NYS Music 202​2

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  • Kendrick Lamar and Miles Teller kickoff Season 48 of Saturday Night Live

    Saturday Night Live returned for Season 48 at Studio 8H of Rockefeller Center, bringing in four new SNL featured cast members, along with host Miles Teller and musical guest, Kendrick Lamar. 

    kendrick lamar SNL miles teller

    Opening with a deeply self-referential Manningcast sketch, featuring host Miles Teller as Peyton Manning and repertory player Andrew Dismukes as Eli Manning, the pair began to break down the upcoming changes to SNL this season, with a cameo from actor Jon Hamm as well. Referencing cast members who departed and facing criticism during a transition year head on, the breakdown of the cold open as the cold open was underway was a fresh idea for SNL and a bellwether for the season to come. 

    With a fresh SNL font and new cast intros segment, the start of Season 48 also marked the 20th season for Kenan Thompson, as well as the 20th season for the Grand Central Terminal set, each debuting during Season 29 in 2003. Teller, star of this summer’s Top Gun: Maverick, shared his excitement for making it to the SNL stage, having been a fan since he was a kid. Teller shared childhood videos of he and his sister as Spartan Cheerleaders – with Teller as Cheri Oteri and his sister as Will Ferrell. This is a trend seen among hosts recently as they celebrate making it the long transition from SNL fan to SNL host, such as Oscar Isaac last season.

    Miles Teller SNL monologue

    For the first performance on the night, Kendrick Lamar performed two songs – “Rich Spirit” and “N95” – from his fourth album, Mr. Morale And The Big Steppers. Using a minimalist approach to the performance, Lamar performed alone in a blue-hued box room with a single pedestal fan facing him, while his shadow was prominently featured to his right. After a minute, the shadow began dancing as he shifted into the speedier “N95” with spotlight and strobes highlighting the solo artist confined to this white room, similar to his stage set up on his recently ended North American leg of his ‘Big Steppers” tour.

    A stunning performance, text flashing on the white walls during “N95” included “Lil L got his passport,” “4 peez Kee riches,” “The homie Jason Keaton wrote two books in prison,” “The Edges Envy in the Eyes,” and “Yea we still playing industry politics.” 

    These referenced, respectively, Compton rapper and friend of Lamar, Lil L; 4 Peez who grew up on Piru Street, two streets down from the location of the Good kid Maad city house; rapper Kee Riches who was shot and killed last week; and Jason Keaton, who earned college degrees and wrote two books while incarcerated for 15 years, and who is also referenced in the 2009 K.Dot song “Jason Keaton and Uncle Bobby.” 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1ursSZ0NCw

    For his second performance, Kendrick was once again in a white box, this time with a bed, lamp, table and chair, where British rapper Sampha was rocking. Lamar dove in with Sampha joining in on “Early mornin’ wake ups, practicin’ on day-offs. Tough love, bottled up, no chaser, neat, no chaser.” Throughout the performance, the walls closed in on Kendrick and Sampha, as they rapped and reflected upon an upbringing with limited emotional outlets amid home invasions and daddy issues.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04qA4krEub8

    Tonight also marked the fifth appearance on SNL for Kendrick Lamar, starting with his 2013 debut where he performed “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Poetic Justice,” then returned in 2014 to play “i” and “Pay For It” off To Pimp a Butterfly, alongside Jay Rock and Chantal Kreviazuk. Lamar has also joined other musicians on SNL, including Imagine Dragons on “Radioactive” in 2014 and  Anderson .Paak in 2018 on “Tints”. 

    Closing out the night, Teller wore an NYU shirt, celebrating his roots at the NYU Tisch School of Arts where he received a BFA in Drama in 2009. 

    Not seen this evening was longtime cast member Cecily Strong, who is in Los Angeles performing in The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life. Expect Strong to return to SNL in November.

    Next week, SNL will be hosted by Irish actor Brendan Gleeson, star of The Banshees of Inisherin, with musical guest is Willow, daughter of Will Smith.

    Lucas Kurzweil contributed to this story.

  • Burger-Joint Spawned Rock Band Shining Faces Release Poignant New Single “Worthless”

    Westchester rock trio, Shining Faces, released their debut single, “Worthless” on Wednesday, September 28. The music group with origins in the Upper Westchester County area transitioned their involvement in the rock scene in New York City.

    Shining Faces

    A unique feature of the band’s start-up counts their spawnage from the upstate-based Pow! Burger joint. The collaboration between the burger restaurant and the rock band helps to carry the representation of the DIY cultural aspect of the Upper Westchester community. 

    ‘Worthless’ debut single cover art

    The members comprising the band are vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Clinton Meekel, bass player Kevin Giachetto, drummer Austin Flynn and guitarist Nick Trujillo. The artists opened about their experience working at the independently-established Pow! Burger joint, their music career and the connection between the workplace they were previously employed at and the punk and surf rock performances made in the Metropolitan area that are supported by former co-workers from the Pow! Burger. 

    Heather Occhino: How did the band meet? 

    Clinton Meekel: So, Austin, Nick, and I met while working at Pow! Burger. Nick and Austin actually had a project together called “Block Tape”, and the three of us had a project together called “Anklebiterz”. Kevin and I had played drums a lot together growing up with Kevin’s brother, Justin. I had put out some stuff solo during COVID, but I really wanted to be able to play live. I put together a trio with Austin and our other friend, Sean. When we moved to the city, Austin moved over to drums, we added Kevin on bass, and Nick is our newest addition on a second guitar. 

    HO: What inspired the band members to pursue making music? 

    CM: I always grew up around music. My dad repairs guitars and collects records and just has a really extensive knowledge on all kinds of eclectic rock and punk music. I started playing when I was five years old and haven’t stopped since.

    HO: What was the group’s reason for relocating to New York City?

    CM: Basically, I moved here to finish college. It’s new and there’s a lot of awesome stuff happening down here musically. I used to drive down here all the time to go to shows and it’s really cool to be living in the midst of all of it.

    HO: What influenced Shining Faces to add more contemporary-based punk-rock influences to traditional songs, such as Joe Cocker’s “The Letter” and Hound Dog Taylor’s “Give Me Back My Wig”?

    CM: I had listened to those songs a lot growing up, and I wanted to pay homage to those musicians. There’s something timeless about those songs in particular, and I love being able to take something old and mess around with it and make it fresh. Those songs translate really well live too, because people recognize the songs but maybe have forgotten about them. Then it creates an opportunity to bond with people over those songs too. People come up to us after shows and bring up The Letter, and it’s just really great to get to talk with new people about songs that we all love.

    HO: When Pow! Burger was established, did the then-employees plan on choosing a direction toward music? 

    CM: It was totally by chance that so many of the people who work there, who I now consider very close friends, were also interested in making music. But it definitely became a commonality for all of us there. There aren’t really any venues in Yorktown or record stores, so it’s hard to find any sort of musical community. I’m lucky that all my time at work could be spent with guys who do care about music and have a taste that aligns with mine.

    My friend from Pow! Leapfrog Jones actually opened for us a few weeks ago at the Bowery Electric, and I just saw him play the other day at another venue. We all just kind of had bands on the side, but everyone is really supportive. Even the owner Dave, he comes to our shows. And Yorktown isn’t close, but he’s invested in our success. It’s honestly not very often you see a business owner who actually cares about the success and security of their employees beyond the workplace, so we’re all really lucky. And just to have this community of people who have our backs and are rooting for us. 

    HO: What was the transition like leaving Pow! Burger and moving to the city?

    CM: It’s a little bit crazy actually. We’re all friends, so I see the guys from Pow! all the time. They all make their way down to the city for our shows. I think some more of them might even move out here too, and I love having them on bills with us or vice versa. I remember overhearing someone after a show say, “What is this restaurant they all work at?” Because basically the entire staff was in the audience. It’s pretty awesome to see.

    HO: As mentioned in the biography about Shining Faces, their aim is to find “authenticity in a world in a world where our lives are becoming increasingly commodified”. In which ways is this sentiment expressed in their musical work/artistic expression?  

    CM: Punk has always been about rebellion. I’m really inspired by guys like Iggy Pop, the Sex Pistols. Punk has always been a vessel for counterculture. I think we and most other people in our generation feel like we’re getting screwed. We’re losing faith in our institutions. There’s so much pressure, especially with social media to make yourself marketable. To make every bit of yourself something that can become profitable. It’s easy to feel helpless. And we’re angry. So our aim is really just to create and give a raw reaction to what is happening in the world. We’re young and people want to dismiss us but we’re the ones who will grow up in the world that policies being passed right now are shaping. 

    HO: What ultimate message/(s) does the band want to spread to their listening base?

    CM: I think what we wanna get out there, especially with “Worthless” is just to not let the world get you down and cling to your passions. What we kind of pose in this song is am I worthless? In a world where everyone is supposed to be doing a million things at once, how valuable am I beyond what profit I can produce? Or is all of that worthless and the bits of the humanity within us are what is actually significant? We’re kind of grappling with things like “what is all of this for?” It’s a question that only yields more questions, but we’re going to keep asking.

  • New York Public Radio To Honor Brooke Gladstone at 2022 Gala

    New York Public Radio will host its annual gala on Nov. 9 to honor Brooke Gladstone, the host of WNYC’s On The Media.

    The evening will be hosted by comedian Samantha Bee, a former correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and the former host of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee who was named one of TIME’s Most Influential People in 2017.

    new york public radio gala
    Samantha Bee is hosting this year’s New York Public Radio Gala. (Photo credit: James Macari)

    The event also includes Kronos Quartet as a musical guest, a Grammy-winning collective whose nearly 50-year history includes thousands of concerts, over 70 recordings, and over 1,000 works from composers worldwide. The night will take place at Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel.

    new york public radio gala
    Brook Gladstone, the host of WNYC’s On The Media. (Photo credit: Matthew Septimus)

    Gladstone examines the worldly impact of media with On The Media, a weekly production. She started her career in public broadcast at National Public Radio in 1987 as senior editor of Scott Simon’s Weekend Edition, later working on the station’s flagship news program All Things Considered.

    She joined WNYC in 2000 to host On The Media, and during her tenure, the program has won two Peabody awards, became the first national public radio show to be offered as a podcast, and now airs on 425 public radio stations.

    Information regarding tickets and more can be found here.

  • In Focus: Jimmy Eat World at Empire Live

    On Sept. 28 Jimmy Eat World came to Albany to say “Something Loud” to the people at Empire Live Albany.

    Jimmy Eat World is a rock band from Mesa, AZ that formed in 1993. Their most notable album, Bleed American, had jump-started them to fame with their most well-known song “The Middle.” Jimmy Eat World has been all over the alternative rock realm with songs that could be categorized as pop-punk, emo-pop, and punk-rock to just name a few. Their ability to continue to shift across rock has kept them relevant to fans young and old for the last 20+ years.

    The show opened with a last-minute addition rock band, Frankie and his Fingers from Kingston. They formed in 2004 when lead vocalist Frank McGinnis and guitarist Ryan Stoutenburgh found each other in college. Their latest album, Universal Hurt, dropped in March of 2021. They have an upcoming show in Woodstock on October 2nd.

    Frankie and his Fingers opened to a growing crowd of mid-20s-late 30-year-olds. They played their hearts out for about 30 minutes with warm applause from the crowd. Frank McGinnis’ energy on stage was very reflective of how excited the band was to be their opening for such a big name. After their set, the band waited by the merch station to greet fans and answer questions.

    By the time Jimmy Eat World took the stage, there was no standing room left. They opened strong with lead vocalists Jim Adkins taking hold of the mic and singing “Futures.” Throughout the set, the stage was consistently backlit with blinding lights that shined on beat with many of the intricate guitar strums. The crowd, who many probably have been following since 1995, sang the chorus of “Work” with Adkins and many other songs throughout their time on stage.

    Towards the end of an hour and half long set, Adkins prefaced their latest single and tour title “Something Loud” as a song about finding yourself in rock. An idea that has probably fueled Jimmy Eat World to continue to find new sounds in their music.

    They thanked their fans for coming and welcoming them back to New York. They closed with their hit, “The Middle.” The Something Loud tour continues in Ocean City, MD on Oct. 1, and a rescheduled show in Burlington, VT on Oct. 3.

    Jimmy Eat World Setlist: Intro/Futures, Pain, Bleed American, Big Casino, I Will Steal You Back, Praise, Congratulations, Let It Happen, Work, Blister, Sunday, Hear You Me, Sure and Certain, Rockstar, Something Loud, Denver, Sweetness, The Middle

  • All-Women F.I.R.E. Festival in Oswego Announced

    On Oct. 16, the all-women F.I.R.E. festival will take place at the Oswego Music Hall from 1-5 P.M., featuring a wide variety of artists, musicians, and businesses.

    F.I.R.E. festival

    The F.I.R.E. festival was created by Jess Novak, who performs alongside the Jess Novak band. She has performed over all over the country, recorded multiple albums, and is an award-winning journalist. The festival was created because of the frustration caused by all-men lineups at festivals.

    As a musician, I’ve been on so many festivals where women are under-represented or when they are included, are only singers. While there’s nothing wrong with amazing female vocalists, I wanted to be sure we presented more than that. I want original music writers and players. I want female-run businesses and brilliant artists to decorate the walls. I want to transform the space in an effort to show that Central New York is bursting with female talent. I also want to provide young ladies with something I wish I had when I was a kid-proof that we can do and create whatever we dream.

    Jess Novak

    The event is part of the Oswego Music Hall guest curator series where people from the community pitch event ideas to utilize the space. Novak planned the event at a downtown location back in March 2020 but COVID stopped it from happening. She wasn’t sure she wanted to do it again, but women kept coming to her asking her if she was going to plan it, and that inspired her to make it happen.

    The lineup for the festival is all women, including the vendors and businesses. Musicians include local performers Ella Drotar, Ashley Cox and Novak along with many others, and world-renowned violinist, Lydia Violet.

    Novak, who is also seven months pregnant, will be celebrating a new book and the release of a new album. Copies of the book, “Dare to Begin” will be available for sale for the first time at a public show. All ages, and people, are welcome to the F.I.R.E. festival, and admittance is $8.

  • NYC Artist Robert Leslie Releases UK Psychedelic Folk-Influenced “Halfway Home” Album

    Europe-native and New York City-based musical artist and busker, Robert Leslie, had his alternative folk debut recently released during last month on August 5th. Compiled are 12 tracks produced by Perry Margouleff (who also worked with Maroon 5 and Paul Rogers) that express the beautiful moments captured in day-to-day life through bridging the gap between current changes and a reflection of the past, as phrased by Leslie, speaking about the album.

    Album Cover [Credit: Emmanuel Rosario]

    The LP features names behind the instrumental elements of the music, who’ve worked with established names in the music industry, such as Tony Garnier behind bass who collaborated with Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Tom Waits, Jake Sinclair, behind the Wurlitzer, Mellotron piano, who’s worked with Weezer! and Panic at the Disco, and Scarlet Rivera, who played the violin and has worked with Bob Dylan.

    Artist Studio Shoot

    The record rings of soothing tunes conveyed with slow guitar notes paired with bass booms and overlapping looming synths which carve echoes resonating with the vibration of rings spreading from a rock thrown in still water. Taking an approach using a poetic lens in his lyricism, Robert Leslie divulges on takes about aspects of life and love, carrying emotional overtones of nostalgia blended with wonderance on this debut influenced with sounds from UK psychedelic folk. 

    Halfway Home Music Video

  • Music at Noon Lineup Revealed by Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

    The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall have announced the return of popular lunchtime series, Music at Noon. Back for the 2022-23 season, Music at Noon has taken place on the second Tuesday of each month from October to May, since 1988.

    The free concert series has presented exceptional musicians with a diverse mix of musical styles. Sponsored by the New York State Council on the Art and the Fagan Associates,the kickoff to the season will feature guitar and vocal pops from Hui Cox and Laura Roth on October 11 and run until May 9, with various genres gracing Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Other Music at Noon performers will include Acoustic guitarist Thomasina Winslow, Classical Pianist Akina Yura, country/bluegrass quartet The Buebillies, among many other diverse performers.

    While Music at Noon performances are free to attend, Teachers with buses and large groups should call ahead to reserve seats. There will also be a limited number of handicapped accessible spaces available.  Groups with special seating requests can contact the box office. More information about Music at Noon or Troy Music Hall’s upcoming programs can be found on their website.

    Music at Noon Lineup

    October 11th – Hui Cox & Laura Roth, Guitar and Vocal Pops

    November 8 – Thomasina Winslow, Acoustic Blues

    December 13 – Carl Gutkowski & James Fitzwilliam, Classical Flute & Piano

    January 10 – The Bluebillies, Country/ Bluegrass Quartet

    February 14 – Bleecker Consort, Renaissance & Medieval Music

    March 14 – Natalia Shevchuk, Urkanian Pianist

    April 11 – Akina Yura, Classical Piano

    May 9, Findlay Cockrell, Piano

  • Felice County Fair Coming To Arrowood Farms

    The Felice Brothers are throwing a party and you’re invited.  On Saturday, October 1, The Felice Brothers will host “The Felice County Fair” at Arrowood Farms in Accord, NY.

    The all day music event, curated by the Felice Brothers, will be headlined by Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) and will feature supporting sets from The Felice Brothers, Hooray For the Riff Raff, Evan Stephens Hall (Pinegrove), Haley Heynderickx, Al Olender, and William Lawrence.  

    The event advertises a day of “unique and collaborative performances” and will also feature local food vendors and craft beer from the brewery.  Gates open at noon with music starting at 1pm.  

    Tickets start at $80 and can be purchased here.

    And be sure to check out our coverage of Follow The Arrow, Marco Benevento’s one day festival at Arrowood Farms this past June.

  • Hearing Aide: Indie-Rock band El Modernist’s Debut Album ‘Eras’

    Indie-rock band, El Modernist, has had their newest debut album “Eras” released on Friday, September 2. The group features a trio of members, Will Fredette, who is in charge of lead vocals and plays the rhythm guitar, Will Hahn who plays the drums and uses the electronic instruments, and Taylor MacMillan who uses the lead guitar and creates backing vocals.

    El Modernist band

    The Albany-based alternative rock band presents listeners with a ten-track compilation of songs infused with elements belonging to ‘80’s style of rock, such as the groovy synths and jazz-tinged bass, while also containing more contemporary components of alternative rock that is present in other upcoming New York-based bands. The tempo carried throughout the debut follows a steady, consistent rhythm and maintains an upbeat air. 

    Their upcoming tour performance will be at Wild in the Trees Music & Skate Festival in Lake George on Saturday, Oct. 1 and starting at 7PM. You can RSVP and get tickets for the event here.

    ‘Eras’ Debut Album Cover Photo

    Watch the official music for their track, “New Waves” below.

    ‘New Waves’ music video (https://youtu.be/qidF5OshR2A)

  • Hudson West Folk Festival Announces 2022 Program

    The 2022 Hudson West Folk Festival, an annual Jersey City event, will run on Saturday, October 15. Taking place at the Nimbus Arts Center in the city’s downtown, the festival will span from noon to 10pm.

    hudson west folk festival
    Image from last year’s Hudson West Folk Festival. (photo found on festival website)

    The event will feature music ranging across americana, folk, bluegrass, hip-hop/funk/soul, jazz and Ukrainian folk music. Artists on the bill include Ebony Hillbillies, Leslie Mendelson, J Pope and the HearNow, Jaimee Harris, Cole Quest and the City Pickers, Ari Hest, Ukrainian Village Voices, and KJ Denhert.

    In addition to performances, the festival will involve free music workshops on improvisational singing, guidance in musical style, and Ukrainian folk songs.

    The Ukrainian Village Voices will be leading a workshop at this year’s event. (photo found on festival website)

    There will also be food and drink provided on site, as the festival is partnering with Welcome Home Jersey City to bring Afghan and Pakistani dishes from refugee chefs.

    Tickets can be bought for $35 in advance and $40 at the door on Saturday. Info regarding ticket purchases and more for the 2022 event can be found on the Hudson West Folk Festival website.

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