NYS Music 202​2

Category: Media

  • BSF Takeover At The Closing Knitting Factory

    The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn will be closing its doors at the end of this month. Benny The Butcher’s Black Soprano Family played one of the final shows at the venue on Aug. 15. In a statement posted to Instagram, the venue’s management wrote “it is time for the Knit to (once again) reinvent itself.” The last show will be on Aug. 21.

    BSF at the closing Knitting Factory

    The Black Soprano Family (BSF) consists of Heem, Rick Hyde, El Camino, Loveboat Luciano, Fuego Base, and founder Benny The Butcher. The collective has been gaining a lot of momentum lately. Benny had released Tana Talk 4 back in March which included one of the best hip hop songs of the year, “Johnny P’s Caddy” featuring J. Cole and produced by Alchemist. On Sept. 9, Benny and the BSF crew are releasing Long Live DJ Shay, a tribute to their mentor and collaborator who died of Covid-19 in August of last year. The first single from that project is a song produced by DJ Premier called “Times is Rough.”

    Their show at the packed Knitting Factory on Monday night was full of energy and emotion. Benny opened with 3 songs from his solo work including “Raw,” “97 Hov,” and “Survivor’s Remorse.” After that each BSF member had a chance to shine. Rick Hyde got into a track from his debut album called “Pandemic Flow” before he and Heem traded verses on “Da Mob” and “It’s Over” off the Respected Sopranos album. Then Rome Streetz made an appearance to perform “Poza” and “Peri Peri.”

    Next Loveboat Luciano stepped up to perform “Grams In Da Water,” “Lovey,” and “Parole.” Fuego Base got to show off his skills on three of his tracks “First Day Out,” “9.37,” and “Narcan.” Then newest BSF member El Camino came out to perform “India” with Benny and “Josh Allen” off his collaboration album with Chase Fetti titled Bethlehem.

    Next Benny brought out the “first lady” of Griselda, Armani Cesar. She performed “Drill A Rama” and Mac 10s for Everybody” off her album The Liz. Armani is releasing the sequel to this album titled The Liz 2 on Sept. 2. Stove God Cooks also made a quick appearance to perform “Back 2X ” with Benny. The show ended with a few more Benny songs including “Legend” from his Burden of Proof album produced entirely by HItboy, “5 to 50” and “Johnny P’s Caddy.”

    BSF Knitting Factory Setlist: Rubber Bands and Weight, 97 Hov, Survivor’s Remorse, Pandemic FLow, Da Mob, It’s Over, Poza, Peri Peri, 430, The Realest, Fell In Love With the Streets, Grams in Da Water, Lovey, Parole, Shine, Madonna, Wins & Losses, First Day Out, 9.37, Josh Allen, Money Feel Better, Drill A Rama, Mac 10’s Sunday School, Back 2X, Times is Rough, 18 Wheeler, Legend, One Way Flight, 5 to 50, Johnny P’s Caddy

  • 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.

  • Meet You At The Catskill Mountain Jubilee

    The second ever Catskill Mountain Jubilee took place this past weekend. Nestled within the Catskill Mountains at the Blackthorne Resort, the festival provided a great mix of nature and comfort. There was a pool with DJs playing throughout the weekend, several stages, including a late night rave hangar, lakes, cabins, even a haunted house!

    Aqueous & Friends ft Craig Broadhead at The Hangar Stage

    The music was phenomenal throughout the whole weekend. Sit ins included Aqueous & Friends featuring Craig Broadhead, DJ Logic & Friends as well as Star Kitchen featuring James Casey and Natalie Cressman, and DrFameus featuring Glyfiks were the musical sets that stood out to me. Put a saxophone in my face and I’m hooked!

    Craig Broadhead

    Dark Star Orchestra played four sets over the course of both nights with the first night being a recreation of 6/3/76. Highlights included a “Might As Well” opener, “Lazy Lightning,” “Dancing in the Streets,” and a thumping two-song encore featuring “The Wheel” and “The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion).” The second night proved to be much slower and the “Drums” jam was going nowhere. An incredible “White Rabbit” encore brought life back into the crowd, but not without the sound dropping out for a bit.

    Dark Star Orchestra

    After the main shebang there was much to do, late night shows were aplenty. DJ Logic with Craig Broadhead, James Casey, & Natalie Cressman was my favorite late night shindig but I also enjoyed Baked Shrimp at 3 a.m.

    Marc Brownstein with Natalie Cressman during Star Kitchen

    Laura Lee’s gospel set was soul touching and right during that Sunday morning church time. Marc Brownstein made a funny crack about how shorts aren’t showbiz appropriate as he mustered through the hot sun in jeans at the Star Kitchen set.

    James Casey sitting in with Star Kitchen

    Catskill Mountain Jubilee has something going for it; the grounds are really enjoyable. With every event there’s issues and problems that need to be solved but seeing how well it’s done for it’s second year, I think this festival has a bright future ahead. It has a good mix of live and electronic music, activities, chill spots, amenities, and a good crew.

    Dark Star Orchestra

  • Ween Announces Halloween Show At The Beacon

    The legendary alt-rock act Ween has announced two upcoming shows at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, including one on Halloween. The band is set to play four shows in the Northeast at the end of October and early November with the first two at Boston’s Roadrunner and shows on Halloween and November 1 at the Beacon.

    The New Hope rockers have certainly been keeping busy lately, with recent shows in the Pacific Northwest and others lined up in the Southeast for mid-September. And Ween was also featured in the recent South Park 25th Anniversary Special, sharing the stage with Les Claypool as well as Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, the remaining members of Rush.

    Tickets for the two-show Ween run at The Beacon go on sale Friday, August 19 at 10am through Ticketmaster and there is also a pre-sale registration that goes into effect Thursday, August 18 at 10am as well.

    WEEN – 2022 TOUR DATES
    September 15 – Rabbit Rabbit – Asheville, NC
    September 16 – The Eastern – Atlanta, GA
    September 17 – The Eastern – Atlanta, GA
    October 28 – Roadrunner – Boston, MA
    October 29 – Roadrunner – Boston, MA
    October 31 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY
    November 1 – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY

  • Halestorm Rocks The Erie County Fair in Hamburg

    It is that time of the year for each area to have its own local fair during the summer months. Masses of people come out to enjoy food, rides, entertainment, and live music. The Erie County Fair is hosting many musical acts this year. On Saturday, Aug. 13th, Halestorm played the Buffalo News Grandstand at the Erie County Fairgrounds racetrack. Halestorm is an American rock band from Red Lion, Pennsylvania.

    The show started promptly at 7:30 P.M. Many fans were seen stalking the merch booth prior to the show starting. There were general admission tickets in the grandstand bleachers or seated and numbered tickets on the floor. Most of the floor section was filled in. They were the only band on the bill, there was no opener.

    Halestorm is currently touring in support of their new album Back from the Dead. Lzzy Hale (singer, guitar), took to the stage with her brother Arejay Hale (drums), Josh Smith (bass), and Joe Hottinger (guitar) to play a 17-song setlist. They played all of their popular songs including “Love Bites,” “I Miss The Misery,” and “Here’s to Us.” Halestorm’s stage presence is well crafted since they tour so much, playing upwards of 205 shows a year. The band was very engaged with the crowd.

    At one point in the show, Hale noticed a little girl holding a large envelope that said: “keep this” with a sharpie attached. She had it brought up on stage and she read the contents of it out loud to everyone, “please sign my first guitar.” Security then handed her the fan’s guitar and she signed and returned it.

    Setlist: “Back From the Dead,” “Love Bites,” “Wicked Ways,” “Psycho Crazy,” “Mz. Hyde,” “Bombshell,” “I Get Off,” “Break In,” “Raise Your Horns,” “Terrible Things,” “Strange Girl,” “I Miss the Misery,” “Freak Like Me,” “I Am the Fire,” “Here’s to Us,” and “The Steeple.”

    photo credit- Mike Miller

  • Pink Talking Fish Play ‘Dark Side’ in its Entirety in Atlantic City

    Pink Talking Fish played an incredible after party at The Tropicana after Phish on August 6 in Atlantic City, including a full performance of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. The crowd-pleasing set featured Phish favorites like a “Sneaking Sally” encore and Talking Heads favorites like “Life During Wartime” as well as a nod to Bruce Springsteen’s, “Born to Run.”

    The band played Dark Side of The Moon with creativity, pizzaz, and virtuosity. Highlights included Cal Kehoe’s solo on “Great Gig in the Sky” and the synchronicity of “Any Colour You Like.” The lights and music provided a theatrical experience.

    One fan was overheard saying, “Nothing’s better than seeing Dark Side live after a Phish show.” Agreed!

    Pink Talking Fish features Eric Gould on bass, Richard James on keyboards, Zack Burwick on drums and Cal Kehoe on guitar. The band was created by musicians who love the epic emotion of Pink Floyd, the funky, danceable layerings of Talking Heads, the multitude of styles, unique compositional structures and pure fun of Phish. It’s purpose is to heighten people’s passion for this music by creating something fresh and exciting for fans.  

    Although the music from each act is different, Pink Talking Fish has discovered that fusing the material together creates an amazing story. Merging the music of these distinct bands into one.

    Pink Talking Fish – August 6, 2022 – Dark Side of the Moon – Tropicana Showroom, Atlantic City NJ

    Setlist: Moon Rocks > Taste, Life During Wartime/Born To Run Mashup, Speak To Me > Breathe > On The Run, Time, Great Gig In The Sky, Money, Us And Them > Any Colour You Like > Brain Damage > Eclipse

    Encore: Sneakin Sally Through The Alley, Once In A Lifetime > Thunder Road outro

  • In Focus: Rage Against The Machine at Madison Square Garden

    On Aug. 8th Rage Against the Machine (RATM) played the first of five, sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden (MSG). This was the 15th stop of their “public service announcement” tour. The reunion tour has 51 shows throughout 12 countries and 40 different cities. They were accompanied by Run The Jewels (RTJ). RTJ is a hip hop duo consisting of Brooklyn based rapper/producer El-P and Atlanta based rapper Killer Mike.

    Originally announced in 2019, and postponed several times due to the COVID pandemic, this tour marked the band’s first time playing together in 11 years. New Yorkers were clearly excited for their return as all five nights are sold out. The bands politically charged messages throughout their songs feel as relevant today as they did when they were first released decades ago. The energy in the arena was through the roof. Although frontman Zack de la Rocha had to perform the show sitting down due to a leg injury he sustained on the second stop of this tour, his passion and excitement were on full display.

    Also outspoken about their political views, Run the Jewels is a perfect match as an opening act for RATM. They opened the show with “Call Ticketron” which appropriately has an opening verse of “run the jewels live at the garden”. They made sure to let us know they’ve been waiting years for that moment, and it set the tone for an explosive set. The chemistry between Killer Mike and EL-P on stage is incredible to see live.

    Rage Against The Machine – Madison Square Garden – Aug. 8, 2022
    Bombtrack, People of the Sun, Bulls on Parade, Bullet in the head, Revolver (intro only), Testify, Take The Power Back, Wake Up, Guerilla Radio, Down Rodeo, Know Your Enemy, Calm Like a Bomb > Sleep Now in The Fire, Born of a Broken Man, War Within a Breath, The Ghost of Tom Joad (Bruce Springsteen cover), Freedom > Township Rebellion > Killing in the Name

    Run The Jewels – Madison Square Garden – Aug. 8, 2022
    Call Ticketron, Yankee and the Brave (ep.4), Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck), Ooh La La (with Greg Nice), Blockbuster Night Part 1, Oh My Darling Don’t Cry, Legend Has it, Stay Gold > Don’t Get Captured, Ju$t, Walking in the Snow, A Few Words for the Firing Squad (Radiation)

  • Brooklyn-based zannie Releases Hopeful ‘get that star’ Ahead of Debut Album

    Zannie Owens, a Brooklyn-based artist, has released their title track “get that star” ahead of their upcoming debut album, out Aug. 19 via Kill Rock Stars. Under the moniker, zannie, the artist has crafted a space-inspired single with a captivating music video to accompany it. 

    zannie crafted their new single based on the inspiration from the Voyager One Golden Record which Carl Sagan and Lynn Margulis sent into outer space in 1977. The Brooklyn singer-songwriter lyrically explores an alien who is trying to return home, and intertwines that story with a message of hope about human connection.

    With warm guitars, layered vocals, and whimsical instrumentation, “get that star” carries over hard-hitting but hopeful truths and lyrics of the human experience. zannie’s beginning vocals and dictation slowly draw you in before the melody takes off as the song builds. Despite being recorded in zannie’s bedroom, the video’s unique lighting effects, and focus on zannie, transform listeners into another space as they ponder over the song’s message.

    The single is just a glimpse at what may be to come off of zannie’s upcoming album, How Do I Get That Star. Written over the course of four years, zannie explores the unknown, the mystical, and more. During the process, they listened to artists such as Judee Still and Prince, and the album reflects some of those inspirations.

    If the single is any hint for what is to come on How Do I Get That Star, then listeners are in for some great new music to add to playlists on Aug. 19. To keep up with zannie as an artist, follow them on social media here. Listen to another single, “for a while,” off of the artist’s upcoming album, available below.

  • In Focus: Lotus Brings the Groove to The Bourbon Room

    After the first night of Phish’s three-night run in Atlantic City concluded, the line outside of The Bourbon Room (a former House of Blues) started forming, with fans eagerly waiting for Lotus. The show proved to be energetic and full of ridiculous jams, heavy bass lines, and non stop dancing. The band debuted a new song “Tar Pits” and encored with “Gilded Age.”

    Set: Wax, Spaghetti, Sunrain, Greet The Mind, Wooly Mammoth, Tar Pits, Spiritualize, Automatic, Neon Tubes, Flower Sermon, Sunrain

    Encore: Gilded Age