NYS Music 20​19

Author: Pete Mason

  • HeadCount announces Brooklyn Bowl benefit show with JRAD

    Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) will play a benefit concert for the non-profit organization HeadCount at Brooklyn Bowl on Monday, November 25, making their first Brooklyn Bowl appearance in over two years.

    The show will feature a special setlist voted on entirely by fans, a fitting representation of HeadCount’s mission of registering voters and promoting democratic participation. Fans can vote now to pick five songs from a list of 160 that will be tallied and then built into a full, two-set show by Joe.

    headcount JRAD

    Funds raised from the show will be used to help HeadCount hire full-time organizers in cities around the country to register voters for the upcoming 2020 election. This will mark the first time since HeadCount was founded in 2004 that the organization will hire full-time employees in specific cities and states. Descriptions of the positions, can be found here.

    Members of JRAD have a long history of appearing at HeadCount benefit concerts. Back in 2004, Russo and keyboardist Marco Benevento joined Phish’s Mike Gordon for a set at the first HeadCount benefit concert, which led to many future collaborations. That same year, guitarist Scott Metzger appeared with his band RANA at a HeadCount event on the eve of the election. Four years later, Metzger served as musical director at a benefit show featuring Russo, guitarist Tom Hamilton and bassist Dave Dreiwitz. He then musical directed a similar event in 2012. Most recently, Benevento appeared at HeadCount’s “Soundtrack to History,” an election night concert in 2016.

    The show will also be streamed live on Relix.com. Tickets on sales are as follow:

    Band Facebook Presale: Wednesday, November 13 at 12 Noon ET – ends at 10pm ET

    Venue Presale: Thursday, November 14 at 12 Noon ET – ends at 10pm ET

    Regular On Sale: Friday, November 15 at 12 Noon ET

    The band Facebook presale is password protected; JRAD will issue the ticket link and password on their Facebook page at Noon ET on Wednesday, November 13th.

  • Dopapod release new single, “November,” in support of trees, water and people

    Dopapod has released their latest single, “November,” a brooding prog-rock number that builds to a heavy finish. The release follows days of speculation following the band posting the single artwork with only the caption “11.11.” The video below shows the in-studio recording of the song, which includes a four-piece string section, at Mountain Star Studios in Black Hawk, CO.

    “November” is available on all major streaming platforms and can be downloaded through Bandcamp via the “name your price” option. 100% of proceeds will go to Trees, Water & People, a non-profit organization that helps fight climate change by aiding communities to protect, conserve, and manage their natural resources.

    Vocalist and guitarist Rob Compa dives into the story of the track:

    “November is written from the point of view of a time traveler who arrives in November of our present day, and notices how much different the weather is from when he is from, and is creeped out and unsettled to discover how much the environment has devolved in the future.” 

    Vocalist and keyboardist Eli Winderman added:

    “We felt it was fitting to release the song on the palindromic date of 11.11 and to use it as a vehicle to make a positive impact. Planting trees is one of the easiest and most effective ways we can help fight climate change. ‘Trees, Water & People’ is a non-profit company that will be planting trees in North and South America, among many other services. They also run the Positive Legacy program on Jam Cruise.  Every dollar will equal one tree planted, so we hope the song not only entertains our fans but also helps our planet overcome this serious challenge we face.”

    Dopapod’s Emit Time Tour continues this month in Philadelphia at Theatre of Living Arts and rolls into the new year with dates on the west coast. See below for a full list of the band’s upcoming tour dates. For more information and to buy “November” head to the Dopapod website.

    Dopapod tour dates

    11/23 – Philadelphia, PA  – TLA
    12/06 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
    12/07 – Covington, KY – Madison Theater
    12/13 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club 
    12/14 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
    12/27 – Asheville, NC – Salvage Station
    12/28 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
    1/17 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
    1/18 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
    1/24 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
    1/25 – Seattle, WA – Nectar Lounge

  • Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Leftover Salmon release sounds in support of Backline

    On the heels of the Jeff Austin tribute show ‘What the Night Brings,’ Backline has announced the release of two singles by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Leftover Salmon, both of whom have joined Backline as partners.

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong released “Dawn a New Day,” a psychedelia-inspired lyric video via Billboard in announcing their partnership with Backline, in an effort to help those struggling with mental health “dawn a new day.” Contributions to Backline’s “Dawn A New Day” fundraiser can be made .

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong singer and guitarist Greg Ormont said in a statement:

    “Our new single ‘Dawn A New Day’ is all about looking on the sunny side of life. We’ve been fortunate to be able to spread that message of positivity to The Flock for years now, and we’re always looking for even more ways to give back. While we always encourage people to ‘dawn a new day’ when they’re experiencing a difficult chapter in their lives, we also recognize that it’s easier said than done. It made perfect sense to partner with Backline around this single to help raise awareness about mental health and offer a direct line to mental health resources for those who need it. We’re honored to give back to the music community in this way and we’re determined to find even more ways to help people ‘dawn a new day’ moving forward.”

    Likewise, Leftover Salmon, a band with a close connection to the late Jeff Austin, released “Songs You’ve Left Unsung” as a tribute their dear friend. The song was penned by Leftover Salmon bassist Greg Garrison and is available via Backline.Care in a ‘pay what you want’ format.

    Greg Garrison shared the following about “Songs You’ve Left Unsung” and his memories of his friend:

    “I first met Jeff Austin when we were in 7th grade. Through the 80’s and 90’s, we somehow always wound up in the same places at the same times…Rolling Meadows, IL as kids, Decatur and Urbana, IL during our college years, and eventually Colorado as adults. And then, maybe predictably, as members of touring bands in the same scene. “Songs You’ve Left Unsung” is a reflection on some of these times…the verses move chronologically, starting in Illinois and winding up in Colorado. The chorus is meant to be bittersweet but also hopeful for those of us that are still here writing songs, experiencing music, raising families and living life with all of its turbulent ups and downs.”

    Garrison spoke of his connection to Backline, noting:

    “I think their mission is exceptionally important; providing mental health and wellness support to people in the music industry while also providing an opportunity for those of us who deal with issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse to share our stories. Hopefully, these stories will provide comfort, clarity, support, inspiration and a helping hand to anyone who is in need.”

    Backline is a hub for music industry professionals and their families to quickly and easily access mental health and wellness resources. Backline has partnered with leading support organizations and care providers to streamline access to a wealth of services and educational resources specifically geared towards this work and lifestyle. A hub to discover existing organizations, unique content, peer networks, and case managers who can help create a plan that addresses your unique mental health and wellness challenges–on and off the road, the website was created by music industry professionals for music industry professionals. More information is available at Backline.care.

    PPPP will perform in Buffalo December 13-14 at Town Ballroom, with Lespecial supporting them on December 13. For a full list of upcoming tour dates visit Pigeons’ website.

    Leftover Salmon are currently on tour, with Drew Emmitt and Vince Herman embarking on an acoustic tour in December with New York dates in February.

  • Philly electro-rockers Tweed make “Moves” in retro workout video

    With a wildly colorful, multi-screen retro workout music video, Philadelphia’s Tweed had fun in style with the release of “Moves.” The electro-rock powerhouse puts on a bright display of 80s-themed jazzercise and old-school fitness in a Wes Anderson-esqe compilation. Driven by an undeniable groove of thick bass, smooth vocals, and electrifying melody, the song is something you can kick back with, or dance to.

    Tweed cites hometown heroes The Disco Biscuits and Lotus as inspiration, but their music draws from indie rock, electronica, and disco – a combo of Phoenix meets Daft Punk. Having recently added violinist and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Field to the band, you can expect something unique from this lineup as Tweed prepares to release their debut full-length album.

    “The song (“Moves”) was a collaboration since its inception,” notes Tweed drummer, Joe Vela. “From writing in a cabin we rented in North Carolina while on tour, producing with Jeff “Mud” Mahajan and Jesse Miller of Lotus in the studio, to designing the film shoot with our director, Nicholas J Piser, and the help from our film team who made it happen, it was a big team effort.”

    “Moves,” the single for the video, is out now on all streaming platforms and will be featured on Tweed’s debut full-length of the same name expected before the end of 2019. Having already performed at Camp Bisco, Peach Festival, Beardfest, and their hometown curated SENSORiUM Festival, the band has their eyes set on a big 2020.

    Upcoming Fall shows

    11/27 Sprout Music Collective – West Chester, PA

    11/30 The Shaskeen – Manchester, NH

  • Indie Argentine-American Belén Cusi releases video for “Estrella Fugaz”

    Belén Cusi, an Argentine-American singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn has unveiled the video for her second single, “Estrella Fugaz” (Shooting Star). Shot over the course of six months around Manhattan and Brooklyn, “Estrella Fugaz” was directed by Tatiana del Fuego, among a diverse core team of mostly LatinX women. Belén Cusi will perform on Saturday, November 9 at Groove in the West Village of Manhattan.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0qfpfHtUDg

    In directing “Estrella Fugaz,” del Fuego expressed to Cusi how it important it was for her to helm the ship of a very heavy femme team, “and how important it is for femmes to dictate what we consider sexy and empowering. This is 100% the female gaze, and it’s very delicately executed.”

    Belén Cusi Estrella Fugaz

    Cusi appreciated this vision, and sought of the video to be elegant, feminine, and to show a strong female character that, despite singing about being played on by her partner, emerges as victorious and empowered at the end of the video. “I think we succeeded at that,” said Cusi.

    Born to Argentine parents, Cusi was raised in San Antonio, TX, where she began studying classical piano at age 8. She studied at Boston University where she began singing and writing songs. After working with a local producer on what would be her (unreleased) first LP, Closer, and a two-year leave of absence from college, Cusi felt restless and dissatisfied creatively upon the album’s completion, she returned to school, studying philosophy and traveling to Argentina to connect with her familial roots.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEVFpotmNl0

    After an almost five-year hiatus from music, Cusi experienced an epiphany reading the book Mastery by Robert Greene and decided to return to her music career indefinitely. She quickly assembled a band and became a local regular at various Boston clubs, before moving to New York City in 2017.

    Upon her move, she began recording new music with DJ Afro and has since become a local staple at legendary clubs like Groove in the West Village. Lauded as a “whimsical performer who can transport you with just one song,” Cusi has proven herself to be a formidable artist. She consistently hones her craft and takes inspiration from other disciplines. In addition to driving her music project single-handedly, she also works in architecture PR to pay the bills and goes to acting school at night. Cusi is not your average triple threat.

    Listen to her previously released single “Me Has Liberado” (You’ve Released Me) below.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLyBbD-OqtE

    Don’t miss Belén Cusi on Saturday, November 9 at Groove in the West Village of Manhattan. Click here for details.

  • Stefan Alexander covers Tweet/Missy Elliot classic “Oops (Oh My)”

    NYC-based queer pop artist Stefan Alexander, whose promising initial surge began three years ago with his debut single “Skeleton,” has released a video for his cover of Tweet’s “Oops (Oh My)” feat. Missy Elliot.

    “Back when I was a kid, the song (and the iconic music video) felt so scandalous in the best way possible,” says Alexander. “Now, from an adult perspective, I understand the lyrics to be about self-pleasure and independence, especially for women and femme-identifying folks, who are too often stigmatized for their sexual desire. The message is timeless!”

    Stefan grew up in an artistic household in Northampton, MA playing multiple instruments including cello, piano, guitar and mandolin. While attending NYU’s Clive Davis program, he formed a folk band opposite pop singer Phoebe Ryan. In the NYC folk clubs, Stefan honed his songwriting and vocals, realizing his strengths as a pop musician. Stefan soon began collaborating with producers Elliot Jacobson (Verité, Elle King) and Andrew Horowitz (John Legend, Janelle Monae) to discover his sound.

    With his smooth as silk vocals laid over a very stylized R&B bed, Stefan switches up the perspective, tackles the track, and posits it in a very modern take, while maintaining all of the flavor. Replacing the sparse Timbaland production with a more synth-driven texture, he embraces all of Tweet’s sensual delivery and turns up the heat, making the song more intimate and seductive.  

    Tackling such an iconic song is no easy feat, and Stefan told Stitched Sound, “I tried to modernize the song with some more current production, but I wanted to stay true to the original as much as possible. The most important thing was to keep the sensuality of the original, so hopefully that comes through.”

    Although his career trajectory was cut short when he succumbed to a mysterious pain disorder (Central Sensitization Syndrome) that made it impossible for him to perform music, much less most physical activity, Stefan has picked up where he left off. He is using his platform to speak honestly about his chronic illness and hopes his story can inspire others to overcome whatever challenges they may be facing in their lives.

    Back in the ring, Alexander released the much-lauded EP Thunderclap earlier this summer, signaling his return to form, of which The New Nine said, “An emotional pop masterpiece that will get stuck in your head but also make you cry if you let it sneak up on you.”

    Stefan plans to release his second EP in early 2020, with more music coming throughout the spring and summer.

  • Orchard Lounge, DrFameus and Maŕa set for debut performances at Gramercy Theatre in February

    Chicago-based DJ collective Orchard Lounge return to New York City on Friday, February 7 for their first ever performance at Gramercy Theatre, joined by DrFameus and Brooklyn electronic producer Maŕa.

    Orchard Lounge and DrFameus are no strangers to taking the stage together, most recently sharing the bill and even performing with each other at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver. While a rarity that these acts share a bill and stage with one another, they’ll surely be performing together at some point throughout the night.

    DrFameus, the solo electronic music project created by the versatile Disco Biscuits’ drummer Allen Aucoin finds him exploring many musical realms, ranging from breakbeats to drum ‘n’ bass, dubstep, techno and house. The performance is a combination of Allen’s live drumming over his original production and different mixes.

    Maŕa, a Brooklyn-based electronic producer, uses her unassuming demeanor and disarming look “to put listeners on their asses.” As the creator of Brooklyn’s Cultivated Sound, she brought a fresh, unique face to the local techno scene, blending blistering hard beats with synthetic and dulling bludgeoning bass. She exudes a raw sexuality when slamming long blended transitions from smoother minimal techno to “bastardly boosted beats”

    Doors open at 10 PM for this show, with tickets available starting at 10am on Friday, November 8.

  • Caravan of Thieves to perform 2019 Holiday Concert at FTC Stage One

    Folk troubadours Caravan of Thieves will return to stages across North America this winter after taking two years off from touring for personal and artistic growth and they’ll celebrate their return with a holiday concert performance at FTC Stage One on Saturday, November 16. Marking their only show for the remainder of 2019, Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni got their start in Bridgeport, CT in 2008 and have continued to expand their artistic vision and bring in a variety of new stringed instrument players into the Caravan of Thieves lineup.

    Originally inspired by the big band swing era, the Quintette du Hot Club de France, and early American folk music, the acoustic guitar playing and singing duo Caravan of Thieves took local musicians Brian Anderson (upright bass) and Ben Dean (violin) out on the road with them to test drive their new concept. By the end of 2008, the Caravan began to gain recognition for their distinctive style, released their debut full-length album Bouquet (2009) and have shared stages with a wide variety of artists such as Emmylou Harris, Dan Hicks, The Decemberists, Keb Mo, Tom Tom Club, Punch Brothers, among others. Live performances cover a wide range of intimate acoustic duets to exciting junk-percussion jams to big audience stomp, clap and sing-alongs.

    According to Fuzz and Carrie, “We’re driven to consistently entertain our audience, in concert and on our studio recordings, which lends to building a community of listeners who can be involved in our show and our creative process in some way, as well as a variety of artists who we can share our vision with. These elements allow our band and our music to be alive and have a soul.”

    Fuzz and Carrie brought in some change for 2016 and went out for a few national tours with new members of the group, releasing a duo album Maple Hill Sessions, Vol 1 (2016), an intimate recording inspired by the recent duo moments in the Caravan of Thieves shows.

    The recharged Caravan will embark on a winter tour with select East Coast dates which have yet to be announced.

  • Alanis Morissette to perform ‘Jagged Little Pill’ at The Apollo Theater on December 2

    Alanis Morissette will perform her seminal 1995 album Jagged Little Pill at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem on Monday, December 2. The fully acoustic performance will be followed by a Q&A with Alan Light, co-host of SiriusXM Pandora show Debatable. The one-night only event celebrates the opening week of Jagged Little Pill the Musical at the Broadhurst Theater, with the first performance on Friday, December 5.

    Jagged Little Pill won five Grammys including album of the year. The Broadway version of the album features an original story by Diablo Cody.

    Pre-sale tickets go on sale Thursday, November 7 at 10am – make sure to sign up for the mailing list by Wednesday, November 6 at 5pm to receive a pre-sale code. 

  • Senior Living release music video for “Heathers”

    Albany’s Senior Living has released the music video for “Heathers,” the closing track off their 35mm EP that was released over the summer.

    The video was shot and directed by Nadia Boye from SUNY Oneonta, and centers on water and the fluidity of nature, with a focus on the moods and emotions inspired by the ground beneath our feet and the world that we live in and are a part of each day.

    Senior Living are planning shows for January around the Northeast and Southeast. More details to come.