NYS Music 202​2

Category: Audio

  • Andy Frasco & The U.N. debut new songs, announce NYE plans in Buffalo

    Andy Frasco & The U.N. played two new songs, overcame an early fiasco and threw a raging party over a two and a half hour long set with many old favorites on Friday, August 19. It marked his his first time playing at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua, NY.

    The band also announced plans for its New Year’s Eve show at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo on Dec. 31.

    Photo by Carla R. Coots

    The band was rocking from start to finish; it seemed like everyone else was surely amped up on plenty of energy drinks or something. Except they hit a snag right into the second song “Blame it on Me” when the power went out on some speakers and Frasco’s microphone was cut. The band quickly improvised, as Ernie Chang on saxophone played as loud as he could while he and guitarist Shawn Eckles traded licks back and forth and drummer Daniel Avila kept the tempo going. Frasco pulled out the signature bottle of Jameson whiskey out and it seemed like an appropriate time to have a drink. Whatever technical difficulty happened, it was enough for the whole band to take a break and get off stage. 

    When they came back, they finished “Blame it On Me” and Frasco and the band seemed like they were ready to get past that mishap and crush the rest of the night.

    Frasco shared some new music with the crowd as he went into “I Miss Getting High Just to Get By,” then he played another new one right after with “High On Our Own Supply.”

    He then played another two rocking songs with “Love, Come Down” and “Slam Piece” and the band did not slow down one bit. Frasco said, “Let’s get the party started,” and cracked open a beer to dump all over himself. He then took a moment to chat with the crowd and get everyone pumped up as they teased the deep riffs of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and went into a short version of Van Halen’s “Running with The Devil” which fit the band with their wild energy and crazy hair.

    “Pay to See Your Smile” then slowed things up a bit along with the song “Better Day” that gave the band a chance to catch their breath and wipe the sweat off their faces. Chang played keys for the song and the slow start built up into an epic climax with guitarist Shawn Eckles giving it 110 percent. 

    Photo by Carla R. Coots

    They played “Baby, Take the Day Off” and then Frasco said he always wanted to play drums on a farm, so the entire band changed which instruments they were playing. Everyone was still rocking, and it seemed like everyone knew what they were doing on each instrument. Guitarist Eckles continued to crush it on every instrument he played form the keys to drums. Frasco ended up on the bass and it looked good on him.

    Back on their normal instruments, and before the next song, Frasco had some jokes for the crowd and then they went into a cover of Sublime’s “Caress Me Down.” They played “Make It Work” and then he said they wanted to play some older songs since this was the first time they played in the area, The band proceeded to go through “Good Man,” “Kind of Crazy” and “It’s Been a Struggle.” Afterwards, they went into a classic rock cover of Foghat’s “Slow Ride” and Frasco said they were going to improvise and play more random songs and then went into “Sunny Day Soldier.”

    Next, they had a singing contest, and every member had their chance. Frasco said that Chang never sings in these, but even he participated this time around. The night was also filled with references to the Buffalo Bills, getting the crowd pumped at every mention of Josh Allen and aspirations for a Super Bowl. Frasco will surely be a favorite in New York when the band returns for their NYE show in December.

    Photo by Carla R. Coots

    They then went into “Smoking Dope N Rock & Roll” and if things weren’t already turned up, the band heated it up even more with a “Blame It On The Pussy” that got everyone back in full rage mode. Frasco then played the fan favorite “What More Can I Say” as the crowd sang all the lyrics along with him. He then got into the crowd to kick off the Shabbat with a Hora as the band played “Hava Nagila” as the crowd went left and right according to Frasco’s instructions.

    The band closed the set with “Dream” and came back out for an encore starting with “Change Of Pace.” Frasco had a heart-to-heart with the crowd and sent us off with his positive song “Keep On Keepin’ On.” But before things were over, he sent everyone back into full rage mode with a cover of Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing In The Name Of.” The crowd knew what they were in for as a circle opened up and it turned into a hardcore show for the last few minutes.

    Organ Fairchild opened the show and Andy Frasco’s main bassist Supa Man was not at the show, with Chris Lorentz filling in.

    Andy Frasco & The UN Lincoln Hill Farms – Canandaigua, NY Aug. 19, 2022

    Setlist: Find A Way, Blame It On Me, I Miss Getting High – (First Time Played), High On Our Own Supply (First Time Played), Love, Come Down, Slam Piece, Running With The Devil (Van Halen cover), Pay To See You Smile, Better Day, Baby, Take The Day Off, Caress Me Down (Sublime cover), Make It Work, Good Man, Kind Of Crazy, Make It Work, It’s Been a Struggle, Slow Ride (Foghat cover), Sunny Day Soldier, *Singing contest*, Smoking Dope N Rock & Roll, Blame it on the Pussy, What More Can I Say?, Hava Nagila, Dancing Around My Grave, Dream

    Encore: Change of Pace, Keep On Keepin’ On, Killing In The Name Of – (Rage Against the Machine cover)

  • 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.

  • Vevo and Pusha T Present Live Performance Videos for ‘Dreaming of the Past’ and ‘Brambleton’

    Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, has announced Pusha T as the next artist in their Ctrl. series with performances of “Dreamin of the Past” and “Brambleton” from his critically-acclaimed album It’s Almost Dry. Pusha T has previously worked with Vevo for a “Vevo Presents” performance in 2011. In 2018 he gave Vevo an exclusive interview focusing on the making of his Grammy-nominated album called, “How The Purple Tape Shaped Daytona.”

    Pusha T gave a live video performance of his record “Brambleton”

    Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of hard-hitting, cutting-edge musicians making an impact in today’s music scene – both emerging and established. These artists demand attention, and Vevo’s Ctrl shines a deserving spotlight. Pusha T’s performances follow sessions from Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Fat Joe, Jeezy, Jadakiss, Fabolous, A$AP Ferg and more.

    It’s Almost Dry arrives as the highly-anticipated follow up to 2018’s highly touted Daytona. In a recent interview with Charlamagne The God, Pusha explained, ”

    I had the best of both worlds in regards to production and in regards to two people that actually understand who I am and they like two different things from me that I feel are both really great…this body of work is untouchable because it doesn’t lean too heavy on either side…you get the whole spectrum. It’s my most well-rounded body of work.

    Sonically, this album was a change of pace for Pusha T. He experimented by combining his luxury rap style with contemporary melodies and flows, with features from Don Tolliver, Lil Uzi Vert and Kid Cudi. Nothwithstanding, It’s Almost Dry still provided some of what made Daytona such an excellent album. Records like “Dreaming of the Past” — where Pusha T blends his eccentric drug kingpin persona with real life anecdotes — are now a staple of his discography and the Kanye West assisted song is one of the highlights of the album. Whereas “Brambleton” sees Pusha T get a bit more personal, with stories of his days in Virginia and addressing figures from his past.

    We was out in Brambleton after Pooh got hit Club Entourage in that new drop six

    – Pusha T

    My brand is all about creating masterpieces,” Pusha recently told Complex.

    This is a legacy thing with me. This is all about being great. This is the realest real estate in hip-hop, and I’m the Martin Scorsese of it.

  • This Week’s EQXposure On WEQX Features Wes Aldrich and Merci Van

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 pm 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 Wes Aldrich and Merci Van on EQXposure.

    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. 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.

    Wes Aldrich- “Petty Kind,” “Door Beneath the Water” “Ina field with Goats”

    Wes Aldrich writes from the heart with haunting melodies to upbeat pop rhythms. He is the lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter for his bands Hug the Dog and Ballroom Sofa. Three songs from his album Balance will be played on Sunday.

    Merci Van- “Awkward Conversation” and “Red Riding Hood”

    Merci Van is from Saratoga Springs and makes synth post-folk music. Members are Alicia Macier Van Scoy, Ed Cormac, and Katlyn Celentano. The new songs are off their Demos EP.

  • Turkuaz Releases Material From Band’s Final Albums

    Turkuaz has announced the release date for its last albums. Paradiso, inspired by the band’s recent sound, which draws on synth and electronic influences, and Apollyon, a funk-laden 12-track that pays homage to the band’s roots, will both be released on September 9.

    In advance of the band’s final release, Turkuaz has also shared the single “Strange People (Strange Times)” as well as its B-side “Feel No Pain.”

    The forthcoming albums were recorded before the 2021 exit of several band members amid the ensemble’s final tour, which left two founding members, Taylor Shell and Dave Brandwein, to polish these final albums,

    It’s bittersweet finally putting these records out. Taylor and I are obviously sad about the break-up of the band. Though we have our frustrations, what seems most important right now is to give something to the fans that have supported us all these years, and we hope that two full albums of new Turkuaz material will serve as a half-way decent consolation prize in lieu of being able to tour anymore…This release is a celebration of the legacy and sound that the nine of us built together.

    ~ Dave Brandwein

    According to Brandwein, the forthcoming albums show two very different sides of Turkuaz. The musician views Apollyon as an old-school take on the group’s sound, drawing on an increasingly raw edge that still allows room for elaborate grooves and the band’s true funky spirit. Whereas, Paradiso is a modern, synth-laden exploratory that captures elements of Turkuaz’s developed tone in more recent years. Moreover, these albums will allow fans to experience a certain totality for Turkuaz, with the precision of an understood ending.

    Bred out of what Brandwein has deemed a full circle experience, Turkuaz’s final albums deliver two unique sides to the band, which flex distinct facets that showcase a decade worth of hard work and expertise.

    For more information on Turkuaz, visit the band’s website here.

  • This Week’s EQXposure On WEQX Features El Modernist, Jason Wolfman Martin, and More 

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 pm 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 El Modernist, Jason Wolfman Martin, and Shane Guerrette.

    eqxposure on weqx

    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.

    El Modernist- “Something For The Weekend”

    El Modernist are an indie band from Albany, delivering new takes on what is considered indie rock. They mix genres and have a psychedelic sound with pulsating hooks and melodies.

    Jason Wolfman Martin -” Nobody Hears It”

    Jason Wolfman Martin is an artist/musician/curator, active from 1989 to now, with three decades of LPs, CDs, and tapes under his belt. He hasn’t made music in over seven years, and his brand new EP and single serve as a comeback.

    Shane Guerrette-“Lost Without”

  • This Week’s EQXposure On WEQX Features Jason Wolfman Martin, Luminous Crush, and More

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 pm 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 Jason Wolfman Martin, Shane Guerrette, and Luminous Crush.

    WEQX

    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. 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.

    Jason Wolfman Martin- Test Singles EP

    At 7 P.M., the entire Test Signals EP will be played over the air. Jason Wolfman Martin is an artist/musician/curator, active from 1989 to now, with three decades of LPs, CDs, and tapes under his belt. He hasn’t made music in over seven years, and this new EP serves as his comeback.

    Shane Guerrette- “Lost Without”

    Luminous Crush- “Binary Star”

    Luminous Crush is made up of Laura Molinelli and Ben Campbell, who make a wide variety of music spanning multiple genres like bluegrass, country, indie, and psychedelic.

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, The Eastern Highs, Gracies Paris and more

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm 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 The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Eastern Highs, Gracies Paris and many more.

    Great Pacific Garbage Patch The Eastern Highs

    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. 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.

    The Eastern Highs – “Redwood Trees” & “One More Star”

    The Troy NY quartet The Eastern Highs produces a captivating soundscape which combines classic & modern sounds reminiscent of The Band, Wilco, Pink Floyd and Radiohead. Two songs will be featured this week on EQXposure, “Redwood Trees” & “One More Star.”

    The Great Pacific Garbage Patch – “waiting” 

    The Great Pacific Garbage Patch features Jordan Demarest on drums, Dan Haggerty on bass, and Will Kachidurian on guitar and vocals, who call Albany home. Their newest song “waiting” will premiere on EQXposure, for now listen to Game of the Year Edition below.

    Gracies Paris – “Baby Now”

    On original power pop rock band from Albany, Gracies Paris is a hook-oriented group formed in 2007 featuring Carl Ferritto (vocal and guitar), Eric Buechner (drums), and Randy Rose (bass). Together, Gracie’s Paris will keep you yearning for more, as each new song pushes them in a different direction.

  • Piper Page Refuses to Settle For ‘Breadcrumbs’

    Navigating relationships as a young adult is akin to walking a maze blindfolded, often never knowing where you truly stand. While the term “dating” remains a pseudonym for two people getting to know one another, Gen-Z has developed its own distorted relationship standing, where the two parties are neither “just friends,” nor committed, yet are dependent on one another. On the single “Breadcrumbs,” Piper Page brings transparency to a messy situation.

    The song came right from a personal experience with my ‘ex-who-wasn’t-really-my-ex.’ We had an on-again, off-again relationship for several months and it inspired me to write about the concept of ‘breadcrumbing’ which I had just come to learn about.

    Breadcrumbing is defined by Urban Dictionary as “the act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal text messages in order to lure a sexual partner without expending much effort.” The song “Breadcrumbs,” is a soulful ballad that sees the 21-year-old Brooklyn native cleanse herself of her situation-ship. Remaining brutally honest about her standing within this cycle of ambiguity.

    Piper Page’s songwriting paints a vivid picture as she recounts a common tale within the current social media based dating scene. While infidelity has alway played a part in relationships, Piper Page captures the essence far less desirable role of “best-friend, with a little romance and flirting in the DMs.”

    The meanings are supposed to be completely obvious and relatable. Navigating dating is recognizing that at a certain point, you just have to say what you mean. Instead of always thinking someone is going to know what you mean.

    The record is one in a slew of singles from the songstress in anticipation of her upcoming album, Based on True Events. Singles like “Do You Want Me Or Not?” and “Risk” follow similar themes of “experiences with dating and exploring relationships as a young adult for the first time.” Yet, Piper Page’s polished vocals gives each record a mature feel.

    https://youtu.be/TLKaCFMZsM4

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Precious Metals, Gordon St., Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm 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 Precious Metals, Gordon St., and Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band, and many more.

    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. 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.

    Precious Metals – “Jacqueline”

    Precious Metals is a solo endeavor led by Troy singer-songwriter J Lee White, features a rolling cast of contributors. The band’s high energy alt-rock sound pulls from the early 2000s emo explosion and 2010s indie rock revival.

    Gordon St. – ”Hey Dan”

    Schenectady based rock combo Gordon St. is made up of veteran Local 518 musicians Dan Noonan (lead vocals, bass), Ritch Harrigan (vocals, guitar), and Jason Nowak (drums, vocals) and have been recording and performing in New York’s Capital Region for over a decade. On this week’s EQXposure, Gordon St. will preview “Hey Dan,” their next single, due out July 1.

    Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkilll Band – “Family Owned”

    Born in Florida to a Danish immigrant and a blue blooded American girl, Kristain’s family moved to New England where his father worked as a fisherman. He lived with his grandparents and began singing in the church choir where his voice was recognized by his Reverend, a former professional tenor. Kristian realized the impact his voice had upon people once he opened his eyes after singing the Lord’s Prayer and seeing the silent tears fall from faces he had never met. 

    Outside of church Kristian sang shanties,Celtic and Scandanavian songs at local bars and told stories of fisherman coming home from sea. Over time he progressed as a songwriter and ultimately developed a following, He joined several rock bands through the years where he won awards for his voice. While a member of a metal band, Kristian was nominated for the Boston Music Awards for best male vocalist. He however, did not feel like this genre was a good fit for him. He wanted adventure, so he traveled to Nicaragua to perform on television in Managua. While there, he was photographed sitting around a table relaxing in the capital with an AK-47 in his arms; as if this was war torn country was just another place to find stories for his songs. 

    This experience awoke something in Kristian, he found a freedom that only his ancestors had known. He began taking his music back to his father’s homeland, where it was received like a son coming home to his family. Although his intentions were to bring music to the world; after starting a family in the US, it was at the dinner table where he truly found home. A divorce inevitably threw Kristian back into performing. He was jailed after fighting for equal rights for fathers in Massachusetts. Having lost everything, he began to rebuild his life. Upon release from prison he began work on The Gravel Church. He wrote about his experiences in prison, starting over and how he found hope.