NYS Music 202​0

Category: Regions

  • Hearing Aide: Evan Alexander Moore’s “The Perennial Millennial”

    Evan Alexander Moore dropped his debut album The Perennial Millennial is a defining snapshot of our time on May 22, 2020. A quirky social commentary on the American millennial experience in 2020, it’s a concept album through and through. In its sprawling length of 70 minutes, the NYC singer-songwriter tackles capitalism, the ruling class, and most entertainingly, “millennials are destroying x industry” clickbait.

    Despite his varied influences from Bob Dylan to Kendrick Lamar to Joni Mitchell, Evan Alexander Moore sounds fully original. While it’s easy to spot the aforementioned artists’ impact, he retains his own unique style. One of the album’s strengths is that the sound mixing is crackly and distorted like an old record from the 60s or 70s—a comforting contrast to its intense topical lyrics. It’s also quotable from start to finish: the opener, “Millennial,” has the line “I feel like Atlas with all this school debt on my shoulders.”

    Standout tracks on The Perennial Millennial include “Our Time,” “Grand Little Symphony,” and “The Price of Cereal.” And while not full songs, its two interludes offer some of the album’s most genius moments. On “Brian’s Interlude,” Moore remarks that “pitting generations against each other is just fucking clickbait shit.” He also pays homage to Bob Dylan on “Hey, Mr. Zimmerman!” The album admittedly feels long at times—the title track “Perennial” is over 14 minutes—but it’s certainly ambitious for a debut effort.

    After pondering what legacy millennials will leave, Evan Alexander Moore ultimately concludes that “our generation will grow out of the cement that has been paved over us.” For younger generations, The Perennial Millennial is an inspiring, reassuring, and guilt-free experience.

    Stream The Perennial Millennial here:

    For more information visit Evan Alexander Moore’s website.

  • Danielle Ponder Releases track to Combat Racism

    Danielle Ponder and Karate Boogaloo team up to create “Look Around,” a meaningful single to focus the public’s attention towards BIPOC being oppressed and murdered throughout the world.

    Danille Ponder, an artist and activist from Rochester, started out this year by laying down a track for “Look Around,” a song that responds to the literal fires eating away at the continent of Australia. When she returned home to the US, she was, unfortunately, given even more dark events to add to those described in the song. The killing of George Floyd and countless other African Americans has ignited a call to action in many, Danielle Ponder included. On July 24, Danielle Ponder and Karate Boogaloo released the updated and finished version of “Look Around” as a way to remind everyone in the world of the deadly issues currently happening in America and across the globe. 

    Danielle Ponder spoke about the inspiration she had for “Look Around,” saying, “fires were raging through Australia and smoke covered the sky. It felt like all of our human sins had gotten the best of us and we were paying a price. I didn’t know that when I arrived back home in the U.S, the world would only get darker. I feel like my past self wrote this song for my future self knowing what was to come.” Danielle Ponder’s powerful soul vocals and visible writing talent make her voice memorable. This song was made in solidarity for all BIPOC. 

    Danielle Ponder Photo by Hannah Betts

    Although they come from different continents, it was no problem for Danielle Ponder and Karate Boogaloo to make a connection. Their chemistry is clear in the music, as it flows naturally like they have been collaborating for years. The vocals and instrumentals together pack a powerful punch that effectively delivers the song’s message of unity for global justice. 

    Although Black Lives Matter is a US-based movement, it has a presence in Australia where Indigenous people undergo similarly harsh treatment. In July and August, sales of “Look Around” will be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative in the USA and Warriors Of The Aboriginal Resistance in Australia. Stream or buy “Look Around” now to support those in need.

    For more information visit Danielle Ponder’s website.

  • Rock and Pinball exhibit at Universal Preservation Hall – the perfect summer activity in Saratoga Springs

    If you’re in the Saratoga Springs region this August and September and need a safe activity for the whole family, where everyone can feel like a kid again, you’re in luck. Saratoga Springs’ Universal Preservation Hall has the perfect afternoon activity for you.

    rock and pinball

    “Part of the Machine: Rock and Pinball” is one of the most fun and unique experiences you’ll have this summer in Saratoga Springs. Designed for music lovers of all ages, you’ll find 16 different pinball machines, all inspired by Rock ‘n’ Roll bands including The Rolling Stones, KISS, AC/DC, The Beatles and Alice Cooper, among others.

    rock and pinball tommy the who

    There is of course one of the greatest pinball machines of all time, the detailed “Tommy” celebrating The Who’s “Pinball Wizard” himself. Alongside each machine, you’ll find artist memorabilia and information on each pinball machine, as curated by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, who brought the exhibit to UPH.

    UPH is also taking all precautions during the exhibit. There is a limit of 20 patrons per 90 minute block, during which time a facemask and gloves are required. Upon entry they’ll check your temperature and guide you in a socially distanced way to the exhibit.

    Following each block, all machines and surfaces are sanitized and cleaned over 30 minutes, before the next group comes in. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children, giving access to all pinball machines, with no need to dig into your pockets for quarters.

    The Saratoga region is fortunate to have such an exhibit open to the public during a time when group activities seem a relic of the past. Given the UPH staff’s propensity for professionalism and creating an environment that is welcoming to all, you’ll find this exhibit welcoming and return for future performances and exhibits. Playing pinball for 90 minutes is a great way to get lost in the music and feel like a kid again, if only for a short time.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDPST-FJtAH/

    “Part of the Machine: Rock and Pinball,” is now open and runs through September 26. Tickets are available for admission during the following time frames: Sunday – Wednesday: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. For more about the exhibit, visit UPH’s website.

    pete townshend guitar
    The guitar Pete Townshend used to write “Pinball Wizard” is an added bonus to the Rock and Pinball exhibit at Universal Preservation Hall.

  • Grace Potter Brings Live Music Back to Hudson Valley

    On Thursday, August 13, live music will be returning to Hudson Valley with a drive-in Grace Potter concert presented by Radio Woodstock.

    Grace Potter

    Since the COVID-19 shutdown, music events have turned to virtual platforms for fans to enjoy, but after months of waiting, in-person concerts finally make a comeback in the Hudson Valley. At the Hi-Way Drive-in Theater in Coxsackie, NY, Grace Potter will perform live for fans to safely watch from their cars. The show will be broadcast on the drive-in’s big screen, and the sound will be sent through the cars’ FM radio signal so that all can hear and see well. The music starts at 9PM, but the gates will open for socially-distanced tailgating at 6:30PM. Although live music’s comeback is exciting, it is most important for the Hi-Way Drive-in that all guests follow proper COVID-19 safety measures. 

    Tickets per vehicle will be $180. Front and second row VIP tickets will be $280. The tickets are per vehicle, with up to four people in one car. Presale tickets for Woodstock Supporters begins July 29 at 10AM, and tickets will be available to the general public at 10AM on July 31. To order presale tickets, sign up to become a Woodstock Supporter. If you want to wait, sign up for a reminder so you don’t miss when general tickets go on sale. 

    An Evening with Grace Potter will be presented on August 13 at 9PM at the Hi-Way Drive-In Theater on 10699 State Route 9W (Coxsakie, NY).

  • Albany Symphony Subgroup Dogs of Desire Announces “Hot, w/Mustard,” Series

    Albany Symphony subgroup Dogs of Desire announces their “Hot, w/Mustard,” 10 week series featuring 10 emerging composers. The series will start on August 2 and run through October 4 and the series will be available on the Albany Symphony’s website.

    Albany Symphony’s Dogs of Desire Photo Provided by Albany Symphony.

    The Dogs of Desire are made up of 18-members of Albany Symphony and will feature genre-bending new music. The emerging composers highlighted are: Alexis Lamb, Carlos Bandera, Annika Socolofsky, Andre Myers, Nina Shekhar, Jack Frerer, Clarice Assad, Gala Flagello, Paul Mortilla, and Derrick Spiva. The works of “Hot, w/Mustard” will cover a wide range of subjects, including an anthem paying tribute to nurses on the front-lines, Thoreau’s thoughts about the miracle of seeing the world through another person’s eyes;,the hope embodied in Dolly Parton’s music, bedtime stories,  and a feminist look at Dear Abby. 

    Artistic Director David Alan Miller explained the reasoning behind the creation of the “Hot, w/Mustard,” series saying,  “During difficult times, music is a source of inspiration, hope and comfort. We asked some of our favorite composers to create works to showcase the uniqueness of Dogs of Desire during a summer in which it is much more difficult than usual for listeners to experience exciting new art. We hope this new series will provide both our ardent fans and those who have never heard the Dogs [of Desire] the chance to enjoy our brilliant ensemble in all its glory through the rest of the summer. So, we hope you’ll kick back, relax and enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience each Sunday.” 

    https://youtu.be/bRr6EIxu9os

    The series will start up on August second featuring  Alexis Lamb on “Look Through” inspired by a quote from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. On August 9th the series will host Carlos Bandera with The Vast Hour. On August 16  will host Annika Socolofsky with an arrangement of Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” On August 23 Andre Myers  will step up to the plate with “Pulp Anthem: Reflected Glory” which is an anthem for nurses. On August 30 Nina Shekhar will present “Dear Abby” focusing on the 1956, Dear Abby is a newspaper column in which readers ask for advice on a variety of topics, including etiquette, relationships, sex, health, and career guidance. On September 6 Jack Frerer will be featured with “Getting Better.” On September 13 Clarice Assad will feature “Treta.”

 On September 20 Gala Flagello will present “Persist” after a poem Flagello wrote earlier this year. On September 27 Mortilla will present “Transmuting Ether // Quarantine-Dreams.” And on October 4 Derrick Spiva will wrap up the series with “From Embers” mimicus ideas of meditation, beginning small, then growing and unfolding with compound meters, mimicking the uneven beats of a pumping heart.

    The series will be available on Albany Symphony’s website and on Albany Symphony social media channels. Each new work will be unveiled on Sunday. There will also be features, including interviews with the performers and composers and festive menu ideas, accompanying each release. 

    For more information visit Albany Symphony’s website.

    Watch the first performance in the series by composer Alexis Lamb below.

  • Roots Founding Member Malik B. Passes away, aged 47

    Malik B., a founding member of legendary Philadelphia outfit The Roots has passed away. Born Malik Abdul Basit, he was a recognized member of the iconic hip hop band — which includes Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter — for their first four albums, with his last appearance as a member of the group on 1999’s Grammy-winning Things Fall Apart.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROfXQML7NY

    Malik went on to release a solo album in 2005 titled, Street Assault, and a subsequent album in 2015 titled Unpredictable, with record producer Mr. Green. After several years apart, Malik B. was featured on two additional Roots album, including three tracks on 2006’s Game Theory, as well as two tracks from their 2008 album Rising Down. 

    The Roots, who currently serve as the house band for Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show,” shared Malik B’s passing through a social media post that reads:

    “We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and longtime Roots member Malik Abdul Basit,” the group said on Twitter. “May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning.”

    While the other Roots members shared their own respective social media posts. 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDP5G9dlCBI/

    The cause of death has yet to be released, Malik B. was 47 years old. 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDPLu1nFpft/

  • Westside Gunn announces debut studio album ‘Who Made the Sunshine’

    On the heels of his 38th birthday, Buffalo rapper Westside Gunn — along with the rest of his Griselda Records cohorts — have been on quite the roll. And fresh off of his critically-acclaimed EP Pray for Paris and the much recently released mixtape Flygod Is an Awesome God 2, the Shady Records rapper looks to keep the momentum on his side with his third project of the year. On Wednesday evening, the one known as the “FLYGOD,” made a lengthy Instagram post describing what exactly this latest project means to him, as well as the journey and the conviction he had in his artistry that led him to this point. Accompanied by what can be assumed as the album cover, the caption read: 

    “Everything I’ve done thus far has led up to this moment, when I said FLYGOD was a classic ppl didn’t see it at that moment, then I dropped Supreme Blientele and made ppl to start believing, then I dropped PRAY FOR PARIS and I knew I had my formula together and I was ready for my first major release album and now it’s officially here “WHO MADE THE SUNSHINE” every project has been painted diff and with purpose, I know soon I’ll be done rapping but I have to give u WSG on a diff level this project I swear is my best work to date and I know it’s great bc it took me a week to make and not 2 days lol… but this is what HIP HOP is ALL about I feel young on this Album and I can’t wait until I give u this offering, I promise u You never heard ANYTHING like this on @shadyrecords this is ALL BUFFALO  BEAUTIFUL ART PIECE by WS POOTIE thank u so much Baby Daddy Loves YOU “ WHO MADE THE SUNSHINE” 8/28 on WESTSIDEGUNN DAY #CLASSIC #MASTERPIECE#CULTURE #ART #FLYGOD #GXFR#ICON this cant be compared to anything I’ve done beforE it’s IF “FLYGOD” and “SUPREME BLIENTELE” has a baby @shadyrecords@griseldarecords @interscope”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCNDANVHqT8/

    With his latest release only a few weeks old (July 3), and Pray for Paris the ripe age of 3 months old, his classification of this impending project as his “first major release album,” has caused some confusion. While signed to their own Griselda Records label, the trio of Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher and Conway the Machine, have also inked paperwork with Eminem’s Shady Records, a subsidiary of the West coast based Interscope records. The trio have combined to release WWCD, under Shady but no individual albums.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDPEgbvH6EF/

  • Hearing Aide: Cousin Fungus ‘22, Vol. 1′ and ’22, Vol. 2′

    Long Island jam band veterans, Cousin Fungus, have a long history of strong live performances. Some even credit them with contributing strongly to the establishment of a much more vibrant jam band scene today. With the release of 22, Vol.1, the band has released its best recorded material to date. With Volumes 2 and 3 promised to be right behind, veteran as well as new fans are in for quite a sonic treat.

    cousin fungus

    The band is made up of three brothers: Thomas (bass guitar, vocals), Christian (drums, percussion) and Henry (guitar, vocals) Stanziale. Good friend, Dennis Belline, Jr. (lead vocals, keyboards), rounds out this group of stand-out musicians.  The tight knit bonds between the members are on display on here in the cohesiveness of their sound. The collaboration just feels natural and easy.  

    From the opening keyboard notes on 22, Vol.1 evoking the Who, the songs sound both nostalgic and yet contemporary. This volume clocks in at just over forty minutes and the seven songs included are positive, almost celebratory. As bands and fans gear up for the return to live music shows, keep an eye out for Cousin Fugus. They are at the top of their game and ready to get back to the jam!

    Key Tracks:  Embrace, Black Cat Black Dog, Caravan

    With the release of 22, Vol.II, the Cousin Fungus crew unleashes their first album of live tracks. These seven songs have been honed and developed over the years, crafted with audiences watching. The guitar work is as steady and solid as you’d expect from these jam band veterans. And the keyboard contributions really stand out, sometimes as featured solos, but also as a connective agent between all of the pieces assembled here.

    cousin fungus

    Cousin Fungus doesn’t shy away from exploring different styles of music either. There are bluesy elements, funky stylings and straight ahead roaring guitar riffs.

    The final installment of the “22” trilogy will be released in the coming months.

    Key Tracks: Bridges, Ignis Fatuus, The Taunting

  • Video Footage of Chainsmokers Concert Leads to NYSDOH Investigation

    The Hamptons in Long Island hosted a charity “drive-in,” concert that proved to be a public health threat after video footage revealed a mass crowd of people.

    To the left, the Chainsmokers perform in front of a large crowd. On the right, they rep the tequila brand Ja Ja Tequila, which presented the concert.

    The concert, Safe and Sound, went under investigation after the footage was posted. As a result, it created an uproar on social media.

    Safe and Sound featured DJ performances from the Chainsmokers and Goldman Sachs‘ CEO, David M. Solomon. The tickets ranged from $1250 to $25,000 which went to charities including, No Kid Hungry and Children’s Medical Fund of NY.

    A spokesperson for Goldman Sachs told CBS MoneyWatch that Solomon hadn’t witnessed any violations.

    “David agreed to participate in an event for charity in which the organizers worked closely with the local government and put strict health protocols in place. He performed early and left before the show ended. The vast majority of the audience appeared to follow the rules, but he’s troubled that some violated them and put themselves and others at risk.”

    – Goldman Sachs’ Spokesperson

    Alongside the DJ’s, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman played with his band, but never witnessed any violations. He stated in a news conference in Southampton that guests gathered later. Because of this, the town cited the Chainsmokers concert.

    The event organizers, In The Know Experiences and Invisible Noise, made a statement to Billboard. They insisted they always enforced social distancing regulations and instead, blamed the angle of the video for not portraying how well they followed CDC guidelines.

    According to the CDC website, everyone should stand at least 6 ft. apart in crowds and wear face coverings. The footage showed a cluster of guests less than 6 ft. apart. It is unclear whether any of them were wearing face-coverings.

    Not only were civilians all over the U.S. angered by the concert, but also Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo took to Twitter with his rage about the footage.

    “Videos from a concert held in Southampton on Saturday show egregious social distancing violations. I am appalled. The Department of Health will conduct an investigation. We have no tolerance for the illegal and reckless endangerment of public health.”

    -Governor Andrew Cuomo
    Governor Andrew Cuomo tweets about his dissatisfaction towards the video footage of the charity concert, Safe and Sound.

    At this time, the concert is still under investigation but not coincidentally has led to the cancellation of moe.’s Miracle Mile in Vernon and Twiddle’s Drive-In, Jam Out trio of shows in Lake George, all slated for the weekend of July 31-August 2.

  • Summerstage Anywhere Announces Lineup for Global Performances

    Summerstage Anywhere announced its plan to put on Global Performances. Summerstage Anywhere is being put on by Capital One City Parks Foundation and is hosting a variety of performances, DJ sets, conversations and more from the global sector of the digital series. The global series took off on July 21. The shows will be available on the SummerStage YouTube channel.

    Summerstage Anywhere has been presenting nearly daily content since July with Mondays hosting Contemporary Dance, Tuesdays with Global content, Wednesdays Indie Rock with content, Thursdays with Latin content, Fridays with Hip Hop content and Saturdays with Jazz content. Their global content includes Brazilian Drag Queen, Pabllo Vittar and Brazilian singer/songwriter, Duda Beat on Tuesday, August 4at 8PM EST on SummerStage’s Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram. Tunisian singer-songwriter Emel Mathlouthi on Tuesday, August 11 at 8PM EST on to be announced platforms. There are more shows in the works with details to be announced in the near future.

    SummerStage Anywhere Global Series has some content available to watch in full now on the SummerStage YouTube channel now. These include a Culture Talk with legacy SummerStage artist and Grammy award winner, Angelique Kidjo and veteran entertainment journalist and Executive Director of the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA), Amy Andrieux. There will also be a session with the iconic Femi Kuti, who performed live exclusively for SummerStage Anywhere from the New Afrika Shrine in Nigeria.

    Summerstage Anywhere is also hosting a variety of performances on their website for free daily. To check out the schedule visit their website. These free shows intend on providing exclusive content easily available to the public all summer long.

    For more information on Summerstage Anywhere’s global performances visit their website.