NYS Music 202​1

Tag: Vaporeyes

  • Band Merch – a great way to support your local Artist!

    New York State has an abundance of talented musicians. While music is their main priority, artists also use their creativity to produce coveted merchandise lines so that fans can rep their favorite bands all day in a variety of ways. This page features band merch collections from artists across New York State – browse these items and support the next generation of hard working musicians from across the Empire State.

    Alternative/Indie Artists:

    The Demos

    From Rochester, this indie band is known for their beautiful, calming melodies that are easy on the ear. Their newest music to date is a single titled “Private Eye” that was released in May. The Demos have promising potential to become big around the nation, not just around New York State. Their merchandise consists of t-shirts and CDs of their EPs.

    band merch

    Dark Honey

    Coming from Troy, Dark Honey‘s music is lyrically-rich, indie-pop-rock with an emphasis on guitar notes. They are currently selling their creative merchandise in a variety of forms including T-shirts and sweatshirts.

    Melt

    Melt the Band is based out of New York City and their music has been described as “One groovy super organism.” They are soulful and funky and are currently selling epic merchandise, such as beanies, posters, hoodies, and more.

    band merch

    Mikaela Davis

    From Rochester, Mikaela Davis continues to prove her outstanding talent with every new release. Her alternative sound pulls from rock, 70s and 80s pop, and funk vibes. This fabulous artist is currently selling physical copies of her full-length album.

    Sean Rowe

    Sean Rowe is an indie singer-songwriter from Troy. His music evokes emotions from listeners that they have never felt before because of his stunning vocals and peaceful guitar blends. He is selling physical forms of his four albums.

    The Sea The Sea

    From Troy, The Sea The Sea is a powerful indie folk-pop duo featuring Mira Costa and Chuck E. Costa, who make a lovely couple in and out of the studio. Their merchandise is currently physical albums, signed posters, and various clothing items.

    Funktional Flow

    This alternative band from Buffalo, is known for their ability to entertain everyone, regardless of musical preference. They have gained many fans over the years, performing at major music festivals and winning multiple awards in Buffalo. Funktional Flow‘s merchandise consists of t-shirts, pins, and stickers.

    Sydney Irving

    Although this singer/songwriter from Syracuse, just recently began her career, she has already been nominated for three major regional music awards. Sydney gets inspiration from artists including but not limited to Taylor Swift, Tom Petty, and Post Malone. She is currently selling merchandise such as t-shirts, tank tops, and buttons.

    Bandits on the Run

    Bandits on the Run is a staple band in the Metro NY music scene, both below and above ground. They released their debut indie-folk-pop album in 2017, and have become even more adored ever since. They are currently selling merchandise items such as t-shirts, bandanas, and stickers.

    Architrave

    Architrave is a husband and wife duo from Ballston Spa. Their alternative music is heavily reliant upon post-punk guitar and basslines. They also incorporate a funky 80s flair into their tracks. They are currently selling t-shirts with differing logos on them.

    The Mountain Carol

    The Mountain Carol is an atmospheric electro-pop indie band from Saranac. They are most known for their mixed media art projects as well as their mysterious fan club/utopian life cult “The Divine Council.” They are currently selling physical copies of their albums, buttons, and t-shirts.

    Lucas Garrett

    Lucas Garrett is from Queensbury and is known for his catchy hooks that don’t necessarily fit under one category. He started playing his original music at local coffeehouses and eventually released his debut EP in 2017. He is selling physical copies of his music as well as t-shirts.

    Americana/Bluegrass Artists:

    Eastbound Jesus

    Eastbound Jesus, from Greenwich, is an Americana/Bluegrass Northern Rock band comprised of six males. They have five albums that they are currently selling in CD format.

    band merch

    Electronic Artists:

    Fake Dad

    From Brooklyn, Fake Dad is a band that will leave listeners assured that everything will be alright, almost as if they were giving you a tight hug while blasting their tunes. The electronic tracks that the duo creates have a calming effect when mixed with their peaceful vocals. They are currently selling two epic variations of a t-shirt.

    Haley Moley

    Haley Moley is a talented artist from Troy, that does not fit into one category. She excels at guitar and loves electronic and disco beats. She is selling CDs of her music as well as t-shirts.

    Funk/Soul Artists:

    Intrepid Travelers

    From Buffalo, Intrepid Travelers is a musical quartet that is rooted in friendship, fun, and freedom. Their music can be described as upbeat, groovy jams with roots in jazz, funk, and a hint of bluegrass. They treat every show as an interactive experience with the audience rather than a typical performance. The merchandise that Intrepid Travelers currently has on sale includes shirts, koozies, and pins.

    band merch

    Noon Fifteen

    Noon Fifteen is Ithaca’s genre-bending soul combo that produces forward-thinking jams with old school instrumentalism. Their sound has been compared to Lake Street Dive as well as The Beatles, with elements of gospel, funk, and hard rock. They are currently selling a band logo t-shirt.

    Pop artists:

    moon kissed

    moon kissed comprises of New York City natives Emily, Khaya and Leah. Their debut album was self-released and tells stories of youth and heartbreak. Their sound is inspired by artists such as Charlie XCX and St. Vincent. The trio is currently selling t-shirts and vinyls.

    Girl Blue

    Girl Blue is the project of vocalist Arielle O’Keefe who is based out of Troy. Her angelic voice paired with her songwriting capabilities leads her to have an extremely positive outcome on every listener. She has tons of merchandise available now, including shirts, vinyls, and buttons.

    Sulene

    Originally from South Africa, Sulene started her music career out of Brooklyn. She is most well-known for being the the lead guitarist for Nate Ruess of Fun. She is active in the indie-pop Brooklyn scene and has performed on stages all across the world with all kinds of people. Her aesthetically pleasing merchandise collection features t-shirts and vinyls.

    band merch

    Rock Artists:

    Bendt

    Bendt is a modern rock band from Albany. Their distinctive sound blends hard rock, alternative, metal, and funk together to produce sensational tracks. They are currently selling t-shirts and tank tops, as well as physical copies of their music.

    band merch

    Vaporeyes

    Vaporeyes is a progressive rock band from Syracuse. Their sound can be described as an actualized collective of overactive subconscious. Merchandise for Vaporeyes comprises of hats, buttons, stickers, and more.

    band merch

    Grosh

    Based in Buffalo, Grosh is an energetic four-piece rock band. They are known for frequently selling out local Buffalo shows, and fans love them for their heavy-hitting rock style combined with their vulnerable lyrics. They recently released their second full-length studio album, Not Down For Long. They are now selling t-shirts, koozies, bracelets, and more.

    band merch

    The Jess Novak Band

    The Jess Novak band is from Syracuse, and is known for their powerful, fierce vocals (by Jess Novak herself) and their engaging songwriting capabilities. They can win over any crowd with their unmatched energy and soul-pumped rock sound. They are surely on the rise and have made a great impression on New York State audiences thus far. Their merchandise includes stickers, mugs, shirts, and more.

    band merch

    E.R.I.E.

    From Albany, E.R.I.E. can be described as “Not yer Dad’s dad-rock.” The motivational messages behind their lyrics helps them stand out from other rock bands. Their first full-length album, Don’t Wanna Live, Don’t Wanna Die, was released in August 2020. They are now selling one t-shirt and physical copies of their album.

    band merch

    The Erotics

    The Erotics, from Albany, take a very straightforward approach to rock & roll. They released their first full-length album in 1997 and fans have loved them for their constant political incorrectness ever since. They have a comprehensive merchandise list, ranging from t-shirts to dog tags to shot glasses.

    Mike Grutka

    Mike Grutka describes his music as, “acoustic based funky modern roots rock-n-roll.” His most recent album takes listeners on a journey through loneliness and pain to find happiness and peace. His merchandise is currently physical copies of his albums.

    Joe Mansman & The Midnight Revival Band

    Joe Mansman & The Midnight Revival Band is a classic outlaw rock & roll band. They successfully carry the torch for authentic rock, featuring gnarly guitar solos and impressive vocal hooks. They are selling guitar picks, koozies, buttons, and more.

    band merch

    Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots

    Featuring female vocalist Maddy Walsh, this band from Ithaca, is a force to be reckon with. They have gotten tons of recognition from all over the country because of the genius blend of Maddy’s vocals and her accompanying four-piece band. They are selling apparel such as tote bags and stickers as well as vinyls and CDs.

    Organ Fairchild

    Organ Fairchild is a highly admired organ trio from Buffalo. Their music has been described as a party that never quits. Their vibe makes you want to jump out of your seat and jam along until the sun comes up. They are currently selling their own shirts, posters, and stickers.

  • A Lovely Time Festival Announces 2021 Dates and Lineup

    A Lovely Time Festival announced their 2021 dates and lineup for the upcoming festivities. The festival will take place on July 9th and 10th and will be hosted in Snow Ridge Ski Resort in Turin, New York. 

    This will be the third annual rendition of this festival and as always the festival’s mission is focused on creating an accessible and inclusive environment. This environment is meant to cultivate community through an Adirondack adventure filled with music and diverse activities – where any and everyone can have A Lovely Time. The festival first took place back in 2018 and was founded by Nick Feeley, Charlie Giancola, and Drew Shoup. 

    The festival hosts everything from vendors to live music to a DIY skatepark built in the woods. It also features art, disc golf competitions, workshops and escape rooms. There will be live music across two stages The addition of  a mountain bike trail, and finishing construction on a new 18 hole disc golf course (Ridge Runner,) are also being added to the list of available activities. The 18 hole disc golf course is being done in collaboration with Snow Ridge Ski Resort and will be the only one in the Western Adirondack area. Crowd-funding for the course is currently underway for those looking to support its completion. In celebration a disc golf tournament, The Lovely Open, will be held the Saturday morning of the event (registration required). 

    The line up includes Petite League, Vaporeyes, Buggin Out, Johnny & The Man Kids, Dirk Green, CAKE EATER, Breakfast for Dinner, The Salinas, OTB, Omgimjoe, and Starjuice on the main stage. There will also be artists performing on the Acoustic Lounge Stage. There will be  local vendors like Gannon’s Ice Cream, Cup of Rahman, Mangata Candle Co, Flower Skate Shop, Humble Glass, Boho Hobo, Forum Barber Shop and more at the festivities. Some of the workshops include rare tea brewing, yoga, guided meditation, photo composition, mystery rooms, and even ninja training.

    At the heart of the festival’s mission is to be accessible and inclusive and that aligns with how the festival structures  its ticket pricing. Due to current restrictions on live music events due to COVID-19 , there is a 500 guest limit. The first round of $40 blind-faith tickets have sold out. Without inflating the price and in order to break down barriers to entry, Friday/Saturday two-day tickets start at just $50 for an Early Bird special, prices then incrementally increase by $10 as capacities are reached. Tickets will be $80 at the door. All music, parking, and camping are included in ticket purchase. To open the doors even wider to all those looking to attend, A Lovely Time offers the ability to “Earn Your Ticket” to volunteers helping out during the event and leading up to the festival weekend. 

    For additional information about A Lovely Time or to purchase a ticket visit their website.

  • Vaporeyes channel ‘Clockwork Orange’ in new wacky video “Donye Wump”

    Syracuse’s Vaporeyes has released the video for “Donye Wump,” off their recently released album Cantrips. Having premiered on Friday, March 19th, the video was shot in the Salt City, as well as in and around band practice spaces.

    vaporeyes Donye Wump

    With a goal of creating a video that their fans and others used to their shenanigans wouldn’t expect, band member Jonas Reddy-Nicholson, shared insight on the video:

    We had an idea of a conflict happening in this video. The lyrics I wrote very much came from a place of inner conflict, wanting change, and “killing the past,” so Shannon (bass) wanted to play with the conflict idea as much as possible. But we kept the fight between ourselves and our “other” selves, or inner demons in the video so people didn’t think it was some statement or something. It’s not. We just had fun with it. The name of the song actually has nothing to do with anything. Sometimes we just really try to blur the line between goofy and serious/heartfelt. 

    Jonas Reddy-Nicholson

    “Donye Wump” was directed by Thomas Calandra of Synthesis Films (also a member of metal band Bleak), with Director of Photography Mark Kelley, both of whom entertained the band’s wacky ideas and kept Vaporeyes on track to finish the shoot in four days.

    When we came to them with the idea of a fight scene VS ourselves for the end of the song, we thought they would turn it down. But not only were they into it and knew how to make it work, they had some ideas of their own. Thomas asked how we felt about drawing inspiration from the goofy gang fight in Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange.”

    We were into it, so we all sat on the couch and watched the fight together the day before the fight scene shoot. We are so glad they were into the fight, and they really did a great job. That’s even Thomas getting the glass broken on his head in the beginning, per his insistence. (Movie prop bottle, don’t worry). 

    Jonas Reddy-Nicholson

    Vaporeyes recently made it to the Elite 8 of NYS Music’s March Madness. Check out more on them here and watch the video for “Donye Wump” below.

  • NYS Music’s March Madness 2021: The Elite 8

    Welcome to the Elite 8.

    Our last installment hooked your ears. This one will sink its teeth. New York State bands are in bloom, and you are (still) here to discover. While halftime has come and gone, the tunes are still raging from last week’s round three, where we exposed each bands sound.

    Now its time for NYS Music to lay it out for you, see what our Sweet 16 winners have been up to, and play a game of old school, heads-up, one-on-one.

    Yet music discovery – the deeply subjective process of sifting through everything out there to find new audio candy – has never been harder. Quite frankly… the process of music discovery really sucks. Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness bracket to showcase some of the hardworking, up-and-coming musical talent in the Empire State.

    Brandon Wenerd – BroBible Publisher Co-Founder
    elite 8

    Check out NYS Music’s March Madness on BroBible

    NYS Music’s March Madness 2021 Sweet 16 will be your one-stop-shop for audio playlists.

    March Madness Jamcast
    Check out more Jamcast on NYS Music

    Don’t forget about our amazing sponsors:

    Central New York promoters Creative Concerts bring together fans at venues, stretching from Albany to Rochester and Syracuse to Utica. Lark Hall is the soon to open mid-sized venue in Albany that will host bands of all sizes, events and more. If you need to market your show, event, band or brand, Rochester’s Balbert Marketing has you covered. Need merchandise? Homegrown Eastern New York’s 518 Prints makes quality goods for local, regional and national bands or tours. High Peaks Event Production is a team with years of experience, aiding in all your stage, lighting and sound demands. JamCast proves high quality streams for bands, podcasts and much more. Between these companies, bands will find a great deal of what they need, and support businesses from across New York and the Northeast.

    NOTE: Make sure you vote in ALL matchups for each region. And Vote once per device, duplicate votes will not be counted.

    March Madness 2021 518 Prints Region:

    Elite 8 518 Prints

    The Dirty Pennies – Rochester – Vs. – Blind Owl Band -Saranac Lake

    The Dirty Pennies:

    One of Rochester NY’s hottest bands blending the Blues with Garage Rock

    “The gritty song features staple driving guitar riffs that the Pennies are known and loved for. It’s a more aggressive song…fueled by the times in which we are living. The video gives fans an opportunity to follow along to the lyrics. Learn those words, because when live music resumes and The Dirty Pennies can play live, this is an anthem we’ll want to sing along to.” Video Premiere: ‘I’m Your Man’

    (A. you get to discover new music the old fashion way, using your brain and (B. there are all sorts of gems, like this badass music video from Rochester’s own The Dirty Pennies – a little bit of surf rock, a little bit of gritty Americana.

    Go check it out. And happy digging!

    BroBible – NYS’ Sweet 16
    March 13, 2021

    Interview: The Dirty Pennies On Developing Their Own Style Of Blues

    Blind Owl Band:

    Collectively, we’re a musical representation of the sounds floating around in our heads. We use the instruments of our ancestors, but play music of our time” – Co-founder Eric Munley (mandolin, vocals).

    “After harnessing the rawness of traditional bluegrass instrumentation, the band has taken the genre into an entire new dimension. The fast-fingered, high energy, cohesive group explores their live performance with an element of improvisation, gaining energy from their audience.” Blind Owl Band Host a Halloween Bash

    https://youtu.be/zijC6QdIomY

    Elite 8 Polls are now CLOSED. Final 4 voting will BEGIN on Sunday, March 21 at 8:00am!

    March Madness 2021 Creative Concerts Region:

    Elite 8 Creative Concerts
    Central New York promoters Creative Concerts bring fans together

    Sarah King – Brooklyn — Vs. — Glass Pony  – Albany

    Sarah King

    THE HOUR – EP out Friday, March 19.

    “On this classic Black Sabbath tune. Sarah King adds to the field of great artists who have brought a twist on this brilliant anti-war song.Sarah King’s acoustic rendition is chilling, and cuts to core of the song, a treatment so honest and pure that it is as powerful as the original.” Pete Mason on Sarah King

    And now you're greeted by a day you knew would come
Staring down everything we both know you done
And I can only be good for so long
You done me so wrong
You're not worth the whisky
    THE HOUR – EP out Friday, March 19.

    Glass Pony:

    Chanda Dewey – drums* – Eddie Hotaling – Guitar* – Jeff Picarazzi – bass* – Greg Pittz – lead guitar* (*vocals)

    If you aren’t into songs long songs, Glass Pony might not be the band for you; about half of their songs hit in the 8-10 minute mark and take their time to get in the groove with long intros and outros. Their second song on the album, “Swing That Maximus” has a full two-minute instrumental intro.

    With tempo changes up the wazoo throwing the listener from dance beats that make you want to get up and boogie, to slow sections you would barely move your body, they are definitely the type of band you can let loose to live or shamelessly-groove-to on your daily commute. Glass Pony brings you out of the mundane with some chaotic, yet systematic rhythms and beats that make Glass Pony one of a kind. 

    Hearing Aide: Glass Pony ‘Glass Pony’

    Elite 8 Polls are now CLOSED. Final 4 voting will BEGIN on Sunday, March 21 at 8:00am!

    March Madness 2021 Lark Hall Region:

    March Madness Lark hall
    Lark Hall -A soon to open mid-sized Albany venue.

    Remsen Social Club – Utica – Vs. – Organ Fairchild -Buffalo

    Remsen Social Club:

    These four young men, Bryan Davies on tenor banjo, guitar, wash tub, bass, and vocals; Tim Slusarcyzk on upright bass, harp, and vocals; Ben carrier on guitar, mandolin, harp, 5 string banjo, and vocals; and Chris Taylor on Gatling harps, mouth harp, harmonica in a beer can (yes you read that correctly) and vocals bring something unique with their bluegrass, Americana sound.  

    Playing a mix of original music, such as “Over You Darlin” and “Am I Best” along with some all time favorite covers such as “Stuck In the Middle With You” by Stellars Wheel, they had the crowd wound up and ready for their day long of music and fun. – RSC at Oak Mountain Bluegrass

    Organ Fairchild:


    Joe Bellanti – organ, keys – Corey Kertzie – drums – Dave Ruch – guitar 

    Organ Fairchild is a musical party that won’t quit. Take your old-school organ trio (organ, guitar and drums), add dance-heavy grooves and adventurous jamming, and shake vigorously. Enjoy all night long. 

    “Jan. 2021 marks the release of single, “Seepin’,” from long-time Buffalo jam band veterans Organ Fairchild. Members have a history on the jam scene dating back 40 years.”
    Debut Single”Seepin”

    LISTEN to Organ Fairchild’s debut single, from the forthcoming May 2021 album release! Mastered by Alan Evans of Soulive.

    Elite 8 Polls are now CLOSED. Final 4 voting will BEGIN on Sunday, March 21 at 8:00am!

    March Madness 2021 Balbert Marketing Region:

    Elite 8 Balbert

    Vaporeyes – Syracuse – Vs. – Baked Shrimp – Long Island

    Baked Shrimp:

    Jared Cowen – Guitar/Vox – Scott Reill – Bass/Vox  – Jager Soss – Drums/Vox

    “An impressive musical and technical feat from start to finish. The opening track, “The Vision That I Can See,” is a jaw-dropping epic that really showcases the prowess of this band” – Baked Shrimp ‘Bubble Suit’

    “Pig Hearts and Mechanical Parts” was released March 12, and is the single off of Baked Shrimp’s second studio album Conscious, set for release on March 26th, 2021. The new single features Nick Rufolo on saxophone, trumpet, and keyboards. The track also features Jager Soss on percussion. 

    Vaporeyes:

    “But before you close your eyes and float away, the band changes things up, shaking the listener from the dream state. On “Donye Wump,” Cadley (drums) turns the tempo up and brings everyone along.”

    “Cantrips is an old Scot word that basically means a magical spell of any kind” says Jonas Reddy-Nicholson (keyboards, vocals) when asked about the meaning of the name. He goes on to say, “Cantrips is also what they call the type of spells one can cast at any time in the game Dungeons & Dragons.” The band ended up tying the new album thematically to a D&D campaign that they played together.

    And play together, they do. Stylistically they fit snugly into the jam genre.

    Vaporeyes ‘Cantrips’

    Vaporeyes’ new album, CANTRIPS, out now!

    Elite 8 Polls are now CLOSED. Final 4 voting will BEGIN on Sunday, March 21 at 8:00am!

    Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness bracket delving into the musical harbors of our great state. As fans and musicians ourselves, we spotlight the great talent across New York in friendly competition and discovery. Its furry never looses sight of the underdog, a headliner’s humble beginnings, new musical discovery and rolling with the punches in our ever-changing industry.

    elite 8

    March Madness 2021 Round One

    March Madness 2021 Round Two

    March Madness 2021 Round Three

    Elite 8

    Check out Past Years’ NYS Music March Madness Here

  • NYS Music’s March Madness 2021: The Sweet 16

    Did you know: H. V. Porter was actually a musician himself?

    “When the March madness is on him…midnight jaunts of a hundred miles on successive nights make him even more alert the next day.

    H.V. Porter, 1932 to 1936 IHSA ‘Reels’

    Put on your rock n’ roll tiaras as we begin to crack these bands open at the seams. NYS Music’s March Madness 2021 Sweet 16 will be your one-stop-shop for audio playlists. Not only will the series feature snippets from NYS’ Hearing Aide’s and reviews, but also spotlight each artists music. Turn on, tune in, go vote, and let records spin.

    Sweet 16

    Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness bracket delving into the musical harbors of our great state. As fans and musicians ourselves, we spotlight the great talent across New York in friendly competition and discovery. Its furry never looses sight of the underdog, a headliner’s humble beginnings, new musical discovery and rolling with the punches in our ever-changing industry.

    March Madness 2021 Round One

    March Madness 2021 Round Two

    March Madness Jamcast
    Check out more Jamcast on NYS Music

    March Madness 2021 Lark Hall Region:

    March Madness 2021 Lark hall
    Lark Hall -A soon to open mid-sized Albany venue.
    Remsen Social Club – Utica — Vs. — Intrepid Travelers – Buffalo

    “Vocals bring something unique with their bluegrass, Americana sound.  Playing a mix of original music, “Stuck In the Middle With You” by Stellars Wheel, they had the crowd wound up.” – RSC at Oak Mountain Bluegrass

    “This recording session was among the most rewarding and creatively fulfilling projects I’ve ever been a part of – self producing these tracks has the band energized and excited for more!” Adam Bronstein, Intrepid Travelers

    Organ Fairchild – Buffalo — Vs. — The Brass Machine – Buffalo

    “Jan. 2021 marks the release of single, “Seepin’,” from long-time Buffalo jam band veterans Organ Fairchild. Members have a history on the jam scene dating back 40 years.”
    Debut Single”Seepin”

    “Laying down funky New Orleans-style street beats across the United States and Canada. Formed in 2014 at the University at Buffalo, The Brass Machine provides a unique blend of hip hop, funk, and R&B, all in an infectious and energetic package.”

    Sweet 16 Polls are now CLOSED. Round 4 voting will BEGIN on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:00am !

    March Madness 2021 Creative Concerts Region:

    Sweet 16
    Central New York promoters Creative Concerts bring fans together
    Sarah King – Brooklyn — Vs. — Harmonic Dirt – Syracuse

    “On this classic Black Sabbath tune. Sarah King adds to the field of great artists who have brought a twist on this brilliant anti-war song.Sarah King’s acoustic rendition is chilling, and cuts to core of the song, a treatment so honest and pure that it is as powerful as the original.” Pete Mason on Sarah King

    THE HOUR – EP out Friday, March 19.

    “They pull inspiration from Son Volt, Wilco, Neil Young and other heavy hitters of the sixties folk-rock genre. Not many aspiring musicians make music like this anymore. Harmonic Dirt delivers that.” – Hearing Aide: ‘Anthracite’

    This was just released Feb. 5, 2021, but their last album, Live At The Ridge, was named Best Americana Album of 2020 by Syracuse Area Music Awards.

    Glass Pony  – Albany — Vs. — Mikaela Davis – Rochester

    “Swing That Maximus” has a full two-minute instrumental intro. With tempo changes up the wazoo throwing the listener from dance-y beats that make you want to get up and boogie, to slow sections you would barely move.” Hearing Aide: Glass Pony ‘Glass Pony’

    “The harp has been known since antiquity in Asia, Africa and Europe, early as 3000 BCE. ‘Learning Live Dead was really fun and difficult, we rehearsed like twice a week for a month because we really wanted to play through like the record with no stops,’” Mikaela Davis.

    Sweet 16 Polls are now CLOSED. Round 4 voting will BEGIN on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:00am !

    March Madness 2021 518 Prints Region:

    Sweet 16
    King Buffalo – Rochester — Vs. — The Dirty Pennies – Rochester

    “The psychedelic rock band with a heavy blues bent delivers heady grooves laden with symbolic imagery. It’s the kind of music that is best heard live – but if not live, then on a turntable in a room with curtains drawn and incense burning.”

    King Buffalo is Releasing three albums for 2021. Repeat: Three. And, it needs to be said, to take the place, momentum-wise, of touring.

    “The gritty song features staple driving guitar riffs that the Pennies are known and loved for. It’s a more aggressive song…fueled by the times in which we are living. The video gives fans an opportunity to follow along to the lyrics. Learn those words, because when live music resumes and The Dirty Pennies can play live, this is an anthem we’ll want to sing along to.” Video Premiere: ‘I’m Your Man’

    Blind Owl Band – Saranac Lake — Vs. — Annie in the Water – Albany

    “After harnessing the rawness of traditional bluegrass instrumentation, the band has taken the genre into an entire new dimension. The fast-fingered, high energy, cohesive group explores their live performance with an element of improvisation, gaining energy from their audience.” Blind Owl Band Host a Halloween Bash

    “At the intersection of Rock, Reggae, Funk, Blues and Jam written with a conscious dose of positive vibes, unique melodies and down to earth lyrics. The innate ability to fill an entire night with original music or cover in their signature style, fans share extraordinary experiences that can’t be seen anywhere else.” The Palace Sessions

    HEY, How cool is this… Download Annie in the Water’s latest album – Free.

    Sweet 16 Polls are now CLOSED. Round 4 voting will BEGIN on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:00am !

    March Madness 2021 Balbert Marketing Region:

    The Goodnight Darlings – New York — Vs. — Baked Shrimp – Long Island

    “An impressive musical and technical feat from start to finish. The opening track, “The Vision That I Can See,” is a jaw-dropping epic that really showcases the prowess of this band” – Baked Shrimp ‘Bubble Suit’

    Stay tuned for an update of Baked Shrimp’s new single release this Friday, off their upcoming album, Conscious.

    “New York City’s post-punk, pop outfit, The Goodnight Darlings, are cutting edge. Bred from the William Faulkner quote ‘murder your darlings,’ nothing stands on safe ground. At any moment an explosion of creative energy, or sound, propels the band into an epic dance-rock performance on stage. “

    “With the glam of a fairytale princess, frontwoman, Kat Auster, commands the stage instantaneously while her counterpart, Wilson Jaramillo stretches the soundscapes of rock guitar. Bonded by The Goodnight Darlings, and marriage, Auster and Jaramillo are one anothers’ creative spark.” – The Goodnight Darlings

    Vaporeyes – Syracuse Vs. — Gerald Slevin – New York/Ithaca

    “But before you close your eyes and float away, the band changes things up, shaking the listener from the dream state. On “Donye Wump,” Cadley (drums) turns the tempo up and brings everyone along.” Vaporeyes ‘Cantrips’

    Vaporeyes’ new album, CANTRIPS, out now!

    “His inspiration came from his 4-year-old daughter during a hike when he saw her look to the sky and blow a kiss. She was blowing a kiss to the future. That accidental yet wholesome moment resulted in the song’s creation in 15 minutes… The song is the first step towards Slevin’s solo career after fronting Brooklyn’s artpop group, The Color Bars. Slevin aims to do different and new things with every creation resulting in the band exploring vocals, art and instruments.” Gerald Slevin Begins Solo Journey

    Sweet 16 Polls are now CLOSED. Round 4 voting will BEGIN on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:00am !

    Don’t forget about our amazing sponsors:

    Central New York promoters Creative Concerts bring together fans at venues, stretching from Albany to Rochester and Syracuse to Utica. Lark Hall is the soon to open mid-sized venue in Albany that will host bands of all sizes, events and more. If you need to market your show, event, band or brand, Rochester’s Balbert Marketing has you covered. Need merchandise? Homegrown Eastern New York’s 518 Prints makes quality goods for local, regional and national bands or tours. High Peaks Event Production is a team with years of experience, aiding in all your stage, lighting and sound demands. JamCast proves high quality streams for bands, podcasts and much more. Between these companies, bands will find a great deal of what they need, and support businesses from across New York and the Northeast.

    We’re also proud to present a bracket designed by the good folks at Wook+ Media, who have been keeping brackets going strong throughout the year, with unique topics and incredibly artistic designs. Check out the Round 2 graphic below:

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