NYS Music 20​17

Tag: Intrepid Travelers

  • Summer Camp Music Festival Returns for 17th Installment this weekend

    Music Festival season gets underway across the country in May, and Summer Camp Music Festival has made a mark for being a destination event in the Midwest. Umphrey’s McGee, moe., Trey Anastasio Band, Pretty Lights Live and dozens more can be seen this weekend, May 25-28 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL. New York State artists Aqueous, Break Science, Eric Krasno Band, Escort, Turkuaz, Intrepid Travelers, Wild Adriatic, and of course moe., will perform at the four-day festival, now in its 17th year.

    Summer Camp has a lot going on, making it tough to see it all, but far from overwhelming like mega-concerts and nowhere near the dumpster fire that is/was Fyre Festival. Check out the full schedule here, or create your own on the Summer Camp app (highly recommended).

    Listen to your Counselors!

    You should listen to your counselors. Seriously, these are the pros who know Summer Camp inside and out. They’re the best resource for Scampers of all ages and experience levels. Read the handbook, which covers virtually every detail and question about the festival, and if you still have questions, join the Facebook group where you can find answers to virtually any question that may arise over the weekend.

    When it comes to camping, unless you’re in an RV, NYS Music recommends the field between Sunshine and Camping (Area D in the map above). Why? Because you are proximate to five stages—Sunshine, Starshine, Vibe Tent, Camping and Soulshine Tent (very underrated, even late at night)—and although there is no shade, you’ll love being able to catch a set of music while chilling between sets of music. The Woods are a solid option as well if you have a smaller set up, but fear not—the sprawling area in the woods is one of the coolest areas to walk through at any festival, night or day.

    And while you are at Summer Camp, Make a Difference! there are so many ways to leave Three Sisters Park better than how you found it; clean up trash, cigarette butts, bring a reusable water bottle, recycle your waste and check out the Soulshine Tent to find ways to bring some of that positive energy from Summer Camp back home with you.

    Then, of course, what do you do when you want to relive a little bit of Summer Camp from your youth? You participate in Field Day! Yes, Field Day is an annual tradition at Summer Camp, one that has a rightful place in the history of the festival. Started in 2011, the annual event takes the cake as the most unique and most fun non-musical component of Summer Camp. Sign up online, and the first 100 get a free team bandana on Friday from noon–1 p.m. at the Vibe Tent. Come back Saturday at 3 p.m. and participate in capture the flag, arm wrestling, spelling bee, banana eating contest and much more, with a Champions ceremony at noon Sunday. Field Day is open to all, the smack talk is free and it has become a growing event everyone should check out, whether as spectator or participant.

    The Field Day staff shared a little insight into why you should take part in Field Day:

    The number-one reason why people should sign up is because of the amount of awesome people you’ll meet doing so, especially myself Ashley Pardy. What keeps me coming back is all of the memories, and the Red Team wins. I mean would you leave a team that has won almost every year?” – Ashley Pardy

    “You will meet amazing people, laugh your ass off and drink free beer. Participating in one of the many cool activities at Summer Camp will make your festival experience unique beyond just seeing shows.”
    – Jessica Coughlin

    “Bragging rights.” –  Elizabeth Cox

    What memories of past years keep these wonderful staff keep coming back, year after year?

    I come back year after year because the people are so amazing. Favorite memory is Sheppy nearly getting arrested by some serious looking state troopers for defacing an American flag, while simultaneously being hoisted on our shoulders raising the red flag after yet another contested victory.”
    – Anthony Piccirilli (Shep talked his way out of it and the cop came to our keg party.)

    “Mud Tug-o-War, Drunken Spelling Bees, Sheppy drunken walks with the cup.” – Elizabeth Cox

    “Drunken Spelling Bees.” – Anthony Piccirilli

    And while sunrise kickball isn’t an official activity, it has been the unofficial opening ceremony of the games for six years now. This is one of the highlights of Summer Camp; at 5:30 a.m. come to the Sunshine Stage for a game of kickball with faithful fans led by Ryan Stasik. There will be trampolines, bacon at second base and no apparent rules; it is the most beautiful and absurd shit-show ever witnessed, and one worth staying up for!

    There you have it; NYS Music gives you the ins and outs of Summer Camp 2017. Make sure to follow us all weekend on Twitter and Instagram to live vicariously if you can’t make the trip to the Midwest.

  • NYS Music Launches 87/90

    Every band was a local band once. Today, we launch NYS Music 87/90, reflecting the highways artists travel upon to reach markets across The Empire State. 87/90 brings together 8 New York State born and raised bands that have strong potential to make it big. We will bring news and coverage of these bands to you on a regular basis, highlighting what we see as the next wave of bands to come out of New York State. These are just the first wave of bands that we will be bringing to your attention – there are plenty more artists in every corner of the state from all genres. As we discover them, we’ll bring them to you and beyond.

    nys music 87/90The 8 artists we launch with include: Space Carnival, Cousin Earth, Formula 5, Folkfaces, Boogie Low, Intrepid Travelers, Let’s Be Leonard and Gowanus. These artists were selected for potential, work ethic and appeal to a wider audience. They include jam bands, bluegrass/folk, psychedelic rock, electronic and a mix of everything. We will expand in the future with bands that we see strong potential in – this is a select group we launch with and we will keep it reserved only for bands that pass muster.

    The bands we are reaching out to as founding artists are bands that we have highlighted on our pages in recent years, see a strong future in and have shown that they are committed to making a name for themselves well outside of New York State. This is not an open invite – the initial roster includes only bands that are on the rise and have developed a following through their music.

    Every band was once local.

  • 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.

  • The Final Four of NYS Music’s March Madness 2017

    And then there were 4….

    Two weeks ago, we started with 64 artists from across New York State, now we’re here. Four bands from Binghamton, Buffalo, and a pair from Syracuse remain representing genres of prog rock, jam, reggae and drum fusion, bringing us into the Final 4 and home stretch of NYS Music’s March Madness 2017 friendly competition with these rising bands from across New York State.

    Raibred (Nietzsche’s Region) vs Intrepid Travelers (Castle Studio Region)

    Raibred is a progressive/psychedelic rock band from the Binghamton, NY area. Formed in 2011, we have played over 100 shows all across New York and Pennsylvania. Raibred’s setlist is changing constantly at every show which makes each performance unique and one of a kind. With a growing list of originals and covers from the Dead, Phish, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, moe., Little Feat, etc. you can hear all of your favorites mixed in with our original work to make your night out one to remember. We are always adding dates so please be sure to get out and check us out sometime!

    Intrepid Travelers were founded on friendship, fun, and a sense of freedom, Intrepid Travelers is a musical quartet from Buffalo, NY that defines itself through boundless improvisation and eclectic evolution. Treating each live show as a journey with the audience rather than a performance, Intrepid Travelers pride themselves on a form of focused, collective expression that showcases a medium where cerebral musicianship meets heartfelt, soulful songwriting. Quickly building a following as an improvisational band that draws influence from the diverse catalog of American music, each show has the potential to explore any genre or style, from heavy roots in jazz-funk fusion, rock, bluegrass, to even classical and electronic music. Party music for the head and heart that also keeps the dance floor grooving.

    Root SHOCK (The Hollow Region) vs Boogie Low (Downtown Barn Region)

    Root SHOCK was formed in Winter of 2012 with veteran musicians whose love of reggae music flows deep. Blending roots reggae, dancehall, heavy drum & bass and soulful vocals with conscious lyrics into positive dance music will make you want to move! Root SHOCK has been surprising and delighting crowds across the Central New York region, bringing their unique high-energy style spearheaded by the stunning vocals of Jessica Brown to a wide range of settings. The band’s dedication to spreading music with a positive message has paid off in entertaining, elevating, and energizing music lovers of all walks of life! The band released their latest video “Sunlight” this past week.

    Boogie Low recently released their latest album this month at The Westcott Theater. This four piece band originating out of Syracuse, NY includes Loudon Smith, Matthew West, Brandon Au, and Tommy Dennis delivers an organic sound created by each member’s individual style. With musical inspiration taken from a wide spectrum of music, Boogie Low produces a fusion of intricate melodies accompanied by an unconventional drum style. With a sound like no other, take a listen to get a taste of their sweet, sweet music.

    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.

  • Round 4 of NYS Music’s 2017 March Madness

    And then there were 8…

    Last Monday, we started with an field of 64 original bands from across New York State – some you’ve heard of, and some you might not know about. These bands were recommended for inclusion in our field of 64 by NYS Music staff, contributors and readers and we brought in bands from every corner of New York State, from Long Island to Buffalo, The Catskills to the North Country and all points in between.

    NYS Music March Madness 2017 is a great way to discover a new and upcoming band in your area and show your support and love for bands you see often. We focus once again this year on the bands who are on the cusp of greatness. There was only room for 64 but we made some great choices and picked a wide array of genres to bring to you this year. Here are the elite bands that have made it through to Round 4:

    Funktional Flow (funk n jam) vs Raibred (Progadelic)
    Intrepid Travelers (improv/jam) vs Ampevene (prog rock)
    Root Shock (reggae) vs Barroom Philosophers (reggae rock)
    Boogie Low (acid rock) vs Big Mean Sound Machine (funk)

    Voting begins at Noon on Thursday, March 23 and ends at Midnight on Saturday, March 25. The Final Four begins next Monday!

    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.

  • Round 3 of NYS Music’s 2017 March Madness

    We kick off the week with Round 3 of the 2017 NYS Music March Madness! We’re down to 16 teams out of 64 in our friendly tournament style competition for readers to discover new artists who call New York home.

    The original field of 64 bands are those you might not know about, but should. Recommended for inclusion in our field of 64 by NYS Music staff, contributors and readers, we hit every corner of New York State, from Long Island to Buffalo, The Catskills to the North Country and all points in between.

    NYS Music March Madness is a great way to discover a new and upcoming band in your area and show your support and love for bands you see often. We focus once again this year on the bands who are on the cusp of greatness. There was only room for 64 but we made some great choices and picked a wide array of genres to bring to you this year.

    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.

    Funktional Flow (funk n jam) vs Sly Fox & the Hustlers (rock)
    The New Daze (psychedelic jam rock) vs Raibred (Progadelic)
    Intrepid Travelers (improv/jam) vs Space Carnival (psych groove rock)
    Annie in the Water (acoustic rock) vs Ampevene (prog rock)

    Root Shock (reggae) vs Last Daze (black country rock)
    Barroom Philosophers (reggae rock) vs Chris James and Mama G (Ameribeat)
    Boogie Low (acid rock) vs Kimono Dragons (surf rock)
    Big Mean Sound Machine (funk) vs Formula 5 (jam rock)

    Round 3 voting begins at 12noon on Monday, March 20 and closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 22. Round 4 voting begins on Thursday, March 23 at noon. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

  • Round 2 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2017

    It’s time for Round 2 of the 2017 NYS Music March Madness! We’ve brought together 64 of New York’s up and coming bands for a friendly tournament style competition for readers to discover new artists who call New York home.

    The original field of 64 bands are those you might not know about, but should. Recommended for inclusion in our field of 64 by NYS Music staff, contributors and readers, we hit every corner of New York State, from Long Island to Buffalo, The Catskills to the North Country and all points in between. NYS Music March Madness is a great way to discover a new and upcoming band in your area and show your support and love for bands you see often. We focus once again this year on the bands who are on the cusp of greatness. There was only room for 64 but we made some great choices and picked a wide array of genres to bring to you this year.

    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.

    Second round matchups in Nietzsche’s Buffalo region and Castle Studio region include these 8 matchups:

    Mister F (jam/prog) vs Funktional Flow (funk n jam)
    Folkfaces (bluegrass) vs Sly Fox & the Hustlers (rock)
    The Other Brothers (jam) vs The New Daze (psychedelic jam rock)
    Raibred (Progadelic) vs Lord Electro (jamtronica)
    Teddy Midnight (electro jam) vs Intrepid Travelers (improv/jam)
    Space Carnival (psych groove rock) vs Let’s Be Leonard (jazz/jam fusion)
    Talking Underwater (indie rock) vs Annie in the Water (acoustic rock)
    Candy Ambulance (grunge rock) vs Ampevene (prog rock)

    The Hollow Bar and Kitchen region and The Downtown Barn region feature these 8 matchups:

    The Medicinals (reggae) vs Root Shock (reggae)
    North and South Dakotas (y’allternative) vs Last Daze (black country rock)
    Unknown Woodsmen (funklove) vs Barroom Philosophers (reggae rock)
    Chris James and Mama G (Ameribeat) vs Ocular Panther (prog/electro)
    Boogie Low (acid rock) vs Cousin Earth (folk rock fusion)
    Dead Superstars (metal) vs Kimono Dragons (surf rock)
    LoveDeep (jam/blues/rock) vs Big Mean Sound Machine (funk)
    Space Bacon (jamtronica) vs Formula 5 (jam rock)

    Second Round voting begins at 10AM EST on Thursday, March 16, and closes at midnight on Saturday, March 18. Sweet Sixteen voting begins at 10AM EST on Monday, March 20. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

  • Round 1 of NYS Music 2017 March Madness

    It’s March and it’s time for the 2017 NYS Music March Madness, Round 1! We bring together 64 up and coming bands from across New York State for a friendly tournament style competition throughout the month of March for readers to discover new artists who call New York home.

    These are 64 bands you might not know about, but should. Recommended for inclusion in our field of 64 by NYS Music staff, contributors and readers, we hit every corner of New York State, from Long Island to Buffalo, The Catskills to the North Country and all points in between. NYS Music March Madness is a great way to discover a new and upcoming band in your area and show your support and love for bands you see often. We focus once again this year on the bands who are on the cusp of greatness. There was only room for 64 but we made some great choices and picked a wide array of genres to bring to you this year.

    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.

    First round matchups in Nietzsche’s Buffalo region include:

    Mister F (jam/prog) vs Subsoil (hip-hop)
    Funktional Flow (funk n jam) vs Gowanus (jamtronica)
    Folkfaces (bluegrass) vs Phineas and the Lonely Leaves (indie rock)
    Sly Fox & the Hustlers (rock) vs King Buffalo (blues/stoner rock)
    Lucky Jukebox Brigade (indie/pop/punk) vs The Other Brothers (jam)
    The New Daze (psychedelic jam rock) vs Druse (post hardcore)
    Ire Clad (metal) vs Raibred (Progadelic)
    Tart Vandalay (indie) vs Lord Electro (jamtronica)

    In the Castle Studio region we have these 8 matchups:

    Teddy Midnight (electro jam) vs Vaporeyes (jam)
    Super Killer Robots (stoner rock/metal) vs Intrepid Travelers (improv/jam)
    Space Carnival (psych groove rock) vs Murder in Rue Morgue (Metalcore/groove metal)
    Mike Powell (folk) vs Let’s Be Leonard (jazz/jam fusion)
    Talking Underwater (indie rock) vs Let Go Daylight (hard rock)
    Annie in the Water (acoustic rock) vs Hot Mayonnaise (rock n roll)
    Candy Ambulance (grunge rock) vs Jeremiah’s Razor (heavy rock)
    Red Shift (rock) vs Ampevene (prog rock)

    The Hollow Bar and Kitchen region features:

    St. Philip’s Escalator (rock) vs The Medicinals (reggae)
    Root Shock (reggae) vs Schmave (indie)
    Breakfast for the Boys (rock) vs North and South Dakotas (y’allternative)
    Last Daze (black country rock) vs Oogie Wawa (alternative/reggae)
    Castle Creek (blues rock) vs Unknown Woodsmen (funklove)
    Humble Braggers (indie ambient) vs Barroom Philosophers (reggae rock)
    Wavy Cunningham (soul) vs Chris James and Mama G (Ameribeat)
    Ocular Panther (prog/electro) vs SchwizZ (prog funk rock)

    The final 8 matchups are in The Downtown Barn region:

    Frank Palangi (solo rock) vs Boogie Low (acid rock)
    Skeptic (death metal) vs Cousin Earth (folk rock fusion)
    Fall of Humanity (metal) vs Dead Superstars (metal)
    Kimono Dragons (surf rock) vs Further Unsound (psych rock)
    Love Deep (jam/blues/rock) vs The Demos (indie pop)
    Big Mean Sound Machine (funk) vs Danielle Ponder & Tomorrow People (soul)
    EVHO (rock) vs Space Bacon (jamtronica)
    Stellar Young (indie punk rock) vs Formula 5 (jam rock)

    First Round voting begins at 10AM EST on Monday, March 11, and closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 13. Second Round begins at 10AM EST on Thursday, March 14 with the remaining 32 teams. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!