NYS Music 2023

Category: Punk

  • Pop-Punk Icons Blink-182 Perform Sold-Out Show At Madison Square Garden

    If you are an iconic ‘90s/’00s band mapping out a massive, 93-date global 30th anniversary reunion tour, then scheduling a show at The World’s Most Famous Arena is a no-brainer. And that is exactly what the classic, long-time lineup of Blink 182 – Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker and Tom DeLonge – marked on their calendars last October when they made the tour announcement, along with the release of a new single, “Edging”, their first musical output since 2011.

    Prior to the tour launch in St. Paul, MN on May 4th, and outside of a surprise appearance at Coachella in April, DeLonge had not been involved with the group formed in San Diego County, CA for the past nine years. But after finally overcoming the traumatic after-effects from a 2008 plane crash (Barker) and a cancer diagnosis in 2021 (Hoppus), the band decided to give it a go.

    On a chilly mid-spring evening in Midtown Manhattan, the first of two bands providing support for Blink-182 was Beauty School Dropout (BSD), who took the stage at 7:35 pm. For the entirety of their 25-minute set, the renegade-pop band from Los Angeles, CA (featuring Cole “Colie” Hutzler, Brent “Beepus” Burdett and Bardo) wowed the audience members who had arrived early to the historic venue. Presenting material across a wide array of genres – including pop, punk, rock and hip hop – these young men handpicked by Hoppus himself, under his newly created venture capital music start up called Verswire, electrified the arena with emotionally-charged vocals, thundering guitar and stampeding drums. As the clock struck 8:00 pm and their set came to a close, BSD exited the stage to what else? Frankie Avalon’s “Beauty School Dropout” of course, made famous by said teen idol’s performance in the film version of Grease. BSD are definitely ones to watch, and their sophomore EP “We Made Plans & God Laughed,” is out now.

    Accompanying Blink-182 on all their US and Canadian dates is Turnstile, a hardcore punk from Baltimore, MD who formed in 2010. The quartet of Brendan Yates, Daniel Fang, “Freaky” Franz Lyons and Pat McCrory is also joined on the tour by Meg Mills on rhythm guitar. Entering stage left at 8:15 pm, the melodic hardcore musicians have three studio albums in their discography, the latest being Glow On, which was released in 2021 to critical acclaim and garnered the band three nominations (Best Metal Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance) at the Grammy Awards held this past February. In less than two years, the abrasive, guitar-driven band has gone from playing suburban basements to 1,500-person clubs to 20,000-capacity arenas, without blinking (no pun intended) an eye. Turnstile commanded the MSG crowd instantly, particularly frontman Yates’ vox, and for forty minutes, we were all entranced with their grooving chassis of riffs and emo-ish lyrics. Sans a bad song in their catalog, including “Holiday,” a portion of which was used as the soundtrack for a 15-second Taco Bell commercial via TikTok, I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for Turnstile or to catch them on their next late night talk show appearance.

    At 9:30 pm, with the last road crew member’s shadowy silhouette barely visible as he checked to make sure no microphone cords were askew, the moment was finally here! As Richard Strauss’ “Also Sprach Zarathustra, op. 30″ erupted over the house PA, a portent of a significant event to come (like Elvis taking the stage in his later years), one by one they appeared. First DeLonge at stage left, then Barker took his stool behind the kit at center stage, and lastly Hoppus (the trio’s beating heart), waving to the crowd as he strapped on his Fender Jaguar bass at stage right. As a Gen Xer and self-proclaimed fanboy since the first Blink-182 earworm that grabbed my attention, 1997’s “Dammit” (Dude Ranch), tonight was more than special, it was festive and nostalgic, taking me and all the fans in attendance like me, back to yesteryear.

    As Blink-182 ripped through one hit after another, including six offerings from their third studio album (Enema of the State) that contributed significantly to their meteoric rise to fame in 1999, Hoppus and DeLonge lived up to their reputation with humorous, and sometimes sincere and introspective stage antics and banter during song breaks. Here is a sampling of dialogue necessitating inclusion for this review, some of which transpired while Barker was performing high over the stage atop a levitating drum riser connected to four alloy steel chains:

    We’re sorry if that [song] got you pregnant.

    You’re mom was safe yesterday, but your mom’s not safe tonight.

    Holy shit, we killed that. Did you notice that my hips and my knees didn’t give out when I went down to the ground?

    Travis, when you were doing that drum shit, when I was watching you, I got an erection. I was so fucking hard. I have never been that hard before in my life.

    There is a timing issue and I want you all to be aware of it. The next song is hard to play and I have usually been scoring about C+ on it, and I don’t know what to expect.

    I wish I could be like Harry Styles and play 15 nights here for you all. Did someone fucking boo Harry Styles? Don’t pull that shit in here. Hey, I got a joke. How are One Direction and ‘70s porn alike? Harry Styles.

    Somebody is smoking so much marijuana drug.

    This next song I wrote at a part in my life where I was really down, and I didn’t know if I could go on. I was really sick with cancer. I was hooked up to chemotherapy machines and now I’m fucking here tonight at MSG with all of you. I love you all.

    One of these shows I’ll get through a show without crying like a baby, not tonight, not tonight.

    This is the last song of the show, and then we’re gonna play three more songs. You know why? You wanna know why? Because we’re contractually obligated!

    Give it up for our bestest friends in Turnstile. But most of all, give it up for the greatest band to ever walk the face of the planet, Rage Against The Machine.

    All jokes aside, for more than 90 minutes, the electric and synergetic atmosphere created and shared by Blink-182 and its adoring fans elevated the show from a mere exhibition to an experience never to be forgotten. Walking to my car 30 minutes or so after the show, I came upon a large circle pit of fans on the corner of 31st Street and 8th Avenue, still basking in the afterglow of the epic show. There was a stereo playing “All the Small Things” at its highest volume, fans were hopping up and down in synchronicity, all of whom were belting out the lyrics we all love and know by heart, “Say it ain’t so, I will not go. Turn the lights off, carry me home.” Suddenly, out of the crowded pit came Hoppus (the only member to remain in Blink-182 throughout its entire history), hopping up and down himself, with a huge grin across his face. His security detail, watching it all unfold beside me, were more than happy, however, to whisk him back into the waiting black SUV and speed off into the dark Gotham night.

    After Blink’s final show of their North American leg concludes at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN on July 16, the band will take a much needed rest before resuming their world domination across the pond with twenty-four (24) dates in Europe (September 1 to October 16). Following a pair of shows in Las Vegas, NV on October 21-22 at the When We Were Young Festival, the boys will get another respite before heading to Oceania in early-February 2024 for sixteen (16) more shows, with the trek concluding in Latin America with a dozen shows – the last four of which taking place in Mexico City in early-April 2024.

    Blink-182 Setlist: Anthem Part Two > The Rock Show > Family Reunion > Man Overboard > Feeling This > Reckless Abandon > Violence > Up All Night > Dysentery Gary > Dumpweed > EDGING > Aliens Exist > Cynical > Happy Holidays, You Bastard > Stay Together for the Kids > Always > Down > Bored to Death > I Miss You > Adam’s Song > Ghost on the Dance Floor > What’s My Age Again? > First Date (with snippets of “Pinhead” and “Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones) > All the Small Things > Dammit (with snippet of “No Scrubs” by TLC)

    Beauty School Dropout

    Turnstile

    Blink-182 Gallery

  • Chromeo Announces “Funk Yourself” Tour and new Song “Replacements”

    Electro-funk duo Chromeo has announced their “Funk Yourself” tour, and released their latest track “Replacements.” The thumping, synth-laden track features artist La Roux, who also made a surprise appearance during Chromeo’s Coachella sets. On October 13, the band will stop at Brooklyn Steel in New York.

    Chicago rapper Ric Wilson, identical twin DJs Coco & Breezy and the rising New York star May Rio will support on select dates. The tour follows the band’s fifth appearance at Coachella which featured an all-new stage design, including four custom chrome modular synth towers. Chromeo celebrated the bangers throughout their career and music from a forthcoming new project debuted live for the first time. The Rolling Stones showed Chromeo appreciation by saying “Chromeo proved once again that nobody does it like the Funklordz.” 

    Chromeo is a Canadian dance rock band that was formed in 2002. The musicians David “Dave 1” Macklovitch and Patrick “P-Thugg” Gemayel united to create a blue-eyed soul, dance music, rock, synth-pop, disco and funk sound. The band has released five albums with three of them hitting the Billboard 200 charts. The duo were high school best friends and met in the mid 90s. They connected over different ethnic backgrounds and joked about being “the only successful Arab/Jewish partnership since the dawn of human culture.”

    Dave 1 and P-Thugg rose to prominence with their seminal 2007 release, Fancy Footwork. In 2014 Chrome increased their mainstream appeal with their chart-topping album, White Women, and 2018’s Grammy-nominated, Head Over Heels. Chromeo’s five LPs have been hailed as modern funk masterworks, and they have toured the world over for two decades.

    We’re an ELECTRO-funk band after all, and this record contains little nods to the 2000s indie dance sound that’s so dear to us. The idea was to combine sweaty dance floor energy with sincere emotions. It’s the duality in our name: Chrome, the shimmery electronics, and Romeo, the heartfelt romantics.

    Dave 1

    Mixed by disco and house legend Morgan Geist, “Replacements” follows Chromeo’s first official single since 2018, “Words With You”. Consequence raved that the song is “just as smooth as it is catchy,” while Stereogum added that “the contagious groove, effortless hooks, the abundance of immaculate flourishes.”

    Tickets can be purchased here.

    Chromeo 2023 Tour Dates

    May 26—Morrison, CO—Funk on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

    September 23—Salt Lake City, UT—The Depot*

    September 25—Seattle, WA—Showbox Sodo*

    September 26—Vancouver, BC—Vogue Theatre†

    September 28—Portland, OR—Crystal Ballroom†

    October 1—Los Angeles, CA

    October 3—San Diego, CA—Humphreys†

    October 4—Phoenix, AZ—Marquee†

    October 10—Atlanta, GA—The Eastern*

    October 11—Richmond, VA—The National*

    October 12—Washington, D.C.—9:30 Club*

    October 13—Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Steel*§

    October 16—Boston, MA—Roadrunner*

    October 17—Philadelphia, PA—Franklin Music Hall*

    October 19—Montreal, QC—MTelus*

    October 20—Toronto, ON—Danforth Music Hall*

    October 22—Chicago, IL—Salt Shed*

    *with Ric Wilson

    †with Coco & Breezy

    §with May Rio

  • Billy Idol Energizes Fallsview Casino

    Friday, May 5th was the return of Billy Idol to Niagara Falls at the Fallsview Casino in Ontario, Canada. Before Billy Idol took the stage, Kelsey Karter & The Heroines opened the night with their unique blend of rock and pop. The energy of the crowd was palpable as they eagerly awaited the start of the concert.

    Unfortunately, the band faced some challenges as two of their members were denied entry into Canada, resulting in a more mellow set than they had originally planned. Despite this setback, Kelsey Karter & The Heroines still impressed with their impressive vocals and dynamic stage presence.

    Kelsey Karter

    Kelsey Karter’s voice was a highlight of the performance, soaring effortlessly over the band’s catchy melodies. Their set included original songs such as “Bad News,” “Harry,” and “God Knows I’ve Tried,” showcasing their songwriting skills and musical prowess. Despite the unplanned changes, Kelsey Karter & The Heroines still managed to get the audience excited for the main event. Their performance was a great warm-up for Billy Idol, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of music and celebration.

    Overall, the night was a success, with Kelsey Karter & The Heroines paving the way for Billy Idol’s explosive performance. Despite the challenges they faced, they still managed to put on an impressive show and get the audience hyped up for what was to come.

    Billy Idol

    The setlist was fantastic, featuring a mix of Billy Idol’s classic hits and fan favorites. The show started with “Dancing With Myself,” a Generation X song that got the crowd pumped up right from the start. Other hits like “Cradle of Love,” “Flesh for Fantasy,” and “Eyes Without a Face” had everyone singing along. Steve Stevens’ guitar solo was a real showstopper, with him playing Led Zeppelin’s “Over the Hills and Far Away” and “Stairway to Heaven” to the delight of the audience. “Mony Mony,” a Tommy James & the Shondells cover, got the crowd moving and grooving.

    Billy Idol

    The setlist also included lesser-known tracks like “Running From the Ghost” and “One Hundred Punks,” which showed off the depth and range of Billy Idol’s music. The Blue Highway/Top Gun Anthem medley was a lovely tribute to the late composer Harold Faltermeyer. The encore was phenomenal, with Billy Idol belting out “Hot in the City” and “White Wedding.” The night ended on a high note with the entire audience singing along to “Happy Birthday to You” in honor of Steve Stevens.

    Billy Idol

    Overall, the Billy Idol concert at Fallsview Casino was an unforgettable experience. The setlist was impressive, and the performance was top-notch. Billy Idol and his band proved that they still know how to rock the stage after all these years, and the celebration of Steve Stevens’ birthday made the night all the more special. If you ever get a chance to see Billy Idol live, we highly recommend it! For more information about the tour, and to see Idol live, visit here.

  • Annie Scherer, 10:01, The Sugar Hold Featured on This Week’s EQXposure

    Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Annie Scherer, 10:01, and The Sugar Hold.

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

    WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.

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

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

    10:01-“Flying Home”

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

    The Sugar Hold-“Walk of Shame”

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

  • The Mountain Goats Go Goth for Albany Birthday Bash

    It was a night that deserves more words and praise than I can possibly articulate, but for people like John Darnielle, the mastermind behind The Mountain Goats, finding words has never been a problem. Making a career out of shouting whatever comes to mind and never sitting on an idea long enough to question it, the acclaimed novelist and songwriter has toured all over the world and released a staggering 21 studio albums since adopting The Mountain Goats moniker in the early 90’s.

    More than 600 songs and countless miles later, it’s almost hard to believe the band has never played a gig in Albany before. On Tuesday, April 18th  at Empire Live, that surprising fact was finally laid to rest.  The night would have extra special meaning for one member of band, as the cathartic show would also serve as a birthday celebration for keyboard player/multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas.

    The Mountain Goats, making their Albany debut, have plenty to celebrate this year

    Opening the evening was Knoxville, TN singer-songwriter Adeem the Artist. Dawning a Canadian tuxedo and resembling a look somewhere between Jeff Tweedy and Ryan Adams, you could already tell he wasn’t like the other boys. One fan immediately yelled out “What’s your name?”  “My name? I don’t have one. I’m Adeem the Artist. It turns out there was already a rapper.” Demonstrating spectacular stage presence and finding a balance between serious and sarcastic, the lyrics to his songs were nothing to joke about. Beginning with the opening song “I Never Came Out,” the audience listened intently as the soul-searching lyrics poured out of the man originally born Kyle Bingham.  “Fervent For the Hunger” came next before we would learn a little bit more about Bingham’s roots and his Aunt Peggie on “Painkillers & Magic” from his most recent, fan-funded 2022 album White Trash Revelry.

    Adeem the Artist performing in Albany, NY on 4/18/23

    While the structure of the songs came off as rather traditional, by this point in the set, it was clear Adeem the Artist was doing something very special and very brave. A queer, southern Christian, blue-collar country songwriter. As unpopular as that may be in some areas, the Albany crowd here was totally down with it and fully invested in every word he had to say. Things would pick up for the foot-stomping “Run This Town,” before an eager fan requested a rare song that stopped Bingham in his tacks. “Tiger Prince of Knoxville”? How do you know that one? I wrote that a long time ago when everyone was trying to cash in on the Tiger King phenomena, so I figured I would too. I can’t believe someone here has actually heard it! Let’s see if I remember how it goes.” He did and the crowd loved it. They got even more into it on the next song, “Going to Hell,” which featured a fun, full room ‘call and response’ and made you think “it won’t be long before this guy is a very big star.” Filled with strong social commentary and hilarious banter, Adeem the Artist played the title track from his 2021 album Cast Iron Pansexual to round out his fantastic opening set.  After a brief intermission, it was finally time for the main event.  

    The Mountain Goats made their long awaited Albany debut on 4/18/23

    Walking out to Foghat’s “Fool For the City,” The Mountain Goats would methodically craft the story they wanted to tell. Consisting of front man and vocalist John Darnielle, this incarnation of the band also includes longtime collaborators Peter Hughs on bass, multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas and Superchunk/Bob Mould drummer Jon Wurster. Beginning with the brooding buildup of 2008’s “In the Craters of the Moon,” the tempo picked up during the dreamy, reverb drenched “Hostages” from the bands most recent album, Bleed Out. Darnielle would introduce the next song by saying “this is about the incipient android takeover” before launching into “Incandescent Ruins.” Slowing things down a bit with “one of them bible songs” in “Hebrews 11:40.”  “We’re still working out how this one goes and we’ve been doing that for at least 10 years,” he chuckled. The energy continued to build straight into the song “Younger,” which on this night, meant a little more to birthday boy Matt Douglas. Uncorking one of his most expressive saxophone solos of the night on the song, the entire crowd would sing “happy birthday” to him prior to his beautiful piano duet with Darnielle on the song “Wear Black.”

    Mountain Goats multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas celebrated his birthday on 4/18/23

    Darnielle would then play a series of solo songs, beginning with “Jenny,” which the crowd knew every word too. He would remark that he doesn’t plan this section of the set, he just waits for the spirit to move him. “That’s why I envy the Quakers. They’ll sit there for 20-30 minutes waiting for the spirit.  I don’t have that kind of confidence. And the other thing is I’ve never been to Albany before, right, so there’s a conflict.  I tend to prefer the newer songs with my band, but some people have been waiting a long ass time to see me play some old songs.” Darnielle continues, “So then I feel obligated to play the super old songs, but then the people mainly into the newer ones are like, “I don’t know what that one in the middle was about. Some guy who wanted to kill somebody?” he joked. “This is one of those,” before playing “Black Molly” from 2002’s Bitter Melon Farm.

    The crowd became noticeably more exited at the opening cords of another 2002 song, “Color in Your Cheeks,” to the point Darnielle had to stop them from clapping along. “Not to be ungracious, but I don’t recommend the clapping because it loses it’s place and my timing is inconsistent.”  “When people start yelling the words along with me, I’m like ‘no, to get into the zone of this song I need people not to be yelling it back at me. It’s just a personal song about somebody I know.” After it’s conclusion, he would remark “I changed the chorus because somebody thought it was too mean.  It was my wife.”

    The Mountain Goats performing at Empire Live on 4/18/23

    A laidback lounge version of “Abandoned Flesh” came next before Darnielle would profess his love for The Grateful Dead and say he “just noticed the next three songs on the setlist are alligatored together, so can the tapers in the crowd please refer to this section as “The Goths Suite,” ala The Dead’s Terrapin Station Suite.  The trifecta would include the songs “Abandoned Flesh,“ flowing directly into “Andrew Eldricth is Moving Back to Leeds,” and finally into “Rain in Soho” to complete the so-called Goths Suite segment. Bouncing back “Lizard Suit” and “Palmcorder Yajna,” Darnielle would remark that he was in awe of the Albany audience. “When your back in the dressing room and hear that there’s 800 people in a town you’ve never played before, it could go a couple of ways. You know, like there’s people waiting to hear one or two songs, and you know, you’re not going to play those at the top of the set because you’re not stupid. You’re so amazing, I thank you so much.”

    John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats performing in Albany on 4/18/23

    An intimate and powerful rendition of “Tallahassee” would follow, prompting Darnielle to call an audible and add a song on the fly.  Turning to his bandmates and saying, “Guys, we gotta add another one.  That was second to last, but this has been a pretty special show for me. And if they are being amazing, you need to play something from The Sunset Tree.” With that, the well-behaved crowd was rewarded with “Song for Dennis Brown” from the bands iconic 2005 album. Playing off each other and jumping from side to side with huge smiles, a hard rocking “Training Montage” would bring the main portion of the set to a close and leave the Albany audience begging for more.  

    Make a Wish: The Mountain Goats had their cake and ate it too during their Albany debut on 4/18/23

    After walking off stage, the band would return with a birthday cake to present to multi-instrumentalist Matt Douglas.  Easing into the encore portion of the show with “You and Your Memory,” one of the bands trademark songs came next with the anthemic “Heretic Pride.” With anticipation reaching a fever pitch for the bands two most popular songs still on the table, Darnielle would have some more fun with the audience.  “You may not know this, but there’s like a shadow version of “No Children” forming, waiting for its chance. It’s called “Jazz No Children.” It’s the way mellower version. “Jazz No Children” is the one you sing ten years after you needed no children. “Jazz No Children” is the one that comes when some of the details are funny to you instead of sad.

    On the preview side of “No Children,” there’s the people who ask me to play it at their wedding, because they think it would be funny. I say to them, ‘friend, I’ll tell you what. I’ll play it at your ten-year anniversary.” I am safe under these circumstances because anybody who would ask me to play “No Children” at their wedding won’t be having a ten-year anniversary. They’re not taking the whole matter seriously. As my drummer would say, “It’s all a big joke to them.” And yet, I hope when those people sit in a lawyer’s office, they have a little song in their head that helps. This is that song and this, such as it is, is the nature of that help.” Seamlessly shifting from a jazz monologue to an all out punk assault, The Mountain Goats would finally deliver the goods and unleash a cathartic version of “No Children” followed up by their biggest hit to date, “This Year,” which took on a life of its own during the Covid-19 pandemic and has become the calling card of the band.

    Giving everyone a chance to shout out the lyrics that meant so much to them during lockdown, it was the kind of reaction that made the hair-on-your-neck stand up. Basking in the sustained adulation, Darnielle said “he kinda feels like playing two more.” Opting to go with “Broom People,” the show would finally come to a close with a rambunctious version of “Spent gladiator 2,” which gave Douglas one final sax solo in the birthday spotlight. “Stay alive. Stay alive. Stay forever alive. Thank you, goodnight.” 

    Watch fan shot footage of The Mountain Goats performing “No Children” on 4/18/23

    Just an incredible performance that reinvigorated your spirit and made you feel alive.  Part poetry, part social commentary, part punk rock fury – all delivered with a sense of urgency and passion that simply could not be faked. There are no posers in this band and that sentiment deeply connected with the blue-collar Albany audience.  Fortunately fans in New York won’t have to wait nearly as long to see The Mountain Goats perform again. Kicking off their lengthy summer tour in early June, the band will play The Rooftop at Pier 17 in NYC on August 4th.  

    The Mountain Goats | April 18 | Empire Live | Albany

    Setlist: In The Craters on the Moon, Hostages, Incandescent Ruins, Hebrews 11:40, Dance Music, Younger, Wear Black, Jenny, Black Molly, Color in Your Cheeks, You Were Cool, Abandoned Flesh, Andrew Eldritch is Moving Back to Leeds > Rain in Soho > Lizard Suit, Palmcorder Yajna, Tallahassee, Song For Dennis Brown, Training Montage, You or Your Memory, Heretic Pride, Jazz No Children > No Children, This Year

    Encore: Broom People, Spent Gladiator 2

    Watch fan shot footage of The Mountain Goats performing “This Year” on 4/18/23

    Adeem the Artist | April 18 | Empire Live | Albany

    Setlist: I Never Came Out, Fervent for the Hunger, Painkillers & Magic, Run This Town, Tiger Prince of Knoxville, Going to Hell, Cast-Iron Pansexual

    Adeem the Artist

  • Nonstop to Cairo share “Not Today” with LP due in May

    Today, April 28, the pop-punk band Nonstop to Cairo released a new song, “Not Today,” which will be followed by their LP, Kai, on May 5, via collaboration with Rama Entertainment and Creative Entertainment Network/The Orchard, a division of Sony Music. Before the debut of the new song and new album, the band re-released their single “Awkward Situations,” on March 31. Additionally, Nonstop to Cairo will appear at Hempfest at Dublin Deck Tiki Bar and Grill on April 29, for their album release party.

    Kai album art. Credit: Dana Gordon, Indie Music Media.

    Nonstop to Cairo consists of August “ASH” Harris (vocals,) Nick Diamond (guitar/vocals,) Alex Turner (drums/vocals,) and Ed Nevin (Bass guitar), from Baldwin. The band released their debut album, Dabble Heavy, and performed at several Long Island Music venues in support of the album in 2018, including Amityville Music Hall. Their upcoming LP, Kai, is in honor of the band’s former trumpet player/keyboardist, Kevin Anand Itwaru, who passed away in 2020, shortly before the album was recorded, and his initials make up the album title. While the album was inspired by their grief, it is also a celebration of life, according to Nonstop to Cairo.

    “Our sophomore album Kai is a celebration of life, dedicated to our friend, brother, and former member Kevin Anand Itwaru who passed away in 2020. The project is a great portrayal of the vision we created with him, as our sound is ever-evolving. Kai is about the ups and downs of life, music, loss, and the connection needed to persevere,” shares guitarist Diamond.

    “Awkward Situations,” has a pop-punk sound, with melodic punk rhythms, fast-paced riffs, and rapid-fire rap. It’s the perfect song for anyone that needs to let out any feelings of anxiousness or nerves they’ve been holding in. Sometimes, you just need to scream at the top of your lungs, and it’s clear from “Awkward Situations,” that the band understands that feeling.

    Nonstop to Cairo will release their new song, “Not Today,” on April 28, and their LP, Kai, is due for release on May 5. Stream music by Nonstop to Cairo and pre-save Kai.

  • Pop-punk Band Against the Current to Perform at the Gramercy Theatre on World Tour

    New York-based Pop-punk band Against the Current began a world tour that kicked off its U.S. leg on April 22 and will have a performance at the Gramercy Theatre this coming May.

    Against the Current also dropped their new single, “good guy.” Vocalist Chrissy Costanza describes the track as “all about going from anger to apathy, recognizing that this person that hurt you is too sad to hate,” urging listeners to “don’t ignore the red flags, trust your gut.”

    The members of Against the Current, from left to right: Will Ferri (drums, acoustic guitar, piano, keyboards, backing vocals,) Chrissy Costanza (lead vocals,) and Dan Gow (lead guitar, backing vocals.)

    Against the Current originated in Poughkeepsie and consists of Will Ferri, Chrissy Costanza, and Dan Gow. The band’s career spans over a decade, forming in 2011 before releasing their debut studio album, In Our Bones, in 2016. This was followed by 2018’s Past Lives, and aside from their two studio album, Against the Current have released several EPs.

    “good guy” is a relatable track made even better by its visualizer. It tells the story of a romantic suitor (whether it be a guy, girl, etc.) who won’t drop their “good guy” act even when they’ve already made their true colors clear, and you’re finally seeing them for who they are. “good guy” and more music by Against the Current is now streaming.

    Tickets for Against the Current’s world tour are now on sale.

    Nightmares & Daydreams U.S. Tour Dates

    April 22 – Orlando, FL – Level 13

    April 23 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Hell)

    April 25 – Houston, TX – Rise Rooftop

    April 26 – Dallas, TX – Trees

    April 28 – Phoenix, AZ – The Rebel Lounge

    April 29 – Pomona, CA – The Glasshouse

    April 30 – Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades

    May 2 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

    May 3 – Denver, CO – The Oriental Theater

    May 5 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada

    May 6 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater

    May 8 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge

    May 9 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone

    May 10 – Detroit, MI – Magic Stick

    May 12 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club

    May 13 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre

    May 14 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer

    May 15 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live!

    May 17 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819

  • Sorry Mom Releases Punk-rock Single + Upcoming Album  

    NYC based band Sorry Mom has just liberated the punk-rock single “Shaving My Legs” in preparation for the release of their debut album babyface on May 12th. Following the album release, Sorry Mom will be hitting the road for a short northeast run that concludes with a set at Boston Calling Music Festival. 

    Sorry Mom Releases Punk-rock Single + Upcoming Album  

    Sorry Mom is an NYC-based femme punk band whose music chronicles queer experiences and suburban despair through a nostalgic punk sound. Their music boasts the lyrical playfulness of Green Day and blink-182, but sonically has a more hardcore edge. 

    Sorry Mom Releases Punk-rock Single + Upcoming Album  

    What began as a group of college friends playing music together quickly evolved into something bigger upon the release of Sorry Mom’s debut EP “Juno Goes to the Big House” in April 2021. As of July 2022, the band has garnered 10M+ streams across platforms and 50k+ followers across socials. In Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, Sorry Mom embarked on tours of the Northeast, playing 30 unique venues across the region. 

    The first single “Hiccup” shows the side of Sorry Mom that is incredibly hardcore punk. By using their artform to their advantage, they show how unique they are with powerful lyrics and punk melodies. Overall, “Hiccup” makes you want to jump straight into a mosh pit.  

    The second single “Shaving My Legs,” released on April 14th, provides a fast-paced intro to the overall album. While tackling feelings of being trapped, promising again and again to start making changes tomorrow, the band shows us that tomorrow never comes.  

    Sorry Mom is also going on tour for the release of babyface, stopping in Brooklyn’s Saint Vitus Bar. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the link here. 

    To listen to “Shaving My Legs,” click the link here. 

    To listen to “Hiccup,” click the link here. 

    For more by Sorry Mom, click the link here.

  • Cable Ties Announce Tour, Stops at Woodstock and NYC

    Australian punk band Cable Ties are scheduled to embark on a North American tour, stopping at Colony Woodstock on Sept. 15 and the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Sept. 16., in support of their new album All Her Plans, due for release on June 23.

    Cable Ties
    The members of Cable Ties, from left to right: Jenny McKechnie (lead vocals and guitar), Nick Brown (bass), and Shauna Boyle (drums) Credit: Kalindy Williams.

    Cable Ties are based in Melbourne and were formed in 2015 with Jenny McKechnie, Nick Brown, and Shauna Boyle. They released their self-titled debut album in 2017, and the forthcoming All Her Plans marks their studio release. A supporting single, “Time For You” is available now. All Her Plans has received considerable global praise from Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, NME, The Line of Best Fit, and Rolling Stone, to name a few. The album also marks the band’s first album since the pandemic began and their touring plans for 2020’s Far Enough were canceled.

    “I found the idea of writing a new album a little terrifying after all our touring plans got canceled just after we released Far Enough in 2020,” McKechnie says. “It felt as though that album had been lost. I thought I needed to write another album like that again, which wouldn’t be lost. This of course wasn’t true. I needed to write whatever album came out of me at this moment in time.”

    “Time For You,” definitely stands out as the best track on the album, and is made even better by its accompanying music video. The song highlights the solace found in the love of a partner, any partner, whether it be romantic, friendship, or otherwise. This message is reinforced at the end of the music video when the members of Cable Ties are lying down and embracing each other, reminding audiences of the power of friendship.

    “Thoughts Back,” sees Brown take the vocal reigns for the first time since the band’s formation, delivering a fierce take on the toll of mental health challenges. “I wrote this song mostly centered around my own experiences with mental illness,” she says. “It also plays into the themes of the record, such as caregiving and mental workload. So often people give up their own lives to help others and, as a result, rarely have their voices, their experiences or their history acknowledged.”

    All Her Plans is out June 23 via Merge Records. Tickets to see Cable Ties on their North American Tour, which includes a performance at Colony Woodstock before concluding at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City are available here.

    Cable Ties North American Tour Dates 2023

    Sep 8 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall

    Sep 9 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar

    Sep 10 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

    Sep 12 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

    Sep 13 – Portland, ME – SPACE Gallery

    Sep 14 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom

    Sep 15 – Woodstock, NY – Colony

    Sep 16 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

  • Shayfer James delivers Shipwreck to Photo City Music Hall in Rochester

    Indie artist, composer, and New York native Shayfer James brought his Shipwreck tour to Rochester’s Photo City Music Hall on April 2. Opening the show for the mostly under 30 crowd was Rochester based Bellwether Breaks and Atlanta’s Sarah and The Safe Word.

    Bellwether Breaks opened the show right about 7pm and immediately got the crowd into it. Lead singer, Elyse Coughlin was donning a 70s style wardrobe, and had some vocals reminiscent of the era. Her range and smooth sounds were similar to Amy Winehouse, with some early cabaret hints being tossed around. Playing a 9 song set, including newly released The Oracle, the band consists of: drummer Dave Goebel, guitarist Peter Goebel, vocalist Elyse Coughlin, keyboardist Chris Coon, and bassist Eugene Bisdikian. Chris Coon also plays a mean sax, as displayed at this show.

    Having only been around for a few years, BB has developed a great following and in 2022 both Elyse and Chris received nominations for local “best of…” competition and the band was nominated for best rock band as well. Pretty damn good for this newly formed quintet.

    Setlist: Say it Like it’s True; Headed Home; Peaches; About a Girl; Perfect Universe; The Oracle; I Put a Spell on You; The Prime Directive; Blow the Roof Off.

    Following Bellwether Breaks was Sarah and The Safe Word. While not normally the music I gravitate to, this group from Atlanta left it all on the stage, with the crowd looking for more. Sara Rose is the leader and made their presence known. Smooth, clean vocals with a story behind every song, the band had the crowd moving all over the place.

    Not normally politically charged performers, the band is strong advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and promotes support groups on their website. While they don’t necessarily put it on the forefront of the show, they are not afraid to slip in the well-placed political jab between songs, which also work as segways for next song.

    The band consists of: Sarah Rose (vocals), Kienan Dietrich (guitar, vocals), Susy Reyes (violin, vocals), Beth Ballinger (keys, vocals), Maddox Reksten (bass, vocals), and Carlos Gonzalez (percussion, vocals).

    As stated before, this is not normally the music I gravitate towards, but Susy Reyes absolutely blew me away. Jumping around on stage while playing violin, Lindsay Sterling-esque, Reyes stole the show for me. Amazing voice, with the occasional deep scream (think Jinjer), Reyes will leave you in awe every time.

    Shayfer James. If you aren’t familiar with him, you need to be. James has released 10 albums, including his newest, Shipwreck.

    James is known for his silky piano skills as well his thought out lyrics. Sometimes dark, sometimes sentimental, sometimes cliche. Regardless of how you hear them, James will leave you tapping your feet or bopping your head before you even realize what he is singing about.

    The crowd at Photo City Music Hall had dissipated by the time James took the stage, but those who were still there, crowded the front of the stage almost within arm’s reach of this talented composer. They were treated to an amazing, intimate performance, as James played songs from most of his albums, including Welcome Back, Misery; For the Departed; and Weight of the World.

    Follow Shayfer James and check out his music: Shayfer James