NYS Music 20​18

Category: Genres

  • Eminem, The Killers, Jack White to Headline Boston Calling 2018

    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.

  • Kalmia Traver of Rubblebucket Dances to Her Own Beat

    We met Kalmia Traver, lead vocalist and sax player of Rubblebucket, a Brooklyn-based funk dance troop, standing in the green room on a carpet already littered with small squares of white confetti paper- a playful hint to where the night would lead.

    Her slender frame and fair skin animated by a vibrant orange and yellow poncho, paired with sparkling gold baggy shorts over black leggings. What could easily have been mistaken for her stage outfit was actually just her driving PJ’s. She would later sport a petticoat upon her shoulders, normally worn underneath a skirt to exaggerate it’s volume. She greeted us with an unassuming and innocent smile before we made our way to a couch along the back wall. The small room was cluttered with other musicians chatting, snacking and sipping on kombucha, a favorite drink of Traver and other Rubblebucket members.

    Traver’s first order of business that morning before departing Brooklyn for the Flower City? Acquiring the leaf blower they use as their confetti cannon, obviously. Then they loaded the van, hit the road and after a tumultuous interaction with the GPS, made it to Anthology an hour late but ready to start the party.

    After taking her spot on the couch to chat with us, Traver parted a grocery bag at her feet to unearth a quart of soup from a local noodle bar which she proceeded to drink straight from the container. No frills here.

    Traver’s free spirited nature made it easy to relax into playful conversation before switching gears to discuss their current projects. Since the release of their EP If U C My Enemies in early 2017, Rubblebucket has been working to complete a full length album, with the first month and a half of 2018 set aside to finish it up. Traver and Alex Toth (sax/vox) had been heavily experimenting with their solo projects, leaving less time for Rubblebucket recordings until more recently. Traver’s project Kalbells explores a softer side with whispery vocals, but a familiar quirkiness, with bells, synths and other curious sounds decorating her tunes. Toth chose to put down the trumpet and pick up a less familiar instrument for his self-titled guitar venture Tōth.

    As projects develop and evolve, musicians are constantly refining their image and identity. Rubblebucket once called themselves Rubblebucket Orchestra. As Traver was discussing the decision to condense their name, some tall guy slid into the conversation to invite the band to breakfast the next morning. The rest of her explanation spun down the drain before we could catch it as the conversation stayed on food.

    Back in November she posted an Instagram photo adoringly posing with a few Brussels sprout stalks. Both Traver and Toth share their concern for sustainable farming and other environmental issues, which they both studied in college. Now they bleed these topics into their performances, hearts set on using their music for more than just giving people a good time. Their Dec. 29 performance at Anthology also included an information table on renewable power so fans could get learnt on how to reduce their carbon footprint.

    Old harvey bruss bruss

    A post shared by Annakalmia T (@kalmiasworld) on

    When it comes to protecting their creative environment, we asked Traver about any pre-show rituals. Traver’s only anchor is selecting an outfit that will accentuate her dance moves to add visual interest on stage and put her in the right mindset for the performance. She gets her “dancespiration” from the world at large and from frequent dance excursions in her room with the help of a mirror. As any good dancer knows, a mirror is the key to methodically evolving dance skills, using the constant visual feedback to refine or exaggerate movements.

    Oh and if you were wondering why a dusting of confetti flecked the green room carpet before the show even began, Rubblebucket came equipped with an arsenal of confetti balloons for the performance. One of the big balloons unexpectedly popped in a “sad happy accident” as Traver called it, providing the sprinkle of playful floor decor for our pre-show hangout.

  • Hearing Aide: Cosby Gibson ‘Into Mid-Air’

    Albany local Cosby Gibson has released her new album Into Mid-Air on November 17, 2017. Gibson’s previous album, Talking to Echos is an award winner for Best Folk Album in 2017 and was also accepted to the first ballot for Grammy consideration. Gibson performs in solo and duo acts, and leads a non-profit music performance troupe.

    Cosby GibsonWith a positive reputation, Gibson’s music is an experience to be had. Into Mid-Air contains thirteen tracks, one of which holds the title of the album. “Whispers on the Water,” the third track on the album, starts with the happy, twinkling sound of guitar, only to then blend with Gibson’s voice. Her voice is soulful and holds a carefree quality to it, making her songs that much more down to Earth. All of her music is “low-fi,” meaning that the sound is more organic. In this case, that sound adds to the “self-made” feeling Gibson’s music gives off. “Into Mid-Air,” the title track of the album, is a shorter tune with a deeper sound quality, adding some contrast to the album. There is a recurring theme in her lyrics, showing off the fact that her musical inspiration oftentimes comes from nature itself. Gibson’s style could be considered “earthy” as a whole, making each of these musical elements blend together quite nicely.

    Gibson herself seems to be a free spirit. It is notable in her songs, in her style, and in her live performance. If carefree, folky tunes are a sound you would enjoy exploring, Gibson might just be a listen for you.

    Key Tracks: Whispers on the Water, Never Did Let Go, Into Mid-Air

  • Aqueous Rings in New Year to Sold Out Crowd in Buffalo

    Groove rockers Aqueous began a stellar new year with a sold-out show at the Town Ballroom in the band’s hometown of Buffalo.  The capacity crowd put a giant exclamation point on an already amazing year for the four-piece.  Aqueous treated fans to two sets of music and closed out the night with a tribute to the virtual English pop band Gorillaz.  Local Buffalo art post rock outfit Lazlo Hollyfeld opened in support.

    The evening marked an historical notch in the band’s musical belt, Aqueous’ headlining debut at the city’s famed venue. The band had opened in support of Vermont jam quartet Twiddle at the venue this past March.

    Frontman and guitarist Mike Ganzter told NYS Music that the venue holds “sacred ground” for the band. “Our musical minds were shaped and influenced in that room by watching bands we loved over the past twelve years, and it was literally a childhood dream to perform there, let alone headline a show,” he revealed.

    Fans of the band, known as AQuaintences, showed full support with the show being marked a sell out more than 24 hours prior to doors. Gantzer said that it’s the backing of the band’s fans that has been crucial to bringing the band to this milestone.

    “Really, it’s everything to us; it’s a driving force, a constant motivation to push our boundaries, and having their love and support is something we take seriously and try to bring justice to,” he noted. “Music is such a powerful, transformative thing, and we’ve witnessed some true joy and healing from our vantage point on stage over the years. Our fans are so encouraging, enthusiastic, and fun to play for. We’re here because of them, and we respect that an awful lot.”

     Fans poured into the Ballroom ready to celebrate on the heels of the Buffalo Bills’ first playoff berth since 1999, ending the longest post season drought by any team in professional sports history. In honor of the historical evening, the band took to the stage as the Isley Brother’s “Shout”, the Bills seminal theme song, incited the energy into a frenzy. Aqueous then kicked off the night with the fan favorite “Origami.”

    AQ has spent the better part of 2017 delighting crowds across the country with 20-minute plus openers, extended jams and pristine improvisation.  Their return to Buffalo showcased the last four months of Aqueous’ “on the road” antics as the band spent their first set exploring just four songs, much to the crowd’s delight.

    Set two featured a mix of Aqueous originals as well as the music of Gorillaz.  While the jams were shortened in set two, Aqueous brought high energy into the new year.  The band took to the stage shortly before midnight with Gorillaz’ “M1A1.”  The music flowed seamlessly as they segued in and out of their original tune “Warren in the Window” and then into the Gorillaz classic “Clint Eastwood” featuring Buffalo rapper and famed wordsmith Dr. Ooo.

    The band and crowd rang in the new year in traditional celebratory fashion. As the crowd counted down to midnight, two thousand gold, silver and white balloons rained down from the Town Ballroom’s ceiling while the band played “Auld Lange Syne.” Three giant blue inflated whales, a nod to the band’s logo, were released into the packed crowd just as the band cranked up the energy with another fan favorite, “Don’t Do It.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BdaxPl6n8i7/?hl=en&taken-by=aqueousband

    Aqueous continued to weave in and out of their own original music and several selections from the Gorillaz catalog for the remainder of the evening. Screens to the side of the venue’s stage showcased Gorillaz’ animated artwork throughout the night. The evening’s silent MVP was the band’s sound and light designer Ryan Bress who has continued to add to the Aqueous live show with thoughtful and seamless light displays that perfectly compliment the band’s stage show. AQ ended set two with their powerhouse classic “Kitty Chaser.”

    As Aqueous returned to the stage, the crowd erupted into a “Let’s go, Buffalo” chant while the band concluded the night with a two song Gorillaz encore of “Empire Ants” and “Feel Good Inc.”

    Aqueous will take a much needed and well deserved break for the majority of January. The year ahead is already looking to capitalize on the band’s momentum. Aqueous will launch into 2018 with their Jam Cruise debut at the end of the month. The band has recently announced dates in support of both moe. and Papadosio that have them back on the road this February and March. Gantzer also revealed that the band has a new album slated for release sometime in 2018, although no release date has yet been officiallly announced.

    Gantzer summed up the band’s outlook on the new year by noting, “There’s so much on the horizon for 2018, it’s gonna be a good one!”

    Aqueous – Town Ballroom, Buffalo NY – 12/31/2017

    Set 1: Origami, Second Sight*, Dave’s Song**> The Median^

    Set 2: M1A1+> Warren In The Window> Clint Eastwood+%> Dr. Ooo Improv I%> Auld Lang Syne> Don’t Do It> D.A.R.E+> Aldehyde, Last Living Souls+> Glitter Freeze+> Kitty Chaser (Explosions)> Tomorrow Comes Today+> Kitty Chaser (Explosions)

    Encore: Empire Ants+> Feel Good Inc.+%> Dr. Ooo Improv II%> Feel Good Inc.

    *Let’s Go Buffalo Chant
    **Little Drummer Boy teases
    ^Dirty Harry (Gorillaz) teases
    +First time played, Gorillaz
    %Featuring Dr. Ooo

    [FinalTilesGallery id=”995″]

  • Young Culture Announces National Tour in Support of New Release ‘Blue’

    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

  • Phish Sets Sail into 2018 bound for a Soul Planet

    For their 11th New Years at Madison Square Garden, Phish found a new way to combine their creativity within the World’s Most Famous Venue and their annual celebration of the beginning of a new year. In the past, Phish has moved the stage to the center (2013), and the other side of the arena (2015), and this time set sail upon a ship, with the stage serving as the bow of the boat that would chart the crowd into 2018 on a Soul Planet.

    soul planetFans arrived at their seats to bracelets that were designed to assist them on their voyage of cosmic discovery, and when this was learned early in the day, the buzz and potential for the participatory light show sent fans buzzing. In 2012, Coldplay used similar devices to engage fans on their Mylo Xyloto Tour, which had fans giddy with excitement leading into the waning hours of the year.

    Kicking off a more than 80 minute set was a powerhouse, no-let-up set that will serve as a standard by which other NYE first sets can be measured. “Carini” as set opener was the bellwether for a strong, full force set that chugged forward into the night. Diving into “Fluffhead” early into the set, the electric crowd was plugged in for the rousing “Fluff came to New York” announcement, a hallmark of a fiery MSG New Years Eve sets. “Reba” continued the stellar set, capped by heavy hitters “46 Days,” “Maze,” and “Character Zero.”

    soul planetFor set two, another six song second set, the third of the run, was on par with previous years that kept the Garden bouncing deep into the final hours of the year. “Possum” kept energy from set one up, and a Type II “Fuego” lit the room. “Gotta Jibboo” went Type II as well and stayed there for one of the best jams of the run, while “Golgi Apparatus” foreshadowed the audience using their bracelets, a memento of their ticket stubs, visibly on their hands for later in the show. As a twist, the audience was thrown for a loop into “What’s the Use,” the only thing close to a breather during this heater of a set. “You Enjoy Myself” served as the perfect closing to the set with a large, extended vocal jam.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BdZJq03n6dp/

    The curated third set featured rope access technicians coming to the stage shortly after the start of “Soul Planet,” a debuted catchy and jammy number that kicked things off right out of the gate. As the techs jugged up and down the rope, the sail began to unfurl and rotate to face each side of the crowd as the song’s refrain “Oceans are rough, Soul Planet” was repeated over a steady jam that grooved the audience through the last 15 minutes of 2017. With cannons exploding to countdown the last ten seconds of 2017, and the S.S. MSG headed full steam into 2018.

    soul planetWith fans a part of the art, the stage serving as both bow and stern of the boat, the crowd was the sea and glowed with changing light patterns from the LED bracelets. Fresh from “Auld Lang Syne” roared an invigorating “Free” that pushed forward into a nearly 20 minute “A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing,” mirroring the beauty of the Baker’s Dozen version. Seaworthy version of “Moma Dance,” “Prince Caspian” and “Wading in the Velvet Sea” followed, then a lifesaver in the form of “First Tube” constituted the finale for this well crafted set. “Loving Cup,” one of only two covers the entire run, closed the show with a beautiful buzz and capped 17 shows at Madison Square Garden in 2017. Only Phish, and only in New York.

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Set 1: Carini > Suzy Greenberg > My Friend, My Friend, Fluffhead, Reba, Poor Heart > 46 Days > Maze > Character Zero

    Set 2: Possum > Fuego > Gotta Jibboo > Golgi Apparatus > What’s the Use? > You Enjoy Myself

    Set 3: Soul Planet[1] > Auld Lang Syne > Free, A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing > The Moma Dance > Prince Caspian > Wading in the Velvet Sea > First Tube

    Encore: Loving Cup

    [1] Phish debut