NYS Music 20​18

Category: Genres

  • Hearing Aide: Toubab Krewe ‘Stylo’

    Earlier this month, Toubab Krewe released their third studio album, Stylo, (pronounced Stee-lo), and have since hit the road for a tour following a two-year hiatus. Their last album, TK2, was released in 2010 so fans have been anxiously awaiting this new one that is simply chock full of energy, positive vibes and soul filling goodness. With Stylo, they continue their combination of musical twists and turns that ebb and flow from Appalachian and West African tones to funk, jazz and jams galore.

    The album eases listeners in with “That Damn Squash.” Stocked with an endless supply of percussion on the back beat, the tune rolls along, begging listeners to get up and sway their hips. Clean guitar tones carry the song making it impossible not to bob your head to the beat. “Night Shade” hints at Middle Eastern styling, with an edgier guitar flowing along the edges of the song, creating a musical ride of ethnic rhythms that have no barrier.

    As “Stylo” touches upon layers of Spanish flair, the melody brings out visions of beaches, cold umbrella drinks and toe tapping sways of dancing under the starry sky. An easy track that puts the listener into a carefree mood, it’s hard not to smile when this tune rolls along at a relaxed pace. Be prepared to suddenly want to take a vacation in the Caribbean and enjoy a cold one at the swim up bar with this track.

    The Caribbean infused, African timbre shines through once again on “Saba Meniya,” picking up the beat with whimsically magical chords that tiptoe around the track, creating a beautifully mixed ensemble of musical genres. “Salut” is stacked with crisp guitar, tight drums and percussion, releasing a breath of fresh air with this uniquely laid track before heading into a quick paced jam towards the backend.

    “Lafia” wastes no time taking off with an upbeat melody. A slight taste of funk and deeper rocking tones break through ever so slightly, though maintains the energetic vibe that drips throughout the entire album. Brisk notes ramble along this jam, though holds a heavier feel before emerging into a calmer “Miriama.” This melody features vocal notes and foreign lyrics, forging an air of spiritual soul that embodies this innovative song. Wrapping up the album is “Southern Tracks,” a calm track that blends mystical rhythm with psychedelic accents, bringing the entirety of the album to a clean finish.

    Overall, Stylo presents a unique blend of sounds, tones and styles into a tightly wound package of creative musical melodies. If you are seeking something different and outside the box creative, this is the album to grab. It’s different, will keep you moving and a plaster a constant smile on your face.

    Key Tracks: Stylo, Salut, Lafia

  • Funk Night in Albany announces April 5 show at Parish Public House

    After an incredible Funk Night in February, members of Turkuaz, Kung Fu, Eric Krasno Band and Wurliday will come together for the April edition of Funk Night in Albany on April 5 at Parish Public House. Featuring Mikey Carruba (Turkuaz), Beau Sasser (Kung Fu), Mary Corso (Eric Krasno Band), Justin Henricks (Wurliday), Reed Sutherland (Wurliday) and John Drabik (Wurliday), get ready to spring into a night of funk with an incredible array of talent. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

    Watch video from the last Funk Night in Albany featuring covers of Sly and the Family Stone, Frank Zappa and Nirvana. Yes, Nirvana.

  • 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

  • That 1 Guy Makes Buffalo Weird Again

    With thousands of artists releasing new music daily thanks to technological advances which allow musicians to record a song and share it with the world in the matter of minutes, performers must be more creative than ever to break through the clutter and establish a name for themselves. Some tour relentlessly to get their name out, a few incorporate jokes or magic into their act to entertain audiences on multiple levels, and others go out and slap a “Magic Pipe” until their fingers bleed. Mike Silverman, or That 1 Guy, happens to do all three, as well as much more. On Thursday, February 28, the one-man traveling circus graced the stage in Buffalo at Mohawk Place for an unforgettable night of music, laughs and wizardry.

    that 1 guyLike most nights with live music at Mohawk Place, the crowd was split between people who had marked their calendars the day the performance was announced and causal music lovers seeking their Thursday night fix. Things were a bit different that night, however, as those who arrived with the intention of winding down after a long day of work to some relaxing tunes were exposed to far more than they bargained for. The imminent weirdness presented itself as soon you made your way to the stage and observed the large, Festivus-esqe, pole standing atop a raised grate in front of three jumbo screens. The large pole Silverman dubs the “Magic Pipe,” is a homemade, electronically rigged pair of machined aluminum pipes connected by adjustable phosphorus bronze joints, with each pipe hosting an orchestral bass string.

    Waiting for the absolute last possible second to go on before the crowd exploded in anticipation, Silverman hopped on stage, pulled out a double-bass bow, and began playing a hauntingly beautiful melody on the smaller pipe. The instrument’s unique tone sounded like a combination of Vivaldi and Pink Floyd, as the screens behind displayed psychedelic images that morphed in unison with each note played. As he hit lower notes, the room trembled with the heavy bass, and audience members could feel spiritually cleansing vibrations run through their chests. The orchestral vibes would not last long, however, as Silverman’s bolstering creativity wouldn’t allow him to stick with one genre at any point in the night. The world-class street performer quickly shifted gears to an African tribal rhythm as he played around with his numerous foot pedals, combining the infectious rhythm with a top layer of EDM beats and deep, bluesy vocals.

    Two songs and the audience had already time traveled around the world and back. The performance oozed with surrealism as Silverman continued his set featuring a duck sock-puppet on one song, a cowboy boot rigged to play like Congo drums on the next, and a whimsical song about a great whale race that took place just before our very eyes to complete the trio.  In between each song the incredibly talented entertainer told jokes, performed magic tricks, and spoke to the crowd as if they were friends in his living room.

    Those who had seen That 1 Guy before added another dimension to the performance as they called for specific songs and yelled out phrases that were obvious inside jokes between Silverman and his audience. Aside from his own kooky songs and singing quotes from passive-aggressive Airbnb reviews he received, the renaissance man performer mixed in popular songs from Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” to jazz standards, and kept the crowd on their toes with whatever classic rock riffs came to his mind.  That1Guy is the kind of virtuoso musician you’d imagine would be playing the Lincoln Center today if the hippies won (or even fought) the war.

    To cap off a wildly entertaining performance, Silverman finished the night with some jazz. He told the audience he saved the jazz songs for the end as an attempt to influence a younger generation to listen to the genre. Once he had everyone buttered up with EDM and rock and roll, he played jazz standards to subconsciously influence a generation of music listeners to seek out a genre that has mostly disappeared from popular music today. When it was all said and done, the set was nearly two hours long, despite it only feeling like a few minutes. From stunning visuals to bizarre compositions you cannot hear anywhere else on the planet, That1Guy is a show all music lovers should seek out immediately. Thankfully, that should not be too difficult as the one-man circus averages an astonishing 150-200 performances a year around North America in an effort to spread joy and weirdness around the continent.

  • NYS Music’s 2018 March Madness: Round 1

    It’s March and that means it’s time for NYS Music’s 2018 March Madness, Round 1! We have brought together 64 of New York State’s up and coming bands for a friendly tournament-style competition throughout the month of March. Some of these bands you may know, some may be unknown – and that’s a good thing! These artists who hail from the Empire State are a sampling of the next generation of artists and come from all corners of the state, from Buffalo to Binghamton, from Plattsburgh to Patchogue and all points in between. Discover your new favorite band and vote for your favorites!

    These are 64 bands you might not know about, but should. NYS Music March Madness is a great way to discover a new and upcoming band in your area and show your support and love for bands you see often. We’d like to thank our regional sponsors Putnam Place, Anthology, Funk n Waffles and CEG Presents. These venues and promoters are small businesses and a sample of the backbone of the statewide New York music scene that helps artists grow and reach ever-widening audiences.

    Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

    Get to know the 16 artists in the Putnam Place region and vote below

    The Crooked North (Americana/bluegrass) vs Mikaela Davis (singer/songwriter)
    Haewa (fusion rock) vs Cousin Earth (ukulele rock/folk)
    Funktional Flow (jam/rock/funk) vs The Dirty Pennies (indie rock)
    FLOTUS (funky rock hop) vs Sprocket (high power technical jam)
    The Sea The Sea (indie folk pop) vs Eastbound Jesus (Northern rock)
    Black Mountain Symphony (symphonic groove pop) vs King Buffalo (psychedelic rock)
    Hartley’s Encore (funk/dance) vs Fondude (groove/jam)
    Of Clocks and Clouds (psychedelic/electronic rock) vs Let’s Be Leonard (jam/jazz fusion)

    Check out the 16 artists in the Anthology region and vote below

    Tart Vandelay (indie pop) vs Iudica (alternative/grunge)
    Ampevene (experimental prog rock) vs Candy Ambulance (alternative/grunge)
    Sun Parade (grunge power pop) vs Dave DiPrimo Band (alt-folk)
    Lord Electro (electronic/house) vs Folkfaces (roots folk/jazz)
    Witty Tarbox (indie/surf groove) vs Chris Eves and the New Normal (jam rock)
    Moho Collective (creative instrumental) vs Necrostalker (extreme death metal)
    Boogie Low (acid rock reggae fusion) vs Jiggawaltz (funk metal)
    Ballroom Thieves (alternative rock) vs Wavy Cunningham (New wave hip hop)

    Here are the artists in the CEG Presents region. Check them out and vote below

    ShwizZ (progressive funk rock) vs Barroom Philosophers (reggae/rock fusion)
    Dirty Blanket (bluegrass/newgrass) vs Wild Adriatic (rock n roll)
    The Late Shift (rock) vs Intrepid Travelers (funk/jazz/rock)
    Escaper (space funk psyche rock) vs Begging Angels (alt-country)
    Polyvamp (funk and rock) vs Noon Fifteen (progressive soul)
    Bad Mothers (groovy grunge) vs Space Carnival (psychedelic groove rock)
    Sophistafunk (funk/hip-hop) vs Bushicks (rock n roll)
    Cold Lazarus (reggae jam rock) vs Wurliday (soul funk)

    Get to know the 16 artists in the Funk n Waffles region and vote below

    Holly and Evan (blues alt-rock) vs Sydney Worthley (pop/folk/rock)
    The Demos (indie power pop) vs The Switch (rock/funk/blues)
    Ponder (alt rock) vs Formula 5 (jam/rock/fusion)
    Gowanus (jazztronica) vs The Other Brothers (soul/funk/R&B)
    Teddy Midnight (electro dance funk) vs Periodic Table of Elephants (garage/punk)
    Space Bacon (electronic rock jam) vs Backseat Bullets (punk/shoegaze)
    Hudson’s Crew (alt rock) vs Space Junk (progressive jam trance)
    Jess Novak Band (blues/rock/soul) vs Dark Honey (indie pop rock)

    First Round voting begins at 10AM EST on Monday, March 5, and closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 7. Second Round begins at 10AM EST on Thursday, March 8 with the remaining 32 artists. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

  • Hearing Aide: Marquee Grand ‘Another Toke’

    Nothing beats that rush of nostalgia when listening to classic 90’s anthems from artists such as Third Eye Blind, Weezer, Spin Doctors, and the men who Fight Foo. It’s a shame there aren’t any modern day bands emulating this sound through their original music…or are there? If you’re looking for songs that’ll bring you back to a simpler time, look no further than the entire catalog from Marquee Grand.

    Marquee GrandMarquee Grand is an alternative rock band from Buffalo, NY with deep-seated roots in 90’s alt rock. Recently, the four-piece released a single titled “Another Toke,” the first among a series of singles the band plans on releasing over the next few months.

    If you don’t like catchy guitar riffs or powerful sing-along choruses, you should probably stay as far away as possible from this track. Otherwise, throw on some over-ear headphones, and bring yourself back to the days of smoking doobies on the couch in your mom’s basement.

    If you’re in the Buffalo area, be sure to catch Marquee Grand in concert!

    3/23/18: Spring Kickoff at Mr. Goodbar on Elmwood @ 11PM
    4/20/18: with Ponder at Milkie’s on Elmwood @ 9PM
    4/28/18: Daemen SpringFest at Daemen College
    5/25/18: Countdown to Summer at Mr. Goodbar Elmwood @ 11PM

    ‘Another Toke’ was released on February 6, 2018. Marquee Grand consists of band members John Richter (Guitar/Vocals), Josh Owczarzak (Guitar), Sean Szymanski (Bass/Vocals), and Matt Lawniczak (Drums). Keep up with Marquee Grand on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • Allegheny Folk Duo Tough Old Bird Make Appearance on Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight

    The latest episode of Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight features Tough Old Bird. On the show, brothers Matthew and Nathan Corrigan talk about their songwriting process and performing together with the host Dan Gross. They also discuss the renaissance of folk music in the region, and the consistent presence of the genre despite going in and out of popularity with audiences. Tough Old Bird is on tour this month, with shows spanning from Buffalo to Boston. Following the interview, they perform a selection of songs from their catalog, including “Built It Again” and  “No One Knows Your Mind.”

    The live events are free and open to the public, and are recorded at Bop Shop Records at 1460 Monroe Avenue in Rochester from 7-9pm. Upcoming Spotlight sessions include Vanishing Sun on March 9, Grand Canyon Rescue Episode on March 10, Seth Faergolzia’s Multibird on March 16, and Jimmy Highsmith Jr. on March 31. The remaining four guests for Season 5 will be announced soon.

    Rochester Indie Musician Spotlight is produced and hosted by Dan Gross. Camera operation and video production are done by Jason Thibault and Dallas Greene. Audio is recorded by David Clapp and Dan Gross 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.

    Rochester Indie Musician SpotlightFor 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.

  • Funktional Flow and After Funk rock Buffalo Iron Works

    Funktional Flow has been a staple in the Western New York area for years. The band has gone through many changes, and because of this they are always evolving and growing as a group. Known for being able to make any show a dance party, they have solidified their place in the scene. The band consists of Jeff Kuebler (guitar & vocals). Ben Whelan (bass), Joey Lewis (guitar & vocals), Ryan James Acanfora (drums), and Matthew Lester (keys, sax, and vocals), all of which contribute to the show and the sound in their own, critical way. After Funk (out of Toronto) started the night off strong, loosening up the audience for the spectacle to follow.

    funktional flow after funkFunktional Flow decided to try out a new formula for the show, and it was a success. They have a collection of songs usually reserved for opening sets, as they consider them not to be their “heavy hitters,” but that night they changed it up. This mix-up breathed new energy into their usual first-set staples such as “Baby Song,” Black T,” “Gone,” and “Seems to Feel.”

    The highlight of the night was when After Funk’s Yanick Allwood joined Funktional Flow for “What a Fool Believes” and “Eminence Front.” Their synergy was palpable.

    Funktional Flow will be returning to Buffalo Iron Works on March 24, bring your dancing shoes.

    Setlist: Mulligans > Baby Song, Black T, TomTom Part 1 > China Town > TomTom Part 2 , What a Fool Believes*, Gone, Seems to Feel, Trouble, Eminence Front*
    *with Yanick Allwood on After Funk

  • Jocelyn and Chris Arndt Demand Attention, and They’re Getting it

    In the Arndt family collection of movies is a video of Jocelyn and Chris playing upon the consecrated stage of Caffe Lena. Their father still watches it, though Chris says it’s from a “long time ago.”

    It was six years ago.

    Consider that six years is nearly a quarter of a lifetime to a 21-year-old, and just yesterday to his father. Still, let’s also factor in the sister-brother duo’s professional career; contracts, albums and countrywide road trips. There’s The Whisky a Go Go, Mountain Jam and, yeah, Billboard’s Top 40 that have since followed. From that perspective, it has been a long time.

    “Touring is the best job, ever,” said Chris. “Playing music, making music in general, it is the single greatest job you can have, hands down. I’m not biased or anything. Except for driving through Nebraska.” On cue, David Bourgeois holds up a thick set of tire chains.

    It’s February and the band has returned after several months of touring across the country. There’s still little rest. Chris, Joceyln and Bourgeois sit at White Lake Studios to rehearse for a radio gig in Boston. Bourgeois takes a moment to slump into a comfortable chair. He’s a man of many hats. Visually, he’s the band’s drummer. Behind the scenes, he’s its music director. He owns the Albany studios along with his wife, Anna. Within the bigger picture, he’s president of Bridge Road Entertainment. About five years ago, he discovered the two while they played together at a local festival. He’s been their manager ever since.

    Playing gigs and hitting radio stations like the one in Boston is all in the effort to earn more air time. It’s called chasing radio play. It involves a lot of networking, sending tapes, exchanging phone calls and logging in the miles on the road. Where U2 and Interscope have years of established success and reputation, Jocelyn and Chris need to hustle. On top of being musicians, they also have to act as their own marketers. There are about 120 radio stations across the nation that play under the adult album alternative format, and grabbing a program director’s attention can be “extremely challenging,” according to one.

    “To put it simply — there is so much great music out there, and very few slots they can fit in, and that goes for every format,” said Kim Neaton, former music director for WEQX. She was among three directors responsible for deciding what songs played on the radio. Unknown bands have to win out against trusted record labels, often times against management and promotional companies, for just a few open slots. For a band chasing radio play, “Even if you have one of the best songs in the room,” said Neaton, “you have the smallest voice in the room. But if you find a station that will take a chance, and you do well there, that’s ammo you can take to the next station when you reach out. Maybe things go well there, too. A story can build and so can a song’s success.”

    One of the first stations the band won over was Albany’s WEXT. Its programming has helped local artists earn air time and, “they’ve helped us out so much,” said Jocelyn. There’s also WDST in Woodstock, a good station to have behind you. It originated Mountain Jam in 2004, a three-day music festival that has featured Robert Plant and Tom Petty in recent years. Jocelyn and Chris played there three years ago and will return to play its main stage in June.

    Last December, Jocelyn and Chris broke into the Top 40 on Billboard’s Adult Album Alternative chart. “Red Stops Traffic,” the band’s third single off its 2017 studio release “Go,” debuted at No. 37. Jocelyn and Chris were listed along with the names of The Killers, Big Head Todd and U2. The band topped at No. 35 before slipping back down in January.

    “The next goal is Top 10,” said Jocelyn, with a smile. The volume of her statement tapers off to a near whisper, as if in fear of sounding arrogant. There is no arrogance in the room, as the two siblings are still laughing in amazement over having charted above Bono. Their story has caught the attention of television producers. Four television shows, including NBC’s “The Voice” approached Jocelyn to perform. She turned it down. “That’s not how it works,” said Jocelyn. “We’re a team. Any time it starts to tilt towards one or the other, we’re just weary of and we don’t do it.”

    Jocelyn and Chris resigned a three-year contract with Bridge Road Entertainment, and head back into the studio in April to record a new album. Before retreating to the studio, the band is set to perform at Caffe Lena on Sunday, March 4, at 7 p.m. Edge TV will be following as it films a documentary. The documentary should contrast with the video their father is still fond of playing from years ago. As “Red Stops Traffic” continues to resonate with radio listeners, people can expect to hear a maturity behind their play.

    “It’s definitely a more mature sound,” said Jocelyn. “We’re not kids anymore.” she laughs.

    This article was originally published by The Spot 518. is property of Spotlight Newspapers in Albany, N.Y., and appears as a special to NYS Music. TheSpot518 and NYS Music work in partnership to provide readers with in-depth coverage on the local music scene in the Capital District and New York state, respectively. For more, visit TheSpot518.com.

  • Bob Weir and Phil Lesh to Webcast First Ever Duo Tour

    Even after all these years, members of The Grateful Dead are still finding a way to push the envelope and explore new things.  Beginning tonight at Radio City Music Hall, Bob Weir and Phil Lesh will embark on their first ever set of shows as a duo.  Clearly, something must have clicked when the two founding members of The Dead reunited last summer for an entire Phil & Friends set at Lockn’ Music Festival.

    Bob Weir Phil Lesh duoThankfully, for those not able to attend any of the 6 shows on this abbreviated tour, the fine folks over at nugs.net will be making each one available via webcast and, thus, couch tour a reality.  After a two night stay at Radio City, the Duo Tour rolls on to Boston for shows March 7-8 and then Chicago for a final set of two show on March 10-11.  Rumors are running rampant as to possible guests and sit-ins for what’s sure to be a memorable tour for these two long time friends so go here to get all the information and order the shows.

    But first, enjoy this vintage clip of a younger Bob Weir and Phil Lesh duo performing with the rest of The Grateful Dead during their legendary 1980 run at Radio City Music Hall.