In episode 113, Ben chats with Ben Rossi from Friday In America, a Rochester band mixing rock, Americana, folk and hip-hop. As the band says, “If Abraham Lincoln was a band he’d be Friday In America.”
Friday in America has a range of influences spanning from The Band to The Roots, with the result a menagerie of music styles – from the heavy rock and funk arrangements of songs like “Hitman” to the stripped-down folk of “Water.”
In 2011, the band released their first full length album Cut the Brakes, and had the track “Water” featured in the closing scene of the AFI-Fest award-winning film The Hammer, which told the true story of deaf UFC fighter Matt Hamill.
The album’s rock and folk arrangements have garnered comparisons to artists like Jack Johnson and Bruce Springsteen, and have received regular rotation on shows like Scott Regan’s “Open Tunings” (NPR). The band’s love of all music and their ability to write and play across numerous mediums makes for a unique concert experience. They have opened for acts like Max Creek, Ekoostik Hookah, and the Ryan Montbleau Band, and are constantly fusing their disparate influences in a groove-oriented framework.
Timestamp:
00:31: “Hitman” by Friday In America
06:04: Conversation with Ben Albert and Ben Rossi
37:00: ” Renaissance” by Friday In America
41:29: Conversation Continued
1:00:19: “Six And Counting” by Friday In America
1:06:22: Conversation Conclusion
1:37:44: “Driftin” by Friday In America featuring Amanda Lee Peers
At Rochester Groovecast, the mantra “We’re Fans First!” harnesses the belief that the best businesses are built by fans. The podcast is deeply dedicated to playing an active role in the culture of its local scene.
The brainchild of Rochester native, Ben Albert, was created in 2016 to serve as a portfolio of the city, and nowadays, the entire region.
The podcast believes in the artistic brilliance abundant in Rochester, NY, and the surrounding regions. Ben seeks to play a pivotal role in our community by helping give Rochester a well-earned voice. He has seen first hand the abundance of talent, character, creativity, innovation, and beauty the Flower City has continuously offered.
In the early part of the decade Alan Evans had been playing with his band Soulive and every other big name in music. In 2004 he had the notion to collaborate with some of his closest friends to put out his first solo album. Let It Ride was only released on CD in Japan, but now 17 years later Alan Evans’ 2005 album has been released to all on February 26, 2021 by Vintage League Music. The record features bonus tracks and a snippet of Alan live in Upstate New York from 2005 with some of the cast.
He recruited some of the best names of the modern funk soul scene to help him record it. Neal Evans, Sam Kininger, Aaron Bellamy, Nikki Glaspie, Mike Feingold, Ruslan Sirota, Cochemea Gastelum, Atticus Cole, Amee Jana and Skip Jennings. The music was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Evans at his Iron Wax Studios.
The album features Alan locked in with bass player Aaron Bellamy for every track to hold down the bottom end. All the right personnel start the groove on “Do It Again” where Evans channels his inner James Brown shot calling “ Only Way to Do It, Is to Do it, So hit me Sam!!” that drops an iconic Kininger saxophone solo to get your head wrapped on the familiar funk these cats bring. “Can you feel this sound?” Evans vocals ask the same question “Auhhhh, are you with me?” for the appropriately named track “Are You With Me?” that also features Sam K on Saxophone. Answer most given, “Right on, Right on, Right On!”
Sam Kininger, Alan Evans, Aaron Bellamy at Electric Company in Utica
To exit with the heavy funk, Evans gets his brushes out on ‘Welcome To The World’ where his vocals on this tune sound as soft as Hendrix on 1983… (a Merman I Should Turn to Be). Saxophonist Cochemea Gastelum helps set a worldly tone through the orbits on “Low Down Low.” To help come full circle on the recording Nikki Glaspie, Amee Jana and Skip Jennings lend their profound voices over the backing groove that kicks the record off on the “Do It Again Outro.”
In light of his Upstate New York roots, Alan chose to release along with Let it Ride, the second half of a live album from Saratoga Springs on February 5, 2005 at Skidmore College. Saratoga native and former band mate Peter Prince encouraged this particular set, which encapsulates the whole mood of this release – Alan leading the improvisational pack with Aaron Bellamy on bass, Mike Feingold and Jeffery Lockhart on guitar. They stretch out on the live bonus tracks in front of the crowd many Februaries ago that even features a Jimi Hendrix mash up of “Purple Haze” and “Third Stone from the Sun” on the final track. We should be glad Alan Evans and company decided to “Do It Again” this year for the release of this funked up record.
Key Tracks: Do It Again, Are You with Me?, Welcome to the World
Purchase the Album here and look for our interview with Alan later this week.
Albany has many venues, but for more than a decade, there has not been a mid-sized music venue for bands to ‘graduate’ to once they prove themselves capable of filling clubs, including The Hollow, Parish Public House, Pauly’s Hotel and various area clubs and bars. If your band can sell out any of these rooms, the next logical stop is either Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, or wait until you’ve built yourself up enough to return to The Egg, Upstate Concert Hall or open up at The Palace for a larger act. This has created a gap for artists from and playing in the Capital District, one that is bridged by the arrival of Lark Hall.
Lark Hall, Albany, NY – photo by Zach Culver
With a room for shows, weddings, events and gatherings, Lark Hall will be more than just a music venue holding events on the side.
Using pieces of history from across the Capital Region, Lark Hall draws on local heritage as they prepare to bring a 300-450 capacity multi-purpose venue to Albany’s Center Square neighborhood.
NYS Music got an exclusive first look at Lark Hall, Albany newest music venue, right in the heart of town.
History in the heart of Albany
Lark Hall has a long history of being operated and owned by women, including the current iteration of the venue with Lark Street Yoga on the ground floor. In 1916, the corner of Lark and Hudson Ave was the starting location for the 48th Annual Suffrage Convention, where 600 delegates were expected. From across the state, supporters including Margaret Hinchey, Jane Olcott, Vira Whitehouse and Leonora O’Reilly were in attendance.
Constructed by women, for women, it initially served as a chapter house for the Daughters of the Eastern Star, the female equivalent to Free Masons. A building that took less than six months to build hosted the 1916 state suffrage convention as one of its first events – a year later the 19th amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, would be passed by the Albany legislature, located a short 12 minute walk away.
The hall would serve as a community asset in Center Square, with Red Cross bandage packets assembled by volunteers during World War I, providing food for neighbors during the Great Depression, or holding vigils for husbands, brothers and sons during World War II. USO events were held, as well as cotillions and school dances heading into post-war America; at one of these events, TV and radio personality and Albany native Andy Rooney met his wife here at a dance. The father of Rock n Roll, Chuck Berry, traveled to Albany and played Lark Hall, along with many others over the years.
photo courtesy of Lark Hall
Purchased by eba Center for Dance & Fitness in 1977, the Hall shifted to be a focal point for the arts, dance and performance for over 40 years, until closing in 2017. Justin and Jenn Miller saw the history of the location and outbid others to take over ownership of the historic venue.
We bought it with a vision to both restore the building’s natural beauty and maintain it as a community and performing arts venue. We’re also fortunate to be home to Lark Street Yoga and Lark Street Mercantile, both of which contribute to Lark Street’s vibrancy and sense of place.
Jenn Miller, owner, Lark Street Yoga
Locally sourced materials found a second life in the century-plus old building, including the original curtain bunting behind the stage that matches the age of the building.
Part of the decor added over summer 2020 includes church pews from First Presbyterian on 15th street in Watervliet. The pews serve as seating that will eventually ring the room, and for now serve as ways to socially distance limited audiences in the room. Additional pews were repurposed and made into the bar.
The Millers upcycled the fence from their first home for a kitchen island in the residency upstairs, and framed concert prints from their personal collection pepper the venue on all available wall space. The decor in the bathrooms features brass fixtures and Moroccan tile, and a fully furnished Green Room / Apartment on the third floor will allow bands ample room to stretch out before a show, or a place to stay during an extended residency. Views of the Empire State Plaza from the third floor bring a sense of proximity to a town affectionately known as ‘Smallbany.’
Looking East towards the Empire State Plaza
There are of course some changes that were made to the building. Plenty of fresh paint on the walls and wood stain on the bar and trim, as well as art deco wallpaper reminiscent of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. 22 foot long/46 foot wide heavy gray curtains opposite the stage double as a buffer to allow limited sound to Lark Street and cover the windows, making the room intimate upon arrival. A VIP booth upstairs stage left is designed for 5-6 people, offering a direct view of the stage as well as a private bar. Add in a long overdue elevator and the building is ready for 21st Century crowds in 2021.
Having purchased the building in March 2018 and opening Lark Street Yoga in September that year, the Millers bring business experience and their fervent music fandom to Lark Hall. A venue run by fans, for fans has immense potential, and has already welcomed audiences virtually with Window Sessions in summer 2020, and the new Practice Sessions, which kicked off on March 4 with Glass Pony.
Music has always been a shared bond and connection since the first time we met and started dating. Traveling to see live music together has always been our favorite pursuit and escape – and over the years we’ve been fortunate to check off a long bucket list of seeing shows at legendary venues big and small – from Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado to Preservation Hall in New Orleans.
Early in our relationship, and while moving into a new home, we both found our old boxes of concert tickets and memorabilia, and as we went through the piles of mementos, we realized we had been at dozens of the same shows and festivals before we’d met. Our musical paths had eventually connected at the right time and we’re now incredibly blessed to pour this passion into our shared vision for Lark Hall.
Justin Miller
More than just a music venue
Yet with all the history within the walls, Lark Hall will not just be a music venue. The Millers plan to utilize the ample space for meetings, weddings, private shows and birthday parties. The venue’s cabaret license will allow for music and events to start as early as Noon, 7 days a week, with shows going as late as 11pm Sunday-Wednesday, and until 2am Thursday – Saturday.
Any event, music or otherwise, will have the benefit of Lark Hall’s state of the art sound, lighting and projection system.
Lark Hall, Albany, NY – photo by Zach Culver
Lighting in the hall features the original fixtures, including five original chandeliers with Edison light bulbs hanging in the room, providing an array of colors to illuminate the room. Kirk Lyons of Lyons Den Entertainment serves as sound and light engineer for Lark Hall, and set up the room so the light rig blends into the ceiling and offers an unobstructed view of the concert. State of the art sound is set up throughout the room, making any event – music or otherwise – capable of having sound on par with the best music venues in the area.
We wanted to make Lark Hall a world class sounding room so I called in a favor from my friend Stan Denis, a Danley Sound Labs dealer. The type of speaker used in the mid-high cabinets is a point-source system that makes it so the sound is almost exactly the same in every seat. Ken Mark of Adirondack Scenic helped us with the giant curtains against the back wall. They are designed to help dampen the audio reflections in the room.
As far as the lighting design goes, I wanted something simple yet effective. I didn’t want to change the intimacy of the small theater feel, but needed to add that bright LED ‘wow.’
Kirk Lyons, Lark Hall sound and lighting director
Stan Denis of Denis Entertainment Group advised the Millers on their labor of love, and speaks to their commitment to making Lark Hall a success.
So many people who get into this business get hardened very quickly because they are trying to survive as they are growing their company. and they start to lean on artists and support crews and people in a way that is counterintuitive to getting creative art. Justin and Jenn are so passionate about music and the music scene, as well as the quality of the shows they want to produce. They’ve been asking the right questions since the beginning, with regard to creating the best experience for bands and audiences alike.
Stan Denis
For the full scope of what Lark Hall offers, take a walkthrough tour from Mirth Films.
Neighborhood
Center Square, the neighborhood surrounding Lark Street, is the heart of Albany, a mini Greenwich Village to call our own. Bars, restaurants, small independent businesses, tattoo shops, and bodegas are found in between brownstones and apartments that date back to the late 19th Century.
Local businesses are on board with Lark Hall’s arrival, knowing that patrons will be making an evening of a show or event at the new venue. Early arrivals can dine at any number of restaurants on Lark or Madison Avenue, and those wishing to extend the night have plenty of bars to choose from.
Historically music has been a huge part of the fabric of our historic and fabled Lark Street. The opening of Lark Hall heralds the return of the street’s heartbeat and will no doubt bring countless new generations to the street.
Savoy Taproom first brought live music back to Lark Street in early 2016. Lark Hall builds on the foundation we laid by bringing a concert venue to the street, which will bring people – people who will shop, drink and dine on Lark Street.
Jason Pierce, owner, Savoy Taproom
One thing that Lark Street may seem to lack but has quite a bit of, is parking. For those driving to a show, there is the 60-space Trinity Church lot only 50 feet away, and a 200 car lot next to 204 Washington Ave. And of course, there is Washington Park, with ample spaces to park at anytime of day. Considering the distance to walk for shows at The Egg, or at Crossgates Mall, the setting and available parking for Lark Hall is comparable, if not better.
With more parking available than you may realize, the arrival of Lark Hall means local restaurants and bars will benefit from early arrivals and late revelers, tying the community together and giving the neighborhood a centerpiece. Carpooling and ride share are of course options for getting there, as well as the CDTA #13, which stops right outside Lark Hall and runs until late in the evening.
A handy map for parking near Lark Hall (and all of Lark Street)
Since taking over the property at the corner of Lark and Hudson (also the name of their two cats), The Millers and their team worked hard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, making all needed renovations, and officially opening up in May 2021. Now, with the addition of The Eleven, the venue expands to welcome music lovers on two floors to a fresh vibe on Lark Street.
No Showers On Vacation sounds about right. Now, wouldn’t that make you stink? Well, yeah of course. It is fitting then that this Burlington group’s funk is so strong it can kill a hippo. And jokes aside, this Phish-inspired group really does know how to bring their A-game while keeping things fun and exploratory.
Processed with VSCO with l6 preset
This second pandemic release, AQUABAND, is true to the group’s sound and intentions. The album is terrifically produced and the compositions are very well organized considering this is a group that releases material at a good rate. Sam Lyons (drums), Emmett Lurssen (guitar), Alden Nichols (keyboards), and Pat Maley (sax) form a very good jam group. It is worth noting that this is only their second release, after debut EPBath Time: Miami. Spoiler alert: this album is well worth your time.
The first track, “Chestnut” features a rambling but consistent piano riff that leaves room for a ton of various solos. The eccentric beat forms itself into a Santana type jam, while a dirty guitar solo paves the way back to the piano riff. There is nothing missing here, aside from more sax (and even then, you better hold onto your hats cause this album just started). Throughout the beginning, the listener sees the piano taking center stage.
The keys introduce a lot of the themes of the song and bring in the rest of the band. The bass divides the chord structure, navigating its way around the low end with a steady groove. The guitar sits back when it should and finds its way into the spotlight only when called upon. In a band of this style, it is often the case that one instrument will win a power struggle for being the most heard- that is not the case at all with No Showers On Vacation. Here we have a group that meshes really well and leaves space for every aspect of their music to shine.
One that will get listeners up and active is “Sinkko.” Really, the only thing listeners might want more here is…literally more! The song hooks you in and then sets you free. It is easy to listen to this one a few times to soak in the vibes and the bouncy rhythm. “Amtrakk” features a beautifully organized instrumental that harkens back to a lot of 70’s jams. This is something you likely do not hear a lot of, coming from a band writing music today. The song has a progression that feels like you are actually traveling on a train (minus sitting next to someone who did not shower on their vacation). The charging, locomotive piano and beat drop off to a grand, empowering progression that can be likened to driving out of a tunnel onto a mountainside road.
The beauty of what the band puts together here compared to the dirty funk in something like “Chonk” gives this album a whole of re-listening value. Highly recommend, and keep an eye out for when No Showers On Vacation are able to get back out to their live element! Find them on Instagram to keep up to date.
Musician Rob Spampinato from Rockland County turned his multigeneration music program Rob’s School of Music into a virtual success despite the pandemic.
Credit: Rob Spampinato
Growing up in Rockland County served as the foundation for his love of music. “Rockland County was an incredible play to grow up for a young musician. I remember places to see and perform music for all ages. Some of my first live music memories were watching the bands play the Fourth of July Fireworks at RCC every summer with my whole family. My band heatedXchange actually played that same event back in 2017, which was an amazing full-circle moment for me,” said Spampinato.
When he was a teenager he would hang out and perform at the Nyack Center and Rockfest in New City. In high school, his band was the very first rock band that was allowed to host a show at the Suffern Community Center. In the early 2000s, they rented out the Antrim Theater and hosted sold-out events. The music scene in his younger years shaped him into the musician today. For adults and before COVID-19, he credits Rockland as a place where you could go to a bar in any town and see live music.
Spampinato has been a professional artist for over 20 years. He’s been on tour with bands In Question and Diecast as a guitarist. He is currently recording and performing with his band Heatedxchange. Spampinato has also worked with several corporations across the nation including Dos Equis, Mini Cooper, and Joe’s Crab Shack, to name a few. Rob’s School of Music is his current endeavor which he founded in 2017. It is a music education program for people of all ages to learn and achieve musical skills. The students can receive lessons in guitar, ukulele, drums, bass, piano, singing, violin, DJing and even audio production.
My mission statement with Rob’s School of Music is to give people the skills to play music forever. I tour extensively around the county in my 20s and when I opened the school I wanted to give that knowledge back to the community.
Rob Spampinato
Before the pandemic teachers went to different schools and hosted seminars within the county to discuss how music boosted confidence, dedication, and expressiveness. The students would perform live at Suffern Street fairs. When everything shut down in March 2020, Spampinato had to find a way to keep the school going. Rob’s School of Music became even more of a success as it went virtual. While it’s based in Suffern, students from all over the country take lessons leading to 4,500 virtual lessons since the beginning of the pandemic. Students in Rockland County and Bergen County in New Jersey receive in-person lessons.
New technology and software allow lessons to be designed for each individual student’s specific learning style. There are multiple cameras set up that allow students to see their teacher and receive guidance from all angles. In April 2020, an Instagram was made for Rob’s School of Music and now there is a Youtube interview series with notorious musicians to give students more guidance. Some guests include former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick and Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss.
Spampinato wants to eventually expand to a second physical location somewhere else in Rockland and continue to grow the virtual lessons. Students are able to focus more on playing their instruments from the comfort of their homes without other distractions.
When I say ‘My goal is the give people the skills to play music forever,’ my intention is to break down the preconceived notions of what music education is and make it a highly personalized, fun experience so that students have the skills to make music a part of their life forever.
Rob Spampinato
Although he is the teacher, he becomes inspired by his students and seeing their growth and reactions to achieving their musical goals, no matter what age. “Not only do I get to take people through their musical journey, but every day I get to play music and grow as a musician. Every day I learn something new while teaching which I then make part of my lesson programs,” said Spampinato.
First, we would like to congratulate our round two winners, as well as all of the bands who participated. March Madness has a stout lineup and you will not be disappointed. Make sure you give all the bands a listen below. Get sucked in to NYS and see what we’ve said about bands in round two.
Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness bracket delving into the musical harbors of our great state. As fans and musicians ourselves, we spotlight the great talent across New York in friendly competition and discovery. Its furry never looses sight of the underdog, a headliner’s humble beginnings, new musical discovery and rolling with the punches in our ever-changing industry.
“A mixture of prog with aspects of jam, dub, and jazz give the group an eclectic sound that departs just enough from its classical music roots to create something exciting and new sounding.” Tortoise Forest
“An impressive musical and technical feat from start to finish. The opening track, “The Vision That I Can See,” is a jaw-dropping epic that really showcases the prowess of this band” – Baked Shrimp ‘Bubble Suit’
“oceanside, cozied up in warm vibes with a breeze in your hair. Manifesting in two forms, duo and full band.” –Cait Elizabeth
“Bred from Faulkner’s ‘murder your darlings,’ nothing stands on safe ground. At any moment an explosion of creative energy, or sound, propels the band into an epic dance-rock performance.” The Goodnight Darlings
“A personality that doesn’t give up; no matter what it takes. He fuels a refreshing positive outlook serving up a feeding frenzy of edgy heavy guitars, deep n gritty vocals.” Frank Palangi ‘Bring On The Fear’
“But before you close your eyes and float away, the band changes things up, shaking the listener from the dream state. On “Donye Wump,” Cadley (drums) turns the tempo up and brings everyone along.” Vaporeyes ‘Cantrips’
“It isn’t just the distinctive guitar riffs nor the infectious chorus, but the duo’s effervescence throughout the song that will likely coax listeners into joining them in sing-a-longs.” – Runitup Sho “Pressure”
“His inspiration came from his 4-year-old daughter during a hike when he saw her look to the sky and blow a kiss. She was blowing a kiss to the future. That accidental yet wholesome moment resulted in the song’s creation in 15 minutes.” – Gerald Slevin Begins Solo Journey
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
“The psychedelic rock band with a heavy blues bent delivers heady grooves laden with symbolic imagery. It’s the kind of music that is best heard live – but if not live, then on a turntable in a room with curtains drawn and incense burning.”
“If there ever was a formula behind the iconic music of the 90s, many would say it would be “Guys with instruments & vocals” + “Guttural feelings” + “Garage.” While rock is not as dominant on today’s airwaves, Periodic Table of Elephants keep this classic formula alive and well.”
“A classic thou hard rock, with influences from band like Led Zeppelin to Rival Sons. Guitar riffing, a present bass and superb drumming, not to mention the powerful voice of Megan Brown” – ‘Whether or Not you Know’
“The gritty song features staple driving guitar riffs that the Pennies are known and loved for. It’s a more aggressive song…fueled by the times in which we are living.” Video Premiere: ‘I’m Your Man’
“Prepare yourself for an explosion of improvisational funk that will evoke dance moves you didn’t even know you had inside ya.” – Prepare for the Purple Stuff
“After harnessing the rawness of traditional bluegrass instrumentation, the band has taken the genre into an entire new dimension. The fast-fingered, high energy, cohesive group explores their live performance with an element of improvisation, gaining energy from their audience.” BOB Host a Halloween Bash
“At the intersection of Rock, Reggae, Funk, Blues and Jam written with a conscious dose of positive vibes, unique melodies and down to earth lyrics. The innate ability to fill an entire night with original music or cover in their signature style, fans share extraordinary experiences that can’t be seen anywhere else.” The Palace Sessions
“One goal in mind: create funky, dance-leaning tracks that leave the live crowd choice but to groove in their immediate proximity. “Take ‘Em Down” and “Can’t Fake the Funk” are full embodiments of dance anthems, an impressive horn section splashed throughout.” ‘Hartley’s Encore’
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
“ShwizZ slams you against the blackboard in awe that all your basic math skills have fleeted. Not only does ShwizZ explore a multi-level, mixed-meter halfway house of genres, but also bulldoze your ear to the other end of the record collection.” Chuck DeFilippo on ‘Big Things
“On this classic Black Sabbath tune. Sarah King adds to the field of great artists who have brought a twist on this brilliant anti-war song.Sarah King’s acoustic rendition is chilling, and cuts to core of the song, a treatment so honest and pure that it is as powerful as the original.” Pete Mason on NXNES
“They pull inspiration from Son Volt, Wilco, Neil Young and other heavy hitters of the sixties folk-rock genre. Not many aspiring musicians make music like this anymore. Harmonic Dirt delivers that.” – Hearing Aide: ‘Anthracite’
Lo-Fi Hip Hop Rap. Sháquan on Soundcloud with “Long Time Coming (Prod. By Krs.)”
“Swing That Maximus” has a full two-minute instrumental intro. With tempo changes up the wazoo throwing the listener from dance-y beats that make you want to get up and boogie, to slow sections you would barely move.” Hearing Aide: Glass Pony ‘Glass Pony’
Since 2015, Our Common Roots is an alternative rock band bringing a blend of nostalgic blues vibes with a modern rock feel; OCR is committed to providing a fun atmosphere that will keep you dancing through the night.
“The harp has been known since antiquity in Asia, Africa and Europe, early as 3000 BCE. ‘Learning Live Dead was really fun and difficult, we rehearsed like twice a week for a month because we really wanted to play through like the record with no stops,’” Mikaela Davis.
“Levee’s production is rooted in thumping bass, drum-machine-style loops and carefully developed songs. His compositions only seem simple: Every note, every drum hit, is calculated for maximal impact. He’s profane, clever and full of tight flow patterns.” Justin Boland, Seven Days, on Antwon Levee
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
“Elements of rock, pop, and jazz are accompanied by their soft vocals and smooth harmonies. Music has allowed the sisters to form a strong bond.” – Kelly and Kat on NYS Music
“Vocals bring something unique with their bluegrass, Americana sound. Playing a mix of original music, “Stuck In the Middle With You” by Stellars Wheel, they had the crowd wound up.” – RSC at Oak Mountain Bluegrass
“Complemented by drums and guitar, the upbeat tempo of “Match” creates an eccentric mood. The beat leaves listeners toe-tapping and wanting to get up and dance. Violins match fast-paced tempo and create a new level of fire through Novak’s singing.” “Standing Now”
“This recording session was among the most rewarding and creatively fulfilling projects I’ve ever been a part of – self producing these tracks has the band energized and excited for more!” Adam Bronstein Intrepid Travelers
“Jan. 2021 marks the release of single, “Seepin’,” from long-time Buffalo jam band veterans Organ Fairchild. Members have a history on the jam scene dating back 40 years.” Debut Single”Seepin”
Hey! Listen! Dodongo is more than a jam collective. It’s a way of life. It’s also a lizard-like creature in Zelda. Jams from Brooklyn .
“Laying down funky New Orleans-style street beats across the United States and Canada. Formed in 2014 at the University at Buffalo, The Brass Machine provides a unique blend of hip hop, funk, and R&B, all in an infectious and energetic package.”
“Over a heady Three Heads beer at theirBrewery, we discussed* Flowfest, Night Lights Music Festival, The Great Blue Heron Music Festival and Cobblestone live. Also, birth of the band, their long-term growth and a few influences.”
*A “Rochester Groovecast” podcast with tracks, “Back Door” and “Time Will Tell.” – Functional Flow
Polls are now closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 voting, beginning Thursday, March 11 at 8am!
Central New York promoters Creative Concertsbring together fans at venues, stretching from Albany to Rochester and Syracuse to Utica. Lark Hall is the soon to open mid-sized venue in Albany that will host bands of all sizes, events and more. If you need to market your show, event, band or brand, Rochester’s Balbert Marketing has you covered. Need merchandise? Homegrown Eastern New York’s 518 Prints makes quality goods for local, regional and national bands or tours. High Peaks Event Production is a team with years of experience, aiding in all your stage, lighting and sound demands.JamCast proves high quality streams for bands, podcasts and much more. Between these companies, bands will find a great deal of what they need, and support businesses from across New York and the Northeast.
We’re also proud to present a bracket designed by the good folks at Wook+ Media, who have been keeping brackets going strong throughout the year, with unique topics and incredibly artistic designs. Check out the Round 2 graphic below:
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 Luminous Crush, Girl Blue, 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.
This week’s featured artist is Luminous Crush, celebrating the release of their new creative album Luminous Inc. The duo of Laura Molinelli and Ben Campbell create music defined by Ben as “original bluegrass outlaw country post-punk psychedelic fusion indie dream pop.” Each song is a sonic journey into electric glitch and layers upon layers of instrumental treatment making for some unbelievably interesting music.
Tonight, Pearson will be playing “Stagg,” “Radio Kills Zombies,” “One That Got Away” and “Dragons.” Listen below for a preview of the album.
As we shared yesterday, Girl Blue has released a brand new single called, “Heaven.” A bright acoustic foot tapper describing the dangers of cell-phone addiction. Here is what she says in her own words:
“Heaven” is a light, grooving, harmony-drenched pop track juxtaposed by dark, introspective and sometimes scathing lyrics about cellphone addiction. It makes a statement about how our relationship with technology has come to replace deep connection with spirituality, other people, the earth, and ourselves. The song does this while using very natural and organic instrumentation and production that make you want to bop your head and dance along in spite of yourself.
On February 26th, Brooklyn-based pop artist Love Lola Love dropped a vibrant new single, “How I Do It,” hoping to capture the feeling of self-love in musical form. Described as “straddling the line between brat pop and swagger,” Love Lola Love carries an anti-pop sound that hopes to squash previous misconceptions about the pop genre.
Anyone who’s lived in NYC knows how tough it can be. I def have had a love/hate relationship with it. This song was inspired by Lizzo’s ‘Good As Hell’ which is one of my fav self-love anthems. Living loud with absolutely zero fucks.
Love Lola Love, on “How I Do It”
Alongside Lizzo, some of her musical influences include Charli XCX and Gwen Stefani. Music of hers has landed spots in an Old Navy commercial and a Chanel commercial, the newest addition being “How I Do It” in a Samsung commercial.
Artist Love Lola Love pictured above.
If you as well are in need of a funky pop song that focuses on self-love during the pandemic, this is a must-add to your playlist, and Love Lola Love could be a rising artist that you catch before she blows up. You can keep track of her work on Spotify, where you can listen to “How I do It,” “Bang!,” and “Bold.”
Today, Rochester indie-rockers Old Fame release their second EP Nowhere to Be, a collection of four songs written in response to the pandemic, the media, family disfunction, shame, and division amongst families over politics. Or, as the band puts it, “All the fun stuff!”
On “Act II,” Old Fame demonstrates influences of psychedelic post-rock and emo. Previously, the band released singles “Short Cub” and “Cumberland” with the final track, “Slevin” debuting today with the release of the full EP.
“Short Cub” and “Cumberland” were written in 2019, while “Act II” and “Slevin” were written during the pandemic, thus, neither of the latter two tracks have been performed live. Recorded at Wicked Squid Studios is located in Rochester, the alt-rock tones are impressive, leading to much build-up and flowing seamlessly together.
Old Fame is Ben Armes (vocals, guitar), Doug Kelley (drums), Evan Clark (guitar), Jay Asarese (bass). Members of the band have played in Rochester area projects including Like Vintage, Alberto Alaska, Emulet, and Heavy Lies the Crown.
Listen to the latest EP from Old Fame below or on Bandcamp.
The latest single from the Capital Region songstress Girl Blue, “Heaven” was released today, the second single off her uupcoming full length album, slated for release in Fall 2021. The warm, uplifting single is well timed for spring, with a late 80’s indie-pop feel, and follows “Just a Dream,” the first single, released in February.
“Heaven” was written and produced by Girl Blue and recorded at White Lake Studios in Albany. Girl Blue is joined on the track by Albany’s Dark Honey – Jimi Woodul (electric guitar), Dan Dekalb (piano), Ben Woodul (bass) and Josh Morris (acoustic drums).
The light, grooving, harmony-drenched pop track is juxtaposed by lyrics that are dark, introspective and sometimes scathing about cellphone addiction. Making a statement about how our relationship with technology has come to replace our deep connection with spirituality, other people, the earth, and ourselves, the song will have you singing along and bobbing your head with ease.
Arielle O’Keefe (Girl Blue) satirically celebrates the fact that “No one can stop me from hating myself, nothing can make me forget it,” and deems herself “the queen of my cellphone” in an angelic, serene tone of voice that only hints ever so slightly at the loneliness inherent in those statements.
