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Saratoga’s Caffe Lena Attracts Fundraising Challenge
While Saratoga’s Caffè Lena has gone without customers since March, its livestream and music school have helped it stay afloat. That said, the 60-year-old cultural landmark still needs donations in order to survive the shutdown. If the cafe can raise $50,000 by Saturday, October 31, The Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund promises to match donations by 100%. Sarah Foulke was a Saratoga Springs attorney who died in 2016, and regularly volunteered at Caffè Lena.
This is a double-your-gift challenge grant to help Caffè Lena survive the shutdown. Caffè Lena is a landmark venue. We want to help them evolve their online platform, and we’re rooting for them to raise the full $50,000 this month so that we can donate $50,000. Unique cultural institutions such as Caffè Lena make our region special and deserve our help. We hope others who love Caffè Lena and Saratoga Springs will join our effort.
Suzan Nolan, advisor of the Sarah B. Foule FundCaffè Lena’s event calendar shows new streams nearly nightly. Besides live concerts, streams include storytelling nights and poetry readings. Some streams celebrate a specific genre of music, such as jazz and bluegrass. All of these events are free, with only the music school requiring a fee. Caffè Lena also offers Community Classroom, a non-partisan platform to discuss civic issues, and a program called On the Road, which brings live music to senior citizens and community service organizations.
“The community is getting so much out of our daily programming. We don’t want to have to pause,” said Caffè Lena Executive Director Sarah Craig. She continued:
This fundraising challenge is a way we can stay active for our community while Congress decides what it’s going to do to save the live music and theater industries. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that every expression of care, whether it’s a $5 tip, a $500 donation, or a special comment, adds up to helping live music survive and grow during this time of extreme challenge.
For more information on the fundraising challenge, go to the Sarah B. Foulke Donation Challenge on Caffe Lena’s website.
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Mariah Carey Saves The Day With “The Rarities”
Mariah Carey announced her upcoming compilation album, The Rarities, out on October 2. While the Songbird Supreme has previously released seven compilation albums, The Rarities is the first to feature new material instead of past hits. The album’s lead single, “Save The Day,” features vocals from Ms. Lauryn Hill and samples The Fugees’ cover of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”
Mariah started recording “Save The Day” back in 2011, but scrapped it for unbeknownst reasons. Co-written by frequent collaborator Jermaine Dupri, it was originally meant to be a charity single. Thankfully, its message of hope and unity is even more relevant in 2020 than when it was first conceived. The only disappointment is that Lauryn Hill fades into the background: she doesn’t have a solo or new lines beyond the iconic sample.
The Rarities has 32 tracks and two discs: one with unreleased music from every era of her career, another with live performances from Mariah’s Tokyo Dome show in 1996. The album coincides with her memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, out on September 29. Mariah first teased The Rarities back in June to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her debut album, but postponed its release to focus on the Black Lives Matter movement. Now, she’s devoting the rest of the year to #MC30 festivities for her fans.
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Nicolas McCoppin “Remember the Night” pays homage to LGBTQ and Black communities
Up-and-coming LGBTQ artist Nicolas McCoppin has released the new song “Remember That Night” that recalls his first queer relationship just in time for Pride Month. Co-written with Krysta Youngs and produced by Nick Trapani, the song is about McCoppin’s memories driving down the beach, staring at the stars, and walking down Arthur Avenue in the Bronx with his love interest.
Continuing the streak of 80s-inspired dance-pop explored in McCoppin’s previous singles, the song is reminiscent of other pop artists with strong LGBTQ fanbases such as Charli XCX, Hayley Kiyoko, and Troye Sivan. “Remember That Night” shares their catchy melodies, danceable beats, and romantic lyrics, making it a natural pride anthem.
Pride isn’t the only social movement associated with the song, though. In light of the Black Lives Matter movement and protests against police brutality, McCoppin is donating proceeds from “Remember That Night” to the Black Trans Femmes in the Arts Association, a collective made up of Black trans artists, activists, and educators helping protesters with resources, medical care, and bail. On Twitter he shared that he tried to postpone the song’s release, but since it wasn’t possible he decided to donate the proceeds instead.
“This song’s concept is a puzzle piece of a bigger idea from my debut EP,” McCoppin said. “I’m so excited to finally have this song out in the world.” “Remember That Night” is the third single off the debut EP from Nicolas McCoppin, due out later this summer.
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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
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B.A.D.A. releases new single “Exile”
Brazil/NYC-based electro/indie-pop duo B.A.D.A. explore the inner workings of an artist’s journey in their new video for “Exile,” title track to their upcoming album. “Exile” is a dark pop thriller, held almost entirely on a minimal synth bass line, murmured vocals and melodic sorrow.
Aiming for conceptual depth while standing out in the overpopulated electronic-indie-pop scene is B.A.D.A.‘s ambitious mission. Brazilian artist/producer Pedro Cesario and Brooklynite multi-instrumentalist/producer Carey Clayton devoted the whole of 2019 to this mission after the vision for Exile came to Cesario during Burning Man in 2018. The story that underlies the single is very personal to Cesario, who states, “I quit music after experiencing a traumatic experience recording a demo when I was ten years old. The lyrics and film represent the creative hiatus in my life and my search for that grit again as an adult.”
The self-produced, trilingual album was recorded internationally throughout 2019, first in a cabin in Woodstock, NY, then at the Abbey Road Studios in London, and finally in Clayton’s bedroom in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. B.A.D.A. worked with the house engineer of Abbey Road, John Barret (George Ezra, James Bay), several guest musicians, and mastering engineers Luke Moellman (Great Good Fine OK) and Chris Gehringer (Janelle Monae, Harry Styles) along the way to create an auditory and visual experience through their music.
While the album navigates the same sonic palettes as contemporaries Bon Iver, The Japanese House, and Muna, B.A.D.A.’s sound unashamedly flaunts its romance with the dance floor, and each song seems to be specifically designed to soundtrack a lysergic trip. The uniqueness of the concept lives in the fact that the album’s scores are a blueprint of the journey itself, as the artists use their own identity and experience as a white canvas to perform the transformation.
The duo originally started as a remote project between Brazil and New York City, before Cesario decided to join Clayton in the city so that they could materialize the project into the real world. “Exile” materializes an unobvious music journey that reflects the chaotic state of pop in the turn of the decade, where boundaries of language, genre or identity no longer apply.
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Papadosio to Launch Microdosio Tour at Brooklyn Bowl on Wednesday
North Carolina jam act Papadosio will be touring with their new Microdosio project this spring. The first night of tour is to be held at Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, NY this Wednesday, March 11. They’ll head down the coast and then up through the Midwest, ending with doubleheaders in Grand Rapids, MI in April and Pittsburgh, PA in May.
“Microdosio is a brand new show with a small stage plot and a huge sound. We are exploring new sonic territory by shrinking our gear to focus on synths, samplers, drum machines, and loopers, all played along with the live instruments you know and love. Expect new material and old favorites as we take this tiny universe on the road this spring! Thanks for letting us experiment.”
– PapadosioThe band tested the new material at a couple shows, and created a preview video which can be viewed HERE. For more videos and tour news, connect with Papadosio on Facebook. Tickets are on sale now.
Paradosio – The Microdosio Tour 2020
March 11th, 2020 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY
March 13th, 2020 – XL Live – Harrisburg, PA
March 14th, 2020 – Ballhooter Festival
March 15th, 2020 – The Broadberry – Richmond, VA
March 20th, 2020 – Pour House – Charleston, SC
March 21st, 2020 – Pour House – Charleston, SC
April 3rd, 2020 – Union Stage – Washington, DC
April 4th, 2020 – Union Stage – Washington, DC
April 10th, 2020 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
April 11th, 2020 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
April 17th, 2020 – Elevation Room – Grand Rapids, MI
April 18th, 2020 – Elevation Room – Grand Rapids, MI
May 1st, 2020 – The Rex Theater – Pittsburgh, PA
May 2nd, 2020 – The Rex Theater – Pittsburgh, PA
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Video Premiere: The Lost Messiahs “Didn’t Have To Be That Way”
The Lost Messiahs hail from the Irish Midlands and are comprised of five of Ireland’s top musicians. The band was formed by lead guitarist Ollie Plunkett, with a concept of bringing some of Ireland’s leading musicians into one whole act. Having shared stages with the likes of Van Morrison, Damien Rice, The Waterboys, and Bob Geldof, The Lost Messiahs are able to hold their own with the best in the business. Formed in 2014 as an album project, the indie-rock band is now a full touring band, having released their second album in 2019, and they’re set to bring their style of music to the US in April this year.
Their latest music video for “Didn’t Have To Be That Way” premiered on February 14 and is gaining recognition nationwide quickly. For this new single, they have collaborated with Steve Fallone of Sterling Sound in New Jersey. The track delivers a rich palette of atmospheric guitars, dark and brooding synths, and is driven by a relentless hypnotic rhythm. Meditations on love, loss and a search for life’s meaning permeate from the latest single. The video starts with a woman casually approaching a man from behind, and holds up a gun to the man’s back, then the screen shuts black. The film cuts to the man lying on the ground after taking a bullet to the back and not really knowing what hit him.
The upbeat music and soothing vocals are contrasting with the unforgiving visuals, yet smoothly blended with the pace of the video. In the following scene, the group walks out mafia-style with guns drawn and looking for some sort of fight, along with a group of women walking out looking for the same. Throughout the video there are constant exchanges of fire-fights from both sides, leading to most of each gang being taken out. At the end, there is a reunification of a man and woman from both sides in an eerie graveyard setting and fades out as they meet.
In addition to their consistent music releases, The Lost Messiahs are proud to announce their month-long tour across the Northeast United States. The tour kickoff is on April 12 at Bowery Electric, then comes back a week later at Mercury Lounge on April 20, and Rockwood Music Hall the following day on April 21.
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Hearing Aide: Timothy Alice and the Dead Star Band ‘SpaceStation AM500’
SpaceStation AM500 is the debut album from Timothy Alice & the Dead Star Band, a trio hailing from Buffalo, NY. Timothy Alice (stage name for Timothy Patrick Henderson) displays an astonishing number of influences in both his writing and singing styles throughout this record. With the help of Matt DiStasio on bass and Bub Crumlish on drums, Alice’s lyrics paint incredible pictures of an America we can all recognize today. You could be on the Great Lakes, in a sprawling metropolis, or the last bar on the highway between this state and that; each of these locations share a tale that Timothy Alice invokes with each track.
The opening track, “2 Am,” paints a picture that many may find familiar. The promise and elation of this song invokes the feeling of many 2 am’s we’ve all felt while bar-hopping around New York State – still full of energy and grit, while openly wondering where the night is going to take you. “It’s 2 AM and this place is jumping. I’m just trying not to lose my head again.” The song feels like a packed bar with 2 hours left before last call, full of vigor and hope.
SpaceStation AM500 mixes soul, blues, R&B and folk roots into a delightful set of songs with so much heart and movement in them. The band excels at feeling like you’re on the road with signs flying by in the darkness during “Just Take My Hand.” “Shadow on My Tail,” the longest track on the album, really showcases the soul in Timothy’s voice and also features a ripping solo from guest guitarist Andrew Kothen. The album also features a love song to the Windy City. The soul in Timothy’s voice while singing “Oh, Chicago” makes me long for a city I’ve only ever been to twice.
As the night grows longer and we get further into the album, “Honeypie” provides a tale of distorted love, building up to a cacophony that would be exception to see live. “4 Am,” the final track on the album, really highlights the difference two hours can make in a night. It tells a somber and sobering tale that we’ve all experienced in our lives, regardless of what time the clock is showing. With the help of an amazing band, Timothy Alice’s lyrics paint pictures of an America we can all recognize today. Whether he’s a in a league of his own or the product of a new generation of storyteller, he shows us all that we have a lot of great music and art coming our way in this next decade.
Key Tracks: 2 Am, Just Take My Hand, Honeypie
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Premiere: Tiger Darrow releases plot twist single “Brother’s Girl”
Brooklyn-based Pop Creative multi-hyphenate, Tiger Darrow, has released her new single, “Brother’s Girl.” The heavy synth dark pop song portrays a story of forbidden love for the unattainable.
The song begins with seductive and fantastical lyrics as the singer describes the feeling of falling in love with someone special, however, they’re unavailable. Darrow enjoys writing her lyrics in a colloquial way full of surprise to her listeners. The poetic storytelling of this stripped song introduces a plot twist to the story when the singer announces the love she has been describing is in fact for her “Brother’s Girl.” Her earthy and smokey vocals over the skittering trap beats create a roguish pop sound filled with infectious melodies.
Photo provided by Gramophone Media Darrow’s musical upbringing began at the age of two when she began learning how to play the violin. Her love for music led her to attend a Performing Arts High School in Dallas, Texas where she learned guitar and cello. Graduating with a degree in Songwriting from NYU, Darrow continued to pursue her passion and built her reputation as a young, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and producer writing for other artists, as well as, pursuing a solo career. Opening for artists such as Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians, The Eagles, and Erykah Badu, Tiger Darrow also performed as a sideman for Durand Jones and The Indications, Zack Villere, Camille Trust and Wakey!Wakey!
Darrow’s music has evolved tremendously since releasing her first album at the age of 16. The Dark-Alt Pop Singer is taking a new direction and creating new music with sounds inspired by Billie Eilish, Julia Michaels, FKA Twigs and St.Vincent. In support of the artist’s latest release, Darrow sets out to perform a multitude of shows around the NYC area at prominent music venues.
