Jason Matu releases his first single “Fare Thee Well” today, September 17th, from his upcoming EP set for release October 15th.
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.
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.
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.
Wantagh hosted “The Metal Tour Of The Year” at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, featuring Megadeth, Lamb of God, Trivium, & Hatebreed. Billed as “The Metal Tour Of The Year” and rightfully so, as each one of these bands could easily headline their own respective tours.
Fans of all ages packed in the beautiful Jones Beach Theater in Long Island in a buzz waiting for the show to begin. Originally scheduled to open the tour was In Flames, but due to COVID the band ultimately decided not to tour. Hatebreed graciously accepted the position and gave a fantastic heavy, fast paced set that really set the bar for the show.
While only performing 8 songs in total, Hatebreed didn’t slow down at all performing favorites such as: “I Will be Heard”, “Smash your Enemies”, an epic Slayer cover of “Ghosts of War”, and “Perseverance”. While their set flew by, they finished with an exclamation point with their hit “Destroy Everything”. Hatebreed was the perfect replacement for In Flames to open this tour, and fans were very welcoming and receptive to their performance.
Following Hatebreed, Trivium is set to take the stage and fans are starting to fill in the theater. Anticipation was certainly high as the crowd chanted the bands name prior to them taking the stage. After a brief instrumental prelude, Trivium roars right into their new hit “In The Court of The Dragon” which sends Jones Beach into a roar. While also only playing an 8 song set, Trivium flowed seamlessly through their performance. Following up right into “Catastrophist” and then “IX” really showcased how tight of a band Trivium is. It is unfortunate they were only allotted 8 songs, though all of them being their top hits which included “What The Dead Men Say”, “Down From The Sky”, “The Heart From your Hate”, “Feast of Fire” and closing with “In Waves”. Triviums stage presence was something to be admired as singer/guitarist Matt Heafy moved around the stage and interacted with the crowd. Overall their set was very well done for the time they had allotted.
Next up was the co-headliner of the tour, and one of the biggest metal bands in the modern era – Lamb of God. Lamb of God is known for their absolutely captivating live shows, with an energy that is just unmatched by singer Randy Blythe. Tonight would be no different, as the crowd chants “Lamb of God, Lamb of God” over and over waiting for their show to start.
Opening with “Momento Mori” the lights are all dimmed down as the intro places and the band one by one takes their places on stage. As the intro progresses Randy Blythe makes his way front and center perfectly times as he opens with a epic scream of “Wake Up” and the band immediately fires on all cylinders. Randy Blythe isn’t just any front man, he is one of the absolute best in the business and commands your attention with his stage presence. From the beginning to the end of their set, Blythe doesn’t stop moving and jumping around the stage, feeding off of the crowds energy. Their set was fast paced, heavy, and in my opinion one of the best live metal shows to see.
Their set included a mix of old and new songs, all of which fit perfectly into their performance. Going right into “Ruin” the crowd doesn’t have any time to relax, as the mosh pit grows in ferocity and crowd surfers are seemingly nonstop. One of the highlights of their set was the third song, “Walk With Me In Hell” which included an enormous amount of pyrotechnics. Randy also played into the pyro of the set, performing a glorious jump off the drum risers as the flames were all rising at once. The rest of their 12 song set included hits “Now You’ve Got Something To Die For”, “512”, “Vigil” “Contractor”, “Laid To Rest”, and ending their performance with the very high energy “Redneck”. Lamb of God is a must see for any fan of metal music whenever they come around.
Lamb of God Setlist: Momento Mori > Ruin > Walk With Me In Hell > Resurrection Man > Now You’ve Got Something To Die For > Set To Fail > New Colossal Hate > 512 > Vigil > Contractor > Laid to Rest > Redneck
It was finally a time for Megadeth to take the stage and fans were pumped after Lamb of Gods performance. While not as heavy of a band, Megadeth are legends and are one of the “Big 4″(Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax being the others) so fans were in for a treat tonight. Vocalist and founder Dave Mustaine recently won a battle with throat cancer, which makes seeing them perform that much more special.
Opening with “Hangar 18” the crowd erupts into applause and screams as Dave takes the stage dressed in a white shirt and jeans. The band sounded great and Mustaine was still performing exceptionally well, especially giving the circumstances he has gone through. The production was top notch with the drums also sitting high up on risers and a giant blue “MEGADETH” sign lit up the background. The band transitioned extremely well between songs, playing “The Threat Is Real” right into “Sweating Bullets.”
Highlights of Megadeths set were during “Dystopia” when Vic Rattlehead appeared with a robot(Vic Rattlehead is the mascot Megadeth and is a skeletal figure wearing a suit who embodies the phrase “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” as well as a symbol of censorship.) and during “Tornado of Souls” when Dace announced that tomorrow is his 60th birthday, which then the crowd sang “Happy Birthday”. Megadeth closed out their set with “Peace Sells” and “Holy Wars.. The Punishment Due” in epic fashion, with everyone in Jones Beach Theater giving applause.
The Metal Tour of The Year is definitely one worth seeing, as all these bands are fantastic and put on such a great performance. It was a great feeling to be back to a packed metal show again, which hopefully is a positive sign of the future for more shows.
Megadeth Setlist: Hangar 18 > The Threat Is Real > Sweating Bullets > She-Wolf > The Conjuring > Trust > Conquer or Die! > Dystopia > Tornado of Souls > Symphony of Destruction > Peace Sells > Holy Wars.. The Punishment Due
William ‘Tragedy’ Yager bought Albany’s Fuze Box. The entrepreneur will be bringing the club back to it’s counter culture heyday.
Time Union reported the sale of the Fuze Box on August 10, 2021 to William ‘Tragedy’ Yager. William ‘Tragedy’ Yager owns an array of businesses in Albany known as the ‘Tragic Empire.’ The empire includes Patsy’s Barber Shop, Modern Body Art, Shocker Tattoo Co., Lucky Cat Laundromat, and now the Fuze Box. The empire dedicates itself to uplifting the community of Albany and aims for inclusive style and design, and supports local charitable causes, including the William Yager Memorial Foundation providing educational stipends and addiction services to young adults and their families.
The Fuze Box cocktail club that offers punk & indie rock shows and has regular DJs sets. It’s a retro-themed space. The building has been around since the early 50’s but became a venue, first called the Q2E Club, back in 1986. Now the Fuze Box will be going back to surviving it’s counter culture and underground scene under its new management. The Fuze Box was listed for sale back in August of 2020 for $244,900.
William ‘Tragedy’ Yager wrote on the Fuze Box’s Facebook wall saying, “I am so excited with all the positive feedback. I am currently giving the place a good bath and decluttering. I look forward to collaborating with everyone to make this a success. My vision is a museum, memorial every changing art installation. I want to preserve the past as well as encourage the future. Love is the answer.” After signing the message attaching his own personal page to the message with a small follow up afterwards reaching out further to the public saying, “Ps. Inbox me with any ideas or anything at all. Super excited.”
It is unclear when the Fuze Box will reopen but under its new management it is sure to be an exciting reopening for the Albany music scene.
The North American Tour for Julien Baker is well underway, with her headlining show at The Beacon Theatre on, Tuesday , September 14 marking a significant milestone in her career. A packed crowd cheered on as she played hits from her catalogue, including several tracks from her latest album, Little Oblivions, which released earlier this year. Thao and Mini Trees opened up the show.
Julien Baker at Beacon Theatre, Photographed by David ReichmannJulien Baker at Beacon Theatre, Photographed by David Reichmann
Mini Trees opened up the show with songs from their debut album Always In Motion, which you can pre-order here.
Mini Trees at Beacon Theatre, Photographed by David Reichmann
Thao fired up the crowd with a lot of energy during their set. Their setlist included the track Marrow from their latest album Temple, which released in 2020.
Julien began her set with the emotional and hard-hitting track Hardline, her latest album’s opening track. She played a wide range of songs, from the quietest and loudest moments in her catalogue. You can see the full setlist here.
JulienBaker at Beacon Theatre, Photographed by David Reichmann
Between songs Julien joked about how strange is was to be in a fully vaccinated and (partly) masked audience, thanked her New York audience for making the evening possible, and remarked on how strange this tour was compared to her last.
Julien Baker at Beacon Theatre, Photographed by David Reichmann
You can check out Julien Baker’s latest album here and view her remaining Fall Tour dates here.
Julien Baker at Beacon Theatre, Photographed by David ReichmannThao at Beacon Theatre, Photographed by David ReichmannJulien Baker at Beacon Theatre, Photographed by David Reichmann
“Head Underwater,” the new single from Queens duo The Forms, is the second single released by the band in over a decade. Along with “Southern Ocean,” released earlier this year, the pair precedes the release of The Forms long awaited third album, slated for release in 2022, and recorded by the legendary Steve Albini.
The single, described by frontman Alex as “the most purely joyful song The Forms have ever done”, is an electronic dance-pop tune as envisioned by a couple of reformed math-rockers.
photo by Noah Kalina
The accompanying video directed by Bo Mirhosseni, whose previous work includes Disclosure’s “When a Fire Starts to Burn” and Kaytranda/Anderson Paak’s “Glowed Up“, documents the a day in the life of a shaman in a quasi-post-apocalyptic world. “Head Underwater” serves to ramp up the anticipation of The Forms’ long-awaited upcoming full length release.
These new releases from The Forms follow their Pitchfork lauded debut Icarus and their critically acclaimed, self-titled sophomore album. The last taste of new music from the group prior to ‘Southern Ocean’ and ‘Head Underwater’ was the Derealization EP, which featured The National’s Matt Berninger on vocals, as well as Shudder To Think’s Craig Wedren.
Over the course of these releases, The Forms were invited to share the stage with an incredible collection of artists including St. Vincent, Nick Cave, The National, Dizzee Rascal, The Hold Steady, Kurt Vile, Jose Gonzales, Deerhunter and Bat For Lashes.
On the evening of September 9, 2021, a cacophony of spiked collars, fluorescent shorts, and favorite faded tee assembled under the Webster Hall Marquee holding the words SLEIGH BELLS. Vaccine cards in hand, fans appeared to be patient, but closer investigation revealed fingers tapping, shoulders curling and wide eyes darting.
Why the underlying excitement? Because this night celebrated the 10 year anniversary for Sleigh Bells and the release of their newest album, Texis. The sold-out, fully-vaxxed show had dedicated fans yearning to show appreciation for the band’s providing a depth of meaning far deeper than casual.
The energy reflected that night felt like an expression of survival among diverse fans that were grateful to their two heroes, Alexis Krauss and Derek Edward, for providing escape, protection, and tools for self love in order to go on in this world with a head held high.
The ferocity in the fans was unhinged. The darkness and strobes mixed with the bass and tempo perfectly, showcasing the dynamic range of response. A true reflection of the diversity and adversity many fans have experienced due to who they are and who they love.
Sleigh Bells singer Alexis Krauss recalled recognizing nearly all fans in the crowd. Like the recently released song “True Seekers,” fans did not hesitate to drive from places like Washington D.C. and Georgia for this special night.
Motif of duty seemed to resonate throughout the night. It was the responsibility for fans to let go of all the emotions trapped in the safe space both medically and metaphysically. Acceptance to show up as one’s true self allowed for joy to spark a fire that burned away all distractions from the world that existed outside of this hallowed hall.
The short version is Sleigh Bells is my fav band—it’s hard to describe why they’ve had such a profound impact on my life thru the years, but ever since the release of Treats, I can’t get enough Lol so my husband and I came all the way up from Atlanta to see this show! It was so cathartic in the age of covid…I cried after the show just from pure bliss of remembering concerts past…when you go to a Sleigh Bells show, you’ve got to bring the energy & it give it everything you’ve got! And that’s just what we did.
A True Seeker
To tie the ribbon on this musical gift, Sleigh Bells provided a sensory experience conducive for fans to walk together into the void as their authentic selves. Alexis and Derek played fast, loud and with love. New songs and old, the band paid respects to their past and ended with sights pointed towards the future.
The dragons have been awakened by their fearless leaders. Mobilization for a brighter future awaits. Tour starts now. Go see them if you can.
For more Sleigh Bells, treat yourself to a YouTube Rabbit hole of their incredible music video catalog before purchasing your show ticket.
Merch sold out before the show started so if you missed your chance, visit the online store.
Just in time for the fall, Adirondack lords of bluegrass The Blind Owl Band bring their latest album, Stimulus Package, full of energy to keep you warm as we ease into cooler weather.
Recorded Live at High Peaks Sound in Saratoga Springs, the Saranac Lake band is in their prime and have crafted a fresh album that represents the group as a hidden gem found in the North Country of New York.
The gravely voice of Arthur Buezo sings “Cold Steel Crow,” in a deeper Tom Waits style, with a thumping bass from Chris Cardiello. An Eastern European vibe in the intro to “Mislead Ghost” will perk your ears up and draw you in, keeping you on board for “Hit Em High,” a seven minute highlight of the album that channels Jeff Austin-era YMSB thanks to Eric Munley’s furious mandolin playing.
The sad and longing “Missing My Home” features a shout out to Blind Owl Band’s ‘Northern Rock’ brethren Eastbound Jesus. “Fiddle Don’t” goes from the Adirondacks deep into Appalachia for a Hackensaw Boys sound. A sure fire sing along when performed live, “Everybody’s Gotta Live” features a tasty bass breakdown by Cardiello and twang laid down by banjo player James Ford.
Stimulus Package pairs well with the transition from summer to fall and can be streamed below or purchased via the Blind Owl Band Bandcamp page. Check them out in Alexandria Bay on September 18 at Riverboat Bar.
Key Tracks: Hit em High, Everybody’s Gotta Live, Blue Eyes Dancing
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 Black Crowes, led by founding brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, played the first of three shows in New York State amid their ‘Shake Your Money Maker’ 30th anniversary tour, at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Tuesday, September 14
Back in November 2019, the pair appeared on The Howard Stern Show to deliver incredible news: “We’re announcing that the Black Crowes are together and that we’re going on tour next summer.” That was planned for 2020, with a tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their quintuple platinum debut album Shake Your Money Maker and will feature the band playing the entirety of the record every single night. Chris Robinson reflected humbly on the upcoming experience:
The real reward is knowing our music has played a vital role in many people’s lives as well as getting to see their albums on shelves alongside some of the other greats. “I always thought, ‘I’m in the same record store as Thelonious Monk? … Like, what? How did that ever happen?’
Chris Robinson
The brothers were special guests and closed a set at the Beacon Theater for the Love Rocks NYC Benefit on March 12, 2020. Just three songs were all that was played before the full 30th anniversary tour was postponed. This marked the Black Crowes last Empire State show before heading up the Hudson River to Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Tuesday, September 14 to keep their rock and roll promise.
Supporting the tour has been the band “Dirty Honey,” featuring Niskayuna native Marc LaBelle on lead vocals, with the group playing material from their new LP, including the single “The Wire.” They immediately got the crowd’s attention with a rock like vibe reminiscent of the Crowes infamous tour with Jimmy Page in 2000. Marc Lebelle’s hometown crowd led to him reflecting on his first show at SPAC as a fan, for an Aerosmith performance in 1990. To help come full circle, the band covered “Last Child” as an homage to Boston rock legends.
Prior to the Crowes start the stage was set like a western saloon with a full bar on site. Lead singer Chris Robinson came out head to toe, dressed with an umbrella in hand.
The Elmore James composition “Shake your Money Maker” opened the show appropriately for the album and tour it is named after. The Crowes had the same approach in the 1990s to the blues hero’s sound, much like The Rolling Stones did in the 1960s. However, the Robinson brothers from Georgia hit home a little bit closer to the mud like Gregg and Duane Allman. With a jukebox behind them onstage, they played the 1990 LP in full for the Saratoga Springs crowd. All 10 tracks hit the crowd with full indulgence, making those at home realize they were jealous again.
Fans who remembered seeing the The Black Crowes with Levon Helm In Central Park in September 2009 were hoping for songs off “Before the Frost…Until the Freeze,” recorded at Levon’s Barn in Woodstock. Instead the Crowes played to the desert saloon stage up for a complete hair raising version of their classic “Wiser Time.” Guitarist Isaiah Mitchell’s twang and Rich Robinson’s tone blended with Chris’s vocals: “No time left now for shame, horizon behind me, no more pain, windswept stars blink and smile, another song, another mile.” The band gave the crowd the remedy they all needed to close the show.
For the encore, the Crowes channeled that energy for Led Zeppelin’s “Hey Hey What Can I Do?,” with Robert Plant’s lyrics fitting for the overall vibe. “I guess there’s just one thing a-left for me to do. Going to pack my bags and move on my way … going to leave her where the guitars play.”
The Black Crowes play next in New York at Jones Beach on September 17 and Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center on September 25.
The Black Crowes, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Saratoga Springs, NY – Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Setlist: Shake Your Moneymaker, Twice as Hard, Jealous Again, Sister Luck, Could I’ve Been So Blind, Seeing Things, Hard to Handle, Thick N’ Thin, She Talks to Angels, Struttin’ Blues, Stare It Cold, Sting Me, Hotel Illness, Oh Josephine, Wiser Time, Thorn in My Pride, Remedy Encore: Hey Hey What Can I Do
On Saturday, September 18 Handshake.City will host the 5th Annual Downtown Getdown Music and Arts Fest in Downtown Utica. This festival made its debut in 2016 and continues to bring people together to celebrate Utica’s music and creativity.
Be there by 10am for the ‘Getdown to the Mat,’ that is an all-levels yoga class with In Bloom Yoga. Of course, free of charge and no registration required.
After lowering your heart rate and blood pressure, Handshake.City brings live music, art and a vendor fair from noon to 6pm. Who will be performing you ask? None other than Utica’s finest local talent. Ashleigh DeCarr will open at 12pm with an acoustic Americana-contemporary background. Then we’ll hear from The Lower Tolpa, Deeplex, Vada March, and the recently reunited The Reuben James at 4:30pm. That’ll be a complete circle of rock, dub reggae, acoustic pop and folk rock. Please welcome these guests for their first time on this stage.
If that’s not enough there will also be live glass blowing and wood carving demonstrations. The vendor fair will have food and beer for sale along with homemade and vintage goods.
Take your best shot at the Server Sprint at 2pm. Servers will race through Handshake.City with a loaded tray for the chance to win prizes and cash, and now you can too! Register just before the race starts and get ready for the races.
Street hockey with Utica College Pioneers Men’s Hockey team will be at 3pm with other family friendly events as well.
Downtown Getdown is free, with more information available here.
