NYS Music 202​2

Category: Pop

  • SNL returns with “West Side Story” star Ariana Debose, Bleachers, and Eric Adams in NYC-centric episode

    For the first episode of 2022, SNL welcomed Ariana Debose to host, along with Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers as musical guest. Debose won a Golden Globe earlier this week for her performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” and gained additional honors as the 200th woman since 1975 to host the NBC variety show.

    ariana debose SNL Bleachers

    During her monologue, Debose was joined by veteran cast member Kate McKinnon for a medley of “West Side Story” numbers, including “Tonight,” “Something’s Coming” and “America;” during “I Feel Pretty” the pair fist bumped following the famous line “I feel pretty and witty and gay!”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLOEKEwjGKk

    The show began with “Message from the President” and featured new cast member James Austin Johnson as President Joe Biden blaming the spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19 on too many people seeing “Spiderman: No Way Home.” Biden at one point wondered if there were other President Biden’s in the multiverse, leading Pete Davidson to arrive as a Biden variant from another universe.

    Local business commercials in the New York Metro area were spoofed by Davidson and Chloe Fineman, who advertised their shop for prom and formal wear in “Formal Emporium,” with featured player Andrew Dismukes as their nerdy son.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QoH_oYaN6M

    Chris Redd made his debut as new New York City Mayor Eric Adams, in a NY1 press conference sketch where Adams made his arrival to the podium with Mase’s “Feel So Good”as walk on music. Adams bragged about the swag he brings to the office and gave stark comparison to the predecessor, who was never parodied on SNL in his eight prior years in office. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7igRfDC1YQ

    Jack Antonoff’s NYC-based indie-pop group Bleachers performed an energetic “How Dare You Want More,” off 2021’s Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night, and was performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last year. Mark ‘Rat’ Ratner Antonoff was joined by singer-songwriter Blu DeTiger on bass, Claud on keys and Rick Antonoff, Jack’s dad, on guitar.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gnn-pBhmUX4

    The Sound of Music has been a regular musical sketch number on SNL, appearing in sketches twice in the last four years. Debose’s Broadway chops were on display in “Governess” where a widower, Kenan Thompson, hired DeBose to teach his children, who sang a take on “Do-Re-Mi.”

    For Bleachers’ second song, Antonoff’s 2020 collaboration with Bruce Springsteen, “Chinatown,” was featured, with Claud shifting to guitar. Antonoff recently confirmed that he will release a new Bleachers album, the group’s fourth, by the end of the year.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3hEhMMfUJo

    Rapper Roddy Ricch was originally scheduled as musical guest this evening but had to withdraw due to members of his team being exposed to COVID-19. SNL returns on January 22 with host Will Forte and musical guest Måneskin.

    One sketch that was cut for time, “All On Me,” features a rapper (Chris Redd) performs a song with his entourage (Ariana DeBose, rapper Freddie Gibbs, Kenan Thompson) after signing a major deal.

  • New Single “Before You Go” from Lupopunk is Vintage Pop Punk

    On Jan. 14, Long Island pop punk band, Lupopunk, released its second single, “Before You Go,” from their upcoming untitled EP.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa9SudVKJG0
    Lupopunk’s previously released single, “Don’t Think I Forgot About You” from their upcoming EP.

    On “Before You Go,” Lupopunk delivers a vintage pop punk performance, one that was frozen in ice back in 2003 and made to be thawed out under the blazing studio lights of an MTV stage. Except that MTV doesn’t play music anymore and pop punk turned out to be a fad. Which complicates the whole ordeal. How do you judge a good single from an outdated genre that barely holds any cultural bearing? Or should it not even matter because art should exist for its own sake and not to please, serve, and/or be sold to an audience?

    Lupopunk's single "Before You Go'" released on Jan. 14 2022
    Lupopunk’s recorded their new single “Before You Go” with John Naclerio of Nada Recordings.

    If you’re a fan of pop punk Lupopunk’s new single, “Before You Go” is like a fond childhood memory that triggers a rush of emotions and a longing for a time when all the things you loved were at the center of your world. The powerful guitar riffs with the emphatic chords, the angst-ridden vocals, the drums which demand attention all combine to make for a true “they don’t make ‘em like they used to” performance.

    When I first started Lupopunk it was going to be just an acoustic project…[but] I started to record that and demo it and realized that I’m going to finally do my pop punk stuff.

    Matty Lupinacci, Lupopunk front man

    Lupopunk’s lead vocalist, Matty Lupinacci, a long-time staple of the Long Island punk scene, will perform live for the first time in 14 years on Saturday 1/15 at the Massapequa VFW Hall.

  • Peter Stone’s Debut EP “Unlabeled” Delivers Eminently Listenable Artistic Vision

    Peter Stone’s debut EP, “Unlabeled“, delivers an eminently listenable and creatively integral album. It’s a work whose influences are clear—R&B vocals, 80’s synthesizers, pop beats—but who’s originality and creative vision are even more evident.

    Stone’s work features a knack for melodies that are sonically complex and rich with texture but that are, nonetheless, earworms that stick with you as you listen. Even though he recorded the album in 2020 during lockdown in his native Italy “when he couldn’t have any contact with anyone [which] was a really tough time” his ability to guarantee head-bobbing tunes belies the conditions under which the EP was recorded.

    Although his ability to do so appears effortless the quality of the music suggests it likely wasn’t. Rather it was the product of a detailed process of intentional musical choices from his myriad influences. On “Cold,” the album’s likely hit, his mix of R&B crooning and 80’s synthesizers combine to make what is ultimately a pop song of the highest order.

    Stone doesn’t have an aversion to pop music. Even if we admits that it’s not one of the guiding inspirations of his musical process.

    “Pop is one of the genres I’m up to put myself in even though [I’m not] mainly inspired by it when it comes to the writing and the production of my songs,” acknowledged Stone.

    Even if it isn’t his main inspiration there’s no denying that it’s the outcome. On “Lead Me”, the first song on Peter Stone’s debut EP, he sings “She’s dancing on the floor/She’s moving on the floor” over pulsating synths and basses.

    His obvious talent for creating uniquely creative, yet accessible music is on delves into new spaces with “Save Me” and “Trust.” The first is an emotional piano ballad, with Stone playing the keys, that while still feeling slightly like a young artist’s imitation of what they think an emotional song should sound like; has lyrics that effectively portray a person that’s fractured and realizing that they have to put themselves back together.

    pietro

    On “Trust” Stone exhibits a mature understanding of song composition that is reflexive of a clear creative vision, executed with purpose. The song is a three-parter but to say more would spoil the mix of delight and intrigue one feels at its transitions. All of which are unlike both each other and the rest of the songs on Unlabeled offering a glimpse into Stone’s multidimensionality as an artist.

    His multitude of influences might have created a genre blending debut but ultimately all that matters is that once you listen to Peter Stone’s debut EP…you’ll want to listen to it again.

  • Hanson World Tour to make stops at Beacon Theatre, Empire Live

    Pop-rock trio Hanson announced their Red Green Blue Tour to follow a release of their new album Red Green Blue, with stops at Empire Live and The Beacon Theatre.

    The band of brothers is a three-time Grammy-nominated pop-rock trio, selling over 16 million albums, and performing for over three million fans.

    Hanson, photo by Jonathan Weiner.

    Created in 1992 in Tulsa, OK, Hanson established a regional following before getting international fame, with a string of top 40 singles.

    The new album Red Green Blue will be released on May 20, and it will mark 30 years of the band being together. Speaking about the milestone, they said this.

    Going into our 30th year as a band we felt like it was imperative we continue to tell our story like only we can, and telling stories in ways that will continue to challenge us to grow and give people new reasons to listen. Red Green Blue is about sharing what has made us a band that has been able to weather so many storms.

    Hanson’s tour will be stopping all over the globe, with two NYS stops. One will be at Empire Live in Albany and the other at the Beacon Theatre in NYC.

    The band plans to release singles to accompany the album, one on February 11, one on March 11, and one on April 15.

    Hanson

    Tickets to see the Red Green Blue tour can be found here, with tickets going on sale at 10 AM local on January 20.

    Hanson 2022 Tour Dates

    EUROPE:
    JUNE
    8 – Helsinki FINLAND – House of Culture
    10 – Stockholm SWEDEN – Berns
    12 – Oslo NORWAY – Vulkan Arena
    13 – Goteborg SWEDEN – Pustervik
    14 – Kolding DENMARK – Godset
    16 – Hamburg GERMANY – Mojo
    17 – Koln GERMANY – Gloria
    18 – Munich GERMANY – Strom
    20 – Milan ITALY – Magazzini Generali
    22 – Paris FRANCE – La Cigale
    23 – Brussels BELGIUM – AB
    24 – Amsterdam NETHERLANDS – Melkweg
    26 – Nottingham UK – Rock City
    28 – Glasgow UK – SWG3 Galvanisers
    29 – Manchester UK – O2 Ritz
    30 – London UK – Roundhouse

    JULY
    2 – Bristol UK – O2 Academy
    3 – Leeds UK – University – Stylus


    NORTH AMERICA

    JULY
    12 – Houston TX – House of Blues
    14 – New Orleans LA – The Joy Theater
    15 – Nashville TN – Ryman Auditorium
    16 – Atlanta GA – The Eastern
    17 – St Petersburg FL – Jannus Live
    19 – Birmingham AL – Alabama Theater
    20 – Raleigh NC – The Ritz
    22 – Richmond VA – The National
    23 – Silver Spring MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
    24 – Philadelphia PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
    26 – Pittsburgh PA – Palace Theatre
    28 – Albany NY – Empire Live
    29 – Boston MA – House of Blues
    30 – Hampton Beach NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
    31 – New York NY – The Beacon Theatre


    AUGUST
    2 – Montreal QC – Corona Theatre
    3 – Toronto ON – Danforth Music Hall
    5 – Elizabeth IN – Ceasers Event Center
    6 – Cleveland OH – Agora Theatre
    7 – Detroit MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
    9 – Grand Rapids MI – 20 Monroe Live
    10 – Indianapolis IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
    12 – St Louis MO – The Pageant
    13 – Chicago IL – Aragon Ballroom
    14 – Madison WI – The Sylvee
    16 – Springfield MO – Gillioz Theatre
    18 – Council Bluffs IA – Stir Cove at Harrah’s
    19 – Minneapolis MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis
    20 – Fargo ND – Fargo Brewing Company Outdoors
    21 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theater
    23 – Calgary AB – The Palace Theatre
    24 – Edmonton AB – Midway
    26 – Vancouver BC – The Vogue Theatre
    27 – Seattle WA – The Moore
    28 – Portland OR – Crystal Ballroom
    30 – San Francisco CA – The Fillmore
    31 – Anaheim CA – House of Blues


    SEPTEMBER
    2 – Los Angeles CA – Ace Theatre
    3 – San Diego CA – Humphrey’s Concerts By The Bay
    4 – Phoenix AZ – The Van Buren
    6 – Las Vegas NV – Brooklyn Bowl
    7 – Salt Lake City UT – The Depot
    9 – Denver CO – Paramount Theatre
    10 – Kansas City MO – Uptown Theatre
    11 – Wichita KS – Cotillion Ballroom
    13 – Austin TX – Emo’s
    14 – Dallas TX – House of Blues


    LATIN AMERICA

    SEPTEMBER
    25 – Mexico City MEXICO – BlackBerry
    27 – Guadalajara MEXICO – Teatro Diana
    28 – Leon MEXICO – Foro de Lago
    29 – Queretaro MEXICO – Teatro Metropolitan


    OCTOBER
    1 – Monterrey MEXICO – Pabellon M
    4 – Santiago CHILE – Teatro Coliseo
    6 – Buenos Aires ARGENTINA – Teatro Gran Rivadavia 
    8 – Montevideo URUGUAY – La Trastienda
    11 – Porto Alegre BRAZIL – Teatro Bourbon Country
    12 – Curitiba BRAZIL – Live Curitiba14 – Ribeirão Preto BRAZIL – Arena Eurobike
    15 – Sao Paulo BRAZIL – Espaco Das Americas
    16 – Uberlandia BRAZIL – Arena Sabiazinho
    19 – Brasilia BRAZIL – Centro de Convencoes Ulyess Guimaraes 
    21 – Rio de Janeiro BRAZIL – Qualistage

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84OD7oaBqKU

  • Carole King ‘Live From Central Park’ Vault Release Announced

    The latest release from Third Man Records is Carole King – Home Again, recorded live on the Great Lawn of Central Park on May 26, 1973. This special concert was released in conjunction with Ode Records and Sony Music, and showcases songs from multiple albums including Tapestry and Fantasy.

    Carole King vault collection

    Many musicians have graced the stage within Central Park, from Simon and Garfunkel to Elton John, and on May 26, 1973, more than 100,000 fans gathered on the Great Lawn to enjoy Carole King’s homecoming concert. Actor Jack Nicholson was among the crowd of awe struck fans, quoted saying that King’s performance was “one of only two current events “proper” to be seen at in public.” 

    The first portion of the performance focuses on songs from Tapestry, produced by long time collaborator, Lou Alder. King glides her way through songs like ‘Beautiful’, ‘Smackwater Jack’ and “It’s Too Late” as fans enjoy their time in the park.

    New York has given me such an awful lot – stimulus, ideas, feelings to write – the concert is just a small way of giving something back.

    Carole King

    The concert was further electrified by the appearance of King’s 11-piece band, highlighting songs from her album Fantasy and adding to the already lush feeling within the park.

    Carole King Central Park
    King Performing on the Great Lawn

    The historic event ended with a beautiful dedication to close friend, James Taylor, and a resounding sense of joy.

    The vault package includes two LPs, a gatefold jacket with photos from the performance, the professionally filmed performance on DVD and two covers performed by long-time fan Lucy Dacus. Sign up ends January 31 at midnight.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mefvCRU22oY

  • Ronnie Spector, Lead Singer Of The Ronettes, Dead At 78

    Ronnie Spector, the lead singer of the Ronettes, has died at 78 after a battle with cancer. 

    Ronnie Spector (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

    Our beloved earth angel, Ronnie, peacefully left this world today. She was with family and in the arms of her husband, Jonathan. Ronnie lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a spunky attitude, a wicked sense of humor and a smile on her face. She was filled with love and gratitude. Her joyful sound, playful nature and magical presence will live on in all who knew, heard or saw her.

    Family statement on the passing of Ronnie Spector

    Spector, along with her older sister Estelle Bennett and their cousin Nedra Talley, began performing in the late 1950s. In 1963, they attracted the attention of producer Phil Spector, who would become heavily involved with their music. Their song “Be My Baby” was a smash hit, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Today, many consider it one of the greatest pop songs ever, including Brian Wilson, who borrowed its Wall of Sound production technique for several of the Beach Boys’ records.

    The Ronettes also have several songs on Phil Spector’s famous compilation album, A Christmas Gift for You. They would go on to open for the Beatles on their 1996 U.S. tour, and once the group broke up, Ronnie married Phil Spector in 1968. Their marriage was extremely abusive, with Spector forbidding Ronnie from performing, holding her against her will in their house, and repeatedly threatening her.

    They divorced in 1974, and Spector scored another hit in 1986 by featuring on Eddie Money’s “Take Me Home Tonight.” When Money sings “Just like Ronnie sang…” on the chorus, she finishes the line with “Be my little baby,” a homage to the Ronettes’ 60s hit. As of 2020, actress Zendaya was in talks to portray Spector in a biopic.

    Spector is survived by her second husband, Jonathan Greenfield, and her sons, Jason and Austin.

  • SAVAK Release Guitar Driven Single “Cold Ocean”

    Brooklyn post-punk band SAVAK release their new single “Cold Ocean,” with hints of a new album on the way.

    Savak and “Cold Ocean.”

    SAVAK is a two-headed machine led by Sohrab Habibion and Michael Jaworski, and Matt Shulz on drums. Jaworski and Habibion have been sharing the duties of singer and songwriter since the band’s creation in 2015.

    All the members of the band played in bands in the 90s-The Obits, Holy Fuck, and The Cops. Their prior experience in 90s rock bands helps reform the sound of SAVAK, as touches of the scene are heard in their music.

    savak
    SAVAK, photo by Taylor Sesselman.

    “Cold Ocean” comes off the A-side digital single with the accompanying B-side “Adolescence Obsolete.” The single is guitar-heavy, and there is a lot of emphasis leading up to the big hook. The song has deep and meaningful lyrics, like the line, “Cold, cold ocean/Gonna break my neck/A wave of deep regret/I know we’ve already met.”

    The video itself features SAVAK’s home of Brooklyn, with scenes occurring throughout the city. The video is funny and uses shifting colors from gray to light to emphasize mood shifts. The story follows “Walker Slim” and his hustle to hawk a ring to give to a lover that never shows.

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