NYS Music 202​0

Category: Regions

  • Live From Out There announces “Virtual Summer Tour Series” feat. Goose, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Twiddle

    11E1even Group and Live From Out There have announced the initial schedule for their new “Virtual Summer Tour Series.” Fans of groups including Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Goose, Twiddle, Kitchen Dwellers, Aqueous, Sunsquabi (with more to be announced) can look forward to original live music content with various aspects of the concert experience through digital platforms.

    Over the summer, the multi-night virtual events will take place with fans having the chance and interact with bands like never before. Each artist has curated their own unique tour concept, merchandise and virtual VIP experience – which includes having a drink with the band, a post-show “green room” meet-and-greet or a private dinner with the band. The “Virtual Summer Tour Series” is designed to go beyond live performances and aims to replicate the intrinsic sense of community that concert-goers experience when attending shows in-person.

    “With all of the uncertainty surrounding public gatherings, we look forward to providing artists with a new model for connecting with their fans in a digital space,” says Dave DiCianni of 11E1even Group. “Despite not being able to physically be in the same room, there’s a huge opportunity for artists to engage their fanbase in a truly unique and more intimate fashion than ever before, and we are excited to work with band’s in curating those experiences. Additionally, the series will provide acts and their respective crews with much needed revenue while the music industry works to determine new ways to safely host live events. “

    Each artist will curate their own tour, with the first three series announced:

    Twiddle’s Roots Tour, a celebration of the band’s fifteen years as a touring act, will pay homage to several establishments that were instrumental in the band’s ascendance to the national stage. The nine original concerts from July 9 to 26, will be filmed at various venues throughout the state of Vermont, including a return to Castleton University, where the band formed in 2005. 

    Following the postponement of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong’s annual festival Domefest, the band will bring their fans together for “Homefest,” a uniquely curated 3-night event starting June 11 and included 5 sets from Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, with other acts to be announced. 

    Goose will host “Summer 2020 Bingo Tour” from June 19 to June 28 live at The Goose Community Rec Center. Fans will receive digital bingo boards filled with the band’s songs and cover material. The band’s performances will be dictated by bingo balls drawn on stage as fans at home can play along for a chance to win virtual VIP opportunities and merchandise. 

    More information on each band’s event and tickets can be found here, and the details for future series, including those from Aqueous, Kitchen Dwellers and Sunsquabi will be announced in the coming weeks.

  • Teddy Midnight release “My Eyes” off upcoming EP “Airdnb’

    Nearly two years after the release of their last studio effort, Teddy Midnight has announced an all-new EP with Airdnb, due out May 29. The first single, “My Eyes,” was released this past week and is group’s first collection to be produced, recorded, and mixed entirely in their new Brooklyn studio. 

    The forthcoming EP is a departure from the disco/house sound of their last release, French Press from 2018, and explores producers Sean Silva and Adam Magnan’s influence from the rhythms of drum n bass, jungle, and hip-hop. The trio spent the past year and a half writing and recording using vintage synths and live instrumentation as the basis for the record. Over the course of the EP’s 5 tracks, the group navigates new sonic territory to bring break-neck tempos and fresh atmosphere to their already diverse repertoire. Guest vocalists Lars Viola and David Schnurman are featured on two separate tracks with instrumentals filling the three remaining spots. 

    Additionally, the band has debuted a music video for “My Eyes,” in which each member performs via a digital video conference call. The video was recorded during the eighth week of COVID-19 quarantine in New York City.

    The single “My Eyes” features New York City rapper Lars Viola in his first collaboration with the group. As the name Airdnb would suggest, the hip-hop track showcases the Teddy Midnight take on drum n bass grooves while leaving plenty of space for MC Lars to paint a picture of a stressful world in need of sweet release from everyday anxieties. His thoughtful discourse is driven by live drums and capped off with impassioned synth work by keyboard player Danny Caridi.

    Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, Teddy Midnight is working to reschedule their postponed spring tour dates with more fresh music to come. After successful winter dates with jamtronica leaders The New Deal and others, newly scheduled shows will highlight material from Airdnb and continue to feature their ever expanding live-production sound. 

  • Happy Birthday Ghostface Killah

    Staten Island’s own, and at one point a member of the FBI’s most wanted list, Denis Coles aka Ghostface Killah was born in 1970 in one of New York City’s most often overlooked borough, Staten Island. Thus, May 9th marks the birthday of the one and only, Ghostface Killah

    Ghostface mighty healthy killah birthday

    He began his solo career in 1996 with the release of Ironman following Wu Tang’s breakout release, Enter The Wu Tang (36 Chambers). Renowned for his booming voice and fast-paced flow, Ghostface has remained to be one of the Clan’s most notorious members. As the roommate of Wu Tang founder RZA, Ghostface is credited with playing a role in bringing the original seven members of the group together.

    Ghostface was featured extensively on fellow Wu Tang member Raekwon’s, early mixtapes, making a name for himself before Wu Tang Clan essentially took over the world of hip-hop.

    What separates Ghostface from the rest of the gangsta rap group MCs is his often colorful and imaginative storytelling which has remained the highlight of his performances throughout the years.

    Recently, the works of Ghostface Killah and the rest of the Wu Tang Clan has been celebrated in the media with the short film For the Children: 25 Years of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) which dives into the group’s early years on the come-up in the late ’80s and early ’90s hip-hop scene. Wu Tang and Ghostface Killah have transcended music and represented how their rough upbringing on the streets of New York has brought them to make incredibly moving art and music. The legacy of Wu Tang has been cemented into New York history with Staten Island declaring November 9th as Wu Tang Clan day, turning the classic phrase ” Wu Tang forever” into a reality.

  • Happy Birthday Billy Joel!

    Happy 72nd birthday to the piano man himself, Billy Joel! Born in 1949 in the Bronx, Billy Joel has risen the ranks in musical talent and cemented himself as one of New York’s proudest songwriters.

    Growing up with his family in Hicksville, Long Island, Joel got his start playing piano in high school but didn’t seriously consider music as his life path until a lack of credits in his senior year led him to drop out of school, despite his good grades. Recalling his decision back in the early days to pursue music, Joel was quoted in Hank Bordowitz’s biography Billy Joel: The Life and Times of an Angry Young Man (2006) that rather than spending his summer in school trying to make up credits, he would instead begin a career in music saying, ‘To hell with it. If I’m not going to Columbia University, I’m going to Columbia Records, and you don’t need a high school diploma over there’. Although Joel did eventually graduate in 1992, his legacy in music far outreaches the dreams and aspirations of the average high school student.

    Since then, Joel has become one of New York’s most recognizable musical prodigies. Despite his rise to global fame, Joel still has a sweet spot for where he grew up. In his song “New York State of Mind” from the 1976 album Turnstiles, which has become almost an anthem for New Yorkers, Joel reminisces about unique experiences only a true New Yorker would resonate with. Filled with lines about long greyhound bus trips, the Daily News and the Hudson River, the tune has become synonymous with both New York City and Joel himself.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30yU6CtlWV8&feature=youtu.be

    New York has remained at the center of Joel’s life, currently still residing in the great Empire State, Joel has indeed become a staple of New York and remains at the center of many New Yorker’s hearts. The fate of Joel’s upcoming tour is still up in the air but, until then, crack open a beer and propose a toast to the Piano Man’s 71st.

    birthday billy joel

  • Twiddle Teases Virtual Roots Tour 2020

    This year Twiddle will celebrate 15 years as a band. The much loved jamband that started at Castleton State College in Vermont in 2005 have grown into a touring powerhouse, with fans from coast to coast and their own festival held annualy in July in Burlington, Tumbledown.

    A summer tour that included shows with Vampire Weekend looks like it will likely be shuttered as the music industry continues to be affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, but Twiddle has something up their sleeve, as seen from a retrospective and still mysterious video posted to Facebook and Instagram late on Friday night.

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_8XF4shfSP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The trip down memory lane is worth repeated views for faithful Twiddle fans, but no details are given beyond the dates July 9-26 which are found at the bottom of the tour graphic.

    How will the Roots 2020 Virtual Tour unfold? How will it be brought to the faithful Twiddle fans found across the country? We’ll have to stay tuned to find out. Visit Roots 2020 to subscribe for updates in the meantime.

  • 2020 City of Albany Tulip Festival Moves to Virtual Celebration

    The 72nd annual 2020 City of Albany Tulip Festival is moving to the virtual field as many festivals and performances are due to the COVID-19 outbreak sweeping across the world. The festival will be presented by Citizens Bank and kicks off on Saturday, May 9th at 12p.m. 

    The virtual 2020 City of Albany Tulip Festival will feature musical performances from local artists like Sawyer Fredericks, The Age, Hartley’s Encore, Caity Gallagher and many others. There will also be City of Albany Gardeners who will be taking the  viewer on a tour of the Tulip beds with their expert knowledge. Local businesses will also be joining the celebration with take-out specials. There is even something for kids during the festival with a performance from Melvin the Magnificent.

    The festival will premiere on the Albany Events YouTube Page at noon on Saturday, May 9th. It’s also available to be found on Albany Events social media channels under @AlbanyNYevents!  The festival can also be viewed on Open Stage Media’s Art’s channels: Channel 1302 on Spectrum Cable and Channel 37 on Verizon Fios.

    People are encouraged to watch live and celebrate the Albany community in the live chat accompanying the streaming. Media sponsors for the event are WEXT Radio and Albany.com.

    For more information on the 2020 City of Albany Tulip Festival please visit Albany Event’s website.

  • Proctors Collaborative Produces High School Musical Theatre Awards to be broadcasted on TV

    Throughout the many closings due to COVID-19, one that has particularly affected students interested in the arts is the cancellation of school musicals. The Proctors School of the Performing Arts, a celebration of regional scholastic productions, has decided to do something about it during their fourth annual High School Musical Theatre Awards. They plan to broadcast the awards over TV at 7 p.m. on Saturday,  May 16th.

    Unfortunately many of the original participating schools were unable to stage their performances before schools closed due to state COVID-19 executive orders, making it impossible to complete adjudication and award student actors, technicians and ensembles. However there will be 27 schools participating in the 2020 HSMTA, represented by 1,400 students participating in musicals.

    The televised broadcast features videos submitted by the schools showcasing rehearsals, solos, dance numbers and backstage activity. This televised event will end with a performance of “Finale B (No Day but Today)” from the musical Rent that will include at least one artist from each participating school. There is also a red-carpet-component on social media where students are also encouraged to participate from home in a virtual red carpet. Students can post a photo beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16 using the tag #HSMTAatProctors on Instagram to “walk” the red carpet on Proctors Instagram page.

    The High School Musical Theatre Awards can be viewed live at 7 p.m. Saturday on May 16 several ways. Spectrum subscribers can view it on Channel 1302 in Albany and Schenectady. It will be rebroadcast at later dates. Verizon Fios subscribers in the Albany area can view it on Channel 37. And a livestream will be available at openstagemedia.org/channels/live-stream. There is a suggested donation of $10 per household for the event, and viewers can text HSMTA to 41444 to donate.

    The hosts of the show are Philip Morris, CEO of Proctors Collaborative, and Rex Smith, editor at large of the Times Union, HSMTA’s presenting sponsor. The event is produced by the School of Performing Arts at Proctors and Collaborative Studios, an affiliate of Proctors Collaborative. 

    For more information please visit Proctor School’s Website.

  • Happy Birthday Joe Bonamassa!

    Happy 44th Birthday to Joe Bonamassa! As New Hartford, New York’s very own blues master, Bonamassa is an example of a modern-day artist who is keeping all the soul in blues alive. Born in 1977, Bonamassa began his career at the age of 12 opening for no other than blues legend B.B King at the Rochester Lilac Festival in 1989.

    Making a name for himself playing small clubs around Upstate NY, Smokin’ Joe Bonamassa has transcended the dreams of a small-town boy wishing to be a Rockstar. Although still relatively young, Bonamassa has left a legacy behind including over a dozen studio albums, two Grammy nominations and at least 20 #1 songs on the Billboard Blues chart. Collaborating with musicians along the likes of Les Paul and Beth Hart, Bonamassa has proved his prowess to write hit songs. Also, an avid vintage guitar and amplifier collector, Bonamassa has proved his devotion to authenticity.

    In addition to touring various world stages, Bonamassa has also launched a cruise, bringing blues to people at sea. Most recently, Bonamassa has announced the start of his new music label, Keeping Blues Alive Records in an effort to raise awareness for his charity, the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, started in 2011. Most recently, The Keeping Blues Alive Foundation has launched their charitable Fueling Musicians Program which aims to support musicians globally who are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Joe Bonamassa Color and Shape birthday
    Photo Credit: Robert Sutton

    Bonamassa went live on Facebook with a heartfelt message urging for fans and musicians to make donations to support struggling musicians. The program has received overwhelming support from fans as well as big name brands such as Gibson, Normans Rare Guitars, and the Chicago Music Exchange. With the goal of $250,000, Bonamassa and the Fueling Musicians Program aim to raise as many donations as possible to lend a hand to the music industry which has been hit hard by the global pandemic.

    To make a donation or to find out more about the Fueling Musicians Program visit Keeping Blues Alive.

    Be on the lookout for Smokin’ Joe in 2020 for the continuation of his Keeping Blues Alive at Sea cruise and new music, hinted to be coming later this year. Happy Birthday Joe Bonamassa!

  • Hearing Aide: Birkby ‘Another Planet’

    As the year slowly moves on, more and more musicians are postponing their tours out of respect for public safety. One of those artists is Gabriel Birkby from Buffalo, who goes by the moniker ‘Birkby.’ After cancelling a number of shows around Western NY, Birkby decided to release his first EP, Another Planet, which he had teased to his fans earlier this year. This splendid debut combines uplifting and positive music with vivid lyrics that paint a story line of a society in reform after leaving their homeland. The contrast between the emotional lyrics and the musical style of each song results in a release that is both majestic and captivating.

    The album starts with “Change in the Weather,” a song about growth and new beginnings that is brimming with hope and promise. This upbeat track offers a glimpse at some elements that we’ll see through this EP: the pure emotion in Birkby’s voice, the interplay of dreamy synths and joyous guitar, and a chorus that feels like the clouds are parting and the sun is shining down on you. Also featured is Mike Gantzer of Aqueous, who provided additional percussion and a guitar solo on this opening track.

    Next up is “Underground Republic,” another song with a cheery sound that really benefits from the impressive way Birkby’s voice dances around his guitar work. The lyrics continue to paint a picture of new growth and uncertainty, but the chorus will certainly speak to a lot of listeners in this sheltered time of our lives when he exclaims “How about a little privacy Cause I know how I get And I’m sure I’ll regret.”

    Halfway through the release, we come across “Awake,” which stands apart from the rest of the album. This track is a soulful and synth-heavy jam that features a slower tempo and laid-back vibe, thanks in part to some 808s and beautiful layered vocals in the chorus. Despite the change in style, “Awake” still shares the elements that Birkby excels at throughout this release. His ability to blend multiple elements on his track with mastery is apparent in the way the keys and drums play so beautifully together underneath an emotional chorus pleading, “Can I get a hand over here?”

    Shifting musical gears again, “Inconsistent” is one of my favorite numbers on the EP. Each verse has a wonderful bounce to it and with lyrics that praise the search for clarity, salvation and a trust in what you can see for yourself while being skeptical of what the written word holds. But it’s the emotion and funky feeling of the chorus that won me over and this whole track has a flow to it that’s sure to make you smile, as I found myself humming it for days.

    Birkby saved the title track for the end of this release and it’s a great send-off that once again showcases both his incredible vocal talent and his guitar mastery as he has the two dance together throughout the chorus. “Another Planet” paints a picture of promise, improvement and encouragement, all while reminding you to “Wake and meet the burning day” because there is “Another future on the horizon.”

    Birkby’s first EP release is a must-listen, especially during these days of self-isolation. Another Planet may only 5 tracks long, but it’s a welcomed release in these strange times that only gets better with each listen. You can purchase the digital album or stream it from Bandcamp and the EP will be available to stream on Spotify starting April 20.

    Key Tracks: Inconsistent, Another Planet

  • Allison Leah’s “We Can Still Sing” an Anthem for Surviving COVID-19

    New York City’s own Allison Leah released her new single, “We Can Still Sing” which summarizes how many are feeling during the COVID-19 pandemic that is gripping the world.

    Allison Leah is a songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist who was born and raised just north of New York City and currently resides there. She writes everything from heartfelt originals like “We Can Still Sing” to familiar commercial jingles like “Hess Truck.” Leah released her debut EP Fly Home back in 2018. 

    “We Can Still Sing” revolves around the helplessness everyone is feeling during this pandemic but that we can stand together and ‘still sing’ and that we aren’t alone even though it feels like it currently. She focuses part way through the song on holding on to yourself and your loved ones and how when this is over eventually. How we will joke about this time of staying inside in the future. 

    When the song starts it has this sad restless undertones created by the lingering piano. Between the  lingering tune and the songs lyrics and their inflections it mirrors these feelings or restless and hopelessness people have been feeling. The song then takes a turn though when hitting the chorus between the piano, acoustic guitar and snapping and shakers it turns into the hopeful song it is. 

    This EP is definitely worth checking out especially for anyone feeling the quarantine blues. For more information on Allison Leah check out her website.