Stephen Clair released his newest album, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, on November 17. A one-man recording production, the record showcases 11 songs with complete performances, meaning no edits or post-production re-dos.
Stephen Clair began releasing music in 1997, but his musical career began long before. Citing Johnny Cash as a childhood influence, Clair recorded his newest record as a solo production, with the performances being only him and his guitar or piano. His tenth studio record, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is not one to miss.
The record’s fifth track, “Days Passed,” shows off Clair’s proficiency in guitar picking and instrumentation. The vocals are a distinct, contrasting note, with a higher melody and Dylan-like tone and rhythm. It stands out as a more confident spot on the album.
The eighth track on the album, “I Imagined I Was An Elevator,” stands out creatively, with an intriguing title and subject. The melody falters at points, but the vocal style brings flair to a simple singer-songwriter track, with just Clair and his guitar.
The tenth track, and another one not to miss, “Bubble Bath,” begins with a hopeful chord progression and soothing guitar melodies. Not only is the music soothing, but the lyrics describe an oasis away from the world, with a cozy bubble bath for the listener.
Photo Credit: Hillary Clements
The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life is Stephen Clair’s tenth full length album, available everywhere on November 17.
Charley Orlando, a Syracuse native, has released his newest single, “California,” with hints of surf rock and an overall relaxing vibe. “California” is the first of many songs to come that were created while Charley and his wife traveled across the US over the course of three years.
Charley Orlando has released 17 albums in the past and continues to break genres and musical standards. In his 30 plus year career, he has been added to the GRAMMY entry ballot a total of 28 times, and played over 3,000 shows in North America.
The last three years, Charley has been traveling the country in a 24-foot RV with his wife, exploring the US and spending his days writing music. In that time, he wrote six songs that will be released one by one over the course of the next year.
For his newest upcoming song, “California,” he recorded vocal parts in the shower of the RV with a blanket over his head to keep outside noise to a minimum, and crafted all the guitar parts sitting in the front seat of the RV.
“This song is obviously inspired by traveling in California. It’s long been one of my favorite places to explore and the song is a humble thank you to the land that brought forth so much creativity in me.”
Charley Orlando
If you’ve been missing that calm 70s rock that early Beach Boys songs produced, this song might just be the perfect fit. It has an incredible electric guitar line that ties the whole song together, and raise your Good Vibrations. That, combined with the occasional enchanting vocal harmonies, add to an overall surf-rock feel.
“California” is a raw, earthy song. It’s so easy to picture the making of this song because this entire track paints the picture of traveling in California without any worries– letting yourself go with the flow.
Upcoming Charley Orlando shows 11/25 Ithaca; The Range info here
Peter Hook & The Light announced a run of North American tour dates, scheduling for August and September 2024.
Including a stop at New York City’s Brooklyn Steel, the former New Order and Joy Division bassist will have surprises in store for fans of all his music ventures.
This run of tour dates will specifically feature performances of the Substance albums by Joy Division and New Order in full, revisiting and celebrating Hook’s previous projects. Hook first revisited Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures in 2010 for a commemorative charity show, and has since done so every year from the discography of both Joy Division and New Order.
It still amazes me how enjoyable it is to play the Substance LPs. The contrast between Joy Division and New Order is very apparent but both complement each other very well. My only frustration is not being able to play more of our records each night. I am totally looking forward to the next phase. So, let’s enjoy some Substance and get ready for the future. Lots of love, Hooky.
Peter Hook
Peter Hook & The Light celebrated the Substance albums in London this past October with a commemorative show at the Eventim Apollo, a 5300-capacity venue known for hosting some of the world’s biggest names, including Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and more.
Venue pre-sale tickets will be available tomorrow, November 15 from 10am local time. General onsale will begin November 17 from 10am local time here: https://peterhookandthelight.live.
Peter Hook & The Light Upcoming Tour Dates
August 31 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY
September 1 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
September 3 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
September 4 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
September 6 – New York, NY – Brooklyn Steel
September 7 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
September 10 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
September 11 – Austin, TX – The Far Out Lounge and Stage
September 13 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues
September 14 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues
September 16 – San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts By The Bay
September 17 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
September 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
September 21 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
September 23 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
September 25 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
September 26 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Crossing the train tracks that led up to the concert venue, a stranger stopped me and asked, “Is this the way Heaven?” “No,” I said. “Basilica Hudson.” While my Field of Dreams film reference was undoubtedly missed on the man, music fans could have sworn they were in heaven on Wednesday night, November 8th, when legendary UK space rockers Spiritualized made their spectacular debut in Hudson, NY. Delivering a spellbinding tour-de-force performance that will be remembered for years to come, it was the kind of show that cracked you open, rearranged your insides, and sent you home wanting to be a more productive person.
Making a rare stateside appearance with only six East Coast dates, fans from all over made it a priority to be there. The unique venue known as Basilica Hudson provided the perfect launching pad for such a formidable occasion. Located in the industrial section of town, Basilica Hudson is actually an old, refurbished glue factory that was originally built in the 1880’s. Now a multi-purpose, energy efficient arts center along the city’s “South Bay” riverfront, many consider the spot to be a crown jewel of Hudson Valley concert halls. On this night it would also serve as our Space Station for the highly anticipated sold-out show that was presented by Chosen Family.
The Spaceman Cometh: Jason Pierce AKA J. Spaceman performing with Spiritualized on 11/8/23.
With the stage set against a starfield backdrop, things lifted off shortly after 8pm. The current Spiritualized juggernaut includes 9 band members spearheaded by our flight commander for the evening, Jason Pierce, better known by some as J. Spaceman. A revered songwriter with an almost cult-like following, it’s been no secret Pierce has been battling a number of health issues in recent years. Clinically pronounced dead twice at one point, indeed every show he plays these days is something of a miracle. Performing seated and wearing his trademark sunglasses, the veteran rocker who turns 58 this month, was showered with adoration and encouragement as the countdown to ignition finally commenced.
Spiritualized performed to a sold out crowd at Basilica Hudson on 11/8/2023.
Like most Spiritualized shows in recent years, “Hey Jane” was selected as the opening number. Blasting off with some infectious high-octane psych-rock, the tone was set for the transformative journey ahead. Sounding massive from the very start, “She Kissed Me (It Felt Like a Hit) kept the raw rock energy going as the room had now filled to capacity. Then hitting the rewind button and taking us back to where it all started, next was a song from the bands debut album, “Shine a Light,” from 1992’s Lazer Guided Melodies. Making this one count, the momentum really started building here, as sprawling layers of sonic distortion and cascading crescendos reached a new level intensity, matching the equally intense, pulsating light show. And just when you thought you couldn’t take it anymore, our captain gently brought us back down, effortlessly guiding the band into the chilled-out hypnotic groove of “I’m Coming Home Again” that conjured up some heavy Velvet Underground vibes.
“If you want a rocket ship, I would be a rocket ship for you” – Lyrics from “Always Together With You”
A beautiful rendition of “A Perfect Miracle” proved to be an early highlight of the set, while “Always Together With You” took on an infectious astral-pop quality that saw Pierce’s lyrics playing up the bands outer space imagery. Cloaked in white robes, the minimal 3-girl gospel choir sounded beautiful together, adding intricate layers of harmony and filling in the space with “ohhhs” and “ahhhs” that contributed a great deal to the overall sound. Up next came a trio of songs from the album many, including Pierce himself, thought might be the bands last; 2018’s And Nothing Hurt. Flowing beautifully from fan favorite “I’m Your Man” into the hard charging “The Morning After,” and then capping it off with “Here it Comes (The Road) Let’s Go,” which from my perspective, received some of the loudest cheers of the evening.
“Labored over these words too long and nothing to behold / Wanted it to be special for you, but it’s just a song” – Jason Pierce
The next portion of the night featured material from Spiritualized’s most recent release Everything Was Beautiful. Starting the sequence off with “Best Thing You Never Had (The D Song),” things got a little weird when suddenly a man jumped over the barricade and onto the stage. Basking in the spotlight for a moment, it was unclear if this was part of the act. As the band played on with perplexed looks of plausible concern, it soon became obvious that it was just some inebriated dude looking for attention. Then attempting to stage dive his way out of the awkward situation, fans in the front made zero attempt to catch him. The resulting splat that followed was amusing to some, but a complete mental distraction for others. To their credit, Spiritualized never missed a single note. If nothing else, the incident seemed to be an ice breaker, for as serious as this performance was, fans realized it was okay to let their hair down a bit as it was still a rock n’ roll show.
Idiot bastard, son of a gun Heaven is easy, your living is done Take it down easy, won’t know what you’ve done And we’re gone.
-Lyrics from The A Song (Laid in Your Arms)
Resetting the coordinates now, the deliberately hypnotic buildup of “Let It Bleed (For Iggy) produced massive moments of introspection and then euphoria, while the hard charging angst of “The A Song (Laid in Your Arms)” furthered the momentum into another deafening climax where Pierce seemingly confronts his demons while pondering over his lasting legacy. Looking even deeper within, Pierce confessed he’s “Damaged” while lamenting the lines “I wanna just close my mind / Feel like I’m floating on a ship out of time.” Soaring forward with cathartic, blissed-out beauty, “Soul on Fire” achieved an almost orchestral peak, despite there being no string or horn section. While the crowd sang along to its repeating chorus, the magnitude of the moment was enough to make the hair on your neck stand up. Acknowledging his struggles with addiction once more, “Sail on Through” would bring the main portion of the show to a jaw-dropping close.
Spiritualized performing in Hudson, NY on 11/8/23.
So long you pretty thing, God save your little soul The music that you played so hard ain’t on your radio And all your dreams and diamond rings and all that rock and roll can bring you Sail on, so long.
-Jason Pierce
After a few moments of silence off stage, Spiritualized would sail on with a passionate rendition of their psychedelic space pop manifesto “So Long You Pretty Thing.” The final song of the night was also the loudest. Encoring with the lone track from the bands 1997 undisputed masterpiece Ladies and Gentleman We Are Floating in Space, “Come Together” nearly blew the roof of Basilica Hudson and put an emphatic stamp on a life-affirming performance that simply shook the audience to the core. Standing up and facing them for the first time all night, Pierce would humbly take a bow and gracefully exit to a chorus of both cheers and tears. Mesmerizing and beautiful, heart wrenching, vulnerable and honest, it was the rare type of performance that satisfied all of your senses and filled you with hope. The type of show that made you feel lucky to be alive and grateful for the struggle. A little piece of Heaven right there there in Hudson, NY.
Spiritualized | November 8,2023 | Basilica Hudson | Hudson, NY
Setlist: Hey Jane, She Kissed Me (It Felt Like a Hit), Shine A Light, I’m Coming Home Again, A Perfect Miracle, Always Together With You, I’m Your Man, The Morning After, Here it Comes (The Road) Let’s Go, Best Thing You Never Had (The D Song), Let It Bleed (For Iggy), The A Song (Laid in Your Arms), Damaged, Soul on Fire, Sail on Through
The Olayan Group announced they have partnered with Kristopher Hull to bring classical music out of the concert hall and into The 550 Garden, the largest green space to be built in East Midtown in decades.
As part of the artist residency, the Garden will host live performances on Tuesdays and Thursdays in a limited engagement. Kristopher Hull is a cultural fixture in New York City, known for pushing his custom-mounted 1964 Baldwin Upright Piano around lower Manhattan, bringing a mix of Chopin études, preludes, and nocturnes into the Garden for the enjoyment of all New Yorkers.
Referred to as the “Pianist Errant” after the knight-errant Don Quixote, the majority of Hull’s work is performed in front of murals and in public gardens around Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side. Now, in partnership with 550 Madison, he is bringing live classical music to Midtown. Inspired by 550 Madison’s architectural heritage and the natural history of the region, the 550 Garden is East Midtown’s first new publicly accessible space in decades. Designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, 550 Madison Avenue is one of the city’s most recognizable architectural masterworks. It is a postmodern gem known for its distinctive “Chippendale” curved roof pediment and pink granite façade.
The reawakened space, open year-round and features a heated hearth seating area, embraces nature as an amenity for building tenants, area residents, and visitors. New Yorkers find solace within the Garden among trees and plants and now live classical music.
The 550 Garden offers an elegant and welcoming space where New Yorkers can immerse themselves in nature without stepping outside the heart of Midtown. We are pleased to make Hull’s extraordinary performances of classical music accessible to the public, further enhancing the dynamic experience in the Garden.
Erik Horvat, Head of Real Estate at Olayan America.
Hull is a self-taught classical pianist who began learning the instrument at 20 years old, inspired by recordings of his favorite 20th-century pianists such as Vladimir Horowitz and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli. He has also performed at some of the city’s most renowned street art venues like Freeman Alley, First Street Green Art Park, and the Park Avenue Tunnel. His performances at the Garden will feature Chopin and Mozart.
“My work as a pianist centers around the belief that pairing classical music and art provides an entirely new type of experience,” said Hull. “I’m thrilled to bring live music to complement 550 Madison’s serene Garden and Philip Johnson’s renowned post-modern architecture.”
In an extraordinary musical alliance, the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago, two of the most celebrated and successful bands in music history, are set to reignite the stage with their iconic co-headlining tour across North America, the Heart & Soul 2024 Tour.
This tour promises an unforgettable night of music that brings together the timeless melodies of Chicago and the iconic repertoire of Earth, Wind & Fire. The tour, spanning 30 cities, kicks off in St. Louis, MO, on July 10, and features a special stop at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY, on Sunday, July 28, followed by an electrifying performance at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
Earth, Wind & Fire
This tour is still proof of the timeless appeal and extraordinary talent of two of the most recognizable musical groups in America, having sold over 200 million albums, earned 11 GRAMMY® awards, and received nearly 30 nominations between them. Billboard describes Chicago as “one of the most successful American rock bands of all time, in terms of both albums and singles,” having consistently filled arenas with satisfied fans. Earth, Wind & Fire, a funk-fusion powerhouse, has left an indelible mark on the sound and history of popular music, according to Rolling Stone. Both bands have received the highest honor with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Chicago in 2016 and Earth, Wind & Fire in 2000.
HEART AND SOUL 2024 TOUR DATES
– Wed Jul 10 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
– Fri Jul 12 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
– Sat Jul 13 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
– Tue Jul 16 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
– Wed Jul 17 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
– Fri Jul 19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
– Sat Jul 20 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
– Mon Aug 12 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
– Tue Aug 13 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
– Fri Aug 16 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
– Sat Aug 17 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
– Mon Aug 19 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
– Tue Aug 20 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
– Fri Aug 23 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
– Sat Aug 24 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
– Mon Aug 26 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
– Thu Aug 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
– Sat Aug 31 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
– Sun Sep 01 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord
– Tue Sep 03 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
– Fri Sep 06 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum
– Sat Sep 07 – Palm Desert, CA – Acrisure Arena
Ticket sales kick off with a Citi presale beginning on Tuesday, November 14. Additional presales will run throughout the week leading up to the general on-sale starting on Friday, November 17 at 10 am at EarthWindAndFire.com and ChicagoTheBand.com
From the infectious beats of “Let’s Groove” to the timeless rock anthems of Chicago, this tour is a celebration of musical history, cultural impact, and the shared memories that these iconic bands have created over the years.
In an exhilarating double-header on November 12th, the vibrant pop trio AJR surprised their New York City fanbase with an extraordinary day of music. The city that shaped their artistic journey witnessed a surprise daytime performance at Madison Square Park, paving the way for an epic night at Irving Plaza to commemorate the release of their latest album, “The Maybe Man.”
From the heart of Chelsea to the iconic Irving Plaza stage, the Met brothers, Adam, Jack, and Ryan, guided their audience through a musical odyssey, unveiling both the fresh creations from their new album and the cherished classics. The unexpected nature of these events added an extra layer of thrill, transforming an ordinary Friday into an extraordinary experience for fans who found themselves captivated by AJR’s distinctive soundscapes and infectious energy.
Hailing from the bustling streets of Chelsea in New York City, AJR is a dynamic pop trio comprised of brothers Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met. Their musical journey began in the living room of their city apartment, where they cultivated a distinctive sound that defies easy categorization, blending pop, indie, and electronic elements. Influenced by the diverse energy of NYC, their breakout single “I’m Ready” showcased their knack for catchy hooks and innovative sampling.
With hits like “Weak” and “Burn the House Down,” AJR has captivated a dedicated fanbase, exploring themes of self-discovery and modern life complexities through their music. Natives of Chelsea, the trio’s artistic DNA is deeply rooted in the city’s diversity and constant buzz, shaping their evolution into one of the most exciting and innovative acts in contemporary music. From the urban landscapes of Chelsea to the global stage, AJR’s journey reflects the enduring spirit of creativity inspired by the heartbeat of New York City.
“The Maybe Man” stands as the latest sonic adventure from the chart-topping trio, AJR. Released on November 10, 2023, this marks their fifth studio album and a notable transition as it becomes the first under their newly inked deal with Mercury Records. The anticipation for the album began to build during their 2022 world tour, where the sneak peek of the unreleased track “I Won’t” served as the catalyst. Fans eagerly speculated on the album’s title, unraveling the mystery on November 12, 2022, as “TMM” was revealed, prompting imaginative guesses like “The Music Men” and “Ten Meter Men.”
Building up to the release, the band strategically dropped singles, including the emotionally charged “God Is Really Real,” a poignant tribute to their father, Gary. The animated teaser video released on August 28, 2023, featuring Jack Met’s journey through various landscapes, culminated in the revelation of the album’s title track, “Maybe Man.” The tour announcement on November 8, which includes 2 shows at Madison Square Garden in April 2024, further underscores the grandeur surrounding this remarkable album release, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the magic of AJR’s musical universe.
The Irving Plaza show itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, pranks, and heartwarming moments that left fans buzzing with excitement. Jack kicked things off with a resolution to be more positive towards Ryan during this album cycle, but true to form, couldn’t resist poking fun at him after the first song, “Maybe Man”. Ryan, on the other hand, shared a humorous anecdote about a dozing-off 10 year old fan during “100 Bad Days,” emphasizing the cyclical enthusiasm whenever eye contact was made.
The band playfully teased the young fan chasing Ryan’s approval and pretended to entertain on fan song requests like “Thirsty” and an impromptu tattoo-drawing session. Jack continued the brotherly teasing, asserting that a young fan was seeking Ryan’s approval, deeming it underrated. Fan interactions included an acapella rendition of “Thirsty” by their photographer Austin, responding to a fan’s sign, and collaboratively drawing a fan’s next tattoo, with Jack humorously criticizing Adam’s addition.
“Steve’s Going to London” became a heartwarming sing-along, and the brothers shared a poignant moment, expressing gratitude for their late father, Gary, whose favorite thing surpassed even pastrami sandwiches (#2) and his sons (#3) — the fans. A Gary chant echoed through the crowd, and Jack revealed their dad heard the new album before his passing.
Drumming up nostalgia, Jack joined in on the drums for “Don’t Throw Out My Legos,” and a production breakdown preceded the track. “Inertia” got its inspiration from a friend’s inertia-laden job at a bank, adding a humorous touch to the performance. The show concluded with a faux farewell, leading into the encore with “Weak” and “2085,” leaving the audience on a high note and cementing AJR’s reputation for unforgettable live performances.
In tandem with the recent album promotion, AJR is making a stop at Rough Trade Records in NYC for an in-store record signing for “The Maybe Man”.
Be sure to also catch the band on their first arena tour this spring when they bring their incredible energy to the stage at Madison Square Garden!
Setlist: Maybe Man, Touchy Feely Fool, Burn the House Down, Sober Up, Yes I’m a Mess, The Dumb Song, 100 Bad Days, DJ is Crying for Help, World’s Smallest Violin, I Won’t, The Good Part, Inertia, Don’t Throw Out My Legos, Steve’s Going to London, Bang Encore: 2085, Weak
Buffalo was abuzz, the Bills were home for a big Monday night matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos. But there was another bill that held more sway for those gathered inside Asbury Hall. Valerie June, Rachel Davis, Yasmin Williams, and Thao combined forces examining the current and past state of folk through a female lens. It was Monday Night Folk-for-all.
Not oblivious to the world around them, with a nod and a wink, the foursome arrived on stage to the sounds of “The Final Countdown.” It was a last minute audible that would have hit more on the nose had they been able to conjure up their intended walk out music: the Monday Night Football theme song. But it was clear from the get-go they were in a playful mood and having a great time. Coming from a day off in Cleveland, they were rested and raring to go.
The group first got together for a special panel at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival. They enjoyed it so much that they put together this very special little tour which the folk-over-football Buffalonians were lucky enough to witness. Sitting in a row on the stage, they shared their songs in a Nashville-style round.
Valerie June started the show off with her unique blend of soul and folk, with a flashy green dress and her signature head of dreads. She’s colorful through and through and lights up the room with just her presence, but her bright smile, wonderful voice and incredible songs certainly don’t hurt. Rachel Davis followed, flexing her own vocal range going a capella with Sally Rogers’ “Circle of the Sun.” Yasmin Williams went in the opposite direction, playing her instrumental “Cliff Walk” with stunning finger picked and tapped guitar. Thao concluded the first round with “Kindness Be Conceived,” a song from her indie-rock band, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down. She strapped on her electric guitar and was joined with some light percussion and hand claps form the others. Each woman brought their own perspective and sound. It was like four concerts in one. And around and around they went.
As folks songs tend to do, their songs often told stories. But the format of the concert provided the artists to open up with some of the stories behind and around the songs and instruments they played. Davis’ was playing the banjo that her dad used to teach her which he also learned to play on. He ended up gifting it to her when she first left the shores of Lake Michigan for Boston, and the sound of it reminded her of home.
Williams’ unique lap-style and finger tapping guitar style was something she developed from mastering Guitar Hero using a similar technique. The game inspired her to learn guitar for real, but she quickly bored of her lessons and taught herself instead. The results are her precise and uniquely-styled playing. Some of the stories only went back as far as the night before, and apparently Williams used her precision for some bowling hijinks on their night off in Cleveland. [details redacted]
The audience was also regaled with stories of June’s childhood home, so far away from any neighbors that she had a habit of showering naked in the rain. So her “Rain Dance” is not just a song but a part of her childhood. Thao introduced “Temple” with the story behind the lyrics. She took her mother on a trip home to Vietnam and it brought out a side of her she had never seen. The song’s lyrics, written from her mother’s perspective, touched deeper with the backstory in hand.
The group also joined forces to make music magic. In a unexpected twist, they played three minutes of improvisation, June and Davis humming, Williams on mbira, and Thao on her guitar. It was a bold choice that not only worked out brilliantly, but broke up the song-circle perfectly.
The show closed with them once again playing together, more traditionally, on a cover of “Shady Grove,” each lady taking a verse. The audience of course wouldn’t let such a special concert end in regulation, so they cheered them on for a little overtime. Another brilliant cover ensued as they tackled “I Shall Be Released” before bringing back in a little more heartfelt humor with a quick victory lap of “Thank You For Being A Friend.” And the best part of all, for this bill, everyone was a winner.
Benny The Butcher has graced fans with a prolific new single from his forthcoming album, Everybody Can’t Go. Featuring the legendary Lil Wayne, “Big Dog” is the first new music from Benny since 2022’s Tana Talk 4 broke inside the Top 25 on the Billboard 200 album chart last year, and notably his first release for Def Jam Recordings, who he signed with after his contractual obligations to his cousin Westside Gunn’s Griselda imprint ended.
Co-produced by famed hip hop producer, Alchemist, “Big Dog” sees Benny The Butcher try his hand at another lyrical back-and-forth with a platinum selling rapper. His last effort, “Johnny P’s Caddy” — featuring J. Cole — peaked #14 Hot Rap Songs hit. Moreover, it was Benny’s first single to break inside the Hot 100. Furthermore, the Buffalo native was able to earn his first gold record and the first for any Griselda affiliate.
No hook no trap beat and off an independent label if I’m not top three in yall beloved boom bap genre then who is Griselda is the illest https://t.co/QBgZCpLpGC
The new single is a change of pace for Benny The Butcher as the sped-up production departs from his usual laid-back, soulful, or sample heavy beats. What remains the same is his fervor, as he perfects his aggressive, braggadocios, grimy style. Backing him up is a looping classically inspired beat full of urgency. In like manner, Benny attacks the beat with the same intensity as if he was rapping about bricks on the table over a Daringer beat. Rather, Benny follows a formulaic song structure. While his subject matter remains close to home, the production and flow is a nice change of pace. Likewise, Lil Wayne continues to prove that he remains a rapper to be reckoned with, delivering a prolific verse in his own right in the duo’s first collaboration since “Timeless” from Benny’s 2020 album, Burden of Proof.
Over the last year, Benny has spent time promoting his Black Soprano Family artists including Fuego Base and Rick Hyde. However, the first quarter of 2024 will see Benny release his new album, Everybody Can’t Go.
Alternative rock group Porno For Pyros announced a North American tour for this coming spring, originally breaking a 26-year touring hiatus, but now will be a farewell tour. Titled the “Horns, Thorns, En Halos Tour” includes two stops in New York State, Port Chester on March 7 and NYC on March 8, 2024.
Porno For Pyros formed in 1992 in Los Angeles, following vocalist Perry Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins’s departure from 90’s rock group Jane’s Addiction. Their first record, a self titled album released in 1993, charted immediately on Billboard’s Top 100. The group followed up with Good God’s Urge in 1996, and later disbanded in 1998.
The group has been teasing a full return since 2013, and is set to release a brand new EP next year. Their most recent release, a single titled “Agua,” released on November 16. The new track is inspired by environmental concerns, and reminiscing memories from surfing trips the group took in the 90’s.
Now we’re here, and that same heart, that same desire to make music together, has returned. Getting together with these guys has been some of the most fun, the happiest times in my life
Perry Farrell, vocalist
Porno For Pyros will play two shows in New York State on their upcoming tour, in Port Chester and NYC. The group will play The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on March 7. Finally, they will make a stop at NYC’s Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom the following day on March 8.
Tickets will be available for presale as early as 12 pm on November 15, with the general on-sale taking place on Friday, November 17 at 10 AM at LiveNation.com.
PORNO FOR PYROS – HORNS, THORNS EN HALOS FAREWELL TOUR DATES:
Tue Feb 13 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory Orange County
Thu Feb 15 – San Diego, CA – Observatory San Diego
Sat Feb 17 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Theater
Sun Feb 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Wed Feb 21 – Aspen, CO * – Belly Up Aspen
Thu Feb 22 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Sat Feb 24 –- Omaha, NE – Astro Theatre
Mon Feb 26 – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed
Tue Feb 27 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
Thu Feb 29 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY
Sat Mar 02 – Philadelphia, PA – Parx Casino
Sun Mar 03 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Tue Mar 05 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Thu Mar 07 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre
Fri Mar 08 – New York, NY – Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
