NYS Music 202​1

Tag: Webster Hall

  • Records, Decades and Tours, Oh My! Sleigh Bells Safely Sell Out Webster Hall

    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.

    Sleigh Bells

    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.

    Sleigh Bells

    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.

    Sleigh Bells

    The dragons have been awakened by their fearless leaders. Mobilization for a brighter future awaits. Tour starts now. Go see them if you can.

    Sleigh Bells

    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.

  • Badflower Release Seriously Funny new video “Don’t Hate Me”

    Badflower have always spoken unapologetically through their lyrics about feelings, mental health, and relationship issues. Their latest single and video release “Don’t Hate Me” is no different.

    badflower

    “It’s a lot of self-awareness” Josh Katz (vocals) explains. “On the bridge, there’s a meta dialogue where I explain how I’ve changed my entire life and appearance to make somebody else like me more. I think I have experienced versions of trying to be something else for someone else throughout my life, I think everybody has.”

    Badflower never drift into sappy territory, however. They address serious issues either with startling directness, or with a dose of lightness, mockery, and humor, which makes their music relatable to a broad audience. The music video for “Don’t Hate Me” is a spoof about morphing into others in order to belong.  It is funny, creating caricatures of our weaknesses, and as all Badflower videos, entertaining and very well made. The band produce most of their videos “in house,” with cameo appearances from friends and family members. They forgo large manufactured productions, in favor of genuine hands-on creativity from everyone involved.

    Catch Badflower at one of the major festivals, or on their headlining tour starting in September. They will play at Webster Hall in New York City on September 23.

    You can connect with Badflower on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

  • X Ambassadors Release New Single, Announce Tour Dates

    Ithaca-natives X Ambassadors have shared a new song called “Okay” in preparation for their third album, The Beautiful Liar, which is set for release on September 24. X Ambassadors have also announced their upcoming U.S./European Tour, including a stop at Webster Hall in October.

    x ambassadors

    X Ambassadors made their full-length debut in 2015 with VHS, that transitioned the band from Ithaca alt-rockers and Brooklyn-indie-scene outsiders to Billboard chart-toppers. Now certified platinum, VHS delivered X Ambassadors’ popular hits “Unsteady” and “Renegades,” which launched them into mainstream success. Most recently, the band released EP Belong, inspired by ’60s and ’70s soul and R&B, in March 2020 as well as three-song project (Eg) in January 2021.

    “Okay” follows the June release of their darkly cinematic track “My Own Monster” whose black-and-white visual finds lead vocalist Sam Harris performing a choreographed routine with his own shadow. Both songs will be featured on the band’s third studio album The Beautiful Liar. 

    x ambassadors

    “Okay” marks the start of a compelling new lyrical direction for X Ambassadors. With the same emotional intensity as 2015’s “Unsteady,” “Okay” adds deeper poeticism with verses like “We’ll make no mistake, whatever may come… We’ll rise up, it’s true and we go down this road…”

    Written during a period of such uncertainty, “Okay” has the ability to connect with and validate the worries of today while sending the reassuring message that things will work out eventually.

    Life is unpredictable… things happen that are out of control all the time. We all are living in a constant state of uncertainty. And yet… I say it all the time. ‘Everything’s gonna be okay.’

    Sam Harris, lead vocalist

    “Okay” is now available for streaming on all major platforms. Preorder The Beautiful Liar album here. 

    Tickets are on sale now for X Ambassadors’ “The Beautiful Liar” tour, which will hit New York’s Webster Hall on October 27. Scarypoolparty and Taylor Janzen will open the show on all North American dates. For ticket information, visit xambassadors.com/tour.

    Check out their U.S. tour schedule below:

    X Ambassadors 2021 “Beautiful Liar” Tour

    Scarypoolparty direct support, Taylor Janzen will open.

    October 15 – House of Blues / San Diego, CA 

    October 16 – Phoenix AZ / Marquee

    October 18 – Tulsa, OK / Cain’s

    October 19 – Austin, TX / Emo’s

    October 22 – Nashville, TN / Brooklyn Bowl

    October 23 – Louisville, KY / Mercury Ballroom

    October 25 – Asheville, NC / Orange Peel

    October 27 – New York, NY / Webster Hall

    October 28 – Boston, MA / Big Night Live

    October 29 – Philadelphia, PA / Theatre of the Living Arts

    October 30  – Washington, DC / Lincoln Theater

    November 1 – Toronto, ONT / Danforth

    November 2 – Detroit, MI / St. Andrew’s

    November 4 – Chicago, IL / Vic

    November 5 – Indianapolis, IN / Deluxe

    November 6 – Milwaukee, WI / Rave

    November 8 – Kansas City, MO / Truman

    November 9 – Minneapolis, MN / Varsity

    November 11 – Denver, CO / Ogden

    November 12 – Salt Lake City, UT / The Depot

    November 13 – Boise, ID / Revolution Concert House

    November 15 – Seattle, WA / Showbox

    November 16 – Spokane, WA / Knitting Factory

    November 17 – Portland, OR / Roseland

    November 19 – Sacramento, CA / Ace of Spades

    November 20 – Los Angeles, CA / Belasco

  • Turkuaz Hits The Road After Announcing 2021 Fall Tour With Special Guests Thumpasaurus

    Brooklyn-based funk band Turkuaz has announced their safe and triumphant return to the road with a 2021 fall tour across the United States alongside the Los Angeles-based quintet, Thumpasaurus.

    Turkuaz

    Turkuaz and Thumpasaurus will be kicking the tour off at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 8 with shows continuing throughout the South for the majority of October. The band then comes home for two Halloween shows at New York City’s own recently renovated and reopened Webster Hall before they make their way down the East Coast through November until early December. They will be making Two more stops in New York on November 16 at Empire Live in Albany and on November 18 at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo. Following their East Coast stint, Turkuaz will then hit the Midwest and West with plays in Omaha, Nebraska, and Denver, Colorado before they wrap up in Chicago at Park West.

    “We’re ready to be back on the bus, trekking around the country, and bringing that energy that only live (and loud) music brings to us and our fans alike.”

    Turkuaz frontman Dave Brandwein following the band’s recent summer tour

    To top off the year, Turkuaz will also be celebrating 2022 with their annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop event in Hartford, CT for two nights at Infinity Hall. General tickets are is now on sale via the band’s website with some free showings available. Be sure to listen to Turkuaz’s latest music and releases on Spotify HERE

    Turkuaz Fall 2021 Tour

    Turkuaz Fall 2021 Tour Dates, with Special Guests Thumpasaurus

    Aug. 11 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge *
    Aug. 12 – Victor, ID – Music On Main Series *
    Aug. 14 – ParkCity, UT – Canyons *
    Aug.15 – Huntsville, UT – Blues, Brew, & BBQ *
    Aug. 16 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up *
    Aug. 17 – Vail, CO – Hot Summer Nights Series *
    Aug. 18 – Cheyenne, WY – The Lincoln Cheyenne *
    Aug. 24 – Santa Fe, NM – Santa Fe Plaza
    Aug. 26 – Dallas, TX – Deep Ellum Art Company
    Aug. 27 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
    Aug. 28 – Houston, TX – Last Concert Cafe 
    Oct. 8th – New Orleans, LA – Tipitinas *
    Oct. 19th – Charleston, SC – Pour House
    Oct. 20th – Savannah, GA – District Live 
    Oct. 21st – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West 
    Oct. 22nd – Asheville, NC –  Orange Peel
    Oct. 23rd – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
    Oct. 24th – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
    Oct. 27th – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
    Oct. 28th – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
    Oct. 29th – New York, NY – Webster Hall
    Oct. 30th – New York, NY – Webster Hall
    Nov. 4th – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
    Nov. 5th – Boston, MA – Big Night Live
    Nov. 6th – Portland, ME – State Theater
    Nov. 16th – Albany, NY – Empire Live
    Nov. 17th – Harrisburg, PA – HMAC
    Nov. 18th – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom 
    Nov. 19th – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
    Nov. 20th – Detroit, MI – El Club
    Dec. 2nd – Richmond, VA – The National
    Dec. 3rd – Philadelphia, PA – TBA
    Dec. 4th – Columbus, OH – Bluestone
    Dec. 5th – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation
    Dec. 9th – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line *
    Dec. 10th – Omaha, NE – Waiting Room *
    Dec. 11th – Denver, CO – TBA
    Dec. 14th – Madison, WI -Majestic Theatre *
    Dec. 15th – Louisville, KY -Gravely Brewing *
    Dec. 16th – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall *
    Dec. 17th – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue *
    Dec. 18th – Chicago, IL – Park West *
    Dec. 30th & 31st – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall *

    * w/ performances from Thumpasaurus

  • Music Venues Spring Back to Life Across New York State

    Continuing NYS Music’s look at the venues of New York State, we are now more than a year since music venues were forced to shut down, and signs of life are visible everywhere this spring.

    While venues await relief from the Small Business Administration (SBA), who administer Shuttered Venue Operators Grant to eligible entities, there are some venues that have returned to live music. Restrictions are lifting, allowing for greater capacity at venues, as well as Drive-In shows and socially distanced concerts continuing well into August.

    Venues New York State

    Once New York State has 70% of the population receiving one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, most remaining restrictions will be lifted, based on a statement from Gov. Cuomo last week.

    Our March installment of ‘This Darkness Has Got to Give’ showed venues across New York State that started to come back to life with socially distanced shows. Now in June, we have crowds returning to venues, a summer of live music ahead in various arrays and a brighter 2021 in the making.

    Woodstock and New Paltz – Em Walis

    Joe Booth – Geneva

    Ithaca – photo by Casey Martin

    Venues New York State

    New York City – photos by Joseph Buscarello

    Buffalo – photos by Zachary Todtenhagen

    Hudson Valley – photos by Steve Malinski

    Long Island – photos by Rob Tellerman

    • Venues New York State

    Plattsburgh – photos by Jerry Cadieux

    Hudson Valley – photos by Mickey Deneher

    Albany and Saratoga Springs – Zach Culver