NYS Music 202​1

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  • 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. 

  • Sulene Releases Introspective “he•don•ic”

    On March 5th, South African-born, Brooklyn-based artist Sulene released her new EP, he•don•ic, on Trash Casual.

    Sulene

    The five songs on the EP dive deep into her struggles with alcohol addiction, depression, and hedonic pleasures, and finding a way out of these destructive cycles.

    Sulene’s dark lyricism is juxtaposed by dancey, sexy beats strewn with synth and guitar that she describes as a “gothic disco party.”

    This vulnerable-meets-underground club aesthetic is found on songs like “identity crisis” and “photo booth”, both questioning bad habits she’s encountered in her life.

    Written at the start of the pandemic, “diner coffee” brings a more slowed down, sullen moment to the record as Sulene states “I promise to be useful” – a nod towards needing to create while blocking out depression.

    For Sulene, writing he•don•ic was a painful and difficult process, but also one that allowed her to experiment with music in a new way.

    Exploring a darker side of her character and production, Sulene wrote, recorded, and produced the entire EP out of her apartment in Brooklyn, NY. She also delved into filming and editing her own music videos and artwork, giving a full 360-degree view of her newest art.

    Speaking on the release, Sulene stated:

    he•don•ic explores my relationship with hedonism and addiction. Lyrically it speaks an uncomfortable truth and sonically it makes me wanna be in the club; a contradiction I find intriguing.

    This is definitely a fair overview or the EP. Each song is introspective in its own way, with Sulene analyzing her habits and tendencies, as well as her mental state. Sulene is heavily critical of her relationships with others, and her indulgences and dependencies.

    At the same time, the pounding, synth-heavy beats remind the listener of going out at night and partying with friends at clubs. It is a truly interesting contradiction, especially now in a time when clubs have been completely empty for almost a year.

    With the release of the he•don•ic EP, Sulene has broken new ground as an artist, bringing an experimental and refreshing take on pop music. You can stream he•don•ic here now and purchase the EP on vinyl here.

  • Amsi Drops New Single, “Cry,” Reflecting on Pandemic Pain

    New York City-based singer-songwriter Amsi releases the second single of 2021 today, “Cry” being an outlet for listeners to be vulnerable and express their grief on matters pandemic and beyond. The artist prides herself on her culturally diverse background and unique sound, whilst also addressing experiences that are all too universal and relatable.

    There were many instances where I was told I was too sensitive or too emotional, but now especially in this past year, I realized that crying doesn’t mean I am weak, it means that I am processing & growing. I hope people find comfort in knowing that it’s okay to cry too.

    Amsi, on “Cry”

    The impact of the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine on the mental health of today’s society is one that cannot possibly be looked over, with the yearning for things to return to normal and the fears that someone you love could possibly be affected. These fears became a reality for Amsi, who was quarantined with her father, sick with COVID-19, ten days after her last live performance.

    amsi

    You can stream her newest single here, as well as check out the rest of her works on her Spotify.

  • 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.

  • Record Heat Drops Scorching New EP “1”

    Record Heat, formerly known as Spirit Animal, is back with a new 3-song EP titled 1 out on March 12. “Nathan” and “Just Hits” are previously released tracks, with brand-new closer “Networks.” Produced by Nolan Lambroza, 1 has an industrial, ground-shattering, alternative-rock sound.

    Record Heat
    Record Heat’s NST Album Art

    The opening track “Nathan” booms into headphones with a huge grimey bass sound and commanding, catchy vocals. The beats are redolent of “Believer” by Imagine Dragons and “Black Skinhead” by Kanye West, delivering a powerful energy that is cinematic and danceable. One could imagine a live show with pyrotechnics and a zealous crowd. “Couldn’t really say that I’m the patient type,” lyrically encompasses the strength of this song.

    “Just Hits” opens with a mysterious synth line and a techno beat that kicks in with a groove. Steve’s vocals are confident, almost rapped, giving the song a quick, invigorating aura. There is a spoken-word prechorus that induces reflection about nature: “We came from the sky / We came from the trees.” The song morphs into a bravado-filled chorus, with idiosyncratic production. The manipulated vocals, sirens blaring, and synth motif coat the song in a bold color palette. Record Heat knows that they are hot stuff.

    The newest track on the EP is the closer “Networks.” It opens with a jangly percussive bar and instantly adds groovy guitars. The energy is infectious immediately. The song criticizes networking and its inherent artifice; Record Heat are not in search of fortune and fame – even stating “The music industry sucks” as an ad-lib – they are artists, here for music, not commerciality. “Networks” is an anger-tinged indie dance track. It’s a powerful track in less that 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Record Heat’s new EP “1” is a whirlwind of confident, experimental, industrial rock. Their sound is refreshing, and you can listen to it on March 12th on all streaming services. You can find more about Record Heat on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  • 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.

  • Moogseum To Participate in Google Arts and Culture Exhibition

    The Moogseum, created by New York City’s own Bob Moog, is set to participate in Google Arts and Culture’s Music, Makers, https://nysmusic.com/site/2016/06/26/bernie-worrell-passes-away-at-72/and Machines in an interactive online resource highlighting the crucial role electronic music plays within wider culture, both past and present, which launched March 10th.

    Moogseum

    In order to preserve the legacy and message of Bob Moog, the Moogseum is sharing exhibits that explore Bob Moog’s life and career. Exhibits explore topics such as the evolutions in synthesis over a 100-year period; the history of Moog synthesizers; the use of Moog synthesizers in pop, rock, funk, jazz, and early pioneering works; the fundamentals of synthesis as explored through Moog circuitry; the early history of the Minimoog, and more.

    The Moogseum is extremely proud to participate in Google Arts & Culture’s Music, Makers, and Machines exhibition and to join other world-class institutions and organizations in bringing the world of electronic music to a vast audience through innovative technology

    Michele Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation

    Bob Moog was a legendary electronic musician as well as an engineering physicist. Moog’s greatest contribution to music was his invention of the first commercial synthesizer. This synthesizer, the Moog synthesizer, was released in 1964 and was followed by his most famous synthesizer, the Minimoog, in 1970. In his later years, Moog taught at the University of North Carolina in Asheville – where the Moogseum is located today.

    Music, Makers, and Machines can be found here, while the Moogseum’s exhibits can be found here:

  • Lowhency Pierre Releases Somber “Losing” With Choreocinema Visual

    On March 1st, Brooklyn based singer-songwriter and poet Lowhency Pierre unveiled a new single and visual for his latest single “Losing.”

    The genre-bending crooner delivers a strong and passionate vocal performance that details not measuring up to gain the attention and affection of a partner.


    The somber cut is his most vulnerable and emotional track to date – with its thrumming heartbeat and bassline that grow more pronounced with time, over theatrical strings and overlapping vocals.

    In “Losing,” Lowhency Pierre turns grappling with self identity and worth into moments of clarity, security and liberation.

    Lowhency shares, “Lyrically, I’m saying that it’s really hurtful, and exhausting trying to exceed your expectations to win your love; and, recognizing my value and self worth enough to set myself free from that negative and toxic space.”

    Inspired by the art form of dance and natural human body movements, Lowhency says, “After discovering choreo-cinema films by Maya Deren (Study In Choreography for Camera), and Robyn Brentano and Andrew Horn (Cloud Dance), I really wanted to challenge and explore new areas of my body to express myself beyond writing and singing for the visual.”

    Pierre teamed up with longtime collaborator, choreographer and director, Barby Beauvais, to share his vision, and began training for two months on steps and movements that conveyed the concept of the song.

    Barby created the choreography piece-by-piece to showcase reflection, frustration, vulnerability and peacefulness.

    The new release is a taste of what’s to come on Lowhency’s forthcoming (yet-to-be-titled) project. Pierre’s last single “Crew Love” received and generated support from Grandma Sophia’s Cookies, Music and Other Drugs, Bands Do Brooklyn and more!