NYS Music 2023

Category: Features

  • Declan McKenna’s Big Return to NYC

    Declan McKenna, the enigmatic and thought-provoking indie-pop sensation, set the stage ablaze with two back-to-back shows in New York City as part of his “The Big Return” tour. On June 20, he graced the iconic Brooklyn Steel venue with his infectious energy and magnetic presence, captivating the audience with his genre-defying sound and heartfelt lyrics. The anticipation was palpable as fans eagerly awaited Declan’s performance, knowing they were in for an unforgettable night of music and connection.

    The following evening, June 21, found Declan at Webster Hall in Manhattan, where he continued to weave his magic, leaving the crowd mesmerized by his electrifying performance. With each song, Declan’s authenticity and vulnerability shone through, forging an unbreakable bond between him and his adoring fans. These two shows were a testament to his undeniable talent and his ability to create an intimate and unforgettable experience for his audience.

    Declan McKenna, the rising indie-pop sensation hailing from the UK, is making waves with his captivating blend of thought-provoking lyrics, infectious melodies, and undeniable charisma. With a musical journey that started at a young age, Declan’s eclectic upbringing exposed him to a wide range of influences, from classic rock to punk and indie music. This diverse palette has shaped his unique sound and sets him apart in the industry.

    Declan burst onto the scene with his breakout single “Brazil” in 2015, which earned him widespread acclaim and attention for his sharp social commentary and clever songwriting. His debut album, What Do You Think About The Car? released in 2017, further solidified his position as a talented singer-songwriter with a distinctive voice.

    Known for his insightful and introspective lyrics, Declan fearlessly addresses topics ranging from politics and societal issues to personal reflections on love and self-discovery. His ability to combine catchy pop hooks with meaningful storytelling has won the hearts of fans worldwide.

    With each subsequent release, including the singles “British Bombs” and “Beautiful Faces,” Declan continues to captivate audiences and expand his musical horizons. His sophomore album, Zeros, released in 2020, showcased a more experimental and ambitious sound, further cementing his status as a genre-defying artist.

    In addition to his musical prowess, Declan’s magnetic stage presence and engaging live performances have earned him a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase. As Declan McKenna continues to evolve as an artist with recent hits such as “Sympathy”, he reaffirms his status as an exciting force in the music scene, capturing hearts with his authenticity, vulnerability, and undeniable talent.

    With his finger on the pulse of the issues that resonate with today’s youth, Declan’s music speaks to a generation, making him a relevant and essential voice in the modern music landscape.

    Declan McKenna’s electrifying performances at Brooklyn Steel and Webster Hall in New York City were nothing short of exhilarating. At Brooklyn Steel, a fan brought a stuffed Kermit the Frog plushie dressed as Declan, adding a whimsical touch to the show. During “Why Do You Feel So Down,” Declan took Kermit from the fan and playfully placed it on the speaker behind him. Later, during “Rapture,” he playfully threw Kermit into the air during a guitar breakdown, seamlessly blending fun and artistry.

    Declan’s boundless energy was infectious throughout the shows. He shed his suit jacket, fully immersing himself in the music, and asked the crowd if they wanted to dance before launching into “Isombard.” The response was overwhelming, with fans flailing and dancing passionately in the back of the crowd and pressing against the barricade up front, trying to get as close to Declan as possible.

    During “Sympathy,” the opener Eli Smart and his band joined Declan, playing tambourines and creating a church gospel choir vibe that had the crowd singing along with fervor. Declan’s skills on the keyboard were reminiscent of a piano virtuoso, adding another layer of talent to his already impressive performance.

    The encores were equally electrifying, with Declan taking off his shirt while keeping on his tie, exuding feral rockstar vibes. His cover of “All Things Must Pass” by George Harrison showcased his guitar prowess, and during the guitar solo, he ventured off the stage, held up by the crowd in a moment of sheer rock ‘n’ roll energy.

    The Webster Hall show was equally exhilarating, with Declan impressively leaping from piano to tambourine and back during “Isombard.” The crowd turned into a choir during the chorus of “Make Me Your Queen,” elevating the song’s emotional impact. Instead of the planned cover, Declan surprised the audience with “I’m the Man, That Will Find You,” by Connan Mockasin showcasing his versatility as an artist.

    As the second encore began with “British Bombs,” Declan took the energy to a whole new level, executing one-legged spin jumps and rolling on the ground while passionately belting out the last chorus. The show ended with Declan being handed bouquets from the adoring crowd, which he graciously accepted and posed triumphantly.

    Declan McKenna’s performances were nothing short of extraordinary, leaving the audience in awe of his talent, charisma, and sheer passion for his craft. With each song, he demonstrated his prowess as a musician and captivated the crowd with his authentic and unforgettable performances

    Declan McKenna Setlist: The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home, Beautiful Faces, You Better Believe!!!, Be An Astronaut, My House, Why Do You Feel So Down, Humongous, Isombard, Daniel; You’re Still a Child, Rapture, Make Me Your Queen, Paracetamol, Twice Your Size, The Key to Life on Earth, Brazil, Sympathy

    Brooklyn Steel Encore: All Things Must Pass (George Harrison cover), British Bombs

    Webster Hall Encore: I’m the Man, That Will Find You (Connan Mockasin cover), British Bombs

    Stay up to date with Declan on socials and any updates from the tour here. 

  • Kristian Montgomery & The Winterkill Band Release Layered Fourth Album ‘Lower County Outlaw’

    Kristian Montgomery & The Winterkill Band will be releasing their fourth album in three years. The twelve-track journey titled Lower County Outlaw not only shows the exceptional range and skill of Montgomery as a multi-talented musician but displays an exceptional improvement in production and clarity from his previous records. With an August 5 release date, it will be accompanied by a promotional party at Pauly’s Hotel in Albany.

    Who is Kristian Montgomery?

    Kristian Montgomery has been a part of the music industry for a while and originally began his career as a metal vocalist, but has turned to country in recent years. Since the switch-up, his success has reached all new heights as his music has received increasing attention all over the world and has even received a nomination for the New England Music Awards and Boston Music Awards.

    The New England based artist doesn’t have a static genre, however, as his music often drifts between rock, soul, and the blues as is evident in his previous three albums The Gravel Church, Prince of Poverty, followed by his latest, A Heaven for Heretics. Montgomery’s first two albums were raw reflections of the dark aspects of his past while A Heaven for Heretics worked to make sure listeners knew they weren’t alone. No matter the music, if it comes from Montgomery, people are sure to experience the countless layers of human emotion, struggle, and isolated country living.

    The band’s new album, Lower County Outlaw, has Andrew Kross on production, a producer who has worked with Grammy winning artists such as John Legend and Alicia Keys. Not only is the album’s production an incredible success with its crystal clear instrumentals and the strength of Montgomery’s vocals, but the story created slaps listeners straight in the ears. Lower County Outlaw is a project of pure heartbreak, rage, and spiteful energy as it tells listeners about a woman who is in every way an outlaw when it comes to Mongomery’s heart.

    Album Review

    For the most part, the album stays close to Montgomery’s usual style of country/rock, at times giving listeners a feel of his metal-head past. Throughout the album, his voice soars as strong as ever with enticing melodies and crazy instrumentals. However, tracks like “Easy To Forget You When I’m Gone” and “The 4th of July” see the artist taking a step back from the spiteful lyrics and in-your-face rock styles seen in other album tracks such as “Somebody’s Baby Mama” and “The Girl With The Gauges In Her Ears.” “Easy To Forget You When I’m Gone” is a forceful reminder that Montgomery is a modern country artist, taking listeners on a slow physical and emotional drive away from constant and painful reminders of the woman he no longer has.

    The final track combines his rage full lyrics with an old upbeat country melody that closes the album with a goodbye that foreshadows a return. During the track, Montgomery mercilessly rips the woman mentioned throughout the twelve tracks apart, similar to the rest of the album, and simultaneously creates hope for himself to stand on saying, “when you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing left to lose.” While Lower County Outlaw is well-put together and easily catches listeners attention, the themes seem to cut women down in stereotypical ways in order to build the lyricist up. Although stemming from a place of heartbreak and loss, the message distracts from the music.

    Overall, the album is definitely worth a listen and fans should be excited to hear it live throughout the band’s summer tour stretch and feel free to make it their angry heartbreak album!

  • Scars and Stripes: Scar Lip Rumbles in the Bronx

    Safe to say, the things that we experience in life mold us into the individuals we grow to be. Certain events that occur throughout the formative years of adolescence shape us into the people we become. God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers and nobody personifies this greater than Scar Lip from The Bronx.

    Scar Lip bounced in and out of several foster homes and detention centers before turning 18. When her mom passed away at age 12 she went to live with her aunt who subjected her to incredibly inhumane treatment. Her aunt’s boyfriend would sexually abuse her and her brother brutally punched her which gave her the signature scar on her lip. 

    “More importantly you become who you were born to be.”

    –He Man by Blu

    Owning Her Struggle

    Choosing the name Scar Lip proved to be quite the power play for this young New York artist. By embracing her largest imperfection, she reclaims all power from the adverse incident that plagued her throughout most of her days. By turning the pain into power this woman leverages potential ridicule into an opportunity to brand herself. In the meantime, owning her identity in this way also creates an intimidation factor.

    Her brother left her upper right lip dangling from the blow he dealt her. Aunt looked at each of them in the hospital and made the decision to kick Sierra out rather than the brother. Between the ages of 16 and 18, this young woman lived in eight different foster homes. While living with multiple different families, she wrote a good deal of rhymes. At 18, she returned to her Aunt’s where they talked the situation over – to this day her brother has yet to apologize for his attempt to ruin his sister’s appearance.

    DMX Reincarnated

    Evidently, the major reason that people flock to this extremely polarizing artist revolves around her parallels to DMX. On her viral hit single, “This is New York” it is impossible not to draw the comparisons. The tumultuous upbringing, rugged inflection and intimidation factor all directly point to the female DMX. 

    Given that we lost DMX around the same time Scar burst upon the scene might be the reason why Swizz Beatz felt this artist was sent to him. Swizz Beatz plays an instrumental role in the acceleration of Scar Lip’s trajectory. An early single like “Glizzy Gobbler” got her in the rotation with millions of views but “This is New York” started turning heads. Since, Scar spit a verse with Jadakiss and Benny the Butcher on Swizz Beatz Hip Hop 50 mixtape. Furthermore, Swizz has agreed to executive produce her first project, Scars and Stripes.

    “If it hurts you, that is not what is important. Everybody’s hurt. What is important is that you must find some way of using this to connect you with everyone else alive. Your pain is trivial except insofar as you can use it to connect with other people’s pain.”

    –James Baldwin

    The intriguing part about Scar Lip points directly to the way she pours her pain onto the paper. No human being should ever have to endure the suffering that she encountered. The aggression witnessed within her music stems from the survival tactics employed over time. The chaotic and volatile energy provides infectious vibrations and relatability through authenticity. 

    50 Cent, Boosie and Cardi B have co-signed her. Shaq, Snoop and Busta Rhymes have made songs with her. Moreover, Swizz Beatz will executive produce her debut release as she recently signed to Epic Records. Scar Lip proclaims that she will go down in history as the artist with the most remixes to one song. 

    Scar Lip is a woman who aspires to build homes for girls and boys who are trapped with their abusers and neglected by the system. Looking to catch her in concert? Check out Rock the Bells Fest on August 5th with a nod to Swizz Beatz and Special Guests.

    @scar_lip

    My dreams hsve come true 🥹 #fyp #fup

    ♬ This Is New York – ScarLip

  • Phish Kick off 7 Nights at MSG with Plenty of Jams

    Phish began their seven-night run at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Friday, July 28, a well-anticipated run in the middle of their Summer Tour, which was recently extended to include two benefit shows at SPAC in late August.

    Phish MSG
    photo by Cory Schwartz

    Kicking off Night 1 with the re-emergence of “Evening Song,” which hadn’t been played live in more than a year, Phish shifted into an extended and spaced out “Wave Of Hope,” two common themes through each set of music so far. Friday’s first set also featured a funked out “Cities,” an all-too-fitting “Old Home Place” for the band’s 73rd performance at Madison Square Garden, and an explosive “My Soul” to cap things off.

    Phish MSG
    photo by Cory Schwartz

    Friday’s second set began with “More” and the band took this to heart and applied it to the massive “Ruby Waves” that followed, one of the new truer jam vehicles of this era. Seamless segues into a riveting “Plasma” and “Simple” also highlighted the set before a super dark, scary and all around amazing “Split Open and Melt” served as a momentous set closer.

    Phish MSG
    photo by Cory Schwartz

    Phish – Friday, July 28th, 2023 – Madison Square Garden (MSG), New York, NY

    Set 1: Evening Song > A Wave of Hope, Cities, The Old Home Place > Free, Brian and Robert, Stash, My Soul

    Set 2: More > Ruby Waves-> Plasma > Simple > Mountains in the Mist, Split Open and Melt

    Encore: Good Times, Bad Times

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E3fslzpJiU

    Saturday evening’s show picked up right where Friday’s left off in terms of energy and musical cohesiveness beginning with the show-starting “Get Back On The Train.” Phish again delivered a massive blow in the two-spot with an early but effective “Down With Disease.” More familiar first set tunes like ”Sugar Shack” and “Horn” also made appearances. And the band continues to mix in newer material in their sets with songs like Anastasio’s quarantine tune “Evolve,” a song quickly growing in popularity. A classic take on “Foam” followed by a rousing cover of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream” ended the first set in fine fashion.

    Phish MSG
    photo by Cory Schwartz

    Phish continued to kick out the jams in the second set, courtesy of a super extended and exploratory “Fuego” that clocked in at close to thirty minutes in all. This was followed by another one of the new songs that is quickly making a name for itself, “Oblivion.” The set was punctuated by an absolutely raucous “2001” that had all of Madison Square Garden in a collective uproar. Things lightened up a bit afterwards with the first “Cracklin’ Rosie” cover in eleven years. There was still room for one more rocker though and “First Tube” in its typical encore slot more than served that purpose, with the Garden loudly showing its collective appreciation once more.

    Phish – Saturday, July 29th, 2023 – Madison Square Garden (MSG), New York, NY

    Set 1: Back On The Train > Down With Disease, The Dogs, Bug, Sugar Shack, Evolve, Horn > Foam, Moonage Daydream

    Set 2: The Wedge, Fuego > Oblivion > Wingsuit > Also Sprach Zarathustra,->Hold Your Head Up > Cracklin’ Rosie > Hold Your Head Up, Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S

    Encore: Farmhouse, First Tube

    The “can’t miss” Sunday show featured a first set of all old school songs played in the new school fashion, beginning with a show-opening “AC/DC Bag” that took a stroll for a bit before melding into “My Friend, My Friend.” The opening stanza also featured a truly interesting and slightly funked out “Theme From The Bottom,” the “newest” song played in the set. Things amped up even further with the rollicking “Llama” that followed which featured some mesmerizing lighting effects.

    Phish then reintroduced some newer material in the second set with a “Sigma Oasis” opener that set the table for the first ever performance of “Life Saving Gun.” The “No Men In No Man’s Land” that followed featured one of the heavier and more experimental jams of the evening and the band even dusted off “Frankie Says” for a rare second set appearance. The second set concluded with “Light” and its typical powerhouse accompanying jam. An encore of “Suzy Greenberg” and a fiery take on Jimi Hendrix’s “Izabella” served as a fitting conclusion for the first weekend of Phish’s summer residency at MSG.

    Phish – Sunday, July 30th, 2023 – Madison Square Garden (MSG), New York, NY

    Set 1: AC/DC Bag->My Friend, My Friend->Bathtub Gin, Theme From The Bottom>Llama, Tube>Golgi Apparatus

    Set 2: Sigma Oasis, Life Saving Gun>No Men In No Man’s Land>Lonely Trip>Frankie Says>Gotta Jibboo>Light

    Encore: Suzy Greenberg, Izabella

    Photos by Cory Schwartz

  • In Focus: Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2023

    The sounds of laughter, bluegrass music and chatter filled the air at the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, NY over July 12-16. The Grey Fox Bluegrass Music Festival 2023 was in full swing celebrating another year of this family friendly festival.

    The festival hosted a wonderful selection of artists over the 4 day event. Those artists took to the stages and captivated the audiences with their music and stories. There were many vendors which offered a wide variety of items, food and drinks.

    Grey Fox also had fundraising raffles, workshops and a wonderful program geared towards kids. The Bluegrass Academy for kids takes place during the festival teaches children of all skill levels how to play instruments. They end the festival with a performance of their own. 

    Shuttle buses ran regularly throughout the day to assist festival patrons to navigate the large space whether you need a lift up the hill, a ride to the camp areas, and to one of the parking areas down the road. The festival is set up with street names which helped with navigating but also added the sense of community, which was clearly seen throughout the entire event.

    Check out their website to keep up on all the Grey Fox Bluegrass Music Festival happenings, to learn more about the Bluegrass Academy for Kids and be on the lookout for next year’s festival information. It will surely be a great time for all.

  • Post Malone Performs to a Hometown Crowd at Darien 

    Post Malone is no stranger to Western NY. Growing up just outside of Syracuse brought this booming artist out to Darien Lake July 17. He gathered not just his family, but also dedicated fans who sold out this venue effortlessly. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    NYC’s very own underground band Beach Fossils opened up the night. They filled the amphitheater with their dreamy pop influences and narrative story-telling. Core band members consist of Dustin Payseur, Tommy Davidson, Jack Doyle Smith, and Anton Hochheim.  

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Richard Austin Post, also known as Post Malone, is a well renowned rapper and singer. He first gained serious traction in 2015 for his hit “White Iverson” and from there absolutely steam-rolled the music scene. People may have discovered Posty from a popular song but soon found that this man’s discography is full of bangers. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Post Malone has invited a new element into traditional rap songs. His incomparable vocals and love for all genres makes him an artist that can’t be defined by short terminology. Post Malone’s performance at Darien Lake proved just that. He began his show filling the stage with numerous band members. Half of which were orchestra members playing the violin, cello, and more. The airy notes and melancholy strumming gave a nostalgic vibe. Post Malone then walked on stage and rose his red solo cup in celebratory fashion before rocking out to “Better Now.” 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The one take away from Posty’s If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying tour is wow does this man know how to put on a show. From insane guitar solos, to belting vocals, to stage production that had jaws dropped. He performed songs stretching across all his timeless albums. Additionally, he played his latest singles “Mourning” and “Overdrive” which will be on his upcoming album Austin. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Don’t let anybody fucking stop you from living your fucking dreams. And thank you for giving me the confidence to live mine and chase my fucking dreams. I hope y’all do the same fucking thing ladies and gentlemen. Don’t let anybody fucking stop you from being who the fuck you are.

    Post Malone to the Darien Lake crowd
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Throughout the concert Post Malone continuously shared his gratitude for the unwavering support from his fans. As a new father and a man who beat the 27 club there was much to celebrate that night. Post Malone is nothing short of an inspiration. He encourages people to chase their dreams and celebrate even the smallest of milestones. Individuals who meet this young artist always say he has the kindest soul and somehow people can feel that even from hundreds of feet away.

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    He brought the feels back when performing “Feeling Whitney” and “I Fall Apart.” Posty puts his full emotion when singing these songs and running all over the stage. He finished the night with his upbeat single “Chemical” and went out to meet fans immediately after. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The love of Post Malone can be felt everywhere and if you want to be a part of that make sure to listen to his upcoming album Austin set to release July 28. For our Western NY family make sure to check out upcoming shows at Darien Lake. Foreigner will be there July 28. Also Boy George and Culture Club performs July 29. Get tickets here.

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Setlist: Better Now, Wow, Zack and Codeine, Goodbyes, Hollywood Dreams (cover), Mourning, I Like You, Jonestown Interlude, Take What You Want, Over Now, Rockstar, Feeling Whitney, Stay, Overdrive, I Fall Apart, Wrapped Around Your Finger, Circles, Enough is Enough, Too Young, White Iverson, Congratulations

    Encore: Broken Whiskey Glass, Sunflower, Chemical

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

  • Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras Tour stops in Mansfield, MA

    On Friday, July 21, Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras Tour stopped at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA. The rainy weather that was scattered throughout the New England area did not keep fans from filling the Xfinity Center with anticipation for the show ahead.

    Opening the evening was Jefferson Starship who kicked off the show around 7pm, followed by Night Rider who took the stage shortly before 8 pm. Fans are already having a great time with the opening bands and gearing up for more fun as the show continued.

    Just after 9 pm Bret took the stage, fans rising to their feet ready to rock. The crowd danced, clapped, and sang along to the variety of well-known hits. Bret’s interaction with the crowd was seen from the moment he stepped on stage from the people down on the floor to the audience members in the back of the center. The high energy and excitement radiated through night. Michaels’ Parti-Gras Tour 2023 is a summer tour not to be missed. 

    Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras Setlist

    Bret Michaels: Talk Dirty to Me, Ride The Wind, Look What the Cat Dragged In
    Mark McGrath: Every Morning
    Bret Michaels: Your Mama Don’t Dance
    Steve Augeri: Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
    Bret Michaels: Something to Believe In, Unskinny Bop
    Steve Augeri: Don’t Stop Believin’, Any Way You Want It
    Bret Michaels: Every Rose Has Its Thorn
    Mark McGrath: Fly
    Bret Michaels: Nothin’ but a Good Time
    All: Sweet Home Alabama

    Bret Michaels will be heading to Central New York to perform at the Great New York State Fair on Tuesday, August 29. Check out all tour dates below.

    Sun. July 23 – Camden, NJ

    Wed. July 26 – Montgomery, AL

    Thur. July 27 – Corbin, KY

    Fri. July 28 – Maryland Heights, MO

    Sat. July 29- Tinley Park, IL

    Sun. July 30 – Noblesville, IN

    Fri. August 4 – Tampa, FL

    Sat. August 5 – Alpharetta, GA

    Sun. August 6 – Charlotte, NC

    Sat. August 12 – Black River Falls, WI

    Sat. August 19 – Franklin, OH

    Sat. August 26 – Grantville, PA

    Tues. August 29  – Syracuse, NY

    Fri. Sept 8 – Green Bay, WI

    Sat. Sept 9 – Hinckley, MN

  • At The Bottom of the Mann: Two Scorching Nights with Phish in Philadelphia

    Phish stopped at the Mann Center in Philadelphia 7/25-7/26 as part of their summer tour. The tour is quickly gaining momentum with a seven-night run at MSG up next. Locals and fans descended to the lots in masses despite the intense heat and powerful rain storm during the first day.

    Night one started off with an impressive first set starting with “Strawberry Letter 23” and featured highlights like “Back on The Train”and “Axilla Part 2”. The set concluded with a thoroughly jammed out “46 Days.”

    The second set began with “Down with Disease,” followed by one of the new Phish song’s to make its debut this summer, “The Well.” This went “well” into a Type 2 Jams, getting dark and rocking hard. At the Osiris Podcast pre-party the next day ,everyone agreed that “The Well” is an amazing song and collectively as now our favorite.

    The show concluded with a powerful “Piper,” “Crosseyed & Painless,” and a beautiful segue into “Chalkdust Torture”. The band played a two-song encore: “Wading in the Velvet Sea” followed by a mind blowing cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire.”

    Spirits were high and the weather was hot on day two. The night opened up with “Mike’s Song” followed by “Boogie on Reggae Woman” > “Mike’s Reprise”. The first set was filled with crowd favorites like “Moma Dance” and “Mound.” The set concluded in rocking fashion with a raging “Fluffhead.” 

    The second set opened up with “Set Your Soul Free” followed by a dark “Carini.” Highlights included “Golden Age” & “Golgi Apparatus” with a well jammed “Harry Hood” to close out the second set. The band encored with “Life Beyond A Dream” and “Run Like an Antelope,” and boy did they run.

    Next up 7 nights at Madison Square Garden, happy summer tour!

  • Album Review: 222 Reasons why Lil Tjay Did Not Disappoint

    Coming off his near-fatal shooting, Bronx crooner Lil Tjay was up against hip hop history. After all, surviving 7 gunshot wounds was reason enough to anticipate the “Calling My Phone” rapper’s next release. However, hip hop’s ever-changing landscape and Tjay’s replicable sound may have done the rapper in when it came to sales. With the news that his first project since his shooting, 222, had garnered just 22K in first-week streaming sales it came with a perception that Tjay’s album was a disappointment, or worse, that he was falling off.

    Lil Tjay album cover
    Lil Tjay’s first project since his near-fatal shooting sold 22k in its first week

    Album Review

    In light, this isn’t to say that 222 is a great album by any means. This latest effort is an inconsistent body of work that showcases many of Tjay’s talents, but also highlights why Lil Uzi Vert’s idiosyncratic effort is the only hip hop album to debut at number 1 on Billboard in 2023. Although with Tjay’s track record and a story to tell, there were high expectations. Nonetheless, some head scratching choices left the project feeling a bit manufactured.

    222 starts strong with “Nightshift” and “June 22nd,” as both records showcased an underrated part of Tjay’s repertoire. Known for his catchy hooks, piercing vocals and crooning melodies, he decides to start the album with two emphatic rap records that have an authentic New York feel. “Nightshift” sees the Bronx native put his stamp on the project and rap game, followed by the witty, story-telling June 22nd, depicting his almost-deadly shooting. It wouldn’t be long before Tjay got vulnerable as the next five songs saw him get into his melodic bag. The reflective “Nobody” and “Scared 2 Be Lonely” are both very good while “2 Grown” featuring The Kid LAROI will probably go diamond on Tik Tok.

    Lil Tjay's album tracklist
    222 is starts strong but tails off in the second half

    Where it Went Wrong?

    However, things take a turn in the album’s second half with what feels like quite a few filler records and questionable decision making. Tjay’s youth might also play a part in this, as no one must have told him that nobody over the age of 14 wants to sing along to a song whose hook is “Bla, Bla, Bla” — although the song isn’t bad as he and Fivio Foreign mesh well. He follows that by leaning too much into his singing on “Someone Who Cares” which made for a hard listen where piercing quickly turned nasally.

    The rest of the album follows this same ebb-and-flow of quality versus content. “Forgot I Was The 1” is a good record, but that’s followed by an out-of-place Jadakiss feature — and it didn’t help that the mixing made the veteran rhymer sound no less than 190 years old. The head scratching decisions continued with a sequel to his Billboard charting return single on “Beat The Odds Pt 2,” featuring a Polo G verse that derailed what was meant to be an emotional comeback record. Ultimately, Tjay finishes the album strong with the honest “Foster Baby” — where he reveals he was adopted — and the contemplative “Grateful.”

    Why Lil Tjay Didn’t dissapoint

    All things considered, what could have have been Lil Tjay’s defining project will end up being more fodder for the microwave music culture. Yet, its hard to see anything the “Pop Out” rapper could have done to generate substantially better numbers. While it may be concerning that he’s now doing half of his what his debut sold only 4 years ago, such is the state of NY hip hop’s commercially. After all, Fivio Foreign assisted by A-list talent mustered 29k first-week sales. In the streaming era, it is much more important to keep a few charting songs and known features than a great project top-to-bottom. It’s what the system rewards.

    While these factors all play a part in why first-week sales shouldn’t matter too much for Tjay, the most obvious hindrance to his growth as an artist is his sonic likeness to A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. The two Bronx rappers maintain a tense relationship with Tjay usually on the defending end of his music. Regardless, it’s hard to ignore the similarities on the Summer Walker mashup “Stressed” and “Foster Baby” which both sound like carbon copy A Boogie records. But then again, is it right to fault Tjay for sounding like someone who grew up 20 minutes from him?

    Look how many records I done sold, woke up, I feel like a pot of gold. How it happened, I don’t even know, I saw my lane and all I know is go.

    – Lil Tjay, “Nightshift”

    Nonetheless, the mainstream audience hold the true power of sway and right now A Boogie is the preferred New York crooner. With allegations of his own drop-off in quality the “Look Back at It” rapper more than doubled Tjay’s first-week numbers with his last project. All in all, Tjay may have given himself the best advice on “June 22nd” rapping, “the show’s lined up, album’s soundin’ like some crack, so I’m excited for the music comin’ out and for the sack.”

  • In Focus: Grassroots Festival, A Memorable Celebration of Music, Arts, and Community

    From the moment you stepped foot into the Grassroots Festival grounds, you were transported to a world of creativity, community, and culinary delights. This year’s festival, held in Trumansburg, NY, was a true testament to the power of music and the arts in bringing people together for an unforgettable experience.

    Families of all ages were greeted with a plethora of arts and crafts activities that sparked creativity and imagination. From face painting and tie-dye workshops to interactive art installations and collaborative mural projects, there was something for every member of the family to enjoy. The festival organizers went above and beyond to ensure that kids and adults alike could engage in enriching and entertaining experiences, fostering an atmosphere of togetherness and joy.

    Of course, the heart of Grassroots Festival was the music, and what a lineup it was! Spread across multiple stages, bands from all corners of the US delivered electrifying performances that left the audience in awe. The Thursday night performances set the bar high, with explosive sets by performers and bands like Laila Belle, Sophistafunk, Donna the Buffalo, Maddy Walsh and Blind Spots, Laila Belle, Gunpoets, and Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. Their energy and passion set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of musical journeys.

    Sophistafunk

    Friday’s lineup continued to impress, with dynamic performances by the Fall Creek Brass Band, Kevin Kinsella, Jupiter & Okwess, The Rollin Rust, Motherwort, The Mavericks, Jimkata and Double Tiger. Each act brought their unique sound and style to the stage, ensuring that every musical taste was satisfied.

    Jimkata

    Saturday was a highlight of the festival, featuring sensational performances from Rising Appalachia, Watchhouse, Sona Jobarteh, Ryan Montbleau Band, and The Comb Down. The eclectic mix of genres, from folk to world music, had the crowd dancing, singing, and swaying in harmony, creating a unified atmosphere of joy and celebration into the late night underneath the stars.

    Watchhouse

    As the festival approached its closing day, Sunday, the anticipation was palpable. A highlight moment was the Happiness Parade that made its way through the grounds. The Legendary Ingramettes delivered a powerful and soulful performance. Sim Redmond Band, DahkaBrakha, Driftwood, and the All-Star Jam with Donna the Buffalo were the perfect conclusion to a weekend filled with musical magic.

    In addition to the outstanding music, the Grassroots Festival treated its attendees to a diverse array of delectable foods from vendors representing different cuisines from around the world. From Caribbean delights to pizzas, mouthwatering Thai dishes to comforting pasta plates, there was an endless variety of flavors to satisfy any craving.

    In conclusion, the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg was an unparalleled celebration of arts, music, and culinary delights that left a lasting impression on all who attended. The remarkable performances, the engaging arts and crafts, and the mouthwatering food options came together to create an experience that celebrated the richness of human creativity and connection. As the festival came to a close, attendees left with full hearts, new friendships, and an enduring appreciation for the magic of music and community. Until next year, Grassroots Festival – thank you for an unforgettable experience!