Rochester post-hardcore phenoms Druse announced that they have signed with Head2Wall Records. They’re heading into the studio to record a full-length album under the Ohio-based label. The release date is projected for this summer. Before they start recording, they’re playing one more hometown gig with their friends in California Cousins, Dais, Chrmr, and Derelict Vessel at the Bug Jar this Saturday, Jan. 13.
Druse. Photo by Spencer Chamberlain
Head2Wall released a statement, which reads in part:
With their unique take on the style of heavy, emotive, technical post-hardcore fleshed out in late ’90s by bands like Botch and Frodus, Druse has spent the last three years carving out a place of their own in today’s fickle and ever-evolving heavy music community. With a handful of powerful and infectious EPs, and an indefatigable work ethic, Druse has proven themselves a force to be reckoned with.”
While waiting for the new album, fans can order a 12” vinyl containing their last two EP’s from the Head2Wall webstore.
Imagine a cross between the shows Off Camera with Sam Jones and NPR’s Tiny Desk. Picture the best musicians in the local scene performing and being interviewed at neighborhood venues. And then envision yourself being part of a live audience. For music lovers in Rochester, this is a reality. Music journalist Dan Gross has devoted the past year and a half to bringing this vision to life.Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight highlights the best of the rich and diverse music scene in Rochester, which was recently voted best music town by staff in the Best of NYS Music poll.
With an exciting lineup of guests and the support of sponsors, Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight’s “Season5” promises to be exciting. “We want to make this the biggest season yet,” Gross told NYS Music. During the off season, he lined up a slew of talented performers. To support the expansion of the program to sixteen episodes, new and returning sponsors are pledging support. One of the new partnerships has led to the creation of a spin-off series. To top it all off, a fundraising campaign this month may make it possible to to air the series on television, in addition to the web.
Rochester’s Premiere Music Interview and Performance Series
“Season 5” will showcase sixteen musical acts representing a variety of genres. Among the guests slated to appear are Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith Jr., beloved folk band The Honey Smugglers, blues singer/pianist Hanna PK, and comedic songs by Small Signals from their Missed Connections album. This season concludes with the series’ landmark fiftieth episode.
The majority of episodes are filmed at Bop Shop Records, an independent record shop that carries a wide array of music and specializes in fine condition vinyl. Serving the community since 1982, the shop was originally in Village Gate and is now located at 1460 Monroe Ave. It was the first sponsor of the Spotlight, a partner since the second season in mid-2016. Gross is grateful for the the shop’s owner, Tom Kohn, as the use of venue space allowed the show to expand from a straight interview program to a mixed interview and concert format.
“To say that Bop Shop Records is the reason this show is happening is an exceptional understatement,” Gross said. “This place – a space dedicated to kindness, building a community and helping people, and great music and records regardless of genre – are the same values that the Spotlight lives by.”
“We really enjoyed being able to perform at Bop Shop,” said Marty LoFaso of Tart Vandelay. “The show is a great, one-of-a-kind aspect of our music scene.”
Filling a Niche
The longevity of Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight can be credited to both the quality of programming and the high standards established by Gross. After graduating college with a double major in Broadcasting and Music, he has found many outlets for his talents. He has bylines as a writer for the Democrat and Chronicle and Eastman School of Music. He’s on the crew of the local web show My Hometown. You can also find Gross hosting and producing the music interview podcast “Extended Harmony” for jazz record label Outside In Music and hosting a show on Jazz 90.1 on Mondays from 6-8pm.
Gross started Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight because he wanted to find a way to combine his broadcast journalism skills with his deep appreciation for the Rochester music scene.
“The philosophy of the show has always been to try to come at it with a journalistic approach,” said Gross. “I believe one of the reasons the show is successful is that it’s not gimmicky… The show doesn’t substitute a gimmick for meaningful material.”
The overarching goal is to become a benchmark for musicians, providing them with not only exposure to a wider audience and a shareable video, but to be able to become a stepping stone in their career. “I want my show to get to the point where if you’ve come on, that’s a stepping point for you,” Gross said. “I want to give people that ‘Spotlight boost.’”
“If you’re not doing it to help someone out, what’s the point?” Gross went on to explain. “That’s the difference between content and something that’s meaningful, is that it’s about people. Content is about views. But I’m trying to help people. There are people who live here who don’t understand how much live music is here, or how important Rochester is as an arts community.”
Growing The Local Scene
The show has grown from humble DIY beginnings with Gross conducting interviews and friend Stacey Baran on camera. Gross has operated the program on a shoestring budget, learning how to do a multitude of technical tasks himself, including audio mixing and color correcting video. He still tries to do as much as he can to contain costs. He’s deeply thankful to everyone who has helped the program to grow. From videographers Jason Thibault (producer of My Hometown) and Dallas Greene to a growing number of musicians, viewers, and sponsors.
“This show is not possible without other people,” said Gross. In addition to connecting musicians with an audience, the show promotes local independent businesses and venues which promote the local music scene.Bernunzio Uptown Music, a shop renowned for its quality vintage instruments, has hosted some of the Spotlight shows. Rowe Photo, Video and Audio, a place where Gross has bought some of the equipment he uses to record the sessions, was also an early supporter of the Spotlight.
Gross has been announcing new sponsors who will also be backing the program this year, including restaurant and roastery Joe Bean Coffee Roasters which features live jazz weekly and instrument sales/rental/repair shop Sound Source. There’s also a new partnership with Three Heads Brewing which launched a monthly series The Rochester Residency. The “Spotlight Spinoff” videos will highlight featured artist of the month.
The first installment of the “Spotlight Spinoff” with this month’s resident Fran Broderick was released last week. In the debut episode, Gross and Broderick chat at the brewery about Fran’s musical background. Broderick also gives viewers insight into the plans for his sets every Thursday in January: a week doing an acoustic set, another week with his band Friday in America, the third week playing Warren Zevron’s Excitable Boy with a handful of musical guests, and releasing his new album on the final week. The interview is book-ended with some clips of Broderick playing his original songs on acoustic guitar.
In addition to local business owners, viewers can also become patrons of the show. Donors to the Spotlight’s first crowd sourcing campaign are entitled to a variety of perks at various levels, including t-shirts, coupons or swag bags from sponsors, and being recognized in show credits.
If the indiegogo fundraiser reaches its target of $3,500, it will enable Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight to make the leap to television. Airing on television as well as being posted to the internet will help the show reach a wider audience. “If everyone who has ever “liked” the Facebook page gave $5, we’d reach our goal,” said Gross.
During the countdown leading up the highly anticipated “Season5,” Gross is replaying some of the episodes from the first four seasons. You can find them on Facebook at Dan Gross: Music & Journalism . Hit the follow button to get the scoop on upcoming events and new episodes.
The 121st Saranac Lake Winter Carnival starts February 2, 2018 and features 17 acts over eight days. Among the list of local and national bands slated to perform are regional favorites Donna The Buffalo, Sophistafunk, and Lucid. All performances take place at The Waterhole Music Lounge in Saranac Lake. For the first time ever, VIP passes are available, which entitle the purchaser to all shows during the carnival as well as special cocktail hours. Tickets are available at the Waterhole or online. The folks at The Waterhole also put together a Spotify playlist of all the featured artists:
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival 2018
February 2– O’Death with Tigerman Woah & Arthur Buezo – 9pm $13 Adv $15 Door February 3 – Kung Fu with The English Project – 9pm $17 Adv $20 Door February 6 – Swampcandy – FREE SHOW 9pm Downstairs February 7 – Sophistafunk with Jiggawaltz – 9pm $10 Adv $12 Door February 8 – Donna the Buffalo with The Old Main – 8:30 pm $18 Adv $22 Door February 9 – Lucid with Bella’s Bartok – 9pm $20 February 10 – Post Parade Party with Raisinhead – 2pm “After the Parade” FREE SHOW February 10 – West End Blend with The Big Takeover – 9pm – $10 February 11– The Plate Scrapers at Bloody Mary Sunday – FREE SHOW – 2pm Downstairs
One day photographer Michael Slattery found himself chasing elusive clouds with his camera, only to find the perfect shot in his passenger side mirror. Like the artwork memorialized on its cover, Reflections by Dave DiPrimo Band grasps for things in the past, just beyond reach. It’s an album rife with ruminations and dwellings.
At a time when many of their college-age peers are churning out angsty pop punk, Dave DiPrimo and his bandmates are composing alternative folk songs featuring soulful saxophone riffs. DiPrimo makes references to his maturity in the song “Fall Down,” with the lines “You can call me old fashioned/I prefer to be called an old soul.” Weaving in threads from influences as wide and varied as Otis Redding and The Front Bottoms, Reflections is a contemporary yet traditional tapestry of Americana.
The title track “Know You Best” sets the nostalgic tone for the poetic, introspective collection. It’s a song about unrequited love and longing for connection. It alternates between pleading verses and a bellowing chorus. “Now” is another contemplative track, rueful oozing with melancholy. “Every day it gets a little bit colder/ every day I get a little bit older,” sings DiPrimo. The slight distortion on guitar lends a distant, dreamy effect. The melody is set to the a rat-tat-tat drum beat laid down by Reid Hoffmeier and deep rhythms from Ian Benz on bass. The saxophone played by Karis Gregory is featured prominently on the bittersweet ballad “Caroline.” The indie rock anthem “Glory Days,” wraps up the album, ending on a slightly higher note with remembrances of happy times.
Dave DiPrimo Band recorded Reflections in a single day at The Green Room. The 9-song collection was mixed and produced by studio owner Matt Ramerman. CD’s are available at their live shows. The album can be found digitally on multiple music platforms, including Spotify and iTunes.
Key Tracks: Know You Best, Fall Down, Now, Caroline, Glory Days
Boston Calling has released the names of performers for the 2018 music festival, including headliners Eminem, The Killers, and Jack White. The three-day-long event takes place across three stages at Harvard Athletic Complex, and includes performances by 54 musicians, bands, and comedians. Early tickets are on sale now at the Boston Calling Music Festival website.
Photo: Ty Johnson
The list of performers was chosen by Aaron Dessner of The National, a co-founder of Boston Calling Music Festival. While the festival draws iconic acts and rising stars from all over, there is a lot of local and regional flavor. Boston alt rockers Belly will play. Also slated to perform are indie rock trio Weakened Friends and and hip-hop duo STL GLD, who each took prizes at the 2017 Boston Music Awards. Harvard alum and award-winning actress and director Natalie Portman will be curating a special series (more information will be announced at a later date).
2018 Music Lineup:
Eminem, The Killers, Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age, The National, Paramore, Tyler, The Creator,
Khalid, Bryson Tiller, Portugal The Man, Fleet Foxes, St. Vincent, The Decemberists, Brockhampton,
Maggie Rogers, Royal Blood, Manchester Orchestra, Daniel Caesar, Dirty Projectors, Stormzy, Thundercat, Belly, Pussy Riot, Julien Baker, Alvvays, The Menzingers, Thee Oh Sees, Perfume Genius, Noname, (Sandy) Alex G, Big Thief, Mount Kimbie, Citizen, Pond, Zola Jesus, Taylor Bennett, Westside Gunn & Conway, Charly Bliss, Leikeli47, Field Report, Lillie Mae, Tauk, This Is The Kit, Weakened Friends, Stl Gld
2018 Comedy & Entertainment Lineup:
Natalie Portman, Pod Save America, Lovett or Leave It, Jenny Slate, Bridget Everett, Cameron Esposito, Tony Hinchcliffe, Jo Firestone, Max Silvestri,Martin Urbano
Early bird tickets for Boston Calling 2018 went on sale Thursday, Jan. 4. Three-day general admission passes cost $279. There is a VIP package and a Platinum VIP package available as well at a cost of $599 and $1049 respectively. More information can be found at the Boston Calling website.
Albany’s Young Culture is hitting the road following the release of their latest EP, Blue. The five-piece pop punk outfit will complete a northeast run before heading across the country and back. The fun begins with a release show on Thursday, Jan. 4 in New Hampshire, followed by a show in Beacon, NY the following night. The trek across the country begins and ends in New York, with a return to Rochester on the first night of tour on February 17. They wrap up their tour with a hometown show in Albany on March 4.
Young Culture Photo: Danny DeRusso
Young Culture combines vibrant punk pop melodies with catchy lyrics, creating a sound that gets crowds bopping to the beat. They’ve opened for national acts such as Knuckle Puck and Real Friends. The upcoming Northeast run concludes with a show where they will support Belmont (Jan. 9 in Attleboro, MA). Young Culture is Nick Cavin (drums), Gabe Pietrafesa (lead guitar), Alex Magnan (lead vocals), Chris Arnold (guitar), Myron Vititow (bass, backing vocals). Blue is their second EP, a follow-up to 2016’s You. Both are available to stream on Spotify or purchase through iTunes.
https://youtu.be/DAbuOt3zfBg
Northeast Run Dates:
Jan. 4 – Manchester, NH – Bungalow Jan. 5 – Beacon, NY – The Platform
Jan. 6 – Woodbridge, CT – The ATC
Jan. 7 – Providence, RI – Dusk
Jan. 9 – Attleboro, MA – Paterson Creations
National Tour Dates: Feb. 17 – Rochester, NY – Vineyard Community Space
Feb. 18 – Louisville, KY – The Cure Lounge
Feb. 19 – St. Louis, MO – The Firebird
Feb. 20 – Omaha, NE – Dr. Jacks
Feb. 21 – Denver, CO – The Marquis Theatre
Feb. 23 – Los Angeles, CA – The Vibe
Feb. 24 – Lake Forrest, CA – Rushbar
Feb. 25 – Santa Anna, CA – 4th Street Market
Feb. 26 – TBA
Feb. 27 – Albuquerque, NM – The Jam Spot
Feb. 28 – TBA
March 1 – Indianapolis, IN – Hoosier Dome
March 2 – Cleveland, OH – Euclid Tavern
March 3 – Erie, PA – Basement Transmissions March 4 – Albany, NY – The Hollow
One day photographer Michael Slattery found himself chasing elusive clouds with his camera, only to find the perfect shot in his passenger side mirror. Like the artwork memorialized on its cover, Reflections by Dave DiPrimo Band grasps for things in the past, just beyond reach. It’s an album rife with ruminations and dwellings.
