NYS Music 202​1

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • Sunday’s EQXposure features Under the Den, Jade Relics and many 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 Under the Den, Jade Relics, and many more!

    under the den

    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 EQXposure starts with a four-song feature from Under the Den, a group that hopes to capture the positive essence and momentum of the progress which has become symbolic of the Upstate NY area.

    Under The Den formed in the autumn of 2017 as a collaborative effort in Upstate New York of four people trying to make good music. Madison Lewis, the group’s lead vocalist from Orange County, CA, pours her soul into live performances, understanding the need for connection and reciprocation with an audience large or small. Benjamin “Ideas” Zoleski, a music major from Berklee, brings a great range to the guitar following a recent outing as the Musical Director for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “School of Rock” (2018-2019) theatre production, as well as the guitarist for the European hologram tour of Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison (2019). The rhythm section is comprised of identical twin brothers John Nowak (on bass) and drummer Jason “J NO” Nowak. Both have a long musical history in the 518 and abroad, with bands on indie and major labels.

    They are performing on March 27 at Albany’s oldest bar, Pauly’s Hotel. The show is supported by Kid Vicious with live sound by Lyons Den Productions. Doors open at 7pm and shows start at 8pm.

    Jade Relics from Vermont is a trio of IamE, Rico James, and Elder Orange. The music floats along a hip hop feel with emo heartfelt singing, excellent production and instrumentation creating a head bobbing yet smart piece of music.

    Jade Relics recently released “Start Over” a massive sounding intoxicating grooed out jam about pushing the rest button or at least being forced to do so.

    After preparing a massive arsenal of puns in preparation for a ten year tour of stand-up punning in pun-friendly venues worldwide, Troy, NY’s DayBloom packed a van and set out, only to get a flat tire in the driveway. Plans dashed and bored, they started playing music.  

    ‘Till the Sky” is a deep roots style track with enriching harmony and clever twists and turns. The acoustic instrumentation which implies a laid back sense does not cover up the rumbling intensity and dark turns of this rather well put together piece of music.

  • Record Heat Drops Scorching New EP “1”

    Record Heat, formerly known as Spirit Animal, is back with a new 3-song EP titled 1 out on March 12. “Nathan” and “Just Hits” are previously released tracks, with brand-new closer “Networks.” Produced by Nolan Lambroza, 1 has an industrial, ground-shattering, alternative-rock sound.

    Record Heat
    Record Heat’s NST Album Art

    The opening track “Nathan” booms into headphones with a huge grimey bass sound and commanding, catchy vocals. The beats are redolent of “Believer” by Imagine Dragons and “Black Skinhead” by Kanye West, delivering a powerful energy that is cinematic and danceable. One could imagine a live show with pyrotechnics and a zealous crowd. “Couldn’t really say that I’m the patient type,” lyrically encompasses the strength of this song.

    “Just Hits” opens with a mysterious synth line and a techno beat that kicks in with a groove. Steve’s vocals are confident, almost rapped, giving the song a quick, invigorating aura. There is a spoken-word prechorus that induces reflection about nature: “We came from the sky / We came from the trees.” The song morphs into a bravado-filled chorus, with idiosyncratic production. The manipulated vocals, sirens blaring, and synth motif coat the song in a bold color palette. Record Heat knows that they are hot stuff.

    The newest track on the EP is the closer “Networks.” It opens with a jangly percussive bar and instantly adds groovy guitars. The energy is infectious immediately. The song criticizes networking and its inherent artifice; Record Heat are not in search of fortune and fame – even stating “The music industry sucks” as an ad-lib – they are artists, here for music, not commerciality. “Networks” is an anger-tinged indie dance track. It’s a powerful track in less that 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Record Heat’s new EP “1” is a whirlwind of confident, experimental, industrial rock. Their sound is refreshing, and you can listen to it on March 12th on all streaming services. You can find more about Record Heat on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  • Barenaked Ladies announce April 17 & 18 Concert Stream

    If you’re free on the 17th and 18th of April, the Barenaked Ladies have announced a new concert stream event, “Flip N’ Hits With NBL: A Night of Monster Jams on Pandemic Proportions.” Taking place at 9 pm EDT and 6 pm PDT with an additional special encore at 8 pm on the 18th, the virtual hour-long show will be available for viewers across the globe, promising high-powered energy and fun.

    Message from Barenaked Ladies on the Event

    For the first time in 30 years, the Barenaked Ladies are making a return to the historic Danforth Music Hall in Toronto for this event. The setlist for the event contains a variety of fan-favorites, including “If I Had $1,000,000,” “One Week,” and “Pinch Me.” Tickets for the event start at $15 and can be purchased here. The show will be unavailable to rewind or view once it’s over, so grab your tickets ASAP.

    Barenaked Ladies stream

    We had such a blast playing together again when we made the Holiday Special, and we’ve been trying to find more ways to connect with fans. The Selfie Cam Jams are fun, but we’re really jonesing to play an actual concert!

    Vocalist/guitarist Ed Robertson on the show

    Partnered up with Sessions to help make the virtual show happen, the event is certainly a can’t-miss for fans to sing along, or alternative fans to check out. Unavailable for post-broadcast viewing, there’s only one chance to attend and enjoy the experience. There are also bundles available to super-fans that include merchandise and access to a post-show Q&A.

    For updates on the Barenaked Ladies stream, and to see Ed Robertson in an exclusive Breakfast Television interview click here.

  • Versa the Band Release New Political Single

    Long Island’s Versa the Band, releases their politically reflective first single of the year entitled “ROLL (Homies Love Democracy).”

    Versa the Band
    Credit: Derlis Chavarria and CK Productions

    The band started in 2019 with a mission to create music that is out of the box and not tied to just one genre. While they are called a band, that is not quite the dynamic. The name originated from when the creator Ethan Fezzilari was brainstorming band names with his best friend for their cover band. The name Versa came to him after driving on the Long Island Expressway and seeing a Nissan Versa in front of him. The name stuck with him even though Versa the Band is a solo project.

    Versa the Band describes themselves as a “music collective” Fezzilari collaborates with other artists of different backgrounds. With influences from various artists such as Bon Iver, James Blake, Sam Cooke and more, Versa the Band has a versatile catalog. They tap into multiple sounds consisting of Hip Hop, Alternative, Pop, Jazz and more. He also draws inspiration from natural sounds and from things humans do regularly that create sound.

    With his El Salvadorian background, music has played a major role in his life. He recalls being around music all the time and seeing his mother cook with music playing in the background. While his parents aren’t musicians, their creativity influenced where he is today. The piano was the first instrument that he played when his mother made him and his siblings take lessons. Piano remained a constant throughout his career as a musician. He began his career in the entertainment business as a child actor in community theatre and progressed to short films and commercials. Versa the Band really fell in love with music through singing and the art of it.

    Versa the Band is signed to founder Fezzilari’s own Indie label CK Records. The company broadens to different aspects of entertainment including film and theatre. His executive involvement made him yearn for more creativity and his experience as director contributes to his writing skills. His journey with song writing began about two years ago. Versa the Band’s songs “Chelsea in the Spring,” “Barefoot,” “Just Friends,” and “Don’t Be Alone” were all released under the label. It allowed him to stay true to their sound and proved their individuality and creativity.

    The newest single “ROLL (Homies Love Democracy)” is another step further in not conforming to just one sound. It derives from a meme, specifically a meme that said “All my homies love Celine Dion.” The song is written from the perspective of the United States during the era of Trump’s administration and the issues resulting from COVID-19. He saw the way certain communities were struggling and lacked resources during a time when they needed it the most. Fezzilari says this is the most unique song the band has come out with. It captures the frustrations that many people felt during these times and they hope it will get people to think and receive the deeper message.

    The first half of the song calls out the current state of the political climate, while the second half serves as a cry for help. The single is produced by LOGO, mastered by Colton Lava, mixed by donSMITH along with Cliff 41 Studio. “ROLL (Homies Love Democracy)” is one of the tracks on Versa the Band’s upcoming album Free Thinker, which is releasing in June. Free Thinker is a 16 track project, containing five interludes and two more singles coming out shortly. This first single along with the video releases on March 12.

  • Interview: Zola Opens up About Misogyny in New Single

    18-year-old singer-songwriter Zola releases her new single “Not Like Other Girls” today, March 12. Building her fanbase in the New England area, the young artist blends indie, pop, and R&B. Zola integrates her raw and honest lyrics within her work also.

    Zola

    Zola’s music is oriented around her vulnerability. The way in which she can unapologetically be herself is what resonates with many fans. Although, at such a young age, Zola has had to face hardships within the music industry. Zola shares with NYS Music:

    I think, especially being a woman in the industry, there’s a completely different set of expectations placed on us than on our male counterparts. Women in music constantly have to reinvent themselves in order to stay relevant and, in general, face way more judgment on whether or not we’re ‘basic.’ If you’re basic, that has a sort of negative connotation, but if you’re ‘alternative’ you’re trying too hard. It’s an impossible battle to win.

    Zola

    This “frustration and relationship between judgment and identity” had a major influence on how she wrote the new song. Being a young woman in this industry places a microscope on one’s work. Zola takes this scrutiny, though with an enlightening and mature perspective. She aims to fit no one’s narrative but rather create her own.

    Zola

    Calling Out Misogyny

    “Not Like Other Girls” sets a haunting tone with penetrating piano keys, moody guitar chords, and a synthesizer. Layered over this is Zola’s riveting vocals that effortlessly glide with the beat. When constructing this single, Zola shared that she first began with the lyrics and then built the additional instrumental sounds around that. As this single is very personal to Zola, she wanted the song’s tone to be reflective of the meaning.

    The song deals with “finding the courage to stand up for one’s self.” This phrase ‘not like other girls’ is inherently misogynistic because it instinctively devalues other girls. Zola purposefully utilizes this phrase in order to bring attention to this popularized but damaging mindset.

    The ‘Not Like Other Girls’ trope is very interesting and complicated, and there is definitely a growing discussion about how the whole concept is rooted in misogyny. The whole thing started out as women trying to remove themselves from femininity, in order to set themselves apart and prove superior to other women. Oftentimes it’s even just a ploy for male attention. I think in order to break down this harmful trope and mindset we need to educate people on what it actually means, and have conversations with other women about it. Being into popular things isn’t bad, and being into unpopular things doesn’t make you better. Everyone should be able to like what they like, but if I see a girl with a superiority complex, I’m not going to think twice about calling her out.

    Zola
    Zola

    Breaking Down Barriers and Building Connections

    Zola values the importance of her individuality and has expressed that freely in her work. Being personal with her fans has built a relatability that is hard to find. Her new single is one of many that encapsulates her artistry and vulnerability.

    I’m just a very vulnerable person, so my music and what I write directly represents who I am. I’m driven by everything; life experiences, relationships, hardships. Life’s too short to not be vulnerable, because what’s the point if you don’t let yourself feel, isn’t that what music is all about? I like to think so.

    Zola

    Check out “Not Like Other Girls” out now on major platforms.

  • NYC Native Mae Krell Opens Up in New Single

    NYC Indie singer Mae Krell peels off layers of their personal story as they release their newest single “are you sure?” on March 5.

    Mae Krell
    Mae Krell by Sarah Midkiff

    Krell is more than a singer, they entered the music industry through photography and traveled around the nation capturing pictures. They wrote poems and aspired to become a performing artist one day and found the courage to do so. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, they find ways to connect that with her artistry. Krell is also an advocate for mental health and incorporates messages surrounding the topic within their music.

    Before this new release, they created and dropped their singles “Monsters” and “Scars” when they were just a teenager. Their debut EP Anabasis released in 2018, resulted in a nationwide tour at the age of 19. They took a two-year hiatus from music and returned in March 2020 releasing four new folk-pop singles and receiving about 500,000 streams on all of them.

    At the time, it helped me take a step back and learn about myself and why I was really doing all of this. I was so worried about what other people thought for so long that I forgot to enjoy making music- I was so overcome with anxiety all the time. I write songs to figure things out, get closure on situations, or just to express how I’m feeling. Releasing those songs is scary, but I’ve learned that I can’t be too much of a perfectionist or else I’ll never put anything out.

    Mae Krell

    These new releases start a new era for the artist as they confront past hardships, self-love, self-truth and reflection. Some of their influences are Bob Dylan, Phoebe Bridgers and Gregory Alan Isakov. When the 21-year-old returned from their hiatus they came back with a more mature and understanding approach.

    “are you sure?” is their first single of 2021 and it was written on the two-year anniversary of their sobriety. The song explores cognitive dissonance and feeling stuck even though they made a lot of progress. It dives deep into the low moments that make you forget how far you’ve come. Krell pours their emotions into the song singing over a guitar loop with pain in their voice. The lyrics honest, raw and intimate. Although spreading awareness wasn’t their initial thought about the track, they hope releasing this “personal and intensely emotional” song will bring discussions about it to normalcy.

    More so than raise awareness I want to normalize talking about feelings. Why don’t we share how we feel when someone asks? What’s wrong with being honest and open? I think the world would be a much kinder place if we all had an open mind when we asked someone how they’re doing.

    Mae Krell

  • Madison VanDenburg kicks off Music in Motion Season 2 this Friday

    On Friday, March 12, Madison VanDenburg will kick off NYS Music in Motion Season 2, when she sits down with our host, rocker Frank Palangi.

    Sponsored by Helping Friendly Salve, the series brings together seasoned musicians who hail from the Empire State or have made New York their home, alongside Palangi, a Warren County native.

    music in motion

    Guests for Season 2 of NYS Music in Motion include American Idol’s Madison VanDenburg, Scott Hannay, The Voice’s Moriah Formica, Donny Frauenhofer, Sirsy and Lowell Wurster.

    Tune in starting on Friday, March 12 and every other Friday for each installment of Music in Motion on the NYS Music YouTube, IGTV and Facebook page. New for Season 2, you can catch all episodes on the JamCast Network.

    Palangi will have a sit down conversation with each artist, with a first season lineup that includes the following musicians from across New York. A homegrown indie rock recording artist, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Palangi fuels his positive ambition naturally by serving up a feeding frenzy of edge heavy guitars, with a side of deep, gritty vocals. With a no-quit mentality, Palangi draws on influences from 80s & 90s rock, including post-grunge and heavy metal.

    NYS Music in Motion Season 2 Schedule

    March 12 – Madison VanDenburg
    March 26 – Scott Hannay
    April 9 – Moriah Formica
    April 23 – Donny Frauenhofer
    May 7 – Sirsy
    May 21 – Lowell Wurster

  • Arsun Shares Visuals For “Southern Winds” and Launches T-Shirt Collab

    New York indie rocker Arsun has released a new music video for his song “Southern Winds,” premiering on i-D, alongside an exclusive interview.

    Arsun southern winds

    The music of Arsun is influenced by the art-rock of the late 60’s and 70’s, with heavy influence from Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground. The music video for “Southern Winds” is directed by Arsun’s girlfriend, Tasmin Meyer Erahin, makes special use of black and white, intentional video artifacting, and a four way split camera perspective. Shot on a vintage Super 8, the video was not initially meant for a music video – just the couple causally videoing their tropical getaway. Nature is a key fixture of the video, strolling through idyllic beach vistas and gorgeous ocean’s to match the serene mood of the music.

    The new track comes packed with a catchy, retro instrumental line, as Arsun’s gritty vocals take the lead

    Indie88

    Arsun released “Southern Winds” with Dover Street Market as part of their Art Book Fair programming. Dover Street Market is multi-brand relator that collaborates with several of its closest associates to release a series of virtual events. Arsun’s collaboration with Dover Street Market also includes a new t-shirt designed in conjunction with visual artist Tom Sachs.

    The t-shirts are up for purchase on DSM New York E-Shop.

  • Luminous Crush, Girl Blue and more are Featured on this week’s EQXposure

    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.

    luminous crush

    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. 

  • Rochester’s Old Fame Release “Nowhere to Be” EP

    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!”

    Old Fame EP
    Artwork by JJ Pelechaty

    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 EP

    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.