Category: Brooklyn

  • Ian Lockwood creates satirical yet skilled pop with “Not Like Other Girls”

    Comedian and singer-songwriter Ian Lockwood will release his second EP, Not Like Other Girls, on October 22. The title track, also the lead single, pokes fun at the “I’m not like other girls” phenomenon, which depicts young women acting excessively quirky or unique in order to set themselves apart from the rest of their gender, often for male attention or due to internalized misogyny. Famous examples include P!nk and Avril Lavigne’s mid-2000s output, as well as the majority of love interests in John Green novels. The meme has entire Reddit subs dedicated to it, and now a pop anthem:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaiRqv3jD7s

    Lockwood follows a long tradition of comedians crossing over into musical territory, including “Weird” Al Yankovic, Flight of the Conchords, and most recently, Bo Burnham. However, he has bigger aspirations than novelty fodder. In September, he told PASTE Magazine of his goal to challenge the notion of comedy songs as dance floor clearers.

    I want people to be able to throw [my music] on at a party and not everybody goes, ‘What the hell is this? Turn this off, next.’ I think if you’re a fan of comedy music, and you’ve ever hosted a party and tried to sneak a comedy song onto a playlist, you know the pain of people getting upset and asking to change the song. So the philosophy is good comedy and good music at the same time.

    Ian Lockwood to PASTE Magazine, September 2021

    Lockwood released the EP’s second single, “No Homo,” on October 1. Lyrically, the song is about two straight “bros” who accidentally-on-purpose keep finding themselves in steamy predicaments. To add insult to injury, it’s backed by a flamboyant nu-disco beat that makes it hard to believe the narrator’s insistence that everything is straight and narrow. The second half of the song goes on an entertaining tangent, where the narrator and his subject time-travel to the 1800s as star-crossed besties.


    On October 22, Ian Lockwood is having a release show for Not Like Other Girls at Union Hall in Brooklyn. Listeners can also expect third single “Your Dad” to drop on the same day.

  • Brooklyn Comes Alive Thanks To Disco Biscuits And More At The Brooklyn Mirage

    The Brooklyn Mirage played host to the 2021 Brooklyn Comes Alive on Sunday, September 26th. The massive outdoor complex was the perfect venue for such an occasion.  

    brooklyn comes alive mirage
    Break Science: Live Band

    The day started off with a quick introduction from none other than Sirius XM’s Ari Fink, getting right into a set from Karina Rykman. The trio started the day off strong, with Karina’s heavy bass lines pumping up the growing crowd. Marlo Shankweiler of Melt came out for a couple songs, not surprisingly as she was a part of Karina’s band during quarantine. After her set, Karina dove into her role as DJ in between sets for the remainder of the evening.

    brooklyn comes alive mirage
    Karina Rykman Band

    Brooklyn Comes Alive at Brooklyn Mirage would not be the same without a set of full improvisation from a super group of incredible musicians. Joe Russo, John Medeski, and Dave Harrington combined for an incredibly eclectic and outlandish set. Russo was pulling out every conceivable instrument to rattle, bang, and drum along to Medeski’s organ while Harrington switched back and forth between bass and guitar.

    brooklyn comes alive mirage
    Medeski/Russo/Harrington Trio

    Denver, CO was presented well this night with two heavy-hitters taking the stage. First was Break Science: Live Band. Most of Lettuce usually rounds out the “Live” portion of this group, but this time around they changed it up. Eric “Benny” Bloom was in attendance, with Chris Karns and Hunter Roberts making up the rest of the band. Karns and Roberts brought a wonderfully jazzy change of pace, letting Borham Lee and Adam Deitch just groove along and keep things flowing.

    brooklyn comes alive mirage
    Break Science: Live Band

    Second up from the Mile High city was funk-masters, The Motet. Special guests Shira Elias (Turkuaz), Jeremy Schon (Pigeons Playing Ping Pong), and Benny Bloom were more than welcome on stage as the band put on a mostly instrumental set, as Lyle is no longer with them. Shira more than made up for the vocals, coming out for “Highly Compatible” and “The Beat Goes On,” with everyone coming back out for “Death and Devotion and last, but not least, “Get it Right.”

    brooklyn comes alive mirage
    The Motet

    After having both shows in New Haven canceled, fans of the Disco Biscuits knew they were in for a treat. Ari Fink once again introduced the Philly jamtronica pioneers who kicked off their set with “Helicopters” -> “Running Into the Night.” The bass line of Blondie’s “Rapture” rose from “Running,” and the band invited Shira Elias back to the stage to add vocals to “Rapture,” marking the first time the group has gone beyond an instrumental version of the 1980 new wave song, with “42” closing the set.

    Set 2 started strong with the rare-these-days “Pilin’ it Higher” that took a jam spin before slowly morphing into “I-Man,” which led into the fresh Biscuits tune “M1,” highlighted by Aron Magner’s synth work that played off Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig’s masterful guitar playing. “M1” found its way back to “I-Man” then headed into more new territory with “Evolve,” which continues to evoke some of the most enthusiastic interaction between crowd and fans, giving off a ’90s club vibe in the process. To close the set, the Disco Biscuits moved back into the end of “Helicopters,” closing out an incredible day of music at Brooklyn Comes Alive at Brooklyn Mirage.

    brooklyn comes alive mirage
    The Disco Biscuits

    Check out the photos from Zach Culver and Zatchmo Lives Media.

  • Griz Dazzles “In The Round” At the Brooklyn Mirage

    Electro-funk maestro Griz made his way to The Brooklyn Mirage on Wednesday night, September 22, for the first of two shows dubbed “in the round and phone free.” A small stage was set up in the middle of the Mirage’s courtyard, just barely big enough to house Griz’s performance platform and a host of guest singers and musicians throughout the show. The simplified staging gave the fans in attendance a much more intimate experience than is typical in the venue for most layouts.

    griz at the brooklyn mirage
    Griz at The Brooklyn Mirage, 9/22/21. Photo by Buscar Photo

    Upon arrival, all attendees were given a Yondr pouch – a magnetically sealed pouch that secures your phone while remaining in your possession. The idea behind them is to force people to disconnect from their phones and outside lives for a few hours while enjoying the show, while at the same time eliminating the view of dozens of video-taking cell phones typically seen above a concert crowd. The pouches are a great concept and they are really effective at promoting a positive concert environment. Aside from no longer having access to the current time, I did not miss access to my phone one bit.

    griz at the brooklyn mirage
    Griz “In The Round” at The Brooklyn Mirage, 9/22/21. Photo by Buscar Photo

    The Brooklyn Mirage is one of several venues within the vast Avant Gardner complex. The venue has become one of the premier performance spaces in the city over the last few years, hosting some of the biggest names in electronic music all year long. Shows at The Mirage can feel overwhelming at times; the GA floor is quite expansive and there is an entirely separate space that exists along the walls that surround the courtyard with bars and lounges hidden throughout.

    However, the cavernous feeling within the venue was vastly mitigated by the production for this show. A small rectangular area less than 20 feet in length was fenced off in the middle of the floor that housed Griz’s DJ tables and a small stage. Fans along the rail of the stage were no more than ten feet from Griz, and even if you were further away from the center, you still felt immersed in the action given the concentration right in the middle of the floor. This level of intimacy is rarely experienced in The Mirage.

    griz at the brooklyn mirage
    Griz at The Brooklyn Mirage, 9/22/21. Photo by Buscar Photo

    Griz blends hard hitting dubstep beats with a live, funky saxophone for a style of music uniquely his own. The electro-funk DJ added to his catalog this past June with the excellent new album Rainbow Brain. Night two of the Brooklyn Mirage shows is tonight, September 23, but due to the strong rain and wind expected, the “in the round” set-up was abandoned for a more protected set-up on the main stage of the venue. The show is still a phone free night, but it is a shame that the crowd for night two will miss out on the incredible intimacy of the night before. After tonight, Griz heads to Ohio for a set at the Lost Lands Music Festival before a b2b performance with Zed’s Dead in Arizona – catch the full run of shows HERE.

  • BRIC JazzFest 2021 Announces In Person Festival featuring Nick Hakim, Adi Meyerson, and Adam O’Farrill

    BRIC has announced its annual JazzFest for the Fall of 2021, one that will be in person this year. The festival lineup features big names like Nick Hakim, Adi Meyerson, And Adam O’Farrill and will take place October 21-23, 2021 at the BRIC House located in Brooklyn. 

    BRIC is an arts and media institution anchored in Brooklyn which focuses on contemporary visual and performing arts, media, and civic action. BRIC’s JazzFest is one of the institution’s premiere performing arts programs. The festivities last for three days and feature Jazz music which focuses on legendary figures, groundbreaking artists and newcomers from across the genre.

    sun ra arkestra
    photo by Joseph Buscarello

    BRIC JazzFest 2020 ended up being rescheduled for spring 2021 and was made an online, virtual-only event due to COVID-19. BRIC JazzFest 2021 though will be in person. The festival will require proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours in order to attend.

    BRIC JazzFest 2021

    The lineup includes Cecile McLorin Salvant, SuperBlue: Kurt Elling featuring Charlie Hunter, Yasser Tejeda, and Adam O’Farrill Stranger Day on Thursday, October 21. Sun Ra Arkestra, Thana Alexa & ONA, Roy Nathanson & Nick Hakim, and Adi Meyerson on Friday, October 22. Madison McFerrin, L’Rain, ç’est tois (branch/stewart/holmes), and Fred Wesley & The New JBs on Saturday, October 23. 

    BRIC JazzFest 2021

    “During these uncertain times, I couldn’t be more thrilled that we’re able to bring our communities safely together through the healing power of music,” said Lia Camille Crocket, Director of Performing Arts at BRIC. “In the spirit of Jazz music and improvisation, we’re going to have a few surprises for our BRIC family this year throughout the Festival weekend. We can’t wait to safely welcome you back to BRIC House — we’ve missed you!”

    For more information and to purchase tickets to BRIC JazzFest 2021 visit their website.

  • Brooklyn’s PEAK Premieres “Starlight Child,” Second Single off upcoming Album “Choppy Water”

    PEAK, the Brooklyn-based quartet release their second single, “Starlight Child,” off their forthcoming full length album Choppy Water, due for release on October 14. Recorded throughout 2020 and 2021 at their studio, the material is culled from several years of songwriting and road-testing, with mixing and mastering by Jason “Jocko” Randall (Turkuaz/ Jimkata/ Dopapod) at Moresound Studios in Syracuse.

    peak starlight child

    PEAK consists of songwriter and guitarist Jeremy Hilliard of Turbine, Kito Bovenshulte (Particle) on drums, Josh T. Carter (Haley Jane and The Primates) on bass, and newcomer Johnny Young, a Brooklyn-based-keyboardist, blind since the age of 17.  In 2018 they released their debut album Electric Bouquet, produced by Dave Brandwein of Turkuaz, and the buzz is escalating.  Self-described as Psychedelic Indie Funk, the songs on the album are vibey and lyric-based, and the live show is groove-oriented and exploratory.

    Choppy Water is chock full of groove-based psychedelic rock, with plenty of funk, electro-pop, prog, and Americana.  The deep, polished grooves from the bass and drums complement guitar and keys solos that wail with searing intensity. Hilliard’s songwriting takes the stage with a unique voice that captures a bizarre chapter in the world with a fresh distinct PEAK voice and defined sound.

    ‘”Starlight Child” kicks off side 2 on the vinyl, and we picked it as the second single because it really captures the vibe and mood of the whole album as well as any song on it. I particularly like the way there are a lot of instruments on the track that all have their place in the mix. Even though there’s a lot going on, you can hear the subtleties of the piano, the percussion, and the acoustic guitar. Also, this was the very first guitar solo I tracked in our new studio, so I was pretty amped.”

    Jeremy Hilliard

    “Starlight Child” stands out as one of the catchiest PEAK tracks on Choppy Water. Out of the gate, Young’s keys set the tone, jumping out with a catchy riff that graduates to the organ heading into first stanza. A hint of Crosby, Stills & Nash can be heard in the lyrics “Starlight Child, you were born in summer, you’re the same as I am, we were made to wander, we can stay and dance a while, the night will soon be over,” followed by a blistering guitar solo from Hilliard. The pace from Bovenshulte on the drums gives the track full-bodied character, not a second wasted on the 5:11 track.

    PEAK will hold an album release show on October 22 at Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, and currently have a Kickstarter Presale for Choppy Water that ends on Sept 23.

  • Brooklyn Comes Alive 2021 is reborn with new venue and lineup

    In March of 2020, Brooklyn Comes Alive was set to be a masterpiece at the new Avant Gardner in, you guessed it, Brooklyn. Just days before the event would take place the governor put New York in lockdown due to COVID-19. It was one of the first events cancelled due to the pandemic, but it would not be the last.

    brooklyn comes alive 2021

    Multiple online off-shoots of the event have sprung up over the last year and a half. Justice Comes Alive and Georgia Comes Alive, for example, were highly successful online festivals, meant as a way to spread the word about, and fight injustice and bring our country closer to salvation. After a year and half away, the “6th” inaugural Brooklyn Comes Alive will take place at the Brooklyn Mirage, the massive outdoor venue of Avant Gardner on Sunday, September 26th, 2021.

    brooklyn comes alive 2021

    The lineup includes two sets of The Disco Biscuits who, coming off a cancelled weekend in New Haven, will have plenty up their sleeve for the event. The night is rounded off by sets from Karina Rykman, Break Science: Live Band, The Motet, and a trio made up of Joe Russo, John Medeski, and Dave Harrington. It wouldn’t be Brooklyn Comes Alive without at least one super-group. The night will also be hosted by none other than Sirius Jam On’s, Ari Fink.

    brooklyn comes alive 2021

    Instead of the normal event with multiple stages and venues, this year they decided to keep it simple and safe. The outdoor venue will provide ample room and fresh air for fans, with the King’s Hall being open as well for bathrooms, full bar, and a place to relax in between sets. This will also ensure fans don’t miss a second of music.

    Tickets for Brooklyn Comes Alive 2021 are available here.

  • Elton John Postpones European Dates for “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” Tour, Arrives in NY February 2022

    Update – September 17, 2021: Elton John is postponing his 2021 European dates on his world tour until 2023 so that he can have an operation on an injured hip. Elton John said of the injury and postponement:

    Despite intensive physio and specialist treatment, the pain has continued to get worse and is leading to increasing difficulties moving. I have been advised to have an operation as soon as possible to get me back to full fitness and make sure there are no long-term complications.

    With great sadness and a heavy heart that I am forced to reschedule the 2021 dates of my Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Europe and the UK to 2023.

    Elton John

    Elton has promised fans that “the shows will return to the road next year and I will make sure they are more than worth the wait.”

    Elton John Tour

    REcently, Lil Nas X and Elton John have teamed up for “One of Me,” the pair’s first collaboration, appearing Lil Nas X’s debut album, Montero, which released on Friday, September 17.

    Original article follows below

    The final dates for Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour have been announced. This final tour for Elton John will take him around Europe, America and New Zealand, with dates into 2023.

    Elton John released a statement regarding his new tour dates, and the return to his ‘final’ tour:

    Hello, all you wonderful fans out there. I’m coming to you today with an announcement I’ve been working towards for, well, all my life: the shows that I announce today will be my final tour dates ever in North America and Europe. I’m going to go out in the biggest possible way, performing at my very best, with the most spectacular production I’ve ever had, playing in places that have meant so much to me throughout my career.

    Elton John
    elton john farewell
    photo by JTGPhoto

    Elton John made his way through New York in February 2019 with a stop at the Times Union Center. Check out photos and our review of the evening for a taste of what’s in store when The Rocket Man returns to the road.

    Elton John ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road” World Tour

    2021 (European dates postponed until 2023)

    Sept. 01 – Berlin, DE – Mercedes Benz Arena
    Sept. 03 – Berlin, DE – Mercedes Benz Arena
    Sept. 04 – Berlin, DE 2 Mercedes Benz Arena
    Sept. 07 – Cologne, DE – Lanxness Arena
    Sept. 08 – Cologne, DE – Lanxness Arena
    Sept. 11 – Hamburg, DE – Barclaycard Arena
    Sept. 12 – Hamburg, DE – Barclaycard Arena
    Sept. 14 – Hamburg, DE – Barclaycard Arena
    Sept. 17 – Stockholm, SE – Tele2 Arena
    Sept. 18 – Stockholm, SE – Tele2 Arena
    Sept. 21 – Helsinki, FI – Hartwell Arena
    Sept. 22 – Helsinki, FI – Hartwell Arena
    Sept. 25 – Oslo, NO – Telenor Arena
    Sept. 26 – Oslo, NO – Telenor Arena
    Sept. 30 – Cologne, DE – Lanxness Arena
    Oct. 05 – Zurich, CH – Hallenstadion
    Oct. 06 – Zurich, CH – Hallenstadion
    Oct. 10 – Paris, FR – Accor Hotels Arena
    Oct. 12 – Paris, FR – Accor Hotels Arena
    Oct. 13 – Paris, FR – Accor Hotels Arena
    Oct. 16 – Antwerp, BE – Sportpaleis
    Oct. 17 – Antwerp, BE – Sportpaleis
    Oct. 22 – Barcelona, ES – Palau Sant Jordi
    Oct. 23 – Barcelona, ES – Palau Sant Joride
    Oct. 30 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Arena
    Nov. 02 – London, UK – O2 Arena
    Nov. 03 – London, UK – O2 Arena
    Nov. 05 – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
    Nov. 07 – London, UK – O2 Arena
    Nov. 09 – London, UK – O2 Arena
    Nov. 10 – London, UK – O2 Arena
    Nov. 12 – London, UK – O2 Arena
    Nov. 14 – London, UK – O2 Arena
    Nov. 16 – London, UK – O2 Arena
    Nov. 17 – London, UK – O2 Arena
    Nov. 19 – Manchester, UK – Arena
    Nov. 21 – Birmingham, UK – Resorts World Arena
    Nov. 23 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
    Nov. 24 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
    Nov. 27 – Liverpool, UK – M&S Bank Arena
    Nov. 28 – Liverpool, UK – M&S Bank Arena
    Dec. 01 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Arena
    Dec. 03 – Dublin, UK – 3Arena
    Dec. 04 – Dublin, UK – 3Arena
    Dec. 06 – Belfast, UK – SSE Arena Belfast
    Dec. 09 – Aberdeen, UK – P&J Live
    Dec. 10 – Aberdeen, UK – P&J Live
    Dec. 13 – Glasgow, UK – SSE Hydro
    Dec. 14 – Glasgow, UK – SSE Hydro

    2022

    Jan. 19 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
    Jan. 21 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
    Jan. 22 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
    Jan. 25 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
    Jan. 26 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
    Jan. 29 – N. Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
    Jan. 30 – Oklahoma City, OK – Chesapeake Energy Arena
    Feb. 01 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
    Feb. 04 – Chicago, IL – United Center
    Feb. 05 – Chicago, IL – United Center
    Feb. 08 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
    Feb. 09 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
    Feb. 14 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
    Feb. 15 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
    Feb. 18 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
    Feb. 19 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
    Feb. 22 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
    Feb. 23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

    Feb. 25 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
    March 01 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
    March 02 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

    March 05 – Long Island, NY – Nassau Coliseum
    March 06 – Long Island, NY – Nassau Coliseum

    March 19 – Fargo, ND – FARGODOME
    March 22 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
    March 23 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
    March 26 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Center
    March 27 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
    March 30 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
    April 01 – Indianapolis, IN – Bankers Life Fieldhouse
    April 02 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
    April 05 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
    April 08 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena
    April 09 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
    April 12 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
    April 13 – Hershey, PA – Giant Center
    April 16 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center
    April 19 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
    April 20 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena
    April 23 – Jacksonville, FL – Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
    April 24 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
    April 27 – Orlando, FL – Amway Arena
    April 28 – Miami, FL – American Airlines Arena
    May 22 – Frankfurt, DE – Deutsche Bank Park
    May 29 – Leipzig, DE – Red Bull Arena
    June 04 – Milan, IT – San Siro Stadium
    June 07 – Horsens, DK – CASA Arena Horsens
    June 09 – Arnhem, NL – GelreDome
    June 11 – Paris, FR – La Defense Arena
    June 15 – Norwich, UK – Carrow Road
    June 17 – Liverpool, UK – Anfield
    June 19 – Sunderland, UK – Stadium of Light
    June 22 – Bristol, UK – Ashton Gate Stadium
    June 29 – Swansea, UK – Liberty Stadium
    July 15 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park
    July 18 – Detroit, MI – Comerica Park
    July 23 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
    July 28 – Foxboro, MA – Gillette Stadium
    July 30 – Cleveland, OH – Progressive Field
    Aug. 5 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
    Sept. 7 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
    Sept. 10 – Syracuse, NY – Carrier Dome
    Sept. 16 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park
    Sept. 18 – Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium
    Sept. 22 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
    Sept. 24 – Washington, DC – Nationals Park
    Sept. 30 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field
    Oct. 2 – Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium
    Oct. 21 – Vancouver, BC – BC Place
    Oct. 29 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome
    Nov. 4 – Houston, TX – Minute Maid Park
    Nov. 12 – Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field
    Nov. 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Dodgers Stadium
    Nov. 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Dodgers Stadium

    2023

    Jan. 27 – Auckland, NZ – Mt. Smart Stadium
    Jan. 28 – Auckland, NZ – Mt. Smart Stadium

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teYZM0Aft0A
  • Algiers Celebrate Family at Saint Vitus Bar

    Algiers made their way to Saint Vitus Bar in Greenpoint, Brooklyn on Tuesday for the fourth stop (and first of two nights at the bar) on their renewed 2021 tour. The pandemic forced the band to cancel the 2020 tour in support of their new album at the time There Is No Year. The ongoing threat of COVID is still omnipresent in all of our lives, especially for drummer Matt Tong who elected to sit the tour out to protect his newborn baby. Dante Foley, the drummer from the opening band was filling in behind the kit.

    algiers at saint vitus
    Algiers at Saint Vitus Bar, 9/14/21. Photo by Buscar Photo

    Support for the night came from Cleveland’s Mourning [A] BLKstar, an eight-piece band described as “a multi-generational, gender and genre non-conforming amalgam of Black Culture dedicated to servicing the stories and songs of the apocalyptic diaspora.” The stage at Saint Vitus was a tad small for the big group, keeping band leader RA Washington on the floor within the crowd who routinely danced and mingled with the people throughout the set. The performance featured a trio of vocalists backed by soaring horns and driving electronic R&B and funk elements not to be missed.

    Saint Vitus is a very intimate setting; a square room off the back of a classic NYC metal bar with ~200 person capacity. The PA could serve a room 4 times the size and fans get an up close and personal experience. Algiers plugged in for a sound check pre show, to test it out to see how all their samples and distortion would sound in the small room. Once filled with fans and friends, the energy was overwhelming, especially as Franklin James Fisher jumped in and out of the crowd while singing.

    algiers at saint vitus
    Algiers at Saint Vitus Bar, 9/14/21. Photo by Buscar Photo

    The members of Mourning [A] BLKstar as well as Algiers both made comments during the show about all being a part of a family. Two vocalists from MAB joined Algiers during “Dispossession,” and as Algiers was finishing off the night with a high energy run through of “Death March,” candles were being lit on a cake to celebrate Fisher’s 40th birthday. Both bands had many friends and family in attendance, and the atmosphere in Saint Vitus was pure celebration.

    algiers at saint vitus
    Algiers at Saint Vitus Bar, 9/14/21. Photo by Buscar Photo

    Night two in Brooklyn was Wednesday, September 15th. The tour runs across the US through October, then goes on break until a European leg throughout May 2022. Franklin teased that a new record is written so stay tuned for new music from the group in the near future.

  • Jason Matu Seeks A Better Tomorrow On “Fare Thee Well”

    Jason Matu releases his first single “Fare Thee Well” today, September 17th, from his upcoming EP set for release October 15th.

    jason matu

    Matu, a songwriter from Brooklyn creates music he describes as simple, immediate songs with a literary bent and expansive soundscapes. When told not to pursue music until he has completed college, Matu went ahead and enrolled into law school.

    The indie artist’s new single displays an uplifting tone in a grim year plagued by the pandemic. “Fare Thee Well,” the first single from Jason Matu’s upcoming Same Day EP, is an Americana piece which paints a portrait of an overcoming feeling of perseverance and triumph.

    jason matu

    Matu’s upcoming EP was written all in one day’s time and recorded by frequent collaborator and Grammy-nominated producer Justin Craig, responsible for Hedwig and The Angry Inch. Joining him are base and guitarists Jordan and Talor Steinberg of The Moon City Masters.

    Eventually, Jason Matu rediscovered his musical purpose after insulating himself as a creative force in a short-lived arena rock band, and shifted priorities. he moved to Brooklyn. With a series of tragic medical emergencies, deaths, and global pandemics in the way, Jason was literally (and figuratively) forced underground. In his isolated apartment Jason found himself writing song after song.

    jason matu

    With no one else to sing his compositions, Jason took it upon himself be the vocalist. Somewhere in the cracks between 5,000 discarded lines of song, Jason found his voice. Jason made his debut album Dumb Ecstatic Bliss, which rose to #115 on the college radio charts. Working on his neon Americana follow-up, the Same Day EP, titled cleverly due to the fact that all three songs were written on the same day during the pandemic.

  • The Slip plan Northeast November Tour, with stops in Brooklyn and Woodstock

    Just as cargo shorts, hair dye and flannel are making a comeback in the ’20s, a classic jam band from the ’90s is also making a triumphant return. The Slip, having just reunited at LOCKN’ in August, will hit the road for six shows this November, with three shows in New York.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMRHbayESZQ

    The Slip – drummer Andrew Barr, guitarist Brad Barr and bassist Marc Friedman – had released eight albums over 10 years, starting in 1997, and while they have reunited here and there over the years, this run of shows marks their first tour in more than a decade.

    After starting the tour in Burlington at Higher Ground, they’ll make two more stops in New England at Fete Music Hall and The Sinclair before heading to Brooklyn Bowl for two nights, followed by an intimate performance at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock. Tickets go on sale this Friday, September 17 at 10 a.m. ET at each venue’s website below.

    The Slip Tour Dates

      Nov. 11 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
    Nov. 12 – Providence, RI – Fete Music Hall
    Nov. 13 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
    Nov. 18 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
    Nov. 19 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
    Nov. 20 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios