The band Moon Kissed prides itself on joyful, high energy performances, and they certainly didn’t miss the mark when it came to their newest single. “Clubbing in Your Bedroom” embodies self-expression and creating your own fun in the midst of a pandemic, rather than the wallowing and unengaged attitude many express during this time.
Photo Credit: Sara Laufer
“’Clubbing In Your Bedroom,” is an invitation to get dressed up for no one and nothing and to move your body in order to heal. The song was written in an attempt for salvation and levity amidst pandemic despair. We miss playing live, we miss our friends, we miss touch. But, “Clubbing In Your Bedroom” celebrates the fact that we still have the power and ability to let it all go, even for just one song, and we can and should dance in our bedrooms and be free for a brief moment in time.”
Khaya, on the new single
Written and produced by Khaya Cohen and Emily Sgouros, “Clubbing in Your Bedroom” followed a dynamic late-night clubbing session in Emily’s bedroom. Mixed and mastered by Justin Dan Ver Volgen, the song encourages honest self-expression, encouraging “weirdness.”
Moon Kissed met each other at a party on New Year’s, 2019, and quickly connected, making their debut with I Met My Band at a New Year’s Eve Party. A catchy, synth-pop style was developed, taking influence from artists such as Charli XCX, Chairlift, and Grimes. Making a name for themselves through energetic, often sweat-inducing live performances, the group sets out to capture the moment between themselves and the audience, emphasizing the magic of being in the moment.
On April 7th, multi-talented visual and musical artist Valley Latini released her latest single “Tu y Yo,” a lustrous heartbeating alt-pop track.
In the single released on Side Hustle Records, Latini takes listeners on the dark adventure of a late night rendezvous.
The song is inspired by an encounter that only happens in a place like a strip club or a dance club. It’s about having a connection with someone but not talking to them the whole night. Just a very primal connection through dancing, and spirit vibration.
Valley Latini
For the visual, the Brooklyn DIY Queen crafted a stop-motion music video, which she produced, shot, directed, and created all of the art for (she’s also a visual artist in addition to her music).
The video takes viewers on another journey through the underbelly of hell on earth where men in power attempt to control womxn. There are themes of shaming and corruption as a sleazy priest exiles women to a hell, known as the “haux house.”
Not to fear, Valley, herself as the triumphant protagonist, dangles a literal carrot in front of the priest and wreaks havoc on his deserving soul. Ultimately, as it turns out, the “haux house” leads to a beach utopia where the womxn can enjoy the finer things in paradise anyway.
Valley expands on the concept, “the video is a metaphor for a modern day ‘witch hunt’ caused by men in power that fear female sexuality and censor the female body and sex workers.”
Latini writes about her personal philosophies on delusion, joy, and romance. Her performances are based on expression of individual freedoms, and finding power in the human essence.
Originally born in Bogota, Colombia, she’s now been living in the US for most of her life and currently has a studio in Brooklyn where she writes and records all her music.
In addition to her career as a singer-songwriter, Valley is also an artist and a stripper. She uses her artwork as a way to escape from technology and defines it as transgressive divinity, mixing sensuality with alternate realities. To view her artwork, visit valleylatiniart.com.
As a stripper, she advocates for both female autonomy and the dignity of those who choose sex work. When J Lo released the critically-acclaimed award-winning “Hustlers” film, Valley was invited to partake in the premiere events as a member of New York’s sex-worker advocate group to share their experiences and the validity of the movies’ themes.
She spoke to IndieWire and others about the “whorephobia” that exists within her industry to help raise awareness and break down the misleading, misinformed labels often forced upon her occupation.
Her single “Pay My Rent” has been a sex worker’s right’s anthem ever since releasing it in 2018. Her subsequent singles “Serpiente,” “Ask Me Why,” “Blue Moon,” and the latest addition “Tu y Yo,” are set to be part of a bigger collection called Attention Lover due out by the end of 2021.
The Colombian pop artist wrote, recorded, and produced “Tu y Yo” in Austin, TX with her songwriting collaborator “Ben Cina.”
For music updates and more, stay connected with Valley Latini on Instagram, and be sure to follow her on Spotify and Apple Music.
Queens artist Greywolf debut album Operation Wolf has been hotly anticipated. In preparation for the album, Greywolf has released a new single – “Temple.”
Greywolf is a one man project masterminded by Jason Grey – lead singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. “Operation Wolf” see’s Grey dive into a lot of heavy themes with his unique blend of electronic, punk and indie. Operation Wolf is a culmination of a lifetime of fighting, dreaming and loving. The lyrics are fusion of poetry, journal entries and incantations — and at times a lucid journey into my own psyche.
Lead singles for the album include “Exit Key” and the newest release – “Temple,” which features Aya Nori. Grey is also the co-founder and bassist for the band Escaper. Escaper has had a solid career so far, sharing the stage with the likes of Aqueous and Karl Denson.
“Temple” touches on released, cutting of chains of everything that has weighted you down. Whether it be shame, adversity, betrayal – making a conscious choice to live your best life and project love even in times of peril.
Live For Live Music
Other songs on the album include “Arcade” and “End of Days.” “Arcade” is based on the notion that life can feel like a video game. People are constantly trying to get to the next level — at times not realizing there is a lesson to be learned. Survival is a key theme here and being able to grab the joystick and be your own hero. “End Of Days” touches on not only the idea of global apocalypse but of the personal apocalypse one may face in their own lives.
Due to the ongoing pandemic leaving endless musicians and venues in the dark, Tedeschi Trucks Band has postponed their 2021 Wheels of Soul Tour to the summer of 2022.
Led by the husband and wife team of guitarist Derek Trucks and vocalist/guitarist Susan Tedeschi, the twelve-member strong Tedeschi Trucks Band is acclaimed by fans and critics alike, and devoted to their presence on stage. The annual summer tour is meticulously crafted, with past guests including Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Los Lobos, and Drive By-Truckers.
The legendary Los Lobos, longtime TTB friends and collaborators, and veterans of 2016’s Wheels of Soul will replace St. Paul and the Broken Bones and join the multi-band bill for the 2022 amphitheater run.
“We are extremely disappointed at having to postpone Wheels of Soul again,” says Derek Trucks. “We’re all missing the energy of live music – and there’s nothing like playing these large, outdoor shows alongside bands we admire. We were really hoping to get back on stage and dive into some fun big-band collaborations with St. Paul, but unfortunately, with all the uncertainty, it just couldn’t work this year.”
As the world is slowly receiving vaccinations, the band is organizing some socially-distanced, limited capacity concerts for the summer of 2021. However, in 2022, Tedeschi Trucks’ Wheels of Soul Tour will be coming to several New York cities such as Canandaigua, Patchogue, and Lewiston. Current Wheels of Soul tickets will be honored for rescheduled 2022 shows. Fans who are unable to attend rescheduled shows should contact point of purchase for refund options.
WHEELS OF SOUL – 2021 DATESNEW 2022 DATES 6/26 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place Rschd: 6/24/22 6/27 Mobile, AL Mobile Civic Center Rschd: 6/25/22 6/30 Canandaigua, NY CMAC Rschd: 7/1/22 7/2 Saratoga Springs, NY SPAC Rschd: 7/3/22 7/3 Gilford, NH BNH Pavilion Rschd: 7/2/22 7/4 Essex Junction, VT Midway Lawn Rschd: 7/9/22 7/6 Philadelphia, PA Mann Rschd: 7/8/22 7/9 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Rschd: 7/21/22 7/10 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pav Rschd: 7/23/22 7/11 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend TBA 7/13 Lewiston, NY Artpark Rschd: 7/12/22 7/14 Indianapolis, IN White River Rschd: 6/28/22 7/15 Aurora, IL RiverEdge Park Rschd: 7/26/22 7/17 New Haven, CT Westville Music Bowl Rschd: 7/6/22 7/18 Patchogue, NY Great South Bay Rschd 7/10/22 7/20-21 Vienna, VA Wolf Trap Rschd: 7/19/22 7/23-24 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre Rschd: 7/15-7/16 7/25 Huber Heights, OH Rose Music Center Rschd: 7/24/22 7/27 Harrington, DE Delaware State Fair Cancelled 7/30-31 Morrison, CO Red Rocks TBA
This is the first article in the series “Made in New York,” a historical examination of the music history of each of New York’s 62 counties. First up – Orange County.
Welcome to Orange County, New York! This stretch of land is the first county in the United States to be named Orange and it shares this name with seven others throughout the country. Located between the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, this area which was first named in 1683 is full of natural and historical wonders.
The county’s highest elevation is located at Schunemunk Mountain and its lowest point is at the mighty Hudson River. The Wallkill River National Refuge is home to the smallest turtle in New York and this is just up the road from the Black Dirt Region in Southern Orange County, which accounts for half of the onions grown in New York State. Additionally, the black dirt here has an uncanny ability to preserve the past and more mastodon bones have been uncovered in this area than anywhere else on Earth.
Some of the history in this area is well-known by all, but this county has a surprising amount of it, some of which many people may not be aware. West Point Military Academy, which opened in 1802, is the oldest such school in the U.S. and the first section of the Appalachian Trail was created at Bear Mountain and opened in 1923. But interestingly, Orange County is home to the oldest tree and the oldest carbon-dated human settlement in America.
Orange County has its share of “firsts” as well. It has been home to the first cattle ranch and the first butter factory in America and also the world’s first homeopathic mental hospital. And who can forget America’s first liquid propelled airmail rocket flight which occurred at Greenwood Lake in 1936.
This county has a few more facts that just need to be shared. Stewart International Airport has a runway long enough to designate it as an emergency landing site for the now-defunct space shuttle. Brotherhood Winery is the oldest continuously operating winery in the country and Storm King Art Center is the largest sculpture park in the country. And finally, cream cheese was first mass-produced in Chester, NY and despite being made in New York, they named their product ‘Philadelphia Cream Cheese’ and through clever marketing, got its name because the Pennsylvania city was known for quality dairy farming.
But you didn’t come to NYS Music to learn about cheese and turtles; you’re here to learn about what Orange County has to offer to the music community.
The Ritz Theater in Newburgh is one of the most famous musical venues in the county and has been graced by performances from Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Prima and a then unknown singer named Frank Sinatra. It also, famously, is the venue where Lucille Ball made her on-stage debut and it was also the first time she performed with Desi Arnaz. On the other side of the county, Port Jarvis used to be the home of the State Theater. In its last year of operation, the venue featured both Anthrax and Metallica.
SONY DSC
In between these two cities, Middletown is home to the Paramount Theater which was added to the State & National Register of Historic Places in 2002. This venue has seen Johnny Cash, Joan Jett, Jefferson Starship and Blue Oyster Cult play for sold out audiences. And while we can’t touch on every venue in the county, one final notable haunt is the BSP Lounge in Kingston. This place was a featured location during King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s second U.S. Tour in 2014.
There are plenty of musicians who have called Orange County their home. Let’s take a look at the many bands and artists from the area.
Willie “The Lion” Smith
17th February 1939: American jazz musician Willie ‘The Lion’ Smith playing the piano and singing at a ‘Friday Club’ jam session, organized by Eddie Condon and ad-men P. Smith and E. Anderson, at the Park Lane Hotel, New York City. (Photo by Charles Peterson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Jazz music wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for one particular resident of Orange County. Willie “The Lion” Smith was born in Goshen, NY in 1893. In his younger years, he discovered his mothers broken down organ in the basement and she taught him all of the melodies she knew, despite the instrument missing most of its keys. He started playing music at local clubs as he got older and one day he discovered a newspaper advertisement for Marshall & Wendell’s piano store in Albany with a contest to guess how many dots were printed in their ad. After winning the contest, an upright piano was delivered to his house and he continued to play various rags that he learned in those clubs.
In his late teens, he was finally playing in NYC and Atlantic City before serving in World War 1 where his reported bravery as a gunner earned him the nickname “The Lion.” He was back playing clubs in NYC by 1919 and not only made his first record a year later but helped develop a new piano style that is now known as “stride.” That record in 1920, called Crazy Blues, recorded with a singer named Mamie Smith, is generally regarded as the first recording of the blues.
During this time, Smith became a mentor for many up-and-coming musicians, most notably Duke Ellington. Duke was once quoted saying, “Willie The Lion was the greatest influence of all the great jazz piano players who have come along. He has a beat that stays in the mind.”
Orange County celebrates Willie “The Lion” Smith Day on September 18.
The Kalin Twins
Hal and Herbie Kalin were born in Port Jervis on February 16, 1934. Although they wouldn’t become stars until their late 20’s, their first “performance” together was at the town’s Christmas party when they were both five years old. At the age of 18, Hal was drafted into the U.S. Army and he and his brother kept in contact during his service, sharing songs they had written and writing about future plans to make it big in the music industry.
The twins were signed to the Decca Records label after Hal’s return and although their first songs failed to chart, they did appear on the Milt Grant Show and performed live. It wasn’t until searching through a bunch of demo tapes from writers that they discovered the song “When,” which they thought would be a hit. Released as a B-side on their single “Three O’Clock Thrill,” “When” eventually peaked at #5 on the Hot 100 charts and made it to #1 on the UK Singles chart and also #1 on the US R&B chart. They weren’t one-hit-wonders though as they had a number of other charting tracks including “Forget Me Not,” which reached #12 on the Hot 100.
Pardison Fontaine
Jorden Thorpe, better known as Pardison Fontaine, was born in Newburgh, NY in 1989. At an early age, he started rapping on his Talkboy and decided during his college years to drop out and commit fully to his hip-hop aspirations. He first gained acclaim with his 2013 song, “Oyyy” from his debut mixtape titled ‘Not Supposed to Be Here’ and filmed the music video for the track in his hometown. This song caught the attention of Cardi B and Pardison has since contributed as a songwriter to her for numerous songs, most famously her single “Bodak Yellow.”
Cardi was also featured on Pardison’s breakout hit “Backin It Up,” which hit #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has garnered over 166 million views on YouTube. Pardi has co-wrote with Kanye West on more than half of the songs on Kanye’s 2018 album, Ye, including “Violent Crimes” and “Ghost Town.” In addition to these, Pardison co-wrote the track “South of the Border” on Ed Sheeran’s No.6 Collaborations Project.
Pardison still represents his roots in Newburgh and loves giving back to the community. He has donated jerseys to the local Newburgh Steelers football team, participated in a turkey drive and also a bookbag giveaway to help local school children. His new album, Under8ed, was released in November of 2019 which he has described as “the story of my city.”
pErFect ThYroID
Throughout the 90s, one band in particular made waves throughout the Hudson Valley with its new brand of musical fusion, fun live shows and of course, it’s infamous Skunk logo. Hailing from Orange and Ulster County, Perfect Thyroid was formed in 1991 and while its lineup changed throughout the years, the band originally consisted of brothers Chris and Bill Hanson, Chris Snykus, Jaf Farkas, Shawn Rice and Jen Polcari. Combining the ska, funk and punk, reggae and jazz genres into their musical stylings, Thyroid became well known for calling this new sound “Skunk”.
PT toured full-time for over 20 years and put out 5 albums during that time, including “Musical Barnacles,” which Alternative Press selected as a “Ska-Punk Essential Album.” They were also featured on the soundtrack for the 1998 Disney movie, Meet The Deedles. Throughout the tenure over the last 2 decades, they’ve had a plethora of incredible musicians join them in studio and on stage, including Dean Jones, Joe Cuchelo, Jason Foster, Mike Bove, Jon Stern, Sam Lapidus, Sean McLaughlin, Ben Acrish and Goshen’s own Shane Kirsch.
While the band has still played occasional shows throughout the last decade, most of the current lineup can also been seen in another area band called The Big Shoe. The members of Perfect Thyroid continue to call the Hudson Valley their home and will always be a shining example of what bands from New York State bring to live music scene.
William Fullerton Jr
William was born in Newburgh in 1854 and was the only son of William Fullerton, a famous New York lawyer. At age 17, he published‘Silver Strains’ which is now located in the Library of Congress. He left for Europe to study music in Germany and ended up living in London where he published a number of popular compositions that were dedicated to members of the Royal family. During his time in London, he lived with a famous painter and stage designer named Percy Anderson and these two would go on to have success with the opera named ‘Lady of the Locket.’ Following this, he set to work with Anderson on another light opera titled ‘Waldemar: Robber of the Rhine’ before succumbing to tuberculosis in 1888. While many of his works have been lost to history, ‘Spanish Serenade’ still exists online and can be heard below.
Dubois Alsdorf
Newburgh has a rich history of music and dance over the last century and a half, and that is thanks to the Alsdorf Dance Academy. Dubois Alsdorf was born in Wallkill, NY in 1827 to parents George and Catherine. At an early age, he showed a talent for music which he received from his father George and his parents sent him to New York City to begin an apprenticeship. Studying under famed orchestra leader and composer William Alpo, Dubois learned from Alpo’s musical experiences playing with Francis Johnson. Johnson was the first American musician to tour Europe and introduced the U.S. to the idea of open-air concerts, which had a lasting impression on Dubois. After his apprenticeship, Dubois formed one of the first regional brass bands, the Alsdorf Band, which according to the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, made their debut on the Courthouse steps of Newburgh in 1849.
Alsdorf also began his own orchestra which played in prominent vacation spots like Lake George and Saratoga Springs and locally for dance classes, which gave him the opportunity to learn dance instruction. This set the stage for him to open the Alsdorf Dance Academy, whose first location was in Newburgh’s own United States Hotel. The school was soon teaching dance to the people of Newburgh and Orange County alike and this history of dance education continued as his three sons followed in his footsteps. Charles, Simon and Ulysses Alsdorf taught at the Dance Academy at 93 Liberty Street in Newburgh, which featured a grand ballroom and rooftop garden for public performances. The first soiree at the Alsdorf Academy took place in 1849, but the Dubois family continued this tradition for nearly a century, teaching Newburghers dance and music for generations.
The Heavy Pets
The Heavy Pets are considered a Florida-based band through and through, but their roots run deep in Orange County. Guitarists Jeff Lloyd and Mike Garulli as well as Bassist Joe Dupell became friends while going to high school in Goshen, NY and formed a band named Anthem before starting the first iteration of The Heavy Pets. College sadly got in the way of music, but once that was done, Dupell invited Lloyd down to visit him in Florida. Shortly after his arrival, Garulli came down as well, setting the stage for The Heavy Pets to reform.
Their first show in South Florida occurred in 2005 and the next few years were nothing short of exceptional for the band. In a 2006 contest to select a local band to play the Langerado Music Festival in Florida, The Heavy Pets beat out 350 other bands and were on the same lineup as The Flaming Lips, The Disco Biscuits and Robert Randolph. Two months later they were selected as the “Unsigned Band of the Week” by High Times Magazine. The following year, they put out their first album, Whale, and have released seven additional albums since then.
While the band’s lineup has changed slightly over the years, their love for playing live shows and especially music festivals has not. The Heavy Pets have played more than a dozen different festivals and over 1,000 live shows since 2005 and have even held their own fest, Pet Zoo, three times in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Corey Glover
Corey Glover, best known for his work with Living Colour and also for touring with Galactic wasn’t born in Orange County, but he re-located there in the last decade. While you may recognize his face from the movie Platoon, Glover’s voice is known the world over from Living Colour’s hit 1988 song “Cult of Personality.” Glover has also been in such bands as SKAndalous All-Stars and Vice and has even toured as a vocalist with the “A Bowie Celebration” Alumni Tour.
During the beginning of the last decade, Glover started playing with a number of jam bands. He sang with Robert Randolph as well as Soulive for a number of shows and also toured as a vocalist with Galactic from 2011-2014 after seeing them at Irving Plaza in NYC and joining them on stage at that show. He is still touring with Living Colour and most recently started two new bands. He started Ultraphonix with Dokken guitarist George Lynch and a metal project called Disciples of Verity with former members from Negative Sky and God Forbid.
So there you have it. Orange County has, without a doubt, a rich heritage of musicians and venues and an impressive amount of history surrounding it. From rock to hip-hop, the Hudson River to the Delaware River and the Philadelphia Cream Cheese company to the country’s first rocket-propelled airmail test. The contributions from the residents in this county can’t be glossed over and it’ll be a standard that you’ll find throughout our series on the Counties within New York State. Next up, CortlandCounty!
The State of New York has the richest music history in the nation. Go anywhere across the state and you’ll find a rich music scene, one that spans all genres, and birthed a few as well.
History has been made in New York for nearly four centuries, starting with the establishment of the colony of New Amsterdam in 1625. The recorded music history found in towns and counties around the state dates back to the early 19th century. Go beyond the five boroughs and you’ll discover a Who’s Who of musicians that were born and raised in New York, or moved here and made New York their home.
Graphic by Kelly Garrett
There are 62 counties in New York, each with their own history, with some dating back to the 17th century. With NYS Music’s upcoming series “Made in NY,” we will be taking a look at the most notable musicians from each of these counties. The series will offer a look at the history, geography and music venues of each county, then take a thorough examination of the notable musicians that called that county home. The history runs deep in this state, and some of the music history we have uncovered will surprise you.
Working with County Historians, Historical Societies, college professors, promoters and fans across the state, we have been able to learn how deep the music roots truly run in the state. There are classical and opera performers nearly forgotten to history, folk singers who bridge earlier generations to present day, and those who led to the advent of the rap and punk rock genres.
This series will be one that continually evolves, with each county article updated over time as notable musicians from the past come to light, as well as bands in the future who will stake their claim and add to the music history of New York State.
If we miss a notable musician in our research, by all means, let us know! We aim to for this to be a comprehensive series, from Albany to Yates, Erie to Warren, Tompkins to Suffolk and all counties in between.
“Made in NY” has so far featured Orange, Cortland, and Queens Counties, with 59 more to come!
To support the #SaveOurStages foundation during the pandemic, artist Phil Robinson today releases a video for his song “Transcendental Cowboy” from the renowned The Bitter End venue in New York City.
Phil Robinson
Robinson’s live performance is another in his efforts to fundraise for live music venues that have suffered astronomically throughout the pandemic. In September 2020, he created, hosted, and performed in the “Save The Bitter End!” livestream fundraiser. It ended up raising over $24,000 towards The Bitter End’s $100,000 GoFundMe campaign, and ensured the venue’s April 9, 2021 reopening.
In addition to his venue fundraising efforts, Phil Robinson has organized and performed livestream events that benefit the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, local food banks, and more.
“Transcendental Cowboy (Acoustic)” is out March 31st via Phil’s label Roomful Of Sky. His debut album Through the Middle is set for release later in 2021. His soulful rock music is a balm for the struggles of the pandemic, garnering comparisons to Cat Stevens and Bruce Springsteen.
Robinson shares: “‘Transcendental Cowboy’ is usually my encore song – it gives audiences the chance to yell at the top of their lungs, so it’s always a lot of fun to play live! I thought it’d be a great fit for the #SaveOurStages campaign because it highlights that LIVE engagement between audience and performer that we all live for. Performing the song in an empty venue as I do in this benefit video highlights exactly what’s been missing this past year and what we hope to get back once the pandemic’s over and our music venues can hopefully re-open.”
It’s been over a year since music venues had to shut down, and signs of life are starting to be seen this spring. With the passage of the COVID relief bill, which provides $15 billion for music venues across the country, small businesses are able to breathe a sigh of relief. Warm weather allows outdoor venues, both new and old, to utilize space to accommodate socially distanced shows while we wait for the country to get vaccinated and infection rates to subside
photo by Joseph Buscarello
Looking back on the February installment of this photo series, we can see the seasons changing and venues coming to life, if not getting a facelift. By the time we bring you the next edition, we hope to see fans in the crowd and venues back to business, with a greener summer to come.
A list has been circulating on Facebook recently, one well worth sharing. As you check out the current state of venues across New York State, courtesy of NYS Music’s photography team, consider these rules moving forward for the post-pandemic live music scenes across New York and the country.
RULE #1: No guest list. Don’t ask. Not now. Not ever. Everyone in the live music industry has been out of work for 13 months and we all need your support now more than ever. Buy the damn ticket.
Rochester – photos by Corinne Cummings
RULE #2: Support local. Before you buy that high priced ticket to see that big name artist at that big corporate venue, consider putting that money back into your own community. This is the best way to ensure that a thriving arts & culture scene will return to cities across America.
RULE #3: Wear a damn mask. If you’re going to a show, tiny cloth go over mouth & nose. Period. Vaccinated? Don’t care. Already had it? Don’t care. Rona is a hoax? Also don’t care. We only get one shot at restarting this machine. Please don’t be the one that messes it up.
RULE #4: We are not babysitters. We get it. Social distancing sucks. Masks suck. You’re tired of washing your hands. After more than a year of isolation, all you wanna do is lean in close and spew your spittle on friends and strangers alike. But it’s been 13 months. You know the rules by now — please follow them.
RULE #7: Support the scene. Can’t make the show? No problem. It costs $0.00 to support us in other ways. Share the posts. Listen to the music. Invite your friends to the event page. In order for this to work, we need all hands on deck.
RULE #8: Be kind. Look — it’s been awhile. We’re gonna be a little rusty. Plus, so much of what needs to happen in order to bring back live music safely is new for all of us — fans, venues, promoters and artists alike. There will be hiccups. There will be lines. There will be unforeseen circumstances. Be nice anyway.
Plattsburgh – photos by Jerry Cadieux
RULE #9: Go to the merch table. Support the artists. Buy the t-shirt. Buy a sticker.
RULE #10: Have fun. You’ve been waiting for this moment for more than -fully. Come out early. Stay out late. Dance. Laugh. Make a new friend. Discover a new band.
Albany photographer Zach Culver went on a road trip this month and shares his photos of venues in Denver, CO and Las Vegas, NV.
Buffalo’s Organ Fairchild is NYS Music’s March Madness 2021 Winner – a musical party that won’t quit. Take your old-school organ trio (organ, guitar and drums), add dance-heavy grooves and adventurous jamming, and shake vigorously. Enjoy all night long as this well-crafted jam-band cocktail has perked our musical taste buds.
When they spoke on their new single “Seepin,” the band said It’s been a LONG time coming… way back in January, having no idea it would lead to a March Madness crown.
We truly enjoyed being part of this series and are grateful to NYS Music for reaching out to us about it. We’re now hip to a whole bunch of new-to-us bands from around the state, which is kind of the whole point. As for being in the finals against Baked Shrimp, they had a whole lot of support and we definitely got a chance to check out their music, too. In fact, the two bands are now talking about collaborating on a few concert dates this summer/fall!
So kudos to NYS Music for all the good things you do to support the region’s musicians. You guys are true advocates for the music scene and we appreciate you.
Dave Ruch – Guitar
Congratulations Organ Fairchild – NYS’ March Madness Winner
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 fury never loses sight of the underdog, a headliner’s humble beginnings, new musical discovery and rolling with the punches in our ever-changing industry.
March Madness 2021 Lark Hall Region: Albany’s mid-size music venue.
Organ Fairchild – Buffalo, New York.
Organ Fairchild – NYS Music’s March Madness Winner is:
Joe Bellanti – organ, keys – Corey Kertzie – drums – Dave Ruch – guitar
“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.”
LISTEN to Organ Fairchild’s debut single below, from the forthcoming May 2021 album release! Mastered by Alan Evans of Soulive.
Chuck DeFilippo: How did Organ Fairchild come to be? What is the name origin?
Joe Bellanti: Dave called me and pitched the idea of an organ trio – I thought it was dumb – which – since we have known each other for so long – means it was a really good idea since I am always wrong about that stuff and Dave has a really good sense for projects that will work. It would be hard to characterize the amount of fun we have been having – just fantastic to be a part of this
Dave Ruch: I really wanted to name the band Organ Freeman (after Morgan Freeman), but it turns out that name was already taken! So Organ Fairchild was the next best choice….I think many of us had let’s say an affinity for Morgan F when we were young.
JamCast is a streaming platform that provides a unique experience using live, pre-recorded, archived audio & video performances, podcasting, vlogs, blogs, and more. JamCast has been centered around creating a digital network for musicians, promoters, and venues. It was designed to serve as a resource for all facets of the music industry. By offering weekly series, digital events, festivals, podcasts, archives, and more. An online resource and database for all music industry professionals.
CD: What was your first crossroads with music; how did it seep into your life?
JB: My dad was really into music and there were always records and cassettes playing. I was told I would start taking piano lessons when I was 8 – loved it for the first month until I figured out how hard it was going to be and promptly lost interest – until I was 13 – My mom would not let me quit and my 8th grade music teacher found out I could play the piano and made me play in front of the class – I was not happy about it – but – when I stopped, everyone started clapping and cheering – and here I am in the NYS finals. Thanks mom!
DR: I guess my first crossroads was the trombone in 4th grade – I was too little to carry it home from school so that didn’t last long. Second crossroads was guitar at age 12 – I was learning the wrong music and it didn’t stick. Luckily I tried it again at age 15 and I haven’t put it down since! At age 27, I quit my white collar job and made music my full-time living, so definitely a happy ending!
Central New York promotersCreative Concerts bring fans together in the final four
CD: What does New York State Music mean to you? (Not our site, but rather the music community in the state or your specific regions )
JB: NYS Music – the Buffalo scene in particular – means the world to me – some of my greatest moments have come from being a part of it – certainly my very best friends. Too many incredible moments to even try to pick out one or 2 of the best.
DR: Interesting question, as one of the other “hats” I wear as a full-time musician and performer is researching and performing old 19th-century traditional music from New York State! So NYS Music means a lot of different things to me, but in terms of the current music community, we are very fortunate here in Buffalo to have a rabid fan base of live music lovers who always come out to support our shows. The level of musicianship here if off the charts as well, and pretty much everyone involved in the local music scene is really supportive of each other. It’s a great place to be.
CD: What are the short and long term goals for the band?
JB: Short term – finish out first CD and get back to playing live shows as soon as we can. Long term – see if we can make it work long term – there is nothing I would rather do than play our own music with Corey and Dave.
CD: Any bands or new listening discovered from NYS Music’s March Madness series?
JB: Absolutely – bands and artists I never would have been exposed to without the competition – Girl Blue in particular – I listened to a bunch of her recordings during our first round match up and really thought we had no chance – really original songs and arrangements and a great voice
DR: I really enjoyed watching a bunch of these bands’ videos on the NYS Music website.
CD: Do you have a favorite COVID activity, since you have all this free time not gigging?
JB: I have practiced more in the last year than ever and started teaching online via zoom and also building a teaching web site. Also we have been writing new material, rehearsing when practical and recording our first CD
DR: Yes, practicing a lot, writing tunes, cooking, and recording.
CD: Anything in the works for the band?
JB: Two CDs in 2021 and hopefully a summer and fall of outdoor shows. Also – we will probably hit Denny’s at some point – I’m pretty sure we are the only band in the competition where all the members would qualify for the senior discount
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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.
Heavy rock supergroup The Limit, consisting of former The Stooges and Pentagram members, release new single “Death Of My Soul” accompanied by a video in preparation for their upcoming album Caveman Logic – releasing April 9, 2021.
The Limit is an astoundingly fresh and hot-blooded shot to the veins that heavy rock needs in this day and age. “Death Of My Soul” sees the band go straight to the heart of rock to deliver a electric performance accompanied by some eerie visuals. The gothic mood of the track conjured forth by the intersection of all the various sounds from the band members background helps deliver a song that does the legacy of these rock mainstays justice.
This song and video is not something warm and fuzzy you can wrap your arms around and feel good about. It represents a deep feeling of alienation, loneliness, a sense of an unchangeable and Doomed timeline of life and world events.
Sonny Vincent, Musician
The Limit consists of several high profile members such as Ex-Stooges member Jimmy Recca on bass, Sonny Vincent an early NYC punk scene legend and member of Testors on guitar and vocals, Bobby Liebling from Doom Rock originators Pentagram on vocals, and Hugo Comin and Joao Pedro on guitar and drum from Portuguese band Dawnrider. The diverse range of musical influences come together and create a sound that respects the band’s Punk and Doom Rock origins while creating a whole new sound entirely.
The upcoming album Caveman Logic is set to be released on April 9, 2021, the album can be pre-ordered here.
