NYS Music 202​0

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • Slaughterhouse Chorus, Trampoline Jetstream and more Featured on this week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm 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 the latest EP from Slaughterhouse Chorus, Trampoline Jetstream and more!

    Slaughterhouse Chorus

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an 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 Slaughterhouse Chorus – ...In the Name of Progress

    … In the Name of Progress is the first Slaughterhouse Chorus recording to a music collective, Built4BBQ. Albany audio extraordinaire Ryan Slowey tracked the band live in vocalist Chris Jordan’s rural Rensselear County cabin, resulting in a lean and mean collection that fully represents their on-stage energy and lyric-driven songwriting. While the band’s previous recordings occasionally incorporated an “Honorary Chorus” of auxiliary instrumentation ranging from banjos to horn sections, … In the Name of Progress relies entirely on two electric guitars, bass, drums, and vocals – with the notable exception of one high-lonesome bluegrass harmony section provided by John “Henry’s Rifle” Pipino and Dan Wilson of Kimono Dragons and the Rechorduroys.

    slaughterhouse chorus

    From the opening garage-punk ripper “Greenplates” to the ZZ Top thump of “Used Tombstones”, from the signature country-punk barnburning of “Hambone” and “Pedestrians” to the cathartic dirge of closing track “Wellsville”, … In the Name of Progress finds The Slaughterhouse Chorus stretching their sound into narrative songs that unfold like short stories set to boot-stomping sing-alongs. Simultaneously pared down to basics and more expansive than anything else they’ve recorded, it’s a fitting swan song for a band that’s spent ten years doing things their own weird way.”

    As for what’s happening now, even with The Slaughterhouse Chorus coming to an end, the band never really stopped getting together to write and record new music. Weekly basement practices due to COVID precautions were put on hold, and later moved to Chris’ socially distanced garage and started working on fleshing out a batch of Chet Atkins/Jerry Reed style acoustic guitar ideas he’d been kicking around for years that never really fit in with Slaughterhouse. This evolved into a project they’re calling Timing. It has a lot of the country/Americana side of Slaughterhouse, but much more weirdness and much less punk rock.

    Trampoline Jetstream – “Jerry”

    Utica’s Trampoline Jetstream will also be featured on this week’s EQXposure, with Pearson spinning their song “Jerry.”

    The four person indie rock band began to record “Jerry” in Utica two years ago. Before they could finish, vocalist Nick Vanderwood suffered an injury that left him unable to sing. The band put the project on hold until February 2020, just before the COVID epidemic put everything on pause. Trampoline Jetstream had finished recording, but had to delay production and gigs further. Read more on Trampoline Jetstream here.

  • Crash the Calm,”Devils” sets the tone for Upcoming LP

    Long Island group, Crash the Calm, have released their debut single, “Devils,” from their upcoming sophomore album, A Town Named Nowhere.

    crash the calm

    Crash the Calm entered the scene in December 2014, and released their debut single “Holes.” It was considered their demo at the time, and was followed by the band signing to indie label, Downport Records. They eventually recorded their debut album, How’ve You Been?, at VuDu Studios with Nick Starrantino, Dom Nastasi & Mike Watts. They also released an EP in 2018, titled Split. It was recorded with Anthony Lopardo and Ray Marte at Westfall Studios.

    The band have played in many shows locally and across the East Coast. They have opened up for and shared the stage with bands such as Pianos Become the Teeth, Save Face, Capstan, Elder Brother, Belmont, Bay Faction, Head North, Heart Attack Man, Kayak Jones, The Republic of Wolves, bloom., Gatherers, Stories Untold, and the Sparrows. Crash Calm have also had stadium experience in Queens and opened up at the Citi Field in Flushing, NY.

    Following the EP, a third of the five members left for personal reasons. Remaining members, Brian Dowling and Patrick Smith, had almost lost hope for the band. However, an idea blossomed from the moment, and the concept for their second album, A Town Named Nowhere was soon in the works.

    The album is centered on the fictional town of “Nowhere,” which captures the different perspectives of the townspeople. Each perspective must resolve and contain their own inner struggle, in addition to the rampant dust storms and destined economic ruin they inevitably face. The record wants people to find their way through life-altering experiences and restore situations that seem beyond repair.

    The concept of “Nowhere” came to guitarists Brian Dowling (also a singer) and Patrick Smith when they felt at a place where their only option was to rebuild from nothing. They went to the studio to record the album in 2019 with new members Dan LeBrun (Guitar), Johnny Pots (Drums) and Dave Van Nostrand (Bass). They recorded their 2nd LP with Anthony Lopardo and Ray Marte of Westfall Studios, which was a familiar ground for the band.

    Their first single, “Devils,” is also accompanied by a dark lyric video, visualising the experiences of the Dust Bowl era. Crash the Calm have been juvenated for their upcoming release, and will tour once health conditions permit. In the meantime, the band plans for a number of music videos and digital performances to support the album. Their new single is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.

  • Hearing Aide: Soviet Dolls ‘Keep Sweet’

    Rochester-based synth pop outfit Soviet Dolls have emerged from the cocoon of their retrofitted studio. Their third EP, Keep Sweet, swathes the listener in an ethereal neon sheen of electronica. It’s lighter fare than their previous releases, but then we could all use a little levity these days.

    soviet dolls


    New vocalist Emily Brown made her debut with Soviet Dolls earlier this year on their cover of Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer.” She’s a natural fit for the band’s original work as well. Her subtly nuanced vocals temper the robust instrumental textures. She keeps the vessel on an even keel as the music careens between the distinct twinkle of keyboard runs and segments awash in fuzzy reverb. The digital sound is augmented by analogue processes and instruments, marrying the nostalgia for 80’s culture with the sophistication of modern techniques.
    All funds raised by album go directly to help Rochester Hope for Pets, an organization created to assist pets in the greater Rochester area whose owners are facing financial difficulty. Donate $5 or more via Play It Forward to get the Keep Sweet download code via email. Follow Soviet Dolls on Facebook for more information and updates.


    Photo by Krit Upra

  • Video Premiere: The Dirty Pennies ‘I’m Your Man’

    A flyer for The Dirty Pennies show in March still hangs in the window of Rochester‘s Bug Jar. The venue has been a touchstone for this rust belt garage rock band. Shortly after venues like Bug Jar shut down, the band released a single “I’m Your Man.” Today, they premiere the lyric video for the song.

    The gritty song features staple driving guitar riffs that the band is known and loved for. But it also showcases the skills of their drummer, who goes all out on the fills. It’s a more aggressive song than the rest of groups catalog, fueled by the times in which we are living.

    The video gives fans an opportunity to follow along to the lyrics. Learn those words, because when live music resumes and The Dirty Pennies can play live, this is an anthem we’ll want to sing along to.

    dirty pennies

    Formed in Rochester, the group includes Ryan Klem on vocals and guitar and Lucas Howe on drums. Bassist Joe Mungo joined the band in 2015. The trio self-released their debut album Kick Out The Rocks in 2018, and an EP entitled EP in 2019. “I’m Your Man” is one of three singles they have released this year. Learn more about the band in their interview with NYS Music.

    Find “I’m Your Man” on Spotify and Bandcamp.

    Follow The Dirty Pennies: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

  • Stellar Young Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm 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 the latest EP from Albany’s Stellar Young!

    stellar young

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an 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.

    EQXposure host Pearson came across Stellar Young’s song “Old Roots” and was struck by how the character in the voice, the feel of a waltz, and the urgency in the performance gave the song a desperate and anthemic quality. This track pulled Pearson in and when he learned their EP And Turned to Ash was part of a trilogy, he wanted to dig in further.

    stellar young

    On Sunday, November 1, Pearson will play the entire And Turned to Ash EP, and over the next few weeks he will feature the other two EPs. Playing a full artists release on a radio station in this climate is a departure from the norm, but Pearson couldn’t think of a better time to start doing this.

    Stellar Young’s And Turned to Ash is an awesome record to share because it weaves through a narrative of the PAST. That nostalgic, raw emotional pondering is evident in the treatment of the songs and the how the band orchestrates the presentation with bass, drums, layers of human harmony, guitars, and lingering tone beds – it’s rather well made album too. So put on some headphones and let’s go on a journey together. From the radio to your soul.

    A captivating blend of atmospheric indie-rock and upbeat post-punk, Stellar Young features John Glenn (vocals/keys), Erik Flora (guitar/vocals), Kyle Hatch (guitar), Dave Parker (producer), and Tim Brosnan (drums). Together the members work to create the most accurate portrayal of key moments in life that everyone understands, but often can’t explain.

  • Trampoline Jetstream’s “Jerry” was worth the wait

    Utica band Trampoline Jetstream just released their latest single, “Jerry,” which has been in the works since 2018.

    Trampoline Jetstream

    The four person indie rock band began to record “Jerry” in Utica two years ago. Before they could finish, vocalist Nick Vanderwood suffered an injury that left him unable to sing. The band put the project on hold until February 2020, just before the COVID epidemic put everything on pause. Trampoline Jetstream had finished recording, but had to delay production and gigs further.

    The band joked that the album was cursed. “At one point we almost abandoned the project completely to begin writing a new album,” said drummer Adam Manion. “In the end, we felt too strongly about these songs and decided to release them as an EP.”

    Trampoline Jetstream

    It’s no shock that Trampoline Jetstream couldn’t abandon the project – the songs are incredibly personal. “These songs really are about figuring out your place in the world and wishing you could rewind yourself,” said guitarist Alex Verbickas. This feeling is present in “Jerry,” which “was inspired by a feeling of nostalgia and longing for youthful memories that have passed while also growing older” noted on the band’s SoundCloud. The indie band draws inspiration from different genres but pulls it all together with solid guitar and lyrics. With their varied style, even their instrumentals have the same nostalgic quality that their lyrics speak about.

    Fans are glad the band didn’t abandon “Jerry,” too. Audiences loved it so much that the band changed their name to the track’s first title, “Trampoline Jetstream.” Now, years later, those audiences along with the rest of the world can listen to “Jerry” and the other tracks to come.

    The full EP, Jerry, will also feature “I Confide” and “Rewind/Barney’s Quadrant.” The band will follow it with a companion EP released early 2021. Stream “Jerry” and Trampoline Jetstream’s other music now on SoundCloud and Spotify. Follow the band on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss any updates on their new releases!

  • Ok Cowgirl descends into a fuzz-laden abyss with “Get Gone”

    Ok Cowgirl, the lofi indie rock project of Leah Lavigne, a Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist has released their debut single “Get Gone.” The song describes the desire to abandon younger insecurities with appearances, wealth, and beauty. It could also be described as an unimpressed response to a superficial culture.

    Ok Cowgirl

    They discussed the various topics associated with the track, speaking about radical-self acceptance, beauty standards, and capitalistic norms. Lavigne said, “At a certain point I knew I needed to let these emotions be what they were. I needed to stop filtering them and stop judging myself for feeling these things.”

    Look At My Record praised Lavigne’s “powerful and domineering vocals” of song, and mentioned her strong expression of the frustration with our current cultural values. They also described it as “descending into a fuzz-laden abyss” and finally being able to release the pent-up emotion. Ok Cowgirl has an artistry that goes into the idea of the musician and the role we provide to this world, especially with our modern challenges.

    Ok Cowgirl

    This project also represented a major change for Leah Lavigne. Her earlier solo career up consisted of a more softer energy. People would come up to her in shows and say that she was their favorite sad girl. The Detroit native realized there was so much more to her style and has expanded her lane. Lavigne used to play the piano and switched her focus towards the electric guitar.

    Since the summer of 2018, Lavigne performs alongside long-time collaborator and percussionist Matt Birkenholz, bassist Jase Hottenroth, and lead guitarist Jake Sabinsky. They have been noted for their lyrically-driven rock tinged sound, with a soft synth and melodic, angsty influence.

    Their new single will surely not disappoint fans of the Brookyln-based group. Their follow up single, “Don’t Go,” will also be out on November 20. “Get Gone” is out now on Spotify, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud.

  • New Single “Cry” from Indie Rocker Sam Himself Out Now

    Despite the chaos created by the pandemic so far, Swiss Brooklyn-based artist Sam Himself (aka Sam Koechlin) released his new single “Cry” from his debut album expected in 2021. “Cry” is the first long-distance collaboration with his longtime producer and creative partner, Daniel Schlett. Sam recorded “Cry” partly at a local Basel Studio and partly in his attic during the quarantine.

    Sam Himself

    Before the pandemic took a turn for the worst, Sam was on tour in Europe and only performed at one show before the remaining dates were canceled. With the travel restrictions immediately enforced, Sam was stranded between his native Switzerland and his chosen home in New York City. He decided to self-quarantine in his hometown of Basel, Switzerland, and released his long-awaited EP Slow Drugs.

    I was driving across Switzerland before dawn to shoot the final takes of the video for ‘Like a Friend’; I’d been up for a long time, the tour had just been canceled and, according to the news, I wouldn’t be able to fly back to New York anytime soon. Then my phone rang and at the end of that call, the relationship I was in had ended, too. In a matter of hours, my life as I’d known it was over. For all the dread and confusion of that moment, I also felt ridiculous for licking my own wounds while the world around me looked like it was ending. That’s the dissonant state I tried to capture with ‘Cry’: it’s a farewell letter to my old life in New York and a relationship ended by the pandemic, but also a caustic reminder to myself not to wallow in self- pity amid a global catastrophe.

    Sam Himself, about the inspiration for “Cry”

    Capitalizing on the extended time in quarantine, Sam created the soaring ballad “Cry” that showcases his baritone climbing to new heights as the song evolves into a weeping hymn with authentically vulnerable lyrics. Sam plays all the instruments on “Cry” except for the bass and one lead guitar, which was added by members of his European touring band.  “Cry” is produced by Daniel Schlett and mastered by engineering legend Greg Calbi, who mastered songs for David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen.

  • The Parlor, Haley Moley, and More Featured On This Week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm 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 Parlor, Haley Moley, and many more!

    the parlor

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an 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.

    This week’s EQXposure is a bit moody and is about exploring wide sonic spaces.

    The Parlor – “Dive”

    Named after a room in the 19th century farmhouse where they live, farm, and create, The Parlor is a project by husband and wife team Eric Krans and Jen O’Connor. The multi-instrumentalist, producer-composers create intimate art-pop intended to reflect some of the most powerful aspects of the human experience.

    The Parlor’s music is the sonic corollary to what the couple is bringing to their land, an artisanal re-imagining of an antique dream. Jen O’Connor + Eric Krans make their home in Upstate New York. Their farmhouse is filled with jars of feathers + herbs, piles of broken guitars, trays of wings + claws, upright basses, a sampling synth, braided onions, polyester pants, Casio + Zenith, antique mirrors. Ghosts. They write and record music in a room called the parlor.

    Haley Moley – “Souvenirs”

    In early 2015, house music DJ and dance music producer Jennifer Maher Coleman (DJ Jennifer Haley) and indie rocker Paul Coleman (Mount Mole, Sinkcharmer, Beaked Whale, The Operators) combined their aliases and their musical sensibilities to form Haley Moley.

    Moody synth and guitar rock over electronic beats ultimately blossomed into a full-on five-piece with the welcome addition of Andrea Kosek (aka DJ Goldeedust, keyboards) Pat Thorpe (of DJ duo Partyhorn, bass guitar) and Mike Broomhead (also of Partyhorn, drums.)

    With a high concentration of electronic, funk, and disco dj’s on board as well as decades of rock experience steeped in atmospheric, dirty guitars, Haley Moley delivers a complex amalgam echoing these disparate roots and emerges refreshingly uncategorizable.

  • El Modernist Set to Release ‘Evolution’

    On October 16, indie-rock band El Modernist released their newest single, ‘Evolution,’ proudly played as an LGBTQ+ Fight Song. All proceeds from the track will be donated directly to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to providing crisis intervention and counseling to America’s LGBTQ+ youth.

    El Modernist Evolution

    Both Elton John and Freddie Mercury were able to be successful, even with the stigma that came with being queer. They were able to lay a path for future queer artists. More recently, Lil Was X, Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, and many others have taken what Elton and Freddie gave them and ran. In today’s time of social upheaval, more and more queer artists are fighting for the rights they deserve.

    According to their lead singer, Will Freddette, “This is an anthem for the queer artists that have been contributing and pushing the boundaries of art since the beginning of time, while more often than not having to hide their true selves while doing so.”

    El Modernist deliver a new take on the world of indie-rock, notably with ‘Evolution.” The band combines upbeat, catchy garage-rock with a modern alternative hip-hop sound. They are a very high-energy group, and bring that to their performances, resonating with fans of all ages.

    El Modernist Evolution

    All members come from diverse musical backgrounds and find great joy in blending various influences. This allows them to create something entirely new and entirely their own. Featuring a concoction of acoustic and electronic drums with screaming guitar riffs, every El Modernist show is a party that you do not want to miss.

    El Modernist, founded in 2018, is based out of Albany and have played various venues in the Capital District. Additionally, they help to curate the “We Are Albany NY” Spotify playlist which features music from any and all Albany-based who wish to be a part of it.

    The single will be released on all streaming platforms on Friday, October 26.