Category: NYC Metro

Trey Anastasio releases first solo acoustic album “Mercy”

Trey Anastasio has released his first-ever solo acoustic album, Mercy, on Friday, March 11. The album, produced Bryce Goggin and Robert “rAab” Stevenson was engineered and mixed by Mike Fahey.

Trey Anastasio “Mercy” album cover

Music journalist David Fricke shared in the album’s liner notes, “Mercy is a genuine and surprising first for Trey Anastasio: his studio debut as a solo, acoustic singer-songwriter. The nine songs were all written in the emotional ricochet of recent, pandemic life, then recorded with the absolute purity of one man with a guitar and a microphone. There is nothing like it in Anastasio’s lifetime of albums, even after nearly four decades as the singer, guitarist, and primary composer in Phish, numerous side projects, collaborations, and the long-running Trey Anastasio Band.”

Anastasio shared “I’ve never done anything like this before.”

The past two years of fear, loss, and, at times, devastating quiet have been unlike anything many have ever known. Mercy is Anastasio’s account of that confusion and isolation in unresolved questions and conflicted passions, in a music of quietly gripping force.

Mercy also arrives just weeks after Anastasio recorded it and two years, nearly to the day, since New York City went into lockdown. Anastasio adds, “Mercy is like a bookend. It’s two years since we went into hiding. This is still going on, and it’s an even lonelier trip.” Even with the release of the Phish studio album Sigma Oasis in April 2020; Anastasio’s ‘Beacon Jams’ charity concerts later than fall, and Phish’s return to the road in the summer of 2021, Anastastio still looked inward as he wrote these songs. “Here I was, still at home, playing acoustic guitar. I thought, ‘These songs just want to be one guy with a guitar, singing.’”

The roots of Mercy go back further, to Anastasio’s first tours as a solo, acoustic performer, starting with three shows in 2017, followed by longer runs in 2018 and 2019, highlighted by a sold-out two-night stand at New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall. The setlists were largely made up of Phish songs stripped to their chord progressions, signature licks, and vocal melodies.

But I found this weird thing happening, where “Maze” worked on acoustic guitar. Who would have thought that? It’s about the jam, the organ solo. Turns out it wasn’t. It was about the lyrics and the music.
Trey Anastasio

In June 2021, Anastasio played his first shows for live fans in more than a year, with a week of solo, acoustic gigs in Saratoga Springs, and a pair of shows at the Beacon Theatre. The songs again were mostly from the Phish catalog, but the emotional exchange was, per Anastasio, “like a direct path from my heart to the audience. The honesty and simplicity of those shows – without it, this album would not have happened.”

As noted in the press release, Anastasio plays on Mercy a custom-designed guitar, hand-crafted from century-old wood by a luthier in Burlington, Vermont. McConnell commissioned the instrument as a birthday gift, presenting it to Anastasio last fall during a Phish rehearsal at the Barn. “That was the turning point,” Anastasio declares. Back in New York, “I’d get up early every day, make coffee and write these songs on that guitar.” Then while recording Mercy, “The decision was made very quickly: ‘Let me double the guitar.’ I was listening to the first take on headphones and playing off it. It was like jamming with myself.”

Mercy comes with long, deep echoes: Laurel Canyon’s golden age of woodsmoke and introspection; the confessional streak running through Britain’s folk revival in the late Sixties; the slow-dance spell and modal-guitar inventions of Joni Mitchell. A future waits in here too. “Definitely,” Anastasio replies right away when asked if he can imagine playing these songs with Phish or TAB, improvising in the psychedelic glow of “6 and 1/2 Minutes” or building on the eccentric guitar ride at the end of “Arc.” “Songs are like children,” he says. “They will tell you what to do. But when I was writing these songs, I thought, ‘I have to go direct to the finish line’ – to be able to play these songs on acoustic guitar first.”

He mentions a favorite quote that goes back to Leonardo da Vinci: “Art lives by constraint.” Mercy “is a perfect example,” Anastasio says. “One mic, one stool, one guitar. It’s a new outlet. And I love it.”

March 7, 2022
Nation of Language Pave The Way Forward At Webster Hall

Brooklyn locals Nation of Language kicked off a six week North America tour earlier this week and on Thursday, March 3rd the band landed at Webster Hall for their fourth hometown show in the past 6 months. The trio has been rocketing in popularity ever since the release of their excellent sophomore album, A Way Forward, on PIAS Records.

The band played the 2021 edition of Governor’s Ball back in September and NYS Music’s Steve Malinski caught up with the group during the festival. Check out the full interview and photos from their Gov Ball performance HERE.

Nation of Language at Webster Hall, 3/3/22. Photo by Buscar Photo

Webster Hall is the largest headlining show Nation of Language has played in NYC since forming. The band played the significantly smaller Market Hotel for a one-off show in November but this tour has them playing larger clubs all across North America. Blending bright synth-pop beats with passionate vocals and an enormous stage presence from frontman Ian Richard Devaney the band captivates the audience with an extremely minimal backline. Leaning on recorded drum samples, the stage only contained Aidan Noell’s synth table on the far left, two microphones, and a handful of pedals. Ian used every square inch of open stage to dance and just keep moving while singing and playing guitar.

Nation of Language at Webster Hall, 3/3/22. Photo by Buscar Photo

Nation of language fittingly began the show at Webster with A Way Forward opening track “In Manhattan.” The set was roughly split with tracks from both of their albums including their self-released debut Introduction, Presence. Head over to their website to find details on the tour and check out our photo gallery from the show below.

March 6, 2022
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.

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!

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Bearsville Theater Region

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

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

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

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

March 6, 2022
Billy Strings Announces Summer 2022 Tour, With Stop in Manhattan

Billy Strings has announced his Summer 2022 tour dates after a year of awards and acclaim. The tour will take Billy on a journey from California to Massachusetts, with a stop at Manhattan’s The Rooftop at Pier 17 and more.

Fans will have the opportunity to see the glory of Strings latest release, Renewal, first hand as Strings embarks on his extensive summer tour. Produced by Jonathan Wilson, the album honors the history of bluegrass while allowing for Strings’ brilliance to shine through. Elements of rock, metal and psychedelic music are seen throughout the project as Strings shares his honest perspective.

The Grammy-nominated artist received widespread acclaim for Renewal, along with his performance for “Love and Regret”. He also won “Best Headliner/Artist Development Story” at the 33rd Annual Pollster Awards, along with topping numerous “Best of 2021” lists.

Billy Strings in Brooklyn

Tickets will go on sale in two phases. Phase one begins 3/7 at 10 AM and phase two begins 3/14 at 10 AM. More information can be found here

March 3—Madison, WI—The Sylvee (SOLD OUT)

March 4—Madison, WI—The Sylvee (SOLD OUT)

March 5—Madison, WI—The Sylvee (SOLD OUT)

March 9—Cleveland, OH—KeyBank State Theatre (SOLD OUT)

March 11—Cincinnati, OH—Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center (SOLD OUT)

March 12—Cincinnati, OH—Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center (SOLD OUT)

March 15—Boston, MA—Roadrunner (SOLD OUT)

March 26—London, UK—Islington Assembly Hall (SOLD OUT)

March 27—London, UK—Islington Assembly Hall (SOLD OUT)

April 1—Olympic Valley, CA—WinterWonderGrass Tahoe (SOLD OUT)

April 9—Santa Barbara, CA—Santa Barbara Bowl

April 10—Santa Barbara, CA—Santa Barbara Bowl

April 13—Santa Ana, CA—Observatory (SOLD OUT)

April 15—Las Vegas, NV—Brooklyn Bowl (SOLD OUT)

April 16—San Diego, CA—Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

April 21—Houston, TX—713 Music Hall

April 22—Austin, TX—Moody Amphitheater (SOLD OUT)

April 23—Dallas, TX—The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

April 29—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre

April 30—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

May 1—St. Augustine, FL—St. Augustine Amphitheatre

May 5—New Orleans, LA—New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

May 6—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT)

May 7—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT)

May 8—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT)

May 12—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

May 13—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre (SOLD OUT)

May 14—Denver, CO—Mission Ballroom (SOLD OUT)

Phase One :

June 15—Dayton, OH—Rose Music Center at The Heights (on-sale 3/7 at 10am local)

June 16—Maryland Heights, MO—Saint Louis Music Park (on-sale 3/7 at 10am local)

June 18—Manchester, TN—Bonnaroo

June 23—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheatre (on-sale 3/7 at 10am local)

June 24—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheatre (on-sale 3/7 at 10am local)

June 25—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheatre (on-sale 3/7 at 10am local)

June 29—New York, NY—The Rooftop at Pier 17 (on-sale 3/7 at 10am local)

June 30—Scranton, PA—Peach Music Festival

July 2—Baltimore, MD—Pier Six Pavilion (on-sale 3/7 at 10am local)

July 3—Baltimore, MD—Pier Six Pavilion (on-sale 3/7 at 10am local)

July 22—Louisville, KY—Iroquois Amphitheater

July 23—Louisville, KY—Iroquois Amphitheater

July 24—Louisville, KY—Iroquois Amphitheater

Phase 2:

July 29—Indianapolis, IN—TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park

July 30—Indianapolis, IN—TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park

August 4—Saint Charles, IA—Hinterland Music Festival

August 5—Minneapolis, MN—Surly Brewing Festival Field

August 6—Moorhead, MN—Bluestem Amphitheater

August 9—Bonner, MT—Kettlehouse Amphitheater

August 10—Bonner, MT—Kettlehouse Amphitheater

August 12—Troutdale, OR—McMenamins Edgefield

August 13—Troutdale, OR—McMenamins Edgefield

August 14—Redmond, WA—Marymoor Park

August 26-28—Tisbury, MA—Beach Road Weekend

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

March 6, 2022
Charli XCX dazzles on Saturday Night Live

Charli XCX made her long awaited return to Saturday Night Live, alongside host Oscar Isaac of the upcoming MCU series Moon Knight.

Originally, Charli XCX was slated to be the musical guest for the Christmas episode of SNL in December 2021, but due to the omicron wave of COVID-19, the show was filmed with a limited cast and host Paul Rudd, and she was rescheduled for the March 5th episode.

Tonight marked Charli’s second time playing SNL, having first performed on the show in 2014 when her sophomore album Sucker was released. Now in 2022, she’s promoting her forthcoming album, Crash, due out March 18.

Charli XCX has been performing and writing music for other artists in her decade long career, including “I Love It” by Icona Pop and “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea, in addition to her hit “Boom Clap.” Toeing the line between mainstream pop and being an indie darling, Charli has built up a core fanbase and dabbles in the burgeoning subgenre of hyperpop. On the upcoming Crash, Charli collaborates with Christine and the Queens, Caroline Polachek and Rina Sawayama.

Before arriving on the Studio 8H stage, Charli showed up as a singing meatball in a disturbing pre-taped sketch, which doubled as veteran cast member Kenan Thompson’s 1500th sketch, an all time best for SNL.

Her first song, “Beg For You,” featured Charli dressed in a white gown and lengthy bedazzled nails amid a bright stage with flowing scrims, the song sampling the 2007 song “Cry for You” by September.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZKUEmT3J-k

Her second song of the night, “Baby,” was just released on Friday, March 4, and featured Charli in a black dress with two dancers flanking her and a full band backing her up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeO_f-Gbzzo

SNL returns March 12 with host and The Batman star Zoë Kravitz and musical guest Rosalia.

March 6, 2022
25 Years Later: Phish perform “Character Zero” on the Late Show with David Letterman

On Wednesday, March 5, 1997, Phish was the musical guest at The Ed Sullivan Theater on Broadway, performing “Character Zero” on the Late Show with David Letterman.

The band had just returned from a tour of Europe a few days prior, with Trey Anastasio and Jon Fishman both sporting a post-international tour/vacation beard.

Following the performance, Letterman came over to shake the band’s hands, saying “Nice to see you again” to which Anastasio replied, “Hope you got the ice cream,” referring to the new Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavor, Phish Food, just released nationwide a month prior. A concert at the Flynn Theater in Burlington, VT on March 18, 1997, would officially release the flavor, including an appearance by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield just before the show began.

Guests on the show this evening included Chevy Chase and Mary McCormack from the ABC show Murder One.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7frkMAW6-g

One of the arena rock songs in the Phish repertoire, “Character Zero” typically is found as a set closer in recent years, putting an exclamation point on a show and extracting jubilation from fans in the song’s refrain.

The band’s appearance on Letterman was their third overall, starting on December 30, 1994 with “Chalkdust Torture,” “Julius” on July 13, 1995, “Birds of a Feather” on October 27, 1998, “Heavy Things” on May 15, 2000, a multi-song performance on the Ed Sullivan Theater marquee on June 21, 2004, and “The Line” on June 25, 2014.

I was taught a month ago
To bide my time and take it slow
But then I learned just yesterday
To rush and never waste the day
Well I’m convinced the whole day long
That all I learn is always wrong
And things are true that I forget
But no one taught that to me yet
I ought to see the man Mulcahey
I was taught a month ago
To bide my time and take it slow
But then I learned just yesterday
To rush and never waste the day
Now I’m convinced the whole day long
That all I learn is always wrong
And things are true that I forget
But no one taught that to me yet
I ought to see the man Mulcahey
“Character Zero” lyrics

March 5, 2022
On The Radar – Underoath Heading to Brooklyn on Voyeurist Tour

Metalcore and screamo titans Underoath are currently on tour supporting their ninth LP Voyeurist. Since hitting the road in early February, the Voyeruist North American Tour has been making stops along the west coast but on March 17th the band will make their way to Bushwick’s Brooklyn Steel. The gig will mark Underoath’s first New York show since playing The Saratoga PAC back in August of 2019. Support on these shows comes from the newly formed Canadian metalcore band Spiritbox, and recently Stray from the Path and Bad Omens have been added to the bill. Find the full tour details HERE.

Underoath took a new approach to the album process on Voyeurist, their second album from Fearless Records. The band self-recorded the entire record with collaborator and engineer JJ Revel. Referring to the album as “high-def violence” Underoath utilize modern technology and recording techniques while still harnessing the energy from the band’s raw, chaotic metalcore style. Every track on Voyeurist pays homage to the band’s distinct sound while coming through the speakers as sharp as ever. Check out the official video for lead single “Damn Excuses” below.

“Damn Excuses” by Underoath. Via YouTube

The bill is rounded out by fellow screamo veterans Stray from the Path and relative new comers Bad Omens and Spiritbox. Bad Omens have just released their third LP (all on Sumerian Records) The Death of Peace of Mind last Friday, February 25th and Spiritbox is also supporting their last album Eternal Blue, released last September on Rise Records. Spiritbox is led by the incredible vocalist Courtney LaPlante of Iwrestledabearonce fame. The Voyeurist tour has put together a terrific lineup showcasing the legacy and future of metalcore in one night.

Underoath – Photo by Dan Newman

Tickets are still available for the Brooklyn Steel gig, but they are running low. The show is certain to sell out in advance so secure a ticket now to catch this incredible lineup and stay tuned for our photo gallery from the concert.

March 5, 2022
Gooseberry Releases Melancholic Yet Electrifying Single: “Sleep”

Gooseberry show a ton of promise. The four-piece band met through the Brooklyn music scene and consists of Asa Daniels on guitar and vocals, Evin Rossington on drums, Sam Rappaport on keys and vocals, and Will Hammond on bass.

The band has played in classic venues across the city like The Bowery Electric and The Knitting Factory. They have also written and released several singles since they were formed in 2019. The synthesis of these factors have allowed Gooseberry to develop a definitive sound and a deep sense of confidence in their delivery.

This confidence reigns through on their newest indie release, “Sleep,” which highlights their potential. Much like “Come A Little Closer” from Cage The Elephant, the track has a soulful body over which a whimsical battle between melancholic vocals and electrifyingly chaotic breakdowns occurs. The sum of these genre-bending characteristics all equates to an indie culmination of sonic mastery.

The band blends and switches between sounds with such grace, you would think the four had been playing together for years. However, quite the opposite reigns true. Although the band has only been together for two and half years, they play like they have a decade under their belt. With that being said, “Sleep” is sure to become an underground indie classic and a staple piece in the band’s discography.

In association with the single’s release, the band has announced the release date for their debut EP, Broken Dance, which is set to release May 6th. So long as the contents on the EP are a fraction of what the band displayed on “Sleep,” it is sure to be a banger.

For more information on Gooseberry, check out www.gooseberryband.com.

March 5, 2022
Pine Barrens Jam 2022 Returns to Blue Point Brewing

After a successful first year, Pine Barrens Jam has announced their 2022 return to Blue Point Brewing. On August 20th, festival goers will once again have the opportunity to hear acts from around Long Island.

The new festival will celebrate all of the musical and artistic talent that Long Island has to offer. Add to this, its unique set up and you have a recipe for success. The “Jelly-Jam Stage” and the “Peanut Butter Poetry & Arts Stage” will provide the perfect settings to watch musicians and artists prove their talent. In addition, last year’s acoustic stage will be transformed into a roots and songwriters’ stage, in honor of songwriter and LI native, Travis McKeveny.

Leading up to festival day, Pine Barrens Jam will be hosting several fundraisers, including an Earth Day picnic on 4/24 and a “Start of Summer” Sunday Funday on 6/12 . Local businesses can also get involved in festival activities by emailing festival executive director, Nick Balzano.

“Blind Faith” tickets, as well as more information, are available here. The festival’s first line up and VIP packages will be available starting 4/25. The complete line up for both music stages and the spoken word stage will be released 6/13.

A Taste of Pine Barrens Jam 2021!

March 5, 2022
The Stereo Release Music For First Time in 20 Years

Indie rock band The Stereo release new music for the first time in 20 years on Wednesday. “Kings of No Hope” is the first single from their upcoming album Thirteen, scheduled for release on May 13.

Along with the single and album announcement the band will also release five part podcast series about the band’s history. Also called “Kings of No Hope,” the podcast series details the band’s founding in 1999, it’s multiple dissolutions in 2001 and 2004, and subsequent reassembly in 2011. The podcast features interviews with the band members and notable music industry figures including Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional) and Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy).

The current iteration of The Stereo original members Jamie Woolford and Rory Phillips along with bassist Chris Serafini, and drummer Sam Hardwig.

While never receiving widespread critical or fan acclaim The Stereo was always well respected by other indie rock musicians. “I think that there’s about 600 to 1,000 bands currently that owe their career to The Stereo,” said Jack Antonoff, the lead singer of Bleachers.

As part of the album’s announcement The Stereo launched a Kickstarter campaign to support a vinyl production of both “Thirteen” and “The Kings of No Hope” podcast series.

March 4, 2022