NYS Music 2023

Category: Features

  • Hearing Aide: Sawyer Fredericks Releases Nostalgia-Filled EP ‘The Golden Tree’

    Sawyer Fredericks has released his brand new EP The Golden Tree, featuring tracks “Lonely Bear” and “The Golden Tree,” recorded at Dreamland Studios in Woodstock in the summer of 2022.

    Sawyer Fredericks the Golden tree

    Sawyer Fredericks became the youngest male winner of the Voice in 2015 at the age of 16, and ever since then has cemented himself in the folk scene, his latest release being his record Flowers For You in 2020. Fredericks has lived in Fultonville on an 88-acre farm since he was eight, learning how to sing at age 11 and performing at clubs such as The Bitter End for the experience. Discussing the EP, he says “I couldn’t be happier with how this EP came out. I feel the recordings really captured the sort of melancholy beauty that I wanted. I’m very excited to get to perform the songs live on this upcoming tour.”

    The album includes four new tracks featuring his band, Gannon Ferrell on bass, Jerome Goosman on dobro, and Chris Thomas on drums, as well as Sav Buist and Katie Larson of The Accidentals on strings and backing vocals.

    The first song “The Golden Tree” starts out slow and sweet, with Fredericks’s signature folk vocals shining through, with background vocals that make listening feel easygoing and calm. The song has deep emotional resonance, and Fredericks talks about growing up in poetic terms, singing “But with the light shined on me, a shadow is what I’ll be/To those below that watched me grow from seed to golden leaves.” He also goes on to sing about toxic masculinity and the dangers of growing up, and how you become noticed once you are older.

    The second song “Lonely Bear” is just as slow as the song that comes before it. Speaking on the song, he says “I wanted ‘Lonely Bear’ to progress like a kid’s book, but the character and story itself is inspired by my dad, as well as my own personal struggles. I feel this song captured the sort of misguided hero I wanted, he is always helping others, but never letting others help him.” He makes me feel fuzzy and warm inside, as well as comforted when he sings “They’ll be times I’m lost and scared/And I’ll reach out to lonely Bear/And he’ll come running bruised and battered/He’ll make me feel I’m all that matters.” Everyone needs to have a “lonely bear” in their life to feel safe and sound, and it makes me think about my parents and how they protect me. The slow guitar solos near the end of the song wrap it up well and make the listener be able to sway to the music.

    The third single “Farm Song” is a nostalgic folk tune about his life growing up on a farm and seeing life being born then feeling grief when they leave. I can’t imagine growing the emotional attachment one does with animals just to see them leave, but he puts it into words with fiery words and passion-filled vocal arrangements. The song is beautiful with added strings to show this emotion further and makes tears well in my eyes as I keep listening to him paint this picture of a beautiful farm.

    The final single “So Smooth” talks about a relationship ending but in the best possible way, knowing it is going to be okay, and that the future will be much better. This song is much different than the previous ones as he adds drums in the background, maybe to signify his pounding heartbeat as he has to leave the relationship. All he longs for is happiness with himself, and he is going to experience that. There is a sad and sorrow-filled string solo near the middle of the song that tugs on your heartstrings and makes the listener feel emotional along with Fredericks. Overall, the EP The Golden Tree took me on a journey of happiness, sadness, nostalgia, and more as his smooth and sharp vocals filled my ears with delight. The guitars, strings, and drums in some songs all worked together harmoniously to create something enjoyable.

    Fredericks will be returning to the road with a two-part tour with Chastity Brown, beginning on March 16 and stopping at the City Wineries in Boston, Nashville, Chicago, and NYC. To purchase tickets to his tour, go here.

    Sawyer Fredericks Tour

    March 16 Boston, MA – City Winery

    March 17 Keene, NH – Colonial Performing Arts Center

    March 18 Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall, The Lounge

    March 20 NYC, NY – City Winery Loft

    March 21 Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater

    March 24 Asheville, NC – AyurPrana Listening Room

    March 25 Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse

    May 1 Nashville, TN – City Winery

    May 2 St Louis, MO – City Winery

    May 3 Chicago, IL – City Winery

    May 5 Des Moines, IA – xBk Live

    May 6 Redwing, MN – Sheldon Theater

  • FRANK Release One-Take Instrumental Album “Moment”  

    NYC based FRANK have just released their newest instrumental recording Moment, on Thursday, Feb 23rd. The album captures the more jammier side of the band, which is what the band is known for sounding during their live performances.  

    FRANK Releases One-Take Instrumental Album “Moment”  

    The band recorded this piece a few months ago in one live take at the end of the night. They stated, “We had no plan, nothing said at all, we just started playing. As always, we listened to each other, explored together, and when we stopped, something that didn’t exist before was in the world. We decided to release it as an instrumental FRANK record we are calling Moment.

    Originally NYC based, FRANK has been playing live and creating music since 2001, with seven studio albums and another on the way. One night in December in between album sessions, they created Moment, an impromptu instrumental improvised and recorded in one take. 

    FRANK has been working on a new LP to follow up their 2021 release Dreams and Fears of the Outside. They stayed, “We’re very proud of Moment as it represents the jammier side of our band. We are always exploring new sounds, rhythms, spaces, and ideas, which our audience doesn’t always get to hear as part of our recorded works.” 

    FRANK’s new album features many songs like “The Sparkling Realization,” a song that features the bands core collaboration. Other songs like “Sucker for a Pharoah” and “Broken Kaleidoscope” give fans what they love most, rock. All of these songs are classic studio jams that sound as if you were at one of FRANK’s sessions personally. 

    FRANK Releases One-Take Instrumental Album “Moment”  

    In a previous article by NYS Music, the album Dreams and Fears of the Outside was described as “…It has everything you want from a Rolling Stones influenced vibe. It still maintains the characteristic heavy drums and renegade guitar that FRANK has been putting on display throughout the record.” For more of this article, click the link here to read.

    To listen to FRANK, click the link here. To listen to Moment, click the link here. For more about FRANK, click the link here. 

  • Plane Station Release Single “Keep Me Grounded”

    Hudson Valley’s brother and sister harmonic duo Plane Station has just released their newest single “Keep Me Grounded,” on February 24th. The two are currently preparing to release two more singles over the following months and completing their third album, Art or Content, in the spring.  

    Plane Station Release Single "Keep Me Grounded"

    Plane Station consists of Nick and Brianna Chiapparino, a sibling singer songwriter duo based in Peekskill. Their sound, honed through years of live performance, is built on harmony, memorable melodies and a collaborative approach to songwriting. 

    Plane Station Release Single "Keep Me Grounded"

    Their single “Keep Me Grounded” is a powerful piece that will send shivers down your spine. No mater your headspace, Nick and Brianna’s angelic melodies will pierce through your heart. The song is beautifully written, the harmony that Plane Station has is incredible. The two are unbelievably talented artists with their sound and lyrics, they deserve more spotlight.  

    Plane Station Release Single "Keep Me Grounded"

    Nick and Brianna both grew up in the Hudson Valley and began singing together in High School. The duo has fronted many bands spanning a wide variety of genres, keeping their unique connection front and center with Plane Station.  

    Their music is often driven either by Nick’s acoustic guitar or Brianna’s piano work. Their sound together weaves seamlessly through the intimate and the grandiose, whispered lines over a finger picked guitar often give way to soaring harmonies over swelling instrumentation.  

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJM6KdpxiWY

    Their first album, The Other Side, finds the duo exploring themes of love, change and loss in a stripped down, predominantly acoustic setting. On 7th Street, Plane Station’s second full length LP, Nick and Brianna stretch their folk sound, taking full of advantage of a vaster sonic landscape while staying true to their singer/songwriter roots.  

    Their third and upcoming album, Art or Content, is coming together for release in the spring of 2023. For more information on Plane Station, visit their website by clicking the link here.

  • Underground System Announce New EP & Share Indie-Dance Video for “Sleazy” 

    Brooklyn‘s indie-dance band Underground System have just announced their new EP Looking In, out on April 17th. Along with this, they have also released an iconic music video for their song “Sleazy” which embodies NYC in a psychedelic nutshell.

    The band’s EP Looking In is the second in a series of two. Of the song inspiration, Domenica explains to Northern Transmissions, “This song is about having a spontaneous night with strangers. Doesn’t necessarily mean in the romantic sense. Just a night where you’re out on the town feeling alone (not lonely just alone) in a big ass city, but then meeting one or two people, instantly hitting it off, and next thing you know, you’re having a nocturnal adventure until sunrise.”  

    Underground System Announce New EP & Share New Video for "Sleazy" 

    “The music video we made for ‘Sleazy’ with our friend Chris Egan is the cherry on top,” says the group’s co-leader Peter Matson. “…We ran around the city for many nights in a row filming at golden hour, and the crown jewel of the whole shoot… when we finally got a hold of a very elusive party limo that once returned me and several passed out friends from a DJ gig at the nightclub LeBain to our homes in BK… It just all made sense for “Sleazy.”

    Underground System Announce New EP & Share New Video for "Sleazy" 

    Underground System is one of the most dynamic bands to emerge from New York City in recent years, continuously innovating a brand of global dance music that is uniquely their own. Domenica Fossati, headman of the group, cites “A true New York eclecticism” running through the band’s core. If you’ve crossed paths with Underground System, then you’ve witnessed the group’s larger than life presence.  

    Underground System Announce New EP & Share New Video for "Sleazy" 

    The band had described “a natural synthesis of styles” being born out of their journey from humble beginnings performing rare grooves and DJing bars around Brooklyn, to the development of an authentically original, internationally touring indie-dance band.  

    Whether political philosopher Emma Goldman actually said, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution,” or not is still up for debate, there’s no doubt that New York City’s Underground System wholly embodies that vibe”

    – Remezcla 

    To watch the video for “Sleazy,” click the link here. For more of Underground System, click the link here.

  • Hearing Aide: Tomer Cohen Showcases Original Approach to Jazz Guitar with Debut “Not the Same River”

    A recent import to New York’s forever evolving jazz scene, 25-year-old guitarist-composer Tomer Cohen notches a notable debut with his album, Not the Same River (Hypnote Records).  It’s a collection that showcases not only an originality of compositional approach, but a distinctive, fingerstyle and folk shaded playing technique that could one day launch him into the upper reaches of the jazz guitar strata.

    cohen tomer not the same river

    The album title, Cohen explains in the press release, relates to an expression by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man. “That’s the sentence that encompasses all the compositions on the album,” Cohen said. “We are constantly in motion, we’re always changing, and we just need to accept that.”

    Cohen demonstrates his unique fingerstyle-and-pick technique on eight thoughtful compositions reflecting his pastoral upbringing, from age 4 to 21, on a kibbutz in Israel. “The kibbutz is located in the countryside and has a strong sense of community,” he recalled. “I used to play outside with my guitar, watching the fields and the blue sky. I believe some of that vibe is reflected in some of the tunes on this record.”  The guitarist is expertly accompanied on this varied collection by the fluid drumming of Obed Calvaire (a current member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis) and the rootsy grooves and frequent soloing of bassist Matt Penman (formerly with the SFJAZZ Collective).

    Critics have made smart comparisons of Cohen to players like Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell, influences acknowledged by the guitarist, but I may hear even more of the late, great Mick Goodrick in his style. 

    For those not in the know, though Goodrick recorded with the likes of Gary Burton, Jim Hall, Charlie Haden and many more, he may be better known as the Berklee School of Music educator who nurtured Frisell, John Scofield, Mike Stern, Julian Lage and many more of today’s leading jazz guitarists.  Goodrick also authored a key educational primer for practicing guitarists, jazz and otherwise, The Advancing Guitarist. Like Goodrick, young Cohen is quickly becoming a master of subtly weaving chords and melody, and in serving up expected harmonic turns in his solos and compositions.  Collectively, his trio are musicians who are doing some serious listening as they play, err more appropriately interplay. There’s nothing rote or cliched to be found in these grooves, which are expertly recorded and mastered.  It’s a music of the mind that never sacrifices the passion and soulfulness.

    cohen tomer not the same river

    Cohen’s unique technique is apparent right from the album opener, the title track, “Not the Same River.” There’s a boatload of Metheny’s “As Wichita Falls” to be found in this pastoral composition and in the appropriately titled “Pastures.” The latter is a more energetic number fueled by some knotty single note soloing from the guitarist and one of bassist Penman’s many solos of the album. Penman also stands out on “First Lap.” He kicks this off with an unaccompanied solo before its moves into a chill melody and chordal workout from Cohen. Drummer Calvaire steals the show with a thundering solo on both the opening and the outro of “Connecting the Dots.”  Calvaire again gets the chance to show his range and power, and Cohen his remarkable chops as a technician and composer, on my favorite track on the album, the time-shifting, melodically tricky “Probably More Than Two.” 

    With his fingerpicked chord and melody stylings, it would be interesting to hear Cohen record an unaccompanied solo disc.  We get a taste of what that might sound like when his rhythm section drops out for a time in the middle of “Empty?”

  • The Great New York State Fair 2023 Concert Lineup Announced

    The Great New York State Fair 2023 lineup has been announced with a wide variety of genres, including rock, pop, and more. The 2023 season will kick off on Aug. 23 and wrap up on Sept. 1, Labor Day.

    The Great New York State Fair 2023

    Founded in 1832 by a group of local farmers for agriculture and local fairs, The Great New York State Fair did not become a musical showcase until the 1950s and 1960s, when the fair began gearing towards entertainment. Last year artists that performed at the State Fair included Foreigner, City Girls, 24KGoldn, and more, with some new faces making their State Fair debuts, like Coin and Lizzy McAlpine.

    The Great New York State Fair 2023
    Foreigner at the State Fair 2022, photo by Perri Sage

    The biggest names tend to go on the Chevy Park stage, but recently the New York State Fair announced that after two years of confusion the name will be changed to Suburban Park, still at the same location.

    Chevy Court Stage- Free Admission

    Chubby Checker- Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.

    Chubby Checker will be making his fifth performance at the Fair, and second in as many years. He is best known for “The Twist,” the first number-one song of all time from Billboard’s Hot 100, but also for releasing hits throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond with “The Hucklebuck,” “Slow Twistin’,” “Limbo Rock,” and more. Checker is set to take the Chevy Court Stage at 1:00 p.m.

    Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone– Aug. 28 at 1 p.m.

    Herman’s Hermits are an English rock group formed in 1964 in Manchester and fronted by singer Peter Noone. They make their return to the Chevy Court stage at 1 p.m. to play through their catalog of hits, including “I’m Henry the VIII I Am,” “I’m Into Something Good,” and “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter.”

    The Great New York State Fair 2023

    Tommy James and the Shondells-Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.

    Tommy James and the Shondells have been featured in more than 60 films and 50 television shows, and continue to be covered by artists spanning multiple genres, including Billy Joel Armstrong, Carlos Santana, Cher, and more. Chevy Court audiences can look forward to hearing hits including “MONY MONY,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion” and “Crimson and Clover,” as they take the stage at 1 p.m.

    Bret Michaels-Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.

    Bret Michaels gained fame as the frontman of the rock band Poison who has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and 15 million records in the United States alone. His iconic smash hits include “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Nothin’ But A Good Time,” “Talk Dirty to Me,” his cover of “Your Mama Don’t Dance” and more. This will be his third appearance at the Fair, most recently performing at Chevy Court in 2017 as a solo artist, and played the Grandstand with Poison and Cinderella in 2002.

    The Fray- Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.

    The Fray formed in 2002 when high school friends Isaac Slade (lead vocalist and pianist) and Joe King (vocals, guitar) ran into one another in a Denver guitar shop. After adding Ben Wysocki (drums) and Dave Welsh (lead guitar), the band landed on a name by asking people to write down ideas on pieces of paper. They burst onto the pop scene with their hits “How to Save a Life,” “You Found Me,” and of course, “Over My Head (Cable Car),” and earned a spot on Billboards’ Artists of the Decade list.

    Also performing

    Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.- Salt-N-Pepa

    Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.- Quiet Riot

    Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.- Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure 

    Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.- Julio Iglesias Jr. 

    Aug. 27 at 1 p.m.- The Prodigals

    Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.- Matt Stell

    Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.- Anne Wilson

    Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.- Tommy James and the Shondells

    Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.- Danielle Ponder

    Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.- Chapel Hart

    Sept. 1 at 1 p.m.- Crash Adams

    Sept. 2 at 12-9:45 p.m.- JAMS Funk Fest Featuring: Brick (6:45 p.m.) & Dazz Band (8:15 p.m.)

    Sept. 3 at 1 p.m.- Disney Junior Live On tour: Costume Palooza

    Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.- Joywave

    Sept. 4 at 12 p.m.- The High Kings

    Sept. 4 at 4 p.m.- Foghat

    Suburban Park- Free Admission

    Theory of a Deadman- Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.

    Theory of a Deadman are multiplatinum rockers, best known for “RX (Medicine),” “Bad Girlfriend,” “Not Meant to Be,” and other hits. They were launched into the scene in 2002 because of their unique sound, resurrected in their eighth studio album Dinosaur, out March 17. This will be their third performance at the Great New York State Fair, playing at Chevy Court in 2012 and 2019.

    The Great New York State Fair 2023

    REO Speedwagon- Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.

    REO Speedwagon was formed in 1967 and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, known for their relentless touring as well as for jump-starting the flourishing rock movement in the Midwest. From 1977 to 1989, REO Speedwagon released nine consecutive albums all certified Platinum or higher, and sold 40 million records overall. The landmark Hi Infidelity album, which contained the massive hit singles “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It On the Run,” spent 15 weeks in the Number 1 slot in 1980.

    Tyler Hubbard- Aug. 29 at 8 p.m.

    Tyler Hubbard is best known as a former member of the Nashville-based duo Florida Georgia Line. After that duo went on hiatus in 2021, Hubbard began recording as a solo artist and released his highly anticipated debut album last month. Hubbard’s debut solo song, “5 Foot 9” is his 20th Number One hit, and right now, “Dancin’ In The Country” continues to climb the Country Top 30 and Billboard Top 200 music charts. This will be his third time performing at the Fair and his first time performing solo.

    J.I.D.- Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.

    Critically acclaimed rapper J.I.D. has been hailed as “one of rap’s best storytellers,” by Rolling Stone and his most recent album topped several big “Best of 2022” lists. He made his way onto the rap scene in 2015, steadily gaining momentum and amassing new fans after every new project. His collaboration with Imagine Dragons yielded “Enemy” and propelled J.I.D to global fame.

    Yung Gravy and bbno$- Sept. 3 at 8 p.m.

    Yung Gravy first got popular with the release of “Mr. Clean” on Soundcloud in 2016. Then, in the span of six years, he accumulated such accolades as three platinum and four gold singles. He contributes a unique blend of musical styles that harken back as far as the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, utilizing samples like “Mr. Sandman” by The Chordettes, “Careless Whisper” by George Michael, and, most recently, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley, in his song “Betty (Get Money).” bbno$ is a rapper, singer, and songwriter, best known for his viral single, “Lalala” released in 2018, and more recently, “Edamame.”

    Also performing

    Aug. 23 at 2 p.m.- Steven Page

    Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.- Lainey Wilson

    Aug. 26 at 2 p.m.- Slick Rick

    Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.- George Thorogood and the Destroyers

    Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.- Boys World

    Aug. 27 at 8 p.m.- Bell Biv Devoe

    Aug. 30 at 8 p.m.- Ann Wilson

    Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.- Ludacris

    Sept. 2 at 8 p.m.-Quinn XCII

    Sept. 3 at 2 p.m.- Elvie Shane

    Sept. 4 at 1 p.m.- Hairball

    Sept. 4 at 6 p.m.- Skid Row

    The Great New York State Fair 2023 edition will also have different areas where you can go experience a wide variety of cultures. Located between the Center of Progress Building and the Art and Home Center, you can visit the Pan-African Village to learn about New York’s African-American history while you listen to music with African roots. The Latino Village will feature music, food, and more pertaining to that culture. There will also be Talent Showcases and more.

  • New York Series: ”John Brown’s Body,” Song of the Civil War

    Songs are often measured by their ability to stand the test of time. “John Brown’s Body” is one of those songs that has held up even into the present day. Although the tune has gone by many names and many iterations over the centuries, the hymn turned revolutionary anthem retains its status as one of the most memorable songs of the Civil War.

    Gloria Jane 2004 Arrangement of John Brown’s Body. Vocals, Guitar, and added one chorus from another version of the song, changed the words “Shall all be free” to “Were all set free” to fit today.

    The origins of “John Brown’s Body” trace back to Southern methodist camp meetings in the early 1800s. The song “Say, Brother Will You Meet Us,” provided the framework for what would become the famous abolitionist tune. Both feature the now famous chorus, “Glory, glory, hallelujah.”

    “John Brown’s Body” as we know it was originally published in July of 1861. It was reportedly first sung at Fort Warren in Boston on May 12, 1861, and later on July 18 by the 12th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, according to American Music Preservation.

    Despite what many believe however, the song was not originally about the famed abolitionist John Brown. In fact, it was about a Scotsman of the same name. This “other” Brown, who served as sergeant in Boston, was well aware of his counterpart, as were his fellow soldiers. They would gleefully tease him with lines like, “His soul’s marching on.” 

    John Brown ascending the gallows. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
    John Brown ascending the gallows. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

    But as the song spread across infantries via word of mouth, the nuances of the original joke was lost. Everyone assumed the lyrics referred to the abolitionist who was captured and hung at Harpers Ferry a few years prior. New lyrics were added to the old ones resulting in verses like this:

    Old John Brown’s body is a-mouldering in the dust,
    Old John Brown’s rifleís red with blood-spots turned to rust,
    Old John Brown’s pike has made its last, unflinching thrust, 
    His soul is marching on!

    So “John Brown’s body lies-a-mouldering in the ground” was not originally the revolutionary sentiment it now commonly appears as, it actually began more or less an inside joke.

    Poet Julia Ward Howe would later write her own words to the tune after hearing it sung by troops on a trip she took to Washington. From this she penned “The Battle of the Hymn Republic.” Unfortunately, John Brown the Scottsman never heard this version, having somewhat ironically died early on in the war.

    The United States Army Field Band performs the famous Civil War-era piece, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” in 2016.

    “John Brown’s Body” has been recorded numerous times in various ways. Pete Seeger covered it in 1960. Bob Dylan wrote his own song simply called “John Brown” back in 1962. In Ithaca, there is even a popular reggae band by the name of John Brown’s Body that has been together for over two decades.

    The band, John Brown’s Body combines reggae and dub.

    John Brown continues to remain relevant even today. He is honored at John Brown Farm, a state historic site located near Lake Placid, NY. It features the home and gravesite of the famed abolitionist.

    In 2021, John Brown Lives!, a nonprofit organization focused on human rights and education created a proposal back in 2021 with plans to build a visitor center and conference center. Just last week, there were even two meetings held to receive public feedback on the ongoing plans.

    John Brown's home at John Brown Farm in North Elba, NY, 3 miles southeast of Lake Placid. capecodphoto/Getty Images
    Brown’s home at John Brown Farm in North Elba, NY, 3 miles southeast of Lake Placid. capecodphoto/Getty Images

    Change however, might not be as fast as Brown probably would have liked. The state agencies expect, following drafts and additional public comment periods, a final plan to be adopted by early 2025 according to Times Union.

    Still, John Brown continues to live a life of fame long after his death, his name memorialized in both song and minds. Even if the tune was never meant for him, his soul indeed goes “marching on “ long after death.

  • In Focus: Stephen Sanchez, Live at Irving Plaza

    Stephen Sanchez, with opener Kings Elliot, made a stop at Irving Plaza on Thursday, February 16th for his show in New York during his Fall Tour. Sanchez, with his snazzy suit and southern charm, fully entranced the audience with his stellar vocals and rock star performance. 

    stephen sanchez
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

    Stephen Sanchez is a 20-year-old Tennessee-based musician who’s been constantly on the rise. In June 2020, Sanchez posted a cover of Cage the Elephant’s “Cigarette Daydreams” on TikTok and he built an audience through a steady stream of content. After sharing a snippet of his song “Lady by the Sea”, singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker reached out and offered to produce the official version, which was released in July 2020 and resulted in Sanchez signing a deal with Republic Records.

    stephen sanchez
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

    Kings Elliot is a blue-haired Swiss rockstar now based in London. Musically, the singer draws inspiration from the wistfully melancholic melodies of the ’40s and ’50s, blending these soothing harmonies with her own tumultuous lyrics. She has a knack for creating hauntingly beautiful and devastating songs that sound uniquely current, yet timeless with her out-of-this-world vocals.

    stephen sanchez
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

    Kings opened the show with a bang by launching into her hits “I’m Getting Tired of Me” and “Ashes by the Morning”, belting out these bangers to all her adoring fans. With support from Garrett Schwenk on keys, the entire performance was one to remember.

    Kings Elliot Setlist: I’m Getting Tired of Me, Cry Baby Cry, ‘Till I Die, The Outsider, Ashes by the Morning, Lost Again, Call Me A Dreamer

    stephen sanchez
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

    When Stephen finally graced the stage, the crowd was warmed up and immediately went wild as Stephen started singing “Hey Girl”.  Throughout the show, his enthusiasm and good vibes infected the crowd as he jumped around with his guitar, put on a birthday hat from a fan, and gave his “single bassist” Jesse Houle a shoutout. There was a moment near the end of the show when he sang his, arguably most famous song, “Until I Found You” when Stephen became emotional. The crowd shared in these feelings from the solid 3-minute ovation he received. As a stop on his first headline tour, Stephen brought the house down on the iconic venue.

    Stephen Sanchez Setlist: Hey Girl, Hold Her While You Can, Kayla, Lady by the Sea, Please Don’t Go Home Yet, Mountain Peaks, See the Light, I Want You, The Pool, Evangeline, Only Girl (unreleased), To Stay (unreleased), Unchained Melody, Until I Found You, Amy & Mary [The Righteous Brothers cover]

    stephen sanchez
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

    In terms of upcoming shows, Kings Elliot will be performing with Stephen on this tour until Feb 26th in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

    Stephen will continue on the winter/spring leg of the tour all the way until March 17th, ending up in Vancouver, Canada. He’ll be returning to NYC during the fall portion of tour, hitting up Terminal 5 on December 2nd. 

    For more information or announcements for upcoming performances from either of these artists, check out their social media accounts.

    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma
    Photograph by Chinaza Ajuonuma

  • In Focus: Flipturn at Lark Hall

    On Friday, February 10th, Flipturn played to a sold out crowd at Lark Hall. The show got off to a good start with band, Hotel Fiction, all the way from Athens, GA.

    Vocalist, Dillon Basse of Flipturn at Lark Hall – Photo by Jarron Childs

    They received a warm reception from the young crowd as their alternative indie style was pretty on par with the style of Flipturn. They are led by two vocalists, Jade Ireland and Jessica Thompson. After graduating college, they have been touring with a number of bands while also releasing their EP, Enjoy Your Stay, just ahead of this tour.  

    Ireland mentioned that they faced some animosity on the road and it was nice to actually feel welcomed at a show. It could be seen by the way the band interacted with each other how comfortable they felt on stage. Thompson even coming off the stage at points with guitarist, Aaron Daugherty, to either play guitar solos or encourage a sing-a-long from the audience. They played a strong 40 minute set including “Monster” from their recently released EP.

    Vocalist, Jade Ireland of Hotel Fiction at Lark Hall – Photo by Jarron Childs

    Coming out of Jacksonville, FL, Flipturn has grown a big following since playing in bassist, Madeline Jarman’s, garage in 2015. From playing to maybe 5 people at a local Albany bar, to selling out Lark Hall; they have been catching the attention of young fans at an exponential rate. They released their latest album, Shadowglow, last August and have been on their Shadowglow tour since late August.

    They played a pretty long hour and a half set comprised of music from both their albums. The mic went on of the second song of the set, but the fans did not hesitate to sing every word to “The Disco.” Only joy could be felt in that room as fans jumped, cheered, and screamed for the majority of their performance. 

    Drummer, Devon VonBlason of Flipturn at Lark Hall – Photo by Jarron Childs

    At one point the drummer took apart his snare and cymbal and asked a few fans to hold them to be played on. The chemistry both on stage and with the crowd was quite strong for this rock band of young adults. The end of their set fell kind of flat, which left the crowd very unsettled. Demands for an encore were answered with a 2-song encore including on of their hits from their freshman album, “August.” 

    Fans left quite happy to hear some of their favorite songs from Flipturn. As their tour continues, you can catch them again at Govball in Queens on Saturday June 10th. 

    Hotel Fiction Set List: Think Twice, Astronaut Kids, FU Jess, Allure, Instead of Us, Out of My Head, Athens, Monster

    Flipturn Set List: The Fall, Sad Disco, Chicago, Playground, Whales, Six Below, In Consideration, Halfway, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Hollow, Brooklyn Baby, Burn/Weepy Woman, Goddamn, Space Cowboy
    Encore: August, Nickel

    Dillon Basse of Flipturn at Lark Hall

  • Daisy The Great Share Indie Pop Video For “I Don’t Wanna Fall” 

    NY-based indie pop band Daisy the Great have just released the music video for “I Don’t Wanna Fall” from their new album All You Need Is Time. To celebrate the album release, the band will embark on another nationwide tour as headliners. Daisy the Great’s All You Need Is Time Tour begins April 12th at Brighton Music Hall in Allston, MA, making their final destination at Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg.

    Daisy the Great is an American indie pop band from Brooklyn led by Kelley Nicole Dugan and Mina Walker. The song “Record Player” from their debut album was released in August 2021, with additional verses and production performed by AJR. It went to number 6 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.

    Daisy the Great

    The band stated, “The “I Don’t Wanna Fall” music video is a compilation of footage from our most recent tour. It follows us on the road, backstage and on stage at the shows. We chose to pair “I Don’t Wanna Fall” with this very sweet docu-style footage because it felt really heartwarming and also heartbreaking to watch us so happy and in our element, tied up with this song about the temporary nature of good things. It feels important to remember to really live in the joyful moment when you’re in it, because everything comes and goes. The song was initially about a romantic relationship, but it brought new importance to the music to recontextualize it using our relationship with our audience and with live music in general. We love touring and we are very lucky to have our first headline tour EVER coming up this spring!!! We’re so excited to play all over the US. We hope you love the video and can’t wait to see you on the road.” 

    Both Kelley Nicole Dugan and Mina Walker make folk-inflected indie rock together that spans a multitude of moods, capable of being clever, devastating, simultaneous pop to powerhouse balladry. The pair first met as acting majors at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where they began co-writing a musical about a fictional band before realizing they could make it happen in real life and set out as Daisy the Great. 

    Daisy The Great Share Music Video For “I Don’t Wanna Fall”

    “Our music is generally pretty introspective, and we are often interested in the complexities or ironies we see within ourselves,” Dugan says. “That’s something we love about writing—you can say something small and delicate and true that maybe feels scary to say, but once you put it out there, it can turn into a comfort for anyone that might also be feeling that way.” 

    ALL YOU NEED IS TIME Tour Dates:                                                            

    April 12 – Allston, MA – Brighton Music Hall 

    April 14 – Columbus, OH – The Basement 

    April 15 – Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen 

    April 17 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St. Entry 

    April 18 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater 

    April 19 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court 

    April 21 – Portland, OR – Holocene 

    April 22 – Seattle, WA – Barboza 

    April 25 – San Francisco, CA – Café Du Nord 

    April 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo 

    April 29 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues San Diego 

    May 2 – Dallas, TX – Dada Dallas 

    May 3 – Austin, TX – Antone’s 

    May 5 – New Orleans, LA – Gasa Gasa 

    May 6 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Festival 

    May 7 – Nashville, TN – The End 

    May 10 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia 

    May 11 – Washington, DC – Songbyrd Music House 

    May 12 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg 

    For details about the Daisy the Great, the upcoming tour, and ticket availability, please visit the link here.