NYS Music 2023

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • Good Company: Kendall Street Co. Cheeses It Up In Albany

    Making their maiden voyage through Albany, Kendall Street Company had fans jumping for joy on Friday, April 28th when they brought their barefoot brand of high energy, jam-infused beach rock, along with their signature sense of humor, to Lark Hall for the first time.  As enlightening as it was entertaining, it was the kind of show that sent you home thinking you’d just danced with the stars of tomorrow, today. The type of band that makes sure everyone is having fun, and If you didn’t this night, why were you even there in the first place?

    Jumping for Joy: Kendall Street Company brought the fun to Albany for their Lark Hall debut on 4/28/23.

    Based out of Charlottesville, VA, the band originally formed in 2013 and has been riding a steady wave of momentum since the end of the pandemic.  Thanks in large part to constant touring, dedicated songwriting and finding a balance between humor, business and being the best of buds, Kendall Street Company consists of frontman Louis Smith on rhythm guitar and vocals, the dress wearing Brian Roy on Bass, Ryan Wood on drums, Ben Lederberg on electric guitar, and saxophonist/keyboard player Jake Vanaman. Their sound is often hard to categorize, a melting pot of various styles and influences ranging from soul-searching blues, to jazz inspired bluegrass, to psychedelic yacht rock, to straight up feel-good pop rock. Along with an equally diverse and impressive list of covers in their bag, Kendall Street Company showcased it all on this Friday night in Albany.

    Kendall Street Company opened the show on 4/28/23 with their brand new single, “Becca’s Dad.”

    Opening the performance with their latest single “Becca’s Dad,” followed by “Wineglass Television,” we got our first cover song of the night in the form of the Grateful Dead‘s “Bertha,” which the Lark Hall faithful happily ate up.  Having reviewed several Lark Hall shows in the past, it never once occurred to me what the bird actually sounds like. Thanks to one of the most memorable and educational moments of the night, however, it’s now a chirp I don’t think I’ll ever forget. In deadpan poker face, KSC frontman Louis Smith would take us to school by calling up a Lark sound effect and piping it through the PA system long enough to where it was funny, then unfunny, then hypnotic and then funny again. Amusing themselves and the audience alike, make no mistake, these guys are serious musicians.  

    Barefoot Boogie: Kendall Street Company rocked Albany’s socks off on 4/28/23.

    Continuing on with “Porridge,” “Unwind (Boiler Jam),” and a surprise cover of “Ode to Viceroy” by Mac DeMarco, the band would play another unreleased new song called “Trapeze”.  The highlight of the night came next when fans in the crowd approached the stage and gifted the band a few containers of Aged White Cheddar potato chips, clearly a request for the guys to play their song of the same name. After taking a moment for a mid-set snack, as if the knock-off Pringles were communion wafers, not only would the band grant the request, they would jam it out using the chip containers as percussion shakers! While everyone in the audience was legitimately laughing out loud, the guys made note how the chips were a little dry and made them thirsty. Whether it was a planned bit, or spontaneous like I hope it was, it was effective and endeared the guys to the Albany crowd even more.

     Shake It Up: Give an artist a can of chips and they’ll get you something out of it. 4/28/23

    After “Sweet and Clean,” we got our third cover song of the night with “Doctor Worm” by They Might Be Giants. Speaking from the heart and getting a little sentimental, Kendall Street Company would then play the first song they ever wrote together, the irresistible “Cars.” Showing promise from the very beginning, on this night, KSC took a hard left during the song, detouring to the 5 boroughs and mashing it up with the Beastie Boys classic anthem “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” “Laura, I’m Sorry About the Cobbler” would bring the main portion of the show to a close and leave the audience hungry for more. Happy to entertain the intimate crowd, Kendall Street Company would get a little sexy on the humorous encore of “Stanley Birddogmouth,” resulting in full audience participation similar to what you might see during a “YMCA” sing-along. As ridiculous as it was fun, it was hard not to get caught up in the charming antics Kendall Street Company provided to the unassuming Albany audience. This unteachable charisma and their innate ability to connect will surely help them go as far as they want to.

    Kendall Street Company “cheesed” it up in Albany, Aged White Cheddar style on 4/28/23.

    After taking a little time off to celebrate drummer Ryan Wood’s wedding, the band is set to make several east cost appearances later this summer.  With upcoming stops in Pembroke, MA, Asbury Park, NJ and a late night Phish after party at The Cutting Room in NYC, Kendall Street Company will also take part in some major festivals like Strangecreek Campout and The Peach Music Festival in Scranton, PA.  A band on the rise and one you definitely need to see live, if you’re looking for some good tunes, a good time and good company, Kendall Street has plenty to offer.

    Kendall Street Company | 4/28/2023| Lark Hall | Albany, NY

    Setlist: Becca’s Dad, Wineglass Television, Betha  [1] , Porridge, Unwind (Boiler Jam), Ode To Viceroy  [2] , Trapeze, Aged White Cheddar, Sweet & Clean, Doctor Worm  [3] , Cars > No Sleep Till Brooklyn (Albany),> Cars, Laura, I’m Sorry About the Cobbler

    Encore: Stanley Birddogmouth (Sensual version)

     [1]  The Grateful Dead cover

     [2]  Mac Demarco cover

     [3]  They Might Be Giants cover

     [4]  Beastie Boys cover

  • The Academic “Sitting Pretty Tour” Stops at The Bowery Ballroom

    On Sunday, May 14th, The Academic stopped at the Bowery Ballroom. On their “Sitting Pretty Tour,” the young four-man band from Ireland brought their alternative Irish flair to New York City. An intimate crowd dotted the Bowery floor to swallow up any standing space. The venue selection ensured the audience was in for a treat, for the ballroom sound system holds the power of electric guitars and bass incredibly. This deemed important, because The Academic are proven rock revivalists.

    Photograph by Tharynn Olson

    Alternative/indie band, Summerdrive, opened for The Academic. Their set was short but effective, for their performance livened up the waiting crowd. With intriguing synths and intentional drumming, Summerdrive gave a tasteful while all the same riveting show. They heavily created a similar listening experience that the Bleachers or COIN would.

    Not long after Summerdrive left the stage and the instruments were swapped, The Academic made their way onto the stage. Hoots and hollers elevated the band’s excitement as they gazed upon the crowd. Bassist, Matthew Murtagh, and guitarist, Stephen Murtagh sauntered onto stage followed by drummer, Dean Gavin. Lead vocalist, Craig Fitzgerald amped the energy when he approached the mic with an electric guitar slung over his shoulders. “How are you doing New York? It’s been a while!”

    Photograph by Tharynn Olson

    The setlist rolled by too easily, sewn together by impressive guitar solos and conversation with the audience. They emanated a wildly unique sound that seemed to be in conversation with different decades of alternative music. Accents from melodies of The Talking Heads, guitar riffs from Led Zeppelin, and more modern personal lyricism like that of Cage The Elephant or The Neighbourhood were present in their performance. 

    Classic-rock married to indie, The Academic has mastered the art of the guitar. Their Irish origin gifted them with the ever presence of rock and roll, and since the U.K. never parted ways with the music genre like America did for a while, they had continuous exposure to the evolution of rock. I look like a million when I play my rock n’ roll.

    Photograph by Tharynn Olson

    At the end of a drum-heavy song, the guitarists and singer circled around the drumset. They surrendered their instruments’ sound to Gavin while he masterfully annihilated his drum solo and bowed down to him on his throne. The Bowery lights synced up with his percussion, creating a strobed visual. Gavin’s solo was absorbed by the audience as were the multiple guitar solos throughout the evening.

    After playing some songs from their new album, “Sitting Pretty,” released February 10th, Fitzgerald took a moment to give thanks to the crowd. He asked if anyone in the audience attended their show last year at Mercury Lounge in the city, and pockets of shouts volleyed amongst the crowd. In this interlude of crowd engagement, he complimented the high energy and inquired, “Any Irish in the crowd tonight?” A strong majority of the hands shot up. He grinned.

    Photograph by Tharynn Olson

    The Academic hosted a very engaging show. With dramatic dancing and conversational interactions with fans, the atmosphere was endearing. Towards the end of their set, lead vocalist Fitzgerald got onto the floor to be level with the crowd. While he sang, the crowd enveloped him. Phones shot up above heads to capture the moment, and fans sang excitedly around him.

    He returned to the stage to finish out the rest of their set. The vivacity was contagious. Small groups of friends merged with strangers. By the end of the show, there were no strangers in the room, only people with a mutual affinity for rock and four Irish musicians. Fitzgerald and his bandmates showered thanks to everyone for attending, and even more gratitude to the staff at Bowery Ballroom. “Give it up for everyone working in this beautiful venue tonight!”

    Photograph by Tharynn Olson

    The Academic put on a grand show in a small but iconic venue. Their musical future brightened on Sunday, for they collected many new fans. The “Sitting Pretty Tour” is only the beginning for this refreshingly genuine rock-band. 

  • In Focus: Andrew McMahon Headlines Syracuse’s Food Truck Battle

    Summer festival season could not have kicked off with a more perfect start on Saturday, as the Syracuse Food Truck Association hosted their third annual Food Truck Battle at the New York State Fairgrounds.  The event featured over fifty local and regional food trucks as well as a day filled with local and national music alike, culminating with a headlining set from Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.

    Andrew McMahon performs at the 2023 Syracuse Food Truck Battle

    Festival attendees were treated to a line up of over fifty local and regional food truck of varying cuisine.  The trucks lined the road ways around the Fair’s Chevy Court.  Happy festival goers packed the streets, hoping to try some of their long standing favorites, or perhaps venture into a new cuisine.  A panel of local celebrity judges sat stage side, sampling fare from each truck, and would later present several awards.  Festival goers were also encouraged to vote for their favorites.  

    Quality food wasn’t the only thing on the menu, as the day’s agenda featured a diverse mixture of both local musicians and national touring acts.  The day’s music kicked off with a set by local favorite, Just Joe.  Just Joe, formerly of heavy metal band Brand New Sin, delivered a set of classic rock covers played entirely on the piano.   His set was followed by a high energy performance by My So Called Band, who played a set of 90’s rock covers.  Fondu was up next, and by now the festival grounds were starting to pack in with the afternoon crown.  The area around the stage began to fill with dancing concert goers, who were enjoying the disco-party atmosphere provided by Fondu.  The Brownskin Band followed, delivering a set of R&B music. Finally, Hard Promises wrapped up the local music portion of the day, with a set of 70’s classic rock covers.  

    Fondu performs at the 2023 Syracuse Food Truck Battle

    Following an intermission to present the day’s awards, national touring act Michigander took the stage.  Led by lead singer Jason Singer, the four piece band performed a set of indie pop-rock tracks.  They opened with “Superglue”, the catchy first single off the band’s latest EP, It Will Never Be the Same.  The song’s chorus is one everyone in attendance could sing along with, even if they had never heard it before.  The band’s set had fans dancing and swaying in the area surrounding the stage.  One group off to the side danced and sang along to every word and even caught the attention of Jason Singer.  “You guys are awesome.  When you play a new city, you never know if anyone will show up.  Thank you so much.” 

    Michigander performs at the 2023 Syracuse Food Truck Battle

    After a short stage change over, it was time for Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.  The area surrounding the stage had filled in almost entirely by this point with fans of McMahon, both young and old.  Taking the stage promptly at 8:30pm, the band launched into the high energy “Stars”, off their latest release Tilt at the Wind No More.  McMahon, who sings and plays piano, bounced around the stage between stints on the piano.  He danced on top of the piano, at times leaping into the air.  He ran through the crowd singing, without missing a beat.  In all, the band delivered 90 minutes of stand out tracks spanning McMahon’s career, one that has seen him play in three different bands.   The crowd, who packed the area in front of the stage, sang and danced along the entire set.  They pleaded for an encore, one which McMahon quickly obliged. Returning to the stage with guitarist Bob Anderson, the two delivered a haunting rendition of “Nobody Tells You When You’re Young” followed by “Cecilia and the Satellite” the later which was written for McMahon’s daughter, who frequently accompanies the band on tour. It was a climactic ending to a wonderful day of food and music.

  • Jess Jones and E.R.I.E. 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 Jess Jones and E.R.I.E.

    E.R.I.E. and Jess Jones

    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.

    Jess Jones- “Souvenier”

    Jess Jones is a free spirit born and raised in Esperance. She studied classical voice and guitar at the Crane School of Music and has performed at venues such as the Hotel Cafe, the Orange County Fair, the 2019 NAMM Show, and Rockwood Music Hall. She loves to borrow the picking styles of Paul Simon, James Taylor, and John Denver. 

    E.R.I.E-“Bad Mans World”

    E.R.I.E. is a Capital region-based indie rock quartet. What began as a passion project developed by singer/songwriter TJ Foster has turned into a fully formed quartet, bringing energetic live shows to eager audiences. Their most recent album Suburban Mayhem is out now.

  • Second Annual Sullivan County Music Festival to Showcase Local Talent

    The second annual Sullivan County Music Festival, presented by the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) will be held on Sunday, June 4, from 12 pm to 8 pm. The event will be held on the lawn of Tango Café and Fireman’s Park, Main Street, Hurleyville.

    Sullivan County Music Festival
    Faith Kelly Performs at the 1st Annual Sullivan County Music Festival, June 4, 2022. Photo by Douglas Shindler. Image Courtesy Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre.

    Sullivan County Music Festival is a free community event, with a suggested donation of $10 to support local musicians and vendors. A donation of $10 will get you three complimentary raffle tickets for a chance to win exciting door prizes. Raffle announcements will occur just before the final performance at 7:10 pm.

    This year’s lineup includes 15 performances, all showcasing the incredible diversity of local talent in the the Southern Catskills. Sullivan County Music Festival will also highlight 15 non-profit organizations doing remarkable work within Sullivan County. Attendees can enjoy original music all day, along with an array of vendors, raffles, and door prizes generously provided by local businesses.

    This festival provides a vital platform for the incredible diversity of talent we have right here in our region. It’s an honor to celebrate and support our local musicians, vendors, and non-profit organizations that contribute so much to our community.

    Co-Executive Director of HPAC, Ellyane Hutchinson

    Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to relax on the grass in front of Tango Café. Several local businesses, including The Hurleyville General Store, Tango Café, Pickled Owl, La Salumina, and Casa Mia, will offer a variety of delicious food options. Additionally, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle will give guests the opportunity to win cash and prizes from local restaurants, vendors, and businesses.

    The Sullivan County Music Festival is a family-friendly event, and will include a bouncy house and face painter. Ample parking is available in two large municipal lots on Main Street and Railroad Avenue in Hurleyville. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with restrooms available in HPAC and Tango Café.

    WJFF Radio Catskill is the official local media sponsor, while NYS Music serves as the official NY state media sponsor. The Sullivan County Music Festival is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Artist fees for the festival are supported in part by STEAM Fund’s Mission One Gig At A Time (MOGAAT). Catskill Brewery is the official beverage sponsor and Upstate D Tours is the official transportation sponsor. Other event sponsors include Funky Hippy Chic Boutique, Liberty Fine Furnishings & Upholstery, DJ Gteaze, Savory Sweet Eatery, American Storage Buildings, and Zeke1r.

    For more information, visit hurleyvilleartscentre.org.

  • Lizzy McAlpine’s “The End of The Movie Tour” Sells Out Terminal 5

    On Tuesday, May 2nd Lizzy McAlpine returned to New York City and sold out the west side’s beloved Terminal 5. Only a week prior, Lizzy sold out Brooklyn Steel. One night in the big city just wasn’t enough for McAlpine on her “The End of The Movie Tour.” Her debut in the past couple of years has been one to witness. She has accumulated superfans who worship her relatable lyrics and sweet sound-blend of it-girl pop with classic grunge. The success of this tour has been a testament to her talent.

    Lizzy McAlpine "The End of The Movie Tour" Sells Out New York City Terminal 5
    Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

    Opener, Olivia Barton, kicked off the night and made the warehouse stage her own. Emanating a similar sound to artists like Lizzy McAlpine, HAIM, Lucy Dacus, and so on – Barton culminated her own stage presence with her innocently raw lyrics. Her own sound. The crowd volleyed Olivia’s lyrics back to her from the pit and the balconies, and her excitement became a tangible energy. The set flew by, and when it came time for Barton to say her goodbyes, it was bittersweet.

    In between Olivia Barton’s opening set and Lizzy’s second show-face in New York City, the crowd hummed in a unified frenzy. The speakers were blasting popular Y2K pop-hits and nostalgic Disney songs by artists like Hannah Montana and Demi Lovato. Friends, couples, fathers and daughters, and solo-fans were conviving to belt the universally appreciated lyrics. Later in Lizzy’s set, she praised Olivia: “She really gets it. Her writing is so human. She’s so special, and I’m so grateful to have her on tour. I listen to her backstage, and I’m in tears!”

    Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

    Fifteen past nine o’clock, the lights cut and the bass rose to a body-shaking intensity. The infrastructure of Terminal 5 holds sound so impressively, but the deafening screams echoed riotously. Blue and purple lights slowly expanded their coverage across the stage to reveal a bedroom set-up. Framed posters and window panes clung to the back of the stage. The setting felt familiar, like the space that held so much of one’s life. The love, the heartbreak, the friendships, the sleepovers, the daydreams.

    After a lengthy instrumental introduction, followed behind her band, Lizzy skipped out onto the stage. Her outfits on tour have been widely complimented, and on Tuesday she did not disappoint. Adorned in a denim corset and casual blue jeans, she stood in pure happiness as she grinned out towards the crowd. “I’m gonna play some songs for you, and it’s going to be great! We’re gonna have a great time!”

    As Lizzy progressed through her setlist, she took intentional time to explain the story behind each song. The crowd bent their ears to listen to every detail she shared. “This song is about slurpees!” A roaring applause. “This song is about ignoring red-flags.” Friends grabbed onto their neighbor’s shoulder to shake in emotional duress. The entire show was a story-telling narrative, full of personal details of precious moments of muse.

    Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

    Her lyrics were something to hold onto and sit with. Such a fast-paced show left the crowd wanting more time with her music. All of Lizzy’s songs held a cruel casualness to them. I have no choice in the matter // Why would I, it’s only the death of me. It was jarring, quite surreal, to hear such a youthful and kind crowd shouting such intense lyrics. And the funny thing is I would have married you if you had stuck around. Nearby in the crowd, a father watched as his thirteen year old daughter belted the lyrics, clutching her chest as if she’d been wounded.

    There is an archetype on the rise in the realm of female artists. Singer/song-writers fanning out under the music industry umbrella of artists like Taylor Swift are leaning into the superpower that is vulnerability. Honesty is celebratory, and young women are writing about having their hearts ripped out, leaving their hometown, stepping into their strength, growing up, and existing as more than empathetic vessels but as a beacon of feminine independence. Barton and McAlpine have branded their names into this visionary artist-type. The influence the music produced by these experimental and brave artists has is unignorable and unifying.

    Photograph by Caroline Zeeman

    Half way through the set, the Terminal 5 stage setting changed from day to night, and the New York City sun casting through the windows on stage, turning to raindrops streaking down the panes. The familiar chords of Lizzy’s hit “Ceilings” strummed across the venue, and something shifted. The collective crowd voice overpowered Lizzy’s as she sang the notorious lyrics. Fans jumped and wept and sang with their hearts. Tears streamed into wide smiles, as the live performance of “Ceilings” seemed to change lives.

    Terminal 5 was blessed with Lizzy’s generosity, for she played two unreleased songs for the Manhattan crowd. The first song was titled “Broken Glass,” which Lizzy explained was about only ever being able to see someone when they’re at the bar. The other song was “I Guess.” Lizzy informed the crowd, “this one is one of my favorites!” While the unreleased songs were showcased, it was the only moment the crowd was silent. The audience wanted to hear every lyric, every note-change, every melody.

    The rest of the show rolled out with the same energy. The crowd savored every moment they shared with Lizzy, and when it came time to part, fans had a difficult time leaving. Hands waved goodbye from the packed balconies, and cheers overpowered Lizzy’s own departure. Manhattan  seemed to have an impact on her as she left the stage. It was the end of the “The End of The Movie” show in New York City.

  • Goth Babe Sends New York City Into Summer as “The Lola Tour” Stops At Pier 17

    On Friday, May 5, Goth Babe’s performance at Pier 17 catapulted New York City into summer. On the East River below the FiDi skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge-facing venue hosted Goth Babe’s “The Lola Tour” with Yoke Lore. The outdoor venue could not defend against the on and off rain showers, but the risk of weather was made worth it when sunset rolled around.

    The sky turned into something of pink brilliance, and a rainbow casted over the river. The colorful streak of spring arched over the stage to turn the evening into the ultimate setting for Goth Babe’s sound – light, natural, and vibrant.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    The crowd spilled onto the Pier 17 rooftop hours before Goth Babe’s show to see the opener, Yoke Lore. A renowned artist in the alternative/indie realm, singer Adrian Galvin attracted fans of his own and collected some new ones as he gave a dynamic performance. He spun around on stage in between verses and communed with the audience kindly. Yoke Lore’s sound strikes a comforting chord in the musical soul. With only raw vocals, percussion, and a banjo to seal his sound, he successfully composes a unique warmth with his music.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd
    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    The sun continued to set over the enthusiastic crowd, and an unbelievable flower moon took its spot in the sky. Its massivity attracted a volley of OOOs and AAAhhhs as everyone waited eagerly for the party to start. Eventually the twin screens on either side of the stage darkened, and blues and whites flashed in lengthy strobes over the crowd. The indie-electronic vocalist, Griffin Washburn, and his two touring bandmates on percussion, keys, and strings made their way onto stage. Washburn seemed to talk to himself in happy disbelief as a response to seeing Pier 17 crowd, “This is f*cking nuts! So cool! This is insane, it’s going to be awesome.”

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Griffin Washburn is a known nomad. He lives in and out of sailboats and tiny homes in the mountains of Washington, hence his new single “Alone in the Mountains.” His free-spirit is a light in the music industry, for he cares more about the connections and differences he can make with his music rather than his profits and status. The day of the show, he posted on his instagram story to invite fans to participate in a pre-show run club. Connecting with his fans who he sees as friends has been a tour priority. His kind and mellow persona shines through his music and could be felt throughout the show.

    After getting the crowd warmed up with some songs, he asked for a volunteer to crowd surf. Once a member of the audience was elected, the stage crew brought out a watermelon slice pool-floatie. The fan was released to surf the hands of her fellow Goth Babe listeners. Griffin sent her off with a wave, “Be kind to her, and be safe with her!” She totally rocked the role, fist-bumping and belting song lyrics in a spell of pure joy.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Goth Babe established a friendly community from the start. He encouraged the crowd to participate in dance-offs and sing-alongs, insisting “you’re all not too old for sing-alongs!” His stage presence consisted of audible yipping, head-banging, and epiphanic gratitude. It was impossible not to dance. The music seemed to lift the crowd into movement.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Electronic music gets wrapped with the stigma of being synthetic and repetitive. Goth Babe’s sound strongly defies this tired narrative. The blend of guitar strings, light chimes, and seemingly element-inspired melodies composes a natural almost healing sound. Combined with relatable and celebratory human lyrics, Goth Babe has created something unique and informative of a lifestyle – unbound and transient.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Towards the end of the show, Griffin spun around to take in the glory of New York City. The skyline lights shimmered on the water, and the traffic on the bridge strung red ribbons of light across the storm clouded sky. He encouraged everyone to introduce themselves to a stranger and tell them why they live in New York City, and why they love it so much. A minute from the show was sacrificed to organic conversation. The crowd seemed more tightly knit for the remainder of the show.

    Photograph by Emma Dowd

    Griffin and his fellow performers put on silly hats for the remainder of the show. He adorned a shark hat, the percussionist wore a disco helmet, and the keys player wore a cow-print cowboy hat. The last few songs rolled by too easily. Griffin conducted the gold-star concert move of commanding the crowd to get really low and jump up on the beat. He sang a crowd favorite, and  what he deemed his favorite song, “Taking Over The Sun.” The crowd was electric.

    “We try to make this more than a normal concert you’d come to for an hour. We want to make you a part of something and leave feeling better than you came!” That they did. When the show came to a close, the party did not. Fans poured out from Pier 17 and continued to dance and sing in the Manhattan streets. Goth Babe set the summer tone for New York City.

  • In Focus: Mikaela Davis Kicks Off Spring Residency At Funk ‘n Waffles In Syracuse

    A quick walk through Syracuse’s Armory Square on the evening of Thursday, May 4 would have provided an astute listener the sounds to give hope that another winter was behind us.  Conversation drifted from sidewalk tables, birds sang from nearby trees, and the music of Mikaela Davis poured from Syracuse’s Funk ’n Waffles, as the band kicked off their “Here Comes Sunshine” spring residency.  This was the first of three scheduled performances at Funk ‘n Waffles for the band.

    Davis, a native of Rochester, is a classically trained harpist who has toured extensively over the last decade.  She has built the reputation of being one of the brightest rising stars in the music industry.  In 2018 she released her debut solo album, Delivery.  Soon after the release, she joined forces with her backing band Southern Star.  The band, who consist of brothers Shane (bass guitar) and Cian McCarthy (guitar), Alex Cote (drums) and Kurt Johnson (pedal steel, guitar), have compiled an impressive touring resume. They have previously shared the stage with artists such as Bob Weir, Bon Iver, Lake Street Dive, and will tour with The Mountain Goats and later this year.  The five members have contributed to the band’s unique and refreshing sound.

    Of late, the band has become known for their seasonal residency concerts;  three concerts over consecutive weeks in the same city.  The concert consists of two sets of music; one set of original music, and a second set of Grateful Dead covers. After selling out many residency shows across New York State this past winter, the band have again returned for a spring slate.  

    Shortly after 8pm the band took to the stage and launched into the groovy “Don’t Stop Now”.  The song’s drum and bass rhythm would soon be joined by the familiar sounds of Davis’s harp plucking and the night would be under way.  The first set would consist of tracks from 2018’s Delivery as well as offerings from the band’s upcoming release And Southern Star.   The songs placed Davis’s talents on full display, with her vocals and signature harp style blending beautifully with the band’s accompaniment.  A highlight of the first set would be the band’s performance of “Far From You”, the the hauntingly beautiful first offering off of And Southern Star.

    After a short intermission, the band would return to the stage for a set consisting entirely of Grateful Dead covers.  The stage, which was draped in bohemian decor, offered a fitting backdrop for the remainder of the evening.  During this portion of the evening, the band’s musical talent’s were really able to shine.  Grateful Dead classics turned in to musical jam sessions, while the near capacity audience filled the area closest to the stage and danced along.  During one jam session, Davis abandoned her seat at the harp, and each band member took a different percussive instrument.  They led the audience on an extended drum solo jam, much to the audiences’ delight.  

    After a brief encore, the band returned to the stage and closed out the evening with their rendition of Grateful Dead’s “Bird Song”.  The combination of Davis’s vocals and harp playing allowed for the classic track to soar to new heights.  The evening’s combination of original music along with Grateful Dead classics make for an evening of must see music.  Be sure to catch the band on one of their upcoming residency shows.  

    Mikaela Davis Residency Shows

    5/8 – Ithaca NY – Deep Dive

    5/9 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville

    5/10 – Albany NY – Parish Public House

    5/11 – Syracuse NY – Funk ‘n Waffles

    5/15 – Rochester NY – Lilac Festival

    5/16 – Buffalo NY – 9th Ward at Babeville

    5/18 – Syracuse NY – Funk ‘n Waffles

    5/19 – Albany NY – Parish Public House

  • Tennis Courts Release New Indie/Folk Single “Am I Not Talking Enough” 

    Brooklyn’s 4-piece indie band Tennis Courts have just released their latest single “Am I Not Talking Enough” on May 3rd. The song is about the realization of how it feels to be not young anymore, but also not old either. 

    Consisting of the singer/songwriter duo of Pat Walsh and Andrew Clarke, lead guitarist Brian McKenna and bassist Spencer Brigman, the band started writing songs together in college in Charleston, SC before moving to Brooklyn in 2022. Tennis Courts’ sound overall offers a delicate mix of indie, folk, and power pop.

    Screenshot 2023-05-02 at 9.43.52 AM

    Of the new single, Walsh says, “This song is probably the most personal song we’ve ever put out. It’s about a lot of things, but I think it’s mostly just about how I have felt over the last year. I’ve spent a lot of time coming to terms with myself, how I fit in the world, and how I fit into other people’s lives. I spend a lot of time examining my relationship with myself, family, friends, and partners. And at the end of the day, maybe I am just thinking too much.” 

    Tennis Courts Release New Indie/Folk Single "Am I Not Talking Enough" 

    “Pensive and gorgeous, opening with acoustic strums accompanying subdued vocals, swelling with atmospheric treatments until the full band kicks in for a stunning final movement.”

    – Tuned Up 

    The band has played countless shows with Dogwood Tales, Sun Room, Hotel Fiction, Sonic Blume, Mo Lowda + The Humble, Wakelee, Daddy’s Beemer, Teenage Halloween, Easy Honey and many more. Tennis Courts forthcoming LP, which will come out later this year, was produced by Erik Kase Romero (The Front Bottoms, Lorde, Dogwood Tales). 

    Tennis Courts will also be accompanying Charlie & Margot on June 22nd at the Bond Street Basement in Asbury Park, NJ. For more information on this upcoming event, click the link here.  

    To listen to “Am I Not Talking Enough,” click the link here. 

    For more music by Tennis Courts and more information on upcoming shows, click the link here. 

  • Annie Scherer, 10:01, The Sugar Hold 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 Annie Scherer, 10:01, and The Sugar Hold.

    Annie Scherer, 10:01, and The Sugar Hold 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.

    Annie Scherer-“Everywhere I Go ( Everybody’s the Same)”

    Annie Scherer is a Voorheesville native, merging her love of rock ‘n roll classics with her passion for alternative music to produce her own unique sound. Her emotional lyrics and haunting melodies have been heard live from New York to Tennessee, releasing her first full-length album Garden Bed in March 2021.

    10:01-“Flying Home”

    Formed in Averill Park, NY, 10:01 is an alternative rock group that combines a modern indie sound with influences of blues and rock. Their new single “Flying Home” is out now.

    The Sugar Hold-“Walk of Shame”

    The Sugar Hold are indie surf rock band based in Schenectady. Fairly new to the scene, they are known for their hard-partying ways and their funny off-the-wall songs and lyrics.