NYS Music 202​1

Category: Video

  • Watch Brandi Carlile perform “Broken Horses” and “Right on Time” on Saturday Night Live

    For the Halloween episode of Saturday Night Live, former cast member and Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis returned to Studio 8H for his first time as host. Joining Sudeikis was country rock superstar Brandi Carlile, who played two songs off her new album, In These Silent Days.

    brandi carlile

    Following a cold open that featured multiple versions of Joe Biden, including Sudeikis’ finger-gun shooting, aviator shade wearing rendition from Biden’s time as Vice President, Sudeikis launched into a reflective, funny and heartfelt look back at the stage and studio that SNL has been filmed in for 47 years. Sudeikis tugged heartstrings in the way only Coach Lasso can do, reminiscing on how SNL changed his life.

    This room, here. To be here. This place is historic. For a second, just look around, for real. Even all you amazing people who work in the crew, just look around for a second. Think about all the brilliance that’s happened here. All your favorite sketches: Wild and Crazy Guys, Gilly, Cowbell, Wayne’s World, all happened in right here, in here, where you are.

    This place changed my life, twice. Once as a castmember and a writer here. But most importantly as a kid watching from home. And there’s a good chance that if you’re watching tonight, there’s probably something from this place probably changed your life too.

    Following three sketches perfect for Sudeikis – a frustrated host of a kids science show, Mellen (a male version of Ellen) and a hilarious open house sketch with Ego Nwodim and Kyle Mooney, Carlile performed her first song of the night, “Broken Horses.”

    Wearing a gold tuxedo and singing into a golden mic with an orange electric guitar, Carlile was joined by collaborators Phil and Tim Hanseroth, who also backed her on harmonies, as well as Shooter Jennings on piano, who produced her 2018 album By the Way, I Forgive You. “Broken Horses” also doubles as the title of her recently released memoir.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDjeuXAME-A

    After a lively Weekend Update that saw the return of Sudeikis’ turn as The Devil, the classic “What up With That?” appeared for the first time since 2012 (if you don’t count the remote April 2020 version from SNL at Home) with Kenan Thompson and surprise guests Oscar Isaac, Emily Ratajkowski, Nicholas Braun.

    Brandi Carlile began her second song of the night, “Right on Time,” the lead single off her new album. Playing solo piano in a sequin-covered black and white tux, Carlile allowed the impressive tune a slow burn on the ivories, before picking up her guitar to join the band for the song about two embattled lovers, bursting forth with vocals that set the bar high for musical guests this season, only four episodes in.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnVjSD6xzY

    Saturday Night Live is off next week, and returns on November 6 with Succession actor Kieran Culkin and musical guest, Ed Sheeren.

  • Watch Phil Lesh join Midnight North at The Hollow and Nectars

    Its not every day an 80 year old bassist stops in Albany to play a club show. Its not every 80 year old bassist who happens to be Phil Lesh, who, while in between shows at The Capitol Theatre, made some stops with his son Grahame’s band, Midnight North as they played in Burlington and Albany this past weekend.

    phil lesh midnight north
    photo by Frankie Cavone

    Phil has been no stranger to Midnight North shows recently, having sat in for shows in Washington, D.C., Fairfield, CT and Woodstock, as noted by Jambands.com. Phil joined Midnight North at Nectar’s on Friday night for “I Know You Rider” and “Ripple,” with Twiddle members Mihali and Ryan Dempsey joining in.

    On Saturday, as Midnight North made their way to Albany, Phil Lesh was along for the ride, and sat in with Midnight North for their original “Wine and Roses,” followed by the Grateful Dead classic, “New Speedway Boogie” with Elliot Peck taking lead on vocals. Watch the two songs below, with Video courtesy of Mirth Films

    Phil Lesh returns to the Capitol Theatre this week, October 18 – 20 with Stuart Bogie and Amy Helm join Phil on the first and last night of the run, with Eric D. Johnson, Josh Kaufman, Elliot Peck and Phil’s son Grahame set to play on the 19th. This run will also feature Joe Russo on drums and Benmont Tench on keys.

  • Watch Young Thug Perform ‘Punk’ On Saturday Night Live

    Saturday Night Live returned this week with rapper Young Thug as the musical guest. Young Thug’s highly anticipated new album Punk was released in the early morning hours on Friday. Actor Rami Malek hosted the episode; Malek stars in the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die. 

    Photo via NBC

    The episode’s cold open featured a “Message from the NFL.” Colin Jost performed as Roger Goodell, addressing coach Jon Gruden’s offensive and racist emails. The skit played on the NFL’s history of scandals. As a press conference passes through coaches like game-show contestants (they all resign, most in Twitter scandals), the joke settles in. 

    Malek’s opening monologue skewered his lack of comedy experience; after all, he usually plays villains. In fact, according to Malek, villains are misunderstood. Was the shark in Jaws not just hungry, after all? Malek’s self-aware humor and strong stage presence shone through. He was high-energy and charming. 

    Young Thug took the stage for his first televised performance since Punk’s release. Wearing a tinseled, pink leopard-print jacket, he opened with the album’s lead single “Tick Tock.” From his outfit to his energy with the band,  he brought his traditional in-your-face swagger to the performance. “Tick Tock” especially benefits from a live band and drummer, elevating the laid-back trap song to a throttling punk banger. Iconic Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker jumped on the kit to support the song. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml3Bp4veA1A&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hKJRnrMAKVhKGFIPYFAHPFi&index=5

    Other sketches included Bowen Yang as a vogueing, glittery spider, and a sketch where Malek competes with Pete Davidson and guest Daniel Craig in a Prince biopic. The latter plays on the late auteur’s iconic guitar licks, hollers, and thrusts. Weekend Update segment featured standout turns from Kenan Thompson and Mikey Day as an erring hypnotist and his subject. 

    Young Thug returned for his second track accompanied by protege Gunna and FUN! Frontman Nate Reuss. They debuted their collaboration from Punk, the syrupy love song “Love You More.” Though Travis Barker again stood out on drums, the song felt lackluster. On top of that, the performer’s energies didn’t match; while Ruess worked too hard to hype the crowd, Gunna never moved from his perch on a bright red grand piano. Though Thug’s voice sounded smooth as ever, his sweeping new project has stronger tracks. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14tO_zMjC9U&list=PLS_gQd8UB-hKJRnrMAKVhKGFIPYFAHPFi&index=8

    Next week, Brandi Carlisle will take the SNL musical guest spot, with Ted Lasso star and long-time former cast member Jason Sudeikis hosting.

  • Courtyard Sessions from Mirth Films highlights Capital District Artists in an Intimate Setting

    Earlier this year, as the weather thawed and there were early signs of the coming easement of pandemic restrictions, a small courtyard in the Center Square neighborhood of Albany became the home to intimate sessions from a variety of Capital District artists.

    courtyard sessions
    James White. Photo by Frankie Cavone

    Produced by Frankie Cavone of Mirth Films, the Courtyard Sessions provided an opportunity for a variety of musicians from across the 518 to step into a private outdoor space and play acoustic renditions of their tunes.

    courtyard sessions
    Brad Hester of Annie in the Water. Photo by Frankie Cavone

    Starting in May 2021, Cavone started the Courtyard Sessions as a way to help promote solo musicians in a creative form. Combining his video skills and a new courtyard at his recently moved into house, it was a match made in heaven.

    For myself this was a way to stay creative learn and try new things. I don’t like being stagnant and after the big live streaming boom that we experienced in 2020 and early 2021, I wanted to try something different something less sterile.

    Frankie Cavone, Mirth Films

    The lineup was curated by Cavone, working with musicians he had worked with previously, as well as hoped to work with for the first time. The response was strong, with musicians coming to the courtyard for an afternoon or evening session, with enough interest and response from viewers to continue the series this fall and into 2022.

    I did not know if this was something that would last as long as a did, but after 14 episodes, it’s something that I want to continue doing. As a creator it definitely helps me learn and build my skills.

    Frankie Cavone, Mirth Films

    Cavone’s end goal with Courtyard Sessions, now that it is established, is to have not only local musicians but national touring musicians as well who are coming through the Capital Region step into the courtyard.

    An official Mirth Films series, Courtyard Sessions is one of a handful of new series that will be coming out before the end of 2021,

    The Fall season will end later this month, with local singer/songwriter Caity Gallagher, who has a voice comparable to Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries, as the penultimate guest, premiering Wednesday, October 20 on the Mirth Films YouTube Channel.

    Watch all episodes of Courtyard Sessions from Mirth Films below.

  • Josh Lumsden Debuts “Love Me Back” Music Video

    Josh Lumsden has released a new music video, “Love Me Back,” on Friday, October 1. The eccentric, vibrant, and sci-fi inspired video could only be filmed in the New York City. Lumsden continues to work on new music with more visual media to be later released in the new year.

    Josh Lumsden

    Josh Lumsden is a self made musician born & raised in Austin, Texas, now based in New York City and “Love Me Back” is his newest futuristic single. Lumsden’s new music video features his charming and intriguing persona complimented with a pop-beat heavy chorus that will get your feet moving. It doesn’t take long for Lumsden smooth vocals to become stuck in your head all day long.

    Complete with four uniquely varying looks in the video directed by Mikey Harmon, we can learn a few fashion tips from the mesmerizing Josh Lumsden. Inclusive with a team underneath the entirety of LGBTQIA umbrella, Josh gives queers an opportunity to be in the forefront of the music industry once again.

    The highly anticipated video is finally released where Josh Lumsden and Mikey Harmon had planned to collaborate for many months unfortunately delayed due to the pandemic. Harmon was sure to showcase Lumsden futuristic and sci-fi performance stylistically driving the down to earth narrative of lust and love embedded into the song’s lyrics.

  • Halsey Surprises SNL Audience With Lindsey Buckingham

    Halsey performed two songs on last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live, with influencer and reality star Kim Kardashian West as host.

    halsey

    The episode’s cold open depicted the Facebook whistleblower hearing, with an appearance from Pete Davidson as Tom from Myspace. Last week, former Facebook employee Frances Haugen alleged that the company’s properties “harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy.”

    Kim Kardashian West’s opening monologue came next, and it exceeded everyone’s expectations. Fully conscious of the backlash to her hosting, she roasted her equally polarizing family to appeal to her critics. Between her sisters, Kanye West, and Kris and Caitlyn Jenner, no one was safe. Kardashian West appeared in many skits throughout the night, such as Princess Jasmine in a parody of Disney’s Aladdin, and a Freaky Friday-inspired sketch with Aidy Bryant.

    Other celebrity guests included Chace Crawford, Tyler Cameron, Blake Griffin, SNL alum Chris Rock, Jesse Williams, John Cena and Amy Schumer, all as Kardashian’s potential suitors in a The-Bachelorette-meets-Squid-Game reality show sketch.

    Around the episode’s halfway point, Halsey performed her first song. “I Am Not a Woman, I’m a God” is the lead single from her latest album, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power. While Halsey’s music has always had a dark bent, her latest effort is a major step up. It’s far more experimental and risky than her past work, with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross on production duty. “I Am Not a Woman, I’m a God” in particular is a dead ringer for Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwiasA-IGCs

    Weekend Update was less eventful than in last week’s premiere, but Michael Che managed to get in a good dig at the evening’s host.“This week Instagram was down for an entire day, forcing many Instagram addicts to fill their time with Twitter, TikTok or hosting SNL.”

    Halsey concluded the episode with “Darling,” one of If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’s warmer and quieter moments. Accompanying her was surprise guest Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, and she deliberately styled herself to resemble Stevie Nicks. “Darling” is dedicated to Halsey’s first child, born last July.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H099BjA6FKk

    No Time To Die star Rami Malek is hosting next week, with rapper Young Thug joining him as the musical guest.

  • National Arts Club To Offer Free Screening of ‘Show Me The Picture: The Story of Jim Marshall’

    Fans of the legendary rock photographer Jim Marshall will soon be able to view highlights of his storied career on film, thanks to an upcoming free screening of Show Me Picture: The Story of Jim Marshall hosted by The National Arts Club. The screening will take place on Tuesday, October 19 at the NAC and will be followed by a panel discussion on the infamous photographer’s life and work.

    Jim Marshall
    Jimi Hendrix sound check Monterey Pop Festival 1967© Jim Marshall Photography LLC

    A child of immigrants living a life battling inner demons, Jim Marshall fought his way to become one of the most trusted mavericks behind a lens throughout the 1960s. His passion for capturing the decisive moment resulted in some of the most iconic images in music history from Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones to Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin and Miles Davis. Throughout his groundbreaking career, Marshall has crossed boundaries to document many of the extraordinary social movements of the time.

    After the film screening, Amelia Davis photographer, executive producer and owner of Jim Marshall Photography LLC; Jeff L. Rosenheim, the Joyce F. Menschel Curator in Charge in the Department of Photographs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and Michelle Margetts, journalist and narrator of the film, will discuss Marshall and his work.

    Jim Marshall
    The Beatles © Jim Marshall Photography LLC

    Founded in 1898, The National Arts Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to stimulate, foster, and promote public interest in the arts and to educate the American people in the fine arts. Annually, the Club offers more than 150 free programs to the public, including exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, lectures and readings, attracting an audience of over 25,000 members and guests.

    Registration for this free screening can be done at the event website here.

    WHEN

    Tuesday, October 19, 6:00 PM

    WHERE

    The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY

  • Surfbort Out Release “FML” Music video Featuring Fred Armisen

    Keep your calendars open for the new album from Brooklyn’s Surfbort, Keep On Truckin’, due out October 11. This release will be a little different from their others seeing as though now they have launched a partnership between legendary producer, composer and philanthropist, Linda Perry and SoundCloud/Repost. The band will be will be hosting a pre-save give away contest where three lucky fans who pre-save the album will be sent a care package.

    If you have been following them, you’ll know that the band just released the music video for their latest single “FML” with someone you might know from Saturday Night Live. Aside form Fred Armisen’s glowing review he is also featured in their music video — just as how Fred Armisen in real life walks around doing good deeds, in the music video he then transforms into each member of the band, saving them from their extreme depression. Isn’t that what all comedians do?

    Surfbort

    Although Surfbort is a Brooklyn based punk band, their fan base rocks from coast to coast. Surfbort is accepting to all while radiating love and friendship. Their live concerts are incomparable, a punk environment with visceral guitar-shredding.

    They are everything I want a band to be. I love their music, both on record and performed live. Just the right amount of chaos. And their sense of aesthetics is amazing to see. I am excited that they even exist. I love SURFBORT!


    Fred Armisen

    After speaking with lead singer Dani Miller, he comes to explain the “FML” single as an inside look on crippling depression. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in this country and often goes unnoticed. That is, suicide ideation is extremely common, even amongst the band members of Surfbort. This pandemic has severed many’s mental health leaving people suffering and feeling alone. Miller encourages people to hold on and preaches the importance of reaching out to loved ones. He opened up on being an artist and drug addict/alcoholic while being bipolar, his past was filled with suicidal ideation. Even his aunt fell victim of suicide and not a day passes where he wishes that he could go back in time.

    Fred Armisen poses as a hero in the music video, changing band mates perspective on life which he wishes Fred could be for his aunt. Fred radiates electric positive healing energy that he even missed a premier, rather transforming into each band member and even becoming Miller’s twin, complete with classic makeup while learning all the lyrics and instruments acting as an understudy. We all need a super hero or a strong support system to get us through tough times like these and countless other obstacles we may face and Surfbort only hopes that they can provide the support or encouragement to lean on our loved ones in our times of need. 

    Surfbort will be playing new music from their forthcoming album at the below upcoming tour dates, as the band tours across the US in Fall 2021.

    Upcoming Tour Dates w/ Starcrawler
    Oct 17th                                Eugene, OR                           Sessions Music Hall
    Oct 19th                                Sacramento, CA                    Harlow’s
    Oct 20th                               Berkeley, CA                          The UC Theatre
    Oct 21st                               Los Angeles, CA                     The Regent Theater
    Oct 22nd                              San Diego, CA                        Brick By Brick
    Oct 23rd                               Tucson, AZ                            191 Toole
    Oct 25th                               Dallas, TX                              Granada Theater
     
    Special Events
    Oct 27th                             San Diego, CA                         Casbah event for DC Shoes
     
    Upcoming Tour Date w/ The Garden 
    Nov 4th                               Santa Ana, CA                            Observatory
    Nov 5th                               San Luis Obispo, CA                   Fremont Theater 
    Nov 6th                               Felton, CA                                   Felton Music Hall
    Nov 7th                               San Francisco, CA                       Great American Music Hall 
    Nov 9th                               Portland, Oregon                       Hawthorne Theater
    Nov 10th                             Seattle, WA                                The Crocodile 
    Nov 11th                             Boise, ID                                     The Shredder       
    Nov 12th                             Salt Lake City, UT                       The Loading Dock 
    Nov 14th                             Denver, CO                                Marquis Theater 
     
    Upcoming Solo Shows
    Nov 15th                             Fort Collins, CO   The Coast

  • 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.

  • Miss Madeline Reconciles With Pop Stardom In “Lullaby”

    Modern pop phenomenon Miss Madeline has a confession to make with her new single and music video, “Lullaby.”

    Miss Madeline

    Having spent much of last year providing escapist thrills for locked down fans around the world via a series of single releases and exciting collaborations, “Lullaby” and “Bad Girls” mark the launch of a daring new era for Miss Madeline, lit up with decadent sensuality, Y2K pop power, and ever-increasing artistry. Both singles herald Miss Madeline’s soon-to-be-announced debut EP, with growing anticipation after performing four consecutive sold-out shows in New York City and Los Angeles this summer.

    I’m coming to terms with being perceived as heartless, ruthless, and realizing it goes hand in hand with being the ‘life of the party’ and a ‘money machine’. It’s about getting caught up in the pop star lifestyle. I think I would call this my most vulnerable track thus far in terms of admitting to this concept of being blinded by the limelight

    Miss Madeline

    The Jersey Girl-turned-NYC It Girl has already earned attention from a range of outlets – spanning PAPER, Office mag, and even Grindr – with tracks like “Attention,” as well as its high-energy remix featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11 winner Yvie Oddly. Recent tracks including “Platinum,” “Ready Set Go,” and Ayla D’Lyla x Miss Madeline’s “Life Could Be Sweet” have been ascending influential playlists around the globe; all are joined by official music videos streaming now via YouTube. With new music on the horizon, Miss Madeline is set to take over the world.

    Lullaby follows Miss Madeline’s summer single “Bad Girls” and its Leander Capuzzo-directed, megsuperstarprincess-styled companion visual, met with praise by MTV, PAPER, Office Mag among other outlets – the latter of which writing, “The video calls upon Bad Girls Club and Girls Gone Wild, as a set of the fiery musician’s sexy girlfriends play-fight on a trashed mattress, pour drinks on each other, and tackle the ‘resident bad boy,’ autographing his abs.”