Upstate NY indie rock singer and guitarist Frank Palangi has released his EP “BRING ON THE FEAR.” The self-produced hard heavy Rock artist who can do anything and everything he sets his mind to has the type of personality that doesn’t give up; no matter what it takes. Palangi exhibits confidence, determined to pursue his passion for music. He fuels a refreshing positive outlook serving up a feeding frenzy of edgy heavy guitars, deep n gritty vocals.
After my 2017 “Set Me Free EP” I was doing a lot of shows/opening slots and getting into more of the recording side which lead me to a year and half experience with producing, mixing and writing the 4th installment. I progressed and learned so much through that time through books, videos and interviews about mixing and with upgraded my home studio equipment. The songs I always knew would be apart of the same CD double EP had to be similar but still new and exciting vs I Am Ready CD (2013). I teamed up with few of my favorites to work with from Lester Estelle (Kelly Clarkson) – Brian Craddock and Brandon Maclin from Daughtry for some studio work. I had self produced a single or two before but always working with producers and mixers on my main EP”s, this really made me step up and think about the whole process a lot more. This is more gritty and heavier than the “I AM Ready” release. No reason for it, just led me in that direction with the love of heavy rock. With my wide variety of influences, I did somethin more constant which may not be always the cause for the future.
Escaper guitarist Will Hanza’s spirits are high as he and his fellow bandmates prepare for the highly anticipated release of their new album Apotheosis this Friday (June 19thRopeadope Records). Hanza spoke to NYS Music about the inspiration and process involved in creating Apotheosis as well as the future plans of Escaper with quarantine in mind.
Thomas Lent: The album art for Apotheosis by Matthew Chase is striking – what input and guidance, if any, did you and the band members have on the design?
Will Hanza: Oh the art is all Matt’s and he’s done a lot of work for us in the past but as far as our contribution goes he gets an advanced copy of the album, listens to it, and the we discuss what the album is about, what the meaning is, and then he creates the art. Apotheosis definitely feels like a breakthrough in his own art.
Tl: What was the songwriting process like for Apotheosis?
WH: It sort of depends on the individual track, the first few albums were instrumental but then we had some vocals.“Apotheosis” was one of our first tracks with vocals. A lot of our writing process comes from jams at first, and then we refine It from there. Open sky for example started as a solo acoustic. I brought it to the band and then fleshed it out more. For “No Strings” I remember Phil saying he wanted an “Ah Ah Ah!” feel, then we dug into that and then we started refining it into what “No Strings” finally became. The first track, “Vista,” was born out of us jamming after a song during a concert and a new sort of ‘danceable’ track came up and we decided to make it into another own song. We called it “Vista” because we felt the song elicits the feeling of climbing a mountain and reaching a new vista point.
TL: For the listener, what would you like the main takeaway to be from Apotheosis?
WH: We want this album to be a journey, start at “Vista,” goes to Open Sky – “Eye in the Open Sky”- then you realize that you are it, that we all can have that ‘Third Eye’ realization. I mean, the third track “Superhead” is all about your higher sense of self. Then when you make it to “No Strings,” it’s a fun song, once you find your sense of self, you can go onto the dance floor so to speak.
TL: Your “Escaper at Home” Youtube video series is a real treat to see. How was much of Apotheosis created in this virtual way during quarantine?
WH: Oh well ya that series was partly a treat for the fans but the album was created by us when we were together last year. It largely came out of our new drummer (Ricky Petraglia) and playing smaller shows and harvesting new material from the quartet and writing with each other late last year and refining it. Near the end of that year, we got to work with John Davis again and recorded and mixed the whole album in 6 days. Much of it was actually recorded live as well. “Res Magna” for instance had a lot of improv involved in its creation.
TL: Quarantine has made life harder for just about everyone, how do you see artists making it in this new lockdown environment?
WH: There’s a lot of hurt, it’s hard to complain about anything in my life, I don’t want to take away from other peoples struggles now with all of the new movements and causes but we scheduled this release 6 months out and had to cancel our tour we had planned with it so it’s hard. To compensate we’ve done these online things but were itching to play. We’ve looked at private parties, beaches, small events outdoors that can have a certain capacity. I know it’s somewhat controversial but music is good for people’s souls, and I believe people need that. Hopefully, by fall or next summer, we can be back on the road.
TL: What is one more thing you would like to impart upon the listener for Apotheosis?
WH: I’m hoping everyone will get it into their ears, now there’s vocals, songs with messages and important feelings that make a positive album. We’ve also tried to include the danceable part of it to have the experience and the grove as well since we’ve missed dancing with people at shows. Overall we’re very proud of the album, we hope it can help people “Escaper” a little bit.
Escaper will release Apotheosis on June 19th 2020, on Ropeadope Records.
Flushing Town Hall announced a tribute to the late Jimmy Heath, nicknamed Little Bird in the industry, who was an NEA Jazz Master and Queens Jazz Orchestra Music Director. Heath passed away back in January of 2020 at the age of 93 and was a jazz legend for his saxophone skills in particular. The event will be live-streamed on Flushing Town Hall’s Facebook page on Friday, June 19 at 7:00 PM.
Percy Heath (Left) and Jimmy Heath (right) performing in June 1977.
Jimmy Heath received three Grammy nominations over the years. He was nominated for Best Historical Album with John Coltrane: The Heavyweight Champion: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (Album) during the 38th Annual Grammy Awards in 1995, Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance with Little Man, Big Band (Album) during the 36th Annual Grammy Awards in 1993, and Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group with Live At The Public Theatre (Album) during the 23rd Annual Grammy Awards in 1980. Jimmy Heath was also a recipient of the 2003 NEA Jazz Masters Award and in 2004 he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Human Letters. With performing in over 100 albums and writing over 125 compositions Jimmy Heath was truly a legend in the Jazz world.
Flushing Town Hall plans to honor him with this special tribute by including appearances by many celebrated musical artists who have crossed paths – and taken the stage – with Jimmy Heath throughout his career. People on the docket include Jimmy Heath’s wife, Mona, and jazz legends Albert “Tootie” Heath, Barry Harris, Jimmy Owens, and Dorthaan Kirk; and members of Queens Jazz Orchestra, including Antonio Hart, David Wang, Jeb Patton and Douglas Purviance. On top of the musical component of the tribute there also will be testimonials about Jimmy Heath from special guests such as New York City Council Member Francisco Moya.
Flushing Town Hall seemed like the right venue for this tribute for Jimmy Heath according to Town Hall Executive and Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek because, “Jimmy Heath was an iconic presence at Flushing Town Hall. Whenever we would announce that our Queens Jazz Orchestra would return, performances would sell out – because people wanted to come together to experience the music and the man.”
The event will take place Friday, June 19 at 7:00 PM and can be viewed for free on Flushing Town Hall’s Facebook page. Donations will be accepted to support the Jimmy Heath Fund at Queens College. They can be sent to: The Jimmy Heath Fund, c/o Mike Lipsey, Queens College Music Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, Queens, 11367. Donations are also being accepted for the Jimmy Heath Scholarship Fund at Queens College. They can be made by writing a check to the QC Foundation (and putting “Jimmy Heath Scholarship” in the memo), and mailed to: Queens College Foundation, Keily Hall, Queens College, Queens, NY, 11367, or by calling Joann Acquista, Queens College, Director, Donor Relations, at (718) 997-5864.
For more information on the event visit Flushing Town Hall’s website.
Superfly has announced it’s “Small Business Live” concert to help support small businesses during these trying times. The one-day musical experience will raise money for the Accion Opportunity Fund and provide grants to the most at-risk small businesses that were hit hardest by COVID-19. It will do this while also having a focus on those businesses run by women, minorities, and people of color. Some of the big names on the docket include 2 Chainz, Nathaniel Rateliff, T-Pain, and Brandi Carlile among many others. The concert will take place on June 20 from 4PM – 10PM ET and can be viewed on many streaming platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.
The benefit will feature artists performing at different small business they feel strongly about. The musicians will be delivering their performances from different locations all over the United States and will be sharing stories about the businesses they know, love, and are trying to supporting with this benefit.
The benefit will be featuring 2 Chainz performing at and supporting K&K Soul Food in Atlanta, GA, Allen Stone performing at and supporting Terrain in Spokane, WA, Brandi Carlile performing at and supporting Easy Street Records in Seattle, WA, Brittany Howard performing at and supporting Fanny’s House of Music in Nashville, TN, JUFU performing at and supporting Envirobliss in Brooklyn, NY, Leon Bridges performing at and supporting Avoca Coffee in Fort Worth, TX, Moon Taxi performing at and supporting Grimey’s in Nashville, TN, Bam Marley performing at and supporting Sneaker Buyers in Miami, FL, Nathaniel Rateliff performing at and supporting Mercury Cafe in Denver, CO, and T-Pain performing at and supporting Knotzland Pittsburg, PA, and many more.
Award-winning blues and Americana vocalist Shemekia Copeland has released her new song, “Uncivil War.” “Uncivil War” takes no sides and speaks to every person’s desire to be safe and free. Featuring iconic mandolin Sam Bush, dobro master Jerry Douglas and background vocals from popular alternative band The Orphan Brigade, the song is simultaneously comforting and challenging, as Copeland sings, “Same old wounds we’ve opened before / Nobody wins an uncivil war.” Copeland delivers the song with passion and insight about the uncertainty in the world while still finding hope for the future. The song, written by John Hahn, will be featured on Copeland’s upcoming Alligator album.
Copeland express the message she communicates in this song:
It’s not just a song. I’m trying to put the ‘united’ back in the United States. Like many people, I miss the days when we treated each other better. For me, this country’s all about people with differences coming together to be part of something we all love. That’s what really makes America beautiful.
When she first came onto the scene at age 18 with her debut album, Turn The Heat Up, Copeland quickly became a blues and R&B force to be reckoned with. Copeland’s previous album, America’s Child, won the Blues Music Award for Album Of The Year, and was named the #1 blues album of 2018 by MOJO magazine. Copeland recently received the 2020 Blues Music Award for Contemporary Blues Female Artist Of The Year, during a special online ceremony. Copeland is currently hosting her own blues radio show on SiriusXM’s Bluesville.
On Tuesday, Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media jointly announced in a statement that the national show ‘Live From Here with Chris Thile’ will come to an end, along with 28 jobs will be cut due to budget concerns that have occurred since the start of COVID-19. Also canceled is ‘The Hilarious World of Depression,’ a podcast hosted by John Moe.
These cuts come after much consideration to keep MPR and APM running as is. Last month 14 staff members took voluntary staff buyouts in hopes of saving other staff members jobs. Among those announcing they’re leaving MPR/The Current is multimedia producer Nate Ryan and podcast producer Jeyca Maldonado. Despite these buyouts and money raised through emergency fundraising, the staff reduction and program eliminations could not be avoided.
Additionally MPR and American Public Media stated that executive pay will be cut by 20-35 percent, all 2021 pay raises are canceled and the reduction of working hours. At this time any unionized journalists and staff will not be effected by the cuts according to MPR/APM union representatives.
Photo credit: Brantley Gutierrez
MPR says the cuts it made were done in a way that “aligned with our mission, values and long-term vision” and “protects our core strengths” in an effort to provide programming that their audience wants while maintaining in a time of financial uncertainty.
MPR added, “We will find new ways to give you more control over when and how you listen, and greater access to our content on your favorite media devices. We’ll offer fresh, distinctive programming that deepens our value to you and attracts new audiences. We will double-down on trusted, in-depth information that engages and equips you to make informed decisions about your health, the economy and our democracy. And we will invest in understanding and addressing the systemic issues of racism and inequities further exposed by the killing of George Floyd.”
‘Live From Here’ started in 2016 with musician and songwriter Chris Thile at the wheel after the phasing out of ‘A Prairie Home Companion’. Broadcasting via public radio for two hours weekly from legendary Town Hall in New York City. With its blend of musical performances, comedy and audience interaction delivered by Thile and his wide range of guests, the show was an unique experience for audiences nationally.
Chris Thile expressed his excitement and hope for the show when he told NYS Music during an interview in September, “We have this two-hour canvas that we get to paint every week and there is a lot of space for things to happen and it feels good being in a place like this where on any given night there are hundreds of wonderful things happening”.
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.
as i release this song tonight, I just wanted to share my thoughts with you 🤍 pic.twitter.com/t5O5W5yL7Q
— nicolas mccoppin (@nicolasmccoppin) June 5, 2020
“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.
Long Island’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is shutting down according to a Bloomberg report and will be shut down indefinitely until new investors can be found. Nassau Coliseum is just one of the many venues suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phish Performing December 1, 2019 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Photo taken by Thom McKenna.
The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum opened in 1972 and is used for all sorts of events including sporting events, large exhibitions, shows as well as trade shows, and of course concerts. The coliseum hosted big names like Elvis Presley, The Grateful Dead, Phish, The Beach Boys, Queen, and many, many others. The coliseum went through renovations back in 2015- 2017 and currently has a seating capacity of 14,500.
According to posts on Bitcoin Prime, billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov’s Onexim Sports and Entertainment who operates the venue decided to shutdown the coliseum indefinitely while they seek investors to take over operations. Once they have found a new investor they will have the lease turned over to the new investor and have them pick up the remaining debt on the building which is roughly $100 million in loans on it in return.
According to the Bloomberg report, Onexim Sports and Entertainment’s explained that, “The unforeseeable and unprecedented Covid-19 crisis has had a devastating effect on the operations of the Coliseum and its finances. While we still believe in the enormous long term economic value of the Coliseum and the development of the surrounding land, we recognize that such value will be best realized by other parties.”
The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum has been an essential part of the entertainment scene on Long Island for many years and hopefully will be able to continue to do so once they find a new investor. For more information read the Bloomberg report or visit The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum’s website.
Thin Lear, an indie folk-rock singer-songwriter from Queens, just released his new single “A Simple Phrase” from his debut album Wooden Cave, which will be released on July 24, 2020.
Photo by Shervin Lainez.
This dream-like ballad premiered on GoldFlakePoint, who called it “delicate and hypnotic.” The song is deeply emotional and moving, and the instrumentals deliver this same intensity as well as the lyrics do. The song has a somber tone while still maintaining a beautiful arrangement. This is Thin Lear’s fourth single of this year, and will be featured on his upcoming album Wooden Cave.
The track’s ethereal feel may come from Thin Lear’s inspiration: a dream. “I woke up with the whole thing one day, ideas for arrangement and all,” says Thin Lear, also known as Matt Longo. He expresses that “before [he] slept, [he] was thinking a lot about how insecurity operates,” and when he woke the “chorus was just ringing in [his] ears.” Although the song is about something so upsetting, the instrumentals are hauntingly beautiful, disconnecting the listener from the song’s negativity.
Longo’s inspiration for Wooden Cave came from the story of Netta Fornario, a woman who left all she knew to pursue magic and healing on a small island in Scotland, where she died inexplicably. Longo wanted his album to be “a set of songs existing on a sonic and lyrical island of their own” that would be for outcasts like Netta. He recorded the tracks at different studios around the city with various artists, making each song even more of its own personal island. The album took him two years to complete and has been a complete “labor of love.”
Wooden Cave is set to release on July 24 by EggHunt Records. Preorder the album on Bandcamp here, and follow Thin Lear on Instagram.
Thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, drive-in movie theaters across the nation are making an unexpected comeback. The currently closed Troy Savings Bank Music Hall (celebrating their 145th anniversary this year) is taking advantage of the resurgence at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont, NY, where local sibling duo Jocelyn and Chris Ardnt will headline a concert with their band. Tickets for their July 9 show can be found on the Troy Music Hall website for $50 per car, a price that includes a screening of the 2019 film Yesterday immediately after the concert.
Both siblings of the duo have been compared to rock legends: Jocelyn’s voice with Grace Slick and Janis Joplin, and Chris’s guitar work with Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmour. They’ve traversed both coasts while attending Harvard University, performing with artists such as G. Love, Danny Louis of Gov’t Mule, and Cory Wong of Vulfpeck and appearing on NBC’s Today Show.
Even though this will be the first in-person concert in months for many, pandemic guidelines are still in place and drive-in patrons are expected to behave accordingly. Patrons must stay inside of their vehicles, and are required to wear masks if they need to step outside for any reason. While Jericho’s restrooms are still open, they’re encouraged for emergency use only. Since the Troy Music Hall Box Office is closed, questions about tickets and the show should be redirected to their phone number, 518-273-0038.
