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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.

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.

March 4, 2018
NYS Music Presents: Live Music this March across the Empire State

Happy March from NYS Music! The year seems to already be flying by, but it’s never too late to make the most of your time and see as many live shows as you can. NYS Music is here to help you out and give you some highlight shows you really cannot miss across the state.

Buffalo – Nietzsche’s

March 7th – To catch Universal Sigh and Witty Tarbox on their Cosmic Serpent Tour, come out at 9 PM for the high-energy rock show. This show is perfect for fans of Radiohead, Snarky Puppy and Umphrey’s McGee. Event link.

March 15th – At 9 PM, the Syracuse native band, Major Player, will be filling Nietzsche’s with their indie-rock sound and bringing along Mosswalk, Nothing Casual, and Del Rue. If you are looking for a night packed full of alternative rock, look no further. Event link.

March 21st – It is sure to be an eventful and energized night at Nietzsche’s as the alternative hip-hop duo Cosmic Brownie brings down the house and brings along Elowvate, Soularplexus, and Cypher. Event link.

March 23rd – Folkfaces are bringing their Spring Tour through Buffalo with Pine Fever, and The Tenants. There will be hillbilly stomping, swanky swinging, and gritty blues that you do not want to miss. Event link.

March 31st – As The Strange Standard says, “It is here.” And that it will be on the 31st! The funky rock and blues band will be playing with The Bee Trees, Glitch Video Game Band, and The Good Neighbors at 8 PM. Event link.

Syracuse – Funk ‘N Waffles

March 3rd – The award-winning nationally touring band Dynamo will be bringing down the house with their jazz, rock and funk fusion music with special guest Darla at 10 PM Event link.

March 9th – “In the tradition of James Brown, with the balls of Led Zeppelin.” You do not want to miss Swift Technique and the Fritz at 10 PM. Event link.

March 10th – Fireside Collective, the progressive bluegrass band, will be doing a free show at 10 PM Event link.

March 11th – Come out to see the jazz funk duo, Soul Monde with special guest The English Project at 8 PM. Event link.

March 16th – If you cannot make it out to see Major Player in Buffalo, then come see them with special guest Stranger to Look for some quality indie-rock at 10 PM. Event link.

March 17th – Come celebrate St. Patty’s Day the right way with Jameson and great live music from Spring Street Family and Skunk City at 10 PM. Event link.

March 23rd – Stu Hamm will be slapping the bass and playing Funk N’ Waffles as he swings through Syracuse on his 2018 Tour with special guest Nigel Felony. Event link.

March 24th – Toronzo Cannon will be playing the CNY Blues & NYS Blues Fest Fundraiser with special guest Chris Merkley at 8 PM. Come out for a great night of live music for a good cause. Event link.

March 28th – Come out to see Gangstagrass and find just how good rappers paired with banjos sound. They will be performing at 8:30 PM with special guest Bendetti. Event link.

March 29th – Hayley Jane & The Primates and Wolfe Den Studio will be performing 9 PM and it is sure to be an electrifying night full of soulful Americana rock. Event link.

March 31st – The locomotive of love that is Big Mean Sound Machine will be bringing good vibes and good music with special guest Sundrop Rise at 10 PM. Event link.

Rochester – Funk N’ Waffles

March 3rd – The funky Philadelphia native band that is sure to have you grooving all night long, Swift Technique, will be accompanied by music that is “funky in spots and beautiful all over,” provided by Kat Wright. Event link.

March 9th – Our Friends Band is always excited and eager to play for a new audience and would love for you to be their newest fans. Come and catch them with Spring Street Family at 9:30 PM. Event link.

March 10th – The notable raw talent of Soule Monde is something you do not want to miss. They will be showcasing their funk sound with special guest and soul, funk band, The English Project at 9 PM. Event link.

March 16th – Buddahood and Root Shock will be bringing fusion music based on reggae to Rochester at 9:30 PM. Event link.

March 22nd – For live electronica music that combines genres and breaks barriers come experience EOTO with special guest Strange Machines, Stereo Nest, SKYwalker BASS. Event link.

March 23rd – Chiggin’ and their funky fusion is sure to ruffle your tail feathers and make you want to move. Come see them with Mother Funkin’ Planets and Everyday Hologram at 9 PM. Event link.

March 28th – Hayley Jane & The Primates will be performing their blend of Americana, rock and soul at 9 PM. Event link.

March 29th – And to round out the highlights of the month at Rochester, Cole Davidson will be performing with The Phyryg at 9 PM. Event link.

Plattsburgh

March 3rd – Given that last time Dawn Tyler Watson performed at Olive Ridley’s Taphouse & Grill it was so incredibly packed, the whole restaurant will be dedicated to this show-stopping performance on the Jawbreaker Tour. The event is hosted by PB&J: Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz and the soul-driven jazz starts at 8 PM. Event link.

March 23rd – Another show-stopping PB&J show will be hosted at the Retro Live as the Sugaray Rayford Band rolls through Plattsburgh. For an exciting show full of soulful blues that you hear and feel, come out at 8 PM to see the band take the stage. Event link.

March 29th – But if you can’t come out for the Sugaray Rayford Band on the 23rd, come see them and support Bluseed Studios at the Waterhole Upstairs Music Lounge. Doors at 7 PM and music at 8 PM. Event link.

Albany

March 2nd – Come out to The Hollow Bar + Kitchen at 8 PM to see The Lizards, Phish Tribute band who are bringing the genuine Phish experience all the way from Toronto. Event link.

Cohoes

March 24: Melvin Seals has been a powerful presence in the music industry for over 30 years with a long-established reputation as a performer, recording artist and producer. Melvin is most revered for his powerful, high-spirited, Hammond B-3 organ, and keyboards in the Jerry Garcia Band. Join a legend at a legendary venue, Cohoes Music Hall, on Saturday, March 24. Event Link

March 4, 2018
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 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

March 3, 2018
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.

March 3, 2018
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.

Thankfully, 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.

March 2, 2018
“Weird Al” Yankovic opens his weirdest tour to date in Poughkeepsie

“Weird Al” Yankovic opened “The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour” in Poughkeepsie, NY on Tuesday, February 27. While past tours have featured giant video screens, costumes changes and parody-heavy setlists, Al included a disclaimer on his website stating that this tour is “a scaled-down tour in smaller, more intimate theaters, with limited production (no costumes, props, or video screens) and Al’s set list will be comprised almost entirely of his original (non-parody) songs.” The sold-out crowd of 950 was treated to the comic stylings of Emo Philips, featured in the movie UHF as Joe Earley. Al hand-picked him to open for the entire tour and his absurd 30 minute set had the audience roaring with laughter.

Yankovic’s band took the stage at the Bardavon 1869 Opera House and laid down an instrumental version of “Dare to be Stupid” before the man himself arrived to a massive fanfare. His first song of the tour was the White Stripes pastiche, ‘CNR.’ Al took it down for a minute to warn the crowd that tonight was in fact, their “soundcheck” and that “if you came to see me screw up, you will not be disappointed!”. He did not disappoint as he dove into the Bob Dylan’esque ‘Bob’ and the 2003 favorite, ‘Why Does This Always Happen To Me?”

After fooling the audience into thinking that this tour would not feature costumes, parodies or accordions, Al finally brought out his new MIDI-accordion as the band started into “Generic Blues.” This classic track from the UHF soundtrack was followed up by the Hawaiian Reggae tune, “Buy Me a Condo.” The 9-minute epic “Jackson Park Express” was played for the first time live as the weirdness continued. Next up was the 2011 hit “Stop Forwarding That Crap To Me” before Al channeled the Lizard King with his Doors homage, “Craigslist.”

Al continued the set with one of his darker songs, “Good Old Days,” an example of what would happen if James Taylor collaborated with Charlie Manson. The band lightened the mood with the song “Happy Birthday” from his debut album before taking it down a notch with the anti-love ballad, “You Don’t Love Me Anymore.” “Party At The Leper Colony,” one of the bands “Top 3 Immature Songs” preceded the 2006 hit, “Don’t Download This Song” and the Don Henley inspired “When I Was Your Age.” Weird Al continued the 80’s hits with “Melanie” and “One More Minute” before changing the pace of the concert.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfwhNj3nagt/?hl=en&taken-by=nystatemusic

Despite announcing a lack of parody songs prior to the tour, Al dove into a medley of his comedy hits as the band played differing music underneath. The band started playing a wonderful rendition of “Layla” as Al sang the lyrics to his hit “Eat It.” This led into “I Lost On Jeopardy” with a walking baseline before switching over to chimes and acoustic guitar for “Amish Paradise.” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “White and Nerdy” And “Rocky Road” had a mix of bouncy pop and doo wop behind it before a piano heavy rendition of “Like A Surgeon” ended the set.

Weird Al and his bandmates came back out to “play a song they usually end each show with.” The audience was dumbstruck as the band started playing the guitar riff to Deep Purple’s, “Smoke On The Water.” This was no parody as Al wow’d the crowd with a spectacular, normal, regular version of this track. Not to disappoint, Al ended the show with fan-favorite, “The Saga Begins” before thanking the crowd for a wonderful show.

Weird Al will continue his tour March 13th in Buffalo, March 14th in Ithaca, March 17th in Huntington and March 22nd and 23rd at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

March 2, 2018
I Set My Friends On Fire Light Up the Night in Buffalo

I Set My Friends on Fire played at Mohawk Place last weekend. The show on February 25 marked the third sold out show in a row on the 10 Years of Slaughter tour, celebrating the anniversary of their popular debut album You Can’t Spell Slaughter Without Laughter.

Awaken I Am made the trip all the way from their hometown of Brisbane, Australia to tour the US with Kissing Candice and I Set My Friends On Fire. Although far from home, they received a warm welcome from the crowd. Their music was more in the vein of rock than the metal bands that make up the rest of the bill, but it resonated with the crowd. Awaken I Am played a selection of songs which included some off their latest album which they released last year on Victory Records, Blind Love. When I stopped by the merch table, I noticed that the t-shirts and album cover included the words ‘Blind Love’ spelled out in braille, which was a nice touch.

Awaken I Am

Long Island metal heavyweights Kissing Candice was a stark contrast to the previous act. The stage filled with the haze of smoke, as the five piece ensemble took the stage in horror-show costumes and masks. The music was as intense as the theatrics, an industrial metal rage that got the crowd moshing once they were over their initial awe. This band is not for the faint of heart. If you’re a fan of heavy hitters like Slipknot, you need to check them out. While tour with Awaken I Am and I Set My Friends On Fire ends on March 16 in Oklahoma, they are playing a show in Illinois on the 18th, followed by a hometown show when they get back to New York at Revolution in Amityville on the 21st.

Kissing Candice

Then came the act that fans had been waiting all night to see: I Set My Friends On Fire. A decade ago, two teenagers with a laptop posted a punk cover of “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” on MySpace. It’s been an incredible journey for the band since then. Worldwide tours, lineup changes, and two full length albums later, the band is still challenging the status quo. Clever insightful lyrics are paired with experimental sounds that incorporate a myriad of genres including hardcore and funk.

I Set My Friends On Fire

The band is currently comprised of founding member Matt Mehana on vocals, Nathan Blasdell on clean vocals and guitar, Connor Mitchener on bass, Chris Thompson on drums and Hector Bagnod on guitar. Out of the gate, the guys brought an energetic vibe that was contagious. Blasdell was encouraging crowd participation between and during songs, but honestly the crowd didn’t need much encouragement to get moving. A mosh pit opened up on the first song, and it didn’t let up.

The setlist was comprised of all the songs from You Can’t Spell Slaughter Without Laughter. I was expecting them to play all the songs in order, like other bands that I’ve gone to when they had 10th anniversary tours, but they mixed it up a bit, which was a pleasant surprise. The music was intense and raw, but with an overarching sense of fun. The band members just seemed so happy to be up on stage, and grateful to be celebrating the birthday of this iconic album.

I Set My Friends on Fire

There will always be a place for music that captures adolescent antics and questioning of authority and societal standards. Fans of I Set My Fire who turned out at the show included everyone from teenagers who were too young to see the band on previous tours to middle-aged folks who were seeing them for the fourth or fifth time. But the majority of the people in attendance were those who were coming of age when the album came out ten years ago, those who connect on a personal level with the disillusionment and angst of a generation that had their American dream ripped away by the great recession. For them, this concert seemed like both a validation of their experience and a communal catharsis. They purged their emotions in the mosh pit.

I Set My Friends On Fire

The 10 Years of Slaughter Tour continues through March 16. Follow I Set My Friends On Fire on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or visit their My Space page. To learn more about the band, read the recent NYS Music interview.

March 2, 2018
Sevendust Returns with New Album and Tour

Future Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Sevendust returns, as the band posted on social media that they will hit the road this spring in support of the band’s upcoming twelfth studio album, All I See is War. The album will be released on May 11 through Rise Records.

The band’s “All I See is War” tour, will mix with several festival appearances Sevendust will make, including Welcome to Rockville, Fort Rock, Carolina Rebellion, Lunatic Luau, Rock on the River, Spring Fling and Rocklahoma.

Kicking things off in Tempe, AZ at UFest on April 20, the tour will see support from Rise label mates Memphis May Fire, and Fire From the Gods. Manhattan-born singer/songwriter Madame Mayhem, will open shows during the run.

New York will have one stop during the band’s 26-city run, in what seems to have become a home away from home for the band, at Clifton Park’s Upstate Concert Hall on May 9. Tickets go on sale March 2, and cost $20 in advance, and $23 at the door. VIP Packages are also available.

Sevendust formed in Atlanta in 1994. They released twelve studio albums, including their first acoustic effort Time Travelers & Bonfires in 2014. Their music has been featured in several movie soundtracks, television, and video games through several different avenues, including WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), ATV Offroad Fury, 2001 film Down to Earth, Mortal Kombat soundtrack, and Celebrity Deathmatch.

“All I See Is War” Tour Dates:

April 20 – KUPD Ufest – Tempe, AZ*
April 21 – Speaking Rock – El Paso, TX
April 22 – Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM
April 24 – Come and Take it Live – Austin, TX
April 25 – Varsity Theater – Baton Rouge, LA
April 28 – Welcome to Rockville – Jacksonville, FL*
April 29 – Fort Rock – Sunshine, FL*
May 1 – Club LA – Destin, FL
May 2 – Cannery Ballroom – Nashville, TN
May 4 – Carolina Rebellion – Concord, NC*
May 5 – Lunatic Luau – Virginia Beach, VA*
May 6 – Chameleon Club – Lancaster, PA
May 8 – Aura – Portland, ME
May 9 – Upstate Concert Hall – Clifton Park, NY
May 11 – Royal Oak Music Hall – Royal Oak, MI
May 12 – Rock on the River – Ft. Wayne, IN*
May 18 – WAQX Spring Fling – Peoria, IL*
May 19 – The Forge – Joliet, IL
May 20 – The Apollo Theater – Belvidere, IL [Rockford]
May 22 – The Oriental Theater – Denver, CO
May 23 – Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
May 25 – Rocklahoma – Pryor, OK*
May 26 – New Daisy Theater – Memphis, TN
May 27 – The International – Knoxville, TN
May 29 – Manchester Music Hall – Lexington, KY June 1 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Sioux City,

* Festival Date,

March 2, 2018
Squirrel Nut Zippers to Release Long-Anticipated New Album and Expand Upon US Tour

The Squirrel Nut Zippers are back in business with their highly anticipated new album, Beasts of Burgundy is the first release in eighteen years.The twelve tracks are “inspired by the city of New Orleans, the poet Ron Cuccia, and a disregard for convention.” Pre-orders are being taken for the album, which will be available March 23 via Southern Broadcasting. They are already on tour for the album, and additional dates have been scheduled. They’ll be playing in the Northeast from late March to early April, with shows at the Center for the Arts of Homer on March 25 and City Winery in New York City on March 28. Tickets are on sale now.

Squirrel Nut Zippers – 2018 Tour Dates

March 2 – Palm Springs, CA – McCallum
March 3 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach House
March 4 – Berkeley, CA – Freight & Salvage
March 5 – Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre
March 6 – Arcata, CA – Humboldt State
March 7 – Nevada City, CA – Miner’s Foundry
March 8 – Reno, NV – The Saint
March 9 – Grants Pass, OR – The Rogue Theatre
March 10 – Eugene, OR – Jacqua Concert Hall
March 11 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
March 13 – Seattle, WA -Triple Door
March 14 – Seattle, WA – Triple Door
March 22 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
March 23 – Pittsburgh, PA – Jergels
March 24 – Williamsport, PA – Arts Center
March 25 – Homer, NY – Homer Arts Center
March 27 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe
March 28 – New York, NY – City Winery
March 29 – New Haven, CT – The Ballroom
March 30 – Fall River, MA – Narrows
March 31 – Plymouth, NH – Flying Monkey
April 1 -Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
April 2 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
April 28 – Oxford, MS – Double Decker Festival
April 29 – New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s
May 10 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
May 11 – Dallas, TX – The Kessler Theater
May 12 – Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard
May 13 – Wichita, KS – Crown Uptown Theatre
May 15 – Indianapolis, IN – The Hi-Fi
May 16 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
May 17 – Columbus, OH – Skully’s Music Diner
May 18 – Newport, KY – Southgate House
May 19 – Milwaukee, WI – Wilson Center
May 20 – Chicago, IL – City Winery

March 1, 2018
Corey Taylor Talks the Future of Slipknot and Beyond

Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman, Corey Taylor, updated the maggot faithful on the future of Slipknot during a recent interview with MusikUniverse.

Slipknot fans, aka “Maggots,” have been waiting since the band’s fifth studio album, .5: The Gray Chapter, released in 2014. After past comments Taylor has made about the band’s future and recent comments by band mate and Slipknot founder Shawn “Clown” Crahan, that the band’s next studio effort could possibly be their last.

Taylor was asked if he has heard any material from other bandmates for Slipknot’s upcoming album. “Yeah, I have. It’s awesome – that’s all I’m gonna say about it.” Taylor then explained that he received six “really, really good” demos from the band.”

Taylor later discussed Crahan’s recent remarks that Slipknot’s next album “could be it for him.”

“We’ve always said — and this is not in a negative way — we’ve always said that when we get to the point where we physically can’t do Slipknot the way we want to do it, we’ll stop, and for some of us, the years of being in Slipknot have taken [their] toll.”

On whether if he could continue on as a part of Slipknot without Crahan:

“He’s always been the vision for this band, for Slipknot, and without that, it crumbles. So, yeah, if he left, that would be it for me, as well — and I say that, honestly, in a very positive way, because none of us would want to continue doing it from a half-assed point of view. Nobody wants to go 50 percent on a Slipknot album.”

When asked if he would ever venture off into another genre of music, Taylor stated that he would like to make a jazz album after his heavy metal days are behind him:

“I want to put together a quintet or a sextet and record it old school, all of us in a room, playing together, do it very organic, very live — the way those great albums were recorded, you know? Make it a hint of jazz, a hint of big band — just really make it about the song, and about the individuals playing together.”

March 1, 2018

Built in Breakdance