NYS Music 2023

Category: Features

  • Sydney Irving Releases Emotionally Complex Album “Unfashioned Creatures”

    Sydney Irving, hailing from the lively city of Syracuse, has released her newest album Unfashioned Creatures today, October 10, with 10 tracks that showcase her adaptability as a singer and songwriter.

    Sydney Irving unfashioned creatures

    Sydney Iriving, born and raised in the heart of the Empire State, began her musical journey drawing inspiration from legends such as Taylor Swift and Tom Petty, inspired by their story-telling abilities and the weaving in of their heart-felt personal experiences.

    At the early age of 14, she released her debut album, Hello Stranger. This youthful album was followed by The Halfmoon Sessions in 2018, which clearly showcases her growth as an artist and songwriter.

    The following year, 2019, marked a pivotal year for Sydney as she released two EPs, The Greene EP which was recorded in a log cabin in Upstate New York, and The Ronan EP, recorded with her band Sydney Irving & The Mojo.

    In 2020, she released her fifth album, Relax With Friends, which solidified her newfound position in the music scene. Singles like “You Can’t Forget About Me” and “Seasons Change” soared to the top of the Music Mafia Radio Top 30 Countdown. The same year, she was honored as the 2020 Young Adult Artist of the Year by the International Singer Songwriters Association, as well as Best Pop Artist at the 2023 Mississippi Music Awards. She also claimed the title Best New Artist at the prestigious Syracuse Area Music Awards in 2022. Her most recent single released this year, “I Don’t Wanna Fight You,” has already received airplay along the East Coast.

    Today, Sydney has released her newest album, Unfashioned Creatures. Each track feels a little different, and you can hear the Taylor Swift inspiration in every song. Some of these songs feel more somber, while others more country-based, and even a few that likely had indie/alternative inspiration.

    This album is a great choice for people who miss The Old Taylor, or for people looking to find a local musician that has great music and performing abilities. All the songs in the album are good, but “Wish That I Knew,” “Seasons Change,” and “Something Better” are particularly strong and perfect for vibing in the car with your friends.

    “Wish That I Knew” opens with a beautiful acoustic guitar rift, and it oddly reminds me of “Mama’s Broken Heart” by Miranda Lambert due to the storytelling country-vibe, and raw feminine energy. This song showcases Sydney’s vocal range so well, and creatively depicts feminine rage.

    Her fourth track, “Seasons Change,” has been around for a while, but to neglect talking about the complexity of this song would be such a waste. She switches up tone a little bit with even more great storytelling and showcases her range by adding more of a pop feel, shifting away from the country/rock vibe previously mentioned. Inspiration from Taylor Swift’s older songs really show up in this one.

    “Something Better,” switches up again with a more relaxed and somber tone. It feels like a conversation between the listener and Sydney. She’s clearly put in the work for this album and for her writing skills– it shows up in every single track. This is one of those songs where it showcases a sadder subject, but with the contrasting happy musicality– you forget the somber topic.

    This album really showcases Sydney’s growth as a singer and songwriter. Every album she writes is better than the last, so it will be exciting to see where she goes from here.

    Upcoming Performance Dates

    Fri Oct 13 – Theresa, NY – 3C Bowling

    Fri Oct 20 – Canton, NY – SUNY Canton

    Sat Oct 21 – Utica, NY – Utica Zoo

    Sat Oct 21 – Marcellus, NY – The Village Tavern

    Sun Oct 22 – Vernon, NY – Three Bastards Brewing

    Sat Oct 28 – Oneida, NY – Frogs

    Fri Nov 3 – Elizabethtown, PA – Elizabethtown College

    Sat Nov 4 – Verona, NY – Motif

    Fri Nov 10 – Theresa, NY – 3C Bowling

    Sat Nov 11 – Liverpool, NY – Diva Nova

    Wed Nov 22 – Oneida, NY – Frogs

    Fri Nov 24 – Cazenovia, NY – McCarthy’s

    Sat Nov 25 – Verona, NY – TS Steakhouse

    Sun Dec 3 – Westmoreland, NY – Station 233

    Fri Dec 8 – Chittenango, NY – YBR

    Sun Dec 10 – Port Crane, NY – Beer Tree Farm

    Sat Dec 23 – Liverpool, NY – Maplewood Bar

    Fri Dec 29 – Verona, NY – Motif

    For more information on her live performances, click here.

    To listen to her newest album, Unfashioned Creatures, click here.

    Follow Sydney Irving on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or visit her website.

  • telly Teases Future EP “EPISODE 1” With Latest Ballad, “Broken Heart Baby”

    Electronic synth-pop band from Brooklyn, telly, has shared their latest track, “Broken Heart Baby.” The nostalgic synth track is a breakup ballad perfect for screaming at the top of your lungs with your friends in your car, and predates their future EP, EPISODE 1.

    telly

    telly is a duo made up of Ashley Claude (vocals, production) and Max Solomon (guitar, synths, sfx, production).

    telly will be releasing their debut EP EPISODE 1 on October 11. The EP will feature previous singles “BLINK” and “Arena Gates” – as well as newly released single “Broken Heart Baby.” In the duo’s own words, “EPISODE 1 is an escapist reflection of the relentless digital landscape.” 

    To celebrate the release of EPISODE 1, telly will be performing live on release day. Join the band at Gold Sounds in Brooklyn, New York on October 11 at 7:30pm ET to hear songs from the new EP live, with support from Couch Prints, Chroma, & Jand.

    “’Broken Heart Baby’ is a crushing breakup ballad told through the lens of a road trip. The nostalgic synth lead, propelling live drums, and reverberating vocals evoke the overwhelming emptiness that hits you when you realize you’re alone in a relationship. It’s the perfect song to scream cry to in the car with your friends!”

    telly

    “Broken Heart Baby” is a great addition to any playlist for those who prefer an electronic-pop vibe, one that complements Ashley’s vocals well. Her voice is deep and guttural, but portrays a lot of emotion and matches the carefree vibe of the song. It seems to have a good deal of indie influence, and feels like a song to blast in the car with friends while going for a late night drive to and from McDonald’s (if you’re an Upstate New Yorker past midnight).

    Pre-save EPISODE 1 HERE, Stream “Broken Heart Baby” HERE, and follow telly on Instagram and TikTok.

  • Passionate Poet Nick Cave Enchants Audience During First Night at Beacon Theatre

    Nearing the half-way point of a 21-date North American tour that kicked off in mid-September, Nick Cave made a rare solo appearance this past Saturday night, October 7, on the first of two back-to-back shows at the legendary Beacon Theatre on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

    Having released Ghosteen with the Bad Seeds in 2019, and the acclaimed album Carnage in 2021 – as well as last year’s Seven Psalms EP comprised of short spoken-word pieces – with fellow Bad Seeds collaborator Warren Ellis, the 66-year old crooner from “the Land Down Under” has confirmed that new material with the Bad Seeds is on its way . . . soon!

    The Beacon Theatre | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    With Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood providing accompaniment on bass, the 130-minute, 25-song gargantuan set (including a seven song encore) commenced at 8:25 pm. Per usual, with a magnificent slick of hair, Cave was dressed ‘to the nines’ in a stunning blue suit and loose tie as he appeared onstage shortly behind Greenwood. Slowly making his way around the perimeter of the stage apron, Cave greeted his adoring followers with several waves and a blown kiss.

    Nick Cave & Colin Greenwood | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Taking his perch at the ivories, the nearly five decade career-spanning set kicked off with “Girl in Amber” (Skeleton Tree, 2016) and concluded with “People Ain’t No Good” (The Boatman’s Call, 1997). Sandwiched in between, . . .  

    there was introspection:

    “We are going to try and get inside these songs in some kind of way, or go on an adventure. When I perform a song, sitting at the piano, I start to work out what the song is really about in some kind of way. It’s been quite special to do [this tour] for me.”

    there was humor:

    “This next one (referring to the song “Galleon Ship” from Ghosteen) has got some [good] words in it. There is a bit that says ‘For we are not alone it seems. So many riders in the sky. The winds of longing in their sails. Searching for the other side.’ I thought that was pretty good. The rest [of the song] is okay. You don’t always get a full song. Sometimes four lines is enough.”

    and there was reminiscence:

    “When I lived in Brazil for a few years, I wrote a lot of very beautiful, lovely songs, and this is not one of them (referring to “Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry” from 1992’s Henry’s Dream). I used to sing this song to [my son] Luke when I was trying to put him to sleep. I noticed that he fell asleep [to] a faster rocking rhythm, so [this song] has that sort of thing going on. It may be the first Nick Cave song of this kind, which was that I’d go out walking and a cascade of terrible things happen to me, that start generally with the personal and end with apocalyptic. And in the center of this is [my] attempt to rock my child to sleep and the general anxiety of a parent trying to protect their child from this cascade of events.”

    Nick Cave & Colin Greenwood | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger

    Special treats abounded too! Topping the list (for me at least) was the intimately rendered “To Be Found,” the Bad Seed’s newest single and only the fourth time it has been performed live. Not far behind was a cover of the post-punk ballad “Shivers” (Door, Door, 1979) by The Birthday Party, of which Cave was a band member from 1977-1983 and which also led to the birth of the Bad Seeds. If that weren’t enough for the die-hard fan, Cave gifted the 2,600-capacity audience “Palaces of Montezuma” (Grinderman 2, 2010) from his garage rock side project known as Grinderman.

    Watch Cave and Greenwood perform fan favorite “Into My Arms,” from the aforementioned The Boatman’s Call, below:

    In support of last year’s memoir Faith, Hope and Carnage, Cave has scheduled a book tour that is taking place concurrently with his shows. Joined by Irish journalist Seán O’Hagan, the series of in-store signings focuses on his life following the tragic death of his son, Arthur, in 2015.

    Setlist: Girl in Amber > Higgs Boson Blues > Jesus of the Moon > Galleon Ship > To Be Found > O Children > I Need You > Waiting for You > Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry > Balcony Man > Carnage > The Mercy Seat > Black Hair > (Are You) The One That I’ve Been Waiting For? > The Weeping Song > Into My Arms > Jubilee Street > Push the Sky Away > Encore: Idiot Prayer > Love Letter > Shivers > Palaces of Montezuma > Brompton Oratory > The Ship Song > People Ain’t No Good

    UPCOMING TOUR & BOOK SIGNING DATES

    10/10 – Boston, MA @ Bosh Center – Wang Theatre
    10/11 – Cambridge, MA @ Harvard Book Store*
    10/12 – Montreal, QC @ Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
    10/14 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
    10/15 – Detroit, MI @ Masonic Cathedral Theatre
    10/17 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
    10/18 – Nashville, TN @ Parnassus Books*
    10/20 – Atlanta, GA @ Atlanta Symphony Hall
    10/22 – Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre
    10/23 – Austin, TX @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater
    10/24 – Austin, TX @ BookPeople*
    10/27 – Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
    10/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
    10/29 – Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
    10/30 – West Hollywood, CA @ Book Soup*

    * = In-store book signing

  • A-Zal, NYC-Based Acoustic Pop Artist, Drops Single “Lonely Town”

    A-Zal, a New York City-based acoustic pop artist has released his newest track, “Lonely Town,” a ballad to the quiet side of the city of New York. The release comes as a follow up to his most recent release, “Movie Script,” from August 2023.

    Lonely Town

    Migrating to the US in 2018, A-Zal found a quiet, intimate side of the city through integrating with a new city and country. 

    When I first came to New York, the glamour and energy of Midtown NYC pulled me like a magnet. But, I eventually got refuge in the unexplored streets of the city which had an altogether different story. When I performed in the subway stations next to Times Square or Bryant Park, I had a large set of audience members who would listen to my music while they passed me. However, as I went to the quieter side of uptown, I had very few listeners. And, the magic happened when these handful of listeners grew in number and turned into my real fans.

    A-Zal

    “Lonely Town” is a heartfelt, acoustic ballad that follows A-Zal’s search for company in such a vast city environment. As he navigates the “lonely town,” an ironic title considering the gradiosity of the city, the crowds and skyscrapers escape his perspective, and the city becomes his true companion.

    A-Zal

    A-Zal’s latest track, “Movie Script,” released in August to great success, climbing to the Mediabase TOP 40 Activator Charts within just two weeks of its release. After working with Marvel Studios on the popular TV series, Loki and Ms. Marvel, A-Zal is expecting an upcoming album, 17 & 11 Nights, soon after his newest singles.

    “Lonely Town” is now available alongside an official music video, capturing A-Zal’s journey from India to the United States in pursuit of the famed “american dream.” The video follows him as he reminisces on performances in New York City subway stations, before his most recent big break with Marvel Studios.

  • Explosions In The Sky Showcase ‘End’ At Kings Theatre

    Texas based post-rockers Explosions In The Sky just released End, their eighth studio LP and first in more than seven years. The band is currently on the road, making their way to Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre on Thursday, October 5th to showcase the new record in a truly perfect setting. The historic theatre is just as cinematic as the band’s signature sprawling instrumentals, which effortlessly reverberated around the spacious theater.

    explosions in the sky kings theatre
    Explosions In The Sky at Kings Theatre, 10/5/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    Explosions In The Sky have mastered the art of the cinematic soundtrack over their career, with End being no exception. Aside from eight studio records, the band soundtracked several films including the enormously successful Friday Night Lights. The quartet’s instrumentals are uniquely suitable for the big screen as well as a focused LP. Their three-guitar approach allows them to layer lush and complex loops that suck the listener into a meditative experience. The music swells to climactic crescendos surrounded by moments of minimal beauty that keep you engaged for the entire album.

    Thursday night was an exciting draw for any fan of Explosions In The Sky. The band does not tour all that often to begin with, and Kings Theatre is the type of venue that would perfectly amplify the band’s instrumentals. The show started off with an opening set from the Jim White (drums) and Marisa Anderson (guitar). For thirty minutes, the duo bounced back and forth between complex drum passages and swirling guitar arpeggios, integrating with each other at times but also playing solo here and there. The entire set felt like a singular, continuous piece that was flushed out in the moment on stage. Kings was filled in early and the crowd cheered the duo on as the set continued to evolve.

    explosions in the sky kings theatre
    Explosions In The Sky at Kings Theatre, 10/5/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    The opening duo set the tone for the night, hinting at the atmosphere that was about to take over the theater. Explosions In The Sky took to the stage to a thunderous ovation as they picked up their guitars and got ready for the show. As the first notes of “First Breath After Coma” rang out, from easily the crowd favorite 2003 LP The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, the audience erupted into a joyous fervor. The band would play a couple more tracks from this album at Kings Theatre, but also added a last minute show at Bowery Ballroom on Sunday, October 8th where they would play the record in full.

    The show rolled on, treating fans to a mix of songs from all over Explosions In The Sky’s catalog, blending the art of cinematic soundscapes with the live show setting to maximum effect. There is only one more stop in the U.S. on this tour, taking place on October 20th in Miami at the III Points Music Festival. After that, the band heads over to Europe for a run of shows throughout November. Head over to their website for the full itinerary and check out our photo gallery from Kings Theatre below.

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    explosions in the sky kings theatre
    explosions in the sky kings theatre
    explosions in the sky kings theatre

  • Danielle Ponder Opens Rochester’s Newest Venue, Essex

    Well before the doors to Essex opened on Friday night, a line rounded the corner and the energy was palpable. Not only would Rochester be gaining its first glimpse of a much-anticipated brand-new live music venue, Essex, but the lucky ones with tickets would also bear witness the return to a local stage to their now internationally revered darling Danielle Ponder. It was the first night of a sold-out two-night stand for the blooming soul-singing star.

    As for Essex itself, entry was easy and efficient. The main area is nearly square, with four load-bearing posts defining an ideal center viewing area. This middle area was fairly packed up until about three-quarters back, with plenty of room to be found on the outer edges. Two easily-accessible bars resided in the back corners, selling a variety of beer, wine and liquor. The walls were painted black brick, with black curtains lining the back wall. Subtle downlighting surrounded the posts and walls, keeping the area well enough lit without distracting from the stage. The stage was intimately low but high enough to see from the back, and was well-lit with a variety of LEDs behind and in front. Two large TVs flanked the stage about a quarter way back. With private individual bathrooms, no one of any sexual orientation will be waiting more than any other.

    Ponder took the stage solo, sitting with an acoustic guitar, just as she did twenty years ago when she was first giving the solo musician thing a whirl down the road at Java’s Cafe. Harking back to her very beginnings, she sang one of the tunes she sang then, “The Passion” by Lauryn Hill. Contrasting that immediately, she gave the crowd a glimpse of the future, and a glimpse of her songwriting process, playing “Thoughts,” a song dedicated to those struggling with self doubt, for the first time live, raw and unfiltered.

    From there, her band entered, and it was back to the material the world has been falling in love with, “Some of Us Are Brave,” “The Only Way Out,” “So Long,” and more from her breakout hit album, and others from further back like “Be Gentle,” and “Holding Me Down.”

    During “Someone Like You,” another Rochester legend, Grammy-winning saxophonist Jimmy Highsmith Jr. came out to add some of his signature horn work. She didn’t let him leave the stage without letting everyone know how instrumental Highsmith was in nurturing her career. As a young artist she attended one of his shows and asked for his advice. He sat with her and her band for over an hour encouraging them and giving them hope that people from Rochester could definitely “make it.”

    She closed with her show-stopping rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep.” Thom Yorke may have abandoned it, but Ponder can now claim ownership with what must certainly be the best version of the song out there. She explained that she premiered the song years ago at the tiny UUU Art Gallery on State Street.

    From Highsmith’s inspiration, to Java’s, to UUU Art Gallery, and now to Essex, Ponder connected the dots of her career and Rochester’s instrumental part in it. She explained that whenever she plays she always opens with, “I am Danielle Ponder from Rochester New York!” And after every show, no matter where she is, someone will invariably approach her to tell her that their friend from Rochester told them to see her.

    Years from now, when the long-standing institution Essex is celebrating it’s own 50th anniversary, here’s a bit of trivia: the first artist to grace the stage was actually Chi the Realist, who opened the show. A local budding rap talent, he and his band also delved into history, celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop with his own unique take on the form, amply warming up the stage for Ponder and providing a proper kick-off for the newest hot spot on the block.

    Here’s what’s happening in Essex’s immediate future:

    10/27 – Essex Halloween Pop Off with DJ Pepi

    10/28 – Mothership (The Led Zeppelin Experience)

    11/9 – Lucero, with Jason Boland and the Stragglers

    11/11 – Marty O’Reilly

    11/16 – Joywave with Cammy Enaharo and Bugcatcher

    11/17 – Joywave with Clibbus and Cheap Kids

    11/18 – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

    12/9 – Mikaela Davis

  • MVW and Valee Drop Single ‘Tailor Swift’ In Anticipation of New Album ‘Valeedation’

    MVW and Valee continue their dynamic association with the release of their new single, “Tailor Swift.” A play on the name of pop superstar Taylor Swift, this latest record arrives as MVW and Valee gear up for the release of their debut joint-album, Valeedation. Set for release on October 20, the slowed-down, classically inspired tune follows a similar formula as the pair’s prior collaborations on MVW’s last two albums, CLASSIC$ and Connections.

    Valee and MVW song cover.

    In similar fashion, MVW juxtaposes Valee’s nonchalant delivery with refined instrumentation blending into a sound coined as “museum rap.” On “Tailor Swift” Valee rides MVW’s choppy, slowed-down production while expounding on his luxury-filled wardrobe. In usual fashion, Valee song title are often a precursor to a witty metaphor. Rapping, “white Gucci pants same color Taylor Swift. Yeah, getting measured in Gucci b*tch my tailor swift.”

    While Valee’s quick-witted one liners feel improvised, his meticulous approach to music and fashion has led to a cult-following, as he’s always provided a alternative sound and delivery to his contemporaries.

    Throughout my career I’ve been known to tailor my own clothes because I like them to fit a certain way. They have to be precise. I approached making this song the same way. When MVW sent it to me I knew it was the one.

    Valee on “Tailor Swift”

    Meanwhile, with each record, MVW aims to transport the listener into a world of musical radicalism. In effect, the two idiosyncratic artists serve a similar musical purpose, albeit with different approaches.

    The underlying sound and flow in Tailor Swift is essentially avant-garde, compounded by the depth of the entendres and visual metaphors, this track transports the listener into a world of radicalism.

    MVW on “Tailor Swift”

    The release of “Tailor Swift” arrives following the summer drops of “Could Be” and “Pistachio.” These two releases preluded the eventual collab-album from the frequent collaborators. While Valee remains a season vet of the hip hop world, Staten Island native MVW continues to build on a repertoire that has seen him work with other innovative rappers such as TiaCorine, Xavier Wulf, Lil Gotit, Matt Ox, Zelooperz and Anycia.

  • Yves Tumor Brings Glam and Goth Rock Revival to Terminal 5

    Yves Tumor and it’s band are having quite a busy year, starting off with releasing their stellar fifth LP back in March via Warp Records. Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) is a wildly experimental creative expression from an artist who has been pushing the boundaries of modern pop music ever since their debut. On Wednesday, October 4th, Yves Tumor took over Terminal 5 to kick off the fall leg of the tour which started in back in early spring.

    yves tumor terminal 5
    Yves Tumor at Terminal 5, 10/4/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    Yves Tumor first broke onto the scene in 2015 with their enigmatic debut record, When Man Fails You. Featuring swirling ambient loops, the record immerses the listener into a haunting yet meditative experience. Yves evolved their musical approach in 2018 with the vibrant Safe In The Hands Of Love. The album starts off with a bit of ambient soundscapes but flourishes of hip hop, house, industrial, and glam rock rotate in and out as the record progresses. The LP is loaded with musical twists and turns but seamlessly blends with a rich sound palate and vintage production style.

    Safe In The Hands Of Love catapulted Yves Tumor into a new realm of artistry and fanbase. In a modern world where music is saturated with artists trying to stand out, Yves truly crafted a brand new approach using elements from all over the musical spectrum. Glam rock ballads fade into pulsing ambient sections before raging darkwave grooves take over on the next track. Funky bass lines flutter all over the background while swirling synths fluctuate between Radiohead-like psychedelia and heavy industrial noise reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails. Neatly wrapped together with Yves deeply creative poetic verse, the music defies logic in the best way possible and remains surprisingly original.

    yves tumor terminal 5
    Yves Tumor at Terminal 5, 10/4/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    Yves Tumor’s success with the goth and glam rock revival continued with a few more releases leading up to 2023. Heaven To A Tortured Mind in 2020 picked up right where Safe In The Hands Of Love left off while a shorter EP, The Asymptotical World in 2021, dove deeper into glam rock with a more forward guitar presence.

    Fast forward to Wednesday night at Terminal 5; New York City was about to get their first taste of Yves Tumor’s latest record, which is a masterful culmination of the artist’s career to date. Fans flooded Terminal 5 with goth style, creating a palpable buzz in the room leading up to showtime. Once the houselights dropped, the pent up room erupted with a thunderous ovation to welcome the band on stage.

    yves tumor terminal 5
    Chris Greatti of Yves Tumor at Terminal 5, 10/4/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    Yves Tumor and it’s band wasted no time, playing three songs from Praise A Lord… to open things up. The album shines with the insatiable Chris Greatti’s guitar rock vibe but still surprises the listener with inventive experimental passages throughout. “God Is a Circle” got things started with a thick bass line as Yves’ chanted vocals bounced around the room, “Sometimes, it feels like/There’s places in my mind that I can’t go/There’s people in my life I still don’t know, yeah/Wander ‘round, I just feel like a ghost in a well.”

    The energy in the room was immense, growing stronger as the night went on. Yves loves to engage with the crowd, spending several songs in the pit letting fans sing along on the mic, signing autographs, and posing for photos all while the show rages on.

    The chemistry between Yves and the rest of the band is unmatched. At one point, Yves tossed an umbrella he was posing with over to Greatti who held it in his mouth while shredding the outro to “Secrecy Is Incredibly Important To The Both Of Them.” The two frequently embraced mid song, both clearly not wanting the show to end.

    yves tumor terminal 5
    Yves Tumor at Terminal 5, 10/4/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

    All shows however, must come to an end, and Yves Tumor closed Wednesday night at Terminal 5 with Praise A Lord… closing track “Ebony Eye”. The lush song builds to a climactic finish that left the entire crowd begging for more. If it was not for house security pushing fans towards the exits, I truly do not think this show would have ever ended.

    The tour does continue, and the show does not have to end if you can catch any of the dates left on their busy schedule. Head over to the band’s website for the full list of tour dates and if you have not seen Yves Tumor live, do not miss an opportunity to catch one of the most creative artists and invigorating live bands out there today.

    yves tumor terminal 5
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    yves tumor terminal 5

  • They Spit on Jesus: Buffalo’s Elcamino Releases BSF Debut

    People may not always remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. With only 24 hours in a day – achieving greatness may prove difficult. Anything worthwhile takes time and nobody showcases the rollercoaster ride of life better than Elcamino from Buffalo, a man who believed in himself way before he reached the space he inhabits today.

    How did he achieve these magnificent feats? Consistency, dedication to craft and learning from the great individuals that surround him.

    Elcamino expresses his artistic license with artwork for, “They Spit on Jesus.”

    Biblical Beginnings

    Foundationally, his musical prowess stems from a religious background. During one week, he might have attended ten different types of rehearsals since his mother was the choir director. His ability to play bass guitar and the drums correlates mightily within his catalog. Subsequently, he meticulously places parts of a beat exactly where he wants them. Therefore, every song comes out with that type of sound that resonates and creates playback value. 

    We had a chance to sit down with Elcamino ahead of his Black Soprano Family Records debut album, They Spit on Jesus. Here are a few excerpts from the conversation which took place via Zoom.

    Ian Romaker: If anyone listens to Elcamino’s music – they can hear the heart. They could hear the soul in it. No man should have to endure the things that Elcamino has had to endure but yet look at where he is – on the verge of a Black Soprano Family Records album debut.

    Elcamino: It’s so crazy too. The album is ridiculous. This some of the best shit ever made by man.

    IR: The album is titled, They Spit on Jesus. That’s a wild title in and of itself.

    Elcamino: Yeah man it’s definitely wild. You know what’s crazy? You know where I got that name from? My barber gave me that album name while giving me an edge-up. 

    IR: Oh really?

    Elcamino: I said something to him and he was like, “Well hey, they spit on Jesus.” 

    IR: It’s crazy to think that this is the debut. What goes into making this the debut? For me – a true listener – Don’t Eat the Fruit was the debut and that thing charted at #13 on iTunes as the first tape you put out. 

    Elcamino: It did. You know what’s crazy? A lot of people don’t know that. It did. That’s fire that you know that. 

    IR: Many people have great aspirations. Many people also believe that things are just supposed to happen because they want them. Nothing just falls in your lap – you have to work.

    Elcamino: You always wanna stay ambitious, man. Look inside. You have this shit already. Even if you gotta fight through. Find a way. Start a business. Get yourself something to do. If you just sittin’ around with free time – that’s time you could put toward a business or your craft. You always have to use all your time – take advantage of it. Because it’s somebody out there that is moving forward. I tell people all the time – I wake up early as hell. I feel like it’s somebody out there getting money before me. I like to get money first. All this shit – you got to learn from somebody. Unless you’re one of those people that just know it all. You can’t just be perfect and not willing to learn. 

    IR: You could never stop learning. 

    Elcamino: You got a chance at being perfect if you’re willing to learn. Greatness comes from greatness. 

    TSOJ might be some of the highest quality work that Elcamino has put out to date. Feel free to take a listen here and make sure you stay tuned for when he goes on tour around New York State and the rest of the country.

    How great it is to hear these words of wisdom from Elcamino – the most versatile artist on the planet. His vocal range makes him quite the X factor. Anyone under the Griselda umbrella will give you a tough verse – that’s a given. Elcamino will give you the toughest verse, the hardest hook and the smoothest sounds.

  • Keanu Reeves and Dogstar Rock Niagara Falls

    Wednesday, October 4th was an unseasonably warm fall evening in Niagara Falls, Ontario, at Fallsview Casino. Keanu Reeves with his band Dogstar staged an outstanding performance that left no one in doubt about the memories it created. There was only one opening act, the group Archer Oh who hailed from the state of California. 

    Archer Oh
    Archer Oh

    Dogstar consists of Keanu Reeves on bass. Robert Jailhouse on drums and Bret Dormouse on guitar and lead vocals.

    As the lights lowered and excitement rose in the crowds, the members of Dogstar made their way into the stage with a powerful force that attracted viewers at first instance. Not only a great actor, Reeves showed himself to be a talented musician. The chemistry in the band was unmistakably good as they shifted from song to another with ease exhibiting their musical talent. The line-up came just at the right time for die-hard fans, who were looking forward to hearing all Dogstar’s old numbers which prompted many to sing and dance along. 

    dogstar keanu reeves

    Tracks such as ‘Lust’ and ‘Sleep’ were exemplary of a fusion between alternative-rock and grunge elements in the band’s music. The evening was not dull even for a moment. Reeves bass tone was haunting enough to send shakes into the bones of every listener. He interacted with the audience and made it seem as if they were participating in a unique happening. 

    There was a strong link between the band and its followers, making it possible for a large number of people in the venue to have an intimate environment. When the night finally ended, Dogstar received thunderous applause and shouts of ‘one more’ as they departed the stage. The audience could hardly wait for the encore from the duo who made their way back to finish the night in grand style, giving the audience four more songs.

    Dogstar 2023 Tour Dates
    10/08 Atlantic City, NJ – Sound Waves at Hard Rock Hotel
    10/10 Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
    10/11 New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
    11/30 Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
    12/03 San Francisco, CA – The Great American Music Hall
    12/05 Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre
    12/07 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
    12/08 Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre
    12/09 Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
    12/11 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
    12/12 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
    12/14 Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
    12/15 Washington, D.C. – The Howard Theatre
    12/16 Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
    12/18 Charlotte, NC – The Underground
    12/19 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage
    12/20 Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
    12/21 Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl