NYS Music 20​18

Category: Genres

  • Watch: 14 Trapdoors Music Video for ‘Holy Water’

    Buffalo rap group 14 trapdoors – Short Moscato, Bendyface and Wza – have partnered with Mass Appeal to premiere the video for “Holy Water,” a vividly mind-altering experience. The self-produced single unveils clever rhymes traded bar-for-bar atop a minimalistic track highlighted with an echoing bass, ticking snares and haunting operatic rock backing ad-libs.

    Directed by S’likedat, the psychedelic rollercoaster reflects on their hometown life in Buffalo, New York and symbolizes their cleansing relationship with music. 14 trapdoors explains, “Holy Water supposed to cleanse the soul. We use music to cleanse our soul. The music is our holy water,” with Short Moscato calling the song “a collage of our lives.”

    With the focus on the Queen City, Wza says, “We wanted to show the world how we get down here in Buffalo. The video is a tripped-out glimpse into how we’re living and the friends and fellow artists we surround ourselves with for motivation and inspiration.” And that trippy video by S’likedat? Bendyface considers it “either the cure or cause of epilepsy.” They’ll perform at Mohawk Place on Tuesday, April 24.

    ‪14 trapdoors have self-made a sub genre of hip hop, coined New Trap Boom Bap, and draw on a wide range of influences that span Aesop Rock, Big L, El-P, Jay Z and fellow Buffalo artists Westside Gunn and Conway, as well as Pink Floyd, Prince and Led Zeppelin. “People who gravitate toward the golden age of ‘90s boom bap will fuck with it because we focus on lyricism and new age youngins will fuck with it because we have songs with a more ‘trappy’ vibe,” Bendyface says.

    14 Trapdoors

    ‪The rappers met on the Buffalo hip hop scene and decided to pool their assets during the summer of 2016 when they all happened to release projects at the same time. They are all solo artists and Bendyface is also a member of the duo Chronic Collective. WZA mixed and mastered their recordings, resulting in them spending a lot of time together at his studio.

    The name 14 trapdoors pays homage to their hometown. The 14 represents the summation of the digits in their 716 area code and trapdoors is a reference to the city’s DIY scene. “Everybody you know is trapping something out their house, whether it deals with music, art or drugs, and when you are a rapper, you need all three of those things,” WZA says. “So you find yourself walking through many trapdoors.”

    ‪They attribute their sound to Buffalo, a city where one of hip hop’s most respected eras still gets its props. “Our whole stance on music is that It’s all about truly being yourself and being honest with yourself,” WZA says.

  • Coalescence IV: An Evening of Belly Dance Returns to Glens Falls

    A growing community of belly dancers from the Northeast and beyond will come together on May 12 at the Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls, NY for Coalescence IV, an evening of entertainment for the entire family. The fourth annual belly dance fundraiser donates 100% of proceeds to support Randy’s Patient Assistance Fund at the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, Glens Falls Hospital. Coalescence IV

    Randy’s Patient Assistance Fund supports patients in need by covering co-pays, gas cards for transportation to treatment, lodging assistance for those undergoing daily treatments, prepaid minutes for cell phones and prescription co-payments. The fund was set up in memory of Randall Favreau who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011. He could have used all these services, but there were no resources available for him at that time. Upon his passing, his wife used some of his insurance monies to help start this much needed fund. Since then, through the generosity of the community, Glens Falls Hospital has been able to keep this fund open and help many patients.

    The lobby will open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 for concessions and a basket raffle, with all prizes awarded immediately following intermission. Tickets are on sale now at the Wood Theater Box Office. More event info can be found here.

  • Hearing Aide: Big Something ‘The Otherside’

    While April 20 tends to be a day known for celebrating greener lifestyles and festivities, for Big Something, it will notch the release and celebration of their latest studio album, The Otherside.

    big something the othersideTucking away their fifth studio effort, the North Carolina 6-piece offers Big Something fanatics a piggy-back off of last year’s Tumbleweed. Thumbing listeners through an encyclopedia of genres, the 2018 release continues the haunting narrative of wandering through the depths of a post-apocalyptic desert while undergoing some serious soul searching, hoping to come out of the clutches of a bad peyote trip. Unable to place the album’s pulse on one particular sound, the sonic exploration allows focus to be placed on the group’s unfolding concept instead.

    The first few notes of “Sundown Nomad” welcome Big Something fans to their familiar, glitchy EWI sounds before diving into a land of spoken word trip-hop. As the eight-track album continues, “Wildfire” follows as a feel-good tune paired with less than hopeful lyrics, repeatedly exclaiming “woe is me.” The tight-knit ensemble of Nick MacDaniels (guitar, vocals), Doug Marshall (bass), Josh Kagel (keys, trumpet), Casey Cranford (sax, EWI), Jesse Hensley (lead guitar), and Ben Vinograd (drums) play with poetic juxtaposition on this track, while the uplifting riffs seem blissful, the lyrics divergently describe one thousand acres burning to the ground and the world going up in a wildfire.

    “We wanted to pay homage to the original concept of ‘an album’ with this release where sitting down and listening to the whole thing is an experience – 20 minutes per side with a break between. Side A complements Side B. This is the first time we’ve setup an album to fit perfectly on a vinyl record like that,” vocalist Nick MacDaniels shared.

    “The Cave” offers a more emotional outlet through Daniels’ heart-rendering vocals and slower time signatures while the album’s title track, “The Otherside,” takes shape of a fleeting 1:47 ambient break in the midst of the album. “Smoke Signal,” a track specifically written for the album and yet to receive the live debut treatment, holds it’s own as a silky smooth jazz track, with a combination of velvety vocals and saxophone. Most tracks are given a new life through Big Something live performances. It’s a wonder what they’ll do with “Smoke Signal” for its first time in front of a live audience.

    Cranford’s EWI majesty helps “Cosmic Dust” tap into 80s synth- Stranger Things theme song elements before the last two tracks showcase the groups funk and hard rock in its finest form. With the help of groovy trumpets and top-notch shredding on guitar, the album finds its fastest and strongest notes at a pinnacle of high-energy upon its conclusion.

    The powerhouse rockers found their voices through storytelling and fusing unique elements together to wrap up the story they’ve been telling since their 2017 predecessor album. Creating another layer of emotion folded into the album, it’s dedicated to the memory of Paul Interdonato, the band’s late lyricist and friend who tragically passed away on December 3, 2017 – the same exact day the band was gearing up to record in studio.

    The Otherside takes on thematics of musical journeys in more ways than one– the story of the album’s troubled, vagabond protagonist as well as a touching tribute of inspiration from a lifelong friend.

    Key Tracks: Smoke Signal, Cosmic Dust, Hole

  • EDM Artist Avicii Found Dead

    Swedish EDM DJ/Producer Avicii, has been found dead in Muscat, Oman at the young age of 28. No details have been released as to the cause of his death.

    Avicii

    Born Tim Bergling, Avicii, days ago posted on social media that he was honored to be nominated for Top Dance/Electronic album at this years upcoming Billboard Music Awards on May 20 for his EP Avicii. The DJ/producer was in the middle of a music career re-launch after a spiritual rebirth he had while traveling to Peru since retiring.

    Avicii’s publicist, Diana Baron made the following statement about his passing: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known a Avicii. The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given.”

    In 2016, Avicii shocked the world with the announcement of his retirement from active touring. In 2014, he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis due to excessive drinking. He started producing music at sixteen and by the end of his brief career collaborated with artists such as Madonna, Santana, Aloe Blacc, David Guetta, Imagine Dragons, Rita Ora and Coldplay.

    Avicii, along with other DJ/producers like Guetta and Calvin Harris, helped the EDM genre cross over into the pop side of the music world with his song “Wake Me Up,” opening doors for other EDM artists like Zedd and the Chainsmokers. In 2010, Avicii released the song “Seek Bromance,” under a shortened version of his real name Tim/Berg, and stands as an classic EDM track.

    Several artists from the EDM world and other genres have taken to social media to express their feelings about the loss of Avicii.

    Calvin Harris: “Devastating news about Avicii, a beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim x”

    Charlie Puth: “Wow. I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the man who really opened my eyes as to what my productions could one day sound like. @Avicii was a genius and a music innovator, and I can not believe he is no longer with us. RIP to the very best.”

    Madonna posted a photo of her and Avicii and stated: “So Sad……. So Tragic. Good Bye Dear Sweet Tim. Gone too Soon.”

    Zedd: “No words can describe the sadness I’m feeling right now, hearing about Avicii passing away….
    Thoughts go out to his family and friends…”

    3LAU: “I cannot express enough that @Avicii revolutionized dance music, and effortlessly. An unparalleled writer and one of my biggest inspirations will be remembered and missed for centuries to come. We love you Tim”

    Deadmau5: “My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends, fans and families of @Avicii 🙁 Banter aside, nobody can deny what he has accomplished and done for modern dance music and im very proud of him.”

    Marshmello: “At a loss for words…Rest easy brother @Avicii”

    Dillon Francis: “RIP @Avicii you will be insanely missed…my deepest condolences to his family.”

    Imagine Dragons: “Devastated at the news of @Avicii passing. working with him was one of my favorite collaborative moments. far too young. the world was a happier and fuller place with his presence and art. sending all my love to his friends and family. Xxdr”

    Aloe Blacc: “My heartfelt condolences to Tim’s family and close friends. I can’t express how deeply sad I am. Meeting him changed my life. He was an amazingly talented person and it hurts so bad that he’s gone.”

    Martin Garrix: “Can’t really describe in words how sad I feel right now.. thank you for inspiring me and millions others. RIP @Avicii”

    Rita Ora: “I have no words. I remember how amazing it was to make Lonely Together and it felt like just yesterday we were talking. Condolences to Avicii’s family, friends, and the fans who supported him. May he rest in peace. Gone too soon. I’m devastated. Heartbroken.”

    Kascade: “@Avicii was talented and kind, and I was genuinely excited to see what would come next from him. His future most certainly should have been written beyond age 28. I am heartbroken. Rest easy Tim.”

  • Hearing Aide: Jane Lee Hooker ‘Spiritus’

    Jane Lee HookerJane Lee Hooker is back, and better than ever.

    After the release of their debut album No B! in 2016, the five piece punk-blues powerhouse caught much deserved attention among NYC’s club scene. Since then, Jane Lee Hooker has spread like a wildfire: one that certainly won’t be extinguished anytime soon.

    Spiritus, the band’s second album, was released in November of 2017. Primarily comprised of original music, Spiritus further explores JLH’s unorthodox take on the blues. The ten-track release is riddled with undeniably catchy hooks, superb guitar licks, and just the right amount of grit.

    The album goes from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds with the first track, titled “How Ya Doin’?” From there, Spiritus takes a step back with some slow/moderately paced jams (including the most popular track “Later On,” which currently has over 21,000 spins on Spotify).

    But don’t be fooled; halfway through, Spiritus lifts off once again with “Black Rat.” Shortly afterward, to the listener’s unexpected surprise, the album takes a moody turn with a downtempo track titled “How Bright the Moon.” And to wrap things up, Spiritus comes full circle with the longest track on the album, “The Breeze.”

    To say the least, Spiritus is bold, nostalgic, and groundbreaking. If you’re in search of a sound that steps far beyond the boundaries of modern rock music, Jane Lee Hooker’s gotcha covered. Keep up with JLH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

    Key Tracks: Later On, How Ya’ Doin?, The Breeze

  • Celebrating with The Dave DiPrimo Band

    The Dave DiPrimo Band (DDB) was back at it at Buta Pub on Saturday April 14. The band brought their upbeat attitude to warm up a crowd that was brave enough to venture through the ice and the rain, and had the place on fire all night long. The band consisting of lead singer Dave DiPrimo, saxophonist and guitarist Kares Gregory, drummer Reid Hoffmeier, and bassist Ian Benz; has been performing around New York State together for over a year.

    The band has a constantly evolving sound that is electric and catchy. DDB came to Buta Pub with one goal in mind, to celebrate. DDB did so in a fantastic way with the theme of the show being a glow party. DDB brought glow sticks and glow glasses for the crowd who enjoyed every minute of it. DDB played some some fan favorites like the spicy Latin melody of “Selena” and the always catchy “Caroline”. DDB always brings an eclectic mix of fast paced songs like “End of the World” and slows it down and connects with the audience with the slower rhythms of songs like “Four Letter Word” and “Whiskey Melody”.

    The smooth sounds of Kares Gregory on the sax makes the slow songs methodical and dreamy while on the faster paced songs like “Selena” the sax drives the tempo of the song pushing the pace and then reeling it in in the tense moments of the song. Gregory is also a stellar lead guitar player as he shreds solos on songs like “End of the World” and “Whiskey Melody”.  Drummer Reid Hoffmeier is always great as he controls a lot of the band’s emotions and feelings throughout the show. Not only is Hoffmeier an amazing drummer who can do everything that DDB requires him to do and more, he is the underlying humor and emotion that the guys are feeling during their show. Ian Benz was spectacular as always on the bass; fulfilling that low under tone that DDB was missing back when the original band was put together years ago. The front man and the person the band is titled after is Dave DiPrimo. All the songs are written by DiPrimo and DiPrimo will lead the band to spontaneous jam sessions at some point in the show.

    At Buta Pub the crowd cheered for the jam session as DDB uses this opportunity for crowd participation. Whether it’s a hula contest or simply a call and answer song, the band always brings the room to life. DiPrimo not only has a voice that can hit all the ranges of the demanding setlist; whether its screaming in “End of the World” and in parts of “Selena” or the soft gentle whisper of “Four Letter Word” and at the end of “Out in the Cold”, DiPrimo can do it all as he executes every word with passion and clarity. DiPrimo also sports three different guitars throughout the band performance. The classic electric acoustic he uses for the softer songs, the Resonator he uses for some of the folk songs and the electric for solos on songs like “Glory Days” and “Know you Best”. DiPrimo’s guitar playing has improved over the time DDB has been together as the solos he played sounded crisp. His confidence not only as a singer and guitar player can be seen improving in every show; but also his confidence speaking to the crowd on a more personal level.

    The sizable crowd enjoyed every moment of DDB and was crowded around the stage dancing and having a good time. DDB will be performing on April 27 at Funk ‘n Waffles Music Hall with Corey Glover of Living Colour and The Alchemystics. The Dave DiPrimo Band has released two albums, the first being One Year with original band members and Reflections with the current band. Both CD’s are available for purchase at all DDB shows with other merchandise that the band sells. You can also find DDB’s music on all music streaming sites like: Spotify, Apple Music, I tunes, Google Play, Amazon and all of DDB’s music can be streamed and purchased on their website

  • Escaper guitarist Will Hanza talks influences, producing “Edge Detection” and songwriting

    Will Hanza, guitarist of Escaper has been enjoying the success of the group’s sophomore release Edge Detection and still buzzing about meeting Jon Fishman. Hanza spoke to NYS Music about the songwriting style that encompasses their new album, Escaper’s summer plans and jazz influences that create a monolithic jam fusion sound.

    will hanzaPete Mason: What was it like opening for The Mallett Brothers Band and Jon Fishman?

    Will Hanza: Well, we’ve sort of become regulars at Brooklyn Bowl, it’s our home venue really, and recently opened for Electric Beethoven. Working with the folks at Brooklyn Bowl is great, the sound and Vic Cornette on lights is a musician himself and he really works with you. This was our most jammiest show yet, opening the songs up in the moment in a way that keyed us into the improv we should be doing, avoiding meandering and allowing the moment to take over and launch from there. The reaction to the set was great on Thursday (April 12th). The Mallett Brothers are a really great band, and watching Fishman drum from side-stage was a treat. He was nice enough to say that he liked Escaper and that we had that Pink Floyd kind of vibe, which pretty much made my year.

    A post shared by Escaper (@escapermusic) on

    PM: What musical influences came through in the production of the Edge Detection?

    WH: The band comes from some diverse backgrounds, including myself who has a father who is a jazz musician, plus Zeppelin and Hendrix are in me. Lettuce and TAUK and more instrumentally oriented bands in the scene – we don’t want to sound like them, but they’re paving the way for what things fans are into, particularly instrumental music. Johnny Butler comes from Coltrane and jazz. Adam Ahuja comes from a pretty heavy jazz background, and is really into Mahavishnu Orchestra. For lack of a better word, this allows for a fusion of sounds, and that comes from combining jazz, classic psychedelic rock, funk rock, and I think it comes together cohesively in the process of what we take with these songs.

    Some of the songs on Edge Detection were written out of live jams. We hear them and cultivate them from loose jams that we’ve been digging. We ran out of songs at one of our first shows in January 2016 at B.R.Y.A.C., so we played and improvised, which led to some of these songs being born, including the first two tracks on the album, “Secret Weapon” and “Rare Form.”

    PM: What was Escaper’s songwriting process for Edge Detection?

    WH: The well rounded sound comes out of that process where we start with a groove, like Jay will start with a bass line, then the keys will add in, then the drums … it’s a little loose at the start, and soon a whole beast is starting to get formed as we go back and listen and see what parts work best. We don’t write songs and then ask everyone to learn it – Escaper builds on the idea that this is everybody’s band, and everyone gets equal credit on the songwriting. I want everyone to feel that this is their band and their music. I am honored to play with the cats I get to play with, not the least because they are invested in the music as much as I am. It’s a challenge and exciting to have a bunch of collaborators create music that you could never do on your own. We all recorded simultaneously in the studio, which gives that sense of synergy and react to each other in the moment, rather than layering things over and over.

    PM: How was the reception to Edge Detection and what did you learn from the recording process and release of the album?

    WH: The response has been very nice, very strong. We’ve only had a handful of reviews but they’ve all been positive and hey reflect our growth since the first album. The recording process was similar to the last album Skeleton Key and we have found recording in the Bunker Studio in Brooklyn with engineer John Davis (Lettuce, Black Keys) to be our spot and we’ve found a great relationship working with him. He’s brilliant, has a good bedside manner and while we were in there recording, we felt very at home. He’s taken time to get to know us as players to squeeze a better performance out of us while keeping the recording efficient and everything flowing. I don’t know we’d do much different on the next album, but we might add some vocals on the next one.

    PM: Where are fans going to be able to see you over the next few months?

    WH: We sort of kicked off the festival season playing Rock n Roll Resort, and we’ll do a couple club dates mixed in, but we’re doing a decent amount of festivals – Grateful for Spring in Mountain Sky, PA, then Elements Lakewood, Lakewood, PA on Memorial Day weekend. Disc Jam is definitely one of the highlights on our schedule coming up in early June. We’re doing Bear’s Picnic and Mazzstock in August. Being invited to play any festival is an honor and opportunity that is a great way to pollinate our music in these various places and that can only help us into a touring schedule in the fall in New York and Pennsylvania. It’s all about getting the music out there like Johnny Appleseed – the more that can enjoy, the happier we are.

  • Jimmie Highsmith Jr. Featured on Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight

    The latest installment of Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight starred critically acclaimed award winning saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith Jr. In this, the eight installment of season 5 of the series, Highsmith is interviewed by host Dan Gross before playing a selection of smooth jazz songs. On the stage, Highsmith is joined by Dave Labman on keyboard, Mark Terranova on bass, and Bruce Pitts on drums.

    Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight hosts live events, which are free and open to the public. Episodes are recorded at Bop Shop Records at 1460 Monroe Avenue in Rochester from 7-9pm. Jon Lewis will finish out the fifth season and mark the series’ 50th episode on April 27.

    This episode of Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight is directed, edited and hosted by Dan Gross. Sound by Gross and Matthew D. Guarene, camera and production by Gross and Jason Thibault, and mixed by Josh Pettinger of Wicked Squid Studios. This season is made possible by Bop Shop Records, Rowe Photographic Video and Audio, Bernunzio Uptown Music, Sound Source, Joe Bean Coffee Roasters, Three Heads Brewing, Wicked Squid Studios, and patrons who contributed to the Season 5 indiegogo campaign.

    For more about the Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight, read the NYS Music feature. For the latest news and access to dozens of episodes, visit Dan Gross Music and Journalism.

  • Listen to Episode 2 of Empire State Music Podcast

    Hailing from Buffalo NY, Intrepid Travelers combines elements of rock, funk, blues and jazz along with a powerhouse performance certain to make you move and groove. From their home studio in Buffalo, the band shares stories of influence, time on the road, and what exactly a “jam band” is anyway. Join host Andy Hogan for the second episode for Empire State Music Podcast.

    https://soundcloud.com/empirestatepod/intrepid-travelers

  • Catching up with the Artists of NYS Music 87/90

    The artists of NYS Music 87/90 are busy this spring and have grown immensely since the launch of the artist publicity and media group. The seven artists of 87/90 include the best up and coming bands from across New York State, and they’re stretching out across the country this summer. Let’s check in and see what they’re up to.

    Cousin Earth release Human Music on April 27 with a concert at Bowery Electric along with Hunt for Hunter and The Phryg. We’ll have a review of Human Music next week – get ready for this incredible album!

    Formula 5 just wrapped up a 4-show run with Goose, including covering each other’s originals “Trout Waters, Part 1” and “Jive 1” at Pacific Standard Tavern in New Haven on Saturday, April 14. They’ll be at The Waterhole kicking off Party on the Patio this Thursday, perform with Cypher at Flour City Station on April 26 and The Hollow in Albany on April 28 with Space Carnival.

    Let’s Be Leonard opened up for The Magic Beans at The Hollow on April 12 and will be back in the Capital District with a headlining show at Putnam Place with Root Shock on May 19. They’ll perform at Sterling Stage Folkfest on Sunday, May 27 with a set of originals plus Dead sets on the side stage.

    Folkfaces recently wrapped up a week long tour in the south, and have a summer tour announcement coming soon. They’ll open for Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band on May 3 in Rochester and will be opening for The Felice Brothers at The Waterhole in Saranac Lake on June 15. They are planning for their upcoming album to be recorded at GCR Audio, and released the video for “We’re on the Move Now” featuring Abby the Spoon Lady.

    Intrepid Travelers are celebrating their 5 year anniversary early with Cinco en Mayo: 5 nights of IT in May at Nietzsche’s. The Buffalo based band will also hold their renamed Solstice Fest (formerly IT Fest) June 22-23 in Hannibal, NY.

    NYS Music 87/90

    Gowanus will be entering the studio next month to record their second album.

    Space Carnival will be opening up for fellow 87/90 artist Formula 5 on Saturday, April 28 at The Hollow in Albany, and were recently added to the lineups for Summer Camp, Disc Jam and Mazzstock music festivals.