Category: Media

Belle-Skinner, TIP, Architrave and more featured on this week’s EQXposure

Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm on 102.7 FM, you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear music from Belle-Skinner, TIP, Architrave, and many more!

WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to a ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

Belle-Skinner – “Tapestry”

Skinner was named one of “8 Female Musicians From Upstate New York You Should Be Listening To Right Now” by Saratoga Living and in 2015 was a finalist at the Telluride Troubadour Competition, a showcasing songwriter on the main-stage at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, CO. This Upstate artist has a nostalgic sense to her haunting voice that is nuanced with influences ranging from Joni Mitchel, Jeff Buckley, and Lana Del Ray. Her music elevates the modern folk song, rich in harmony, contrapuntal melodic phrasing, and wonderful song crafting.

Architrave – “Blissed Out”

Ballston Spa duo Architrave features programmed grooves, hearty classic synth sounds, with real guitars and bass. They have just released a new single, “Blissed Out,” which continues on their catalogue of moody electronic pulsating melodies. The New Wave movement of The Cure, Portishead, The XX has new momentum with Architrave.

TIP – “Canadian Coins”

TIP features Very clever and intricate song crafting and musicianship describes this quartet of college friends. The music is unique, evocative, and layered. Performing on recent live streams during quarantine for WEQX at HIGHPEAKS Sound. Think of guitar driven riff bands, each musician in this band plays with equal conviction as if these players were pre-destined to be in the same band today, they each play as an extension of the next player. There is a freshness to their sound, something bands strive for but these guys are out of the gate with that. Check their live stream show at High Peaks Sound a few weeks ago.

September 19, 2020
In Focus: Warren Haynes and Danny Louis kick off five-show run at South Farms

Live music is back in Connecticut thanks to South Farms – the venue has figured out the formula for a socially distanced Drive-In shows. Billy Strings made a stop on his abbreviated tour, and Warren Haynes planned five shows, kicking off this past weekend on September 12.

The Sunday show found Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule’s Danny Louis performing two stripped down sets of classic rock covers and Mule tunes, amid a gorgeous backdrop in the Western Connecticut.

Haynes will return to South Farms for three more shows on October 1, 8 and 15. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

Setlist: Warren Haynes with Danny Louis, South Farms, Morris, CT, September 13, 2020

Set 1: Don’t Know Where We’re Going (But We’ll Get There), Glory Road, Blue Maiden’s Tale, Love’s Open Door, Working Class Hero, Traveling Tune, Forsaken Savior, It Hurts Me Too

Set 2: Southern Accents, Melissa, Child of the Earth, Two of a Kind, Workin’ on a Full House, Beautifully Broken, Captured, Turn On Your Love Light, Smokestack Lightning

Encore: Fallen Down*

* w/ Danny Louis

September 15, 2020
All the Years Combine: Grateful Dead at The Garden, September 13, 1991

Today, we celebrate the anniversary of a Grateful Dead show at the most iconic of all New York music venues: Madison Square Garden. The Dead were certainly no strangers to this room by 1991. They had been playing the Midtown Mecca since 1979 and loved taking extended stays there. Fittingly, this show would be number five of a nine-show run at The Garden.

1991 was still very much a transitional time in the band’s history. Vince Welnick had only joined the band a year earlier and Bruce Hornsby was still making regular appearances. This show would be no different. And while this one may not be designated with a “legendary” status in the record books, there are certainly moments that shine.

To put it nicely, whether its the recording or the performance itself, the “Touch of Grey” opener is fairly mangled. Guitarist Jerry Garcia doesn’t seem to realize his part until a full verse passes first and the rest goes downhill from there. Fellow guitarist Bob Weir then takes over and directs “Wang Dang Doodle” afterwards that has a couple of inspired Garcia licks towards the end that seem to wake him up a little. With the band seemingly picking up on this, it carries right through the ensuing “Peggy-O” where Garcia continues to shine and brushes off some of the earlier mishaps.

The first set doesn’t seem to really take off until “Althea” which features more delicate guitar licks from Garcia that’s finally accompanied by a vocal performance to match. “When I Paint My Masterpiece” follows nicely with the always lovely accordion fills supplied by Hornsby. The first set closes with a triumphant “Bird Song” that soars for more than 14 minutes with both Welnick and Hornsby, along with the rest of the band, on top of their respective game.

After a rather nondescript Weir-led “Victim Or The Crime” to open the second set, things escalate quickly with a rousing “Scarlet Begonias” where the intensity of an MSG show is very much audible. The seamless segue into its traditional pairing with “Fire On The Mountain’ is vintage Dead and one of the definitive bright spots of this show.

Another valid complaint for this show may be the extended “Drums” > “Space” sequence that follows. While it does feature a few moments of fun, psychedelic mayhem, it also drifts off completely at parts and takes up almost 28 minutes of the second set.

Grateful Dead 9/13/91 Madison Square Garden

Garcia brings a little of the “Space” along with him in the beginning sections of “The Other One” that follow before falling into its signature pattern. This brings about another inspired jam with all seven legs of the band acting as one cohesive unit while Weir belts out the lyrics he penned for this song years ago.

The second set ends with a joyous “Throwing Stones” that features both Weir and Garcia with some passionate singing. A somewhat abrupt cut to “Not Fade Away” follows that gives the band one last chance to stretch out and jam.

Grateful Dead 9/13/91 Madison Square Garden – New York, NY

Set 1: Touch of Grey, Wang Dang Doodle, Peggy-O, Big River > Cumberland Blues, Althea, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Bird Song

Set 2: Victim Or The Crime, Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain > Drums > Space > The Other One > Stella Blue > Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away

Encore: Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door

September 13, 2020
This Darkness has got to Give: A look at the current state of New York Music Venues
Over the summer, NYS Music began to take a look at the state of New York music venues. In June, July, and August we saw venues closed for the foreseeable future, support for Black Lives Matter, and some venues beginning to offer performances with social distancing in place.

September kicked off with Red Alert RESTART, and venues across the country (and world) going red to encourage action to save independent music venues. With hope for passage of relief bills in Congress limited, and only ‘incidental music’ currently allowed, venues remain mostly closed for live music, in quiet anticipation of the day crowds can return.

Tarrytown Music Hall – photo by Steve Malinski

Working with a dozen photographers to document more than 40 venues in 12 cities across New York State, NYS Music presents the fourth edition of our monthly series that looks at the current state of our beloved venues.

Immense thanks goes out to all photographers and venues who are taking part in this monthly series. We’ll start the fall off in the Hudson Valley with Mickey Deneher’s look at the historic venues that pepper the towns along the Hudson River. Visit NIVA to find out how you can help venues across New York, and the country. We need to #saveourstages and preserve live music for when this is over.

The Hudson Valley – photos by Mickey Deneher
Saranac Lake – photo by Pete Mason

Long Island – photos by Rob Tellerman
Brooklyn – photos by Amanda Siedner
Plattsburgh – photos by Jerry Cadieux
Utica – photos courtesy of The Stanley Theatre

Manhattan – photos by Joseph Buscarello
Rochester – photos by Corinne Cummings
Port Chester – photos by Chad Anderson
Tupper Lake – photos by Pete Mason
Ithaca – photos by Casey Martin

Peekskill and Tarrytown – photos by Steve Malinski
Brooklyn – photos by Joseph Buscarello
Albany – photos by Zach Culver
Buffalo – photos by Zachary Todtenhagen
September 12, 2020
ERIE, The Reckless Few, and more are featured on this week’s EQXposure

Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm on 102.7 FM, you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear music from The Reckless Few, ERIE, and many more!

WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to a ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

The Reckless Few – “Sunshine and Love”

From Troy, The Reckless Few is a sextet featuring Louis Emory (guitars, vocals), Bob Boyer (drums, percussion, guitars), Tim Lynch (piano, organ), Kate Sgroi – (bass), Rocco DiDonna (vocals) and Eliyahu Baruch (vocals). Their inspirations include The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Band, The Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, Motown, and Muscle Shoals. Singer/Songwriter Louise Emory has been writing and recording original rock ‘n roll with a diverse family of local musicians for over 20 years. This song was released fifteen years after it was written while floating on a boat in Long Island sound.

https://soundcloud.com/therecklessfew/sunshine-and-love

“ERIE.” – “Fears Come Runnin”

From Albany, ERIE earlier this year self-released record the week before Covid-19 started running rampant and put us all into quarantine. With all that, the band managed to get picked up by Mint 400 Records out of Jersey City, NJ. They will be re-releasing the record on Friday, September 18 and have a virtual release show planned at The Linda on Monday, September 21.

September 12, 2020
Music is Better on Grass: Marcus King at South Farms, CT
What is there to say, but it is great to hear live music once again. Having spent the last six months at home counting down the days to when we can all be together, on September 8, for just a few hours in the small town ofÂ Morris, CT, it felt like the curse of darkness had been lifted, thanks to Manic Presents and Marcus King Band. The team at South Farms have figured out a way to bring music and entertainment back to the people, and boy do we all need it.

The new venue at South Farms for this power house team is unassuming and not a first choice for a one-night event. The venue has everything a fan would want and more: picturesque views of killer sunsets, incredible sound that echoes in the rolling farm hills and of course, great sight lines that make fans feel as though they’re in an amphitheater atmosphere all the while being socially distant Talk about a win-win!

The evening began with Early James, an Alabama singer/songwriter whose sound is a blend of country, southern blues, and jazz, and has a lyrical style that is a mix between Bob Dylan and Tom Waits. This one-two punch tonight allowed fans to be reintroduced to the concert format with James’ incredible talent. A highlight of his opening set was “Easter Eggs” with honky guitar licks and southern slide guitar.

As the sun set a loud roar and the sound of woo-hoos echoed the night sky, Marcus King, with drummer Jack Ryan and bassist Stephen Campbell took the stage. Marcus joked saying how it was great to actually see people, instead of cars for the first time once again. The trio jumped right into playing a version of “I Just Want To Make Love To You/Hoochie Coochie Man”

The highlight for this photographer came as the trio began “One Day She’s Here,” a song that is hauntingly beautiful and can resonate with the times. “She” could be considered to so many people in the music industry this year.

Pretty little girl in a Coupe de Ville
Saw her disappear up across the hill
One day here, now the next, she’s gone
Didn’t even get to hear me sing my song
She disappears just like the dawn
One day she’s here, the next, she’s gone

Other highlights of the night included a rocking version of “Virginia”, a southern rock song that just is so gritty and raw that those who were in attendance who had their eyes closed would have sworn Warren Haynes came to the farm early. And of course a stellar encore of “The Well” and Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.”

One thing is for sure, that night at South Farms with Marcus King reminded us that “she” will come back one day and boy has she. Music is alive and well, as long as there are those who listen and follow the rules. Those who work in this industry will not go down without a fight. If you’re missing seeing acts at your local venue, do yourself a favor check out South Farms, because “Music is better on grass.”
September 11, 2020
Molly Tuttle’s “Mirrored Heart” Cover Reaches Highs Of FKA Twigs’ Original

Americana/bluegrass artist Molly Tuttle has released the music video for her cover of FKA twigs’ “Mirrored Heart.” The video coincides with Tuttle’s quarantine cover album, …but I’d rather be with you, comprising 10 covers, both classic and contemporary. Released through Compass Records, the album was co-produced by Tony Berg, a frequent collaborator of Phoebe Bridgers.

The original version of “Mirrored Heart” came out last November, as part of FKA twigs’ second studio album, Magdalene. Whereas FKA twigs’ version is electronic and avant-garde, Tuttle puts an acoustic, familiar twist on it while retaining its sense of melancholy. Her stab at “Mirrored Heart” informs the rest of …but I’d rather be with you, where she makes songs as old as the 1960s into her own.

“I absolutely love the whole album, Magdalene. But this song stood out to me specifically. It totally brings me back to my first heartbreak. FKA twigs really nails the feeling of not being seen and accepted by the one you love. For this album, I turned the lights out in my room and recorded all the vocal, guitar, and harmony vocals myself. We decided not to add anything or anyone else to it, which felt fitting since the song is so intimate. I read a quote of her saying she can’t get through it without crying, and even though I didn’t write it I found myself tearing up while singing it as well — music is wild like that!”
Molly Tuttle

On …but I’d rather be with you, the Nashville singer-songwriter leaps from the Rolling Stones to Harry Styles with ease. The perpetually-sunny “She’s A Rainbow” is an early high point, and its momentum continues into covers of Arthur Russell’s “A Little Lost” and Karen Dalton’s “Something On Your Mind.” Even on the album’s most depressing songs, Tuttle’s voice is warm and inviting. There are no true skips, as every cover showcases another mood for her to breathe to life. The closing track, a cover of Cat Stevens’ “How Can I Tell You,” immediately incites a thirst for the next album.

In addition to “Mirrored Heart,” Molly Tuttle has released videos for her covers of “She’s a Rainbow,” The National’s “Fake Empire,” Rancid’s “Olympia, WA,” and the Grateful Dead’s “Standing On The Moon.” The “She’s a Rainbow” video is a feminist statement with messages from friends, fans, and famous artists. Linda Perry, Tom Morello, Chris Shiflett, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and more all appear holding signs to promote the cause.

For more information, visit Molly Tuttle’s website. Stream …but i’d rather be with you below:

September 10, 2020
Oliver Wood Covers “The Battle is over (But the War Goes On)” as his Solo Career Takes Off

Oliver Wood released a single of the cover, “The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On)” on September 4. This classic protest anthem cover is only his second solo single, the first being “Soul Of This Town.” Both are found across all streaming outlets. To donate to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), you can purchase the song now at Bandcamp.

Oliver Wood (Photo by Come To Life)

Recently branching out on his own as a solo artist, Oliver Wood has been a part of an American folk band, The Wood Brothers, since 2004 and has released seven studio albums with them since. The Wood Brothers have played in high profile shows such as Red Rocks and Bonnaroo and even earned a Grammy Award-nomination. Check out more about The Wood Brothers on thewoodbros.com. He has also been a part of Medeski, Martin & Wood where he opened for them and sat in on their show.

Now, stepping into his solo career, the release of the cover “The Battle Is Over (But The War Goes On)” follows his original genre of American folk/Rock to get the message out about standing together. In his recent interview about the single, Oliver Wood stated, “With all that’s going on today, it felt inspiring to put this song out in the world again and help keep the momentum of a movement that really needs everyone’s help.” This song has a great rhythm and powerful lyrics that make you think about the message he is trying to convey as well as the emotions that go with it.

“If talk was money, you’d be a millionaire
If thoughts could kill, there’d be no one here
So many thinking’ evil and talkin’ jive
But its in only true love, this old world cans stay alive”

This verse is moving, and you hear the truth through Oliver Wood’s voice. Keeping the song fun and upbeat, listeners get tied into this single and only makes one want more from the new solo artist.

September 9, 2020
Melanie Penn Shares New Single, Video: “Avenue of The Americas”

NYC singer-songwriter, Melanie Penn, has released an inspiring New-York centric pop anthem paired with a stunning music video for her new single, “Avenue of The Americas”.

As a native of the big city, Melanie celebrates her ties to New York in the cinematically beautiful “Avenue of The Americas” music video. Melanie’s love for the city becomes more apparent with each elapsing second of the video.

The song itself outlines Melanie’s climb to success, with lines referencing dreams of one day finding the spotlight in the Big Apple. Crescendoing synths pulsate in the background as “Avenue of The Americas” gives us an intimate understanding of Melanie’s hopes and aspirations.

Melanie believes now is the perfect time to debut a song that honors both beautiful and humble New York City. At a time where the country is under massive racial and political tension, the uplifting video released along with the single inspires hope and reminds us of our commonalities as New Yorkers.

The music video and single are a part of a promotional roll out in preparation for Melanie Penn’s upcoming, More Alive Vol. 1, full-length album which is set to release September 25. The album is centered around faith, modern upheaval and, overcoming common struggles. The album, which features 10 songs, has been described by Melanie as a tracklist full of “hopeful pop anthems” that will hopefully inspire a sense of community amongst listeners.

To stay up to date with future news regarding Melanie Penn and her music, visit her website.

September 8, 2020
Where does the time go? A look back at the best sit-ins in moe.down history

Labor Day weekend is a weekend to enjoy the last remnants of summer, catch up with friends and family. For most Labor Day weekends since 2000, moe. fans found themselves heading to Turin (or Mohawk), NY for the end of summer festival, moe.down.

We’re taking a look back at moe.down this weekend and reminiscing on the lineups, the incredible bands that were discovered, and of course, moe. But one aspect of moe.down that was always unpredictable were the special guest sit-ins, if not the weather. Explore these 10 choice sit-ins, presented in random order, for this weeks installment of moe.mondays.

photo by Brian Cornish, moe.down 17

We’ll start with something for the children, literally. moe.down 8 started out with an afternoon set that featured the Kids Tent joining the band on stage. That year’s theme for the kids was ‘Year of the Pig’ so naturally, “Buster” was the perfect song to invite the kids up to sing. With parents close by, 20+ kids took the stage and sang “Pig can fly!” alongside moe., for a spectacular start to the day’s music.

moe.down 8 indeed had more than its fair share of guests, and as the Saturday afternoon set came to a close, Meat Puppets Curt Kirkwood joined moe. for a shredding ~19 minute version of “Mexico.”

Curt Kirkwood sitting in with moe.

Jumping back to moe.down 4, and moe. took a unique spin on their improv-friendly “Rebubula” by playing it for an entire set – nearly an hour in length. Listen below or check out an AUD on the Internet Archive.

For two years (2010-2011), moe.down relocated to Mohawk, NY and performed on the Gelston Castle Estate, and brought out some heavy hitting names in the process. Bob Weir was a special guest with Levon Helm’s band, and Weir joined moe. for “The Other One” > “Smokestack Lightning” > “The Other One,” Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again” and a set closing “Feel Like a Stranger.”

Of course, Weir has performed earlier in the day with Levon Helm’s band, and sang (among many others) one of the Dylan songs that The Band and Grateful Dead had in common, “When I Paint My Masterpiece.”

moe.down 6 was held over Labor Day weekend 2005, as the remnants of Hurricane Katrina soaked the crowd throughout the weekend. Keller Williams joined moe. for “Stairway to Watchtower” through the pouring rain.

Umphrey’s McGee, who first caught the attention of moe. when Brendan Bayliss sent Al Schnier a demo of their cover of “Rebubula,” have appeared at multiple moe.downs, not to mention 20 Summer Camp Music Festivals together. Watch Umphrey’s join moe. for Pink Floyd’s “Time” from moe.down 13.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0nAjm8d3XQ

Earlier that day, Umphrey’s McGee welcomed Stanley Jordan for part of their set, including a “40’s Theme” -> “Hajimemashite” > “40’s Theme,” allowing Jordan’s guitar skills to shine.

More recently, moe.down 17, held over July 4th weekend 2019, featured Blackberry Smoke, Fishbone, Railroad Earth, Ryan Montbleau, Twiddle, and Mike Dillon Band, who welcomed moe. percussionist Jim Loughlin for their set. moe. would return the favor by bringing up Otto Schrang from Mike Dillon Band for “McBain,” adding a second percussionist on Coughlin’s vibraphone.

Rounding our our list, let’s go back to moe.down 8, which had a deep lineup as many moe.downs have. When Ryan Adams had to back out at the last minute, the festival was blessed with the founder of Lollapalooza himself, Perry Farrell and his Satellite Party. Few complained about this lineup swap, and after Farrell and his party worked through all the hits, moe. welcomed Farrell to the stage for the only hit not played yet – “Ocean Size.” After some banter behind the Mayor of moe.ville competition, the band broke into the Jane’s Addiction arena rocker.

Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments!

September 7, 2020