NYS Music 20​19

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  • 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

  • Squirrel Nut Zippers will Inevitably Celebrate 25 Years

    American neo-jazz band Squirrel Nut Zippers has announced that they will be going on tour in 2020 for “The Inevitable 25th Anniversary  Shows.” The entire The Inevitable album will be performed along with a series of hits and misses.

    The Squirrel Nut Zippers will also begin their third annual Holiday Caravan tour on Dec. 5 in Plattsburgh at the Strand Center Theatre.  Prior to the anniversary shows 2020 they will tour with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band making stops in New York City on March 6 at Symphony Space and Tilles PAC in Brookvale on March 7.

    Band leader Jimbo Mathus had this to say about the upcoming dates: â€œI got a call this summer from our lawyer Shorty Brown who informed me that in the original contract we signed with Mammoth Records we were contractually obligated to do a 25th anniversary tour for our debut album The Inevitable. That just goes to show you kiddos, always read the fine print.”

     Tickets for all shows are on sale now and can be purchased here.

    Holiday Caravan Tour Dates:

    Dec. 5 – Strand Center Theatre – Plattsburgh, NY                        

    Dec. 6 – Tupelo Music Hall – Derry, NH                                 

    Dec. 7 – Narrows Center – Fall River, MA     

    Dec. 8 – Musikfest Cafe – Bethlehem, PA                         

    Dec. 10 – Rams Head On Stage – Annapolis, MD                          

    Dec. 11 – The Broadberry – Richmond, VA                          

    Dec. 12 – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC                             

    Dec. 13 – The Ramkat –  Winston-Salem, NC                   

    Dec. 14 – Salvage Station – Asheville, NC                            

    Dec. 15 – City Winery – Atlanta, GA                             

    Co-Headling Dates with Dirty Dozen Brass Band:

    Jan. 25 – Weidner Center –  Green Bay, WI                          

    Jan. 26 – The Arcada Theatre – St Charles, IL                            

    Jan. 30 – PAC – Omaha, NE                              

    Jan. 31 – PAC – Manhattan, KS                              

    Feb. 1 – Kauffman Center – Kansas City, MO                      

    March 4 – Jefferson Center – Roanoke, VA                           

    March 6 – Symphony Space – New York, NY                           

    March 7 – Tilles PAC – Brookvale, NY                          

    The Inevitable 25th Anniversary Shows

    March 5 – Birchmere – Alexandria, VA                                 

    March 8 – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA                       

    March 10 – Jergel’s –  Warrendale, PA                        

    March 11 – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH                          

    March 12 – Magic Bag – Ferndale, MI                            

    March 13 – City Winery – Chicago, IL                             

    March 14 – Hopkins PAC – Hopkins, MN                              

    March 25 – Crescent Ballroom – Phoenix, AZ                                

    March 26 – Rialto – Tucson, AZ                                

    March 27 – Music Box – San Diego, CA                          

    March 28 – Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA                       

    March 29 – Freight & Salvage – Berkeley, CA                            

    March 30 – Mystic Theatre –  Petaluma, CA                           

    April 1 – Jaqua Concert Hall – Eugene, OR                             

    April 2 – Aladdin Theater – Portland, OR                            

  • Black Crowes Tour Official – Several NY Sheds on Itinerary for 2020

    The Black Crowes announced tour dates on Monday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band’s debut album Shake Your Money Maker. The tour will see the Robinson brothers visiting amphitheaters across the country beginning June 17 in Austin performing their debut album in its entirety along with select hits.

    Chris and Rich Robinson appeared on Monday’s Howard Stern show to make the tour announcement. The extensive tour makes stops at Bethel Woods, Jones Beach, Saratoga and Darien Lake in New York and wraps at the Forum in Los Angeles on Sept. 19.

    The Black Crowes

    While this is being billed as a Black Crowes reunion, the brothers Robinson will not be performing with any of their former bandmates on this tour. Joining the Robinsons in the band are Isiah Mitchell (guitars), Tim LeFebvre (bass), Joel Robinow (keyboards) and Ojha (drums). The band last performed in 2013 with each of the brothers forming their own bands in the meantime.

    Tickets are on sale now. For information, visit the Black Crowes website here.

    June 17 – Austin360 Amphitheater – Austin, TX
    June 19 – Dos Equis Pavilion – Dallas, TX
    June 20 – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Houston, TX
    June 23 – BOK Center Tulsa, OK

    June 24 – Walmart AMP – Rogers, AR
    June 26 – Oak Mountain Amphitheater – Birmingham, AL
    June 27 – Cellairis Amphitheater at Lakewood – Atlanta, GA
    June 30 – Coral Sky Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL
    July 1 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
    July 3 – PNC Music Pavilion – Charlotte, NC
    July 4 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek – Raleigh, NC
    July 7 – Ascend Amphitheatre – Nashville, TN
    July 8 – Ascend Amphitheatre – Nashville, TN
    July 10 – Veteran United Home Loans Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, VA
    July 11 – Jiffy Lube Live – Washington, DC
    July 14 – BB&T Pavilion – Camden, NJ
    July 15 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel, NY
    July 17 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
    July 18 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
    July 21 – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Gilford, NH
    July 22 – Xfinity Center – Boston, MA
    July 24 – Xfinity Theatre – Hartford, CT
    July 25 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY
    July 28 – Budweiser Stage – Toronto, ON
    July 29 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Detroit, MI
    July 31 – Darien Lake Amphitheatre – Buffalo, NY
    Aug. 1 – KeyBank Pavilion – Pittsburgh, PA
    Aug. 13 – Xcel Energy Center – Minneapolis, MN
    Aug. 15 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
    Aug. 16 – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center – Indianapolis, IN
    Aug. 18 – Blossom Music Center – Cleveland, OH
    Aug. 20 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
    Aug. 23 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St Louis, MO
    Aug. 26 – Providence Medical Center Amphitheater – Kansas City, MO
    Aug. 28 – CHI Health Center – Omaha, NE
    Aug. 30 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Denver, CO
    Sept, 1 – USANA Amphitheatre Salt Lake City, UT
    Sept. 4 – White River Amphitheatre – Seattle, WA
    Sept. 5 – Sunlight Supply Amphitheater – Portland, OR
    Sept. 8 – Concord Pavilion – Concord, CA
    Sept. 9 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA
    Sept. 11 – MGM Grand Garden Arena Las Vegas, NV
    Sept. 12 – Ak-Chin Pavilion Phoenix, AZ
    Sept. 18 – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre – San Diego, CA
    Sept. 19 – The Forum – Los Angeles, CA

  • HBO’s ‘The Apollo’ Traces the Theater’s Deep Roots Feeding Harlem Community

    Not many institutions mean as much to a community as The Apollo Theater means to Harlem. In The Apollo, academy and Emmy award-winning director—Roger Ross Williams, spends nearly two hours examining not only the musical importance of the theater but, also glimpses at the symbiotic relationship between The Apollo Theater and black community of Harlem.

    The world-famous musical hall—located on West 253rd street, between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. boulevard (formerly seventh ave.), and Frederick Douglas boulevard (eighth ave.)—is synonymous with the neighborhood.

    Williams, with the help of a number of A-list celebrities, historians and activists, chronicles the history of the theater. From its beginnings as a recognizable institution, under the ownership of Frank Schiffman and Leo Brecher, to the creation of its famous “amateur night at The Apollo.” Which has seen the likes of James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Dionne Warrick, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, among many other legendary entertainers begin their career there.

    Aside from the well-deserved homage to iconic figures that have gotten their start on Apollo’s stage, Williams explores what The Apollo really meant to the inhabitants of Harlem, post-Harlem renaissance. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow, it was one of the few theatre institutions that would allow black people to pay their hard-earned money and enjoy a show. In fact, the residents grew such a love for the theater, that during the riots that preceded the end of Jim Crow, the building was surrounded by people who refused to let any damage happen, as recalled by Schiffman.

    These are just some of the fascinating tidbits that can be learned throughout this documentary. Accompanied by great scoring of 19th century hits, The Apollo juggles traveling through time to tell the story of the hundreds of culture-shifting performers that have passed through the building, while simultaneously giving a present day viewing of its arrangements. With exclusive footage to backstage rehearsals of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me, as well as present-day “amateur night” auditions. It is a recommended informative watch that does justice to the cultural landmark.

  • The Black Crowes Reunite for ‘Shake Your Money Maker’ 30th Anniversary

    It has been six years since The Black Crowes played their final show on December 14, 2013, but over the last few months, rumors have been running rampant about a reunion. Last month, the Wall Street Journal published an article stating many industry sources have hinted something was in the works for a Black Crowes reunion. Last week the band’s social media accounts and website were updated with new art, and earlier this week there were reports of digital billboards with the same artwork in Wisconsin from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

    The initial dates of the anniversary tour were announced the early hours of November 9, when the poster showed up on an electronic billboard in New York City’s Penn Station. On July 17, 2020 at PNC Bank Arts Center and July 18 at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, The Black Crowes will reunite for the 30th anniversary of their debut album ‘Shake Your Money Maker,’ by playing the album in its entirety along with “all the hits.”

    The reunion is rumored to be led by founding brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, whose often strained relationship was what caused the band to break up not just in 2015 but also back in 2002. When former drummer and founding member of Black Crowes, Steve Gorman, was approached about the reunion he said the band will not likely be bringing in members from the past.

    I think they’re in a place where, I would imagine, they’re not interested in having anybody from the past work with them. It just makes it cleaner and easier, because to bring people back to do it right, you have a lot of explaining to do, you have a lot of apologizing to do, and you’ve gotta make up for a lot of damage you’ve caused.

    Steve Gorman – Former drummer and founding member of The Balck Crowes

    The band broke up in 2015 over what seemed to be one of the many arguments between the Robinson brothers. In January of 2015, Rich Robinson released a statement announcing the band’s break-up, going into some detail about discrepancies over band ownership and money.

  • 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.

  • Hearing Aide: Jess Novak and Ben Wayne ‘Rise’

    The Syracuse based duo, Jess Novak & Ben Wayne, are dropping their four track EP Rise today, November 10, across all streaming platforms. This alternative Indie-folk rock-duo fused their previous individual works with their environmental inspiration while recording in Nashville, Tennessee to breed Rise. The EP builds on both their individual strengths from Wayne’s Southern California rock and reggae roots, and Novak’s distinct violin, songwriting and vocal skills, which are well recognized with her winning Best Female Vocalist by the Syracuse New Times back in 2018.

    Ben Wayne (left) and Jess Novak (right) promotional picture for Rise.

    The EP opens with the song, “After All” which has a distinctly doo-wop rhythm to it. In conjunction with Novak’s vocals it differs from every other song coming up on your favorite streaming service. It’s a refreshingly unique combination of doo-wop and alt-rock that we don’t hear nearly enough. With the rhythm section being layered with lead guitar, carrying an almost country feel, the song is hard to categorize into one singular genre. A trend of Rise in general. It’s not one singular sound. It’s not one singular genre. It is a little bit of its own thing – which is one reason it’s so enjoyable and a well rounded.

    The second track “Carousel” is a known Ben Wayne song. While Jess Novak writes and takes the lead vocals on the other three tracks, Wayne leads on this hauntingly beautiful and painful song. It starts with a little walking bass line on the acoustic guitar played by Wayne and a violin smoothly dropping in, with Wayne’s drawl starting shortly after. The song revolves around accepting that things are coming to an end and letting the other person go even though you could still be happy with them. It’s the kind of song you listen to on repeat with your headphones stuck in your ears, escaping the world, or maybe more correctly escaping your own carousel that you are stuck on. 

    Ben Wayne (front) and Jess Novak (back) promotional picture for Rise.

    “Here to Stay,” an abrupt change from “Carousel,” fits Rise‘s diverse musical and artistic showcase of both Novak and Wayne’s talents. They don’t have to stick to one particular sound or genre or tempo. The song is heavy on Novak’s vocals without Wayne backing on it much if at all. This track really stars Novak’s accompanying band which is made up of Jeff King on guitar, Steve Brewster on drums, Mark Hill on bass, Tim McDonald on keyboards, and of course Jess Novak on Violin. Between the tempo changes, build ups and guitar riffs it’s definitely a track that is beyond vocally focussed and gives credit to all the great musicians involved. 

    “Ripper” swings. It has and upbeat, dance-tempo, making it hard for you to sit still. You will find yourself bobbing your head without meaning to. The song has a similar sound as “Here to Stay,” with more punch to it. With the topic of having your heart ripped out and being excited about it, it’s not the most common motif.

    The EP had help from producer Bill Warner and songwriter Kirsti Manna, who is best known for her work with Blake Shelton. Rise is a powerful piece of work made by Jess Novak & Ben Wayne. It’s something worth listening to if you’re looking for new music to add to your arsenal. The EP release party is at The Ridge located at 1281 Salt Springs Rd, Chittenango, NY 13037 on November 10th at 3PM. For more information check out Jess Novak’s website and Ben Wayne’s website.

    Key Tracks: Carousel, Here to Stay.

  • Grateful Shred Opens East West Tour With Three Night Run at Brooklyn Bowl

    With no shortage of bands playing homage to the Grateful Dead catalog, Los Angeles based Grateful Shred is quickly distinguishing themselves in this crowded space. The band welcomed Adam MacDougall, formerly of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and bandmate of bassist Dan Horne with Circles Around the Sun, on B3 and keyboards to kick off their East West tour last night at the Brooklyn Bowl. This was the first of three consecutive shows at the Bowl and second such run this calendar year after an earlier run this past March. Joining MacDougall were founding members Horne and guitar trio Austin McCutchen, Sam Blasucci, and Clay Finch, along with a pair of drummers.

    Grateful Shred

    The three guitar format is largely responsible for what gives Grateful Shred their signature sound, and likely their name as well, though Horne’s bass is also a driving force. MacDougall made his presence known early and often, treating the crowd to some masterful work on the Hammond and Moog. “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” a Rolling Stones tune from the JGB catalog, got the crowd into an early groove, Sam Blasucci on lead vocals. Like one of those old what’s wrong with this picture cartoons, it might take the casual observer a minute to notice that southpaw Blasucci is shredding his lefty solos on a righty guitar played upside down, a la Jimi Hendrix. “New Minglewood Blues” was next with a fierce solo from MacDougall before a return to the JGB catalog with Jimmy Cliff’s “Harder They Come.” “Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire on the Mountain” preceded the set, closing with “Deal.”

    Grateful Shred

    The second set got underway with a frenzied “Cumberland Blues” featuring gorgeous harmonies from the three guitarists on top of a sweltering bass line from Horne. “Mexicali Blues” was next, the third song of the night with blues in the title. “Reuben and Cerise” was the first JGB cover actually written by Garcia with lyrics by Robert Hunter, though the Grateful Dead did play it four times, as well. A lovely “Mississippi Half-Step” sung by Clay with piercing solos to match was up next before a “Playing in the Band” > “Mountains of the Moon” > “Playing in the Band” combination that went deep and got a little spacey, sans drum solo.

    The set closed with a final offering from the JGB catalog, Allen Toussaint’s “Get Out of My Life Woman” before a fiery “Jack Straw” closed. After a brief respite, “US Blues” took the encore slot and wrapped up the 90-minute set.

    Grateful Shred

    Grateful Shred returns to Brooklyn Bowl to finish their run Friday and Saturday before heading back to California to finish the East West tour. All three Brooklyn Bowl shows have free webcasts on the Relix channel. Check out last night’s stream below.

    Set One: Let’s Spend the Night Together, New Minglewood Blues, Harder They Come, Scarlet Begonias > Fire on the Mountain, Deal.

    Set Two: Cumberland Blues, Mexicali Blues, Reuben and Cerise, Mississippi Half-Step, Playin’ in the Band > Mountains of the Moon > Playing in the Band, Get Out of My Life Woman, Jack Straw.

    Encore: U.S. Blues.

  • Hearing Aide: Aqueous ‘Burn it Down’

    Buffalo-based four-piece, Aqueous, explores their indie dance-rock roots with their latest EP ‘Burn it Down.’ Comprised of Mike Gantzer (vocals/guitar), Dave Loss (guitar/keys/vocals), Evan McPhaden (bass), and Rob Houk (drums), Aqueous has been evolving, and this EP embodies that evolution. It consists of four songs, all between 3 to 4 minutes long. Though each song has it’s own Aqueous groove, but you can also hear the heavy influences in each one; going from a rebellious indie-rock jam in the album’s title song to an electro-pop rock dance anthem with “On the Edge.”

    Burn It Down signifies a straight up paradigm shift for Aqueous. We dove headlong into our rock, indie, and dance roots, and put a much sharper focus on concise, badass rock and roll song writing. We really wanted to further explore a certain attitude that has always been a part of all of us but that might’ve been a little underrepresented in our music up until now. 

    Mike Gantzer – Aqueous (guitar/vocals)

    The band is in the first leg of an extensive fall tour, and they have been subtly teasing fans with the EP by covering songs that heavily influenced the music. These include songs from Weezer, Chromeo, Blink-182, Queens of the Stone Age, Tears for Fears and more.

    While the EP is not what fans would normally expect from Aqueous, it is no doubt catchy and exciting. Aqueous has always been well known for their songwriting, and this is highlighted in the EP. Burn it Down sends a powerful message about living your personal truth. It tells a story of a fresh start rising from the ashes.

    This EP is about not being afraid to stand up and make a change that will get you closer to living your truth, whatever that might be. It’s about self honesty, and about questioning unhealthy situations and relationships, and calling bullshit when it needs to be called. It’s meant to say ‘whatever your situation is, it’s never too late to just tear the whole thing down and start over’. 

    Mike Gantzer

    Burn it Down is available on all streaming platforms now.

    Key Tracks: On the Edge, Little Something to Me