NYS Music 2023

Category: NYC Metro

  • Beastie Boys Square to be Officially Unveiled This Saturday

    This Saturday, Sept. 9, Beastie Boys Square will officially be unveiled at the corner of Ludlow and Rivington Streets in Manhattan after the New York City Council approved the renaming.

    The ceremony, taking place from 12-2 p.m. will feature appearances from Michael “Mike D” Diamond and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, including a DJ set by Jon Bless HiFi System.

    The Beastie Boys were an American rap group from New York City, formed in 1981. The group was composed of Michael “Mike D” Diamond, Adam “MCA” Yauch, and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz. Beastie Boys has sold 20 million records in the United States and had seven platinum-selling albums from 1986 to 2004. They are the biggest-selling rap group since Billboard began recording sales in 1991.

    Photo by Ron Galella.

    The historic corner was once home to Paul’s Boutique—the namesake of the Beastie Boys’ sophomore LP, released in 1989. Cultural advocate LeRoy McCartney spearheaded the campaign, fighting for a decade. He also did similar landmark-naming campaigns, like the Wu-Tang Clan (Wu-Tang District in Staten Island) and The Notorious B.I.G. (Brooklyn’s Christopher Wallace Way), and credits Council Member Chris Marte with helping to push the renaming.

    Last summer Marte gave credit to the group themselves for paving the way in the genre of hip-hop and thanked the local residents, businesses, politicians, and more who supported the fight for the street name. “I see it as a celebration. A celebration for the Lower East Side, a celebration for hip-hop, and especially a celebration for our community who has been organizing for a really long time to make this happen,” Marte also said.

    Photo by William Farrington.

    The unveiling of Beastie Boys Square coincides with the ongoing celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, which includes the first-ever theatrical screening of Spike Jonze’s Beastie Boys Story, taking place at IFC Center on September 8 and 9. 

  • Billy Joel Returns Home for New Year’s Eve UBS Arena Show

    UBS Arena announced New York’s favorite Billy Joel will return to his hometown this New Year’s Eve for a landmark show at the brand-new arena. His first show at Belmont Park’s new arena and his first hometown Long Island appearance since 2018, Billy Joel will help crowds ring in the New Year beginning at 9:30 pm on Dec 31.

    Billy Joel New Year's Eve at UBS Arena

    A recurrent New York City area performer and Long Island native, Billy Joel is a staple of Madison Square Garden lineups. As a recipient of legendary awards such as the Kennedy Center Honors and multiple Grammy Awards, Joel is one of the most celebrated musicians of all time.

    Billy Joel MSG

    UBS Arena at Belmont Park is one of the New York area’s largest entertainment and sports venues. Opened in November 2021, the arena is home to the New York Islanders, one of the city’s own NHL teams.

    We are thrilled to welcome Long Island’s own Billy Joel to UBS Arena at Belmont Park. To have such an iconic artist as our New Year’s Eve show is an honor. We look forward to ringing in the New Year with him and our guests later this year.

    Kim Stone, UBS Arena president

    Pre-sale for Citi® Cardmembers begins Monday, September 11 at 10am through Thursday, September 14 at 10pm. Public on sale begins Friday, September 15 at 10am via Ticketmaster. More information is available at billyjoel.com.

  • Fall Out Boy Announce 2024 Co-Headline Tour with Jimmy Eat World, Coming to MSG and MVP Arena

    Fall Out Boy has announced the second leg of their “So Much For (Tour) Dust,” now named “So Much For (2our) Dust,” with rockers Jimmy Eat World, coming to MSG and the MVP Arena in March 2024.

    Fall Out Boy is one of the biggest-selling rock bands. The group is comprised of vocalist Patrick Stump, bassist and lyricist Pete Wentz, drummer Andy Hurley, and guitarist Joe Trohman, who after taking a short hiatus from the group, is back full-time.

    Formed in Chicago in 2001, the group has released several albums over the years that have become a staple in the emo community. Their seventh studio album MANIA debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in January 2018 and garnered a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Album. Other records that have done well on Billboard charts include 2015’s AMERICAN BEAUTY/AMERICAN PSYCHO and 2013’s Save Rock and Roll, whose song “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)” went multi-platinum.

    Photo by Joshua Davis for NYS Music.

    Their first U.S. run over the summer celebrating the release of their newest record So Much (for) Stardust, proved to be a success, coming to places like Darien Lake and Forest Hills. Much like the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, which featured surprise songs every night, FOB did their own rendition, adding the Magic 8 Ball to their set. The ball would pick a song the band would play that night, and many of them hadn’t been played in over a decade, or never played live before.

    fans were eager to see what came from the group next. After fans spotted the group dropping merch with “So Much For (2our) Dust,” on it a few weeks ago, the tour announcement didn’t come as much of a surprise, however, the addition of rock band Jimmy Eat World was unprecedented, yet equally as exciting.

    Jimmy Eat World has just come off of a joint tour with Manchester Orchestra, and they released the single “Place Your Debts” in 2022. Also joining FOB on this momentous tour are rock bands The Maine, Hot Mulligan, Daisy Grenade, Games We Play (who was also an opener on the first leg), and Carr.

    The group will stop at Madison Square Garden on March 22, and surprisingly at MVP Arena in Albany on March 24. Those lucky enough to be in the official Fall Out Boy discord server (which only opens up for seconds at a time for fans to join) will receive a presale code at 9:30 a.m. local on Sept. 13 to purchase tickets. Don’t fret though, you can join the group’s mailing list, receiving a code to purchase tickets at 10 a.m. local on Sept. 13. General sale is on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. local.

    For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit here.

    Fall Out Boy 2023-2024 Tour Dates:
    10/17 – Warsaw, PL @ COS Torwar
    10/18 – Prague, CZ @ Sportovni Hala Fortuna
    10/20 – Milan, IT @ Mediolanum Forum
    10/21 – Munich, DE @ Zenith
    10/23 – Paris, FR @ Zénith
    10/24 – Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS Live
    10/25 – Brussels, BE @ Forest National
    10/27 – Leeds, UK @ First Direct Arena
    10/28 – Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro
    10/29 – Manchester, UK @ AO Arena
    10/31 – Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena Birmingham
    11/02 – London, UK @ The O2
    11/03 – London, UK @ The O2
    11/04 – Cardiff, UK @ Cardiff International Arena
    11/06 – Oberhausen, DE @ Rudolf Weber-Arena
    11/07 – Hamburg, DE @ Barclays Arena
    11/08 – Berlin, DE @ Max-Schmeling-Halle
    12/01 – Melbourne, AU @ Flemington Racecourse
    12/02 – Sydney, AU @ Centennial Park
    12/03 – Brisbane, AU @ Brisbane Showgrounds
    12/06 – Bangkok, TH @ Thunder Dome
    02/28 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center *
    03/01 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena *
    03/03 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center *
    03/04 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center *
    03/07 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena *
    03/08 – Austin, TX @ Moody Center *
    03/11 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center *
    03/13 – Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at The BJCC *
    03/15 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Center *
    03/16 – Jacksonville, FL @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena *
    03/19 – Raleigh, NC @ PNC Arena *
    03/20 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena *
    03/22 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden *
    03/24 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena *
    03/26 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena *
    03/27 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena *
    03/29 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center *
    03/30 – Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena *
    03/31 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena *
    04/02 – Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum *
    04/03 – Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena *
    04/05 – Omaha, NE @ CHI Health Center Arena *
    04/06 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center *

    * = w/ Jimmy Eat World

  • Josh Schwartz Unveils Solo Project “JOSCH” with Soulful Debut Single “Icarus In Motion”

    Josh Schwartz, well known in the jam scene as the tall baritone saxophone player and occasional singer from Turkuaz and Cool Cool Cool, has announced his solo project, JOSCH. Pronounced like his first name, JOSCH debuts with his soulful debut single, “Icarus In Motion.”

    Josh Schwartz JOSCH Icarus in Motion

    “Icarus in Motion” features Schwartz alone on all vocals and instruments, with the entire track his brainchild. With pre-production support from producer/songwriter Rob O’Block, Schwartz makes a grand entrance as a solo performer, channeling the likes of James Blake and Hosier.

    A modern day reimagining of the ancient Greek myth of Icarus – who ignored his father’s warning and flew too close to the sun, melting the wax that held his wings together and plummeting him to his death into the ocean – Schwartz was inspired by “The Power of Myth” by Joseph Campbell, and spoke to NYS Music, sharing deeper insight into the lyrics of the track.

    The lyrics are basically a modern-day retelling of the classic Icarus myth. I was partially inspired by Trump’s rise and (hopefully eventual) fall. The character in the song supposedly pulled himself up by his bootstraps (“You come from such humble beginnings/rough hands and dirty shoes/stranger to silver spoons”) but similarly to how some people in this country seem to think Trump did that, the details often tell a different origin story.

    I was also envisioning the main character, Patrick Bateman, from American Psycho and typical Wall Street bros in general. I grew up with and went to college with lots of those types and was always amazed at the degree of materialism they had. 

    With the legend of Icarus taking on a deeper meaning, JOSCH presents “Icarus in Motion” has a departure from the high-energy power funk that Josh Schwartz is known to deliver on stage. “This song and the other tunes I have ready under JOSCH are more in the vein of electro-pop. Lots of synths, lots of emotions. If you’re expecting horn-driven funk, you’re certainly in for a surprise!”

    Josh Schwartz

    Over hard-hitting drums and droning bass, behind-the-beat vocals on “Icarus” sing of a man with a hard upbringing (“rough hands and dirty shoes/stranger to silver spoons”) who rises to great financial success (“you soar on guilded wings/keep score with gods and kings”); in the process, he becomes addicted to and obsessed with the material goods and pleasures he can now afford (“hungrily grasp for more/the endless spoils of war”). Will the man in the song succumb to his own hubris and greed or will he realize the folly of his ways and get a grip on his dangerous habits? You’ll just have to listen to find out.

    JOSCH is available on all streaming platforms now. Listen on Spotify.

    In addition to the single, JOSCH will release an accompanying music video shortly after. Shot on 8mm film and directed by longtime collaborator Dani Barbieri of Two Truths Production, the video brings the imagery of Schwartz’s lyrics to life.

    “Icarus in Motion” Lyrics

    High above it all

    Far from the commotion

    But you’re about to fall

    Icarus in motion

    You come from such humble beginnings

    Rough hands and dirty shoes

    Stranger to silver spoons

    And now you’re drowning in your winnings

    You soar on gilded wings

    Keep score with gods and kings

    No time for self-reflection

    When striving for perfection

    Ambition suits you like the labels that you wear

    (Labels that you wear)

    On the way up, it’s all so thrilling

    ‘Til you remember nothing is under you but air

    High above it all

    Far from the commotion

    But you’re about to fall

    Icarus in motion

    High above it all

    Far from the commotion

    But you’re about to fall

    Icarus in motion

    The universe just keeps on giving

    Hungrily grasp for more

    The endless spoils of war

    They say that life is for the living

    You’ve burned through twenty lives

    Almost as many wives

    The same universe that gave you wings

    Can snatch them back before you blink

    Your narcissism is a dangerous affair

    (Dangerous affair)

    On the way up, it’s all so thrilling

    ‘Til you remember nothing is under you but air

    High above it all

    Far from the commotion

    But you’re about to fall

    Icarus in motion

    It’s always sunny when you’re flying high above the clouds

    Nothing to see below so up and up you go

    No one but yourself can stop you now

    As the sun destroys your wings

    See the angels beckoning

    High above it all

    Far from the commotion

    But you’re about to fall

    Icarus in motion

    High above it all

    Far from the commotion

    But you’re about to fall

    Icarus in motion

  • Excision To Play Buffalo RiverWorks and Madison Square Garden on 2024 Nexus Tour

    DJ and producer Excision has announced his upcoming Nexus tour, hitting stops at Buffalo RiverWorks in Buffalo on March 19th and 20th, and New York City’s Madison Square Garden on March 22nd. The tour kicks off on December 22 and includes stops across the country from Tacoma, WA, to Boston, MA. 

    Excision Nexus Tour

    The tour follows Excision’s latest single “Bass To The Dome,” featuring Sullivan King. The song was released on August 25th with Subsidia Records, marking Excision’s seventh track release this year. 

    This is the biggest tour we’ve ever done, with over 50 dates, massive production, and an incredibly talented mix of artists joining us on every stop. I can’t wait to be able to reveal more. I’m excited to see all the Headbangers in their hometowns!

    Jeff Abel, Excision

    Tickets for the tour will be available beginning with an Artist Presale on Wednesday, September 6 with code “NEXUS”. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, September 8 at 10AM local time. More information is available at excision.ca.

    EXCISION TOUR DATES

    Sat Dec 22 – Chicago, IL – Navy Pier * 

    Sat Dec 30 – Stateline, NV – Tahoe Blue Event Center

    Sun Dec 31 – Stateline, NV – Tahoe Blue Event Center

    Fri Feb 02 – Tacoma, WA – The Thunderdome at Tacoma Dome

    Sat Feb 03 – Tacoma, WA – The Thunderdome at Tacoma Dome

    Sun Feb 04 – Tacoma, WA – The Thunderdome at Tacoma Dome

    Fri Feb 09 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

    Sat Feb 10 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

    Fri Feb 16 – Las Vegas, NV – High Roller at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

    Sat Feb 17 – Las Vegas, NV – High Roller at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

    Sun Feb 18 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Arena

    Mon Feb 19 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center

    Tue Feb 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center

    Wed Feb 21 – El Paso, TX – UTEP Don Haskins Center

    Fri Feb 23 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

    Sat Feb 24 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

    Sun Feb 25 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

    Fri Mar 01 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum

    Sat Mar 02 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum

    Fri Mar 08 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

    Sat Mar 09 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

    Thu Mar 14 – Toronto, ON – Venue & On Sale TBD

    Fri Mar 15 – Toronto, ON – Venue & On Sale TBD

    Sat Mar 16 – Montreal, QC – Place Bell

    Tue Mar 19 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks

    Wed Mar 20 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks

    Fri Mar 22 – New York City, NY – UBS Arena

    Sun Mar 24 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway

    Tue Mar 26 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre

    Wed Mar 27 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J. Brady Music Center

    Fri Mar 29 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

    Sat Mar 30 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena

    Fri May 31 – Denver, CO – Mile High at Denver Coliseum Outdoors *

    Sat June 01 – Denver, CO – Mile High at Denver Coliseum Outdoors *

    Tue June 04 – Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater

    Thu Jun 06 – Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheatre

    Sat Jun 08 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Great Saltair

    Sun Jun 09 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Great Saltair

    Fri Jun 21 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    Sat Jun 22 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

    * Not a Live Nation date

    + MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

  • In Focus: New York EDM Maxes Out at Electric Zoo 2023

    The 2023 edition of Electric Zoo Music Festival took a turn into the history books this past weekend, with fans encountering hours-long Will Call lines, a main stage still under construction on Friday, and an overflow of attendees on Sunday.

    Add in allegations of overselling the event by a reported 7,000, according to Mayor Eric Adams, and EZoo joins the ranks of Fyre Fest, AstroWorld, Curveball, and Woodstock 99 in the lore of music festivals gone awry.

    It’s unfortunate that the organizers wanted to turn our city into a zoo, and we were not going to allow that to happen. And we will be dealing with them in the next few days based on their behavior and actions.

    NYC Mayor Eric Adams

    Electric Zoo 2023 was produced by Billy Bildstein of Avant Gardner and Cityfox, who bought EZoo creator Made Events, in July 2022 through an investment group for $15 million.

    The weekend started on a low note for promoters, with the stage being deemed unsafe by New York authorities, leading to the full Friday of music being canceled, and refund information shared by Electric Zoo. In a statement, the promoters said,

    Despite our tireless efforts and round-the-clock commitment, we have made the painful decision to cancel the first day of Electric Zoo. This year has presented unparalleled challenges for everyone. The global supply chain disruptions have impacted industries worldwide, and, sadly, our beloved festival has not been immune. These unexpected delays have prevented us from completing the construction of the main stage in time for Day 1.

    Among artists whose sets were canceled on Friday were The Chainsmokers, Excision, Griz and New York born and raised, Eli Escobar.

    Saturday saw the festival delayed gates opening until 230pm, with crowds waiting for five hours (if not longer) for Will Call tickets. Some fans were not able to get into the venue on Randall’s Island until nearly 8pm, leading one outlet to ask, “Is Electric Zoo the new Fyre Festival?”

    Although the EZOO team reassured fans, “Your patience and dedication mean the world to us, and we cannot thank you enough for being part of this incredible community,” fans were not placated, with some having flown in from around the country and world, nowhere to turn but to head home.

    Then on Sunday evening, piggybacking off a cancellation and incredibly long wait times, promoters said the festival was full and could not accommodate any additional patrons. Fans crashed the gates, passing security checkpoints, nearly destroying the entry way on Randall’s Island, frustrated by the actions of the promoters.

    After the disappointment from the cancellation of Day 1, Electric Zoo kept the show running on Day 2, opening the gates two hours later than initially posted. Headliners Timmy Trumpet, Gryffin and the closing finale of Zedd left attendees smiling from ear to ear.

    Perri Sage Photography

    From glitter to sequins, fish nets and strobe light sunglasses, the fans inside were enlightened with character despite the issues outside the gate, showing their love for the electronic dance community.

    To close out Saturday, German DJ and producer Zedd put on an outstanding finale with a crowd full of thousands screaming, clapping and dancing among themselves to some of his hit remixes “Alive by Empire of the Sun – Zedd Remix” and “Break Free” by Ariana Grande (feat. Zedd).

    Perri Sage Photography

    On Day 3 the festival was up and ready to go when the gates opened for attendees at 1pm. While the days prior led to confusion, frustration and disappointment, EZOO was determined to turn it around. The main stage known as Convergence added two more columns to the overhead screens which illuminated the overall feel and experience of the final day.

    However, with more tickets sold than Randall’s Island could accommodate, promoters announced at 6:30pm that no more fans would be allowed to enter, even if they had a ticket. And with this, fans frustration hit its peak, and the gates were stormed.

    Headliners included Tiesto, Major Lazor, a combined set of both well known artists Dom Dolla and John Summit, and leading finale Marshmellow. The on stage visuals of all artists performing reached with psychedelic imagery, strobes of color and front stage flames, smoke and fireworks enhanced the fans’ experience.

    By this point, all stages were flooded with fans from front to back, savoring their last moments of Electric Zoo 2023 and not letting the oversold event and actions of promoters stifle the finale of what was intended to be a magnificient weekend for thousands of EDM fans.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Even with the delays and frustration, EZOO kept the show running for Day 2 and Day 3 to the best of their ability. The event performances left fans ecstatic, and for some the festival was worth the wait, while for others a weekend without music, but for all attendees, it was a weekend for the history books.

    Griffin
    Jaden Thompson
    So tuff so cute
    Brina Knauss
    Timmy Trumpet
    Dom Dolla x John Summit
    Tiesto
    Marshmellow

  • DJ Muggs “Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley” – A Gritty Masterpiece with Exclusive NYC Premiere

    DJ Muggs, the legendary producer known for his groundbreaking work with Cypress Hill and countless other hip-hop luminaries, is back with a vengeance. On August 25th, he dropped Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley, an album that oozes gritty beats and showcases his production prowess. But that’s not all; it’s accompanied by an upcoming short movie directed by Jason Goldwatch, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this already captivating project.

    First things first, the album itself is a masterclass in production. DJ Muggs has assembled a roster of rap heavyweights to spit fire over his beats, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. “It’s On” featuring Boldy James sets the stage with its ominous vibes. “Check In (Original Version)” with Jay Worthy offers a gritty original flavor, while “Sicilian Gold” featuring Ghostface Killah and Westside Gunn is a lyrical showcase over Muggs’ haunting beat. “67 Keys” featuring Roc Marciano, Rome Streetz, and Meyhem Lauren delves into the underground hip-hop scene with finesse, and “Mr. Cartoon Interlude” adds an artistic touch.

    “Burn The Playbook” featuring Evidence and Domo Genesis showcases sharp verses over Muggs’ hypnotic production. “Crazy Horse” featuring Roc Marciano and Crimeapple continues the underground exploration, and “Metropolis” featuring Method Man and Slick Rick combines veteran talent for a standout track. “We Coming For The Safe” featuring Boldy James keeps the intensity high, and “Skeleton Bones” featuring Rome Streetz brings it back to the gritty underground.

    The album’s energy intensifies with “Dump On Em” featuring B-Real, MC Ren, and Ice Cube, and it all comes to a captivating close with “Outro,” leaving listeners eager to hit replay on this unrelenting sonic journe

    Moreover, the cinematic experience associated with this album adds a whole new layer of excitement. The short movie directed by Jason Goldwatch, set to release on September 13th, promises to be an audio-visual journey that complements the music’s dark and mysterious vibes. You can catch a glimpse of what’s in store by watching the movie trailer below.

    As if all of this weren’t enough, an exclusive movie premiere took place at SoHo House in NYC on August 30th, giving fans an early taste of the visual storytelling that accompanies Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley. The premiere was made even more special with a Q&A session featuring DJ Muggs and Jason Goldwatch allowing fans to gain insight into the creative process behind this groundbreaking project.

    In conclusion, DJ Muggs has once again proven why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world. Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley is an auditory and soon-to-be-visual masterpiece that deserves a place in the collections of hip-hop aficionados everywhere. From the star-studded tracklist to the imminent short movie, this project is a testament to Muggs’ enduring talent and creativity. Don’t sleep on it.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmG_9et-D-o

  • Quinn XCII Brings The Party To Brooklyn Mirage

    On the picturesque summer night of August 31st, Quinn XCII (pronounced Quinn ninety-two) shifted the EDM narrative of Brooklyn Mirage to experimental hip-hop pop. While the Mirage wouldn’t be the typical host for Quinn’s self-established genre of music, the wrap-around screens and pristine sound system served his performance well. Michael Temrowski, stage name Quinn XCII,  has been making music since 2011 when he was a student at Michigan State. From college house parties to venues like Red Rocks and the Brooklyn Mirage, Quinn XCII has established a loyal fanbase. 

    Photograph by Shauna Hilferty

    As the sun rolled overhead the outdoor amphitheater, Quinn fans filled the venue. Quinn XCII’s crowd was made up of out of office sorority presidents and Manhattan finance bros who just can’t seem to let go of the glory days. Even Temrowski himself tweeted, “I make music for guys that make awful parlay bets,” “I make music for east coast lacrosse teams,”  “I make music for girls who make emotional montages of their last high school field hockey season.” Needless to say the audience was friendly as can be, and they weren’t scared to party. It was like hanging out with that college friend group you can’t part ways with, in the best way.

    Photograph by Shauna Hilferty

    Openers Stay Over and Skizzy Mars, a New York City native, revved up the crowd. It seemed that Quinn wanted to uphold the experimental artists, to pay tribute to their creativity and brave approach to navigating the music industry. Stay Over put on a show blended with rock and hip-hop, two very loud and vocal genres. Skizzy Mars also dabbled in hip-hop with a more indie flair. Both of their sounds were celebrated by the audience.

    Photograph by Shauna Hilferty

    When 10:30 PM rolled around, the lights dimmed and the bass amplified. As soon as Quinn XCII stepped foot on stage, confetti cannons showered the fans in an endless spill of rainbows. People cheered and through their hands up, letting the paper wash over their faces. His most recent hit single, “Georgia Peach,” got the crowd grooving.

    The setlist was a culmination of old and new music, sort of a “best of Quinn XCII” kind of performance. The audience welcomed each phase on stage with nostalgia induced excitement. Songs dating back to 2015 got the audience just as loud as his latest releases. As notes from the past wove through his set, Quinn’s personal sound was never lost. From “Kings Of Summer” by aokay featuring Quinn XCII to “The Lows,” featuring Big Sean, his reggae influenced and rap driven style remained.

    Before his song, “My Wife & 2 Dogs,” Quinn stopped the show to give respect to his beloved french bulldog, Nelson, who had to be put to rest that day. Emotions were heavy on stage and respected in the audience. Each word to the song was sung from Quinn’s heart and from the chest of everyone in the audience. Behind him on stage, was a video montage of Nelson and his other pup.

    Photograph by Shauna Hilferty

    For one of Quinn’s newer releases, “The Lows,” New York City artist Blu DeTiger joined him on stage to play bass. With her blue sparkly bass guitar, mini-skirt, and stomper boots, Blu added a whole other energy to the song. She tossed her lengthy blonde hair back as she headbanged to Quinn’s catchy beat. The crowd received her rock addition with vim.

    Quinn XCII has been around for a lot of listeners since their grade school days. To grow up with an artist is a very intimate experience. To listen to Quinn as an adult is like getting a second chance at growing up again in your twenties. His music normalizes the wide spectrum of human emotions felt while in serious relationships, during inevitable change and stagnancy, and even while getting high in the back of your high school girlfriend’s car. The show at Brooklyn Mirage was a celebration of being alive and figuring it out.

    Photograph by Shauna Hilferty

    As the show came to a close, the audience chanted for an encore before Quinn was able to leave the stage. He exited the stage, but the lights darkened to a deep blue. Before everyone knew it, Quinn was back singing his first encore song, “Always Been You.” The next song, “Another Day In Paradise,” was another crowd favorite from one of Quinn’s most esteemed records, “Change Of Scenery.” Before he started to sing, he spoke sentimentally to the crowd about being present: “The good shit, the bad shit – nothing is permanent, let it pass…”

    Photograph by Shauna Hilferty

    Quinn XCII wrapped his show with one of his youngest songs, “Candle.” His original fans bounced on their feet and swayed their arms the entire song, almost as a wave goodbye. The confetti went off once more before the show wrapped. Quinn XCII at the mirage was the perfect summer send off. As the confetti settled and Quinn and his band took a bow, the night ended on a good note.

  • GWAR Releases Final Recording feat. Oderus Urungus, “Tammy, The Swine Queen”

    GWAR have released a 10th Anniversary Edition of Battle Maximus. fully remixed and remastered, this edition features the final recorded vocal performance of Oderus Urungus on the previously unreleased and never-before heard song “Tammy, The Swine Queen.” 

    Tammy the swine queen

    10 years have passed since the release of GWAR’s masterwork known as Battle Maximus, which served as a tribute to fallen Scumdog Warrior Flattus Maximus (AKA Corey Smoot) and was also the last album recorded with vocalist Oderus Urungus (AKA Dave Brockie) before he departed the planet Earth in 2014.

    “Musically, ‘Battle Maximus’ is a great debut work by Pustulus Maximus, and lyrically, it is the final word of lead singer and band founder Oderus Urungus, The record is run through with the desperate, dangerous, and fully bananas imagination of Oderus. In fact, this re-release includes a song so nutty we named it twice, and then promptly forgot to put it on the record the first time around. ‘Tammy, Queen of Dirt,’ or, ‘Tammy the Swine Queen’ is the final performance of the maestro of mayhem, Oderus Urungus, and for our fans, it does not disappoint,” 

    Blothar the Berserker

    This Fall, GWAR declares war on humanity (again) on their upcoming “Age of Imbeciles” Tour. The infamous Lords and Masters of Shock Rock will return to the road wreaking havoc, and laying waste to audiences across the US and Canada this Fall. Shows in New York include at the Palladium Times Square and The Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls.

    The tour features support from Negative Approach, X-Cops and Cancer Christ on select dates. A complete list of dates can be found below.

    Age of Imbeciles Tour Dates

    10/11: Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally’s*

    10/12: S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground*

    10/13: New York, NY @ Palladium Times Square*

    10/14: Reading, PA @ Reverb*

    10/15: Niagara Falls, NY @ The Rapids Theatre*

    10/17: Toronto, ON @ The Phoenix#

    10/18: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts

    10/19: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

    10/20: Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note

    10/21: Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom

    10/22: Huntsville, AL @ Mars Music Hall

    10/24: Richmond, VA @ The National

    10/25: Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz

    10/26: Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel

    10/27: Gainesville, FL @ The Fest, Bo Diddley Plaza

    10/28: Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall

    10/29: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven)

    10/30: Orlando, FL @The Beacham

    10/31 – 11/4: Lamb of God’s Headbangers Boat – Sold Out

    11/5: San Mateo Otzacatipan, MX @ Hell & Heaven Festival

    *No X-Cops

    Listen to “Tammy, The Swine Queen” below.

  • The Illusion to be Inducted Into Long Island Music Hall of Fame

    The Illusion, one of the original bands that helped create the famed “Long Island sound,” has announced it will be inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF).

    The Illusion

    Set to take place on Oct. 7 starting at 7 p.m., Illusion band members John Vinci, Mike Maniscalco, Rich Cerniglia, Chuck Alder, and Mike Ricciardella will be inducted into the history and family of Long Island’s musicians & entertainers. The group will also perform together publicly for the first time in 51 years! Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.

    During a time when it was considered inconceivable for record executives (and concert promoters alike) to give a band from Long Island the time of day, The Illusion came onto the scene. They were a force to be reckoned with, wowing crowds with crazy stage shows, custom-made clothes, five-part harmonies, and untouchable musicianship.

    In time, The Illusion would get the attention of hit writing producer Jeff Barry, who signed them to his label Steed Records and penned their first hit “Did You See Her Eyes?” which shot up the charts reaching number one in 15 cities. The Illusion would go on to release a total of three albums for Barry’s label, with the first selling over 200,000 copies.

    The Illusion would go on to share the stage with such acts as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Allman Brothers Band, Chicago, The Temptations, Richie Havens, Alice Cooper, and countless others. Acts and artists like Kiss, Aerosmith, The New York Dolls, and Billy Joel, not only followed the Illusion but would go on to cite the band as one of their major influences.

    The Illusion induction is set to take place Saturday, Oct. 7 starting at 7 p.m. at LIMEHOF’s Stony Brook Museum. This event is open to the public with limited tickets available for purchase.

    https://youtu.be/3Uc5aLnYlJU?si=WJDalzQ6hW8j5-I3