NYS Music 2023

Category: Audio

  • Camp Bedford Share Femme-Pop Single “Jupiter” 

    Brooklyn based folk-pop trio Camp Bedford have just shared the second single from their upcoming debut EP So Often & So Sweet titled “Jupiter.” With Roxanne Quilty on guitar and vocals, Mariela Flor Olivo on lead rhythm guitar and vocals, and Tallen Gabriel helming the cello, this anticipated album comes out on March 31st. 

    Camp Bedford Share Femme-Pop Single "Jupiter" 

    The queer and femme-led band’s deep friendship shines through in their music. At once witchy, nostalgic, and magical, “Jupiter” and “2 AM,” which were released in February to warm reviews, both capture Camp Bedford’s sonic essence beautifully. Thus, these two releases are setting the stage for what’s soon to come from the band.

    Camp Bedford Share Femme-Pop Single "Jupiter" 

    Of their newest single, Camp Bedford wrote, “‘Jupiter’ is about recognizing the parts of yourself that no longer serve you and setting them on fire. Written like a spell or incantation, this track’s ethereal elements and driving energy capture the experience of surrendering to your own power.” 

    “This folk-pop trio finds beauty in the form of complex musical arrangements packed with substance”

    –chorus.fm 

    When talking about their follow-up single “2AM,” the band wrote, “A rousing angsty anthem, ‘2AM’ captures the post-breakup frustration and anger of watching your former partner give someone else the time and energy you wished they would have been able to give you. Even if it’s not logical and both parties grow and expand into new versions of themselves after a breakup, we wanted to honor the gnawing hurt that comes in initially watching an ex be ‘better’ to someone else than they were to you.” 

    By melding their unique voices and styles of instrumentation, Camp Bedford is a folk-pop-rock band spinning tales of adventure, self-discovery, and overall, their life’s journeys. They are nostalgic forward-thinkers, for instance, Camp Bedford’s music is infused with the magic of possibility. Compared to the likes of Joseph, First Aid Kit, and Wye Oak, the group finds inspiration in poetry, nature, and musical genres ranging from bluegrass to hyper pop. 

    To listen to “Jupiter,” click the link here.

    For more on Camp Bedford, click the link here. 

  • This Week’s EQXposure Features Ampevene, Tops of Trees, and Simplemachine

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. 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 Ampevene, Tops of Trees, and Simplemachine.

    Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Ampevene, Tops of Trees, and Simplemachine.

    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.

    Ampevene – “The Chemistress”

    Ampevene is a fresh, experimental fusion of original Progressive Rock, Psychedelic, and other genres based out of Albany. The group is currently comprised of Gabe Stallman (guitar and vocals), Mack Hogan (bass), Ava Smith (keys and synth), and Brian McKinney Fahey (drums). They take inspiration for their free-form frenzy, jagged riffs, and hypnotic rhythms from groups like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, TOOL, and more.

    Simplemachine – “Ingloria”

    Simplemachine just released the anti-suicide anthem “Ingloria,” urging those to get help if they are struggling. The song tugs on your heartstrings as they sing “I never saw it coming/then through the haze/the hum of distant drumming.” The song utilizes powerful vocals and somber violin strings to get the message across that help is available to you, and to please seek it before doing anything drastic.

    Tops of Trees – “Frontline”

    Tops of Trees are a newly budding original music group based out of Upstate, NY, with a modern interpretation of soulful music steeped in early R&B, funk, and blues.

  • Oropendola Releases New Music Video & Album

    Brooklyn indie-pop artist Oropendola has just released a music video for her newest single “Rorschach Sky.” This is the third and final single off her upcoming album Waiting for the Sky to Speak which has just released today, Friday, March 17th. 

    Oropendola Releases New Music Video & Album Rorschach Sky

    Oropendola, who has played with singer/songwriters Half Waif, Barrie, and Samir Langus, stated, “Rorschach Sky” points to the missed opportunity of spending your life waiting for something when life is happening all around you. If you’re waiting for some kind of answer from the sky, you’re not seeing the beauty and the motion in every passing moment.” 

    “I paused Twin Peaks to watch the kitchen clock,” said Joanna when thinking back on writing Rorschach Sky. “It was moving backwards. A slow, disorienting, luxuriously surreal countdown. April 7th, 2020, which I only knew because I grabbed my phone to type a bunch of exclamation points in my notepad. I had barely changed out of my pajamas for three weeks. I was happy for Time: being able to veer off course. Stretch like silly putty until becoming shimmery and translucent, changing color and sequence like a kaleidoscope. Shifting identity like the clouds.” 

    Joanna Schubert’s debut album is titled Oropendola, which is a bird whose name translates to “golden pendulum.” These tracks shimmer with bursts of energy and emotion, swinging from playfulness to earnestness with deft, technicolor brushstrokes. The album is a celebration of choosing life even in the face of its ephemerality, and of finding motion even in the midst of stillness.  

    The album title, which comes from the album’s opening track “Rorschach Sky,” is a fitting one then: the phrase points to the missed opportunity of spending your life waiting for something when life is happening all around you. 

    Oropendola Releases New Music Video & Album

    On lead single “Knocking Down Flowers,” Schubert finds life in the least likely of places: a construction site. Here, she recognizes and illuminates the power of living at the intersection of contrasts. The album’s emotional core comes through on roiling ballad “Trust the Sun” and clear-eyed album closer “When You Carried Me.”  

    Oropendola Releases New Music Video & Album

    While much of the rest of Waiting for the Sky to Speak careens across black-ice patches of inner conflict, both these songs offer a tentative hand outward, towards love, friendship, and family. Overall, Waiting for the Sky to Speak is an imaginative and colorful chimera of a collection that marks Oropendola’s triumphant arrival. 

    To watch the video for “Rorschach Sky,” click the link here. 

    To listen to Waiting for the Sky to Speak, click the link here. 

    https://soundcloud.com/spirithouserecords/sets/oropendola-waiting-for-the-sky-to-speak/s-rdcO4z47DLW?si=52e629e7fbbd428b84506cbf82f166f9&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

  • Reggae-Rock Band Personal Blend Share New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Rochester’s 7-piece Reggae-Rock Band Personal Blend released their newest EP “Inhale & Release” on February 17th. With their pop driven melodies and ear catching hooks, the band is excited for this release along with some anticipated upcoming shows. 

    Personal Blend Reggae-Rock Band Debuts New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Having just recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary, Personal Blend has just dropped its 4th release titled “Inhale & Release.” With new blood added to the band, Personal Blend is breaking boundaries and bringing the party to the masses. 

    Personal Blend Reggae-Rock Band Debuts New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Personal Blend is a Rochester-based 7-piece reggae-rock band. PB’s first full-length album, Skin Deep, was released in 2016, following that, the EP Ride, and in 2019 released Heavy Currents. Each song is a unique blend of melodies that each member contributes to. Songs like “Hello Hello” and “Watch Your Step” highlight the characteristics the band has to offer through this album. 

    The Rochester Lilac Festival is the largest free festival of its kind in North America welcoming spring in Upstate NY. Likewise, the Estival Festival is a family-friendly music and arts festival held twice a year at Sugar Mountain. Thus, being a magical place full of great people, great music, and great times. Personal Blend will be headlining and performing at both festivals this year, you wont want to miss it. 

    The band has been making waves throughout Upstate NY playing both festivals and venues alike and continuing to push forward. They bring a feel-good, party-vibe that’s including of all people and age groups and the band always leaves you wanting more. 

    Personal Blend Reggae-Rock Band Debuts New EP “Inhale & Release” 

    Upcoming Shows: 

    Rochester, NY – Lilac festival May 12-21 

    Caneadea, NY – Estival Festival June 24 

    https://soundcloud.com/jhlska/sets/inhale-release/s-85MmS8OF77S?si=4e0f9b711e754cc78883c451919bd97a&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

    To listen to Personal Blend’s newest EP “Inhale & Release” by clicking the link here. 

    For more about Personal Blend, click the link here. 

  • James Casey Announces Release of New Single During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

    Critically acclaimed saxophonist James Casey has released the first single “New Bloom” of his forthcoming solo debut, The Kaua’i Project. With excited anticipation, accompanying the release is a music video dropping March 21st during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  

    James Casey Announces Release of New Single During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

    “New Bloom” and its video share a meaningful message of manifesting positivity to overcome obstacles. It’s a remarkable example of how music can be medicine, encapsulating how he refused to let a stark colon cancer diagnosis prevents him from making his mark on the world. Wrapped in inspiration from a year of self-discovery on a remote Hawaiian island, the song brings to light a mantra of soulful jazz, smooth beats and earnest emotion. 

    James Casey Announces Release of New Single During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

    The music video for “New Bloom” tells a visual story of hope alongside fellow New York City creatives who are all living through, and beyond, cancer as a community. Each person featured in the video is persevering against cancer in their own intimate and personal ways. 

    James Casey Announces Release of New Single During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 

    James Casey is an outspoken advocate for colon cancer awareness, especially among his more vulnerable Black community. Casey first melded music and advocacy in 2022 when he released a holiday EP, A Little Something For Everyone, which garnered praise among NPR staff picks for the Best Songs of 2022.

    Today, while undergoing regular chemotherapy treatments, Casey is preparing for the April-May 2023 roll out of his debut LP, The Kaua’i Project. This album was developed over the past two years following a somewhat serendipitous sequence of events. Releasing his own music was never a priority for Casey, but that perception changed abruptly when he was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer at just 38 years of age.  

    This shocking news in August 2021 served as an awakening in so many ways. Casey decided to make the most of his time, for both for himself and his loved ones. He let go of all limits to his musical career and, for the first time, began writing and recording music under his own name. 

    To listen to “New Bloom” by James Casey, click the link here. For more information about James Casey, visit the link here.

  • Warn The Duke Drop New Album “All That’s Solid” Out March 17th 

    Brooklyn-based melodic punks Warn The Duke are back with a new album titled All That’s Solid, out on Friday, March 17th. The band will celebrate that night with a show at Brooklyn’s Our Wicked Lady.  

    Warn The Duke Drop New Album “All That’s Solid” Out March 17th 

    The new LP All That’s Solid is a window into the ebbs and flows of recovery. Songwriter and lead singer Dan McCool (former River City Rebels) leads us through cycles of despair, renewal, and self-forgiveness that emerge after trauma and loss.  

    This is Warn The Duke’s first album in eight years, being written on the heels of lockdowns, divorce, and addiction. By layering harmonies and the combo of male/female vocals, the band emphasizes the record’s bittersweet atmosphere. 

    Warn The Duke Drop New Album “All That’s Solid” Out March 17th 

    There are some far-ranging influences bringing the listeners through All That’s Solid. For instance, the warmth of Mike Ness’s vocals, the wry defiance of Against Me!, the dense, dark guitar tone of Nothing. Also, the earworms and hooks of The Replacements, early 2000s math rock-inspired lead guitar lines, and the hard-hitting punk grit of Hot Water Music.  

    “These guys play that brand of punk rock and post-hardcore that bands like Hot Water Music perfected.”

    -Nerdist 

    Joining McCool on the album are drummer Derek Davis (former Big D and The Kids Table/The Toasters), bassist/vocalist Chris Marciniak, lead guitarist Chris Ferreria, and guitarist/vocalist Dori Cameron. 

    The album features the songs “Sometimes,” “The Middle” and the single “Anniversaries” (the latter of which is now streaming). Watch the music video for “Anniversaries” below and pre-save the album on Spotify. “All That’s Solid” arrives on 12” LP vinyl and digital on Friday, March 17th. The band will celebrate that night with a show at Brooklyn’s Our Wicked Lady. 

    Warn The Duke Drop New Album “All That’s Solid” Out March 17th 

    All songs on All That’s Solid were written, performed, and produced by Dan McCool and Warn The Duke. Furthermore, some were recorded and mixed by Jeff Berner at Studio G (Brooklyn). Additional record recording and co-production was done by Chris Duggan at Blue Banshee Studio (Brewster, MA), and mastered by Jon Markson.

    For more on Warn The Duke, click the link here. 

    To pre-save All That’s Solid, click the link here. 

  • Nai’a Releases Vulnerable and Passionate “Newman Beauty” Single 

    Manhattan’s Nai’a has just released a very vulnerable and passionate single titled “Newman Beauty,” on February 16th. This heartfelt single is part of Nai’a’s craft; with head turning, shocking visuals, and raw, emotional compositions, Nai’a isn’t just making music, but art. 

    Nai'a Releases Vulnerable and Passionate "Newman Beauty" Single  Newman Beauty Nai'a

    Being a pensive and exploring artist in the space of adventures circling through his life, Nai’a’s creative mind comes to life as he creates music. By intertwining the melodies and wordplays appealingly, he knits his song flawlessly.  

    Nai'a Releases Vulnerable and Passionate "Newman Beauty" Single 

    There’s a dichotomy of thoughts and escapades he powders his songs with. Nai’a meanders by his beliefs finding the meaning of life through the songs that he writes. “Newman Beauty”, Nai’a’s latest record, is an intimate closure of thoughts with simply him and a guitar. The yearning guitar riffs & his voice overflowing with a thousand stories culminate into an emotionally strong tune.  

    “I was in love, now you’re just a memory”

    – Nai’a 

    The song acts as a journal of his emotional journey when dreaming to be in love. His encumbered voice carries the weight of ardor. The single is a straightforward, easy, unadorned yet brilliantly crafted song that Nai’a has released. 

    While talking about the song Nai’a stated, “Writing Newman Beauty has been the biggest risk I’ve taken as a songwriter. I had to tell my story in the most honest way, with no sugar coating,” and he’s given it justice by keeping both his lyricism and the music minimal and honest.  

    The song feels like he’s floating on a sea of vulnerability, as he sings the words. He paints the picture of him longing for something that isn’t his.  

    The ambiguity of his mind preoccupies the thoughts that flow, as he communicates through the music. It’s like Nai’a is fixated on a person he can’t let go of, from a place of love and affection. You can hear the tenderness and pain along his dreamy melodies. “Newman Beauty” is a way of healing himself. 

    For more by Nai’a, click the link here. 

    To listen to “Newman Beauty,” click the link here. 

  • This Week on EQXposure Features New York-Based Groups Blur Beside You, Front Biz, and Seize Atlantis

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. 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 Blur Beside You, Front Biz, and Seize Atlantis.

    Blur Beside You, Front Biz, and Seize Atlantis.

    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. There will also be music from artists moving to the next level in NYS Music’s March Madness competition including Sarah King, Fine Grain, Honey Suckle Vine, Black Tongue Reverend, and Elephant Back.

    Blur Beside You– “Worn Thin”

    Blur Beside You is a shoegaze indie rock trio from New York and Florida. It features 3 founding members of the South Florida band, Mindlikewater, Jim Wells, Joseph Butera & Joseph Beaty. Their most recent track “Worn Thin” will be playing on EQXposure.

    Front Biz-“The Mack”

    Front Biz is a “shell company for an intergalactic real estate firm primarily focused on laundering money through an Earth-based rock band.” They play neo-funk music and just released their brand new single “The Mack,” but they are not stopping there, they will be releasing new music the rest of the year, so make sure to stay tuned!

    Seize Atlantis-“I need it”

    Formed in 2019, NYS Music March Madness 2022 Final Four group Seize Atlantis is an Alternative Rock Band located in Upstate NY that plays a variety of genres, including originals and covers. The group is comprised of close friends, including James Mullen (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Mike Dardas (bass/backing vocals), Luc Bourgault (lead guitar/backing vocals), and Cody Platt (drums). The most recent single frok Seize Atlantis playing on WEQX, “I need it,” was released on March 8.

  • Taylor Crawford Releases New Avant-Pop Single “Heartbreak Hotel” 

    Brooklyn based singer/songwriter Taylor Crawford has just released his newest avant-pop single “Heartbreak Hotel” on March 10th. He will also be playing live again on March 28th at Arlene’s Grocery, alongside owynnmusic. 

    Taylor Crawford Releases Upbeat Single “Heartbreak Hotel” 

    With his musical influences as infamous artists like Barry White, Dua Lipa, Remi Wolf, Madison Cunningham, Ichiko Aoba, and many more, Taylor is certainly making his way into popularity within NYC culture. Using a combination of upbeat melody and his unique vocals, Taylor came up with his newest single “Heartbreak Hotel,” a reflection of his trip to Germany where he may have caused a relationship to split unknowingly.

    Taylor Crawford Releases Upbeat Single “Heartbreak Hotel” 

    When asking Taylor what inspire him to write this piece, he responded with, “”Heartbreak Hotel” is actually named after a bar in Bremen, Germany literally called Heartbreak Hotel. I do not play the good guy in this story. I met a delightful lady while I was visiting my friend in Germany. One night we all went out together to this bar, one thing led to another, then she and I spent the evening together. This would have been a happy ending, however, she had a partner at the time. I hurt not only this partner of hers whom I never met, and worst of all, I ruined their relationship. The song is my reflection on the pain that I caused to these people.” 

    Speaking about his profound influence on his own musical journey, Taylor stated, “I initially played trombone and bassoon when I was in 4th Grade. So I was about 10 years old. Then when I got to high school, I honestly did not know who I needed to talk to so I could continue playing in the band. So I stopped with the big band instruments. I started teaching myself guitar when I was around 13 years old. I remember sitting in my brother’s bedroom where we had the family computer. I would look up Coheed and Cambria songs on “Ultimate-guitar.com” and learn the tabs to songs like “Welcome Home,” and “The Suffering.” These were the first songs I was learning and their prog-rock. It’s hilarious to think about considering the music I make now. My brother was getting guitar lessons at the time and I think my mom just did not want to pay for a whole other lesson, which makes sense because they were expensive, but I taught myself everything I know because of that.” 

    Then I basically wanted to become the next John Mayer. I learned ALL of his songs. And they were the only things I could play for about 4 years. I pigeon-holed myself until I got to college where my roommate taught me the pentatonic scale and it completely changed my perspective on music as a whole. Since then, my understanding and love for music has been nothing but exponential.

    – Taylor Crawford

    Taylor Crawford is an incredible musician, artist, and person, he deserves the hype that he gets from his music. His use of vocals is dreamy, making his overall sound so unique and invigorating. Lastly, when asked about the best performance of his career, Taylor says, “I hope the best has yet to come. But, for now I would say the Sofar Sounds show I did in Madrid, Spain this past December. It was just an acoustic show but the reaction I got from the audience was surreal. I’ve never made people cry before and to have that happen means I really touched them emotionally – which is what I aim to do as an artist. I connected with people, and they connected with me. To me, that means I gave a good performance. I hope to continue to do the same as the shows keep coming.” 

    Listen to “Heartbreak Hotel” by Taylor Crawford by clicking the link here.

    To listen to more by Taylor Crawford, click the link here.

  • E.R.I.E. Share Sophomore Indie-Rock EP “Suburban Mayhem” 

    Capital Region indie-rock quartet E.R.I.E. have just released their second EP Suburban Mayhem on March 8th. The band previously released the single “World is On Fire” to tease the album in early February featuring local scene friend Sydney Worthley. 

    E.R.I.E. Share Second Indie-Rock EP “Suburban Mayhem” 

    Suburban Mayhem arrives to the scene with grander scope and vision. The album turns its focus externally, commenting vividly on the outside forces burrowing into our brains on a daily basis. It’s a resplendent examination of the world around us, rife with equal parts cynicism, wit and hope.  

    E.R.I.E. Share Second Indie-Rock EP “Suburban Mayhem” 

    The album features pitch-perfect collaborations with Brooklyn-based dream-pop trio ALMA, and fellow Albany songwriter Sydney Worthley. The record showcases a band not only finding their footing, but settling into a signature sound affectionately self-described as Tom Petty cosplaying as blink-182.  

    The first song on the album “Oh Well” gives listeners a peak into what Suburban Mayhem is truly about. Others songs like “Bad Mans World,” “Suburban Mayhem (Holy Fuck),” and “The Motions” truly show the dedication and ambitions that the band has. “Bad Mans World” is a favorite of mine, with its lyrics being meaningful yet a jam at the same time.

    E.R.I.E. Share Second Indie-Rock EP “Suburban Mayhem” 

    The four members of E.R.I.E. – guitarist Matt Delgado, drummer Chad Flewwelling, and bassist Levi Jennes spent most of 2022 self-recording their sophomore full-length, yielding 12 nostalgia-tinged songs. Suburban Mayhem further lends credence to the frequent comparisons to The Gaslight Anthem, Frank Turner and The Get Up Kids that the band has garnered, with its “crunching guitars, catchy choruses and a down-to-earth, working-class vibe that recalls modern heartland punk rock…” (Daily Gazette). 

    Upcoming Tour Dates:  

    Mar 18 – Albany, NY @ Lark Hall  

    To listen to Suburban Mayhem, click the link here. 

    For more on E.R.I.E., click the link here. 

    To read the previous NYS Music article on E.R.I.E., click the link here.