Category: Genres

  • Get Familiar with Lucas Garrett and his new EP ‘Familiar Floors’

    Lucas Garrett, a 27-year-old musician from Glens Falls, NY, has just released his album Familiar Floors. Since his EP Evening’s Come, but It’s Not Dark in 2017, he has come out with a few powerful singles. However, this album marks a transition in his career where he sings about his life in a new, but confusing light.

    Lucas Garrett
    Lucas Garrett’s ‘Familiar Floors’ Album Cover

    Consisting of four songs – “Wires Humming,” “All Around Me,” “Inside Out,” and “One More for the Road,” – his album’s lyrics speaks volumes. With a mixture of rock and roll and folk, Garrett shows his talents with great musicians by his side. Bandmates including Kevin Kosach on bass, Emmett Rozelle on drums, and Cassandra Pratt and Bob Bates on Violin, all who contribute to Lucas Garret’s musical vision.

    Where am I right now?
    I cannot pretend
    To know where this room starts and
    Where it will end
    I have a strange feeling
    I’ve been here before
    Nervously make my way
    Across familiar floors

    Lucas Garrett – ‘Inside Out’

    The album’s name, Familiar Floors, resonates with anyone who has ever felt befuddled in their own life, not knowing what got them to where they are now or where it will take them in the future. Garrett has made this clear through his music that life takes you on unexpected journeys, but you always have to make the most out of where it takes you.

    Two Tails Graphics and Consulting

    Lucas Garrett has not had an easy life, but he is also very aware of how fortunate he has been. The singer-songwriter suffers from Pompe Disease which makes him wheelchair bound and in need of respiratory aid, but still he gets to live his dream of producing music. He understands the meaning of music and how music is different for every ear listening. Garrett says, “Music is an equalizer, ‘cause everyone gets it, you know? I play a lot better than some people, I play a lot worse than some people, and it has nothing to do with what I got goin’ on health-wise. And no matter what you do in life, there’s always gonna be someone better than you—and someone worse than you.” He does not let his condition define him, which continues to speak to his identity as an individual and as a musician.

    I can see your ecstasy all around me
    We have eaten, now we wait for the new day

    Lucas Garrett – ‘All Around Me’

    In his new song “All Around Me,” he sings about ecstasy which expresses his feeling of great happiness. Not only does he speak of happiness in his lyrics but he demonstrates all emotions: sadness, anger, and enjoyment, to name a few. On “Wires Humming,” you can hear these emotions come to light.

    My mind is burning
    The world is burning
    What the hell can we do?

    Where do we go?
    Gone before tomorrow
    We’ve been wasting
    Away our days
    Unrelenting dreams

    Lucas Garrett – ‘Wires Humming’

    It is not an easy task making lyrics that resonates with not only himself, but his listeners as well, and Lucas Garrett shows his talents better than ever in this new album.

  • The Sea The Sea, Sarah King, The Rough Shapes 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 The Sea The Sea, Sarah King, The Rough Shapes and many more!

    The Sea The Sea

    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 Sea The Sea – “I’ll be Loving You”

    On the wave of their latest release, Stumbling Home, WEQX will play the single “I’ll be Loving You.” Heartfelt lyrics, soul stirring harmonies, and very attentive arraignments make this music so interesting to indulge in listening. 15 million Spotify streams can’t be denied. The Sea The Sea is a pop band only in their melodic infectiouness, otherwise they are at their best when subverting conventions and making really excellent music.

    Sarah King – “Nightstand”

    Sunday evening EQX will broadcast Sarah’s newest single, “Nightstand” before it is released on October 2. Sarah’s powerful and dynamic voice is a link between Americana roots and pure wide open soul. Her songs are insightful and cut to the many dualities of the human condition. There is an intensity to her lyrical honesty and vulnerability. You’ll feel like you’re sitting on a front porch in the deep south on a sultry summer night with one too many drinks behind you, looking out at a dark, beckoning path toward a future you want to believe in but can’t quite see.

    The Rough Shapes – “Lost Stations”

    If dark moody rock-billy is a thing, here it is in all its glory. The Rough Shapes latest release is titled “Lost Stations” and is full of significant flowing melodic songwriting coupled with world-class performances by this guitar, bass, and drums trio of Jeff Kadlic, Colin Almquist and Dan Cartwright. On the surface the music plays, but there are layers of rich textures that continue to reveal themselves upon each deep listen to this awesome new release.

  • Premiere: Brooklyn’s Greywolf collaborates with Aya Nori on “Temple”

    Today, Greywolf drops the second single, “Temple,” off his upcoming debut album, titled Operation Wolf. A perfect follow-up to his solo debut “Exit Key,” the track continues the beautiful sounds and harmonies of the first release, as well as similar themes of release, cutting chains that weigh you down.

    greywolf

    Whether it’s shame, adversity or betrayal, “Temple” sends a message, making a conscious choice to live your best life and to project love, even in times of peril. The track opens with synth sounds that remind one of church bells ringing in the distance, as well beautiful harmonizing between Greywolf and guest vocalist Aya Nori. The track contains elements of hip hop and R&B, particularly Aya’s verse, and sounds at times like a Justin Timberlake tune.

    Aya Nori

    While Greywolf (Jay Grey) is best known for his work as bassist for Brooklyn-based Escaper, he has branched off to deliver a sound all his own. Once again he plays all instruments on this track — vocals, synth, bass, and beat programming. Additional lyrics written and sung by Aya Nori, who has recently released her sultry single “Daze,” the follow-up to her critically acclaimed song “Young And Offended.”

    Teaming with Aya Nori for “Temple” was a dream come true. I’ve been a fan of her music for a long time and couldn’t be more excited with the end result. I feel we’re cut from the same cloth in terms of tonality.

    Greywolf

    “Temple” was mixed and mastered by Abe Seiferth. Greywolf’s debut album, Operation Wolf, will be available for release in Fall 2020. Wolf says of the upcoming album, “The timing of the record — I don’t think there is any better time to put music in the world. If I can project light and hope into this world then I know I’ve done my job.”

  • Wiley Watson Releases Pop Rock Late Night Bar Anthem “The Kid”

    Brooklyn based artist Wiley Watson today releases his new single “The Kid,” taking listeners on a journey inspired by a rambunctious night in York, England, post-breakup.

    Wiley Watson

    The song features a variety of styles blended to construct the party-induced instrumental. The vibe you can expect going into this track is cheerful regret, its the type of music that plays in the background of a dive bar with a PBR in hand and, that is what makes it “indie” in the best way.

    The instrumentals fuse influence from across genres including pop, indie rock, and hints of hard rock but, with a heavy reliance on a new-wave funk swagger.

    The alt-rock/pop artist promises to bring all the energy on his new track exclaiming, “The song is a party/bar fight type song,” exclaims Watson. “I want the listener to listen to this song before they go on a night out with the lads. It’s all about bad decisions, poor choices, and having a legendary night with your pals.” A statement which, is swiftly delivered as the track progresses.

    Wiley Watson

    Wiley is genuinely giving in his approach to writing his music and it’s content. You can feel robust with his upbeat rock anthems, can transcend into a memory with his melodic guitar riffs, or even feel melancholy through his sadder, ‘lost love’ songs. His style can be credited to a broad range of influences from classical composers, heavy metal shredders, arena singing pop stars, and even spaghetti western films; Wiley’s influences broadens his sound which allows for a wide audience appeal. 

    A former college athlete, Watson returned to New York City, a place that influenced his childhood and now lives in Brooklyn. Here is where Wiley would begin to challenge his sound and grow with influences of contemporary indie rockers such as Bleachers and F.U.N. 

    To find out more about Wiley Watson, visit his website, and for more music, check out his Soundcloud.

  • Smoke Jazz and Supper Club Launches New Streaming Service

    The Smoke Jazz and Supper Club in NYC is starting a new streaming service, Smoke Screens, to deliver its jazz to audiences around the world. The world-renowned artists are streamed live using six HD cameras in audiophile sound.

    Smoke Jazz and Supper Club

    The program was launched in July with Wayne Escoffery. Since then, there have been sets by Peter Bernstein, Vincent Herring, Steve Turre, and other esteemed artists. Joe Farnsworth will be on September 25, joined by Wynton Marsalis, to celebrate his new album, Time to Swing.

    Smoke Screens has been considering starting a livestream for many years. However, the owner, Paul Stache, wanted to do it correctly and “reflect the quality of the artists performing.” Because Smoke Jazz and Supper Club hosts so many top artists, Stache wanted to wait until they were able to have optimum sound and lighting.

    When asked about the quarantine, Stache replied, “It’s been tough for us, it’s tough for the musicians and it’s tough for New York. All the things that we love about the city are shut down, so Smoke Screens is our attempt to bring the intimacy and excitement of Smoke into people’s living rooms and find a way to bring them the music they need.”

  • Fairy-Folk Artist Shira Releases Birds of a Feather EP

    Shira, a fairy-folk singer-songwriter from Rochester, has released the first part of her new EP Birds of a Feather on Sept. 18. The four-song EP is the first part of a two-part release with the rest of her project, called Birds of a Feather Flock Together, coming in 2021. Shira’s radiant personality provides listeners with an infectious amount of hope on her latest project.

    Shira
    Courtesy of One in a Million Media

    Shira released the music video for the song “Wait For Me” on Sept. 18 alongside her EP. The ukulele arrangement perfectly complements her journey from the US to reunite with her fiancé in Barcelona in the video. Shira’s nervousness for her international journey is also accompanied by a sense of hope as she sings, “One more breath before I go, there’s nothing left to hide.” While the lyrics reveal a level of vulnerability her graceful singing reveals optimism towards taking a risk as she did when she embarked on her journey.

    “Usually” positively embraces anyone who is going through adversity, especially fitting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her lyrics: “Don’t let fear kick in, it’s just trying to make your bright light disappear” encourages listeners to hold to hope even during times of uncertainty. Shira’s self-described “fairy folk” sound resonates through the lively orchestral arrangement on this track.

    Shira
    By Iraia Olivas Etxaniz

    On her title track “Birds of a Feather,” Shira successfully blends her voice with the ensemble of drums, piano, and guitar as she sings about the value of strength and unity in partnership. Even through life’s adversity, Shira’s reassuring lyrics: “We’ll brave this storm, birds of a feather” emphasize the strong partnership displayed in her video when she traveled to her fiancé across the world. Shira’s violin filled arrangement on “Go Uncharted” captures the decision to take a leap of faith into the uncharted unknown. In a mission to bring healing to the world through music, Shira’s Birds of a Feather delivers a needed sense of unity to listeners.

    Birds of a Feather is about finding yourself first, exploring, not being afraid to ask for what you want, struggling with the fear of never being seen, listening to your inner voice over outside noise, letting go and trusting.

    Shira
  • Jimkata Announce first new Album in four years, “Bonfires”

    Jimkata announces new album titled Bonfires which is anticipated to be released in Spring of 2021. The new album announcement comes on the coattails of the band dropping multiple singles this summer after their indefinite hiatus back in 2017. Bonfires is Jimkata’s first studio album since 2016’s In Motion.

    Jimkata Bonfires
    Jimkata. Photo provided by press release.

    The new album will include 10 tracks according to their press release. The album will be released as a series of singles every month with an accompanying visuals and merch line for each song.  Jimkaka hopes the album Bonfires highlight themes of uncertainty, being in limbo, and looking for an anchor of hope in these trying times. 

    Three singles have been released so far off the anticipated album. The three singles, “Wanna Go,” “Wait for You,” and the title-track “Bonfires” already nod to the themes Jimkata is trying to capture within the album. “Wanna Go” focuses on perception versus reality particularly in the times of social media. “Wait for You” touches on the feelings of being dejected and the unknown of what the future holds. “Bonfires” is all about the vulnerability people feel when they are facing uncertain times and the reflexive tendency to seek out the comfort of nostalgia that happens as a result. 

    Jimkata is a three-piece anthemic, synth-washed, electro-rock band based out of both Ithaca and Los Angeles. They had grown a large grassroots following before taking a two and a half year hiatus. They have released six studio albums all with their signature swirling synths, infectious pop hooks and candid lyrics. 

    For more information on Bonfires and Jimkata, and to pre-order limited edition vinyl of the new album and other merchandise, visit Jimkata’s website and stay tuned for updates. Enjoy Jimkata from their final perfomance in Albany in May of 2016 below.

  • Metropolitan Opera Announces 2020-21 Season is Cancelled

    First reported by the New York Times on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Opera announced that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced them to cancel their entire 2020-2021 season. They will reopen September 2021, at the earliest.

    Metropolitan Opera

    This decision will likely affect organizations across New York State, but around the country as well. Many arts organizations are attempting to slowly reopen in accordance with social distancing guidelines, but this decision may put an end to that.

    The pandemic closed the Met in mid-March, costing the Met $150 million in revenue and leaving about 1000 employees, including its orchestra and chorus, furloughed without pay for almost six months now.

    Peter Gelb, the general manager for the Met, has announced an ambitious 2021-22 lineup to reassure its donors and patrons that they will remain strong. In addition, Gelb said he will ask the company’s unions to agree to cost-cutting concessions that will be necessary post-pandemic.

    The Met plans to open with Terence Blanchard’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” the first opera that they will perform by a Black composer. This is in part due to the rise in racial awareness that is occurring around the country, but also an effort of the Met to find more of a balance between contemporary works and the staples that made them famous in the first place.

    Two lives at the Metropolitan Opera have already been lost to the virus: Vincent J. Lionti, a violist, and Joel Revzen, an assistant director. The scheduled star of Puccini’s Turandot next season, Anna Netrebko, announced that she had been hospitalized due to the virus.

    Having already sold $20 million in revenue for 2021-22, the concern now is less about the Met Opera, and more about the other organizations that may look at the Met and their cancellation as a precedent.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl10z41-A7s
  • Disco Biscuits announce 3-night Halloween Drive-In Run in Syracuse

    Apple butter toast is nice, but how about apples and Biscuits this Halloween? Lafayette Apple Festival Grounds, in conjunction with Creative Concerts, are bringing the Disco Biscuits to Syracuse for a 3-night Drive-In run over Halloween weekend, October 29-31.

    The Disco Biscuits 3-Night Halloween run will offer fans the opportunity to safely enjoy live music while following social distancing guidelines. A car pass provides a designated space for a standard passenger vehicle and entry for a maximum of four  people per vehicle.

    disco biscuits Halloween

    Concertgoers will be able to enjoy the full Disco Biscuits concert production within their designated space for the duration of the event. Fans may bring their own prepared food and beverages to enjoy during the show.

    Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 25 at 10AM ET. For more information visit CCTix.com

    The LaFayette area of New York produces a great deal of apples amid a rural atmosphere, rolling hills, and beautiful fall foliage. Lafayette Apple Festival is one of the Northeast’s premier arts and crafts shows, and is within walking distance of the site where the Cardiff Giant was discovered in 1869.

    The Disco Biscuits played a very memorable Halloween in Syracuse in 2015 at Crouse-Hinds Theatre when they put the disco in Disco Biscuits. The show featured the Philly Stray Horns in the second set, along with vocalist Alita Moses who sang on covers of “Get Down On It,” “Funky Town,” “You Should be Dancing,” “Born to be Alive” and “Give it to me Baby.” Listen to the full show here and watch the first set below.

    Last November, the Disco Biscuits played SI Hall at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, and a month later closed down Playstation Theater in Times Square. Watch the 45-minute “Spacebirdmatingcall” from SI Hall below, including a Tractorbeam jam on Crackazat’s “Fly Away.”

  • Turkuaz “Ophidiophobia” melds Brooklyn funk and Talking Heads

    Brooklyn nine-piece funk lords Turkuaz explore the space between beauty and poison with their new single “Ophidiophobia,” featuring Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew of the Talking Heads. They’ll debut the tune live this weekend during VIRTUAL ROO-ALITY, Bonnaroo’s Virtual music event.

    Within this age of social distancing, Harrison and Belew added in their parts remotely, and the collaboration between Turkuaz, Harrison and Belew will appear on VIRTUAL ROO-ALITY as Remain in Light, an ensemble that was slated to tour the festival circuit throughout the 2020 summer.

    We had always planned on doing a little bit of Turkuaz material in the upcoming ‘Remain in Light’ tour with Adrian Belew and Jerry Harrison. Once the pandemic hit and the tour was postponed, I started to think this would be a really nice track to have those guys on.

    Dave Brandwein

    Pronounced oh•fid•e•oh•fo•bia, what began as an instrumental groove originally titled “Dr. Jones” with a sinister, dark tinge turned into an Indiana Jones-inspired track, as recalled by Turkuaz bari-saxophonist and vocalist, Josh Schwartz. Another working title that Dave added was “Akar Saga,” but upon looking up the phrase and discovering it was a beautiful, tropical vine, Schwartz knew he was onto something special.

    “A poisonous but beautiful tropical vine with red and black features reminded me of snakes, of which Indiana Jones is famously afraid, so I realized I could combine imagery and words from both placeholder titles to write a song involving snakes. When I found out that the fear of snakes is a word as beautiful and strange as ophidiophobia, I knew this song had to be written.

    ophidiophobia

    This was yet another great collaboration experience with Josh building on a groove/bassline that Taylor [Shell] brought in to some writing sessions we had here at my studio. I think most of us took a small amount of these mushroom capsules I had. Turns out they weren’t so ‘micro’ and some of us had a bit more of an experience than we’d planned for. But we carried on and tried to let the grooves take over! Once Taylor started on this bassline I think we may have just jammed on it for about 40 minutes straight.

    Dave Brandwein

    Tune into Virtual ROO-ALITY this weekend to catch “Ophidophobia” performed live.