Category: Regions

This Week’s EQXposure Features Sara Devoe, Blackcat Elliot And 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 Sara Devoe, Blackcat Elliot and many more!

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.

Sara Devoe

Albany artist Sara Devoe blends a dream pop aesthetic with the songwriting sensibilities of Phoebe Bridgers and Lana Del Rey. “Big Night” is the first single off her debut EP, out this summer. Chill and slightly aloof, it’s tailor-made for solo summer drives.

Blackcat Elliot

Inspired by the CBGB punk scene of the 1970s with a side of 90s grunge, Albany garage band trio Blackcat Elliot is still going strong after 20 years. Made up of Fast Eddie on bass, Marky Balboa on drums and Gus on guitar and vocals, they’re self-proclaimed “troublesome, working class heroes.” Their 2019 album There Is No Good In Us features “Take It Back,” a hard rock number with Grohl-esque vocals.

U.C.

Toronto prog trio U.C. released their album Time Distortion in March. Quirky and experimental, “Magnanimity” pays tribute to the titular five-dollar word with daring production choices. While relegated to the background, the shimmering piano that enters halfway through makes the song. At times, “Magnanimity” appears to pay homage to Freddie Mercury and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” If the listener didn’t know its release date, it could easily be mistaken for a song from the past or even future.

Sara Devoe, Blackcat Elliot

July 17, 2021
Immersive NYC Event “Undercurrent” Announced

The immersive NYC event Undercurrent has been announced featuring installations from Bon Iver, Grimes, Jorja Smith, Khruangbin, Miguel, and The 1975. The event will take place on September 9, 2021 and will use creativity to try to spark conversations and expose new perspectives about the critical issues shaping people’s lives beginning with the Climate Crisis.

Undercurrent is going to be a new type of event for art and music that will work to engage the audiences in immersive experiences that have been created by some of the most influential musicians and cultural figures of the moment. The event will feature 60,000 square feet in NYC of original audiovisual art installations, music, and much more.

The installations include work from well known musicians including Bon Iver, Grimes, Jorja Smith, Khruangbin, Miguel, The 1975, Actress, Aluna, Jayda G, Mount Kimbie and Nosaj Thing. The event will bring together musicians, artists, creatives, and climate experts to present their reactions to the Climate Crisis through new interactive multimedia installations.

Each of the artists involved in Undercurrent’s inaugural event will be creating their own individual immersive experiences that drive attention to one of three nonprofits: Kiss the Ground, Ocean Conservancy, and Global Forest Generation, all within the Undercurrent space.

The co-founders Steve Milton and Brett Volker of the event spoke,“It’s an exciting time to be working and experimenting in the music space, with technology rapidly changing the way that we create and consume art. We’re thrilled to be offering music fans new ways to experience work by the artists they love and we hope they leave feeling inspired to take action around the climate crisis in the process.”

Tickets are now on sale for its first event and for dates throughout the month can be purchased here.

For more information on Undercurrent visit their website.

July 17, 2021
Hunter Blair Ambrose Teases Upcoming Album With New Hot Summer Hit, “Too Much”

New York City’s Hunter Blair Ambrose has released her latest single, “Too Much,” off her upcoming album, Scorpio Season.

Hunter Blair Ambrose is a Pop/R&B artist and songwriter based in New York City. Inspired by dark, synth-pop, chilling Toronto R&B, and the melodic hip hop of the 2010s, Hunter has created a sound shaped by the music that has been the soundtrack to her life. By the age of 17, she had immersed herself in the company of industry giants, working alongside Grammy-award-winning musicians and producers such as Narada Michael Walden and working as an in-house songwriter and studio vocalist Tarpan Studios in San Francisco, CA.

Shortly after the inception of her career, she enrolled in Boston’s Berklee College of Music and quickly emerged as one of the school’s many promising, young talents. Following her departure from Berklee, from 2017 through 2019, Hunter wrote and produced material with her core creative team for her debut EP, Scorpio Rising (April 2020). Her debut album, Scorpio Season, is a tribute to a fall-time “cuffing season” romance gone wrong, exploring themes of heartbreak, self-doubt, psychosis, and self-destruction – all inspired by Hunter’s life experiences.

“Too Much” is a synth-pop summer track written by Hunter and produced by Jason Strong, with mixing and mastering done by Travis Bruce and Randy Merrill. It’s about acceptance in overindulging in your vices to avoid anxiety. It’s a track that highlights the struggles of drinking habits, obsessing over a love interest, the fear of being “too much” for someone, and the frustration with having too much anxiety over all of the above.

I wrote this song to take accountability for my avoidance issues. For a long time, I would ignore my problems by indulging in partying and drinking until I realized it was getting to be too much. This song is about dancing and drinking to avoid your pain which can be a good and bad thing.
Hunter Blair Ambrose

Ambrose continues to steal the spotlight with her growing music presence and has already produced an extensive repertoire to her name. You can check out a timeline of her projects HERE. Also, be sure to catch the latest of Ambrose by following her on Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, Facebook, and on Spotify and YouTube below:

July 16, 2021
Cohoes Hosts Rock the Block Summer Concert Series

The historic city of Cohoes, located in the Northeast corner of Albany County will be hosting Rock the Block, a free five-week concert series. The concerts will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm in Canal Square (72 Remsen Street) started on July 15th and end on August 5th.

The city of Cohoes was established in 1630 and was strictly an agricultural area. During the Civil War, the population of Cohoes increased at rapid speeds. There was an abundance of water power which made it ideal for manufacturing and commercial operations. It is known for its textile manufacturing and six large cotton mills. Today, the city has a population of about 16.5 thousand people.

Rock the Block 2021 has a very exciting lineup. There are shows each weekend of July and into the first week of August. Admission is free, and bringing your own law chair is recommended. There will be plenty of food and beverage available for purchase at all concerts, so to get the most out of your Cohoes experience, come ready to eat, drink, and enjoy the rowdy music!

Cohoes Rock the Block 2021 Lineup

July 15th: Aquanett

July 22nd: Damn the Torpedoes (Tom Petty Tribute Band)

July 28th: The Refrigerators

July 29th: Skeeter Creek

August 5th: Funk Evolution

Check out the video below of Rock the Block 2018 to see all the fun that is in store this summer:

July 16, 2021
Astroblue Express Just Released Euphoric Single “Cotton Candy Dreams”

New York based husband and wife duo Astroblue Express are incredibly excited to have just released their newest single “Cotton Candy Dreams.” The track is the third song from their upcoming EP The Optimistic Traveler which will be available this fall.

Astroblue Express has a unique sound that encompasses cinematic music, dream pop, blues, and experimental R&B. Their creativity shines in their production, which is done independently by them from start to finish. One of their songs “Here to Dance” was a recent finalist in the International Songwriting Competition in two separate categories.

“Cotton Candy Dreams” is an eccentric song about the universal desire to achieve a specific dream life and how the media distorts our realities of these aspirations. The track makes listeners both optimistic and perspective at the same time, seeing the dark truths of the media that society is saturated in.

One powerful string of lyrics from the track is, “We plug into our own worlds / And forget to connect / But we walk beside each other / Like a flock of wild birds.” The vocals are astoundingly beautiful and the production gives off a chill, euphoric feeling. The video that accompanies “Cotton Candy Dreams” is a masterpiece, featuring bright, saturated colors and clips of the whirlwind that is New York City. The project feels both comforting and refreshing for listeners of all kinds.

“Cotton Candy Dreams” showcases the remarkable talent that Astroblue Express has. Keep an eye out for their EP being released in the fall, as it will provide similar sensory feelings as the wonderful “Cotton Candy Dreams.”

July 16, 2021
Togs Come Alive with Debut EP “More of Your Favorites”
Togs, a new band formed in Brooklyn, are self-releasing their debut EP More of Your Favorites today. Set to a groove-laced indie rock jam, a cyclist out for a cruise gets mugged and chases his attackers into a twisted disco nightmare. The release is accompanied by the adventurous music video for lead single “Disco Ball Shoes”.

“Disco Ball Shoes” via YouTube

After first coming together in 2018, Togs found a new stride while living through the pandemic by playing socially-distant shows from their stoop in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The stoop was upgraded to an outdoor, backyard venue where full-day shows became regular programming. Back in May, Togs headlined a party for a full-house and played the final version of More of Your Favorites for the first time. The band has natural chemistry and were noticeably “at-home” playing in front of friends, family, and strangers who heard the music from the street.

More of Your Favorites Cover Art, Designed by Graci Mills

Specializing in “angular music suitable for aqua-aerobics, wave simulation, and so much more,” the original 4-piece lineup consists of Graci Mills on guitar and keys, Colin Vallee on guitar and vocals, Abbie Krinsky on drums and vocals, and Justin Birmingham on bass and vocals. New member Tony Catalano joined the group in 2021 to round out the live show on guitar and effects.

You can see Togs this Friday, July 16^th, headlining a release party at Gold Sounds in Bushwick with support from Night Coast and Plastic Hag. You can find the EP on their BandCamp or Spotify pages.

Togs Headlining the Doomyard, 5/22/2021 – Photo By: Buscar Photo

Check out more photos from May’s Doomyard show below and keep your eyes peeled for more shows to come this summer.
- Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
- Photo by: Buscar Photo (www.buscarphoto.com)
July 16, 2021
Catskill Mountain Jubilee 2021 Announces Daily Lineups, Additions to Lineup – Kicks off on August 12

For those looking for some great live music to round out the summer, the Catskill Mountain Jubilee music festival is coming to East Durham, NY from August 12-14, 2021.

The Jubilee will take place at Blackthorne Resort, less than an hour south of Albany and less than three hours north of the NYC metro area. A few days in the Catskills is sure to be a fun escape, complete with the festival’s strong lineup of many fan favorite artists.

Just announced additions to Catskill Mountain Jubilee include CIA (Clay Parnell, Ian McGuire and Allen Aucoin), Reed Mathis and Todd Stoops, TalkPeck SoundSystem – A tribute to Talking Heads, LCD SoundSystem and Vulfpeck (Jon Barber, Matt McNulty, Allen Aucoin, Mike Greenfield, Avery Acevedo, Miles Livolsi, Todd Stoops, Jeff Borg, Lowell Wurster).

Headliner Dark Star Orchestra covers both popular hits and deep cuts from the Grateful Dead’s extensive catalog. Boasting over 3000 shows under their belt, DSO puts on an enjoyable musical experience for all ages. The Chicago band has featured guest performances from six original Grateful Dead members and even toured with longtime Dead soundman, Dan Healy.

Other headliner Lotus is an instrumental jam band based in Philly/Denver. Lotus blends many different genres in their groovy improvisation, including flares of funk, electronic dance music with an underlying rock sound. Their new studio album, Free Swim, comes out August 21.

There are dozens of other exciting acts to catch at this inaugural Jubilee. The team frequently shares news on their Facebook and there is a newsletter signup on their website to keep up with any updates.

The festival will be home to over 25 musical acts whose style range from Grateful Dead rock-n-roll and hip-hop to livetronica, reggae and house music. This lineup is truly a collection of quality musicians who historically offer only the highest quality of performances, and we’re grateful to have each and every one of them joining us for the first ever The Catskill Mountain Jubilee.
Catskill Mountain Jubilee Team

Tickets are available for purchase now with options for two and three day general admission passes. Lodging packages are currently fully booked.

Blackthorne Resort

July 16, 2021
Tapped In App has the scoop on Live Music in NYC

With the return of live music performances throughout New York State and much of the country, an embarrassment of riches in the form of live music options is upon us. New York City has abundant Broadway and restaurant scenes, but a live music scene that doesn’t get equal billing.

One reason for this is a lack of a simple guide for live music. There is Broadway.com for all things Broadway, Zagats and Yelp for restaurant info, but nothing of the like for live music. In order to keep track of the sheer magnitude of concerts, events, club shows and intimate performances that may fly under your radar, there is a new way to keep tapped in to what’s going on musically in New York City.

The Tapped In app is one that is especially needed now, as small venues are reopening while larger venues wait for the pieces to fall into place heading into the fall.

The idea for Tapped In originates with founder of NYC Freaks Aaron Stein, inspired by his weekly ‘Shows you shouldn’t miss’ column on Freaks List. In mid-2020, NYC Freaks List member Daniel Saewitz began making an app that used the same information he shared and incorporated the information into maps, building a searchable way to find these shows.

I had been living in NYC for years when I came across Aaron’s weekly concert calendar. I was blown away. Even though I was obsessively seeing concerts across the city, identifying the best concerts was peculiarly more difficult than one might expect. There are concert listing platforms, no doubt. But they are all generally automated scrapers; which leads to two main problems: they list anything and everything and yet, they miss the local gems.
Daniel Saewitz, co-founder of Tapped In

Tapped In app as seen on Android

With Stein’s list of shows shining light on ‘you gotta be here’ shows competing with algorithms and promoted shows, Saewitz aimed to take the overlooked shows that Stein was clued into and get it into the hands of as many people as possible.

Aaron was very open to the idea so we built a quick version and shipped it out to the world in 2019. Over time, we’ve slowly expanded the functionality of the app and have some more plans percolating now that concerts are back in full swing.
Daniel Saewitz, co-founder of Tapped In

But these live music performances are smaller, non-traditional, outdoors shows that are otherwise diamonds in the rough, ones that you’ll not know unless you know. For that, there is a level of curation to Tapped In.

As far as curation, we’re getting back to an almost-full calendar of shows daily in New York City, so my “job,” as it were, is to try and sift through all the options and try and pick out the 10-20 or so that are most noteworthy. Of course, that’s 100% subjective, but hopefully I get it right more often than not. Yes, occasionally I get a note telling me what I’m missing, but not as often as getting a note thankful for the heads up for something that wasn’t on someone’s calendar.
Aaron Stein, co-founder of Tapped In

One aspect of live music that Stein is most excited to see is the return of regular weekly residencies.

Anyone with a long-running weekly gig in this city is doing something right, especially if that gig has survived the past year. If you’re scrolling Tapped In over the coming weeks looking for a sure thing that might not already be on your radar, try Rev Vince Anderson & the Love Choir at Union Pool on Mondays, Slavic Soul Party at Barbes on Tuesdays, or The National Reserve at Skinny Dennis on several Fridays this summer. And if you go, definitely let me know what you think!
Aaron Stein

Tapped In app as seen on Android

The Tapped In app is fully functional and available for both IOS and Android, and with the early positive response, there is the potential to have the app expand to other cities.

The app was designed from Day 1 to support multiple curators. For now, Aaron is the sole curator and he handles the NYC rock/folk/jazz scenes with precision. But if someone came along who was genuinely interested in curating a live music calendar, either for other genres or in other cities, we’d be glad to accommodate them. When I was traveling overseas, a friend pointed me towards a similar curated list in Berlin. I used it every night I was there and it was incredible.
Daniel Saewitz, co-founder of Tapped In

Whether music, Broadway, or any of the arts, there is no competition for a motivated fan with good taste. As Saewitz points out, when it comes to something as disorganized as the NYC live music scene, the experts not only have the technology, but the capability to bring about a positive change for all who seek the best live music New York City has to offer.

July 15, 2021
Circle Line Cruises Announces Summer 2021 Series Lineup

Hear local and international artists bring their own spins and rhythms with the new Circle Line Music Series for summer 2021 from Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, featuring today’s hottest DJs through the season ahead.

If ever there was a summer that called for dance parties, it’s this one. Groove to the sounds and let the music, waves, and good vibes transport you into the night, with a front row seat on the decks of Circle Line’s state-of-the-art Bronx-Class vessels and the most spectacular skyline in the world providing the light show. The route will be truly breathtaking, cruising right by the Statue of Liberty and other famous NYC Landmarks.

Since its start in 1945, Circle Line has hosted over 80 million guests and is known as “America’s Favorite Boat Ride.” Circle Line operates from Pier 83, located in Hudson River Park on 42nd Street and the Hudson River, convenient to Times Square, the High Line, and Hudson Yards.

All Circle Line Music Series cruises have first-class service, local and premium beer, wine, and spirits. Most of the Music Series cruises will have food options available for purchase at café-style dining outlets. The third-floor party deck will be the setting for gorgeous views of the city, Lady Liberty, and additional sights in every direction beyond.

Boarding starts at 7 pm (unless otherwise indicated) at Pier 83 at West 42nd Street, with cruising from 8 pm to 12 am (unless otherwise indicated), rain or shine, with only limited seating available. Attendees must be ages 21+ to board and need not follow any special protocols except wearing masks indoors.

The 2021 Circle Line Music Series lineup includes:

Friday, July 16 (starts at 6:30 pm): Ukrainian Boat Party – No place parties like Ukraine, especially in New York! Get ready for music by Kanel, Misha Iogansen, DMC Cuba and MC Kosmos, with two dance floors, a Ukrainian Dance Show, and the very best Ukrainian vibe.

Saturday, July 17: Benny Soto Presents 718 Sessions: Danny Krivit Boat Party II – The annual 718 Sessions Boat Party returns with music by New York’s own Danny Krivit, who has been DJing since the 1970s and has a gazillion records to prove it.

Sunday, July 18 (starts at 6 pm): Alex Bueno & Urbanda – DJ Charly, DJ Myriel, DJ Caldero

Sunday, July 18: Larry Levan’s Birthday Boat Party Celebration – Joey Llanos & David DePino – Celebrating the DJ best known for his decade-long residency at Paradise Garage, not to mention his cult following. With Paradise Garage DJs Joey Llanos & David DePino.

Sunday, July 25 (runs 7:30pm-11:30pm): Ari El Dark Vocals – Groove to the sexy dark vibe of one of NYC’s most successful running House Techno parties from DJ Ari El, whose ascendant, organic dark beats blended with Dark Vocals pay homage to what makes the dance scene great.

Friday, July 30: Boat Trippin’ – Justin Martin – The second Boat Trippin’ of the summer will pump things up with headliner Justin Martin, plus Love & Logic, Devon James, and Charles Meyer

Saturday, August 7: Dirty South Boat Party – Party with twice-Grammy-nominated, Australian-Serbian progressive house DJ Dragan Roganović, aka, Dirty South.

Saturday, August 21: Boat Trippin’ – Soul Clap – Don’t even think of missing the season finale of Boat Trippin’ with headliner Soul Clap, plus Devon James and Love & Logic.

Sunday, August 22: Mood on the Hudson – Nicole Moudaber – With her muscular techno, Lebanese/British DJ/Producer Nicole Moudaber will be a one-woman army on the waves.

Friday, August 27: Ilario / Alicante – Livorno, Italy-born DJ/Producer Ilario Alicante’s success comes down to one thing: He started as a clubber, still considers himself a clubber, and will always maintain a vital link to the dance floor.

Sunday, August 29: Soul Alliance Boat Party – Talk about a party not to be missed! With music by Joaquin “Joe” Claussell and New York’s own Danny Krivit.

Friday, September 3: Deborah De Luca – Born under the shade of the sails of Scampia in the far north of Naples, De Luca started as a waitress, spent years as a dancer, then pursued new genres and trends that see her playing fresh and innovative music in clubs all over the world.

Saturday, September 4: Mark Knight – A rare and wonderful breed of musical heavyweight, DJ/Producer/and Grammy nominee Mark Knight has never rested on his laurels. His boundary-less musical library will be energizing to everyone on board.

Friday, September 24: Hernán Cattaneo – Close out summer with an artist who needs no introduction – though he’s known the world over as “El Maestro.” With 30+ years of DJ-ing, 11 albums and more to his legacy, Hernán’s night on the Hudson will be one to remember.

For more information or to purchase tickets for a Circle Line Music Series cruise, go to Eventbrite.com. Ticket prices vary depending on the performance.

July 15, 2021
Summerland Tour 2021 feat. Everclear, Living Colour, Hoobastank, stops at Orange County Fair Speedway
With COVID-19 restrictions abating and live music emerging from the shadows, Summerland Tour 2021 is out in full force. It’s a rock ’n roll road show merging alternative acts in a festival atmosphere. The annual tour, conceived in 2012 by Art Alexakis, front man for Everclear, varies the lineup year to year.

Everclear

The Summerland Tour 2021 assemblage consists of Living Colour, Hoobastank & Wheatus and headliners Everclear. Prior to this year’s excursion, Alexakis shared, “After personally fighting Covid—19 for two months and managing the lingering symptoms, I’m so grateful that the numbers are going down, the vaccines are going up, and that we’re getting the chance to tour the U.S. again. I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s lineup of legendary alternative bands.”

Wickham Falls

Opening at the Orange County Fair Speedway stop was Wickham Falls. A local Warwick N.Y. four-piece who shared songs from their debut album To Pluto. With the night’s appetizer served, Alexakis came out, welcomed everyone, and shared praise for the acts on this year’s tour.

Art Alexakis, Everclear

Stepping into Summerland 2021, Wheatus took over. Opening with “Break it Don’t Buy It,” the band flowed through a seven-song set this night. Featured was an AC/DC cover ( “Rock ‘n Roll Damnation”), and they closed with the HBO, Netflix and film -featured tune “Teenage Dirtbag.”

Wheatus

As the day transitioned from afternoon into evening, a storm started looming on the horizon. With no regard for the inevitable, Hoobastank kept things moving, performing tunes from their Hoobastank, The Reason, and Every Nan for Himself albums.

Hoobastank

Three acts in, the musical heat was being turned up. But the dark clouds in the west had other plans. As Corey Glover, Vernon Reid, Will Calhoun, and Doug Wimbish were stepping on stage, it started to rain. Without hesitation, the band tore into “Type.” Nature, not to be outdone, then engulfed the speedway in a deluge. As if meteorologically energized, Living Colour didn’t look back and played through, finishing up with “Cult of Personality.” Having left it all out there, both the band and the storm exited the stage.

Living Colour

The house quickly jumped into action to pump out, dry off and prep for headliner Everclear. With the band and crew plugging in for the start of their set, Alexakis took center stage and called out everyone: the audience, crews and house support teams, for their stoicism during the torrent of rain and shared how great it was to be playing out once again. Starting with the apropos “Summerland,” Everclear took the slightly waterlogged but enthusiastic crowd through a thirteen-song set that included “Heroin Girl” and “Father of Mine.”

Summerland Tour 2021 is scheduled through September. So if you can’t get to a festival this year, no worries, let the festival come to you.

Everclear
Living Colour
Hoobastank
Wheatus
Wickham Falls
July 15, 2021