Hudson Valley based indie rock-folk band Setting Sun has just announced their sixth full-length studio album in ten years, The Feelings Cure due out on May 19th.
Alongside the announcement, the band shares a brand-new hit single “Feelings Cure,” along with an accompanying music video. Setting Sun will also be playing live in Woodstock for their official album release show the day before the album drops.
The single “Feelings Cure” aims to resist feelings of pain and sadness through music. Levitt says the track is about “denial and playing music and finding a cure for sadness or pain.” Written three months into the start of the pandemic, Levitt was forced to confront the reality of diving back into music, only this time, in quarantine with his wife and toddler which presented new challenges.
“Setting Sun create an Arcade Fire urgency, creating sweeping orchestrations, driving rhythms”
–Pop Matters
Levitt adds, “It took a while to be able to turn on the creativity at will according to the clock, but I found it was actually possible. The limitations made me more productive. This song was one of the first I recorded for the new record and maybe it helped get out some of that frustration from being forced into a new life and future not made by my choice.”
The band Setting Sun, led by songwriter Gary Levitt, began in San Francisco where the band’s first release, holed up, was recorded in 2003. From there, Levitt moved to Los Angeles, then to Brooklyn and now resides in the Hudson Valley.
With their newest, and most comprehensive body of work yet, Setting Sun is ready to re-introduce themselves to society. In the band’s current state, joining Levitt are long-time collaborators Lawrence Roper (keyboards, vocals), Jonathan Hambright (drums) and John Burdick(bass/vocals).
The Feelings Cure was recorded like no other Setting Sun record, diligently. Explaining the creative process and creating the album while now being a father, Levitt says,“I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get in the creative zone with set times of having to turn creativity on and off like a switch. I used to write and record in creative blasts when I felt it come on like a wave or virus. Having kids forced me to write, record, and mix in the gaps of being a father and the maturity shows on this record.”
Over 10 rich tracks, Levitt turns inward to blend genres and juxtapose upbeat instrumentals and production with melancholic lyrics. Unafraid to take risks and allowing himself to create without reserve, the album chronicles Levitt further discovering himself and his artistry, culminating in the band’s most realized work to date.
While producing the album, Levitt learned to listen to himself and how he was feeling to best use his time and play to his strengths. “I produced this record myself in my studio and enlisted friends to lay down some tracks like drums, harmonies, violins, etc. One trick I learned is to be aware of my mood. If I wasn’t feeling a creative wave, I’d then do some mixing. If I was in the creative zone, I’d sit and write and record a part to one of the songs.”
The creative process became casual, free-flowing and unforced. Levitt says, “Most of the sounds you hear on this record were written and recorded simultaneously, so you’re getting the raw thing, not a reenactment of the moment it was written, this is the moment.”
Setting Sun will celebrate the release of their first album in ten years with a show at Colony in Woodstock on May 18th. The following month, the band will perform at Riverside Concerts in Germantown on June 15th.
Tickets for the release show are on sale, to purchase click the link here.
To pre-order The Feelings Cure, click the link here.
For more music by Setting Sun, click the link here.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
To watch and listen to “All I Wanna Do,” click the link here.
Welcome to Round 4 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2023. We’ve whittled down 64 the bands to these Elite 8 up and coming bands from across New York State. They’ve made it this far, and we’re digging in and highlighting this next generation of New York bands on the rise.
Since 2015, New York State Music has crafted a March Madness competition that spans all the musical harbors of the Empire State. As fans and musicians, the NYS Music team aims to spotlight the great talent found across New York in a friendly contest, bringing broader attention to the next generation of artists and bands on the rise. 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 Round 3 here.
Enter your email address, get to know the bands, and vote for your favorites below!
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Voting for Round 4 has ended. Stay tuned for the Final Four, starting Tuesday, March 21.
Yard Amphitheater Region
Honey Suckle Vine vs Mainline
Meet Honey Suckle Vine – Capital District
Honey Suckle Vine (HSV) is a high-energy 4-piece blues-rock band based out of the Capital District of New York State. The songwriting team of Joey Jaquez (vocals, harmonica) and Jeremy Silverman (guitar, vocals) have been creating original material for over 20 years across the USA. Joined in 2017 by long time friends Graham Espe (bass, vocals, recording and production) and David Snediker (drums, vocals), HSV is ready to entertain. Check out their most recent album Painted Nights. On March 24th, they’ll be playing at Putnam Place with Tops Of Trees, Kyla Silk, and House of Saturn. You can also catch them at Active Ingredient Brewery for an acoustic show on March 25 and Nanolas on April 15th.
Meet Mainline – Hudson Valley
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 their most recent single “In Nothing We Trust” everywhere on streaming. Their last show was March 10 at Pete’s Saloon in Elmsford, NY. You can find Mainline on April 22 at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ, opening for Kore Rozzik!
Funk n Waffles Region
Fine Grain vs Forest Dwellers
Meet Fine Grain – Troy
Fine Grain, a shoegazey punk band from Albany took both the red and blue pills with a Genny and got banned from Trader Joe’s. The girthy tones of this gritty group will remind you of late nights on a stoop in September, your first beer after work, weird questions about your parents cephalopods, and of course, the crushing weight of capitalism. With prog-inspired riffs, post-punk murk, and the occasional ripping sax solo, fine grain offers up rambunctious reverie fit for hardcore fans of all generations. Fine Grain’s maturation is a testament to the transformative possibility of punk, showing how pulled threads of the past can still stitch together a promising new future. Check out their album “Missing Adult“.
Meet The Forest Dwellers – Rochester
The Forest Dwellers are a reggae-infused folk/ indie group based out of Rochester, NY that plays universal medicine music. The band blends melodic music with incredible vocal harmonies. Stemming from different styles and genres, The Forest Dwellers fuse them into a new take on a familiar sound all its own. Listen to their song “Open Road” here. The Forest Dwellers are playing Sterling Folkfest in Sterling, NY dates May 25th- 29th. As well as The Family Hoedown at the G Lodge in Hannibal, NY dates June 9th-11th. You can also catch them playing every Wednesday in June at Abilene Bar and Lounge in Rochester, NY as part of their first residency.
Jane Dough Region
Murder in Rue Morgue vs Sarah King
Meet Murder in Rue Morgue – CNY
Murder in Rue Morgue is CJ Carr, John Wolff, Matt Biss, and Dan Ouimette, hailing from the hometown of Manowar, and Level 7 in Auburn. The band is highly influenced by melodic death metal, such as In Flames, Killswitch Engage, and Times of Grace. The band is a group of hardworking musicians who leave it all up on the stage giving the best show every time. Listen to their 2019 album “Endless Cycles” here.
Meet Sarah King – Hudson Valley
Known for her powerhouse voice and “fiery, vulnerable songs,” Sarah King creates thought-provoking, versatile Americana music. Her genuine stories about real-life emotions and situations also draw on classic folk-blues themes, balancing songs about the devil and booze with hard-won moments of reflection and acceptance. Her acclaimed 2021 EP The Hour, produced by Simone Felice and David Baron, earned her recognition as the New England Music Awards Songwriter of the Year and performances at the 2022 Folk Alliance International and Philadelphia Folk festivals, as well as supporting slots for acts including Blues Traveler and The Steel Woods. Sarah will be busy finish recording her new album in Woodstock in May before playing at Red Ants Pants Festival in Montana at the end of July. She’s also scheduled for a busy summer of festivals and touring, so be sure to stay tuned for announcements!
Strand Theatre Hudson Falls Region
The E Block vs Seize Atlantis
Meet The E Block – Capital Region
The E-Block is a 5-piece indie R&B band based in Upstate New York, blending the acoustic warmth of singer-songwriter music with an ice-cold rhythm section informed by modern R&B. Led by guitarist Luke Pascarella, with the line up of saxophonist James Soren keyboardist Devin Tetlak, bassist Daniel Folds, and drummer Leroy “Rudy” Dalton, the band’s deep bag of influences and free-flowing style have earned them a reputation as a unique live act in the Capital Region scene. Follow their instagram for all the current action, including their new project “Waterfall” releasing this spring. In the meantime, listen to their most recent track “Stay” here. There are currently no upcoming shows, but check back on their website for any announcements.
Meet Seize Atlantis – Glens Falls
Seize Atlantis has a unique, tight sound fueled by punchy bass, hard-driving percussion, melodic lead guitar, and pronounced moody vocals with meaningful lyrics, a truly dynamic range of soft to heavy Alternative Rock. Formed in 2019 out of Glens Falls, Seize Atlantis is a four-piece band most closely influenced by bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, providing their own spin on a variety of covers from classic rock to modern pop in addition to their own original music. Seize Atlantis is currently working on their second EP which will be released this July. Listen to their most recent release, “I Need It” here. Catch their performance at Scally’s Roadside Bar and Grill in Hudson Falls on March 24th.
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 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’re 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.
It’s once again time to gear up for the biggest musical showdown in New York State – NYS Music March Madness! For the past 8 years, this annual competition has been shining a spotlight on the talented artists and musicians from across the Empire State. This year’s competition promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a lineup of diverse genres and highly skilled performers.
March Madness 2023 is set to feature 64 up-and-coming artists and bands, hand-selected by the NYS Music team for their unique sound and undeniable talent. With the help of our dedicated sponsors, NYS Music March Madness provides a platform for these musicians to showcase their skills, gain exposure and be discovered. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to listen, vote, and join us in the madness!
With the aide of our sponsors, NYS Music March Madness is a way for artists to be heard, grow and discovered. Go Listen. Go Vote. And let the Madness begin.
NYS Music has partnered with businesses across New York State to highlight these 64 up and coming bands and artists.
Regional sponsors include Funk n Waffles, a premiere music venue in Syracuse established in 2007 with a unique take on the culinary and entertainment industries, offering a wide variety of gourmet waffles and breakfast food, as well as offering live music every night!
The Yard Amphitheater is an outdoor music venue nestled in the rolling hills of NY State with BBQ on site, an outdoor bar, space for lawn games, and room to dance! Watching a performance at The Yard is similar to watching a concert in your own backyard, with the exception that this backyard features a fully stocked outdoor bar, mouthwatering BBQ, and nationally touring performers.
Having a huge calendar each month with a wide variety of genres, shows and experiences, the Strand Theatre holds the distinction as the only major music venue in Washington and Warren Counties that is open year-round. The Strand creates community through music and the related arts in Hudson Falls.
Jane Dough help cannabis entrepreneurs win business licenses, optimize facility design, standardize operation, increase revenue and design their future.
The finalists of 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’re 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, meet the bands and vote for your favorites on Page 2!
Hudson Valley-based multimedia artist Cyote has just released her single “none the wise,” a gentle and driving ode to isolation. Accompanying the track is a self-produced music video, offering viewers a peek inside McElroy’s creative process and moments of vulnerability.
After 12 years of working behind the scenes for artists such as Tori Amos, Thurston Moore, Meshell Ndegecello, Kaki King, and more, Cyote returns to the scene. By using her own musical roots, she proudly shares her newest single titled “none the wish.” The track is a wintery ode to isolation and has a similar vibe to Cat Power or Weyes Blood.
…seductive but not without risk– treading the line between hope and truth.
BUST
“This song is a poem that speaks to the ability each one of us has to disconnect at any moment..‘none the wise’ to the world around you,” says Cyote.
Accompanying the song is a self-produced music video by Cyote herself, which acts almost as a diary. Doing so by inviting viewers to witness McElroy’s creative process with moments of vulnerable and solitude.
Catch Cyote’s live performance this Saturday (February 25th) at Sarah Gray Miller’s new upstate honky tonk Ravish Liquors. The show will begin at 7pm featuring an intimate performance by Cyote, alongside a screening of the music video, with a side of Miller’s famous Frito Chili Pie.
“A creative genius and a mesmerizing performer, Cyote has the soul of an artist and the voice of an angel—albeit a highly seductive angel with a dirty-South drawl and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She also happens to be incredibly kind, warm, generous, and down-to-earth. If my new bar could be a person, I’d want it to be Carter Lou McElroy. So, I couldn’t believe my good fortune when she agreed to become the house musician at Ravish Liquors.” – Sarah Gray Miller of Ravish Liquors
To listen to “none the wise,” click the link here. For more music by Cyote, click the link here.
Hudson Valley’s brother and sister harmonic duo Plane Station has just released their newest single “Keep Me Grounded,” on February 24th. The two are currently preparing to release two more singles over the following months and completing their third album, Art or Content, in the spring.
Plane Station consists of Nick and Brianna Chiapparino, a sibling singer songwriter duo based in Peekskill. Their sound, honed through years of live performance, is built on harmony, memorable melodies and a collaborative approach to songwriting.
Their single “Keep Me Grounded” is a powerful piece that will send shivers down your spine. No mater your headspace, Nick and Brianna’s angelic melodies will pierce through your heart. The song is beautifully written, the harmony that Plane Station has is incredible. The two are unbelievably talented artists with their sound and lyrics, they deserve more spotlight.
Nick and Brianna both grew up in the Hudson Valley and began singing together in High School. The duo has fronted many bands spanning a wide variety of genres, keeping their unique connection front and center with Plane Station.
Their music is often driven either by Nick’s acoustic guitar or Brianna’s piano work. Their sound together weaves seamlessly through the intimate and the grandiose, whispered lines over a finger picked guitar often give way to soaring harmonies over swelling instrumentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJM6KdpxiWY
Their first album, The Other Side, finds the duo exploring themes of love, change and loss in a stripped down, predominantly acoustic setting. On 7th Street, Plane Station’s second full length LP, Nick and Brianna stretch their folk sound, taking full of advantage of a vaster sonic landscape while staying true to their singer/songwriter roots.
Their third and upcoming album, Art or Content, is coming together for release in the spring of 2023. For more information on Plane Station, visit their website by clicking the link here.
Taking place in the stunning mountains of Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House has announced their 32nd annual Jazz On The Mountain weekend, taking place January 20-23rd, 2023.
Meticulously planned by curator Pete Malinverni, this all inclusive weekend, located just 90 minutes from New York City, is the ultimate celebration of Jazz for fans of any age.
This years schedule of events includes performances by a diverse range of Jazz artists and instrumentalists. Event favorites, including Grammy Award winner GarySmulyan, New York City Opera’s Scott Robinson will be returning to the mountain. New faces include SUNY Purchase College’s Ella Fitzgerald scholars, Sage Myers and Anaïs Reno, as well as Wayne Tucker of The Bad Mothas.
Guests of Jazz On The Mountain can expect a weekend of diverse sounds and spirited performances, as well as Mohonk Mountain Resort’s many included amenities. Packages include three meals a day, as well as access to ice-skating, skiing, and spa services. Mohonk Mountain House is conviently located just 90 minutes from New York City
Allow the music to carry you away, as this is sure to be an unforgettable weekend you will mark on your calendar for years to come.
For a full list and schedule of events, and to book your experience at Mohonk Mountain House, visit their website.
