NYS Music 20​17

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  • Artist Profile: Within the Fire

    Author Charles Bukowski focused his writing on the plight of ordinary people, drudging through work, alcohol and relationships.  In the end, he wrote, “What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.”

    Some may think Bukowski is referring to the plight of getting through life’s drama. Some may live on the dark side, and see it as a warning to not get burned by the flames. But, what happens when you step Within the Fire?  It opens doors to a whole new world.  Pushing  the envelope, testing the boundaries and expanding the horizons.

    within the fireThe local metal band Within the Fire pushes that envelope from the inside, leaving the past behind and perfecting years of musical journey into a volcano of sound.

    The band was started by guitarist, RJ Pipino (former Cutthroat guitarist) in 2010.

    “He is a big fan of classic metal from the ‘80s,” said bassist Joe Paciolla, of Pipino, “ranging from Dokken to Exodus. [And, he] was inspired to start a band with his younger brother, Kyle.”   

    Already an impressive resume of musicians, the brothers wrote several songs and recruited help from friend, drummer Tim Parent (Section 8). When ready They reached out to vocalist, Scott Featherstone (Attica Enertia), who ended up coming into the studio on the day when vocals for this project were scheduled to be recorded with another singer.

    Paciolla adds “The session turned out better than everyone expected and Scott ended up joining the band full time.  Our influences range all over the rock spectrum, but a few that were a big influence to the style of Within The Fire are Dokken, Metallica and Exodus.” The band has released a full length cd Still Burning and  was recorded at The Recording Company in Esperance, in the summer-fall of 2015. It was completed in the spring of 2016.

    “Tim Lynch is an absolute professional and we were all very happy with his dedication and work on this album,” said Paciolla. “RJ was really involved in making sure the songs sounded exactly like he envisioned them and was at the studio  every minute of the recording and the mixing.”

    This article was originally published by The Spot 518. is property of Spotlight Newspapers in Albany, N.Y., and appears as a special to NYS Music. TheSpot518 and NYS Music work in partnership to provide readers with in-depth coverage on the local music scene in the Capital District and New York state, respectively. For more, visit TheSpot518.com.

  • Linkin Park Frontman Tells Upset Fans to ‘Move The F-k On,’ While Shinoda Does Damage Control

    When it comes to evolving the band’s sound over the years, Linkin Park frontman, Chester Bennington has reached his boiling point with Linkin Park fans asking the band to go back to its roots and the sound of the band’s debut album that brought them instant success, Hybrid Theory.

    In an recent interview with NME/Music Week, Bennington was asked if anyone has told them that they “sold out,” after hearing the band’s upcoming seventh studio album, One More Light. He responded:

    We were asked, ‘What do you think of people who say you sold out?’ I don’t care. If you like the music, fantastic. If you don’t like it, that’s your opinion too. Fantastic.

    If you’re saying we’re doing what we’re doing for a commercial or monetary reason, trying to make success out of some formula … then stab yourself in the face. [jokingly laughs]

    When we made Hybrid Theory, I was the oldest guy in the band and in my early ’20s. That’s why I guess I’m like: ‘Why are we still talking about Hybrid Theory? It’s f–king years ago. It’s a great record, we love it. Like, move the f–k on. You know what I mean?

    Fearing a possible backlash from hardcore Linkin Park fans who may take the comments personal, co-frontman, Mike Shinoda, took to social media and posted a statement that all of Linkin Parks fans are welcome. Shinoda’s statement read:

    For the record, all fans of all albums are welcome here. Online or at the show, HT to OML. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

    Linkin Park will hit the road this summer to support their new album with the “One More Light World Tour,” that will feature Machine Gun Kelly and several special guest on select dates including One Ok Rock, Blink 182, Wu-Tang Clan, and Snoop Dogg.

  • 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

  • The 5th Annual Susquehanna Breakdown: Affordable Scranton Bluegrass

    What can you do with $50 in Scranton, PA this weekend?  How about two days of incredible bluegrass, folk, and funk?  The 5th Annual Susquehanna Breakdown begins Friday, May 19 with local act, The Dishonest Fiddlers taking the stage at 6:30pm followed by most Deadhead’s favorite one-man band, Keller Williams, at 8pm.  Members of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s own Cabinetwill be joining Williams on stage for the 9:30pm “Keller & Cabinet” set which is sure to be full of surprises.  Cabinet will then take over the stage at 10:45 for the first of three weekend sets.

    When Susquehanna Breakdown was founded in 2013 by Cabinet and Live Nation Entertainment, their aim was to shine a light on the regional artists, farmers and craft vendors of Scranton, PA.  Over the years the festival has added bigger names and larger crowds to their Montage Mountain home, yet the tight-knit friendly vibe, cheap ticket price, and local sponsorship has remained.  While Cabinet continues to be at the nucleus of the event, bluegrass juggernauts, Greensky Bluegrass, have taken over 2017’s headlining slot at 9pm on Saturday night.   Other sets to check out on Saturday include Binghamton, New York’s Driftwood at 12:30pm, a daytime acoustic set from Cabinet at 2:15pm, the soulful folkie Wood Brothers at 4pm and Billy Strings tearing things up at 8pm!

    The full schedule is posted and as in years past, the festival organizers have set the separate stage times so that attendees are able to catch a glimpse of every band with little to no overlap.  And did we mention the late night acts?  The funky West Coast trio, Organ Freeman, will be taking over the party on Friday night and the traveling powerhouse, Turkuaz, will be sending Breakdowners home after one more Saturday night set.  Sandwiched in between all this funkiness is Tom Hamilton’s Breakdown All Stars at 11pm on the second day which will be full of festival-wide collaborations.

    The Northeastern festival season is now upon us and this showcase might be the best bang for your buck you will find this year.  Whether you plan to attend on Saturday only or camp for both nights on the pavilion lawn, there is plenty to do and hear at this year’s Breakdown.  An eclectic collection of acts from around the country sharing the space with local bands and vendors makes this the perfect practice run for the rest of the summer’s events.  The Susquehanna Breakdown shares the same space as Montage Mountain’s larger summer extravaganza, The Peach Festival, but at a fraction of the cost.  While Scranton locals may consider Peach to be the big brother of the mountain’s two jam-heavy festivals, the Breakdown just hit another growth spurt and is ready to rival its older sibling in 2017.

    NYS Music had the chance to sit down with The Dishonest Fiddlers founder, Dave Brown to discover what makes “The Electric City” the perfect place for a breakdown…

    Ben Boivin: What is the concept behind The Dishonest Fiddlers and where did you first come up with this unique idea to play with different artists at every show?

    Dave Brown: Well, I played solo prior to forming the band and I still enjoy the solo sets very much but the band has given my music a chance to take a different shape and myself a chance to play with and learn from a lot of different musicians along the way.

    BB: What is your connection with Cabinet, the band that founded the Breakdown?

    DB: Well my introduction to Cabinet came maybe 4 or 5 years ago in Scranton.  I ordered lunch from Pizza by Pappa’s, and JP [Biondo] delivered it. I was not expecting him, nor was I expecting the pizza to have several bites out of it either. JP agreed to let me take a few bites of the next pizza he had to deliver, and after playing a few tunes I agreed we were square. Since then I started picking up my orders from Pappa’s and listening to Cabinet.  Lately I’ve been fortunate enough to have Todd Kopec, from Cabinet, playing fiddle with us and he’ll be on stage with me at the Breakdown too.

    BB: I know that you are on the road all summer and visiting many different festivals.  What do you feel is so special about the Susquehanna Breakdown?

    DB: The Breakdown has really evolved into something a lot of people really look forward too. I’ve met people from all over the country at the Susquehanna Breakdown over the years. I was a spectator at the first one and its definitely special to have the opportunity to be playing this year. It’s also nice that our family and friends have a chance to be there and share the day with us

    BB: What is the band you are most looking forward to seeing at this festival?

    DB: I recently had a show with Driftwood and I got a copy of their new album so I’m looking forward to hearing some of those tunes again.  I’m also interested in hearing Billy Strings for the first time.

    BB: What would you like to see for The Dishonest Fiddlers?

    DB: Well tours and new albums all sound great but mainly I want to keep having fun and keep writing music. If I can manage to keep enough air in my tires and the lights on at home, the rest will fall in place.

    Tickets for the Susquehanna Breakdown can be purchased at the festival or via Ticketmaster while supplies last.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Hearing Aide: Matisyahu ‘Undercurrent’

    Matisyahu may have found a unique niche in the Jewish reggae and hip hop scenes, and with the 2017 release of his sixth studio album Undercurrent, his religious convictions are woven into a stream of consciousness that flows between genres throughout the album. The album was described in a recent press release stating, “The vulnerability felt throughout the lyrical narrative comes from acceptance in uncertainty. “Step out into the Light” sets the tone for the record, as Matisyahu delves into a musical reframing of the Jewish philosophical differences between the constant of faith and the immediacy of trust.”

    Matisyahu completed the album with a team of esteemed collaborators including some who have a long history working with Matisyahu on past projects. Aaron Dugan (guitarist), Stu Brooks (bassist), Joe Tomino (drums), Tim Keiper (drums) Cyro Baptista (percussion) and Big Yuki (keys) serve as the vehicle through which Marisyahu delivers his rhythmic remarks.

    Undercurrent serves as the musical checkpoint along Matisyahu’s continued journey of seeking greater truth within himself and the world around him. “Step out into the Light” opens the album with a modern hip hop vibe. Matisyahu quickly entangles the album with religion, mentioning a dreidel in the first few lines. The lyrics are at times ambiguous but flow well. Matisyahu offers some seemingly deep philosophical musings but leaves it to the listener to fully unpack their meaning

    “Coming up Empty,” is more heavily produced than much of Matisyahu’s work and may catch fans off guard. “Blue Sky Playground” is heavy on the hip hop and is the first song on the album worth a head bob or two. Halfway through, the nasty hip hop groove fades to a mellow jam which rounds out the eight-minute track. “Forest of Faith” is easygoing and pleasant on the ears with instrumentation that sounds like a tropical xylophone. “Head Right” tricks the listener into thinking its a heavy rock tune, but quickly morphs into a hip hop/reggae hybrid and flips back and forth to the rock realm. “Driftin” concludes the eight-track album with a song that could almost be split into tow separate tracks. The first half serves as a low key hip hop track akin to Dirty Heads before the last seven minutes resort to minimalist instrumentation with Matisyahu displaying his beatboxing ability. This album will certainly keep listeners on their toes.

    Key Tracks: Blue Sky Playground, Forest of Faith, Head Right

  • 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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  • Phish Drops Union College Archival Release

    Phish added a new official archival release to their LivePhish collection this morning, with a show from May 17, 1992 at Union College in Schenectady is now available from LivePhish.com.

    On Sunday, May 17, 1992, Phish played a “secret” show, unannounced in the April/May Phish Update of that year. The show took place at Achilles Rink at Union College in Schenectady on keyboardist Page McConnell’s 29th birthday. The show, which had a ticket price of $5, was the second to last show on the 53 night spring tour that wrapped up in the band’s hometown of Burlington, Vermont.

    The night started off with a “no smoking” announcement prior to a first set highlights of “The Landlady” and “Llama” as the openers. “Stash” and “Chalkdust Torture” are also highlights from the set, and the “I Didn’t Know” features drummer Jon Fishman on trombone. The second set “Possum” is considered a recommended version of the song. It features a number of the band’s secret language cues, including the Simpsons and All Fall Down signals. It also contains a variety of teases, including “Rocky Mountain Way,” “L.A. Woman,” “China Grove,” “It’s Ice” and “Divided Sky.” The “Squirming Coil” features the audience singing “Happy Birthday to You” to Page, followed by teases of the song by Page. The versions of “Brother” and “Harry Hood” are considered must hear versions.

    The new release is available for download or streaming at LivePhish.com.

    Setlist
    Set I: The Landlady, Llama, Colonel Forbin’s Ascent > Fly Famous Mockingbird > My Sweet One > Reba, I Didn’t Know, Stash, The Mango Song > Poor Heart > Chalk Dust Torture

    Set II: The Curtain > Possum, Guelah Papyrus, The Squirming Coil, All Things Reconsidered, Brother, Sanity > Cold as Ice > Love You > Hold Your Head Up, Sparkle > Harry Hood, Cavern

    Encore: Lawn Boy > Good Times Bad Times

  • 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.

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