The Stanley Theatre, a beloved Utica music venue, will be celebrating its 95th birthday with a celebration on October 5. The 1920s-themed anniversary party will feature music by The Fabulous Mojos, a funky five-piece group known for swinging blues and beats.
Additionally, the party will feature basket raffles, limited edition merchandise, and hors d’oeuvre stations sponsored by Patrick O’Connor’s Feasts and Festivities. Raffle baskets highlight local businesses such as Meyda Lighting, Tavolo’s Restaurant, and Broadway Theatre League of Utica. A commemorative painting by famed artist Stephen Fletcher will also be on display and raffled off at the event.
The evening will feature a specialty drink, the ‘Gin Stanley.” A new take on the popular Gin Rickey, it has an added strawberry twist. A cash bar will be available for attendees with both cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Raffle tickets will be available at the event, cash only, and can be purchased at various price tiers. Limited edition merchandise will include t-shirts, mugs, and prints featuring The Stanley Theatre’s custom 95th-anniversary logo.
Tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com, in person at The Stanley Theatre’s Box Office, and by phone at 315-724-4000. Tickets start at $95 including fees.
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have postponed all performances currently scheduled for September 2023, beginning with Thursday’s show scheduled for the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse.
Mr. Springsteen is being treated for symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and the decision of his medical advisors is that he should postpone the remainder of his September shows.
Springsteen made the following comment:
“Over here on E Street, we’re heartbroken to have to postpone these shows. First, apologies to our fabulous Philly fans who we missed a few weeks ago. We’ll be back to pick these shows up and then some. Thank you for your understanding and support. We’ve been having a blast at our US shows and we’re looking forward to more great times. We’ll be back soon. Love and God bless all, Bruce”
Ticketholders will receive information regarding rescheduled dates for the postponed shows, which are listed below.
The new date for his Albany show is for April 15, 2024.
Thurs, September 7 – Syracuse, NY @ JMA Wireless Dome Sat, September 9 – Baltimore, MD @ Oriole Park at Camden Yards Tues, September 12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena Thurs, September 14 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena Sat, September 16 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena Tues, September 19 – Albany, NY @ MVP Arena Thurs, September 21 – Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena Fri, September 29 – Washington, DC @ Nationals Park
Two Rochester based ensembles, showcasing Sephardic music will perform back to back performances of “Sephardic Reflections,” taking place in Syracuse on October 21 and at Rochester’s Temple Beth El Synagogue on October 22.
The production ‘Old & New: Sephardic Reflections’ brings a taste of medieval flute and electric guitar, offering a contrast of contemporary music with versions of old and new songs. This medieval mix is interpreted by members of fivebyfive and Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque. The clash of ensembles explore the sounds of flute and electric guitar to present a new experience for the audience.
Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque
Pegasus Early Music/NYS Baroque will perform using recorders, lute, duduk, shawm, harp and percussion which stay true to the early music of Sephardic traditions in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Members of the chamber music ensemble will us flute, clarinet, bass, piano and electric guitar which heavily influence the new tradition.
This is an exciting journey for both ensembles, to focus on music from a certain period but in our own styles. All of our musicians are world-class artists, experts in their chosen instruments, and we look forward to collaborating on this kaleidoscopic musical event.
Pegasus/NYS Baroque Director Deborah Fox.
“We are thrilled by the variety of sounds that will be shared in this concert,” said Artistic Director, Laura Lantz of fivebyfive.
fivebyfive
Tickets can be purchased online at pegasusearlymusic.org and fivebyfivemusic.com or purchased at the door. Upstate New York looks forward to see what they have in store for the double ensemble collaboration “Old & New: Sephardic Reflections”.
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.”
“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!”
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
Consider the Source, NYC-based jazz fusion and progressive metal trio, have announced their next tour: Are You Watching Closely, where they’ll rock through the East Coast with two tour dates in Saratoga Springs and Rochester this fall.
Consider the Source is a band that defies easy categorization. Think intergalactic booty-shaking energy, soaked in Indian and Middle Eastern styles. A relentless touring schedule has earned them a fervent following around the world, with fans ranging from tie dye hippies, to head-to-toe black clothed metalheads.
The band is ready to get back to the face-melting electric shows they have become known for. After their most recent Maxx Power Tour, they have a lot to live up to: and they do. The band is also preparing for the release of their next album in 2024 which they have shared will include “some of the heaviest music we have written yet,” and plan to begin weaving some of these songs into their live shows on this tour.
With their tour announcement came their first ever vinyl pressing of their 2009 album Are You Watching Closely. “The original version took up about a side and a half on vinyl so we decided to do something special for this one. We added 2 bonus songs, “Kashyyyk” and “Put Your Face Away,” which we recorded remotely in each of our home studios and are calling “2023 BONUS DEMOS”. (Both songs had been performed live in the early days of the band but never recorded until now)”
Consider the Source is also giving 3 lucky fans a chance to win a FREE pair of tickets to a show, plus a vinyl test pressing of the album. Visit their Facebook or Instagram pages to enter.
“Are You Watching Closely” Tour Dates:
09.17 Wormtown Music Festival – Greenfield, MA 09.21 The Southern Cafe & Music Hall – Charlottesville, VA 09.22 Asheville Music Hall – Asheville, NC 09.23 Subterranea @ The Caverns – Grundy County, TN 10.05 The 8×10 – Baltimore, MD # 10.06 Wonder Bar – Asbury Park, NJ $ 10.07 Jam on the Grass – Philadelphia, PA 11.03 Bayside Bowl – Portland, ME % 11.09 Putnam Place – Saratoga Springs, NY ^ 11.10 Nectar’s – Burlington, VT 11.11 Stone Church – Newmarket, NH & 11.17 Flour City Station – Rochester, NY * 11.18 Thunderbird Café & Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA $$ 12.07 Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO ## 12.08 830 North – Fort Collins, CO 12.09 Globe Hall – Denver, CO
The 11thSummer Hoot was held August 25-27 at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY. Three days of family, friendship, camping, combined with music, music, music. Two performance stages (affectionally named Toshi and Pete after the Seegers), located at the base of Hoot Hill, showcased a plethora of local and national acts.
The Mammals
Tucked away in a lower-level location the Magical Music Campground hosted the Jubilee Jam tent. Jams ran continuously day and night for the many who brought instruments with them.
Jubilee Jam Tent
The Hoot utilizes the entire Ashokan Center. Music isn’t confined to specific performance locations. At the instrument petting zoo, the young (and young at heart) could be found creating their own special sounds. Impromptu collaborations were popping up everywhere you turned. Even backstage, musicians arriving could be seen joining in with those warming up before their set.
Future musician at the instrument petting zoo
Nature did not sit by silently for the Hoot. Floating on the sweet Hudson Valley air the rippling sounds of the Esopus Creek filled your ears while strolling through the grounds. With the setting of the sun, the crickets would emerge to accompany the music flowing from the stage, chirping in rhythm.
Jordan Hamilton
The Summer Hoot performers included The Shaker (feat. Simi Stone) opening the Hoot on Friday evening. Brooklyn-based Oliva K and the Parkers playing twice, on Friday and Saturday. Kingston’s Pulso De Barro sharing their Son Jarocho style of music. The City Stompers giving an exhibition of Appalachian Clogging with Furnace Mountain supplying the musical backdrop.
The City Stomperswith Furnace Mountain
Saturday night a bonfire singalong took people into the late evening. As the clock struck midnight, Cellist Jordan Hamilton performed an intimate set in the Pewter Shop. If you had the energy, the late-night jam at the Magical Music campground took you till the morning light.
Mike Merenda and Ruthy Ungar
To reach 11 years for an event is not an easy thing. The effort is huge. Without co-creators Mike (Merenda) and Ruthy (Ungar) none of this would be possible. To say they are the heart and soul of the Hoot is an understatement.
Pulso De Barro
Across the three day these two are going nonstop. Greeting everyone, introducing performers, and sitting in with many performers. Topping it off their band The Mammals closed out the Toshi stage Saturday night.
Oliva K and the Parkers
On the face of it, the Hoot is all about the music. But there is so much more. Creativity plays a special part. From original songs shared, yoga and breathwork sessions to calm your soul, along with food and crafts offered by local artisans.
Cole Quest & the City Pickers
Drawing from the Ashokan Center, the spirit of family and community is another cog that makes up the Summer Hoot. Many people brought their young children. Some people even brought their own parents. If you didn’t know the person next to you it did not matter. Everyone is family when you are at the Hoot.
Families enjoying the Summer Hoot
A musical chord can be referred to as a triad. Three notes played together achieving a harmonious outcome. The combination of music, creativity, and the spirit of family and community construct the chord that is The Summer Hoot.
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.
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
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?”
Major safety hazard, disappointing, disgraceful honestly. It's 8pm and we aren't moving we're all going to miss it. All day traveling here for nothing. Just let us in. Never again. pic.twitter.com/JwobmeFesN
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.
Hundreds (thousands?) of people have rushed the @ElectricZooNY gates after being told that the festival had reached its capacity on the final night, and valid ticket holders would no longer be granted entry. pic.twitter.com/uJJ8XWIV1y
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.
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).
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.
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.
GriffinJaden ThompsonSo tuff so cuteBrina KnaussTimmy TrumpetDom Dolla x John SummitTiestoMarshmellow
Noah Kahan triumphantly returned to Central New York on Friday for a sold-out performance at Lakeview Amphitheater. It was Kahan’s second sell-out concert in Syracuse this summer, having previously played Beak and Skiff in June. Ruston Kelly opened the show.
Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater
Few in the music industry have seen the rise to success quite like Noah Kahan. The 26 year-old singer-songwriter has seen his popularity explode in recent months, selling out nearly every venue in his path. His successes are never more evident than in Central New York. Less than two years ago, Kahan performed at The Westcott Theater in Syracuse. Three months ago, he performed a sold-out concert at Beak and Skiff, and now, he has again returned with a sold-out performance at the much larger Lakeview Amphitheater.
Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater
As 8pm hit, opening act Ruston Kelly took the stage with his bandmates. The Nashville based singer-songwriter kicked his set off with “Cover My Tracks,” the opening number on his 2018 release Dying Star. The song was a good preview of what was to come during the 45 minute set. Kelly delivered a stream of well-written moderate tempo Americana style tracks, with Kelly showing that he excelled at telling a story while delivering his heart-felt lyrics.
Kelly showcased his ability to hype the crowd as well, performing two well-placed covers during his set. Early on, Kelly led the crowd in his rendition of Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” which had fans young and old singing along to the familiar chorus. Later in his set, Kelly delivered the Taylor Swift cover “All Too Well,” which had nearly everyone in attendance on their feet and singing along. Kelly would close out his set with “The Weakness,” the opening track on his latest release of the same name. The slow moving track would build in intensity until reaching an impressive crescendo.
Ruston Kelly performs at Lakeview Amphitheater
As the final stage preparations wrapped up between sets, anticipation through out the concert grounds kept building, with palpable anticipation for Noah Kahan’s arrival. Finally, just after 9:20, the house lights went dark and the four members of Kahan’s band took the stage. After a brief instrumental introduction, Kahan strutted to the front of the stage. With a wave and a smile, and a deafening roar from the crowd, the band launched into the high energy “Northern Attitude,” the lead track on Kahan’s 2022 release Stick Season. The opening song served as a preview for what was to transpire over the next 95 minutes. Nearly everyone in attendance sang along, in deafening fashion, to nearly every word. Kahan kept the energy flowing early, moving into “She Calls Me Back,” and “New Perspectives.”
Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater
Early in the set, it was clear Kahan could not contain his excitement. He urged the stage workers to turn on the house lights, so he could catch a glimpse of the crowd in front of him. “This is the largest show we’ve ever played, thank you all so much,” Kahan proclaimed, giddy with excitement. He took turns dancing with his band mates early in the set, skipping across the stage and jumping from the drum riser.
Noah Kahan performs at Lakeview Amphitheater
Through out the evening Kahan’s energy would give way to more serious subject matter. The singer-songwriter spoke of loneliness and isolation at times, and urged those in attendance to seek help when needed. He sang of his journey through therapy on “Growing Sideways,” and sang of a close friend’s similar struggles on “Call Your Mom,” a track Kahan himself said is often too emotional for him to perform live. Through the heavy subject matter, Kahan would lead his listeners back to more up-tempo sing-along tracks, at times urging their participation, to which the crowd feverishly obliged. After a brief encore break, Kahan and his bandmates would close out the evening with three more songs, including perhaps his biggest hit to date, “Stick Season.” It provided those in attendance one final opportunity to showcase their voices, and they too did not disappoint.
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.
