’ gritty vocals and greasy slide guitar, as well as the rhythm section of bass player Alex Stiff and drummer Mark Cazorla.

    “I always think of any performance as one less time, not one more time.” says Vos, “Nobody can say how many shows you get to play in your life. So we try to play our guts out, leave it all on the table, and have fun doing it”.

    The Record Company with special guest, Smooth Hound Smith, will appear at The Westcott Theater in Syracuse, New York, on Saturday May 20th, along with opening act Smooth Hound Smith. Doors open at 8:00, show begins at 9:00. Tickets are still available.

  • Hearing Aide: Yoko Miwa newest album ‘Pathways’

    Without a word, after reviewing jazz pianist Yoko Miwa and her longstanding trio’s newest album Pathways waltz you from the dance floor to the back alley with hints of everything from standards to show tunes and a few surprising renditions in between.

    Released by Ocean Blue Tear Music on May 12, the album features pianist Yoko Miwa, Bassist Will Slater (with Brad Barrett stepping in for one track), and drummer Scott Goulding (Miwa’s husband). A highly affable experience featuring three seasoned and spectacularly attuned musicians, Pathways is a timeless album that goes down smooth from start to finish.

    Things get rolling with a rare reprisal of Bill Evans Trio Bassist Marc Johnson’s “Log O’Rythm” which is also joined by another one of Johnson’s songs, “After You” on Pathways. Miwa also borrows from a page of Joni Mitchell’s songbook with a rendition of “Court and Spark.”

    “Lickety Split” takes listeners on a spin across the dance floor with fast-paced crescendos, spiraling into spontaneous jazz riffs. Like a rollercoaster ride, the song has peaks and valleys, with appropriately placed drum and bass solos building anticipation which Miwa rises to meet.

    Pathways’ finale, a heartfelt rendition of the Beatle’s “Dear Prudence” could not be a more appropriate ending to a gorgeous piece of musicianship. A perfect blend of simplicity and beauty, the eight-plus minute track unfolds gradually and deliberately, with some sections of improvisation dispersed among this familiar classic.

    Yahama Pianos Artist, JVC Victor Entertainment recording artist, and an assistant professor at the Berklee College of Music, Miwa came from Japan to Boston to attend Berklee in the late-1990s on a full scholarship and never left. With more than a decade and a half together, the jazz threesome holds down weekly residencies at several renowned Boston venues. This is Miwa’s sixth album. Give it a listen and let Pathways bring pure beauty into your world.

    Key tracks: Lickety Split, Dear Prudence

  • 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

  • State Champs Sell Out Hometown Show

    Albany natives State Champs truly came around the world and back after selling out their hometown venue in Clifton Park, N.Y. With a full house, State Champs performed to the best of their ability for their friends and loved ones on Saturday.

    On May 13, State Champs alongside Against The Current, With Confidence and Don Broco sold out Upstate Concert Hall on their second to last night of their headlining tour.

    The night kicked off with Young Culture, another band from Albany, N.Y. Even from the start, they got everyone’s attention by performing their song, “Bedroom Floor” which features Derek DiScanio of State Champs. The support from fans of Young Culture led into the next band on the lineup, Don Broco.

    The England-based rock group kicked off the night with their fantastic stage presence, and unique sound. Frontman Rob Damiani made sure to jump into the audience for their hit single, “You Wanna Know,” which took the audience by storm.

    Don Broco, which sound like a heavier version of The 1975 as a comparison, had a perfect vibe to bring to this tour. With their outstanding energy and audience engagement, Don Broco left an impression on fans with their catchy pop-sounding choruses with rock undertones. With their unique vibe and style, had it been any other night of the tour, Don Broco have the ability to be the band to steal the show.

    Intense pop-punk group With Confidence picked the pace back up with their engaging and impressive vocals and energy. Opening their set with their hit song, “Voldemort,” the crowd immediately reacted accordingly to their performance. Fans were jumping and screaming the words to the song, and trying to get as close to the stage as they could. Due to the importance of this date of the tour, With Confidence dedicated their performance of “London Lights” to State Champs. “This goes out to anyone who knows someone who’s stepped on their fucking heart,” said vocalist Jayden Seeley as they led into their performance.

    With the crowd starting to get sweaty from all of the activity, the night shifted to pop group Against The Current to steal the stage. Frontman Chrissy Costanza immediately jumped on stage grabbing everyone’s attention. Despite being on the road for over a month, you would not have been able to tell from Costanza’s performance. Her vocals were great for a live performance with the amount of jumping and running around she does with her time on stage.

    Although some of her high notes could have used a bigger breathe for a cleaner note, this can be forgiven from her non-stop intensive energy song-after-song. The band also worked to get the crowd ready for State Champs by having screaming contests with fans. Perhaps their strongest performance of the night was their song “Runaway.”

    When the time came for State Champs to take the stage, the energy inside the venue shifted. There is something absolutely incredible when you feel the energy and excitement of the friends and family of the members of State Champs cheering along in support.

    “It was truly special for us to play in our hometown at Upstate Concert Hall,” said guitarist Tyler Szalkowski. “We grew up going to shows there when we were teenagers so to now come back as a headliner and sell it out was astounding,” he said.

    State Champs opened their set with a popular older hit of theirs, “Remedy.” Fans immediately made their way to the front of the venue in droves crowd surfing on top of each other to make contact with State Champs.

    With their first performance at Upstate Concert Hall this year, the feeling of love and support from seeing friends and family in the audience made the vibe for this hometown State Champs show indescribable.

    “The night was made even more special by all of our friends and family being there alongside us,” said Szalkowski.

    With the new release of the deluxe edition of Around The World And Back, State Champs were able to use their tour to debut performing their new song, “Slow Burn” which was received well by the audience.

    Along with performing their newer material, you could tell there was support from longtime fans at the show due to the amount of activity from performing an older State Champs song during the show. Their performance of “Deadly Conversation” led to not a single person still inside the venue. Uncommon for State Champs, on this tour they performed one of their earlier acoustic hits, “Stick Around,” followed by a single from their new album, “Around The World And Back.” Their performance of the ballad featured Costanza from Against The Current, and had every fan in the audience singing along. “We used to sneak into this venue when we were too young to get in,” said frontman DiScanio.

    If you have the chance to see a band perform in their hometown venue, you have to take that opportunity. With the nature of State Champs intense energetic performances, this style is only magnified while performing for their friends and family back home.

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  • 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

  • Leif Vollebekk Playing Rochester’s German House

    Montreal multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk is bringing his deep and moving lyricism to Rochester for what will be a special show at the Historic German House. He is touring behind his critically-acclaimed third album, Twin Solitude, released earlier this year. The three years between records saw him in a creative rut, brought on by extended periods on the road. But he was able to find inspiration in everyday beauty, the seemingly mundane. It has garnered plenty of praise, from NPR Music admiring it as “devastatingly beautiful,” Brooklyn Vegan calling it “lovely, soulful and spare,” while The Fader praised Vollebekk’s “passionate Broken Social Scene-adjacent melodies wrapped in a casual, jammy atmosphere.”

    Local pop-up show promoter Honest Folk, a year into their enterprise, are bringing Vollebekk for their first show at the German House in Rochester’s South Wedge this Thursday, May 18. The show will begin around 7pm. Tickets are $30 and are available at their website. A portion of the proceeds from the show will benefit the Center for Youth, a local organization that provides comprehensive programs and services—from prevention education and counseling to emergency shelter and youth development opportunities.

  • Balance and Composure ‘Afterparty’ Breaks Out for Night 2 at Monty Hall

    Reflection: Who did I really see? What turned out as a spontaneous, nearly three hour drive from New York’s capital region to Jersey City to catch Doylestown, PA natives Balance and Composure for a low key night of alternative rock, grunge and some newfound shoegazey material, quickly turned into what can be described as a Balance and Composure after party, an appropriate nod to a popular track on their latest album. I’ve been to my fair share of B&C shows and lets just say this one does not conventionally belong among the rest.

    Queens of Jean and From Indian Lakes opened up the second Monty Hall gig of the weekend on April 23 before the three groups took the reigns of their US. Spring 2017 tour. Frontman Jon Simmons took to the stage to prep for the set ahead–along with two other non-band members, which quickly generated buzz among the loitering fans. Simmons guitarist Andy Slaymaker and drummer Bailey Van Ellis, took their respective spots on stage, however, guitarist Erik Petersen and bassist Matt Warner were nowhere to be seen.

    Taking a glance around the tightly packed venue, it was evident that the calmer and probably older Balance and Composure veterans sat toward the back while the younger crowd channeled their energy and pushed their bodies to the forefront of the room. The two unknown members turned out to be members of the Doylestown, PA group on hiatus, Superheaven, bringing an evident “pop punkier” sound throughout the set.

    Without lineup explanation or further ado,  Simmons briefly addressed the crowd, thanking everyone for coming out for night two at Monty Hall in Jersey City– a place they’ve yet to play or “even knew existed.” It was clear Balance and Composure 2.0 was ready to kick things off for a night of fun, even with the unconventional or unexpected lineup. Making cryptic jokes and spewing one-off phrases and interjections throughout the show such as “well, let’s uh have some fun tonight” and “the band and I have taken a consensus…” I wasn’t sure if I had walked into the alternative rocker’s edition of The Twilight Zone or if Ashton Kutcher reprised Punk’d just for me, but confusion danced in the air as did I. Although not the run of the mill B&C show, there was only one thing to do– embrace it. (I later found out that Erik and Matt are in the midst of planning their own weddings. Congrats, guys!)

    The group’s third and most recent studio album, Light We Made, stirred up some fan controversy and genre expectations. With the help of producer Will Yip, they took a leap away from the grunge and angst given off on their debut album Separation and implemented auto tune and electronic drumming. Their sophomore release, The Things We Think We’re Missing, blended said genres with more wistful sounds and whimsical lyrics until their third album completely strayed away from their original angered disposition. Diving into Light We Made’s inaugural track for the opener, “Midnight Zone,” Simmons’ threw his hands in the air and began to groove, as the crowd followed. He began to sing through a mic which crafted his voice into the exact way it sounded on the album, certainly Kanye West-style auto tune, but airy and intriguing all at once.

    “Spinning” came next, further conjuring fans to dance and get movin’ before TTWTWM’s “Tiny Raindrop” and “When I Come Undone.” “Void” awakened the violent finger pointing, mosh veterans and long-time fans of the band, conjuring nostalgia and angst from their very first studio album which segued nicely into “Fade,” another heavy hitter. “For A Walk” definitely sits in its own category, as it uses mainly electronic sounds and beats and only makes sense it was delivered to the Monty Hall crowd during the band’s most electronic set to date. “Postcard” was fun to see in a live setting, as Bailey originally tracked the song with electronic drums. If you’ve ever heard of Balance and Composure, you know “Quake,” which was instantly proven as all sang along and rocked their heads to the classic fan-favorite. Next, the group executed  “Run From Me,” giving fans another opportunity to hear their latest Record Store Day project before a bust out of the calming and emotionally charged “Stonehands.” “Notice Me” found the most audience praise and participation as the ending lyrics and title were shouted loudly in repetitive unison with Simmons.

    “Afterparty” came next to accurately sum up the night’s theme. With a group of what seemed to be intoxicated high school girls screaming “well that was fun!” rap music blaring over venue speakers between sets, the makeshift lineup and the care-free, party mentality that Simmons displayed, it truly felt like the song’s namesake. A penultimate deliverance of “Reflection” and a final encore of “I Tore You Apart in My Head” found all fans pushing directly to the front. Whether you entered the Balance and Composure fandom at the grungy, ground level, jumped in during TTWTWM’s experimentation or just came into their new-found electronic explorations, all fans found themselves layered against one another for the final track of the night.

    I’m not sure if it was the atypical line-up, or the self-preparation before the show that shaped this one of a kind experience, but toss all factors together into a neat package and the hour and ten minute set proved to be quite a unique one– and one I’ll never forget. Balance and Composure never fails to deliver.

    Setlist: Midnight Zone, Spinning, Tiny Raindrop, When I Come Undone, Void, Fade, For A Walk, Postcard, Quake, Run From Me, Stonehands, Notice Me, Afterparty, Reflection, I Tore You Apart in My Head

  • Hearing Aide: Kolby Oakley ‘Where Would I Be’

    Several years ago I had an opportunity to see a local young man open for Parmalee at Toby Keith’s.  Impressed by his talent, I made a point to speak to him that evening as I noted something unique about him.  Fast forward two years later and color me pleasantly surprised to have his new EP Where Would I Be come across my desk to be reviewed.  After listening to it, once again I noted that unique quality in his work that makes him stand out amongst the crowd. Kolby Oakley, a 22 year old country musician, hails from a musical family.

    Although he is young in years, his experience is that of years of musical influences.  His father, Steve Oakley, sings, his mother, Kim Oakley, plays bass, and his uncle Craig Oakley, is well known for performing with both The Beach Boys, and Bob Hope.  Playing alongside his folks throughout the years on drums, he taught himself the guitar, and after loosing his great Grandmother in 2007, he began writing his own work.  A wonderful musician, it’s his writing that stands out to me.  Kolby has a gift of story telling.  His descriptive lyrics place you in a frame of mind of the characters he sings of and transports you to the moments in which they reflect.  This was evident as I began to listen to his four-song EP that is being released this week.

    The title track, “Where Would I Be,” paints a story of those influences throughout the years that shaped the person he sings of.  This upbeat song, gives thanks to those moments and the reflective journey taken to arrive at the destination of today.  The next track, “First Kiss,” slows down the tempo, but not the momentum of this EP.  Kolby’s knack of writing mimics that of a novel writer, giving your senses the touch, taste, smell, and flavor of the moment, making this track somewhat sensual.  My favorite track however is the third, “Keeps Me Coming Back.”  Perhaps it’s the fun Caribbean flare of toes in the sand, sun on your shoulders, beer in your hand that come across and pulls me in on this number.  The final track, “Counting On,” is my next favorite. The consistency in his writing once again draws you in and takes you on a journey of heartbreak, loss, and coping. It floors me that at only 22 years of age, this young man, has the soul of a seasoned country  musician.

    I highly recommend catching Kolby Oakley this weekend at his EP release party, in Binghamton at Touch of Texas. Doors open at 6pm and tickets can be purchased both online and at the door.

    Key Tracks: Keeps Me Coming Back and Counting On

    https://youtu.be/RTdXHgiSVug

  • 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.)

  • Rochester’s Party in the Park 2017 Lineup Includes Los Lobos, Tim Reynolds

    Rochester’s Party in the Park announced the 2017 lineup for the summer concert series. The lineup includes many big names in music, including Los Lobos, Living Colour, Tim Reynolds and Blues Traveler. The series also features a number of local acts on the Genesee Brewery Bowl Stage, including Personal Blend and Ocular Panther.

    Party in the Park 2017 CGI Main Stage Lineup
    June 15 – Los Lobos, Adam Ezra Group
    June 22 – Living Colour, Aqueous
    June 29 – Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Big Mean Sound Machine
    July 6 – Tim Reynolds TR3, The Movement
    July 13 – Blues Traveler, Kat Wright
    July 20 – Los Lonely Boys
    July 27 – The Machine
    Aug. 3 – Matisyahu, Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People
    Aug. 10 – Donna the Buffalo, Zach Deputy

    The Genesee Brewery Bowl Stage Lineup
    June 15 – Neil Van Dorn
    June 22 – Matthew Corey
    June 29 – Personal Blend
    July 6 – White Woods
    July 13 – Dirty Bourbon Blues Band
    July 20 – The Dan Eaton Band
    July 27 – Into the Now
    Aug. 3 – Ocular Panther
    Aug. 10 – String Theory

    Original Post:

    Rochester’s Party in the Park summer concert series returns to celebrate 20 years. Zach Deputy, Los Lonely Boys and Pink Floyd tribute act the Machine are included in the 2017 lineup. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday to announce the full lineup.

    Party in the Park takes place weekly on Thursdays from June 15 through Aug. 10 at Rochester’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

    Tickets for the Party in the Park concerts are $5 each. Fans who plan to attend all nine shows can purchase a a Party Pack for $35 and will be able to enter via an express entry line.

    June 15 –
    June 22 –
    June 29 –
    July 6 –
    July 13 –
    July 20 – Los Lonely Boys
    July 27 – The Machine
    Aug. 3 –
    Aug. 10 – Zach Deputy

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