The 2022 Old Songs Festival at the Altamont Fairgrounds in Altamont, NY, has announced it will be hosting the festival in-person on June 24, 25 & 26.
2022 Old Songs Festival Logo
Old Songs celebrates music from all areas around the world, including Folk, Celtic, Quebecois, Roots, Americana, and World music. All these different kinds of music mesh together from the help of Contemporary musicians, singers, and songwriters.
The festival encourages people of all ages to join jam sessions, take part in learning instruments, sing sacred harp, and move their feet to the many dance bands that come to the festival. School-age children who play an instrument can participate in the “Great Groove Band” and perform on stage on Sunday.
The Great Groove Band.
There are three main concert stages, each featuring multiple artists on Friday & Saturday from 6:30 -11 pm, and Sunday 3:30 – 7 pm. There are over 100 plus performances, dances, workshops, and jams in ten areas around the festival grounds.
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
Warden and Co. have released their sophomore album Somewher,e following their 2019 debut Songs for Everyone. The 11 track album covers a range of emotions while helping to develop the band’s Americana identity.
Formed in Saratoga Springs in 2011, Warden and Co. have worked their way into the New York State music scene, with genuine folk influences and steady instrumentals. After starting out as children’s and family artists, frontman Seth Warden, violinist Doug Moody, and drummer Brian Melick changed trajectory to focus on a more mature genre.
This album covers a broad spectrum of human emotions and experiences: love, uncertainty, frustration, desire, fear, and compassion.
Seth Warden
‘Somewhere’ features a sweet duet with Warden’s teenage daughter, Lovella. The father-daughter harmonies go well with the slower paced instrumentals and give listeners a warm, sentimental feeling inside. It’s a comforting reminder that our parents will always be with us, no matter where we travel.
‘PSA’ is a faster paced track that keeps your attention all the way through. The fun cautionary tale warns of a beautiful, but mysterious woman that will have her fun with you and disappear. Moody’s excellent orchestral skills come through toward the end of the song as Melick’s drums provide a much needed foundation.
‘You’ve Got a Way With Love’ closes the album with a more brash sound and it’s easy to hear how the band has grown over the course of the album. Each member’s talents shine in the almost four minute track.
Somewhere is now available on all streaming platforms.
Key tracks : Somewhere, PSA, You’ve Got a Way With Love
Long Island native Jason Flashner has returned with a double album release. Released on the same day, Rocks and Roots work together to provide listeners with a complete musical experience. Rocks was made with a full band and Roots was made as its acoustic partner.
Both albums feature an 11-song tracklist, with optimistic lyrics dreaming of a better future and human resilience. This double release follows his 2014 album, Indie Tale, which displayed Flashner’s budding musical prowess. Rocks and Roots allowed him to gain a deeper knowledge of his recording equipment, while also giving him the opportunity to record all the parts for his album independently.
During quarantine, Flashner chose to immerse himself in the recording process, in an effort to learn more about the equipment and instruments in his studio. After conducting research to see how he could improve his environment, he came to realize that he had more than enough material for an album and chose to express his new found knowledge through these recent projects.
“Alive Awake!” draws listeners in with its upbeat, friendly instrumental. The lyrics contain such an earnest appreciation for life that you can’t help, but to think of all the positives in your own life. This catchy album opener is sure to put you in a good mood.
“Timing”’s relatable message reminds listeners that it’s okay if things don’t go right the first time. There will always be another chance, another opportunity, another day. The strong instrumental and faster pace injects listeners with the added strength they need to get through the day, before closing with a snappy finish.
“Better Day” showcases Flashner’s optimism for the future. This modern anthem for peace serves as the closer for both albums and encourages listeners to leave behind their greedy tendencies. Slower paced instrumentals really allow the message to sink in.
Over Yondr Festival returns to Greene County with three days of music, camping and phone-free fun. June 24th to the 26th, festival goers will enjoy performances from !!!, Topaz Jones, Sheer Mag and more.
The full lineup will be revealed shortly, and talented acts including Brooklyn’s own Kaleta & The Super Yamba Band, Bones of JR Jones and Kississippi are already confirmed to perform. The Catskills based festival provides the unique chance to disconnect from technology and enjoy music in one of NY’s most beautiful places.
The weekend gathering will also have food trucks, full bars and games available, as well as hot showers. Festival goers are encouraged to secure their phones and other devices in Yondr pouches, but there will be designated phone-use areas for those who need them.
Sheer Mag
Formed in 2019, Over Yondr has grown into one of today’s most exclusive festival experiences. They’ve helped organize events for big names including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and Silk Sonic while creating a safe space where fans can take in entertainment free of outside worries.
Festival passes, as well as more information, are available here. COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test is required to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring equipment and supplies that could help the whole festival community.
42 North Brewing Company and Swain Resort are joining forces and have announced the first ever Basecamp Festival to be held on Saturday, July 9 at the base of the resort in Swain. The inaugural event will feature live music, craft beverages as well as outdoor activities. Patrons will have the opportunity to go on chair lift rides, hikes and will also feature a wide array of local artisan vendors.
The music kicks off with the Buffalo-based Organ Fairchild, a former NYS Music “March Madness” winner. Following them is the roots quartet Folkfaces who will bring their up-tempo mix of original and traditional music to the stage. The band recently wrapped up an East Coast tour and has played festivals throughout the country.
And the beer will be provided by 42 North Brewing from East Aurora, NY. “We are thrilled to partner with 42 North to create this event. We both share the same passion for great music, great beer, and outdoor adventure”, states Suzy Male, Director of Marketing for Swain. Male added that they hope to make Basecamp Festival an annual summer event at the resort.
Swain Resort
A limited number of early bird tickets go on sale for $25 beginning Wednesday, April 6. For an additional fee, camping and overnight RV parking will be available. For more information on Basecamp or to purchase tickets, go to the event website here.
Swain Resort is the oldest independently run ski resort in New York State. Located just over an hour from both Buffalo and Rochester and is proud of its history and ski community.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from two rising Vermont bands, Super Stash Bros and My Own Sweet.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
The Super Stash Bros are a band out of Killington, VT featuring Josh Jakab (Guitar), Nick Vittone (Bass), Josh Morse (Vocals), Vince FitzGerald (Guitar) and Blake Gowan (Drums). Their eclectic mix of genres has confused, disappointed and annoyed listeners for years.
MOS is Tim Lauben, Chris Kelly, Kurt Herrmann and Dave Mersch. Prior to the release of their latest, “Snowfences,” the band created the EP Ghosts I Knew. The bands recalls that on Easter Sunday 2020 someone texted them, “Could we try to write a song?” Over the next two years, MOS used Garageband and zoom/googlemeet to collaborate and whittle down more than 20 songs to a four song collection of demos called “Ghosts I Knew” that serves as the answer.
Michael Vincent Waller’s foray into the world of hip hop continues with his latest single, “Check In,” featuring teenage YouTube star and rapper, Matt Ox. The highly touted classical composer’s latest endeavor comes on the heels of his debut hip hop project, the Lex Luger assisted, CLASSIC$.
MVW now recruits the frenetic Matt Ox, who has amassed tens of millions of views, with his breakout song “Overwhelming” amassing 31 million views. “Check In” will serve as promotion for MVW’s sophomore album, Connections. Continuing to draw on the parallels between his life as a composer and hip-hop producer.
The theme of the upcoming project is entitled ‘Connections,’ MVW reveals.” “This first single channels that ethos of branching out into the hip hop landscape and making revelations through collaboration and furthermore, the title for the project was derived from a bar in [the song’s first verse], “I am way too connected, too many connections.
Connections are what MVW has continued to foster, as he has developed working relationships with many talented acts like Atlanta-bred Lil Gotit and Good Music artist Valee. Jumping head-first into a new creative space, an invigorated MVW has churned out his second project in less than a year.
Matt Ox, whose newer releases have seen him experiment with his vocal ranges, shows his versatility. On “Check In” he rhymes in a start & stop flow focusing on cadence and annotation.
As a producer MVW is equally parts free-wheeling and controlling. Preferring to give leeway on artistic freedom while focusing on the song’s structure and vocal tones on his beats.
Overall, Matt was given freedom to be inventive and true to his voice in the chorus and verse, but how the final arrangement and orchestration played out was very meticulous and true to the way I like to work on records that is starting to feel like a melodic signature for the music I’m working to produce and release into the world.
MVW’s quest to explore classical sounds within the frame of contemporary trap sounds require a great attention to detail. On “Check In” Matt Ox’s enigmatic flow on eerily inviting loops are structured for rhythmic optimization and his pursuit has brought him, Connections.
The vocals could be considered more complex in their delivery and intonation than maybe appears on the surface, or from first listen. I think the more one sits with the material and marinates on how the vocals are arranged with the beat, the exact placement and timing in relation to the bars and feel of the cadence.
MVW’s continues the road to Connections with another Matt Ox assisted single, also featuring Valee and 645AR releasing on April 22 and a spring/summer timetable set for the album.
New York City based band VRSTY (pronounced “Varsity”) have shared their newest music video for their song “Hush.”
VRSTY consists of Joey Varela [vocals], Javy Dorrejo [bass], Chris Cody [drums], and Paul Gregory [guitar].
The vocals of Joey Varela and sound from Javy Dorrejo [bass], Chris Cody [drums], and Paul Gregory [guitar] provide the bands one of a kind musical genre, a unique fusion of R&B with vocal elements of post-hardcore sound. The new video “Hush” does the band justice showing these different musical elements.
Welcome Home is the band’s debut album, which has accumulated six million streams in less than a year and yielded the head-turning singles “Shameless” and “Massive.”
“‘Hush’ is definitely one of my favorite songs on the entire record,” says Varela. “It’s also one of the most different songs simply because it’s more uplifting and fun rather than dark and moody —my usual mood! Writing this song was incredibly therapeutic for me yet also super scary. Because it was so different, I wasn’t sure if anybody was gonna like it. However when Welcome Home dropped, it ended up becoming a fan-favorite. I just hope it makes people feel the way it made me feel when I first wrote it.”
“Welcome Home is an incredibly personal album to me,” Varela shares. “I know everybody says that, and hey, maybe they’re not lying when they do. I sure as hell am not. It was definitely a task, at first, trying to figure out how to phrase or sing something without getting too personal. But somewhere along the way, I threw that idea out the window and decided to say exactly what I felt. You won’t find me trying to sound cool or using any fancy wordplay. It’s just me in my rawest form, saying exactly what I’ve felt or experienced over the years, which is what has made me who I am today. I think if anybody ever wants to get to know me, this record will give you everything you need to know. No secrets. Just me.”
