NYS Music 202​2

Author: Faith Logue

  • Sophistafunk Will Be Guy Fieri’s House Band for Guy’s Ultimate Game Night

    Syracuse funk band Sophistafunk has announced some exciting news as they will be the house band for the new game show hosted by Guy Fieri, Guy’s Ultimate Game Night, which will air on the Food Network on the Discovery+ streaming platform.

    Sophistafunk

    Sophistafunk is comprised of Adam Gold (keyboardist), Jack Brown (frontman), Tommy Weeks (saxophonist), and Emmanuel Washington(drummer and vocalist). Gold spoke about how excited and surprised the band was, and how it all came together.

    He told us many years ago at a Super Bowl party we were playing for him with Kid Rock that when he gets a late-night show he’ll ask us to be the house band.  We remember him saying that, and now he’s following through! When he (Guy Fieri) first came to Funk ’n Waffles 10 years ago we performed on the episode of DDD that they filmed and we handed him a bunch of CDs and t-shirts.  At the next location he was filming that day he called me on my cell phone and said he loved the music and wants us to perform at his birthday party.  We have been friends ever since!

    Adam Gold

    They will be playing the theme song and providing music throughout the game show and signed on for the first ten shows, with the first five airing on Sept. 7, 14, 21, and 28 on The Food Network, and streaming on the Discovery+ platform.

  • Twiddle Announce Jam Packed Tour, with Shows in Port Chester

    Vermont-based jam band Twiddle announced a fall tour, with a lineup of artists including Of Good Nature, Dogs In A Pile, and Neighbor. There are multiple dates in Port Chester at the Capitol Theatre.

    twiddle tour

    The band includes Mihali Savoulidis [vocals, guitar], Ryan Dempsey [keys, organ, synth], Brook Jordan [drums], and Zdenek Gubb [bass]. They have 18 years of touring under their belt and are celebrating their fifth full-length album Every Last Leaf on this tour.

    The Twiddle tour features 23 shows in 19 cities, with two shows in Port Chester, with one show being their annual Frendsgiving celebration on Nov. 25 with support from Dogs In A Pile. The next day, they will have another show at the Capitol Theatre with support from Neighbor.

    Tickets for Twiddle’s Fall Tour are on sale now.

    Twiddle Fall 2022 Tour

    Oct. 25- Charlottesville, VA @ The Jefferson Theater *

    Oct. 26- Charlotte, NC @ The Underground

    Oct. 27- Live Oak, FL @ Suwannee Hulaween

    Oct. 28- New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina’s #

    Oct. 29- Tuscaloosa, AL @ Druid City Music Hall #

    Nov. 2- Fayetteville, AR @ George’s Majestic Lounge #

    Nov. 3- Dallas, TX @ Deep Ellum Art Co. #

    Nov. 4- Houston, TX @ Last Concert Cafe #

    Nov. 5- Austin, TX @ Mohawk Austin #

    Nov. 8- Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room Lounge #

    Nov. 9- Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater #

    Nov. 10- Chicago, IL @ Park West #

    Nov. 11- Covington, KY @ Madison Theater #

    Nov. 12- St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall #

    Nov. 25- Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre #

    Nov. 26- Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre =

    Dec. 6- Grand Rapids, MI @ Elevation =

    Dec. 7- Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue Theatre =

    Dec. 8- Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl =

    Dec. 9- Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse =

    Dec. 10- Asheville, NC @ Salvage Station *

    Dec. 16- Burlington, Vt @ Higher Ground

    Dec. 17- Burlington, Vt @ Higher Ground

    *Of Good Nature

    # Dog In A Pile

    = Neighbor

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Lucas Garrett, Architrave, And More

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 P.M. 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 Lucas Garrett, Architrave, and Scothcka.

    EQXposure

    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 and showcases new music on EQXposure. 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.

    Lucas Garrett – “Together”

    Lucas Garrett is a musician from Upstate New York, who has played professionally for over nine years. He has a unique style that blends progressive rock, folk, new wave, and indie, which audiences enjoy. His newest single “Together” is out now.

    Architrave – “Lorem Ipsom”

    Architrave is a synth-pop duo from Ballston Spa, made up of Jennifer Maher Coleman and Paul Coleman. Their unique blend of synth and alternative sounds makes listeners really enjoy them, and their new single as well as an accompanying video is out now.

    Scotchka – “Painted World”

    Scotchka is a rock band from Albany that blends emo, pop punk, and alternative influences for an energetic, introspective style. Formed in 2016 under a different name, the band released their first EP, Locket, as Scotchka in 2018. Their song “Painted World” off of their new album Corinthians will be played on EQXposure.

  • Rochester Artist Sam Nitsch Releases New Album

    Rochester artist Sam Nitsch is releasing his brand new album Under the Influencer, which expands on common criticisms of social media.

    sam nitsch
    Photo Credit: Maddy Nguyen.
    v

    Nitsch originates out of Rochester and is a multi-instrument recording artist and has been a member of several orchestras and chamber ensembles, eventually becoming an awarded concertmaster of the NY Conference All-State String Orchestra.

    He has provided backup vocals for Josh Groban’s summer tour during his stop in Saratoga Springs and performed for Rochester Philharmonic League Young Artists Auditions Winners Recital and the Rochester Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

    Sam Nitch’s second album Under the Influencer comes out on Aug. 26, and it is written about the common criticisms of social media, and how it can be harmful to those who compare themselves to others. He wrote this during the pandemic when suddenly everyone became isolated.

    His most recent single “Follow Me” is an upbeat, chill song with lyrics about social media and cancel culture. The chorus “Follow me/Like what I do/Tell all your friends to follow too/What can I say?/It’s what I do/Find what you want,” is a good comment about society and social media, and how we are so concerned with our followers and who is following us, it is addicting.

    The brand new album from Sam Nitsch called Under the Influencer is out now on all streaming platforms.

  • The Big Climate Thing in NYC Has Been Postponed

    The Big Climate Thing, scheduled for Sept. 16-18 at Forest Hills Stadium, NYC, has been postponed. The festival was supposed to feature artists like Haim, The Roots, Sheryl Crow, Princess Nokia, and more.

    the big climate thing

    The three-day festival focuses on raising awareness for climate change initiatives in association with Brian Eno’s EarthPercent organization. In a statement, the organization felt they couldn’t produce the event in a way that met the high standards for participation, impact and sustainability, which are the foundations for the festival.

    They take those fighting for survival on the front lines of ecological disaster and environmental justice incredibly seriously, therefore postponing the event until 2023 was the correct move. They acknowledged the amount of time and effort that went into the behind the scenes planning of the event, and they are looking forward to bringing a renewed platform “for those who truly inspire us with their commitment to creating a more just, equitable and habitable planet.”

    Refunds will be issued at the original point of purchase, and if you ordered through AXS, a refund will automatically be issued to the credit card you used to purchase within 30 business days.

  • MSG Entertainment mulls MSG and Radio City Split

    MSG (Madison Square Garden) Entertainment announced it is considering spinning off venues like Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall into two separate companies.

    MSG

    Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment. The Company presents or hosts a broad array of events in its diverse collection of venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre. 

    Under the possible spinoff, the company would retain its “immersive” MSG Sphere venues and its majority interest in the dining and nightlife company TAO Group Hospitality. The potential transaction would provide shareholders with greater investment choice and visibility into each company’s businesses and growth prospects

    This potential transaction would create two companies, each with a distinct value proposition for investors.

    MSG Entertainment CEO James Dolan

    The entertainment venues will get spun off to the new firm, and would also get the sports and entertainment bookings including the Radio City Rockettes, the famous Christmas holiday production, and arena licensing agreements with the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers.

    MSG Networks would fall under the potential separate company as well. It consists of regional networks MSG Network and MSG+ and the streaming app MSG GO.

    The spin-off is still proposed and in the works, and investors are eagerly waiting for a final agreement.

  • This Week’s EQXposure on WEQX Features Teddy Bear Savage and Elephant Back

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 P.M. 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 Teddy Bear Savage and Elephant Back.

    EQXposure

    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 and showcases new music on EQXposure. 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.

    Teddy Bear Savage-“Me and My Friends.”

    Teddy Bear Savage is an indie rock band from Balston Spa, formed in 2019. The group is composed of bassist and singer Paul Lambert, lead guitarist Zak Westbrook, guitarist Ryan Halpin, and drummer Mike Atwood. One of their newest singles “Me and My Friends” will be played on EQXposure on Sunday night.

    Elephant Back-“Kiss the Sky”

    Elephant Back describes itself as “triumphant, original, magnificent, unique, and creatively logical.” They are playing a show at Pauly’s Hotel in Albany on Aug. 20, and their song “Kiss the Sky” will be on EQXposure on Sunday.

  • Trey Anastasio Band and Goose Team Up for 8 Show Tour, Stops in Syracuse and Glens Falls

    The Trey Anastasio Band and Goose are teaming up for an eight-show tour in November, with stops in Syracuse and Glens Falls. Fans can expect a full set from each band, as well as unique collaborations.

    trey anastasio band and goose

    Goose is currently traveling on their biggest North America tour thus far after the success of their acclaimed new album Dripfield. They have many sold-out shows coming up as well as a few festival stops including Charleston, SC’s Resonance Music & Arts Festival, and Austin, TX’s Austin City Limits Music Festival. Goose is a four-piece indie groove band from Norwalk, Connecticut made up of members Peter Anspach, Jeff Arevalo, Ben Atkind, Rick Mitarotonda, and Trevor Weekz.

    The Trey Anastasio Band is composed of the lead guitarist and founding member of the famous rock band Phish, for whom he has acquired several Grammy nominations for his work. In the summer of 2017, Phish completed a residency at the world-renowned Madison Square Garden in New York – an unprecedented 13-night run known as The Baker’s Dozen. They return to the road in September with a headline run before teaming up with Goose on the eight-run tour.

    The tour will be stopping in Glens Falls at The Cool Insuring Arena on Nov. 13 and in Syracuse at the War Memorial Center on Nov. 18. re-sale tickets for the tour begin Aug. 17 at Noon ET. General public tickets will go on sale on Aug. 19 beginning at 10 A.M. (local). To purchase tickets, go here.

  • Jon Batiste Leaves Late Show With Stephen Colbert After 7 Seasons

    Grammy-award winner Jon Batiste announced his departure from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert after seven seasons of being the show’s bandleader.

    Jon Batiste and Stephen Colbert
    Jon Batiste and Stephen Colbert, June 2022 (Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images)

    Batiste won Album of The Year at the 2022 Grammy awards for his album We Are and four other awards, as well as being the most nominated artist of the night, with 11 nominations.

    He has been the bandleader on the show for seven seasons with his band Stay Human. He was handpicked by Colbert after taking over the show in 2015, and leaving the show will give Batiste more time to record solo music and work on projects like writing the score to Soul, which won him an Oscar in 2021.

    Colbert announced the news of Batiste’s departure on Aug. 11, saying that guitarist and interim bandleader Louis Cato would assume that role fully.

    We’ve been so lucky to have a front row seat to Jon’s incredible talent for the past seven years. And will we miss him here? ‘Yeah!’ But we’re happy for you, Jon, and I can’t wait to have you back on as guest with your next hit record.

    Stephen Colbert on the Late Show

    Louis Cato is a Portuguese-born, Carolina-bred, and current Brooklyn resident. He is a Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter. He has recorded with Beyonce, Q-tip, John Legend, and Mariah Carey.

    Ahead of Batiste’s departure, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert hosted musical residencies from St. Vincent, James Taylor, and Joe Walsh.

  • PearlPalooza 2022 Lineup Announced for Sept. 17

    The 2022 PearlPalooza lineup for Sept. 17 has been announced, taking place on North Pearl Street in downtown Albany, and featuring a variety of artists.

    pearlpalooza
    Photo by Pete Mason.

    WEQX Director Jeff Morad is excited to bring in a lot of new and old talent to the stage.

    We are thrilled to be able to partner with the Downtown Albany BID and all of the incredible sponsors once again this year to bring some free live music to Pearl Street in downtown Albany!  There is so much talent in this area, it’s tough to decide who to put on the stage, but we think our local picks for this year will blow you away, plus the national acts and the return of Phantogram to the PearlPalooza stage will be something very special.

    The day starts out will YogaPalooza, the Capital Region’s only street-wide mass yoga gathering, at 11 A.M. After that, the music begins with BattleaXXX [battle ax], a hard-working trio of all-female rockers from Albany, starting at 12 P.M. At 1:30 P.M. comes Precious Metals, a solo project by Troy singer-songwriter J Lee White. The band’s sound pulls from the early 2000s emo explosion and 2010s indie rock revival.

    At 3 P.M. Arizona newcomer The Kaleidoscope Kid is playing. He blends counter-culture music with his broad musical and personal appeal. At 4:30 P.M., Los Angeles band Whole Damn Mess is playing. Made up of Don Miggs, C. Todd Nielsen, Lawrence Katz, and Greg Hansen, they bring a new perspective on reality and an understanding of the challenges to maintain a piece of yourself in the face of mounting responsibilities. 

    The featured artist this year is Phantogram at 6 P.M. Comprised of lifelong friends Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel, they amassed over a billion streams, achieved one platinum-certified single, two gold-certified singles, and have played at top festivals with artists like Arcade Fire and Miley Cyrus.

    The 2022 PearlPalooza will be happening on Sept. 17 from 11 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. on North Pearl Street in Albany. This free event will feature lots of local and national acts, as well as great food and beverage vendors.