Oak & Ash, an alternative rock band from New York today release “New World,” their first single in over three years. With a relevant message of change and hope for better days to come, “New World” is a motivational anthem for everyone who strives to build a better and more accepting world.
“New World” was written for people who are acknowledging today’s mistakes, with a reminder that although the world we live in is full of love, kindness, generosity, and beauty, it has yet to grow out of hate, inequality, injustice, and fear. There is still work to be done in order to eradicate these major issues, but in order to do so, we have to come together.
Produced by multi-Grammy award-winning producer/ engineer, Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse), “New World” maintains the energy of a live band with added support from Moon Taxi’s Spencer Thomson who adds a layer of synthetic production work to the track.
Oak & Ash captured the energy they bring to live shows and with help from Jacquire, the band was able to continue to spotlight vocals and instruments and stay true to their original sound. The band had been focusing on live performances since their last release and then hit pause due to the pandemic.
Oak & Ash is Rich Tuorto (vocals, guitarist, keyboardist), Chris Tuorto (guitarist), Paul Gramigna (bassist), and Bryan Garbe (drummer). The band got thier start in New York City in 2014 when the Tuorto cousins and long-time friend, Paul, decided to join forces and they haven’t looked back since. Their debut EP, “Slightly Reckless,” was released in 2015 and singles “Step into the Light” and “For You” follwed in 2017. They also celebrated a career-defining moment in March 2017, opening for Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden.
As Lespecial points out regarding their third full-length album, Ancient Homies, the number three figures prominently into the band’s ethos – for instance, as a power trio and with their tri-face logo.
The new album also features three “Homie Improvs” (incidentally, tracks 3, 6 and 9) whose musical scale “is based around an unstable tonic, containing small chromatic groupings of three notes and has a cryptic, ambiguous and almost mystical quality.” These tracks feature all three members flexing their chops and stretching in new ways: Luke Bemand (bass, synth, samples), Rory Dolan (drums, sampler) and Jonny Grusauskas (guitar, keys, sampler, vocals).
Interspersing the Homie interludes as they do throughout Ancient Homies also has the effect of pairing the remaining eight songs with each other. The track list born from that decision just flows excellently.
The first couplet pairs the album’s first single “Snell’s Fleet” with a new remix of the long standing fan favorite “The Vessel.” At Lespecial’s October 9, 2020 drive-in show in Falmouth, MA, they opened the second set with this one-two punch and it was breathtaking. “Snell’s Fleet” evokes that timeless, mystical quality the band is known for. Up tempo with heavy, scuzzy guitar riffs, driving bass line and bombastic drum play, “Snell’s Fleet” crashes right into track two. “The Vessel” then shifts gears into a much more futuristic vibe. The combination of synth bounce, driving drums and funky bass can move an entire room, pulsing and pumping in a great wave. “The Vessel” debuted live onstage in 2012 and has finally found its way to vinyl.
The second grouping of songs, at first glance, appear to be the most curious on the album in that the songs are quite dissimilar. “Repeater” slows down the tempo and features lilting, ethereal vocals. The synth work drives the song forward, but has an altogether different feel to it than most of Lespecial’s music to date. And Rory’s fast, frenetic drumming in latter portion of the song is pure magic. Bringing us right into “Tonberry,” which made its live debut at Lespectacle IX in November 2019. Starting with a slow building eeriness that explodes into thunder around the one minute mark, then into the scale bending this album explores in the following passage. Around the halfway point of the song, Lespecial brings us into a funky, groovy movement and then circles right back to bombastic fury that bring the song home.
The next pairing is a synth heavy, fun filled duo. “Machine Elf” bounces back to futuristic sound that grooves with Luke’s bass tones anchoring things. Released as a single in January 2019, it slides perfectly right into this slot on the album. The latter half of this pairing is “Egg Time” and it wastes little time grinding into the funkiest, filthiest groove. Impossible to sit still to, this one is going to be a staple of Lespecial set lists for years to come. An instant classic.
The final pairing of songs on the album are quite engrossing, and will be unexpected to many fans. “Boundary Dissolution” slows things down again. With a more stripped down arrangement and hauntingly introspective vocals from Jonny, this one stays with the listener long after it ends. And “Tritome” (yet another “three”) features beautiful piano work from Jonny that reprises “Snell’s Fleet,” ending this amazing album with a wow.
Lespecial really delivers on the promise of adventure and exploration here. It feels like the band is still growing and defining who they are. It is a pleasure to witness their evolution. Ancient Homies is hands down my favorite release of 2020. Give it a listen and see what you think.
Key Tracks: Snell’s Fleet, Tonberry, Egg Time
Ancient Homies is available for purchase on Bandcamp and for streaming on all platforms.
The Albany Symphony announced that their world premier recording of Christopher Theofanidis‘ Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category. The Concerto was recorded on January 8, 2018 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and released by Albany Records. This is the fifth Grammy Nomination in seven years for the Albany Symphony.
“We are thrilled to receive this nomination, which brings attention to Christopher Theofanidis’ magnificent concerto, inspired by Navajo poetry,” said Music Director David Alan Miller. “It’s not every day that a viola concerto gets recognized, but this is arguably the finest concerto for the instrument written in many years. We are so grateful to Richard O’Neill, our astounding viola soloist, and to Silas Brown, our extraordinary producer and engineer. I deeply appreciate the work of our brilliant Albany Symphony musicians. Thanks also to our staff, board and friends at Albany Records, and to all our supporters.”
Composer Christopher Theofanidis also expressed his appreciation. “I was so delighted to receive the news. Richard put so much of himself into the performances and recording of the concerto, and David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony’s commitment to excellence doing new work shines through in this announcement. It is an honor to have the piece nominated,” he said.
Portrait of Christopher Theofanidis
The Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra was originally written for Kim Kashkashian who sent Theofanidis a collection of Navajo poems that were wildly different in character but had in common a supernatural sense of nature and an extremely evocative vocabulary. Each of the four movements is serious in sentiment, in turns foreboding and volatile, melancholic and questioning, lyrical and dramatic. Theofanidis wrote this work during the tragedy and turmoil of 9/11, starting the piece before and finishing it afterward, and was influenced by being in midtown Manhattan that day.
Viola soloist Richard O’Neill said, “In this dark time for musicians the world over, to receive this nomination for Chris’ moving and important work brought me to tears. David’s vision and unstoppable energy, the beautiful musicians of the Albany Symphony, and the great work of Silas Brown; these forces came together to create a dream team the envy of any musician. I am so incredibly lucky to have such friends and colleagues. In the absence of live performance throughout the US, I hope this recording can give comfort and joy to all that listen.”
The Albany Symphony recording of John Corigliano’s Conjurer with world-famous percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie won the 2013 GRAMMY for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. The Albany Symphony was then nominated in 2015 and twice in 2019.
Sci-fi Middle Eastern Prog Rockers Consider the Source have announced their “Hero Squad” New Year’s Run over December 28-31, 2020.
CTS will wrap up 2020 with four limited seating, socially distant shows, which will culminate with two nights at The Stone Church in New Hampshire. The venues for all four shows have been following safety protocols with success and the band currently feels they are adequate spaces to perform.
Fans are asked to adhere to any ground rules laid out by the venue and respect the band, audience, and staff’s space. Some venues may require the purchase of an entire table, as all shows are operating as seated shows with reduced capacities set by the venues. Please refer to venue websites for all show info. Tickets are on sale now for the Consider the Source Hero Squad New Year’s Run.
12/28 Jergel’s – Pittsburgh, PA 12/29 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 12/30 The Stone Church – Newmarket, NH 12/31 The Stone Church – Newmarket, NH SOLD OUT
The SAMMYS (Syracuse Area Music Awards) announce their submissions opening for 2021 awards show. The call goes out to local musicians, bands, and artists encouraging them to submit their 2020 commercially available recordings for consideration before January 6, 2021.
The Syracuse Area Music Awards show celebrities local music to the Syracuse area. It’s become a beloved staple to Syracuse and the surrounding areas. Artists interested in entering for consideration must select one category they wish to be judged in. Only commercially released albums or EPs, released between January 1 – December 31, 2020 by artists in the Syracuse area are eligible for the 2021 SAMMYS. All entries must be available on Apple Music, Spotify or Tidal and no physical recordings will be accepted this year. Categories subject to change at the discretion of the judges. The entry form is now available here: syracuseareamusic.com/submissions and must be submitted by January 6, 2021.
The 2021 SAMMYS will take place on March 5, 2021 and will be streamed live for free and live from SubCat Studios. The awards show will include musical performances by area artists/bands. Awards will be presented in 12 recording categories, in addition to the People’s Choice awards in four categories, Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS Award, and our Community Spirit Award.
The SAMMYS wouldn’t be possible without the help of its many sponsors. The 2021 supporting sponsors include: The Rebel Rocks, Bridge Street, SubCat Music Studios, CNY Alive!, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, KMASE Productions, Joshua Johnson Design, Skinner & Associates Realty, 315 Music, American Vintage Productions, NYS Music, News Channel 9, 95X, 93Q, and 92.1 The WOLF.
For more information on the SAMMYs and the 2021 submission process visit their website here or follow the Syracuse Area Music Awards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Wu Tang Clan released “Hi,” a new single alongside Texas, on Tuesday, December 1.
Recognized as one of the pioneers of the grimy, raw, hard-nosed sound, Wu Tang Clan’s status as international stars is not to be underestimated. They were synonymous with New York for almost three-decades. Their reputation as one of the most influential factions in Hip Hop history has seen their popularity soar in nations throughout the world, one being Scotland.
It was February 9, 1998, when Clan members Method Man and RZA joined Scottish pop-rock outfit, Texas, on stage at the Brit Awards in London. The two factions were performing the remix to the latter’s top 10 UK charting single, “Say What you Want.” Now, over twenty years later, the two groups have collaborated on another trans-cultural record, “Hi.”
Featuring RZA, Ghostface Killah and with vocals from Sharleen Spiteri, the record came about during RZA’s time in Glasgow. Whilst the Clan head honcho was filming a documentary, he connected with Spiteri and subsequently contributed a verse the Wu Tang Clan track, “Hi.”
A fast-paced alternative record, the music video opens up with Top Boy actor, Kadeem Ramsay, watching footage of their iconic performance at the Brit Awards. The television then segues into a more recent interview between RZA and Spiteri in which they discuss their yearn to work together again. Ramsay’s character is a super-fan of the two groups, as his room is filled with posters, memorabilia, as well as a shirt with a picture from the 1998 Brit Awards plastered on it.
Throughout the Wu Tang Clan “Hi” music video, he is seen performing routine tasks such as; picking out an outfit, driving his car and getting a tattoo. It is revealed that he kidnapped Spiteri in an attempt to get the two groups to collaborate once again. Spiteri responds by facetiming RZA, and after a short conversation, he obliges to the request. Spiteri and Ramsay then share a smoke, as she lightly ridicules his poor attempt at tying her up.
Hanukkah is right around the corner and folk-rock Rabbi Gedalya has released “The Lesson of the Flame,” a musical reflection on the need for positive spirituality during difficult situations.
With a spiritual message that is universal, “The Lesson of the Flame” reflects Gedalya’s faith. “Finding ways to get through hardship is central to religion,” says Gedalya, “and I wanted this song to reflect the powerful combination of faith and positivity.”
It’s my first time writing a holiday song, or even writing a song directly about Judaism, for that matter. Even though I wrote the song with the holiday season in mind, it’s about more than just the annual celebration. I wanted to convey the power in continuity and history. This Hanukkah, many of us are experiencing a year of tragedies, but by learning from tradition and remaining faithful we can find better times. I tried to reflect that in ‘The Lesson of the Flame.’
Gedalya
The roots of ‘the flame’ in this case connects to the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, and the lesson that comes from the eight-day holiday. Jewish men fought against the Greeks around 165 BCE, thus preserving their belief in the Torah. This self-sacrifice merited a miracle which revealed to them divine assistance; thus future generations now have this lesson to remember that even in the darkest of times, we are all capable of receiving divine assistance, especially when putting in effort to see through lies and seek the truth.
The song speaks directly to the power of positivity, especially during times of tribulation.
Finding yourself can be a challenge, especially when times are difficult. This year especially I have seen so many struggle with what is happening in the world. I wanted to make sure they heard a positive message for the holiday, but also I wanted anyone that hears the song to feel – deep down – that their situation can also get better. Now is the time to look inward to find the strength to make it to those better times.
Gedalya
The message of the song is not inherent to a particular faith, but rather speaks to a state of being. Framing ones mind that allows light to enter the darkness and appreciate the blessings of life.
Spotify and NIVA (National Independent Venue Association) announced their partnership on Spotifiy’s annual Wrapped Campaign to help preserve independent stages across the United States on December 1, 2020.
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
The annual Spotify/NIVA Wrapped Campaign unveiled the top artists, albums, songs, playlists and podcasts that more than 320 million people around the world listened to and discovered audio this year. This year’s Wrapped Campaign will be a little different. Spotify will be in partnership with NIVA this year trying to bring light to the detrimental state live independent venues are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
Stephen Sternshein, co-founder / treasurer of NIVA, and managing partner of Heard Presents in Austin spoke on the partnership saying, “As 2020 draws to a close, the live music industry enters month nine of no shows, no income, no federal support, and ever-mounting debts. Music is what connects us all – as Spotify shows us, it’s what helped our friends, our families and our communities get through this tumultuous year.”
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
Spotify is attempting to help support these independent venues by trying to shine a light on their plight by taking over space on the marquees of more than 30 COVID-shuttered music venues and donating a total of $500,000 to those stages and the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund. So far the announced artist and venue and artist pairs include Alicia Keys at the Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lady Gaga at the The Ritz Ybor in Tampa Florida, Childish Gambino at the The Aladdin in Portland, Oregon, The Weeknd at the The Orange Peel, in Asheville, Tennessee, and Jessie Ware at the Center Stage, in Atlanta Georgia. The partnership will be rolled out across the next few weeks announcing more artists and venues.
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
“In a year that has taken on so many twists and turns, a first reaction might be to look forward and forget the challenging times. However, that would discount all of the amazing work that creators, fans, venues and activists have poured their hearts into this year,” said Dan Brill, Global Group Creative Director at Spotify. “That’s why, instead of turning our backs on 2020, we wanted to give our appreciation for those who gave us hope — the people who, despite challenging circumstances, found ways to infuse magic into our world and give us hope for a better tomorrow.”
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
For more information on NIVA and their mission with Save Our Stages visit their website.
SAINt JHN, an artist from Brooklyn (real name Carlos St John Phillips), released his third album While The World Was Burning as artists continue to use the pandemic as inspiration for their music. His successful hit “Roses (Imanbek Remix)” spent 34 weeks on the Billboard Top 100 and peaked at #4 this past summer. The rest of his discography includes two other albums or “collections” with Ghetto Lenny Love Songs released in 2019 and Collection One in 2018. His commercial success took off in 2019, writing “Brown Skin Girl” for Beyoncé’s album The Lion King: TheGift. While the World Was Burning is a glimpse at SAINt JHN’s endless potential as an artist who can capitalize on using unpredictable times as momentum towards his promising career.
“Sucks To Be You” is the introductory track that successfully sets the tone of While The World Was Burning by reintroducing the world to a different side of SAINt JHN. The repeated lyrics from the chorus, “I said you know who I am, this kid from Brooklyn,” describe an adverse journey from humble beginnings to a successful artist. His honesty about his upbringing coincides with growing apart from someone who supported his initial dreams of wanting to become an artist. SAINt JHN expresses a vulnerable side as an artist who can make an upbeat hit like “Roses” and explain who he is as a person on “Sucks To Be You.”
https://youtu.be/pDsas5WHPXk
SAINt JHN made his TV debut performing “Sucks to Be You” on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon
SAINt JHN gathered a star-studded list of features on this album including 6LACK, Lil Uzi Vert, Future DaBaby, Kehlani, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Kanye, and JID. On “Ransom,” he teamed up with 6LACK and Kehlani to create a complementary vibe for each artist involved. Earlier in the year, he released a music video for “Ransom” featuring only his initial verse. By adding 6LACK And Kehlani, SAINt JHN proves his capability of knowing how to improve a song with the right features. While “Ransom” and “Sucks To Be You” are both tracks that highlight melodies, “Freedom Is Priceless” delivers an up-tempo beat that showcases his lyricism as a rapper.
“Pray 4 Me” is a cautionary tale about the possible repercussions of a rockstar lifestyle. SAINt JHN expresses his deepest fears of fame getting the best of him with lyrics like, “My life now, this highlight now/ Play my mama this if I die right now.” In comparison, Kanye’s featured verse feels superficial and so out of place the song would thrive even more without his verse. “Smack DVD” is the second collaboration between the duo and is available on the re-release version of While the World Was Burning. Kanye has a better verse on “Smack DVD” than on “Pray 4 Me,” but SAINt JHN outshines him on both tracks.
SAINt JHN mentions “Tryin to be the next Kanye” on “Quarantine Wifey,” but his originality is his biggest asset rather than emulating any other artist. Looking back on this year, While the World Was Burning will be a reminder of how music made the uncertain times a little more bearable.
DIE the Monk is a music alias that explores the macro imperfections of the worlds porous skin. In his latest release, The Beauty Complex, the post-rap artist turns a musical effort emotive. Thus, dissecting brash human composition in real time.
London born, Sebastien Carnot, deems the stage as his battleground, “where the enemy of the past meets the savior of self-preservation.” Likewise storytelling through dramatized musical ideas and industrial sounds are the essential elements to his craft. The Beauty Complex surely isn’t everyones spot of tea, but the inter-workings of the album shed light on modern warfare in the likes of self-destruction and social [media] evolution.
The Beauty Complex album art. Released Nov. 19, 2020.
Carnot pursued the DIE the Monk persona in 2018 when he felt the urge to express energy outwards and publicize his secrets. The realization becomes apparent through The Beauty Complex: that we are all Monks, stewing on our own thoughts for better or for worse.
I was aiming to create a dancy album full of industrial noises. Messages in this album surround feelings of concern for: self-preservation, mindlessness, over-thinking, and listening to your gut.
The 9-track DIY opens with “The Void,” a ghoulish opera that crosses the threshold of your inner black hole. With no hope of return, the monk’s musical tinure holds true to the genres dystopian harmony. Immense reverb, choir like voices and a seemingly subconscious conversation drives the listener indefinitely inward.
“Driver,” may have suited as a better opener, as it sucks you into a heavy trance. Envision London’s late night, underground dance tunnel thriving through all hours, until the explodes into a fountaining half-time.
Point blank song titles provoke emotion in its purest form. “Timid” takes on a mystical intro. Opening with heavenly exploration, the music weaves into a darker reality of ones insecurities. Off-the cuff raps leave hints of social media and Instagram complexes, but in monk’s reply “I’m not a pretty picture.” None of us are.
Influenced by artists like Shabazz Palaces, JPEGMAFIA, Xiu Xiu, and Macula Dog, DIE the Monk has carved an underground vibe that transcends pop-up backyard and basement shows. In 2018 DIE the Monk released his debut album, Privacy, filled with drama and dark underlying tones. In the last year a follow up album, Deep End, captured a love disaster, where on his third effort DIE the Monk states “The Beauty Complex is just the beginning.”
The Beauty Complex is surely an acquired taste, yet worth the exploration in its musical and social exploration. The driving and infinite electronic colours will keep the listener entwined. No “Pressure.”
