NYS Music 20​18

Tag: black mountain symphony

  • Hearing Aide: Black Mountain Symphony ‘Peacetime’

    The winner of NYS Music’s March Madness this year followed up their victory with the release of their EP Peacetime. Black Mountain Symphony is a six-piece band consisting of members Annie Campo (vocals, violin), Bear Campo (vocals, keys), Paul Burke (bass), Jason Matthews (drums), Chris Peppe (vocals, guitar), and Charlie Burgess (vocals, guitar, Native American flute). Each band member compliments the other, and brings a unique skill set to the band culminating in the creation of their unique sound. Referred to as both a symphonic groove pop group and a rock band, Black Mountain Symphony’s sound goes beyond the confinements of genre.

    Their EP was released at the start of this month on June 2, 2018 and is a cohesive piece of work featuring six tracks. The opening song, “Closer” sets the tone for the rest of the album. It lets the audience know they are about to give their ears a treat as all six tracks are composed using real instruments – a rarity in today’s popular music scene. Campo’s somewhat haunting yet soothing addition of the classical violin is the stand out moment for me in nearly every track. There is something special about hearing a violin in recorded music today that adds an element of richness.

    “Scorched Earth” is the second song on the EP and serves to highlight their beautiful harmonies. These harmonies are very complementary to the music in the piece as neither instrument overpowers the other. Another noteworthy track is “Peacetime” whose title perfectly sets the song up for its peaceful and groovy melody. Lastly, (and a personal favorite) is the song “Walk to the Edge”, specifically when the male and female voices come together and sing what sounds like ghostly “ohs”.

    If you voted for Black Mountain Symphony in our March Madness or are a fan of their sound, don’t forget to catch them live as they tour New York State this summer!

    Key Tracks: Peacetime, Walk to the Edge

  • Premiere: Black Mountain Symphony debut first single off “Peacetime”

    Black Mountain Symphony, a six-piece indie rock group from the Capital Region, today premieres “Walk to the Edge,” off their upcoming album Peacetime, due out June 2. Peacetime showcases the wide range of styles and influences that Black Mountain Symphony bring to their music, and is the first album with the current line up, representing three years’ worth of song writing and performance experience.

    Guitarist Chris Peppe shares some insight on “Walk to the Edge” and the arrangement of the song:

    “Walk to the Edge Is one of the songs that captures our unique sound and our take on music and songwriting. When people who haven’t heard us ask what kind of music we play, this song comes to mind as a prime example. Most of the music came from group songwriting sessions and jams. We liked the idea of a folksy sounding verse paired with a hard-hitting rock chorus. The music is dramatic. It’s melancholy but hopeful and has twists that draw you in. There are sharp dynamic shifts that keep you involved. We like to experiment with adding our own touch to different styles, but this tune has something we consider our own particular sound. It was one of the first songs we wrote together with the current line-up in 2015 after Paul Burke, on bass, and Jay Matthews, on drums, joined the band. We were all letting loose and finding ourselves in the mix and our individual talents really came through.”

    Black Mountain Symphony blend haunting violin melodies, prolific synth sounds and dance rhythms, and sprinkle sets with hand-picked covers from all over the musical spectrum. The rising artist most recently won NYS Music’s March Madness and have performed with several national rock icons including Rusted Root, Modest Mouse, Flaming Lips and Days of the New. Don’t miss their album release party on June 2 at Centre Street Pub in Schenectady.

  • And your NYS Music March Madness 2018 winner is…..

    Black Mountain Symphony!

    Based out of Albany, this progressive folk group blends genres and in a live setting the band turns their focus towards the audience having a great time. In an interview with Charlie Burgess (guitar, vocals), the various rounds of March Madness were a testament to the hard work the band has put in to connect with fans across the state. “Whether out in the Finger Lakes or Woodstock where fans have been especially kind, up to the North Country in Plattsburgh, Keeseville and other spots, getting back to home in Albany, it’s great to see fans coming out in your hometown after returning back from shows, that’s meant a lot to us.”

    With a new album due out in June, Black Mountain Symphony mixes up their upbeat bluegrass and adjust their set for a full energy show each time. “As we write new songs and new covers to plug in, we fill gaps in our set where the momentum could be going even longer, so we write new songs that fill that gap. What we’ve found that fans who are getting into the dancin’ stuff they also dig the slow stuff,” Burgess shared with NYS Music.

    Upcoming shows include April 6 The Colony in Woodstock, April 7 at The Strand in Glens Falls, April 13 at The Hollow in Albany supporting Floodwood, and May 18 Flyday Music Festival in East Durham, NY.

    Thank you to all the bands who took part in NYS Music March Madness 2018, as well as our sponsors, Putnam Place, Anthology Live, CEG Presents and Funk n Waffles.

  • NYS Music 2018 March Madness: The Finals

    We started with 64, now we’re here. Two artists remain in NYS Music’s 2018 March Madness! Two weeks ago, we started with 64 up and coming artists from across the Empire State, and now there are two vying to take it all in our friendly tournament-style competition.

    Black Mountain Symphony winner of the Putnam Place division, showcases an eclectic range of influences, blended together to create their own special sound. From baroque classical violin and haunting folk-tinged ballads to funk-rock drums and hard-hitting dance numbers, the six-piece band sprinkles their live sets with hints of everything from classical music to bits of Motown, blues and jazz. Black Mountain Symphony performs both intimate acoustic shows as well as intense, full-band rock shows. Upcoming shows include April 6 The Colony in Woodstock, and on May 18 Flyday Music Festival in East Durham, NY.

    Brooklyn’s finest jam band, Space Bacon is a jamtronica quartet that weaves composition and improvisation through an ever-changing landscape of segues, inversions, and palindromes. They have two upcoming shows this spring in New York: March 30 with SkyDaddy at Garcia’s and on May 3 opening for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Brooklyn Bowl.

    Finals voting begins at 12 noon EST on Thursday, March 22 and end at midnight on Saturday, March 24. The winner will be announced on Monday, March 26. Vote now for your favorite and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

  • NYS Music 2018 March Madness: The Final Four

    With the first weekend of the Big Dance in the books (and Syracuse busting brackets left and right), we are now at the Final Four of NYS Music’s 2018 March Madness! Two weeks ago, we started with 64 up and coming artists from across the Empire State, and now there are four vying to take it all in our friendly tournament-style competition.

    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, Plattsburgh to Patchogue and all points in between. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

    Winner of the Putnam Place division, Black Mountain Symphony showcases an eclectic range of influences, blended together to create their own special sound. From baroque classical violin and haunting folk-tinged ballads to funk-rock drums and hard-hitting dance numbers, the six-piece band sprinkles their live sets with hints of everything from classical music to bits of Motown, blues and jazz. Black Mountain Symphony performs both intimate acoustic shows as well as intense, full-band rock shows. Upcoming shows include April 6 The Colony in Woodstock, and on May 18 Flyday Music Festival in East Durham, NY.

    Candy Ambulance is the winner of the Anthology division. Formed in the summer of 2014, grunge-influenced Candy Ambulance of Upstate NY are Caitlin Barker, Jesse Bolduc & Jon Cantiello. Lifelong friends and musical mates Bolduc & Cantiello rescued Barker from a wealthy engagement prospect and whisked her away to the land of DIY punk. Poppy melodies, dynamic vocal changes and half-naked live shows have solidified this rock trio as always entertaining, unabashed fun. Boasting a healthy and frequent tour schedule the band has played with notable acts such as Screaming Females, Speedy Ortiz, Daddy Issues, and Dorothy. Their next show is on March 30 during Troy Night Out at River Street Pub with The Death Vacation and Sun Natives.

    CEG Presents’ division winner is ShwizZ, a unique cast of characters reigning from downstate New York. Best described as a melting pot of funk and progressive rock, this giant original sound will be sure to put a smile on your face. The band’s variety and depth allows for lovely twists of improvisation and spontaneity spiked with technical prowess and musical complexity. Over the years the group has shared bills with many notables including Jeff Beck, Primus, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Kung Fu, Dopapod, Consider The Source and more. ShwizZ can be found gigging all over the northeast and you won’t be surprised to find them playing at your favorite festival or club for years to come. Their next show is on April 11 with The Mushroom Cloud & Stubbs at Wonder Bar in Allston, MA.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDL9dJp-338

    Space Bacon Brooklyn’s finest jam band is a jamtronica quartet that weaves composition and improvisation through an ever-changing landscape of segues, inversions, and palindromes. They have two upcoming shows this spring in New York: March 30 with SkyDaddy at Garcia’s and on May 3 opening for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Brooklyn Bowl.

    Final Four voting begins at 10AM EST on Monday, March 19, and closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 21. The Championship round begins at 10AM EST on Thursday, March 22. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

  • NYS Music 2018 March Madness: Elite Eight

    As the Big Dance kicks off (and Syracuse quiets the haters for two more days), we launch into Round 4 of NYS Music’s 2018 March Madness! We started with 64 up and coming artists from across the Empire State and now we have the Elite Eight who are taking part in our friendly tournament-style competition.

    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, Plattsburgh to Patchogue and all points in between. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

    Putnam Place Division Finals

    Sprocket (high power technical jam)

    vs

    Black Mountain Symphony (symphonic groove pop)

    Anthology Division Finals

    Candy Ambulance (alternative/grunge)

    vs

    Moho Collective (creative instrumental)

    CEG Presents Division Finals

    ShwizZ (progressive funk rock)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDL9dJp-338

    vs

    Polyvamp (funk and rock)

    Funk n Waffles Division Finals

    Formula 5 (jam/rock/fusion)

    vs

    Space Bacon (electronic rock jam)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=borN_P_9w4k

     

    Elite Eight voting begins at 10AM EST on Thursday, March 15, and closes at midnight on Saturday, March 17. The Final Four begins at 10AM EST on Monday, March 19. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

  • NYS Music’s 2018 March Madness: Round of 16

    We start off this week with Round 3 of NYS Music’s 2018 March Madness! Starting with 64 artists, we are now down to sixteen of New York State’s up and coming bands, taking part in a friendly tournament-style competition.

    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, Plattsburgh to Patchogue and all points in between. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

    Haewa (fusion rock) vs Sprocket (high power technical jam)
    Black Mountain Symphony (symphonic groove pop) vs  Let’s Be Leonard (jam/jazz fusion)

    Candy Ambulance (alternative/grunge) vs Folkfaces (roots folk/jazz)
    Moho Collective (creative instrumental) vs Jiggawaltz (funk metal)

    ShwizZ (progressive funk rock) vs Intrepid Travelers (funk/jazz/rock)
    Polyvamp (funk and rock) vs Cold Lazarus (reggae jam rock)

    The Switch (rock/funk/blues) vs Formula 5 (jam/rock/fusion)
    Space Bacon (electronic rock jam) vs Space Junk (progressive jam trance)

    Third Round voting begins at 10AM EST on Monday, March 12, and closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 14. Round of 8 begins at 10AM EST on Thursday, March 15. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

  • NYS Music’s 2018 March Madness: Round 2

    It’s time for Round 2 of NYS Music’s 2018 March Madness! 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, and we are now down to 32.

    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 8 artists in the Putnam Place region and vote below

    Mikaela Davis (singer/songwriter) vs Haewa (fusion rock)
    The Dirty Pennies (indie rock) vs Sprocket (high power technical jam)
    Eastbound Jesus (Northern rock) vs Black Mountain Symphony (symphonic groove pop)
    Fondude (groove/jam) vs Let’s Be Leonard (jam/jazz fusion)Check out the 8 artists moving on in the Anthology region and vote below

     

    Iudica (alternative/grunge) vs Candy Ambulance (alternative/grunge)
    Sun Parade (grunge power pop) vs Folkfaces (roots folk/jazz)
    Chris Eves and the New Normal (jam rock) vs Moho Collective (creative instrumental)
    Jiggawaltz (funk metal) vs Ballroom Thieves (alternative rock)

    8 artists remain in the CEG Presents region. Check them out and vote below

    ShwizZ (progressive funk rock) vs Wild Adriatic (rock n roll)
    Intrepid Travelers (funk/jazz/rock) vs Escaper (space funk psyche rock)
    Polyvamp (funk and rock) vs Space Carnival (psychedelic groove rock)
    Sophistafunk (funk/hip-hop) vs Cold Lazarus (reggae jam rock)

    Get to know the 8 remaining artists in the Funk n Waffles region and vote below

    Holly and Evan (blues alt-rock) vs The Switch (rock/funk/blues)
    Formula 5 (jam/rock/fusion) vs The Other Brothers (soul/funk/R&B)
    Teddy Midnight (electro dance funk) vs Space Bacon (electronic rock jam)
    Space Junk (progressive jam trance) vs Dark Honey (indie pop rock)

    [colorvote id=”5″ style=”wpcvp-poll”]

    Second Round voting begins at 10AM EST on Thursday, March 8, and closes at midnight on Saturday, March 10. Round of 16 begins at 10AM EST on Monday, March 12. Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer!

  • 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!