Indie-rock band, El Modernist, has had their newest debut album “Eras” released on Friday, September 2. The group features a trio of members, Will Fredette, who is in charge of lead vocals and plays the rhythm guitar, Will Hahn who plays the drums and uses the electronic instruments, and Taylor MacMillan who uses the lead guitar and creates backing vocals.
El Modernist band
The Albany-based alternative rock band presents listeners with a ten-track compilation of songs infused with elements belonging to ‘80’s style of rock, such as the groovy synths and jazz-tinged bass, while also containing more contemporary components of alternative rock that is present in other upcoming New York-based bands. The tempo carried throughout the debut follows a steady, consistent rhythm and maintains an upbeat air.
Their upcoming tour performance will be at Wild in the Trees Music & Skate Festival in Lake George on Saturday, Oct. 1 and starting at 7PM. You can RSVP and get tickets for the event here.
‘Eras’ Debut Album Cover Photo
Watch the official music for their track, “New Waves” below.
NYC‘s Baby Got Back Talk, one of AfroPunk’s “Top 8 Punkest Bands on the Planet,” have just announced their new debut EP Existential Shred. The EP will be dropping later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records. They have been named one of Alternative Press’s ’17 black alternative bands leading the next generation.
Photo: Kate Hoos
Formed back in 2017, Baby Got Back Talk initially consisted of vocalist/bassist G’Ra Asim, synth op/vocalist Rhiana Hernandez, and lead guitarist/vocalist Jake Lazaroff. After years of sharing bills with local compatriots like Choked Up, Universe Ignore Her, and Gibbons (acts that were all anchored by the propulsive stick work of drummer Wes Ruiz) Baby Got Back Talk welcomed Ruiz into the fold. Now, they are an inseparable pair named one of The Utah Daily Chronicle’s top 5 Black Alternative Bands You Need to Know in 2021.
“We’re what punk looks like in the 2020s: driven by a DIY ethic, conversant with social issues–especially as they pertain to gender and race, enabled by inter-web, bankrolled by day jobs, powered by a rad likeminded community, resonant with the most venerable iterations of rock ‘n’ roll but firmly committed to injecting some new flavor into the mold.”
“On their upcoming EP Existential Shred New York pop punk band Baby Got Back Talk delve into the very nature of human existence. They tackle death, life changes, and the state of the world with excellent literary lyrics, plenty of synths, and a healthy dose of hope.”
– Punk News
Baby Got Back Talk is a D-I-why?-because-we-gotta punk party from New York City. The band teamed with producer John Naclerio (Just Surrender, The Audition) at Nada Recording Studios for their latest EP, ‘Existential Shred’ due out later this Summer 2022 on Wiretap Records.
“A catchy pop punk hook-fest that throws the middle finger to anyone claiming that being marginalized is “in” these days. “Model Minority” could become an anthem of importance for queer folks and POC in the punk scene today.”
– Tuned Up
The band has released a pair of EPs in 2017’s Take This The Wrong Way and 2018’s Up In Open Arms. Their full-length debut, 2020’s Genre Reveal Party, was mixed by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, Senses Fail, Yellowcard).
On the weekend of September 22-25, 2022, Firefly Music Festival returned to the Woodlands of Dover, Delaware to celebrate its 10th anniversary with headline performances from Halsey, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Dua Lipa, and many more! The diverse genres of artists is what makes Firefly a memorable experience.
Bleachers @ Firefly Main Stage
Firefly Music Festival took place in The Woodlands of Dover, Delaware, right next to Dover International Speedway. What makes Firefly unique isnât just the performances, but the atmosphere and the overall experience. Since its start in July 2012, festivalgoers are offered the chance to camp at the festival, whether that be in an RV, a glamping site, or a pop-up tent. Along with the camping, each stage embraces its own personality: the Backyard hosted most of the rap acts over the weekend, The Pavillion which hosted most of the EDM acts, The Treehouse and The Nest which offered attendees an escape from the massive size of the Woodlands to an area where they could see their favorite small artists in an intimate setting such as SEB.
SEB @ Treehouse
Firefly certainly does not shy away when it comes to good eating. Whether its a quick bite from the various food trucks or a tasty dessert at Stuffed Ice Cream, Firelfy has it all including vegan friendly meals. Attendees could not get enough of Stuffed Ice Cream’s delicious cruffs – an ice-cream filled donut toasted to perfection. Even on the chilly nights, festivalgoers were seen lined up for the mouth-watering treat. The good news is everyone can explore the various flavors and options Stuffed Ice Cream has to offer in its New York City based store located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
A Weekend Filled With Entertainment
A little bit of rain and muddy floors didn’t stop the party on Thursday. Firefly kicked off its weekend with headlining sets from Halsey, Jamiexx, Willow, 100 Gecs, San Holo & Gayle. While some walked onto the festival grounds admiring the numerous decorations and activities, others ran to secure a spot at the stage where their favorite artists would perform. Willow brought the energy to the main stage dressed in a custom T-shirt designed by one Firefly’s clothing booths. She played the iconic “Wait a Minute!” along with “Meet Me At Our Spot”.
Willow @ Firefly Main Stage
Although Willow brought great energy to stage, 100 Gecs certainly knew how to turn up in style dressed in unique wizard like outfits. Mosh pits left and right filled the audience which some would say only enhanced the lively performance. Songs performed by the Duo included “money machine”, “stupid horse”, “mememe” and more.
Thursday was one for the books but Friday was just as memorable. Many were looking forward to Big Sean who unfortunately had to cancel his set due to a respiratory infection. LSDREAM filled in for the Detroit based rapper and did not disappoint. Illuminating the night sky with vibrant colorful visuals is what made LSDREAM stand out.
LSDREAM @ The Backyard Stage
During the day fans were scattered across the festival site. It was the first time Norwegian singer/songwriter Anna of The North performed in the U.S since covid. While on stage she brought out guest singer Gus Dapperton to sing “Meteorite” together. NYSM staff photographer Adrian Hernandez had the opportunity to shoot portraits of Anna who was nothing but kind, loving, and energetic throughout their photo session.
Anna of The North with Gus Dapperton @ Firefly Main StagePortrait Session With Artist Anna of The North
My Chemical Romance closed the main stage with a roar on night 2. Fans of all ages, old and young, sang along word for word almost every song the band performed. In between songs, lead vocalist Gerard Way was interactive with the audience and knew how to put a smile on everyones face through his humor.
My Chemical Romance @ Firefly Main Stage
Later that night, once Zedd took the stage, an overwhelming surge of cheers and screams kicked in. Zedd had the crowd on overdrive right from the start of the set. On top of that, the laser light show was perfectly in sync with his electronic tunes.
Zedd @ The Backyard Stage
Once day 3 arrived, it meant the weekend was finally here. Time to unload, sit back and enjoy the beautiful day packed with great music. Sueco brought life to the crowd after jumping into the audience to crowd surf his fans. Shortly after he joined the spectators in the center of a moshpit as he performed “fast”.
Sueco @ Firefly Main Stage
Porter Robinson ended the night performing songs from his latest album Nurture such as “Something Comforting”, “Shelter”, and the emotional dedication “Mother”. Some even shed a tear during his impactful set.
Porter Robinson @ The Backyard StagePorter Robinson @ The Backyard Stage
It felt like the weekend flew as the last day of Firefly Music Festival finally arrived. It was during the middle of The Regrettes when festivalgoers were kicked off site due to a severe weather warning. This caused sets to be pushed back and some shortened like Charli XCX. Unfortunate for those who were looking forward to see the pop queen but the show went on.
Lead Vocalist Lydia Night of The Regrettes @ The Backyard Stage
Once festival grounds reopened, T-Pain sang some of his classic hits and features such as “Good Life” with Kanye West. Shortly after, Conan Grey was on stage followed by The Kid Laroi at the Backyard stage and finally, to end the weekend on a high, Dua Lipa closing on her hit “Don’t Start Now”.
T-Pain @ Firefly Main Stage
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. While it’s sad to say goodbye to this years festival, we look forward to the next one and carry the memories we made along with us. See you soon Firefly!
The Capitol Theatre, affectionately known as “The Cap,” lies in the center of the Westchester County village of Port Chester. The historic venue constructed in 1926 has hosted thousands of legendary musical acts (The Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd to name only a few), but never The National, until Friday, September 23rd.
Marquee | Photo by Michael Dinger
The National are winding down a 12-date tour of North America that commenced at the Moon River Music Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee on September 10 and concluded at the inaugural Sound on Sound Festival on September 25. The Port Chester show was added to their tour schedule back in June as a special companion performance to their festival appearance at Seaside Park in nearby Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Matt Berninger | Photo by Michael Dinger
Supporting The National was Indigo Sparke, a singer-songwriter from Sydney, Australia named by her parents after the Duke Ellington song “Mood Indigo.” In the summer of last year, Sparke moved to the United States to work on her sophomore studio album, Hysteria, produced by The National’s very own Aaron Dessner. Performing for nearly 40 minutes, Sparke and her soaring vocals were accompanied by Jeremy Gustin (drums), Adam Brisbin (guitar), back-up singer Jackie West and later in her set, by Dessner himself.
Indigo Sparke | Photo by Michael DingerJeremy Gustin | Photo by Michael DingerAdam Brisbin | Photo by Michael Dinger
At the conclusion of Sparke’s set, a brief ceremony followed in celebration of The Cap’s 10-year anniversary of its reopening under Peter Shapiro’s ownership, one of the most successful independent concert promoters in the country. Shapiro’s $2 million plus in renovations has restored “the original rock palace,” with its 65-foot domed ceiling, to its former glory, featuring top of the line acoustics and a state-of-the-art lighting and projection system.
Peter Shapiro | Photo by Michael Dinger
With Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino on hand, September 23rd was also officially proclaimed “The Capitol Theatre Day,” commemorating what The Cap stands for: live music, community and spreading joy into the world through concerts. Shapiro addressed the 2,000-capacity sold out audience, “It ain’t easy to do this, but this is why we do it, for a night like tonight. We are going to do another 10 [years] and hopefully we’ll get The National back if you give it up for them.”
10-Year Commemoration | Photo by Michael Dinger
As Leonard Cohen’s “I Can’t Forget” played over the house PA, the quintet from Cincinnati, Ohio comprised of Matt Berninger (vocals), twin brothers Aaron Dessner (guitar, piano) and Bryce Dessner (guitar, piano), and brothers Scott Devendorf (bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums) took the stage to thunderous applause. Accompanied by Ben Lanz (trombone, synthesizers) and Kyle Resnick (trumpet, keyboards), The National’s opening number was “Don’t Swallow the Cap,” taken from 2013’s Trouble Will Find Me.
Aaron Dessner | Photo by Michael DingerMatt Berninger | Photo by Michael DingerBryce Dessner | Photo by Michael Dinger
The indie rock veterans who formed in Brooklyn in 1999 would go on to play for two solid hours, bestowing to their fans a 24-song set that would include a representative sampling of their impressive music catalog, including “Bloodbuzz Ohio” (High Violet, 2010), “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” (Sleep Well Beast, 2017) and “Light Years” (I Am Easy to Find, 2019). Berninger and his bandmates also treated us to four new songs, including “Moon Drop Light” which was written only the day before, “This Isn’t Helping,” “Tropic Morning News (Haversham)” and “Weird Goodbyes,” the lead single from their forthcoming album featuring their friend Bon Iver.
Matt Berninger and Indigo Sparke | Photo by Michael Dinger
Berninger exuded frontman charm throughout the entire evening, shining the spotlight back on Sparke as she reappeared onstage for “Rylan,” another offering from I Am Easy to Find. “Graceless,” from The National’s aforementioned sixth studio album Trouble Will Find Me, was proceeded by “Fake Empire” (Boxer, 2008), widely considered to be one of their best songs. A five song encore followed as Berninger, in typical fashion, thrilled fans as he left the stage during “Mr. November” (Alligator, 2005) and waded through the entire floor crowd, reappearing momentarily at the opposite end of the venue, before trekking back to the stage. The epic evening unfortunately came to a close at 11:15 pm, but not before a goosebump-inducing, crowd sing-along of “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks,” a second contribution from High Violet.
The crowd sings along | Photo by Michael Dinger
The National Setlist: Don’t Swallow the Cap > I Should Live in Salt > Bloodbuzz Ohio > The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness > I Need My Girl > This Is the Last Time > Slow Show > This Isn’t Helping > Wasp Nest > Moon Drop Light > Conversation 16 > Tropic Morning News (Haversham) > Day I Die > Rylan (with Indigo Sparke) > Light Years > Pink Rabbits > England > Graceless > Fake Empire > Encore: Weird Goodbyes > Mr. November > Terrible Love > About Today > Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks
On Friday, September 23rd, 2022, Josiah Johnson gave a heart-felt performance at the Takk House in Troy.
Josiah Johnson was originally part of the indie-folk band, The Head and The Heart band from 2009-2016. He left after his realization that his struggles with drug addiction needed to be put in check. After entering rehab and working on himself, Johnson came back to begin his solo career in 2020 with his album Every Feeling on a Loop. Today, he continues making indie-folk music with his most recently released song “You Had One Job.”
This was not a typical show were guests showed up, saw their favorite artist perform, and then went home. Before the music, there was an all vegan, four course dinner catered by Meadow Lark. The artists and the guests shared a dinner between four tables in front of the stage. The dinner lasted two hours before the opening act.
The Sea The Sea is an indie-folk pop duo out of Troy with Chuck E. Costa and Mira Costa have released three full-length albums. Their most recent album being Stumbling Home released in 2020. They are currently on tour with their next show being in New York City on September 27th.
The Sea The Sea opened up the night to an audience of about 50 people. The local artists played an hour long set with a mix of released and unreleased songs. After a fan yelled asking were they could find ” I Recorded The Sound Of Rain For You,” Mira replied that most of their music could be found on Patreon. They were anecdotes before almost every song and lots of jokes about making their songs “25 years ago in 2020.” The anecdotes combined with their Indie-Folk style of music made it feel as though a story was being told. The duo ended the set be going to the middle of the room and singing their last two fans with members of the audience.
The stories continued when Josiah Johnson came to the stage. He also gave the audience a brief history of how the preceding song came to be. He mentioned his struggles with rehab and relationships that gave his performance a different meaning. The audience was already mostly comprised of friends of the artists, but once it over, it felt as if everyone had known Josiah for 10 years. His intimate feeling set lasted for about an hour and also ended with him and violinist M’Gilvry Allen playing in the middle of the room. In this instance, The Sea The Sea joined them to close out the night.
Josiah Johnson continues his tour with a show at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn on September 27.
The Sea The Sea setlist: Restless Heart, Rainstorm, I’ll Be Loving You, I Recorded The Sound Of Rain For You, A Thousand Years, Everybody, Let Our Kites Fly, The Story That They Gave To Us, Not The Same As Goodbye, Stumbling Home, LWAWL, This Is The Way
Josiah Johnson setlist: False Alarms, Warm, Nobody Knows, Honey Come Home, Woman, Futile Devices, Josh, Hello Hello, I Wish I Had
Chuck E. Costa (left) and Mira Costa (right) of The Sea The SeaChuck E. Costa performing at Takk HouseThe Sea The Sea performing at Takk HouseMira Costa performing at Takk HouseThe Sea The Sea performing at Takk HouseThe Sea The Sea performing at Takk HouseThe Sea The Sea performing in the middle of the audience at Takk HouseJosiah Johnson performing at Takk HouseM’Gilvry Allen performing at Takk HouseJosiah Johnson performing at Takk HouseM’Gilvry Allen (left) and Josiah Johnson (right) performing at Takk HouseJosiah Johnson performing at Takk HouseJosiah Johnson and M’Gilvry Allen performing at Takk House The Sea The Sea and Josiah Johnson closing out their performance at Takk HouseM”Gilvry Allen hugging Mira Costa
The fourth installment of the Sea.Hear.Now Festival brought more than 30,000 fans of all ages to the picturesque waterfront in Asbury Park, New Jersey this past weekend, September 17 and 18. Produced by Tim Sweetwood of C3 Presents (Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza), along with iconic rock photographer Danny Clinch, his good pal Tim Donnnelly (a music journalist turned promoter) and HM Wollman (an industry veteran), the festival is a celebration of live music, art and surf culture.
Excited fans during Wet Leg’s set at the Park Stage | Photo by Michael Dinger
A Transparent Clinch pop-up gallery in Bradley Park featured pieces of art contributed by several of the artists performing over the weekend, as well as photographs snapped by local native and rock legend Bruce Springsteen. The weekend also included a professional team surf contest known as the “North Beach Rumble,” and despite the relatively calm ocean waters, still went on as planned. A portion of the proceeds is also donated to grassroots, non-profit environmental organizations and community charities such as the Surfrider Foundation, Operation Beachhead, Clean Ocean Action, Garden State Equality and Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, to name only a few.
Beach crowd watching Boy George & Culture Club’s set at the Surf Stage | Photo by Michael Dinger
When the gates to the festival grounds in the seaside town known for its sandy shore and beachfront boardwalk lined with shops, arcades and cafes opened promptly each day at noon, patrons were treated to a lineup that included more than 25 artists performing across three stages, aptly named Park, Sand and Surf. The Surf (main) Stage hosted headliner Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame on Saturday and Green Day, the rock trio of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool, on Sunday. Festivalgoers with VIP and Platinum wristbands had premium access to designated corrals on the side of each stage, including an exclusive viewing area with elevated sightlines of the Surf Stage.
Lollipop jellyfish blowing in the ocean breeze | Photo by Michael Dinger
The spectrum of music genres performed over the weekend was wide-ranging, more than ample to satisfy the taste palette of all patrons in attendance. There was punk (the aforementioned Green Day and IDLES), bluegrass (Billy Strings), pop (Boy George & Culture Club, Peach Pit and Aly & AJ), folk (The Head and the Heart), reggae (Skip Marley), blues (Gary Clark Jr.), rap (Michael Franti & Spearhead), Indie (Annie DiRusso, The Backseat Lovers, Wet Leg and Courtney Barnett), and of course, rock (My Morning Jacket and Cage the Elephant). And if the more than ten hours of music on the beach or in the park was not enough, there were ticketed “Late Night” shows at two of Asbury Park’s most venerable bar venues, The Stone Pony and Wonder Bar, which of course all sold out.
Tim Donnnelly & Danny Clinch | Photo by Michael DingerBerkeley Oceanfront Hotel | Photo by Michael Dinger
On an overcast and at times rainy Sunday, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) was home to more than a concert, but instead the day long Outlaw Music Festival, with Particle Kid, Brittney Spencer, Larkin Poe, Billy Strings, The Avett Brothers and the legendary Willie Nelson.
The Outlaw Village, located towards the back of SPAC’s renovated concession area, featured a variety of vendors like you’d see at a festival or your nearest Shakedown Street. A packed crowd was lively and excited to see the new (Particle Kid, Brittney Spencer), the rising star (Billy Strings), Americana (Larkin Poe, Avett Brothers) and the old (Willie Nelson, closing in on 9 decades).
Billy Strings simply stole the show, and it seemed that the crowd was mainly there for the rising Nashville star (via Michigan). In fact, it could easily be argued that Billy Strings should have played just prior to Willie Nelson, flipping slots with Avett Brothers. Granted, Avett Brothers have been around for over 20 years, but the energy and draw of Billy Strings far outweighs the Americana of the Avetts. Having Billy and his high power set precede Avetts left the latter’s set feeling like something was lacking, and the speed was lower tempo and inconsistent by comparison.
When you factor in that the gracious Billy Strings thanked Willie, not just from the microphone, but in the setlist as well – spelling out THANK YOU WILLIE over the course of 14 songs in a 75Minute set. Highlights from the set included covers of Pearl Jam’s “In Hiding” and Bill Monroe’s “Uncle Pen.”
Billy Strings Setlist: Turmoil and Tinfoil, Hollow Heart, Away From the Mire, Nothing’s Working, Know It All, Y’all Come, Old Mexico, Uncle Pen, West Dakota Rose, If Your Hair’s Too Long (There’s Sin in Your Heart), Love and Regret, Libby Phillips Rag, In Hiding, Everything’s the Same
The 89 year old Willie Nelson followed Avett Brothers with four band mates tore through a set that the audience waited patiently for, kicking things off with his classic “Whiskey River.” Bringing out grandson Micah Nelson (Particle Kid) for “Everything is Bullshit,” ” Halfway to Heaven” and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” plus a few other tunes was an excellent touch; the set brought to mind Farm Aid in 2013 at SPAC, where Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real performed a short set and later joined his pater familias.
To close out Outlaw Music Festival at SPAC, Willie invited all the days performers to the stage for “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” and a finale of Mac Davis’ “It’s Hard to Be Humble.”
The newest release from New York bred ambient duo MoonTree, “Lullaby For Our Last Night,” is the anti-single: it lacks a catchy chorus, surprising bridge or album teasing theme. Instead, the haunting new track finds meaning in its formlessness, hitting a chord that though familiar, is truly singular. The song is saying goodbye, and though drifting, aimless and without structure, it still feels final.
MoonTree is made up of Purchase College students Ben Cuomo and Jaya Franceschini.
MoonTree is composed of Ben Cuomo and Jaya Franceschini, two 18-year-olds attending Purchase College. They released their first song last year, followed by an EP, For The Time We Have Left, of eight songs. The group shows an inclination toward odes in their song and album titles; each piece feels dedicated and specific to a time, place or person. Their tone has been honed in on since that album but their harmonic, off-kilter melodies and slow, paced-out rhythms have remained consistent through their discography.
In “Lullaby For Our Last Night,” Franceschini is droning and repetitive, probing the listener over and over “Will you say goodbye?” Then, “Be on time,” she orders, repeated by her counterpart Ben Cuomo’s technologically distorted voice. With their voices layering; they are begging — eachother, themselves — “Be on time.” The song, an ode to goodbyes, to the act of leaving, comes down to not wasting time, to honoring last moments. Though slow, the song is steady, not one second of its four minutes are wasted.
MoonTree’s sound is self described with many hyphens: avant-garde, neo-jazz, ambient-soul. Their sound doesn’t lend itself to most existing music genres; it’s easier to describe visually: like a glow and a glower, like a dark room over a busy street. MoonTree’s artist bio says they are “creating a soundtrack to twenty-first century city life,” and its true, but this new song more references the specific loneliness of a night in New York City — not just the sadness but the allure and dreaminess that loneliness holds. “Lullaby For Our Last Night” is out on all streaming platforms, and you can find MoonTree on Instagram.
New York-based band Melt played their first ever international show in Toronto at Adelaide Hall on Thursday, September 15, dropping a powerful performance that showcased each of the seven band members’ talents in a perfectly locked-in way.
Opening their 10-song set with “Waves” off their 2021 EP West Side Highway, the group played with dynamics from the start, a powerful opening section leading into a beautiful quiet area that featured lead vocalist Veronica Stewart-Frommer sitting down at the front of the stage and crooning to the audience.
Shy” came next, a 2020 single, featured beautiful melodic guitar lines from guitarist Marlo Shankweiler and staccato horn stabs from the saxophone/trumpet duo of Nick Sare and Evan Lane.
One of the best-kept secrets of Melt was revealed to be keyboardist Eric Gabriel and his incredible vocals – taking the lead on West Side Highway cut “Hours”, his gentle tones contrasted perfectly with Stewart-Frommer’s powerful harmonies.
At this point in the show, I was becoming increasingly honed in on the rhythm section of bassist Lucas Saur and drummer Andres Valbuena, whose rock-solid grooves were a perfect foundation to all of the music. Saur in particular (as I’ll mention again later) absolutely blew me away with some gorgeous melodic solos.
“Inside”, a single from Melt’s early days, started with a gentle intro on electric piano but quickly built to a frenzy, Stewart-Frommer unleashing vocal power and Shankweiler delivering an absolutely SEARING guitar solo in a style that blends classic rock favourites with clear Trey Anastasio influence.
The next track, “Brown Eyes”, was the first true slow song of the night, and acted as a perfect breather and let Sare shine on a fantastic saxophone solo.
Stewart-Frommer took a second before the next song to announce that Melt is recording their debut album on the road this fall, incorporating segments from some concerts into the recording.
A slightly mysterious vibe began “Walk to Midnight”, a song that just calls to mind a classic pop song. Shankweiler and Stewart-Frommer gave another stellar performance here, both whipping the crowd into a frenzy once again. The next unreleased song, titled “The Door” began with an extended and VERY psychedelic guitar/bass duet. As the jam band fan I am, I would have loved to see it extended for 5-10 more minutes, but the song absolutely killed and I eagerly await its translation to the studio when it (hopefully) is on the upcoming LP.
Now let’s talk about “Fade Into You”.
Melt’s latest single, just released today, began with strong guitar melodies and is another instant-classic Melt tune, but the real treat came in the middle with the performance of the band’s instrumental jam vehicle “Duh-Duh”. I honestly couldn’t tell you when the transition happened, but suddenly punchy horn melodies and an absolutely DOMINATING groove developed as Shankweiler took yet ANOTHER incredible solo. The rest of the band then dropped to the floor as Valbuena lit up the stage with a thrashing solo section, his stoic drum-face breaking briefly to express his glee. Bassist Saur then jumped up for a shot in the spotlight and built upon the drums with an expressive solo of his own. With some cool delayed-guitar lines thrown overtop by Shankweiler and Gabriel’s use of a Supertramp-like sound in the closing part of the song, the sandwich of “Fade Into You” -> “Duh Duh” -> “Fade Into You” was absolutely my highlight of the night.
As the band introduced a cover of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” (featuring opening act Joel McLeod on vocals) to close out the main set, I was a little bit apprehensive about a ballad closer. However, the septet struck into their unique arrangement of the song, a driving, powerful take on the classic tune with a guitar line chunky and reminiscent of the Home Depot theme song (in the best way).
The encore began with a performance of “Communion”, an unreleased ballad in the form of a beautiful duet between Gabriel and Stewart-Frommer, the former’s gentle keyboard playing on full display.
A powerful cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” with more incredibly powerful vocals continued the encore before Melt’s first-ever release, “Sour Candy” closed out the night on a high note.
Melt is on tour this fall across the USA – do NOT miss them if they are playing near you! A sound built on a tight band with audible influences across the musical spectrum, each member contributes to the overall sound that fills every corner of the venue with its exuberant energy. I eagerly look forward to seeing what heights Melt will reach in the coming years!
Melt next plays in New York on October 20 at Webster Hall.
originally posted on https://ryanstorm.substack.com/p/show-review-melt-91522
Recently announced by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, Utica Music Series (Monday Nite in Utica) has been awarded a multi-year Levitt AMP Grant Award of $90K. Thus, in matching funds to present a free outdoor music series in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Since 2016, the Levitt AMP Utica Music Series has activated Kopernik Park in Oneida Square. By transforming it into a welcoming, inclusive destination and a venue where diversity is abounded from the stage to audience.
The Levitt AMP Grant Awards is an exciting, multi-year matching grant opportunity bringing the joy of free, live music to towns and cities with a population of up to 250,000 people. The Levitt Foundation has expanded the program from an annual matching grant of $25K, into a three-year matching grant of $30K per year for a total grant award of $90K.
“Emerging from the pandemic, we have all witnessed the importance of community and connection on our well-being, and free, live music in public spaces is a powerful way to bring people together of all ages and backgrounds. Expanding the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards into a multi-year, $90K grant and inviting additional towns and cities into the program was inspired in part by the positive impact Utica Monday Nite is having on the local community,” says Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of the Levitt Foundation.
“We look forward to the continued impact of the Levitt AMP Utica Music Series, which has transformed Kopernik Park into a community destination beyond the free concerts, creating a joyful and welcoming space for the entire community, from new to lifelong residents alike.”
Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of the Levitt Foundation
From Main Street communities to rural towns in the heart of Appalachia to historic state capitals, the 18 returning Levitt AMP grant recipients hail from across the country including rural towns with populations of less than 10,000 like Whitesburg, Ky.; Galva, Ill.; Earlham, Iowa; Shenandoah Junction, W.Va.; Soldotna, Alaska; St. Johnsbury, Vt.; and Middlesboro, Ky.*; to mid-sized cities like Berea, Ky.; Carson City, Nev.; Gallup, N.M.; Ocala, Fla.; Sheboygan, Wis.*; Stevens Point, Wis.; Utica, N.Y.; and Woonsocket, R.I.; to larger cities spanning the country including Fort Smith, Ark.; Springfield, Ill.; and Trenton, N.J.*
Berea, Kentucky (population: 15,773)
Carson City, Nevada (population: 55,244)
Earlham, Iowa (population: 1,382)
Fort Smith, Arkansas (population: 87,788)
Gallup, New Mexico (population: 21,637)
Galva, Illinois (population: 2,539)
Middlesboro, Kentucky (population: 9,242)*
Ocala, Florida (population: 60,021)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin (population: 48,153)*
Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia (population: 1,382)
