NYS Music 202​1

Category: News Desk

  • 63rd Annual GRAMMY Award Winners include Lady Gaga, Fiona Apple, Albany Symphony Orchestra and more New York Artists

    The 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards announced winners on March 14, 2021, including many artists who hail from the state of New York, among them Fiona Apple, the Albany Symphony Orchestra, The Strokes, Nas, and many more. 

    GRAMMY

    This year’s GRAMMY Awards were hosted by Trevor Noah for the first time. It also hosted performances from Bad Bunny, Black Pumas, Cardi B, BTS, Brandi Carlile, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Mickey Guyton, HAIM, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert, Lil Baby, Dua Lipa, Tamika D. Mallory, Chris Martin, John Mayer, Megan Thee Stallion, Maren Morris, Post Malone, Roddy Ricch, Harry Styles, and Taylor Swift.

    Some of the most anticipated categories are in the General Field. The 63rd GRAMMY Awards Record Of The Year was won by Billie Eilish for “Everything I Wanted.” Album Of The Year was won by Tayor Swift for her album FOLKLORE. Song Of The Year was won by Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas for “I Can’t Breathe.” Best New Artist was won by Megan Thee Stallion – watch her perform on Saturday Night Live earlier this season.

    New York had a couple of big wins in this year’s award show. Some of those big wins included Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande winning Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for Rain On Me. Fiona Apple won two Grammys, one for Best Rock Performance for “SHAMEIKA” and for Best Alternative Music Album for her album Fetch The Bolt Cutters. The Strokes won Best Rock Album for The New Abnormal.

    Nas won Best Rap Album for King’s Disease. Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra by Richard O’Neill and David Alan Miller, conductor for the Albany Symphony Orchestra won the Best Classical Instrumental Solo for THEOFANIDIS. Song Of The Year honors went to Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.) for “I Can’t Breathe.”

    For a full list of winners of the 63 Annual GRAMMY Awards visit their website.

    The 63rd GRAMMY Awards reviews recordings released between September 1, 2019, and August 31, 2020 which were eligible for this year’s nomination. There are 83 categories artists were nominated in, among them, Pop, Dance/ Electronic Music, Contemporary Instrumental Music, Rock, Alternative, R&B, Rap, Country, New Age, Jazz, Gospel/ Contemporary Christian Music, Latin, American Roots Music, Reggae, Global Music, Children’s, Spoken Word, Comedy, Musical Theater, Music For Visual Media, Composing/ Arranging, Package, Notes, Historical , Production, Non-Classical, Production, Immersive Audio, Production, Classical, Classical, Music Video/Film. Each of these categories has sub categories as well under the main Pop category like Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, and Best Pop Vocal Album. 

  • 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.

  • Baddnews and Benny The Butcher are only in it for ‘Good Vibes’

    Upstate New York join forces in the latest single by burgeoning rapper, Baddnews. The Syracuse native has recruited Griselda and Buffalo’s own, Benny The Butcher for this catchy, up-tempo record about pushing through the treacheries of the street life, in pursuit of more prosperous times. 

    After all, adversity is nothing new to the rising rap star, after facing a barrage of drug trafficking charges, the former Rhythm + Flow contestant has made a triumphant return to music with this latest release. His recruit? One of the faces of the Upstate New York rap scene responsible for bringing the city of Buffalo to prominence, along with his fellow Griselda cohorts.

    The duo shares similar backgrounds, growing up in rough, urban neighborhoods, mired in violence and drug use. Their attempts at financial prosperity landed them in trouble with the law, before deciding to hone their craft and use that as their golden ticket out. With Baddnews gaining traction as an artist, he can always look to his counterpart and know that there is a future beyond the streets. 

    Our visions weren’t equally aligned, to chase my dreams I had to leave the streets behind.

    Baddnews
    Baddnews
    Baddnews

    Known for his detailed recounts of his time in the streets, Benny The Butcher is the perfect opposite to Baddnews on this record. While the song sees the latter look towards a more promising future, the former spends his verse poignantly recounting the roads traveled that made him a successful rapper. 

    Drop elbows like Randy Savage to count up Andrew Jackson’s.

    Benny The Butcher 
    Baddnews
    Benny the Butcher

    “This record with Benny holds a different level of importance, because not only is he one of the hardest lyricists in the game right now, but he’s also from upstate NY just like me” Baddnews commented.  “This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to show the world what else I have in store this year.”

  • 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.

  • NYS Music’s March Madness 2021: The Sweet 16

    Did you know: H. V. Porter was actually a musician himself?

    “When the March madness is on him…midnight jaunts of a hundred miles on successive nights make him even more alert the next day.

    H.V. Porter, 1932 to 1936 IHSA ‘Reels’

    Put on your rock n’ roll tiaras as we begin to crack these bands open at the seams. NYS Music’s March Madness 2021 Sweet 16 will be your one-stop-shop for audio playlists. Not only will the series feature snippets from NYS’ Hearing Aide’s and reviews, but also spotlight each artists music. Turn on, tune in, go vote, and let records spin.

    Sweet 16

    Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness bracket delving into the musical harbors of our great state. As fans and musicians ourselves, we spotlight the great talent across New York in friendly competition and discovery. Its furry never looses sight of the underdog, a headliner’s humble beginnings, new musical discovery and rolling with the punches in our ever-changing industry.

    March Madness 2021 Round One

    March Madness 2021 Round Two

    March Madness Jamcast
    Check out more Jamcast on NYS Music

    March Madness 2021 Lark Hall Region:

    March Madness 2021 Lark hall
    Lark Hall -A soon to open mid-sized Albany venue.
    Remsen Social Club – Utica — Vs. — Intrepid Travelers – Buffalo

    “Vocals bring something unique with their bluegrass, Americana sound.  Playing a mix of original music, “Stuck In the Middle With You” by Stellars Wheel, they had the crowd wound up.” – RSC at Oak Mountain Bluegrass

    “This recording session was among the most rewarding and creatively fulfilling projects I’ve ever been a part of – self producing these tracks has the band energized and excited for more!” Adam Bronstein, Intrepid Travelers

    Organ Fairchild – Buffalo — Vs. — The Brass Machine – Buffalo

    “Jan. 2021 marks the release of single, “Seepin’,” from long-time Buffalo jam band veterans Organ Fairchild. Members have a history on the jam scene dating back 40 years.”
    Debut Single”Seepin”

    “Laying down funky New Orleans-style street beats across the United States and Canada. Formed in 2014 at the University at Buffalo, The Brass Machine provides a unique blend of hip hop, funk, and R&B, all in an infectious and energetic package.”

    Sweet 16 Polls are now CLOSED. Round 4 voting will BEGIN on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:00am !

    March Madness 2021 Creative Concerts Region:

    Sweet 16
    Central New York promoters Creative Concerts bring fans together
    Sarah King – Brooklyn — Vs. — Harmonic Dirt – Syracuse

    “On this classic Black Sabbath tune. Sarah King adds to the field of great artists who have brought a twist on this brilliant anti-war song.Sarah King’s acoustic rendition is chilling, and cuts to core of the song, a treatment so honest and pure that it is as powerful as the original.” Pete Mason on Sarah King

    THE HOUR – EP out Friday, March 19.

    “They pull inspiration from Son Volt, Wilco, Neil Young and other heavy hitters of the sixties folk-rock genre. Not many aspiring musicians make music like this anymore. Harmonic Dirt delivers that.” – Hearing Aide: ‘Anthracite’

    This was just released Feb. 5, 2021, but their last album, Live At The Ridge, was named Best Americana Album of 2020 by Syracuse Area Music Awards.

    Glass Pony  – Albany — Vs. — Mikaela Davis – Rochester

    “Swing That Maximus” has a full two-minute instrumental intro. With tempo changes up the wazoo throwing the listener from dance-y beats that make you want to get up and boogie, to slow sections you would barely move.” Hearing Aide: Glass Pony ‘Glass Pony’

    “The harp has been known since antiquity in Asia, Africa and Europe, early as 3000 BCE. ‘Learning Live Dead was really fun and difficult, we rehearsed like twice a week for a month because we really wanted to play through like the record with no stops,’” Mikaela Davis.

    Sweet 16 Polls are now CLOSED. Round 4 voting will BEGIN on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:00am !

    March Madness 2021 518 Prints Region:

    Sweet 16
    King Buffalo – Rochester — Vs. — The Dirty Pennies – Rochester

    “The psychedelic rock band with a heavy blues bent delivers heady grooves laden with symbolic imagery. It’s the kind of music that is best heard live – but if not live, then on a turntable in a room with curtains drawn and incense burning.”

    King Buffalo is Releasing three albums for 2021. Repeat: Three. And, it needs to be said, to take the place, momentum-wise, of touring.

    “The gritty song features staple driving guitar riffs that the Pennies are known and loved for. It’s a more aggressive song…fueled by the times in which we are living. The video gives fans an opportunity to follow along to the lyrics. Learn those words, because when live music resumes and The Dirty Pennies can play live, this is an anthem we’ll want to sing along to.” Video Premiere: ‘I’m Your Man’

    Blind Owl Band – Saranac Lake — Vs. — Annie in the Water – Albany

    “After harnessing the rawness of traditional bluegrass instrumentation, the band has taken the genre into an entire new dimension. The fast-fingered, high energy, cohesive group explores their live performance with an element of improvisation, gaining energy from their audience.” Blind Owl Band Host a Halloween Bash

    “At the intersection of Rock, Reggae, Funk, Blues and Jam written with a conscious dose of positive vibes, unique melodies and down to earth lyrics. The innate ability to fill an entire night with original music or cover in their signature style, fans share extraordinary experiences that can’t be seen anywhere else.” The Palace Sessions

    HEY, How cool is this… Download Annie in the Water’s latest album – Free.

    Sweet 16 Polls are now CLOSED. Round 4 voting will BEGIN on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:00am !

    March Madness 2021 Balbert Marketing Region:

    The Goodnight Darlings – New York — Vs. — Baked Shrimp – Long Island

    “An impressive musical and technical feat from start to finish. The opening track, “The Vision That I Can See,” is a jaw-dropping epic that really showcases the prowess of this band” – Baked Shrimp ‘Bubble Suit’

    Stay tuned for an update of Baked Shrimp’s new single release this Friday, off their upcoming album, Conscious.

    “New York City’s post-punk, pop outfit, The Goodnight Darlings, are cutting edge. Bred from the William Faulkner quote ‘murder your darlings,’ nothing stands on safe ground. At any moment an explosion of creative energy, or sound, propels the band into an epic dance-rock performance on stage. “

    “With the glam of a fairytale princess, frontwoman, Kat Auster, commands the stage instantaneously while her counterpart, Wilson Jaramillo stretches the soundscapes of rock guitar. Bonded by The Goodnight Darlings, and marriage, Auster and Jaramillo are one anothers’ creative spark.” – The Goodnight Darlings

    Vaporeyes – Syracuse Vs. — Gerald Slevin – New York/Ithaca

    “But before you close your eyes and float away, the band changes things up, shaking the listener from the dream state. On “Donye Wump,” Cadley (drums) turns the tempo up and brings everyone along.” Vaporeyes ‘Cantrips’

    Vaporeyes’ new album, CANTRIPS, out now!

    “His inspiration came from his 4-year-old daughter during a hike when he saw her look to the sky and blow a kiss. She was blowing a kiss to the future. That accidental yet wholesome moment resulted in the song’s creation in 15 minutes… The song is the first step towards Slevin’s solo career after fronting Brooklyn’s artpop group, The Color Bars. Slevin aims to do different and new things with every creation resulting in the band exploring vocals, art and instruments.” Gerald Slevin Begins Solo Journey

    Sweet 16 Polls are now CLOSED. Round 4 voting will BEGIN on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:00am !

    Don’t forget about our amazing sponsors:

    Central New York promoters Creative Concerts bring together fans at venues, stretching from Albany to Rochester and Syracuse to Utica. Lark Hall is the soon to open mid-sized venue in Albany that will host bands of all sizes, events and more. If you need to market your show, event, band or brand, Rochester’s Balbert Marketing has you covered. Need merchandise? Homegrown Eastern New York’s 518 Prints makes quality goods for local, regional and national bands or tours. High Peaks Event Production is a team with years of experience, aiding in all your stage, lighting and sound demands. JamCast proves high quality streams for bands, podcasts and much more. Between these companies, bands will find a great deal of what they need, and support businesses from across New York and the Northeast.

    We’re also proud to present a bracket designed by the good folks at Wook+ Media, who have been keeping brackets going strong throughout the year, with unique topics and incredibly artistic designs. Check out the Round 2 graphic below:

  • Stream Joe Bonamassa Live at Austin City Limits on April 1st

    Guitarist Joe Bonamassa announces a one-night-only livestream concert at the iconic venue, Austin City Limits on April 1st, at 9PM EST.

    The livestream, broadcasting worldwide, will raise money for musicians and artists in need. Bonamassa is returning to his blues-rock roots with a power trio performance and a setlist curated by his fans.

    Joe Bonamassa Austin City Limits

    Joe Bonamassa is bringing his blues-signature sound to the homes of fans all across the world, even though he is known as “always being on the road.” His set will include members Anton Fig from Late Night David Letterman and Steve Mackey on bass. It will be a rare power trio!

    Austin was one of the first cities in which Joe Bonamassa played as a three-piece, with Austin City Limits, a national landmark music venue, having been awarded “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar. Over the years, the venue has been home to legendary artists such as B.B. King, Santana, Peter Frampton, Paul McCartney, and Bonamassa himself, as well as many other artists. Bonamassa’s energy will take over the stage, making his own impact on musical history.

    The setlist will be curated by his fans, selecting from his 24 #1 albums. The cuts chosen from his extensive catalog will delight his fans and charm new ones with his virtuosic guitar playing and incredible energy.

    To enjoy this captivating event, you can purchase tickets here . Tickets start at $30 and increase for deluxe packages, including merchandise and passes to his other on-demand live performances. There will also be a VIP package where members will have their photos and names featured in the live stream credits as a virtual audience member.

    Bonamassa is a two-time Grammy nominated artist and hailed as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time. Joe recently received his 24th #1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with the studio album Royal Tea, a nod to his British heroes, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.

    His musical programs Fueling Musicians and Keeping the Blues Alive foundation have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for struggling artists over the past year. To learn more about Joe Bonamassa, visit jbonamassa.com.

  • Flushing Town Hall announce their Jazz-packed tribute for Women’s History Month

    Flushing Town Hall has announced their Jazz-packed tribute for Women’s History Month. The tribute will take place on March 26, 2021 7PM EST and is being called “Songbirds,” a virtual tribute to Minnie Riperton, Shirley Horn, and Joni Mitchell by the Mala Waldron Quartet. 

    Women's History Month

    Flushing Town Hall is known particularly for its long history of presenting strong jazz programming. It has been able to expand its audience across the globe through virtual programming since the COVID-19 pandemic closed its doors one year ago, like most music venues around the world. Although audiences are still not permitted into the venue, local performers are now slowly being able to return to the stage for live-streamed performances. The cultural nonprofit also has increased its collaboration with other performance venues to bring additional programming to its fans.

    The Mala Waldron Quartet features Mala Waldron who is a pianist and vocalist who has a unique technical alacrity and sensitivity that isn’t widely known. She is the daughter of Jazz Icon Mal Waldron. She has performed all over the world at prestigious music festivals including in Belgium, Russia, Belarus & China, Taiwan and Malaysia. Waldron has performed on some of NYC’s most prestigious stages, including the Iridium Jazz Club, the Blue Note, and the Jazz Standard, and at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. The rest of the quartet is made up of Steve Salerno on guitar, Michael T.A. Thompson on drums and Gene Torres and bass. They will perform “Songbirds”—a beautiful journey into a not-so-distant past made popular by Minnie Riperton, Shirley Horn and Joni Mitchell. It will be filled with memorable music and songs. 

    The concert will be performed at Flushing Town Hall’s theatre and will be streamed live for audiences at home in celebration of  Women’s History Month. It will be available on the Flushing Town Hall’s YouTube channel. This performance is ticketed performance and requires a prior purchase of $5.00, plus a $1.00 convenience fee to view the performance online. Audience members can submit questions at any time during the performance for a live Q&A which will be moderated by Flushing Town Hall’s Jazz Producer Clyde Bullard after the show. 

    For more information on Flushing Town Hall tribute to Women’s History Month visit their website.

  • The Supper Club Returns to The Hollow Bar + Kitchen in April

    On March 10, tickets for The Supper Club at the Hollow Bar + Kitchen in Downtown Albany go on sale, ahead of the series’ return in April.

    the supper club the hollow

    Michael and Dora Philip opened The Hollow Bar + Kitchen in 2013 and its unique setup and great location caused it to gain notoriety. The establishment received four stars for its restaurant and has gained notoriety for live music held throughout the week.

    When the pandemic hit, The Hollow faced a shift in business and was shut down for five months. It reopened in August 2020 with indoor and outdoor dining at reduced capacity. While the restaurant was able to open, its other half, live music, was still missing and it took a toll.

    The Supper Club shows were originally launched in October 2020 by Guthrie/Bell Productions The shows gave local artists an opportunity to perform and it also gave a boost to the establishment. The first performance was from local musician Girl Blue on Oct 9, 2020, and continued for four more Fridays. The audience is socially distanced and the Hollow abided by guidelines to ensure safety for every show. However, they took a break in November after coronavirus infections increased.

    Following the winter hiatus from the surge, the Supper Club at the Hollow Bar + Kitchen resumes this April and May. The tickets go on sale on Wednesday, March 10 with a full lineup for April. The shows begin on April 2 with Justin Henricks, Beau Sausser and Bill Carbone. The rest of the performances for the month consist of local artists. The performers for May will be announced soon.

    Tickets are sold for tables of two or four guests. For a table for two the price is $30 and a table of four is $60. The price for the tickets is for the performance only, guests are able to order food and drinks from the menu. However, according to NYS regulations, attendees must order food if they order alcohol. Every show consists of seatings from 6-6:30pm, a short first set at 6:30pm, a time to eat from 7-8pm and a longer set at the end from 8-9:30pm. The tickets are sold through Eventbrite and serve as the reservations because no tables will be sold at the door.

    Attendees must adhere to all social distancing guidelines and masks are required when not seated at your table. Reservations are required through a ticket purchase; no tables will be sold at the door the night of the show so staff can properly plan for the number of guests.

    The Supper Club at The Hollow schedule

    April 2: Justin Henricks, Beau Sasser and Bill Carbone – Tickets

    April 9: Murky Currents feat. Tom and Max of the Ominous Seapods – Tickets

    April 16: Laura Paigo with Nick Ferrandino & Jeff Sohn – Tickets

    April 23: Girl Blue – Tickets

    April 30: Erin Harkes – Tickets

    May 7: MP3: Al Schnier , Vinnie Amico and Tom Pirozzi SOLD OUT

    May 14: Knot Dead Duo Tickets

    May 21: The Age Tickets

  • Wu Tang Clan To Issue Extremely Limited Photobook

    The lives and times of the Wu Tang Clan has been chronicled heavily (deservedly so) throughout their existence. Beginning with their own personal accounts in their music, to feature interviews, documentaries, tv series and now, an exclusive Wu Tang Clan photobook will share rare and never seen before images of the rap phenoms. With photography from the likes of; Danny Hastings, PROTIM PHOTO, Kyle Christie and Andy Cantillon, as well as friends and family of the Clan.

    Titled Wu Tang Clan: LEGACY, this large format photography book features more than 300 pages of images and comes encased in a 400-pound sculpted chamber.

    “From conception to the present day, this is the story of the undisputed greatest hip-hop group of all time being unveiled through rare and never before seen photos,” said John “Mook” Gibbons, CEO of Wu-Tang Clan Management, in an official statement. 

    According to the book’s official website, only 36 editions will be made available for purchase, and each comes signed, dated and numbered and with a certificate of authenticity. 

    Each book will be printed and bound in Italian leather and will come encased in a bronze-encrusted black steel chamber individually designed by sculptor Gethin Jones. The design was inspired by the bronze ritual bowls from the Zhou Dynasty, an ancient period considered the pinnacle of Chinese bronzeware crafting, and its first ruler was King Wu-Wang. This comes as no surprise as the Clan’s music — specifically RZA’s production – was heavily influenced by Asian martial arts, beliefs and overall culture. Even the 36 copies being produced serves as an ode to their first album tittle (36 Chambers) and the numerological significance of there being 36 chambers in a Shaolin Temple.

    For more information on how to purchase and own what is sure to be a rare collector’s item, click here. 

    Wu Tang Clan photobook

  • Syracuse Area Music Awards Announces Winners of 2021 Season

    The Syracuse Area Music Awards or more commonly known as the SAMMYS announced the winners of their 2021 season on March 5, 2021 at the virtual awards ceremony. 

    The 2021 SAMMYS streamed for free LIVE from SubCat Music Studios at 7PM and hosted performances from Byron Cage, Cam Caruso, Sophistafunk, Stephen Phillips, and the Vaporeyes. The show was hosted by Dave Frisina from the RebelRocks.com and was free and open to the public with donations being accepted. 

    There were 60 nominees for the SAMMYS in 14 Categories this year. In addition, to winners of the Jack O Bocchino Award, Community Spirit Award, Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist there was also the People’s Choice Winners in 4 Categories awarded for Best Artist/Band, Academic Organization, Venue and Live-stream Series or Event. 

    The winners are as listed. Best Alternative went to The Exploding Flowers for Strangers. Best Americana went to Harmonic Dirt for Live At The Ridge. Best Blues went to Tas Cru for DRIVE ON. Best Country went to Tink Bennett & Tailor Made for Hate The Game. Best Electronic went to Asael for We Believed. Best Hard Rock went to Junexa for Lifeless. Best Hip-Hop or Rap went to Big Nate MG for The Story of MG. Best Jam Band went to the Vaporeyes for Cantrips. Best Jazz went to London McDaniel for Anatural Aphrodisiaca. Best Other Style went to DiCosimo/Pagán for Con Moto. Best Pop went to Jess Novak Band for Standing Now. Best R&B went to Jaquiel for Summer Nights in the Southward. Best Rock went to Atkins Riot for Couch Potato. Best Singer-Songwriter went to Amanda Rogers for The Hallow. People’s Choice for Local Artist or Band went to Gary Johnson, Livestream Event or Series for Disruption Network Local Music Monday, Academic or Musical Organization for Baldwinsville Marching Band, and Local Venue for Rise N Shine Diner. Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the Sammys Award went to Bill Baldwin. Brian Burke Award for Best New Artist went to Trauma Cat. Community Spirit Award went to Corey Paige.

    SAMMY awards were given out based on the judgement of submissions sent to the SAMMYS Board by musicians in Syracuse and the surrounding area. 166 artists submitted 194 recordings in total for this year’s season. An independent panel of music industry professionals and educators from around the country, led by James Abbott, reviewed the submissions and made their selections based on their merit within their genre.


    For more information on the 2021 SAMMYS winners visit the SAMMAYS website.