NYS Music 202​0

Category: News Desk

  • New Scientific Study Explains Why Music Can Give People the Chills

    A new scientific study was released on Nov. 3, 2020 that explains why music can quite literally give people chills while listening to it. The study explains how and why people experience these chills while listening to certain music. 

    The Frontiers in Neuroscience journal released an article titled, “Cortical Patterns of Pleasurable Musical Chills Revealed by High-Density EEG” that goes into depth on this topic. Researchers are trying to understand this by studying brain activity behind these chills people experience. They believe they are getting closer to understanding why music makes us feel pleasure.

    The study focused on 18 people comprising 11 women and 7 men, 10 of which were amateur musicians themselves. The study originally had 23 participants but three participants reported one or zero instances of chills during the experiment, and for two participants not enough EEG epochs free from artifacts were recorded so they were ultimately left out of the study. 

    The study was conducted with participants each picking five songs ahead of time that they knew often gave them the sense of chills. The scientists provided the participants with three neutral songs to listen to as a control group to compare the reactions the participants gave to the songs they brought in. The participants were told to sit back and close their eyes, and listened to the music through wireless headphones while scientists monitored their brain activity using an EEG. As the participants listened and got chills an average of 16.9 times each. Each chilling moment lasted for 8.75 seconds.

    Music Chills
    Regions of the brain activated when music gave participants experience chills. Graph provided by Frontiers in Neuroscience article.

    So why does this matter? What is the big deal about these chills? The big deal is when these participants listened to songs they brought that gave them the chills they had an increase in theta waves (a wave of brain activity that follows regular oscillations) in the orbitofrontal cortex. This area of the brain is associated with emotional processing. The scientists performing the study also found patterns of activity in two other brain regions: the supplementary motor area, a region of the brain involved in motor control, and the right temporal lobe, which is involved in interpreting non-verbal communication, like music.

    The scientists and authors of the study believe that the increase in theta wave power participants experienced on the surface-level which then signals a two-pronged reward response which happened deep in the brain. This buildup of theta wave power eventually releases dopamine in the participants systems and gives them those happy chills. 

    This proves that listening to music can scientifically give you chills. For more information on the study read the full article here.

  • Spotify Announces Discovery Mode Update, But There’s a Catch for Artists

    Spotify announced its plans to try to prioritize artists and labels in return for lower royalty payouts on Monday, November 2, 2020. The platform is introducing a new feature called, “Discovery Mode,” which will be appearing in Spotify’s Radio and Autoplay features upon launch. 

    Discovery Mode has become controversial across the community though because it will allow artists and record labels to influence the songs that are selected by its algorithm for personalized recommendations. How this will work is artists and labels won’t be required to pay anything up front, but by opting in to the Discovery Mode, they will agree to get paid a lower recording royalty rate for streams in those personalized sessions both in playlist radio stations and autoplayed songs after listeners songs, albums, and playlists end. 

    Spotify Discovery Mode

    Artists and labels who opt out of the Discovery Mode will continue to have their tracks play in radio and autoplay, but their tracks will no longer be prioritized in radio and autoplay. They will continue to get the standard recording royalty rate for those streams. This is why Discovery Mode is controversial. Artists and labels will no longer be on the same playing field. Inorder to get a better chance of being heard by new audiences they are forced to accept less pay from Spotify. 

    According to an article written about Spotify and their profit margins earlier this year by NYS Music, “Spotify has a market value of about $21 billion in 2019 and Daniel Ek himself has an estimated net worth of nearly $2 billion. According to a Business of Apps article, “Estimates vary on how much a Spotify stream is worth to artist: from $0.006-0.0084 to as low as $0.00318/stream. At a pay rate of $0.006-0.0084 a stream it would take a million streams for an artist to make $7,000.”

    It is still unsure what the new royalty payouts will be for artists and labels who opt into Discovery Mode. With already shallow payouts to artists and labels it won’t help anyone. Unless, that artist ends up blowing up from the prioritized radio and autoplay functions. Basically artists and labels will have to decide if they are willing to sacrifice their hard efforts for a chance of higher fame.

    Read more about Spotify Discovery Mode

  • The Park Theater Announces First Event Since March Shutdown

    After eight long months of being shut down, The Park Theater in Glens Falls is proud to announce they will open their doors. On Nov. 18 the venue with host an event; ‘Dinner & A Movie: A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood.’

    Cover art for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

    The screening of the movie will be accompanied with a three-course meal by Chef Matthew J. Delos. The guests will have their choice between three entrees and two different dessert. The 2019 film is about the late Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers, played by Tom Hanks and his friendship with investigative journalist, Lloyd Vogel, played by Matthew Rhys. According to a press release by the theater, the movie “tells a story of kindness, empathy, acceptance and transformation.”

    The Park Theater has been an entertainment staple in Glens Falls since 1911, where the town would watch silent films and vaudeville shows. In 1935, they closed their doors until The Post-Star bought and transformed the building into a printing plant. Over the years, numerous organizations tried to maintain the building’s reputation as a performing arts center, only to really make a change in 2018 by returning to its original name, The Park Theater and Doc’s Restaurant downstairs.

    For the event, doors open at 5 PM, dinner starts at 5:30 PM and the movie will begin an hour after dinner service starts. The tickets are $60 (+tax) per person and can be purchased online or call the box office at 518-792-1150. The theater recommends buying tickets sooner rather than later because seats are bound to go quickly after not having an event for so long.

    Mr. Rogers inspired children and adults throughout his career. This film demonstrates the impact he had on not only viewers of his show, but also his personal relationships.

    I think the best thing we can do is to let people know that each one of them is precious.

    Mr. Rogers
    Event Poster for The Park Theater

    For more information visit The Park Theater’s website.

  • System Of A Down Releases New Music For the First Time in 15 Years

    System Of A Down released new music on November 6, 2020 for the first time in 15 years. The band dropped two songs, “Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz” both speak of the dire and serious war happening in their cultural homelands of Artsakh and Armenia. 

    The heavy metal band, System Of A Down, formed in Glendale, California back in 1994. They are an Armenian-American band who have released five studio albums throughout the years. Three of those albums debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and were even nominated for four Grammy Awards. Their most well known song is “B.Y.O.B.” which won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance back in 2006. The band is made up of  founding members Serj Tankian who does lead vocals/ keyboards, Daron Malakian who does vocals/ guitar and Shavo Odadjian who plays bass/ backing vocals as well as John Dolmayan who plays drums. John Dolmayan replaced original drummer Andy Khachaturian back in 1997.

    The new songs “Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz” are the bands way of trying to inspired people to speak out about the horrific injustices and human rights violations occurring by the hands of the Azerbaijan and Turkey (along with Isis terrorists from Syria). They have attacked the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh which we as Armenians call Artsakh. Civilians young and old have been awakened day and night by the frightful sights and sounds of rocket attacks, falling bombs, missiles, drones and terrorist attacks. People have had to find sanctuary in makeshift shelters while trying to avoid the fallout of outlawed cluster bombs. Their attackers have set their forests and endangered wildlife ablaze using white phosphorus, another banned weapon.

    The band asks people to donate and help those who have been affected by the ever growing accounts of crimes against humanity currently happening to the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. In return the band offer downloads of the two new songs for just $2. These funds will be used to provide crucial and desperately needed aid and basic supplies for those affected by these hideous acts.

    For more information on the release and reasonings behind “Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz” visit System Of A Down’s website.

  • AZ Teases ‘Doe or Die 2’

    Of the many fabled rappers that have hailed from Brooklyn, AZ might be the most overlooked. When great Brooklyn emcees are the topic, the usual suspects are The Notorious B.I.G., Jay- Z, Big daddy Kane, amongst others. Rarely is AZ ever brought up and that is seemingly how he prefers it, having given himself the moniker “AZ Quiet Money.” 

    AZ — whose rise to notoriety came from his classic guest-verse on Nas’ magnum opus debut-LP, Illmatic — has mastered a rare skill in a profession that is filled with ubiquity and hubris. The art of playing the background and biting your time. It also helps that as a famed lyricist, AZ has laurels to rest on. 

    Which is why it comes as no surprise to see the “Sugar Hill” rapper tease the sequel to his platinum-selling debut, Doe or Die,on his own accord. In an Instagram post which features a teenage picture of AZ and Nas, the caption reads “We been cooking up since 94 & We still cooking.,, Doe or Die 2 Coming soon!”

    Although talks of a sequel to his debut can be traced as far back as 2015 (the album’s twentieth anniversary), there seems to be a re-invigoration from the “Mo Money, Mo Murder” rapper, having released a new record — “Found My Niche” —  and an accompanying music video earlier this year. 

    A return album would be AZ’s first since 2009’s, Legendary. The “Firm” rapper (along with close associate, Nas) has gained a reputation for a specific style of rap. While gangster and mafioso Hip Hop ruled the mid-1990’s, AZ’s claim to fame was that while he was from the areas where great dangers lied, his records weren’t always in first person and oftentimes portrayed stories from the neighborhood. In addition, AZ’s knowledge of self and higher learning has always made him a favorite among hip hop connoisseurs, making a possible release to Doe or Die 2,much anticipated. 

  • The Hold Steady Announce ‘Massive Nights 2020’ Celebration

    The Hold Steady will host their annual Massive Nights 2020 livestream celebration on December 3-5. Brooklyn Bowl will livestream the event to showcase The Hold Steady’s music and allow viewers to enjoy the show from the comfort of their own homes. Music kicks off on December 3 and 4 at 9 p.m. and on December 5 at 5 p.m.

    THe Hold Steady Massive Nights 2020

    The Hold Steady plan to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their fifth studio album, Heaven Is Whenever with a special double-album reissue set to release on November 27. The limited-edition vinyl and CD of Heaven Is Whenever Deluxe Edition will include nine unreleased bonus songs and liner notes by Drive-By Truckers co-founder and singer/songwriter/guitarist Patterson Hood. As a bonus, the digital version of the deluxe album will include six unreleased songs. Fans can pre-order the limited-edition album on the THS website.

    the hold steady
    Photo by Lee Allen Photography

    On May 4, 2010, The Hold Steady released Heaven Is Whenever. making it their first release since the departure of keyboardist Franz Nicolay on January 20, 2010. The album debuted in the top 5 on Billboard’s “Top Alternative Albums” chart and made a top 10 debut on Billboard’s “Top Rock Albums.”

    Everyone seems to have an opinion about our fifth album. Here in 2020, we’re very proud of Heaven Is Whenever. It’s the sound of a band pushing through difficult times by making music about that very struggle. It acknowledges suffering as part of human life. And with all the extra songs that we recorded beyond the album tracks, it’s a testament to the band’s willingness to show up and try to work through uncertainty. Happy 10 years to Heaven Is Whenever

    The Hold Steady

  • Jim Brickman Set to Support Proctors Theatre with Virtual Performance

    Jim Brickman, a Grammy-nominated songwriter and pianist, will perform his “Comfort & Joy at Home 2020” Virtual Tour on December 13, at 8:00 p.m. Although the pandemic has affected in-person performances, Jim Brickman is continuing his tradition of providing a front-row experience to a holiday celebration. The virtual performance will include the opportunity for fans to sing, clap and laugh along with Jim Brickman while supporting local theatres, like Proctors Theatre, at the same time. The virtual tour will start on November 29 and end on December 23, while supporting musical venues all over the country.

    Jim Brickman

    Ticket prices will start at $40 with some packages including an interactive Zoom Room, virtual meet and greets, and Christmas gifts delivered to your door. A portion of each ticket purchased for the “Comfort & Joy at Home 2020” Virtual Tour will benefit Proctors Theatre, which is located in Schenectady, NY who has partnered to provide the virtual experience. Proctors Theatre was one of many New York music venues that have faced financial hardships due to the cancellation of live performances because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Jim Brickman has already amassed quite a bit of success throughout his career. He has two Grammy nominations to go along with earning 22 “Number #1 Albums” and 33 “Top Radio Singles” in the “Billboard Magazine.” He also has collaborated with musicians such as Michael Bolton, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, Lady Antebellum, and more. In addition to music, Brickman has written three best-selling books and is in the 22nd season of hosting his syndicated radio show “The Jim Brickman Show.” His latest creative avenue in 2020 is the “Brickman Bedtime Story” podcast that can be heard on Pandora, Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio Podcasts.  Fans can prepare for the holiday season by pre-ordering Brickman’s new album “Soothe Christmas” on his website.

    Click here to purchase tickets.

  • Bardavon Presents 50th Anniversary Tribute to The Velvet Underground

    The Bardavon Opera House has announced a 50th anniversary celebration of Loaded by legendary rock band The Velvet Underground. Streaming free on Youtube November 15th at 8 p.m., the set includes curated commentary by Bardavon’s Stephen LaMarca with Chris Silva, Michael Nickerson and others.

    The Velvet Underground

    Formed in 1964 singer/guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise, The Velvet Underground’s sound pushed the envelope by introducing rock to something sexier and with more grit. Although having a sound way beyond their time, a unlikely benefactor helped skyrocket the group to success.

    At the end of 1965 pop art icon Andy Warhol saw the band at a club and quickly as sold.Warhol assumed management of the group and incorporated them into his mixed-media/performance art ensemble, the Exploding Plastic Inevitable. By spring 1966, Warhol was producing their debut album. Besides album sales never reflected such, The Velvet Undergound’s is still revered as one of the best rock bands of all time.

    Featuring original performances from Loaded by The Velvet Underground, created especially for the Bardavon: 

    “Who Loves the Sun” – Tracy Bonham w/ Kevin Salem

    “Sweet Jane” – Simi Stone

    “Rock & Roll” – Steve Wynn from Dream Syndicate

    “Cool it Down” – Lost Leaders

    “New Age” – Leah Hennessey from Hennessey

    “Head held High” – Deerhoof

    “Lonesome Cowboy Bill” – John Doe from X

    “I Found a Reason” – Matthew Logan Vasquez of Delta Spirit

    “Train Round the Bend” – Satellite Mode

    “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’” – Harmony Rockets w/ members of Mercury Rev, Psychedelic Furs and Hugo Largo

    Session outtake: Ocean – Shana Falana

    Bardavon’s streaming series became an important way for the opera house’s to stay connected to music fans during Covid-19. Archived albums currently available for viewing on their Youtube channel include; Bob Dylan’s ‘Highway 61’, Grateful Dead’s ‘American Beauty’, Hudson Valley Philharmonic, Randy Fleischer and HVP Virtual Concert Hall #1.

    A portion of all donations from this streaming series will benefit People’s Place in Kingston & Dutchess Outreach in Poughkeepsie

  • Order Of Operations to Release Talking Heads Cover EP

    Order of Operations, a Brooklyn-based synth-pop project released their cover of “Psycho Killer.” This is the first to be shared off of their upcoming Talking Heads covers EP. It is the solo project of musician and producer Alain Paradis. This is the first recorded output from Paradis since 2014. The EP, Love Me Til My Heart Stops, is available November 19.

    Order of Operations

    Order Of Operations is the solo project of Brooklyn musician Alain Paradis. The group spans the spectrum of future-looking indie — from austere cold wave, to noisy post-punk & dream pop, to Big Chair-style synth ballads in search of a John Hughes film.

    The group debuted with 2014’s EP Constrvctive Delusions. Love Me Til My Heart Stops marks his second release, as he works towards his next original music venture. Alain Paradis lives in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY with his synths and his regal-looking Persian cat Zoe.

    Order of Operations
    Photo Cred: Brennan Michalowski

    There’s a symmetry present in Order Of Operations reimagining the music of Talking Heads in 2020. Caught up in a cacophony of crises, NYC has begun to mirror the rumbling streets of the late 1970s that Byrne and company first crawled up from the cracks of. Alain Paradis sends a bright and lucid current through these songs, replacing irony with something that feels more like empathy. Additionally, the skittish no-wave originals are remade into evocative synth-pop anthems, spun through a kaleidoscope of chillwave and bedroom pop influences, until they seem to exist in their own unique time and space.

  • Buffalo Welcomes New Event Company Twenty6 Productions

    Owners and operators of the annual Cobblestone Live Music Festival and Buffalo Iron Works, Josh Holtzman and Grace Vesneske, announced the launch of their “full-scope’ production company, Twenty6 Productions.

    Twenty6 Productions
    Cobblestone Live pre-pandemic.

    Holtzman and Vesneske developed the company after two decades of working in the music and hospitality idustry all over Western New York. Their experience has lead them to create Twenty6 and operate any venue, however big or small.

    According to a press release, Twenty6 Production’s resume possesses a myriad of events, from pandemic- inspired, drive-in concerts at two locations to private parties and small weddings. Before the pandemic, they held many music events, nonprofit gatherings and more.

    There’s no event we can’t take on. From private parties to nonprofit gatherings to large-scale music festivals, we’ve done it all and know how to navigate any situation. Surrounded by some of the industry’s best, both Vesneske and I feel incredibly optimistic about what the future holds for Twenty6 Productions

    Co-founder Josh Holtzman

    Twenty6 Productions will run numerous services for clients, including event management and logistics, event budget development, food and beverage management, venue event management, event staffing, marketing, branding , and talent buying.

    Twenty6 Productions
    Twenty6 Productions Founders Josh Holtzman and Grace Vesneske

    The company will work with anyone, including purveyors ranging from festivals, restaurants, concerts, non-profits, corporations, and the privately-owned sector.

    In a Facebook post, the company states that they will provide “every event with the highest standard of professionalism.”

    About a year ago, we started throwing around the idea of starting our very own event production company. If you know us, you know our passion lies in creating memorable experiences for those around us. Global pandemic? No problem, we’ll bring our community drive-in concerts! And just like that, Twenty6 Productions was born, right before our eyes.

    Twenty6 Production’s Facebook page

    For more information, follow Twenty6 Production’s social media pages.