NYS Music 2023

Category: Features

  • The Middle Ages Debut Purr-fectly Catchy “Where My Cats At?”

    In a world where dreams never fade, Burlington, VT duo The Middle Ages have released their first single, “Where My Cats At?,” on Friday, November 17. Bringing an infectious vibe to their music, The Middle Ages show that it’s never too late to become the rockstars you never knew you wanted to be.

    where my cats at the middle ages

    Husband-and-wife duo, MC Booty Call (Dan Weathers) and Hot Tea (Taraleigh Weathers), have discovered their passion and talent for creating inspiring, feel-good music. Their motto, “It’s never too late to be the rockstars you never knew you wanted to be,” embodies their journey and the dreams they’re living. The music of The Middle Ages is a beautiful blend of old-school flow with fresh, modern beats, all served up with a side of humor that’ll have you both dancing and laughing out loud.

    Take for example these soon to be released tracks from their upcoming debut LP. “Bronado,” an epic tale about tornado bros that’ll have you riding the storm with them; “GFX-106,” a love song dedicated to the couple’s trusty Prius, proving that cars can have a special place in our hearts too, and “Starting This Off,” a a perfect track to kickstart your day with positivity and energy.

    where my cats at the middle ages

    Joining MC Booty Call and Hot Tea on these songs include a stellar lineup of musical talent, including Ryan Montbleau, Hayley Jane, Josh Weinstein, Phin Sonnin, Retired Chief Meteorologist Tom Messner, and Patrick McAndrew. Expertly produced by Scott Hannay (Mihali) and recorded, mixed, and mastered at Tank Studios by the talented Ben Collette, The Middle Ages have already left their mark on some of Burlington’s hottest stages, with memorable performances at Higher Ground (including an opening set for Will Evans), Nectars (backed by 3/5 of Annie in the Water), Orlando’s (with backing by Chuck Jones of Dopapod, Marshall Dominquez, Matt Blair, and sit-ins by Lee Ross), Moogs Joint, Higher Calling Festival (with a guest appearance by Jonny from Lespecial), Inclusion Festival, B’Autumn’s Up Ball, Summer Soirée, and Radio Bean, where their hype man (Ryan Montbleau) joined in on the fun. 

    The Middle Ages bring a unique twist to the hip-hop and jamband scenes, using the power of lyrics and the magic of music. Dan Weathers rocks the guitar and vocals with the same energy and charisma as hip-hop legend Chali 2na. Meanwhile, Taraleigh is the heart and soul of the band with dance moves channeling the iconic styles of Janet Jackson and Shirley Temple, making every performance a visual spectacle.

    Taraleigh brings a wealth of performance experience, having graduated with a degree in dance and gone on to dance professionally. For sports fans, her cheerleading gigs for the NBA saw her lighting up venues like Madison Square Garden and the Meadowlands.

    Dan, on the other hand, is a die-hard old-school hip-hop fan who spent his childhood rapping in front of a bedroom mirror. His forestry degree might not have seemed like an obvious choice, but it’s all about finding the wood in everything he does. This dedication paid off in 2020 when he conceptualized The Middle Ages, right before a global pandemic changed the world.

    The Middle Ages are the hip-hop band that will make you want to dance, laugh, and believe that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. 

    Listen below and get ready to groove to “Where My Cats At?,” a purr-fectly catchy tune that celebrates feline friends in a way you’ve never heard before.

  • Hearing Aide: Moments Before…, LikeTheAstronaut

    Four-piece group LikeTheAstronaut released their debut EP, titled Moments Before…. The EP explores electro-pop, folk, and alternative styles throughout the five unique tracks.

    Moments Before... by LikeTheAstronaut

    The title track of the EP, “Moments Before…” includes key talents in the vocal effects, showcasing the band’s effective collaboration. In addition, it features heartfelt and melancholy lyrics, which add powerful emotion to the opening track.

    “Slumber Still” evokes similarities from electronic synth pop, but with a slower beat and swaying melody. Not only does it have a catchy, droning backtrack, it shows promising room for more development in the synth production.

    LikeTheAstronaut’s Moments Before… began with John Glenn, as a passion project following the passing of his father and the birth of his child. The collection explores the emotions coming with those events, through folk, electro-pop, and alternative musical influences.

    LikeTheAstronaut

    LikeTheAstronaut formed in Albany, with the collaboration of Dave Parker (Stellar Young, Weerd Science, Coheed & Cambria), John Glenn (Stellar Young), Josh Eppard (Coheed & Cambria) and Kyle Hatch (Stellar Young). The musicians work together as a seamless group, forming a promising band with an upward trajectory.

  • The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris.

    The Grandstand Jockey’s, Sime Gezus, and Josh Morris on EQXposure.

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

    The Grandstand Jockeys – “Gun”

    The Grandstand Jockeys are from Waterford, New York, combining hard-edge rock with pop sensibilities. Their newest EP &​$​how is out now. “Gun” from the EP will be played on EQXposure.

    Sime Gesuz -“What’s Your Problem”

    “I’m laid-back, the quieter dude in the room, just chilling,” said Simon Grimes. Since 2004, Grimes has produced and rhymed under the name Sime Gezus. He hosts a weekly radio show on WSPN College-based 91.1 FM to promote local and underground hip-hop. “What’s Your Problem” is out now.

    Josh Morris – “Ready For Your Love”

    Hailing from NYC, Josh Morris has cultivated an identity all his own while taking inspiration from artists such as The 1975, Jeff Buckley, and Pearl Jam. Concealed underneath his playful lyrics are conversations we should all be engaging in. The music itself is consistently supported by thoughtfully executed production and laser-focused performances. His first single “Ready For Your Love” is out now.

  • Surfin’ U.S.A with The Beach Boys at the Oakdale Theatre

    On a chilly Wednesday evening, fans flocked to the Toyota Oakdale Theatre on November 15 for The Beach Boys. The Beach Boys currently have four shows left in the Northeast on their “America’s Band” tour with the final show being November 19 in Schenectady.

    Despite this version of The Beach Boys looking slightly different than the Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) lineup, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston still remain. Joining Love and Johnston is Tim Bonhomme on the keyboards, Christian Love, John Wedemeyer, and Brian Eichenberger on guitar, Keith Hubacher on bass, Randy Leago on saxophone with Jon Bolton on the drums.

    Prior to The Beach Boys hitting the stage, the Garfield, New Jersey native band,  The Rascals warmed up the crowd. Led by singer Felix Cavaliere, The Rascals had a short 30-minute set that featured classic songs and prepared the audience for the main event.

    As the clock struck 8:30, the house lights dimmed and the screen behind the stage lit up with a video montage that featured The Beach Boys in pop culture. The montage featured the band’s appearance in Full House, being referenced in Good Morning Vietnam, and having Mathew Perry in his role as Chandler Bing in Friends sing “Kokomo.” The entire theatre rose to their feet as the band jumped into “Do It Again,” off of their 1969 album 20/20.

    The Beach Boys played for a total of an hour and a half and within that hour and a half, the fans loved it. Inside the venue, it would have seemed like you were in a time warp back to the 1960s. Fans were dancing with their significant others in the aisles and women were running up to the stage trying to get a closer look at the band. Even during certain songs, long after lighters were ditched, fans took out their cellphones and flashlights to wave back and forth.

    During the show, The Beach Boys ran through all their hits and even played a few covers. The most impressive cover that the band played was their version of “California Dreamin’” which was originally sung by The Mamas & the Papas and is from their 1966 album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. Bolton while drumming was also on lead vocals for this song and did an outstanding job and gave the entire audience goosebumps while Leago provided the groovy solo in the middle of the song.

    The entire band sounded great. Love and Johnston have an excellent band playing alongside them and each musician compliments each other very well. During the renditions of “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” and “God Only Knows” the harmonies sent shivers down the spines of the most hardcore Beach Boys fans and made them transport back to the heyday when the band ruled the world.

    As the band took their final bow after “Fun, Fun, Fun,” fans filed out of the theatre and jumped into their cars blasting the Beach Boys music as if it was the ‘60s again. Fan rolled down their windows as they drove off knowing that for one night, there was nothing but “Good Vibrations” throughout.

    Setlist: Do It Again, Surfin’ Safari, Catch a Wave, Rockaway Beach, Surfin’ U.S.A., Surfer Girl, Don’t Worry Baby, Little Deuce Coupe, 409, Shut Down, Little Honda, I Get Around, Be True to Your School, In My Room, Getcha Back, Good to My Baby, When I Grow Up (to Be a Man), Help Me, Rhonda, Darlin’, God Only Knows, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Then I Kissed Her, California Dreamin’, California Girls, Do You Wanna Dance?, Rock and Roll Music, Barbara Ann, Kokomo, Good Vibrations, Fun, Fun, Fun

  • Cool Cool Cool Release Funky Debut Single “Never Noticed”

    Cool Cool Cool, an unapologetically unique band blending funk, house, and R&B, will release their debut single from Color Red called “Never Noticed” on November 17. 

    Cool Cool Cool blends the best of funk, house, and R&B to create a sound that is truly unique, with dynamic female-led vocals, a tight horn section, and swirling synths. Made up of various talented individuals– Shira Elias (vocals), Sammi Garrett (vocals/percussion), Craig Brodhead (guitar/keyboard/synth), Chris Brouwers (trumpet/keyboard/synthesizer), Michael Carubba (drums), Greg Sanderson (tenor sax, EWI), and Josh Schwartz (vocals/baritone sax) – this band knows how to deliver an electrifying performance. When you see Cool Cool Cool in person, you’ll be swept up by the energy of their music and unforgettable live shows. 

    “Cool Cool Cool, a super slick collective of funkateers with tight vocal harmonies, punchy horns, clavinet soul and stage presence to spare.”

    After spending more than a decade traveling the world together with the touring act Turkuaz, the members of Cool Cool Cool decided to team up and form their own band in 2022. Their shared experiences– from playing dive bars to international festival stages– helped them develop a close bond that goes far beyond music. This bond translates into a powerful synergy that allows each band member to showcase their individual talents, creativity, and passion. 

    “Never Noticed” is the much anticipated debut single from Cool Cool Cool. The track is loaded with entrancing vocals, hard hitting horn lines and an ever-driving groove, marrying vintage tones with modern production. At its core, “Never Noticed” is the first true collaboration from a group of people who, while having performed together for years, perhaps didn’t quite understand what they had together. 

    This song lays a funky beat mixed with lofi-type vocals, making a truly different sound. It’s relaxing, yet makes you want to get up and dance. The most striking part of this arrangement are the horns– so powerful and yet seamlessly weaved into the music so that they’re not overbearing. “Never Noticed” will transport you to a funky club down in New Orleans: a place where you can relax and just feel the music.

    It’ll be exciting to see what else they have in store, as they just keep one-upping themselves.

    Cool Cool Cool will release their debut single from Color Red, “Never Noticed” on November 17. The band, featuring former members of Turkuaz, creates a blend of Funk and R&B with a mix of lo-fi vibes for this grooving and dreamy track recorded at Color Red Studios. The release comes right after their recent performances as the band for Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew’s Remain In Light tour, as well as support for Andy Frasco’s L’Optimist tour, and Cool Cool Cool teases that this is just the beginning. 

    While the New York part of their tour has ended, if lucky, you can catch them at the remaining venues of their tour in Florida and California. 

    12/28 – San Diego, CA – Balboa Theater

    12/29 – Anaheim, CA – City National Grove of Anaheim (City National Grove Outdoors)

    12/30 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield

    12/31 – Napa, CA – JaM Cellars Ballroom

    02/22-25 – Brooksville, FL – Florida Sand Music Ranch

    02/24 – Miami Beach, FL – Miami Beach Bandshell

    02/25-03/01 – Miami, FL – Jam Cruise 20

    Follow Cool Cool Cool on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or visit their website for more information.

  • Hearing Aide: The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Stephen Clair

    Stephen Clair released his newest album, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, on November 17. A one-man recording production, the record showcases 11 songs with complete performances, meaning no edits or post-production re-dos. 

    Stephen Clair's The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life

    Stephen Clair began releasing music in 1997, but his musical career began long before. Citing Johnny Cash as a childhood influence, Clair recorded his newest record as a solo production, with the performances being only him and his guitar or piano. His tenth studio record, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is not one to miss.

    The record’s fifth track, “Days Passed,” shows off Clair’s proficiency in guitar picking and instrumentation. The vocals are a distinct, contrasting note, with a higher melody and Dylan-like tone and rhythm. It stands out as a more confident spot on the album.

    The eighth track on the album, “I Imagined I Was An Elevator,” stands out creatively, with an intriguing title and subject. The melody falters at points, but the vocal style brings flair to a simple singer-songwriter track, with just Clair and his guitar.

    The tenth track, and another one not to miss, “Bubble Bath,” begins with a hopeful chord progression and soothing guitar melodies. Not only is the music soothing, but the lyrics describe an oasis away from the world, with a cozy bubble bath for the listener.

    Stephen Clair Photo Credit: Hillary Clements
    Photo Credit: Hillary Clements

    The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is Stephen Clair’s tenth full length album, available everywhere on November 17.

    Stephen Clair upcoming shows in New York State

    November 17 – Beacon – Howland Cultural Center

    November 18 – Roscoe – Catskill Brewery

    December 20 – NYC – Rockwood Music Hall

    Tickets and more information are available here.

  • New York Singles: Charley Orlando’s Relaxing Single “California”

    Charley Orlando, a Syracuse native, has released his newest single, “California,” with hints of surf rock and an overall relaxing vibe. “California” is the first of many songs to come that were created while Charley and his wife traveled across the US over the course of three years. 

    Charley Orlando has released 17 albums in the past and continues to break genres and musical standards. In his 30 plus year career, he has been added to the GRAMMY entry ballot a total of 28 times, and played over 3,000 shows in North America. 

    The last three years, Charley has been traveling the country in a 24-foot RV with his wife, exploring the US and spending his days writing music. In that time, he wrote six songs that will be released one by one over the course of the next year. 

    For his newest upcoming song, “California,” he recorded vocal parts in the shower of the RV with a blanket over his head to keep outside noise to a minimum, and crafted all the guitar parts sitting in the front seat of the RV. 

    “This song is obviously inspired by traveling in California. It’s long been one of my favorite places to explore and the song is a humble thank you to the land that brought forth so much creativity in me.”

    Charley Orlando

    If you’ve been missing that calm 70s rock that early Beach Boys songs produced, this song might just be the perfect fit. It has an incredible electric guitar line that ties the whole song together, and raise your Good Vibrations. That, combined with the occasional enchanting vocal harmonies, add to an overall surf-rock feel. 

    “California” is a raw, earthy song. It’s so easy to picture the making of this song because this entire track paints the picture of traveling in California without any worries– letting yourself go with the flow. 

    Upcoming Charley Orlando shows
    11/25 Ithaca; The Range info here

    12/9 Newmarket, NH; Stone Church info here

    12/15 Canandagiua, The Villager – info coming soon

    For more information, follow Charley Orlando on Instagram and stream his music on Spotify or Apple Music.

  • Heaven Sent: Spiritualized Bring Bittersweet Beauty to Basilica Hudson

    Crossing the train tracks that led up to the concert venue, a stranger stopped me and asked, “Is this the way Heaven?” “No,” I said. “Basilica Hudson.” While my Field of Dreams film reference was undoubtedly missed on the man, music fans could have sworn they were in heaven on Wednesday night, November 8th, when legendary UK space rockers Spiritualized made their spectacular debut in Hudson, NY. Delivering a spellbinding tour-de-force performance that will be remembered for years to come, it was the kind of show that cracked you open, rearranged your insides, and sent you home wanting to be a more productive person.   

    Making a rare stateside appearance with only six East Coast dates, fans from all over made it a priority to be there. The unique venue known as Basilica Hudson provided the perfect launching pad for such a formidable occasion.  Located in the industrial section of town, Basilica Hudson is actually an old, refurbished glue factory that was originally built in the 1880’s. Now a multi-purpose, energy efficient arts center along the city’s “South Bay” riverfront, many consider the spot to be a crown jewel of Hudson Valley concert halls. On this night it would also serve as our Space Station for the highly anticipated sold-out show that was presented by Chosen Family.

    The Spaceman Cometh: Jason Pierce AKA J. Spaceman performing with Spiritualized on 11/8/23.

    With the stage set against a starfield backdrop, things lifted off shortly after 8pm. The current Spiritualized juggernaut includes 9 band members spearheaded by our flight commander for the evening, Jason Pierce, better known by some as J. Spaceman. A revered songwriter with an almost cult-like following, it’s been no secret Pierce has been battling a number of health issues in recent years. Clinically pronounced dead twice at one point, indeed every show he plays these days is something of a miracle. Performing seated and wearing his trademark sunglasses, the veteran rocker who turns 58 this month, was showered with adoration and encouragement as the countdown to ignition finally commenced.

    Spiritualized performed to a sold out crowd at Basilica Hudson on 11/8/2023.

    Like most Spiritualized shows in recent years, “Hey Jane” was selected as the opening number. Blasting off with some infectious high-octane psych-rock, the tone was set for the transformative journey ahead. Sounding massive from the very start, “She Kissed Me (It Felt Like a Hit) kept the raw rock energy going as the room had now filled to capacity. Then hitting the rewind button and taking us back to where it all started, next was a song from the bands debut album, “Shine a Light,” from 1992’s Lazer Guided Melodies.  Making this one count, the momentum really started building here, as sprawling layers of sonic distortion and cascading crescendos reached a new level intensity, matching the equally intense, pulsating light show. And just when you thought you couldn’t take it anymore, our captain gently brought us back down, effortlessly guiding the band into the chilled-out hypnotic groove of “I’m Coming Home Again” that conjured up some heavy Velvet Underground vibes. 

    “If you want a rocket ship, I would be a rocket ship for you” – Lyrics from “Always Together With You”

    A beautiful rendition of “A Perfect Miracle” proved to be an early highlight of the set, while “Always Together With You” took on an infectious astral-pop quality that saw Pierce’s lyrics playing up the bands outer space imagery.  Cloaked in white robes, the minimal 3-girl gospel choir sounded beautiful together, adding intricate layers of harmony and filling in the space with “ohhhs” and “ahhhs” that contributed a great deal to the overall sound. Up next came a trio of songs from the album many, including Pierce himself, thought might be the bands last; 2018’s And Nothing Hurt. Flowing beautifully from fan favorite “I’m Your Man” into the hard charging “The Morning After,” and then capping it off with “Here it Comes (The Road) Let’s Go,” which from my perspective, received some of the loudest cheers of the evening.    

    “Labored over these words too long and nothing to behold / Wanted it to be special for you, but it’s just a song” – Jason Pierce

    The next portion of the night featured material from Spiritualized’s most recent release Everything Was Beautiful. Starting the sequence off with “Best Thing You Never Had (The D Song),” things got a little weird when suddenly a man jumped over the barricade and onto the stage. Basking in the spotlight for a moment, it was unclear if this was part of the act.  As the band played on with perplexed looks of plausible concern, it soon became obvious that it was just some inebriated dude looking for attention.  Then attempting to stage dive his way out of the awkward situation, fans in the front made zero attempt to catch him.  The resulting splat that followed was amusing to some, but a complete mental distraction for others. To their credit, Spiritualized never missed a single note. If nothing else, the incident seemed to be an ice breaker, for as serious as this performance was, fans realized it was okay to let their hair down a bit as it was still a rock n’ roll show.

    Idiot bastard, son of a gun
    Heaven is easy, your living is done
    Take it down easy, won’t know what you’ve done
    And we’re gone.

    -Lyrics from The A Song (Laid in Your Arms)

    Resetting the coordinates now, the deliberately hypnotic buildup of “Let It Bleed (For Iggy) produced massive moments of introspection and then euphoria, while the hard charging angst of “The A Song (Laid in Your Arms)” furthered the momentum into another deafening climax where Pierce seemingly confronts his demons while pondering over his lasting legacy. Looking even deeper within, Pierce confessed he’s “Damaged” while lamenting the lines “I wanna just close my mind / Feel like I’m floating on a ship out of time.” Soaring forward with cathartic, blissed-out beauty,  “Soul on Fire” achieved an almost orchestral peak, despite there being no string or horn section.  While the crowd sang along to its repeating chorus, the magnitude of the moment was enough to make the hair on your neck stand up. Acknowledging his struggles with addiction once more, “Sail on Through” would bring the main portion of the show to a jaw-dropping close.

    Spiritualized performing in Hudson, NY on 11/8/23.

    So long you pretty thing, God save your little soul
    The music that you played so hard ain’t on your radio
    And all your dreams and diamond rings and all that rock and roll can bring you
    Sail on, so long.

    -Jason Pierce

    After a few moments of silence off stage, Spiritualized would sail on with a passionate rendition of their psychedelic space pop manifesto “So Long You Pretty Thing.” The final song of the night was also the loudest.  Encoring with the lone track from the bands 1997 undisputed masterpiece Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space, “Come Together” nearly blew the roof of Basilica Hudson and put an emphatic stamp on a life-affirming performance that simply shook the audience to the core.  Standing up and facing them for the first time all night, Pierce would humbly take a bow and gracefully exit to a chorus of both cheers and tears. Mesmerizing and beautiful, heart wrenching, vulnerable and honest, it was the rare type of performance that satisfied all of your senses and filled you with hope. The type of show that made you feel lucky to be alive and grateful for the struggle. A little piece of Heaven right there there in Hudson, NY.

    Spiritualized | November 8,2023 | Basilica Hudson | Hudson, NY

    Setlist: Hey Jane, She Kissed Me (It Felt Like a Hit), Shine A Light, I’m Coming Home Again, A Perfect Miracle, Always Together With You, I’m Your Man, The Morning After, Here it Comes (The Road) Let’s Go, Best Thing You Never Had (The D Song), Let It Bleed (For Iggy), The A Song (Laid in Your Arms), Damaged, Soul on Fire, Sail on Through

    Encore: So Long You Pretty Thing, Come Together

  • AJR Releases “The Maybe Man” at Irving Plaza

    In an exhilarating double-header on November 12th, the vibrant pop trio AJR surprised their New York City fanbase with an extraordinary day of music. The city that shaped their artistic journey witnessed a surprise daytime performance at Madison Square Park, paving the way for an epic night at Irving Plaza to commemorate the release of their latest album, “The Maybe Man.”

    From the heart of Chelsea to the iconic Irving Plaza stage, the Met brothers, Adam, Jack, and Ryan, guided their audience through a musical odyssey, unveiling both the fresh creations from their new album and the cherished classics. The unexpected nature of these events added an extra layer of thrill, transforming an ordinary Friday into an extraordinary experience for fans who found themselves captivated by AJR’s distinctive soundscapes and infectious energy.

    Hailing from the bustling streets of Chelsea in New York City, AJR is a dynamic pop trio comprised of brothers Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met. Their musical journey began in the living room of their city apartment, where they cultivated a distinctive sound that defies easy categorization, blending pop, indie, and electronic elements. Influenced by the diverse energy of NYC, their breakout single “I’m Ready” showcased their knack for catchy hooks and innovative sampling.

    With hits like “Weak” and “Burn the House Down,” AJR has captivated a dedicated fanbase, exploring themes of self-discovery and modern life complexities through their music. Natives of Chelsea, the trio’s artistic DNA is deeply rooted in the city’s diversity and constant buzz, shaping their evolution into one of the most exciting and innovative acts in contemporary music. From the urban landscapes of Chelsea to the global stage, AJR’s journey reflects the enduring spirit of creativity inspired by the heartbeat of New York City.

    “The Maybe Man” stands as the latest sonic adventure from the chart-topping trio, AJR. Released on November 10, 2023, this marks their fifth studio album and a notable transition as it becomes the first under their newly inked deal with Mercury Records. The anticipation for the album began to build during their 2022 world tour, where the sneak peek of the unreleased track “I Won’t” served as the catalyst. Fans eagerly speculated on the album’s title, unraveling the mystery on November 12, 2022, as “TMM” was revealed, prompting imaginative guesses like “The Music Men” and “Ten Meter Men.”

    Building up to the release, the band strategically dropped singles, including the emotionally charged “God Is Really Real,” a poignant tribute to their father, Gary. The animated teaser video released on August 28, 2023, featuring Jack Met’s journey through various landscapes, culminated in the revelation of the album’s title track, “Maybe Man.” The tour announcement on November 8, which includes 2 shows at Madison Square Garden in April 2024, further underscores the grandeur surrounding this remarkable album release, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the magic of AJR’s musical universe.

    The Irving Plaza show itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, pranks, and heartwarming moments that left fans buzzing with excitement. Jack kicked things off with a resolution to be more positive towards Ryan during this album cycle, but true to form, couldn’t resist poking fun at him after the first song, “Maybe Man”. Ryan, on the other hand, shared a humorous anecdote about a dozing-off 10 year old fan during “100 Bad Days,” emphasizing the cyclical enthusiasm whenever eye contact was made.

    The band playfully teased the young fan chasing Ryan’s approval and pretended to entertain on fan song requests like “Thirsty” and an impromptu tattoo-drawing session. Jack continued the brotherly teasing, asserting that a young fan was seeking Ryan’s approval, deeming it underrated. Fan interactions included an acapella rendition of “Thirsty” by their photographer Austin, responding to a fan’s sign, and collaboratively drawing a fan’s next tattoo, with Jack humorously criticizing Adam’s addition.

    “Steve’s Going to London” became a heartwarming sing-along, and the brothers shared a poignant moment, expressing gratitude for their late father, Gary, whose favorite thing surpassed even pastrami sandwiches (#2) and his sons (#3) — the fans. A Gary chant echoed through the crowd, and Jack revealed their dad heard the new album before his passing.

    Drumming up nostalgia, Jack joined in on the drums for “Don’t Throw Out My Legos,” and a production breakdown preceded the track. “Inertia” got its inspiration from a friend’s inertia-laden job at a bank, adding a humorous touch to the performance. The show concluded with a faux farewell, leading into the encore with “Weak” and “2085,” leaving the audience on a high note and cementing AJR’s reputation for unforgettable live performances.

    In tandem with the recent album promotion, AJR is making a stop at Rough Trade Records in NYC for an in-store record signing for “The Maybe Man”.

    Be sure to also catch the band on their first arena tour this spring when they bring their incredible energy to the stage at Madison Square Garden!

    Setlist: Maybe Man, Touchy Feely Fool, Burn the House Down, Sober Up, Yes I’m a Mess, The Dumb Song, 100 Bad Days, DJ is Crying for Help, World’s Smallest Violin, I Won’t, The Good Part, Inertia, Don’t Throw Out My Legos, Steve’s Going to London, Bang
    Encore: 2085, Weak

  • Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Yasmin Williams, and Thao Share Songs in Buffalo

    Buffalo was abuzz, the Bills were home for a big Monday night matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos. But there was another bill that held more sway for those gathered inside Asbury Hall. Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Yasmin Williams, and Thao combined forces examining the current and past state of folk through a female lens. It was Monday Night Folk-for-all.

    Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Yasmin Williams, and Thao Share Songs in Buffalo

    Not oblivious to the world around them, with a nod and a wink, the foursome arrived on stage to the sounds of “The Final Countdown.” It was a last minute audible that would have hit more on the nose had they been able to conjure up their intended walk out music: the Monday Night Football theme song. But it was clear from the get-go they were in a playful mood and having a great time. Coming from a day off in Cleveland, they were rested and raring to go.

    The group first got together for a special panel at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival. They enjoyed it so much that they put together this very special little tour which the folk-over-football Buffalonians were lucky enough to witness. Sitting in a row on the stage, they shared their songs in a Nashville-style round.

    Valerie June started the show off with her unique blend of soul and folk, with a flashy green dress and her signature head of dreads. She’s colorful through and through and lights up the room with just her presence, but her bright smile, wonderful voice and incredible songs certainly don’t hurt. Rachel Davis followed, flexing her own vocal range going a capella with Sally Rogers’ “Circle of the Sun.” Yasmin Williams went in the opposite direction, playing her instrumental “Cliff Walk” with stunning finger picked and tapped guitar. Thao concluded the first round with “Kindness Be Conceived,” a song from her indie-rock band, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down. She strapped on her electric guitar and was joined with some light percussion and hand claps form the others. Each woman brought their own perspective and sound. It was like four concerts in one. And around and around they went.

    As folks songs tend to do, their songs often told stories. But the format of the concert provided the artists to open up with some of the stories behind and around the songs and instruments they played. Davis’ was playing the banjo that her dad used to teach her which he also learned to play on. He ended up gifting it to her when she first left the shores of Lake Michigan for Boston, and the sound of it reminded her of home.

    Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Yasmin Williams, and Thao Share Songs in Buffalo

    Williams’ unique lap-style and finger tapping guitar style was something she developed from mastering Guitar Hero using a similar technique. The game inspired her to learn guitar for real, but she quickly bored of her lessons and taught herself instead. The results are her precise and uniquely-styled playing. Some of the stories only went back as far as the night before, and apparently Williams used her precision for some bowling hijinks on their night off in Cleveland. [details redacted]

    The audience was also regaled with stories of June’s childhood home, so far away from any neighbors that she had a habit of showering naked in the rain. So her “Rain Dance” is not just a song but a part of her childhood. Thao introduced “Temple” with the story behind the lyrics. She took her mother on a trip home to Vietnam and it brought out a side of her she had never seen. The song’s lyrics, written from her mother’s perspective, touched deeper with the backstory in hand.

    The group also joined forces to make music magic. In a unexpected twist, they played three minutes of improvisation, June and Davis humming, Williams on mbira, and Thao on her guitar. It was a bold choice that not only worked out brilliantly, but broke up the song-circle perfectly.

    The show closed with them once again playing together, more traditionally, on a cover of “Shady Grove,” each lady taking a verse. The audience of course wouldn’t let such a special concert end in regulation, so they cheered them on for a little overtime. Another brilliant cover ensued as they tackled “I Shall Be Released” before bringing back in a little more heartfelt humor with a quick victory lap of “Thank You For Being A Friend.” And the best part of all, for this bill, everyone was a winner.