NYS Music 20​19

Category: Western NY

  • Griz Crashes into Albany and Brooklyn on Ride Waves Tour

    Future funk and electro-soul artist, Griz, continues to Ride Waves on tour, promoting his new album of the same name across the East Coast. The lineup includes electronic and urban pop producers, Yung Bae and Dwilly, for most of the May shows.

    Ride Waves was produced over a two year hiatus that Griz took from electronic music, in which he addresses socio-cultural issues like gun violence. The DJ, producer and saxophone player recruited talent from Bootsy Collins and Matusyahu to Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa for his 5th studio album that emanates with positivity. The album contains elements of funk, rap, reggae and soul, including moments of reflection from Griz’ life. The track “It Gets Better” is an uplifting collaboration with DRAM that showcases Griz’ saxophone skills, and sends a message of perseverance.

    Join Griz at the Palace Theatre in Albany and King’s Theater in Brooklyn, NY this week for the Ride Waves tour, as well as his signature electronic beats and organic saxophone-funk.

    Upcoming Shows:

    May 6th – Worcester, MA – The Palladium*
    May 8th – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre*
    May 9th – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Riverworks*
    May 10th – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre*
    May 11th – Philadelphia, PA – The Met*
    May 14th – Louisville, KY – Iroquois Amphitheater*
    May 15th – Columbus, OH – Express Live!*
    May 16th – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant*
    May 17th – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory*
    May 17th-19th – Gulf Shores, AL – Hangout Fest
    May 18th – Kansas City, MO – CrossroadsKC*
    May 27th – Detroit, MI – Movement
    June 9th – Chicago, IL – Spring Awakening
    June 14th – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo
    June 21st – Heber City, UT – Bonanza Campout
    June 23rd – Dover, DE – Firefly Music Festival
    July 5th – Liempde, NL – We Are Electric
    July 10th-14th – Dour, BE – Dour Festival
    July 12th – Bristol, UK – Nass Festival
    August 2nd-4th – Montreal, QC – Osheaga Festival
    August 9th-11th – Salmo, BC – Shambhala Music Festival

    * = with Yung Bae & Dwilly

    griz ride waves

  • Promoter Michael Lang Insists Woodstock 50 Still On

    Update (2:52pm): Michael Lang sent out an email with the following statement:

    Dear Woodstock Friends It seems in a way that history is repeating itself. In July of 1969 we lost our site in Walkill and with only a month to go we managed to move to Bethel. Woodstock was going to happen no matter what!

    This time around, Woodstock’s new hometown, Dix & Watkins Glen, NY and New York State have been really wonderful. I went door to door to talk to the neighbors. Some remembered Summer Jam back in ’73 and were worried about history repeating itself. But they opened their doors to us and we talked it out. Many of those people have reached out over the last 24 hours with messages of hope and encouragement. The venue, Watkins Glen International, have been totally supportive and professional.

    Yesterday, our financial partner, Dentsu-Aegis, made the decision to pull out and informed us that they were cancelling the festival at the same time they let the press release go public.

    We have yet to understand why they would try to prevent the festival from happening by seemingly undermining us in this way. It is one thing to decide for oneself that it is best to move on, but it is entirely another thing to try and close the door on us.

    Yesterday, I couldn’t help but relive that moment 50 years ago – it was “ déjà vu all over again”!

    Supporting the principles of activism and sustainability are too important to be derailed by shortsighted partners.

    We continue our work with NYS, Schuyler County and various parties to keep things on track.

    Woodstock never belonged to Dentsu, so they don’t have a right to cancel it.

    Woodstock belongs to the people and it always will.

    We don’t give up and Woodstock 50 will take place and will be a blast! Thanks for Listening, Michael

    Michael Lang, via email

    Woodstock 50 promoter Michael Lang responded to reports of his festival’s demise in a Facebook post late Monday, exclaiming, “Although our financial partner is withdrawing, we will of course be continuing with the planning of the festival and intend to bring on new partners.”

    woodstock 50 michael lang

    The loss of Dentsu Aegis Network‘s funding of the festival comes at a time when Lang has confirmed artists have been paid in full, a mass gathering permit has yet to be issued, and tickets still have not gone on sale.

    Lang took to Facebook on Monday evening, saying the following:

    We are committed to ensuring that the 50th anniversary of Woodstock is marked with a festival deserving of its iconic name and place in American history and culture. Although our financial partner is withdrawing , we will of course be continuing with the planning of the festival and intend to bring on new partners. We would like to acknowledge the State of New York and Schuyler County for all of their hard work and support. The bottom line is, there is going to be a Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival, as there must be, and it’s going to be a blast !

    Michael Lang – Facebook

    Also at issue is the lack of a mass gathering permit, which would allow for ticket sales to commence. Per New York State Department of Health guidelines, a temporary permit is needed 15 days prior to the advertising or selling of tickets. That permit, as of now, has not been acquired by Woodstock 50.

    While media outlets are reporting the festival is cancelled, Lang is committed to saving the star-studded festival from an untimely demise. He did so in 1969. Let’s see if he has another miracle up his sleeve.

  • Woodstock 50 Cancelled

    Billboard is reporting that Woodstock 50, scheduled to take place Aug. 16-18 at the Watkins Glen International Speedway has been cancelled.

    According to a statement released by the Dentsu Aegis Network, who was funding the event, “We don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock brand name.”

    TMZ reports that Michael Lang, the festival’s promoter, was surprised by Dentu’s announcement and that, “they’re not giving up on the festival yet.”

    The announcement comes on the heels of a delay in ticket sales, which were supposed to have gone live on Earth Day, April 22. The full statement is below.

    “It’s a dream for agencies to work with iconic brands and to be associated with meaningful movements. We have a strong history of producing experiences that bring people together around common interests and causes which is why we chose to be a part of the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival.  But despite our tremendous investment of time, effort and commitment, we don’t believe the production of the festival can be executed as an event worthy of the Woodstock Brand name while also ensuring the health and safety of the artists, partners and attendees.
    As a result and after careful consideration, Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live, a partner of Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel the festival.  As difficult as it is, we believe this is the most prudent decision for all parties involved.”

    NYS Music will provide information as it becomes available.

  • Haewa Commands Musical Unknown On Four Day Stint In May

    This week, Rochester’s Haewa embarks on a four-show run in May, taking them to Albany, Plymouth, NH and Burlington, VT, then back home to Rochester on May 10, where they will open up for Consider the Source at Flour City Station.

    Originally a trio, Haewa started in 2011 with a foundation of fearless improvisation. They soon transformed into the four piece band they are today, featuring founding members Collin Jones (guitar) and Ben Chilbert (bass), as well as the newer additions of Troy Evan’s (keyboardist/synth wizard) and Marco Cirigliano (powerhouse drum master). The band’s roots allow their collaboration to create a unique sound that balances the sonic landscape between utter chaos and pure bliss.

    Haewa’s matured sound encompasses unique songwriting, in depth instrumental compositions, as well as pure improvisation and vocals. Combining the spirit of rock-n-roll with trance-like, electronic influences and funk, Haewa commands their audience down the musical road less taken, into a familiar yet enlightening unknown.

    Catch Haewa in Albany on May 2, Plymouth, NH on May 3, Burlington, VT on May 4, and back home in Rochester, supporting Consider the Source on May 10.

    haewa may

  • Hearing Aide: Maybird ‘Things I Remember From Earth’

    Things I Remember From Earth

    Josh and Adam Netsky have been mainstays on the Rochester music scene for the past decade at least. Older brother Josh was writing songs beyond his years, while Adam brought the songs to life both on stage, playing drums, and on screen, crafting accompanying videos. Their creative teamwork reached a new high in 2012 with a song-cycle and experimental documentary about the ghost town of Centralia, PA.

    Part of being a great bandleader is crafting the songs. The other part is putting together the right parts to bring your visions to life. The Netsky’s pulled off a bit of a coup, scoring arguably the two best and most versatile guitarists in Rochester: Sam Snyder (Overhand Sam, Anamon) and Kurt Johnson (Moho Collective, Wallboards). Together they became Maybird, providing a more consistent outlet for their output. The band flourished on the Rochester scene and in 2016 they signed to Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Records, on which they’ve released two EPs, Turning Into Water and Unravelling.

    On Things I Remember From Earth, their debut LP for 30th Century, releasing Friday, the band’s sound takes a huge leap forward. With major label backing and national tours with acts like Portugal. The Man under their belt, the Netsky’s creative visions are finally reaching their full potential.

    The title, “Things I Remember From Earth,” was taken from Kurt Vonnegut’s “The Sirens of Titan,” as were the themes of many of the songs. “Human purpose, holding on to memories, and losing control of your mind/memory are all themes in the book that found a place on the album.” Josh Netsky explains.

    No longer encumbered by the what-ifs of a shoestring budget, colorful sounds explode from the record like tubes of paint being smashed with a hammer. The opening track “In Technicolor (for the first time),” sets it all up perfectly: “If you mix the colors in your eyes / darkened tears will fall / into vivid seas and multiply.”

    From the driving march of “To You,” to the slinky grooving “Gonna Lose Your Mind,” to the 80’s style bright pop of “Montreal,” track after track, colors are added and the vision becomes more complete and more impressive.

    The band might consist three guitarists and a drummer, but they pushed the studio to the limit, layering sounds upon sounds for a complete sonic scrub that leaves no stone unturned: A perfectly placed horn track, catchy backing vocals, an eerie whistle, a burst of piano, a humming organ, alien bubbles and wails from outer space, not to mention, all of that glorious guitar. A bevy of beautiful and unique choices color the edges of the psychedelic pop songs throughout. Don’t fret about the how’s and who’s, close your eyes and let the grooves wash over you.

    “When you feel it / for the first time / in spectacular color.”

    How will it sound from the stage? Find out at their record release show this Friday, May 3 at Radio Social where they’ll be playing the album front to back. It’s a free show and Maybird will share the stage with Mikaela Davis, Cammy Enaharo and August West.

    Key tracks: Gonna Lose Your Mind, Don’t Keep Me Around, When I Find My Out of the Circle

  • Hearing Aide: Chromaticam ‘Chromaticam’

    Once upon a time in Rochester, some teenagers started a ska band. Then they evolved into a rock band. Their third iteration was the pop punk band, Lighters. Two years ago, they went on hiatus. Fans have held their breath, waiting to for their next project. That day has finally come.

    Chromaticam is not ska. It’s not rock n roll. It’s not punk. Band members Matthias Galley and Will Westveer have veered off the beaten path. They’ve thrown out the idea of fitting their sound into the confines of a single genre. They also threw out the idea of adding lyrics.

    Chromaticam

    In an age when we are barraged with verbal clutter, instrumental music has become the calm inside the storm, a refuge for the weary listener. “Aqueduct” is a perfect example of this. In this opening track off the eponymous EP, rhythm and melody intertwine languidly over a backdrop of droning synth, giving it an ambient feeling. It has a transcendent quality which teeters on the verge of psychedelia.

    The sense of harmony in “Aqueduct” is contrasted by one of discordance in “Withering.” Instead of spacious expanses of sound, the notes follow a dissonant chord progression. The song is made even more anxiety-inducing by the addition of sound clips of an ominous tenor voice.

    While there are no lyrics, speech samples are abundant in the remaining tracks. “Sore” is an edgy tune that contains lines ripped from the financial crisis of 2008. “Snow Flurries” is a funky jam that features clips from a winter weather forecast. In “Yellow Tent” a rat-a-tat drum and trombone set a ceremonial tone, heralding in snippets of a political speech.

    Chromaticam draws influence from alternative, synthwave, and indie rock, giving them broad appeal. But don’t try to box them into any one category. Throw away those preconceived notions about genre. Chromaticam defies definition.

    Key Tracks: Aqueduct, Sore, Snow Flurries

  • Hearing Aide: Carly Beth ‘Sleepless Lullaby’

    Twenty year old piano prodigy Carly Beth Hand has matured considerably in her musical evolution since her first LP Taking Flight was released at the tender age of 15 in 2014. Beth, who is a native of the sleepy little town Grand Island, NY which is located northwest of Buffalo near the Canadian Border, showcased her considerable musical talents on Taking Flight as a classical pianist and vocalist. This inaugural work gained considerable interest in the States as well as in China, mostly due to her active promotion on social media platforms. Her online live-stream performances on Facebook were received positively by an eager audience in China which she adeptly leveraged by learning to sing, speak, and read in Chinese.

    The newest Carly Beth single is “Sleepless Lullaby,” which was released in March and co-produced with Jimmy Bralower, has embraced her evolution from classic pianist/vocalist to pop princess. On this tune the piano takes a back seat to heavy synth and a creative dance/vocal  backing track.  This newly minted musical style may be the result of Beth’s recent relocation to London, England where she is now pursuing her music career and finishing studying at University.  The overall effect of this production is a slick radio friendly number that is contemporary and relevant.

    Carly Beth has not forgotten her musical roots and what has propelled her musical career up to this point.  Along with the release of this club friendly tune, she co-released a stripped down acoustic rendition of “Sleepless Lullaby.”  This distinctly different version of the song focuses on Beth’s  piano playing and removes the dance beats, while leaving some of her stark overdubbed vocals.  The listener will have to be the judge as to which of Beth’s styles they prefer.

    Carly Beth Hand will be performing along with Christina Custode at The Mug and Musken in Youngstown NY on July 19th during their Songwriter Concert Series.

  • Update: Woodstock 50 Capped at 75,000? Permitting Cited as Hold-Up for Ticket Sales

    Updated 4:15: Bloomberg quotes promoter Michael Lang saying weekend passes for Woodstock 50 will cost “around $450.” Lang is also exploring expanding the festival to an annual event, taking place at locations around the world.

    Tickets for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair were supposed to have gone on sale this past Monday, April 22. On Saturday the Woodstock website revealed that tickets would be “on sale soon” with no reason given for the delay.

    On Monday, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn thinks the Aug. 16-18 festival at Watkins Glen International Speedway could be looking at a maximum capacity of 75,000 attendees rather than the 100,000 organizers had originally anticipated.

    When asked if the county had placed an attendance cap, the county administrator stated:

    We have maintained the position that the attendance number would be set at whatever number the production team and promoter could demonstrate they could support with adequate infrastructure and security. That number has been determined to be 75,000…

    Tim O’Hearn, Schuyler County Administrator
    Pougkeepsie Journal

    In order to begin promoting and selling tickets for the event, organizers are required to obtain a temporary mass gathering permit from the New York State Department of Health. According to Rochester TV station WHEC, the state received the permit application on April 15 and is currently reviewing the paperwork.

    Michael Lang, Woodstock Promoter

    The Department of Health’s website states, “Application for a permit to promote or hold a mass gathering shall be made at least 15 days before the first day of advertising and at least 45 days before the first day of the gathering,” making April 30 the earliest possible date organizers could begin advertising the event.

    Promoter Michael Lang announced the performers for the 50th Anniversary event last month. Headliners include Jay-Z, The Raconteurs, Miley Cyrus, Dead & Co, Santana and Robert Plant.

    Rumors about the stability of the event began circulating when another headliner, The Black Keys, announced they would not be performing due to a scheduling conflict. Flames were then further fanned with the delay of ticket sales.

    Woodstock 50 is scheduled to take place Aug. 16-18 at the Watkins Glen International Speedway in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

    Woodstock 50 Lineup:

    Aug. 16: The Killers, Miley Cyrus, Santana, The Lumineers, The Raconteurs, Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, John Fogerty, Run the Jewels, The Head and the Heart, Maggie Rogers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Bishop Briggs, Anderson East, Akon, Princess Nokia, John Sebastian, Melanie, Grandson, Fever 333, Dorothy, Flora Cash, Larkin Poe, Brian Cadd and Ninet Tayeb.

    Aug. 17: Dead & Company, Chance the Rapper, Sturgill Simpson, Greta Van Fleet, Portugal, The Man, Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, David Crosby and Friends, Dawes, Margo Price, Nahko and Medicine for the People, India.Arie, Jade Bird, Country Joe McDonald, Rival Sons, Emily King, Soccer Mommy, Sir, Taylor Bennett, Amy Helm, Courtney Hadwin, Pearl, John-Robert and IAMDDB,

    Aug. 18: Jay-Z, Imagine Dragons, Halsey, Cage the Elephant, Brandi Carlile, Janelle Monae, Young the Giant, Courtney Barnett, Common, Vince Staples, Judah and the Lion, Earl Sweatshirt, Boygenius, Reignwolf, The Zombies, Canned Heat, Hot Tuna, Pussy Riot, Cherry Glazerr, Leven Kali, The Marcus King Band, Victory, Hollis Brown, John Craigie, Amigo the Devil and Liz Brasher.

  • Papadosio Content Coma in Buffalo

    Papadosio‘s Content Coma spring tour was comprised of several stops in New York, including a show in Buffalo on April 19 to a packed house at the Town Ballroom. Opening up the evening was Colorado’s Cycles. Then, after a quick changeover, the Asheville, NC-based rockers took to the stage for the one set main event. Playing tracks from throughout their catalog including a few cuts from last fall’s Content Coma release, Papadosio enthralled the crowd with their unique blend of analog-rooted electronica.

  • Woodstock Ticket Sales Delayed

    Hold on to your ticket money, folks. You won’t be able to buy passes for Woodstock this Monday. The sale date was scheduled to coincide with Earth Day, April 22. But for undisclosed reasons, that date is being delayed.

    Woodstock Ticket Sales

    Everyone is waiting on an official public announcement, but Billboard reports that an email went out to agents on Friday, April 19 alerting them of the postponement.

    Earlier today, talent manager Amanda Phelan with Woodstock 50 talent-buyer Danny Wimmer Presents sent an email to agents representing acts at the concert in Watkins Glen, New York, explaining, “There is currently a hold on the Woodstock 50 on-sale date. We are waiting on an official press statement from Woodstock 50 regarding updated announce, ticket pricing, and overall festival information. We will get this information to you as soon as we receive it.”

    – from Billboard

    The event is scheduled for August 16-18 at Watkins Glen. Top-name acts are slated to play. The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Jay-Z, Robert Plant, Dead and Company, John Fogerty and Santana are among an impressive array of headliners.

    Information about Woodstock 50 is available on their website, or you can follow on Facebook and Twitter for updates. NYS Music will continue to provide ongoing coverage of Woodstock 50 as events unfold.

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