NYS Music 20​19

Category: NYC Metro

  • ‘Live From Here’ kicks off fourth season at NYC’s Town Hall

    Live From Here hosted by Chris Thile will return this month with the fourth season of the weekly variety show from their new home at New York City’s Town Hall. Thile and producers American Public Media announced in May that the show’s creative and production teams would move from St. Paul, MN to NYC.

    “Next season, our public radio listeners and live-stream viewers will get the best and broadest selection of music and musicians we can possibly present,” Thile said via press release, “and they can also expect an expanded range of spoken word content, including poetry, literature, comedy and storytelling.”

    Live From Here‘s fourth season kicks off Sept. 7, with additional performances on Sept. 14 and 28, Oct. 12 and 26, Nov. 2, 16 and 23; and Dec. 7 and 14.

    Guests for the season premiere include Ezra Koenig, frontman for Vampire Weekend, Natalia Lafourcade, Sarah Jarosz, Jake Gyllenhaal, Matt Braunger, and Holly Laurentand. The season continues with The Lumineers, Raphael Saadiq, Aparna Nancherla, Maria Popova, and Rachael Price on Sept. 14, then Jamila Woods, John Cameron Mitchell, Ann Patchett, and Tom Papa Sept. 28.

    Oct. 12 brings Trey Anastasio plus The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, Sarah Jarosz, and Tom Papa, and Oct. 26 features Lake Street Dive frontwoman Rachael Price. Guests on Nov. 2 include Gregory Alan Isakov and Aoife O’Donovan. More artists and guests will be announced soon.

    Tickets for the fall season are already on sale. To sign up for the Live from Here newsletter and for more information, visit LiveFromHere.org. 

  • Disco Biscuits Announce 2019 Winter Tour, Forthcoming Album

    The Disco Biscuits are back. The Philly-based trance-fusion band has announced an extensive 23-date winter tour with several multi-day runs, including SI Hall at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on November 22 and 23, 2019.

    The tour kicks off with two dates in McKees Rocks, PA at the Roxian Theatre on Nov. 14 and 15. The tour also includes the previously announced four-day run at the Playstation Theater for New Year’s Eve. The run marks the band’s 40th and final time performing there as the venue announced it will be closing at the end of December.

    Photo: Stephen Olker, NYS Music

    Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday, Sept. 6 at 10:00 a.m. local time. Ticketing information can be found on the band’s website here. See the full list of dates below.

    The band issued a statement regarding the tour and timeline for their upcoming album:

    “We’ve been teasing this for some time now, it feels so good to finally be able to share it with you. We are back…and back in a big way. New tours. New music. New Jams. 2019 and 2020 are going to be our best years yet and all of you are at the heart of it. Expect to see us a lot, expect the unexpected.

    The first thing we’ve got for you is our winter tour starting in just a few weeks. We’re coming back to a few places we haven’t been to in a while, and others that we’ve seen a lot through the years. All will be sweat dripping off the ceiling, Bisco fire fueled nights. 

    The second is a new album…we’re already burning the midnight oil on this, and can’t wait for you to hear it. We plan on teasing some of these soon, and dropping them individually in early 2020, then a full album next summer. ‘Til then, we’ll be seeing you all quite a bit and spending every waking hour making sure this is the best of the Biscuits for all of us.”

    Disco Biscuits Winter 2019-2020 Tour Dates:
    Oct. 5 – Breckenridge Brewery Hootenanny – Littleton, CO
    Nov. 14 – Roxian Theatre – McKees Rocks, PA
    Nov. 15 – Roxian Theatre – McKees Rocks, PA
    Nov. 16 – The National – Richmond, VA
    Nov. 17 – The National – Richmond, VA
    Nov. 20 – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
    Nov. 21 – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
    Nov. 22 – SI Hall – Syracuse, NY
    Nov. 23 – SI Hall – Syracuse, NY
    Dec. 11 – House of Blues – Orlando, FL
    Dec. 12 – Jannus Landing – St. Petersburg, FL
    Dec. 13 – Revolution – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Dec. 14 – Revolution – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Dec. 27 – PlayStation Theater – New York City
    Dec. 28 – PlayStation Theater – New York City
    Dec. 30 – PlayStation Theater – New York City
    Dec. 31 – PlayStation Theater – New York City
    Jan. 2 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
    Jan. 3 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
    Jan. 4 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
    Jan. 15 – The Ritz – Raleigh, NC
    Jan. 16 – The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
    Jan. 17 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD
    Jan. 18 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD

  • Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds Plan Final Shows Before Maternity Leave

    Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds have announced a final stint of shows before lead singer Arleigh Kincheloe embarks on maternity leave, with a second baby on the way, due in October. But that has not stopped her from holding true to the nitty-gritty Dirty Bird funk that goes down each and every time the band hits the stage.

    sister sparrow maternity
    Press Photo By Kevin Condon

    The Dirty Birds had just performed a free show at Athens Riverfront Park in Athens, NY. For the last three dates fans will flock to Chattanooga, TN; Jersey City, NJ and a final cap at Brooklyn Bowl on September 14.

    Kincheloe told NYS in a phone interview how it is just time to take a break from the road, rightfully so. However the front-woman stuck out the entirety of her pregnancy touring on the road, where as she did not with her first child. Despite the reactions by some fans, mothers especially, this is a true gift, taking the bands family ties to a second generation. Kincheloe is nothing short of grateful and glowing to be moving around stage with her child. Spiritually, and quite literally, Kincheloe feels her newborn-to-be on stage with her, making for a unique and special run of final shows.

    Arleigh, rocking out with her newborn-to-be in Athens, last Friday.

    Touring vigorously with Kincheloe’s latest realise Gold, the band spent the latter half of 2018 and early 2019 on the road selling out venues, including the accliamed Levon Helm Studios. Gold was produced and co-written in collaboration with Carter Matschullat (Chef’Special, Secret Weapons) at Brooklyn’s DØØM Studio, and made NYS Music’s Best Album of the Year in 2018, below.

    The glimmer of Gold  has caught our eyes. The overanxious wait for another Dirty Bird release had us on edge. In the past three years we have been deprived of the nitty-gritty funk powerhouse and soulful horn section that is Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds. While Gold is everything we want, this record is a spotlight on the undeniable front-woman Arleigh Kincheloe, a.k.a Sister Sparrow. This razors edge has captivated fans – a blend between modern-pop shimmer, electronic accents and that Dirty Bird flare.

    Read more at NYS Music…

    September 7  | Moon River Festival  | Chattanooga, TN

    September 13  |   | Jersey City, NJ

    September 14  |   | Brooklyn, NY

  • Hearing Aide: Of Clocks and Clouds ‘Live at Brooklyn Bowl’

    Brooklyn-based quintet Of Clocks and Clouds is a psychedelic rock powerhouse whose sound has been turning heads all over NYS and beyond. Their inclusion on numerous lists of bands to keep an eye on isn’t uncanny, it’s deserved. Through hard work and perseverance, the band has created a sonic experience that sets them apart from the litany of jam bands that have been popping up all over the northeast. Composed of Joe Salgo, Nick Salgo, Tom Salg, Yuri Soussov and Zander Ryzinski, the band offers fans of live music a look at their progressive psychedelic rock with this release of their set Live at Brooklyn Bowl from February 3, 2019.

    Fusing elements of electronic music with their deft ability to improvise, based on style adherent chord progressions, is what gives OCAC such a characteristic sound. The first track of the live release, “Cold Hearted Woman” drives this point home, with each member adding in subtle elements to a core blues tune. The keyboard breaks open chords and sets a basis for a hard-hitting blues guitar solo. The drums do an excellent job of knowing when to break out of the pocket – the fills will range anywhere from lightning-fast to minimalist, with the overall mood of the song being reflected in the fills.

    The live recording captures the band’s aesthetic really well. It’s evident that they are able to feed off of the audience and drag out jams without losing their interest. This translates really well on record too, with the 11+ minute “Worst Look” being a testament to that. OCAC starts their songs off similarly, with a slow build transitioning into an intro jam. Yet each time they do that, the outcome is sonically different. The band members find their own place within the song to either stand out or step back. The bass barrels forward without hesitation, accenting the grooves underneath the lush orchestration that the keys and guitars create.

    While instrumental skill surely defines the band, something must be said about their vocals. The 90’s alternative rock style vocals fit well with the sound. It takes the listener out of the busy composition and bring focus to the anthemic nature of the lyrics. There’s also a lot of versatility in the singing – their cover of Rage Against the Machine’s “Bullet in the Head” is well worth checking out.

    It’s impossible to listen through this live album and not notice how well the flow of the set moves. There are dynamic shifts, exciting developments, and headbanging instrumental breaks. With so much to love, it’s no wonder Of Clocks and Clouds is gaining so much steam nationally. Check out this NYS gem’s release, and be sure to catch them live if they come to your town!

    Key Tracks: Worst Look, Cold-Hearted Woman, Hole in My Head (Pts. 1 & 2)

  • Joywave Releases Cinematic Music Video, Announces Tour with Bastille

    Our obsession with Joywave continues. They’ve just released a new music video and announced that they’ll be touring with Bastille this fall. The video, shot entirely on Kodak film, consists of a series of trailers for fictional movies. With their signature wry humor, band members depict themselves as stars or directors of movies from a variety of genres including westerns, horror, action, and drama. The song “Obsession” is the second single from their forthcoming album, set to release in the next year.

    joywave video

    The video release comes ahead of their upcoming fall tour. Joywave plays Madison Square Garden on Sept. 24. See the full list of tour dates below. These tour dates are in addition to the final performance of their intimate “Posession Sessions” series in London on Nov. 20.

    JOYWAVE

    ON TOUR WITH BASTILLE

    Sept. 16 – The Met – Philadelphia, PA   

    Sept. 17 – Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion – Boston, MA   

    Sept. 18 – Place Bell – Montreal, QC 

    Sept. 20 – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON   

    Sept. 21 – The Anthem – Washington, DC          

    Sept. 22 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA  

    Sept. 24 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY

    Sept. 27 – Mohegan Sun Casino – Uncasville, CT  

    Sept. 28 – Virginia Credit Union LIVE! – Richmond, VA  

    Sept. 29 – Express Live! – Columbus, OH  

    Oct. 1 – Masonic Temple Theatre – Detroit, MI   

    Oct. 2 – Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL   

    Oct. 4 – The Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO  

    Oct. 5 – Salt Air Pavilion – Magna, UT   

    Oct. 7 – Theatre of the Clouds – Portland, OR    

    Oct. 8 – Thunderbird Sports Centre – Vancouver, BC    

    Oct. 9 – WaMu Theater – Seattle, WA   

    Oct. 11 – The Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley – Berkeley, CA   

    Oct. 12 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA   

    Oct. 13 – Open Air Theatre – San Diego, CA    

    Oct. 15 – Comerica Theater – Phoenix, AZ   

    Oct. 17 – South Side Ballroom – Dallas, TX   

    Oct. 18 – White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX   

    Oct. 19 – Austin 360 Amphitheater – Austin, TX    

    Oct. 21 – BJCC Concert Hall – Birmingham, AL   

    Oct. 22 – Municipal Auditorium – Nashville, TN    

    Oct. 23 – Coca-Cola Roxy – Atlanta, GA  

    Oct. 25 – Red Hat Amphitheater – Raleigh, NC   

    Oct. 26 – Daily’s Place Amphitheater – Jacksonville, FL   

    Oct. 27 – Bayfront Park Amphitheatre – Miami, FL   

    JOYWAVE POSESSION SESSIONS

    Nov. 20 – The Lexington – London, UK  

  • Big Gigantic’s Rowdytown 3D Lights up the Brooklyn Mirage

    NYC has waited for a Rowdytown. We finally got one last Friday as Big Gigantic’s Rowdytown New York 3D descended into the Brooklyn Mirage to a sold out crowd. Hippie Sabotage, Shallou, Louis Futon and ilo ilo were the supporting artists at this high-energy EDM event. The industrial views of Manhattan from the venue combined with the onstage sensory odyssey made for a crazy night of music. 

    Ashe sings with Big Gigantic

    Ilo ilo started off the evening. Little is known about this enigmatic duo, though recently they took Louis the Child on a scavenger hunt through New York City to release the track “come thru.” Their eclectic mix of electro-pop and bass distortion really got the crowd going.

    ilo ilo

    Los Angeles-based Louis Futon brought his exciting mix of electronic hip hop, r&b and soul to the stage next. He was joined by Hailey Niswanger (flute, saxophone), Jawann Blanchey (drums) and Ariel Shrumpet (trumpet), with Blanchey on stage the entire time. His blend of fresh beats, organic instruments and clever visual displays was particularly tasty.

    Louis Futon

    Shallou, also from Los Angeles, kept the party going with delicious ambient and house melodies. The venue was almost full to capacity at this point, and the crowd was really digging Shallou’s visual production.

    Shallou

    Big Gigantic took the stage to a roaring crowd wearing 3D glasses. The band members include Dominic Lalli (saxophone/producer) and Jeremy Salken (drums). Behind the band sat a huge LED screen with vibrant 3D imagery that coordinated with the lights on stage and at high points in the venue. Big Gigantic played new hits and old favorites, starting with songs like “Touch the Sky” and “C’mon.” Halfway through the set, singer Ashe joined the band on stage for their recent collaboration, “Friends.”

    Big Gigantic’s Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken

    Sacramento, California’s Hippie Sabotage provided even more high energy as the late night entertainment after Big Gigantic’s monster set. This indie electro duo isn’t afraid of late nights, as they started at 2:20 a.m. and blazed into the night.

    NYC is still reeling from our first Rowdytown 3D party. The outdoor festival feel was well executed, bands were on point, and the venue was perfect for the occasion. NYC looks forward to the next one. 


  • Hearing Aide: Young Cobain “I Got It”

    Young Cobain shares his latest single, “I Got It,” a unique blend of emo rap and alternative rock that draws influence from artists of multiple, diverse genres. The effort to combine digital instruments with live instruments bonds the mix together to create a melodic tune that flows effortlessly. It’s difficult as an artist to find the right balance. Young Cobain is able to execute this task smoothly in a way that blurs the thick lines between genres.  

    young cobain

    Finding himself immersed in a story of heartbreak and betrayal, his unforgiving lyrics are directed towards an old lover, that decides an attempt to reconcile with the artist only after he rose to fame.  The story begins with Young Cobain flipping burgers and bumming cigarettes, wondering where his partner is while he’s in a low point. His fame suddenly sky rockets, and his life is coincidently filled with friends and girls all of the sudden. These fearless lyrics express his frustration about people trying to ride his wave of success, and gain everything they can while it lasts. The story ends in a refreshing tone as Cobain belts out that she had her chance to reach out to him, but now he’s too occupied with his Benz.  Ouch!       

    Young Cobain is able to easily convey his emotions and channel them into his music.  Combining influences from different genres in his own creative way proves that this mixed style is Young Cobain’s forte. Throughout his heartfelt story of his struggles with love and fame, Young Cobain proves himself a resilient icon that is thriving through his lyrics and music.  Expect to see Young Cobain on festival lineups and consistently producing music. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDzDTHjYG2I

  • In Focus: Guster Strikes SummerStage in Central Park like Lightning

    Guster made the best of weather malfunctions at SummerStage 2019 in Central Park on Thursday, August 8. The beautiful stage and lush canopy of trees created a secluded, intimate environment in the heart of New York City. The day was filled with beautiful skies, and the weather forecast was partially cloudy without indication of showers, up until later on in the day.

    Rubblebucket has delicious clouds as they perform

    Indie rockers, Rubblebucket, opened for Guster, and were fortunate to have blue skies and incredible cloud mood throughout the show. The Brooklyn based bunch includes: Alex Toth (trumpet, leader), Kalmia Taver (vocals, saxophone), Adam Dotzon (trumpet, vocals, flutero), Ryan Dugre (guitar), Noga Shefi (bassa), Jeremy Gustin (drums), and Sean Smith (trumpet). Their vibrant, colorful outfits and art-pop spirit descended upon Central Park, and offered synchronized dancing on stage, as well as a high level of connectivity as they grooved together. At one point, the energetic Taver had the audience sing “Love, Love, Love, Love” while pointing with one finger in the air, transitioning into “Came Out of a Lady.” Rubblebucket made many new fans that night.

    Kalmia Taver interacts with the audience

    Boston, MA’s Guster took the stage at 7:46 pm, with storm clouds moving Northeasterly, towards the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Guster consists of Ryan Miller (guitar and vocals), Adam Gardner (guitar and vocals), Brian Rosenworcel (drums and percussion), and Luke Miller (bass). They brought their signature blend of rock and roll as long as they could, starting with “What You Wish For” from Lost and Gone Forever.

    Luke Reynolds of Guster is loving his job

    A deep orange and pink sunset began during Ganging Up on the Sun’s “The Captain,” followed by “Don’t Go” from Look Alive. “Stay with Me” brought lightning in the west, and the orange sky transitioned into black clouds. Drops were felt during their final song, “Satellite,” another tune from Ganging Up on the Sun. 

    The stunning pink and orange cotton candy sunset behind Guster at SummerStage

    At 8:04 pm, the rain came down, the venue cancelled the show, and the band announced that everyone needed to leave immediately. Within 10 minutes, ferocious lightning strikes rolled in, and pouring rain soaked anyone who wasn’t under cover. Mother nature took over to end the evening, but outstanding musical performances and great summer vibes were had until that point.

    These Guster fans soon wished those clouds were not there!

    Guster Setlist: What You Wish For, The Captain, Don’t Go, Stay With Me Jesus, Satellite…

  • Hearing Aide: Dysfunktone ‘Collective Perspective’

    Dysfunktone is a four piece jam rock band from Long Island, comprised of Rob Meza (guitar/vocals), Brandon Hanna (guitar/keyboards/vocals), David Wolfsohn (bass/vocals), and Dakota Henry (drums). The group released their first studio effort in 2017 with EP, Illegitimate Business, a mix of funk, rock, soul and rap, that gave the world its first look into the band’s sound. Last month Dysfunktone put out their first full length record, Collective Perspective, which expands on their melting pot sound and gives the world a detailed look at what the group is capable of.

    Dysfunktone

    Collective Perspective features a fairly consistent vibe throughout the album, creating this dreamy, sonic landscape that each track seems to relate back to. The music flows, yet is progressive and funky, and lyrical themes deal with different aspects of life that the majority of listeners can relate to.

    “Dementia,” is a highlight of the album, with lyrics coming from the perspective of a person dealing with the confusing headspace of dementia, such as: “swim in memories, but always drown, my thoughts are nowhere to be found, my world is upside down.” The musicianship on the track is impressive, melding reggae vibes of the verses with the swirling, psychedelic sounds of the chorus and funky interstitial sections, all crescendoed by a blazing guitar solo that drops the tune into its instrumental counterpart, “Reflection Collection.”

    Another highlight is “Hourglass,” which is part of a larger suite of songs that flow into each other, preceded by “Clouded” and “Mirror.” The track features just a handful of verses, and is instrumental for the majority of the song, but the lyrics leave the listener inspired to take hold of their life and make themselves who they want to be. The instrumental section flies through several different musical styles and the tension builds with each shift, with just the last minute of the track bouncing from progressive riff rock to a middle eastern sound and into a heavy metal breakdown -exemplifying that melting pot sound, mentioned before.

    The aforementioned “Clouded” is a song worth checking out, melding its laid back, yet dark lyrics with its funky instrumental sections, featuring the best solo on the album.

    Collective Perspective as an album is a good representation of Dysfunktone’s sound, merging several different genres together to create an album that takes the listener on a musical journey, though it could improve on one thing. Some of the songs sound a little too similar musically during the lyrical sections, all sharing that flowy sound mentioned earlier, which helps keep the vibe of the album consistent, but leaves the listener kind of tired of that sound by the end of the album. That being said, the album as a whole works well, and the musicianship on tracks like “Toasty” and “Feelin’ Time” is really impressive. The album is definitely worth listening to if you’re a fan of jam rock. Catch Dysfunktone at Art Jam 2019 in Whitingham, VT from September 6-8 and purchase Collective Perspective on the group’s Bandcamp here.

    Key Tracks: Dementia, Toasty, Clouded, Mirror, Hourglass

  • Greensky Delivers Tasty Bluegrass to Pier 17 in NYC

    Greensky Bluegrass brought their signature bluegrass with a jam twist to a sold out crowd at the elegant Pier 17 Rooftop in lower Manhattan. Residing in Michigan, the band members include Michael Bont (banjo), Dave Bruzza (guitar), Paul Hoffman (mandolin), Michael Devol (bass) and Anders Beck (dobro). The country boys felt right at home against the iconic NYC backdrop of the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge.

    Greensky Bluegrass on stage at Pier 17

    “Past My Prime” from Shouted, Written Down & Quoted kicked off the first set. More originals followed with “No Idea,” “Living Over,” also from Shouted, and All for Money’s “Like Reflections” and “What You Need.” The band channeled the great Paul Simon and delivered a tasty bluegrass cover of “Gumboots” from the Graceland album. Next up was a more traditional cover of “White House Blues” by Charlie Poole. The set wrapped up with a well executed segue of Tuesday Letter’s “Broken Highways” into “It’s Not Mine Anymore.”

    Anders Beck on the Dobro

    Set two opened with more delicious originals like “For Sure,” “Uh Huh,” and “All for Money” from the album of the same name. Live at Bell’ s “Old Barns” preceded a nice sequence of old and new songs with “Broke Mountain Breakdown Reprise” segued into Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary” before revisiting “Broke Mountain Breakdown Reprise.” Another All for Money tune, “Ashes,” was played followed by “Hit Parade of Live.” Guitarist Scott Metzger joined the band on stage, adding mind numbing depth to “I’d Probably Kill You” and “Don’t Lie.” 

    The crowd loves Scott Metzger on stage with Greensky Bluegrass

    The band closed out the night with an encore of “Just to Lie” into Billy Joel’s “Big Shot” and had their fans yelling for more. They are one skilled team of traditional bluegrass musicians who aren’t afraid of new territory or a big city. Greensky Bluegrass will be back in New York State at the Borderland Festival in East Aurora, NY on September 22. Head over to their website for tickets and information.

    Setlist

    Set One: Past My Prime, No Idea, Living Over, Like Reflections, What You Need, Gumboots (Paul Simon cover), White House Blues (Charlie Poole cover), Broken Highways > It’s Not Mine Anymore

    Set Two: For Sure, Uh Huh, All for Money, Old Barns, Broke Mountain Breakdown > The Wind Cries Mary (Jimi Hendrix cover) > Broke Mountain Breakdown Reprise, Ashes, Hit Parade of Love, I’d Probably Kill You*, Don’t Lie*

    Encore: Just to Lie > Big Shot

    Notes:

    * w/ Scott Metzger

     

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