NYS Music 202​1

Category: Beyond NYS

  • Goose Announce “Shenanigans Nite Club” Album, Summer Tour Dates

    Goose has announced the release of their eagerly awaited new album, Shenanigans Nite Club, slated for a Friday, June 4 release. They’ll embark on a summer tour, of which the first dates are already sold out. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 24 at Noon via pre-sale, with code ‘SHENANIGANS,’ with general on-sale following on Friday, March 26 at 10AM local time.

    goose shenanigans

    The Norwalk, CT-based band’s second studio LP and first full-length collection in more than five years, Shenanigans Nite Club, which follows the recent release of their cover of Vampire Weekend’s “2021 (January 5th, to be exact).” The track was personally commissioned by Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig – a longtime Goose fan – with the only directive to make it twenty minutes and twenty-one seconds long.

    Shenanigans Nite Club is led by a the mesmerizing new single, “Spirit of the Dark Horse,” which is generally recognized as the first Goose song ever written. The boldly ambitious track – which originated after a “twelve-minute meditation” between co-founders Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar) and Trevor Weekz (bass) – has long been a setlist rarity, featured in only a handful of live performances during the band’s early years. 

    The album serves as an ode to oft-forgotten vestiges of Goose’s musical journey, both personal and collective. Shenanigans Nite Club marks the apex of the rich history between friends of differing ages and experiences from the same small town in Connecticut, drawn together through a deep love of music and storytelling. Songs like the tectonic “Labyrinth” and the ruminative deep-dive, “SOS,” fluidly traverse genres with head-spinning hooks, technical fireworks, and the kind of rare chemistry only possible among truly close collaborators.

    While we’ve been touring, the record has been happening in the background. It’s been quite the process. At times, it was difficult. The record is a companion to those growing pains.

    Our dream is to inspire people to step off the beaten path. There are a lot of voices that tell you to play it safe. I think the coolest thing in the world is when someone breaks free and goes for whatever weird shit they dream of doing.

    Rick Mitarotonda, Goose

    Pre-order Shenanigans Nite Club and get tickets to goosetheband.com/tour.

    goose shenanigans

    Goose Summer Tour 2021

    May 3-4 – Frederick, MD – Showtime At The Drive-In – SOLD OUT
    May 6 – North Charleston, SC – Riverfront Park – SOLD OUT
    May 8-9 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns Above Ground Amphitheater – SOLD OUT
    June 11 – Swanzey, NH – Northlands
    June 12-13 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl 
    June 15-16 – Perry, NY – Silver Lake Drive In 
    June 18-19 – Thornville, OH – Legend Valley 
    July 2-3 – Eau Claire, WI – The Pines Music Park 

  • Tanglewood Announces the Return of Live Music for the Summer 2021 Season

    Tanglewood has announced the return of live music at its premises for Summer 2021. The famed Berkshires venue will host shows between July 9, 2021 through August 16, 2021 for six weeks of shows and entertainment. 

    tanglewood summer 2021

    Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra which owns and operates the venue. The venue is located in the Berkshires, more specifically, Lenox, Massachusetts.  The Tanglewood Concert series started under a different name all the way back in 1934 and has since grown into the staple of the Berkshires it is today. The first show hosted by the Boston Symphony Orchestra was a three-concert series and was performed under a large tent for an audience of nearly 15,000, and now brings in an annual draw of over 350,000 visitors. According to its website, “Each season offers not only a vast quantity of music, but also a vast range of musical forms and styles, all of it presented with a regard for artistic excellence that makes the festival unique.”

    Although there isn’t a lot of information released yet on the Tanglewood Summer 2021 Season return, it is known that the season will take place between July 9, 2021 and August 16, 2021.

    Details about the 2021 Tanglewood season’s programming was announced on April 8, 2021. Tickets will go on sale to the public on May 17, 2021.

    The 2021 season will feature conductors including Andris Nelsons, Thomas Adès, Keith Lockhart, John Williams, and Anna Rakitina, along with many special guest artists such as Emanuel Ax, Lisa Batiashvili, Herbert Blomstedt, Yefim Bronfman, Karina Canellakis, Alan Gilbert, Leonidas Kavakos, Yo-Yo Ma, Anthony Marwood, Wynton Marsalis, Baiba Skride, Byron Stripling, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and Daniil Trifonov.

    Performances will feature works by Beethoven, Brahms, Copland, Dvořák, Gershwin, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev, Ravel, Schumann, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky, along with works by Thomas Adès, Iman Habibi, Vijay Iyer, Hannah Kendall, Elena Langer, Missy Mazzoli, Jessie Montgomery, Carlos Simon, and Mary Lou Williams.

    ‘Friends of Tanglewood’ will have access to advance ticketing before the public. To become a ‘Friends of Tanglewood’ all someone has to do is make a donation of $100 which can be done here.

    The Boston Symphony Orchestra and Tanglewood will follow local and state guidelines to protect all participants as much as possible during the  COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the the Tanglewood Summer 2021 season visit their website.

  • Westville Music Bowl Announces JRAD, Gov’t Mule, Disco Biscuits and more

    Socially distanced shows are returning to the Northeast, and Westville Music Bowl in New Haven, CT has a growing lineup well worth traveling for.

    Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) has become the latest group to announce shows at the venue. They’ll perform on May 28, 29 and 30 as part of the venue’s “Twilight Concerts Under The Stars” series. JRAD follows The Disco Biscuits, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gov’t Mule and more who have announced shows at the venue, just a 1 hour drive from the NY border on I-95.

    westville music bowl

    Additional artists slated for Westville Music Bowl include Gov’t Mule (April 30, May 1), Twiddle (May 15), The Disco Biscuits (June 4-5), Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (June 26) and Tedeschi Trucks Band (July 17). More concerts are expected to be announced.

    Tickets to shows are sold in sets of 2 and 4, with a minimum of 6 feet social distance from other seats, and floor seats will be sold exclusively in sets of 4, according to the venue website.

    Tickets to the JRAD New Haven shows go on sale Friday, March 26 at 12 p.m. ET. For all other tickets, as well as additional information including all health and safety protocols visit westvillemusicbowl.com.

  • Inclusion Dining and Jams welcomes Ryan Montbleau on April 11

    On April 11, Ryan Montbleau will team up with Inclusion Dining & Jams to provide a musical experience that acknowledges people of all abilities. Inclusion Dining provides a sensory-friendly restaurant experience intended to accommodate those with autism and other special needs. In addition to Montbleau’s performance, there will also be sensory-friendly music, yoga-inspired dance, collaborative art, sing-alongs, and much more. 

    Inclusion Dining

    Ryan Montbleau’s empowering messages within his music make him a positive outlet in this time of darkness. He has mastered a balance between rock and roll energy with folk introspection. Montbleau dedicates his work to providing hope for those going through hard times. The artist’s inspiring mantra has particularly helped individuals with disabilities feel included. 

    Presented by Accessible Festivals, this inclusive event at MusikFest Café has been designed for people of all disabilities. The dining experience includes menu items for special diets, modified picture menus, social stories to support ordering and waiting, table-top activities, and therapists on site. Also, Inclusion Dining & Jams will be following health and safety procedures due to COVID-19. These regulations consist of practicing social distancing, mask requirement, temperature check before entry, and enhanced cleaning procedures. 

    Tickets are now available for purchase here. For folks outside of Bethlehem, a donation-based livestream will be occurring to join in on the evening. The show and livestream will have accessibility features that include visual, auditory, cognitive, physical, and sensory. Live ASL interpreters, captions, and audio and image descriptions will be available as well.

  • Summer Camp Festival announces full 2021 lineup and Schedule – moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Ween to Headline

    Summer Camp Music Festival has announced the lineup of artists who will join together at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL over August 20-22, 2021. Sticking closely to the original lineup from May 2020, the majority of artists are all confirmed and ready for the festival’s 20th Anniversary celebration (take four).

    summercamp 2021

    Festival management weighed in on the lineup and rescheduled festival:

    It’s been an exhausting year, but the excitement of again welcoming an amazing list of artists to join us for our 20th anniversary celebration has our spirits soaring. We are thankful to share the artists that will be moving to our new 20th Anniversary celebration, taking place August 20-22, 2021 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, IL.

    We welcome back long time hosts moe. and Umphrey’s McGee plus headliners, Ween, Billy Strings, Three Six Mafia, GRiZ, Rezz, STS9 and Tipper among others. Although we are disappointed that not all previous artists could make it, we are excited to get to share the joy that everyone’s favorite pre Summer Camp ritual brings – new artist announcements!! Stay tuned for additional announcements in the coming weeks.

    Together, we’ll make this an unforgettable weekend, SCampers… We are currently working hard to elevate this already stellar lineup by adding new artists & activities.

    Jay Goldberg Events

    Summer Camp Music Festival started in 2001. Since its beginning, Summer Camp has been known for its spacious, open fields for shows, trademark late-night events, pristine campgrounds, and amazing lineup of eclectic artists and bands.

    summer camp 2021

    2020 will mark the 20th anniversary of the festival which has hosted a wide array of talent over the years, including (but not limited to) Umphrey’s McGee, moe., Trey Anastasio Band, Primus, Tom Petty’s Mudcrutch, Phil Lesh & The Terrapin Family Band, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Zac Brown Band, Steve Miller Band, Big Grizmatik, Jane’s Addiction, Diplo , The Roots, Widespread Panic, The Flaming Lips, Cypress Hill, Willie Nelson, STS9, Jason Isbell, Pretty Lights, The Avett Brothers, Excision, George Clinton, Skrillex, Zeds Dead, Violent Femmes, and many, many more!

    More details and refund information for those who cannot make the August dates can be found here, with additional information on the festival available at the Summer Camp 2021 festival website.

    Revisit NYS Music’s coverage of past Summer Camp Music Festivals and see what makes this fest well worth the trek to Central Illinois.

    Summer Camp Music Festival 2021 Lineup

    Umphrey’s McGee, Ween, Three 6 Mafia, GRiZ, Rezz, Billy Strings (2 Sets), STS9, Tipper, Dirty Heads, Subtronics, Shpongle [Simon Posford Live set], The Wood Brothers, Houndmouth, The Floozies, Lettuce, Cherub, Manic Focus, Emancipator, CloZee, Boogie T, Twiddle, ScaryPoolParty, LSDream, Whipped Cream, Spafford, Yonder Mountain String Band, Here Come the Mummies

    Andy Frasco & The U.N., Aqueous, Banyan [feat. Stephen Perkins, Willie Waldman, and more], Big Something, Boogie T.rio, BoomBox, Break Science, Cycles, Death Kings [Ryan Stasik, Mike Gantzer and Mikey Carubba], Detox Unit, Doom Flamingo, Dopapod, Everyone Orchestra, Ghost-Note, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Karina Rykman, Keller Williams, KellerSquabi, Lawrence, lespecial, Maddy O’Neal, Maggie Rose, Marvel Years, MonoNeon, Monophonics, Mungion, Papadosio, Ryan Montbleau, Saxsquatch, Southern Avenue, Sunsquabi, The Werks

    Aaron Kamm & The One Drops, Chicago Farmer & The Field Notes, Chomppa, Cofresi, Consider the Source, DOGMA, Family Groove Company, Fate Nite, Filibusta, Funk You, Goodsex, Hot Buttered Rum, The Jauntee, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Jon Stickley Trio, Kitchen Dwellers, Lee DeWyze, LTX, Marcus Rezak’s Shred is Dead, Mike Dillon and Punkadelic, Mize, Old Shoe, Porn and Chicken, Red Wanting Blue, Rev Jeff Mosier, Sicard Hollow, Steady Flow, Sun Beard, Tropidelic 

    Alison Hanna Band, The Althea Grace Band, AP010, Audiodacity, Backyard Tire Fire, Badman, Barefuzz, Berth, Biomassive, BluePrint Metro, Bones Jugs, Brainchild, Chemical Safari, D Webb, D’Arcy, Daniel Rodriguez, Dark Moon Hollow, The Dawn, Dizgo, DJ Belly, DJ Tim Williams, EGi, Electric Orange Peel, Fall Classic, Fletcher’s Grove, Float Like a Buffalo, Funkstatik, FUX, Guerrilla Theory, The Iceman Special, IFDAKAR, Jack Cloonan Band, Joslyn and the Sweet Compression, JUULS VERNE, Kadela, KVZ, Levity, Little Stranger, Magnolia Boulevard, Medusa, MK Ultra, MO & WWP

    Nicholas Gerlach, The North 41, Positive Vibr8ions, Pushing Daisy’s Band, The Ries Brothers, The Rockstar DJ Tre, Since JulEYE, Still Shine, Stormy Chromer, Sugar Lime Blue, The Textures, Thee Delinquents, Timmy Two Times, Travers Brothership, The Tripp Brothers, Trouble Chasin’, TruFeelz, Undercover Organism, Victoria Canal, Vine, Vintage Pistol, WokeZan, Yam Yam, ZOSKA

  • Twiddle Deliver Pair of Hometown Shows, Announce Two May Concerts

    After a pair of hometown shows this past weekend, Twiddle has announced a pair of socially distant outdoor pod shows in New England in May. On Friday, May 14th, the band will visit Northlands in Swanzey, NH and on Saturday, May 15th they’ll perform at Westville Music Bowl in New Haven, CT. Attendees at both shows will be seated in pre-selected, socially distant pods.

    Twiddle visited Northlands (formerly Drive-In Live) in Swanzey last fall while the venue was set up as a Drive-In theatre. The owners have transformed the scenic, mountainside location into a thriving, pod-style concert field. Northlands also expanded the operation, promising food trucks, beer and wine, improved sound and lights, and much more.

    twiddle hometown shows may swanzey westville music bowl

    Twiddle will also be one of the first few bands to perform at Westville Music Bowl, formerly home of the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament. Both shows will adhere to all state and local guidelines regarding masks and social distancing. 

    Ticket sales begin on Friday, March 19th at 10 AM ET – purchase tickets here.

    photo by Dave Decresente

    This past weekend, Vermont jam quartet Twiddle returned to the stage for the first time in 2021 for a pair of special hometown live stream shows from The Double E in Essex, VT.

    Hosted in partnership with Fiddlehead Brewing, the virtual events featured carefully curated setlists, highlighting individual chapters of the band’s sixteen-year history. Performing a few short miles from Castleton, the rustic college town where the band started, the shows were a masterful depiction of the evolution of the signature sound Twiddle continues to refine. 

    twiddle hometown shows
    photo by Dave Decresente

    The band kicked off night one (3/11/21) with a first set comprised of fan-favorite tracks from their 2017 release Plump Chapter One. After weaving together the first four songs of set one with a series of seamless segues, viewers were treated to an acoustic rendition of catalog rarity, “Dusk ’til Dawn,” led by drummer Brook Jordan on acoustic guitar and lead vocals. The opening set was highlighted by the debut of “Lost in the Rain,” a reggae mashup of originals “Lost in the Cold” and “When it Rains it Poors.” 

    Set two featured fresh takes on deep cuts from Twiddle’s early days, with all of the music coming from the band’s 2007 release, Natural Evolution of Consciousness. The nonstop six-song marathon provided a glimpse at Twiddle’s precise, genre-bending composition, contrasted by their unbridled, exploratory improvisation. The 75+ minute set was performed without a break. 

    Night two incorporated similar thematic elements to the previous show, with set one focusing on songs from Plump Chapter Two. For the second consecutive set, Twiddle performed without a pause, sandwiching multiple songs between distinct parts of “Orlando’s,” most notably an extended “Nicodemus Portulay,” complete with a “Find Frankenfoote” transmission. 

    Night two, set two contained some of Twiddle’s most recognizable tunes, focusing on music written for the 2011 release, Somewhere on the Mountain. The improv-heavy set included subtle odes to influential musical counterparts, including Papadosio and Phish teases in “Daydream Farmer” and “Frend’s Theme.” Twiddle closed the hometown run of shows with an extended take on Tears For Fears’ 1982 hit, “Mad World.” 

    twiddle hometown shows
    photo by Dave Decresente

    Setlist – March 11, 2021

    Set One: Syncopated Healing> Every Soul> River Drift> Every Soul, Dusk Til Dawn$, Distance Makes The Heart^, Lost In The Rain&, Zazu’s Flight

    Set Two: Frankenfoote > Grandpa Fox > Tiberius> Brown Chicken Brown Cow> Tiberius> Subconscious Prelude

    Encore: Caterpillar % > Frankenfoote

    $ Brook on Acoustic Guitar
    ^ Mihali on Acoustic Guitar
    & Mashup of Lost in The Cold and a reggae version of When It Rains It Poors
    %  With A Go Go by John Scofield teases

    Setlist – March 12, 2021

    Set One: Enter > Orlando’s > Dinner Fork > Nicodemus Portulay $ > The Fantastic Tale of Ricky Snickle > Slippin’ In the Kitchen > Orlando’s

    Set Two: Daydream Farmer ^> Frends Theme & > Apples # > Doinkinbonk> Apples, Earth Mama

    Encore: Mad World+

    $ With a “find Frankenfoote” Transmission
    ^ With Find Your Cloud by Papadosio Teases
    & With Divided Sky Teases
    # With Ghostbusters Theme tease
    + Tears for Fears

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Hearing Aide: No Showers On Vacation ‘Aquaband’

    No Showers On Vacation sounds about right. Now, wouldn’t that make you stink? Well, yeah of course. It is fitting then that this Burlington group’s funk is so strong it can kill a hippo. And jokes aside, this Phish-inspired group really does know how to bring their A-game while keeping things fun and exploratory.

    Processed with VSCO with l6 preset

    This second pandemic release, AQUABAND, is true to the group’s sound and intentions. The album is terrifically produced and the compositions are very well organized considering this is a group that releases material at a good rate. Sam Lyons (drums), Emmett Lurssen (guitar), Alden Nichols (keyboards), and Pat Maley (sax) form a very good jam group. It is worth noting that this is only their second release, after debut EP Bath Time: Miami. Spoiler alert: this album is well worth your time.

    The first track, “Chestnut” features a rambling but consistent piano riff that leaves room for a ton of various solos. The eccentric beat forms itself into a Santana type jam, while a dirty guitar solo paves the way back to the piano riff. There is nothing missing here, aside from more sax (and even then, you better hold onto your hats cause this album just started). Throughout the beginning, the listener sees the piano taking center stage.

    The keys introduce a lot of the themes of the song and bring in the rest of the band. The bass divides the chord structure, navigating its way around the low end with a steady groove. The guitar sits back when it should and finds its way into the spotlight only when called upon. In a band of this style, it is often the case that one instrument will win a power struggle for being the most heard- that is not the case at all with No Showers On Vacation. Here we have a group that meshes really well and leaves space for every aspect of their music to shine.

    One that will get listeners up and active is “Sinkko.” Really, the only thing listeners might want more here is…literally more! The song hooks you in and then sets you free. It is easy to listen to this one a few times to soak in the vibes and the bouncy rhythm. “Amtrakk” features a beautifully organized instrumental that harkens back to a lot of 70’s jams. This is something you likely do not hear a lot of, coming from a band writing music today. The song has a progression that feels like you are actually traveling on a train (minus sitting next to someone who did not shower on their vacation). The charging, locomotive piano and beat drop off to a grand, empowering progression that can be likened to driving out of a tunnel onto a mountainside road.

    The beauty of what the band puts together here compared to the dirty funk in something like “Chonk” gives this album a whole of re-listening value. Highly recommend, and keep an eye out for when No Showers On Vacation are able to get back out to their live element! Find them on Instagram to keep up to date.

    Key Tracks: Chonk, Amtrakk, Gold