NYS Music 202​2

Author: Abigail Baughan

  • Coupons Share New Album “Wasted Intimacy”

    Earlier this summer, Albany-based band Coupons released their 3rd full-length record, Wasted Intimacy, via Counter Intuitive Records.

    Coupons cover art with tan background, drawn city buildings.

    The indie-rock band consists of Dan LaFave, Collin J Reynolds, Shannon Straney, Dylan Depice, and Dan Maddalone. The 11-track album is upbeat, unique, and a great listen with different styles intertwined throughout the project. Wasted Intimacy also showcases the band’s creativity and talent, with various members contributing to vocals, lyrics, and instrumentation.

    The album includes songs for everyone to enjoy, with the first single released, “Waiting,” giving listeners an intense rock track with powerful vocals whereas other singles, such as “Milk,” slow things down. Produced by Scoops Dardaris, Wasted Intimacy highlights Coupons’ range of melodies, rhythms, and beats on this release. 

    Throughout the duration of Wasted Intimacy, listeners are met with catchy lyrics, and songs seemingly perfect for the stage. In the song “Break a Leg,” written by band member Collin Reynolds, the lyrics “do you wanna celebrate, do you even know my name, are you getting home okay, it’s not too late” are relatable and work perfectly to hook listeners in.

    With the snappy guitar on “Mardi Gras,” beautiful vocals from Straney on “Milk,” and the building piano track “Anyone Else,” this album from Coupons shines. Every track holds your attention and leaves you captivated.

    In support of the album release, the band recently played a show at Empire Live Underground in Albany. Joining the group included music from the likes of Oso Oso, Another Michael, and Laveda. Be sure to take a listen to Coupons’ full discography, and stay tuned for their next live show.

    Fans of Coupons music can keep up with them on Instagram and Twitter. The new record is also available to purchase on vinyl as well as to stream across platforms.

  • ALYXX Shares Powerful New Single and Video “Serenity”

    NY-based solo artist ALYXX released her newest single, titled “Serenity.” The emotional track reminds listeners it is okay to put mental health first and take time for yourself amidst the chaos of life.

    ALYXX in a white dress in a field for her single cover art.

    Based out of Rockland County, ALYXX wrote the track in March of 2022 and recorded “Serenity” at her home studio and at Cinderella Man Studios with Zaki Ali. The song is haunting, starting slowly with piano and backing vocals before building with an impressive vocal style and rock instrumentals.

    Drums from Ali and guitar from Brandon Hawkes contribute to the single’s intense sound. The accompanying music video showcases all three musicians performing the song alongside moody lighting and visuals.

    “Serenity” is powerful not only in sound but also message, with ALYXX singing, “Let the weight of the world / Fall on someone else’s shoulders / Cause I’m tired of taking on the responses of others” as part of the track’s bridge. The melodic metal single is catchy, and the artist’s talent as a singer and songwriter shines.

    It’s about putting yourself and your mental health first. Wanting to do something and being able to do something are two different things. Sometimes you have to say no, for your own well being. Life will always be hectic, but one must find the calmness within the chaos.

    – ALYXX

    Take a listen to ALYXX’s latest musical release and video below. “Serenity” is out now on all streaming platforms. To keep up with ALYXX, find her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

  • Fernway Announces Fourth Annual Halloween Show

    Buffalo-based Fernway has announced the return of their fourth annual Halloween Show on Oct. 29 at Buffalo Iron Works.

    Fernway Halloween show poster with ghosts, graves, pumpkins, announcing tickets and acts.
    Poster by Francesca Bubb

    Fernway’s Halloween Show features stacked performances, including Vertigo Child, The Safest Ledge, Amateur Hockey Club, and Roy G Biv. In addition to the musical performances, attendees can also participate in a costume contest to win prizes.

    Fresh off of the release of their debut album, Autocrave, Fernway has been on the road with shows across the U.S. The group recently supported Ohio-based band The Safest Ledge earlier this September and will reunite with them for the Halloween Show on Oct. 29.

    Fernway band crowds together in front of a red background.
    Photo by: Matt Sledziewski

    Formed in 2017, Fernway consists of five Buffalo natives: RJ DeMarco, Brett Robertson, Jonah Wrest, Alec Dube, and Tanner DeMarco. The five musicians blend together pop rock, alternative emo, jazz, and more for a sound uniquely their own.

    Tickets for the Halloween Fernway show at Buffalo Iron Works go on sale on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. EST. The price for an advanced ticket is $15 and $20 for a ticket at the door. The show will open at 6 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m. Fans of Fernway’s music can find them and keep up with them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  • Andrew Thomases Releases New Single “Two Sides”

    On Sept. 9, alt-rocker Andrew Thomases released his newest single, “Two Sides.” With varying instrumentation, the song explores the line between leading an energetic existence and needing time to yourself.

    Andrew Thomases cover art for single with a party in one corner and a single tent in the other

    Hailing from just north of NYC before making the move out to San Francisco, much of Andrew Thomases’ music draws on personal experiences, and this “Two Sides” release is no different. The artist picked up the bass guitar at the age of 12 and continued to pursue music with cover bands in high school and as a DJ at a radio station in college. During the pandemic, Thomases recently picked up his passion again, sharing music and recording new work. 

    Andrew Thomases’ newest single shines with his enthralling vocals and relatable lyricism. He sings, “I wonder why I can’t be that guy who always arrives with fun in his eyes, always happy, now that isn’t me, why can’t I see, happiness ain’t free.” The switch between a slow acoustic guitar and the upbeat rock portions of “Two Sides” really drives Thomases’ message to his audience and listeners straight home.

    Do you ever feel torn between wanting to have an always-effervescent personality and just wanting to hang out alone? Do you long to be the life of the party sometimes, while other times, you just want to stay at home with a good book or show? Does this split depend on your mood at the time? I certainly have these competing desires, so I decided to write a song about it. “Two Sides” explores this split, both in its lyrics and in its music. The song varies between a slow acoustic guitar portion and a more upbeat rocking portion, with driving bass and guitar lines. In the end, the song explains that it is ok to have different personalities at different times.

    – Andrew Thomases

    “Two Sides” is the perfect single and reminder for the ambiverts of the world. The accompanying lyric video also illustrates the sentiment exactly with fun and engaging graphics. With this newest track, Andrew Thomases shares a relatable and genuine experience many people can resonate with.

    Utilizing retro-rock rhythms and melodies that pay homage to the music of the ‘80s and ‘90s alongside conscious lyricism, Thomases’ music captivates. Much of Thomases’ work reflects on our world and society, where he breaks up serious topics with the occasional satire and a keen sense of humor.

    Fans of Thomases’ sound can find him on his website, as well as on Instagram and Facebook. Take a listen to some more of Andrew Thomases’ music with the video below.

  • Albany’s Doctor Baker to Release Album “Trespassers”

    On Sept. 9, Albany-based rock band Doctor Baker will release their album, Trespassers, produced by Don Fury at Don Fury Studios in Troy. 

    Consisting of Ed Schwarzschild (guitar, vocals), Iggy Calabria (guitar, vocals), Chris Gockley (bass), and Danny Goodwin (drums, percussion), Doctor Baker originally started as an acoustic duo before expanding. The complete band brings a strong sound to audiences within the Capitol Region and beyond. 

    An award-winning short story writer and novelist, Schwarzchild’s lyricism on Trespassers is evocative and compelling. The band’s sound on the album spans various emotions with the first single and lyric video, “Exhausted,” released on Aug. 30.

    The album is like a story collection, but they’re stories that fit in with what’s going on in the world at the moment … the songs on the album acknowledge that there are some real problems, but we’re trying to stay lit up, we’re still trying to love, still trying to figure out what love is, still trying to maintain relationships with the people we’re close to.

    – Ed Schwarzschild

    The title of the album, Trespassers, came to Gockley and Schwarzchild after a performance by Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy. The duo got lost on the way back to Albany and found themselves in a remote spot with “NO TRESPASSING” signs and the name of the album came to them. Of the title, Schwarzchild shares, “‘Hey we’re all trespassers now, let’s try to do things together, see each other clearly, see ourselves clearly.’”

    Legendary producer Don Fury propelled the band’s sound forward, with the 11 songs ranging in instrumentation and tone. Backing vocals from Zan Strumfeld (Zan and the Winter Folk) and Melissa Thorne (Fol Chen) also strengthen the songs on the record. 

    Doctor Baker’s Trespassers includes heavily distorted tracks such as the title track and slows to pieces such as “Holiday Lights” as a change of pace. The instrumentation of the album at times sounds light and cheerful but after closer inspection of the lyrics, the band adds depth to each of the tracks including vivid descriptions and reflections of politics, climate change, and the human condition. There is a relatable song for every listener on this album.

    In celebration of Trespasser’s release, Doctor Baker will be performing at The Linda on Sept. 10, and Albany Distilling Company on Sept. 23. Fans of the band can keep up with them on Instagram, here.

  • The Uncle Louie Variety Show to Come to The Egg in October

    On Oct. 15, The Uncle Louie Variety Show will come to The Egg in Albany for a night of comedy, original music, and more.

    Comprised of two comedians, Lou Greco and Carlo Russo, the show takes a hilarious and unique look at what it is like growing up as an Italian-American. Originating from Syracuse, Greco and Russo grew up together and began writing comedy during their high school Italian class. 

    What first started as a few ideas on tape grew to hilarious shows on video. Fans can find the pair on YouTube and Facebook, where they make millions of viewers laugh with their writing. Characters such as “Uncle Louie,” “Pasqualino,” “Zia Maria,” and “Zia Rosa,” are always getting into trouble and causing great reactions from crowds.

    Attendees of The Uncle Louie Variety Show can expect two hours of original music, sketch comedy, and stand-up by Greco and Russo. After 30 years as friends, the duo’s stage presence brings a unique energy to their performance. 

    Over the year, the pair have traveled around the East Coast with “The Hard Comedy World Tour,” which Greco and Russo resumed in August. The tour will take the friends to the West Coast, southern United States, Canada, Australia, and England. 

    For tickets to The Uncle Louie Variety Show on Oct. 15, visit The Egg’s website, here.

  • Khruangbin and Vieux Farka Touré Release “Tongo Barra” off Upcoming Album

    Musical trio Khruangbin and Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré have released “Tongo Barra,” a preview of their upcoming collaborative album Ali. The project honors Vieux’s late father, Ali Farka Touré, who helped shape African desert blues throughout his career.

    Khruangbin trio pose in front of blue wall with Vieux Farka Touré
    Photo Credit: Jackie Lee Young

    Over five minutes long, “Tongo Barra,” is accompanied by a visualizer of hypnotic patterns. Sung in the Malian Songhai dialect, the single is engrossing and captivating. “Tongo Barra” is a fuse of blues, dub, and groove, as is the highly anticipated album which releases on Sep. 23.

    The single release is the newest from the pairing, with the lead single “Savanne,” released earlier this year with widespread acclaim. All 8 songs included on Ali pay homage to Ali Farka Touré, with a renewed West African blend that Khruangbin and Touré hope reaches new generations and audiences. Ali Farka Touré’s music touched so many and is consistently ranked as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

    Cover art based on the original work ”Homme Du Sahel” by Abdoulaye Konaté, 2015. Courtesy of Primo Marella Gallery, Milan. 

    Prior to the album’s release, the collaborators announced listening sessions at SEY in Brooklyn and Fringe in Paris. Attendees can immerse themselves in the music and enjoy bespoke tea in a respectful setting. Attendees will be selected at random through a ticket lottery with winners chosen on Sep. 9. The pairing will not be in attendance but the event will have voiceover introductions from the artists. For a chance to attend, visit here.

    “Tongo Barra” from Khruangbin and Vieux Farka Touré solidifies the group’s creativity and commitment to honoring a late musical legend. The single pulls you in and the album, Ali, is sure to include tracks created to do the same. Stay tuned for when the full album releases on Sep. 23.

  • Sara Bareilles to Play Benefit Concert at The Capitol Theatre

    On Thursday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m., Sara Bareilles will play a full-length benefit concert at The Capitol Theatre in support of Pace Women’s Justice Center. The Raising the Bar Benefit Concert with Bareilles marks PWJC’s 30th year of protecting thousands of women and children.

    Sara Bareilles headshot next to poster for the benefit concert.

    Pace Women’s Justice Center is a nonprofit legal center located at Pace University. The self-funded center provides legal services to over 3,500 victims and survivors of domestic abuse. PWJC offers services, community partnerships, education, and awareness.

    A Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Bareilles recently finished an engagement of “Into The Woods” on Broadway. Known in music for her powerful lyrics and piano-based pop sound, Bareilles has also had an impressive career as a singer, actress, and author. 

    It is thrilling to have Sara Bareilles collaborate on our benefit concert to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence … at a time when the rights of so many are being challenged, it is imperative to continue our work, protecting the rights of women and victims of abuse.

    Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director for PWJC

    The Raising the Bar Benefit Concert honors PWJC’s commitment to increasing access to justice and providing free legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The monies raised from the event at The Capitol Theatre will allow the PWJC to continue helping those who need it.

    During the concert, the center will also honor Pam Kaufman, President and CEO of International Markets, Global Consumer Products &  Experiences at Paramount Global with their Making a Difference Award. PWJC gives the award each October to an individual who dedicates support to the PWJC mission and its clients. 

    For more information about the benefit concert, and for tickets, visit The Capitol Theatre’s website, here.

  • Sweats Release “Lose My Mind” Off of Upcoming Album

    On Aug. 26, rock band Sweats released their latest single, “Lose My Mind,” off of their forthcoming album, I End Where You Begin, due for release in the coming weeks.

    the sweats

    Different in theme from their previous single release earlier this summer, Sweats grapples with a sense of anger at the state of America today. Of the track, the band shares, “the song is born to a nation where patriotism has become pantomime and division dominates compromise.”

    The political stance of the single is clear to listeners of “Lose My Mind.” With intense rock instrumentation, the emotional turmoil of the track envelops you. Electric guitar riffs, upbeat percussion, and vocals from Travis Durfee along with lyrics pull you in.

    Durfee passionately sings, “He’s got an open carry and closed mind / He’s at the rally / He’s feeling fine.” The lyricism paints a vivid message true to the theme of the song. The single also varies in sound and creative choices on vocals and synth to keep audiences guessing at what may be next.

    From the Finger Lakes region, Sweats consists of Travis Durfee (vocals, guitar), JM Sincock (drums), Rob Kurcoba (bass), Tony DeLuca (keys), and Nick D’Aloisio (guitar). The band channeled the ethos of Rage Against the Machine and Queens of the Stone Age for “Lose My Mind” which was produced in collaboration with Mike Capporizzo of Pyramid Sound in Ithaca. 

    “Lose My Mind,” as the newest release from the Sweats, is a must-listen. The track is available now on all streaming services. The upcoming album, I End Where You Begin, is also available for pre-order here.

  • Cory Singer Shares Single and Video “I Still Love You”

    NY/NJ-based singer-songwriter Cory Singer has released his newest single and video for “I Still Love You.” Released on Aug. 5, the visuals of the video capture the emotional experience of reminiscing over a love that got away.

    Cory Singer leaning back looking up on his new single cover.

    The lyrics tackle the turmoil of looking back on past relationships, with Singer vocalizing, “I don’t need another once upon a time / the one and only thing I want in the whole wide world is you.” With a powerful presence, gentle backing piano, and strings, “I Still Love You” brings nostalgia and longing to listeners. 

    This is the most vulnerable song I have ever written. It is my true story of Love and Heartbreak.

    – Cory Singer

    The music video is purposefully simple, allowing viewers to focus on Singer as he reflects and sings about his heartbreak. The song’s message is brought to life in the accompanying music video, with Singer’s emotive expressions driving the theme home. 

    “I Still Love You” is the latest release from Cory Singer, who has built a name for himself as a sensation on TikTok. The artist promotes positivity and inspires others by sharing his personal experiences with autism. Singer is also on the I Am Able Foundation‘s board of directors and an ambassador for the Sound Mind Network.

    Take a listen to the latest release from Singer, below, and follow him on social media.