NYS Music 2023

Blog

  • Timbre Coup and Squeaky Feet Team Up for ‘Improg” Throw Down in Albany

    It was an electrifying night of sonic diversity, high-octane improv and jaw dropping prog-inspired grooves on March 23rd when homegrown Albany rock-fusion favorites Timbre Coup and buzz-worthy Colorado up-and-comers Squeaky Feet teamed up for a rowdy Thursday night throw down at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen. The show was presented by Guthrie/Bell Productions. 

    Albany prog-rockers Timbre Coup made their triumphant return home to The Hollow on 3/23/23

    Putting their best foot forward, the exciting evening of music kicked off with a stellar set from Squeaky Feet. The talented quintet comprised of Colin Shore (guitar/vocals), Greg King (guitar), Jimmy Finnegan (bass/vocals), Brian Keller (keyboards/sax/flute/vocals), and Kevin D’Angelo (drums) originally formed while attending Berklee College of Music and have seen a steady growth since relocating to Denver, CO in 2018. Holding it together through the pandemic and arguably growing even tighter because of it, the band has been hitting the road hard since the return of live music.

    Colorado jammers Squeaky Feet made their Albany debut at The Hollow on 3/23/23

    Opening with a tune called “Chance to Grow,” the technical prowess of each member of the band was on display early. Blurring the lines between psychedelic funk jams, intricate jazz rock fusion, and at points just downright metal, the vibe got comfortably spacey on a fully realized rendition of “Outer Ring.”Making a bit of a return to his old stomping grounds, between songs guitarist Colin Shore, formerly of Mister F, a side project of Timbre Coup, would take a moment to say how nice it was to see so many of the old 518 music family in attendance.

    Sneaky Feet guitarist Colin Shore got his start in Albany with Mr. F, a side project of Timbre Coup

    Now humbly wearing the colors of his new band, presumably because he’s out of clean clothes from being on tour, Shore dug deep on the next tune “Shovelware,” leading the charge through the songs unique arrangements and head-banging peaks. 

    Squeaky Feet multi-instrumentalist Brian Kelle had his hands full at The Hollow on 3/23/23

    With time left for just one more, multi-instrumentalist Brian Keller would impress with his dexterity, busting out both a saxophone and a flute while simultaneously playing the keyboards during the course of the epic 16-minute “Little Bit Further” set closer. You can check out fan shot video of that in the clip below, or listen to the soundboard of the entire set on nugs.net. Immediately following this tour, Squeaky Feet will return to the studio to finish up recording their highly anticipated debut album. If the songs played in Albany are any indication, there is a lot to look forward to from this promising young band.

    After a brief break in the action, fans rushed in from the rain the moment local hometown prog rockers Timbre Coup took the stage. That’s because longtime followers of the band know that every time they play together is a rare and special occasion. Originally formed in the small village of Altamont just outside of Albany, the charismatic quartet has gained a reputation for throwing one hell of a live show. Once a band that toured around the country and always on the cusp of breaking out, in recent years the band has been laying low and picking their spots. Consisting of Dan Gerken (guitar, bass, vocals), Andrew Chamberlaine (guitar), and brothers Ben (bass /guitar) and Matt Pickering (drums), on this Thursday night in Albany, Timbre Coup came out of the gates ready to party and have a good time. You could see on it on all of their faces.  

    Timbre Coup rocked the 518 faithful to their core on 3/23/23

    Showcasing their complex and unique sound from the start, crossing somewhere between progressive rock and psychedelic jamtronica, the signature duel-guitar “improg” style has been a calling card of Timbre Coup ever since forming in 2007.  A bit of a Gregorian theme started taking shape early as the opening song “January” soon turned the calendar over to “May.”  From there we got our first cover of the set with Gerken channeling his inner Josh Homme for a spot on ride through the Queens of the Stone Age smash hit “No One Knows.”  Armed with considerable chops and plenty of natural showmanship, Gerken and Ben Pickering then traded off instruments with each other, swapping bass for guitar and going headfirst into a lengthy “Verbal Kint” jam before returning to theme with “July” and then “October.”

    Dan Gerken pulled doubly duty on 3/23/23, frequently switching between bass and lead guitar

    Pushing the music in a heavier direction was fan favorite “Arnold Schwarzeneggar,” which saw even the oldest fans in the room throwing down through the songs pummeling peak. After “Bunnies,” Timbre Coup would give proper thanks to the fans who came out on a rainy Thursday, the promoter and their former manager Greg Bell, and local artist Shanti Payne who did the beautiful gig poster for the show and was also in attendance doing live sketches. 

    Timber Coup’s Ben Pickering lays down the low end at The Hollow on 3/23/23

    Up next came perhaps the longest jam of the single set show, “Z#” off the bands most recent studio album, 2021’s Sudden Urge. The band would then jam their way back into the monthly theme and appropriately enoughm finally land on “March,” bringing the main portion of the performance to a close.  After a little begging from the hometown faithful, the guys came back out to deliver a stellar version of one of their oldest and most beloved compositions, sending the audience home happy and sweaty with fully funked out version of “I Didn’t Know She Had a Mustache.”

    Timbre Coup performing at The Hollow on 3/23/23

    Just starting to rediscover their stride and clearly having fun jamming on older originals, up next Timbre Coup plans to do some recording for the remainder of March and into April.  Their next scheduled gig comes on June 8th at Nanola in Malta, NY. Later this summer the band will take part in the annual GEM Arts and Music Festival in Glens Falls.  

    Squeaky Feet  | March 23, 2023 | Albany, NY – The Hollow
    Setlist: Chance to Grow, Outer Ring, Shovelware, Little Bit Further

    Timbre Coup | March 23, 2023 | Albany, NY – The Hollow

    Setlist: January, May, No One Knows (QOTSA cover), Verbal Kint>Jam>July, October, Arnold Schwarzeneggar, Bunnies, Z#, Jam>March

    Encore: I Didn’t Know She Had a Mustache

    Squeaky Feet

    Timbre Coup

  • Saxophonist Michael Thomas Appointed Director of New York Youth Symphony Jazz for 2023-2024

    The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) announced that Michael Thomas has been appointed Director of the NYYS Jazz program, beginning with the 2023/24 season.

    Michael Thomas

    Founded in 1963, the New York Youth Symphony is internationally recognized for its award-winning and innovative educational programs for talented young musicians. The symphony was awarded the 2023 Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance – Classical, the first youth orchestra to win a Grammy in this category. The NYYS has provided over 7,000 music students unparalleled opportunities to perform at world-class venues including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and The Times Center. Students gain valuable life skills like commitment, discipline, focus, collaboration, and friendships that last a lifetime.

    Michael Thomas is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger, arriving in New York City in 2011, becoming an active member of the jazz community. He began his musical career as a pianist at age five, switching to saxophone at age nine because his father was also a saxophonist, and his mother a clarinetist. He has performed throughout the United States and abroad, including tours in Central and South America, Australia, Europe, Japan, and Russia. He can be heard on over 30 recordings, including three albums as a leader, and has been commissioned by schools and professional ensembles around the world. In addition to his own trio, quartet, and quintet, Michael Thomas also co-leads and writes for the Grammy-nominated Terraza Big Band.

    Thomas follows Andy Clausen, who will step down from his position at the end of the 2022/23 season after seven seasons. The New York Youth Symphony Jazz is a 17-member swing ensemble dedicated to studying, rehearsing, and performing classic big-band jazz music from the 1930s and 40s, incorporating the music into current and emerging styles that define the genre for the present generation. “We are thrilled to have found Michael, who we are confident will be a worthy successor to Andy Clausen, who has brilliantly led the program for the last seven years,” explained Robert J. Levine, Senior Vice President of NYYS Trustees and Head of the Jazz Director Search Committee. “Michael’s experience and impressive knowledge of all aspects of the jazz repertoire and his strong ability to communicate with our young musicians were immediately evident in his live audition.”

    For more information about the NYYS and upcoming events, visit here.

  • Barry Manilow Returns to Radio City Music Hall for 5 Night Concert Series

    On March 27, MSG Entertainment and The Bowery Presents announced that singer-songwriter Barry Manilow is returning to Radio City Music Hall for the first time since 2012, with a five-night concert series beginning Wednesday, May 31, and concluding Sunday, June 4. Beginning at 8 p.m. each night, these shows will mark the 35-39th lifetime performances by Manilow at Radio City.

    Barry Manilow Radio City Music hall

    Born in Brooklyn, the Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning Manilow has a career that spans nearly 50 years, having sold more than 85 million records worldwide, with his self-titled debut album being released in 1973, supported by his debut single “Could It Be Magic.” Throughout his five-night concert series at Radio City, Manilow will perform a number of his hits, including “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).” Manilow has released 50 top-40 singles and is ranked as the number one Adult Contemporary artist of all time, according to Billboard and R&R magazines.

    Tickets to see Barry Manilow at Radio City Music Hall go on sale Friday, March 31, at 10 a.m., and can additionally be purchased in person beginning on Saturday, April 1 at the Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre box offices.

  • Andrea Bocelli Holds Surprise Performance In Times Square to Promote “The Journey”

    Andrea Bocelli, the Italian pop and opera singer arrived in New York on horseback March 23 and held a surprise performances in Times Square with special guests to celebrate the premiere of Trinity Broadcasting Network’s film, The Journey: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli.

    Special guests including Michael W. Smith, HAUSER of 2CELLOS, TAYA, and Tauren Wells. The film, which features Bocelli traveling the Italian countryside on horseback, will be released in select theaters on April 2, 2023.

    Andrea Bocelli

    Besides the special guests, Andrea Bocelli, Veronica Berti Bocelli, and producers Tom Newman, Kristian Kelly, and Candace Lee Carson also attended the premiere of the film. In attendance from Trinity Broadcasting Network were executive producers Matt and Laurie Crouch.

    The Journey: A Music Special combines world-class musical performances with intimate conversations across the Italian countryside, exploring moments that define us, songs that inspire us, and relationships that connect us to what matters most in life.

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 23: Andrea Bocelli enthralls crowds in Times Square with a performance to celebrate Trinity Broadcasting Networks’ premiere of THE JOURNEY: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli, in theaters beginning April 2. Combining world-class musical performances with intimate conversations while on horseback traveling the Italian countryside, the film features performances by Bocelli with Michael W. Smith, Tori Kelly, TAYA, Tauren Wells and HAUSER from 2CELLOS on March 23, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Trinity Broadcasting Network)

    The film happens on horseback while Bocelli and his wife Veronica are travelling along Italy’s Via Francigena, an ancient road traveled by pilgrims for centuries in the footsteps of the apostles and saints. This film also featured the special guests in the surprise performances, they are joined Bocellis for sacred musical performances in some of Italy’s most magnificent venues and majestic locations.

    The Journey is full of beautiful music, creation, faith, and love that begins with a blessing from the Pope. Bocelli’s children Matteo and Virginia make appearances in this amazing adventure, as well as musicians and singers Katherine Jenkins, Clara Barbier Serrano, 2CELLOS, 40 Fingers, and many others.

  • Caroline Rose Debuts New Album at Newly Reopened Tower Labs

    Caroline Rose celebrated the launch of her new album, “The Art of Forgetting” and debuted her short film of the same name on Friday (March 24, 2023). Tucked away in a red brick building in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY sits Tower Records’ newly reopened event space, Tower Labs.

    Caroline Rose introducing her short film at Tower Labs, photograph by David Reichmann

    The intimate setting was perfect for the debut of Caroline’s short film, featuring three songs off the new album. She briefly introduced the album onstage, saying it was a dark time and was a very difficult record to create. The crowd enjoyed an open bar, a polaroid photo booth, and unique merchandise to commemorate the album.

    Caroline Rose album release party at Tower Labs, photograph by David Reichmann

    You can listen to Caroline Rose’s music here. She returns to New York on April 12th for a show at Webster Hall, and you can purchase tickets here.

    Caroline Rose merchandise, photograph by David Reichmann

  • Spring Valley Duo Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis Announce New EP

    Spring Valley hip-hop artists Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis have joined forces to collaborate on an upcoming joint EP called Castor + Pollux. Due out in spring 2023, the duo kicked off the promotional run with their latest single, “Mike Tyson.“ An uptempo rap song that’s been in the works since early 2020, the record has been a fan favorite at the group’s live performances. Fat Westbrook and Cedric both are confident and cocky all while keeping it fun and lightweight. Meanwhile, the duo exchange jabs in the video while interchanging equally lively flows.

    Fat Westbrook and Cedric

    The Spring Valley duo is bringing a different flavor to the current music landscape. Notably, hip-hop artist, rapper, and instrumentalist Fat Westbrook shares the culmination of his experiences through music. Drawing inspiration from both his hometown and Haitian identity. Moreover, his music features raw stories, hard-hitting beats and a charismatic word-flow. His music is meant to help those who wish to identify, feel, laugh and love.

    Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis
    Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis are a hard-hitting duo out of Spring Valley

    Likewise, Cedric St. Louis has also long shared the same dreams as his counterpart. The Spring Valley native has ambitions to not only make an impact in the hip hop world, but music as a whole. As a Black gay man navigating in the Hip Hop world and Alternative industries, the quick-witted rapper hopes to empower listeners in his songs, helping them gain a sense of self-identity.

  • The Little Theatre Hosts Rochester Guitar Festival April 1-3 and Much More in May

    The Little Theatre, Rochester’s premier cultural center for the presentation of American independent and foreign films, visual arts and music, has a packed calendar through April and May, highlighted by the Rochester Guitar Festival, held April 1-3.

    Educational events allow The Little Theatre to provide local artists a place to share and discuss their visions with a diverse audience. The warm and inviting atmosphere at “The Little” includes programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, promotes friendly discussion and opens cultural horizons.

    the little theatre rochester rochester guitar festival

    Organizers of Rochester Guitar Festival, Rochester Classical Guitar, are dedicated to enriching the arts and connecting communities in the Greater Rochester Area through the medium of classical guitar. Since 2016, RCG has been presenting performances and masterclasses with internationally-acclaimed artists, and providing opportunities for local musicians, students, and hobbyists alike to perform and learn.

    the little theatre rochester rochester guitar festival

    Rocheter Guitar Festival will feature two shows in the theater on Saturday and Monday evening, with classical guitar night in the cafe in between on Sunday.

    Saturday’s show features two amazing Eastman faculty, both with international careers, Nicholas Goluses and Bonita Boyd. The pair of professors will present a variety of works composed for flute and guitar, including two works by Samuel Adler and Cynthoa Folio that are commissioned for the Eastman’s Centennial celebration and dedicated to the Boyd/Goluses duo. Details | Get Tickets

    the little theatre rochester rochester guitar festival

    Ken Luk, Tom Torrisi, and Michael Jones are the main organizers of Rochester Guitar Festival, through Rochester Classical Guitar. Together they have been holding classical guitar night every Sunday at the cafe for many years, including April 2nd. These musicians offer a great deal for those who play classical guitar at all levels, as well as fans of the music. Details

    Monday’s concert is by internationally touring guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre, performing music from the distant past. The 26-year-old French classical guitarist, whose repertoire embraces everything from Johann Sebastian Bach and Rameau to contemporary compositions by Roland Dyens and Sérgio Assad, possesses the technical mastery and creative vision required to make works from all periods sound as if they were written yesterday – alive, heartfelt, filled with colour. Featuring local young musicians with a short opening number, the guitar class from ROCmusic, directed by Michael Jones, will kick off Raphaël‘s concert at 7pm. Details | Get Tickets

    The Little Cinema Movement evolved in the 1920s as a response to the trend of mass marketing in the entertainment industry. With movie companies and film producers devoting increasing attention to the new “talking” motion pictures, the Movement attempted to reach an audience open to the experimental, the eclectic, and the unusual. The Little Theatre was proposed as one of a chain of small theaters designed to provide an alternative to the large commercial movie houses of the day.

    As of late, The Little has begun an ambitious undertaking of renovating the original theatre, taking care to preserve the historic design while expanding its versitility and accesibility. Theatre 1 now has a fully rennovated marquee, new auditorium seats, a fully updated stage and sound system, and a rejuvenated lobby with an elevator.

    April at The Little Theatre

    Apr 1, Sat, 7-9pm: Laura Dubin Trio

    Apr 2, Sun, 7-9pm: Classical Guitar Night

    Apr 3, Mon, 7-9pm: PV Nunes Band

    Apr 5, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)

    Apr 6, Thurs, 7-9pm: Trialogue

    Apr 7, Fri, 7-9pm: Sons of Monk

    Apr 8, Sat, 7-9pm: Tug Hill Band

    Apr 9, Sun: Easter holiday, no music

    Apr 10, Mon, 7-9pm: Bossa Nova Bradley Brothers

    Apr 12, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)

    Apr 13, Thurs, 7-9pm: Big Blue House

    Apr 14, Fri, 7-9pm: Rochester Ukulele Orchestra

    Apr 15, Sat, 7-9pm:  Kubick’s Rubes

    Apr 16, Sun, 7-pm: Margaret Explosion

    Apr 17, Mon, 7-9pm: Mel Henderson and Greg Wachala

    Apr 19, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)

    Apr 20, Thurs, 7-9pm: The Spring Chickens

    Apr 21, Fri, 7-9pm: Uptown Tango

    Apr 22, Sat, 7-9pm: Stella Hill (Originals plus tribute to Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt) 

    Apr 23, Sun, starting at 5:30pm: Poetry and Jazz

    Apr 24, Mon, 7-9pm: Bravo Nights (w/ Opera Guild of Rochester)

    Apr 26, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)

    Apr 27,Thurs, 7-9pm: Jackson Cavalier

    Apr 28, Fri, 7-9pm: Alyssa Rodriguez

    Apr 29, Sat, 7-9pm: Meghan Kehrer Quartet

    Apr 30, Sun, 7-9pm: Annie Wells Band

    May at The Little Theatre

    May 1, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)

    May 3, Weds, 7-9pm: Sons of Monk

    May 4, Thurs, 7-9pm: Trialogue

    May 5, Fri, 7-9pm: Trio East

    May 6, Sat, 7-9pm: Laura Dubin Trio

    May 7, Sun: Classical Guitar Night

    May 8, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)

    May 10, Weds, 7-9pm: The Djangoners

    May 11, Thurs, 7-9pm: Gregory Street Vagabonds

    May 12, Fri, 7-9pm: Archive Ravens

    May 13, Sat, 7-9pm:  Bangers and Mash

    May 14, Sun, 7-pm: Rich Thompson Trio – Generations

    May 15, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)

    May 17, Weds, 7-9pm: Spring Chickens

    May 18, Thurs, 7-9pm: Susanna Rose

    May 19, Fri, 7-9pm: Tug Hill Band

    May 20, Sat, 7-9pm: Taurus Savant

    May 21, Sun,7-9pm: Bob Sneider Trio

    May 22, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)

    May 24, Weds, 7-9pm: Margaret Explosion

    May 25,Thurs, 7-9pm: Sunshine Quan

    May 26, Fri, 7-9pm: Debbie Kendrick Band

    May 27, Sat, 7-9pm: Mel Henderson and Greg Wachala

    May 28, Sun, 7-9pm: Paxtor

    May 29, Mon: Memorial Day holiday, no music

    May 31, Weds,7-9pm: Crossmolina

  • Upstate Historic Performing Arts Centers Form Alive Downtowns!

    13 downtown historic performing arts centers from Jamestown to Poughkeepsie have come together to form Alive Downtowns! The coalition, having met virtually since the start of the pandemic, is seeking $20 million in operating support from the state.

    Bardavon, photo by Tim Lee.

    Alive Downtowns! main goal is to encourage the lawmakers of New York to think of historic theatres in the same way they do aquariums and zoos, which are shown to have a significant public benefit. It is an affiliate corporation to the Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame, established eight years ago in response to the creation of casinos in the eastern and southern tiers of the state.

    Ulster Performing Arts Center, photo by Em Walis.

    The historic theatres of Upstate New York are essential to each city’s urban education opportunities, economic viability, and continuing attractiveness. John Parkhurst, Chief Operating Officer of the Rochester Broadway Theatre League commented, “The COVID-19 shutdown of nearly two years has impacted us greatly as an industry. We are coming back, all of us, but, frankly without this coalition it would have been much harder.” The coalition is helping these places become recognized, and be bettered.

    Photo by Z-Toad

    Members of the coalition include Bardavon 1896 Opera House (Poughkeepsie), Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Clemens Center (Elmira), Palace Performing Arts Center (Albany), Proctors Collaborative (Schenectady, Albany, Saratoga), Forum Theatre (Binghamton), The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts (Jamestown), Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Auditorium Theatre (Rochester), Shea’s Performing Arts Center (Buffalo), The Smith Center for the Arts (Geneva), Stanley Theatre (Utica), State Theatre of Ithaca, Syracuse’s Landmark Theatre, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and Ulster Performing Arts Center (Kingston).

    Alive Downtowns!
    Proctors Theatre interior, photographed by Erica Miller.

    These facilities combined have an average age of nearly 100 years and are keystones to the downtown areas of the cities they are in. They serve over 5 million people annually including thousands of students. Their economic impacts for upstates major downtowns exceed $350 million and their aggregate budgets exceed $100 million.

    The Smith Center for the Arts, photo by Joe Booth.

    In a meeting with local legislators and the Governor’s office, the response has been very supportive. The coalition is grateful for that response and hopes to reach all state elected officials to assure an annual appropriation that will allow its members to continue to be part of growing upstate downtowns guaranteeing accessibility for all citizens for years to come.

    The Stanley Theatre.

    Chris Silva, long-time Executive Director of the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie added, “This group of performing arts centers are economic, educational, and cultural engines in Upstate. We are hoping the state can make a modest investment in us that will pay huge dividends.” Upon meeting with local legislators and the Governor’s office, the response has been very supportive for the coalition’s efforts.

  • Sam Kogon Shares Haunting “All I Wanna Do” 

    Hudson Valley’s Sam Kogon has just shared a hauntingly beautiful music video for his track “All I Wanna Do,” directed by G.W. Duncanson. Kogon said he was inspired to write the song after moving into his Westchester Apartment in a 1920’s era building, soon realizing that he was not alone yet found comfort in his uninvited guests.    

    The Hudson Valley is home to lots of tales of creepy crawlies and wandering spirits. Hometown singer/songwriter Sam Kogon grew up listening to them all and has brought that ghostly history alive in his latest music video.  

    “Intertwining a retro charm with a modern perspective, Sam Kogon has mastered the art of fusing something you already love with something you’ll love even more, pushing his psychedelic influences into fresh new landscapes anyone can enjoy.”

     TREMG 

    Thus, “All I Wanna Do” tells the story of an impossible love story between a mortal and a house spirit. The classic love story of unrequited love takes on an unusual twist with Kogon’s smooth vocal styling and catchy melodies. 

    Sam Kogon Releases Hauntingly Beautiful Video "All I Wanna Do" 

    Filmed at several undisclosed location in Yonkers in Westchester County, Kogon enlisted a talented troop of creative technical and performance artists to produce the alluring cinematic offering that utilizes the crumbling remains of an historic Hudson River Estate as a backdrop.  

    Sam Kogon Releases Hauntingly Beautiful Video "All I Wanna Do" 

    In the video, Kogon stars as a Phantom character, singing in an old-fashioned living room while the action takes place elsewhere. Spirits of child brides, beautiful witch temptresses (one of which is played by Violet Hetson aka Powerviolets), a trapper played by Danny Christmas, and even a frisky bear tell the story of an impossible romance between the two realms.  

    Sam Kogon Releases Hauntingly Beautiful Video "All I Wanna Do" 

    Fun fact: the aforementioned bear costumed character is the same one that appeared in numerous episodes of the David Letterman Show. Hwtson made the witch dress herself, and all other fashions used in the shoot come from Beyond Costumes, also located in Yonkers.  

    You may also remember Kogon’s last video from 2022 for his international hit “Barbed Wire,” filmed in Kingston, where his family hails from. That storyline included scenes filmed in Sam’s Swap Shop, his family’s business for over one hundred years, before it fell victim to gentrification and high rents. Both “Barbed Wire” and “All I Wanna Do” made their appearance in his 2022 self-titled 4-track EP. 

    Sam Kogon describes his new approach as that of an “Upstate country rockabilly crooner,” a sound he had once put off while playing in Brooklyn’s psychedelic scene. Kogon lived and played in New York for several years, but nowadays lives in Westchester and spends more time in LA.  

    Sam Kogon Releases Hauntingly Beautiful Video "All I Wanna Do" 

    To watch and listen to “All I Wanna Do,” click the link here. 

    For more about Sam Kogon, click the link here. 

  • Troy Ave Releases ‘Dear Hater I Won’ Diss Track Aimed at Taxstone After Guilty Verdict

    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.