NYS Music 2023

Category: Genres

  • Connie Diiamond Captivates as the Queen of Drill

    All that comes around – goes around. The cyclical nature of magnetic individuality remains inevitable. Basically, you must trust people to be who they will be. 

    DMX offers incredible wisdom on one of his last interviews ever recorded on Drink Champs with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN.

    With that, nobody moves a crowd like the energetic empathetic. Never pathetic, incredibly poetic, and most definitely unapologetic comes Connie Diiamond from the Bronx. Additionally, as far as evolution exists, this woman adapts to the times. Rhymes galore and much more in store – she even cleared Ludacris’ “Move” sample through the door. 

    Nevertheless, amazement sets in when people move the right way. How wondrous the process of finding oneself. No outside source will bring you happiness quite like the gifted spirit within your being.

    https://twitter.com/HipHopDX/status/1636055512847638530

    Boss Maneuvers

    Indeed, Connie Diiamond operates within the same wavelength as Nipsey Hussle – who cleared the “Hard Knock Life” sample from Jay-Z. From winning slam poetry contests in high school to collaborating with Ludacris – this nose-to-the-grindstone BX woman continues to strive. Poetic visions and many revisions allowed her to become the fan-proclaimed “Queen of Drill.”

    Individuality and Expression

    Undoubtedly, as an emcee – Connie Diiamond will go toe-to-toe with anyone. As a classy individual, she stands on moral grounds and principles. With the utmost self-confidence – she does not mind being the only woman in the room. Otherwise, this artist knows her worth and will never sell solely sex for attention or become reliant on a sex symbol status.

    Essentially, Connie Diiamond functions much like your typical American citizen. She works at the hair salon suite that she owns during the day and chases her dreams at night. Her craftsmanship knows no limitations as haircuts fund her musical aspirations. 

    Moreover, the reason why this artist will reach the heights she seeks revolves around her incredible sense of self-worth. As a humble and supportive individual, she continues to put in her 10,000 hours. She accepts the things that occur for what they are, stays in her lane and keeps pushing. 

    Initially, she rose in popularity due to her freestyle ability to hop on anyone else’s track and make it her own. As she progresses and learns elements of sound structure, how to make certain types of songs, and stay afloat in the industry – she will be dangerous and not one to be tested on the mic. 

    With positive reinforcement from her friends, family, and fans – it is impossible for her to lose. Many times, people automatically repost her songs due to the authenticity of the sounds. Somebody that radiates positive energy will always receive reciprocal energy – tenfold. 

    Finally, when it comes time to record, she locks in and blocks out any external influences. Clearly, this laser-sharp focus and multi-hyphenate approach earn dividends. Her song with Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers made it into NBA 2K23. Stay tuned to see what may come next from her!

  • Hearing Aide: Micky James ‘Loner of the Year’ EP

    On July 21, 2023, NYC by way of Philadelphia artist Micky James released his new EP, Loner of the Year. The album features Micky’s signature sound – a mix of glam and grit, paired with glittery guitars and themes of nostalgia throughout. As indicated by the title, Micky dedicates his five-track EP to the loners.

    “I want people to know that it’s important to embrace all of the things that make each and everyone of us unique,” states Micky in a recent interview with PEOPLE. “It can be frightening sometimes to free our most authentic selves, only by carving our own path can we feel truly liberated.”

    The album opens with “New York Minute,” an upbeat, nostalgic tune, reminiscent of 2000s pop-rock. The catchy, somewhat gritty melody establishes a summertime feel to the album. The song serves as a celebration of misfits and their individuality, all while reminding listeners that life moves fast, so enjoy the dysfunction that comes with being young.

    The album’s title track, “Loner of the Year,” further captures the complicated emotions that come with accepting our authentic selves. Despite the melody’s upbeat feel, the lyrics tell a story of a hopeless sort of loneliness, a narration of difficulties experienced by many. The song’s message, paired with its pop tune, is reminiscent of a coming-of-age movie soundtrack, with an optimistic twist at the end, reminding all of us that life goes on, and such loneliness can pass.

    “James Brown,” the third track on the album, has an edgy, raw feel, but still brings out the nostalgic sound of 2010s pop-rock. In contrast to “Loner of the Year,” “James Brown” shows an embrace of uniqueness rather than disdain.

    Of all the tracks on Loner of the Year, “Girl Talk” best showcases Micky James’ strong vocals. The flirtatious pop anthem compels attention from the listener through a range of James’ well-rounded, broad, captivating vocals. The song’s catchy melody conveys a sense of confidence through lyrics like “keep my name on your lips now honey,” in comparison to the anxiety in “Loner of the Year,” unveiling an emotional journey throughout the album.

    “Losing You” concludes the album with an engaging summer breakup anthem, capturing the complicated emotions associated with it. James conveys the struggle between understanding a relationship must come to an end, all while reminiscing on the good times and memories, making it “never a good time to say goodbye.”

    The album maintains its nostalgic ambiance and consistently upbeat 2000s/2010s pop-rock vibe from start to finish. Whether seeking a track to unpack intricate emotions, or a catchy melody just for summer ambiance, Loner of the Year offers a brief yet enjoyable musical experience.

    About Micky James

    Born and raised in the shadows of Philadelphia and NYC, Micky James developed a passion for music and the theatrical at a young age and aspired to become a performer. His music and personal style embody a sound and aesthetic that is nostalgic for a bygone era in rock-n-roll music, all while conveying a contemporary pop ambition.

    His vocals are reminiscent of notable voices like David Bowie and Julian Casablancas, referencing the uniquely dark, enigmatic, and romantic attributes associated with those artists. While James’ flamboyant fashions are reminiscent of the glamour and swagger of past rock icons, his work is both equal parts style and substance.

    Inspired by the energy of iconic ’60s and ’70s rock bands, he creates a modern, fresh approach to a timeless genre. “I wanted to take pieces of nostalgia and give it a contemporary twist,” he explains, successfully taking his vision and turning it into reality. In July 2020, Micky James released “Kings,” which garnered critical acclaim, with one critic calling it “a defiant uprising of the generationally damned and distinguished, as well as the most authentic rock n roll you’ve heard in years.”

    Listen to Loner of the Year here.

  • Album Review: Nas is Good but Hit-Boy Makes ‘Magic 2’

    Rarely does a rapper of Nas’ stature enhance his legacy with a late career-run. After all, hip hop is spearheaded by the youth and for many a fans, the output of the twilight years only diminish artists overall catalogue. Even so, with the help of Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy, Nas has carved out his latest run as one of hip hop’s few evolving legacy acts. Since the release of King’s Disease in 2020 the duo have combined for five projects in the last 3 years. And with their latest effort, Magic 2, Hit-Boy quells any final notion of Nas albums not having great beats. Stylistically, the 11-track album sees Nas continue his career victory lap, this time with Hit-Boy bringing the flair.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Magic 2 Review

    In between the King’s Disease album series — where a fourth edition is in the works– Nas and Hit-Boy’s extensive studio time has yielded another series of enthralling album cuts. While Esco remains the pre-eminent figure, this latest effort showcased Hit-Boy’s ability to elevate an already stamped legend and broaden him rhythmically.

    I feed the people ’cause I love the people/ Two series at once, yea let’s run the sequel.

    – Nas, “Office Hours”

    Short and succint, the album contains two features. The first, notably burying the hatchet with former rival 50 Cent on the project’s second track, “Office Hours.” A Queens connection, the duo boast about their respective journeys to the top, impact on the culture while the former rivals big each other and their hometown. The latter sees Nas exchange bars with one of contemporary rap’s hottest stars in 21 Savage on the album’s outro “One Mic, One Gun.” Backed by Hit-Boy’s grandiose horns, 21 Savage delivers a flowingly introspective verse to close out the album as the two rappers do an excellent job of playing off of each other. In this case, 21 serves as the contemporary star awaiting folklore status, while Nas plays the role of timeless legend.


    It’s cool to be mainstream, I rather be timeless that’s if we keeping it P.

    – Nas, “One Mic, One Gun”

    Overall, Magic 2 sees Nas at his most tame lyrically. Rather, prioritizing his varying contemporary flows and cadences while rhyming over a wide variety of beats. Hit-boy harnesses Nas’ toned approach to rap and juxtaposes it with a slew of rhythmic horns (“Ervin Magic Johnson,” “One Mic, One Gun”), keyboards and old school synths (“What This All Really Means,” “Black Magic,” “Pistols on Your Album Cover”). The production is an excellent backdrop to Nas’ story-telling style as throughout the project the veteran MC flips between rehashing old tales and staying current. Although the album lacks many truly standout records, it also does not have any bad ones and is an overall solid project.

    Album’s Best

    I done hooked up with a beast, never stingy with the beats.

    – Nas, “What This All Really Means”

    Hit-Boy steals the show in this latest joint-effort. While fans of Nas will always be up for hearing him rap, the production helped accentuate what was otherwise a mild lyrical output for the Queensbridge native. This isn’t to say that there aren’t moments of magic as the project’s latter half has a few excellent album cuts (“Slow It Down,” “Bookeem Woodbine”). However, the production had a fresh and grand feel as even the boom-bap records sounded current. To his credit, Nas knocked each record out of the park with razor sharp flows and delivery.

    Album’s Worst

    Ultimately, Magic 2 will serve its purpose as a holdover until the release of King’s Disease IV. However, the lack of a standout record is conspicuous when judging the album in its totality. Moreover, along with the contemporary feel of the production and delivery, seemingly came the present-day need for bad punchlines. Markedly, Nas spinkles a slew of these throughout the album which forces you to think, did Nas really say this? Namely, the first bar on the opening track “Abracadabra” is “Durag energy, I’m on a wave, you n-ggas cap.” Then on “Ervin Magic Johnson” he raps, “have you jammed up like what you spread on toast.” Not to mention the “my scrotum is golden” line he spews on what is otherwise a great song in “What This All Really Means.”

  • Metallica’s Thunderous Return: Night 1 of Metal Madness at Metlife Stadium

    On Aug. 4, 2023, metal giants Metallica descended upon Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to kick off the North American leg of their highly anticipated M72 Seasons Tour. With a stellar lineup that featured opening acts Pantera and Mammoth WVH, the night promised to be an unforgettable metal extravaganza. Drawing a staggering crowd of 80,000 enthusiastic fans, the stadium was electrified with the raw energy that only true heavy metal can deliver.

    Metlife Stadium, known for its impressive capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, was the perfect venue for this massive event. To make the experience even more immersive, the stage was set up “in the round,” which means it was located at the center of the stadium, allowing fans from all sides to have a clear view of the action.

    Before Metallica took the stage, fans were treated to two opening acts that set the stage on fire. First up was Mammoth WVH, the creation of the multitalented Wolfgang Van Halen, son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Mammoth WVH brought their A-game, delivering a powerful performance that showcased their explosive musicianship and remarkable stage presence. Hits like “I’m Alright,” “You’re to Blame,” and “Don’t Back Down” had the crowd headbanging and singing along.

    Following Mammoth WVH, the atmosphere became even more intense as the audience eagerly awaited Pantera. The band took the stage with the incomparable Zakk Wylde on guitar and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante joining the lineup. Despite the tragic losses of two original members, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, their legacy lives on. Surviving members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown, along with Wylde and Benante, teamed up to deliver a ferocious set. Fan favorites like “Strength Beyond Strength,” “I’m Broken,” “Walk,” and “Cowboys From Hell” sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd.

    Metallica kicked off their two-hour set with “Creeping Death.” They immediately unleashed their signature sound, sending shockwaves through the stadium. The M72 Seasons Tour featured a unique concept, with the band playing two nights in each city, but ensuring that both shows had completely different setlists. The first night at Metlife Stadium featured powerful renditions of songs like “72 Seasons,” “Fade to Black,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Battery,” each one resonating with the crowd’s insatiable appetite for metal.

    The pinnacle of Metallica’s performance was marked by the arrival of the iconic track “Master of Puppets.” In response, the atmosphere within the stadium ignited into a frenzy, with mosh pits erupting spontaneously. As Kirk Hammett, Rob Trujillo, Lars Ulrich, and James Hetfield poured their energy into the performance, the crowd’s reaction was nothing short of electrifying. The combination of powerful guitar riffs and thunderous drums seemed to unleash a tidal wave of raw excitement.

    Setlist: Creeping Death, Harvester of Sorrow, Holier Than Thou, King Nothing, 72 Seasons, If Darkness Had A Son, Fade to Black, Shadows Follow, Orion, Nothing Else Matters, Sad But True, The Day That Never Comes, Battery, Fuel, Seek & Destroy, Master of Puppets.

  • Celebrate México Now Festival Coming to NYC this November

    Celebrate México Now Festival (CMN) will be returning to NYC from Nov. 14 to 21, confirmed at locations in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Programs are across literature, photography, culinary arts, film, dance, and music. Each is a part of the pipeline connecting the arts and culture communities of NYC and Mexico.

    The 20-year-old festival returned to live programming last year following the COVID-19 pandemic, run by award-winning curator and producer Claudia Norman of CN Management. Most events are free to attend. CMN has thus far showcased nearly 450 artists and partnered with over 150 venues and cultural institutions throughout NYC.

    Confirmed Dates

    Ximena Pérez Grobet: Reading Finnegans Wake – Center for Book Arts, Manhattan – Nov. 14 at 6:00 p.m.

    Ximena Pérez Grobet will take the audience through the nine-year process of creating, editing, and publishing the limited edition of Reading Finnegans Wake. Using a classic edition of Finnegans Wake by James Joyce that was published in 1965, Pérez Grobet unbound the book, carefully cut the text apart nearly line by line, then reassembled it. This resulted in four knitted versions of the text.

    Daniel Ramos: Eres Muy Hermosa – Camera Club of New York, Manhattan – Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m.

    In the fifth year of collaboration with the Camera Club of New York, CMN will be hosting photographer Daniel Ramos. He will be discussing his solo exhibit Eres Muy Hermosa, which showcases a series of portraits made with a 4×5 large format view camera in bars and clubs at night in Monterrey, North Mexico.

    Mexico Writes Now: An Evening with Carmen Boullosa, Ximena Santaolalla, Naief Yehya, Alvaro Enrigue, and Oswaldo Zavala – The Center for Fiction, Brooklyn – Nov. 16 at 6:00 p.m.

    Some of Mexico’s leading voices in academia, poetry, novel, and essay writing will be assembled at the Center for Fiction, discussing their experiences living and working in NYC. Along with the acclaimed writer Carmen Boullosa, authors Ximena Santaolalla, Naief Yehya, Álvaro Enrigue, and Oswaldo Zavala will read their work and share their favorite Mexican films, photographs, and paintings with the audience.

    Boullosa’s novel La otra mano de Lepanto has been acknowledged as one of the top works of literature written in Spanish in the last 25 years. She has written a dozen volumes of poetry and has published nineteen novels, two books of essays, and ten plays.

    Diana Wangeman and Jesús “Pat Boy” Chablé: The Present and Future of Ancestral Practices – Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Manhattan – Nov. 18, TBA

    A unique event featuring two indigenous creators seeking to preserve ancestral practices through very different forms of art. Diana Wangeman acts in the culinary preservation of ancient records of corn cultivation and preparation through her popular Brooklyn tortilleria and restaurant Sobre Masa. Jesús Chablé, better known as Pat Boy, performs rap in Mayan and teaches others to rap in Mayan, helping to preserve the language.

    A Tribute to Lourdes Grobet – King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center on NYU Campus, Manhattan – Nov. 20 at 6:00 p.m.

    CMN will pay tribute to the late Mexican photographer Lourdes Grobet, presenting the final two projects Grobet finished before passing. The first is Bering, Reunión Familiar, a documentary and a part of Grobet’s larger project on the Bering Strait. The second is Laboratorio de Teatro Campesino e Indígena, medio siglo de historia, a book that Grobet worked on for over 30 years.

    SHIFT with Antonio Sánchez and Bad Hombre, Thana Alexa, BIGYUKI and Lex Sadler; Echoes in Proximity; and Ampersan, Co-Presented with World Music Institute – Le Poisson Rouge, Manhattan – Nov. 21 at 7:00 p.m.

    The only ticketed event as of present, the concert will conclude the CMN Festival. Audiences can expect a showcase of unique, yet contemporary sounds by award-winning musicians that blend genres and styles to create a dynamic music experience. The event will be co-presented with the World Music Institute.

    Tickets for the Celebrate México Now Festival are available here. For more information and for updates on future events, check out CMN’s website.

  • Hearing Aide: The Hot Sardines ‘C’est La Vie’

    The Hot Sardines, an authentic New York City-based jazz band, released their newest album C’est La Vie on Aug. 4. The album arrived with ten highly complex tracks including covers and reinventions of jazz classics as well as original songs written by Elizabeth Bougerol and Evan Palazzo.

    The co-writes of C’est La Vie founded the lively Hot Sardines back in 2011, getting their start by playing various underground parties in Brooklyn. Since then, they have released six albums in total, all aiming to reinvigorate classic jazz music for the modern-day ear and spread their brand worldwide. With flourishing success taking them away from home time and time again, the band decided to record more music leading Bougerol to more thoroughly explore French influences which quickly took over what is now C’est La Vie.

    The new album is a bilingual project with tracks both in English and French, providing listeners with newly interpreted classics from “Moon River” to “La Vie En Rose” along with various impressive, original compositions. When it came to the track’s production, Bougerol and Palazzo called on collaborators from all over the world ranging from Los Angeles all the way to Beijing. The pair aimed to create a stripped-down sound to help them record nearly one-hundred-year-old songs remotely with modern technology while keeping their original spirit and polish alive. With transient instrumentals and Bougerol’s timeless voice, the album takes listeners on a beautiful musical journey and sets a relaxing tone encapsulating the essence of the motto “C’est La Vie.”

    The album is complete with track after track of slow and smooth jazz numbers supported by strong string and horn instrumentals with Bougerol’s voice slicing through it all. The co-founder’s vocal talent and control can be heard in every song and even takes on the Audrey Hepburn classic “Moon River.” Though the reinvention begins with seemingly risky harmonies presenting themselves as shaky and out of place, when the song picks up with a more classic jazz nightclub vibe and a laid-back tempo, it begins to truly shine. The classic lyrics continue to express the heartbreaking contradictions of relationships, but the musical composition supports the album’s title and overall message, conveying a newer interpretation to not take those heartbreaks so seriously because c’est la vie.

    When it comes to original songs sprinkled throughout, “Adieu L’amour” stands out among the rest with its diverting and more serious sound. From the very start, the song seems to mix with Latin American styles with its faster pace and conga drum-like sound. Where the song continues to divert is in its lyrics, which have outward emotions of spite and blame against the love whose lies “closed the door” possibly going to show that living by the shrug of the shoulder motto of “that’s life” isn’t as easy or as possible as it seems. What brings the track back to the unity of the jazz album is the strength of the band’s playing and Bougerol’s controlled vocals occasionally slipping into French.

    Throughout the album, there are numerous other highlights including a hushed “La Vie en Rose” duet between Bougerol and Bob Parins along with “Meet Me at the Bottom of the Bottle” which ends the album on a fantastic note. C’est La Vie is now available on various platforms along with a touching music video for “Moon River” directed by Greg Mottola.

    On top of their new album, The Hot Sardines have also lined up tour dates for 2023-2024 which began on July 15th and will continue sporadically through April. The band will visit locations all over the United States, Tokyo, and Toronto, including select stages across New York State including a debut at the infamous Carnegie Hall.

    Hot Sardines 2023-2024 Tour

    July 15 Huntington, NY  Chapin Rainbow Stage

    September 12-16 New York, NY  Birdland

    September 23 Morristown, NJ  Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival

    November 10-11 Charlotte, NC  Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

    November 27-30 New York, NY  Joe’s Pub

    December 7 Amherst, MA  Bowker Auditorium

    December 16 Tannersville, NY  Orpheum PAC

    December 19-21 Tokyo, Japan  Blue Note

    January 19 Richardson, TX  Eisemann Center

    January 20 Austin, TX  Parker Jazz Club

    January 21 San Antonio, TX  Jazz, TX

    January 24 Phoenix, AZ  Musical Instrument Museum

    January 25-26 Las Vegas, NV  Myron’s at the Smith Center

    January 27 Kansas City, MO  Folly Theater 

    February 14 Toronto, Canada  Koerner Hall

    April 19 New York, NY  Carnegie Hall

    April 20 Boston, MA  Berklee Performance Center

  • Stress Dolls Release New Single Ahead of Live Performance

    Buffalo artist Stress Dolls released a new single, “Body,” preceding a performance at Funk ‘N Waffles in Syracuse.

    Stress Dolls is the moniker of Chelsea O’Donnell, an alt/pop/rock artist from Buffalo. Originally the name of a band, O’Donnell adopted the Stress Dolls title for herself and decided to move to Nashville after the group split up in 2017.

    However, chronic health issues led to O’Donnell’s hospitalization less than a year later. After undergoing a feeding tube procedure, O’Donnell moved back to Buffalo, and after a period of recovery, began writing, performing, and recording again. Largely due to the tentative nature of her health, O’Donnell established Stress Dolls as a solo act in order to decrease stress and go at her own pace.

    During this time, O’Donnell wrote “Body.” The song is a reflection of O’Donnell’s complicated relationship with her body in the face of ongoing health concerns, including Crohn’s disease and gastroparesis.

    “I’m working on not pitting blame, or shame, on my body anymore, and through that practice I’ve realized that, really, the body is amazing.” O’Donnell said. “Mine withstood all of that anger, angst, stress, and physical anguish, and with some help, it found ways to heal. I’m learning to be a friend to my body instead of an opponent, and that’s making all the difference.”

    O’Donnell released “Body” as Stress Dolls on June 2. Stream the song on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, Soundcloud, or Tidal.

    Stress Dolls will also be performing at Funk ‘n Waffles in Syracuse on Sept. 2 with special guests Mimicking Mars and Amphette. Purchase tickets here.

  • Maria Muldaur’s Announces Retrospective Tour, Way Past Midnight

    This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Maria Muldaur’s chart-topping hit “Midnight at the Oasis.” To celebrate this milestone, she and her band will be embarking on a special tour with stops throughout New York, presenting Muldaur’s multi-media retrospective show, Way Past Midnight, which will chronicle her 60-year musical journey.

    In this one-of-a-kind multi-media retrospective, Mulduar chronicles her 60-year musical journey through American Roots Music, to The Oasis and Beyond. Mulduar and her band will perform her iconic hits, such as “Midnight at the Oasis,” “I’m A Woman,” and more. They will also play many oft-requested fan favorites from the 43 albums she has recorded in the last 50 years.

    Mulduar will treat audiences to previously unseen photos and videos and will share fascinating, often humorous personal stories from every stage of her 60-year career, spanning from her early days in the 60s with The Jim Kweskin Jug Band to her years of pop stardom, and on to her continuing exploration of the many forms of American Roots Music – Blues, Bluesiana, Jazz, and Gospel.

    Way Past Midnight tells Maria Muldaur’s story in words, pictures, videos, and songs. Through this, she allows fans insight into her personal encounters, friendships, and collaborators, including many notable names in music: Bob Dylan, Doc Watson, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, John Sebastian, David Grisman, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, Hoagy Carmichael, and Benny Carter, amongst others.

    Tour Dates and More Information

    Friday, September 8, at 8 pm at My Father’s Place

    3 Pratt Blvd, Glen Cove, NY, Tickets $40 ADV/$50 DOS.

    For tickets and venue information, visit this link.

    Thursday, September 14, 8:30 pm at The Iridium

    1650 Broadway, New York, NY, 10019, Tickets: $35.56 – $49.

    For tickets and venue information, visit this link.

    Saturday, September 16, 7 pm at The Vogel – Count Basie Center for the Arts

    99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ, 07701, Tickets: $39+.

    For venue information, visit this link. Find tickets for the event on ticketmaster.

    Sunday, September 17, 4 pm at The Turning Point

    468 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY, 10968,Tickets: $31.80.

    For venue information and tickets, visit this link.

  • In Focus: Legends Rise As Godsmack and Staind Rock Lakeview Amphitheater

    It was a reunion of sorts on Thursday at the Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, as hard rockers Godsmack and Staind joined forces for an impressive twin bill. The pair of Massachusetts-based bands have toured extensively together since 1998.

    The tour was designed in part to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Godsmack. The band, who released Lighting Up the Sky (2023) earlier this year, has announced that this will be their last studio release, however, lead singer Sully Erna has gone on record to state the band will continue touring. Boasting an impressive resume of eight studio albums with over twenty million albums sold, the band has maintained the same four members throughout the twenty-five years of existence. Frontman Sully Erna (vocals, guitar, percussion) is joined by Tony Rombola (guitar), Robbie Merrill (bass guitar), and Shannon Larkin (drums).  

    The evening’s festivities kicked off with a thirty-minute set by Mix Master Mike. Known for his years as the turntablist with the Beastie Boys, Mix Master Mike was able to fill the amphitheater with early energy and excitement, as he played a mixture of Beastie Boys tracks along with other hit tracks primarily from the 1990s.  

    After a brief set changeover, the back side of the stage was illuminated to show various screens and projection monitors. As Staind took to the stage the screens would display cinematic-style scenes and images tying in to the songs being played. Staind launched into their new single “Lowest In Me” from their forthcoming release Confessions of the Fallen. Aaron Lewis (vocals, guitar) quickly put his signature vocals on display, showcasing one of the more familiar voices in rock music. His bandmates proved to be no slouches either, as Mike Mushok (guitars) jumped, thrashed, and head-banged throughout the set. 

    The band would perform for 75 minutes with a set that included several hit tracks from the early 2000s, such as “Outside,” “It’s Been Awhile,” “Fade,” and “Epiphany.”  As the set neared a close, the amphitheater filled with the familiar bass guitar rumble of the song “Mudshovel,” the band’s breakthrough track in 1999. This brought the crowd to their feet, singing and screaming along with Lewis, as he strutted about the stage.  

    After the set a white sheet would drape over the stage, hiding the set up behind. As it came time for Godsmack to take the stage, Mike Master Mike was projected across the screen.  Several arena rock anthem tracks were played to further build excitement. Eventually, the sheet would drop to reveal a black sheet with the familiar Godsmack sun logo. A few seconds later, and with a burst of fireworks, the headliners would take to the stage. Godsmack immediately launched into the high-energy title track of their 2018 release When Legends Rise.  

    The band would keep the energy going as they moved on to 1000hp, playing in front of a slew of flames and other pyrotechnics.  During the band’s hit track “Voodoo” the flames would again make a return, as fireballs would rise from the stage, almost as if they were dancing with the song’s cryptic rift.  As the set moved on, Larkin’s drum riser would to the front of the stage, and be joined by a second drum set. Erna would then take a seat behind the kit and the pair would then put on an impressive percussion battle on “Batalla de los Tambores.”  

    After a brief encore break, Erna would return to the stage and take a seat behind a piano. He talked about the importance of community and discussed the band’s charity, the Scars Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to provide mental health services to local communities. Erna would then perform the beautiful track “Under Your Scars.” The song not only showcased Erna’s talent as a songwriter but also his diverse musical ability and his strength as a person. His bandmates would then return to the stage for the evening’s final two tracks, “Bulletproof” and “I Stand Alone.”  

  • Tower Records and Rockbox Studios to Release Exclusive Edition of “Life House,” a Graphic Novel by The Who

    Life House, the heavily anticipated, long-awaited rock opera by The Who is finally seeing grand-scale release after over 50 years in the making. Tower Records, the legendary music chain that shaped the landscape of the pre-digital music industry, and Rockbox Studios are set to release an edition of the graphic novel signed by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, limited to 1,000 units now available for pre-order. Later this year, standard and deluxe versions of the graphic novel will be available.

    Additionally, a Who’s Next/Life House Edition box set from UMe will be released on Sept. 15. Additional information is available here. Featuring 155 tracks, 89 of which are previously unreleased and 57 feature fresh remixes, the Super Deluxe edition of Who’s Next/Life House will contain 10 CDs and a 100-page hardback book and Life House – The Graphic Novel.

    Background

    Townshend originally conceived “Life House” in 1970, a motion picture rock opera following the success of The Who’s multi-platinum selling album, Tommy. The science fiction narrative centers on a dystopian, totalitarian society where music is prohibited, successfully anticipating phenomena such as climate change, the internet, streaming media, and racial equality.

    The Who worked for almost a year developing the album at the Young Vic Theatre in London, but ultimately decided to release elements on their 1971 bestselling album, Who’s Next. In 1999, Townshend released a solo compilation of the project entitles The Lifehouse Chronicles. For decades, Life House has been considered a prized item for fans of The Who, one which will be realized later this year.

    ’Life House’ has always needed a story that makes sense but without the egos of new creatives who think they can ‘fix’ what was wrong with my first draft. The graphic novel is built around that first draft written prior to recording sessions and workshops at the Young Vic in 1971. A second draft with some good ideas from Roger in 1976 added some cohesion and more exciting collateral which really suits the comic format. I’m delighted with the comic. The art is beautiful and dense, colourful of course and engaging. The artists and their team have made an amazing and hugely collectible piece that adds depth and clarity to an otherwise complex story. ‘Life House’ is reborn. Tower Records was an iconic L.A. vinyl store in the ‘70s. I never failed to visit when touring and it’s possible that around 75% of my remaining collection is from the store. It’s great news to hear Tower is back in black!

    Pete Townshend

    The graphic novel, a 172-page sprawling sci-fi epic, is presented in an album-sized square format. The Tower Records edition, signed by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey is extremely limited and will carry a retail price of $1,000 and is available for pre-order now exclusively on Tower Records’ website. Universal’s Who’s Next/Life House box set will be launching later this year and the book’s release from Image Comics will come on Dec. 6, 2023.

    “At Tower Records, our main goal is to help artists tell their stories in music and beyond,” said Danny Zeijdel, President of Tower Records. “’Life House’ embodies this, and we are honored to be a platform for the legendary Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, and The Who as they share this exciting project with the world.”

    Townshend met Rockbox Studios CEO, Jeff Krelitz, several years ago and discussed the potential for the project. They worked with writer and artist James Harvey to develop the story and look at the world as a future seen from a 1970 point of view. British writer David Hine and Australian artist, Max Prentis, were brought in to complete the project, which was edited by former Bleeding Cool Editor-In-Chief, Hannah Means-Shannon. Additionally, letters were provided by Micah Myers with inks by the Eisner Award-winning artist, Mick Gray.

    “’Who’s Next’ has always been one of my favorite albums and the opportunity to help Pete advance his vision for ‘Life House’ with this graphic novel is a dream come true,” said Krelitz. “Having been a part of the team rebuilding Tower Records’ legacy for the last few years, I couldn’t imagine a better home for this exciting epic that music fans have been waiting half a century on.”

    About Tower Records

    Founded in 1960 by Russ Solomon, Tower Records developed from a business he founded as a teenager to resell 78 rpm jukebox records in his father’s Sacramento drug store, into a record retail behemoth that operated dozens of stores across the United States. Tower Records defined the retail music business in the pre-digital era and at its peak had nearly 200 stores across 15 countries, and more than $1 billion in annual sales.

    Known for its enormous volume and its audiophile behind-the-counter staff, Tower Records became the mecca for in-store performances and recording artist events, placing it at No. 1 among U.S. music merchants. Today, Tower Records is transcending its historic past by creating online experiences and exciting partnerships with artists, labels, and brands for all music fans to “Know Music, Know Life.”

    Since the relaunch of Tower Records in 2020, the iconic music brand has been offering music and art fans exclusive merchandise drops including limited edition vinyl releases and branded products. Tower Records quickly rose to be a top online retailer for physical music in North America and the brand recently launched an additional online store in Europe. For news and to sign up for upcoming events and vinyl drops at Tower Labs visit here.