Rapper Troy Ave has upped the ante in his beef with Taxstone. The Brooklyn-bred rapper released a diss track and music video after testifying in the court case that led to Taxstone being found guilty of manslaughter, assault and weapons charges. “Dear Hater I Won” sees Troy Ave celebrate the former podcaster’s incarceration, strutting and dancing in front of the same Manhattan courthouse where the verdict was reached.
Troy Ave sports the same 3-piece suit in the “Dear Hater I Won” video that he wore to court.
Furthermore, he rehashes and sums up his talking points over the last few years. Notably, he once again accuses Taxstone of writing a letter to the judge in the hopes of getting off. He then rehashes the fatal Irving Plaza incident that saw his friend and bodyguard Ronald “Banga” McPhatter shot and killed.
After wrestling the murder weapon away from Taxstone, Troy Ave fired off several shots of his own. The “Chuck Norris” rapper has since denounced street culture after agreeing to testify against Taxstone. The verdict and record is a conclusion to the 2016 Manhattan shooting that drastically altered the lives of both Brooklynites.
What began as a disagreement because of comments the popular podcaster made regarding the “Your Style” rapper’s music eventually resulted in gun-violence. In turn, what was once a burgeoning voice in the podcast scene has now been silenced. Meanwhile, Troy Ave has seen his once-prominent buzz completely fade.
We have arrived at the Final Frontier of NYS Music’s March Madness 2023. 64 bands we brought together, to build their name and share their sound with a wide audience, but now two remain.
For the past 8 years, this annual competition has been shining a spotlight on talented artists and musicians from across the Empire State. This year’s competition is the biggest and best yet, with a lineup of diverse genres and highly skilled performers. March Madness 2023 highlights 64 bands and artists you might not know but should know, as these homegrown talents are making waves through the New York State. Check out the Final 4 here.
NYS Music has partnered with these great businesses across New York State to highlight the 64 up-and-coming bands and artists of NYS Music March Madness.
The finalists of each region will be rewarded with a collection of prizes worth $3000. Partners for NYS Music’s March Madness 2023 include Mirth Films from Albany, a music news/entertainment outlet that specializes in original video content and live streaming, with news coverage ranging across the whole country, who will provide a professional multi-camera recording session at a prestigious venue in Albany for the winning band, premiering exclusively on Mirth Films.
Additionally, one finalist will earn a spot on the lineup for the Scarsdale Music Festival, held on June 3, 2023.
WEQX is a radio station in Manchester, VT. They are completely independently owned and operated, always have been, since 1984. This station exists out of a love for music, a love for radio, and the commitment to always giving their listeners the best of the best.
Enter your email address, get to know the bands, and vote on our finalists below!
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Seize Atlantis
Formed in 2019 out of Glens Falls in Upstate New York, Seize Atlantis is an energetic four-piece rock band consisting of close friends front-man James Mullen (lead vocals/guitar), Mike Dardas (bass/backing vocals), Luc Bourgault (lead guitar), and Cody Platt (drums). Seize Atlantis has a unique and tight sound fueled by a driving & punchy drum/bass duo, melodic lead guitar, and strong pronounced moody vocals with meaningful lyrics that bring a truly dynamic range of soft to heavy rock. Their influences are from bands such as Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pearl Jam, along with the 90s-00s Rock. The band offers its own spin on a variety of covers from classic rock to modern pop in addition to its own original music. They are currently working on their sophomore EP, Ruins Rebuilt due out this June.
Mainline
MAINLINE officially hit the scene at the end of 2019 when Anthony Schettino (Bass), Johnny Iodice (Lead Singer & Guitar), Mason Servedio (Drums), and Devin Reck (Guitar) released their debut single “Open Fire” which eventually led to the self-titled EP that came out in February of 2020. Their album The Unholy Idol has garnered up over 80,000+ streams across platforms and has gotten worldwide attention. The current lineup since 2022 now includes Ryan Hartell on guitar, replacing Devin Reck. As of November 2022, the band released a new single “IN NOTHING WE TRUST” everywhere on streaming.
The band will be performing at the Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie on April 15, visit here to buy tickets.
Voting for the finals has ended. Stay tuned for the winner to be announced on Wednesday, March 29.
Nu-Metal band Mudvayne have announced their first headlining tour in over 14 years, The Psychotherapy Sessions.
The 26-city tour kicks off on July 20 in West Palm Beach, FL, and includes a stop at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh on Friday, July 28.
Mudvayne, which reunited in 2021 after an 11 year hiatus, is known for both their musical and visual experimentation, which includes face and body paint, as well as masks and uniforms. Mudvayne has sold over six million records worldwide, including nearly three million in the United States.
Previously, the group made waves in 2022 when they embarked on the Freaks on Parade Tour co-headlined with Rob Zombie. This 2023 tour, however, marks Mudvayne’s first headlining endeavor since 2009. The band will be joined by a number of supporting acts including Coal Chamber, along with GWAR, Nonpoint and Butcher Babies.
“An Event. On the Horizon. Over 25 years in the making. Brave travelers…You, and the alien seed – MuDvAyNe. A journey begun. Reaching Zenith. Now for the Eschatology.” – Matt McDonough, Mudvayne drummer.
The Psychotherapy Sessions will also see the reunion of supporting act Coal Chamber, which marks Coal Chamber’s first live performances in eight years.
Tickets will go on sale starting on Friday, March 24 at 10 AM at the bands website.
THE PSYCHOTHERAPY SESSIONS TOUR DATES:
Thu Jul 20 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Fri Jul 21 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds
Sun Jul 23 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
Tue Jul 25 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live
Wed Jul 26 — Scranton, PA — The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
Fri Jul 28 — Wantagh, NY — Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Sat Jul 29 — Camden, NJ — Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Sun Jul 30 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center
Tue Aug 01 — Syracuse, NY — St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
Wed Aug 02 — Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake
Fri Aug 04 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center
Sat Aug 05 — Tinley Park, IL — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
Sun Aug 06 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre
Tue Aug 08 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center
Wed Aug 09 — Peoria, IL — Peoria Civic Center
Sat Aug 12 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion
Sun Aug 13 — Woodlands, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Tue Aug 15 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater
Wed Aug 16 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Thu Aug 17 — Irvine, CA — FivePoint Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 19 — Concord, CA — Concord Pavilion
Sun Aug 20 — Reno, NV — Grand Theatre
Tue Aug 22 — Auburn, WA — White River Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 23 — Ridgefield, WA — RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Fri Aug 25 — West Valley City, UT — USANA Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 26 — Englewood, CO — Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Kleinhans Music Hall has announced its annual fundraiser Rhythm and Brews will take place on Friday, June 16 from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm in the Mary Seaton Room at the famed Buffalo venue.
Buffalocal will again bring together wide representation from the Western New York brewery scene. In addition to selections from 12 breweries, patrons will be able to taste high-end cuisine courtesy of Oliver’s, Britesmith, Creekview Restaurant, and Marcato by Oliver’s, all part of the Schutte Hospitality Group.
Kleinhans Music Hall was built in 1940 thanks to the generosity and vision of Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans, who made their fortune from the clothing store that bore their name, and the stewardship of their charitable dreams by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. The hall was designed by the Finnish father-and-son team of Eliel and Eero Saarinen, along with architects F.J. and W.A Kidd. Kleinhans is known for its combination of graceful structural beauty and extraordinary acoustics.
In 1989, the hall was designated a National Historic Landmark, the highest designation of significance a site or structure can receive. Today, the hall plays hosts to performances by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Buffalo Chamber Music Society, the Just Buffalo Literary Center’s Babel series, and touring acts such as Fiona Apple, Cowboy Junkies, Bill Burr and others.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Kleinhans Music Hall’s programming including the annual National Geographic Live Speakers Series and the upkeep of this National Historic Landmark building.
True to the very nature of the venue, music will be provided by My Cousin Tone’ and The John Bacon Quintet!
My Cousin Tone’ is a jazz band of talented and extraordinary musicians. The band plays classic jazz, jazz blues, hard bop, and jazz soul from the era when Blue Note, Prestige, Verve, and Riverside all produced a collection of jazz tunes that will live on forever. Our sets includes jazz vocals from the Great American Songbook. The band benefited from the fantastic guidance and arrangement talents of Dick Griffo , the legendary alto sax player formerly with Woody Herman and now honors his memory along with the memory of Jim Kurzdorfer, the great bassist and original member of Spyro Gyra who served as a mentor. Come and re-live the era of jazz greatness.
Journeyman drummer and educator, John Bacon Jr, leads this quintet of young professionals. The John Bacon Quintet pays tribute to Buffalo’s musical legacy and gives its members an opportunity to share their own unique voices, all while challenging the status quo of what it means to play jazz in Buffalo. This quintet is a do not miss!
General admission event tickets are $45, but a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $75 which include early admission at 5:00 pm: first tasting of brews, and reserved table seating.
Tickets can be purchased at the Kleinhans Music Hall Box office by calling 715-885-5000 or online at www.kleinhansbuffalo.org.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced an event in celebration of Earth Day, “American Wildflowers,” scheduled for April 22.
Joe Donahue with Journalist Gloria Steinem. Credit: WAMC
“American Wildflowers,” is the next event in the center’s WAMC@SPAC series with Vice President of News and Programming for WAMC, Joe Donahue, scheduled to host the event, featuring a conversation with the editors and illustrators of American Wildflowers: A Literary Field Guide Susan Barba and Leanne Shapton. A book signing by Barba and Shapton will follow.
As SPAC embraces Earth as a running theme throughout the season, it is fitting that this event celebrating wildflowers and the natural world takes place on Earth Day.
Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of SPAC.
American Wildflowers: A Literary Field Guide comprises of poems, essays, and letters from the 1700s up until today, and focuses on the place of wildflowers in our culture and the natural world. Publishers Weekly called it a “rich compendium of classic and contemporary writings inspired by wildflowers.” The book is complimented by Shapton’s watercolors.
Susan Barba is the author of two poetry collections, Fair Sun (2017) and Geode (2020.) and a finalist for both the New England Book Awards and the Massatuchetts Book Award. Her work has been featured in the New York Review of Books and the New Republic.
Leanne Shapton has made a career in artistry, writing, and publicity. Her work has appeared on the book covers of Women in Clothes and her own Swimming Studies, which won the 2012 National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography. Shapton currently resides in New York City and works as an art editor for the New York Review of Books.
The legendary Newport Jazz Festival returns for the summer at Fort Adams State Park in Rhode Island from Aug. 4-6, featuring legendary talents like Herbie Hancock and Diana Krall, and newcomers like Bronx native Samara Joy.
The Newport Jazz Festival returns for its 69th anniversary at Fort Adams State Park, one of the most important and enduring cultural institutions in America. Fans and artists alike return each year to the venue to experience the joy of this long-running tradition of diversity, discovery, and artistic virtuosity. The festival is produced by The Newport Festivals Foundation (NFF), a non-profit organization with the goal to offer opportunity, inspire through exposure and facilitate the collection of resources needed for musicians to celebrate and innovate. This year’s festival features many legendary artists, including a thrilling new class of GRAMMY winners and nominees.
This year’s festival lineup features artist legendary keyboardist, NEA Jazz Master, and 14-time Grammy winner Herbie Hancock and Canadian jazz pianist and singer known for her contralto vocals and for selling 15 million albums worldwide, Diana Krall. Charles Lloyd, NEA Jazz Master who plays tenor saxophone and flute, and Vijay Iyer, Grammy-nominated and multi-award winning composer, and pianist also make an appearance.
Some of today’s most virtuosic artists and cultural leaders like Jon Batiste and Kamasi Washington will perform at the festival as well as GRAMMY winners and nominees including Best New Artist Samara Joy, DOMi & JD Beck, and the first Pakistani to win a Grammy Award, Arooj Aftab. The lineup also includes bounce legend Big Freedia, musical polyglots Thundercat, and DJ Pee .Wee (aka Anderson .Paak). Big Gigantic and Alfa Mist, as well as songwriters Cautious Clay, Durand Jones and The War & Treaty, perform as well. Special ensembles include Newport Jazz artistic director Christian McBride’s annual Jam Jawn, MoodSwing, Scary Goldings featuring John Scofield, Superblue, Orrin Evans Quintet, and the Bill Charlap Trio.
Tickets are on sale now, with specially priced three-day tickets and student tickets available. Children ten and under are free, and single-day and two-day tickets go on sale at a later date. For more information about the Newport Jazz Festival and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Brooklyn indie/emo trio wakelee have just released a tease of their upcoming album by unveiling their newest single/video “Tug Of War.” The new single and music video show a sneak peak into the upcoming self-titled 12-track album out April 14th.
Front man/guitarist Alex Bulmer talks about the newest single by stating, “We had the structure for this song since 2021, but it took so long to land a vocal melody. We got so frustrated with it that we decided to get into a room together and loop the instrumental over and over again. We would then present our individual verse and chorus ideas to each other. We played the theme from “Shark Tank” as we did our pitches. It was ridiculous, but it turned out to be one of our favorite tracks from the album.”
When asked about the music video for “Tug Of War,” Alex says, “We wanted to film a music video ourselves, so we put our iPhone on cinema mode and spent 3 hours in our rehearsal space putting it together. We love how it came out! We wanted it to look like one continuous shot. It was really fun to make.”
“Don’t sleep on rising indie-emo trio wakelee…”
– The Honey Pop
Formed in Brooklyn in 2019 by Bulmer, his identical twin brother David (drums) and Elliot Shiang (vocals/bass), they met at a friend’s show in NYC and immediately bonded over Halal food and indie music. The trio has since released an EP, a healthy batch of emo-tinged singles, including the recently released tracks “Mood Rings,” “Everything Under The Sun” and “Outside.”
With some more news to look forward to, wakelee will play a special album release show. The band will play on Saturday, April 15th at NYC’s Mercury Lounge with special guests Tennis Courts.
The Offspring have announced their newest 2023 tour, Let The Bad Times Roll Tour, with special guests Sum 41 and Simple Plan.
The 24-city tour kicks off on August 1 in Auburn, WA, and includes stops at Darien Lake and Jones Beach.
One of the best things about being on tour is traveling the world playing to great audiences, and it’s even better when you can do it with your friends – we had sold out International tours with Simple Plan and Sum 41, and we’re excited that they’ll be joining us this Summer in America. It’s going to be great!
Dexter Holland of The Offspring
Frequently regarded as one of the best rock bands of all time, The Offspring have garnered a reputation for their unmistakable sound and social comment. The multi-platinum band first achieved worldwide success in the 90’s with the release of their album Smash, which sold over 11 million copies. Following Smash, they continued to release hit after hit, popularizing rock at a mainstream level. The group is also currently working on new music.
Throughout their career, they’ve sold over a staggering 40 million albums, and toured arenas, and built a global fan base. Let the Bad Times Roll marks the band’s tenth studio album and third album produced by the legendary Bob Rock. True to the irreverence at the core of their rock music, the band and lyricist Dexter Holland took a view to today’s cultural moments and didn’t shy away from creating topical material in this album. The album is sure to delight old and new fans.
Touring With Friends – Simple Plan & Sum 41
From their new millennium rise to MTV superstardom through pop-punk’s modern resurgence, Simple Plan have been an indelible part of pop culture since forming in Montreal in 1999. They’ve sold 10 million albums worldwide, won multiple Juno Awards, performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics – and, most recently, launched the omnipresent #ImJustAKid TikTok challenge that’s spawned more than 3.4 million videos, including clips from Hilary Duff, Ed Sheeran, Usher and Venus and Serena Williams. But most importantly, they’ve never lost connection with what really matters: their audience.
“We couldn’t be more excited to get back on tour all across the US with our friends The Offspring and Sum 41! We had such a blast touring with both of them last year that we just had to do it again and put together what we feel will be one of the most awesome tours of the summer. There’s nothing like going to see a show outside on a perfect summer night, and we hope our fans will join us and enjoy this really special show. See you there!” said Chuck Comeau of Simple Plan.
Looking back at the band’s storied 27-year career with over 15 million records sold worldwide, multiple Billboard Charting releases, a Grammy Award nomination, 2 Juno Awards (7 nominations), a Kerrang!Award in 2002, and multiple Alternative Press Music Awards, Sum 41 is still at the top of their game. Vocalist Deryck Whibley shas hared that the band’s new double album, titled Heaven and Hell, is shaping up to be the most ambitious of their career – half of the album brings Sum 41 back to their pop punk roots, Heaven, and half of the album is strictly metal, Hell.
“We’re so excited to be back touring the States with The Offspring and Simple Plan this summer!” said Deryck Whibley of Sum 41. “There’s nothing better than hitting the road with your friends, and we can’t wait to bring the tour to you – see you soon!”
Let The Bad Times Roll Tour Dates:
Tue Aug 01 — Auburn, WA — White River Amphitheatre
Thu Aug 03 — Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 05 — Mountain View, CA — Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sun Aug 06 — Irvine, CA — FivePoint Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 08 — Chula Vista, CA — North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 09 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Fri Aug 11 — Austin, TX — Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sat Aug 12 — North Little Rock, AR — Simmons Bank Arena
Sun Aug 13 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion
Tue Aug 15 — Atlanta, GA — Lakewood Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 16 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds
Fri Aug 18 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
Sat Aug 19 — Bristow, VA — Jiffy Lube Live
Sun Aug 20 — Darien Center, NY — Darien Lake Amphitheater
Tue Aug 22 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH — Blossom Music Center
Wed Aug 23 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre
Fri Aug 25 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center
Sat Aug 26 — Tinley Park, IL — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
Sun Aug 27 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO
Tue Aug 29 — Milwaukee, WI — American Family Insurance Amphitheater – Summerfest Grounds
Wed Aug 30 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center
Fri Sep 01 — Burgettstown, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake
Sat Sep 02 — Wantagh, NY — Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Sun Sep 03 — Mansfield, MA — Xfinity Center
Tickets go on sale March 24th at 10am on the bands website.
The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) has announced guitarist Gretchen Menn will be honored at the 11th annual She Rocks Awards, among other musical legends.
Photo of Gretchen Menn by Larry DiMarzio
Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries, honoring female artists, industry executives, and media personalities throughout the music landscape. The WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing. The She Rocks Awards honors trailblazing women from all areas of the industry– from educators, to label execs, manufacturers, non-profits, media, performers, engineers, and more.
Laura B. Whitmore, founder of the WiMN said that she is “incredibly excited to celebrate 11 years of honoring women in music. This year will present opportunities for new surprises and loads of inspiration both in person and online.”
Honored at this year’s award ceremony is Gretchen Menn, guitarist and a founding member of Zepparella, the acclaimed Led Zeppelin powerhouse. She has performed as a solo artist throughout the U.S. and in guitar festivals in Switzerland and Germany, releasing her first record Hale Souls in 2011, full of original, instrumental works. Her second release, Abandon All Hope in 2016 combines modern and classical instruments to bring the listener on a musical journey. She is currently working on her third solo album. “Being honored with the Inspire Award means the world to me. If I have encouraged or inspired anyone along their musical paths, I consider that a huge achievement,” she shares.
Along with Menn, several other women will be honored at the She Rocks Awards. Judy Collins, a platinum-selling singer/songwriting icon will be honored at the award ceremony. Other honorees include Noelle Scaggs, co-frontperson for multi-platinum band Fitz and the Tantrums and founder of Diversify the Stage, Shelly Peiken, Grammy-nominated, chart-topping hit songwriter, Mary Spender, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and Youtube star, Michelle Bell, VP of Creative for Roc Nation. Also included in the list of honorees is the Chief Operating Officer for the School of Rock, Stacey Ryan, the Chief Operating Officer for Audiotonix, Helen Culleton, VP of Marketing for Roland and drummer Katherine Wing, and photographer and author of 108 Rock Star Guitars and Immortal Axes, Lisa S. Johnson.
Judy Collins photo by Shervin Lainez.
This year’s event is co-hosted by former She Rocks Awards honoree Lisa Foxx, radio host for myFM and iHeartRadio, and Aijia Grammer, LA-based, pop songwriter, vocal producer, and musician. This year’s opening performer will be Canada’s own Juno award-winning alternative act, The Beaches. Their latest single, “Grow Up Tomorrow,” spent seven-plus weeks at Number 1 on Alternative Radio, and Elton John described their last album as “The best rock album of last year.”
To learn more about the She Rocks Awards, purchase tickets, and find out how to watch the live stream the evening of the awards, visit here.
Governors Ball organizers announced on Thursday that New York rap star Ice Spice has been added to the Friday lineup. Ice Spice was born and raised in the Bronx and attended SUNY Purchase, and started turning heads last year with her fiery single “Munch (Feelin’ You)” which appears on her debut EP Like..?.
“Munch (Feelin’ You)” by Ice Spice. Via YouTube
Ice Spice joins a rap-heavy Friday at Governors Ball, featuring Lil Uzi Vert, Metro Boomin, Joey Bada$$, Maxo Kream, and more. Tickets for all three days of the festival are still on sale but moving fast. Head over to the Governors Ball website for more.
As we wait for the festival to unveil more details about it’s new home in Flushing Meadows Park, check out our 2022 coverage of the festival’s last edition in the shadow of Citi Field.
