NYS Music 202​2

Author: Pete Mason

  • Dirt Farmer Festival returns to Arrowood Farms in Accord on May 21

    Levon Helm Studios is proud to welcome back the Dirt Farmer Festival at Arrowood Farms in Accord, NY on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Artists will perform on two stages in addition to great local food vendors, craft beer, and other activities.

    The initial lineup for The Dirt Farmer Festival includes the Midnight Ramble Band and Friends, Mavis Staples (Duo) and Amy Helm. Newly announced artists include Sam Evian, Oliver Wood, Conner Kennedy & The Onestar Band, Glen David Andrews, Owl & Crow, and Rock Academy with special guests Grahame Lesh, Sister Sparrow (Arleigh and Jackson Kinchloe), and Cindy Cashdollar with more to be announced.

    Arrowood Farms is the Hudson Valley’s premier farm brewery located at 236 Lower Whitfield Rd, Accord, NY – 20 minutes west of New Paltz and 30 minutes southwest of Kingston.

    A barnburner pre-sale began Wed 3/16 at 10am and a Public On-Sale Fri 3/18 10am.

    There will be limited on-site parking available for $10 per car, with carpooling strongly encouraged. Gates open at noon and the evening of music ends at 9:30pm. Empty reusable water bottles are encouraged to refill water, as are low-backed chairs. The Dirt Farmer Festival will be held rain or shine. VIP Tickets will include access to VIP hangout area with exclusive viewing in front of the Main Stage, access to indoor flushable bathroom, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and VIP-only beer specials.

    Watch Amy Helm perform “This Too Shall Light” in 2018.

  • Upstate NY Director and Singer/Songwriter collaborate on score for “Panama”

    Nashville needed Upstate New York for the upcoming film Panama before it could arrive in theaters.

    Panama is loosely based on a true story of a special operations guy (Cole Hauser, who plays Rip on Yellowstone) getting mixed up in the US invasion of Panama in 1989. Mel Gibson stars as his point man in the military. The film is directed by Mark Neveldine (Crank) with music composed by Central New York native now in Nashville, Mick Fury.

    panama

    Neveldine, was born and raised in Watertown, and called upon Fury to compose the score in his studio. Stunt coordinator/actor Frank Blake, also from Watertown, organized his team from his home base in Nashville. Fury shares how we connected together with the film crew:

    So initially they liked some of my old Rock band (from Syracuse) Silent Fury’s music and asked to license that. A month later when I got officially hired I first got to sit with the director and hear what emotion he was hoping to present in each particular scene. They call this a “spotting session.” After spent a few hours on that, I hopped into my studio with a rough cut of the film and got to work. Most of the score was scenes you would guess, gun fights, drama, chase scenes, military stuff…but there’s a few scenes with some pretty intense love making happening. Certainly never expected my career to take a turn for softcore porn music! Lol. It wasn’t really that graphic, but it is intense and it’s a unique inspiration to compose for. 

    In Panama, Fury paints a soundscape of 80’s influences from cumbia (the folk music of Panama) to synthesizers to straight up rock n’ roll.

    panama
     Photo Credit Brett Berwager 

    I was working on the film as they were editing the video, which is not typically how its done. Usually they would finish the video and then send it to me, but the music is such an integral part of this film they wanted me in on the ground floor. As such, sometimes I’d score a scene, think it was great and send it…only to get an email back with the scene looking and feeling totally different, and a request of “Do you mind looking at this again?” When we’d finished the film, I felt great…until they asked the video team for a few major changes, including the “tone of the film.” That required me to re-score almost the whole thing a second time. Wild and not highly recommended, however I learned so much the first time through that the second time through my compositions were much much better and really helped to nail the mood. 

    Looking back, Fury says he has blocked the six months of struggle, sweat, blood and tears and only remembers a really fun experience that was artistically rewarding. And he can’t wait to do another.

    I have some connections in the movie world, including to the director of this film. It’s Mark Neveldine who did Crank with Jason Statham. I asked if I could get a song in Panama, and he said send something along and they’d see. I did, he and the production company liked it and asked for more. I sent more, and then more again, and again. I was driving across the Golden Gate bridge a few weeks later with my wife on vacation when I got a call asking, “Well, do you think you could score the whole movie?” I had no idea if I could but of course I said yes and here we are lol.

    Panama will release on Friday, March 18th on digital and in theaters.

  • NYS Music March Madness 2022 – Round 4

    Welcome to Round 4 – the Elite 8 – of NYS Music’s March Madness 2022. Eight up and coming bands from across New York State have made it this far, as we highlight the next generation of bands on the rise.

    March Madness 2022 Round 4

    Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness competition that spans all the musical harbors of the Empire State. As fans and musicians, the NYS Music team aims to spotlight the great talent found across New York in a friendly contest, bringing broader attention to the next generation of artists and bands on the rise. March Madness 2022 highlights 64 bands and artists you might not know, but should know, as these homegrown talents are making waves through the New York State. Check out Round 3 here.

    Enter your email address, get to know the bands, and vote for your favorites below!

    [forminator_form id=”404413″]

    Bearsville Theater Region
    Thanks! vs Fine Grain

    March Madness 2022 Round 4

    Meet Thanks! – Saratoga Springs

    March Madness 2022 Round 4

    Thanks! is a six-piece rock outfit from Saratoga Springs, NY. Their style mixes influences of Blues, Alternative, Rock and Jazz together to create a unique and exciting sound. With melodic bass lines, jazz-infused drums, strong horn lines and roaring saxophone laced with deep, gritty vocals, Thanks! leaves audiences with a performance to remember each and every time they hit the stage. Check out their latest single, “I Choose You” and check out some of their other live performances on their website www.thebandthanks.com. You can also catch Thanks! live at Rockwood Music Hall on 3/24 and at Rare Form Brewing Co. in Troy on 3/26! Thanks! will also be hosting the Martin Family Benefit Concert on 4/3 at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs!

    Meet Fine Grain – Troy

    March Madness 2022 Round 4

    Fine Grain, a shoegazy punk band from Albany took both the red and blue pills with a Genny and got banned from Trader Joe’s. The girthy tones of this gritty group will remind you of late nights on a stoop in September, your first beer after work, weird questions about your parents cephalopods, and of course, the crushing weight of capitalism. Fine Grain is currently in the studio at Brunswick Recording, working on new music, and have been incorporating visual projections that sync up to their music, intensifying the experience for fans.

    Funk n Waffles Region
    Sydney Irving and the Mojo vs Gooseberry

    funknwaffleslogo

    Meet Sydney Irving and the Mojo – Syracuse

    Sydney Irving mojo

    Sydney Irving and the Mojo, based in Syracuse, features 18 year old Sydney Irving, who has been named the 2020 young adult artist of the year by the International Singer Songwriters Assocation, where she will perform this summer in Atlanta, GA. Her band ‘The Mojo’ includes Evan Tennant on drums, Luke Hart on Lead Guitar and Randy Tennant on Bass. They’ll be performing across New York and three other states this summer. Sydney received the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist at the 2022 Syracuse Area Music Awards. Catch the band at Turning Stone Casino “The Gig” on March 26 and Turning Stone Casino “Turquoise Tiger” on April 1. Watch “Seasons Change” below.

    Meet Gooseberry – Brooklyn

    Gooseberry

    Gooseberry is a 4-piece band from Brooklyn, born during the Fall of 2019. Their combination of blues, R&B, and indie rock is a recipe for a unique sound that Gooseberry delivers in each song. Listen to their recently released single “Sleep” below.

    DSP Shows Region
    Seize Atlantis vs All Poets & Heroes

    March Madness 2022 Round 4

    Meet Seize Atlantis – Glens Falls

    March Madness 2022 Round 4

    Seize Atlantis has a unique, tight sound fueled by punchy bass, hard-driving percussion, melodic lead guitar, and pronounced moody vocals with meaningful lyrics, a truly dynamic range of soft to heavy Alternative Rock. Formed in 2019 out of Glens Falls, Seize Atlantis is a four-piece band most closely influenced by bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, providing their own spin on a variety of covers from classic rock to modern pop in addition to their own original music. Catch them on Friday, March 18 at Mean Max Brew Works in Glens Falls and on April 22 at Empire Underground with Under the Den, Bad Mothers, and Sydney Worthley. Watch “The Unstoppable Groove” below.

    Meet All Poets and Heroes – Syracuse

    photo by Nicole Morelli

    In the summer of 2015, Rob McCall & Corey Jordan met and founded All Poets & Heroes out of their hometown of Syracuse. That summer, the duo began crafting a sound that explored resonating folk melodies with that of the sensible nostalgia that filled the 90s alternative music scene. Since then, the duo has grown into a full-fledged band developing towards an introspective project that aims to challenge listeners to feel, and to feel deeply. They’ll be at Funk n Waffles on April 15, and you can pre-save their next single, “21,” here, out on March 25. Listen to Occhiolism below.

    The Helping Friendly Hemp Company Region
    HANZOLO vs Big Time Kitty

    helping friendly

    Meet HANZOLO – Upstate

    HANZOLO is a 7-piece band from Upstate New York, toting an explosive and emotional sound that mixes soul, jazz, rock, and funk. Their songs are dance-ably fun with thoughtful lyrics, backed up by a bright horn section. The band’s website contains videos and upcoming tour dates with shows in Albany, Ithaca and the Cooperstown Blues Express. Watch the video for “Not Easy” below.

    Meet Big Time Kitty – the Adirondacks

    big time kitty

    Big Time Kitty (B.T.K.). Is a funky ass two man band based out of the Adirondacks. Catch them this summer at The Hub in Brant Lake NY on May 7, Paradox Brewery in North Hudson on July 16th and in Lake George on July 22. Their SoundCloud page gives you a taste of both their original hits and cover selections like “2001” and “Tubthumping.”

    Voting for Round 4 has closed. Stay tuned for The Final 4 starting on Monday, March 21 at 10am!

    NYS Music has partnered with businesses across New York State to highlight these 64 up and coming bands. Regional sponsors include Funk n Waffles, a premiere music venue in Syracuse established in 2007 with a unique take on the culinary and entertainment industries, offering a wide variety of gourmet waffles and breakfast food, as well as offering live music every night! Bearsville Theater in Woodstock is where Americana was born – where Dylan took folk music and married it to Rock & Roll. where folk went electric, and where Janis took a breath and recuperated, before launching her hurricane energy and heart stopping songs out into the world. Renovated in 2019-2020, Bearsville Theater has an impressive calendar of shows for Hudson Valley music lovers.

    DSP Shows based in Ithaca, NY and Northampton, MA, is one of the leading independent concert promoters in America, with shows at venues including State Theatre of Ithaca, Hangar Theatre, The Haunt, Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, Brewery Ommegang, Asbury Hall, The 9th Ward at Babeville, and Daryl’s House among others. The Helping Friendly Hemp Company offers a wide variety of industry leading products including tinctures, soft chews, and hemp flower, using only USA grown hemp extract.

    The winners of each region will be rewarded with a collection of prizes worth $3000. Partners for NYS Music’s March Madness 2022 include Mirth Films from Albany, a music news/entertainment outlet that specializes in original video content and live streaming, with news coverage ranging across the whole country, who will provide a professional multi-camera recording session at a prestigious venue in Albany for the winning band, premiering exclusively on Mirth Films.

    The XPerience Monthly is the greater Capital Region’s alt-monthly newspaper, bringing independent music and thought provoking articles to the area. The XPerience Monthly will feature the winning band in a newspaper profile and interview this summer.

    Check out Past Years’ NYS Music March Madness Here

  • John Oliver Analyzes Fan Frustrations with Ticketmaster and Live Nation on “Last Week Tonight”

    On the March 13 episode of Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver broke down a myriad of issues with concert tickets, namely, Ticketmaster and its near monopoly on ticket sales for major artists and bands.

    While some information presented in the episode is public knowledge, the writers at Last Week Tonight deftly threaded the details together, offering a clear path from fan frustration when faced with exorbitant prices and a lack of tickets (not to mention insanely long wait times to acquire tickets), to the root causes, namely Ticketmaster.

    Ticketmaster, while disliked by the public, serves as the main platform for ticket sales around the country, accounting for 80% of ticket sales prior to their merger with Live Nation in 2010. Since the merger, there have been complaints, as noted in the New York Times regarding Live Nation pressuring venues into contracting with its subsidiary, Ticketmaster.

    Following the merger, Ticketmaster acquired Front Gate Tickets, which handles ticket sales for music festivals including Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, and that same year, acquired a DIY ticketing platform, Universe. TicketWeb, the self-service ticketing platform owned by Ticketmaster, acquired the marketing platform Strobe Labs, building a social media network in the process. Most recently, Ticketmaster has looked to convert physical tickets into digital ones using blockchain technology, and did so by acquiring UPGRADED in 2018.

    John Oliver pointed out that Ticketmaster absorbs much of the hatred for ticket sales, while artists, promoters, and venues all have a hand in raising ticket sales. This is where drawbacks to boycotting Ticketmaster begin, despite being popularized by Pearl Jam in the 1990s. Oliver noted that when Pearl Jam sought to perform at non-Ticketmaster venues, their manager at the time said the band would need “to play at weird places like a ski resort in Lake Tahoe and a fairground in San Diego.” If Pearl Jam can’t walk away from Ticketmaster, how can other bands, especially smaller artists with no leverage and limited options for venues, expect to avoid Ticketmaster?

    The answer is – they can’t, and now it is even more difficult to do so.

    Where do the tickets go?

    You’ve likely been there – logging in early, watching the clock for the on-sale time, then waiting in the virtual Ticketmaster queue (with 2000 other people in front of you) waiting for your turn to purchase tickets. Then you get to the end of the line, and if the show isn’t sold out already, the seats left available are typically not the best – behind the stage, upper levels, if any at all.

    Using the example of a pair of 2012 Justin Bieber concerts at Madison Square Garden, both of which sold out in 30 seconds, John Oliver points out the details of where the 20,000 tickets for that show went. Noting a NY Attorney General report, fewer that 2,000 tickets (10%) to each show were on sale.

    Where are the rest of the tickets sold? Some are given to credit card companies who partner with Ticketmaster for pre-sale on-sales and private passes that exclusive to credit card holders.

    Then there are the ticket brokers (a rebranded name) who buy them in advance. Even the ‘Are you a robot tests’ are still circumvented by bots via the ticket broker. These brokers/resellers include SeatGeek, StubHub and Ticketmaster itself (Platinum seating) who represent a majority or overwhelming majority of ticket sales, per a 2018 GAO study. They then mark up tickets by 49% on average, and sometimes as high as 1000%.

    The average music fan can login to one account at a time, per device, with a phone number attached to the account to prevent multiple accounts vying for the same tickets. While this seems to present itself as leveling the playing field, John Oliver notes that some brokers have 200 accounts, and Ticketmaster does not make any effort to restrict these ticket brokers.

    Showing video from the Ticket Summit conference in Las Vegas in 2018, undercover reporters discovered via a Ticketmaster representative that ‘damn near every one of them’ is using multiple accounts.

    The system of ticket brokers/resellers is designed to be opaque, providing brokers with anonymity. Resell sites have additional fees built in too, with John Oliver citing a ticket for a January 21, 2022 Adele performing in Las Vegas, resold on SeatGeek, at a cost of $1690 for the tickets, with $538 in SeatGeek fees (a 32% markup), for a total of $2,228. For a single ticket to see Adele.

    Blame is shared among Ticketmaster and ticket brokers – some artists are to blame as well. Justin Bieber’s tour resold tickets on resale sites, with an entire row that had gone to the tour, resold on the secondary market instead of direct to fans at on sale. Metallica did this as well, along with many other artists as well. Restricted resale has been experimented by Pearl Jam without extra fees or profit, but this effort was postponed in 2020 by COVID-19.

    What can live music fans do?

    Typically, Last Week Tonight offers a call to action for the audience, something that has made the Peabody Award winning show stand head and shoulders above their competition (with 23 Emmy Awards, including 8 consecutive Emmys for Outstanding Variety Talk Show, beating out The Daily Show, where Oliver got his start). In past episodes, Oliver has encouraged the use of the FCC public comments website during a Net Neutrality episode, to motivating viewers in taking to the streets to protest the killing of unarmed African-Americans by police.

    This week, however, there was no call to action, simply because beyond a trust-buster in the vein of Teddy Roosevelt taking Ticketmaster and other ticket brokers to task, there is not much that can be done by fans.

    There is one alternative for live music fans in the short term – avoid resale sites by using CashorTrade. Since 2009, CashorTrade has been the only website dedicated to helping face value tickets get into the hands of fans, devoid of the ticket brokers and scammers, and offering protection on purchases. This healthy alternative to Ticketmaster continues to build a base of users that allows a great deal of tickets to be resold at face value, or traded amongst fanbases. If there is one solution fans seek after watching this week’s episode of Last Week Tonight, CashorTrade is that solution, providing anti-reseller technology allowing real fans with a profile and trusted reviews to trade with one another. 

  • Rosalía performs “Chicken Teriyaki” and “La Fama” on SNL

    Spanish singer Rosalía served as musical guest for this week’s episode of Saturday Night Live, hosted by The Batman star Zoë Kravitz.

    Following a TikTok influencers-meet-President Biden cold open, Kravitz was joined by various Cat Women and Katt Williams (Chris Redd) in her monologue.

    Rosalía began singing at age eight, graduated from Barcelona’s Catalonia College of Music with a degree in the Flamenco arts (with studio album Los Ángeles serving as her graduate project) she has appeared in Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain & Glory. Shortly after, Rosalía and her sister Pili launched a brand, gained a massive following in Spain and in 2018 was signed to Sony Music.

    The evening’s performance marked Rosalía’s solo debut on SNL, having performed in 2021 alongside Bad Bunny for a duet of their romantic collaboration “La Noche De Anoche.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EEyiB9NtVg

    The 28 year old Flamenco singer first performed the Latin trap song “Chicken Teriyaki” off the upcoming release Motomami, a track that is prime for TikTok at a run time of only 2:02.

    The lyrics reference various parts of New York City: “De azúcar la mami, todo sin recibo/Leo pentagrama’, pero no lo’ escribo./Desde Queens hasta Tribeca/Un ramo de flore’ azule’ no se seca.” Translated to English the lyrics read: “The mami made of sugar with no receipts/I read pentagrams but don’t write them./From Queens to Tribeca/a bouquet of blue flowers that doesn’t die.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAtUnqdTz2g

    Her second song of the night “La Fama,” is a collaboration with The Weeknd (who did not make an appearance on the Studio 8H stage this evening.) Wearing a large comforter, Rosalía resembled Baymax from Big Hero 6, before ditching the puffy outer layer to reveal a white dress and shawl.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnItVv1EsXw

    Both songs performed his evening will be featured on the upcoming Motomami, the follow up to her 2018 album, El Mal Querer. The Latin GRAMMY-winner told Rolling Stone in an interview that the new album would include both experimental and vulnerable material, with a big emphasis on the theme of feminism.

  • NYS Music March Madness 2022 – Round 3

    And here we are at Round 3 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2022. Below you’ll find 8 matchups between 16 bands and artists from across New York State, from numerous genres, all on the rise and ready to make a name for themselves.

    march madness round 3

    Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness competition that spans all the musical harbors of the Empire State. As fans and musicians, the NYS Music team aims to spotlight the great talent found across New York in a friendly contest, bringing broader attention to the next generation of artists and bands on the rise. March Madness 2022 highlights 64 bands and artists you might not know, but should know, as these homegrown talents are making waves through the New York State. Check out Round 2 here.

    Enter your email address, meet the bands and artists below, and vote for your favorites!

    [forminator_form id=”404413″]

    Bearsville Theater Region

    Ampevene vs Thanks!

    Ampevene from Albany are a fresh, experimental fusion of original Progressive Rock, Psychedelic, and other genres. Ampevene’s music represents an amalgam of the mayhem of Mars Volta, the psychedelic sounds of Pink Floyd, the hypnotic trance-like quality of Tool, and the funk of a Frusciante-Chili Pepper jam. Watch them perform “Valencia” at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs, below.

    Thanks! is a six-piece rock outfit from Saratoga Springs, NY. Their style mixes influences of Blues, Alternative, Rock and Jazz together to create a unique and exciting sound. With melodic bass lines, jazz-infused drums, strong horn lines and roaring saxophone laced with deep, gritty vocals, Thanks! leaves audiences with a performance to remember each and every time they hit the stage. Check out their latest single, “I Choose You” and check out some of their other live performances on their website www.thebandthanks.com. You can also catch Thanks! live at Rockwood Music Hall on 3/24 and at Rare Form Brewing Co. in Troy on 3/26! Thanks! will also be hosting the Martin Family Benefit Concert on 4/3 at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs!

    Fine Grain vs Frank Palangi

    Red pill or blue pill? Fine Grain took both with a Genny and got banned from Trader Joe’s. The girthy tones of this gritty, shoegazy punk band from Albany will remind you of late nights on a stoop in September, your first beer after work, weird questions about your parents cephalopods, and of course, the crushing weight of capitalism. Listen to their 2021 album Missing Adult below.

    Frank Palangi is an indie rock artist from Queensbury, with a fuel and passion that makes his deep and gritty rock a must listen. Combine his vibrato voice and charismatic charm, and you’ve got a rock legend in the making. Palangi’s mission statement is “I have no plan B in backing down on my dreams.” FRANK PALANGI EP V is out now out all major platforms.

    Voting for Round 3 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 4 starting on Wednesday, March 16 at 10am!

    Funk n Waffles Region

    funknwaffleslogo

    Glass Pony vs Sydney Irving and the Mojo

    Glass Pony, a jam band out of Albany have developed a unique sound in the past few years, with a wide array of originals with danceable grooves, unique setlists and compelling improv. Check out their most recent single “Daydream” below.

    Sydney Irving and the Mojo, based in Syracuse, features 18 year old Sydney Irving, who has been named the 2020 young adult artist of the year by the International Singer Songwriters Assocation, where she will perform this summer in Atlanta, GA. Her band ‘The Mojo’ includes Evan Tennant on drums, Luke Hart on Lead Guitar and Randy Tennant on Bass. They’ll be performing across New York and three other states this summer. Sydney received the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist at the 2022 Syracuse Area Music Awards. Catch the band at Turning Stone Casino “The Gig” on March 26 and Turning Stone Casino “Turquoise Tiger” on April 1. Watch “Seasons Change” below.

    Gooseberry vs Logan Whaley Band

    Gooseberry is a 4-piece band from Brooklyn, born during the Fall of 2019. Their combination of blues, R&B, and indie rock is a recipe for a unique sound that Gooseberry delivers in each song. Listen to their recently released single “Sleep” below.

    Logan Whaley Band from Long Island is a culmination of the best material & musicians Logan has written & met over the last 8 years since graduating from Music School. His music can be best described as having old-school sensibilities with a new-school vibe. He released his debut album “On The Cusp” in 2021. Watch the video for their latest single “Funky Tonight” below.

    Voting for Round 3 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 4 starting on Wednesday, March 16 at 10am!

    DSP Shows Region

    Josh Casano vs. Seize Atlantis

    Josh Casano is a local acoustic artist who has been performing in the Capital Region for almost 8 years. Along with covers, Josh incorporates his own writing into each performance. He holds a degree in Music Education from The College of Saint Rose focused on classical guitar, voice, and piano. Josh is currently fronting the group Josh Casano & the Fam. Catch him at The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls on April 21 at 7pm. Listen to “You Said Hi” below.

    Fueled by punchy bass, hard-driving percussion, melodic lead guitar, and pronounced moody vocals with meaningful lyrics, a truly dynamic range of soft to heavy Alternative Rock defines the unique, tight sound of Seize Atlantis. Formed in 2019 out of Glens Falls in upstate New York, Seize Atlantis is a four-piece band most closely influenced by bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, providing their own spin on a variety of covers from classic rock to modern pop in addition to their own original music. Watch “The Unstoppable Groove” below.

    Jess Novak vs All poets and heroes

    Jess Novak takes no prisoners, performing with a fiddle on fire, powerful vocals and a fierce band behind her. The leader of a pop, rock, soul-pumped group from Syracuse brings passion to every performance, with energy, superb musicianship, engaging songwriting and ability to win any crowd. Coming up Jess Novak will be opening for The Aardvarks in Bethlehem, PA on Saturday, March 12 at the Steel Stacks and on Saturday, March 19 at ONCO Fermentations in Tully, NY. Watch her latest video “Shade” below.

    In the summer of 2015, Rob McCall & Corey Jordan met and founded All Poets & Heroes out of their hometown of Syracuse. That summer, the duo began crafting a sound that explored resonating folk melodies with that of the sensible nostalgia that filled the 90s alternative music scene. Since then, the duo has grown into a full-fledged band developing towards an introspective project that aims to challenge listeners to feel, and to feel deeply. Listen to Occhiolism below.

    Voting for Round 3 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 4 starting on Wednesday, March 16 at 10am!

    The Helping Friendly Hemp Company Region

    Jennie Angel vs HANZOLO 

    Jennie Angel is an actress in the Hudson Valley who recently rediscovered her love for music. Started playing the guitar when she was 16 and has been singing she was born, now performing popular country hits! Jennie has most recently been added as a member of the Academy of Country Music and will be attending the awards show in March. She’ll perform on April 9 at Karl Hall in Wilkes-Barre, PA, on May 14 at a benefit for St. Jude’s in Montgomery, NY, and on June 3 at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie. She also goes live in TikTok quite often. Listen to her new single “Move On” below.

    HANZOLO is a 7-piece band from Upstate New York, toting an explosive and emotional sound that mixes soul, jazz, rock, and funk. Their songs are dance-ably fun with thoughtful lyrics, backed up by a bright horn section. The band’s website contains videos and upcoming tour dates. Watch the video for “Not Easy” below.

    METASEQUOIA vs Big Time Kitty

    METASEQUOIA sprouted in 2007, taking root in Ithaca and is getting set to release their new album In The Redwoods in April and partnered with their label, New Vine Records. Following the release, they will be trekking on an album tour, with dates set from April – August in CNY, Massachusetts, Connecticut and surrounding areas. Tour dates and cities to be announced soon! Listen to Trilling below.

    Big Time Kitty (B.T.K.). Is a funky ass two man band based out of the Adirondacks. Their SoundCloud page gives you a taste of both their original hits and cover selections like “2001” and “Tubthumping.”

    Voting for Round 3 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 4 starting on Wednesday, March 16 at 10am!

    NYS Music has partnered with businesses across New York State to highlight these 64 up and coming bands. Regional sponsors include Funk n Waffles, a premiere music venue in Syracuse established in 2007 with a unique take on the culinary and entertainment industries, offering a wide variety of gourmet waffles and breakfast food, as well as offering live music every night! Bearsville Theater in Woodstock is where Americana was born – where Dylan took folk music and married it to Rock & Roll. where folk went electric, and where Janis took a breath and recuperated, before launching her hurricane energy and heart stopping songs out into the world. Renovated in 2019-2020, Bearsville Theater has an impressive calendar of shows for Hudson Valley music lovers.

    DSP Shows based in Ithaca, NY and Northampton, MA, is one of the leading independent concert promoters in America, with shows at venues including State Theatre of Ithaca, Hangar Theatre, The Haunt, Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, Brewery Ommegang, Asbury Hall, The 9th Ward at Babeville, and Daryl’s House among others. The Helping Friendly Hemp Company offers a wide variety of industry leading products including tinctures, soft chews, and hemp flower, using only USA grown hemp extract.

    The winners of each region will be rewarded with a collection of prizes worth $3000. Partners for NYS Music’s March Madness 2022 include Mirth Films from Albany, a music news/entertainment outlet that specializes in original video content and live streaming, with news coverage ranging across the whole country, who will provide a professional multi-camera recording session at a prestigious venue in Albany for the winning band, premiering exclusively on Mirth Films.

    radioradiox

    The XPerience Monthly is the greater Capital Region’s alt-monthly newspaper, bringing independent music and thought provoking articles to the area. The XPerience Monthly will feature the winning band in a newspaper profile and interview this summer.

    Check out Past Years’ NYS Music March Madness Here

  • Radio Woodstock Celebrates International Women’s Day 2022 with All-Women DJ Lineup, Full Day of Special Programming

    Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST celebrates International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 with all female-identifying artists, acts, and music to take over airplay along with female announcers, special guests, and musicians. 

    Radio Woodstock’s All-Stars on-air hosts Aja Whitney, Carly Walsh, and Emma Philippas will join former Radio Woodstock music director Carmel Holt (host and producer of SHEROES Radio). Carmel will kick off the Tuesday celebration at 8 am, leading into a special day of music programming, including an interview and performance by Al Olender. Radio Woodstock staff members Assa Sacko-Zarcone, Brianna Lindgren, Leija Rothenberg, and Elana Sklar will also be featured on-air.

    international women's day 2022

    Radio Woodstock continues to lead the way with an influential all-female current power rotation: Brandi Carlile, Lady Wray, Bonnie Raitt, Arooj Aftab, Big Thief, Lucius, Widowspeak, Mitski, Yola, and Seratones.

    They say ‘women are the future, but I think it’s pretty clear, women are RIGHT NOW, and have always been a force. Embracing our power in music and beyond.

    Aja Whitney, Radio Woodstock Music Director

    Tune in all month long for on-air features spotlighting Hudson Valley women business owners and leaders.

    International Women’s Day (and month) 2022 on Radio Woodstock is supported by Hudson Clothier, Karen Harding Insurance, N&S Supply, and Bearsville Theater. 

  • LonCon 2022 Announces Lineup, Moves to Yasgur Road Campground in Bethel

    Long Island-based jam trio Baked Shrimp have announced the initial lineup for the 2022 edition of LonCon Festival. The two-night camping event, running September 8-10, 2022, will be hosted by the Yasgur Road Campground in Bethel, just a stones throw from the site of the 1969 Woodstock musis festival.

    This year’s event, the second iteration of the band’s annual festival, will feature headlining appearances from lespecial and Baked Shrimp, performing two sets. Also making two set appearances are Pennsylvania based roots act Cabinet, and Brother Maker, a new project featuring former members of Turkuaz. 

    loncon 2022

    The lineup includes an eclectic mix of notable Northeast jam acts, including Star Kitchen, Dogs in a Pile, ElephantProof (featuring Ben Atkind of Goose), Soule Monde, Escaper, and more. The event will also see the debut performance of Aliens Among Us, an all-star lineup featuring members of Twiddle, Goose, Dogs in a Pile, and more. Drunken Doja Monkey and Doey Joey will ensure the music never stops, with both acts scheduled to perform DJ sets. 

    We are beyond excited for LonCon this year! We really worked hard to bring in some incredible talent from all different corners of the jam scene. Many of the performers I grew up going to see live, so having them at LonCon, and having the whole thing at Yasgur’s is really such an amazing collision of dreams coming true. 

    Jared Cowen – Guitar – Baked Shrimp

    The festival is hosted in memory of Lon “Conscious” Gellman, a longtime figure in the northeast jam scene who passed away unexpectedly in November 2020. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Lon Conscious Gellman Memorial Scholarship Fund, benefiting music students at Queens College. 

    A limited number of early bird tickets will be available through Friday, March 11th, followed by a general on sale.  For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit Lonconfest.com 

  • NYS Music March Madness 2022 Round 2

    We have arrived at Round 2 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2022. Below you’ll find 16 matchups between 32 bands and artists from across New York State, from numerous genres, all on the rise and ready to make a name for themselves.

    march madness 2022 round 2

    Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness competition that spans all the musical harbors of the Empire State. As fans and musicians, the NYS Music team aims to spotlight the great talent found across New York in a friendly contest, bringing broader attention to the next generation of artists and bands on the rise. March Madness 2022 highlights 64 bands and artists you might not know, but should know, as these homegrown talents are making waves through the New York State. Check out Round 1 here.

    Enter your email address, meet the bands and artists below, and vote for your favorites!

    [forminator_form id=”404413″]

    Bearsville Theater Region

    March Madness 2022 Round 2

    Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys vs Ampevene

    Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys from Albany perform hard-driving, up-tempo acoustic Americana Roots music from the traditions of country, folk, and bluegrass with creative original story songs from Jim the main focus. Listen to their recent EP Hillbilly Rock n Roll here

    Ampevene from Albany are a fresh, experimental fusion of original Progressive Rock, Psychedelic, and other genres. Ampevene’s music represents an amalgam of the mayhem of Mars Volta, the psychedelic sounds of Pink Floyd, the hypnotic trance-like quality of Tool, and the funk of a Frusciante-Chili Pepper jam. Listen to their David Bowie live set from November 2019 here.

    Caity Gallagher vs Thanks!

    Caity Gallagher is a folk singer songwriter based in Albany, with rootsy compositions and lilting vocal lines serve to showcase intimate lyrics that tell universally relatable stories. Caity has been likened to a modern combination of The Cranberries and Jackson Browne. Listen to her newest single, “Give It All,” here.

    Thanks! From Saratoga Springs leave audiences with a show to remember whenever they hit the stage. What started out as three guys in a basement, has continuously built into a theatrical, reflective and dramatic performance that moves fans of all ages. Listen to their new single “I Choose You” here.

    GRUB vs Fine Grain 

    GRUB is an Experimental Rock group based out of Buffalo/Niagara Falls. Their original catalogue can be described as uniquely inventive, adventurous, and welcoming to new listeners. Each song showcases a seamless blend of genres such as funk, psychedelic rock, electronic, hip-hop, metal, and reggae amidst a pop-esque composition, so there are elements on the table for all. Their website has videos and more.

    Red pill or blue pill? Fine Grain took both with a Genny and got banned from Trader Joe’s. The girthy tones of this gritty, shoegazy punk band from Albany will remind you of late nights on a stoop in September, your first beer after work, weird questions about your parents cephalopods, and of course, the crushing weight of capitalism. Visit here for a link to all their different streaming options.

    Cait Devin vs Frank Palangi

    Cait Devin is a 20 year old alt-pop artist from Utica with a diverse range of audiences and experience in many genres of music. Cait is also a lead guitarist alongside being a singer songwriter, and has put together various shred collabs. No stranger to playing live, Cait has been booking frequent shows in Central New York since she was 15, and expanded to NYC and Nashville by age 16. Listen to her song “K9” here.

    Frank Palangi is an indie rock artist from Queensbury, with a fuel and passion that makes his deep and gritty rock a must listen. Combine his vibrato voice and charismatic charm, and you’ve got a rock legend in the making. Palangi’s mission statement is “I have no plan B in backing down on my dreams.” Listen to his latest single “Dead Man” here.

    Voting for Round 2 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 starting on Friday, March 11 at 10am!

    Funk n Waffles Region

    March Madness 2022 Round 2

    Glass Pony vs Rich Ortiz

    Glass Pony, a jam band out of Albany have developed a unique sound in the past few years, with a wide array of originals with danceable grooves, unique setlists and compelling improv. Check out their most recent single “Daydream”

    Rich Ortiz from Lake George has a style that is truly his own and music that is his soul. A product his family’s cultural diversity and strengths, Rich has focused all of his talents and time on his acoustic solo act since age 17. Watch a profile of Rich here.

    Samsara vs Sydney Irving and the Mojo

    Samsara hail from Long Island, with band members Charlie, Ben and John playing music together at any early age, drawing influence from several styles, including grunge, funk, metal and alternative. They are working on new releases with GRAMMY Award winning Producer Steve Adobbo and have upcoming spring and summer shows, including Rock Stock and Barrels Festival in Rockaway Beach (home of the Ramones) and the Great South Bay Music Festival. Samsara’s alt sound can be heard on their 2021 release Paralyzed in Paradise.

    Sydney Irving and the Mojo, based in Syracuse, features 18 year old Sydney Irving, who has been named the 2020 young adult artist of the year by the International Singer Songwriters Assocation, where she will perform this summer in Atlanta, GA. They’ll be performing across New York and three other states this summer. Sydney received the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist at the 2022 Syracuse Area Music Awards. Watch “Seasons Change” here.

    Gooseberry vs Anthropic

    Gooseberry is a 4-piece band from Brooklyn, born during the Fall of 2019. Their combination of blues, R&B, and indie rock is a recipe for a unique sound that Gooseberry delivers in each song. Listen to their recently released single “Sleep” here

    Anthropic from Buffalo perform grinding death metal, inspired by1980’s grindcore, crust punk and death metal. They’ll play Doused in Death Fest in Buffalo in March. Listen to their 2020 release Architects of Aggression here.

    Logan Whaley Band vs Alliteration

    Logan Whaley Band from Long Island is a culmination of the best material & musicians Logan has written & met over the last 8 years since graduating from Music School. His music can be best described as having old-school sensibilities with a new-school vibe. He releases his debut album “On The Cusp” on March 4, 2022.

    Alliteration from Poughkeepsie perform self-described weird boi punk rock and have recently released their LP Reject. Formed in February 2015, Alliteration combines the driving riffs of alternative and indie punk, elements of a diverse array of genres, and a fun stage presence that shows the passion they hold for their art. Listen here.

    Voting for Round 2 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 starting on Friday, March 11 at 10am!

    DSP Shows Region

    March Madness 2022 Round 2

    Josh Casano vs E.R.I.E.

    Josh Casano is a local acoustic artist who has been performing in the Capital Region for almost 8 years. Along with covers, Josh incorporates his own writing into each performance. He holds a degree in Music Education from The College of Saint Rose focused on classical guitar, voice, and piano. Josh is currently fronting the group Josh Casano & the Fam. Catch him at The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls on April 21 at 7pm. Listen to “You Said Hi” here.

    A band called E.R.I.E. describe themselves as “Four dads from Upstate NY making indie rock” The Albany quartet released their debut project “Don’t Wanna Live, Don’t Wanna Die” just over a year ago on Mint 400 records. Listen to “The Dirt Inside Your Soul” here.

    Dodongo vs Seize Atlantis 

    Dodongo is a funk/fusion band based out of Brooklyn. The group describes themselves as “six friends making it up as we go along.” Listen to their November 2021 performance from Brooklyn Bowl here.

    Fueled by punchy bass, hard-driving percussion, melodic lead guitar, and pronounced moody vocals with meaningful lyrics, a truly dynamic range of soft to heavy Alternative Rock defines the unique, tight sound of Seize Atlantis. Formed in 2019 out of Glens Falls in upstate New York, Seize Atlantis is a four-piece band most closely influenced by bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, providing their own spin on a variety of covers from classic rock to modern pop in addition to their own original music. Listen to “The Unstoppable Groove” here.

    Jess Novak vs DF3

    Jess Novak takes no prisoners, performing with a fiddle on fire, powerful vocals and a fierce band behind her. The leader of a pop, rock, soul-pumped group from Syracuse brings passion to every performance, with energy, superb musicianship, engaging songwriting and ability to win any crowd. Listen to “The Joke” here.

    Donny Frauenhofer Trio, also known as DF3, have been coined as “The Weirdest Music You’ve Never Heard.” Donny’s trio is creatively driven by spontaneity. The group travels through time signatures, styles, and key signatures with ease, making Frauenhofer’s complicated compositions sound like a walk in the park. The group plays a daring brand of original music with unique arrangements of popular tunes tastefully sprinkled in.  Listen to “Daylight” here.

    All Poets and Heroes vs The Sea The Sea

    In the summer of 2015, Rob McCall & Corey Jordan met and founded All Poets & Heroes out of their hometown of Syracuse. That summer, the duo began crafting a sound that explored resonating folk melodies with that of the sensible nostalgia that filled the 90s alternative music scene. Since then, the duo has grown into a full-fledged band developing towards an introspective project that aims to challenge listeners to feel, and to feel deeply. Listen to Occhiolism here.

    The Sea The Sea (Chuck E. Costa and Mira Costa) is an Upstate New York based indie folk-pop duo featuring what Bob Boilen (NPR’s All Songs Considered) calls “excellent harmonies” & Huffington Post calls, “Two of the loveliest male-female voices you might ever hear this or any other year.” The group’s 2020 release, Stumbling Home, dubbed “otherworldly” by RollingStone marks the duo’s third full-length album, and the duo’s first primary recording / engineering credits on one of their albums, as well as that of co-producers—teaming up with recent Grammy and Tony award winner Todd Sickafoose (Hadestown, Anais Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird). 

    Voting for Round 2 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 starting on Friday, March 11 at 10am!

    The Helping Friendly Hemp Company Region

    March Madness 2022 Round 2

    Jennie Angel vs The Pine Boys

    Jennie Angel is an actress in the Hudson Valley who recently rediscovered her love for music. Started playing the guitar when she was 16 and has been singing she was born, now performing popular country hits! Jennie has most recently been added as a member of the Academy of Country Music and will be attending the awards show in March. She’ll perform on April 9 at Karl Hall in Wilkes-Barre, PA and on June 3 at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie. Discover more on her website.

    The Pine Boys reside in Albany and consist of three members: Andrew Cerone, Brett Maney and Sam Lasky. Musically, the group is an eclectic brew of Alternative Rock, Hip-Hop and Funk. They blend character driven story telling with memorable riffs and grooves resulting in something truly their own. They recently released their new album Vacationland and will perform at Pauly’s Hotel on St. Patrick’s Day.

    Kyngjo vs HANZOLO 

    Kyngjo is not only about his melodies but he’s about his business and making his family proud. When he’s not working in Albany he’s networking in Atlanta or in the studio making music. As an independent artist, he is funding his dreams and making the sacrifice to reach his goals. Soon to be the go-to artist for hooks. Check out YouTube for an official video for “Calling Me.”

    HANZOLO is a 7-piece band from Upstate New York, toting an explosive and emotional sound that mixes soul, jazz, rock, and funk. Their songs are dance-ably fun with thoughtful lyrics, backed up by a bright horn section. The band’s website contains videos and upcoming tour dates.

    The Dirty Doves vs METASEQUOIA

    You’d be hard pressed to find a more fitting description of Syracuse’s The Dirty Doves than what you’d find as Urban Dictionary’s top definition of a “Dirty Dove”: “Cute and cuddly as a dove, but down and dirty like a city pigeon.” The Dirty Doves – Jamie Cunningham and Anthony Saturno – have created Pure & Simple, an album that’s somehow sweet, sultry, and serene. Hear for yourself on their Spotify page.

    METASEQUOIA sprouted in 2007, taking root in Ithaca and is getting set to release their new album In The Redwoods in April and partnered with their label, New Vine Records. Following the release, they will be trekking on an album tour, with dates set from April – August in CNY, Massachusetts, Connecticut and surrounding areas. Tour dates and cities to be announced soon! Check them out at metasequoia-music.com

    Annie in the Water vs Big Time Kitty

    Annie in the Water’s music is a groovy combination of Reggae, Funk, Rock, Blues and Jamstyle written with a conscious dose of positive vibes, unique melodies and intelligent lyrics. Their Upstate-centric music evokes the feeling of driving down mountain roads with longtime friends. As the sun rises in the rearview, an unwritten story awaits on the road ahead. Their new album Sun At Dawn is available for pre-order now and an upcoming gig is scheduled at The Hollow on March 4th, 2022.

    Big Time Kitty (B.T.K.). Is a funky ass two man band based out of the Adirondacks. Their SoundCloud page gives you a taste of both their original hits and cover selections like “2001” and “Tubthumping.”

    Voting for Round 2 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 starting on Friday, March 11 at 10am!

    NYS Music has partnered with businesses across New York State to highlight these 64 up and coming bands. Regional sponsors include Funk n Waffles, a premiere music venue in Syracuse established in 2007 with a unique take on the culinary and entertainment industries, offering a wide variety of gourmet waffles and breakfast food, as well as offering live music every night! Bearsville Theater in Woodstock is where Americana was born – where Dylan took folk music and married it to Rock & Roll. where folk went electric, and where Janis took a breath and recuperated, before launching her hurricane energy and heart stopping songs out into the world. Renovated in 2019-2020, Bearsville Theater has an impressive calendar of shows for Hudson Valley music lovers.

    DSP Shows based in Ithaca, NY and Northampton, MA, is one of the leading independent concert promoters in America, with shows at venues including State Theatre of Ithaca, Hangar Theatre, The Haunt, Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, Brewery Ommegang, Asbury Hall, The 9th Ward at Babeville, and Daryl’s House among others. The Helping Friendly Hemp Company offers a wide variety of industry leading products including tinctures, soft chews, and hemp flower, using only USA grown hemp extract.

    The winners of each region will be rewarded with a collection of prizes worth $3000. Partners for NYS Music’s March Madness 2022 include Mirth Films from Albany, a music news/entertainment outlet that specializes in original video content and live streaming, with news coverage ranging across the whole country, who will provide a professional multi-camera recording session at a prestigious venue in Albany for the winning band, premiering exclusively on Mirth Films.

    The XPerience Monthly is the greater Capital Region’s alt-monthly newspaper, bringing independent music and thought provoking articles to the area. The XPerience Monthly will feature the winning band in a newspaper profile and interview this summer.

    Check out Past Years’ NYS Music March Madness Here

  • Charli XCX dazzles on Saturday Night Live

    Charli XCX made her long awaited return to Saturday Night Live, alongside host Oscar Isaac of the upcoming MCU series Moon Knight.

    Originally, Charli XCX was slated to be the musical guest for the Christmas episode of SNL in December 2021, but due to the omicron wave of COVID-19, the show was filmed with a limited cast and host Paul Rudd, and she was rescheduled for the March 5th episode.

    Tonight marked Charli’s second time playing SNL, having first performed on the show in 2014 when her sophomore album Sucker was released. Now in 2022, she’s promoting her forthcoming album, Crash, due out March 18.

    Charli XCX has been performing and writing music for other artists in her decade long career, including “I Love It” by Icona Pop and “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea, in addition to her hit “Boom Clap.” Toeing the line between mainstream pop and being an indie darling, Charli has built up a core fanbase and dabbles in the burgeoning subgenre of hyperpop. On the upcoming Crash, Charli collaborates with Christine and the Queens, Caroline Polachek and Rina Sawayama.

    Before arriving on the Studio 8H stage, Charli showed up as a singing meatball in a disturbing pre-taped sketch, which doubled as veteran cast member Kenan Thompson’s 1500th sketch, an all time best for SNL.

    Her first song, “Beg For You,” featured Charli dressed in a white gown and lengthy bedazzled nails amid a bright stage with flowing scrims, the song sampling the 2007 song “Cry for You” by September.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZKUEmT3J-k

    Her second song of the night, “Baby,” was just released on Friday, March 4, and featured Charli in a black dress with two dancers flanking her and a full band backing her up.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeO_f-Gbzzo

    SNL returns March 12 with host and The Batman star Zoë Kravitz and musical guest Rosalia.