NYS Music 202​2

Author: Kamra Wint

  • Celebrate Autism Awareness Month With Tiktok Star Cory Singer

    Singer-songwriter Cory Singer has recently risen as an advocate for the autistic and neurodivergent. During Autism Awareness Month, Singer serves as an inspiration to those with disabilities around the world. 

    As an individual with Autism, the New Jersey native has worked hard on social media platforms like Tiktok and Instagram to spread awareness and raise support for his community. He has become a social media sensation and gained over 13 million likes on Tiktok, coining the phrase “Let’s Normalize Autism”. 

    Cory Singer also promotes positivity through his music. Following his win on Kandi Burruss’s singing competition, The Kandi Factory, he released a number of singles including ‘Someone’, ‘Goodbye Felicia’ and ‘Blind in Love’. His newest single ‘Break of Dawn’ aims to give hope to those who with disabilities and show them that they are loved. 

    Singer appeared in Joe DiPietro’s  play “The Last Dance” and was nominated for “Best Vocal Performance” in 2013. He went on to continue his theater performances with his 2019 participation in Westfield Community Players “Follies” and the award winning musical “They Call It Gravy, We Call It Sauce”.

    Singer has recently joined forces with the “I Am Able” Foundation. As part of their advisory board, he will provide fresh insights and help bring forth new ideas. “I Am Able” is a fast growing movement created to show the world that those with disabilities are able to live the life they’ve always dreamed of.  

  • National Recording Registry Inducts Music From NY Greats

    The National Recording Registry has announced its list of inductees for 2022, including material from NY natives Alicia Keys, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan and more. Inductions are based on cultural, historical or aesthetic importance. 

    National Recording Registry

    The 2022 class features inductions of Hip Hop and Latin sounds, as well as historical radio broadcasts, a podcast interview and presidential speech. After receiving over 1,000 nominations, the Library of Congress announced the finalized list of recordings that will be inducted this year.

    Harlem native Alicia Keys will receive the honor of having her 2001 debut album, Songs in A Minor, immortalized in the LOC registry. The album became a critical success immediately after its release and won Best R&B Album at the 2002 Grammys.

    A Tribe Called Quest’s 1991 album The Low End Theory will also be inducted, due to its innovative fusion of jazz and rap. The group’s sophomore album was championed by critics as a milestone for alternative rap, opening doors for future artists like Pharrell, Mos Def and The Roots and launching Busta Rhymes’s career. 

    Wu-Tang Clan’s 1993 album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) shaped the sound of hardcore rap and changed the way East Coast rap would sound for years after. The group’s impact on pop culture runs deep and wide as members have launched their own projects. The Staten Island collective has launched the careers of many members including Method Man, Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Ghostface Killah

    James P. Johnson’s ‘Harlem Strut’ cemented the jazz pianist as one of the best of his time. He composed many hit songs including ‘The Charleston’ and inspired a number of great acts to follow including Duke Ellington, Pat Flowers and Cliff Jackson. The pioneering artist was seen as the bridge between ragtime and jazz.

    Max Roach’s 1960 album We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite covered a crucial time of racial injustice and civil rights in America. The five track album was found to be “too controversial” at the time of its release, but has finally been recognized as an important aspect of Black peoples’ fight for equality and liberty. It has been called a “jazz landmark” and “enduring civil rights statement”.

    Public radio station, WNYC, will make an appearance thanks to their courageous coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The NPR station broadcast the first details of the World Trade Center attacks, even as they struggled to keep the signal live. The station would continue to give updates throughout the day. 

    The full list of National Recording Registry inductees can be found here.

  • Cortland Repertory Theatre Announces 50th Anniversary Summer Season

    Cortland Repertory Theatre has announced the activities for their 50th anniversary summer season. Running from June 8 to August 20, patrons will have the chance to see a variety of entertainment at the Little York Pavilion in Preble, NY

    This summer, the Cortland Repertory Theatre will showcase three musicals and two plays, including “Hair”, “Over the River and Through the Woods” and “Kiss Me, Kate”. June 8 -18, the CRT will debut their rendition of the tribal rock musical “Hair”, featuring music by Galt MacDermot and lyrics by Gerome Ragni.  The show examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world, with spotlights on identity, community and global responsibility. 

    From June 22 – July 1, patrons will enjoy a revival of “Over the River and Through the Woods” by Joe DiPietro. Originally produced in 2005, this fan favorite comedy tells the story of a young Italian man navigating moving away from his family as they do everything in their power to stop him. 

    From July 6 – 16, the second CRT revival will make its appearance with the return of “Kiss me, Kate”. Originally performed in 1984, this musical mixes unique characters with classic songs like ‘So In Love’ and ‘Too Darn Hot’. 

    From July 20 – 30, patrons can enjoy the regional premiere of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery “Murder on the Orient Express”. The stage version of this classic mystery will be a special treat to CRT audiences.

    Ending the summer is a special production of Mary Poppins, running from August 3 – 20. Although based on the Disney film and stories by P.L. Travers, new songs and music will be added to enhance the musical’s magic. The classic childhood story will enchant those who see it.

    Every show will be held indoors, as opposed to last year’s season, and CRT has taken great precautions to keep all attendees safe. New technology has been installed in all theatre facilities, including the Pavilion’s theatre and backstage area, as a way to filter air and reduce the amount of germs transmitted. Covid guidelines will be finalized at a later date.

    Five-show summer subscriptions, as well as more ticket information, can be found here.

  • Ariel Arbisser Wants to See Red In New Single ‘Bloodshed’

    Ithaca-based singer Ariel Arbisser embraces the darkness within with her new single ‘Bloodshed’. This is her first release since her 2021 album, Risk of Love.

    The powerful songstress uses the new single as a vehicle to express her personal struggles. We’ve all had moments where we struggle not to become whatever we’re fighting against, whether those issues stem from trauma, frustration or injustice, but while listening to ‘Bloodshed’, listeners can take a moment to stop fighting and give in, if only for a few minutes.  

    “It feels valid and warranted, It’s the side we try to hide and keep tamed that comes out to fight when we’re at our limit. “

    Ariel Arbisser

    The multi-talented singer has delved into many sections of the art world including musicals like “Rent”, “Little Women” and “Candide”, as well as plays like “Museum” and “The Maid”. Arbisser also wrote, produced and starred in the original web series “Sex, Drugs, A Cappella”. 

    In addition to starring in theater productions, Arbisser has also traveled around the US teaching her “Sing It Like You Mean It” module, along with other workshops. The module employs tools from the Meisner Technique to help singers become more comfortable and connected during their performances.

    PC : Drew Bordeaux

    Since 2018, Arbisser has been working on her personal music while helping those around the country learn new performance techniques and ideologies. In 2021, she returned to Ithaca to finalize and release her debut album, Risk of Love, after previously singing with groups like The Funx and Frisky Business.

  • Blue Note Jazz Festival Announces Miami Pop Up

    Blue Note Jazz Festival has announced their Miami Beach pop-up this June. During the first two weekends of June, three great acts will take the stage at the North Beach Bandshell. 

    Blue Note Jazz Festival miami

    In collaboration with the Rhythm Foundation, Blue Note will host performances from George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Buika and Robert Glasper with surprise special guests. These artists were picked based on their contributions and influence within the music industry.

    George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic will kick off the first weekend to remind fans of how he helped to revolutionize R&B in the 70’s. Award-winning vocalist Buika will follow with her custom fusion of jazz and flamenco and Robert Glasper will end the second weekend with a two night run. 

    2019 Blue Note Jazz Festival

    Blue Note Jazz Festival was founded in 1981, with the desire to preserve the rich history of jazz, while also welcoming new audiences. As one of NYC’s cultural institutions, Blue Note has hosted a number of jazz artists including Robert Glasper, Pat Metheny and Ron Carter, along with many rising jazz, soul and hip hop artists.  

    Tickets are available here.

    Blue Note Miami Schedule : 

    June 3 – George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic (8PM) 

    June 4 – Buika (8PM) 

    June 10-11 – Robert Glasper with Special Guests  (8PM)

  • Marco Benevento Catskills Fest “Follow the Arrow” This Weekend, Schedule Released

    Woodstock-based artist Marco Benevento has announced his one day festival, Follow the Arrow, hosted at Arrowood Farm in Accord, NY, just 20 minutes west of New Paltz. On June 18, Benevento will be joined by The Slip, Antibalas, Ratboy Jr. and many more. 

    The festival line up is full of up and coming NY artists including Mikaela Davis & Southern Star, Karina Rykman, Jayla Kai, Alecia Chakour and Stuart Bogie.

    Benevento will also have a number of collaborations during the festival including Surprise Me, Mr.Davis, 40 Love with Alecia Chakour, and the Benevento Family Band, with his wife and daughters.

    The event will close with a Marco Benevento & Friends set featuring special guests Scott Metzger, Stuart Bogie, Cochemea Gastelum, Sam Evian and Burnell Pines.

    Follow the Arrow
    PC : Seth Olenick

    Benevento will also be celebrating the release of his 6/10 album, Benevento. Created in his home studio, the psychedelic project is composed of eleven low-key tracks. The latest single ‘Marco & Mimo’ can be listened to here.

    I love where I live. Every morning I wake up and think to myself how beautiful life is in the Catskills and what a cool community of folks I’m surrounded by, so to have the opportunity to throw a big party with some of my favorite bands and closest friends right in my own backyard is a dream come true.

    Marco Benevento

    Follow the Arrow will have local food artisans from around the Hudson Valley serving meals throughout the festival. Tent and RV camping will be available at the Rondout Valley Campground, along with hotel and lodging options.

    Tickets are on sale now.

  • Ontario’s Texas King Release Acoustic Version of “You”, Announce NY Tour Dates

    Texas King has recently released an acoustic version of their song ‘You’, which was previously featured on their Chances EP. Fans will be able to see this song, and many others, performed live in Buffalo, Manhattan and at Rochester’s Lilac Festival.

    The original recording of ‘You’, featured on the band’s latest EP, shared playtime with five other anthemic tracks focused on themes of growth and self discovery. Fans will have the chance to hear all of these songs along with their older material during their 16-date tour, featuring Motherfolk and Loviet.

    “When we started, I played an acoustic and that’s how I wrote most of the early tunes that Texas King played. I wanted to get back to that,”

    Jordan Macdonald

    Formed in Ontario in 2013, Texas King is comprised of Jordan Macdonald (vocals, guitar), Phil Spina (bass), Colin Gray (guitar) and Melvin Murray (drums). The group worked hard to create the hooks and high hats for what would eventually become their 2017 debut album, Circles and the work paid off as they garnered fan acclaim around Canada. 

    Texas King has continued to gain the public’s attention as their performances have expanded into the US, with the group touring for four months through the US and Canada at the end of 2019. A number of singles have charted on the rock radio charts and racked in nearly half a million streams on Spotify. 

    Tour Dates

    April 8 – St. Louis, MO – Blueberry Hill*

    April 9 – Chicago, IL – Subterranean*

    April 10 – Davenport, IA – Raccoon Motel*

    April 13 – Philadelphia, PA – World Café Live*

    April 14 – Boston, MA – Middle East: Upstairs*

    April 15 – Washington, D.C. – Pearl Street Warehouse*

    April 16 – Bethlehem, PA – Musikfest Café*

    April 17 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge*

    May 5 – Toronto, ON – Monarch Tavern*^

    May 6 – Peterborough, ON – Red Dog*^

    May 8 – Cambridge, ON – Rhythm & Brews*^

    May 12 – Rochester, NY – Lilac Festival

    May 13 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works*

    May 14 – Springfield, OH – Indiecraft Festival

    June 17 – Burlington, ON – Burlington Sound Of Music 

    July 23 – Sarnia, ON – Revelree Festival

    *with Motherfolk

    ^with Loviet

  • Dana Fuchs to Release “Borrowed Time” on April 29

    Southern Blues Rocker Dana Fuchs will be releasing her 8th studio album, Borrowed Time, on 4/29. This is her fourth release with Ruf Records. 

    In contrast to Fuchs earlier work, Borrowed Time is centered around the stories of other people and what they’ve learned throughout their lives. By combining her southern rock upbringing with inspiration from legends like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, Fuchs has created a universal listening experience that many can relate to. 

    This marks the beginning of Chapter 2, in music as well as in life, I’m going out into the world and writing about the people who share it with me. My own story is always going to be in there, too, but this is the first album where other people’s stories are informing my own emotions.

    Dana Fuchs

    Songs on the album have themes ranging from love and companionship to political distrust and justice, with each inspired by different real world events and headlines. Producer Bobby Harlow lent his expertise to help Fuchs step away from her previous method of mixing influences and dive deeper into the rock and roll that first inspired her. 

    Fuch’s newest album was recorded in Michigan, with the help of a number of people including her bandmates, bassist Jack Daley and guitarist Jon Diamond, recording engineer Kenny Tudrick, drummer Todd Glass and keyboardist Jordan Champion. With recording completed in eight days, it’s safe to say that this was the perfect combination of people for the process. 

    Listeners can preorder Borrowed Time here.

  • Warden and Co. Define Their Sound With New Album “Somewhere”

    Warden and Co. have released their sophomore album Somewher,e following their 2019 debut Songs for Everyone. The 11 track album covers a range of emotions while helping to develop the band’s Americana identity. 

    Warden and Co.

    Formed in Saratoga Springs in 2011, Warden and Co. have worked their way into the New York State music scene, with genuine folk influences and steady instrumentals. After starting out as children’s and family artists, frontman Seth Warden, violinist Doug Moody, and drummer Brian Melick changed trajectory to focus on a more mature genre. 

    This album covers a broad spectrum of human emotions and experiences: love, uncertainty, frustration, desire, fear, and compassion.

    Seth Warden

    ‘Somewhere’ features a sweet duet with Warden’s teenage daughter, Lovella. The father-daughter harmonies go well with the slower paced instrumentals and give listeners a warm, sentimental feeling inside. It’s a comforting reminder that our parents will always be with us, no matter where we travel. 

    ‘PSA’ is a faster paced track that keeps your attention all the way through. The fun cautionary tale warns of a beautiful, but mysterious woman that will have her fun with you and disappear. Moody’s excellent orchestral skills come through toward the end of the song as Melick’s drums provide a much needed foundation. 

    Warden and Co.

    ‘You’ve Got a Way With Love’ closes the album with a more brash sound and it’s easy to hear how the band has grown over the course of the album. Each member’s talents shine in the almost four minute track. 

    Somewhere is now available on all streaming platforms. 

    Key tracks : Somewhere, PSA, You’ve Got a Way With Love

  • Jason Flashner Releases Double Albums, ‘Rocks’ and ‘Roots’

    Long Island native Jason Flashner has returned with a double album release. Released on the same day, Rocks and Roots work together to provide listeners with a complete musical experience. Rocks was made with a full band and Roots was made as its acoustic partner.

    Both albums feature an 11-song tracklist, with optimistic lyrics dreaming of a better future and human resilience. This double release follows his 2014 album, Indie Tale, which displayed Flashner’s budding musical prowess. Rocks and Roots allowed him to gain a deeper knowledge of his recording equipment, while also giving him the opportunity to record all the parts for his album independently. 

    During quarantine, Flashner chose to immerse himself in the recording process, in an effort to learn more about the equipment and instruments in his studio. After conducting research to see how he could improve his environment, he came to realize that he had more than enough material for an album and chose to express his new found knowledge through these recent projects. 

    “Alive Awake!” draws listeners in with its upbeat, friendly instrumental. The lyrics contain such an earnest appreciation for life that you can’t help, but to think of all the positives in your own life. This catchy album opener is sure to put you in a good mood.

    “Timing”’s relatable message reminds listeners that it’s okay if things don’t go right the first time. There will always be another chance, another opportunity, another day. The strong instrumental and faster pace injects listeners with the added strength they need to get through the day, before closing with a snappy finish.

    “Better Day” showcases Flashner’s optimism for the future. This modern anthem for peace serves as the closer for both albums and encourages listeners to leave behind their greedy tendencies. Slower paced instrumentals really allow the message to sink in.

    Key Tracks: Alive Awake!, Timing, Better Day