NYS Music 202​1

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • Queer Pop and Melodic Chaos: Arthur Moon Releases Newest Single “Chaos! Chaos! Chaos!”

    Standing at only a mere 4 days old, “Chaos! Chaos! Chaos!” the new single from Arthur Moon has already amassed thousands of streams and landed on playlists alongside huge artists like The Japanese House, Sufjan Stevens, and St. Vincent. Before the mark of their one year anniversary, they earned themselves an NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert.

    It’s clear this band is praised for their excellence, and their new single hits the mark the very same. 

    The Brooklyn avant-pop group, led by composer and singer Lora-Faye Åshuvud with collaborators Cale Hawkins, Martin D. Fowler, Dave Palazola and Aviva Jaye, released the single while announcing their new album to be released in the fall under the same name: “Chaos! Chaos! Chaos!“

    And that’s just what the single is: a beautiful and haunting chaotic musical masterpiece. Boarding on the genres of indie and electropop with elements from jazz and a choral influence, Arthur Moon is able to seamlessly meld these opposing musical soundscapes in a captivating and genius way. 

    “Avant-pop group Arthur Moon are more than happy to deconstruct the conventions of typical pop music”

    -Billboard Music

    Not a single time during my first time listening through to the single did I know where the next note would land. Against dissonant to resolving vocals and piano vamping that explored multiple keys sometimes within the same measures, there was a sense of peace in the chaos. The droning electronic sounds complimented rather than clashed with the more organic instruments.

    The vocals evolved from melodic singing to speak-singing with a metallic overlay, creating chaos in the mix. But never did the chaos not resolve, paving the way for a beautiful jazz piano solo overtop the synth drone. 

    arthur moon

    Rather than staying in the confines of one genre, Arthur Moon seems to reconceptualize boxing artists into one genre over another. They explore so many different soundscapes that at one point, I scrapped the idea of attempting to label them as alt or pop, instead praising their ability to operate outside of anything I’ve ever heard before. 

    “Dump the heteronormativity and get on Arthur Moon’s wavelength instead”

    -Refinery 29

    “Chaos! Chaos! Chaos!,” sung by lead Ashuvud who identifies as queer, was released for Pride Month. The music video captures two queer women dancing alone together in the purple light, expressing themselves and their love unequivocally. Their music shows the same queering of pop, electronic, and experimental music. Ashuvud is not afraid to defy traditionalism, bringing a unique approach to timbre, melody, and rhythm throughout all of her pieces.

    The unpredictable nature of Arthur Moon’s music alludes to a rejection of heteronormativity within music and a huge step towards the acceptance of queer music which is so very crucially important, particularly in a month honoring our LBGTQIA ancestors. Following the accolades from monumental influences in the music industry, including Billboard and NPR Music, it’s clear Arthur Moon is on the verge of blowing up. If you want to secure bragging rights of knowing their name and following their music before they’re the household name they’re bound to become, stream their new song asap! 

  • Albany Punk Band Senior Living Releases Debut LP Album

    When you search the words “Senior Living,” the very last thing you’d expect is a bunch of 20-somethings moshing in a damp basement. New Yorkers Zac Geddies, Gino Lopez and Brendan Snell intend to change that. The Albany-native band has announced that their debut LP album, Anniversaries, will be available starting June 25.

    Formed in 2016, Senior Living was a passion project for Zackery Geddies (guitar/vocals) and Jeremy “Gino” Lopez (drums). Geddies and Lopez began booking local tours during semester breaks from college, making a name for themselves across the Northeast DIY music circuit. Brendan Snell (bassist) is a recent addition to the band and assisted on recording Anniversaries.

    Senior Living’s music is best served cranked up loud, with a side of even louder. They have been described as a band that weaves together genres from ethereal shoegaze to punk with a tinge of modern dream-pop. The band’s chemistry, stage antics, and not to mention the blasting Roland Jazz Chorus amp, is guaranteed to fill the room with an immense pool of sound. They have a budding reputation as Albany’s loudest band, so be sure to bring earplugs!

    senior living
    Anniversaries album cover

    Anniversaries, the bands debut full-length, tells the story of Geddies’s upbringing and how he experienced maneuvering through childhood with anxiety. The album explores the manic side of depression, the crippling feelings of stress, self-loathing, experiences in interracial relationships, and growing up a person of color in America.

    It’s kind of a challenge to pinpoint exactly what led me down a path to music. I’d like to say that the music I’ve made is just my own attempt at coping with my mental health and the societal issues that affect me and the ones I love. Whatever it was that led me to the point where I want to pursue music, I’m glad I’ve found it, and I won’t be ready to give it up anytime soon.

    Zac Geddies, founding member and guitarist

    Geddies’s raw vocals tackles the serious themes with pure emotion. Two of the tracks are only about a minute long, just enough time for a short poetry excerpt. The LP has an eerie closer with back to back songs “Sourir” and “Everybody Dreams About Dying,” adding an element of the feelings of depression. Except, at the very end, Senior Living picks it back up with a guitar riff – a cliffhanger.

    It seems Anniversaries is meant to be listened to in order, showing the progressions of emotion from elation, to self-doubt, to sadness, and back again.

    Senior Living

    Senior Living previously released “Dominick,” track seven on Anniversaries, as a demo on Bandcamp in March 2020. All proceeds from the single were donated to United Way COVID-19 relief and Meals on Wheels. As a teaser for the album drop, the band shared opening track “Carousel” with an accompanying video on June 21.

    According to the band, all nine tracks were recorded in one day at a secret studio location in Oneonta. Each single is unique and can’t be contained under one genre, some songs are hardcore rebellion garage rock while others have a grungy get-in-your-feels type vibe. Though the tracklist is diverse, the album meshes really well.

    Prior to Anniversaries, the band has dropped two short albums, two songs on The Paintbox Lace and three on 35mm.

    The experience of writing and recording a whole album with close friends and collaborators in the studio led to a concentrated and compact album, and that chemistry can be felt throughout the tracklisting.

    Zac Geddies

    Anniversaries will be available to stream on Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Spotify on June 25. Keep up with all things Senior Living on their social media.

  • Hasty Page Fortifies Its Musical Repetoire With Latest Single, “The Wire”

    Alternative/indie rock super trio, Hasty Page, will release their latest single “The Wire” on Friday, June 25. The song is the Hasty Page’s first single of 2021 and fans’ first glimpse into the band’s upcoming EP. With a fresh song to fuel the summer, the trio continues to add to their arsenal of punchy, creative, and inspirational music releases.

    Formed in 2015 in Glens Falls, NY, Hasty Page has previously released one EP and two albums. Alt alternative/indie rock trip has built up a solid standing among popular groups with similar genres. They have opened for bands such as Smash Mouth, Colony House, Moriah Formica, and Madison Vandenburg. Hasty Page’s audience is no small feat as well, performing shows for upwards of 40,000 people at Schenectady Summer night, 20,000 at the Albany Tulip Festival, and 10,000 at the Times Union Center.

    The boys of Hasty Page – Josh Morris, Zane Agnew, and James Paolano –spent the past year recording the five tracks for their upcoming EP. The EP was recorded at Left Hand Studios in upstate New York, produced by Hasty Page themselves, and finally mixed and mastered by Scoops Dardaris (Prince Daddy, The Clay People, Girl Blue). Notably, Hasty Page has not only spent the past year recording new music, but they have also recently signed a sync licensing deal with Spirit Production Music.

    hasty page the wire

    “The Wire” is a fan favorite and highly anticipated, while the rest of the EP are new songs written over the past few years. The song’s instrumental track seamlessly fuses gritty yet clean guitar tracks and melodies, polished by bright, eclectic riffs and modulation. The vocals are warm yet powerful, espousing heartfelt momentum in a lyrical journey on the verge of bursting with pure emotion. Hasty Page has delivered a song to remember.

    The music video for “The Wire” will drops one week after the single’s release on June 25, followed by the release of the full EP late summer of 2021. Until then, stream some of Hasty Page‘s earlier album releases on Spotify, YouTube, and below.

  • Michael Franti and Spearhead Announce “Good Day For A Good Day,” World Tour

    With their return to in-person shows earlier this month in Colorado, Michael Franti & Spearhead continue to thrill fans around the globe with the announcement of the Good Day For A Good Day World Tour, kicking off this summer in the U.S.

    Michael Franti Spearhead tour

    “After an emotional weekend playing our first shows back since the pandemic began, the wait is finally over! We are kicking off our Good Day For A Good Day World Tour this August with over 20 U.S. dates this November and 13 dates overseas in 2022,” shares Franti. “My heart is full. I’m energized and ready to hit the road again!”

    Along with the band’s traditional touring, Michael Franti & Spearhead will alsoheadline their own cruise in a new partnership with Sixthman, Soulshine at Sea, Nov. 3-7, 2021.

    After supporting over ten cruises in his career, Franti will begin his first ever hosted cruise which includes a very diverse musical lineup including Fitz and The Tantrums, Allen Stone, Niko Moon and more, with a heavy dose of health and wellness included.

    “We are stoked to be announcing the lineup for Soulshine at Sea because we believe in the power of music; the connection of community; taking time to focus on health and wellness; and that in these challenging times, it’s important to have fun and rock out too,” Franti expresses.

    Michael Franti & Spearhead released their 11th studio album Work Hard And Be Nice nearly one year ago, and was also featured on NPR’s mid-year and end-year “Heavy Rotation: Public Radio’s Most Popular Songs of 2020,” sharing, “Michael Franti’s infectious groove is unmistakable. From the opening chords to the percolating rhythm, it’s easy to get caught up in the positivity he exudes.”

    Michael Franti & Spearhead “Good Day For A Good Day” 2021
    World Tour dates:

    August 18                   Roanoke Island Festival Park+          Manteo, N.C.
    August 19                   North Carolina Azalea Festival~       Wilmington, N.C.
    August 21                   Palace Theatre+                            Albany, N.Y.
    August 22                   The Ridgefield Playhouse*+               Ridgefield, Conn.
    August 24                   Wolf Trap**+                              Vienna, Va.
    August 25                   Seacrets+                             Ocean City, Md.
    August 26                   Seacrets+                                     Ocean City, Md.
    August 27                   The Coves Amphitheater at Smith Mountain Lake+      Union Hall, Va.
    August 29                   Salvage Station+                               Asheville, N.C.
    Sept. 4                         Pavilion at Point of the Bluff Vineyard                          Hammondsport, N.Y.
    Sept. 5                         Arrowood Farm Brewery*+            Accord, N.Y.
    Sept. 10                       Marymoor Park+                          Redmond, Wash.
    Sept. 11                       McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater+                        Troutdale, Ore.
    Sept. 14                       Clear Summer Nights Concert Series  Bend, Ore.
    Sept. 15                       Revolution Concert House+                 Garden City, Idaho
    Sept. 16                       Red Butte Garden+        Salt Lake City, Utah
    Sept. 17                       MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa Lake Tahoe+           Stateline, Nev.
    Sept. 18                       Santa Cruz Mountain Sol Festival~    Felton, Calif.
    Sept. 19                       Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival~   Templeton, Calif.
    Sept. 20                       Humphreys Concerts by the bay+~    San Diego, Calif
    Nov. 3-7                      Soulshine at Sea                            Miami, Fla.

    Michael Franti & Spearhead “Good Day For A Good Day” 2022
    World Tour dates:

    Jan. 27                         Paradiso+                             Amsterdam, Netherlands
    Jan. 28                         Doornroosje+                            Nijmegen, Netherlands
    Jan. 29                         De Oosterpoort+                       Groningen, Netherlands
    Jan. 30                         Maassilo+                                   Rotterdam, Netherlands
    Feb. 1                          Ancienne Belgique+                 Brussels, Belgium
    Feb. 2                          Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld+      Cologne, Germany
    Feb. 3                          Gretchen+                                   Berlin, Germany
    Feb. 5                          Circolo Magnolia+                 Milan, Italy
    Feb. 6                          Bierhübeli+                           Bern, Switzerland
    Feb. 7                          New Morning+                       Paris, France
    Feb. 9                          St. Luke’s Music & Arts Venue+ Glasgow, UK
    Feb. 10                        Academy 2+                             Manchester, UK
    Feb. 11                        O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire+  London, UK

    + VIP Experience Offered
    ~ Previously Announced; On Sale Now
    * Trio Format
    ** Co-headlining with Trombone Shorty (pre-sale/on-sale TBA)

  • Jocelyn‌ ‌&‌ ‌Chris‌ drop “Sugar and Spice,” Announce National Summer Tour

    Jocelyn & Chris return to touring along with a new single, Sugar and Spice, their first release since the world health crisis took hold last year. This is a taste of their forthcoming eighth studio album. 

    Jocelyn & Chris

    Siblings Jocelyn & Chris, who balanced their careers while finishing their degrees at Harvard University, first formed their band in middle school. Along the way the duo, originally from Upstate NY, have released eight albums and collaborated with some of alt-rock’s biggest names, including Cory Wong (Vulfpeck), G. Love, Byron Isaacs (Lumineers), and Gov’t Mule’s Danny Louis.

    Eight albums and continual touring has earned Jocelyn & Chris three consecutive commercial radio singles in the Billboard AAA Top 40 and two #1 records on the Relix Jambands Top 30 Album Chart. Their 2019 album The Fun in the Fight landed them their national TV debut with The TODAY Show. This past May the siblings won three major awards at the second annual Eddies Music Awards, those being Album of the Year, Video of the Year and Solo / Duo Artist of the Year.

    To celebrate “Sugar and Spice,” Jocelyn & Chris have teamed up with a couple of great product partners for a series of exciting collaborations, including a Sugar and Spice Rock and Roll BBQ Sauce collaboration with Coal Creek Smokehouse in Rocky Top, TN. The limited-run sauce will be available through the smokehouse website and at their restaurants. 

    A family of avid homebrewers, Jocelyn & Chris have also teamed up with boutique craft brewery Peacemaker Brewing in Canandaigua, NY, to brew Sugar and Spice Passion Fruit Milkshake IPA. This IPA is available at Peacemaker Brewing’s flagship location, Wegmans Supermarkets, and select Jocelyn & Chris performances this summer and fall.

    Upcoming Tour Dates:

    June 18 – Sugar & Spice Release Party (virtual)

    June 21 – Playlist Live: FATHERS (virtual)

    June 24 – Peacemaker Brewing: Couch Concert – Canandaigua, NY

    June 28 – Playlist Live: LETTERS (virtual)

    July 9 – The Bend – West Best, WI

    July 10 – Barnato! – Omaha, NE

    July 12 – City Winery – Chicago, IL

    July 13 – Couch Concert On Location at The Bur Oak – Madison, WI

    July 14 – Marshfield Insurance’s 4th Annual Fore Roger Fundraiser – Marshfield, WI

    July 15 – Levitt at the Falls – Sioux Falls, SD

    July 16 – Fridays on the Plaza – Cheyenne, WY

    July 17 – Big Stars Bright Lights Concert Series – Park City, UT

    July 18 – Concerts on the Commons – Teton Village, WY

    July 21 – Marathon Center for the Performing Arts – Findlay, OH

    July 22 – Rumba Cafe – Columbus, OH

    July 23 – The Auricle – Canton, OH

    July 24 – Purple Fiddle – Thomas, WV

    July 25 – The Crafthouse Stage & Grill – Pittsburgh, PA

    July 29 – Grain’s Rocking the Docks Series – Lewes, DE

    Aug. 7 – Caroga Lake Music Festival – Caroga Lake, NY

    Aug. 12 – Musikfest – Bethlehem, PA

    Aug. 28 – Live Under the Arch – Portsmouth, NH

    Sept. 3 – Rams Head on Stage – Annapolis, MD

    Sept. 26 – Maine Craft Distilling Sunday Concert Series – Portland, ME

    Nov. 12 – Bank of NH Stage – Concord, NH

  • Concerts in the Vineyard – Rhett Miller & The All Stars at City Winery Hudson Valley

    Wine aficionado and music impresario Michael Dorf, has taken a defunct 207-year-old textile mill in Montgomery NY and transformed its 22 acres into a winery, restaurant, and event space: City Winery Hudson Valley. Add to that, tucked away amongst the sprawling grounds, an amphitheater; sculpted by nature and cradled by the Wallkill River. Seizing on the expanse, CWHV has started “Concerts in the Vineyard,” a summer series offering live music in a bucolic setting.

    concerts in the vineyard
    Rhett Miller

    NYS Music took in the ambiance afforded by this new series at an afternoon performance by Rhett Miller & The All Stars. Miller, of the Old 97s, was joined by John N. Burdick on lead guitar, Jason Sarubbi on bass and Angela Iahn on drums. The foursome came together during the pandemic, playing in Rhett’s garage during the days of no live shows. Miller disclosed to the crowd that this setup granted him the opportunity to play cover songs after years of feeling he had to do originals constantly.

    concerts in the vineyard

    From the moment each player picked up their instrument, they were smiling from ear to ear. Relishing in the fact that they were playing in front of people! The band’s time together shown brightly as they maneuvered through the set like a long-lived act. Miller and company glided through Old 97s songs (“Designs on You,” “Turn on the TV,” and “19”), solo numbers (“Come Around,” “Total Disaster”), and a few covers (Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon,” REM’s “Driver Eight”) for good measure.

    concerts in the vineyard
    Rhett Miller & The All Stars

    With City Winery Hudson Valley presenting vintage quality acts at Concerts in the Vineyard like Rhett Miller in a pastoral surrounding, the only thing left to say is the hills are alive with the sound of music. Where’s Julie Andrews when you need her?

  • Rodrigo y Gabriela Announce “By Request” US Tour

    Grammy-winning guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela are back on the road starting on September 1, their first US shows in over two years.

    Rodrigo y Gabriela

    Their plans to tour their 2019 studio album METTAVOLUTION were cut-short early by the pandemic. The “By Request Tour” will be a completely new and exciting experience for both fans and the band.

    To make this tour extra special, Rodrigo y Gabriela have elected to hand over setlist selection to their fans.

    On the Mettavolution tour in 2019, we played the whole of that album. Here we are, two years later, and we have decided to let the fans choose what songs they want to hear from us on the ‘By Request’ tour.

    Rodrigo Sánchez

    A long ballot of songs are now posted on rodgab.com and Rod y Gab’s social media platforms, covering their unique repertoire of over 20 years of fiery acoustic rock together. Fans are invited to select the songs they want to hear played live. 

    The “By Request” tour starts in Boulder, CO on September 1, runs through to October 16 in Minneapolis, MN and will make a stop in NYC at Pier 17 on October 10. More information and ticket links are available on their website.

    Check out the full tour schedule below:


    RODRIGO Y GABRIELA TOUR 2021
    SEPTEMBER

    1 – Boulder, CO – Chautauqua Auditorium *

    3 – Vail, CO – Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater *

    4 – Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak Center *

    8 – Troutdale, OR – Edgefield *

    10 – Sacramento, CA – Crest Theater *

    11 – Napa, CA – Oxbow Riverstage Concert Series *

    12 – San Diego, CA – Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay *

    14 – Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theater *

    15 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues *

    26 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at Moody Theater

    28 – San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center for Performing Arts **


    OCTOBER

    1 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theater

    2 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall **

    3 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre **

    5 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte **

    6 – Washington, DC – Anthem

    8 – Hershey, PA – Harrisburg University at Hershey Theatre **

    9 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre **

    10 – New York, NY – Pier 17

    11 – Munhall, PA – Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall **

    14 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theater

    16 – Minneapolis, MN – Fillmore


    * David Keenan support** Silvana Estrada support

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features The Vaughns, The Fifty Two And More

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

    the vaughns

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

    The Vaughns

    New Jersey band the Vaughns have released their EP, rom-coms & take-out. Its title stems from the lyrics of “All Weekend,” a synthy new wave-inspired song about staying home and doing nothing. Other songs “Bushwick” and “Raina,” are similarly chill, good for sunny and rainy days respectively. “Bushwick” is of course an ode to the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood, while “Raina” is a love song: “I’m falling in love, so what more can I say? / Oh, you’re a glimpse of sun on the rainiest day.” The Vaughns are coming to The Hollow Bar + Kitchen on Albany’s North Pearl Street on Saturday, June 26, with tickets available on their website.

    The Fifty Two
    The Fifty Two’s single “Just Kids” opens with a bang, calling back to David Bowie’s “Heroes” before mellowing out for the opening verse. However, its choruses continue to explode in waves of nostalgia for memories past. This effect is fully intentional: the lyrics speak of “limousine speakers maxed out,” and the song evokes late-driving over a bridge with the windows down. The Fifty Two are a trio consisting of Jamie Medick, Jordan Medick and Ronnie Devernone.

  • Hearing Aide: Amy Helm ‘What The Flood Leaves Behind’

    Amy Helm will release her third album, What the Flood Leaves Behind, on June 18 through Renew Records/BMG.  Helm, the daughter of The Band’s legendary vocalist and drummer Levon Helm and singer-songwriter Libby Titus, has successfully stepped out from behind of her parent’s considerable musical shadows and has successfully staked her own claim in the highly competitive music industry. 

    What the Flood Leaves Behind

    Helm’s success comes from honing her craft and paying her dues as a founding member of folk group Ollabelle and additionally as a longtime member of The Midnight Ramble Band. The culmination of Amy’s hard work and experience is apparent on this gem of a record which consists of ten tracks of new and reimagined material.  

    What the Flood Leaves Behind

    What the Flood Leaves Behind was recorded at the historic Levon Helm Studios located on Amy’s home turf of Woodstock, NY.  She also enlisted a group of incredibly talented players to contribute to WTFLB including Kaufman and Phil Cook (keys, harmonica), Michael Libramento (bass, organ, percussion), Tony Mason (drums), Daniel Littleton (guitar), Stuart Bogie (saxophone), Jordan McLean (trumpet), and her son Lee Collins (congas). Helm describes the experience of creating the album at the studio that her father built as a cathartic homecoming.

    Going back to the place where I learned so much about how to express music, how to hold myself in music, how to listen to music,” she begins, “it was humbling in a funny way. I could see clearly where I came from and where I am now in my life. I was singing from a different place now and for a different reason.

    Amy Helm

    Produced by Josh Kaufman, whose credits include working with an eclectic roster of musicians that includes Bobb Weir, Taylor Swift and the Hold Steady, WTFLB reflects a creative working partnership that fits like a glove between Helm and Kaufman. The evidence of this successful collaboration is apparent in adept and deft way that Kaufman focused on Helm’s vocal ability, showcasing it as a major focal point on the record, he explains.

    I wanted her to feel like she had that freedom to be herself on the recordings and she just filled up the whole room. Her singing was coming from this deeply rooted place of family and music and wanting to convey a beauty.

    Josh Kaufman, producer of What The Flood Leaves Behind

    This philosophy is executed brilliantly on “Verse 23,” the first track on WTFLB, which is a soulful ballad from which the album derives its title.  The lyrics of the song evoke a rich religious sentiment that when beautifully delivered by Helm’s ethereal voice. The results are sublimely divine. 

    WTFLB is steeped in fusion of traditional roots, gospel and contemporary music.  This is probably most evident on the nineth track of the LP “Terminal B.” The tune starts with Amy playing mandolin, which sets the sonic stage for the piece, which then leads into an organ accompaniment provided expertly by Libramento. The marriage of these instruments transports the listener to a front pew at a rural church service in Anywhere, USA. Lyrically it describes a remembrance of a fleeting Californian love affair that, retrospectively, one could look back on fondly. 

    “Cotton and the Cane,” WTFLB‘s third number also has a southern sleepy gospel feel to it. Injected with a heavy dose of Hammond Organ, this updated version of a fan favorite is a departure from previous renditions and is a fitting tribute to Helm’s father Levon. It is a definite highlight of the record.

    Amy Helm will be touring this summer in support of What the Flood Leaves Behind, kicking off with a pre-release live stream webcast scheduled for June 17. This will then be followed up by a sold out record release event at the Levon Helm Studios on June 19.

    Key Tracks: Carry It Alone, Cotton And The Cane, Terminal B

  • Air Bertr& takes an Ambient Journey with latest single “City Walk”

    Air Bertr&, the new project from Let’s be Leonard‘s Karl Bertrand, has an ambient first single with “City Walk,” clocking in at a meditative 25 minutes and 48 seconds. Karl uses various instrumentation on the track, and was joined by fellow LBL bandmate Connor Dunn, playing saxophone on “City Walk.”

    Air Bertrand

    Hailing from Saratoga Springs, Bertrand began getting into ambient music in 2018, finding the music eased his mind as he wrestled with insomnia and anxiety. He cites favorite ambient artists as Chihei Hatakeyama, Midori Takada, Brian Eno, Harold Budd, and Laraaji. 

    In the past couple years, Karl has hosted a radio show ‘Fly Air Bertr&’ on 91.1FM Skidmore College, where he mixes ambient music from various artists with ASMR recordings and lecturers from a variety of different philosophical and spiritual backgrounds.

    Air Bertrand
    Fly Air Bertr& radio show on WSPN 91.1 Skidmore College Radio

    Released on May 28, “City Walk” is the result of years of writing and recording, plus time in 2020 to focus on this project while awaiting the return of live music.

    My connection with ambient music has often felt very spiritual to me. That might come out the most on the radio program.

    Karl Bertrand

    Bertr& has performed at local events, including at yoga studios where he live DJs the class. He has also composed a piece for a local ballet studio, an interesting way for the music to come alive in a live setting, especially in comparison to the live rock performances.

    Air Bertrand
    Karl Bertrand performing live at a yoga class.

    “City Walk” was first recorded on a handheld cassette recorder as Bertrand took a walk from Manhattan’s Upper East Side to Midtown. He later recorded an improvisation on electric piano to the field recording and finished the piece by inviting Connor Dunn to improvise over everything on his saxophone. 

    I definitely felt inspired by the big city energy and the thoughts of all of the old session players and jazz cats that had walked those same streets. I think Connor’s playing really captured that feeling. He did it all in one take after barely hearing the backing track. When he was finished he said “I’m done.” That was that. It’s just how I imagined the old-city jazz cats would have done it.

    I’ve always loved walking alone in the city with headphones in. It’s one of my favorite things about traveling. I think the energy of the whole track feels just perfect for how I feel when I’m doing that activity. There’s so much life there but it’s also just so serene at the same time. 

    Bertrand shares one experience from the field recordings in New York City:

    One of the coolest parts of making music is the unexpected moments. One of those moments is buried in the end of the field recording on this track. I’m almost finished walking through the park and getting closer to midtown. The environment grows more dense with commotion and voices of New Yorkers and tourists. One guy walks past and says “Which way’s up?” as I pass him (referring to which way is uptown I’d assume.) Maybe ten seconds later a little kid playfully exclaims “It’s this way!” It seems like a little miracle of sorts to record such an unexpected li’l moment like that. 

    Listen to “City Walk” on Spotify or Bandcamp and follow Karl Bertrand on Instagram and Facebook.