“Head Underwater,” the new single from Queens duo The Forms, is the second single released by the band in over a decade. Along with “Southern Ocean,” released earlier this year, the pair precedes the release of The Forms long awaited third album, slated for release in 2022, and recorded by the legendary Steve Albini.
The single, described by frontman Alex as “the most purely joyful song The Forms have ever done”, is an electronic dance-pop tune as envisioned by a couple of reformed math-rockers.
photo by Noah Kalina
The accompanying video directed by Bo Mirhosseni, whose previous work includes Disclosure’s “When a Fire Starts to Burn” and Kaytranda/Anderson Paak’s “Glowed Up“, documents the a day in the life of a shaman in a quasi-post-apocalyptic world. “Head Underwater” serves to ramp up the anticipation of The Forms’ long-awaited upcoming full length release.
These new releases from The Forms follow their Pitchfork lauded debut Icarus and their critically acclaimed, self-titled sophomore album. The last taste of new music from the group prior to ‘Southern Ocean’ and ‘Head Underwater’ was the Derealization EP, which featured The National’s Matt Berninger on vocals, as well as Shudder To Think’s Craig Wedren.
Over the course of these releases, The Forms were invited to share the stage with an incredible collection of artists including St. Vincent, Nick Cave, The National, Dizzee Rascal, The Hold Steady, Kurt Vile, Jose Gonzales, Deerhunter and Bat For Lashes.
Keybank Rochester Fringe Festival is back in swing this year, with more than 400 in-person and online performances between September 14 and September 25. The 10th anniversary features the return of fan favorites such as the Silent Disco, Cirque Du Fringe, Fringe Street Beat dance off, and Pedestrian Drive-In.
For the first time, organizers have curated a mini music festival, called Smokestacks, to mark the finale. The free outdoor event takes place starting at 4pm on September 25 at Parcel 5 on Main Street, and features live performances by Cammy Enaharo, Mikaela Davis, Kopps, Spencer, Cannons, and Joywave.
For safety, COVID protocols are in place. All indoor events require masking and proof of vaccination. Attendees ages 12 and up who are unvaccinated must be masked at all times, even for outdoor events. Protocols may be subject to change. Prior to attending, check for updates online.
“After 18 months of closure that have devestated the performing arts, we’re thrilled to play our part in getting them back on their feet. Nearly 90% of our shows are live and in person, which wouldn’t be possible without our absolute commitment to keeping performers and attendees safe.”
– Erica Fee, Founding Festival Producer
A plethora of entertainment is available – from theater and dance to spoken word and comedy. And of course, music. Some Ska Band will heat things up with irresistible ska and reggae beats at the JCC canalside (outdoor) stage on opening night, September 14 at 7:30pm (get your tickets here). Gospel Sunday takes place on September 19 at 2pm, led by Reverend Rickey Harvey of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church at One Fringe Place (free). And the Taiko Japanese Drumming Performance makes a reprise at The Little on September 25 at 3:15pm (also free). And don’t forget about Smokestacks on September 25 at Parcel 5, where you can catch rising singer/songwriter Cammy Enaharo, the eclectic talent of Mikaela Davis, and of course Rochester’s own Joywave.
The complete lineup of events at Rochester Fringe is available online at RochesterFringe.com.
Maroon 5 has made the decision to cancel dates at SPAC and Madison Square Garden, but plan to continue on with the rest of their tour.
The concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was scheduled for Monday, September 13, 2021. People who had purchased tickets in advance were notified by Ticketmaster this weekend with no explanation as to why it was cancelled. On SPAC’s website it states that people will receive a refund for their tickets directly through Ticketmaster or Live Nation depending on where they acquired their ticket.
The concert at Madison Square Garden which was scheduled to take place on Friday, September 10, 2021 has been cancelled as well, without explanation. On their website they state that tickets purchased with a credit card online or over the phone with Ticketmaster or directly through the Madison Square Garden Box Office will automatically be refunded to the original purchaser’s credit card account. People should expect to receive their refund in as soon as 30 days. If people purchased their tickets through the Madison Square Garden Box Office with any other form of payment, please call the venue’s Guest Relations Department at 212-465-6225 for more information.
Maroon 5 is still advertising tour dates at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA on September 7, PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC on September 8, PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ on September 10, Fenway Park in Boston, MA on September 12, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, NC on September 15. So far it looks like just the New York dates have been cancelled.
Halsey dropped her powerful new album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power which was produced by Nine Inch Nails member Trent Reznor on August 27, 2021. With Reznor and Atticus Ross producing the album it transcends through multiple genres bringing industrial, rock, grunge, and pop all together and takes risks all along the way. The album’s release coincides with an hour-long IMAX film under the same name that features Halsey in the lead role and features music from the album.
If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power album cover.
Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, or more commonly known for their stage name Halsey, was born and raised in Edison, New Jersey. They spent much of their young adulthood visiting NYC and ended up living in Manhattan briefly before getting their big break with their song “Ghost” which was released on her soundcloud and ended up gaining lots of popularity. They ended up signing with Astralwerks because of their offer of retaining creative control. She debuted her first EP titled Room 93 on October 28, 2014. Since then they have released four albums titled Badlands on August 28, 2014, Hopeless Fountain in Kingdom on June 2, 2017, Manic on January 17, 2020 and finally her newest album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power on August 27, 2021.
Halsey’s original album, Badlands, fell into the indie-pop realms but her next two albums seemed to be more or less strictly pop. Halsey has never been one to cater to the audience and refuses to be anything but themselves. This album though takes more risks than the previous albums both is subject matter and musically. If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power steps away from the pop sound Halsey has become known for to make way for something different and I would argue better. The album is stronger and has more depth to it than her previous albums and really feels like Halsey has come into their true sound.
Although the album as a whole was very good there were a couple songs that stole the show and were definitely the stars of the album. “Easier than Lying” was one of those songs that really pushed the album to being a bop. You can definitely hear the influence of Reznor in this song. It is probably the hardest song Halsey has released. The continuous leading drum line combined with the distorted heavy bass line in combination with Halsey’s harder and grungier voice is a new sound for the artist and it suits them perfectly. Listening to it you never would have thought this was a new sound for them if you didn’t already know this was a step away from their pervious sound. It feels natural and like the sound she was meant to make.
Another song that really made the album was “Girl is a Gun.” It uses a continuous leading drum line and a bouncy bass line combined with synth to make a song where, without even trying to, the listener finds them self bobbing along to it. It has a 90s drum and bass feel that’s addicting. It’s not as hard as “Easier than Lying” but definitely pushes Halsey out of the strictly dickly pop realms they have been more known for before this album. It’s catchy chorus and driving beat make it the kind of song where if it came up on your recommended playlist you would be checking to see who it was by and saving the song before it’s even over.
The last song that has to be mentioned is “Darling.” This song isn’t like any other on the album. It features a simple fingerpicking guitar and Halsey doing harmonies with it for the majority of the song. It’s not hard but it’s a risk. It’s not flashy but it’s honest. It makes you feel the bittersweetness of life and the hope and love for new life. The song is definitely a nod to Halsey’s child who was born shortly before the album’s release and to which they were pregnant with during the making of the album. The simplicity of it musically gives the chance for the lyrics to really be the star of the song and make the listener really focus on what Halsey is feeling.
Although you should really listen to the entire album in order, if you are looking to checkout a song or two to see if it’s your cup of tea, any of these would be a great place to start. Anytime an artist changes up their sound it is a risk for them especially when they are moving away from a classically popular sound to something else. Not every attempt is successful. Halsey has taken this leap of faith and has landed with flying colors.
The full album is available on all streaming platforms. The accompanying film is available via Global IMAX. Showings, available dates, and locations can be found here.
SummerStage announced two free performances at the end of August of 2021. The performances will take place in Coney Island Amphitheater and will require full vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours for entry.
The first performance will feature Go Brooklyn! Stetsasonic & Friends – 40th Anniversary Show on Saturday, August 28 2021 at 7PM EST. Brooklyn’s Stetsasonic were one of the first-ever hip-hop bands that used beat-boxing, sampling, and live performance to elevate the musicality of the nascent genre in the 1980’s. Originally known as the “Stetson Brothers”, there were three members including Daddy-O, Delite and Wise the Human Mix Machine. Soon, the group evolved to “Stetsasonic”, adding the prolific energy of DBC (Devastating Beat Creator), Bobby Simmons, Prince Paul, and Fruitkwan. Though their last album was released in 1991, Stetsasonic has continued to tour and will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their formation at Summerstage in Coney Island with friends and special guests. The performance will live streamed for one night only on summerstage anywhere’s website.
The second performance will feature INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson / DJ KS 360 on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 7PM EST. Drawing its name from Michael Jackson’s tenth and final studio album, Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson is a performance of the King of Pop’s greatest hits—indelible anthems such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Thriller” and more—as well as dance routines rehearsed for the HBO special One Night Only. With choreography by Jackson’s longtime choreographer and dancer, Lavelle Smith Jr., the show was created, produced and directed by the Bessie award winner Darrin Ross. The night will be led by professional impersonator, Jeffrey Perez. The performance will live streamed for one night only on summerstage anywhere’s website.
Due to increasing spread on COVID-19 due to the delta variant SummerStage has updated it’s vaccination and mask policy They will now require full vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours for entry. SummerStage at Coney Island Amphitheater will accept proof of final Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Moderna or WHO-approved vaccination using the CLEAR app, the NYS Excelsior Pass, NYC Covid Safe app, a physical/photo of CDC vaccination card, or EU digital pass, accompanied by a government-issued photo identification. Guests must show that their final dose of vaccine was received at least 14 days prior to the show date or show proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours. Please note all SummerStage events in Central Park follow a different entry policy and only accept full vaccination proof. For all SummerStage events, masks are required upon entry to any venue and strongly encouraged for all guests for the duration of the performance, as is physical distance. Learn more about acceptable documentation, mask guidelines, and other safety protocols here.
For more information the two shows happening in August of 2021 and upcoming event visit SummerStage’s website.
Billy Joel performed at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Saturday, August 14 for his rescheduled 2020 date, with thousands of fans packing the Buffalo Bills stadium in a highly anticipated event that marked the return of concerts at the venue since the pandemic began.
This was the first full capacity event to happen at Highmark Stadium, and the fans were really enjoying it. From tailgating out in the lots, to everyone together in the stadium the atmosphere was nothing short of electrifying.
The rules in place were well respected to give the best and safe experience as possible. Masks were required by all fans and staff when inside of the stadium concourses or in the bathroom.
Shortly after 8:30pm the stadium filled in as eager fans waited for the Piano Man to take the stage. The piano sat front and center in plain sight looking immaculate as anticipation grew for the performance to start. Fans were up front holding an assortment of different signs expressing their love and gratitude to Billy Joel, one woman even holding a sign saying how she named her child after him.
With an eruption of applause and cheers Billy Joel took the stage, giving a brief wave and smile to the crowd before taking his seat at the piano. Immediately he opened up with “Movin’ Out’ setting the crowd off into cheers. Billy Joel transitioned his songs flawlessly as one would expect from the lifetime of experience of performing music. Billy Joel performed “Miami 2017” and then “Pressure” before addressing the crowd with a “Hello Buffalo!”
While being considered one of the greatest musicians of all time, Billy Joel also brings with him a fun and witty sense of humor. This was showcased when he informed the crowd of the origins of Buffalo’s name, stating it was too difficult of a French word to pronounce, so it ended up being “Buffalo”
Billy Joel went on to perform an electrifying 24 song set that seemed to go way too quickly. Joel is known for bringing other musicians on stage with him, and it was no different for Buffalo. Introducing John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, a Buffalo native, they performed the bands hit “Iris” This was very well received by fans as everyone in the stadium was singing along, as Rzeznik looked like he was having the time of his life.
The set consisted of many of Billy Joels top hits including “New York State of Mind”, “Allentown”, “She’s Always a Woman”, “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” and of course to end the set was “Piano Man”. But Billy Joel wasn’t finished yet – coming back for a five song encore of “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, “Uptown Girl”, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to me”, “Big Shot”, and “You May Be Right” to finish the night off.
Billy Joel gave a masterclass in live performance in Buffalo, and he shows no sign of slowing down. He truly is one of the greatest performers of all time, and demonstrated that with the combination of a beautiful production and his ability to command the crowd with his presence.
Setlist: Movin’ Out(Anthony’s Song), Miami 2017(Seen the Lights Go out on Broadway), Pressure, Summer, Highland Falls, The Entertainer, Vienna, Zanzibar, New York State of Mind, Don’t Ask Me Why, Iris(Goo Goo Dolls cover with John Rzeznik), Allentown, My Life, She’s Always a Woman, Sometimes a Fantasy, The River of Dreams (With “Tush” by ZZ Top interlude), Only the Good Die Yound, Nessun dorma (Giacomo Puccini cover with Mike DelGuidice) Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, Piano Man
Encore:We Didn’t Start the Fire, Uptown Girl, It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me, Big Shot, You May Be Right
The Districts wrapped up a four night run at Brooklyn Steel Saturday August 14th in support of Modest Mouse’s MMXXI Tour. We were there for night three; you can see the full photo gallery below.
The Districts at Brooklyn Steel, 8/13/21. Photo by Buscar Photo
For so many bands today, these tours mark the return to the stage after nearly a year and a half pause due to the pandemic. Vaccine and testing requirements are constantly changing, but while this remains in flux, these early concerts have shown that both the fans and artists are eager to get back on tour. Brooklyn Steel was nearly at capacity for The Districts’ opening sets, drawing their own fans out early who were more than ready to get back to live music.
The Districts at Brooklyn Steel, 8/13/21. Photo by Buscar Photo
The Districts released their fourth LP ‘You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere’ back in March 2020, right before COVID-19 would cause mass lockdowns around the world and in the US. These shows, more than 500 days later, are the first time the band has been able to perform the new songs live since their 2020 tour was cut short. Even with the hiatus, the band performed a tight set and did not show any sign of rust.
The Districts at Brooklyn Steel, 8/13/21. Photo by Buscar Photo
The band’s last pre-COVID show ironically was a hometown gig at Union Transfer in Philadelphia. The tour has the band making their return to Philadelphia in December for a show at The Fillmore with Dr. Dog. Check out all of their upcoming tour dates HERE.
As of this week in NYC, proof of vaccination will be required for most shows, including all of Bowery Presents’ venues. Visit their site for more information on acceptable proof of vaccination and individual venue policies.
On Tuesday, August 10, NYC based band We Are Scientists were scheduled to play a one-off warm up show at Brooklyn’sElsewhere Rooftop. Right as doors were set to open, severe thunderstorms rolled in and forced the band to postpone the show (now scheduled for September 20th at the Rooftop). The crowd waiting in the loft was told that We Are Scientists would come out and perform an impromptu acoustic set in the empty Hall downstairs. Not quite knowing what to expect, fans filed down the stairs and into the main venue at Elsewhere.
We Are Scientists, Elsewhere 8/10/21. Photo by Buscar Photo
At about 9:15pm the band came out on the empty stage armed with an acoustic guitar, a snare drum, and three voices. Keith and Chris engaged in some comedic back and forth with the crowd, joked about the lack of amplification and the barrier still in place in front of the stage, then treated the fans to a 20 minute acoustic performance (plus one air-bass solo) of old and new songs. Any disappointment over the postponed show quickly evaporated as the crowd engaged in an enthusiastic sing along. In spite of the circumstances, the guys were able to give their fans a special treat that will surely be cherished by those who stuck out the rain.
Keith Murray of We Are Scientists – Photo by Buscar Photo
The postponed warm-up show will be made up at Elsewhere on September 20th with a full European tour kicking off on November 24th in the UK. In between, the band’s new record, Huffy, will be released on October 8th on 100% records. Full tour dates can be found HERE – check back in September for a review of the show and the new record. You can watch the music video for latest single “Contact High” below.
The Seventh Annual Brooklyn Americana Music Festival takes place September 16th -19th, 2021. Fifty live music events at seven iconic locations including the DUMBO Archway Plaza under the Manhattan Bridge and Pier 6 Plaza in Brooklyn Bridge Park on September 17th, 18th, and 19th. Nightly concerts will be held at Jalopy Theatre and Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook; and Superfine and 68 Jay St Bar in Dumbo.
The annual festival is a beloved celebration of folk, roots, country blues, bluegrass, and jazz and attendees of all ages can enjoy banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and three part harmony renditions of original and traditional songs performed by a majority of women-identified artists. Ticketed concerts include the festival kickoff on September 16th at Jalopy Theatre, and September 17th in the Dumbo Archway Plaza, and are followed by thirty free live music events for all ages.
The 7th Annual Brooklyn Americana Music Festivalis made possible by public funds from the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, both administered in Kings County by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC). The Festival is made possible in part by generous sponsors and the office of Councilman Stephen Levin.
Wednesday, August 4 kicked off the Capital Concert Series at the Empire State Plaza in Albany and it did not disappoint with headlining act 90s favorite R&B singer, Ginuwine and opening act Freedom Stratton.
Gracing the Albany stage for the first time in 25 years, Ginuwine kept the crowd dancing and smiling with hits like “In Those Jeans” and “Pony.” While a large crowd was drawn to the Plaza with the chance to see an old school performance on a warm summer night, they had the perfect warm-up in the form of an opening act that came across as an artist with years in the business.
Setting off the night of dancing was a young local artist Freedom Stratton. Popping onto the stage with an energy that reached beyond his stature, his vocals and movements took up the massive staging area. Slated to do two 10-minute sets, Stratton focused on his newly released singles. During the first set, listeners got to hear Stratton’s singles ‘Ray Banz’ and ‘Prophecy’, which gave them a taste of Stratton’s clever lyrical power.
Born and raised in Albany, Freedom Stratton very recently celebrated his 21st birthday only days before the performance but is no stranger to the struggle and beauty of making music in the 518. At an early age, Stratton fell in love with musical theater, which led to his participation in high school plays, studying modern dance at Berkshire Ballet, and also a slew of performances in community productions across the Capital Region.
During the second set, he got the crowd dancing to more r&b/pop inspired singles ‘Tell Me What You Need’ and ‘New Things’. The audience bounced and grooved along all the way until Ginuwine took the stage. After Stratton’s second performance NYS Music had a chance to sit down with the budding artist.
NYS Music: What started your career in music?
Freedom: About three years ago I started working with BChaps. Then I had this idea to get a bunch of artists together for an album called “The Future” and it broke over 400,000 streams in less than a year. Then I knew.
NYS Music: What sets you apart from other artists?
Freedom: The drive. The drive to know that nothing is going to happen without you doing something to make it happen.
NYS Music: Do you have a dream collaborator and why?
Freedom: Anderson Paak. Oooh. He’s spicy. He’s spicy right there. I feel like that’s one of the most influential people to me in the music industry. It’s like that newer version of the old school.
NYS Music: Do you have any music that you often listen to these days? And who are the musicians that inspired you?
Freedom: Jason Derulo, gotta throw him in there. Ariana Grande. Justin Bieber, I ain’t gonna lie. I really mess with pop, like Dua Lipa. It’s the kind of music that I’m pushing for. More mainstream but at the same time they can make a heartbreak song, or a happy song, or a love song. I just love the diversity pop brings.
NYS Music: How would you like to see music help the community?
Freedom: Bringing people back together, you feel me? People are literally scared to be around each other. Music can bring us back together.
Things shifted in 2018 though once it became clear to Stratton that pop stardom would achieve his goal of leaving “a legacy. Something that will carry on forever and be able to touch people for generations”. Stratton began working with local music producer, Brian Chiappinelli(B.Chaps) to capture music that makes people happy. All the hard work has already begun to pay off. Just last year Stratton released his first full-length studio album dubbed “The Future”. With a loaded roster of other 518 artists, Stratton pushed himself out of his typical style comfort zone. Not only did the success of the album cause him to release a deluxe version that included a whopping thirty songs but “The Future” was also picked up for distribution by record label Rexius Records in Sweden.
Already back in the studio, Stratton has 2 singles set to be released this month. ‘First Love’ with Kortnee Simmons is dropping on Empire Media on August 13 and ‘For The Summer’ with B. Chaps and Money Montage is dropping on Foundation Media on August 20.
Freedom Stratton is available on all major streaming platforms (iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Google Play).
