NYS Music 20​18

Category: Genres

  • Hearing Aide: BoomBox ‘Western Voodoo’

    It’s been a busy two years for the EM musical maestros BoomBox since the departure of original member Russ Randolph in 2016.  Founder Zion Rock Godchaux put the time to good use with the addition of new musical partner DJ Harry and the creation of exciting new material that comprises the newly released Western Voodoo.  This is the Muscle Shoals, AL based duo’s 5th LP and was recorded right outside of their hometown at Rat Nial studios.  Godchaux describes the new tracks as a bit of a departure from their earlier material, “All of the rhythms, melodies, and frequencies add up to these healing properties. I hope people feel rejuvenated and re-focused on some level when they hear us. That’s Western Voodoo.”

    This is readily apparent on the album, and is specifically noticeable on the LP opener “Castles”.  The trance-like intro sets the stage for the entire album.  The track kicks off into a great EM synth hook that precedes Godchaux’s haunting vocal.  The groove on the number is so infectious, I found myself unconsciously moving in my chair, as if movement was a mandatory prerequisite to enjoying the jam fully.

    Another highlight to BoomBox’s latest effort is the 5th track on the LP “Selling Fun”. It combines funky bass with the classic 80’s beats including synthesized horn accompaniment which is reminiscent of the early years of that decade’s dance music.  Groovy guitars help accentuate Godchaux’s lyrics which tells the story of a pusher working the street “selling fun” on his little piece of the dark city.  The rhythm is atypical of the gritty subject matter and is thoroughly upbeat which is in stark contrast to the dark lyrics of the song.

    BoomBox’s hometown of Muscle Shoals, Alabama is famously known for Rick Hall’s historic FAME Studio and it’s famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, commonly referred to as the “Swampers”.  These gifted musicians backed a variety of rock and soul artists throughout the sixties, including legends Wilson Pickett,  Aretha Franklin, and the Allman Brothers Band.  While the “swamp sound” is much different than the EM beats of BoomBox, you can hear these jam influences in tracks like “Easy Operator” which features a laid back enjoyable guitar riff that completely balances out the number.  This relaxed vibe is also reflective of Godchaux’s musical pedigree, a result of being the progeny of two members of the Grateful Dead.

    This is definitely a band to see live in concert.  They boast a killer light show that fits their grooves perfectly.  Both Zion Rock Godchaux and DJ Harry are at the top of their game while performing live in front of an audience. BoomBox’s next outing will be a very special “hometown show” at the Brass Monkey in Florence Alabama on November 30th.  They will continue to tour the US in support of Western Voodoo throughout the remainder 2018 and into early 2019.

    Key Tracks: Castles, Selling Fun, Easy Operator

  • Kiss offers one last kiss to fans

    Joining the ever growing line of farewell rock tours, legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, Kiss, have decided to throw their hats, or in their case, boots on the shelf but not before one more long kiss goodbye to fans around the world.

    Kiss

    Kiss has announced over 40 shows for the first leg of their “The End of the Road Farewell Tour,” which is expected to span over three years time. Several rumors have circulated about what lineup would take part in one final ride into the sunset. Gene Simmons in a recent interview wouldn’t confirm, or deny if any of the remaining past Kiss members would join the current lineup. Simmons would only state that it has been discussed. Paul Stanley then noted that this tour is a celebration of Kiss, and not any individual lineup or member.

    The Farewell Tour will make two stops in the Empire State during the first run of tour dates; March 22 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale and March 27 at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Tickets go on sale Nov. 2, at 10 a.m.

    Kiss formed in New York City in 1973. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, and have sold over 100 million albums worldwide, making them one of the most successful recording artists of all time.

    Kiss – “The End of the Road Farewell Tour” Dates:

    Jan. 31 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC Canada
    Feb. 1 – Rose Garden Moda Center – Portland, OR
    Feb. 2 – Tacoma Dome – Tacoma, WA
    Feb. 4 – Spokane Arena – Spokane, WA
    Feb. 7 – Viejas Arena – San Diego, CA
    Feb. 8 – Save Mart Center – Fresno, CA
    Feb. 9 – Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA
    Feb. 12 – Honda Center – Anaheim, CA
    Feb. 13 – Gila River Arena – Glendale, AZ
    Feb. 15 – T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV
    Feb. 16 – The Forum – Los Angeles, CA
    Feb. 19 – American Bank Christi, TX
    Feb. 20 – American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
    Feb. 22 – Smoothie King Center – New Orleans, LA
    Feb. 23 – FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
    Feb. 26 – Chesapeake – Oklahoma City, OK
    Feb. 27 – Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO
    Mar. 1 – Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
    Mar. 2 – United Center – Chicago, IL
    Mar. 4 – Target Center – Minneapolis, MN
    Mar. 6 – Denny Sanford Premier Center -, Sioux Falls, SD
    Mar. 7 – CenturyLink Center – Omaha, NE
    Mar. 9 – Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
    Mar. 10 – TaxSlayer Center – Moline, IL
    Mar. 12 – KFC Yum! Center – Louisville, KY
    Mar. 13 – Lible Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI
    Mar. 16 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, Oh
    Mar. 17 – Quicken Loans Arena – Cleveland. OH
    Mar. 19 – Bell Centre – Montreal, QC Canada
    Mar. 20 – Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON Canada
    Mar. 22 – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Uniondale, NY
    Mar. 23 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
    Mar. 26 – TD Garden – Boston, MA
    Mar. 27 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
    Mar. 29 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
    Mar. 30 – PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA
    Apr. 2 – Videotron Centre – Quebec City, QC
    Apr. 3 – Canadian Tire Centre – Ottawa, ON
    Apr. 6 – PNC Arena – Raleigh, NC
    Apr. 7 – Philips Arena – Atlanta, GA
    Apr. 9 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
    Apr. 11 – Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL
    Apr. 12 – Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena – Jacksonville, FL
    Apr. 13 – BJCC – Birmingham, AL

    Kiss – Facebook | Twitter

  • Slipknot delivers Halloween treat

    The masked Iowans of Slipknot unleashed a surprise new video on fans Wednesday for Halloween. The video for “All Out Life” from their upcoming, yet-to-be-named album was produced by band member M. Shawn Crahan — aka “Clown.” Apple Music’s Beats 1 debuted the single with frontman Corey Taylor in studio.

    Taylor told host Zane Lowe, “Everybody talks about toxic masculinity and toxic fandom these days. For me, it’s more about this toxic idea that unless something came out 10 minutes ago, it’s not any good, and that bothers me.”

    The single, the first new music from the band since 2014’s .5:The Gray Chapter,  is a rallying cry according to Taylor, “Let’s not talk about old. Let’s not talk about new. Let’s talk about what’s good, what’s real, and get behind that and start embracing things that matter.”

    Taylor calls the upcoming album, “One of the darkest chapters in Slipknot’s history.” Get a glance of what’s upcoming with the video for the new single below.

  • Let’s Be Leonard tour will spread the holiday cheer throughout New York

    With fall holiday vibes steadily taking over New York all November, Let’s be Leonard will be kicking it off by spreading their extremely versatile and energetic jazzy music all month. The high spirited jam band has announced several shows even including a free night at Putnam Place for Thanksgiving Eve.

    With stages scattered throughout Albany, Oswego, Plattsburgh, and Saratoga Springs, the acoustic vibes set for these evenings will be relaxing for any group. Audiences will experience the band’s talented line-up with Karl Bertrand (Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar), Matt Griffin (Lead Guitar), Connor Dunn (Saxophone), Chris Cronin (Bass Guitar) and Paul Gauy (Drums) also including a lively collaboration at their Albany show with the Leah Woods Band.

    Perhaps the most anticipated night scheduled is their annual “A Very Leonard Christmas” which as their last date in Saratoga, will be traditionally held at Caffe Lena. They are fresh off a series of nights at the Barrelhouse in Saratoga Springs and a post-Phish show at the City Beer Hall so they are more than familiar with these attractive venues.

    The passionate story of Let’s Be Leonard itself is what makes them thrive and reminds their loyal fanbase why their style is unique. All five band members quit their jobs, invested what money they had into equipment and a tour bus, and have been living together in a music-centric collective lifestyle since early 2015. This dedication has incited the support and admiration from local radio and also allowed them to have the courage to expand on their national tours. For those looking to enjoy the Leonard experience, see the dates below.  Tickets for Caffe Lena are already available.

    Upcoming dates:

    Nov. 9 – The City Beer Hall – Albany, NY w/ Leah Woods Band
    Nov. 16 – The Brick Bar – Oswego, NY
    Nov. 17 – The Monopole – Plattsburgh, NY
    Nov. 21 – Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY (Thanksgiving Eve)
    Dec. 21 – Caffe Lena – Saratoga Springs, NY (A Very Leonard Christmas)

    Check out the latest single from the band’s sophomore release Static below and their bandcamp page here.

  • Chelsea Music Hall Opens Doors

    There’s a new venue in Manhattan’s lower west side. Chelsea Music Hall is now open, and will host a variety of performances – from music and dance to comedy and immersive theater. The 250-capacity space with a state-of-the-art sound system offers an intimate space for art and music. Located at 407 W 15th Street in the basement of Chelsea Market, the food bar menu will be provided by celebrity Chef Eyal Shani of Chelsea Market’s Mizon restaurant.

    chelsea music hall

    Upcoming events include the weekly dance party Soul In The Horn on Fridays. Rocking Dueling Pianos on Oct.30 at 5 p.m, and a night with NYC DJ’s Hector Romero, Brian Burnside, and Gatto on Nov. 9. For tickets and more information, visit ChelseaMusicHall.com.

  • Gregg Allman Tribute to Be Held at Levon Helm Studios

    On Dec. 7, former members of the Allman Brothers Band and and collaborators will gather in Woodstock at Levon Helm Studios to pay tribute to the late Gregg Allman. The band will include Eric Krasno, Bruce Katz, and Jay Collins, plus Bill Sims Jr., Manuel Quintana, Chris Vitarello, Brandon Morrison, and Moses Patrou. The event, dubbed “Playin’ Up A Storm,” takes place on the eve of what would be Allman’s 71st birthday. Tickets are on sale now through the Levon Helm Studios website. 

  • Ariana Grande Begins Her Sweetener World Tour in Albany

    Singer-songwriter Ariana Grande will return to the Capital Region for the first time since her Honeymoon Avenue World Tour in 2015, and kicks off her 4th World Tour, featuring her new album Sweetener, at the Times Union Center in Albany, NY on March 18, 2019. Ticket pre-sale for the Sweetener World Tour begins November 1st through November 3rd via American Express.

    The pop princess revealed on Wednesday October 24 via Twitter that she would soon announce the world tour dates for her latest album, released in August earlier this year. Not one to disappoint, the next day Grande shared her initial U.S. performances on arianagrande.com as well as posting them on her Twitter. The singer has promised that fans abroad can expect international tour dates to be announced.

    Former Victorious actress is also planning on making three other appearances in New York during the course of her tour, one in Western NY followed up by hitting two major performance venues in NYC. Falling soon after her Albany concert, Grande’s third Sweetener performance brings her to the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY on March 22, 2019. The last two dates announced for the U.S.-portion of the Sweetener tour are June 14 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the famous Madison Square Garden on June 18, 2019.

    All other U.S. tour dates are listed below

  • Twiddle and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong to Share the Stage at Red Rocks Amphitheater

    Tickets are on sale now via AXS and Eventbrite for the long awaited headliners’ May 2, 2019 concert in Morrison, CO. Anyone who knows the iconic stage can tell this is a summer event people will talk about long after the two Northeast-based bands bow out. Kitchen Dwellers are set to make a special appearance along with co-headliners Twiddle and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Red Rocks.

    Twiddle

    While Twiddle has headlined Red Rocks once before, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are eagerly anticipating this May as their first Red Rocks performance as headliners. Sharing this experience with Twiddle in particular, makes it extra special for the quartet of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. They have a unique bond with Twiddle, based on previous venues they’ve shared together in the last five years.

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong High Voltage by Justin Mierzejewski of Miz Changes Photography

    Here’s some perspective from Pigeons Playing Ping Pong frontman Greg Ormont:

    “Words cannot express our excitement to play Red Rocks again… Not only do we get to rock out at one the best venues in the world, but we get to do it alongside our longtime friends Twiddle. We’ve played some shows in Colorado together before, but co-headlining at Red Rocks is the next level. We’re super grateful for the opportunity”

    The two groups really developed alongside each other — from their initial smaller pull of about 200 audience members to now headlining a major venue like Red Rocks together. Ormont described the upcoming Red Rocks concert as being like a, “dream to come true.” Fans can expect a collaborative rock-funk sound that the two bands are able to produce due their familiarity with one another.

  • The Revivalists Announce Beacon Theatre Performance for ‘Take Good Care’ Tour

    The Revivalists will be performing tracks from their soon-to-be released LP Take Good Care at NYC’s historic Beacon Theatre on Jan. 16 and 17, 2019 as part of their recently announced upcoming tour.

    The 18-date escapade starts Jan. 11 in Washington, DC — see full list of dates below — after which the popular alternative group will soon head for NYC. The Beacon Theatre performance is a must see. Cultural commentators from online magazine Uproxx and longtime Los Angeles magazine Flaunt both recognize the group’s talent, spirit, and virtuosity by observing:

    “…elements of just about every classic school of American music…it feels as new and engaging as it does familiar and comfortable…” – Uproxx

    “… a raucous American band making big-hearted music with an ear for instant-classic hooks…a thick, soulful musical gumbo…” – Flaunt

    Tickets for The Revivalists tour went on sale earlier this month. The highly anticipated tour is a celebration of their upcoming album Take Good Care, which will be out on Nov. 9 via Loma Vista Recordings. The 14-track LP is available for pre-order now, along with instant downloads of hit single “All My Friends” and “You and I.”

    Click here to pre-order or pre-save the album and listen to “You & I.” Every purchase of Take Good Care concert tickets includes a digital download of the album. For all ticket details,visit the band’s website.

    The Revivalists are considered to be, as USA Today states,“among the hardest-working bands.” Steadily gaining recognition for the past ten years, Take Good Care highlights the dynamic group in a bold, new, charismatic light. The track list reflects deeply personal songwriting; it is a reflection of the high-and-lows, of the kind of life that ten years of collaborative music making creates. Far from an “overnight success,” this very quality is what endears The Revivalists to dedicated fans and the music community as a whole.

    The Revivalists performed the soulful hit single “All My Friends” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Oct. 18. Billboard reviewed the track stating that:

    “[‘All My Friends’ is a] rollicking floor-stomper that digs into the raw core of the band’s rock and folk roots that flawlessly frays the ethereal sheen…”

  • New York Funeral Pop Duo MXMS Share New Single “Gravedigger”

    Looking for a new genre of music? Try Funeral Pop, and the sounds of New York based duo MXMS who have recently released their new single “Gravedigger.” The self-produced duo from New York City and small-town Oklahoma have created their own genre, which fuses classic melodic songwriting with dark, unfiltered chaos, driven by a thousand forms of fear. Just in time for the holidays. They’ll perform in Hollywood, CA at underground nightclub Cloak & Dagger on October 30.

    MXMS is short for “Me and My Shadow” and brings together singer Ariel Levitan and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Dawson. MXMS’ debut untitled album will be released on We Are:The Guard/Kobalt Records in early 2019.