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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
To listen to “The Chemistress,” click the link here.
Brooklyn based folk-pop trio Camp Bedford have just shared the second single from their upcoming debut EP So Often & So Sweet titled “Jupiter.” With Roxanne Quilty on guitar and vocals, Mariela Flor Olivo on lead rhythm guitar and vocals, and Tallen Gabriel helming the cello, this anticipated album comes out on March 31st.
The queer and femme-led band’s deep friendship shines through in their music. At once witchy, nostalgic, and magical, “Jupiter” and “2 AM,” which were released in February to warm reviews, both capture Camp Bedford’s sonic essence beautifully. Thus, these two releases are setting the stage for what’s soon to come from the band.
Of their newest single, Camp Bedford wrote, “‘Jupiter’ is about recognizing the parts of yourself that no longer serve you and setting them on fire. Written like a spell or incantation, this track’s ethereal elements and driving energy capture the experience of surrendering to your own power.”
“This folk-pop trio finds beauty in the form of complex musical arrangements packed with substance”
When talking about their follow-up single “2AM,” the band wrote, “A rousing angsty anthem, ‘2AM’ captures the post-breakup frustration and anger of watching your former partner give someone else the time and energy you wished they would have been able to give you. Even if it’s not logical and both parties grow and expand into new versions of themselves after a breakup, we wanted to honor the gnawing hurt that comes in initially watching an ex be ‘better’ to someone else than they were to you.”
By melding their unique voices and styles of instrumentation, Camp Bedford is a folk-pop-rock band spinning tales of adventure, self-discovery, and overall, their life’s journeys. They are nostalgic forward-thinkers, for instance, Camp Bedford’s music is infused with the magic of possibility. Compared to the likes of Joseph, First Aid Kit, and Wye Oak, the group finds inspiration in poetry, nature, and musical genres ranging from bluegrass to hyper pop.
And then there were four: welcome to the Final Four of NYS Music March Madness 2023, featuring up and coming bands from around New York State, all coming to a local music venue near you.
For the past 8 years, this annual competition has been shining a spotlight on the 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 Round 4 here.
Enter your email address, get to know the bands, and vote for your favorites below!
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Yard Amphitheater Region Winner
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 their most recent single “In Nothing We Trust” everywhere on streaming. You can find Mainline on April 15 at The Chance Theater.
Straight from the band:
“We are just excited to have been asked to be part of this year’s March Madness competition, and now to make it into the final four! It’s been a great way to engage with our own fans, also to promote ourselves and everyone involved. Thank you to everyone who has been voting!”
Mainline
Funk n Waffles Region Winner
The Forest Dwellers
The Forest Dwellers are a reggae-infused folk/ indie group based out of Rochester, NY that plays universal medicine music. The band blends melodic music with incredible vocal harmonies. Stemming from different styles and genres, The Forest Dwellers fuse them into a new take on a familiar sound all its own. Listen to their song “Open Road” here. The Forest Dwellers are playing Sterling Folkfest in Sterling, NY dates May 25th- 29th. As well as The Family Hoedown at the G Lodge in Hannibal, NY dates June 9th-11th. You can also catch them playing every Wednesday in June at Abilene Bar and Lounge in Rochester as part of their first residency.
Straight from the band:
“We’re very excited to have made it into the final four of the NYS Music March Madness! We didn’t anticipate it happening but we’re just incredibly grateful for all the support. Over the last 5 and a half years we’ve had the pleasure to play music over the greater NYS region, and we hope to receive more opportunities to continue doing what we love. Thanks to NYS Music Magazine, the sponsors, venues and all the contributing bands. Much Love.”
The Forest Dwellers
Jane Dough Region Winner
Murder in Rue Morgue
Murder in Rue Morgue is CJ Carr, John Wolff, Matt Biss, and Dan Ouimette, hailing from the hometown of Manowar, and Level 7 in Auburn. The band is highly influenced by melodic death metal, such as In Flames, Killswitch Engage, and Times of Grace. The band is a group of hardworking musicians who leave it all up on the stage giving the best show every time. On the news front, Murder in Rue Morgue are representing the 315 metal scene, and are soon releasing their brand new single and music video for “Blood Song”. Listen to their 2019 album Endless Cycles here.
Straight from the band:
“Throughout New York there are tons of incredible bands and it is an honor to be part of this bracket! We are excited to see all the scene coming together and supporting each other! Together we flourish! Every week that has gone by we’ve listened to so many new artists and did some deep dives and research on our opponents. Genuinely incredible. We are also very excited about the possibility of playing at new venues in the state, many places we haven’t heard of.
We are grateful to be here, we are driven to keep going, and we respect and love all these wonderful musicians from all over New York State! “
Murder in Rue Morgue
Strand Theatre Hudson Falls Region Winner
Seize Atlantis
Seize Atlantis has a unique, tight sound fueled by punchy bass, hard-driving percussion, melodic lead guitar, and pronounced moody vocals with meaningful lyrics, a truly dynamic range of soft to heavy Alternative Rock. Formed in 2019 out of Glens Falls, Seize Atlantis is a four-piece band most closely influenced by bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, providing their own spin on a variety of covers from classic rock to modern pop in addition to their own original music.
Catch them this Friday and Saturday at Scally’s Roadside Bar and Grill in Hudson Falls NY and Pauly’s Hotel in Albany, respectively.
Straight from the band:
“We couldn’t be more grateful and excited to have reached the Final Four of NYS Music March Madness! We’ve been up against some truly amazing and talented bands, and this competition has shown a light on how many quality performers there are in New York. We couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this state’s independent music scene! We look forward to competing with some legitimate powerhouses this round, and even if we don’t win we will continue to support and collaborate with as many other independent artists and prestigious venues as possible. We also can’t wait to release our new EP this summer!”
Seize Atlantis
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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 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’re 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.
Brooklyn Funk Essentials has debuted their newest single, their feelgood, rollerskating jam ‘Rollin’ (Love Will Be Here)’ out now on Dorado Records.
‘Rollin’ (Love Will Be Here)’ is the 4th single from Intuition, Brooklyn Funk Essentials’ seventh album of stellar, master-crafted R&B, discofunk, poly-riddims and pop-laced hooks, which will drop on May 5th.
Across a career that stretches 30 years and seven albums, BFE have established themselves as an audacious project, fusing soul, hip hop, spoken word, jazz, Latin and of course, funk. The band have built up a loyal international cult following on every continent since inception in 1993 by iconic producer Arthur Baker and bassist Lati Kronlund. BFE was born out of New York’s buzzing hip hop, jazz and slam poetry scenes in the early 90s, rotating some of the finest musicians, DJs, poets, rappers and singers. BFE’s celebrated debut album ‘Cool & Steady & Easy’ (Dorado/RCA 1995) scored an underground hit with the version of Pharoah Sanders and Leon Thomas’ ‘The Creator Has a Master Plan’,while tracks like ‘Take The L Train’ and ‘Big Apple Boogaloo’ became DJ favorites.
This new ’70s soul inspired roller romp and sinewy thump with the luscious vocals of Alison Limerick has its roots in the forever earworms of Ohio Players, Mary Jane Girls and Roy Ayers, complete with Brass Construction-esque horns and a Chuck Brown-inspired go-go break thrown in for good measure. The infectious tune was co-written with original Brooklyn Funk Essentials member and creator Hanifah Walidah (aka Sha-Key), who combined the hooky groove with lyrics capturing the relief when lockdown was finally over and we could party again.
BFE also have made ‘Intuition’ available today for their legions of fans to pre-save. The album is Brooklyn Funk Essentials’ first long player since 6th album Stay Good in 2019. It sees BFE lay out their new ‘all killer no filler’ long player across eight tracks of laid back grooves and arrangements that still remain cool, steady and easy. Alison Limerick (vocals), Desmond Foster (guitar, vocals), Ebba Âsman (trombone, backing vocals), Hux Nettermalm (drums, percussion), Kristoffer Wallman (keys, vibraphone and synths) and bandleader Lati Kronlund (bass, guitars, keys and producer) deliver a confident and vibrant set of originals.
From the roller disco-esque Brass Construction meets S.O.S. Band-like stomp of party selects like ‘AA Side Single’ and ‘How Happy’ to jams like the signature horn-fuelled arrangements, chunky grooves and vox fierceness of ‘Scream!’, ‘Sho’Nuff’ and the hook-laden title track ‘Intuition’. The album also welcomes dub poet Everton Sylvester from the original 1993 BFE band line-up. Sylvester’s honeyed contribution ‘Mama’ celebrates single mothers and was originally written for the band’s 2008 ‘Watcha Playin’long player, but now fused with a sinewy jam lead by Ebba’s dreamy trombone. BFE closes out the 8-track with the quiet storm-ish ‘Unkissed’, a reflective R&B paean about the difficulties of expressing love to those we care about the most when everyday life gets in the way.
For more information, please visit the bands website.
Brooklyn indie-pop artist Oropendola has just released a music video for her newest single “Rorschach Sky.” This is the third and final single off her upcoming album Waiting for the Sky to Speak which has just released today, Friday, March 17th.
Oropendola, who has played with singer/songwriters Half Waif, Barrie, and Samir Langus, stated, “Rorschach Sky” points to the missed opportunity of spending your life waiting for something when life is happening all around you. If you’re waiting for some kind of answer from the sky, you’re not seeing the beauty and the motion in every passing moment.”
“I paused Twin Peaks to watch the kitchen clock,” said Joanna when thinking back on writing Rorschach Sky. “It was moving backwards. A slow, disorienting, luxuriously surreal countdown. April 7th, 2020, which I only knew because I grabbed my phone to type a bunch of exclamation points in my notepad. I had barely changed out of my pajamas for three weeks. I was happy for Time: being able to veer off course. Stretch like silly putty until becoming shimmery and translucent, changing color and sequence like a kaleidoscope. Shifting identity like the clouds.”
Joanna Schubert’s debut album is titled Oropendola, which is a bird whose name translates to “golden pendulum.” These tracks shimmer with bursts of energy and emotion, swinging from playfulness to earnestness with deft, technicolor brushstrokes. The album is a celebration of choosing life even in the face of its ephemerality, and of finding motion even in the midst of stillness.
The album title, which comes from the album’s opening track “Rorschach Sky,” is a fitting one then: the phrase points to the missed opportunity of spending your life waiting for something when life is happening all around you.
On lead single “Knocking Down Flowers,” Schubert finds life in the least likely of places: a construction site. Here, she recognizes and illuminates the power of living at the intersection of contrasts. The album’s emotional core comes through on roiling ballad “Trust the Sun” and clear-eyed album closer “When You Carried Me.”
While much of the rest of Waiting for the Sky to Speak careens across black-ice patches of inner conflict, both these songs offer a tentative hand outward, towards love, friendship, and family. Overall, Waiting for the Sky to Speak is an imaginative and colorful chimera of a collection that marks Oropendola’s triumphant arrival.
To watch the video for “Rorschach Sky,” click the link here.
To listen to Waiting for the Sky to Speak, click the link here.
Welcome to Round 4 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2023. We’ve whittled down 64 the bands to these Elite 8 up and coming bands from across New York State. They’ve made it this far, and we’re digging in and highlighting this next generation of New York bands on the rise.
Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness competition that spans all the musical harbors of the Empire State. As fans and musicians, the NYS Music team aims to spotlight the great talent found across New York in a friendly contest, bringing broader attention to the next generation of artists and bands on the rise. 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 Round 3 here.
Enter your email address, get to know the bands, and vote for your favorites below!
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Voting for Round 4 has ended. Stay tuned for the Final Four, starting Tuesday, March 21.
Yard Amphitheater Region
Honey Suckle Vine vs Mainline
Meet Honey Suckle Vine – Capital District
Honey Suckle Vine (HSV) is a high-energy 4-piece blues-rock band based out of the Capital District of New York State. The songwriting team of Joey Jaquez (vocals, harmonica) and Jeremy Silverman (guitar, vocals) have been creating original material for over 20 years across the USA. Joined in 2017 by long time friends Graham Espe (bass, vocals, recording and production) and David Snediker (drums, vocals), HSV is ready to entertain. Check out their most recent album Painted Nights. On March 24th, they’ll be playing at Putnam Place with Tops Of Trees, Kyla Silk, and House of Saturn. You can also catch them at Active Ingredient Brewery for an acoustic show on March 25 and Nanolas on April 15th.
Meet Mainline – Hudson Valley
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 their most recent single “In Nothing We Trust” everywhere on streaming. Their last show was March 10 at Pete’s Saloon in Elmsford, NY. You can find Mainline on April 22 at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ, opening for Kore Rozzik!
Funk n Waffles Region
Fine Grain vs Forest Dwellers
Meet Fine Grain – Troy
Fine Grain, a shoegazey punk band from Albany took both the red and blue pills with a Genny and got banned from Trader Joe’s. The girthy tones of this gritty group will remind you of late nights on a stoop in September, your first beer after work, weird questions about your parents cephalopods, and of course, the crushing weight of capitalism. With prog-inspired riffs, post-punk murk, and the occasional ripping sax solo, fine grain offers up rambunctious reverie fit for hardcore fans of all generations. Fine Grain’s maturation is a testament to the transformative possibility of punk, showing how pulled threads of the past can still stitch together a promising new future. Check out their album “Missing Adult“.
Meet The Forest Dwellers – Rochester
The Forest Dwellers are a reggae-infused folk/ indie group based out of Rochester, NY that plays universal medicine music. The band blends melodic music with incredible vocal harmonies. Stemming from different styles and genres, The Forest Dwellers fuse them into a new take on a familiar sound all its own. Listen to their song “Open Road” here. The Forest Dwellers are playing Sterling Folkfest in Sterling, NY dates May 25th- 29th. As well as The Family Hoedown at the G Lodge in Hannibal, NY dates June 9th-11th. You can also catch them playing every Wednesday in June at Abilene Bar and Lounge in Rochester, NY as part of their first residency.
Jane Dough Region
Murder in Rue Morgue vs Sarah King
Meet Murder in Rue Morgue – CNY
Murder in Rue Morgue is CJ Carr, John Wolff, Matt Biss, and Dan Ouimette, hailing from the hometown of Manowar, and Level 7 in Auburn. The band is highly influenced by melodic death metal, such as In Flames, Killswitch Engage, and Times of Grace. The band is a group of hardworking musicians who leave it all up on the stage giving the best show every time. Listen to their 2019 album “Endless Cycles” here.
Meet Sarah King – Hudson Valley
Known for her powerhouse voice and “fiery, vulnerable songs,” Sarah King creates thought-provoking, versatile Americana music. Her genuine stories about real-life emotions and situations also draw on classic folk-blues themes, balancing songs about the devil and booze with hard-won moments of reflection and acceptance. Her acclaimed 2021 EP The Hour, produced by Simone Felice and David Baron, earned her recognition as the New England Music Awards Songwriter of the Year and performances at the 2022 Folk Alliance International and Philadelphia Folk festivals, as well as supporting slots for acts including Blues Traveler and The Steel Woods. Sarah will be busy finish recording her new album in Woodstock in May before playing at Red Ants Pants Festival in Montana at the end of July. She’s also scheduled for a busy summer of festivals and touring, so be sure to stay tuned for announcements!
Strand Theatre Hudson Falls Region
The E Block vs Seize Atlantis
Meet The E Block – Capital Region
The E-Block is a 5-piece indie R&B band based in Upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B. Led by guitarist Luke Pascarella, with the line up of saxophonist James Soren keyboardist Devin Tetlak, bassist Daniel Folds, and drummer Leroy “Rudy” Dalton, the band’s deep bag of influences and free-flowing style have earned them a reputation as a unique live act in the Capital Region scene. Follow their instagram for all the current action, including their new project “Waterfall” releasing this spring. In the meantime, listen to their most recent track “Stay” here. There are currently no upcoming shows, but check back on their website for any announcements.
Meet Seize Atlantis – Glens Falls
Seize Atlantis has a unique, tight sound fueled by punchy bass, hard-driving percussion, melodic lead guitar, and pronounced moody vocals with meaningful lyrics, a truly dynamic range of soft to heavy Alternative Rock. Formed in 2019 out of Glens Falls, Seize Atlantis is a four-piece band most closely influenced by bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, providing their own spin on a variety of covers from classic rock to modern pop in addition to their own original music. Seize Atlantis is currently working on their second EP which will be released this July. Listen to their most recent release, “I Need It” here. Catch their performance at Scally’s Roadside Bar and Grill in Hudson Falls on March 24th.
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 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’re 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.
Rochester’s 7-piece Reggae-Rock Band Personal Blend released their newest EP “Inhale & Release” on February 17th. With their pop driven melodies and ear catching hooks, the band is excited for this release along with some anticipated upcoming shows.
Having just recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary, Personal Blend has just dropped its 4th release titled “Inhale & Release.” With new blood added to the band, Personal Blend is breaking boundaries and bringing the party to the masses.
Personal Blend is a Rochester-based 7-piece reggae-rock band. PB’s first full-length album, Skin Deep, was released in 2016, following that, the EP Ride, and in 2019 released Heavy Currents. Each song is a unique blend of melodies that each member contributes to. Songs like “Hello Hello” and “Watch Your Step” highlight the characteristics the band has to offer through this album.
The Rochester Lilac Festival is the largest free festival of its kind in North America welcoming spring in Upstate NY. Likewise, the Estival Festival is a family-friendly music and arts festival held twice a year at Sugar Mountain. Thus, being a magical place full of great people, great music, and great times. Personal Blend will be headlining and performing at both festivals this year, you wont want to miss it.
The band has been making waves throughout Upstate NY playing both festivals and venues alike and continuing to push forward. They bring a feel-good, party-vibe that’s including of all people and age groups and the band always leaves you wanting more.
And here we are at Round 3 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2022. Below you’ll find 8 matchups between 16 bands and artists from across New York State, from numerous genres, all on the rise and ready to make a name for themselves.
For the past 8 years, this annual competition has been shining a spotlight on the talented artists and musicians from across the Empire State. This year’s competition promises to be 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 Round 2 here.
Enter your email address, meet the bands and artists below, and vote for your favorites!
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Yard Amphitheater Region
The Yard Amphitheater is an outdoor music venue nestled in the rolling hills of NY State with BBQ on site, an outdoor bar, space for lawn games, and room to dance! Watching a performance at The Yard is similar to watching a concert in your own backyard, with the exception that this backyard features a fully stocked outdoor bar, mouthwatering BBQ, and nationally touring performers.
eberwine vs. Honey Suckle Vine
Buffalo-based rock and blues quintet eberwine (sic) is known for innovative improvisation, soulful lyrics, and high-energy shows. The band’s music highlights the best of rock and blues with nods to 90s alt-rock and jam. eberwine is the brainchild of frontman and guitarist Todd Eberwine (Dive House Union, Soul Roach, Todd Eberwine Band). What started as a solo project in 2016, is now a touring five-piece pulling seasoned musicians from the Buffalo music scene into a Western New York supergroup featuring Ryan Nogle (Funktional Flow, Aqueous), Evan Laedke (Tim Britt Band), Aaron Ziolkowski (Little Mountain Band), and Jay Race (Dead Alliance Buffalo). While they don’t have any upcoming shows at the moment, check back for any new show announcements on their website.
Honey Suckle Vine (HSV) is a high-energy 4-piece blues-rock band based out of the Capital District of New York State. The songwriting team of Joey Jaquez (vocals, harmonica) and Jeremy Silverman (guitar, vocals) have been creating original material for over 20 years across the USA. Joined in 2017 by long time friends Graham Espe (bass, vocals, recording and production) and David Snediker (drums, vocals), HSV is ready to entertain. Check out their most recent album Painted Nights. On March 24th, they’ll be playing at Putnam Place with Tops Of Trees, Kyla Silk, and House of Saturn.
Mainline vs. An Easy Death
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 their most recent single “In Nothing We Trust” everywhere on streaming. Their last show was March 10 at Pete’s Saloon in Elmsford, NY. You can find Mainline next on April 22 at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ, opening for Kore Rozzik!
An Easy Death is a 5-piece Post-Punkcore band based out of the Rochester area drawing influence from bands like Blink-182, Oceans Ate Alaska, Everytime I Die, MxPx, and It Dies Today. The band formed in 2020 and has since been making a name for themselves in the Rochester and Buffalo areas. Check out their most recent release from January, “The Debt That All Men Pay“. Their next appearance will be on March 25 at 7:00 PM with Dark Divine and Catch Your Breath at Rochester’s very own Montage Music Hall.
Voting for Round 3 has ended. Stay tuned for Round 4, starting at 8am on Thursday, March 16
Funk n Waffles Region
Farrow vs. Fine Grain
With thought provoking lyrics, strong melodies, and deep grooves, Farrow brings to life a vibe reminiscent of decades past whilst grounded in a modern sonic landscape. Based in Buffalo and led by producer/bass player Andre Pilette and singer/lyricist Michael Farrow, the band features Tim Webb on drums, Michael Ruopoli on percussion, Cory Clancy on guitar, Rufus “Breexy” Cole Jr. on keps, and Danielle Johnson on backing vocals. Check out the band’s website for show updates, like their past show on March 10. They also have an upcoming show on March 21, 2023 at the Buffalo Sabres vs Nashville Predators hockey game at Key Bank Center in Buffalo.
Fine Grain floats in between shoegaze haze and punk posturing. With prog-inspired riffs, post-punk murk, and the occasional ripping sax solo, fine grain offers up rambunctious reverie fit for hardcore fans of all generations. Fine Grain’s maturation is a testament to the transformative possibility of punk, showing how pulled threads of the past can still stitch together a promising new future. Visit here to listen to their latest release, their album “Missing Adult“.
Jennie Angel vs. The Forest Dwellers
Jennie Angel is an actress who recently rediscovered her love for music. Started playing the guitar when she was 16 and has been singing she was born, now performing popular country hits! Jennie has most recently been added as a member of the Academy of Country Music and will be attending the awards show in March. Music and merch are both available on her website. Check out her most recent single, released on Valentines Day, “You Proof“. Catch her next performance on March 16 at the SXSW Balanced Breakfast Showcase.
The Forest Dwellers are a reggae-infused folk/ indie group based out of Rochester, NY that plays universal medicine music. The band blends melodic music with incredible vocal harmonies. Stemming from different styles and genres, The Forest Dwellers fuse them into a new take on a familiar sound all its own. Listen to their song “Open Road” here.
Voting for Round 3 has ended. Stay tuned for Round 4, starting at 8am on Thursday, March 16
Jane Dough Region
Jane Dough help cannabis entrepreneurs win business licenses, optimize facility design, standardize operation, increase revenue and design their future.
PEAK vs. Murder in Rue Morgue
PEAK’s music, described as Psychedelic Indie Funk, is a mix of poetic, melodic songwriting, moody electrofunk, riffed-out blues-rock, and exploratory danceable improvisations. Some of their many influences include artists such as The Band, The Talking Heads, Phish, The Grateful Dead, Radiohead, James Brown, and Miles Davis, as well as modern songwriters such as Conor Oberst, Mac Demarco, Kurt Vile, and Jack White to name a few. The band’s website has links to their music, including their most recent album, “Choppy Water“. Tour/show information can be found here, like their most recent show on March 10, and their upcoming show on March 25 in Lake Huntington, NY.
Murder in Rue Morgue is CJ Carr, John Wolff, Matt Biss, and Dan Ouimette, hailing from the hometown of Manowar, and Level 7 in Auburn. The band is highly influenced by melodic death metal, such as In Flames, Killswitch Engage, and Times of Grace. The band is a group of hardworking musicians who leave it all up on the stage giving the best show every time. Listen to their 2019 album “Endless Cycles” here.
Whaley vs. Sarah King
Whaley comes from Long Island, and they are a culmination of the best material & musicians Logan has written & met over the last 8 years since graduating from music school. His music can be best described as having old-school sensibilities with a new-school vibe. He released his debut album “Funky Tonight” this past February. Keep up with Whaley at all their shows, the next one being March 16th at Long Island Stage in Riverhead, NY.
Known for her powerhouse voice and “fiery, vulnerable songs,” Sarah King creates thought-provoking, versatile Americana music. Her genuine stories about real-life emotions and situations also draw on classic folk-blues themes, balancing songs about the devil and booze with hard-won moments of reflection and acceptance. Her acclaimed 2021 EP The Hour, produced by Simone Felice and David Baron, earned her recognition as the New England Music Awards Songwriter of the Year and performances at the 2022 Folk Alliance International and Philadelphia Folk festivals, as well as supporting slots for acts including Blues Traveler and The Steel Woods. While Sarah doesn’t have any shows slated in NYS at the time, her next show is March 11 at The Colonial Theatre in Keene, New Hampshire.
Voting for Round 3 has ended. Stay tuned for Round 4, starting at 8am on Thursday, March 16
Strand Theatre Hudson Falls Region
The E-Block vs. Hilltop
The E-Block is a 5-piece indie R&B band based in Upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B. Led by guitarist Luke Pascarella, with the line up of saxophonist James Soren keyboardist Devin Tetlak, bassist Daniel Folds, and drummer Leroy “Rudy” Dalton, the band’s deep bag of influences and free-flowing style have earned them a reputation as a unique live act in the Capital Region scene. Follow their instagram for all the current action, including their new project “Waterfall” releasing this spring. In the meantime, listen to their most recent track “Stay” here. There are currently no upcoming shows, but check back on their website for any announcements.
Hilltop is a four piece jam band from Albany, NY. Over the past four years they’ve made a name for themselves with carefully crafted originals, mind bending improvisation & fun, diverse covers. Each member offers a proficient, unique approach to their instrument that defines the musical experience. This band of young musicians is eager to spread their music and will continue to engage crowds wherever they go. Listen to their newest release, a collection of live performances, titled “Live Rips” here. With an upcoming tour, there are 5 chances to see Hilltop live in NYS. Be sure to catch them at their next show on March 25 at the Monopole in Plattsburgh, as well as at Zen Barn in Waterbury, Vermont on March 23.
Deb Cavanaugh vs. Seize Atlantis
Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and roots singer Deb Cavanaugh lives in the foothills of the Taconic Mountains, in Upstate New York. In the mid-nineties, Deb focused on traditional folk music such as Old Time, traditional ballads, and Irish dance tunes. She now formed Deb Cavanaugh & Dandelion Wine, playing a variety of styles including blues, rock and traditional folk as well as a variety of instruments. Dandelion Wine’s line-up may vary depending on the venue and availability of musicians. Dandelion Wine is Jared Carrozza on bass and Ben Hart on drums, who also provides vocals and occasional lead guitar. The unique blend of blues, rock & roll, and folk is what gives Dandelion Wine a genre best defined as “psychedelic folk.” Find out more about her incredible story and listen to songs at her website, including their most recent release “Electric Avenue“. Catch their performance at Troy Speakeasy on March 25th with Jared Carrozza, Ben Hart and Mandy Valentine.
Formed in 2019, Seize Atlantis, is an Alternative Rock Band located in Upstate NY that play a variety of genres, including originals and covers. The band consists of James Mullen (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Mike Dardas (Bass/Vocals), Luc Bourgault (Lead Guitar) and Cody Platt (Drums). Listen to their most recent release, “I Need It” here. Catch their performance at Pauly’s Hotel in Albany on March 12th.
Voting for Round 3 has ended. Stay tuned for Round 4, starting at 8am on Thursday, March 16
Voting ends at 11:59pm on Wednesday, March 8th. Winners will be announced on March 9th, with voting in Round 3 running March 11-13. Good luck to all the bands!
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, Round 1 and Round 2.
The finalists of 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’re 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.
