As the inaugural release from his upcoming Official Bootleg series, Neil Young chose a concert from December 4, 1970 at Carnegie Hall. It is an unheard solo acoustic concert that happened shortly after the release of After the Gold Rush.
Young performed two shows at Carnegie Hall that week. These gigs were the end to a phenomenal year for him due to the success of After the Gold Rush and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s Deja Vu. How important were they to Young and his budding career? He flew his parents to New York from Canada to witness the show.
In his book, Neil and Me, Young’s father, Scott Young, wrote,
“We sat, I guess, like visitors from another world, but once the place was dark, we could all see this dark form approaching the front of the stage and then the spotlight came on him: tall and thin, blue jeans, checkered shirt, work boots, dark straight hair to his shoulders or beyond, two acoustic guitars on a rack beside a plain wooden chair, a concert piano to his let. Moving gingerly as if his back was bothering him. No music to play except the songs in his head, all his own.”
Young has not yet announced a release date for the Carnegie Hall show, but fans could likely see the release before the end of the year. It is one of many projects, including the second volume of his Neil Young Archives box set and a 1990 club show with Crazy Horse.
“This one — Carnegie Hall, December 4th, 1970, is very special to me. Change happens fast. As I have gone through these early bootlegs, Carnegie Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion [2/1/70], Royce Hall [1/30/71] and others, they show a change, something you can hear — an evolution.”
Blue Note New York has announced their fall schedule for Blue Note Live, a completely online concert series featuring 19 performances from jazz legends, including the John Scofield Trio and Joe Lovano. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at bluenotelive.com.
The performances will be broadcast at 8:00 P.M. EST. They will then be re-streamed at 11:00 P.M EST that day, 8:00 P.M. Japan Local Time (7:00 A.M. EST), and 8:00 P.M. Central European Time (2:00 P.M. EST) the following day.
The series hopes to continue a relationship between the fans and the artists as well as other fans. To do this, they plan to use several interactive features through the livestream including a chat feature where they can interact in real time.
Blue Note New York Streaming Live Fall Schedule:
John Scofield Trio FT. Steve Swallow & Bill Stewart – September 11 at 8:00 p.m. Michel Camilo – September 12 at 8:00 p.m. Bill Frisell Trio FT. Thomas Morgan & Rudy Royston – September 18 at 8:00 p.m. Keyon Harrold – September 19 at 8:00 p.m. Madeleine Peyroux – September 24 at 8:00 p.m. Phony Ppl – September 25 at 8:00 p.m. Marcus Strickland Trio FT. Ben Williams & E.J. Strickland – September 26 at 8:00 p.m. Will Calhoun’s Changing Times Trio FT. Orrin Evans & Uganna Okegwo – September 30 at 8:00 p.m.James Carter Organ Trio – October 1 at 8:00 p.m. Joey Alexander – October 2 at 8:00 p.m. James Francies – October 3 at 8:00 p.m. Theo Croker – October 9 at 8:00 p.m. Mike Stern – October 10 at 8:00 p.m. Eddie Palmieri Afro Cuban Jazz Sextet – October 15 at 8:00 p.m. Ben Williams – October 16 at 8:00 p.m. Kenny Werner & Chris Potter Duo – October 17 at 8:00 p.m. Joel Ross “Good Vibes” – ‘Who Are You’ Album Release Concert – October 23 at 8:00 p.m. Joe Lovano’s Joyous Encounter – October 24 at 8:00 p.m. Trio 3: Oliver Lake, Reggie Workman, Andrew Cyrille FT. Vijay Iyer – October 30 at 8:00 p.m.
Since March, the Coronavirus global pandemic and government shutdown had left many people in their homes stuck with nothing to do. That is until, famed producers Hit-Boy and Boy-Wonder began the Verzuzcraze on Instagram Live, playing their most popular records back-and-forth. Timbaland and Swizz Beats expanded on the phenomenon, elevating it by pairing older, iconic acts together to showcase their catalogs in a 20-song format.
Verzuz battles have helped keep the general public’s minds off of the pandemic and the success from each ensuing battle has fans creating dream matchups of who they want to see next, and which artist they want paired with who. One of the artists that many fans want to see step into the ring is Jay-Z. Widely considered as one of, if not the greatest rapper ever, conversations surrounding a potential Hov battle have people asking two questions: given his immense stature, would he actually do a Versuz battle? And, who exactly would be his opponent?
The first names that have been tossed around are his long-time rival Nas and Lil Wayne. Nas and Jay-Z’s rivalry is well-documented and dates back to the late 90’s. Their problems began when Nas turned Hov down for a feature on Jay-Z’s song “Dead Presidents” off of the Reasonable Doubt LP, because Nas’ voice was sampled for the record. With that, animosity began to build, as both rappers exchanged shots for years throughout multiple songs until the rivalry met its climax in 2001.
https://vimeo.com/316958866
First came Jay-Z’s “Take Over” from his Blueprint album, while Nas replied a few months later with “Ether.” Their battle marked Nas’ to hip-hop superiority, as well as the first real loss by Jay-Z. It only makes sense that their convoluted history has fans yearning for a Verzus battle between the two.
While Lil Wayne’s case is centered on his dominance of the rap game during the mid-to-late 2000’s, he has also had a healthy rivalry with Jay-Z with the two sharing subliminal shots at each other on various records. While all these names are legendary in their own right, the best opponent for Jay-Z isn’t Lil Wayne or Nas, but none other Method Man.
Making a name for himself in the early 90’s as the face of the most gritty and diverse group in hip-hop history, Wu Tang Clan, Meth has been a part of many classic albums in his own right. From his work with the Clan, his own solo albums and guest features, he has enough in his arsenal to give Jay-Z his toughest matchup in a Versuz Battle.
Why Meth and not Nas or Wayne
Some will say that Method Man isn’t a better choice to battle Jay over Nas or Lil Wayne and they would be wrong. Artists have egos and want to be matched up with other rappers whom they believe are of their stature. Jay-Z is at the pinnacle of hip-hop as a mogul, artist and legend. He is constantly praised by hip-hop media outlets who have been the main reason for him being mentioned as the “G.O.A.T.” in recent years. Prior to his success as a businessman, that title was reserved for the likes of Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Rakim, LL Cool J, and Nas.
Jay-Z has always been conscientious of how people perceive him. In a 2019 Breakfast Club interview, rapper T.I revealed that Jay-Z phoned him over comments he made where he stated that he believed Tupac Shakur was the greater emcee.
Jay-Z took some offense, which let the masses know that being considered the greatest is important to him. From his pespective, why go head-to-head with Nas again? Because of the extent of his radio catalog, he would would be the heavy favorite, to the point that most would write off Nas, just as they did in 2001.
While a Verzuz battle is meant to be hit-for-hit, we’ve seen them deviate from this course and highlight quality records over just radio-friendly music. In this scenario, Nas could come with 20 of his best records and possibly sneak a win from Jay-Z, and if he does, then his status among mainstream media as the best rapper ever would come into question.
The same thing can be said for Lil Wayne, only his win would come from his sizable radio catalog. If Jay-Z were to battle him and go hit-for-hit, there is a possibility that he would lose. Another overlooked aspect is that Nas, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z all have laid-back personalites, which might not be the most entertaining to the public as other battles have been. This is where Method Man comes in. As the host of TBS’ Drop the Mic, his personality is effervescent and thus would serve as better entertainment to audiences, as he would surely provide great banter during a Verzuz battle. Meth is not considered usually in the conversations for best rapper ever, he is thought of like Snoop Dogg; a dope rapper in their prime, who have been featured on great songs throughout their careers.
If Jay-Z were to get defeated by Method Man it would be more of a look for Meth and his catalog than a diminishment of Jay-Z’s. Meth is pulling from not only his catalog but the entire Wu-Tang Clan’s, as well as guest verses he has done throughout his career. If Jay-Z does defeat Method Man, then he can say he took down Method Man (who was at one point viewed as a better emcee than Jay-Z in the mid to late 90’s), while also claiming that his own catalog was able to overcome Wu-Tang Clan’s discography, which would make his case as the greatest ever stronger.
How Would Their Battle Go?
A battle between Method Man and Jay-Z would be interesting because of their contrasting styles. Meth has a gritty gutter style and has been known to rhyme over tougher beats. Jay-Z is smoother and rhymes on more polished sounding production. Meth might probably start off with his first single off the 36 Chambers album “Method Man” or “Protect Ya Neck,” the track that put the entire Wu on the map. This would put Jay-Z in a bind, as a lot of the early Wu Tang records are considered some of the best rap songs of all-time. This would probably force him into playing a lot of his older, more acclaimed work but, he would most likely still play some of his newer songs like “Story of OJ,” due to its popularity and current climate of the world, with race relations and internal bickering amongst the black community.
A major risk in this battle is sequencing. Would Jay-Z try and use his Billboard hits against Method Man with songs like “Déjà vu” with his wife Beyonce? While one of his highest charting songs ever, against Method Man, the underdog in this battle, it would not be wise to play those kind of records.
Method Man has gotten a bad rap for “whining” about being overlooked in his all-time ranking when people mention the greatest emcees. A Verzuz battle with Jay-Z not only brings new listeners to his already iconic catalog and also opens up discussions about where Method Man should be ranked in the pantheon of hip-hop greats. This also works in Jay-Z’s favor, as Method Man has a legendary and mostly underrated discography. If Jay-Z were to lose, it would be shocking but no one would question his superiority over Method Man in the rap hierarchy. If Hov wins, then he would reaffirm his status as the best rapper of all-time.
Here is a list of both MC’s potential versus picks.
Bob Holmes, a member of SUSS and Joel Mellin and Christopher Romero of Gamelan Dharma Swara collaborated to create the minimalist group numün. They released their first album, voyage au soleil, French for “voyage to the sun,” on Friday, September 4. With their different backgrounds, numün is able to achieve a unique sound by using both American and traditional Balinese instrumentation, aided by synthesizers and looping.
The album first began as a project to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1969 moon landing. As with much ambient music, there is an inspiration from Brian Eno, but numün is able to break away from him using unique instrumentation and a key central element for the listener to follow.
The album begins with “Tranceport,” a song that invites the listener into the album. Even on this first track, the use of less-common instruments is evident. The song uses a gong that rings periodically. This functions as a start to the album, but also a start to the journey the listener is about to embark on. It transitions into a more guitar-heavy section, eventually fading into the next track, “First Steps.”
“Tranquility Base” works as a recap of the previous two tracks while also looking ahead to the future. As the longest track in the album at 8:22, numün is able to use this time to glance at the journey in front of them. The group reflects on what happened and looks to what is in store. The final three tracks work to propel the reader towards the finish, the heart of the sun.
The listener can get lost in the music and drift, but they will never get too far. There is always something that can pull the listener back. Sometimes it is a repetitive melody changing; other times it may be the use of an instrument that is foreign to the listener’s ear. voyage au soleil is a journey through it all: the unknown, the pitfalls, and the triumphs.
Key Tracks: Tranceport, Tranquility Base, Voyage Au Soleil
moe. has announced additional shows to go along with their two nights at Yarmouth Drive-In in Yarmouth, MA later this month. They’ll hit Chesire Fairgrounds in Swanzey, NH on October 22 and South Farms in Morris, CT on October 25, in addition to the Cape Cod shows held in between on October 23 and 24.
moe. is a well known and loved jam band that formed at the University at Buffalo in 1989. Made up of band members Rob Derhak, Al Schnier, Chuck Garvey, Vinnie Amico, and Jim Loughlin, the band has been around for three decades and is known for their “mind-bending” sound that gives them an edge in creating mesmerizing musical synergy, unfettered showmanship, and smart, resonant songcraft that makes them unique to the jam band scene. Some of their most well known songs are “Nebraska,” “Silver Sun,” and “Okayalright.”
Tickets for the just announced New Hampshire and Connecticut shows are on sale now. moe. Yarmouth Drive-in exclusive pre-sale tickets went on sale on September 10 via the Yarmouth Drive-In’s website.
Yarmouth Drive-in near Cape Code will be following safety procedures to keep guests safe. People will be required to park in spots with 10ft between them and other vehicles and there is marked out 6ft distancing in anywhere there will be queue of people. Any time people leave their vehicle they will be required to wear a mask and there will be contactless entry where tickets will be scannable on guests phones at the entrance. Concessions will also be available to order via an app telling purchasers when their food is ready making it so crowds aren’t waiting for food. There will be backstage testing and temperature checks for all of the staff as well. The full list of safety guidelines can be found here.
After the moe. Miracle Mile Drive-In concert was cancelled by venue management on July 29 due to safety concerns just days before the event was supposed to take place. There were many concerns with out of control shows in NY like the Chainsmokers performance which created this need for extensive safety guidelines. The extensive safety guidelines Yarmouth Drive-in have implemented will hopefully keep the show going.
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:
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.
Billy Joel has decided to push his shows to late 2021 and 2022 at Madison Square Garden in the light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He was originally supposed to take the stage in March of 2020 but like many shows he had to postpone to later dates.
Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden shows were originally supposed to take place between March 19, 2020 and Monday, August 3, 2020. It was then initially rescheduled to take place between September 26, 2020 and February 3, 2021. They have now been pushed back and are taking place between November 5, 2021 and February 12, 2022. Pretty much all 2020 shows have been pushed but few have been pushed back as far as Billy Joel has pushed his shows. The longer the world deals with the coronavirus it seems less and less likely that we will be back to normal in 2021 particularly in the live entertainment industry.
In a message posted on Billy Joel’s website it asks fans to, “Please be advised that the six Billy Joel concerts which were originally scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden between March and August 2020, and were subsequently postponed to September 2020 through February 2021, have been rescheduled to take place between November 2021 and April 2022. All original dates, along with their corresponding initial rescheduled dates and the new rescheduled dates are outlined below. Tickets for the original show dates and initial rescheduled show dates will be valid for the corresponding new rescheduled dates in 2021 and 2022.” Those outlined dates can be found here.
Ticket holders who aren’t able to attend the new dates can request a refund before October 5, 2020. If a refund is not requested during the allotted time, tickets will automatically be transferred to the new rescheduled show date and no action is needed by the ticket holder. People interested in a refund for tickets purchased through Ticketmaster, visit my.ticketmaster.com/account. For refunds on tickets purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office, call the MSG Guest Relations department at 212-465-6225.
The New Rescheduled Show Dates are the following: Friday, November 5, 2021 Monday, December 20, 2021 Friday, January 14, 2022 Saturday, February 12, 2022 Thursday, March 24, 2022 Friday, and April 8, 2022.
For more information please visit Billy Joel’s Website.
Over the last few years, Queen tribute band, Almost Queen has been on a roll. Selling out across the US, with 2020 starting out the same way. Then Covid-19. No shows, no touring, nothing. So, what’s a band to do? Some started doing social media performances, while others put out new music to cover the void. Neither route quite fit the mold of Almost Queen.
Plan B? What was old is new again. Drive-ins. Yup, drive-ins. Dating back to the 1910’s, hitting its popularity in the ‘50s’ and ‘60’s, drive-ins are experiencing a rebirth as the arena for live music. If you park it, they will play.
Almost Queen; Sunset Drive-In Concert Series
Now let’s be clear here. This is not The Capitol Theatre, The Strand Center, or Brooklyn Bowl. This is a drive-in. When the lights go down, it’s because the sun has set. So how do you prepare to play in this new realm? “With great difficulty” Randy Gregg, bass player for Almost Queen, cites. “Very different from the way we would prepare normally. What used to be this, is now this. It’s a whole different system of doing things now.“
Almost Queen; Sunset Drive-In Concert Series
“Our job as a band, is to break down this barrier between the band and the crowd, and get that crowd on your side before 90 minutes is up. That’s always the plan with any band. Now, that barrier is even thicker when they’re in their cars. “
Almost Queen faced this challenge head on in June when a band, booked to perform at a drive-in Hempstead, Long Island show, had to be quarantined, having just been in Florida. Almost Queen was called on a Wednesday to play that Friday.
Tailgating; Sunset Drive-In Concert Series
“What had us very nervous was jumping into a drive-in show with two days notice. With all the work it takes to put a show on, and now it’s minimalized to hours to do things.” Gregg recounts. Adding to that, because of Covid, the band hadn’t played together in four months. The pressure was mounting. After squeezing in a rehearsal the night before the show, “we came out with the gloves on, just raring to go,” Randy quips. “Four months will do that to you when you’re cooped up. Apparently four months does that to everybody who was in the crowd that night. Even though everyone was in their cars, it seemed a bit explosive, if you will. People leaning on their horns, flick’n their lights, and you could hear people screaming and clapping from inside their cars. Definitely a different situation then it has been in the past. It is what it is. If there is a will, there is a way.”
With their foray into parking lot rock a success, the band started thinking of ways to interact with their audience, while adhering to restrictions. The solution? A “goodie bag,” given to each car when they arrive. Think of it as somewhere between a program and swag. In the “bag” is a brochure that shares info and photos about the band, glow sticks, and assorted rock accouterments that can be used during the show.
Almost Queen; Sunset Drive-In Concert Series
Our job as a band, is to break down this barrier between the band and the crowd…that barrier is even thicker when they’re in their cars.
Randy Gregg. Almost Queen
NYS Music tagged along with the band as they played the Sunset Drive-In Concert Series presented by Bergen PAC, at Garden State Plaza, in Paramus N.J. The lot used was a in a remote location behind the mall and isolated enough that you didn’t notice that Route 4 and 17 were beyond the perimeter. When we pulled up to the gate, our temperatures were taken, goodie bag received, and we were guided to our parking spot by a member of the on-site logistics team. Tailgating was approved for the show with each car given an additional space next to it, specifically for those purposes. Pre-show festivities went from people pulling drinks from a cooler to spreads with tables and tablecloths, candelabras and complete dinnerware sets. The “house” was filled with cars as far as the eye could see and large video screens were set up on each side of the stage, to insure that all had a full view of the action. Those attending ran the gamut from early Queen fans (circa 1970), to those who won’t learn to drive for a few years.
Almost Queen; Sunset Drive-In Concert Series
With the sun preparing to sink below the horizon, Almost Queen took to the stage, greeting the crowd with “We Will Rock You,” letting all know what was to come. Joe Russo, who takes the role of Freddie Mercury, embodies the lead singer’s spirit with his vitality and charisma. Not to take away from the rest of this rock tested band: John Cappadona on drums, Steve Leonard on guitar, and Randy Greggs on bass; who amplified their rock personas, performing as if they are in a 100,000-seat stadium and not a drive in.
Almost Queen; Sunset Drive-In Concert Series
As the night progressed, more and more cars could be heard honking their horns in approval of the show. Midway through the night, the band dedicating the apropos “I’m in Love With My Car,” to all in attendance as a thank you for attending. Even though this was a wide-open, socially distanced drive-in show, singing was encouraged with Russo engaging the audience in a song round establishing a sense of solidarity between band and crowd.
Pulling songs from the vast catalog of Queen, the night’s set included, “Killer Queen,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and “Another One Bites The Dust,” with each song building on where the last one left off. The show closed with a multi-song encore, including “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We are the Champions.”
Joe Russo, Almost Queen; Sunset Drive-In Concert Series
It takes the right act to be able to connect with an audience that has restrictions placed on them. Almost Queen proved worthy of the challenge by piercing the veil of disconnect and pulling everyone, whether in a car, back of a truck, or standing in their socially designated spot, into being part of the band.
Almost Queen will be performing this fall at various Covid approved shows in the northeast including Saturday, September 12th at the Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester, NH. Check there website for future shows. Whether you’re a Queen fan or not, you own it to yourself to see Almost Queen. A band that goes beyond being just a tribute, to what a rock ‘n roll band should be.
Alternative Ithaca musician Harry Nichols released a new solo EP, A Spoonful of Sugar, on September 4. Nichols has been influenced by various styles–beachy, punk-pop, folk, indie, and rock, to name a few–but this EP has its roots in electro-pop.
Harry Nichols started writing music at fourteen. He has been releasing music as an independent artist since 2010, and has several albums and EPs out on Bandcamp, which draw inspiration from Blink 182, The Beach Boys, and Bob Dylan. He has made a name for himself in Ithaca’s concert scene, and has been playing live for years. Many of his concert videos are on the Finger Lakes Music Press YouTube channel.
Since his last nerd-life inspired record This Isn’t the Album you’re Looking For…,Nichols focused on contributing to his bands Noon Fifteen and Julia Felice and the Whiskey Crisis. He released a few demos and solo EPs since, but this September, Nichols finally releases his latest solo EP. Nichols considers this easy listening track, A Spoonful of Sugar, his first major release in six years.
ASoS was written and recorded entirely during the COVID-19 quarantine. The track is much poppier than Nichols’ other work, and the razor sharp melodies match the emotions behind the lyrics. Nichols takes pop punk and soul and blends them into synth and digital drums, as those were the tools he could work with by himself during quarantine.
Although the lyrics are a reflection on the loneliness of social distancing, the music is upbeat and energetic. Nichols lets the listener momentarily escape from the current sadness and stress and live in this poppy world he makes with A Spoonful of Sugar. ASoS is available for purchase on Bandcamp now.
