NYS Music 202​1

Category: Media

  • The Sun Ra Arkestra Make Triumphant Return to SummerStage

    On Saturday, July 24th, The Sun Ra Arkestra returned to Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage for their fifth stint at the concert series. Still led by Sun Ra himself at the time, the band headlined the festival’s first ever concert back in 1986 at the old Central Park Bandshell. After Sun Ra’s death in 1993, the band continued on as The Sun Ra Arkestra, remaining quite active under the leadership of Marshall Allen who has been performing with the group since 1958. At 97 years young, Allen and The Arkestra were as tight as ever in Central Park.

    The Sun Ra Arkestra at SummerStage, 7/24/2021. Photo by: Buscar Photo

    Opening the night was Chicago based trio Sistazz of The Nitty Gritty. The group consists of vocalist/clarinetist Angel Bat Dawid, pianist/vocalist Anaiet and bassist Brooklynn Skye Scott. The performance was a mixture of spoken word poetry, jazz fusion, and Dadaist collages of piano, bass, vocals and clarinet. Heavily influenced by The Arkestra’s signature sounds, the trio injects their own modern edge into avant-garde jazz. The incredibly talented band is surely one to watch as they continue to explore their music.

    Sistazz of The Nitty Gritty at SummerStage, 7/24/2021. Photo by Buscar Photo

    As the 23-member Arkestra began to file on stage, the once seated audience sprung to their feet to embrace the band’s return to SummerStage. A Sun Ra performance is always more than a musical experience. The band is accompanied by dancers who graced the front of the stage from the start with interpretative, meditative dance routines. This shifted off to the side of the stage and Allen took his place front and center.

    Marshall Allen at SummerStage, 7/24/2021. Photo by Buscar Photo

    The band played a generally continuous set, stopping every so often to reset, but with a band this size there is always music being played. Throughout the show, Allen would survey the band, and point someone out in particular to stand, and take the lead. One-by-one, everyone took their turn, either stepping up for a musical lead or interpretative dance at the center of the stage. This continued throughout the 90-minute set, creating a vividly engaging experience for the audience as there was no way to know where the music was heading. The Arkestra closed to a thunderous ovation from the audience that echoed through Central Park – a second home for the band for so many years.

    The Sun Ra Arkestra at SummerStage, 7/24/2021. Photo by: Buscar Photo

    The Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage festival continues, with upcoming performances from The Originals, Marc Rebillet, Antibalas, Armand Hammer & The Alchemist (featuring Moor Mother), and many more – check out the full lineup HERE.

  • A Midsummer Slay Was Anything But a Drag at The Palace

    On July 23rd, The Palace Theater in Albany played host to A Midsummer Slay. This drag show was originally to be hosted by Lady Bunny, but a sudden illness meant that none other than Mrs. Kasha Davis (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7) would need to strap on her high heels and come warm up the crowd as this was a spectacular not seen in the Capitol Region for some time. The stage was set for an incredible night of dancing and booty-shaking and the crowd was ready and roaring.

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    Midsummer Slay – Mrs. Kasha Davis / Photo by Zach Culver

    Morgan McMichaels (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5, and All-stars Season 2) was the first dancer to grace her stage with almost nothing but a reinstoned jacket and nipple pasties. In her best ‘Pink’ wig she got the fans moving as she rocked the stage to the Diva’s “Call Your Girlfriend” When the crowd was fully charged, Morgan kicked it up a notch as she jumped out into the crowd and gave one lucky fan a vigorous lap dance.

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    Midsummer Slay – Morgan McMichaels / Photo by Zach Culver

    Mrs. Davis came back out, (after a quick costume change of course), and kept the energy up, cracking jokes at everyone’s expense, including herself. A’Keria Davenport was introduced next, coming out to Cardi B’s “Up” in a technicolor outfit that would have made the Drag Race judges gasp. Stripping down to her fishnets and equally excellent undergarments, she strutted that stage like the queen she is, before coming out into the crowd and showing the screaming crowd what her mama gave her, (and maybe paid for). You couldn’t tell that she had just been voted off RuPaul’s Drag Race All-stars the night before as she was in her element.

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    Midsummer Slay – A’Keria C. Davenport / Photo by Zach Culver

    Coco Montrese (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5, All-stars Season 2) strolled out in a sparkly red number showing a lot of leg. TikTok sensation Doja Cat’s “Say So” played as fans rushed the stage to dole out singles like a strip club to the more than willing Coco.

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    As Coco was finishing talking with Kasha Davis, a stage director ran out with a powerful fan which could only mean one thing, it was time to introduce the TikTok and Instagram superstar, Plastique Tiara (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11). Plastique can only be described as drop dead gorgeous and that’s all she needs. No dancing was necessary as she simply stood in front of the fan and listened as the crowd went wild.

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    Midsummer Slay – Plastique Tiara / Photo by Zach Culver

    The night would have an entire second set with even more dancing, twerking, and cash being thrown from every direction. Midsummer Slay, like all drag shows, celebrated our right to do whatever the hell we want, looking however we want. You can still see A’keria on the current season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-stars Season 5. She was just voted off but there is a “Game within a game” the audience is still waiting for.

    • Plastique Tiara / Photo by Zach Culver
    • A’Keria C. Davenport / Photo by Zach Culver
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    • Morgan McMichaels / Photo by Zach Culver

  • In Focus: Yam Yam brings the noise to Albany’s Alive at Five Funk Night

    On Wednesday July 21st, Albany’s Alive At Five Concert series returned to the rain location under the 787 overpass. This week featured Albany’s own Funk/soul band, Hartley’s Encore, as well as Yam Yam, a Jam/Funk/soul group from Harrisburg, PA.

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    Check out the Setlists and photo gallery of the evening below. Alive at Five will hold their final FREE concert of the season on Wednesday, July 28 with 80s hair band Warrant, with Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band opening the night.

    Hartley’s Encore: Feels So Good, Burnin, Mary Jane*, Bright Light Shining, Eyes Open, All to You, Move on Up*, Hartley’s Encore

    Yam Yam: Cashew Reprise, Cashew, Juice Box, Big Bird, Grease Trap, Star Dog , Vulphie, Boogie On Reggae Woman*, Not My Dog, Central Station, Roy, ’94, Dinnertime, Kamal, Cory Wong*, Sizzle, Medusa’s Crisco, Treason, I’ll Be Right Here

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features The Grandstand Jockeys, Timbre Coup 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 Grandstand Jockeys, Timbre Coup and many more!

    Grandstand jockeys

    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 Grandstand Jockeys

    The Grandstand Jockeys’ debut EP, Win, arrives on June 18. Its first single, “Better Days,” is a nostalgic call to long-past good times, holding out hope for their eventual return. The song is especially timely in the wake of many COVID-19 restrictions being lifted: “Time to begin, the time is now / Get yourself off the ground.” The Grandstand Jockeys’ Facebook page describes their sound as a mix of Tom Petty, Nirvana and QOTSA, but “Better Days” has the former written all over it.

    Timbre Coup

    Timbre Coup’s latest single, “Running Always,” is an indie rock piece that occasionally delves into prog and funk. The song’s scarce lyrics contrast its vast, sometimes trippy soundscape, replete with a sweeping electric guitar that wouldn’t sound out of place on OK Computer. The four-piece band from Albany will release their fourth studio album, Sudden Urge, on June 25.

    Ciarra Fragale

    Indie-pop singer-songwriter Ciarra Fragale’s self-titled EP is out on July 2. Described by Fragale as “a love letter to my anxiety (and yours),” single “It’s Only Raining” isn’t concerned with the weather so much as the stressful hypothetical situations our brains create for us. Fragale’s vocals are effortless yet passionate, and the staccatoed keys will stay with you long after listening.

  • Electronic Artist Nick Newhouse Releases Captivating Debut Single

    Nick Newhouse, an electronic artist from New York City, finds the beauty in nightmares with his debut single “Every Night (In My Dreams).” This song is the tip of the iceberg for Newhouse’s new musical project. It creatively captures the love-hate relationship that Newhouse has with sleep, sleep deprivation, dreams, nightmares, and underwater spaces.

    Nick Newhouse

    Nick Newhouse is a brilliant musician that is constantly fixated on existential themes and chilling production. He has recently moved away from his dance-oriented roots to dive deeper into his own thoughts and write music that reflects his imagination. He finds inspiration from underwater spaces and dream worlds, and his music is designed for listeners that hate going to sleep but never want to wake up. “Every Night (In My Dreams)” is the hallmark of his new music project, including dark lyrics and lush melodies.

    Nick Newhouse

    “Every Night (In My Dreams)” is the first of several tracks that Nick plans to release in 2021. The debut single is paired with an ethereal music video that visualizes many of Nick’s non-musical influences as well as his fears.

    Newhouse’s raw talent paired with his lyrical vulnerability makes him a captivating artist–listeners are able to relate to his lyrics while also feeling strongly moved by the enticing electronic beats that he produces. “Every Night (In My Dreams)” is the perfect song for the artist to start with because it is exemplary of his audio and visual aesthetic, but is only the tip of the iceberg of his career.

  • D’Arcy Releases New Video for Remixed Single “Crush”

    D’Arcy is a fresh alternative musician hailing straight from New York City. Her first single, “Crush,” was released in October of 2020 and has recently been remixed by Bubblegum. She just released a brand new creative lyric video for the remixed “Crush.”

    D’Arcy is known for her dark and dramatic alternative flair. Her first single “Crush” was released in October 2020 followed by “Bad Girls” in December and “Bad Girls” remix by Morgothbeatz (Juice WRLD, Lil Xan). D’Arcy is the first musical act launched from DRØME, a media company that previously published a multi-issue print magazine featuring Billie Eilish, Sofi Tukker, LPX, OSHUN, Girlpool, Nakaya and more.

    If you like Billie Eilish or Lorde, you’re bound to like NYC-based indie act D’Arcy. Coming in with her dark and alternative pop sounds, she’s making her presence known and offering a unique take on the genre that’s setting her apart from the aforementioned artists. – EARMILK

    “Crush” is one of her upbeat tracks, illustrating the first feelings of realizing you have a crush on a special somebody. It is both cute and hard-hitting at the same time, showing off D’Arcy’s unique talent of being an astounding female punk artist. The Bubblegum remix slightly speeds up the original track, making it more pop rather than rock. The new lyric video features youthful graphics that make the heart of the song come to life.

    D’Arcy’s musical career is off to an insanely promised start, and fans can only be expecting more great sounds coming from her in the future.

  • In Focus: Amy Helm and The Sea The Sea at Alive at 5

    On Wednesday, July 14th, Albany’s Alive at 5 concert series featured two acts native to upstate New York, indie folk-pop duo, The Sea The Sea, and Folk-rock, multi instrumentalist Amy Helm.

    amy helm alive at 5

    For the third week in a row, the concert was held at the Rain location under the 787 overpass. Despite the uncooperative weather, attendance was near capacity. Check out the setlists and photo gallery below.

    Alive at 5 returns this week, Wednesday, July 21, with Hartley’s Encore and YAM YAM.

    amy helm alive at 5

    Setlists from Alive at 5 with Amy Helm and The Sea The Sea

    The Sea The Sea: I’ll be loving you, Rainstorm, A thousand years, Broken, In the altogether, Back to the wild, Not the same as goodbye, The meaning of love, This is the way, Love we are we love, Let our Kites Fly, Nothing Brighter, The Art of Feeling, I’m so Lonesome, Stumbling Home, Everybody, Fall before the climb

    Amy Helm: This Too Shall Light, Heat Lightning, Breathing, Rescue Me, Roll The Stone, Carry It Alone, Calling Home, Cotton On The Cane, Running Out Of Love, Wait For The Rain, Terminal B, He Called Me Baby, Atlantic City, Didn’t It rain, Sweet Mama

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    • amy helm alive at 5
    • amy helm alive at 5
    • amy helm alive at 5
    • amy helm alive at 5
    • amy helm alive at 5

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Sara Devoe, 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 Sara Devoe, Blackcat Elliot and many more!

    Sara Devoe

    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.

    Sara Devoe

    Albany artist Sara Devoe blends a dream pop aesthetic with the songwriting sensibilities of Phoebe Bridgers and Lana Del Rey. “Big Night” is the first single off her debut EP, out this summer. Chill and slightly aloof, it’s tailor-made for solo summer drives.

    Blackcat Elliot

    Inspired by the CBGB punk scene of the 1970s with a side of 90s grunge, Albany garage band trio Blackcat Elliot is still going strong after 20 years. Made up of Fast Eddie on bass, Marky Balboa on drums and Gus on guitar and vocals, they’re self-proclaimed “troublesome, working class heroes.” Their 2019 album There Is No Good In Us features “Take It Back,” a hard rock number with Grohl-esque vocals.

    U.C.

    Toronto prog trio U.C. released their album Time Distortion in March. Quirky and experimental, “Magnanimity” pays tribute to the titular five-dollar word with daring production choices. While relegated to the background, the shimmering piano that enters halfway through makes the song. At times, “Magnanimity” appears to pay homage to Freddie Mercury and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” If the listener didn’t know its release date, it could easily be mistaken for a song from the past or even future.

    Sara Devoe, Blackcat Elliot

  • City Bisco Returns Home to Philadelphia

    With the postponement of their annual summer festival Camp Bisco, The Disco Biscuits decided to pivot and still find a way to treat their fans to some great music last weekend. The solution came in the form of City Bisco – two nights of Biscuits at the Mann Music Center in their hometown of Philadelphia, with some of their friends along for the ride.

    The DJ triumvirate that is Orchard Lounge kicked things off on Friday night with their infectious blend of hypnotech house and downtempo musical soundscapes. This set the table nicely for Lotus, who would play an opening set each night. Friday’s set saw a blend of their newer material like “Free Swim” along with classics like “Greet The Mind” and a massive “Flower Sermon.”

    City Bisco

    The Biscuits started the first of their two shows in theatrical fashion, with a first time cover of “Gonna Fly Now,” better known as the theme to Rocky. The inspired opening set even included a “Tractorbeam” segment, an electronica-heavy sequence that sees the band covering or playing along to the influence of another DJ which, until now, have normally been reserved for second sets.

    The second set featured songs like “Astronaut” and “Running Into The Night” both broken up into two sections which helped sandwich “The Great Abyss.” The Biscuits also brought out their comrade Tom Hamilton, from Ghost Light and JRAD, to assist on the encore.

    City Bisco Night One TD Pavillion at the Mann – Philadelphia, PA 7/9/21

    Set 1: Gonna Fly Now > Spaga, Run Like Hell, > Spacebirdmatingcall > Tractorbeam Jam (Terje) > Spacebirdmatingcall

    Set 2: Astronaut > Running Into The Night > The Great Abyss > Clocks > Tractorbeam Jam (Eden) > Astronaut > Running Into The Night

    Encore: Humuhumunukunukuapu’a > Run Like Hell

    City Bisco

    Luke the Knife handled opening DJ duties for Saturday’s night two of City Bisco. He was followed by another scintillating set of music from Lotus, setting the tone for the evening nicely again.

    What came next was nothing short of a classic Disco Biscuits show, with a perfect blend of classic and new material and, yes, another Tractorbeam sequence each set. The first set alone had a little bit of everything: an old school opener in “Mulberry’s Dream,” an exhilarating “Champions,” the middle section only of “Crickets,” and the first “Trucker’s Choice” in nearly four years.

    The second set opened with another vintage Biscuits song in “Mindless Dribble” which set the table for a ferocious take on the newer “Anthem.” And the “Tractorbeam” sequence in this set was based off of original material instead of covering someone else. After two nights of fantastic music, surrounded by fans and friends alike, there was only one logical musical selection to wrap up the weekend and City Bisco, “We Like To Party.”

    City Bisco Night Two TD Pavillion at the Mann – Philadelphia, PA 7/10/21

    Set 1: Mulberry’s Dream, Reactor > The Champions > Tractorbeam Jam (Revive) > Crickets > Trucker’s Choice

    Set 2: Mindless Dribble > Anthem > Gamma Goblins > Tractorbeam Jam (Original) > Abraxas > Story Of The World

    Encore: We Like To Party

    Photos by Alex B, 215Music.net

  • Judy Collins Debuts “Since You’ve Asked” Podcast

    Folk singer Judy Collins has released her newest project, a podcast series called Since You’ve Asked, named after her 1977 single of the same title. The podcast’s first episode aired on July 8 with guest Julia Cameron.

    Collins began her musical career in the early 1960s playing folk music in clubs around Colorado and Connecticut. She is known for covering crucial protest songs of ’60s, like Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” and being an multi-faced public activist. She made her way to Greenwich Village and released her first album A Maid of Constant Sorrow in 1961. Collins worked with iconic musicians throughout her career, including Stephen Stills, Randy Newman, and Joni Mitchell.

    Collins was nominated for one Academy Award for co-directing the film Antonia: A Portrait of the Woman as well as six Grammy Awards for “Best Folk Performance.” She won one Grammy with “Both Sides Now” and has multiple Gold and Platinum Record certifications.

    Collins is just as active in her career today, releasing over 15 live albums and EPs since 2000. With her podcast, Collins aims to use her honest and upfront personality alongside her personal experiences to host riveting conversations with public figures and fellow musical artists. She has most recently shared a discussion with best-selling author Julia Cameron, best known for her self-help book, The Artist’s Way. 

    In the episode, Collins and Cameron discuss the struggles and joys of sobriety, communicating with those that have passed on, Cameron’s relationship with director/actor Martin Scorcese, and “starter husbands.”

    The podcast series is expected to continue into this fall. New episodes debut every two weeks and past episodes are available to stream on Simplecast.

    Since You’ve Asked – Episode Schedule:

    July 8: Julia Cameron

    July 22: Jeff Daniels

    August 5: Ben Harper

    August 19: Pat Allerton

    September 2: TBD 

    September 16: TBD 

    September 30th: TBD 

    October 14th: TBD

    Collins performing her song “Since You’ve Asked”