NYS Music 20​19

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  • Listen to the Soulful “Holding Me Down” by Danielle Ponder

    Rochester native Danielle Ponder, former public defender and now full time musician, has released her latest single “Holding Me Down.” Rife with emotion, “Holding Me Down” shares the pain and struggle found in relationships, and is the lead track on her upcoming album, due in Spring 2020.

    Ponder says of the upcoming album:

    This album is probably my most vulnerable work. I wrote this song one night at 2 am sitting at my dining room table. This song describes the struggle many have in relationships, the struggle between a heart that want to stay and a mind that want to go.

    Danielle has spent the past few years rendering goose bumps by perfecting her style, with charismatic performance. The result of her focus and dedication is a tone that is both enchanting and seductive, along with a riveting, honest stage presence. Her voice has helped secure gigs opening for powerhouses such as George Clinton, Ledisi and The Roots.

    “Holding me Down” was produced by John Viviani, whom Danielle Ponder previously worked with in the band Filthy Funk, with additional production by Dave Drago at his 1809 Studios. The song also features Tony Gallicho from Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad on organ.

    Danielle Ponder has an upcoming show on January 31 in Rochester. This special acoustic show will be open to only 300 attendees and will be held in the oldest building in Rochester. More details will be shared through Ponder’s website.

  • Goose announces 2020 dates with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong; headline Syracuse April 22

    Fast-rising indie-rock band Goose kick off 2020 with two sold out NYC shows, and then fly west to join Pigeons Playing Ping Pong for 13 shows on their first ever West Coast tour. The Norwalk, CT based group has taken flight this year, with notable performances at Peach Fest and sold out shows throughout their Fall Tour.

    Not only will Goose open for Pigeons to start 2020, they’ll be on the Rock Legends Cruise, setting sail in late February, then head to Pelham, TN to perform at The Caverns for a PBS special.

    Tickets are on sale now through Goose’s website.

    Goose 2020 Tour Dates

    January 24 — New York, NY
    January 25 — Brooklyn, NY
    February 5 — Tempe, AZ*
    February 6 — Solana Beach, CA*
    February 7 — West Hollywood, CA*
    February 8 — West Hollywood, CA*
    February 12 — San Luis Obisbo, CA*
    February 13 — Santa Cruz, CA*
    February 14 — San Francisco, CA*
    February 15 — San Francisco, CA*
    February 16 — Crystal Bay, NV*
    February 19 — Eugene, OR*
    February 20 — Bend, OR*
    February 21 — Portland, OR*
    February 22 — Seattle, WA*
    February 28-March 1 — Rock Legends Cruise
    March 27 — Pelham, TN
    April 16 — Asheville, NC
    April 17 — Raleigh, NC
    April 19 — Baltimore, MD
    April 22 — Syracuse, NY
    April 23 — Philadelphia, PA
    April 25 — Boston, MA
    April 26 — Boston, MA

    * with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

  • Antibalas introduces new single “Fight Am Finish,” plan two nights at Brooklyn Bowl in March

    Afrobeat legends Antibalas, fresh off celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2019, have just released their newest single, “Fight Am Finish.” The group will release their upcoming album Fu Chronicles on Daptone Records on February 7.

    antibalas fight am finish

    Singer Duke Amayo says of the track to Brooklyn Vegan:

    We have arrived at a time when we must be ‘Seshat in Red Gloves’ and punch throw the sand curtain of Lies and deceit.
    We must fight for the Truth.
    We must fight for Sustainability.
    We must fight for Peace.
    We must Fight for our Dreams.
    We must Fight am finish and never ever give up the good fight, for the Destiny of Truth is Exposure.

    Triple triple triple exposure!

    Antibalas will head out on an extensive winter/spring tour in 2020, with two shows at Brooklyn Bowl on March 20 and 21. Tickets are on sale Friday, November 22 at 12noon. Check out NYS Music’s gallery of their 20th anniversary performance at Brooklyn Bowl this past March.

    Antibalas 2020 Tour Dates

    Tuesday, February 11 — The Siren — San Luis Obispo, CA
    Wednesday, February 12 — Moe’s Alley — Santa Cruz, CA
    Thursday, February 13 — The Regent — Los Angeles, CA
    Friday, February 14 — The Independent — San Francisco, CA
    Saturday, February 15 — The New Parish — Oakland, CA
    Sunday, February 16 — The Independent — San Francisco, CA
    Thursday, February 20 — Neptune Theatre — Seattle, WA
    Friday, February 21 — Rickshaw Theater — Vancouver, BC
    Saturday, February 22 — PDX Jazz — Portland, OR
    Sunday, February 23 — The Olympic — Boise, ID
    Wednesday, February 26 — Knotty Pine — Victor ID
    Thursday, February 27 — The Commonwealth Room — Salt Lake City, UT
    Friday, February 28 — Washington’s — Fort Collins, CO
    Thursday, March 19 — The Sinclair — Boston, MA
    Friday, March 20 — Brooklyn Bowl — Brooklyn, NY
    Saturday, March 21 — Brooklyn Bowl — Brooklyn, NY
    Thursday, March 26 — Terminal West — Atlanta, GA
    Friday, March 27 — The Grey Eagle — Asheville, NC
    Saturday, March 28 — Cat’s Cradle — Carrboro, NC
    Friday, April 3 — Sleeping Village — Chicago, IL
    Saturday, April 4 — SPACE — Evanston, IL
    Friday, April 10 — Lee’s Palace — Toronto, ON
    Saturday, April 11 — Lee’s Palace — Toronto, ON
    Friday, April 17 — Theatre of The Living Arts — Philadelphia, PA

  • Karolina Rose adds noir alt-pop twist to Shakira’s “Objection”

    Emerging NYC alt-pop artist Karolina Rose has followed up her well-received single “Greytopia” with a dark spin on Shakira’s legendary “Objection.” The Shakira classic is a sexy yet playful story of a tortured love triangle, and is mirrored here in the indulgent production of Karolina’s high-class offering helmed by Elliot Jacobson (VÉRITÉ, Allie X, Elle King).

    Speaking about her take on “Objection,” Karolina explains: “She’s such a global, iconic superstar and I have loved her songs all my life. I randomly started belting out ‘Objection’ in between a session with my producer Elliot – he then encouraged me to cover the song while putting our own twist on it. We filmed with my friend’s baby to represent motherhood and the Divine Feminine strength. This decision was also intended to be an ode to Shakira, given that she posed with a baby on the iconic artwork for her Oral Fixation, Vol. 1 album.” 

    Compared to the glittery upbeat rhythms in “Greytopia”, the dusky groove of “Objection” perfectly exhibits Karolina’s versatile, unique brand of ‘noir rose pop’: alluring, seductive and layered, with a prick of danger.

    Often focusing on deeper perspectives in her music, the quickly-rising indie singer’s compelling twist on “Objection” sounds gloomier than the original, while still brilliantly channeling its sass, empowerment and frustration.  

    “Objection” is step two in Karolina’s upcoming visual EP project, which will witness the AWAL artist tell a tale of love, loss and healing through four spectacular video experiences. The future is clearly bright for Karolina Rose, a sensational artist unfolding who has the potential to reach the upper echelons of the pop sphere with several more enthralling anthems to come.

  • Roan Yellowthorn releases holiday single “I’ll be Home for Christmas”

    Confessional indie rock musician Roan Yellowthorn (aka Jackie McLean) has released her new holiday single, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Listen on all platforms here or below via Spotify.

    I'll be Home for Christmas
    Photo courtesy of roanyellowthorn.com

    Having released her debut studio album Indigo on Blue Élan Records in 2018, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” follows her previous holiday single, “River” (featuring Car Astor), which was released on November 1.

    ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ was recorded at Clearlake Studios in North Hollywood, CA. Accompanied by Ty Bailie (Katy Perry), this indie reworking of the classic is ethereal, moody, and melancholy, evoking at once both the wonder and nostalgia often felt during the holiday season.

    Roan will celebrate the release of her new singles with a showcase at Rockwood Music Hall on November 23 and will perform an Official Showcase at SXSW in Austin TX in March 2020. Full tour dates can be found below

    Nov 23 – Rockwood Music Hall, NYC

    Nov 30 – Monopole, Plattsburgh, NY

    Dec 16 – Sofar Sounds, NYC

    Dec 20 – Monopole, Plattsburgh, NY

    Jan 17 – Sofar Sounds, Boston, MA

    Jan 27 – Sofar Sounds, Boston, MA

    March TBD – SXSW, Austin, TX

  • Exclusive: Moonroof Music Video ‘Trojans’ debuts Tomorrow

    Philadelphia indie-rock trio, Moonroof, will officially release their new music video for “Trojans,” tomorrow – Friday, November 22. The band has set their sights on conquering the music scene, recently winning Radio 104.5‘s 12th Birthday Show, sharing the stage with The Lumineers, Death Cab For Cutie and Grouplove. The 2016 Bloomsburg University inception wrote “Trojans” this past spring and debuted the single in August.

    Unlike the Greek folklore, Moonroof’s release is more synonymous to a lego-horse, or one dressed in vibrant-drag. “Trojans” music video flips the famous tale inside-out, as if the trio is mocking themselves, unconcerned with its reception; they’re focused on their target.

    As lead vocalist Dave Kim walks his band into a movie theater, prior to “Trojans” taking the screen, there is a clear smirk and airiness of joy across his face. After prompting the audience, it is comical that the band does not care if their video is well-received.

    Guitarist, Danny Walsh, and Drummer, Dan Rendine, carry the airy-spring groove the against a white-windowed, underwhelming backdrop. How long did it take you to figure out the trio is missing a bassist? The track release, onset of winter, is ironic but refreshing. As the movie-theatre crowd moves out one by one, the band continues to groove on the pop-electronic narrative, increasing with feeling.

    According to the press release, “‘Trojans’ entails a story of betrayal and heartbreak through a personal experience…the anthem that gets you hyped to finally break off that toxic relationship that’s holding you down.” However, Moonroof is onto something bigger here; Make fun of yourself when nobody else will (deliberately) – have fun – be happy – live. And most importantly – follow your dreams.

    Moonroof
    Philadelphia Trio, Moonroof – Press photo courtesy of Effective Immediately PR.

    You can stream “Trojans” on all music platforms, and follow the band social media: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER

  • Voodoo Dead to headline 14th Annual NolaFunk Mardi Gras Ball

    Voodoo Dead will headline the 14th Annual NolaFunk Mardi Gras Ball, to be held at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on February 6. The supergroup features Steve Kimock, Dead & Company’s Jeff Chimenti, moe.’s Al Schnier, John Morgan Kimock and The Meters’ George Porter Jr.

    With a recently announced tour that includes shows in Ardmore, PA and three shows in Japan, the group will also headline the 2020 Skull & Roses Festival, held annually in Ventura, CA, celebrating the music of the Grateful Dead.

    Tickets for both American shows go on sale Friday, November 22 at 12 noon.

    Voodoo Dead 2020 Tour Dates

    Feb. 5 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
    Feb. 6 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
    Feb. 9 – Tokyo, Japan – Unit
    Feb. 11 – Yokohama, Japan – Bay Hall
    Feb. 12 – Osaka, Japan – Club Quattro
    Apr. 2 – Ventura, CA – Skull & Roses Festival

  • On Late Rapper’s Birthday, Consequence releases New Recording Featuring Phife Dawg

    “No Place Like Home,” a new track from rapper Consequence, was released today to commemorate the birthday of the legendary A Tribe Called Quest Emcee – Phife Dawg.

    The 3-minute song was recorded around the same time as A Tribe Called Quest’s final posthumous album, We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service.

    Produced by Consequence and Mike Cash, the record sees Consequence rap about the nostalgia of missing his hometown of Queens, NY—something he shares with the departed rapper. In between Consequence’s verses, Phife comes in and recites some of the legendary figures that have come from Queens, while rattling off some of the more well known Queens neighborhoods, with looping vocals in the background serving as the chorus.

    Having passed away in 2016 due to complications from diabetes, the record was released on what would have been the late rapper’s 49th birthday.

  • Airborne Toxic Event announce New Tour and Book

    American rock band Airborne Toxic Event have announced a new North American tour that will coincide with the release of their upcoming album Hollywood Park (their first since 2015’s Dope Machine) and a book by the same name, penned by front man Mikel Jollet.

    Formed in 2006, Airborne Toxic Event consists of former journalist Mike Jollet as lead vocalist and songwriter, Steven Chen on guitar and keyboards, Adrian Rodriguez on the electric bass and backup vocals, and Daren Taylor on drums.

    The Hollywood Park memoir sees Jollett chronicle his extraordinary personal journey, from his early childhood in one of the most infamous cults of the ’70s, through a teenage life of poverty and emotional abuse, before finding his voice first as a critically acclaimed writer and then literally as singer and songwriter of The Airborne Toxic Event, according to their official website.

    The new LP along with the accompanying book will both be released in May of 2020, with the tour to begin on May 27th. They kick off in Phoenix, AZ and tour throughout the West Coast, the Midwest, and the East Coast, before heading back west and closing out in San Francisco, CA.

    Tickets for Airborne Toxic Event’s North American Tour can be purchased here.

  • More than a dozen Jam for Tots shows planned across New York State this holiday season

    NYS Music is proud to announce 15 Jam for Tots shows around the Empire State this holiday season. Kicking off on November 27, each show will have a Toys for Tots box set up for patrons to donate gifts to kids in need.

    With a wide variety of artists, including Consider the Source, Runaway Gin, Annie in the Water, Tim Herron Corporation, Strange Machines, and Swedish metal guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, this annual series will connect live music fans with those most in need in their local communities.

    jam for tots

    Support kids in need this holiday season by bringing an unwrapped toy to any of the following shows. Jam for Tots is brought to you by NYS Music.

    Regional shows include:

    Mid-Hudson Valley

    Nov 27 Open Jam – Main Street Public House, Philmont

    Dec 5 Open Jam – The Stewart House, Athens

    Dec 7 Yngwie Malmsteen – The Chance, Poughkeepsie

    Dec 14 IS – Hilltop Bar and Tavern, Tannersville

    Westchester

    Dec 4 The Spadtastics – Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester

    North Country

    Dec 6 Hunter – The Monopole, Plattsburgh

    Western New York

    Dec 14 Strange Machines w/s/g Haewa- Flour City Station, Rochester

    Dec 20 PA Line “Chrismukkah Show” w/ Special Guests – Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo

    Capital Region

    Dec 14 Annie In The Water, The Deadbeats – Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs

    Dec 14 Consider the Source w/s/g Swimmer – The Hollow, Albany

    Central New York

    Dec 8 The Old Main – Woods Valley, Rome

    Dec 19 The Action! – Copper City Brewing Company, Rome

    Dec 28 Tim Herron Corporation – Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

    New York City

    Dec 26 Runaway Gin – Knitting Factory, Brooklyn

    Massachusetts

    Nov 30 Fennario – Electric Haze, Worcester, MA