NYS Music 2023

Category: Electronic

  • Disco Biscuits Close out 2023 Touring at The Capitol Theatre

    To cap off a wildly successful 2023 touring schedule that spanned every corner of the country, The Disco Biscuits celebrated with two powerhouse shows in the friendly confines of the legendary Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

    The band is still riding high atop a new wave of creativity and cohesion that’s fostered some of their best performances to date. Friday and Saturday night in Port Chester were no exceptions with the Biscuits doling out some pre-Halloween goodies.

    Friday night initiated with “Hope” in the opener spot, aka a good old fashioned “Hopener” that saw the band fly through this older number with ease. The first of tonight’s two cover song selections came next as the Biscuits took the Men Without Hats hit “Safety Dance” out for a spin. A brief outro jam soon morphed into the beginning of “Caterpillar” that took its time with a nicely extended opening section and the band was off and running. A silky smooth segue into the instrumental “M1” came next before an inverted “Naeba” and the end of “Caterpillar” wrapped up the opening stanza.

    A Biscuits classic in “House Dog Party Favor” kicked off the second set in fine fashion as the band’s iconic light show replete with laser beams coated the walls of the Capitol Theater in a rich tapestry of colors and images. The second set maintained an old school vibe to it early on with the near-20 minute “Helicopters” that came next and featured a well crafted jam with guitarist Jon Gutwillig leading the way. As it reached yet another climax, a slight change in the rhythm then ushered in the second cover of the night, the band’s instrumental take on Donna Summer’s Disco Era hit “I Feel Love.”

    Another funk laden jam with a slow build in intensity served as the foundation for a segue into the ending of “To Be Continued,” another one of the the new batch of Disco Biscuits originals and the first time it’s ever received the “inversion” treatment, with the ending section played immediately before the beginning of the song. Another newer number in “Freeze” followed before a quick re-visit to “Helicopters” to close out a second set that was one long segue of music after the opening “House Dog.” “Times Square” followed by a triumphant and powerful “Morph Dusseldorf” put one last finishing touch on the evening in the encore slot.

    Saturday night’s first set featured another extended bookending as it both began and concluded with another selection from the newer originals, “Twisted In The Road.” Seemingly picking up right where they left off the previous night, a dark, up-tempo jam was the first one out of the shoots. The band continued to show their comfort with the new material with another seamless segue into a monstrous “Buy The Time” that came next and clocked in at close to 30 minutes overall. With infectious melodies provided by Aron Magner on keys and a completely danceable beat, this one is sure to be a live staple for years to come and produced, arguably, the best jam of the entire weekend.

    Near its completion, elements of “Digital Buddha” began to seep in and the Biscuits were soon away with an inverted take on an old crowd favorite. The band then shifted from the old right back to the new with the fittingly-titled “Monster” that came next, only the third time ever this instrumental song has been played live. It featured some familiar chording that had some thinking “Lunar Pursuit” or otherwise instead. As the tempo began to increase, another familiar sound began to emerge, this time the peak of “Crickets” as the band steamrolled through another inverted rendition of a live staple before wrapping up the set.

    The last frame of music for the weekend did nothing but feature more of the same: only a few songs needed with added bountiful jams placed in between each. Things got started with a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Run Like Hell” that started with a slow, patient intro jam before fully kicking into gear. Much like its first set predecessor in “Buy The Time,” a significant chunk of the second was devoted to another new tune in “The Deal,” with this one clocking in at well over 30 minutes in total.

    An inverted (for the first time ever) “One Chance To Save The World” took the yet-to-be-released ‘Space Rock Opera’ took the song to new height, peak performance that found itself slipping into “Basis for a Day.” Fans got a taste of “Basis” in April when the second set of the final night featured multiple segues in and out of portions of the song, fitting newer tunes like “The Deal” and “To Be Continued…” within “Basis.” This evening, just one new song, “Photograph” would be sandwiched in between, an intense, energy driven combination, closing the night over the last 38 minutes.

    An encore of “Home Again” fit the bill nicely, as fans have found the Capitol Theatre to be home base in the New York metro area, with annual – and now bi-annual runs at the original rock palace. Just before truly calling it a night, Marc Brownstein thanked the crowd and dropped the band back into the final portion of “Basis for a Day,” dubbed “Basis for a Tour” in the Nugs recording.

    While the band is done touring for the year, they will be at North Beach Music Festival in Miami in early December, at Palladium Times Square for a late night show on December 28, followed by two nights at Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia, before heading out west in 2024. Full tour dates can be found here.

    Setlists via Biscuits Internet Project

    Disco Biscuits – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY – Friday, October 27, 2023

    Set 1: Hope, Safety Dance > Caterpillar > M1 > Naeba 1 > Caterpillar
    Set 2: House Dog Party Favor, Helicopters > I Feel Love > To Be Continued 2 1 > Freeze > Helicopters
    Encore: Times Square, Morph Dusseldorf
    1 inverted
    2 first time inverted

    Disco Biscuits – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY – Saturday, October 28, 2023

    Set 1: Twisted in the Road > Buy The Time > Digital Buddha 1 > Monster 2 > Crickets 3 1 > Twisted in the Road
    Set 2: Run Like Hell 4 > The Deal > One Chance To Save The World 5 1 > Basis For A Day > Photograph > Basis For A Day
    Encore: Home Again, Basis For A Day 6
    1 inverted
    2 LTP 3/12/22 (108 shows)
    3 w/ Gamma Goblins tease
    4 unfinished
    5 1st time inverted
    6 reprise

    Photos by Brian Ferguson

  • San Holo Brings Existential Dance Music to Buffalo 

    Producer San Holo made a stop at Buffalo Riverworks October 21 for his latest tour. The Existential Dance Music tour invited a night full of emotion and mystical imagery. 

    san holo Existential Dance Music
    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Openers ZWAAN, OddKidOut, and DROELOE opened up the night for Buffalo. Through lush instrumentation and grit, they gave room for a night full of soothing sounds. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    San Holo stage presence invites an innovative take towards weaving personal journey through a live show experience. He is constantly running around stage, creating beats from scratch and layering on top of his guitar riffs. He utilizes his punk and alt-rock roots in adding a seamless grunge aspect to his music. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This musician’s concert performance is nothing short of an emotional experience. All of the colorful imagery, projections, and use of a huge curtain captured the navigation through life’s highs and lows. His opening montage utilized a curtain that projected symbols depicting the turbulences that life takes us through. With the drop of the curtain, San Holo stood invoking the audience on a journey. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    San Holo mostly played songs off of his recently released album EXISTENTIAL DANCE MUSIC. This included his hits “DON’T LOOK DOWN” and “…BRING BACK THE COLOR.” His artistry shines through his candid songwriting and ability to translate that effortlessly on stage. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This night in Buffalo forged room for an intimate connection with fans. This is especially so when he performed his fan favorite song “LIGHT.” The crowd appeared mesmerized and connected throughout. His shows speak to that existential thinking and allow people to move through that with dance. A new movement that is building in the electronic music scene. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    If you’re looking for more electronic music in Buffalo you are in for a stacked few months! Must Die! comes November 3 and Tape B performs November 4. Get your tickets here. 

  • Sam Gellaitry’s ‘Under the Illusion’ Unleashes Musical Magic at Elsewhere Brooklyn

    The night at Elsewhere Brooklyn with Sam Gellaitry showcasing his newest EP, Under the Illusion, was nothing short of a mesmerizing musical journey. On October 13th, the venue buzzed with anticipation as Gellaitry took the stage and immediately immersed the crowd in a soundscape that can only be described as pure auditory bliss.

    sam gellaitry under the illusion

    Under the Illusion is a testament to Gellaitry’s evolution as a musician. The EP seamlessly blends elements of electronic, hip-hop, and R&B, creating a tapestry of sound that is both innovative and emotionally resonant. Each track on the EP carries a unique flavor, yet they all maintain a consistent, ethereal quality that captivates the listener. From the dreamy “Alone” to the groove-laden “Think I Know,” the EP takes the audience on a sonic journey that transcends genres.

    What truly sets Gellaitry apart is his ability to connect with the crowd. Throughout the performance, he exuded an infectious energy and passion for his craft. His interactions with the audience were genuine and intimate, making everyone feel like they were part of a shared musical experience. His stage presence was magnetic, and it was evident that he was pouring his heart and soul into every beat and melody.

    sam gellaitry under the illusion

    Elsewhere Brooklyn provided the perfect backdrop for this musical odyssey. The venue’s industrial-chic aesthetic and state-of-the-art sound system were a perfect complement to Gellaitry’s avant-garde style. The crowd’s energy was electric, with fans of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate the music. The atmosphere was both vibrant and laid-back, creating an environment where people could lose themselves in the music and dance the night away.

    sam gellaitry under the illusion

    Gellaitry’s performance of Under the Illusion was a testament to his artistic prowess and ability to connect with his audience on a profound level. The night at Elsewhere Brooklyn will undoubtedly be remembered as a magical evening where music transcended boundaries, and the crowd’s energy and vibes were a testament to the unifying power of sound. Under the Illusion by Sam Gellaitry was not just a collection of songs; it was an experience that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to be there.

    Images by @adrian_hernandezz

    sam gellaitry under the illusion
    sam gellaitry under the illusion
    sam gellaitry under the illusion

  • In Focus: Biscoland brings Disco Biscuits Music Festivals back to New York

    Disco Biscuits have a long history of music festivals in New York State, their own Camp Bisco, as well as numerous performances at festivals of all sizes around the state. For the first time since 2013, a new, intentionally more intimate festival, BISCOLand, was conceived and held in Lafayette at Wonderland Forest over October 6-7.

    biscoland 2023
    photo by Tara Gracer

    Joining Disco Biscuits were a pair of bands that appeared on earlier Camp Bisco lineups – Lotus and Emancipator, and newcomers to the Bisco fold – Opiou, The Floozies, Eggy and Space Bacon. With classic Camp Bisco lineups featuring up and coming artists as well as staples of the EDM/jamtronica community, the vibe of a stripped down but still well dressed music festival, perfect for an autumn weekend in Central New York.

    As for the Disco Biscuits, the jamtronica pioneers took the opportunity to break new ground with some unique musical pairings over the weekend. Biscuits fan Shimmy noted this was the first time the band segued “Confrontation” into “Orch Theme” and followed that up with “And The Ladies Were the Rest of the Night,” the other being December 29, 2014.

    Even more notably, the band took the encore on Saturday, October 7 to perform the first ever inverted “Kitchen Mitts,” playing the ending of song first, then the first part. Add to that this inverted “Mitts” appeared inside of a fitting encore appearance of “Home Again” made for an apt coda on the weekend.

    Setlists via Biscuits Internet Project

    Disco Biscuits – BISCOLAND at Wonderland Forest – LaFayette, New York – October 6, 2023

    Set 1: Wet, Munchkin Invasion > The Wormhole > Space Train > Cyclone > Nughuffer1
    Set 2: Nughuffer 1 > Shocked > To Be Continued > Reactor 2 > M1 > To Be Continued

    1 dyslexic
    2 inverted

    Disco Biscuits – BISCOLAND at Wonderland Forest – LaFayette, New York – October 7, 2023

    Set 1: Jam 1 > Bombs > The Deal > Voices Insane 2 > I-Man
    Set 2: Mindless Dribble 3 > Confrontation 4 > Orch Theme 5 > And the Ladies Were the Rest of the Night 4 > Spacebirdmatingcall
    Encore: Home Again > Kitchen Mitts 6 7 4 > Home Again

    1 w/ ‘Could U Be Loved’ (Bob Marley) teases
    2 unfinished
    3 w/ Wormhole quotes
    4 inverted
    5 w/ Crickets tease
    6 LTP 2/4/2023 (53 shows)
    7 first time inverted

    Photos from BISCOLand by Tara Gracer

    biscoland disco biscuits new york music festival
    biscoland disco biscuits new york music festival
    biscoland disco biscuits new york music festival

  • In Focus: Metric’s Old World Underground 20th Anniversary Show at Bowery Ballroom

    Metric is one of those bands I had heard so much about over the last 20 years, yet never got to see live, that is until Tuesday, October 10 at New York’s intimate Bowery Ballroom.

    Fresh off the Gargage/Noel Gallagher tour this summer, the band has often been comfortable as an opening act, even opening up for Paramore at Madison Square Garden. To Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their first album Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? they set out on a short run of small intimate clubs.

    The Canadian synthpop four-piece (though this night they were nothing short of high energy rock show) really held nothing back last night as they strolled out in style onto the stage at the Bowery. No fluff, not even an opening act booked, just doors at 8pm, Metric at 9pm, as the sign at the door stated. Front woman Emily Haines came out with nothing to prove as the room erupted and the band plowed through a few songs before she addressed the crowd.

    It’s hard to keep your eyes off her on stage, the band was really tight and energetic, a crammed stage full of keyboards facing pretty much every direction, rotating between rock, pop and some acoustic numbers. Half the set was of course songs off Old World, followed by 5 off Formentera, a few covers and one song off the new Album out Today, Formentera II.

    Metric – Bowery Ballroom, NYC – Tuesday, October 10

    Setlist: IOU, The List, False Dichotomy, What Feels Like Eternity, Succexy, Dead Disco, Who Would You Be for Me, Love Is a Place, Formentera, Just the Once, All Comes Crashing, Calculation Theme, On a Slow Night, Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl, Doomscroller, Hustle Rose, Combat Baby, Nothing Is Perfect

  • In Focus: James Blake Plays Two Sold Out Nights at Knockdown Center

    Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer James Blake played two sold out nights at Knockdown Center this weekend, October 5, as part of his Playing Robots Into Heaven Tour. Blake’s longtime bandmate Rob McAndrews opened the show under the stage name Airhead.

    james blake
    James Blake at Knockdown Center, Photograph by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)

    James Blake’s tour concludes October 20th in Los Angeles. Check out his upcoming dates here, and listen to Blake’s latest album here.

    james blake
    James Blake at Knockdown Center, Photograph by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)

    Our full photo gallery by David Reichmann is below.

    james blake
    Photography by David Reichmann (@davidpresspass)

  • telly Teases Future EP “EPISODE 1” With Latest Ballad, “Broken Heart Baby”

    Electronic synth-pop band from Brooklyn, telly, has shared their latest track, “Broken Heart Baby.” The nostalgic synth track is a breakup ballad perfect for screaming at the top of your lungs with your friends in your car, and predates their future EP, EPISODE 1.

    telly

    telly is a duo made up of Ashley Claude (vocals, production) and Max Solomon (guitar, synths, sfx, production).

    telly will be releasing their debut EP EPISODE 1 on October 11. The EP will feature previous singles “BLINK” and “Arena Gates” – as well as newly released single “Broken Heart Baby.” In the duo’s own words, “EPISODE 1 is an escapist reflection of the relentless digital landscape.” 

    To celebrate the release of EPISODE 1, telly will be performing live on release day. Join the band at Gold Sounds in Brooklyn, New York on October 11 at 7:30pm ET to hear songs from the new EP live, with support from Couch Prints, Chroma, & Jand.

    “’Broken Heart Baby’ is a crushing breakup ballad told through the lens of a road trip. The nostalgic synth lead, propelling live drums, and reverberating vocals evoke the overwhelming emptiness that hits you when you realize you’re alone in a relationship. It’s the perfect song to scream cry to in the car with your friends!”

    telly

    “Broken Heart Baby” is a great addition to any playlist for those who prefer an electronic-pop vibe, one that complements Ashley’s vocals well. Her voice is deep and guttural, but portrays a lot of emotion and matches the carefree vibe of the song. It seems to have a good deal of indie influence, and feels like a song to blast in the car with friends while going for a late night drive to and from McDonald’s (if you’re an Upstate New Yorker past midnight).

    Pre-save EPISODE 1 HERE, Stream “Broken Heart Baby” HERE, and follow telly on Instagram and TikTok.

  • 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.

    LCD soundsystem tro 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

  • Electropop Artist Ladytron Begin Fall Tour at Irving Plaza

    On Wednesday September 20 at Irving Plaza, English Band Ladytron returned to perform the first show of their Fall 2023 Tour. This was a highly anticipated tour for fans since their last appearance in NY back in 2019 at the Brooklyn Steel.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Ladytron has defined the electropop movement of the early 2000’s using synthesizing sounds to encompass a unique psychedelic, ethereal and electronic rock performance. Irving Plaza was the perfect venue to highlight the bands ambience with sparkling chandeliers, hanging disco ball, dim-lit standing room and balcony to illuminate the show goers atmospheric experience.

    As the band walked on stage the crowd cheered and danced to express their enthusiasm for Ladytron and the performance of fan favorites and new album release Times Arrow. With Strobe lights, polka dots and dream-like psychedelic visuals enhancing the hard bass driven beats, contemporary melodies, synth tones and female vocals. Ladytron put on quite an invoking show to kickoff the Fall tour.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Alongside the exciting Time’s Arrow release their soundscapes and innovative music leaves fans in awe while they are able to create visual narratives within their songs, Ladytron attendees leave with an unforgettable experience. Following their Irving Plaza show, Ladytron plans to continue the long awaited tour with their next stop on Friday, September 22 in Los Angeles, California at The Belasco.

    LADYTRON 2023 TOUR DATES

    Fri Sep 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco

    Sat Sep 23 – San Diego, CA – Crossroads at House of Blues

    Thu Nov 16 – Austin, TX – The Mohawk

    Fri Nov 17 – Dallas, TX – The Granada Theater

    Sat Nov 18 – Houston TX – Numbers Night Club 

    Sun Nov 19 – Mexico City, MX – Corona Capital Festival

    Ladytron – Irving Plaza, NYC – Wednesday, September 20

    Setlist: City of Angels, Faces, Ghosts, Deadzone, True Mathematics, The Animals, Flight From Angkor, Soft Power, USA vs. White Noise, Misery Remember Me, International Dateline, Fighting in Built Up Areas, The Island, Paper Highways, Discotraxx, Ace of Hz
    Encore: California, Playgirl, Seventeen, Destroy Everything You Touch

    Irving Plaza ladytron
    Irving Plaza ladytron
    Irving Plaza ladytron
    Irving Plaza ladytron
    Irving Plaza ladytron
    Perri Sage Photography

  • In Conversation With New York City Native “Freaky Pop” Band HOKO

    In August’s blurry end of sweltering heat and constant music in New York City, NYS Music and the band HOKO found a summer second to have a chat. The day following their Bowery Ballroom show, on their debut tour with almost monday and Weathers, band members Nathaniel Hoho and Jesse Kotansky gathered to discuss a vast expanse of topics with myself, Kali Kugler.

    From the band’s first tour experience, to the pandemic effect, to New York City recommendations and their upcoming residency, HOKO provided a rich dialogue on their transient spot in the music industry.

    HOKO was formed in New York City, but the band pulls in flair from many places and faces. Jesse Kotansky, the vital melody of HOKO, is from New York. As lead singer Nathaniel put it, “he’s the go to guy for strings in New York.” Nathaniel himself was born in Pennsylvania but claims New York City as his homebase. The two of them met through mutual friends, and the rest of their connection unfolded naturally through the development of their sound. 

    “Freaky-pop!”

    – Nathaniel Hoho

    When asked how to describe themselves through the niche language of genre, there were many categorical dialects tossed around: experimental, alternative, rock, pop. Jesse spewed a vast yet accurate platter of descriptors – “Experimental is the key word to describe us, because experimenting is our process.” Nathaniel chimed in and stamped the label, “freaky-pop!” Having attended their show at the ballroom just the night before, I can back the freaky nature they brought to the familiar pop sound.

    When posed the question about the evolution of HOKO since their first release “OK OK” back in 2020, every performing artist’s black cloud entered the conversation – the pandemic. Jesse spoke on their blooming process as a band and the halting choke COVID had on their initial exposure. Prior to the pandemic, HOKO had worked with EQT Studios and produced over forty songs they were ready to release. They put out an EP and their single “OK OK” that reached top 20 on the radio only a week before the universal shut down. Like everyone else HOKO remained indoors, but their time proved fruitful, for they spent two years writing and merging and learning about themselves and their tastefully ephemeral style.

    “We find the more often we dive in, the deeper we go… as we grow as humans our sound is also growing. While things around us change we are influenced by it all.”

    – Jesse Kotansky

    HOKO’s creative process is an observant one. They are in a constant state of listening, sensing, reading, talking – living, really. Being human –  the great collaboration. A lot of their inspiration comes from  sharing a sound, having a conversation and “diving deep.” Jesse couldn’t pinpoint their inspiration on one person or place: “…what makes us wanna dance; everything we’ve ever listened to; every book we’ve ever read; every color we’ve ever seen all go into it.”

    “I depend on the energy the crowd gives back – it’s a conversation.”

    – Nathaniel Hoho

    Coming back to the music community and getting to tour for the very first time, HOKO found the crowd’s energy to be an additional member in their band. Touring with almost monday and Weathers informed their style, for they were finally able to experiment and explore their sound with an audience. Jesse spoke on Nathaniel’s stage presence in relation to their fans: “I feed off of his energy.” He went on to state his pride in being an opening band and holding the responsibility to win a crowd.

    “It has been lovely seeing our music interact with people.”

    – Nathaniel Hoho

    New York City is a lucky spot, because HOKO established their return date. On Thursday, September 21st, HOKO will be performing at Berlin Under A in East Village (tickets are still available, and are worth the purchase)! New York City is crawling with esteemed musicians, which is a positive factor according to Jesse as he reflected on their Bowery Ballroom performance: “There was a physical energy in New York, and there were a lot of musicians at the show that we look up to. That definitely added some nerves.”

    Both Jesse and Nathaniel expressed gratitude for the hometown show crowd. It’s always sweet to see familiar faces and display growth in the place that raised you. Even though Jesse and Nathaniel still live in the city, they hold a heightened degree of excitement for their shows here. Both agreed the Bowery Ballroom show was their favorite of all their stops on tour. At the end of our conversation, HOKO even graced me with their sacred New York City recommendations: Bar Victoria, The York, Treasure Club, Cozy Royale for a burger, C&B Coffee, and Taco Ramirez.

    HOKO was as kind as they were impressive, eager to speak on their artistry and to compliment their audience. Having witnessed their eclectic, colorful, and boundary breaking performance, I can confidently encourage anyone to get the chance to see them live. They are a group to keep your eye on – they are a blow up no one will want to miss.