NYS Music 2023

Author: Maddie McCafferty

  • Kaivon Sells Out Buffalo Iron Works

    After Buffalo’s blizzard postponed a bunch of events, popular EDM artist Kaivon made his way to western NY for a rescheduled show. On Friday, February 24, Kaivon performed a sold out show at Buffalo Ironworks. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Supporting acts Daniel Win, Daggz, and Psognar opened up the night. The group varied their sound from melodic chill beats to dubstep tracks.

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Kaivon’s Awakening tour is dedicated to his 2022 album that sets as a reminder for listeners to stay true to their own selves and purpose. His debut album examines spirituality and self-examination in order to find fulfillment. The idea that one is not their thoughts but in fact the observer of those thoughts is how the album pushes the level of importance on presence. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Kaivon’s Album Brought to the Stage

    Kaivon’s personal storytelling in his music is brought to life in his performance. He creates a journey for his audience through introspective dialogue, eye-catching visuals, and dream-like beats. 

    Kaivon is the perfect candidate for individuals first getting into EDM because he doesn’t stick to one style. He introduces euphoric songs of his like “It’s Not Too Late” and “I Need You.” Also, the producer plays popular tracks that he has remixed such as The Fray’s, “How To Save A Life,” and Glass Animals, “Heat Waves.”

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The artist’s show is nothing short of nostalgia by playing remixes from Paramore, Kid Cudi, Kendrick Lamar, and more. His show is a perfect balance of lyrical euphony mixed in with classic hits that everyone loves. He even mixes in heavier bass like Zeds Dead for those EDM fans that love to head bang. 

    The venue was packed tight with fans against the rail and even after the show where Kaivon hung around to talk with everyone. He’s definitely an artist you want to keep an eye out for!

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    If you missed this past weekend at Buffalo Ironworks, don’t worry there’s plenty more shows coming up! Chest Fever performs on March 7 and Shlump Alien Trip Tour makes a stop on March 11. Get your tickets here. 

  • Spafford Bring the Jams to Buffalo Iron Works 

    Jam rock band Spafford made a stop in Buffalo for their winter tour on Tuesday, January 31st. The group has traveled all over the country in honor of their latest album release Simple Mysteries. This 4th studio album of theirs was recorded throughout the course of the pandemic and now gets to be played for fans everywhere. 

    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Firstly Litz opened up the funk filled night at Buffalo Iron Works. Their use of various musical influences allows listeners to sonically transport. The group utilizes funky horn riffs, pounding bass, and progressive rhythms that just make people easily drawn to their energy. 

    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Spafford then later took the stage and gave the crowd an awe-inspiring performance. The members include Brian Moss (guitar/vocals), Jordan Fairless (bass/vocals), Cory Schechtman (keys/vocals), Nick Tkachyk (drums/vocals). They first played “Funkadelic” followed by “The Remedy.” 

    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Watching Spafford’s improvisational abilities and ways they create rhythms on stage is astonishing. These festival regulars know exactly how to put on a show and use their extended musical palette to create off-the-cuff extended jams. Their cover of Primitive Radio Gods song, “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand,” exhibited exactly how each of these musicians communicate with one another through a single note to create a journey through their music. 

    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The quartet played late into the night and ended their set with their song, “The Reprise.” It fully encapsulated the night of groovy tunes and the range of influences that this band uses. Spafford left the venue full of fans impressed and ready for more.  

    Photo credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This February is stacked for shows at Buffalo Iron Works! On Febuary 10 Savage Society Takeover comes and also Dirty Work performs February 11. Tickets can be found here, don’t miss out!

    Set 1: Funkadelic, The Remedy, Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand, Funkenseven

    Set 2: Pursuit of Madness, Windmill, Lovesick Melody, Soil, America 

    Encore: The Reprise 

  • Lotus Sells Out Buffalo’s Town Ballroom 

    On Saturday January 28, electronic jam band Lotus made a stop in Buffalo in honor of their new album Bloom & Recede. The Town Ballroom was packed with Lotus fans for a sold-out show from the Indiana natives. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The group consists of Jesse Miller (bass/synths), Mike Greenfield (drums), Tim Palmieri (guitar), Luke Miller (guitar/keyboards), and Chuck Morris (percussion). Lotus is known for blending electronic with jam music forging a new musical taste in the jam band landscape. They don’t shy away from any genres. Their influences consist of electronic dance music, funk, post-rock and dance rock.  

    The long-running quintet opened up the night playing “Tip of the Tongue,” followed by “Contagion” which they hadn’t played live in three years. Lotus brings a nuanced groove to jam band culture. They meticulously build up beats and take the crowd on a journey through their music. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    For their second act they performed a cover of the popular Rufus Du Sol song “Innerbloom.” The use of synths and guitar riffs gave a new spin on this EDM classic which definitely needs to be on Spotify soon. 

    They ended the night with an even greater crowd pleaser: a cover of Talking Heads, “Once in a Lifetime.” Lotus enhances energy levels and uses psychedelic rock stylings to make their show an experience for all show goers. Not to mention their lighting exhibited the mood of each song and only furthered their effortlessly addicting ambience that they can create. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Make sure to stay up to date with the latest musicians coming to Town Ballroom. Badfish performs February 2 and Mac Saturn on February 9.  

    Set 1: Tip of the Tongue, Contagion, Tip of the Tongue, Entangled, Livingston Storm, Bush Pilot, Debris

    Set 2: Cold Facts, Neon Trees, Innerbloom, Neon Tubes, Automatic, Arupa, 128 

    Encore: Once in a Lifetime 

    All Photos by Maddie McCafferty