English indie rockers Alt-J made their way to Madison Square Garden on Monday, April 11 as part of The Dream tour. The show is Alt-J’s first New York show in four years since the band’s performance at the 2018 Mountain Jam Festival at Hunter Mountain. These shows come in support of their fourth studio album The Dream, released back in February on Infectious Records.
Support across the tour is coming from Alaskan indie veterans Portugal. The Man and this second leg of the run also features Cherry Glazerr. Portugal. The Man have been at it since 2005 and are gearing up to release their ninth studio LP. The as-of-yet untitled album features the lead single, “What, Me Worry?” and is out this June. As they always do, Portugal. The Man opened the show by inviting members from indigenous people groups that represent the land they are playing on. After this intorduction, the band kicked off their set with a thrash metal medley of Metallica, Pantera, and Slayer before playing one of their own songs. PTM typically plays their live sets as giant medleys, showcasing a really cool moment when the played “Another Brick In The Wall (pt. 2)” into their classic hit “Purple Yellow Red and Blue.”
Portugal. The Man at MSG, 4/11/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
It has been a quiet 5-years since Alt-J put out their last album, 2017s Relaxer. The band came out of hiding late last year with the announcement of The Dream along with lead single “U&ME.” The song starts off with a wandering guitar and vocal melody, dreaming of summer nostalgia and hot dogs off the grill. The song picks up the pace halfway through and crescendos into a psychedelic summer ballad. On Monday night, Alt-J also played the highly experimental The Dream songs “Chicago” and “Philadelphia.” Alt-J’s stage set-up for this tour is quite remarkable. The three band members are on elevated platforms, surrounded by a semi-transparent screen that they project visuals onto, completely immersing the band into the visual presentation.
With only four LPs, the band played many songs from each of their releases but weaved them together in such a compelling way that they could have been playing a complete album in full. Alt-J have been incredibly consistent over the years, and created quite a unique sound in the oversaturated indie rock scene. As a trio from the start, Alt-J never try to make their music too dense with many layers. Instead, the three members allow the instruments they are playing to shine through as clear as possible while moving in and out of subtle movements within their songs. They are uniquely able to create the illusion of a five-piece band without adding too much at any given point.
The US leg of the tour is nearing the end, with three more shows in Boston, Montreal, and Toronto. The band then heads over to the UK for a run of shows in May and then a larger European run in Novemeber. Head over the the band’s website for more info and check out our full photo gallery of Alt-J at Madison Square Garden below.
The North American leg of Måneskin’s “Loud Kids World Tour” will stop and perform at the Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom on December 2nd and December 3rd, 2022.
The first world tour for Måneskin, “The Loud Kids” tour is produced by Live Nation and will consist of 48 days throughout North America and Europe. The tour will kick off in Seattle at the end of October and will continue through to 17 North American cities before heading to the European leg of their tour.
We’re so thrilled to be able to finally tell you that our LOUD KIDS tour just got sooooo much louder, worldwide – and will now see our very first headline tour in North America
Måneskin
Måneskin consists of a four-piece Italian band that began as teenagers in the streets of Rome. In 2021 the band grew with over 3 billion streams, hit #1 in numerous countries and across the Global charts, and becoming the #2 song on TikTok.
Måneskin continues to build their connection with their fans around the world by performing at major festivals such as Coachella, Reading & Leeds, Rock in Rio, Pinkpop, Rock Im Park / Rock Am Ring and more. The band has also received massive support on social platforms, nationwide radio, TV appearance on The Tonight Show, Ellen, The Voice, and receiving “Top New Rock Band of the Year” from Billboard #1 chart placements.
Camila Cabello performed on this week’s Saturday Night Live, and brought along Willow for a duet of her new song “Psychofreak.” The American-Cuban artist performed previously on SNL in 2019, performing “Cry For Me” and “Easy.”
The Jake Gyllenhaal-hosted episode opened with President Biden (James Austin Johnson) congratulating new Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (Ego Nwodim) on her Senate confirmation this past week. Jackson then met with fellow barrier-breakers Ruth Bader Ginsberg (Kate McKinnon), Thurgood Marshall (Kenan Thompson), Harriet Tubman (Punky Johnson) and Jackie Robinson (Chris Redd), before opening the show together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_qQwXRjqQ8
On Friday, April 8, Camila Cabello released her third studio album, Familia, and took her second time on the Studio 8H stage to perform a pair of songs featured on the album.
Introduced by Gyllenhaal (who wore a Ramona and Gloria shirt to give his nieces a subtle shout out), the GRAMMY-nominated Cabello performed the lead single off the album, “Bam Bam,” a song dealing with heartbreak and promises broken.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwnAuvofiEw
For her second song, Cabello was joined by Willow (Smith, daughter of Will and Jada), who performed “Psychofreak” together, one day after release of the music video, which featured both artists in a setting that calls back to Jamiroquai’s “Virtual Insanity.”
Cabello wore a unique black latex outfit with red latex globes, with Willow wearing a red coat and playing guitar as they sang, “Feelin’ like a psychofreak sometimes, Tryna get connected, no Wi-Fi, Tell me that you love me, are you lying?, Give me lemonade, I give you limes, House in the hills is a house of cards, Blink and the fairytale falls apart, Sorry, didn’t mean to get so dark, Maybe I’m an alien, Earth is hard.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7Vn78Fwrv4
Saturday Night Live returns next week on April 16 with musical guest and host Lizzo.
Touring in support of their debut studio album It Won’t Always Be Like This, released on July 9, 2021 (Polydor), the Irish sensation known as Inhaler performed the second of back-to-back shows in New York City on Monday, April 4.
True to their word as they neared the end of a 20-date North American tour that kicked off one month ago in Atlanta, the quartet of young lads were making up a date that was originally scheduled for March 10, but postponed due to a positive test for COVID-19 among the touring party.
Eli Hewson (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Inhaler’s rapidly growing legion of fans, many of which are comprised of a young female demographic, lined the sidewalks of two city blocks in the Union Square neighborhood of Manhattan, all waiting for tonight’s venue to open its doors to them. Irving Plaza, more than a century and half old, was inhabited as a Polish-American community center in the late-1940s, prior to a conversion into a ballroom-style music hall in 1978. Having hosted legendary performers during its storied history, such as The Clash, Paul McCartney, The Ramones and Bob Dylan, the venue underwent an eight-month long, multi-million dollar renovation in 2019.
Irving Plaza marquee (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Upon entering the iconic venue, general admission fans blew right through the contemporary, revamped lobby and flew up the stairs to the second level stage, hoping to find themselves as close to the night’s performers as possible. Talking with dedicated fan Arianna Russell moments before Inhaler appeared on stage later in the night, I learned that she arrived to queue outside Irving Plaza more than 12 hours earlier! For her to be in the front row, leaning on the stage rail barricade, it was more than worth the effort.
Fans queue (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Having also opened for Inhaler the night before at Warsaw in Brooklyn, the up-and-coming indie-pop rockers known as Rebounder took to the stage at approximately 8:25 pm. These New Your City natives are led by the alluring Dylan Chenfield (singer-songwriter-guitarist), a self-proclaimed huge fan of Bruce Springsteen, who is already known for the nostalgic lyrics about the city that inspires him. The trio is rounded out with Dylan’s younger brother Noah (bass) and Cobey Arner (drums). The fourth offering from their seven song set included their newest single “Premium Fantasy,” a dreamy tune complete with a catchy hook combination of melody and lyrics.
Rebounder (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Noah Chenfield (Photo: Michael Dinger)
As their name suggests, Dylan is also a basketball fan, particularly that of Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks. A deeper meaning to their moniker, however, can be attributed to their DIY mentality and strive for success, bouncing higher with each new challenge.
Cobey Arner (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Nearing the end of their time onstage, Rebounder executed a shining example of 1970s electronic energy with their synth-dominant track “Swim Zone.” After graciously thanking the audience for their support and Inhaler for inviting them to perform, Rebounder exited house right.
Dylan Chenfield (Photo: Michael Dinger)
For those unfamiliar, Inhaler formed in 2012 at St. Andrews College in Dublin and are Elijah (Eli) Hewson (lead vocals, guitar), Robert Keating (bass), Josh Jenkinson (guitar) and Ryan McMahon (drums). Also joining them for live performances is Louis Lambert (keyboards/synthesizer).
Inhaler (Photo: Michael Dinger)
As a 50-year old Gen Xer, I admittedly discovered Inhaler through my passion of Eli’s father, Paul Hewson (a.k.a. Bono of U2), the legendary frontman himself. Notwithstanding, their infectious songs have completely won me over, dating back to their first single, “I Want You,” which the group self-released in 2017. With their debut album having topped the UK chart in its first week of release, this fast-rising band is “must see” entertainment.
Fans in the front row (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Immediately following two back-to-back shows in Los Angeles, and showing no signs of jet lag, Inhaler appeared on the Irving Plaza stage accompanied by flashing strobe lights that beamed throughout the intimate setting. While surveying the 1,200 souls in attendance, including VIP guests in the mezzanine that included Bono, Christy Turlington, Ed Burns and Helena Christiansen, I heard a fan say to her friend, “If I stop breathing, [just] slap me on the back.” Opening their 12-song set with the title track “It Won’t Always Be Like This,” Eli was dressed in a white t-shirt and head-to-toe in denim. The first words out of his mouth, which he addressed to the fervent audience who jam-packed the entire floor area like sardines in a tin, were, “A Monday night never felt so good, thank you for coming to see us.”
Crowd waiting for Inhaler to take the stage (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Ryan McMahon (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Equipped with a Fender Stratocaster that was complete with an Elvis Presley guitar strap, for the next hour, Eli and his bandmates would tear through fan favorites such as “We Have To Move On,” “Ice Cream Sundae,” “When It Breaks” and “Cheer Up Baby.”
Robert Keating (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Well on their way to becoming refined songsmiths, Inhaler songs are defined with a dizzying array of sonic textures, complete with a melodic chorus that grabs your immediate attention upon first listen. Their dynamic, intricate instrumentation is anchored by Jenkinson’s soaring guitar riffs, Keating’s rhythmic, thumping bass lines and McMahon’s dynamic drumming style reminiscent of Stewart Copeland, The Police drummer he has noted as one of his inspirations. The closing number, “My Honest Face,” is a coming-of-age song that Eli wrote about losing himself, and then finding himself again, figuring out the type of performer that he wanted to be onstage, in front of a live audience.
Josh Jenkinson (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Inhaler’s It Won’t Always Be Like This North American tour wrapped in Toronto, Canada on April 6th. The band’s next plans for world domination in 2022 include 60 plus shows spanning the globe that will take them to Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Scandinavia, The Balkans, United Kingdom, and of course, The Emerald Isle. Several stops along the way will also include major festival dates, such as PinkPop (June 19), Glastonbury (June 22), Rock Werchter (July 1) and Lollapalooza (July 28). Additional details can be found on their website here: https://www.inhaler.band/
Eli Hewson (Photo: Michael Dinger)
Rebounder Setlist: Change Shapes > Slow Angel > The Library > Premium Fantasy > Lovers > Swim Zone > Night Sports
Inhaler Setlist: It Won’t Always Be Like This > We Have to Move On > Slide Out the Window > Ice Cream Sundae > When It Breaks > A Night on the Floor > Who’s Your Money On? (Plastic House) > My King Will Be Kind > Totally > In My Sleep > Cheer Up Baby > My Honest Face
With Phish ready to will return to Madison Square Garden this month for four nights over April 20-23, post show plans are back as well, with CEG Presents their annual Phish After-Party series at a number of venues near MSG. The shows feature up and coming bands in the nationwide jam scene, including the debut of Funky as Hell, The DAB Sessions, Pink Talking Fish, Neighbor, Dogs in a Pile and Spafford.
Among these shows, CEG has just announced the debut of all-star supergroup Funky As Hell, celebrating the music of Prince, James Brown, Michael Jackson and more, at Sony Hall on April 21.
The artist lineup features bassist extraordinaire MonoNeon (Prince, Ghost-Note), vocalist Chris Rob (Talib Kweli), New York City’s DJ Logic, keyboardist Alric Carter (TAUK), trumpet players Chris Bullock & Mike “Maz” Maher both of Snarky Puppy, and The Chase Brothers (guitarist Matt Chase and drummer Adam Chase) of the James Brown Dance Party and Jazz is PHSH.
Previously announced for 4/20 is The DAB Sessions, an interactive improvisational experience, hosted by Phish lyricist Tom Marshall featuring John Medeski, Mono Neon, Scott Metzger, and The Chase Brothers, at The Cutting Room, just 3 blocks from Madison Square Garden.
Also on 4/20, CEG Phish After-Party series regular Pink Talking Fish, who fuse together the music of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish, will perform at Gramercy Theatre.
Two up and coming bands generating buzz in the jamband scene can be seen after Phish on 4/21 witu Neighbor at The Cutting Room and Dogs In a Pile on 4/23 at Hill Country. Arizona touring stalwarts Spafford will also perform at Sony Hall on April 23, the final night of Phish’s MSG run.
The DAB Sessions – John Medeski, MonoNeon, Eddie Roberts, and The Chase Brothers Hosted By Tom Marshall Cutting Room Ticket Link
The DAB Sessions is an improvisation series hosted by Tom Marshall and Osiris Podcasts featuring musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds. The series is supported by Nugs.net and celebrates the power of improvisation and how it connects musicians and fans through “in the moment” creation.
Pink Talking Fish Gramercy Theatre Ticket Link A Fusion of Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads, and Phish.
Thursday April 21, 2022
Neighbor Cutting Room Ticket Link The Manhattan debut of one of the most talked about new bands on the scene! Funky As Hell Celebrating the music of Prince, James Brown, Michael Jackson & more MonoNeon (Prince, Ghost-Note), Chris Rob (Talib Kweli), DJ Logic, AC Carter (Tauk), Chris Bullock & Mike “Maz” Maher (Snarky Puppy), The Chase Brothers (James Brown Dance Party) Sony Hall Ticket Link
Another Saturday night brought Bob Weir back to Radio City Music Hall along with the Wolf Bros and special guests to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of his first solo studio album, Ace.
Special guests for the show included Brittany Spencer who complimented Weir’s vocals with soulful harmonies. And Tyler Childers whose guitar and vocals added an extra touch of Americana. Longtime Weir collaborator Ron Carter stepped on bass for ”Dark Star.”
The core of Weir’s Wolf Bros band consisted of Don Was (bass), Jay Lane (drums), Jeff Chimenti (keys), and Barry Sless (pedal steel guitar). The Wolf Pack of Alex Kelly, Mads Tolling, Adam Theis, Brian Switzer, Sheldon Brown on strings and horns brought some rather fun improv breaks throughout both sets.
Weir’s Ace celebration continued Sunday evening at Radio City Music Hall. This time with another added guest, Dead & Company bandmate John Mayer.
Bob Weir and Wolf Bros Radio City Music Hall – New York, NY 4/2/22
Set 1: When I Paint My Masterpiece, Me and My Uncle, Loser, Ace: Greatest Story Ever Told (w/ Tyler Childers), Black-Throated Wind, Walk in the Sunshine (w/ Brittney Spencer), -> Playing in the Band -> Looks Like Rain (w/ Brittney Spencer), Mexicali Blues, One More Saturday Night, Cassidy
Set 2: You Win Again (w/Tyler Childers), Weather Report Suite -> Shakedown Street (w/ Brittney Spencer), Dark Star (w/ Ron Carter), Eyes of the World -> What’s Going On -> Eyes of the World, Days Between -> Playing in the Band
Pop-punk mainstays The Maine celebrated their 15th anniversary as a band this past Monday, April 4th at Webster Hall. The band last played in NYC back in August 2021 as part of the Sad Summer Festival, but the show at Webster Hall was The Maine’s first NYC headline in over four years. Overjoyed to be playing a club in the city again, singer John O’Callaghan thanked the fans for their longstanding support and treated them to a career spanning setlist.
The Maine at Webster Hall, 4/4/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
As the house lights went down, archetypal party song “Sweet Caroline” played over the PA as The Maine filed onto the Webster Hall stage. The song provides a perfect segway into the opening track from their 2021 LP XOXO: From Love & Anxiety In Real Time, “Sticky,” which references the Neil Diamond anthem. Staying true to their Southwest roots, light-up cowboy hats were on sale at the merch table, and have been a crucial part of the band’s merch package for many years. Looking around Webster Hall you found dozens of these hats as well as fan-made versions lighting up the room. Going along with the passion of The Maine’s fan community known as “8123,” the crowd exploded with energy as the band played the first notes of “We All Roll Along” from their debut Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.
The Maine at Webster Hall, 4/4/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
The Maine’s latest record was released last summer, and the band spent the second half of 2021 on tour supporting All Time Low; a tour that stopped at NYC’s Pier 17 for the Sad Summer Fest back in August. The current headlining tour (which began in January) is the first time the band is able to fully flesh out the new songs and mix them into their classics. Mixing nostalgia and with the reality of today, John told an anecdote of losing his wallet at The Knitting Factory while asking the audience to pay tribute to his baby who was in attendance clad in earmuffs at the sound table.
The Maine at Webster Hall, 4/4/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
The band cruised through a 16-song setlist that touched on all of their albums and various singles. In the last leg of the show, The Maine introduced Taking Back Sunday frontman Adam Lazzara as well as opening artist Charlotte Sands onto stage to perform their latest collaborative single “Loved You A Little.” Released back in January the song is a classic emo/pop-punk anthem featuring vocals from the three singers. Adam, Charlotte, and John from The Maine are all individually powerful vocalists that command a room, but on “Loved You A Little” the three are mixed so well and create a unified sound as if they were all in the same band.
The Maine with Adam Lazzara and Charlotte Sands at Webster Hall, 4/4/22. Photo by Buscar Photo
“Loved You A Little” by The Maine, Taking Back Sunday, and Charlotte Sands. Via YouTube
The Maine maintain a busy tour schedule through the month of April and ending on a somewhat hometown show in Prescott, AZ on April 30th. The band also has two festival appearances at SO WHAT!? as well as the meme-famous When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas. Head over to The Maine’s website for the full itinerary and check out NYS Music’s photo gallery from the Webster Hall show below.
Electronic duo ODESZA announced that they will tour through the United States this summer. This news comes following the release of three singles this year alone. Their new album, The Last Goodbye, is scheduled to drop on July 22nd.
ODESZA
The duo will perform at Forest Hills Stadium on Friday, August 26th. Located in Queens, the stadium can hold 13,000 people. ODESZA will join the likes of legendary acts Frank Sinatra and The Beatles, both of whom have played in this venue has hosted bands like The Who and Frank Sinatra.
ODESZA TOUR DATES
Fri, July 29 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena * > SOLD OUT
Sat, July 30 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena * > SOLD OUT
Sun, July 31 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena * > SOLD OUT
Wed, August 17 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion * ^ ~
Fri, August 19 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater * ^ ~
Sat, August 20 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion * ^ ~
Tue, August 23 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheater * + ~
Thu, August 25 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion * + ~
Fri, August 26 – New York, NY – Forest Hills Stadium * ^ ~
Tue, August 30 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann * ^ ~
Thu, September 1 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage * # ~
Nigerian born and bred Adekunle Gold has just announced his “Catch Me If You Can – The Tour,” kicking off on Thursday, June 2nd at Big Night Live in Boston. This tour will also make a stop at Apollo Theater in Manhattan on Friday, June 3rd, 2022.
Adekunle Gold is a Nigerian singer-songwriter based between Lagos, Nigeria, and Los Angeles. He gained recognition from his very first release, ‘Sade’ a love song which sampled instrumentals from One Direction’s ‘Story of My Life.’ Just two weeks after its release, Adekunle was contacted by one of Africa’s biggest acts, Olamide, to join his music imprint for two years.
Adekunle Gold is one of the most innovative artists to come out of Africa. He is one of the most recognizable and exciting pioneers of the vibrant Afropop genre, currently dominating this genre across the globe. His music consistent of mixing and influences of Afrobeat with Pop, Hip-Hop and R&B.
Since releasing his first single “Sade,” a love song which sampled instrumentals from One Direction’s “Story of My Life,” Adekunle has gone on to release four albums – Gold, About 30, AfroPop Vol. 1. His newest album, Catch Me If You Can, includes collaborations with an array of world-class talent including Ty Dolla $ign, Stefflon Don, Fatoumata Diawara and Fousheé. Altogether, featuring his one-of-a-kind combination of addictive melodies and razor sharp lyricism.
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN TOUR DATES:
Thu Jun 02 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live
Fri Jun 03 – New York, NY – Apollo Theater
Sun Jun 05 – Montreal, QUE – Corona Theatre
Mon Jun 06 – Philadelphia, PA – The Theatre of Living Arts
Wed Jun 08 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Thu Jun 09 – Cleveland, OH – The Cambridge Room at House of Blues
Fri Jun 10 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House
Sun Jun 12 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
Tue Jun 14 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
Thu Jun 16 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
Fri Jun 17 – Dallas, TX – Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Sun Jun 19 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
Tue Jun 21 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Thu Jun 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
Fri Jul 01 – Los Angeles, CA – Regent Theater
Sat Jul 02 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Mon Jul 04 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
Tue Jul 05 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
Fri Jul 08 – Edmonton, AB – Union Hall
Ticket sale starts Friday, April 8th at 10am on Catch.ag
Saturday Night Live returned on April 2 to address the Oscars slap and more, with host Jerrod Carmichael and musical guest, Gunna.
Weekend Update focused on ‘the slap’, noting it as a defining moment of television for the current generation, a mark in pop-culture time.
Pete Davidson returned for the first time in three episodes with the music video “Short Ass Movie,” where he cited the need for movies with a runtime under 1 hour, 40 minutes. Joined by fellow cast member Chris Redd, Dirt Nasty (Simon Rex) and musical guest Gunna, the group explored the myraid of movies considered a quick watch.
Gunna rapped “I’m not pushin P unless it’s under two hours/ Like Lion King or Bad Moms or all three Austin Powers.” Davidson took on A Beautiful Mind-style observation on the run times of Jurassic Park (2 hours, 7 minutes) and Sex and the City 2 (2 hours, 26 minutes), and even referencing a recent Instagram post from Davidson where friend Scott Diseck fell asleep during boys night.
Gunna’s first song, “Banking on Me,” was released as a single on Valentine’s Day, originally planned to be on the deluxe edition of his third studio album, DS4Ever, his second consecutive number one album, released in January and featuring guest appearances from 21 Savage, Drake, Kodak Black and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW_miq1-SXQ
For his second performance, Gunna was joined by Future for “pushin P,” a phrase meaning to ‘push positivity.’ On DSM4Ever, the pair are joined by Young Thug for the brief (2:12) yet hypnotic track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex3LGdbDqe0
Next week Saturday Night Live welcomes host Jake Gyllenhaal with Musical Guest Camila Cabello.
