NYS Music 202​0

Tag: Elton John

  • El Modernist Set to Release ‘Evolution’

    On October 16, indie-rock band El Modernist released their newest single, ‘Evolution,’ proudly played as an LGBTQ+ Fight Song. All proceeds from the track will be donated directly to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to providing crisis intervention and counseling to America’s LGBTQ+ youth.

    El Modernist Evolution

    Both Elton John and Freddie Mercury were able to be successful, even with the stigma that came with being queer. They were able to lay a path for future queer artists. More recently, Lil Was X, Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, and many others have taken what Elton and Freddie gave them and ran. In today’s time of social upheaval, more and more queer artists are fighting for the rights they deserve.

    According to their lead singer, Will Freddette, “This is an anthem for the queer artists that have been contributing and pushing the boundaries of art since the beginning of time, while more often than not having to hide their true selves while doing so.”

    El Modernist deliver a new take on the world of indie-rock, notably with ‘Evolution.” The band combines upbeat, catchy garage-rock with a modern alternative hip-hop sound. They are a very high-energy group, and bring that to their performances, resonating with fans of all ages.

    El Modernist Evolution

    All members come from diverse musical backgrounds and find great joy in blending various influences. This allows them to create something entirely new and entirely their own. Featuring a concoction of acoustic and electronic drums with screaming guitar riffs, every El Modernist show is a party that you do not want to miss.

    El Modernist, founded in 2018, is based out of Albany and have played various venues in the Capital District. Additionally, they help to curate the “We Are Albany NY” Spotify playlist which features music from any and all Albany-based who wish to be a part of it.

    The single will be released on all streaming platforms on Friday, October 26.

  • On this day in 1980, Elton John rocked Central Park dressed as Donald Duck

    On Sept. 13, 1980, Elton John performed for around 400,000 people in Central Park. The sun was out, people were gathered (less than six feet apart), and Sir Elton was wearing a Donald Duck suit.

    Elton John Donald Duck
    Sir Elton John performing, “Your Song” while wearing his legendary duck suit.

    It might seem surreal, now, to imagine 400,000 people in the same place, at the same time, dancing and enjoying themselves. With Nigel Olsen on drums and Dee Murray on bass, the original Elton John Band created a legendary experience.

    The concert was part of Elton John’s 1980 World Tour, supporting his latest album 21 at 33. He played top hits “Bennie and the Jets,” “Your Song,” and of course, “Tiny Dancer,” and added some new ones in there too, like “Little Jeannie” and “Sartorial Eloquence.”

    Imagine all the people. Elton John paid tribute to his long time friend John Lennon by performing a cover of Lennon’s classic tune, “Imagine.” A few months later Lennon would be murdered by Mark David Chapman. Sir Elton said this made it too painful to perform the song ever again.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy2VmfgEaag

    Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, started playing piano at a very young age, so it comes to no one’s surprise that he has plenty of awards under his belt. With two Academy Awards and four Grammys, John has and always had quite the reputation as being a musical genius. The latest tribute to the icon is the acclaimed film “Rocketman,” starring Taylor Edgerton as Elton John throughout his career; the movie would also land Elton John and writing partner Bernie Taupin an Oscar for Best Original Song with “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again.”

    Seeing Elton John, Donald Duck suit and all, singing “Your Song,” will never be forgotten as part of one of the most legendary concert experiences in Central Park of all time.

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