NYS Music 202​0

Category: Genres

  • Watch moe., Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Twiddle and more at Summer Camp Virtual Festival

    It’s Memorial Day weekend and typically, you might find yourself at a music festival to kick off summer. With COVID-19, the collective experiences are on hold for the year, but festivals are doing their best to provide fans with a bridge to the experience they look forward to all year. Summer Camp Music Festival, founded by moe. in 2001 is holding a Virtual Festival all weekend, with live performances, throwback highlights, new songs, interviews, panels, and much more to bring Scamp vibes to the Scamp family across the country.

    summer camp virtual festival

    Each day kicks off with OM On The River hosting Yoga. Then Scamp will dive into various panel discussions, artist retrospectives, and close it out with bangin’ late night sets from some of the your favorite performers over the years, including hosts moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Keller Williams, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Twiddle, Gov’t Mule and more. As a bonus, Zac Brown Band, Trey Anastasio Band, Jane’s Addiction, Willie Nelson, Tedeschi Trucks Band and The Roots will be making appearances in Headliners: A Look Back segment, on Sunday, May 24.

    summer camp virtual festival

    Get a 3-Day Summer Camp Virtual Festival Pass and you’ll have the ability to rewatch the entire stream through June 17! Each 3-Day Virtual Pass is just $24.99 with a portion of proceeds going towards nonprofits including Headcount, Conscious Alliance, and Backline,  plus participating artists and their crew. Get your pass here, and check out the schedule below!

  • Escaper releases new single, “Open Sky”; announces upcoming studio album ‘Apotheosis’

    With their new single “Open Sky,” Brooklyn’s Escaper give a taste of their upcoming studio release, Apotheosis, their first official studio album in nearly two nears. Due out on June 19, “Open Sky” fits the mood of the country right now – comtemplative, melodic and a needed reminder to take time to celebrate the simple beauty of human existence while the world is on pause.

    Guitarist Will Hanza says of the album,

    “[Apotheosis] represents change and growth for us as a band, as well as individually… On “Open Sky”, the first single from the album, we feel a freedom of being.” “Open Sky” represents the sheer Escaper way of breaking free of confinement and allowing our most true selves through. The idea… reflects the climb to self actualization.”  

    The single was recorded and mixed by John Davis at The Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, and colorfully exhibits the refined sound of Escaper’s dedicated core of musicians. “Open Sky” is the combination of each band member’s individual expertise combined with their musical sensibilities, keeping your feet moving and brain grooving as you listen.  

    An airy sequence starts off “Open Sky,” with light percussion and keys being introduced before a velvet smooth bass line frames the song as Hanza and company work into the structure of the song. The song has a full-bodied quality to it, with no one member standing out more than the others. “Open Sky” finds Escaper firing on all cylinders in a groove that is reminiscent of their live performances.

    Escaper continues to bring fans both new and old their weekly Escaper at Home video series, and listeners can expect a great deal of fresh content ahead of Apotheosis‘ release on June 19 on Ropeadope Records.

  • Jay-Jasmin releases new interstellar single “Bitch I’m From Venus”

    “New” and “single” refuse to encapsulate the anthology of neo-futurisms encased in the declaration from Jay-Jasmine in “Bitch I’m From Venus.” Ten-thousand lens shatters post-modern divides between interstellar imagery laced to ancient industrial breakbeat trance-pop, all to be reconfigured in Jay-Jasmine’s mythical resonance.

    Jay-Jasmine’s non-conforming, non-binary and cosmic celestial opus unifies contrasting mediums into parallel summits tracking a visceral explosion of sensory. “Bitch I’m From Venus,” doesn’t long for a lost downtown meets uptown outburst of vogue vibrancy, it details a blueprint where concrete runways adjoin synthetic neon lights stripping lineal wisdom into self-defined bodies. The canvasses Jay-Jasmine’s melodic articulation jar offers no delusion of the intended revolution it embodies.  

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYDXCbp8LZ/

    The track is inspired by ancient Divine Feminine energies of the goddess Venus who has 10,000 names. “Earth is experiencing a return in these energies and I wanted to make music showing that in the form of an alien invasion in NYC”. JAY-JASMIN is very inspired by fantasy and sci-fi and uses a blend of styles to create a work that has not been seen before and illustrates a new dimension. The main message of the song is to overthrow the patriarchy and raise the vibration of the planet through a revolution of love and freedom. 

  • Watch: Onyx Collective Shares Official Video for ‘Where or When’

    New York Jazz ensemble Onyx Collective have shared the official music video for their single “Where or When” off of their debut album Manhattan Special: Onyx Collective Plays Rodgers & Hart / Rodgers & Hammerstein. The song itself first appeared as part of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s 1934 musical comedy, Babes in Arms. So, while it may be viewed as a cover, Onyx Collective have added their own twist, with a feature from singer and cellist, Kelsey Lu. 

    Directed by No School & 22 and edited by 22 Note, the video was shot in Paris, France and served as a love letter to the city. Filmed right before the global shutdown as a result of COVID-19, the video sees Lu take to the town in black-and-white video, as the city’s landmarks, transportation services and civilian life are presented to the audience. Yet, it doesn’t feel much like a tour but rather an attempt of capturing the city’s infamous beauty, with Lu’s eerie vocals serving as our guide. 

    Onyx Collective is a nebulous jazz ensemble, hailing from Manhattan, NY. The group is composed of saxophonist, Isaiah Barr, Austin Williamson (on drums) and are regularly joined by Joshua Benitez on keyboard, Jack Guliemetti on guitar, Felix Pastorius and Spencer Murphy on electric bass, and Dean Torrey and Walter Stinson on upright bass, along with a collection of musicians whom like the official band members all attended New York’s musical conservatory. More recently Onyx Collective toured as A$AP Rocky’s live band.

  • Julia Gargano’s Road Ends on American Idol

    As “American Idol” on ABC came to an end on Sunday, May 17, many were disappointed to find out that Julia Gargano would not be advancing to the top five. 

    Gargano, a 22-year-old graduate of the College of Saint Rose in Albany, gave her all in a top seven socially distant group performance of The Beatles’ “Come Together” but it was not enough for her to advance onto the final five. 

    Hailing from Staten Island, Gargano came a long way from her first audition where she performed an original song called ‘Growing Pains’, stunning the judges from the very beginning. She continued to wow spectacular performances such as with Pink’s “Glitter in the Air” and Adele’s “Sweetest Devotion.”

    Despite having not made it on to the top five, Gargano still felt grateful for the experience Idol has given her. “I love you guys. Thank you so much,” she said, while rocking a silver dress at home for the finale.

    Much of the 18th season of “American Idol” took place virtually from the residences of the singers’ homes due to social distancing protocols in place because of the coronavirus outbreak. Technical difficulties initially caused a bit of confusion as the top five were announced but the show continued on. 

    In the top five were piano teacher Jonny Webb, college student Francisco Martin, construction worker Dillon James, Nepalese singer – songwriter Dibesh Pokharel (stage name: Arthur Gunn) and Samantha Diaz (stage name: Just Sam), a 21-year-old subway singer from Harlem. 

    Each finalist performed two songs and viewers voted live for their favorites. New York still saw a victory when Ryan Seacrest announced that Just Sam was the Season 18 winner of ‘American Idol’ on ABC. 

  • Hearing Aide: Palm Suede’s latest single “Fight or Flight” remains relevant amidst global crisis

    New York-based electro-pop duo, Palm Suede, is delighted to share their new single “​ Fight or Flight​” that premiered May 15. The song continues the two’s exploration of battling anxiety while dealing with everyday situations

    Palm Suede renders the duos new single “Fight or Flight” balanced in vibrational techno-pop frequency lining a rapture of uptempo synth-balladry. The anthem unclenches the tightly knitted anxieties of windswept dispatches to find symphonic solace in the eye of the storm. The duo dares the frame that social distancing entails disconnection. In primal chemistry of intimacy, mindfulness, and allure the cadence breaks from expectation to fight gravity in every breath of Ellen Hodges’ aerial vocal register.

    In the trial between two poles stretched across oceans, the sound transcends the current with an international claim. Crossing over Palm Suede splices lyrical expressions from geometric cadence to take flight in the indulgence of the song’s entrancing backbeat. The duo specially produced Fight or Flight to be able to seductively lure escapism in being centered in one’s own energy. 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B99lS75Fyon/

  • Bob Dylan Live-Stream Birthday Celebration at the State Theatre of Ithaca

    The State Theatre of Ithaca, in partnership with DSP has announced a free live-stream in honor of Bob Dylan’s birthday on Sunday, May 24 at 8 PM. The live-stream will feature a bunch of different artists from Central New York and even some largely well known artists. All proceeds from The Bob Dylan Birthday Salute will go to supporting the participating local and national touring artists that have lost their income and livelihood during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Bob Dylan’s birthday is on May 24 and he’ll be turning 79. Dylan is one of America’s top all time artists and is considered one of the most original and influential voices in music history. He is a legendary singer-songwriter that has won Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy awards, as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Nobel Prize for Literature. Although he won’t be performing himself, the show will be in the spirit of Bob Dylan. 

    The birthday celebration will feature performances from Joan Baez, Sam Harris from the X Ambassadors, Billy Strings, Sarah Jarosz, Eilen Jewell, Aoife O’Donovan w/ Eric and Colin Jacobsen, Chris Smither, Tommy Siegel from Jukebox The Ghost, Steve Forbert, Miss Tess & Thomas Bryan Eaton from Miss Tess & The Talkbacks, Maddy Walsh & Mike Suave from Maddy Walsh & The Blindspots, Joe Crookston, and Jim Miller from Western Centuries. 

    The State Theater of Ithaca is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization who relies on donations from the community on top of it’s ticket sales to keep its doors open. Donations will go to the artists as well as covering the production expenses that go into creating the live-stream.  DSP Shows also known as Dan Smalls Productions, is a staple promoter who largely works out of central New York. Dan Smalls played a significant role earlier this month in organizing the John Prine live-stream tribute with The State Theatre.  

    People can view the live-stream on the State Theatre of Ithaca’s Facebook page as well as their YouTube channel starting at 8:00 PM EST on Sunday, May 24. For more information visit the State Theater’s website or DSP website.

  • New Jersey Pop Punk outfit FRND CRCL share new single “Loose Cannon” just in time for summer.

    New Jersey’s FRND CRCL (pronounced Friend Circle) comes in hot just in time for summer with their new single “ Loose Cannon” off their sophomore album Internet Noise.

    Delivering their new single with angsty, punk-driven lyrics and catchy melodies reminiscent of early 2000s pop punk akin to the likes of Sum 41 and Blink 182, the track is essentially about embracing the mentality and spirit of punk rock, with lyrics referencing the choice of not selling out in college and even a comparison to the heartbreaker himself, Ben Stiller. FRND CRCL deliver their youthful hooks over crunchy and distorted guitar passages and twinkling lead melodies. If one thing is clear about this group it is that they certainly don’t cut the “pop” out of pop punk. 

    The track is produced by FRND CRCL and Tyler Skye of Monoplane Recording Studios, this is the second single premiering off of the upcoming sophomore album Internet Noise, which dropped May 1.

    Formed in 2018, Aaron Smith (Drums) and Dom Giacalone (Lead Guitar), along with dual vocalists Zac Johnson (Guitar) and Adam Skirvin (Bass), combine their individual musical backgrounds to create a new approach to the genre. Utilizing 2010 era pop structures and punk rock riffage, FRND CRCL is not afraid to incorporate lyrical wordplay, the occasional pop culture reference, and influences from various genres across the board.

  • Caffe Lena to celebrate 60th anniversary on May 21 with online streams

    Caffe Lena, the storied venue for folk and indie music in Saratoga Springs will celebrate its 60th anniversary on Thursday, May 21 with festivities adapted for social distancing guidelines.

    Early in the day from 12-1pm, a two-part event will include Bonacio Construction’s flatbed trucks as they roll around Saratoga Springs with bands playing music on the back. These artists include gypsy jazz group Hot Club of Saratoga, soul singer Garland Nelson and jam band Let’s Be Leonard on a route that includes Broadway, Lake Avenue, and Circular Street in Saratoga Springs. Attendees are encouraged to park along the route, decorate their cars, and cheer out the window as the parade rides along.

    caffe lena 60th anniversary

    In the evening starting at 7pm, there will be a live stream at CaffeLena.org, featuring stories, songs, and photos from the Caffè Lena community.

    The evening broadcast will feature artists such as humorist Christine Lavin, Vermont folk duo Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen, celebrated blues guitarist Rory Block, singer-songwriter Don Armstrong and Colorado folksinger John Winn, who joined the venue’s roster in 1960.

    “Each of these performers have played the Caffè Lena stage many times and represent the breadth of our programming,” said marketing manager Carolyn Shapiro.

    The celebration marks six decades of Caffè Lena, which opened its doors on May 21, 1960. Actress Lena Nargi Spencer opened the doors of a new coffeehouse at 47 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs with a goal to create a venue with a “continental atmosphere,” complete with espresso, folk music, poetry, fine art, and plays.

    Artists and curious customers made their way to the top of Lena’s narrow stairs and the venue quickly became an off-the-beaten-path mainstay in the burgeoning world of folk music. Lena passed in 1989, but not before making her venue a landmark.

    When COVID-19 collided with Caffè Lena’s spring season, the venue, recognized as the longest continuously operating venue of its type, pivoted almost immediately to an online schedule of “Stay Home Sessions” that have reached thousands of YouTube viewers across the globe with nightly live or pre-recorded performances. Tips donated by viewers have put more than $25,000 into the pockets of these musicians since March 14.

    Viewers may make donations during the broadcast to sustain Caffè Lena through the shutdown.

    In addition, the nonprofit organization is using the occasion to launch the Lena Legacy Society, a new endowment fund that is expected to grow over the coming years.

  • One day virtual music festival ‘Quarantine Comes Alive’ kicks off May 30

    On Saturday, May 30, Live For Live Music in partnership with Nugs.TV and PLUS1 will presents their one-day virtual music festival, Quarantine Comes Alive. With events like Brooklyn Comes Alive cancelled for the time being, Quarantine Comes Alive offers a music marathon with more than 60 artists with a reported 90% brand new content created for the event.

    The non-stop day of entertainment starting at 1 PM ET on May 30. Much of the new content will be produced in safe studio spaces, or captured creatively between band members who will work together remotely from various locations.

    quarantine comes alive

    Dedicated to an even split of donation proceeds between the participating artists and PLUS1 COVID-19 Relief Fund, the event is modeled after one-day music marathons Brooklyn Comes Alive and Denver Comes Alive. Quarantine Comes Alive was founded to celebrate and support musicians, provide fans with unique musical experiences from the comfort of their couch, and raise money for comprehensive COVID-19 relief during this unprecedented time. 

    In response to the devastating COVID-19 outbreak, PLUS1 launched a PLUS1 COVID-19 Relief Fund to support those in the musical community most affected. Working directly with leading non-profit organizations like Sweet Relief, MusiCares, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, World Central Kitchen, Partners In Health, Trans Lifeline, and Backline, the PLUS1 COVID-19 Relief Fund’s goal is to provide aid where it is needed most. PLUS1 is a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes cultural leaders and their fans to bring visibility, awareness and funding for social and environmental justic

    Ari Fink of SiriusXM JamOn, Phish Radio & Dave Matthews Band Radio will host the virtual event, as well as set break interviews with artists from across the lineup and the minds behind Quarantine Comes Alive’s various non-profit partners. Additionally, alongside the main Quarantine Comes Alive stream, the festival will be hosting Zoom dance parties all day long.

    Participating artists on the lineup span an eclectic range of genres, presenting everything from bluegrass to singer-songwriters, jam bands to indie rock, electronic music to funk, soul to Americana and more—surely there is something for every musical taste in store. A full list of artists can be found below.

    Fans are encouraged to visit QuarantineComesAlive.com and RSVP. Those who make a donation of any size in advance will receive an email with a link to the stream the event on the day of show, Saturday, May 30th. Additional information is available over at the event’s official Facebook Event page.

    Quarantine Comes Alive Performances By:
    ALO
    Anomalie
    Andy Frasco
    Arlo McKinley
    Aron Magner
    Aqueous
    Big Sam’s Funky Nation
    Big Something
    Brandon “Taz” Niederauer
    Brendan Bayliss
    The California Honeydrops
    Casey Russell
    Circles Around The Sun
    Cris Jacobs
    Dave Brandwein
    Dave Watts
    David Shaw
    Dominic Lalli
    Dopapod
    Dumpstaphunk
    Electric Beethoven
    Everyone Orchestra
    Fruition
    Galactic
    George Porter Jr.
    The Ghost Of Paul Revere
    Goose
    Goldfish
    Greensky Bluegrass
    Here Come The Mummies
    Holly Bowling
    The Infamous Stringdusters
    Ivan Neville
    Jen Hartswick
    Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers
    Joel Cummins
    John Medeski
    Jon Cleary
    Karina Rykman
    Lawrence
    Leslie Mendelson
    Lettuce
    Lindsay Lou
    Lyle Divinsky
    Maggie Rose
    Magic Beans
    Marco Benevento
    Melvin Seals & JGB
    Mike Dillon
    Mononeon
    Moon Taxi
    The Motet feat. Jason Hann
    Natalie Cressman
    Neal Francis
    The New Mastersounds
    Nick Cassarino
    Nigel Hall
    The Nth Power
    OG Garage A Trois
    Papadosio
    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
    Prince Purple Party
    Railroad Earth
    Robert “Sput” Searight
    Robert Walter
    Roosevelt Collier
    Ryan Dempsey
    Ryan Montbleau
    Shira Elias
    Southern Avenue
    Spafford
    SPAGA
    SunSquabi
    Tom Hamilton
    Turkuaz
    Vince Herman