NYS Music 202​2

Tag: indie

  • The Walkmen Announce Reunion Shows

    A special reunion is taking place with the indie-band The Walkmen, as they are endeavoring on their first tour since a decade. The group is travelling to multiple metropolitan areas, including Manhattan, Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

    The Walkmen Tour Announcement Poster

    As has been recently announced, the Walkmen are performing shows in Philadelphia on May 2nd and 3rd, Chicago on May 19 and 20, and in D.C. on May 25 and 26. The band is also premiering for a show at Shaky Knees on Sunday, May 7, 2023, while more festival announcements are coming up soon.

    Back in 2013, an unnamed Walkmen band member (Peter Bauer) announced to the Washington Post that we were going on an ‘extreme hiatus. Instead, in the ensuing years, we’ve all worked on a ton of different projects in a ton of different places. Recently, someone sent us a clip of us playing at Irving Plaza from 2003, and it just looked very exciting. So, we’ve decided we’d like to play together again. Right now, we are very thrilled to announce that we will be playing at Webster Hall in 2023.

    Walkmen frontman Hamilton Leithauser

    The Walkmen Tour Dates

    Monday, April 24 – New York, NY – Webster Hall *SOLD OUT*
    Tuesday, April 25 – New York, NY – Webster Hall *SOLD OUT*
    Wednesday, April 26 – New York, NY – Webster Hall *SOLD OUT*
    Thursday, April 27 – New York, NY – Webster Hall *SOLD OUT*
    Friday, April 28 – New York, NY – Webster Hall *SOLD OUT*
    Tuesday, May 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer ^
    Wednesday, May 3 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer ^
    Sunday, May 7 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Festival ^
    Friday, May 19 – Chicago, IL – The Metro ^
    Saturday, May 20 – Chicago, IL – The Metro ^
    Thursday, May 25 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club ^
    Friday May 26 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club ^

    Tickets can be bought here.

    The Walkmen “Heaven” Music Video

  • American Authors Announce “The Best Night Of My Life” Tour, Stop at Racket in Chelsea

    Alternative rock band American Authors will be back on the road for the new year. The band has just announced a full US headline tour this winter, titled the “Best Night Of My Life Tour” featuring Billy Raffoul.  The month-long tour kicks off on February 10th in Fairfield, then makes a stop in New York City February 12th at the new venue in Chelsea, Racket.  

    American Authors Announce "The Best Night Of My Life" Too Making Stops in Berklee and Racket

    Frontman Zac Barnett shares about the tour: “It’s been so long since we’ve done a proper tour, we’re pulling out all the stops on this one! Playing all your favorite American Authors songs from the past, new jams from our upcoming album, & who knows, maybe even some requests & cover songs. Oh ya, & there might be some special collaborations with our good friend Billy Rafoul who will be opening the shows every night too.”

    Since releasing their debut album Oh, What a Life in 2014, pop-rock outfit American Authors have experienced milestones most bands only dream about. Their anthemic hit single “Best Day of My Life” has been featured in over 600 movie trailers, TV shows, commercials, and as a theme song for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite this, lead singer Zac Barnett states, “We just want to keep going. We can’t wait to continue this adventure.” 

    Earlier this year, the American Authors pushed their limits with six different versions of their new single “Blind For Love.” They even recently released a brand new music video for this track. They’ve also been getting into the holiday spirit with the festive “Christmas Karaoke” and “Sleigh Ride.”  

    Fans can look forward to more new music soon, as the band gears up to release a new album in early 2023. 

    Upcoming Tour Dates: 

    12/29 – Bombay, India @ Mood Indigo 

    1/23-1/28 – Miami, FL @ Rock Boat XXII 

    2/10 – Fairfield, CT @ The Warehouse 

    2/15 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 

    2/16 – Washington, DC @ Union Stage 

    2/17 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live 

    2/18 – New York, NY @ Racket 

    2/19 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall 

    2/21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thunderbird Music Hall 

    2/23 – Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre 

    2/24 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Café 

    2/25 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge 

    2/26 – St. Louis, MO @ Old Rock House 

    2/28 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater 

    3/2 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall 

    3/3 – Las Vegas, NV @ Rocks Lounge 

    3/5 – Phoenix, AZ @ Last Exit Live 

    3/4 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues (Parish) 

    3/7 – Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up 

    3/8 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour 

    3/9 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall 

    3/11 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre 

    3/12 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos 

    American Authors Announce "The Best Night Of My Life" Too Making Stops in Berklee and Racket

    For more information on upcoming news and events from the American Authors, click the link here.

  • Whitney Brings SPARK to New York City’s Webster Hall

    This past Sunday, Dec. 11, Whitney performed at New York City’s Webster Hall, bringing songs off their third album, SPARK, and many others. Expanding their touring lineup from the original two-piece, lead singer and drummer, Julien Ehrlich, and guitarist, Max Kakacek, were joined by a keyboard player, brass section, bass player, and additional drummer, evolving their sound (much like SPARK) and filling the music hall with their resonant melodies and R&B backbeats.

    Whitney, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

    Prior to the night’s headline act, the crowd was welcomed to Boston singer and songwriter Ella Williams, also known Squirrel Flower. She set the tone with songs off her debut album, I Was Born Swimming, and Sophomore album, Planet (i), which released last year.

    Squirrel Flower, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

    Whitney began their set with the group’s very first single, “No Matter Where We Go”, followed by Forever Turned Around‘s opener, “Giving Up”. The group seamlessly weaved through both new and old material, providing some with new instrumentals, most notably, “Kansas”, the original version of Forever Turned Around‘s title track.

    Whitney, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

    At one point, towards the end of the show, Julian exclaimed, “this has been the best New York show”, to much enthusiasm from the crowd, who had been singing along and raucously applauding after every song.

    Whitney, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

    A new, unreleased song, “Rolling Blackout” was performed. The band was joined on stage by Charlie Boss to play the song dating back to 2017.

    The tour has a few dates left, concluding in their hometown of Chicago at the end month.

  • The Van Pelt Returns With New Music in 2023

    After twenty-five years of anticipation, NYC indie-cult fan favorites the Van Pelt return with a new album titled “Artisans & Merchants” in 2023. The Van Pelt has returned to explore what was left behind with a new collection of hit songs, including the latest track, “Grid.”

    The Van Pelt Returns With New Music in 2023

    For lovers of The Van Pelt, listening to “Artisans & Merchants” is like hearing the voice of a dear friend you haven’t seen in years. This is a stand-alone album, incredible vital songwriting regardless of the long history this band has. Pitchfork even stated that, “The lines between post-hardcore, indie rock, and emo blurred on the two mid-’90s full-lengths from the Van Pelt.”  

    The Van Pelt is an American indie rock band from New York City that were active from 1993 to 1997, but have reformed briefly several times since then including now. The band formed around 1993 at New York University, with Chris Leo on vocals and guitar, David Baum on guitar, Barry London on bass, and Neil O’Brien on drums. In a reunion show, soundchecks revealed that the band has a voice that was prematurely muted by their inability to see clearly in the thick of their rise. 

    The Van Pelt Returns With New Music in 2023

    “New York City’s The Van Pelt are an influential, but too often overlooked indie rock band — cult favorites for many an emo-inclined crate digger.”

    – Consequence

    The Van Pelt’s newer album can be viewed as “a friend you used to share countless beers with over banter that went nowhere other than delivering a solid night. Your friend is older, they’ve changed. In some ways you’re worried for them, looks like they might be teetering on the brink of something. In other ways it’s the same old them, a nugget of a soul too unique to ever be altered.” 

    The Van Pelt Returns With New Music in 2023

    The chores of the single “Image of Health” describes the beautiful desperation of the album best, “And you never felt more alive / Than when the priest came to read you your rites!” 

    Stream The Van Pelt and their newest album coming in Spring 2023 by clicking the link here.

    Listen to the latest track from The Van Pelt, “Grid,” below.

  • Sea Glass Release Benét Collab “(I have jokes) If You Wanna Hear One”

    Project of New York-based producer Jake Muskat, Sea Glass is back in collaboration with a euphoric artist named Benét. Their dreamy new single  “(i have jokes) If You Wanna Hear One” has just dropped on all platforms. Sea Glass has been praised by the likes of Indie Shuffle, Wonderland Magazine, WFUV, Record of the Day, Variance Magazine, The Wild Honey Pie among others, garnering over 250k streams on his last EP alone.

    Sea Glass Releases Benét Collab "(I have jokes) If You Wanna Hear One"

    Inspired to release music after the birth of his first child, Sea Glass’s music taps into universal emotions around growing up and dreaming. His sound invokes yearning, hope and nostalgia filtered through a positive lens. 

    Coming back into the alternative/indie scene with his new single “(i have jokes) If You Wanna Hear One” in collaboration with euphoric artist Benét, the duo unite ethereal melodies and flowing narratives into a sound of their own. Finding its origins on a simple, classical guitar, this new single was written the week Sea Glass’s son was born as a lullaby.  

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Bq9xhNKqs

    He shares, “I liked the idea so much I decided to record it, but wanted to make it fit my production style. As I worked on it, I was more excited by its progress than anything else at the time. It took me 6 months of searching for a good top line when Benét offered to write on it. Their playful melody and lyrics just smashed the demo death loop I was in into smithereens. It came together very quickly from there. I had my close friend Jared Saltiel add live drums and the whole thing gelled together perfectly.” 

    Written during Sea Glass’s last few months in Brooklyn as he prepared to depart the city, he states, “My son was just born and I was both thrilled to have this new love in our family but also overwhelmed with the added pressure that the responsibility brought. The music was a sort of escape from the moment, an idealized version of how I hoped things would go. It was written in the summer and there are definitely island vibes to the sounds, but the escapism I’m exploring in the music also makes this song relevant for any time of year.” 

    To listen to Sea Glass’s newest song “(i have jokes) If You Wanna Hear One,” click here.

  • Flipturn Brings Indie Back to Buffalo

    Indie legends Flipturn made a stop in Buffalo on November 4 on their Shadowglow tour. The fun-filled night at Buffalo Ironworks was kicked off in true alt music fashion with The Brazen Youth. They played well-known classics as well as their hit song, “Center of Gravity.” The group got the crowd even more hyped up with the obvious Buffalo crowd pleaser: a Bills chant. 

    Flipturn
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    When Flipturn took over the stage there was a shift in infectious energy and warmth. No matter how small or large the venue is, Flipturn always knows how to perform. There’re no limitations when this group takes over the stage. All that’s obvious is their connection with their fans. This band is built up by Dillon Basse (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Tristan Duncan (lead guitar), Madeline Jarman (bass), Mitch Fountain (synth), and Devon VonBalson (drums). 

    Flipturn
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Flipturn opened up their set with “The Fall” and “Playground,” off of their most recent album Shadowglow. Even though this album was just released a few months ago, fans at Buffalo Ironworks knew the latest lyrics top to bottom. 

    Flipturn manages to take their listeners on a journey when they play their music. Through summer drives and youthful bliss, there’s something cinematic in the experience of a Flipturn song. This band has grown up together in Florida and now plays songs that deal with the heavily relatability at being at a crossroad between young lust and the pressures of adulthood. 

    Flipturn
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The live experience only adds to the depth of their introspection between the head and the heart. This coalition Flipturn creates with their fans is one that is hard to pull away from. Even so, they closed out the night with fan favorites, “August,” and “Nickel.” It also happened to be Madeline’s birthday which was another layer of excitement for everyone. 

    Flipturn is continuing their tour and making another stop in NY at The Bowery Ballroom on November 9. They’re definitely a must see for indie/alt lovers! 

    Buffalo Ironworks has a lot of upcoming events including Nefesh Mountain on Novemebr 10 and Buku & G-Rex on Novemebr 11. 

    Setlist: The Fall, Playground, Chicago, Whales, Sad Disco, Halfway, Hippies, Six Below, Glistening, Goddamn, Take Care, Space Cowboy
    Encore: August, Nickel

    All Photos by Maddie McCafferty

    Flipturn
    Flipturn
    Flipturn

  • Arctic Monkeys Announce 2023 North American Tour

    English rock band Arctic Monkeys have announced their North American tour for Summer 2023 with support from acclaimed Irish band Fontaines D.C. The tour includes two nights you won’t want to miss at New York’s Forest Hills Stadium and a quick stop at The KIA Forum in Los Angeles.  

    Arctic Monkeys Announce 2023 North American Tour

    The Arctic Monkeys announced a UK stadium tour for Summer 2023. Along with this, they have just released “Body Paint” – the second song to be released from their forthcoming 7th album The Car (October 21st on Domino). They returned to the stage of 30 Rock’s Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon for their first TV performance since 2019’s Austin City Limits. 

    The last time the Arctic Monkeys made stops in New York was back in 2018 when they played at Forest Hills Stadium and in Canandaigua. In honor of being in their inspiration’s hometown, The Strokes, the band covered one of their most popular songs “Is This It” exclusively for their New York fans. 

    Fans can register by clicking the link HERE for Ticketmaster Verified Fan Presale now through October 4th at 10am EST. Presale will begin October 6th at 10am local and general on sale starts Friday, October 7th at 10 am local. Purchase tickets by clicking the link HERE.   

    ARCTIC MONKEYS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES: 

    Friday, August 25, 2023 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory  

    Sunday, August 27, 2023 – Chicago, IL – United Center 

    Tuesday, August 29, 2023 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre 

    Wednesday, August 30, 2023 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage 

    Saturday, September 2, 2023 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre 

    Sunday, September 3, 2023 – Boston, MA – TD Garden 

    Tuesday, September 5, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann 

    Thursday, September 7, 2023 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion 

    Friday, September 8, 2023 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium

    Saturday, September 9, 2023 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium 

    Monday, September 11, 2023 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre 

    Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater 

    Friday, September 15, 2023 – Austin, TX – Moody Center 

    Saturday, September 16, 2023 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena 

    Monday, September 18, 2023 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre 

    Wednesday, September 20, 2023 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena 

    Friday, September 22, 2023 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena 

    Saturday, September 23, 2023 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum 

    Sunday, September 24, 2023 – Portland, OR – Moda Center 

    Tuesday, September 26, 2023 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center 

    Wednesday, September 27, 2023 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center 

    Friday, September 29, 2023 – Inglewood, CA – The KIA Forum 

  • Sarah King A/B Album “Always an Almost” and “You Were Wrong About Me”

    Ripton, VT, artist Sarah King has recently just delivered a soulful new A/B sided release with “Always an Almost” and “You Were Wrong About Me.” There’s no arguing that King’s talents are being celebrated by some of the biggest names in music. Her music has a similar resemblance to artists like The Lumineers, Lana Del Rey, Lenny Kravitz, Michael Jackson, Shawn Mendes and more.

    Sarah King A/B Album "Always an Almost" and "You Were Wrong About Me"
    Sarah King A/B

    Just off the heels of her most recent EP The Hour, Sarah King shows her newest releases exuding a clear contrast to her previous works. Most which were originally inspired by loss of loved ones, grief and the heavier feelings that she had carried with her for years. In her newest releases, each song can be both musically and lyrically versatility. King does this through dynamic vocal delivery and refreshing heart-on-sleeve storytelling. 

    Sarah King A/B Album "Always an Almost" and "You Were Wrong About Me"
    Sarah King A/B

    The track “Always an Almost” describes the sudden chances we thought we just missed, much like the relationships that didn’t last, and all of the dreams we struggle to let go of in order to make space for what is really meant for us. King sings heartfelt lyrics with tears streaming down her face, solidifying the fact that she had an undeniable hit in her hands. 

    “Almost thought I couldn’t let go, But the pain’s how you grow / It gets better I know, Always an almost” ~ Always An Almost 

    Followed by a fierce rock companion “You Were Wrong About Me,” this release offers a bit of modern rock n roll. This release looks back on the situations that didn’t work out from a place of strength, growth and confidence. Originally the song was written in about 10 minutes; the two-minute-long rocker was inspired by a music venue that rejected King to perform before even listening to her music. Thus, King has written one of her most simple, yet impactful tracks that musicians will be able to relate to. 

    “Don’t need your permission now, Didn’t want it anyhow / Live my life the way I please, You’ll never be the boss of me” ~ You Were Wrong About Me 

  • Puma Blue and Hamond Levitate Brooklyn with Baby’s All Right Performance

    London-based, indie-jazz artist Puma Blue performed alongside Houston artist Hamond at Baby’s All Right on Oct. 15, headlining two performances after supporting Arlo Park’s Collapsed in Sunbeams Tour. Returning to the venue where they first performed in the US over 3 years ago, Puma Blue supplied the audience with lush, lo-fi jazz and R&B music for the hour-long set.

    puma blue
    Puma Blue, 2022 Photo By Parker Alexander

    The night began with a similarly moving performance by Hamond, whose album, Pirate Radio, released this past June. Alone with a guitar and MIDI keyboard controller, he filled the 280-capcity venue of soul-stirring melodies with every chord. Hamond performed songs off the aforementioned LP, dazzling the crowd early in the night and showcasing his musical finesse, backed by cinematic pop beats.

    puma blue
    Hamond, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

    After a short break between sets, Puma Blue came on stage. They traversed an intricate 15-song set, featuring songs from their debut album, In Praise of Shadows, and two EPs released in 2017 and 2019. Two new, unreleased songs were played.

    “Pretty”, was gentle and tranquil, reminiscent of “Only Trying 2 Tell You”. “Light That Is Gone” featured a riff with glimmers of Jeff Buckley’s “Dream Brother”, who Puma Blue’s singer, Jacob Allen, has cited as a central influence on his work (even playing a Fender Telecaster that Buckley had regularly performed with).

    puma blue
    Puma Blue, 2022 Photo by Parker Alexander

    The group’s newly released song “Hounds” also made an appearance during the show. The brooding bass line reverberated across the snare and into the crowd, a highlight of the night. Finishing off with “(She’s) Just A Phase” and an accompanying raucous applause, Puma Blue concluded their fall supporting and headlining show schedule.

    More music was teased to come (likely next year) and they undoubtedly will make a stop in New York.

    Puma Blue | Baby’s All Right | Brooklyn, NY | October 15, 2022

    Setlist: Midnight Blue, Soft Porn, Velvet Leaves, Already Falling, Snowflower, Lust, Oil Slick, Pretty, Bath House, Bruise Cruise, Light That Is Gone, Hounds, Moon Undah Water

    Encore: Want Me, (She’s) Just A Phase

  • Marina Laurendi to Release Debut EP Stay Mine

    NYC-based singer-songwriter Marina Laurendi is set to release her full debut EP, Stay Mine, on Friday, Aug. 26.

    Marina Laurendi

    A native of Western NY, Laurendi blends two energies into her album: the pulse of NYC and the nostalgia of her quieter roots. The EP comes after three previous single releases, “Gramercy,” “Neighborhood Kids,” and “Upper East Side,” out earlier this year. 

    With a sound similar to early Lana Del Rey, Best Coast, and Phoebe Bridgers, and vivid lyricism intertwined, the four-track Stay Mine EP cuts deep. The title track describes a larger-than-life romance with an invitation for adventure. With a moody timpani beat, electric guitar, and ethereal three-part harmony, the song pulls you in and keeps you there throughout the journey.

    Marina Laurendi’s tales of idealism, dreaming, nostalgia, and wanderlust are beautifully written and captured within the tracks of Stay Mine. The poetic stories Laurendi shares are genuine as they are creative. While the instrumentation on the album varies from slow strums to upbeat pop percussion, Laurendi’s voice and clear tone stay consistent.

    With the debut EP Stay Mine, Marina Laurendi cements herself as someone to watch in the alternative music scene. The young artist is also currently a quarter-finalist in the competition to open at this year’s Hollywood Bowl with voting ending Sep. 1.

    Be sure to take a listen to the entire EP when it releases on Aug. 26. Until then, croon alongside Laurendi with her recent single releases and reminisce with her authentic lyricism.