Category: Alternative/Indie

Five Can’t-Miss Shows in Syracuse In October

While things have certainly cooled off outside around Central New York lately, there is no shortage of indoor concerts to warm your spirit. Here are five can’t-miss shows in Syracuse for the month of October.

October 12: Sydney Irving at Maplewood Inn

Central New York star Sydney Irving returns to Syracuse with a performance at the Maplewood Inn on October 12. The concert should be quite the celebration, as the show serves as the album release party for Irving’s newest album, Unfashioned Creatures, which will be available on all streaming services on October 10. The 20 year-old singer songwriter has been turning heads all across New York State for several years. She recently opened for Gavin Degraw at this year’s Spiedie Fest in Binghamton. Irving will again be joined by her backing band, “The Mojo” for the release party. You won’t want to miss this special performance.

October 15: F.I.R.E. Festival at Oswego Music Hall

An impressive lineup of female musicians take the stage October 15, as F.I.R.E. Festival once again returns to the Oswego Music Hall. F.I.R.E., which stands for Females Inspire Rock Empower, showcases not only music, but also female led businesses and art. The event, which was curated by Jess Novak, was designed to serve as an alternative to the many male dominated music festivals. The day of music will feature area talents such as Jess Novak, Amanda Rogers, Stress Dolls, Starting Off Red and many more. See the full line up of music and vendors here.

Tickets are $10 at the door and music starts at 1pm.

October 22: The Furious Bongos at The Westcott Theater

The sounds of Frank Zappa will once again ring about Westcott Street, as renowned Zappa tribute band The Furious Bongos return to the Westcott Theater on October 22. The band played before a passionate audience of Zappa fans in March of this year. The band will be joined on this tour by Chad Wackerman, a legend in his own right, whose resume includes drumming for Frank Zappa himself, as well as James Taylor and Stevie Vai.

Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7pm with music starting at 8pm.

October 27: Brandon Santini at 443 Social Club

Fresh off a blistering performance at the 2023 New York State Blues Festival, Brandon Santini brings his soulful blues sounds to the 443 Social Club & Lounge on October 27. Santini turned many heads at this years Blues Fest, as he displayed his tremendous talent on the harmonica. This intimate performance at the 443 Social Club & Lounge is certainly one you won’t want to miss.

Tickets start at $23 and music starts at 7pm.

October 29: The Accountant & All Thumbs at Funk ’n Waffles

Central New York’s college talent will be on full display on October 29 at Funk ‘n Waffles, as The Accountant & All Thumbs perform. The Syracuse University funk/hip-hop group are sure to have the club bouncing when they take the stage. The four piece band has quickly become known for their high energy sets which blend elements of funk, hip-hop, and rock. They will be joined by singer-songwriter Nancy Dunkle as well as Le Moyne College’s own Champagne Blondes.

Tickets are $13 with doors opening at 8pm.

October 10, 2023
A-Zal, NYC-Based Acoustic Pop Artist, Drops Single “Lonely Town”

A-Zal, a New York City-based acoustic pop artist has released his newest track, “Lonely Town,” a ballad to the quiet side of the city of New York. The release comes as a follow up to his most recent release, “Movie Script,” from August 2023.

Migrating to the US in 2018, A-Zal found a quiet, intimate side of the city through integrating with a new city and country.

When I first came to New York, the glamour and energy of Midtown NYC pulled me like a magnet. But, I eventually got refuge in the unexplored streets of the city which had an altogether different story. When I performed in the subway stations next to Times Square or Bryant Park, I had a large set of audience members who would listen to my music while they passed me. However, as I went to the quieter side of uptown, I had very few listeners. And, the magic happened when these handful of listeners grew in number and turned into my real fans.
A-Zal

“Lonely Town” is a heartfelt, acoustic ballad that follows A-Zal’s search for company in such a vast city environment. As he navigates the “lonely town,” an ironic title considering the gradiosity of the city, the crowds and skyscrapers escape his perspective, and the city becomes his true companion.

A-Zal’s latest track, “Movie Script,” released in August to great success, climbing to the Mediabase TOP 40 Activator Charts within just two weeks of its release. After working with Marvel Studios on the popular TV series, Loki and Ms. Marvel, A-Zal is expecting an upcoming album, 17 & 11 Nights, soon after his newest singles.

“Lonely Town” is now available alongside an official music video, capturing A-Zal’s journey from India to the United States in pursuit of the famed “american dream.” The video follows him as he reminisces on performances in New York City subway stations, before his most recent big break with Marvel Studios.

October 9, 2023
Explosions In The Sky Showcase ‘End’ At Kings Theatre

Texas based post-rockers Explosions In The Sky just released End, their eighth studio LP and first in more than seven years. The band is currently on the road, making their way to Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre on Thursday, October 5^th to showcase the new record in a truly perfect setting. The historic theatre is just as cinematic as the band’s signature sprawling instrumentals, which effortlessly reverberated around the spacious theater.

Explosions In The Sky at Kings Theatre, 10/5/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Explosions In The Sky have mastered the art of the cinematic soundtrack over their career, with End being no exception. Aside from eight studio records, the band soundtracked several films including the enormously successful Friday Night Lights. The quartet’s instrumentals are uniquely suitable for the big screen as well as a focused LP. Their three-guitar approach allows them to layer lush and complex loops that suck the listener into a meditative experience. The music swells to climactic crescendos surrounded by moments of minimal beauty that keep you engaged for the entire album.

Thursday night was an exciting draw for any fan of Explosions In The Sky. The band does not tour all that often to begin with, and Kings Theatre is the type of venue that would perfectly amplify the band’s instrumentals. The show started off with an opening set from the Jim White (drums) and Marisa Anderson (guitar). For thirty minutes, the duo bounced back and forth between complex drum passages and swirling guitar arpeggios, integrating with each other at times but also playing solo here and there. The entire set felt like a singular, continuous piece that was flushed out in the moment on stage. Kings was filled in early and the crowd cheered the duo on as the set continued to evolve.

Explosions In The Sky at Kings Theatre, 10/5/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

The opening duo set the tone for the night, hinting at the atmosphere that was about to take over the theater. Explosions In The Sky took to the stage to a thunderous ovation as they picked up their guitars and got ready for the show. As the first notes of “First Breath After Coma” rang out, from easily the crowd favorite 2003 LP The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, the audience erupted into a joyous fervor. The band would play a couple more tracks from this album at Kings Theatre, but also added a last minute show at Bowery Ballroom on Sunday, October 8^th where they would play the record in full.

The show rolled on, treating fans to a mix of songs from all over Explosions In The Sky’s catalog, blending the art of cinematic soundscapes with the live show setting to maximum effect. There is only one more stop in the U.S. on this tour, taking place on October 20^th in Miami at the III Points Music Festival. After that, the band heads over to Europe for a run of shows throughout November. Head over to their website for the full itinerary and check out our photo gallery from Kings Theatre below.

October 9, 2023
Yves Tumor Brings Glam and Goth Rock Revival to Terminal 5

Yves Tumor and it’s band are having quite a busy year, starting off with releasing their stellar fifth LP back in March via Warp Records. Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) is a wildly experimental creative expression from an artist who has been pushing the boundaries of modern pop music ever since their debut. On Wednesday, October ^4th, Yves Tumor took over Terminal 5 to kick off the fall leg of the tour which started in back in early spring.

Yves Tumor at Terminal 5, 10/4/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Yves Tumor first broke onto the scene in 2015 with their enigmatic debut record, When Man Fails You. Featuring swirling ambient loops, the record immerses the listener into a haunting yet meditative experience. Yves evolved their musical approach in 2018 with the vibrant Safe In The Hands Of Love. The album starts off with a bit of ambient soundscapes but flourishes of hip hop, house, industrial, and glam rock rotate in and out as the record progresses. The LP is loaded with musical twists and turns but seamlessly blends with a rich sound palate and vintage production style.

Safe In The Hands Of Love catapulted Yves Tumor into a new realm of artistry and fanbase. In a modern world where music is saturated with artists trying to stand out, Yves truly crafted a brand new approach using elements from all over the musical spectrum. Glam rock ballads fade into pulsing ambient sections before raging darkwave grooves take over on the next track. Funky bass lines flutter all over the background while swirling synths fluctuate between Radiohead-like psychedelia and heavy industrial noise reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails. Neatly wrapped together with Yves deeply creative poetic verse, the music defies logic in the best way possible and remains surprisingly original.

Yves Tumor at Terminal 5, 10/4/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Yves Tumor’s success with the goth and glam rock revival continued with a few more releases leading up to 2023. Heaven To A Tortured Mind in 2020 picked up right where Safe In The Hands Of Love left off while a shorter EP, The Asymptotical World in 2021, dove deeper into glam rock with a more forward guitar presence.

Fast forward to Wednesday night at Terminal 5; New York City was about to get their first taste of Yves Tumor’s latest record, which is a masterful culmination of the artist’s career to date. Fans flooded Terminal 5 with goth style, creating a palpable buzz in the room leading up to showtime. Once the houselights dropped, the pent up room erupted with a thunderous ovation to welcome the band on stage.

Chris Greatti of Yves Tumor at Terminal 5, 10/4/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

Yves Tumor and it’s band wasted no time, playing three songs from Praise A Lord… to open things up. The album shines with the insatiable Chris Greatti’s guitar rock vibe but still surprises the listener with inventive experimental passages throughout. “God Is a Circle” got things started with a thick bass line as Yves’ chanted vocals bounced around the room, “Sometimes, it feels like/There’s places in my mind that I can’t go/There’s people in my life I still don’t know, yeah/Wander ‘round, I just feel like a ghost in a well.”

The energy in the room was immense, growing stronger as the night went on. Yves loves to engage with the crowd, spending several songs in the pit letting fans sing along on the mic, signing autographs, and posing for photos all while the show rages on.

The chemistry between Yves and the rest of the band is unmatched. At one point, Yves tossed an umbrella he was posing with over to Greatti who held it in his mouth while shredding the outro to “Secrecy Is Incredibly Important To The Both Of Them.” The two frequently embraced mid song, both clearly not wanting the show to end.

Yves Tumor at Terminal 5, 10/4/2023. Photo by Joseph Buscarello

All shows however, must come to an end, and Yves Tumor closed Wednesday night at Terminal 5 with Praise A Lord… closing track “Ebony Eye”. The lush song builds to a climactic finish that left the entire crowd begging for more. If it was not for house security pushing fans towards the exits, I truly do not think this show would have ever ended.

The tour does continue, and the show does not have to end if you can catch any of the dates left on their busy schedule. Head over to the band’s website for the full list of tour dates and if you have not seen Yves Tumor live, do not miss an opportunity to catch one of the most creative artists and invigorating live bands out there today.

October 8, 2023
The Townhall Presents “A Not So Silent Night” with Rufus & Martha Wainwright

Rufus and Martha Wainwright will perform, “A Not So Silent Night” at The Town Hall on December 22, raising awareness for The Kate McGarrigle Fund for sarcoma research. The family-friendly holiday show features special guests including Emmylou Harris, Sean Lennon, Norah Jones, Loudon Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche.

“A Not So Silent Night” has become an annual family tradition for the Wainwrights. The two siblings will be joined by their immediate family members of the Wainwright and McGarrigle clans to share and celebrate the spirit of the holidays. This event will be held at The Town hall, a 1,500-seat, 501C3 non-profit national historic landmark venue in the heart of New York City, created by suffragists in 1921 and host to countless cultural and musical milestones.

“I am utterly excited to bring our holiday concert back to New York City after a hiatus of almost 5 years. These shows very much reflect who Martha and I are as artists and a family, slightly messy but incredibly powerful and emotional, festive, and fun. The Town Hall is one of my favorite venues to perform in. So many Greats have graced the stage, and it is a place that my mother Kate worshipped.”
– Rufus Wainwright

The annual holiday celebration has had its roots in the childhood home of Rufus and Martha’s mother, Kate McGarrigle. The tradition began in the living room of their wooden home in the Laurentian mountain town of St. Sauveur. Kate was tragically diagnosed with Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and since has raised money and awareness for funding research into the disease as at the time there were no drugs available to treat it. Rufus and Martha continue Kate’s legacy with the Christmas shows, helping to raise awareness and money for the Kate McGarrigle Foundation for Sarcoma Research.

The holiday show will be supported by an outstanding band led by music director David Mansfield with Jon Cowherd on keys, Doug Wieselman on oboe and guitar, Shawn Pelton on drums, Armand Hirsch on guitar, and Tony Scherr on bass. Special merch items benefiting the Kate McGarrigle Fund will also be available the night of the show.

VIP Gold tickets also include the best seats in the house, attending part of the soundcheck, a group photo with Rufus and Martha, and a special signed merch item, are available. Also available is the opportunity to sing on the closing song of the first half, “Silent Night,” with Rufus, Martha, and family.

“These Christmas shows, conceived of over 25 years ago by our mum, have BECOME our Christmas! There’s always a slight annoyance (and dread?) as we start preparing in June but by the time the show starts all the holiday magic in the world shows up on stage and the importance (and wonderful ridiculousness) of the holiday season is revealed. Most apparent though is the love and music that reigns”
– Martha Wainwright

Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 6, for more information please visit here.

For more information about the Kate McGarrigle Fund please visit here.

October 8, 2023
Nick Vanderwood Releases a Visionary New Single “Shimmy”

Utica-born and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Nick Vanderwood has released his latest single “Shimmy”, a song preceding the recent EP entitled ‘Reload‘ released on September 29th.

Nick Vanderwood encapsulates alternative indie in new single “Shimmy” using a blend of guitar and bass creating a mysterious sci-fi world that is brought to life in the music video. The short film is fun and cinematic which cultivates an imaginative visual experience, showcasing Vanderwood’s artistic vision.

While “Shimmy” excludes a vocal aspect, the song in itself does more than enough without relying on vocals to make it complete. The build up of bass and guitar offers a blend of funk, syrupy and track mixed with an upbeat attitude, and recorded at Big Blue North Studio in Utica.

Following the release of his single and music video “Shimmy”, Nick’s EP Reload became the sum of many years as Nick labored to overcome a chronic neck injury that impeded his ability to sing. Nick was kept at a distance from the microphone, as the EP title suggests, he is more than ready to come back with a bang.

Vanderwood is not just a vocalist but writes and performs all instruments included in his solo projects. Over the course of the year, he took this period of silence and healing seriously while creating a silent short film/music video for “Shimmy” included in the EP. His collaboration with monomaniac studios allowed Nick to lean back into acting and sound design.

Follow Nick Vanderwood on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram for more information on all-things such as future releases and music videos.

October 5, 2023
NYC Designer and Musician Dylan Seeger Has Released Vulnerable Single “Writer/Pretender”

Dylan Seeger, a designer and musician living in New York City, and has just released his latest single: “Writer/Pretender,” where he explores themes such as writer’s block and betrayal.

With family roots in New York’s folk scene, Seeger’s interest in music was immediate and profound. After discovering The Beatles‘ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in his parents’ CD collection, he was inspired to write and record his own music, releasing his first album of original songs when he was just fourteen years old. A few years later, he started performing at clubs on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

At nineteen, Seeger released his seminal album, Claye, and dropped out of art school in search of independence. He moved to Manhattan and founded Lovably, a graphic design firm which has since served hundreds of clients across a diverse range of industries including architecture, art, fashion, and interior design. He remains the firm’s director and spends his weekdays in the design studio and with clients.

Dylan also runs Adequate Records, a label where he has released several original albums including Moon House, Metropolitan Hospital Center, and Claye.

In his spare time, Seeger performs in Central Park, studies old records and prints, and bikes around the city taking pictures of bridges, buildings, and the minutia of daily life in the bustling city.

Dylan’s single “Writer/Pretender” is 2 songs, one “Writer” and one “Pretender.” The song “Writer” is a little more laid back compared to “Pretender,” and seems to explore how it feels being an artist and not liking anything you create, stuck in a constant feeling of artistic block: “So you say // That you’re a musician // Got lost between the notes // To find that // They’ve all been played before.”

“Pretender” takes on a rock vibe with much more movement, and it strikes me as someone talking about a past lover or friend who wasn’t their authentic self, potentially involved in cheating, and how the speaker wants them regardless.

“Writer/Pretender” is available for streaming now. Listen to the single here.

October 4, 2023
LCD Soundsystem Announce Tri Boro Tour in November and December

LCD Soundsystem will once again hold a residency (of sorts) this holiday season in New York City, but instead of sticking to just one venue, the group will hit three separate venues across three boroughs on a Tri Boro Tour.

The Tri Boro tour will find LCD Soundsystem first returning to the familiar haunts of Brooklyn Steel over the course of November 16-19. Then, heading into Manhattan, the group will find themselves at Terminal 5 from November 28 through December 1, surely making excellent use of the room’s disco ball during each show.

New York Series: LCD Soundsystem ‘New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down’

Then the group will perform December 7-10 at the Knockdown Center in Queens to close out the Tri Boro Tour. As for shows in the Bronx and Staten Island, fans will have to be patient or make the trek to any of the other 12 shows lined up.

General public onsale for all 12 shows starts Thursday, Oct. 12 at 10AM ET, but you can check here for presale details. One show at each location will be for Amex cardholders only.

LCD Soundsystem Tri Boro Tour Dates:
11/16 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel
11/17 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel
11/18 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel
11/19 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel *
11/28 — New York NY @ Terminal 5
11/29 — New York NY @ Terminal 5
11/30 — New York NY @ Terminal 5 *
12/01 — New York NY @ Terminal 5
12/07 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center *
12/08 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center
12/09 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center
12/10 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center

* Amex® Card Member Only shows

October 3, 2023
Beard & Glasses, Wes Aldrich and More Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

Each Sunday evening from 7-9 pm 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 Beard & Glasses, Wes Aldrich, and Ciarra Fragale.

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.

Beard & Glasses- “War Without Room For an Argument”

Bears & Glasses is a rock/soul group from Bennington, Vermont. Their song “War Without Room For an Argument” is out now.
Born at the Wrong Time by Beard & Glasses
Wes Aldrich- “In a Field with Goats”

Wes Aldrich writes from the heart with haunting melodies and upbeat pop rhythms. He is the lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter for his bands Hug the Dog and Ballroom Sofa.
Balance by Wes Aldrich
Ciarra Fragale -“County Line”

Ciarra Fragale is an indie pop singer/songwriter, producer, and actor from the Hudson Valley. She blends nostalgia with new-wave songwriting, creating a unique blend. In addition to making her own music, she has also composed many works for theater and film. Watch the video for her single “Country Line” below.

September 30, 2023
Shakti Lounge in Buffalo Announces Lavender Haze Collective Series Lineup

The Shakti Lounge in Buffalo announces their new live music series lineup for 2023-24, with their first show on October 7th, presented by Lavender Haze Collective.

The first show features Ravi Padmanabha & David Muse on October 7th. The music duo encompasses a new found musical language using crystal bowls, gongs, tabla, hand pan, clarinet and ocean drum to create an ambient meditation that traverses to an ecstatic musical trance.

The Shakti Lounge offers musicians with a space to open their skills and invites a comfortable environment of community to hear innovative music. Shakti creates a salon-like setting offering guests the freedom to recline on the heated floor or take a seat in a chair, welcoming all. Offering a live music experience truly like no other in Buffalo.

The live music series features a diverse group of artists performing all genres including jazz, folk, classical and world music. Musicians are mainly local to Buffalo with the exception singer-songwriter Cammy Enaharo and Seth Faergolzia’s Multibird both from Rochester. The series also includes storyteller Tyler Westcott, string quartet fra/ctured, alto saxophonist Elliot Scozzaro, guitar driven artist Adam Bronstein & ABtrio and drummer John Bacon with his cast for JBQ.

Shakti lounge in Buffalo welcomes people of all ages to come join the forthcoming live music series and experience the duo host monthly concert every Saturday. For more information visit here.

Shakti Lounge 2023-24 Concert Lineup, Presented by Lavender Haze Collective

10/7: Ravi Padmanabha + David Mussen

11/4: Tyler Westcott

12/2: Seth Faergolzia’s Multibird

1/6: fra/ctured String Quartet

2/3: Elliot Scozzaro

3/2: Adam Bronstein & ABtrio

4/13: Cammy Enaharo

5/4: JBQ: John Bacon Quintet

September 29, 2023