NYS Music 202​1

Category: Genres

  • “MORNIGHT” Released By NYC Based Band ALMA

    NYC-based indie dream-pop trio ALMA has entered the stage, with their latest single “Mornight.” The single is a realistic twist on your classic top of the pops hit, it takes the perspective of a bartender working the night shift in NYC. Showcasing the trio’s impressive production chops, “Mornight” is full of catchy melodic hooks, dreamy harmonies, and has an overwhelming danceability sound.

    ALMA
    Photo Courtesy of Abbey Mackay

    The song is from their LP Mosaic (coming out this fall). Mosaic, is a personal letter to NYC. Each song delivers the story of a moment in time in the city they call home. Mosaic invites you to sit beside them on the subway, walk with them through Astoria Park, and ride the Wonder Wheel at night as you feel what it means to be a New Yorker. They have been releasing singles from the album since September of 2020.

    ALMA is comprised of Alba S. Torremocha (vocals, strings, bass, drums, guitar, uke) Lillie R. McDonough (vocals, piano, glock, violin, hammer dulcimer), and Melissa K. Carter (vocals, guitar). The trio formed in 2019 out of a shared delight in harmonizing and experimentation with quirky instrumentals and old-fangled synthesizers. They discovered certain alchemy in the combination of sensibilities as film composers and audio engineers that have made for a genre-bending offering to the wide world of indie-pop. Elements of Folk, Rock, Grunge, Pop, and even movie soundtracks are all at home in their songs. 

    ALMA was named an NYFA Fellow for their genre-pushing work in 2019, and later was an Awesome Foundation Grant recipient in 2020. They are currently in the process of producing a staged, theatrical musical of their freshman album in partnership with Savannah Repertory Theater. 

    Their newest single, “Sips of Oxygen” will be released on July 30th and is a marvelous stripped down track that guides listeners through the moments before you lose someone special to you. The track is admirably vulnerable and raw, and perfectly encompasses the vibe of ALMA.

    “Sips of Oxygen” is about the moment before you lose someone, when the vibrancy of a life collapses into the act of breathing in and out. The entire song is a cinematic journey that is gentle yet also extremely heavy. The lyrics perfectly grasp the horrific pain of grief and proves to listeners how fast life runs away from us.

    Their debut album, Mosaic, is to be released on September 7th. It is a personal letter to NYC that is a patchwork of personal experiences that the band members have endured while living in the city. What’s special about this album is it takes the listener on a citywide adventure through many of the five boroughs: on the subway, through Astoria park, and on the Wonder Wheel at night to feel what it’s like to be a New Yorker. More than that, the album transcends the limits of place and invites the listener to fully inhabit each song, no matter where they are. 

  • The Forms Release “Southern Ocean” – First Single After Ten Year Hiatus

    Queens-based band The Forms released their first new new song “Southern Ocean” on June 21. This single marks The Forms’ return to music after a ten year hiatus.

    The Forms

    The New York duo, made up of musicians Alex Tween and Matt Walsh, have two full-length albums to date, debuting Icarus in 2003 and critically acclaimed, self-titled, The Forms in 2007. 

    The last taste of new music from the group prior to ‘Southern Ocean’ was 2011 EP Derealization, that featured The National’s Matt Berninger and Shudder To Think’s Craig Wedren. Over the course of these releases, The Forms were invited to share the stage with a large collection of artists including St. Vincent, Nick Cave, The National, Dizzee Rascal, The Hold Steady, Kurt Vile, Jose Gonzales, Deerhunter and Bat For Lashes.

    It might have taken a decade for The Forms, but “Southern Ocean” is worth the wait. The song provides a first hint of what is to come from The Forms’ upcoming third album.

    The Forms Southern Ocean

    The Forms’ style is a great representation of early 2000’s alternative, reminiscent of bands like Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire. This idea is most prevalent in their cover of Billy Joel‘s “We Didn’t Start The Fire.” The grungy electronic pop is iconic for the decade, and their current sound seems to be a more “grown up” version of the same intensity.

    “Southern Ocean” is super upbeat and beachy, a similar vibe that electronic duo The Chainsmokers have. Fun-loving, yet reflective with lyrics like “Just another phase I’m in – Just another road I’m on – Doesn’t make a difference what I do.” This single definitely has potential to be on a pop-radio summer playlist.

    The single arrives with a visualizer made up of a series of stunning shots of the Southern Ocean, the waters that inspired the name of the new track. Previously considered a part of the Pacific Ocean, the swift current off the coast of Antarctica is now being considered “too distinct” by National Geographic cartographers and is worthy of its own name.

    “Southern Ocean” is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Deezer and will be pressed on vinyl. 

  • Long Island Fan tabs out entire Disco Biscuits Catalog

    In live music communities, you’ll find fans who put their talents to use for the benefit of all, thanks to their love of the music. One of those fans, Justin Treanor, has taken his love for the Disco Biscuits and playing guitar to a new level, with a website full of Biscuits’ guitar tabs, SickBarberLicks.net

    disco biscuits tabs

    Justin Treanor, a 32 year old from Babylon, NY has been a Disco Biscuits fan since 2007. He’s also been playing guitar for 20 years, and the two intertwined in 2016 when he started tabbing out the Disco Biscuits catalog. 

    disco biscuits tabs

    “Sick Barber Licks,” named for Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig’s ‘sick’ guitar compositions and improvisation, has been a passion project of Treanor’s, one with a worthy cause and goal – promoting the music of his favorite band so more may learn to play the music of the Biscuits. For the last 5 years, he’s tabbed out all 207 Disco Biscuits songs as well as a handful of covers (“The Safety Dance” and “Run Like Hell” among them). Included in each song are scans of his handwritten tabs, song lyrics and in most cases, a video showing how to play the song. 

    disco biscuits tabs
    Page 1 of the “Mr. Don” guitar tab

    A self-taught guitarist, Treanor has played in local bands over the years, playing for fun more than anything. He would watch guitar videos and later create his own videos, having tabbed out 207 songs. Treanor has had the benefit of band members supporting his endeavors, with Marc, Jon and Aron all giving him feedback.

    The response has been overwhelming from the fans. People tell me they use the site all the time, and the site sees about 250-300 unique visitors a week. It’s truly amazing.

    Treanor’s first Biscuits show was on May 25, 2007 at Highline Ballroom in Chelsea. He was hooked instantly, sharing that it was an “insane Mr. Don -> inverted Little Betty Boop they played to start the second set” that hooked him. For Treanor, “the mix of jam music and intense trance hooked me from the first few notes.”

    Treanor has also made the most of this past year, adding to his site’s cache of tabs, and expanded to bass tabs with Sick Brownie Bombs (9 songs so far) and friend Justin Highland starting Sick Magner Melodies (2 songs so far).

    SickBarberLicks.net is a fan created website featuring tabs for all 207 Disco Biscuits songs. Those looking to support Treanor’s work and help improve the fan-driven site’s continuing effort, can do so here, via Paypal here or Venmo (@treanorjustin88).

    Watch a few samples of Treanor’s guitar videos below, and subscribe to be sure to subscribe his YouTube channel.



  • Don’t miss Amythyst Kiah at Stone Ridge Orchards in July

    Breakout star, Amythyst Kiah, will perform at Stone Ridge Orchard on July 17 at 4 pm to 8 pm (door open at 3 pm). All ages are welcome at this socially conscious, safe, and COVID-19 compliant event. Proceeds for the evening show will benefit The Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center.  

    Amythyst Kiah

    As the only New York area appearance of Amythyst Kiah, the show will find Kiah performing songs from her new collection, Wary + Strange, out June 18 on Rounder Records. The album marks the glorious collision of two vastly different worlds: the iconoclastic alt-rock that first sparked her musical passion, and the roots/old-time-music scene where she’s found breakout success in recent years, including recognition from Rolling Stone as “one of Americana’s great up-and-coming secrets.” 

    The singles off this album have been Fancy Drones, Hangover Blues, Wild Turkey, and Black Myself. The last of which she performed during her late night debut on Jimmy Kimmel. When met with the transcendent quality of her newly elevated sound, what emerges is an extraordinary vessel for Kiah’s songwriting. These are exciting times for Kiah and her music. The sound of her first two albums Her Chest of Glass and Dig culminated into the success of Wary + Strange.

    https://youtu.be/yMx7bXA4_H4

    Produced by Tony Berg (Phoebe Bridgers, Amos Lee, Andrew Bird) and made with esteemed musicians like Blake Mills, Wary + Strange arrives as a deeply immersive body of work, endlessly redefining the limits of roots music in its inventive rhythms and textures. With an unforgettable voice that’s both unfettered and exquisitely controlled, Kiah gracefully interlaces political commentary and personal revelation, ultimately offering a raw yet nuanced examination of grief, alienation, and the hard-won triumph of total self-acceptance.

    She honed into vibrant musicality in part through her studies in East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old Time, Country Music program. The Chattanooga, Tennessee-bred singer/songwriter has expanded on the uncompromising artistry she’s displayed as a member of Our Native Daughters—an all-women-of-color supergroup. With whom Kiah first penned “Black Myself” that then earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best American Roots Song and won Song of the Year at the Folk Alliance International Awards. She’s been included in People Magazine’s “Talented Black Musical Artists on the Rise in 2021”. Kiah has also been nominated for three Americana Music Awards. 

    Spread out on a beautiful 115-acre farm, the performance can be enjoyed along with other family-friendly activities available at Stone Ridge Orchard. For more info contact Stone Ridge Orchard either by phone at 845-687-2587 or by email at SROrchardEvents@gmail.com.

    To stay up to date with Amythyst Kiah visit her website or follow her on social media, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Tickets are available for purchase at StoneRidgeOrchard.com.

    In the newest episode of Salute The Songbird, host Maggie Rose is joined by Kiah to talk about her new album and the experiences that led to her success. Amythyst shares stories from growing up in Tennessee, how support and encouragement from her parents helped her overcome issues with identity and anxiety, and the impact music and writing have had on her personal journey.

  • Rising Star Ella Isaacson Keeps It Honest

    Born and raised in the New York City area, rising singer songwriter Ella Isaacson has been making waves with each new release.

    Photo accessed from Bong Mines Entertainment

    Isaacson was raised in the arts. As she started writing songs and discovering her passion for music around age 13, Isaacson made sure to infuse personal experiences and raw emotion into her lyrics. Isaacson does not shy away from addressing body image, mental health and other aspects of her inner monologue, making her music uniquely intimate.

    I’ve always been an over-thinker, it’s my curse and my blessing. I’m not sure if there’s a moment where my brain really rests, sometimes words and concepts just come to me as I go about my day. If one strikes a chord with what I’m currently going through in my life then the stream of consciousness starts to flow.

    Ella Isaacson

    Once Isaacson’s career began taking off, managers and industry figures tried getting her to change her image and appeal to the pop landscape. Isaacson instead took a trip to Sweden where she began centering her authentic self. She has continued to release songs with a personal flair and does not fit into a strict genre box.

    “Expectations”, one of Isaacson’s latest releases in collaboration with Gallant, saw viral success and has been featured in popular TikToks as well as Spotify and Apple editorial playlists like New Music Fridays, Young Wild & Free, Pop Edge, Pop Right Now, Mood Booster, and Fresh & Chill.

    Isaacson’s latest single “Maybelline” explores a love story with truthful transparency. In her own words, her artistic process generally focuses on showcasing relatability and emotional confidence.

    I can easily say falling in love for real for the first time, changed everything about my writing. It made me look at myself in a whole new way. I always need my music to say or question something real now. We all want to make the right choices, have the right job, the fairytale love, skyscraper high confidence, the right amount of success but reality exists in the grey and the nuance and I guess that’s something I hope people take away when they hear my music. That we all feel a little lost, a little behind, a little too rough around the edges when you get close.

    Ella Isaacson

    Isaacson now lives in Los Angeles but continues to take inspiration from her free spirited New York upbringing. You can learn more about her on her website and connect on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Her music is available on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.

  • Village of Menands plans 2021 Concerts in the Park series

    The Village of Menands, just north of the City of Albany, has announced the schedule for the 2021 Concerts in the Park. Performances are held in Ganser-Smith Memorial Park, just off Broadway.

    village of menands

    The Village of Menands was incorporated in August 1924 and takes its name from Louis Menand, a prominent 19th century horticulturist who was born in France in 1807 and immigrated to America in 1837. In 1842 Menand and his wife Adelaide Jackson settled in what is now the Village that bears his name. Menand established one of the finest horticultural and garden establishments in the area, and as the “Albany Northern” railroad was built, a large railroad station was built and the stop was simply called “Menand’s” and the area soon associated itself with the name.

    village of menands

    Ganser-Smith Park plays host to a series of picnics and musical events throughout the summer. Located on Menand Road near the Village center, the 3-acre park is the epicenter of nearly all village-sponsored events. The park amenities include a large open pavilion and BBQ, a children’s playground, baseball field, basketball and volleyball courts as well as horseshoe pits. There are over two dozen picnic tables spread throughout the park. Village youth programs are run at this location from late June through August. Restrooms with handicap access and parking are present on site. Pavilion reservations may be made at the Village office for Village residents.

    The live music offerings are held weekly on Tuesday nights from 6pm-8:30pm at Ganser-Smith Memorial Park. Bring a chair, your family and get food and beverages sold by the Menands Fire Co.

    2021 Menands Concerts in the Park lineup

    July 6 – New York Players
    July 13 – Oldies Show
    July 20 – Hotshot Hillbilly’s
    July 27 – Mike Ruddy
    August 3 – Luster Kings
    August 10 – The All Paul Show

    For more information visit the Menands Village website.

  • Frank Palangi Drops New Track “Fire Of Love”

    Upstate NY-based indie rocker Frank Palangi is here to show that rock and roll never dies. Palangi released his newest song “Fire Of Love” on June 25, the first track shared by Frank ahead of his upcoming EP due out this fall.

    Frank Palangi Fire Of Love

    The track lives up to its flaming title, bringing heavy electric guitar with lively metal and grunge influences. Palangi explained that “Fire Of Love” explores how love is the driving force that fixes our mistakes, sets us free and, of course, brings us all together.

    Creating a hard rock love song complete with strong guitar flares, Palangi argues, adds a “bring it on baby” attitude and swagger to all of these emotions. Palangi’s gravelly, gritty and vibrato vocals also add an edge to his music, appealing to a wide scope of rock fans.

    Frank Palangi Fire Of Love

    Palangi began pursuing music at the young age of 13, teaching himself guitar, bass, drums and recording techniques. He aimed to blend different genre styles, specifically citing the influence of ’80s and ’90s rock as well as post grunge and heavy metal.

    I was a shy kid with health issues growing up so no sports, so I turned to creative outlets. Learning from those decades, I wasn’t going for the typical drinking, smashing hotel rooms as the rocker lifestyle is known for. It could be more about the music, the positive elements, that so many people get drawn into and yes, that rock n roll rebel yell to stand up for yourself.

    Frank Palangi

    Palangi most recently shared the music video for his song “Bring On The Fear” back in January, which addressed the turmoil and need for togetherness during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Fire Of Love” brings a new mood for the summer and is currently available to stream.

    You can connect with Frank Palangi on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Check out his website for updates on releases and performances.

  • In Focus: Eggy and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Westville Music Bowl

    On Saturday, June 26, 2021, it was game/set/match with Eggy and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Westville Music Bowl.

    eggy pigeons westville

    Eggy came to play, dressed as tennis players who jogged a lap around the floor of the Bowl. Once onstage, the group ripped off their breakaway pants as seen below. For a band from New Haven, this was a huge show for them, especially since Dani Battat (keys/vocals) was brought to Westville to watch tennis matches as a kid,

    eggy pigeons

    Pigeons continued their hot streak of live performances, closing their first set with Springsteen’s “Born to Run” inside of “King Kong.” Guitarist and Connecticut local Tim Palmieri joined the band in the second set for a cover of Hendrix’ “Fire.”

    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Setlist

    Set 1:  Henrietta > Lost In Line, Somethin’ For Ya > Time To Ride, Sorcerer, Poseidon, Sail On, King Kong > Born To Run > King Kong
    Set 2:  In The Bubble, Lowdown, Ocean Flows, Sunny Day, Fire*, Kiwi > Burning Up My Time
    Encore:  Offshoot
    * w/ Tim Palmieri (Kung Fu , soon to be Lotus) on guitar

    photos by Vince Brazen

  • Bronx Music Heritage Center Presents El Tambor Arabe Part 2

    The Bronx Music Heritage Center held a percussion discussion on June 16, part two of El Tambor Arabe. The musicians participated in a live discussion on Facebook about what they enjoy the most about Arabic music.

    Bronx Music

    The event started with a performance from the band followed by an interview that was conducted by NY-based drummer Bobby Sanabria. Each of the musicians shared their stories on how they got interested in Arabic music. Zafer Tawil is from Palestine and has worked at many pop records and movie soundtracks. He fell in love with music and instruments at an early age.

    Michael Burdi is from Brooklyn and grew up in an Italian and Syrian family. He grew up listening to hip hop and rock music and played guitar. He developed an interest into heritage music and eventually started to play music with Tawil. Philip Mayer grew up in Miami and didn’t grow up listening to Arabic music. It wasn’t until he was in his 20s when Mayer moved to New York and became interested in Arabic music.

    The artists also spoke about the drums that they use and how they are used to play music in many other cultures. They also spoke about the difficul parts in playing the drums.

    The Bronx Music Heritage Center provides musicians from other cultures to speak about how music has influenced society. You can check out more information about other events on their website.

    You can also watch the discussion at the Bronx Music Heritage’s Facebook page.

  • Jorma Kaukonen Embarks on Northeastern Tour

    Psychedelic-rock legend Jorma Kaukonen is heading out on a carefully planned Northeastern road tour in an RV he calls the “Ultimate Mechanical Toy.”

    Jorma will embark on a solo tour in July celebrating the vinyl release of John Hurlbut and Jorma Kaukonen: The River Flows Volume Two, with John Hurlbut joining Jorma for a special set highlighting The River Flows.

    Recorded last summer along with Volume One, this album continues along the same path. “Guitar maestro Kaukonen shares top billing with singer/guitarist John Hurlbut in a downhome session of remarkable six-string storytelling” said Sterophile and No Depression revealed “Kaukonen and Hurlbut view music as a conversation … What we hear in this acoustic marvel is an intimate tête-à-tête celebrating 40 years of friendship.” The album releases on Record Store Day, July 17, 2021.

    June 13    The Mill Event Center, Lancaster, OH
    July  15    Jewish Community Center, Rochester, NY
    July  17    The Cabot, Beverly, MA
    July  18    Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT
    July  23 & 24 Concerts On The Green @Suneagles, Eatontown, NJ
    July  25    City Winery Hudson Valley, Montgomery, NY

    Jorma Kaukonen The Ultimate Mechanical Toy

    In May, Kaukonen and sound technician, Myron Hart, will headed out for three dates in the Northeast. An RV, which he calls the “Ultimate Mechanical Toy,” looks more like one of Willie’s buses than anything, provides a safety factor for the tour.

    In a career that has already spanned a half-century, guitarist and vocalist, Jorma Kaukonen has been one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music, blues, and americana, and at the forefront of popular rock-and-roll.

    Kaukonen is a founding member of two legendary rock bands, Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane, as well as a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy recipient.

    Jorma Kaukonen’s repertoire goes far beyond his involvement in creating psychedelic rock; he is a legend and one of the finest singer-songwriters and master instrumentalists in music today. Jorma tours the world bringing his unique styling to old blues and writing new songs with insight and imagination.

    All of the venues on the tour are making amazing efforts to be safe and comfortable places while also adhering to social distancing guidelines. Each show will have limited seating, extra cleaning, and require attendees to wear masks and stay at their tables once they’re seated. Most of the shows will be held outdoors.

    Come out and enjoy the delight of spontaneous melodies and insightful songs peppered with Jorma’s wry sense of humour. When asked if he would hire a driver for the RV, Jorma said, “Absolutely not! This is the ultimate mechanical toy!”

    May 04 Vinoski Winery, Belle Vernon, PA
    May 06 Homer Center for the Arts Drive-in series, Homer, NY
    May 09 Tupelo Music Hall, Derry, NH Two shows: 1PM & 4PM

    You can find out more about Jorma Kaukonen, the “Ultimate Mechanical Toy,” and the Northeastern tour on his website and on Hot Tuna’s website.

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