NYS Music 20​18

Author: Pete Mason

  • NYC Hip-Hop fusion group QNA drop frantic new single “Karoshi”

    QNA, a fusion of hip-hop and jazz born from New York City has released the second single, “Karoshi.” off their upcoming debut EP XII. The title of the song means ‘death from overwork’ in Japanese, combining an up-tempo jazz melody with flow from MC Supe.

    Formed from jam sessions under the name People Zoo, QNA is comprised of high school friends, lead by MC Supe, and a cast of players including Marina Espinet (vocals), Benjamin Chin (saxophone), TJ Adorno (keys), Dylan Kaminkow (bassist), and Marco Gill (drummer). The band also features a wealth of vocalists and rappers including Bush Tea and more.

    Hip-hop at heart, QNA is jazz through and through, with chords and long solos that aren’t afraid to get out there. The seven minute jam of “Karoshi” rises swiftly and is full of rhymes and a message to let go of the grind and enjoy the wonders that nurture the soul. XII was recorded at The Breeding Room and is due out February 23. Listen to “Karoshi” below.

  • All-Star lineup featured on Wynton Marsalis ‘United We Swing: Best of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Galas’

    United We Swing: Best of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Galas, is soon to be released compilation of selections from shows that Wynton Marsalis and his Septet performed from 2003–2007. An all-star cast of musicians joins the compilation, set for release on March 23.

    marsalis united we swing

    Joining Marsalis on the compilation are Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Lenny Kravitz, Willie Nelson, John Mayer, John Legend, Blind Boys of Alabama, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, James Taylor, Ray Charles, Natalie Merchant, Jimmy Buffett, Carrie Smith, Audra McDonald and Lyle Lovett. Marsalis says of the the release, “On this recording and in these concerts, we came together to affirm common roots, to celebrate the diversity of our creativity, and to pass the reality of our best achievements on to our kids. We were, and are, United in Swing.”

    Pre-order United We Swing here, with all album proceeds supporting children’s music education around the world.

    United We Swing Tracklist

    1. “The Last Time” feat. Blind Boys of Alabama
    2. “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” feat. Bob Dylan
    3. “I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town” feat. Ray Charles
    4. “I’m Not Rough” feat. Eric Clapton
    5. “Creole Love Call” feat. Audra McDonald
    6. “Milk Cow Blues” feat. Willie Nelson
    7. “I’m Gonna Find Another You” feat. John Mayer
    8. “My Baby Don’t Tolerate” feat. Lyle Lovett
    9. “The Worst Thing” feat. Natalie Merchant
    10. “Please Baby Don’t” feat. John Legend
    11. “Mean Old Man” feat. James Taylor
    12. “Are You Gonna Go My Way” feat. Lenny Kravitz
    13. “Fool’s Paradise” feat. Jimmy Buffett
    14. “Empty Bed Blues” feat. Carrie Smith
    15. “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” feat. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks
    16. “What Have You Done?”

  • Consider the Source Announce Coast-to-Coast Spring Tour

    Consider the Source has announced a Spring Tour, spanning the entire country coast to coast over 31 shows across March, April and May.  The first two shows of the tour find the trio opening for Pink Talking Fish at The Capitol Theatre on Feb. 10, and supporting funk/soul legends Soulive at Ardmore Music Hall on March 2. The next night the band then heads into Brooklyn to perform at House of Yes with You Bred Raptors? before taking a few weeks off prior to a cross country tour.

    consider the source coastConsider the Source were recently guests on Adult Swim’s Fishcenter Live. If you missed the episode, stream it here.

    Feb. 10 – The Capitol Theatre – Port Chester, NY*
    March 2 – Ardmore Music Hall – Ardmore, PA#
    March 3 – House of Yes – Brooklyn, NY%
    March 30 – Chameleon Club – Lancaster, PA%
    April 4 – Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY
    April 5 – Woodlands Tavern – Columbus, OH
    April 6 – Reggies Music Joint – Chicago, IL
    April 7 – Source Public House – Menasha, WI
    April 8 – The Frequency – Madson, WI
    April 12 – The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
    April 13 – Lost Lake – Denver, CO
    April 14 – The Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO@
    April 18 – Filling Station – Bozeman, MT
    April 19 – Red Room Lounge – Spokane, WA
    April 20 – High Dive – Seattle, WA
    April 21 – Analog Cafe – Portland, OR
    April 22 – HiFi Music Hall – Eugene, OR
    April 25 – The Dip – Redding, CA
    April 26 – Humboldt Brews – Arcata, CA
    April 27 – Alibi Ale Works – Truckee, CA
    April 28 – Bottom of the Hill – San Francisco, CA
    May 2 – Mohawk – Austin, TX
    May 3 – Gas Monkey – Dallas, TX
    May 4 – The Abbey Underground – Denton, TX
    May 5 – The Shrine – Tulsa, OK
    May 9 – Zydeco – Birmingham, AL
    May 10 – High Rock Outfitters – Lexington, NC
    May 11 – Bright Box – Winchester, VA
    May 18 – King’s Rook Club – Erie, PA
    May 19 – Hookahville – Bellefontaine, OH
    May 26 – StrangeCreek Campout – Greenfield, MA

    *w/ Pink Talking Fish
    #w/ Soulive
    %w/ You Bred Raptors?
    @w/ The Jauntee & Sixty Minute Men

  • Carnegie Hall Tribute to Led Zeppelin to feature Betty Lavette, The London Souls, more

    On March 7, Michael Dorf, founder of The Knitting Factory and City Winery, will bring together a wide ranging lineup of artists once again for an annual tribute to a legendary musical act. This year, The Music of Led Zeppelin will be honored by 20 genre-spanning artists at Carnegie Hall.

    carnegie hall led zeppelin

    For the concert, the house band will be led by Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith) and will include Jackie Greene, Andy York, Andy Burton and Dennis Diken. Previously-announced performers for the benefit are Bettye LaVette, The Zombies, Living Colour, The London Souls, J Mascis, Orianthi and Richie Sambora, O.A.R., Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards and Brian Wheat of Tesla.

    Recent additions to the show include moe. and the return of Bustle in Your Hedgerow, a supergroup formed in 2003 that features Joe Russo, Marco Benevento, Scott Metzger and Dave Dreiwitz. Nicole Atkins, Joseph Arthur, Son Little and Patty Smyth fill out the lineup for The Music of Led Zeppelin.

    The March 7 show will be the 15th annual tribute concert Dorf has held at Carnegie Hall, with net proceeds benefiting music education organizations for underprivileged youth. Over $1.3 million has been raised by the series in since its inception. Benefits in the past have honored the music of Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers, David Byrne, Paul Simon, Prince, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, R.E.M., Neil Young, The Rolling Stones and others. For tickets and more info, visit Carnegie Hall’s website.

  • Nada Surf’s New Album Pays Tribute to ‘Let Go,’ Brooklyn Show Announced

    Nada Surf has announced the March 2 release of Standing at the Gates: The Songs of Nada Surf’s Let Go, a tribute album that honors the 15th anniversary of the band’s 2002 release. The album features a diverse list of artists covering Let Go, with proceeds benefiting the ACLU and The Pablove Foundation.

    nada surf let gohttps://soundcloud.com/nadasurf/08-the-way-you-wear-your-head
    Standing At The Gates: The Songs of Nada Surf’s Let Go track list:

    1. Blizzard of ’77 (Manchester Orchestra)
    2. Happy Kid (Ron Gallo)
    3. Inside of Love (The Texas Gentlemen)
    4. Fruit Fly (Ed Harcourt)
    5. Blonde on Blonde (Rogue Wave)
    6. Hi-Speed Soul (The Long Winters)
    7. Killian’s Red (Holly Miranda)
    8. The Way You Wear Your Head (Charly Bliss)
    9. Neither Heaven Nor Space (William Tyler)
    10. La Pour Ca (Adia Victoria)
    11. Treading Water (Eyelids)
    12. Paper Boats (Aimee Mann)
    13. No Quick Fix (Victoria Bergsman)

    Nada Surf kicks off a 15 show tour celebrating Let Go‘s 15th anniversary. The shows are billed as ‘An Evening with Nada Surf, Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Let Go.’ Each night, the band will perform Let Go, take a break, and return for a second set. Tour dates can be found below. For more info visit Nadasurf.com

    3.07.2018 – Black Cat – Washington, DC
    3.08.2018 – Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY
    3.09.2018 – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA
    3.10.2018 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA
    3.11.2018 – Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON
    3.13.2018 – Metro – Chicago, IL
    3.14.2018 – Fine Line Music Cafe – Minneapolis, MN
    5.9.2018 – Neptune Theatre – Seattle, WA
    5.10.2018 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR
    5.11.2018 – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
    5.12.2018 – Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA
    5.14.2018 – Belly Up – San Diego, CA
    5.17.2018 – Granada Theater – Dallas, TX
    5.18.2018 – 3Ten at ACL – Austin, TX
    5.21.2018 – Terminal West – Atlanta, GA
    5.22.2018 – The Mercy Lounge – Nashville, TN

  • Teddy Midnight launches GoFundMe for new album, add Danny Caridi to lineup

    Brooklyn’s Teddy Midnight has returned to touring following a short break, joining NYC’s Rogue Agency and adding Chromatropic’s Danny Caridi as keyboardist. They recently launched a GoFundMe for their upcoming studio album, and will perform select shows in the Northeast this winter.

    teddy midnight danny caridiTeddy Midnight’s sound has always been eclectic, combining jam, house and funk, but are gearing towards a more electronic/dance sound, as evidenced in recent shows that pull on influences including LCD Soundsystem and Daft Punk. “We take a lot of influence from acts like Disclosure, Todd Terje and Caribou. These are groups
    that bring studio quality music to the live stage with unforgettable performances,” says bassist Sean Silva.

    Having written and recorded new music over the last six months, Teddy Midnight has two albums worth of material that will be released for free over the course of the year, and has started a GoFundMe to cover mastering at Joe Lambert Studio, who has mastered Animal Collective, Johnny Cash and more.

    Listen to a teaser of French Press below and stay tuned for tour dates from Teddy Midnight with new member Danny Caridi.

  • Birocratic Releases Latest Single “Extra Fresh”

    Brooklyn-based beatmaker and hip-hop instrumentalist Birocratic has released his latest single “Extra Fresh” along with a tongue-in-cheek infomercial music video.

    Birocratic, real name Brandon Rowan, initially rose to fame as a student at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, where his dorm room beat-tape releases Beets and Leftovers became YouTube sensations, and most recently has made official remixes for GRiZ. On “Extra Fresh,” Birocratic pays homage to 80s and 90s house, funk, and hip hop, with familiar synth melodies and deep bass lines.

    Birocratic will tour this summer throughout North America.

  • With a revamped lineup, Ponder set for big things in Buffalo

    Ponder, a three piece Indie band that started out at SUNY Geneseo, will perform on Saturday, February 3 at Nietzsche’s in Buffalo with The Good Neighbors and Max Muscato & Outer Harbor. This is the first show for Ponder since changing their name (from Ponder the Giraffe) and restructuring their lineup.

    ponder buffaloAfter winning a battle of the bands in 2015,  Ponder the Giraffe  earned the opportunity to open for New Politics in April 2016.  When the band graduated in May 2017, Gabriel Birkby (guitar, vocals), Andy Hogan (bass, vocals) and Aaron Murphy (drums) relocated to Buffalo to continue writing, recording, and performing.

    While the freedom of college allowed the band to focus almost solely on music, the band came to an understanding that perhaps it was time to move on from the college mentality, and entertained the notion that a re-structuring and re-vamping of the current sound and platform could be advantageous to pursuit of a life of music. Thus, “Ponder” was born. While the band has lost its giraffe, with Aaron Murphy seeking to pursue higher education and moving on as a full-time member, Gabe and Andy plan to soldier on.

    The trio performed at Rochester Fringe, with four sets over the last two years at Java’s Cafe, a cozy and eclectic coffee house tucked away on Gibbs Street off of East Avenue, right in the heart of Fringe. Ponder also performed alongside Buffalo’s Aqueous, as well as Jimkata and Space Carnival. The group recorded a four track EP, From The Porch to The Curb and a full length studio album (recorded at Quiet Country Audio), These Words, both of which are available on Spotify and iTunes.

    Ponder will be bringing new sounds, instrumentation, and members to the group, including a new (and yet to be officially determined) drummer to the mix, along with friend Paul Sottnik from Buffalo’s “The Everythingness,” on keys. More featured sit-ins from local musicians are planned for shows in the future, and ponder will always be looking for more musicians to share the stage with. Big things are on the way for the newly re-formed Ponder, with show and festival announcements soon to follow.

    On Sunday, February 11 at Mohawk Place in Buffalo, Ponder will open up for the eclectic rockers from North Carolina, BIG Something.

  • Kendrick Lamar Releases Album Art, Track List for “Black Panther” Soundtrack

    To kick off Black History Month, Kendrick Lamar yesterday shared the artwork and tracklisting for the soundtrack to Marvel Studios’ Black Panther movie.

    kendrick lamar black panther

    With three consecutive Album of the Year Grammy nominations, Lamar keeps churning out hit after hit, and the highly anticipated film gets an equally anticipated soundtrack to accompany it.  Rappers include SZA, Future, Jay Rock, 2 Chainz, Vince Staples and Anderson .Paak highlighting the album along with The Weeknd, Mozzy and SOB x RBE, R&B stars Jorja Smith and Khalid on the 14-track album.

    The soundtrack from Kendrick Lamar, for Black Panther will be released on Friday, Feb. 9 via Interscope Records and Marvel’s Black Panther will be released nationwide on Feb. 16. Listen to the first single from the album “All the Stars,” featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA.

  • Let’s Be Leonard offers live preview of Summer release ‘Static’

    Let’s Be Leonard will be releasing their sophomore album Static in July, and they’ve shared a live preview of some tracks that will be on their next studio effort. The recording comes from Caffe Lena and was produced by F. Cavone Productions. 

    Video setlist: Balloons*, Comet* -> High N’ Dry, How Do You Fall in Love, Most Days*

    *appears on Static