NYS Music 202​2

Category: News

  • Phil Lesh Announces 9-Show Residency At The Cap

    This October, expect to see a whole lot more of Phil Lesh at The Cap. The legendary Grateful Dead bassist has just announced a nine-show residency at the historic Port Chester venue that will take place over the last three weekends, culminating in a Phil-o-Ween show on the 31st. With his “Friends” still yet to be announced, these shows will also commemorate the 100th show for Phil at The Cap since 2012.

    Phil Cap

    A Deadhead destination and a quintessential venue in Phil Lesh history, The Capitol Theatre‘s Phil-o-Ween shows are always filled with musicians who like to push boundaries and create a mind-bending, high-octane, psychedelic experience in the Grateful Dead tradition.

    Tickets will go on sale starting Friday, March 25 at 12PM and can be purchased through The Cap’s website here.

  • Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Summer Chamber Music Camp

    For the first time, The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to present its Summer Chamber Music Camp. The week-long camp will take place from Monday, June 27th to Friday, July 1st from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Christ Episcopal Church.

    Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra

    The camp will be led by Philharmonic violinist Debrah Devine. An official member of the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra since 2015, Devine has showcased her talent and leadership for years now. Additionally, the acclaimed violinist has been teaching for twelve years now. She is the perfect fit for this opportunity.

    The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has been performing concerts since 1949, marking over seventy years of live music. Those who attend the camp will be working with experts in chamber music.

    Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra

    Middle and high school students who attend will receive daily practice time, ensemble coaching, and in-depth masterclasses.  Camp participants will also receive daily snacks, a camp t-shirt, and two complimentary tickets to the Philharmonic’s Summer Chamber Music Series. The camp will conclude with a public concert at the Phelps Mansion Museum at 7 PM. Camp participants will receive two complimentary tickets to this event.

    Auditions for the camp will be held on Saturday, April 23rd. Tuition will be $165. Need-based scholarships are available through The Agency.  To register and for more information, click here or contact the Binghamton Philharmonic Office at 607-723-3931.

  • ESYO appoint new Music Director, Etienne Abelin

    The Empire State Youth Orchestra has appointed Etienne Abelin as new Music Director. Abelin is from Basel, Switzerland and was described as a “post-classical pioneer” by BBC Music Magazine.

    Etienne Abelin Music Director ESYO
    Etienne Abelin was appointed the new Music Director of the ESYO on March 7, 2022.

    “Etienne possesses that rare combination of brilliant vision and compassionate empathy,” said Rebecca Calos, Executive Director of the ESYO. “Our students were captivated from his first moment in rehearsal and since then they have been abuzz about his creative energy and passion.”

    Prior to joining the ESYO, Abelin worked with renowned, Italian composer Claudio Abaddo. During his tenure with Abaddo he was selected as a founding member of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra.

    Holding numerous degrees Abelin brings a breadth of experiences to his new role. He is a classically trained violinist, who studied at the Musik-Akademie Basel, Indiana University, and at Oberlin College. He also studied conducting at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Delaware. Finally, he also holds an Executive MBA from the University of St Gallen in Switzerland.

    His latest venture was, Music-Eyes, a non-profit that created an educational tech platform that helped teach music animation. That same innovative spirit will serve him well as ESYO looks to open a new chapter after that difficulties it faced during the pandemic.

    “There are many fascinating developments in music and music education today, and I’m especially looking towards integrating with other music genres and art forms, particularly through technology. I’m excited to help position ESYO as an incubator for new collaborations and for new ways of connecting our young musicians with local communities,” said Abelin.

  • American Symphony Orchestra will host tribute to Duke Ellington on March 24 at Carnegie Hall

    The American Symphony Orchestra will be lead by music director Leon Botstein on March 24 in a tribute to the great Duke Ellington. The Duke Ellington tribute will be an all-Ellington symphonic concert at Carnegie Hall. The event will also feature American jazz pianist, Marcus Roberts and Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Catherine Russell.

    The performance was originally scheduled for March of 2020 but had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. In response to the pandemic, Marcus Roberts collaborated with the ASO on the short film titled United We Play which released in December of 2020. The film features three world premieres commissioned by the ASO and composed by Roberts.

    Duke Ellington employs a unique blend of classical and jazz compositional techniques that also combine improvisation with written works. As a result, this makes him one of the most influential jazz composers of all time.

    Featured acts for the March 24th tribute concert include Leon Botstein, conductor Marcus Roberts Trio Marcus Roberts, Pianist, Rodney Jordan, Bassist, Jason Marsalis, Drummer, Catherine Russell, singer All-Ellington program Black, Brown, and Beige Suite (Arr. Maurice Peress) Satin Doll (Arr. Chuck Israels) Harlem (Arr. Luther Henderson & Maurice Peress) Sophisticated Lady (Arr. Morton Gould) Night Creature for Jazz Band and Orchestra (Arr. Luther Henderson, Ed. Gunther Schuller) New World A Comin’ (Arr. Maurice Peress) Three Black Kings (Completed by Mercer Ellington, Arr. Luther Henderson)

    Tickets are available at carnegiehall.org. You can also visit the box office at 57th St & 7th Ave. 

  • New Movie “Holiday Spectacular” Filmed At Radio City And Upstate NY Locations

    Hallmark Channel has announced a new Christmas movie, “A Holiday Spectacular” featuring the Radio City Rockettes and filmed in different locations, including Dutchess County, Newburgh, and Albany.

    The movie has a cast full of Broadway stars and Academy Award Nominees. The movie stars Ginna Claire Mason (Wicked), Tony Award-nominated Derek Klena (Jagged Little Pill), Academy Award-nominated entertainer Ann-Margret (Carnal Knowledge), and Eve Plumb (“The Brady Bunch”).

    Ann-Margret, Eve Plumb, Derek Klena, Ginna Claire Mason.

    Jessica Tuttle, Senior Vice President, Productions, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., spoke about partnering with Hallmark Channel.

    We are thrilled to partner with Hallmark Channel to bring together our two iconic holiday brands, which both create holiday magic for millions of people every year. This heartwarming storyline gives audiences a peek into the passion and dedication that the Rockettes have for this beloved dance company and the incredible sisterhood that is at the core of this legendary line.

    The film was shot on location at the Radio City Music Hall, where it features the famous Rockettes doing various performance numbers, with some speaking roles. It was also filmed in Dutchess County, Newburgh, and Albany.

    The Rockettes, photo by MSG Entertainment.

    “Holiday Spectacular” is set in 1958 when Philadelphia heiress Maggie puts her wedding to a man she doesn’t love on hold as she goes to NYC to make her dream come true of dancing live on stage in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. She feels conflicted with going back home, or continuning to live out her dreams.

    The all-new original movie will premiere during Hallmark Channel’s annual Countdown to Christmas programming event.

  • The Met to Cut Ties With Putin Allied Artists

    As Russia continues their advance on Ukraine, many organizations are choosing to cut ties with Russian government allies. The Met has joined this list by cutting ties with artists and institutions that support or are supported by Putin.

    New York‘s iconic opera house has issued a statement regarding Putin’s invasion, standing in solidarity with Ukraine and supporting their resistance efforts. As an international opera company, the Met hopes to use their status to raise awareness and urge government officials to condemn Putin’s actions. 

    The Met’s general manager, Peter Gelb, didn’t specify which artists and institutions would be cut, but according to NPR, there are three figures that could be at risk. The Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, conductor Valery Gergiev and soprano Anna Netrebko have all been allied with Putin in the past.

    It’s terrible that artistic relationships, at least temporarily, are the collateral damage of these actions by Putin.

    Met General Manager, Peter Gelb

    They will also be staging a March 14th concert to raise funds for Ukraine. The opera will be performing the Ukrainian national anthem, as well as “Prayer for Ukraine” by composer Valentin Silvestrov. Other organizations, including City Winery and New York’s College of Performing Arts, will be hosting their own charity events.

  • Ukrainian Band BlazerJacket Release New Single “Get Out”

    Ukrainian band BlazerJacket is quite literally living with explosions and Russian armed forces nearby. Despite the hardships they are facing, they have released their new single and video for “Get Out.”

    BlazerJacket’s cover art for “Get Out.”

    According to the NYTimes, NYC is home to over 150,000 Ukrainian Americans, the largest community of its kind in the country. The situation in Ukraine might cause this number to rise, with an influx of refugees. NYC is a melting pot of different music and musical influences as cultures have come together over the past four centuries.

    As one would imagine, “Get Out” has taken on a new meaning as of late. Originally, the song was about being drawn into Stockholm Syndrome and its effects, about trying to get out of an abusive and parasitic society. Now, it could be interpreted of having Ukraine be peaceful again, and how the events are affecting the band.

    BlazerJacket was formed in Kyiv by Denis Cherryman (The Cherry Men / Dirty Bird 13) and Hybri Mod. Their aesthetic is based on their love for science fiction novels. They combine different elements of rock and electronics to transform their sound.

    The song and video are dark and loud with a lot of electronic beats happening as the singer screams “get out!” It is a song you can dance to and really absorb its message. The video is unique in that it was first performed at the Comic Con Ukraine music stage in 2021. They captured the moments of that performance and inserted them into the video. 

    BlazerJacket’s new song “Get Out” is out now, and is both important and influential considering current events in Ukraine right now.

    On Thursday, March 10 at 8pm, The City Winery in New York City will put on a benefit concert for Ukraine through the Come Back Alive foundation, the largest foundation providing support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

    The benefit concert will be hosted by Ukrainian singer Eugene Hütz his band Gogol Bordello. There will also be performances by The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn & Franz Nicolay, Jesse Malin, Lady Lamb, Marc Roberge from O.A.R., Matisyahu, Patti Smith, The Magnetic Fields’ Stephin Merritt, Suzanne Vega, and more.

    Ukraine belongs to Ukrainians! We are an ancient independent nation distinctly and forever different from this criminally insane neighbor. The proof you all see now in the fierce mind-blowing battle that the world is witnessing, a battle of Ukrainian people’s choice of freedom and democracy against psychotic totalitarian regime next door. Please help us to win this battle, help us to end this catastrophe immediately and bring the intruder to justice. Please stand with Ukraine in the battle for its democracy and freedom. Please Donate and Fundraise with us. Ukraine needs all of you. All your support counts.

    Eugene Hütz

    Tickets are sold out but there is a waitlist. Additional donations may be made here. Additionally, City Winery will produce a limited edition, custom labeled wine which will be available at the benefit concert and online.

    h/t Jambands

  • Marcus Miller Two Week Residency at Blue Note New York

    Two-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, Marcus Miller, will be featured at Blue Note New York April 12-17 and April 19-24.  

    Blue Note New York Announces Two Week Marcus Miller Residency
    Blue Note New York Announces Two Week Marcus Miller Residency

    Marcus Miller is a world-renowned jazz bassist who has influenced the jazz scene for the past 40 years. Likewise, Miller has received numerous Grammy and international achievement awards. Including winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2001, the 2013 Edison Award For Lifetime Achievement In jazz. Along with the 2010 Victoire du Jazz cultural award and the 2019 recipient of Monaco’s Cultural Merit of Distinction. This was awarded by the Prince and Princess of Monaco.

    In the cultural heart of New York, Greenwich Village, Blue Note has been a cultural institution and one of the premiere jazz clubs in the world since 1981. In addition, their goal is to preserve the history of jazz by regularly displaying up-and-coming jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B and funk artists. This legendary jazz club continues to carry the torch for jazz into the 21st century.

    “I’ve noticed over the past several years that the Blue Note New York has really stepped out by presenting all types of amazing musical artists in interesting settings. I’m very excited to be part of this,” 

    Marcus Miller shares. 

    Marcus’ Blue Note residency features a variety of musically themed nights. for example, this includes a Miles Davis tribute, a Ladies of Jazz & Soul Night and an all-star Bass Jam. Marcus’ sets will encompass all aspects of his 4-decade career, highlighting music that draws on his legendary bass playing. Alongside his prolific composition work for artists such as Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, David Sanborn and Aretha Franklin. Likewise, featuring Russell Gunn on Trumpet, Julian Pollack on Keyboards, Donald Hayes on Alto Sax, and Marcus Gilmore and Louis Cato on drums.  

    “During my 2-week residency, I will explore my entire musical career from funk and R&B to fusion and straight-ahead Jazz. I look forward to bringing together interesting combinations of musicians to perform music from my collaborations with Miles Davis to Luther Vandross, David Sanborn and my own solo career. Each night will be a musical journey–musicians from my past and also from my future; things I’ve done in the past and things I’m about to do! Some guests will be musicians you know and some you don’t yet know but WILL. No matter what night you come it’s going to be an incredible time!” 

    Tickers for purchase are available at here. For more information on Marcus’ residency, please visit here

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

  • NYS Music March Madness 2022 Round 2

    We have arrived at Round 2 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2022. Below you’ll find 16 matchups between 32 bands and artists from across New York State, from numerous genres, all on the rise and ready to make a name for themselves.

    march madness 2022 round 2

    Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness competition that spans all the musical harbors of the Empire State. As fans and musicians, the NYS Music team aims to spotlight the great talent found across New York in a friendly contest, bringing broader attention to the next generation of artists and bands on the rise. March Madness 2022 highlights 64 bands and artists you might not know, but should know, as these homegrown talents are making waves through the New York State. Check out Round 1 here.

    Enter your email address, meet the bands and artists below, and vote for your favorites!

    [forminator_form id=”404413″]

    Bearsville Theater Region

    March Madness 2022 Round 2

    Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys vs Ampevene

    Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys from Albany perform hard-driving, up-tempo acoustic Americana Roots music from the traditions of country, folk, and bluegrass with creative original story songs from Jim the main focus. Listen to their recent EP Hillbilly Rock n Roll here

    Ampevene from Albany are a fresh, experimental fusion of original Progressive Rock, Psychedelic, and other genres. Ampevene’s music represents an amalgam of the mayhem of Mars Volta, the psychedelic sounds of Pink Floyd, the hypnotic trance-like quality of Tool, and the funk of a Frusciante-Chili Pepper jam. Listen to their David Bowie live set from November 2019 here.

    Caity Gallagher vs Thanks!

    Caity Gallagher is a folk singer songwriter based in Albany, with rootsy compositions and lilting vocal lines serve to showcase intimate lyrics that tell universally relatable stories. Caity has been likened to a modern combination of The Cranberries and Jackson Browne. Listen to her newest single, “Give It All,” here.

    Thanks! From Saratoga Springs leave audiences with a show to remember whenever they hit the stage. What started out as three guys in a basement, has continuously built into a theatrical, reflective and dramatic performance that moves fans of all ages. Listen to their new single “I Choose You” here.

    GRUB vs Fine Grain 

    GRUB is an Experimental Rock group based out of Buffalo/Niagara Falls. Their original catalogue can be described as uniquely inventive, adventurous, and welcoming to new listeners. Each song showcases a seamless blend of genres such as funk, psychedelic rock, electronic, hip-hop, metal, and reggae amidst a pop-esque composition, so there are elements on the table for all. Their website has videos and more.

    Red pill or blue pill? Fine Grain took both with a Genny and got banned from Trader Joe’s. The girthy tones of this gritty, shoegazy punk band from Albany will remind you of late nights on a stoop in September, your first beer after work, weird questions about your parents cephalopods, and of course, the crushing weight of capitalism. Visit here for a link to all their different streaming options.

    Cait Devin vs Frank Palangi

    Cait Devin is a 20 year old alt-pop artist from Utica with a diverse range of audiences and experience in many genres of music. Cait is also a lead guitarist alongside being a singer songwriter, and has put together various shred collabs. No stranger to playing live, Cait has been booking frequent shows in Central New York since she was 15, and expanded to NYC and Nashville by age 16. Listen to her song “K9” here.

    Frank Palangi is an indie rock artist from Queensbury, with a fuel and passion that makes his deep and gritty rock a must listen. Combine his vibrato voice and charismatic charm, and you’ve got a rock legend in the making. Palangi’s mission statement is “I have no plan B in backing down on my dreams.” Listen to his latest single “Dead Man” here.

    Voting for Round 2 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 starting on Friday, March 11 at 10am!

    Funk n Waffles Region

    March Madness 2022 Round 2

    Glass Pony vs Rich Ortiz

    Glass Pony, a jam band out of Albany have developed a unique sound in the past few years, with a wide array of originals with danceable grooves, unique setlists and compelling improv. Check out their most recent single “Daydream”

    Rich Ortiz from Lake George has a style that is truly his own and music that is his soul. A product his family’s cultural diversity and strengths, Rich has focused all of his talents and time on his acoustic solo act since age 17. Watch a profile of Rich here.

    Samsara vs Sydney Irving and the Mojo

    Samsara hail from Long Island, with band members Charlie, Ben and John playing music together at any early age, drawing influence from several styles, including grunge, funk, metal and alternative. They are working on new releases with GRAMMY Award winning Producer Steve Adobbo and have upcoming spring and summer shows, including Rock Stock and Barrels Festival in Rockaway Beach (home of the Ramones) and the Great South Bay Music Festival. Samsara’s alt sound can be heard on their 2021 release Paralyzed in Paradise.

    Sydney Irving and the Mojo, based in Syracuse, features 18 year old Sydney Irving, who has been named the 2020 young adult artist of the year by the International Singer Songwriters Assocation, where she will perform this summer in Atlanta, GA. They’ll be performing across New York and three other states this summer. Sydney received the Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist at the 2022 Syracuse Area Music Awards. Watch “Seasons Change” here.

    Gooseberry vs Anthropic

    Gooseberry is a 4-piece band from Brooklyn, born during the Fall of 2019. Their combination of blues, R&B, and indie rock is a recipe for a unique sound that Gooseberry delivers in each song. Listen to their recently released single “Sleep” here

    Anthropic from Buffalo perform grinding death metal, inspired by1980’s grindcore, crust punk and death metal. They’ll play Doused in Death Fest in Buffalo in March. Listen to their 2020 release Architects of Aggression here.

    Logan Whaley Band vs Alliteration

    Logan Whaley Band from Long Island is a culmination of the best material & musicians Logan has written & met over the last 8 years since graduating from Music School. His music can be best described as having old-school sensibilities with a new-school vibe. He releases his debut album “On The Cusp” on March 4, 2022.

    Alliteration from Poughkeepsie perform self-described weird boi punk rock and have recently released their LP Reject. Formed in February 2015, Alliteration combines the driving riffs of alternative and indie punk, elements of a diverse array of genres, and a fun stage presence that shows the passion they hold for their art. Listen here.

    Voting for Round 2 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 starting on Friday, March 11 at 10am!

    DSP Shows Region

    March Madness 2022 Round 2

    Josh Casano vs E.R.I.E.

    Josh Casano is a local acoustic artist who has been performing in the Capital Region for almost 8 years. Along with covers, Josh incorporates his own writing into each performance. He holds a degree in Music Education from The College of Saint Rose focused on classical guitar, voice, and piano. Josh is currently fronting the group Josh Casano & the Fam. Catch him at The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls on April 21 at 7pm. Listen to “You Said Hi” here.

    A band called E.R.I.E. describe themselves as “Four dads from Upstate NY making indie rock” The Albany quartet released their debut project “Don’t Wanna Live, Don’t Wanna Die” just over a year ago on Mint 400 records. Listen to “The Dirt Inside Your Soul” here.

    Dodongo vs Seize Atlantis 

    Dodongo is a funk/fusion band based out of Brooklyn. The group describes themselves as “six friends making it up as we go along.” Listen to their November 2021 performance from Brooklyn Bowl here.

    Fueled by punchy bass, hard-driving percussion, melodic lead guitar, and pronounced moody vocals with meaningful lyrics, a truly dynamic range of soft to heavy Alternative Rock defines the unique, tight sound of Seize Atlantis. Formed in 2019 out of Glens Falls in upstate New York, Seize Atlantis is a four-piece band most closely influenced by bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, providing their own spin on a variety of covers from classic rock to modern pop in addition to their own original music. Listen to “The Unstoppable Groove” here.

    Jess Novak vs DF3

    Jess Novak takes no prisoners, performing with a fiddle on fire, powerful vocals and a fierce band behind her. The leader of a pop, rock, soul-pumped group from Syracuse brings passion to every performance, with energy, superb musicianship, engaging songwriting and ability to win any crowd. Listen to “The Joke” here.

    Donny Frauenhofer Trio, also known as DF3, have been coined as “The Weirdest Music You’ve Never Heard.” Donny’s trio is creatively driven by spontaneity. The group travels through time signatures, styles, and key signatures with ease, making Frauenhofer’s complicated compositions sound like a walk in the park. The group plays a daring brand of original music with unique arrangements of popular tunes tastefully sprinkled in.  Listen to “Daylight” here.

    All Poets and Heroes vs The Sea The Sea

    In the summer of 2015, Rob McCall & Corey Jordan met and founded All Poets & Heroes out of their hometown of Syracuse. That summer, the duo began crafting a sound that explored resonating folk melodies with that of the sensible nostalgia that filled the 90s alternative music scene. Since then, the duo has grown into a full-fledged band developing towards an introspective project that aims to challenge listeners to feel, and to feel deeply. Listen to Occhiolism here.

    The Sea The Sea (Chuck E. Costa and Mira Costa) is an Upstate New York based indie folk-pop duo featuring what Bob Boilen (NPR’s All Songs Considered) calls “excellent harmonies” & Huffington Post calls, “Two of the loveliest male-female voices you might ever hear this or any other year.” The group’s 2020 release, Stumbling Home, dubbed “otherworldly” by RollingStone marks the duo’s third full-length album, and the duo’s first primary recording / engineering credits on one of their albums, as well as that of co-producers—teaming up with recent Grammy and Tony award winner Todd Sickafoose (Hadestown, Anais Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird). 

    Voting for Round 2 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 starting on Friday, March 11 at 10am!

    The Helping Friendly Hemp Company Region

    March Madness 2022 Round 2

    Jennie Angel vs The Pine Boys

    Jennie Angel is an actress in the Hudson Valley who recently rediscovered her love for music. Started playing the guitar when she was 16 and has been singing she was born, now performing popular country hits! Jennie has most recently been added as a member of the Academy of Country Music and will be attending the awards show in March. She’ll perform on April 9 at Karl Hall in Wilkes-Barre, PA and on June 3 at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie. Discover more on her website.

    The Pine Boys reside in Albany and consist of three members: Andrew Cerone, Brett Maney and Sam Lasky. Musically, the group is an eclectic brew of Alternative Rock, Hip-Hop and Funk. They blend character driven story telling with memorable riffs and grooves resulting in something truly their own. They recently released their new album Vacationland and will perform at Pauly’s Hotel on St. Patrick’s Day.

    Kyngjo vs HANZOLO 

    Kyngjo is not only about his melodies but he’s about his business and making his family proud. When he’s not working in Albany he’s networking in Atlanta or in the studio making music. As an independent artist, he is funding his dreams and making the sacrifice to reach his goals. Soon to be the go-to artist for hooks. Check out YouTube for an official video for “Calling Me.”

    HANZOLO is a 7-piece band from Upstate New York, toting an explosive and emotional sound that mixes soul, jazz, rock, and funk. Their songs are dance-ably fun with thoughtful lyrics, backed up by a bright horn section. The band’s website contains videos and upcoming tour dates.

    The Dirty Doves vs METASEQUOIA

    You’d be hard pressed to find a more fitting description of Syracuse’s The Dirty Doves than what you’d find as Urban Dictionary’s top definition of a “Dirty Dove”: “Cute and cuddly as a dove, but down and dirty like a city pigeon.” The Dirty Doves – Jamie Cunningham and Anthony Saturno – have created Pure & Simple, an album that’s somehow sweet, sultry, and serene. Hear for yourself on their Spotify page.

    METASEQUOIA sprouted in 2007, taking root in Ithaca and is getting set to release their new album In The Redwoods in April and partnered with their label, New Vine Records. Following the release, they will be trekking on an album tour, with dates set from April – August in CNY, Massachusetts, Connecticut and surrounding areas. Tour dates and cities to be announced soon! Check them out at metasequoia-music.com

    Annie in the Water vs Big Time Kitty

    Annie in the Water’s music is a groovy combination of Reggae, Funk, Rock, Blues and Jamstyle written with a conscious dose of positive vibes, unique melodies and intelligent lyrics. Their Upstate-centric music evokes the feeling of driving down mountain roads with longtime friends. As the sun rises in the rearview, an unwritten story awaits on the road ahead. Their new album Sun At Dawn is available for pre-order now and an upcoming gig is scheduled at The Hollow on March 4th, 2022.

    Big Time Kitty (B.T.K.). Is a funky ass two man band based out of the Adirondacks. Their SoundCloud page gives you a taste of both their original hits and cover selections like “2001” and “Tubthumping.”

    Voting for Round 2 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 3 starting on Friday, March 11 at 10am!

    NYS Music has partnered with businesses across New York State to highlight these 64 up and coming bands. Regional sponsors include Funk n Waffles, a premiere music venue in Syracuse established in 2007 with a unique take on the culinary and entertainment industries, offering a wide variety of gourmet waffles and breakfast food, as well as offering live music every night! Bearsville Theater in Woodstock is where Americana was born – where Dylan took folk music and married it to Rock & Roll. where folk went electric, and where Janis took a breath and recuperated, before launching her hurricane energy and heart stopping songs out into the world. Renovated in 2019-2020, Bearsville Theater has an impressive calendar of shows for Hudson Valley music lovers.

    DSP Shows based in Ithaca, NY and Northampton, MA, is one of the leading independent concert promoters in America, with shows at venues including State Theatre of Ithaca, Hangar Theatre, The Haunt, Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, Brewery Ommegang, Asbury Hall, The 9th Ward at Babeville, and Daryl’s House among others. The Helping Friendly Hemp Company offers a wide variety of industry leading products including tinctures, soft chews, and hemp flower, using only USA grown hemp extract.

    The winners of each region will be rewarded with a collection of prizes worth $3000. Partners for NYS Music’s March Madness 2022 include Mirth Films from Albany, a music news/entertainment outlet that specializes in original video content and live streaming, with news coverage ranging across the whole country, who will provide a professional multi-camera recording session at a prestigious venue in Albany for the winning band, premiering exclusively on Mirth Films.

    The XPerience Monthly is the greater Capital Region’s alt-monthly newspaper, bringing independent music and thought provoking articles to the area. The XPerience Monthly will feature the winning band in a newspaper profile and interview this summer.

    Check out Past Years’ NYS Music March Madness Here

  • Brooklyn Artist Guy Blue Shares New Single “No Vision”

    Brooklyn-based singer Guy Blue announced his debut EP, Arms Wide, and a new music video/game featuring his new single “No Vision.”

    Uniquely, he has a brand new project, titled Bluepoint which is a video game in collaboration with Shea Stadium. The game takes you through the stadium, and you can interact with staff and regulars. While the player is going through the game, Guy Blue’s new single “No Vision” plays.

    Guy Blue, photo by Alice Plati.

    The band is a music project by Jack Ladd. Ladd creates electronic indie dance music, taking inspiration from the visual landscapes of 90s video games, like Zelda and Pokémon. Originally, Ladd fronted an indie rock band called LADD at Wesleyan University, and they gained a big campus following. Now, he is free to explore a new palette of sound and do his own thing.

    The new single “No Vision” is sonically textured, with a patchwork of guitars, samples, and drums to create a beat-driven track. Speaking about it, Ladd had a lot to say.

    I wrote ‘No Vision’ when I was knowingly making a lot of bad decisions in my life. I was trapped in a self destructive loop, and that spiraling momentum definitely found its way into the track. I think it’s a story a lot of people will relate to. We’re all compelled by destructive urges that have real consequences for those around us. There’s a reference to Tony and Carmela Soprano in the track. In the Sopranos, we see the horrifying consequences of Tony’s impulses, and yet he’s still  an incredibly compelling and relatable character. I think it’s because seeing those darkest desires played out allows us to reflect on our own urges and actions. I hope the track accomplishes something similar.

    Guy Blue’s new single “No Vision” is available on all streaming services and his new video game can be played here. Also, his debut EP Arms Wide will be released on June 3.