NYS Music 2023

Category: Features

  • NYS Music March Madness 2023: The Finals

    We have arrived at the Final Frontier of NYS Music’s March Madness 2023. 64 bands we brought together, to build their name and share their sound with a wide audience, but now two remain.

    March Madness

    For the past 8 years, this annual competition has been shining a spotlight on talented artists and musicians from across the Empire State. This year’s competition is the biggest and best yet, with a lineup of diverse genres and highly skilled performers. March Madness 2023 highlights 64 bands and artists you might not know but should know, as these homegrown talents are making waves through the New York State. Check out the Final 4 here.

    NYS Music has partnered with these great businesses across New York State to highlight the 64 up-and-coming bands and artists of NYS Music March Madness.

    The finalists of each region will be rewarded with a collection of prizes worth $3000. Partners for NYS Music’s March Madness 2023 include Mirth Films from Albany, a music news/entertainment outlet that specializes in original video content and live streaming, with news coverage ranging across the whole country, who will provide a professional multi-camera recording session at a prestigious venue in Albany for the winning band, premiering exclusively on Mirth Films.

    Additionally, one finalist will earn a spot on the lineup for the Scarsdale Music Festival, held on June 3, 2023.

    WEQX is a radio station in Manchester, VT. They are completely independently owned and operated, always have been, since 1984. This station exists out of a love for music, a love for radio, and the commitment to always giving their listeners the best of the best.

    Enter your email address, get to know the bands, and vote on our finalists below!

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    Seize Atlantis

    Formed in 2019 out of Glens Falls in Upstate New York, Seize Atlantis is an energetic four-piece rock band consisting of close friends front-man James Mullen (lead vocals/guitar), Mike Dardas (bass/backing vocals), Luc Bourgault (lead guitar), and Cody Platt (drums). Seize Atlantis has a unique and tight sound fueled by a driving & punchy drum/bass duo, melodic lead guitar, and strong pronounced moody vocals with meaningful lyrics that bring a truly dynamic range of soft to heavy rock. Their influences are from bands such as Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pearl Jam, along with the 90s-00s Rock. The band offers its own spin on a variety of covers from classic rock to modern pop in addition to its own original music. They are currently working on their sophomore EP, Ruins Rebuilt due out this June.

    Mainline

    MAINLINE officially hit the scene at the end of 2019 when Anthony Schettino (Bass), Johnny Iodice (Lead Singer & Guitar), Mason Servedio (Drums), and Devin Reck (Guitar) released their debut single “Open Fire” which eventually led to the self-titled EP that came out in February of 2020. Their album The Unholy Idol has garnered up over 80,000+ streams across platforms and has gotten worldwide attention. The current lineup since 2022 now includes Ryan Hartell on guitar, replacing Devin Reck. As of November 2022, the band released a new single “IN NOTHING WE TRUST” everywhere on streaming.

    The band will be performing at the Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie on April 15, visit here to buy tickets.

    Voting for the finals has ended. Stay tuned for the winner to be announced on Wednesday, March 29.

    Check out Past Years’ NYS Music March Madness Here

  • Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad Announces Releases Of New Single “Revolution”

    Rochester reggae outfit Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad (GPGDS) have announced the release of their latest single “Revolution.” The powerful track features Josh Swain and was co-produced with Italian-born international reggae icon, Alborosie.

    Beginning April 7, fans can enjoy “Revolution” amongst other songs on the band’s upcoming album, Love In Time. 

    The essence of the collaboration was indisputably present throughout the creation of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s news album. The consultation between the band and Alborosie helped shape “Revolution” into a song that can only be created by complete openness and trust in the process.

    Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad took a contrasting approach with the writing and recording process of the new album compared to previous tracks. Since the band was facing a potential six-month separation at the start of 2020, they rushed into the studio to record as many tracks as possible. Recording with longtime friend Matthew Goodwin, the reggae ensemble developed over 25 song ideas and riddims within a week. Various tracks were sent to musicians, engineers and producers such as the production trio Zion I Kings, Akae Beka, Midnite, Lutan Fyah, Alborosie, and Danny Kalb. 

    Originally GPGDS planned three different releases, but the diversity of the songs and production styles all complemented each other in ways the band had not expected. Working with Danny Kalb on the “Steady” single in 2014 was the first time GPGDS collaborated with an outsider and the results were so powerful that they strived for a similar sound for their new album. Additionally, working with featured guests such as Fearon and Botri, The Movement, Anthony B, Double Tiger, Blakkamoore, and Skribe Da God, inspired GPGDS to select the best tracks from the past sessions which resulted in Love In Time.

    Formed in 2001 in Rochester, GPGDS consists of guitarists Dylan Savage and Eli Flynn, Chris O’Brian on the drums, and Tony Gallicchio on the keyboard. The band is recognized for their world beats and reggae rhythms with an urgent energy and jam band dynamics. It

    GPGDS released six studio albums, ranging from their alternative Americana releases Country (2012) and Bright Days (2015) to their Billboard Reggae Chart-toppers Steady (2014) and Make It Better (2016). Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s Love In Time delivers a fresh new evolution of the band’s trademark sound that results from their newly collaborative approach.

    “Revolution” from Giant Panda can be enjoyed by fans here.

  • Wakelee Releases Indie/Emo Single/Video “Tug Of War” 

    Brooklyn indie/emo trio wakelee have just released a tease of their upcoming album by unveiling their newest single/video “Tug Of War.” The new single and music video show a sneak peak into the upcoming self-titled 12-track album out April 14th. 

    Wakelee Releases Indie/Emo Single/Video "Tug Of War" 

    Front man/guitarist Alex Bulmer talks about the newest single by stating, “We had the structure for this song since 2021, but it took so long to land a vocal melody. We got so frustrated with it that we decided to get into a room together and loop the instrumental over and over again. We would then present our individual verse and chorus ideas to each other. We played the theme from “Shark Tank” as we did our pitches. It was ridiculous, but it turned out to be one of our favorite tracks from the album.” 

    When asked about the music video for “Tug Of War,” Alex says, “We wanted to film a music video ourselves, so we put our iPhone on cinema mode and spent 3 hours in our rehearsal space putting it together. We love how it came out! We wanted it to look like one continuous shot. It was really fun to make.” 

    “Don’t sleep on rising indie-emo trio wakelee…”

    – The Honey Pop
    Wakelee Releases Indie/Emo Single/Video "Tug Of War" 

    Formed in Brooklyn in 2019 by Bulmer, his identical twin brother David (drums) and Elliot Shiang (vocals/bass), they met at a friend’s show in NYC and immediately bonded over Halal food and indie music. The trio has since released an EP, a healthy batch of emo-tinged singles, including the recently released tracks “Mood Rings,” “Everything Under The Sun” and “Outside.” 

    With some more news to look forward to, wakelee will play a special album release show. The band will play on Saturday, April 15th at NYC’s Mercury Lounge with special guests Tennis Courts.  

    To listen to “Tug Of War,” click the link here.

    To watch the video for “Tug Of War,” click the link here. 

    Get tickets for the album release show by clicking the link here. 

  • Jared Saltiel Announces New Single, Live Show At Rockwood Music Hall

    Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Jared Saltiel has announced “A Stranger, Your Name” – the first taste of his new EP, Dream Song, out on March 24, along with an album release live show at Rockwood Music Hall.

    Jared Saltiel

    A multi-instrumentalist in the vein of Jon Brion, his original music taps into his gifts for orchestration and atmospherics, receiving comparisons to chamber pop icons Rufus Wainwright and Sufjan Stevens. With his acerbic wit and crafty narrative constructions, Saltiel is a compelling lyricist and an unapologetic perfectionist.

    Dream Song, is Saltiel’s newest soul-searching record written entirely during the peak of social distancing. The shadow of unprocessed grief hangs over this haunting new collection of songs, ranging in style from spacey indie rock to baroque singer-songwriter pop. Performing the vast majority of the instrumentation himself, Saltiel worked with producer/engineer and longtime collaborator Ken Rich (Ingrid Michaelson, Son Lux) to help craft the detailed sonic textures. 

    There’s a throughline of deeply penetrating introspection in these songs. There’s very little that’s performative or self-conscious about the material; it’s like the songs are not concerned with the outside world, only interested in going deeper. And I think this record manages to exist in that space without feeling self-indulgent because there’s that sense that nobody’s watching. It’s just a sincere attempt to process some really heavy experiences.

    Jared Saltiel on his new EP

    Despite the rich, full-bodied sound, Dream Song is a very intimate affair, with the only other contributors being Maxim Moston on violin (Antony & the Johnsons, Rufus Wainwright), and Emily Hope Price on cello (Pearl & the Beard, Kishi Bashi). No matter the topic, be it ghosts, fascists, infatuation, or Exodus, these songs seek out disquieting ambiguities with uncompromising honesty. 

    Jared Saltiel

    Jared Saltiel will celebrate the release of Dream Song with a live performance on Friday, March 24 at NYC’s Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3. Tickets are available now.

  • In Focus: Steve Aoki Cakes the Crowd at Terminal 5

    2x-Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Steve Aoki brought the heat to the stage during his electrifying performance on the HiROQUEST: Genesis Tour at Terminal 5 on March 17. With an explosive mix of EDM bangers, stunning visual effects, and his signature cake-throwing antics, Aoki had the crowd jumping and dancing non-stop all night long. Fans left the show with unforgettable memories and eagerly anticipating his next performance.

    Steve Aoki is a world-renowned DJ, producer, and entrepreneur, known for his energetic live shows and collaborations with top musicians such as BTS, Kid Cudi, and Linkin Park. Born in Miami and raised in California, Aoki began his music career in 1996 in college by producing DIY records and running underground concerts out of his room at UC Santa Barbra, and has since released multiple studio albums and produced countless chart-topping tracks. He is also the founder of the record label Dim Mak Records and has expanded his brand into fashion, food, and philanthropy. Aoki’s most recent release is fiery new single “New York” with multi-platinum DJ and producer Regard, and featuring alt-pop artist mazie. Together on “New York,” the upbeat dance club jam joins mazie’s dreamlike, twisted musical tendencies through a seamless combination of Regard’s unmistakable production and Aoki’s high-powered creativity for a song that arrives just in time to become the pop anthem to kick off the new year.

    The first opener, NYC based DJ Callie Reiff is a force to be reckoned with in the electronic dance music scene. A rising star since her early teens, she’s been smashing stages with her high-octane sets and bold beats. Armed with a fearless attitude and an infectious energy, Callie has been pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers, redefining what it means to be a woman in EDM. With an impressive list of collaborations under her belt, including Diplo, Sofi Tukker, and Borgore, Callie’s sound is a dynamic fusion of genres, blending elements of trap, bass, and techno to create a sound that is uniquely hers. From playing major festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival and Ultra Music Festival to headlining her own shows, Callie Reiff is on a meteoric rise and shows no signs of slowing down.

    Following Callie Reiff was Juuku; a rising star in the world of electronic music, known for his genre-bending sound and emotionally charged productions. With a background in classical piano and guitar, this mysterious producer has been captivating audiences with his unique blend of future bass, trap, and indie-pop influences. Hailing from an undisclosed location, Juuku’s music is a reflection of his personal journey, infused with raw emotion and a deep sense of introspection. Since emerging on the scene in 2020, Juuku has quickly gained a loyal following, with tracks like “Gone” and “Leaving” racking up millions of streams on Spotify. With support from major tastemakers like Zeds Dead, Juuku is poised to take the music world by storm with his innovative sound and undeniable talent.

    Amping up the show to a whole new level was Timmy Trumpet. Sporting his Pitbull-esque sunglasses, a trumpet, and copious amounts of alcohol, Timmy escalated the show tenfold. Timmy Trumpet is an Australian DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has been making waves in the electronic dance music scene since the early 2000s. With a background in jazz and classical music, Timmy brings a unique musicality to his high-energy performances, incorporating live trumpet playing into his sets. Known for his explosive live shows and infectious party anthems, Timmy has become a global sensation, headlining major festivals and clubs around the world. His chart-topping hits, including “Freaks” and “The Buzz,” have become instant classics, with millions of streams and views on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. With a tireless work ethic and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Timmy Trumpet is a true superstar in the world of EDM, constantly pushing the boundaries and delivering electrifying performances that leave audiences in awe.

    During Timmy’s set, he climbed the stage and started boxing the air, doing pushups, and cheering as he downed shots of tequila on stage and set off gas canisters. Timmy pulled out all the stops, taking off his shirt, spraying champagne, handing out glasses and hats, throwing out “100 dollar” bills, and even humping a giant inflatable trumpet. He celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with Irish dancing and dumped an entire bottle of tequila on stage. Timmy also sang Happy Birthday to a fellow Aussie and held his trumpet high as a trophy or a guitar, cementing his place as a true showman and a legend of the EDM world.

    Steve Aoki’s set was a visual and auditory feast for the senses. The videos playing in the background, featuring music videos and lyrics, added an extra dimension to the music. Images of funky aliens with vibrant colors and bored ape NFTs on blimps further enhanced the experience. A hyped-up entourage backed Steve up around the DJ booth, as he played fan-favorite “Hungry Heart” featuring Hayley Kiyoko and a new track set to release next month. The visuals during “My Heart Will Go On” were unforgettable, as Jack and Rose were replaced by Steve himself. He even took off his shirt and threw it into the crowd, followed by more champagne and his infamous cake-throwing tradition. Fans went wild as they caught CDs of his most recent album and fought to become bigger targets for the cake-throwing. Steve even filmed the crowd going crazy during a new song, turning it into a music video. The concert ended with a shower of streamers and confetti, and fans throwing phones onto the stage in excitement. Steve Aoki’s performance was truly a party that nobody wanted to leave.

    Keep up with Callie Reiff, Juuku, and Timmy Trumpet on their socials to see when they’ll be back near New York.

    Timmy Trumpet will be busy performing sets at multiple different shows and festivals, but will be back in NYC on Saturday May 6th at the Marquee.

    Though the Genesis Tour has wrapped, you can find Steve Aoki still performing at many different miscellaneous shows, including May 6th at Bamboozle Festival in Atlantic City, NJ. Stay up to date on show/tour announcements here.

  • Rochester DIY Scene: Expansive, Successful, and Diverse

    There is a sense of belonging within the community of the Rochester DIY Scene, with loyal fans showing up to gigs to see their favorite bands live, as well as accountability, those with bad behavior never get off with a slap on the wrist. There are ups and downs, as with any scene, but it holds itself together with the great talent booming out of the area.

    DIY Rochester
    Muck Duck Studio in Rochester.

    The Rochester DIY Scene is expansive, successful, and most importantly: diverse. Rochester has a population of a little more than 200,000, full of culture and diversity, hosting a variety of local and international musicians, and festivals like the International Jazz Festival, the Greek Festival, The Lilac Festival, East Ave Festival, Fringe Festival, the Irish Festival, the Ukrainian Festival, and more, pulling in thousands of people to the city each year. Sort of hidden in the shadows of big venues and festivals are those trying to make a name for themselves, playing to local fans right in their hometown of Rochester weekly.

    Jackson Cavalier was born and raised in Rochester, playing music around town in open mics and dive bars, starting ten years ago, going through the motions from a hobbyist musician to part-time to full-time. His bands include The Big Dead Waltz and the Anarchist Zen Collective, as well as just him solo. He plays a variety of Americana, including punk, rock, folk, bluegrass, and more, while also booking bands and musicians in the area for the past few years.

    He has advocated for good industry practices and has seen the issues that have arisen since becoming a musician, from bad venue owners to unethical practices and bands being paid close to nothing. He says that “the past couple of years I’ve spent time working with venues and bands to get everyone on the same page as to what a fair pay rate is for musicians and things that you should and should not tolerate as a musician just in hopes to make things positive and good for the community.”

    Jackson Cavalier

    Notable venues in the Rochester DIY scene include Muck Duck Studio, Bug Jar, Lux Lounge, and more. Muck Duck Studio is showing the most growth potential right now because it is an inclusive and diverse venue, hosting music, yoga, events for mental health, and more. Cavalier commented that the crowd is there to listen and, “it is almost kind of scary because you don’t get it anywhere else. During songs, people aren’t talking and after it is over, people clap and they’re equally silent, waiting for the next song. It is the most bizarre and beautiful thing.” It is a shining star of the DIY movement in Rochester right now for those reasons.

    Bug Jar and Lux Lounge have been cited as top places to attend by many because they allow musicians a space to perform. After COVID, Cavalier says, house shows have died down a bit, but the positive is that these spaces turned into outlets for those to come to. They also allow a wide variety of people to come play, from punk to grassroots, something you don’t see every day.

    Among the notable acts, besides Cavalier’s projects include Jimso Slim, fronted by Shane Joyce, with an almost Mac DeMarco vibe to his music, indie with the right touch of emotion. Brand new group Bellwether Breaks is taking the scene by storm with almost a 60s soul revival sound, and singer/songwriter Sally Louise, brings a modern Joni Mitchell touch to her music. One thing these acts have in common is that they all have ambitions, to put out music and play the hell out of it, something that is refreshing to see in a smaller city. Also, these acts showcase just a small part of the scene, showing that there is diversity present, with a little bit of something for everyone, and it is in the hands of the artists to make it go in the direction they want.

    Described as successful, the Rochester DIY scene has a lot of potential and room for growth, but the biggest issue plaguing the scene is that a lot of acts have hit the ceiling. Cavalier says that “we’re all making albums and we have a fan base and everyone is doing their own thing. We get to a point where it is impossible to grow further in Rochester because the major venues and stages that aren’t part of the DIY scene and who may not even know about it are booking only tribute or cover bands.” Venues are taking a cash-grab approach, regardless of what they are doing or thinking about how they represent the community and culture.

    Rochester is not the only scene where venues are showing less concern for patrons. It is hard to become a successful artist when the industry is filled with people who don’t know or appreciate these incredibly talented smaller artists, but would rather give their attention to those that already have their attention grabbed by dozens of others. It is up to the audience to decide where they want to go and who they want to see, and that might change this dynamic to bring lesser-known artists to the surface. The most important part of any scene is saying something if you see something. If a venue owner is being toxic, there are hundreds of other venues you can perform at to not give them any business.

    I just ask my associates to think and say ‘does my performance at this place do good things for the community, or bad things?’ The same thing goes for the audiences too…Make your dollar count because as long as you go to places that have allowed hateful things to happen, you’re telling them that it’s okay for that behavior to continue. It is very easy to boycott a place when there’s quite literally hundreds of places you can go and see muisc in the greater Rochester region.

    Jackson Cavalier

    Make your dollar count, the point that is hardest hit home. Everybody has a choice on where they want to go, and with a place that is so diverse like the Rochester scene, there’s a home for everybody from anywhere. From bluegrass to folk to punk to pop, there is a wide variety of genres and venues for people to check out, just keep in mind who you support and be mindful of others.

  • Fotografiska New York Presents Second Annual Unfiltered Music Festival in April

    Fotografiska New York is presenting its annual Unfiltered Music Festival this spring. The second of the annual series, the festival is scheduled for April 17-19, featuring some of the most accomplished performers in contemporary classical music in one of the most breathtaking music venues in New York City.

    Scheduled guests include four-time Grammy-winning, Chicago-based sextet Eighth Blackbird, three-time Grammy-nominated violinist and composer Curtis Stewart, and renowned pianist Jenny Lin. The festival follows a 2022 inaugural event that featured classical superstars including Caroline Shaw and Anthony McGill.

    Fotografiska unfiltered music festival
    Fotografiska Museum in New York. Credit: The Museum of Photography – Fotografiska New York

    Four-time Grammy-winning sextet Eighth Blackbird, from Chicago, will perform on night one of the Fotografisca Unlimited Music Festival. The ensemble, consisting of Lisa Kaplan, Matthew Duvall, Lina Andonovska, Zachary Good, Maiani da Silva, and Laura Metcalf, will share music by some of the most exciting voices in contemporary music including Viet Cuong, Valerie Coleman, Julius Eastman, and Andy Akiho. Violinist, improviser, composer, arts leader, and multimedia artist Curtis Stewart will follow on night two. Among his many accolades, Stewart is the Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra. Acclaimed pianist Jenny Lin, named by the Washington Post as “surely one of the most interesting pianists in America right now” will conclude the festival.

    Fotografiska was founded in Stockholm in 2010. The museum lets visitors discover world-class photography, eclectic programming, elevated dining, and surprising new perspectives. A core mission of Fotografiska is to inspire a more conscious world. The museum does this through photography, producing dynamic and unparalleled rotating exhibitions, spanning various photographic genres, in inclusive and immersive environments. With locations in Stockholm, New York City, and Tallinn, and coming soon to Berlin, Fotografiska is the premier global gathering place for photography and culture.

    Click here for more information on Unfiltered Music Festival.

    Fotografiska Musuem in New York City

  • Ampevene Releases Psychedelic Rock Single “The Chemistress” 

    Albany psychedelic rock band Ampevene has just put out their newest single “The Chemistress” on March 7th. The band recommends listening to the single with headphones as the mixing was planned to give the song an almost 3D feel to it. 

    Ampevene Releases Psychedelic Rock Single “The Chemistress” 

    Ampevene is an experimental fusion of original progressive rock, psychedelic, and other genres. Based out of Albany, the band has opened for nationally touring acts such as Moon Hooch, Consider The Source, Flux Capacitor, and Aqueous. “The Chemistress” was inspired by rock bands such as The Mars Volta, Black Midi, Tool, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

    Ampevene Releases Psychedelic Rock Single “The Chemistress” 

    Comprised of Gabe Stallman (guitar and vocals), Mack Hogan (bass), Ava Smith (keys and synth), and Brian McKinney Fahey (drums), Ampevene has played in some of the region’s best venues including Larkfest, The Hollow, and Putnam Den in the Capital Region, The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, Nectar’s in Burlington, Vermont, and Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse.  

    “The Chemistress” is a pure listening and visceral experience, Ampevene blends a free form frenzy, jagged riffs, and hypnotic rhythms into a tight, psychedelic, sonic landscape, designed to trip up and trip out any listener. Ampevene draws their influence from renowned artists such as Omar Rodriguez Lopez, Miles Davis, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, TOOL, Mastodon, King Crimson, John Frusciante, and more, yet somehow manages to create something completely unique for their listeners.  

    During a performance, Ampevene will take you through a transcendent experience of sounds ranging from soft floating grooves to heavy math based confusion, and even downright noise, yet somehow the complexity doesn’t obscure the pure emotion, and even comfort that the songs exude. They released their first full length album, Ephemagoria, in 2018. 

    Ampevene Releases Psychedelic Rock Single “The Chemistress” 

    To listen to “The Chemistress,” click the link here.

    For more from Ampevene, click the link here.

  • John Wesley Seneca Debuts New Album, “While Rome Burns”

    John Wesley Seneca is debuted his new album, While Rome Burns, earlier this month. The album consists of 14 tracks, most of which are largely instrumental. The tracks were recorded during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic from March to November of 2020, and the album’s release comes near the three-year anniversary of the world shutting down due to the pandemic.

    john wesley seneca while rome burns
    Promotional artwork for While Rome Burns. Credit: Wes Seneca

    A veteran Capital Region performer, Seneca goes by the alter ego “Wes.” An acoustic musician, he never intended to make an electronic album but said “circumstances” led to it. At first, it was just a way to pass time during the lockdown, but it became something bigger as the world “slowly started to open up.” The singer never intended to release an album, but upon hearing again in 2022, he thought he could “curate” some of the songs into something more. The music of While Rome Burns is vastly different than what he normally makes, which is why he made the album under an assumed name.

    “All for Me Gorg,” is a highlight of John Wesley Seneca’s new album. The track is a disco-inspired version of an Irish sailor’s song and lyrically quotes both “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and Shannon’s 1983 dance hit “Let the Music Play.” While the Covid-19 pandemic is certainly something many don’t want to remember, especially since it is on-going, While Rome Burns provides a glimpse into how music helped Wes Seneca cope with the most arguably some of the most disastrous months of the virus. While Rome Burns is now available, however, the album currently isn’t available to download for free. Click here for more information.

    Watch part 1 of the John Wesley Seneca interview for While Rome Burns

  • EDM Artist Kayzo Takes Over Buffalo’s Town Ballroom

    Electronic artist Kayzo performed for Buffalo locals at the Town Ballroom for his Unleashed XL tour on Thursday, March 16. His blend of EDM and rock has introduced a new wave of dubstep, bringing drums and guitar into his live shows to add a unique aspect to his sets. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Openers of the night included Automhate who at just 15 years old is making a name for himself on this tour. Followed by riddim producer Infekt and popular dubstep artist Ray Volpe. All of which kept the crowd pumped up before Kayzo took the stage and even blew a speaker beforehand. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Kayzo, also known as Hayden Capuozzo, had his career first take off in 2012 when he won Insomniac’s Discovery Project challenge. This then started a ripple effect for his growing fandom around the world. He later started playing for renowned festivals and venues. In 2018 Kayzo launched his very own record label Welcome Records further leaving his imprint in the scene as well as bringing attention to other new talent. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    When Kayzo took the stage at the Town Ballroom a wave of electric energy filled the venue. The popular producer not only knows how to hype up a crowd but also introduce different elements into the EDM scene that make his shows a new experience. Joined by Tyler Lacca on drums and Ben Havok on guitar, the trio were undeniably rage worthy. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Kayzo performed many of his hits like “Battle Drums,” “Domination,” and “Suffocate.” He also performed remixes from various artists such as Sullivan King, John Summit, and Fred Again. The EDM producer does not shy away from doing what is different. As many EDM artists do he samples from popular songs. Although, what makes Kayzo standout is how he incorporates old school rock and metal into these tracks. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This blend of live music and bass is something that fans don’t know they’re missing out on until they hear it live. Which paid mind to the nonstop mosh pits that opened up throughout the show. Opener Automhate even joined in on the moshing for his birthday celebration. 

    Overall, the night in Buffalo was a hit for both metal and dubstep lovers alike. Make sure to checkout upcoming shows at the Town Ballroom. Hawthorne Heights perform March 23 and The Movement take the stage March 29. Get tickets here.