NYS Music 2023

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  • NYS Music March Madness 2023: The Finals

    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.

    March Madness

    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.

    Check out Past Years’ NYS Music March Madness Here

  • Mudvayne Announce First Tour in Over a Decade, Jones Beach And Syracuse Dates

    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

    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

  • “Rhythm And Brews” Fundraiser Returns To Kleinhans Music Hall June 16th

    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.

    rhythm and brews music

    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.

  • SPAC Announces Earth Day Celebration “American Wildflowers” with WAMC’s Joe Donahue

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced an event in celebration of Earth Day, “American Wildflowers,” scheduled for April 22.

    american wildflowers
    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.

  • Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad Announces Releases Of New Single “Revolution”

    Rochester reggae outfit Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad (GPGDS) have announced the release of their latest single “Revolution.” The powerful track features Josh Swain and was co-produced with Italian-born international reggae icon, Alborosie.

    Beginning April 7, fans can enjoy “Revolution” amongst other songs on the band’s upcoming album, Love In Time. 

    The essence of the collaboration was indisputably present throughout the creation of Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s news album. The consultation between the band and Alborosie helped shape “Revolution” into a song that can only be created by complete openness and trust in the process.

    Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad took a contrasting approach with the writing and recording process of the new album compared to previous tracks. Since the band was facing a potential six-month separation at the start of 2020, they rushed into the studio to record as many tracks as possible. Recording with longtime friend Matthew Goodwin, the reggae ensemble developed over 25 song ideas and riddims within a week. Various tracks were sent to musicians, engineers and producers such as the production trio Zion I Kings, Akae Beka, Midnite, Lutan Fyah, Alborosie, and Danny Kalb. 

    Originally GPGDS planned three different releases, but the diversity of the songs and production styles all complemented each other in ways the band had not expected. Working with Danny Kalb on the “Steady” single in 2014 was the first time GPGDS collaborated with an outsider and the results were so powerful that they strived for a similar sound for their new album. Additionally, working with featured guests such as Fearon and Botri, The Movement, Anthony B, Double Tiger, Blakkamoore, and Skribe Da God, inspired GPGDS to select the best tracks from the past sessions which resulted in Love In Time.

    Formed in 2001 in Rochester, GPGDS consists of guitarists Dylan Savage and Eli Flynn, Chris O’Brian on the drums, and Tony Gallicchio on the keyboard. The band is recognized for their world beats and reggae rhythms with an urgent energy and jam band dynamics. It

    GPGDS released six studio albums, ranging from their alternative Americana releases Country (2012) and Bright Days (2015) to their Billboard Reggae Chart-toppers Steady (2014) and Make It Better (2016). Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s Love In Time delivers a fresh new evolution of the band’s trademark sound that results from their newly collaborative approach.

    “Revolution” from Giant Panda can be enjoyed by fans here.

  • Newport Jazz Festival Announces 2023 Lineup

    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.

    Newport Jazz Festival 2023

    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.

  • Wakelee Releases Indie/Emo Single/Video “Tug Of War” 

    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. 

    Wakelee Releases Indie/Emo Single/Video "Tug Of War" 

    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
    Wakelee Releases Indie/Emo Single/Video "Tug Of War" 

    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.  

    To listen to “Tug Of War,” click the link here.

    To watch the video for “Tug Of War,” click the link here. 

    Get tickets for the album release show by clicking the link here. 

  • The Offspring Announce New Tour With Sum 41 And Simple Plan With Darien Lake And Jones Beach Dates

    The Offspring have announced their newest 2023 tour, Let The Bad Times Roll Tour, with special guests Sum 41 and Simple Plan. 

    The offspring

    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.

  • Jared Saltiel Announces New Single, Live Show At Rockwood Music Hall

    Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Jared Saltiel has announced “A Stranger, Your Name” – the first taste of his new EP, Dream Song, out on March 24, along with an album release live show at Rockwood Music Hall.

    Jared Saltiel

    A multi-instrumentalist in the vein of Jon Brion, his original music taps into his gifts for orchestration and atmospherics, receiving comparisons to chamber pop icons Rufus Wainwright and Sufjan Stevens. With his acerbic wit and crafty narrative constructions, Saltiel is a compelling lyricist and an unapologetic perfectionist.

    Dream Song, is Saltiel’s newest soul-searching record written entirely during the peak of social distancing. The shadow of unprocessed grief hangs over this haunting new collection of songs, ranging in style from spacey indie rock to baroque singer-songwriter pop. Performing the vast majority of the instrumentation himself, Saltiel worked with producer/engineer and longtime collaborator Ken Rich (Ingrid Michaelson, Son Lux) to help craft the detailed sonic textures. 

    There’s a throughline of deeply penetrating introspection in these songs. There’s very little that’s performative or self-conscious about the material; it’s like the songs are not concerned with the outside world, only interested in going deeper. And I think this record manages to exist in that space without feeling self-indulgent because there’s that sense that nobody’s watching. It’s just a sincere attempt to process some really heavy experiences.

    Jared Saltiel on his new EP

    Despite the rich, full-bodied sound, Dream Song is a very intimate affair, with the only other contributors being Maxim Moston on violin (Antony & the Johnsons, Rufus Wainwright), and Emily Hope Price on cello (Pearl & the Beard, Kishi Bashi). No matter the topic, be it ghosts, fascists, infatuation, or Exodus, these songs seek out disquieting ambiguities with uncompromising honesty. 

    Jared Saltiel

    Jared Saltiel will celebrate the release of Dream Song with a live performance on Friday, March 24 at NYC’s Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3. Tickets are available now.

  • In Focus: Steve Aoki Cakes the Crowd at Terminal 5

    2x-Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Steve Aoki brought the heat to the stage during his electrifying performance on the HiROQUEST: Genesis Tour at Terminal 5 on March 17. With an explosive mix of EDM bangers, stunning visual effects, and his signature cake-throwing antics, Aoki had the crowd jumping and dancing non-stop all night long. Fans left the show with unforgettable memories and eagerly anticipating his next performance.

    Steve Aoki is a world-renowned DJ, producer, and entrepreneur, known for his energetic live shows and collaborations with top musicians such as BTS, Kid Cudi, and Linkin Park. Born in Miami and raised in California, Aoki began his music career in 1996 in college by producing DIY records and running underground concerts out of his room at UC Santa Barbra, and has since released multiple studio albums and produced countless chart-topping tracks. He is also the founder of the record label Dim Mak Records and has expanded his brand into fashion, food, and philanthropy. Aoki’s most recent release is fiery new single “New York” with multi-platinum DJ and producer Regard, and featuring alt-pop artist mazie. Together on “New York,” the upbeat dance club jam joins mazie’s dreamlike, twisted musical tendencies through a seamless combination of Regard’s unmistakable production and Aoki’s high-powered creativity for a song that arrives just in time to become the pop anthem to kick off the new year.

    The first opener, NYC based DJ Callie Reiff is a force to be reckoned with in the electronic dance music scene. A rising star since her early teens, she’s been smashing stages with her high-octane sets and bold beats. Armed with a fearless attitude and an infectious energy, Callie has been pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers, redefining what it means to be a woman in EDM. With an impressive list of collaborations under her belt, including Diplo, Sofi Tukker, and Borgore, Callie’s sound is a dynamic fusion of genres, blending elements of trap, bass, and techno to create a sound that is uniquely hers. From playing major festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival and Ultra Music Festival to headlining her own shows, Callie Reiff is on a meteoric rise and shows no signs of slowing down.

    Following Callie Reiff was Juuku; a rising star in the world of electronic music, known for his genre-bending sound and emotionally charged productions. With a background in classical piano and guitar, this mysterious producer has been captivating audiences with his unique blend of future bass, trap, and indie-pop influences. Hailing from an undisclosed location, Juuku’s music is a reflection of his personal journey, infused with raw emotion and a deep sense of introspection. Since emerging on the scene in 2020, Juuku has quickly gained a loyal following, with tracks like “Gone” and “Leaving” racking up millions of streams on Spotify. With support from major tastemakers like Zeds Dead, Juuku is poised to take the music world by storm with his innovative sound and undeniable talent.

    Amping up the show to a whole new level was Timmy Trumpet. Sporting his Pitbull-esque sunglasses, a trumpet, and copious amounts of alcohol, Timmy escalated the show tenfold. Timmy Trumpet is an Australian DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has been making waves in the electronic dance music scene since the early 2000s. With a background in jazz and classical music, Timmy brings a unique musicality to his high-energy performances, incorporating live trumpet playing into his sets. Known for his explosive live shows and infectious party anthems, Timmy has become a global sensation, headlining major festivals and clubs around the world. His chart-topping hits, including “Freaks” and “The Buzz,” have become instant classics, with millions of streams and views on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. With a tireless work ethic and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Timmy Trumpet is a true superstar in the world of EDM, constantly pushing the boundaries and delivering electrifying performances that leave audiences in awe.

    During Timmy’s set, he climbed the stage and started boxing the air, doing pushups, and cheering as he downed shots of tequila on stage and set off gas canisters. Timmy pulled out all the stops, taking off his shirt, spraying champagne, handing out glasses and hats, throwing out “100 dollar” bills, and even humping a giant inflatable trumpet. He celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with Irish dancing and dumped an entire bottle of tequila on stage. Timmy also sang Happy Birthday to a fellow Aussie and held his trumpet high as a trophy or a guitar, cementing his place as a true showman and a legend of the EDM world.

    Steve Aoki’s set was a visual and auditory feast for the senses. The videos playing in the background, featuring music videos and lyrics, added an extra dimension to the music. Images of funky aliens with vibrant colors and bored ape NFTs on blimps further enhanced the experience. A hyped-up entourage backed Steve up around the DJ booth, as he played fan-favorite “Hungry Heart” featuring Hayley Kiyoko and a new track set to release next month. The visuals during “My Heart Will Go On” were unforgettable, as Jack and Rose were replaced by Steve himself. He even took off his shirt and threw it into the crowd, followed by more champagne and his infamous cake-throwing tradition. Fans went wild as they caught CDs of his most recent album and fought to become bigger targets for the cake-throwing. Steve even filmed the crowd going crazy during a new song, turning it into a music video. The concert ended with a shower of streamers and confetti, and fans throwing phones onto the stage in excitement. Steve Aoki’s performance was truly a party that nobody wanted to leave.

    Keep up with Callie Reiff, Juuku, and Timmy Trumpet on their socials to see when they’ll be back near New York.

    Timmy Trumpet will be busy performing sets at multiple different shows and festivals, but will be back in NYC on Saturday May 6th at the Marquee.

    Though the Genesis Tour has wrapped, you can find Steve Aoki still performing at many different miscellaneous shows, including May 6th at Bamboozle Festival in Atlantic City, NJ. Stay up to date on show/tour announcements here.