NYS Music 202​0

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  • Rock the Dock and Eastbound Throwdown festivals cancel for 2020

    Two beloved music festivals in the 518 will not return until 2021 due to COVID-19. Rock the Dock, held in Lake George, and Eastbound Throwdown, held in Salem, have each postponed their scheduled events until next year

    rock the dock eastbound throwdown

    Originally scheduled for July 17, then rescheduled for August 14, the festival was looking forward to their fourth year at Lake George Steamboat Company, but have made plans for July 23, 2021 to hold the annual event.

    Founded by Formula 5 in 2017 as a way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Lake George Steamboat Company, the band played their final show on July 12, 2019 at Rock the Dock. The festival hosts regional and national acts with a stage on the pier of the Lake George Steamboat Company, with three steamboats framing the event.

    Keyboardist Matt Richards of Formula 5 was slated to return with Annie in the Water for this year’s installment, but that will have to wait another year. Other announced artists included Dogs in a Pile, Raisinhead, and Big Time Kitty.

    eastbound throwdown

    Eastbound Throwdown, hosted by beloved Northern rock outfit Eastbound Jesus, was scheduled to take place September 11-12, 2020. New dates have not been announced, and only Eastbound Jesus was announced for the lineup this year. Past lineups have included The Mallett Brothers Band, Girl Blue, Driftwood, Formula 5, The Ghost of Paul Revere, among many others.

  • Mongolian rock band The Hu raise much needed COVID-19 relief funds

    Mongolia’s highest praised rock band, The HU, have released a beautiful new acoustic video for their newest release, “Shireg Shireg.” The video offers insight of the bands recording process in the studio while also showing clips of live performances by the band. The video also showcases some of the traditional Mongolian folk instruments the band utilizes in their music.

    The video was dropped as a teaser for the deluxe version of the bands latest studio album The Greg set to drop July 10th. The album features performances from a star studded feature list including artists such as Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach, and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. The original copy of the release has sold an impressive 130,000 copies thus far.

    Last weekend, The HU played their homecoming show after their recent sold out world tour, with a televised performance at White Rock Centre in Ulaanbaatar in aid of the Mongolian Covid-19 relief. The concert was aired on TV in Mongolia raising a total of 53 million MNT, approximately $19,000 USD. The concert was also made available to a global audience through streaming on Facebook and YouTube, raising $5,000 and counting.

    To find out more about The HU visit their website.

  • NYC Indie Outfit Longwave release video for “It’s Not Impossible,” share Bowery Ballroom concert footage

    Acclaimed NYC indie rock band Longwave have teamed up with filmmaker Bill Moldt to debut a music video for their song, “It’s Not Impossible,” from their latest album If We Ever Live Forever.

    The idea was to create a unique experience by presenting a choose-your-own-adventure style video for the song. “It’s Not Impossible” is the band’s first debut single off an album in 10 years making the release of If We Ever Live Forever a big deal.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEvH1Y7Ybdg&feature=youtu.be

    The music video was constructed through a series of bi-weekly Instagram story posts, each depicting a possible scene painted in watercolor. Each post contained a video of the scene being created, a caption, and a question prompting the band’s Instagram followers to determine the direction of the next scene. The video used the “poll” feature on Instagram Stories to tally the audiences choices. The process left director Moldt with 10 scenes that were ultimately created and assembled into what become Longwave’s official music video for “It’s Not Impossible.”

    Additionally this week, Longwave have shared full concert video of their November 2018 performance at The Bowery Ballroom. The performance was filmed by Erik Braund at Braund Studios.

    Connect with Longwave on Facebook, Instagram, and stream their music on Spotify.

  • Levitt AMP Utica to present TV special “AMP the House!”

    The Levitt AMP Utica Music Series is producing a two-hour TV special called “AMP the House!,” showcasing Utica’s diverse local music scene as well as some national acts. Focused on community and family, the show seeks to encourage viewers’ mental health and support musicians. Genres highlighted in the special include pop, soul, blues, Latin, instrumental, and country. The performers, 12 acts in total, consist of all different backgrounds, genders, languages, and ages.

    Not only will “AMP the House!” feature Utica’s unique range of talent shown above, but explore what else Levitt AMP Utica does behind the scenes. The special will include “Beyond the Music” segments about the AMP Utica internship program and more.

    Coordinator Michelle Truett says, “We chose to produce a television show because it will allow us to share great bands, singers and musicians with viewers throughout the Central New York region and hopefully entice them to come to downtown Utica next summer to see the concerts in person. Also, a TV show gives us a great opportunity to share what else we do at the park with our series – our internship program, fostering of youth performers, placemaking activities, art, inclusion and community-building. The show is going to be jam-packed with inspiration and talent.”

    In addition to local Utica acts, two national bands are participating. B2wins and Bassel & the Supernaturals were originally supposed to perform in person, but will instead appear in the special and rebook for 2021. B2wins, short for Brazilian twins, are Iowan brothers who bend genres with the help of a violin and ukulele. Recently, they’ve been keeping busy with community outreach for the COVID-19 crisis. As for Bassel & the Supernaturals, they’re a Chicagoan neo-soul and funk band that raises awareness for Syrian refugees both on and off the stage,

    Utica Monday Nite board president Alyssa Spina adds, “Utica Monday Nite is proud to be a part of a project that exemplifies the power art as a tool to bring community together, especially and most importantly during a time when connection is most needed.” Founded in 1997, Utica Monday Nite is a local arts initiative that has accepted the Levitt AMP [Your City] Music Awards grant for the last five years. Going to cities with underutilized public spaces, the Levitt AMP Utica Music Series previously took place at Kopernik Park in Oneida Square. Although they postponed live concerts, this TV special is still possible due to a bridge grant from the Levitt Foundation.

    The special will air Monday, July 20 on CBS-Utica 2 and again Thursday, July 23 on WFXV 33, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. both nights. Both channels are available throughout the greater Utica area. The show won’t be put online after, so these are the only opportunities to watch it.

  • Consider The Source Announces Radiohead Themed Live Stream

    Consider The Source is putting on a free live Stream concert that will feature their Radiohead themed set. The live stream will take place on July 25 at 9PM EST on their Facebook or YouTube pages. 

    Consider The Source are self identified, “Sci-Fi Middle Eastern Prog-Rockers” that have been touring for the last 15 years. The trio formed back in 2004 and five studio albums, two live albums, and one compilation. The group hails from NYC and has dubbed their fans the “Sourcerors.”

    The trio have had their Radiohead set in the works for years. They created their Radiohead rearrangements a few years ago when they introduced the concept of recreating the classic radiohead sound at select festivals and venues. Now people will have the opportunity to experience this unique Radiohead performance from the comfort of their own homes. People may wonder if a trio can recreate the radiohead sound but they believes they have mastered the recreation. Radiohead is known for its sound that oozes of texture, tones and technology, all while supporting Thom Yorke’s vocals. Recreating this sound would prove impossible for most instrumental trios but they have managed to use their virtuosic abilities and cutting edge collection of gear to do so while also maintaining their own unique sound. 

    This live stream will be a real treat for Consider The Source, Radiohead, or music fans in general. The trio has two pro-shot music videos for “Paranoid Android” and “Reckoner” as a sneak peak of what people can expect during the live stream. The full show can be viewed on Saturday, July 25th at 9pm EST on the their Facebook or YouTube pages. 

    For more information on Consider The Source and the live stream event visit their website.

  • Flashback: Phish headline for the first time at SPAC

    On July 10, 1994, Phish headlined for the first time at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Two years prior, the Vermont group had opened for Santana at SPAC, one of the few opening slots Phish would perform in their career.

    via Brendan McKenna, as published in PhanArt: The Art of the Fans of Phish

    The summer of 1994 would feature The Eagles, Peter Gabriel, James Taylor, The Beastie Boys and the debut of Dave Matthews at the classic Upstate amphitheater, in addition to Phish, whose performance was at the tail end of their summer tour.

    Of note from the first set is the “Stash,” which appears on Live Bait 10, and fun with the lyrics of “Julius,” adding “I haven’t decided, no no no’ during the chorus, and “Ya Mar” where the band gave shout-outs to Trey’s dog Marley, including “Who is she?” (also their record label’s name) and “Who’s the Mar Mar?”

    Tickets were only $18.50 for reserved seats

    The middle of the second set held the heat with a strong “Mike’s Groove”, adding in “Low Rider” to the typical three song sequence inside of “Mike’s Song.” At the end of the second set, The Dude of Life came to the stage and sang his composition “Crimes of the Mind” with the band.

    Listen to the show below or tune in via Phishtracks.com.

    Phish.net/Rec.Music.Phish shirt from 1994, via PhanArt

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Phish – SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY – July 10, 1994

    Soundcheck: Jive Talkin’, The Old Home Place, Nellie Kane, work on Jive Talkin’

    Set 1: Chalkdust Torture, Horn > Peaches en Regalia > Rift, Stash, If I Could, My Friend, My Friend > Julius, Cavern

    Set 2: Sample in a Jar, David Bowie, Glide, Ya Mar, Mike’s Song -> Low Rider -> Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, Bouncing Around the Room, The Squirming Coil, Crimes of the Mind

    Encore: Golgi Apparatus, Rocky Top

    Notes: My Friend included a Purple Haze tease and Julius contained a Buried Alive tease from Trey. The Dude of Life sang vocals on Crimes of the Mind


  • Miserable Chillers Release Newest Single “Saga’s Sword” from ‘Audience of Summer’

    Alternative rock band Miserable Chillers debuted their third single, “Saga’s Sword,” off their upcoming album, Audience of Summer, out Friday, August 7.

    “The song really captures the feel of a curious young child exploring and actively pursuing new experiences, as Gallego even adds some ribbiting frogs and glimmering forest sounds to complement the track’s shiny guitar riffs and marimba-sounding percussion.”

    Look At My Records

    Bandleader Miguel Gallego grew up in suburban New Jersey, where he found his passion for music. He now lives in Brooklyn. He recorded and produced his latest tracks with Baby Blue Records, in New York.

    Album art for Miserable Chillers’ Audience of Summer.

    Miguel’s creativity and intuition came from the world wide pandemic caused by COVID-19. “I think of myself as a late bloomer, a lot of things have only recently started to appear obvious to me,” said Gallego.

    As a result, Fifty percent of the proceeds from digital purchases on Bandcamp will be donated to Bed-Stuy Strong. This is a group of over 3,000 people helping in the aid of their community during the COVID-19 crisis.

    I believe that in times of economic and public health crisis, and amidst the violent failures of state policy to address the needs of vulnerable communities, the necessity of local, communal responses to communal needs is especially acute. I would like to support a local mutual aid group. Bed-Stuy Strong centers on solidarity, care, and an imaginative approach addressing the needs of the community and neighborhood that I live in.

    Miguel Gallego – Bandleader

    Along with Gallego, artists from other bands contributed to the making of this album. Megan Braaten from Your Sister and Kabir Kumar of Sun Kin both sang backing vocals. While others like Sarah Goldfarb (Red Widow and Ovaeasy) played the cello. Together, they created the baroque pop sounds of the new record, exactly how is described as.

    Audience of Summer is out Friday, August 7.

    Miserable Chiller’s newest single “Saga’s Sword”.

    Mutual aid provides an alternative model for addressing need; and we badly need to embrace and imagine alternatives to our preexisting methods—be it the police, punitive and carceral responses to harm, or how we as a society provide for the healthcare of our neighbors.

    Miguel Gallego – Bandleader

  • Jimkata Returns From Hiatus With New Song “Wanna Go”

    Jimkata returned from their indefinite hiatus with the new song “Wanna Go.” The song dropped with a music video on their YouTube channel on July 9. 

    Jimkata is an electro rock trio that evolved from their original jamband roots, to a more electronic sound. The band started at Ithaca College back in 2005 with Evan Friedell (vocals, guitar), Aaron Gorsch (guitar/keys) and Packy Lunn (drums).

    The trio grew up together in the Upstate college town of Oneonta and are the founding members of the band. Dave Rossi served as bassist until 2015, having joined the band after meeting the other members during his freshman year at Ithaca College. Jimkata became a local favorite in Ithaca and across New York state before taking their indefinite hiatus in 2016.

    “Wanna Go” dropped shortly after the band teased of new music on their Facebook page starting back on June 16, 2020. They released a new clip of them working on new music every few days with all the titles together reading, “ DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD RELEASE SOME NEW MUSIC?”

    The new song comes on the coattails of the release of a Greatest Hits Album, Best, on June 12. Jimkata left a quote on the album’s release saying, “All the best things seem to surface after the worst times, all the worst things seem to come around after the best times…”

    To check out the teaser videos check out Jimkata’s Facebook.

    The video features the band setting up a living room and sitting on a couch in a picture frame. There is a theme of being surrounded by the color yellow in the video, and in the teases released and on their website. The song is boppy – a solid return to the music realm for Jimkata. 

    For more information on Jimkata visit their website or their Facebook Page.

  • moe. to get down at Vernon Downs July 31 and August 1

    moe. has announced ‘moe.’s Miracle Mile,’ a live drive-in concert, to be held at Vernon Downs racetrack on July 31. The event marks moe.’s first live performance since March 10 in Telluride, CO.

    While the July 31 show is sold out, tickets are on sale now for the recently announced August 1 show.

    The concert will begin at 7 PM on July 31 with all tickets needing to be purchased in advance. Car rates are between $150 and $260 depending on where you would like to park. Video screens and festival-style sound can be expected to make the first moe. show since March as enjoyable as possible. Find out more details, including what you can and can’t bring to the show here.

    moe miracle mile
    moe.’s Miracle Mile – July 31 & August 1, Vernon, NY

    Limited presale begins on Monday, July 13 at 10 AM, with full on sale on Tuesday, July 14 at 10 AM ET. Enter to win a free vehicle pass here.

    moe. has just released This is Not, We Are, their latest studio album. Listen to all the tracks here.

    The last time moe. played at Vernon Downs, they were the first of three bands for an immense triple bill that included Willie Nelson and Family, and The Dead.

    moe. at Vernon Downs, June 29, 2003

    Setlist: Okayalright, Bullet>Water>Moth>St. Augustine, Timmy Tucker>Moth Reprise

  • Saratoga’s Caffe Lena set to reopen during Phase 4

    Saratoga Springs‘ famous 60+ year old concert venue, Caffe Lena, has begun preparations to reopen, as performance venues are given the green light during Phase 4 of New York’s reopening plan.

    In a press release Caffe Lena’s Executive Director Sarah Craig explains their plan:

    “We’re taking it in baby steps, starting with 25% capacity. Live performance venues were the first to shut down, and they’re the last to reopen. It’s essential for the future of music that we work out a way to open stages safely. Our goal is to meet and surpass the NYS Health Department guidelines.”

    The venue’s first regular concert will take place on July 14 with ensemble members from the New York City Ballet. Serving as an alternative opening night due to the cancellation of their Saratoga Performing Arts Center performance, the five musicians will be able to play for 12 parties as well as hundreds that will be tuning in via an online stream. In compliance with social distancing, guidelines seating will be in groups of two to four with no individual tickets being offered at this time.

    https://youtu.be/UCH4LeK8iY4

    When New York hit pause in March Caffe Lena was forced to close its doors to the public. Due to designation as an essential business for live broadcasting use, the seats remained empty but thousands watched via the venue’s Youtube channel, concerts taking place on Lena’s stage.

    “Recognizing that many of our patrons are not in a position to return to public gatherings, we’re becoming a kind of hybrid live-stream and live-audience venue,” explained Craig. “From now on, our headline concerts will be available in real time via Vimeo for a small fee, and our community programs and shows featuring local amateur talent will be streamed on YouTube for free.”

    Tickets and Information about Caffe Lena’s upcoming schedule are available on their website.

    Upcoming Schedule:

    July 14 – Franz Schubert’s Trout Quintet

    July 15 – Bluegrass Night with High Peaks Bluegrass Band

    July 17 & 18 – Aztec Two-Step

    July 19 – Erin Harpe Country Blues Duo