NYS Music 2023

Tag: Music News

  • Hearing Aide: MVW and Valee Bring VALEEDATION To the Rap Game

    MVW and Valee have combined their idiosyncratic styles to bring about their latest avant-garde endeavor, VALEEDATION. The join-effort sees the duo make good on years of collaborations, with their like-minded approach bringing the best out of one another. The 14-track project — exclusively produced by MVW — offers a minimal yet expressive approach to hip hop. Moreover, in a boisterous genre, Valee and MVW present themselves through a colorful-yet subtle hue.

    Valee (left) & MVW (right) bring Valeedation to the game

    After all, Valee’s unconventional style and infectious energy, along with his distinctive lyrical delivery and unwavering commitment to artistic exploration has led to his own niche existence within a fickle music indutry. Meanwhile, MVW’s expertise in contemporary classical composition is showcased as he weaves together intricate musical arrangements. All in all, their unique blend of classical-trap music is part of the connection they’ve developed through their shared artistic vision.

    VALEEDATION Review

    “The music feels like scenes in a movie more than tracks on an album, highlighted by different lighting on a thematic, subtle vibe. There is this sense of installation.”
    – MVW on VALEEDATION

    Ultimately, VALEEDATION serves as another installment in the series that is MVW’s hip hop voyage. Notably going away from contemporary rap music’s in-your-face production style — where the beats usually outshine the artist — MVW has countered with a a more subtle, complementary style. Since embarking on his hip hop journey in the fall of 2021, the former classic composer has featured a myriad of rappers on his classical-trap beats. However, none have quite meshed with his musical ethos quite like the Chicago-bred Valee.

    Comparatively, his own musical exploits have seen the former Good Music signee depart from mainstream conventions. Rather, he immerses himself in innovative aesthetics that challenge the status quo. This avant-garde approach serves as a guiding beacon for MVW. In effect, VALEEDATION offers hip hop fans a unique lens through which to navigate uncharted territories in music.

    Another key point is the continuation of MVW and Valee’s symbiotic musical relationship. With this latest effort serving as the final stamp of approval in MVW’s hip hop passport. Through 14 unique records, the duo charter through a wave of unexplored, genre-bending possibilities. Record like “Tailor Swift” and “Could Be” offer an alternative, unsaturated production style, which Valee does his best to command. All the same, songs like “Pistachio” and “Yo Yo” see the duo share the stage between MVW’s spacey prodcutions and Valee’s colorful metaphors and one-liners. Overall, the album follows a theme of internal dichotomy between conventional ear-catching tunes versus unconventional beats and flows that challenges the microwave music consumption of today.

  • The Allman Brothers Band & Owsley Stanley Foundation to Release Exclusive 2-LP “Orange Sunshine” Vinyl

    The Allman Brothers Band in tandem with the Owsley Stanley Foundation is offering a special release exclusive 2-LP limited run of electric “Orange Sunshine” vinyl on November 3.

    Presented by the Owsley Stanley Foundation and The Allman Brothers with members including Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Johanny Johnson and Butch Trucks. The vinyl displays a collection of restored and mastered recordings of the ABB’s performances at New York City’s Fillmore East captured by the legendary Grateful Dead soundman Owsley ‘Bear’ Stanley.

    The 2-LP exclusive “Orange Sunshine” vinyl is essential to listen to for Allman Brothers fans, showcasing the original tapes from the Owsley archive, a seven-song set blues masterpiece featuring “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “Statesboro Blues”, the spin-off of Donovan’s “Mountain Jam,” and the ominous Gregg Allman composition “Whipping Post.”

    I had no prior experience with mixing their music, so I hope you don’t mind the rough edges in my mixes here. There was a wonderful feeling at these concerts that made the shows a lot of fun for us all…I had a good time working at these shows, and I hope you will have a good time listening to this historic early Allman Brothers Band.

    – Owsley “Bear” Stanley

    The Allman Brothers were on the brink of stardom in the 1970s and became best known for a wicked blend of rock, jazz, and R&B creating a unique groundbreaking sound. While only together for 11 months, promoter Bill Graham booked them in San Francisco and New York, inviting them back to the Fillmore East on a triple bill with Grateful Dead and Love. Fortunately for us, the Dead’s soundman Owsley “Bear” Stanley had his tapes rolling.

    Bear’s Sonic Journals: Allman Brothers Band Fillmore East February 1970 tracklist:

    LP Side 1:

    In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed 9:22

    Hoochie Coochie Man 6:04

    Statesboro Blues 4:16

    LP Side 2:

    Trouble No More 4:11

    Outskirts Of Town 8:29

    Whipping Post 8:11

    LP Side 3:

    Mountain Jam 15:20

    LP Side 4:

    Mountain Jam (continued) 15:46

  • Westside Gunn Drops Star-Studded LP ‘And Then You Pray For Me’

    Critically-acclaimed Buffalo native, Westside Gunn, continues to push the envelope on his “underground” status with the release of his latest LP, And Then You Pray For Me. Released this past Friday, the star-studded project features a host of hip hop heavy hitters along with a mesh of styles and sub-genres. All in all, showcasing the Griselda head honcho’s status within the game.

    Westside Gunn "And Then You Pray For Me" album cover
    ‘And Then Your Pray For Me” album cover

    The Making of “And Then You Pray For Me”

    Furthermore, the self proclaimed “FlyGod” took a unique approach to the creation of And Then You Pray For Me, recording most of the album overseas. Immersing himself in inspiring locals, he laid down tracks in Paris, Athens, London, and Denmark. Subsequently, as Westside Gunn cements his place in hiphop folklore, he has begun to experiment with different sounds. After years of maintaining an air of creativity and cultural fluidity with his keen fashion sense, expressive styles and interest in art, this has begun to manifest itself in his music — which has long fed the streets with a combination of boom bap and luxury drug raps. While the new experimental sounds have been well received, it has led to questions on whether Westside Gunn’s loyalty to the boom bap sound that gained him relevance has begun to waiver.

    After all, the 21-track project boasts contributions from legendary figures such as RZA, Rick Ross, Jeezy and DJ Drama. While contemporary stars the Iikes of Ty Dolla $ign, J.I.D., EST Gee and producer Tay Keith make appearances with the addition of British rapper, Giggs, for a bit of European flair. Meanwhile, And Then You Pray For Me maintains its gritty feel with appearances from Griselda cohorts and fellow underground stars. Particularly, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, Stove God Cooks, Rome Street and longtime producers Conductor Williams and Derringer grace the project. Ultimately culminating in an electric blend of trap, boom bap with remnants of R&B & soul samples.

    Virgil Abloh Tribute

    I have Virgil Abloh doing my artwork and who left on earth can say that. I cannot disrespect his legacy, he’s immortal and I feel this is his way of blessing me; even though he’s not here in the physical. 

    – Westside Gunn

    In a heartfelt tribute to the late Virgil Abloh, a close friend of Westside Gunn, the renowned Off-White creative designed the artwork for And Then You Pray For Me.  Abloh, known for his innovative and boundary-pushing designs, also created the iconic cover for Westside Gunn’s 2020 album, Pray For Paris. This latest collaboration between Abloh and Westside Gunn is a testament to their enduring friendship and creative synergy. 

  • Hearing Aide: DJ Premier ‘Beats That Collected Dust, Vol 3’

    In an ode to hip hop, DJ Premier has released the third edition of his “Beats That Collected Dust” series via his self-founded To The Top (TTT) record label imprint. “I wanted to have a label that would keep the street, gutter stuff in its own lane, one where I could release anything I wanted, how I wanted and where I wanted,” Premier revealed to HipHopDX.

    Beats That Collected Dust Vol. 3 is the first edition in 10 years, completing the trilogy of classic hip hop beats amid hip hop’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

    The legendary scratch DJ remains continues to evolve and reinvent himself. He was just nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for his collaboration on “Le Pido A Dios” with Feid. Later, he starred in a time-traveling, five-decade spanning commercial with Don Toliver which MTV used to segue-way into the recent VMA’s 50th Hip Hop Anniversary tribute performance. 

    However, despite his contemporary success, it’s apparent that ‘Preme remains dedicated to hip hop in its purest form. After all, the Grammy-winning producer has been behind the boards for some of the rap music’s historic records. And ultimately, Beats That Collected Dust became a fan favorite due to the series’ personal nature. After all, these are records that DJ Premier produced specifically for other artists that did not make album cuts.

  • Women In Music Unveils Upcoming Exciting Events This Fall and Beyond

    Women In Music (WIM), a non-profit organization with a mission to promote awareness, diversity, and equality in the musical arts, has unveiled an exciting lineup of events for the remainder of 2023 and beyond. These programs and summits promise to have a significant impact on the industry, fostering inclusivity and empowerment.

    2023 Fall Mentorship Program: Forging the Future

    Launched on October 2, WIM’s 2023 Fall Mentorship Program pairs mentees from diverse backgrounds with seasoned female artist management professionals as mentors. This initiative is a crucial step toward achieving gender balance in the field of artist management.

    All Things Go Festival 2023: Uniting Music and Equality

    WIM left its mark at the All Things Go Music Festival on September 29. The Creator Summit kicked off with a lively Pre-Party at the Eaton Hotel, fostering connections among panelists, festival attendees, and WIM DC Members. Sponsored by The MLC, this event set the stage for thought-provoking discussions and networking.

    At the All Things Go Creator Summit, Chissy Nkemere, WIM’s Global Chair of Education and Rock & Alternative, Artist Partnerships at Spotify, participated in a panel titled “Harmonizing Equity.” The discussion celebrated the multifaceted roles of women in the music industry, highlighting the power of diversity and inclusivity.

    Mondo NYC: Amplifying Music Business and Tech

    On October 10, 2023, WIM collaborates with She is the Music to co-host the Mondo NYC Opening Night Reception, hosted by SoundExchange. At this event, WIM will present a panel in partnership with MMF-US, delving into Artist Management Entrepreneurship. Additionally, WIM President Nicole Barsalona will moderate a panel hosted by Keychange U.S., exploring gender equity in music technology. Mondo NYC, now in its 8th annual edition, promises to be a hub of innovation and ideas in the ever-evolving music business and technology landscape.

    2024 Women In Music Summit: A Virtual Extravaganza

    Save the dates for the 4th Annual Women In Music Summit, scheduled to be held virtually from January 17-19, 2024. This event provides members with opportunities for engaging in educational and career development presentations virtually, complemented by in-person networking events at various WIM Chapters. The Summit is a celebration of empowerment, learning, and camaraderie.

    Established in 1985, Women in Music is a global 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing awareness, equality, and diversity in the musical arts. With a diverse membership that includes music industry professionals from various career stages, Women in Music shares a common passion for promoting inclusivity and equality in the music industry.

    For more information, please visit womeninmusic.org.

  • 22-Year-Old Blind Piano Prodigy Matthew Whitaker To Host Benefit Concert for Local Music School On October 17

    22-year-old music prodigy Matthew Whitaker is giving back to the school that shaped his future. Hailing from Hackensack, New Jersey the jazz-pianist, whose been blind since birth, has been performing around the world for nearly a decade. However, the Emmy-nominated composer has overcome the challenge of being blind with the help of The Filomen M. D’ Agostino Greenberg Music School. 

    This Manhattan based non-profit stands as one of the only community music schools in the country dedicated to helping people with vision loss or blindness. In turn, Matthew Whitaker is giving back to the school where under director of music studies, Dalia Sakas, his talent blossomed at 5-years-old and later performing around the world by his pre-teens.

    Over the years Whitaker has made appearances on numerous network television programs showcasing his talents, including CBS’s 60 Minutes, NBC’s Ellen and FOX TV’s Showtime at the Apollo. Nevertheless, Whitaker his prodigy status has been carved out with performance at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theater.

    Benefit Concert

    Set for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17th at Peter Norton Symphony Space in Manhattan, Matthew Whitaker’s FMDG Benefit Concert will help raise funds and awareness to support the school and its students. He will be performing along with his quartet and a select group of teen students from “The Fil.”

    Since its inception, FMDG has helped more than 25,000 students, including notable talents such as jazz piano prodigy Matthew Whitaker and Grammy Award-winning musician and singer-songwriter Jose Feliciano. In light, the show will also feature the premiere of a new short film highlighting the FMDG Music School. Tickets are on sale on the Symphony Space website

  • The Empire State Youth Orchestra Announces the 2023-24 Concert Season

    The Empire State Youth Orchestra are excited to announce their upcoming 2023-2024 season entitled ‘Breathe!’ The first concert of the season begins with a performance by the ESYO featuring William Lauricella on Saturday, October 29 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

    The Empire State Youth Orchestra challenges and inspires young people to achieve excellence through music in a progressive learning environment leading to high-level performance opportunities.  More than 500 youth from New York’s Capital Region and western New England are selected by audition each year to perform in ESYO. With 14 performing ensembles and orchestras suiting a range of playing levels, members receive training from outstanding conductors and coaches, and tutelage from extraordinary guest artists.

    In 2015, ESYO launched CHIME (Creating Harmony Inspiring Musical Excellence) in Schenectady to address fundamental inequities preventing universal access to high level music opportunities for youth. Today, this free music program serves more than 150 students in partnership with the Schenectady and Albany City School Districts. 

    Founded in 1979, ESYO is a not-for-profit organization that has been recognized as a premier music education/performance program for youth and has received three ASCAP awards.

    “I think of music like a living thing: we can explore how it breathes, and we can tune into its pulse, If an orchestra doesn’t breathe, it’s not really alive. This year, we will breathe more fully with each other and with the music, so we can live in the present moment and truly connect with each other and the world around us.”

    – Etienne Abelin Symphony Orchestra Conductor

    The engaging performance series is a celebration of unity, harmony and the collective spirit of music, allowing musicians and audiences to breathe together in the shared experience of live orchestral performances. In addition, the musicians will explore various interpretations of breath through the repertoire under an authoritarian regime. This season will challenge ESYO musicians to learn and perform a piece on stage without a conductor giving them the opportunity to sense the pulse, embody the music, breathe and work together as a whole. The public is invited to celebrate these outstanding musicians and savor the joy and magic of their live musical talent.

    Ticket information, venue details, and the full concert schedule is available at esyo.org/news-concerts.

    ESYO 2023-2024 Concert Season

    Oct 29th, 2023 – EMPIRE STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT FEATURING WILLIAM LAURICELLA – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

    Nov 5, 2023 – REPERTORY ORCHESTRA, STRING ORCHESTRA, AND CONCERTINO STRINGS – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

    Nov 5, 2023 – PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES – Brown School, Schenectady

    Nov 19, 2023 – YOUTH AND REPERTORY JAZZ ORCHESTRAS – Carl B. Taylor Community Auditorium, SUNY Schenectady

    Dec 10, 2023 – WIND ORCHESTRA CHAMBER MUSIC – Massry Center for the Arts, College of St. Rose

    Dec 14-17, 2023 – MELODIES OF CHRISTMAS FEATURING ESYO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND MELODIES OF CHRISTMAS CHORALE – Produced by CBS 6 at Proctors Theater, Schenectady

    Dec 17, 2023 – PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES HOLIDAY CONCERT – Massry Center for the Arts, College of St. Rose

    Feb 14, 2024 – REPERTORY ORCHESTRA AND CONCERTINO STRINGS – Location TBD

    Feb 15, 2024 – STRING AND YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRAS – Carl B. Taylor Community Auditorium, SUNY Schenectady

    March 10, 2024  – WIND ORCHESTRA AND REPERTORY JAZZ ORCHESTRA – Massry Center for the Arts, College of St. Rose

    March 11, 2024 – FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC WITH ESYO PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES – University of Albany Performing Arts Center

    March 23, 2024 – PLAYATHON – Crossgates Mall 

    April 21, 2024 – SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FEATURING THE 2024 CONCERTO COMPETITION WINNER – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

    May 4, 2024 –  REPERTORY ORCHESTRA AND STRING ORCHESTRA – Zankel Music Center – Skidmore

    May 5, 2024 – CONCERTINO STRINGS, WOODWINDS AND BRASS ENSEMBLES – Location TBD

    May 5, 2024 – PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES AND CONCERTINO PERCUSSION – Brown School

    May 10, 2024 – YOUTH AND REPERTORY JAZZ ORCHESTRAS – Carl B. Taylor Community Auditorium, SUNY Schenectady

    May 12, 2024 – WIND ORCHESTRA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AND CHAMBER MUSIC – Massry Center for the Arts, College of St. Rose

    June 2, 2024 – FESTIVAL OF YOUNG ARTISTS – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

  • MVW and Valee Drop Single ‘Tailor Swift’ In Anticipation of New Album ‘Valeedation’

    MVW and Valee continue their dynamic association with the release of their new single, “Tailor Swift.” A play on the name of pop superstar Taylor Swift, this latest record arrives as MVW and Valee gear up for the release of their debut joint-album, Valeedation. Set for release on October 20, the slowed-down, classically inspired tune follows a similar formula as the pair’s prior collaborations on MVW’s last two albums, CLASSIC$ and Connections.

    Valee and MVW song cover.

    In similar fashion, MVW juxtaposes Valee’s nonchalant delivery with refined instrumentation blending into a sound coined as “museum rap.” On “Tailor Swift” Valee rides MVW’s choppy, slowed-down production while expounding on his luxury-filled wardrobe. In usual fashion, Valee song title are often a precursor to a witty metaphor. Rapping, “white Gucci pants same color Taylor Swift. Yeah, getting measured in Gucci b*tch my tailor swift.”

    While Valee’s quick-witted one liners feel improvised, his meticulous approach to music and fashion has led to a cult-following, as he’s always provided a alternative sound and delivery to his contemporaries.

    Throughout my career I’ve been known to tailor my own clothes because I like them to fit a certain way. They have to be precise. I approached making this song the same way. When MVW sent it to me I knew it was the one.

    Valee on “Tailor Swift”

    Meanwhile, with each record, MVW aims to transport the listener into a world of musical radicalism. In effect, the two idiosyncratic artists serve a similar musical purpose, albeit with different approaches.

    The underlying sound and flow in Tailor Swift is essentially avant-garde, compounded by the depth of the entendres and visual metaphors, this track transports the listener into a world of radicalism.

    MVW on “Tailor Swift”

    The release of “Tailor Swift” arrives following the summer drops of “Could Be” and “Pistachio.” These two releases preluded the eventual collab-album from the frequent collaborators. While Valee remains a season vet of the hip hop world, Staten Island native MVW continues to build on a repertoire that has seen him work with other innovative rappers such as TiaCorine, Xavier Wulf, Lil Gotit, Matt Ox, Zelooperz and Anycia.

  • The Townhall Presents “A Not So Silent Night” with Rufus & Martha Wainwright

    Rufus and Martha Wainwright will perform, “A Not So Silent Night” at The Town Hall on December 22, raising awareness for The Kate McGarrigle Fund for sarcoma research. The family-friendly holiday show features special guests including Emmylou Harris, Sean Lennon, Norah Jones, Loudon Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche.

    a not so silent night Rufus and Martha Wainwright

    “A Not So Silent Night” has become an annual family tradition for the Wainwrights. The two siblings will be joined by their immediate family members of the Wainwright and McGarrigle clans to share and celebrate the spirit of the holidays. This event will be held at The Town hall, a 1,500-seat, 501C3 non-profit national historic landmark venue in the heart of New York City, created by suffragists in 1921 and host to countless cultural and musical milestones.

    “I am utterly excited to bring our holiday concert back to New York City after a hiatus of almost 5 years. These shows very much reflect who Martha and I are as artists and a family, slightly messy but incredibly powerful and emotional, festive, and fun. The Town Hall is one of my favorite venues to perform in. So many Greats have graced the stage, and it is a place that my mother Kate worshipped.”

    – Rufus Wainwright

    The annual holiday celebration has had its roots in the childhood home of Rufus and Martha’s mother, Kate McGarrigle. The tradition began in the living room of their wooden home in the Laurentian mountain town of St. Sauveur. Kate was tragically diagnosed with Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, and since has raised money and awareness for funding research into the disease as at the time there were no drugs available to treat it. Rufus and Martha continue Kate’s legacy with the Christmas shows, helping to raise awareness and money for the Kate McGarrigle Foundation for Sarcoma Research.

    The holiday show will be supported by an outstanding band led by music director David Mansfield with Jon Cowherd on keys, Doug Wieselman on oboe and guitar, Shawn Pelton on drums, Armand Hirsch on guitar, and Tony Scherr on bass. Special merch items benefiting the Kate McGarrigle Fund will also be available the night of the show.

    a not so silent night Rufus and Martha Wainwright

    VIP Gold tickets also include the best seats in the house, attending part of the soundcheck, a group photo with Rufus and Martha, and a special signed merch item, are available. Also available is the opportunity to sing on the closing song of the first half, “Silent Night,” with Rufus, Martha, and family.

    “These Christmas shows, conceived of over 25 years ago by our mum, have BECOME our Christmas! There’s always a slight annoyance (and dread?) as we start preparing in June but by the time the show starts all the holiday magic in the world shows up on stage and the importance (and wonderful ridiculousness) of the holiday season is revealed. Most apparent though is the love and music that reigns”

    – Martha Wainwright

    Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 6, for more information please visit here.

    For more information about the Kate McGarrigle Fund please visit here.

  • New York Philharmonic Announces October Orchestral Performances

    The New York Philharmonic presents six orchestral programs from late September through late October at the Wu Tsai Theater in David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, having started on September 29. This season’s opening concerts include notable conducting debuts and premieres of works by composers from a variety of cultural traditions.

    After leading the New York Philharmonic’s opening gala, Music director Jaap van Zweden conducts the first two subscription programs, each featuring a premiere. Following, the philharmonic presents four programs that each feature remarkable debuts including musicians such as Mira Gražinytė-Tyla, returning soloist Yefim Bronfman, The Apollo’s Singers making their subscription debut with Sorrell who serves as their artistic director.

    To close out the opening season, Brad Lubman makes his NY Phil debut in ‘Sound On’ on October 27 conducting the premiere of Kinan Azmeh and Loyal Chaker’s Dawning for improvising musicians and orchestra, featuring clarinet and violin soloists.

    For more information for the New York Philharmonic performances please visit here.

    Opening Concert Season at Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center

    JAAP van ZWEDEN Conducts: US Premiere of The Elements with Joshua Bell – Sep 29 – Oct 1

    JAAP van ZWEDEN Conducts: World Premiere of Steve Reich’s Jacob’s Ladder – Oct 5 – 7

    MIRGA GRAŽINYTĖ-TYLA’S Debut Conducts: Sibelius, Raminta Serksnyte, and R. Schumann with Daniil Trifonov – Oct 11 – 14

    David Robertson Conducts: The US Premiere of Elena Firsova’s Piano Concerto – Oct 19 – 21

    Jeannette Sorrell Conducts: Handel’s Israel in Egypt – Oct 25 and 26

    Zorn, Azmeh, Chaker, and Chin Brad Lubman Conducts: “Sound On” – Oct 27