Capital District queer folk/rock artist Ryan Leddick released a new single, “State of Mind,” on Thursday, May 5.
“State of Mind” fuses the acoustic folk-rock sound that Leddick regularly employed in his previous releases with synth-ladened overtures. The single marries his penchant for the simple and driving melodies of folk music with the complexities of synth-80/90’s pop.
When I was creating this song all I could think about were sold geometric shapes from the 80’s and 90’s and cutting acoustic guitar rhythms and how they balanced each other.
Ryan Leddick
Leddick calls his single a fusion of folk and synth pop but upon listening to it you might find that his booming voice and imposing percussion sound more like a rock ballad. Or we discovered that rock music is actually what you get when you combine folk and synth pop.
Photo: Mike De Socio //Design: Courtney Mann
This expansion of Leddick’s sound came after her reconnected with his guitar during the pandemic. The synth sequences were in an effort to recreate what he called the “geometric shapes” of 80s and 90s pop music. “This mixture of acoustic guitar, electric drums, and synths always seemed to paint a geometric landscape in my mind,” Leddick explained.
It might just be modesty on Leddick’s part but the most notable part of “State of Mind” is Leddick’s careening voice which when it first surges onto the track appears Adele-esque in its depth and control. His voice often quavers as if he’s getting choked up sharing something personal with us, giving his music an emotional introspection.
The hook repeats the lyrics “this is my state of my mind”. It might be slightly heavy-handed, but you certainly can’t say Leddick didn’t put his heart into it.
“State of Mind” marks his second collaboration with producer and musician Carl Blackwood of the band Bendt and Mastering Engineer Carl Staff. Blackwood also received instrumental and mixing credits on the single.
As of now, the single is expected to be part of a larger body of work Leddick plans to release either this year or in early 2023.
Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo released a remix and music video of her song “Choose Love”. The “Choose Love” remix comes on the back of her Grammy Award win for Best Global Music Album for her album Mother Nature in April.
Kidjo at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. Credit: Taylor Hill
Mother Nature was released in June of 2021. The album, met with career-best raves, tackles major issues like the climate crisis and the struggle for freedom. The album continues to reinforce her status as a true icon of African music as she was joined by a host of young African stars which she influenced, including Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, Yemi Alade and Sampa The Great.
Kidjo is a 12-time GRAMMY nominee and 5-time winner. In addition to her win for Best Global Music Album she was also nominated twice in the Best Global Music Performance category. Once as a lead artist on “Do Yourself” from Mother Nature, featuring Burna Boy, and again as a featured artist for the recording of “Blewu” by Yo-Yo Ma.
In 2021 Kidjo was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list, where Alicia Keys wrote her introduction. She also had several notable performances including at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony and a sold out Carnegie Hall in November. She was also cast in a film alongside Viola Davis.
The “Choose Love” remix was produced by Grammy nominee Synematik. The music video for the “Choose Love” remix was shot by famed British photographer Platon, who was recently the subject of a Netflix documentary.
“Angélique shows us the true meaning of leadership today,” Platon said. “With this song, ‘Choose Love’ she inspires us with her extraordinary music talent, her compassion, optimism, and hope.
This is Platon’s first collaboration with Kidjo.
“I love Platon’s passion for Art and people,” Kidjo said. “He has photographed the leaders of these world but also people from all over the World, from all social classes and all origins. He has shown us through his art the common humanity we all share.”
This summer Kidjo will embark on her first foray into musical theater with Yemandja. Named for Yoruban deity, the musical is a work of magical realism set against the backdrop of slavery in 19th-century West Africa. It is a parable about gods and humans that illuminates through song what can happen when people are robbed of their culture.
Global Tour Dates
Saturday, May 6, 2022: The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (Yemandja)
Sunday, May 7, 2022: The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (Yemandja)
Tuesday, May 10, 2022: McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ
Thursday, May 12, 2022: Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX
Thursday, May 26, 2022: Africa Festival in Würzburg, Germany
Wednesday, June 1, 2022: Bergen International Festival in Bergen, Germany
Friday, June 3 – Saturday June 4, 2022: Holland Festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Thursday, June 9, 2022: Dresden Music Festival in Dresden, Germany
Saturday, June 11, 2022: Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris France
Sunday, June 12, 2022: Meltdown Festival at Southbank Centre in London, United Kingdom
Thursday, June 16 – Saturday June 18, 2022: Holland Festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Yemandja)
Wednesday, June 22, 2022: Klangvokal Festival in Dortmund, Germany
Friday, June 24, 2022: Holland Festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Symphonic)
Wednesday, June 22 – Sunday June 26, 2022: Glastonbury Festival in Glastonbury, England
Friday, July 1, 2022: Jazz a Vienne in Vienne, France
Friday, July 8, 2022: Festival dei due mondi in Spoleto, Italy
Friday, July 22, 2022: Molde Jazz Festival in Molde, Norway
Friday, July 29, 2022: WOMAD UK festival in Malmesbury, United Kingdom
Sunday July 31, 2022: Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, RI
Wednesday August 3, 2022: Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA
Saturday, August 6, 2022: Caramoor in Katonah, NY
Friday, August 19, 2022: H2U Open Air in Uster, Switzerland
Sunday, October 23, 2022: Palladium Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, IN
Saturday, January 28, 2023: Chateau Rogue in Annemasse, France
Thursday, March 30, 2023: Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
With The Punches has dropped a new single “Stoneham Blues.” This single comes following their signing with Mutant League Records, an independent record label based in Chicago. Their new EP, Discontent, is set to drop on May 27th.
With The Punches was initially formed in 2008 out of Newburgh. The band released two consecutive EPs, one in 2009 and one in 2011. In 2012, the band released their first and only full-length studio album titled, Seams and Stitches. Now, after nine years of silence, the band is ready to make a big return.
Their newest release takes the listener back to the height of skater-influenced pop-punk. The opening of the track powerfully draws you in as a bright guitar gloss fully floats over bulldozing percussion. The lyrics, contrarily, take on a more mature theme.
Capturing the feeling of emptiness may be the hardest emotion to replicate in art. Death, addiction, and everything in between are experiences that everyone has dealt with in their life. With The Punches do not hold back in discussing these feelings and they manage to beautifully capture these emotions through excellently constructed metaphors with a slight Midwest emo twist.
The Buffalo-based rock/blues/jam fusion group eberwine released a new single “Worlds Away.” The single is their first from the upcoming debut studio album One Vision.
“Worlds Away” is a 7-minute tune that showcases the band’s rock medley sound. “It’s about understanding the nature of reality,” noted lead guitarist and front Todd Eberewine, “The knowledge that we’re here now and that we’re not guaranteed anything beyond this moment.”
Eberwine originally started as a solo act in 2016. The band is known for his soulful lyrics and high energy shows. When he started performing live in 2019, Eberwine looked to secure a permanent lineup to accompany him on the road.
In its current live performances Eberwine (guitar, vocals) by Donny Frauenhofer on keys (Intrepid Travelers), Aaron Ziolkowski on guitar (Little Mountain Band), Jay Race on drums (Dead Alliance Buffalo), and Paul Zabrycki on bass(Dead Buffalo Alliance). The released single, which was recorded in the Strand Theatre, features Ryan Nogle (drums), Keith Lindner (bass), Eric Crittenden (keys), and Aaron Ziolkowski (backing vocals).
“Worlds Away” is available on all streaming platforms.
Ithaca-based singer Ariel Arbisser embraces the darkness within with her new single ‘Bloodshed’. This is her first release since her 2021 album, Risk of Love.
The powerful songstress uses the new single as a vehicle to express her personal struggles. We’ve all had moments where we struggle not to become whatever we’re fighting against, whether those issues stem from trauma, frustration or injustice, but while listening to ‘Bloodshed’, listeners can take a moment to stop fighting and give in, if only for a few minutes.
“It feels valid and warranted, It’s the side we try to hide and keep tamed that comes out to fight when we’re at our limit. “
Ariel Arbisser
The multi-talented singer has delved into many sections of the art world including musicals like “Rent”, “Little Women” and “Candide”, as well as plays like “Museum” and “The Maid”. Arbisser also wrote, produced and starred in the original web series “Sex, Drugs, A Cappella”.
In addition to starring in theater productions, Arbisser has also traveled around the US teaching her “Sing It Like You Mean It” module, along with other workshops. The module employs tools from the Meisner Technique to help singers become more comfortable and connected during their performances.
PC : Drew Bordeaux
Since 2018, Arbisser has been working on her personal music while helping those around the country learn new performance techniques and ideologies. In 2021, she returned to Ithaca to finalize and release her debut album, Risk of Love, after previously singing with groups like The Funx and Frisky Business.
Adequate Phil doesn’t tether themselves to one genre, and their newest single, “Can’t Not,” showcases this. In it, elements of psychedelia, hip-hop, and folk infuse to make one cerebral concoction. This single is the third of many to come from the new “folk-freak” group coming out of Troy, which falls just north of Albany and lies alongside the Hudson River.
The band consists of three members. Sean McLaughlin provides vocals throughout the track. Moreover, Phil McGrath plays the guitar. Notably, Runey Ghosh provides beautiful bass instrumentation on this project. It is thick, it is beautiful, and it is funky. His instrumental abilities add an essential layer of personality to this song.
Their previous release, “Baby Leeches/Vessel” was previously covered by EQXposure on WEQX, an independent radio station in the Capital Region of New York.
The group will be performing at the Troy Speakeasy on April 23rd. For more on Adequate Phil, visit https://linktr.ee/adequatephil.
Rising Star from East Village, Breaker, releases an instant classic rock song and video titled “People Change.” From performing for strangers to charming his friends with his confidence and wit, Breaker has a magnetic personality that goes beyond his musical talents.
Growing up with six siblings in New York City, Breaker has been performing for his family and all around Manhattan since he was young. Nowadays, he plays shows across the country with his love of songwriting and creating music. Beyond his 21 years, Breaker has made a name for himself as an alternative/indie artist.
Though written entirely in New York City, “People Change” and the upcoming EP were recorded in Virginia. While only taking a mere two days of studio time to record, the energy was buzzing from the first moment the small team entered the magical space. Escaping the East Village, he fled to a scenic farm for the birth of this upcoming album. With the help of his best friends and collaborators, Breaker had brought the vision of his new album to life.
Despite being a natural lead singer, what shines through most on the new song and Breaker’s upcoming EP is his ability to work with other creative minds. Thus, inspiring the people around him to make the best music and have the most fun possible. This project has led to the formation of The Live Show, which is a team of solo artists consisting of Jacob Lourie, Chris Murphy, and Breaker. Breaker has the ability to get any room dancing.
A second single, followed by Breaker’s upcoming debut EP, We’re Not Lovers Anymore, is coming later this Spring. Lookout for Breaker and The Live Show in and around NYC performing live now through the Summer.
To watch or listen to “People Change,” click the link here.
Brooklyn-based artist Max ZT shared his new performance video for his single “Daybreak,” off of his solo debut album Daybreak, released on April 8.
Max ZT
Daybreak traces its roots to the darkest darks of the pandemic, with all the lockdowns. Max turned to music for healing and restoration at a time when society’s future was uncertain. He would send recorded improvisations to friends and family, who found them to be extraordinary sources of solace and relief.
The reaction was shocking. I know music has always been a balm for me, but to see the effect it had on others, on such a direct, one-to-one level, was honestly incredible.
Max ZT
NPR has described him as the “Jimi Hendrix of dulcimer.” He has scored an Emmy-winning ESPN documentary, co-wrote the music for his wife Priya Darshini’s GRAMMY-nominated debut Periphery, and shared the stage with the likes of Ravi Shankar and more.
His first lead single “In It” shows his unique ability to invite deep thought through his music as the track goes through different emotions to get to a resolution. The new single “Daybreak” is beautiful and heartbreaking as it takes you on a journey through deep melodies and strong conclusions.
Max ZT’s new album Daybreak will be out on April 8 and will be available on all streaming services.
Southern Blues Rocker Dana Fuchs will be releasing her 8th studio album, Borrowed Time, on 4/29. This is her fourth release with Ruf Records.
In contrast to Fuchs earlier work, Borrowed Time is centered around the stories of other people and what they’ve learned throughout their lives. By combining her southern rock upbringing with inspiration from legends like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, Fuchs has created a universal listening experience that many can relate to.
This marks the beginning of Chapter 2, in music as well as in life, I’m going out into the world and writing about the people who share it with me. My own story is always going to be in there, too, but this is the first album where other people’s stories are informing my own emotions.
Dana Fuchs
Songs on the album have themes ranging from love and companionship to political distrust and justice, with each inspired by different real world events and headlines. Producer Bobby Harlow lent his expertise to help Fuchs step away from her previous method of mixing influences and dive deeper into the rock and roll that first inspired her.
Fuch’s newest album was recorded in Michigan, with the help of a number of people including her bandmates, bassist Jack Daley and guitarist Jon Diamond, recording engineer Kenny Tudrick, drummer Todd Glass and keyboardist Jordan Champion. With recording completed in eight days, it’s safe to say that this was the perfect combination of people for the process.
New York City-based A Beacon School is back with his first single in three years, “Dot,” an immersive multi-instrumentalist dreampop track. In addition to the songs’ release, A Beacon School is having a release show at The Sultan in Brooklyn, featuring Creature of Doom and S.C.A.B on April 9th.
Photo Cred: Max Mellman
Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Patrick J. Smith is the mastermind behind this dream pop project. Smith began making music as A Beacon School in 2009, releasing a home-recorded demo single was released in 2011, and a self-titled EP by a full-band lineup appeared near the end of 2012. He has played with bands such as Modern Rivals and Bluffing, additionally working with Parquet Courts’ Max Savage as part of Maxband.
In 2018, A Beacon School’s Cola was released by Grind Select. After receiving positive press and slowly gaining a worldwide following, an expanded vinyl edition of Cola was released in 2019 in conjunction with Fat Possum’s House Arrest imprint, amassing over 40 million streams.
Smith adds layers of soothing guitars and vocals with ease, reaching a build-up that feels natural, without ever fully peaking.
The Fader
“Dot” marks the first A Beacon School release in three years and coincides with a headlining performance at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn, signaling a long-awaited new full-length is on the horizon. On the track, A Beacon School says, “‘Dot’ is a song about seeing patterns in your life emerge but feeling helpless to change them. The song oscillates between these moments of unfiltered wonder and inspiration, and the immediate skepticism that follows them.”
“What he (Smith) shares is wisdom ahead of its time – acceptance of the inequities of
life as a path toward redemption. Destiny is preached as a set-in-stone limitation, but
soft tones and enchanting melody highlight our ability to adjust our sails in intractable
winds, holding that former philosophy to the fire with heavenly optimism.”
– PopMatters
Listen to A Beacon School’s new single “Dot” here.
Tickets to the release show at The Sultan can be purchased here.
