NYS Music 202​2

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • In Focus: Leif Vollebekk and La Force, Live at Levon Helm Studios

    Levon Helm Studios was sold out on Saturday, April 4th, for a visit from some of Montreal’s finest: Leif Vollebekk, with opener La Force. The show also featured appearances from Cindy Cashdollar and Patrick Watson. This dynamic cast of musicians put on a special show for the Woodstock crowd that lasted late into the night. The crowd was excited for the show and were entertained throughout, and for a number of first timers at the barn, they learned how alive music can feel in the barn.

    Cindy Cashdollar on lap steel

    La Force consisted of Ariel Engle performing solo on Saturday night. Her set was a perfect way to open the show; the crowd was captivated by the ethereal combination of Ariel’s voice and guitar, and from the first measure she took full control of their attention. La Force created a unique atmosphere, the room was filled with a calmness that was balanced by a fragile tension in her voice. The hauntingly beautiful combination of Ariel’s voice and guitar can be heard in her live version of ‘Can’t Take’ in the clip below.

    After La Force, Leif Vollebekk took the stage and from the start he was one thing: connected. Leif was connected to his music, through his body, to his instruments, and to the sounds he and his band make. During each song of his set Leif would visibly lose himself to the feeling of his music. When playing guitar on his feet, Leif would never stay in one place. He would flow to and from the microphone as he needed, bouncing in and out of different sections of the songs. Even when seated at the piano, Leif would rock back and fourth: leaning, twisting, and bending, all to play the notes exactly as he feels.

    This connection to his music is no more apparent than during ‘Hot Tears.’ Close fans of Leif knew the moment this song was coming on Saturday night, as he laid his guitar down on the floor, with the headstock pointing away as he sat down at the keys. This was to leave the guitar in a convenient place for the moment in the song when he picked it up and to solo, calling and responding to himself on the keyboard. In the clip below, you can fast forward to minute 10:33 to watch Leif perform ‘Hot Tears’ for KCRW. Just after minute 14:30 is when Leif picks up his guitar and puts on a clinic in playing with feel.

    Leif’s set was dynamic throughout, and his energy level flowed up and down with each song. The set’s energy trended upward as the night went on though, and the build up took off as the band rocked Levon Helm Studios with ‘Blood Brother.’ The regular set was closed out at its peak with ‘Transatlantic Flight,’ another song off Leif’s latest album: New Ways. The energy of this song would be matched only with the final song of the encore, when every musician in the building took the stage for a cover of Prince’s ‘Purple Rain.’ This proved to be a truly special ending to another incredible show in Woodstock.

    Leif Vollebekk will be wrapping his American tour in Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts before heading to Europe. See all of Leif’s upcoming tour dates on his website. To catch any future announcements, be sure to follow him on Instagram @leifvollebekk. Stay up-to-date with La Force by visiting laforceband.com and following Ariel on Instagram @laforceband. For upcoming shows at Levon Helm Studios, visit levonhelm.com.

    Setlist (partial): East of Eden, Into the Ether, Big Sky Country, Never Be Back, Apalachee Plain, Long Blue Light, Tallahassee, Blood Brother, Hot Tears, Transatlantic Flight

    Encore: Elegy, Purple Rain (Prince)

  • FreshGrass | North Adams Announces Initial Lineup for September Bluegrass Festival

    FreshGrass | North Adams, MASS MoCA’s three day festival of bluegrass and progressive roots music, announces the initial 2022 lineup.

    The lineup features Gary Clark Jr., Old Crow Medicine Show, Trampled by Turtles, Yola, and The Jerry Douglas Band. Artists such as Aoife O’Donovan, Sierra Ferrell, Alison Brown, The Lil Smokies, Sierra Hull, Willie Watson, Luca Ciarla, are also included. Also perfoming will be, Never Come Down, Misty Blues, California Bluegrass Reunion featuring Darol Anger, John Reischman, Bill Evans, Jim Nunally, Sharon Gilchrist & Chad Manning. More artists are being announced in the upcoming weeks.

    The FreshGrass festival features bluegrass innovators on four stages and platforms throughout the 16-acre campus. Festival programming also includes FreshScores, a silent film with original live music; FreshGrass commissions and world premieres. There will also be workshops led by bluegrass veterans on the subjects of songwriting, producing, and music marketing.

    FreshGrass is a beloved tradition at MASS MoCA, with more than a decade of music and memories.

    MASS MoCA Director Kristy Edmunds

    FreshGrass festival also holds a contest for emerging artists. The grand prize is a grant up to $20,000 in cash prizes and recording time at Compass Records studio in Nashville to unsigned talent. The annual award categories include band, banjo, guitar, and fiddle. Twelve finalists—three in each category—travel to the festival to perform for a panel of No Depression editors and artists. For this year’s festival, finalists will perform throughout the weekend on pop-up stages. The award winners in each of the four categories will earn a main stage slot at the 2023 FreshGrass Festival.

    Ticket Information

    3-Day tickets are now on sale for adults ($129), students ($99), and children 7-16 ($49). Admission is free for children 6 and under. All festival tickets include admission to MASS MoCA’s galleries. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount on ticket prices, excluding VIP FreshPass tickets. 

    Camping Information

    As FreshGround is a camping field, they will be offering camping services. The camping ground is about a 12 minute walking distance from the festival, along with downtown merchants, bars, and restaurants. A shuttle bus runs continuously to the festival from the campsite. If you’d like more information on the camping services, you can visit FreshGrass website, www.freshgrass.com. 

  • Gooseberry Drops Titular Song In Anticipation Of Debut EP “Broken Dance”

    In anticipation of their debut EP, Broken Dance, set to release on May 6th, Gooseberry has dropped the titular track of their forthcoming project. The Brooklyn band, consisting of Asa Daniels, Evin Rossington, Sam Rappaport, and Will Hammond, is slowly building an underground following.

    Recently, the band placed in the Final Four in NYSMusic’s March Madness 2022 bracket, and their newest release continues to highlight their talent.

    Gooseberry Broken Dance
    Gooseberry

    Gooseberry’s music is a magnificent blend of soulful R&B and indie-pop. Their newest release continues to showcase this amalgamation. The titularly titled track, “Broken Dance,” features a happy yet inquisitive piano roll. Accompanied by a melancholic violin and intimate lyricism, the track wonderfully captures the antonymic feelings of intimacy and loss.

    The four-piece talent will also be touring the American Northeast. In New York, they will return to the Bowery Electric on April 14th and to Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory on May 21st. Additionally, the band will also pass through the Finger Lakes region and will play at Grist Iron Brewing on June 11th.

    TOUR DATES

    04/13 – O’Brien’s – Boston, MA

    04/14 – Bowery Electric – New York, NY

    04/16 – Transparent Clinch Gallery – Asbury Park, NJ

    05/21 – Knitting Factory – Brooklyn, NY

    06/11 – Grist Iron Brewing – Burdett, NY

    Gooseberry is set to have an exceptional 2022, for more information on the band and to pre-order Broken Dance, visit gooseberryband.com.

  • Experimental Artist Federico Aubele releases new single “Old Spanish Films”

    Federico Aubele has released the second single “Old Spanish Films” from his upcoming album The Holographic Moon, out May 27.

    Federico Aubele
    Federico Aubele was born in Buenos Aires but now lives and works in Brooklyn. Credit: Desdemona Dallas

    The song is about a relationship coming to an end after the two people acknowledge an inevitable incompatibility.  

    [It’s based] on the realization that a relationship I was in was built on projections, from both people in it, and didn’t have any real foundation.
    The end of the relationship was obviously sad. But in hindsight I can see that for the brief amount of time we were together we did give each other something valuable that we needed at the time, mostly companionship.

    Federico Aubele

    His deep baritone and penchant for downtempo melancholy offer a rumination on things lost. His relationship may have ended but it didn’t lose its value. His signature vocals envelopes the acoustic guitar that glides through the track to create a sense of something lost but, nonetheless, appreciated.

    In a first for the Brooklyn based Argentine singer songwriter he also directed the video for “Old Spanish Films.” The Camcorder and Walkman in the video are meant to evoke a gone-by era of your life, to represent things that were once precious and now only their memory is.

    Aubele’s overt pursuit of experimentation may not be for all. But “Old Spanish Films” is worth a listen at least just to satisfy your curiosity.

  • Queens Band, The Forms Cover “Latch” by Disclosure

    Queens based band, The Forms, released a cover of “Latch” the popular Disclosure song featuring Sam Smith.

    The Forms is a band from Queens, NY composed of Alex Tween and Matt Walsh
    Photo by Noah Kalina

    “The core composition is so strong that the song would probably work in any format, but hopefully our un-electronic version will highlight what Disclosure and Sam Smith accomplished with their remarkable work,” said Alex Tween.

    In The Forms cover they swapped out the electronic production for the physical instruments featured in the song.

    Apart from Sam Smith’s voice and Disclosure’s harmonies, the original song was entirely composed of synthetic elements seemingly, so for our take we used all physical instruments (rhodes, hammond organ, piano, drums).”

    The group tried to reverse engineer the song and draw out its “weirdness”.

    “’Latch’ is definitely one of the weirdest and most complex songs ever to break through to the mainstream,” Tween said. “The chords are so strange and unique, the slow triplet rhythms virtually unheard of for a dance track, and the lyrics are so subtly subversive that it is truly an astonishing achievement that it made the Top 10.”

    The Forms on a beach front
    Photo by Noah Kalina

    The Forms is a two-person band composed of Tween, who plays piano, guitar, and provides vocals, and Matt Walsh. The two have known each other since high school. They released their debut album together back in Feb. 2003. The Forms are currently work on an album that will be released in 2022 with Steve Albini of Electrical Audio.

  • Chloe Sautereau Releases Newest Music Video “What If”

    New York based singer-songwriter Chloe Sautereau, also known by her stage name sautereau, released her newest music video “What If” on Friday, April 1. This song certainly sparks up that intriguing feeling of wanting more, whether that’s hitting it off with someone new to exploring your own city’s timeless treasures. 

    Chloe Sautereau Releases Newest Music Video "What If"
    what if – sautereau cover

    Chloe Sautereau is a Swiss singer-songwriter from New York, currently studying Recorded Music at NYU. She is originally from Geneva, Switzerland, and goes by the stage name “sautereau.”

    After discovering a strong passion for music, sautereau started her musical journey at the age of eight. She would find this passion by writing songs and playing the guitar. Initially, her career began in 2019 under the name Cee, where she released her debut EP, “As I Keep on Dreaming.”  

    “What If” Official Video

    She released her first single, “Conversation Hearts,” under the name sautereau in 2021. Thus, providing a fresh perspective of her as an artist.

    sautereau describes “what if” as “that moment you hit it off with someone for the first time and relive all those little memories that are crisp in your mind.” The song was produced by Chloé Sautereau and Toby May at Unagi Sound and was mixed and mastered by John Arbuckle at Cove City Studios, who also recorded the vocals on the track. 

    “what if” is an ode to feeling like you’re on the same wavelength as the person you’re with, more so than you thought you could be. It’s about evoking new experiences and discovery, but also an ode to New York City and its little wonders that we often overlook.

    – sautereau
    sautereau full with guitar
    sautereau full with guitar

    Within this song, sautereau’s songwriting and storytelling capabilities shine through effortlessly. “What if” reminds us to stop and think of the endless possibilities that a situation can bring. Along with how these possibilities can impact our lives forever. She has a distinct talent for using her own experiences and making them relatable for her listeners.

    sautereau jeans & guitar

    “what if” is available to download and stream on platforms worldwide. Be sure to check out sautereau on Instagram @iamsautereau to keep up with her musical journey ahead.

    On Friday when the video drops, it will be available to play on Youtube here.

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Jade Relics, Atelo Songs 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, Jade Relics, Atelo Songs, 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.

    Jade Relics – “Mandarine” & “Leave us Alone”

    Jade Relics is a collective of Vermont Musicians featuring, Elder Orange, Rico James, IamE. Their debut release is equally infectious as it is danceable all the while carrying a message. The music floats along a hip hop feel with emo heartfelt singing, excellent production and instrumentation creating a head bobbing yet smart piece of music.

    Jade Relics previously released “Start Over,” a massive sounding intoxicating grooed out jam about pushing the rest button or at least being forced to do so.

    Atelo Songs – “Wish I Could Drop”

    Sam Gleason aka Atelo Songs is a singer/songwriter and producer who creates music spanning a wide variety of genres, including rock, pop, folk, psychedelic, and new wave. Getting his start over a decade ago performing at various venues throughout the state of New York, he’s become known for both his powerful and unique voice as well as his strange, story-telling style of songwriting.

    Having played shows with artists such as Jimmy Webb and Charles NeVille, he continues to constantly play out throughout New York and has not stopped writing, recording, and putting out as much music as possible. Atelo currently resides in the city of Albany, and has spent the gigless days of the pandemic writing, recording, and releasing singles. See less

  • Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival Announces Daily Lineup and Schedule For 4th Annual Event

    The Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival is preparing for its 4th annual event with over 16 artists in Buffalo’s Historic Cobblestone District on July 15 and 16.

    For this event there will be four stages: the main outdoor stage will be located on the corner of South Park Ave & Illinois Street, the second will be on Columbia Street, the third is located inside of Buffalo Iron Works, and the fourth stage is inside Lockhouse Distillery & Bar.

    For the past 10 years the Historic Cobblestone District has been a neighborhood full of live music, entertainment and has paved the foundation of Cobblestone Live bars, restaurants and venues; with the goal being to grow each year until this festival is national-sized.

    Following the events of the last two years, we are thrilled to announce that we are coming back bigger and better than ever this year. With the birth of Twenty6 Productions in 2020, we have resources that we haven’t had in previous years – which shows in the lineup and will certainly be evident at the festival itself for years to come.

    Festival Director and Twenty6 Productions CEO Josh Holtzman

    Advanced tickets are discounted: the two-day general access is $40, while the single-day general access is $25. There are also VIP tickets: the two-day access is $175 and the single-day access is $100. However, the day of the festival tickets are $50 for both days and $30 for one. Additionally, the VIP ticket for both days is $200 while the single-day ticket is $125. VIP passes consist of extra amenities such as private areas, front-of-stage viewing, a premium bar with craft beverages, lounge area and more.

    For more information and to acquire tickets visit the Cobblestone Live website.

    THE COBBLESTONE LIVE 2022 LINEUP

    Misterwives
    Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
    Andy Frasco & The UN
    The Hip Abduction
    Doom Flamingo
    Mihali of Twiddle
    Alanis Morissette Tribute ft. former members of Turkuaz
    Dirty Work [Steely Dan Tribute] ft. members of Aqueous & The Sideways
    Funktional Flow
    SE2 Silent Disco [Alt, Hip Hop, 2K Pop]
    Workingman’s Dead
    Grub
    Canetis
    Mom Said No
    The Sideways
    Grace Greenan

  • Jake Huffman EP “Adderall & Whiskey” Out April 29th

    Producer and multi-instrumentalist Jake Huffman has announced his newest EP Adderall & Whisky, dropping on April 29th. This EP is inspired by his early 20’s, and lyrically he writes about the story of the rise and fall of love along with experiencing life in a rock band. “Giving it a Try” and “Just a Little More” only preview the intensity of Huffman’s newest project.

    Jake Huffman EP "Adderall & Whiskey" out April 29th
    photo credit: Coley Stevens 

    Since he was young, Jake Huffman began his musical journey traveling up and down the east coast with his rock and roll band, McLovins. With influence from early 2000’s alt-rock, Huffman’s writing flows into an Indie rock/Indie pop mindset combined with deep personal lyrics. In 2010, Rolling Stone described his band as “having the ability to harness the musical ferocity of Trey Anastasio, Les Claypool and Stewart Copeland before being able to legally drive a car.”

    "Adderall & Whiskey" EP
    “Adderall & Whiskey” EP

    Stated in a previous article from NYS Music, Huffman went back to college when COVID-19 hit, getting a Certificate in Music Production from Berkelee School of Music in Boston. During his time being locked down, Huffman dove into his studio work writing about 50 tunes over 2020-21 along with teaching music lessons remotely four days a week.

    Jake told Relix Magazine “Over the last few years, mostly in isolation, I was forced to look inward and found creative inspiration in the process.  I always tell aspiring songwriters that the best songs are honest, simple and specific. “Giving it a Try” is my way of practicing what I preach.”

    Jake releases his first solo song “Giving It A Try,” a preview of his full EP

    I took my own emotional arc of living with so much uncertainty in the world and produced and engineered the song myself from my home studio. The music video is a loose concept of writing, practicing and performing the song.  It’s a crowd favorite when the band and I play it live so I wanted to capture the love and energy for the song. I co-directed and edited the piece with my partner Coley Stevens who shot and colored the video.

    Jake Huffman

    As mentioned in a profile in Relix, Huffman said ““Over the last few years, mostly in isolation, I was forced to look inward and found creative inspiration in the process.  I always tell aspiring songwriters that the best songs are honest, simple and specific. “Giving it a Try” is my way of practicing what I preach.  I took my own emotional arc of living with so much uncertainty in the world and produced and engineered the song myself from my home studio.”

    Get tickets for the Mercury Lounge show on May 20th here, located on the Lower East Side of NYC. 

  • Sooner Releases Debut LP “Days and Nights”

    Dream-pop group Sooner has just released their debut LP, Days and Nights. The Brooklyn based group kicked off album promotions by premiering their first single ‘Boscobel’ with FLOOD magazine. 

    Days and Nights cover

    Formed in 2016, Sooner blends elements of alternative rock, dream pop and shoegaze to create their melodic sound. Members Federica Tassano (vocals), John Farris (guitar), Andrew Possehl (bass), and Tom Wolfson (drums) have come together after a series of fits and starts to finally release the amalgamation of their hard work.

    ‘Persona’ coaxes you in with Tassano’s youthful, airy voice as your feet subconsciously start to tap along to Wolfson’s drums. Lyrics questioning a man’s sobriety and the efforts one goes through for individuals that don’t care add to the depth Sooner displays within their work.

    ‘Kingdom’ draws unique inspiration from Mary Oliver’s poem “Small Kingdoms”. The strong instrumental start does its job in grabbing your focus and keeping it locked in. Bass and guitar are front and center in this track.

    ‘Dusk’ closes the LP with a calming, submerged presence. Tassano’s ethereal chants float around you and as the final song concludes, it feels like you’ve just left a close friend’s recording session. Your muscles are relaxed and your mind is clear. 

    Days and Nights is now available on all streaming platforms, as well as the group’s Bandcamp. 

    Key Tracks : Persona, Kingdom, Oh, Dusk