NYS Music 20​18

Author: Chad Vergine

  • Brooklyn’s Output Club Announces Summer Lineup

    Brooklyn’s premiere destination and award winning club, Output has announced it’s opening weekend, and the rest of the summer lineup for the venue’s sixth season of The Roof starting May 11.

    Output’s multi-level open air deck sets the mood with the Manhattan skyline serving as the backdrop for the venue. On select Fridays throughout the summer, the venue offers its Friday Night Live series, which features live bands and top tier electronic musicians. Opening weekend will see the return of Friday Night Live starting at 5 p.m., featuring Roy Ayers, KiNK, Giorgia Angiuli, Stavroz, Crussen and more to be announced.

    Several international DJs have signed on to appear before the closing weekend on Sept. 22 including Dubfire, Francesca Lombardo, DJ Tennis, Mano Le Tough, Louie Vega, tINI, Kerri Chandler and Victor Calderone.

    Output won club of the year at the inaugural Electronic Music Awards, and made DJ Mag’s ‘Top 100 Clubs’ list in 2017. Highly regarded curator of the BPM Festival, Electric Island, SXM, All Day I Dream, and RUMORS, Pao Lopez, will return for her third season to add her signature to the venue’s rooftop.

    Saturday afternoons, starting at 2 p.m., will see the likes of Dubfire, Anané & Louie Vega, David Morales, and Victor Calderone though the summer. Tiki Disco will return and add summer vibes with founders Andy Pry, Eli Escobar, and Lloydski. Danny Krivit will present his soulful 718 Sessions and Alex Cruz will roll out his Deep & Sexy house.

    Opening at 2 p.m., the venue’s Sundays on The Roof series features world-class DJs and producers, including DJ Tennis, D’Julz, Francesca Lombardo, Audiofly, tINI & the gang, Kerri Chandler, Brawther, Daniel Bell, DeWalta, Francis Harris, ItaloJohnson, Jade, Kalabrese, Mano Le Tough, Move D, Nicolas Matar, Nico Stojan, Tom Trago, Prins Thomas, Ray Zuniga, Recloose, SIT, DJ Fett Burger, Thomas Melchior, and Thugfucker.

    Look for free weekday events from 5-10 p.m., featuring local and international talent including The Scumfrog, Jesse Calosso, Jean Pierre, Blas Cordero, Alex Cecil, Gavin Stephenson, and Iman Rizky.

    Output Summer Lineup:

    Friday Night Live – May 11
    Roy Ayers

    Sunday May 13
    Resolute on The Roof
    SIT
    Move D
    Lauren Ritter

    Saturday May 19
    Tiki Disco

    Sundays on The Roof – May 20
    DeWalta
    D’Julz
    Nicolas Matar

    Thursday May 24
    Arcana Presents
    Jesse Calosso
    Jean Pierre
    Blas Cordero

    Friday Night Live – May 25
    KiNK (live)
    Giorgia Angiuli (live)

    Saturday May 26
    718 Sessions
    Danny Krivit

    Sundays on The Roof – May 27
    Nico Stojan
    Christian Voldstad

    Monday May 28
    Everyday Afrique
    DJ Moma
    Cortega
    Silent Addy
    Kashaka
    Underdog
    Rich Knight

    Saturday June 2
    The Ritual with
    Anané and Louie Vega

    Sundays on The Roof – June 3
    Tom Trago
    Brawther
    Recloose

    Friday Night Live – June 8
    Stavroz (live)
    Crussen (live)

    Saturday June 9
    Dubfire (classic house set)
    Nicolas Matar

    Sundays on The Roof – June 10
    Mano Le Tough
    Jade
    Ray Zuniga

    Friday June 22
    SNBRN

    Saturday June 30
    Tiki Disco

    Sundays on The Roof – July 1
    Audiofly

    Wednesday July 4
    Everyday Afrique

    Saturday July 7
    David Morales

    Sundays on The Roof – July 8
    tINI & the gang

    Sunday July 15
    Resolute on The Roof:
    Daniel Bell
    Thomas Melchior
    Kalabrese & Rumpleorchester (live)

    Saturday July 21
    718 Sessions
    Danny Krivit

    Wednesday July 25
    M.B.T.S.
    The Scumfrog

    Saturday July 28
    Tiki Disco

    Sunday July 29
    DJ Tennis

    Sundays on The Roof – August 5
    Francis Harris
    DJ Fett Burger

    Saturday August 18
    718 Sessions
    Danny Krivit

    Wednesday August 22
    M.B.T.S (Most Below The Surface)
    The Scumfrog

    Saturday August 25
    Tiki Disco

    Sunday August 26
    Kerri Chandler

    Sundays on The Roof – September 2
    Prins Thomas

    Monday September 3
    Everyday Afrique

    Saturday September 8
    Tiki Disco

    Sundays on The Roof – September 9
    Thugfucker
    Francesca Lombardo
    Galen

    Saturday September 15
    718 Sessions
    Danny Krivit

    Sundays on The Roof – September 16
    ItaloJohnson

    Saturday September 22
    Deep & Sexy
    Alex Cruz

  • Joyous Wolf Show off Skills in Clifton Park

    With only a few shows left on their current run opening shows for Fozzy, Southern California rockers, Joyous Wolf, made their first stop ever in Upstate New York, at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park Wednesday, April 4.

    Joyous Wolf were slotted in the middle of the lineup right before Through Fire and Fozzy. As each band member took their position on stage, frontman Nick Reese, slowly paced the stage while giving the crowd a deep dark stare as he slowly panned through all the fans in attendance with his eyes.

    The band opened with their song “Mountain Man.” As soon as the song dropped, Reese went from a cool calm zen state, right into an acrobatic, charismatic performer on cue, even hitting a full front flip and split before showing off his moves like Jagger. The small stage at Upstate Concert Hall was not big enough for Reese.

    Joyous Wolf’s performance of their song “Turning Blue,” sends chills live. The bands musical arrangement along with Reese’s powerful grunge meets blues vocals and facial expressions can make any concert goer watching feel the band’s passion for music. Reese’s vocals had that old 90’s grunge sound to it. He’s a cross between Scott Weiland and Chris Cornell. Reese especially channeled his inner Chris Cornell while performing “Turning Blue.”

    During the bands performance of their new song “Witch Doctor,” guitarist Blake Allard showed off some of his impressive skills on the hammer. Drummer Robert Sodaro would not be upstaged with a brief drum solo.

    Formed in 2014, Joyous Wolf has been recently signed to Atlantic Records Road Runner division this past March. They will continue touring through the summer when they refuel and hit the road with Adelitas Way on April 12-19, and a extensive run with Blacktop Mojo April 21-June 13. Joyous Wolf will appear at several of the year’s major annual rock festivals including Welcome To Rockville, Carolina Rebellion, Northern Invasion, Rock On The Range, and Rock USA.

    After the show, I caught up with singer Nick Reese. While captivating on stage, he is very humble and down to earth off stage, during our small chat. He was very compassionate when talking about his bandmates. He stated that after several years trying to make it, especially the last 3 years, he couldn’t have asked for better bandmates than the ones he has now. Reese said, “Not only are they really great musicians, they are like brothers to me. I would put them up against anyone.” He went on to say that Fozzy guitarist Rich Ward, said that he wouldn’t mess with bandmate and guitarist Blake Allard when it comes to playing. When talking about getting signed by Road Runner, Reese couldn’t express enough how hard he and his band worked to get there and is very grateful for the opportunity the label has given them.

    With Adelitas Way:
    04-12 – Scout Bar – Houston, TX
    04-13 – Come and Take It – Austin, TX
    04-14, Jakes – Lubbock, TX
    04-15, Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX
    04-16, Lava Cantina – Colony, TX
    04-17, XR Club – Amarillo, TX
    04-19, Launchpad, – lbuquerque, NM

    With Blacktop Mojo:
    04-21 – Las Rageous Festival –  Las Vegas
    04-27 – Welcome To Rockville – Jacksonville, FL
    05-02 – Mainstage – Morgantown, WV
    05-03 – Smiling Moose –  Pittsburgh, PA
    05-04 – Carolina Rebellion Festival – North Carolina
    05-08 – The Forge – Joliet, IL
    05-10 – Route 20 Outhouse – Racine, WI
    05-12 – Cheers Pub – South Bend, IN
    05-12 – Northern Invasion – WI
    05-15 – Spicoli’s Grill/The Reverb Rock – Waterloo, IA
    05-16 – The Shoverlhead Saloon / Hyped Up – Danville, IL
    05-17 – Fubar –  St. Louis, MO
    05-18 – The Warehouse –  Clarksville, TN
    05-19 – Sidetracks Music Hall – Huntsville, AL
    05-20 – Rock On The Range – Columbus OH
    05-23 – Jakes Backroom – Lubbock, TX
    05-24 – ock House Bar – El Paso, TX
    05-25 – The Green Room –  Flagstaff, AZ
    05-26 – The Slidebar Rock and Roll Kitchen –  Fullerton, CA
    05-31 – he Knitting Factory Concert House –  Spokane, WA
    06-01 – 3rd Wheel –  Lewiston, ID
    06-02 – Perham Hall – Zillah, WA
    06-03 – Analog Cafe & Theater – Portland, OR
    06-04 – El Corazon – Seattle, WA
    06-06 – Diamondz Event Center – Jerome, ID
    06-07 – The Gem – Idaho Falls, ID
    06-08 – The Knitting Factory Concert House – Boise, ID
    06-12 – The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
    06-13 – Streets Of London – Denver, CO
    07-13 – Rock USA – Oshkosh, WI

  • Cayuga Sound Returns for a Second Year

    Cayuga Sound Music Festival will close out back to back summer seasons in Ithaca’s historic Stewart Park and other local venues on Sept. 21-22, expanding the festival to two days during the city’s week long outdoor concert festival series.

    Last year’s event helped raise nearly $50,000 to benefit non-profit organizations that specialize in helping children throughout the community. This year’s festival will be no different, with a portion of the proceeds going back into the community.

    Ithaca natives, platinum recording artists and curators of the festival, X Ambassadors, will return as one of the festival’s headliners along with Young The Giant. Other artists confirmed to appear include Talib Kweli, Matt & Kim, Buddy, Sofi Tukker, Morgxn, with other artists still TBA. Local and regional artists will also appear during the two day event including KNEW, No Comply, and Lady D & the Shadow Spirits to name a few.

    X Ambassadors frontman Sam Harris, shared his excitement for not only being back home, but returning to the festival, “We’re beyond thrilled to be bringing Cayuga Sound back to Ithaca this year. Last year was such a milestone for us and the prospect of making this an annual tradition is so exciting. Expect another eclectic lineup with both global acts and some our favorite Ithaca music too.”

    This Fiction founder, and band manager, Seth Kallen, showed his enthusiasm, “Building a festival from the ground up was huge challenge, but the weekend was incredibly gratifying for all of us involved. To be able to create something that will continue for years to come, while giving back to such a great community was so amazing. We’re so excited to expand to two days this year and bring even more amazing music to the city of Ithaca.”

    DSP founder Dan Smalls, commented on how beneficial the festival was to the community in its inaugural run, “DSP set out to bring a true world class music festival to our home town and we did just that. The comments from folks who attended were just great and we feel we created a venue that made for an amazing experience all around. We donated nearly $50,000 last year and over 80% of that stayed right here with 10 not-for-profits that help kids in our community. There is nothing more gratifying than giving back and we hope to do even more this year – both financially but also through our talk series, events and growing idea list. Just saying it aloud gets me excited for what we have in the works!”

    Early bird two-day tickets for Cayuga Sound Festival will go on sale Wednesday April 4 at 10 a.m. with general admission two-day tickets going on sale Friday, April 6 at 10 a.m.

  • Local Hip Hop Artist 3ality Talks with NYS Music

    Schenectady native, and upcoming local hip hop artist, 3ality, recently sat down with NYS Music for his first ever interview with any kind of publication.

    3ality has been blowing up fast on the local hip hop scene since debuting last summer. During the interview, 3ality was asked about performing live for the first time, when his next album will come out, and his first experience hitting the road.

    NYS Music: I was at your very first performance back in June at Our Place in Mechanicville. There was a downpour of rain all day. The promoter shows up late, in a pickup truck with all the sound equipment including speakers in the back getting soaked. Besides the obvious butterflies that had to be in your stomach, what was going on through your mind after witnessing this?

    3ality: I didn’t know what to expect, I just know I practiced my ass off and was ready to go do what I had to do…Nine months later, I know that my feelings that day are true. It was so unprofessional, so poorly promoted, and to this day, nothing has changed. I have one more date there that is part of an upcoming tour, unless changes are made, I promise that place will never see me again.

    NYS Music: Yeah I would say after nine months, and several shows, its time to move on from that promoter, but how about the venue itself? Was there something about the venue that you didn’t really care for?

    3ality: Besides being in the middle of nowhere, it’s kind of small but it does justice for a local show. If shows were actually promoted, it wouldn’t be so bad. The promoter and even the owner make it hard for people to enjoy themselves. 3ality tomatoes gives it a thumbs down, but I’ve enjoyed all my times there. It was the first place I got to perform my own music. The promoter doesn’t make fliers until the week of the show. Like what? The venue has a 21 and over only policy which dampens ticket sales and no real security.

    NYS Music: Interesting. You think they would implement a wristband system and place a black X on the back of the hand like other venues to tell difference between customers under 21.

    3ality: Yeah it only makes sense. They sell soda and food there. No reason they cant do 18+.

    NYS Music: How did you go about practicing for your first show? You obviously never performed on stage or in front of a crowd.

    3ality: I knew a month in advance that I was on the show so I filled my allotted time with my tracks and just did them over and over again until I was confident wit the memorization.

    NYS Music: How did you go about memorizing them? Did you just read over and over again what you wrote while sitting on your couch? (Laughs)

    3ality: I had some studio recorded stuff, so I have been already listening to myself and singing along. What I mainly did practicing was play the beats and sing over it cause that’s what I will be doing live. You check your lyrics until you get them. Just keep practicing like a spelling test. I worked at a community center which is like a YMCA, and after I was done working, I would go into the auditorium and use the mic set up and practice on stage to an empty room or a friend or two. Our Place didn’t have a stage and I felt like I could’ve put on an even more badass show for my family and friends from work who came to see me.

    NYS Music: That’s pretty badass. Nice to see that some family friends and co workers came out a supported you.

    NYS Music: Since your first performance, you have played several local shows throughout the Capital District in 2017, some shows in Pennsylvania, and capping the year off on New Year’s Eve in New Hampshire. How did you feel performing for the first time in a room where only the performers knew who you were.

    3ality: It felt amazing and right at home. That New Hampshire show was a “Juggalo” show which is the crowd I feel I appeal to most. I’m not shy when it comes to seizing the moment. I’m an outgoing guy when comfortable and have had a lot of experience prior to 3ality performing in front of big crowds.

    NYS Music: Experience performing in front of crowds before how?

    3ality: Singing in shows in school, karaoke in bars, and doing demonstrations in tae kwon do.

    NYS Music: What about IYF Wrestling? (Laughs) I’ve seen on your Facebook page that you used to wrestle on the local independent scene.That had to help with performing in front of a crowd.

    3ality: I don’t know. That was a whole different world. I feel like if I could’ve done that, I can do anything so your right cause that definitely had me nervous. (Laughs)

    NYS Music: (Laughs) I Bet.

    3ality: Yeah hopefully one day I’m big enough to set up a match at WrestleMania.

    NYS Music: It is coming to NY/NJ in 2019 so a close to home boy on a close to home show would be pretty cool.

    NYS Music: You traveled to New Hampshire and performed your first live set for a New Year’s Eve crowd. What expectations did you have going into the show, compared to how you felt after your performance?

    3ality: I think my expectations were exceeded from the point my first song ended and the crowd erupted. I felt like I belonged and the rest of my set was a breeze.

    NYS Music: In mid April you and some other local hip hop artists are going to hit the road and open shows for Skero. The tour is going to travel to parts of the U.S. including once again NH, West Virginia, Michigan, Indiana and kicking things off in Ohio. What are you looking to gain from this first time extended touring experience.

    3ality: This tour is gonna have the same type of crowd as New Hampshire. I met Skero at that show. I hope I get the chance to expand my fan base, and get people to follow me, want new music, and come out a see me perform again.

    NYS Music: You’ve released an EP and CD in the past year. Speaking of new music, can fans expect a new EP on this run?

    3ality: I’ve been a little busy…there wont be a new solo EP before summer, but there will definitely be new music before the year is out. One EP, two albums, I cant say yet but everyone is gonna get more familiar with the name 3ality, so I hope everyone is ready. You can check out my debut album on Spotify, iTunes, Google play and other like sites.

    NYS Music: Since your first live performance, how do you feel you have progressed from that first show, and have you changed anything about the way you approach a live performance?

    3ality: Not much. I’ve performed a few different songs, and collaborated with other artists. I’d say I have a lot more energy now.

    NYS Music: Thanks for taking the time out and chatting with us here at NYS Music. Last question: What else can we look forward to in the future from 3ality? Any other tours or shows planned?

    3ality: Thank You. Not yet. My biggest show to date will be in Stanhope, NJ, on May 13, when I open for Blaze Ya Dead Homie.

    New Yorkers can check out 3ality on April 15, at Our Place in Mechanicville, April 17, at Gusa’s in Elmira, and April 25, at The Footlight in Queens.

  • Skillet’s Jen Ledger to Release Solo EP

    Skillet drummer and vocalist, Jen Ledger, has shown her various talents behind the drum kit and on the mic during her run with the band. Now those talents will be showcased on even a higher level as she plans to release her first solo EP titled Ledger.

    Never doubting on using her talents to one day make a solo album, many fans and music insiders thought that Ledger would first unite with other very talented female musicians in rock music and form a female “super group,” with the likes of Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale, Sick Puppies bassist Emma Anzai, and Skillet bandmate Korey Cooper. Ledger, will be released on Atlantic Records on April 13. Skillet keyboardist and guitarist Korey Cooper, helped produce the EP with well known Nashville writer/producer Seth Moseley.

    In a recent Billboard article, Ledger shared her excitement about the upcoming project: “I feel I’ve just been growing and changing over the last few years and I feel the time is now. It just feels like everything is lined up all at once. It’s super exciting because it is a little bit of a destiny moment.”

    Ledger credits her Skillet bandmates John and Korey Cooper for helping her find her own sound while mentoring her though the process.

    Atlantic Records President of A&R Pete Ganbarg, spoke highly of Legder’s talents from knowing her over the past decade:

    From when I started working with Skillet 10 years ago, I was immediately impressed with how vibrant and talented Jen Ledger is. Her voice is so unique — and has become such an identifiable part of Skillet’s sound — that we’ve waited for most of the past decade for the moment when she would finally be ready to release her own music. What she’s been working on with John and Korey Cooper, as well as with Seth Moseley and others, shows that the wait has definitely been worth it. 

    Now that Ledger’s solo career is on the way, many Skillet fans are worried that her days in Skillet will soon be a memory, but the singer/songwriter has no plans on leaving the band. In fact, Ledger will pull double duty, and open shows for Skillet’s upcoming spring “Unleashed” tour starting on April 12, with her backing band, then head behind the kit for Skillet’s performance to close shows. Ledger was asked if she planned on leaving Skillet: “We’re all on the same team and we’re all kind of mixed into everything. John is actually going to be singing on one of my songs and Korey is co-producing all of it and writing it with me, so it’s ridiculously perfect. I get to do everything I want and have the best of both worlds.”

  • DATSIK, in Midst of Sexual Assault Allegations, Cancels Dates, Resigns from Label

    Dubstep DJ DATSIK is the next celebrity in the midst of sexual assault allegations as stories have started to circulate on social media about the 29-year-old Canadian DJ/producer, causing him to cancel the remaining shows on his tour and step down from his record label.

    DATSIK

    Datsik, real name Troy Beetles, is accused of raping multiple women after giving them alcohol and drugs such as ketamine after they received backstage passes to meet the DJ after his shows on his tour bus or hotel room, where he would then allegedly force himself on them.

    The passes that had the word “Tulsa,” written on them were handed to women. It’s said that “Tulsa,” stands for “aslut,” backwards. A female fan posted a pass she got from a show two years ago, and some fans said that they received similar passes when he performed in Syracuse at the Westcott Theater a few weeks back.

    Since the news broke, fans have been leaving many negative comments about the EDM artist on his recent Facebook posts. After a Las Vegas show post, one fan wrote “How many girls did you drug at this show???” Another fan wrote, “When you pull yourself from shows because you can’t give out any more “TUL$A” passes to girls and have sex with them.”

    Feeling the heat, Datsik took to his Facebook page and posted: “The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind of emotion and reflection. In light of the recent allegations against me, I am cancelling all the remaining tour dates and pulling myself off all future festivals. To anyone who has supported me, has faith in me or has offered to help me, I thank you.”

    Since the news broke, Datsik was forced to cancel the remaining dates on his tour, while stepping down from his record label Firepower Records. Firepower co-owner and label manager Sharra Grace, will take over all operations.

    After he stepped down from his label amid the allegations, Firepower Records stated: “Firepower does not tolerate sexual assault under any circumstances and we are utterly devastated by these statements that have come to light.”

    Datsik claims he is innocent and several fans have shown support for him by getting into a social media war of words with other fans. In a recent report on Syracuse.com, Datsik posted the following statement about his innocence:

    Yo everyone. This is a very serious matter to me… There have been recent allegations against me for things I have not done. I am a vibe reader, I hang out with a ton of people after every show, and always keep a positive vibe. I would never bend anyone against their will and I mean that.

    I’m an adult, I’ve seen and been thru it all. But these claims are shaking me to the core. This type of s— is detrimental to my persona as I truly take pride in being myself and being honest. I want everyone to know that I am being the best Datsik I can… It really breaks my heart when people feel upset at the end of the day because I am a good person and would never take advantage of anyone. This is my life and my passion as I know it. I care so much about my fans and my music and what you all think of me. I will make a bigger effort to make sure that nothing I do will be misinterpreted in the future.

  • Washington Avenue Armory Files Suit Against Rap Group Migos

    In 2015, Atlanta-based rap trio Migos, performed a show at the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany when all hell broke loose during their performance. Since then, no live music has been performed in the building due to the incident in which six concertgoers were stabbed.

    Armory operators, the Albany Basketball and Sports Corporation, have filed suit against Migos, charging that the trio incited a riot by telling fans “to fight,” “give them hell,” and “kick ass.” Court documents also reveal that the group blew off a paid fan meet-and-greet, by showing up late smelling like marijuana and alcohol.

    The lawsuit filed in Albany’s supreme court stated, “Rather than attempting to dissuade the crowd from fighting, Migos and/or their agents, servants and employees were heard encouraging, cheering and inciting the patrons to fight. As a result of the defendants’ actions, a brawl erupted and numerous patrons were injured.”

    The Armory’s business has suffered since the event. The Times Union reports that the Armory seeks an unspecified amount of money for “property, personal, breach of contract, economic, loss of income, and loss of business and further damages to be determined.” Armory spokesman, Joe Bonilla, made the following statement:

    The significant, unfortunate actions by Migos … have led to considerable business disruption to the Washington Avenue Armory and its parent, the Albany Basketball and Sports Corporation.The unwarranted negative media attention and subsequent government actions against the Armory stemming from the event has placed an undue burden upon the Armory’s operations and its ability to attract programming. Therefore, on the eve of the three-year anniversary of that fateful concert, the Armory is taking this important action to remedy the losses incurred from and arising from that event.

    Sharome Ross of Albany, a concertgoer who attended the event, sued the band and the Armory after he was injured during the show. Ross, who suffered severe injuries to his face, shoulder and eyes said the venue’s operators should have known that the trio had a bad reputation for attracting a belligerent fan base, and would likely be late which presents a danger to fans in attendance.

  • Live Nation Announces 2018 ‘Ticket to Rock’ Package

    With all the concert announcements coming to light over the past few weeks, the summer concert season is shaping up to what look likes a great year for live music at your favorite outdoor venue.

    Just one thing seemed to be missing from all the concert announcements. Where are all the hard rock and metal tours?

    Live Nation answered that question in a big way with their “Ticket to Rock.” The package will include four mega hard rock and metal shows that will have some fans drooling, and some fuming due to the limited 16-29 dates each tour will run, leaving many without a chance of seeing any of these shows at all, including many in New York.

    Tours that have been announced as part of the package will include a Shinedown and Godsmack co-headlining tour, Avenged Sevenfold‘s “End of the World” tour with The Prophets of Rage, Three Days Grace and Ho99o9, Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson’s co-headlining “Twins of Evil – The Second Coming 2018” tour, and a co-headlining tour between Five Finger Death Punch and Breaking Benjamin with special guest Nothing More and Bad Wolves.

    Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, will be the only venue in NY state to offer the Live Nation “Ticket to Rock” option. Avenged Sevenfold will appear on July 25, Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson on August 7, Shinedown and Godsmack on Sept. 2, and Five Finger Death Punch and Breaking Benjamin on Sept. 6. Rob Zombie will also perform at the Darien Lake Amphitheater on Aug. 12.

    Depending on your geographical location in NY, rock fans can take a small road trip to shows in Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

    Shinedown/Godsmack Tour Dates:

    July 22 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Detroit, MI
    July 27 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
    July 28 – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Indianapolis, In
    Aug. 2 – USANA Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT
    Aug. 4 – FivePoint Amphitheatre – Irvine, CA
    Aug. 6 – Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM
    Aug. 11 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman – Houston, TX
    Aug. 12 – Starplex Pavilion – Dallas, TX
    Aug. 19 – Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA
    Aug. 24 – XFINITY Theatre – Hartford, CT
    Aug. 25 – Xfinity Center – Mansfield, MA
    Aug. 26 – BB&T Pavilion – Camden, NJ
    Aug. 28 – KeyBank Pavilion – Burgettstown, PA
    Aug. 31 – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain – Scranton, PA
    Sept. 1 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
    Sept. 2 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY

    Avenged Sevenfold/Prophets of Rage Tour Dates:

    July 22 – Xfinity Center – Mansfield, MA* °
    July 25 – Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY* °
    July 26 – The Xfinity Theater – Hartford, CT* °
    July 31 – P.N.C. Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ* °
    Aug. 1 – Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA* °
    Aug. 3 – KeyBank Pavilion – Burgettstown, PA* °
    Aug. 4  – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH**
    Aug. 6 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH* °
    Aug. 7 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkson, MI* °
    Aug. 9 – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON* °
    Aug. 11 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Tinley Park, IL* °
    Aug. 12 – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Noblesville, IN* °
    Aug. 16 – Ak-Chin Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ* °
    Aug. 17 – T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV*
    Aug. 19 – Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM* °
    Aug. 21 – Mattress Firm Amphiteatre – Chula Vista, CA* °
    Aug. 22 – The Forum – Inglewood, CA*
    Aug. 28 – USANA Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT* °
    Aug. 30 – Pepsi Center – Denver, CO*
    Sept. 1 – Starplex, Pavilion – Dallas, TX* °
    Sept. 2 – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The Woodlands, TX* °

    * With Prophets of Rage plus Three Days Grace and very special guests
    ** With Prophets of Rage plus very special guests
    ° Included in Ticket to Rock 2018 bundle program.

    Rob Zombie/Marilyn Manson Tour Dates:

    July 11 – DTE Energy Music Center – Detroit, MI
    July 14 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – St, Louis, MO
    July 15 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – Chicago, IL
    July 17 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH
    July 18 – Ruoff Home Mortgage Center – Noblesville, IN
    July 20 – Veteran’s United – Virginia Beach, VA
    July 21 – Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA
    July 24 – PNC Bank Arts Pavilion – Holmdel, NJ
    July 25 – Keybank Pavilion – Pittsburgh, PA
    July 26 – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON
    July 29 – Waterfront Darling’s Pavilion – Bangor, ME
    Aug. 7 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
    Aug. 8 – Xfinity Center – Mansfield, MA
    Aug. 9 – BB&T Pavilion – Camden, NJ
    Aug. 11 – The Xfinity Theatre – Hartford, CT
    Aug. 12 – Darien Lake Amphitheater – Darien Lake, NY
    Aug. 14 – Cellairis Amp at Lakewood – Atlanta, GA
    Aug. 16 – Starplex Pavilion – Dallas, TX
    Aug. 17 – Austin 360 – Austin, TX
    Aug. 18 – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The Woodlands, TX
    Aug. 20 – Pepsi Center – Denver, CO
    Aug. 22 – USANA Amphitheater – Salt Lake City, UT
    Aug. 24 – Mattress Firm Amphitheater – Chula Vista, CA
    Aug. 25 – MGM Grand Garden Arena – Las Vegas, NV
    Aug. 26 – AK Chin Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ
    Aug. 28 – Concord Pavilion – Concord, MA
    Aug. 29 – Fivepoint Amphitheater – Irvine, CA

    Five Finger Death Punch/Breaking Benjamin Tour Dates:

    July 21 – USANA Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT
    July 25 – Mattress Firm Amphitheatre – San Diego, CA
    July 27 – FivePoint Amphitheatre – Irvine, CA
    July 29 – Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM
    Aug. 3 – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman – Houston, TX
    Aug. 4 – Starplex Pavilion – Dallas, TX
    Aug. 14 – KeyBank Pavilion – Burgettstown, PA
    Aug. 15 – BB&T Pavilion – Camden, NJ
    Aug. 17 – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain – Scranton. PA
    Aug. 18 – Xfinity Center – Boston, MA
    Aug. 24 – Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA
    Aug. 25 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
    Aug. 29 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
    Aug. 31 – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Indianapolis, IN
    Sept. 1 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Detroit, MI
    Sept. 7 – XFINITY Theatre – Hartford, CT
    Sept. 6 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
    Sept. 9 – Blossom Music Center – Cleveland, OH

  • Sevendust Returns with New Album and Tour

    Future Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Sevendust returns, as the band posted on social media that they will hit the road this spring in support of the band’s upcoming twelfth studio album, All I See is War. The album will be released on May 11 through Rise Records.

    sevendust returnsThe band’s “All I See is War” tour, will mix with several festival appearances Sevendust will make, including Welcome to Rockville, Fort Rock, Carolina Rebellion, Lunatic Luau, Rock on the River, Spring Fling and Rocklahoma.

    Kicking things off in Tempe, AZ at UFest on April 20, the tour will see support from Rise label mates Memphis May Fire, and Fire From the Gods. Manhattan-born singer/songwriter Madame Mayhem, will open shows during the run.

    New York will have one stop during the band’s 26-city run, in what seems to have become a home away from home for the band, at Clifton Park’s Upstate Concert Hall on May 9. Tickets go on sale March 2, and cost $20 in advance, and $23 at the door. VIP Packages are also available.

    Sevendust formed in Atlanta in 1994. They released twelve studio albums, including their first acoustic effort Time Travelers & Bonfires in 2014. Their music has been featured in several movie soundtracks, television, and video games through several different avenues, including WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), ATV Offroad Fury, 2001 film Down to Earth, Mortal Kombat soundtrack, and Celebrity Deathmatch.

    “All I See Is War” Tour Dates:

    April 20 – KUPD Ufest – Tempe, AZ*
    April 21 – Speaking Rock – El Paso, TX
    April 22 – Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM
    April 24 – Come and Take it Live – Austin, TX
    April 25 – Varsity Theater – Baton Rouge, LA
    April 28 – Welcome to Rockville – Jacksonville, FL*
    April 29 – Fort Rock – Sunshine, FL*
    May 1 – Club LA – Destin, FL
    May 2 – Cannery Ballroom – Nashville, TN
    May 4 – Carolina Rebellion – Concord, NC*
    May 5 – Lunatic Luau – Virginia Beach, VA*
    May 6 – Chameleon Club – Lancaster, PA
    May 8 – Aura – Portland, ME
    May 9 – Upstate Concert Hall – Clifton Park, NY
    May 11 – Royal Oak Music Hall – Royal Oak, MI
    May 12 – Rock on the River – Ft. Wayne, IN*
    May 18 – WAQX Spring Fling – Peoria, IL*
    May 19 – The Forge – Joliet, IL
    May 20 – The Apollo Theater – Belvidere, IL [Rockford]
    May 22 – The Oriental Theater – Denver, CO
    May 23 – Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
    May 25 – Rocklahoma – Pryor, OK*
    May 26 – New Daisy Theater – Memphis, TN
    May 27 – The International – Knoxville, TN
    May 29 – Manchester Music Hall – Lexington, KY                                                                                                 June 1 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Sioux City,

    * Festival Date,

  • Corey Taylor Talks the Future of Slipknot and Beyond

    Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman, Corey Taylor, updated the maggot faithful on the future of Slipknot during a recent interview with MusikUniverse. 

    corey taylor slipknotSlipknot fans, aka “Maggots,” have been waiting since the band’s fifth studio album, .5: The Gray Chapter,  released in 2014. After past comments Taylor has made about the band’s future and recent comments by band mate and Slipknot founder Shawn “Clown” Crahan, that the band’s next studio effort could possibly be their last.

    Taylor was asked if he has heard any material from other bandmates for Slipknot’s upcoming album. “Yeah, I have. It’s awesome – that’s all I’m gonna say about it.” Taylor then explained that he received six “really, really good” demos from the band.”

    Taylor later discussed Crahan’s recent remarks that Slipknot’s next album “could be it for him.”

    “We’ve always said — and this is not in a negative way — we’ve always said that when we get to the point where we physically can’t do Slipknot the way we want to do it, we’ll stop, and for some of us, the years of being in Slipknot have taken [their] toll.”

    On whether if he could continue on as a part of Slipknot without Crahan:

    “He’s always been the vision for this band, for Slipknot, and without that, it crumbles. So, yeah, if he left, that would be it for me, as well — and I say that, honestly, in a very positive way, because none of us would want to continue doing it from a half-assed point of view. Nobody wants to go 50 percent on a Slipknot album.”

    When asked if he would ever venture off into another genre of music, Taylor stated that he would like to make a jazz album after his heavy metal days are behind him:

    “I want to put together a quintet or a sextet and record it old school, all of us in a room, playing together, do it very organic, very live — the way those great albums were recorded, you know? Make it a hint of jazz, a hint of big band — just really make it about the song, and about the individuals playing together.”