Indie-pop band See Plus released their exciting new single, “Waiting For You” in February. The title is fitting, because fans, as the lyrics describe, have been “patiently waiting,” for the band’s new music. The song comes nearly a year since the release of their last single, “The Sun.”
See Plus members, from left to right: Alex Fiume, Miles Dellaha, Jake Linsalata, and Claire Guillermo. Credit: Instagram
It was definitely worth the wait, and See Plus don’t disappoint with their latest track. Not only does “Waiting For You” encompass everything the band stands for, but it also lasts long enough for fans to enjoy. At four and a half minutes, the band’s newest single takes fans on a journey from the beginning, middle, to end. Of course, that journey is a subjective one. Whether you’re waiting for the return of a significant other, close friend, or family member, most fans will be able to relate to this track.
Originating in New Jersey, See Plus consists of Miles Dellaha, Jake Linsalata, Claire Guillermo, and Alex Fiume. The group started out playing in a basement, beating the odds of the “garage band cliche” and slowly achieved mainstream success. Their main inspirations are the Arctic Monkeys, Jack White, and Weezer, by whom they learned to play songs. They released their first digital album, Pool of Tar, in Dec. 2018, a tale of guilt and a failed relationship. The and is currently preparing to release an EP, Better in Person.
“Waiting For You” is now available for download. Additionally, See Plus will be performing in New York City on Feb. 25. Read more for ticketing and other information.
The 2023 Sammy Awards took place on March 3 at The Palace Theater in Syracuse. This year’s ceremony had an outstanding turn out as all came together to celebrate and applaud the accomplishments of all artists and genres of music across Central New York.
This year’s SAMMY Awards were hosted by Dave Frisnia, notable for his career in broadcasting. Frisnia hosts his online radio show “Soulshine” every Sunday morning, and claimed to be one of the longest-running local music broadcast shows in the state of New York. A notable highlight of this year’s show included bringing out members on stage of the all time ‘Hall of Fame’ from the past 30 years.
These Hall of Famers came together to applaud their gratitude to Liz Nowak nominated as Founder of the Year. On stage she states, “I’ve worked and learned from everyone on this stage tonight. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the music that you create. It’s your courage that puts those lyrics to page.” Her dedication to the SAMMYs is well recognized among the Syracuse music community and the annual awards show wouldn’t be where it stands today, without her.
This year, not only was the SAMMYs a place of recognition with awards but also a place to acknowledge the joy of music. Between nominations various bands and musicians came to play and show their talent who deserve recognition. Such as Not Robots!, opening with one of their hit songs ‘Go Peacefully’. Other bands performing included Carolyn Kelly Blues Band, Chuck Schiele’s Quatro, Trauma Cat and the Brownskin Band, and a special performance by Dylan Michael, nominated as Best New Artist. At only tthe age of 13, Dylan proved his young talent on the electric guitar, having started playing at the age of 6 years old. As Best New Artist, Dylan won 6 hours from local recording studio SubCat Studios.
To conclude the 2023 SAMMY Awards, a major milestone was marked, celebrating 30 years of appreciating and awarding local talent and musicians from Central New York. Breaking all records with 242,190 total votes this year, NYS Music had the honor in presenting the Jazz Award to promote and honor blues, swing and passion expressed with creative freedom, and honoring diversity, collaboration and the community that music holds to bring us together.
Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Zakir Hussain, along with Rakesh Chaurasia, have announced a US tour supporting their upcoming album, As We Speak. The group will tour throughout April and May, with a performance at The Town Hall in New York City on May 4, and the Troy Saving Bank Music Hall on May 5. Their upcoming album is scheduled for release on May 12, through Thirty Tigers.
From left to right: Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia. Credit: Jeremy Cowart
As We Speak showcases the quartet’s various abilities and the wide range of influences at their command. Consisting of 12 songs, the album combines the complexity of Indian rhythm with the groove of a funky bass line. The show is sure to be one you’re not going to want to miss.
The album’s first piece, “Owl’s Misfortune” was written by Fleck. The song is intended to “echo the different worlds we all come from,” according to Fleck. “I imagined creating a world where classical language could live alongside Indian musical rhythmic ideas—and since I wrote it, bluegrass lives there too,” Fleck added.
The core trio was formed while Fleck and Meyer were searching for a third member for their triple concerto, to mark the opening of Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Zakir came to mind, who was eager to write for an orchestra. The three then collaborated on Fleck’s 2009 album The Melody of the Rhythm, recorded with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin.
The trio then met Chaurasia while in India on tour for The Melody of the Rhythm. Hussain already knew Chaurasia through his uncle, Indian flute legend Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, and invited him to sit in on their tour, and their chemistry shined. “I think we wanted to see if we could do something a little more organic with just a small group,” says Meyer. “What I think is good about this quartet is that everybody has to stretch in the direction of the other people,” added Fleck.
Pre-order / pre-save As We Speak here. Tickets for the group’s tour areon sale now. In addition to the quartet’s performance at The Town Hall in New York City and the Troy Saving Bank Music Hall on May 5, a November US tour is to follow.
As We Speak Tour Dates
April 19 Nashville, TN Schermerhorn Symphony Center
April 20 Atlanta, GA Emory University
April 21 Germantown, TN Duncan-Williams PAC
April 22 Boone, NC Appalachian State University
April 23 North Bethesda, MD The Music Center at Strathmore
April 25 Charleston, SC Charleston Gaillard Center
April 27 Danville, KY Norton Center for the Arts
April 29 Cutler Bay, FL The Moss Center at South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center
April 30 Charlotte, NC Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
May 2 Munhall, PA Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
May 3 Norfolk, VA Virginia Arts Festival
May 4 New York, NY The Town Hall
May 5 Troy, NY Troy Saving Bank Music Hall
May 6 Boston, MA Celebrity Series of Boston at Berklee Performance Center
Indie rock band Dogboy released their first single, “That’s What We Wanted” on February 10. Their next single, “Cowboy Killer”, was released on March 3, and the third, “Rush” will be released on March 31, respectively. They recently finished recording their five-track EP, produced by Kit Conway, at Fraser Studios.
Dogboy formed in early 2022, and their musical style is inspired by artists like Shel Silverstein, the Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Jean Dawson, and Briston Maroney. They have performed their original songs throughout venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. With grinding guitars and propulsive percussion, the band is a surf rock-inspired poetic pop punk band setting out to capitalize on their huge catalog of original songs, but more importantly, put on engaging, high-energy live shows.
“That’s What We Wanted” is the perfect title for the band’s debut single. After all the hard work and dedication the band put into their music, they got just what they wanted, making it big with their first single being released publicly. The song’s strength is in its versatility, allowing any listener to be able to identify with its message. It can be taken literally, for audiences that want to take a sigh of relief after finally getting something they wanted after pouring their heart and soul into it. For others, it can allow them to have a moment of self-reflection, remembering that they got just what they wanted, even if it’s not what they imagined.
“Cowboy Killer” has more of a soft-rock feel. It has the vibe, in all the best ways, of a classic ’90s song by rock legends such as the Beach Boys, Arctic Monkeys, and the Strokes. It has something for everyone, providing all rock fans with their fix and giving an extra level of nostalgia for those fans that love the classics.
Dogboy have appearances schedules with Radio Free Brooklyn – NFP providing community radio for Brooklyn, NY, and Flowstate Series – PBS All Arts documentary series by Cyprian Films New York. They’ll also be on two podcasts soon, Stern Chats – NYU Stern Graduate School Podcast, and No Suggestion – Improv Comedy Talk Show Based in Brooklyn.
“That’s What We Wanted” and “Cowboy Killer” are now available to listen to now on Spotify.
Video of live performance of “That’s What We Wanted” at Rockwood Music Hall
Capital Region native DJ Hollyw8d has collaborated with fellow artists from the area to bring fans his debut single, “Revelation.” The single, featuring vocals by Chaz Money, who has worked with rappers such as Jadakiss (“What If”), and singer L.Y.S., is DJ Hollyw8d’s first of many songs to come. Speaking to the power of hope and perseverance, “Revelation” is a modern-day gospel that many will want to sing along to.
The first single by the Capital Region native is sure to leave fans wanting more. The track is a unique kind of rap that can put audiences in touch with their soul and feelings, not just put them in a party mood. Artists had the following to say about their experience with DJ Hollyw8d:
It says a lot about you as an artist when you can collectively come up with something while maintaining your character and style. It usually takes one to take the lead during a collaboration and DJ Hollyw8d to that lead and set us up with a very dynamic catchy hook.
– Chaz Money
Originally from Brooklyn, Hollyw8d performs for crowds all throughout the Upstate New York Capital Region. He hosts a radio segment on WCDB 90.9 FM to promote the arts and music. In honor of his dedication and commitment to the Capital Region music scene, DJ HollyW8d was the recipient of a 2022 4th-annual Capital Region Thomas Edison Merit Award. Presented by local legend DJ Trumastr, the award gave recognition to the impact HollyW8d and his organization, More Music Less Violence, has made on the community since its conception.
Trying to find the notes with such a contrast of voices was actually a little hard but I’ve always loved a challenge and working with Chaz and Mario on this was not only a pleasure but a privilege. This piece of work, (like all my art) is special to me, but this one especially reflects on the journey and where I’m personally at now.
– L.Y.S.
“Revelation” comes on the heels of DJ Hollyw8d’s first successful Annual Gala for his organization More Music Less Violence. Filmed in Cohoes, the bare church setting emphasizes the single’s message of hope it seems like nothing else is left. Ultimately, the song is set to inspire and uplift those at their lowest.
I Feel when other people see just as much value in your beats as you do, it can boost your confidence tremendously. But the meat and potatoes are when the producer, artist, and engineer get in one room and just lock in. That is when the magic happens. -Producer Phantom ODE
Stay tuned for more information about DJ Hollyw8d, including the announcement of an upcoming East Coast Tour. Watch the “Revelation” music video on Youtube.
On Friday, March 4th at The Linda in Downtown Albany, Sarah King and Sydney Worthley kicked off the venue’s month-long event celebrating Women’s History month with their Women’s Voices Concert Series. Despite the impending snowstorm, nearly every seat was filled, yet it was still an intimate and delightful show.
Sydney Worthley
Local phenom Sydney Worthley kicked things off. This young lady (only 17!) can write the types of songs that most people double her age would struggle to write, let alone understand, and her voice sounds like she has been training for decades, except that’s impossible. She played with guitarist TJ Foster and the pair’s chemistry on stage was delightful.
If you haven’t gotten a chance to see or hear Sydney, she just released her first full-length music video called “Heart Shaped Mess.” Or you can catch her playing with Lucid Street at Putnam Place on March 10th.
Sarah King
As someone who has been covering shows for quite some time, it is a struggle to find the words to describe just how delicious it was to watch Sarah King perform. First of all, her voice is incredibly unique — she started off training in opera and it shows despite the fact that she doesn’t sing in that style at all anymore. Her range is unlike anything I have heard before. She can go from a Janice Joplin-type growl to a stunning high note within a millisecond and she makes it look easy.
Like Sydney, Sarah is a songwriter and a storyteller and her lyrics are so powerful it felt like she was speaking for every woman when she was up on that stage. If you missed last night’s performance, it won’t be your last time to hear from Sarah. She has released four new tracks recently and is recording an album in May that is due out this summer. Friday’s show was her kick-off to a month-long series of shows celebrating Women’s History Month.
Setlist: Wedding Rings, Not Worth the Whiskey, Oh Mama, Nightstand, Cold Hard Ground, Crazy People, Always an Almost, You Were Wrong, War Pigs (Black Sabbath), Blame it on the Booze.
Check out the full gallery from the evening with Sarah King and Sydney Worthley below.
The Lumineers, an alternative folk band, announced their summer 2023 tour dates, including performances at three New York venues. Their first New York performance will take place in Wantagh at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 18, followed by a performance at the Catbird Festival in Bethel on Aug. 19. The Lumineers’ last New York performance will be at the Darien Lake Amphitheater on Aug. 22.
The two-time Grammy-winning band’s tour is in support of their 2022 fourth album, Brightside. The album reached the top 10 in both the U.S. and Canada, with its title track reaching the number one spot on Billboard’s Alternative National Airplay and Adult Alternative Airplay charts. This feat marked the sixth time the band topped the latter chart in less than 10 years.
The first edition of The Lumineers Brightside tour last year sold more than 750,000 tickets across five continents. The album was recorded throughout the winter and spring of 2021 at Baron’s Sun Mountain Studios in Boiceville, NY. Produced by longtime collaborator Simone Felice and engineered and mixed by David Baron, who also provided input on producing, the nine-song collection sees The Lumineers’ co-founders/co-songwriters Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites performing virtually all of the instrumentation.
Current members of The Lumineers: Wesley Schultz (mic) and Jeremiah Fraites. Credit: Instagram
Schultz and Fraites are from New Jersey and played at various venues throughout New York in the 2000s. In 2010, they relocated to Denver and met former band members Neyla Pekarek, Maxwell Hughes, and Ben Wahamaki. Their self-titled debut album was released in the spring of 2012. Shortly after, their debut single, “Ho Hey” was released. Before the release of their debut album and single, “Ho Hey” was featured in a December 2011 episode of The CW’s Hart of Dixie.
The Lumineers are continuing their partnership with environmental nonprofit REVERB to reduce the environmental footprint of this year’s tour. The band will help fund a REVERB-vetted climate project that aims to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Fans are encouraged to join the band’s efforts at every show in the REVERB Action Village.
Artist presale for The Lumineers’ summer tour begins Monday, March 6 at 12 p.m. General on-sale begins Friday, March 10, at 10 a.m. More information is available here.
Rock & Roll Man, a new musical honoring legendary American DJ Alan Freed, opens on Broadway on June 21, announced today by Tony Award-winning producers Caiola Productions and Jay & Cindy Gutterman. Previews begin June 2. Constantine Maroulis stars as Alan Freed, and Randal Myler directs the musical.
Set on the last day of Freed’s life, Rock & Roll Manchronicles the life and accomplishments of Alan Freed, the boundary-pushing musician who popularized the records that became the foundation of rock. The musical comprises an original score with genre-defying hits like “Lucille,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” and “Tutti Frutti,” to name a few. Unsurprisingly, the production won the 2019 Broadway World Berkshires Awards for Best Musical.
Producers Caiola Productions and Jay & Cindy Gutterman said “Rock & Roll Man is a timeless and tremendously entertaining musical that will move and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.” They expanded on Freed’s accomplishments in the industry, including defying the then-status quo by being the first white DJ to play Black music on mainstream radio. In doing this, Freed united Black and white artists at the dawn of the civil rights movement.
Randal Myler, Director of Rock & Roll Man
Randal Myler is a Tony Award nominee for co-conceiving and directing It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues at Lincoln Center. Additionally, he wrote and directed the critically acclaimed Hank Williams: Lost Highway. Other credits include his Janis Joplin bio-musical Love, Janis, which surpassed 700 performances at the former Village Gate, a many more.
Constantine Maroulis, star of Rock & Roll Man
Constantine Maroulis, born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey is best known for his iconic star turn in Broadway’s Rock of Ages, earning him a number of accolades, including Broadway.com Star of the Year. He hails from the heyday of American Idol, winning the hearts of 30 million viewers weekly during the show’s fourth season, despite coming in sixth place. A graduate of the prestigious Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music, Maroulis resides in New Jersey and has a 12-year-old daughter, Malena James.
Keep an eye out for Rock & Roll Man on Broadway ticket information.
Rochester artist Tony Gallicchio just dropped his new single, “My Baby,” featuring vocals by Canada native Yanick Allwood. The track additionally features John Viviani on guitars, funk master Sean McLay on the bass, and Jimmy Grillo on drums and percussion.
“My Baby” was recorded at The Green Room in Rochester, where Matt Ramerman helped to engineer, mix, and master the song.
The soul-funk track is fun, upbeat, and energizing. It’s the perfect song to lift up your spirit after a long day of work, school, or if you’re simply coming out of a dark place and in need of inspiration. “My Baby” can be anyone in your life that inspires you and takes out of that dark place you’ve been in, whether it be a romantic partner or best friend.
Rochester artist Gallicchio has been the keyboardist for the band Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad for the last 10 years, providing the keyboards for his most recent track. According to Gallicchio, Allwood “exceeded all expectations we had for this song.” Guitarist Vivani has played for bands like Filthy Funk and The Able Bodies. McLay provided the bass, giving the song a smooth feel and natural flow, and Jimmy Grillo was “so good, so solid and so graceful” on drums and precussion, according to Gallicchio.
Brooklyn-born rapper CeddyJay released his debut extended play, “Heartbroken In England” on Feb. 25. His EP was born out of heartbreak, detailing the emotions from his trip to England for love, and not getting what he hoped for. The single “Ginger” was released ahead of the EP on Feb. 14.
Cover of CeddyJay’s Heartbroken in England. Credit: Spotify
CeddyJay grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Flatbush and is of Haitian descent. Pursuing his career since the age of five, he quickly became a hit in New York City’s hip-hop scene. He has been compared to the likes of J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, but still has his own unique style. CeddyJay draws audiences in with his special sound and catchy lyrics, and fans are certain to be entertained by all four tracks on his EP. The previously mentioned debut single, “Ginger” stands out as the best track from Heartbroken In England, followed shortly by the opening track, “Broken.“
The EP signifies a new chapter in Ceddyjay’s career. As they say, cliche as it is, “everything happens for a reason.” The rapper certainly found his reason, being the creation of a powerful EP reflecting the raw emotions of heartbreak and the resilience it takes to move on. Significantly, CeddyJay’s music is versatile. His music simultaneously showcases his love for music and personal experiences, telling a story that many can relate to.
