NYS Music 202​1

Author: Jacob L. Pitts

  • Kacey Musgraves Shines On The Star-Crossed SNL Premiere

    SNL has returned for its 47th season, with Owen Wilson hosting and Kacey Musgraves as the musical guest.

    The episode began with a cold open featuring prominent Democrats and what they’ve been up to in the offseason, including President Joe Biden and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cecily Strong stole the show as Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, as did Melissa Villaseñor as a post-Met-Gala AOC. In his opening monologue, Owen Wilson poked fun at the negative reviews he’s received from critics over the years.

    One of the night’s strongest sketches was of a school board meeting derailed by conspiracy theories and critical race theory outrage. Alex Moffat and Ego Nwodim took on nearly the entire cast of SNL as unhinged parents and townspeople, each more absurd than the last.

    Later, Kacey Musgraves took to the stage with new single “Justified.” The song kicks off the second act of her fourth studio album, star-crossed, which she conceived as a three-act Greek tragedy in album form. Every song references her 2020 divorce from fellow country singer Ruston Kelly, trading in her signature sass for sentimentality.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0z7GH78oGo

    Then, continuing their Weekend Update tenure, Michael Che and Colin Jost cracked jokes about missing white woman syndrome and R. Kelly. At the end of their set, Jost commended late SNL alum Norm MacDonald for inspiring him to do Weekend Update, leading into a montage of MacDonald’s best moments on the show. On September 14, 2021, MacDonald passed away from acute leukemia after privately battling the disease for nine years.

    Finally, Kacey Musgraves closed out the episode with star-crossed’s biggest tearjerker, “Camera Roll.” Lyrically, the song is about looking back on a relationship with rose-tinted glasses after only preserving the good memories.

    Kim Kardashian-West will be hosting next Saturday, with Halsey serving as the musical guest.

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Joseph Beaty, Coyote Reverie And More

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Joseph Beaty, Coyote Reverie and many more!

    Joseph Beaty

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    Joseph Beaty

    “Kick Out The Pieces” is Adirondack musician Joseph Beaty’s latest single, ahead of his upcoming album Rust, You Can Leave Me Now. Out October 15, Rust is shaping up to be a callback to grunge and indie rock of the ‘90s. “Kick Out The Pieces” is the most menacing track yet, which says a lot next to previous singles “Still Forming” and “Thick of Things.”

    Rust, You Can Leave Me Now is the embodiment of 2020. Things in my life (in all our lives) were put in perspective and it was time to remove the negative bits. This record was my catharsis, my therapy. It is gritty, unsafe, and dark. No sense in sugar-coating it. You will hear many lyrics talk about knocking the rust out. This therapy experiment helped me arrive as a new, more focused person for 2021.

    Joseph Beaty

    Coyote Reverie

    Vermont trip-hop duo Coyote Reverie will release their debut album Imah on October 13. New song “Achilles’ Helix” has arrived just in time for Halloween, with spooky and cryptic lyrics: “I’m her shadow on the wall, I’m her echo down the hall / I’m the voices in her head, I’m the snakeskin that she shed.”

  • Ian Lockwood creates satirical yet skilled pop with “Not Like Other Girls”

    Comedian and singer-songwriter Ian Lockwood will release his second EP, Not Like Other Girls, on October 22. The title track, also the lead single, pokes fun at the “I’m not like other girls” phenomenon, which depicts young women acting excessively quirky or unique in order to set themselves apart from the rest of their gender, often for male attention or due to internalized misogyny. Famous examples include P!nk and Avril Lavigne’s mid-2000s output, as well as the majority of love interests in John Green novels. The meme has entire Reddit subs dedicated to it, and now a pop anthem:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaiRqv3jD7s

    Lockwood follows a long tradition of comedians crossing over into musical territory, including “Weird” Al Yankovic, Flight of the Conchords, and most recently, Bo Burnham. However, he has bigger aspirations than novelty fodder. In September, he told PASTE Magazine of his goal to challenge the notion of comedy songs as dance floor clearers.

    I want people to be able to throw [my music] on at a party and not everybody goes, ‘What the hell is this? Turn this off, next.’ I think if you’re a fan of comedy music, and you’ve ever hosted a party and tried to sneak a comedy song onto a playlist, you know the pain of people getting upset and asking to change the song. So the philosophy is good comedy and good music at the same time.

    Ian Lockwood to PASTE Magazine, September 2021

    Lockwood released the EP’s second single, “No Homo,” on October 1. Lyrically, the song is about two straight “bros” who accidentally-on-purpose keep finding themselves in steamy predicaments. To add insult to injury, it’s backed by a flamboyant nu-disco beat that makes it hard to believe the narrator’s insistence that everything is straight and narrow. The second half of the song goes on an entertaining tangent, where the narrator and his subject time-travel to the 1800s as star-crossed besties.


    On October 22, Ian Lockwood is having a release show for Not Like Other Girls at Union Hall in Brooklyn. Listeners can also expect third single “Your Dad” to drop on the same day.

  • This week’s EQXposure features The Duke Western, Lucas Garrett, Blackcat Elliot and more

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from The Duke Western, Lucas Garrett, Blackcat Elliot and many more!

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.


    The Duke Western

    David Scott Rockower, also known as The Duke Western, wrote upwards of 50 songs for his album Artifiction Addiction. His single “Fences” coins multiple new verbs: “chameleonating” and “hypocripolating,” to name a few. Lyrically, the song speaks of realizing you’ve been going through the motions and promising to show up more authentically. For The Duke Western, this means choosing music as a career rather than merely a hobby. He’s taught private guitar lessons, composed scores for TV shows and worked as an audio engineer at Upstate Concert Hall. Fans of traditional pop will find the rhythm of “Fences” familiar—it’s lifted from the Andrews Sisters’ “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”

    Lucas Garrett

    Known for his distinctive baritone vocals, Queensbury musician Lucas Garrett has tackled numerous genres and influences. With progressive rock, folk, classic rock, and indie under his belt, the latest addition to his arsenal is new wave. On his newest single “So Many Times,” he combines his signature guitar with a nostalgic 80s feel. Over the past few months, Garrett has performed at numerous venues in the Capital District, such as Strand Theatre, the Shirt Factory and Putnam Place.

    Blackcat Elliot

    Albany trio Blackcat Elliot’s influences are split three ways: CBGB punk, 70s power pop and 90s grunge. Bassist Fast Eddie, drummer Marky Balboa and guitarist and vocalist Gus have been performing their brand of “go-for-the-throat” garage rock for over 20 years. They released their third studio album, There Is No Good In Us in 2019:

  • Saturday Night Live Unveils Hosts, Musical Guests for Season 47

    Saturday Night Live has revealed the first four hosts and musical guests of its upcoming season 47. Returning on October 2 on NBC, the lineup includes Kacey Musgraves, Halsey, Young Thug and Brandi Carlile. The premiere is the first episode of SNL since last May, when Anya Taylor-Joy hosted as Lil Nas X took the stage. Cast members Beck Bennett and Lauren Holt are exiting the show, while three new featured players are set to join: Aristotle Athari, James Austin Johnson and Sarah Sherman.

    Saturday Night Live Season 47

    Fans of the show can likely anticipate a tribute to late alum Norm Macdonald, who passed away in September.

    The season premiere kicks off on October 2, with Loki star Owen Wilson hosting and country-turned-pop singer Kacey Musgraves as the musical guest. Musgraves’ fourth studio album star-crossed was released on September 10, supported by a visual album that premiered on Paramount+. She previously performed on SNL in 2018:

    On October 9th, Kim Kardashian West hosts as Halsey performs. Her August album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power received the best reviews of her career to date, attracting new listeners thanks to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s production. Halsey has guested on SNL annually since 2018, doing double duty as a host and musical guest in 2019.

    Rami Malek hosts on October 16, a change of pace from portraying the most recent Bond villain in No Time to Die. Young Thug joins Malek as the musical guest, his first time as the main performer despite assisting Megan Thee Stallion last season.

    The furthest out host and musical guest announced for Season 47 of Saturday Night Live are Emmy-winning Ted Lasso star and former SNL alum Jason Sudeikis, and singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, both for October 23.

    https://twitter.com/brandicarlile/status/1440763673887215619

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Paul Moody, The William Deuel Band, And More

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Paul Moody, the William Deuel Band and many more!

    Paul moody

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    Paul Moody

    Folk singer-songwriter Paul Moody is a recent Woodstock transplant from Chicago, who also performs under the name Moody Jr. His upcoming album Songs From Youth, out this October, is preceded by the contemplative, personal single “Breaking Into Cars.”

    Moody’s music is immersive and ambient, with detailed soundscapes you can almost meditate to. The best example is “All I Had Was You,” his most-played song on Spotify with almost 500K streams.

    The William Deuel Band

    Formed in Saratoga Springs in 2018, The William Deuel Band is a unique amalgamation of the Rolling Stones and Nirvana, with some country and blues thrown in for good measure. Their newest full-length effort, Moment in Time, features frontman William Deuel, drummer Chris Reed, Jr., and bassists Jason Brown and Ethan Henderson. Highlights include “Ballroom Bananas” and “Can’t Wait on Sunday.”

    The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

    “Situational Comedy” is the final track on The Great Pacific Garbage Patch’s debut album, You’ve Changed. Despite its title evoking images of Michael Scott or Leslie Knope causing hilarious hijinks at their workplace, this pop punk tune is bleak and anxious, referencing The Truman Show and a self-conscious feeling of being watched by an audience: “And it’s been a good run / I just hope that I could give the people what they want.” The Albany trio is made up of drummer Jordan Demarest, bassist Dan Haggerty and lead singer and guitarist Will Kachidurian.

    You’ve Changed by The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Side-B, Justin Friello, And More

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Side-B, Justin Friello and many more!

    Justin Friello

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    Side-B

    Albany band Side-B serves some sunny folk pop with “The Mountain Song.” Its chorus ponders the age-old question: If a tree falls in the forest when no one’s around to hear it, does it make a sound? All four of the band’s members met in their early teen years, and even released their debut effort, The Low Budget Romance EP, in their senior year of high school. Their Spotify playlist, “More like Mountain Song,” reveals the track’s main inspirations, including the Beatles, Steely Dan and CCR.

    Justin Friello

    Schenectady singer-songwriter Justin Friello is a triple threat, well-versed in pop, classical and theatre. His single “The Tent,” based on a true story about a South Carolina man’s suicide, was written back in 2009. It first appeared on his 2010 album Ghosts in Command, but he decided to rerecord it after getting a positive response in Rockbridge Guitar’s 2020 Songwriters’ Contest.

    Fab the Duo

    Going against the grain in an increasingly dark and downtempo pop scene, Fab the Duo evokes early 2010s dancefloor fillers like Kesha and Teenage Dream-era Katy Perry. First performing in New York City nightlife, including the historic Stonewall Inn, the self-described two-man boy band breaks barriers performing as an interracial gay couple. Their uplifting new song “Good Distraction” sounds like the closest thing this timeline has to Lizzo’s take on One Direction:

  • Jazz On the Plaz! Comes To Seneca One Tower

    The plaz is alive, with sounds of jazz. Jazz On the Plaz! has arrived at the West Plaza of Seneca One Tower in Buffalo between Pearl Street and Main Street. A partnership between Seneca One and JazzBuffalo, the weekly series will play outdoors from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Fridays through September 24,  The surrounding trees offer plenty of shade, and snacks and beverages are available thanks to food trucks.

    Jazz on the Plaz

    While the series kicked off in late August with Terry Buchwald’s Elvis tribute and Tech Night, the fun continues throughout September. The remaining lineup is as follows:

    • September 3: Summer Wind: The Music of Frank Sinatra
    • September 10: Patti Parks Band
    • September 17: Saranaide
    • September 24: Hot Club of Buffalo

    All Jazz On the Plaz! shows are free, but JazzBuffalo is accepting free-will donations for the Keep Jazz Alive Fund, which supports the musicians as well as sound and equipment. Each event has a bucket for cash donations, and attendees can also donate via Venmo at @jazzbuffalo716 and PayPal at @jazzbuffalo.

    In addition to Seneca One Tower and JazzBuffalo, other sponsors include Douglas Development Corporation, Buffalo Construction Consultants and the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY.

    For information on parking and transportation, see Seneca One’s website.

  • PearlPalooza Returns To Downtown Albany On September 18

    This year’s PearlPalooza is in person once again. Presented by SEFCU, the downtown Albany festival will enjoy its 12th year on Saturday, September 18. The all-star lineup includes Slothrust, Jocelyn & Chris, Glass Pony and Timbre Coup, with a streetwide mass yoga event presented by MVP Health Care. Like its virtual rendition last year, PearlPalooza is free to attend.

    PearlPalooza kicks off with MVP Health Care’s YogaPalooza event at 12:00 PM, which requires pre-registration on the Hot Yoga Spot’s website. Be sure to bring a mat, water and mask. After that, Timbre Coupe takes the stage at 1:00 PM, with Glass Pony at 2:15 PM and Jocelyn & Chris at 3:30 PM. Headliner Slothrust closes out the festival from 4:45 to 6:00 PM.

    Three of the lineup’s four bands have Albany ties: Jocelyn & Chris, Glass Pony and Timbre Coupe. Jocelyn & Chris are a blues-rock sibling duo who have made their long-awaited return to touring after taking 2020 off for obvious reasons. They’ve already played in 16 states, and have performed with Foreigner and Grand Funk Railroad.

    Pearlpalooza is going to be amazing this year. We’re so honored to be on the bill! It’s our first hometown show since the summer of 2019, and we can’t wait for it. We’ve been playing all over the country this summer, but there’s nothing like a homecoming!

    Jocelyn & Chris

    All performances will be on the Remarkable Liquids Stage at North Pearl Street and Sheridan Avenue, with $5 event parking available at ParkAlbany’s Riverfront Garage and Quackenbush Garage. One of the event’s sponsors, WEQX, will spin music between each set. Other sponsors include the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, Sugar Productions and The Hollow Bar + Kitchen.

    We are super grateful to be able to work with such amazing partners at The Downtown Albany BID and the area businesses who put a lot of thought and effort into this year’s event. We cannot thank the sponsors enough for making PearlPalooza possible. The one-stage approach will allow for more space not only for attendees but also for vendors who have really taken a hit over the past year-plus. We are thrilled to be able to spotlight three incredible Capital Region-based bands who also took a hit in an already difficult world to live…the world of being a band. Slothrust as headliner is a dream come true for the entire staff here at EQX and we hope it is for you too!

    Program Director Jeff Morad

    For more information on PearlPalooza 2021, visit the Downtown Albany website.

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Senior Living, Fenton Hardy And More!

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Senior Living, Fenton Hardy and many more!

    fenton hardy senior living

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    Senior Living

    Senior Living is a punk and shoegaze band from Albany, NY. Like the best of both worlds, their music is meant to be listened to with the volume cranked all the way up (their Instagram bio makes note of this, simply stating “bring earplugs yo”). On Senior Living’s debut album, Anniversaries, they combine both genres with ease, offering a plausible answer to how Green Day might sound covering My Bloody Valentine, or vice versa. The best tracks to showcase this fusion are the album’s shortest and longest tracks: opener “Carousel,” and penultimate song “Sourir.”

    Fenton Hardy

    Fenton Hardy’s five-minute “Morose” is much sunnier than its title suggests. The opening track from his EP, The Ghost, it references those Mondays where we don’t feel like getting out of bed: “Friday, you taste like honey / Oh Monday, like tequila and regret.” Nevertheless, it encourages the listener to face the day ahead. The keyboard and bass have lots to do here, acting as the intro and outro respectively.

    Sarah King

    Vermont singer-songwriter Sarah King puts a feminist spin on folk ballads with her EP, The Hour. She describes “Poison” as “a soul-country anthem inspired by [Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] and her strength dealing with men belittling her.” The title stems from the lyric, “I gave you a taste of your own medicine, and you say I poisoned you.” Each of The Hour’s five songs approach feminism, empowerment and trauma from a different angle, including a cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” The EP was produced by Simone Felice (The Lumineers, Jade Bird), who was impressed after King cold-emailed him.

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