Rock unit Louisiana Child has released their debut single, a gritty Old West and rock ‘n roll fusion track titled “Cocaine Cowboy”.
Louisiana Child is a gritty powerhouse of a rock unit based out of Toronto that blends the kick of southern rock, the swing of blues, and the tone of country into a dynamic sound of foot-stomping and head-banging that leaves a long-lasting impression full of raw energy.
Comprised of Daniel Theriault on vocals and guitar, Ricky Theriault on drums and backup vocals, Jean-Marc Lanteigne on lead guitar, and Chris Moore on bass, Louisiana Child is currently working away on their debut EP in collaboration with seasoned producers and mixing engineers George Panagopoulos and Mark McCaster, the former being widely recognized for his work with Audioslave, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the legendary producer Rick Rubin. These music industry powerhouses bring a wealth of expertise and experience to Louisiana Child’s already promising sound.
The first product of the project to go public and Louisiana Child’s debut single comes in the form of “Cocaine Cowboy,” a hauntingly gritty track that follows the internal battle of a man facing his demons.
Painting the image of a haunting Old West setting through rounded blues-y guitar tones, a sharp country-tinged vocal punch, and lyrics that tell the tale of a lone vagabond, Louisiana Child explores the concepts of temptation towards things that are inherently destructive, namely drugs and alcohol.
Mastered by Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound, “Cocaine Cowboy” marks a promising beginning for Louisiana Child, establishing a distinct sense of storytelling and carefully crafted sound as they enter the rock scene with a bang.
This track is just the beginning for the band- to learn more about Louisiana Child, stay up to date with their latest endeavors, and keep an eye out for future shows, follow their official Instagram and Facebook pages.
Rock unit Squirrels From Hell, “The Band New York City Couldn’t Kill,” has announced a free show on November 22, at the Greenpoint Gallery in Brooklyn.
Formed in 1978, Squirrels From Hell has been crafting a depiction of what the true 21st century American experience looks like for decades. Spanning multiple sounds in a particularly underground rock style, Squirrels from Hell blends a wide array of instruments and vocals behind striking lyricism seeped in rage, cynicism, crude musicality, and pure energy.
Facing several challenges including a fluctuating lineup and difficult external circumstances, Squirrels From Hell has risen above time and time again to remain as a unit and continue their mission of capturing the modern lived experience, earning the group the moniker of “The Band New York City Couldn’t Kill.”
While Squirrels From Hell have released music frequently online, it’s on the stage where they truly shine. Fans of the group and New York’s underground rock scene are in luck, too- they’ve just announced a show at Brooklyn’s own Greenpoint Gallery completely free of charge.
Photo: Greenpoint Gallery
Established in 2003, The Greenpoint Gallery is a non-profit arts organization that offers classes, lectures, career counseling, and affordable exhibition spaces for emerging artists. On November 22, the Greenpoint Gallery space will be transformed into a concert venue as Squirrels From Hell pay a visit.
Starting at 9:00 PM, the band will be performing completely free of charge. To learn more about the event and how to attend, visit the show’s web page here.
Squirrels From Hell is a regularly touring New York act with frequent shows throughout the metro area and beyond. To learn more about the band and find out if they’re coming to an area near you, check out their official website here.
Singer-songwriter Robert Mathes has announced the 2024 dates of his time-honored Annual Holiday Concert in Purchase.
Celebrated as an Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated arranger, producer, director, and musician, Robert Mathes is renowned for his craft. Working with the likes of Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Fall Out Boy, Rufus Wainwright, Rascal Flatts, and countless others, Mathes‘ repertoire is certainly one to admire.
In addition, Mathes’ achievements this past year include a series of symphonic concerts with Sting in collaboration with the Philadelphia Orchestra, The San Francisco Symphony, and the Florida Orchestra. He also produced Melissa Errico’s Sondheim in the City album, musically directed both the MusiCares Artist of the Year event honoring Bon Jovi and the Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards.
Even with all of these achievements under his belt for 2024, Mathes isn’t done quite yet- his annual Rob Mathes Holiday Concert will return for three nights at The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College.
A blend of Mathes’ introspective singer-songwriter pop, jazz and blue overtones, and holiday classics alongside some Rob Mathes originals, his annual shows are beloved for their unique takes on the holiday tradition.
Photo: Evoto
Accompanied by Will Lee on bass, Billy Masters on guitar, Gunnar Olson on drums, Rick Knutsen on keyboard, and a myriad of horns by Jeff Kievit, Tony Kadleck, Andy Snitzer, Aaron Helk, Mike Davis, and Jeff Nelson, the three nights of holiday cheer are sure to be unforgettable. In addition, R&B singers James “D Train” Williams and Vaneese Thomas will grace the stage before the show’s concluding fan-favorite “Choir of Saints & Friends”.
In addition to the holiday cheer, the Holiday Concert will once more be an event for the greater good. For the fourth consecutive year, Mathes’ holiday shows will benefit Food Rescue US of Fairfield County, an organization dedicated to eliminating hunger and food waste. Food Rescue US is offering exclusive VIP tickets with a donation of $150- for more information on this opportunity for good, visit their website here.
Rob Mathes and his band will grace the Performing Arts Center of Purchase College for three nights on December 20, 21, and 22. Tickets are available now on the PAC’s official box office page.
To learn more about Rob Mathes, check out his latest work, and keep an eye out for his future endeavors, be sure to visit his official website here.
Ithaca-based trio Pocket Bandits have released their Groovy third single “Second Drink” alongside the announcement of their debut LP.
A modern twist to the old-school organ trio, Pocket Bandits packs the musical punch of a large ensemble in a smaller unit. Members Joe Massa on guitar, Simon Bjarning on drums, and Samuel B. Lupowitz on organ, synth, and pedal keyboards combine their musical prowess into a final product that is full of infectious dancing energy.
Having performed separately in various groups across Central New York prior to the pandemic, when the group’s regular musical roster came to a halt they found themselves faced with a unique opportunity- and with that Pocket Bandits was born.
Since then, the trio has performed countless covers from Steely Dan to Chappell Roan with original compositions sprinkled throughout.
The unit debuted their first official release in April of this year, and since then have been hard at work writing, rehearsing, and recording. Returning for their third track to date, Pocket Bandits has released the infectiously funky “Second Drink.”
Clocking in at just over six and a half minutes, “Second Drink” capitalizes on each and every second with an overflowing, undeniable, stylish funk. Recorded almost entirely live at Redwood Lane in Ithaca, there’s some serious technical work at play hidden beneath the layers of boogy with shifting time signatures, a suitelike structure, and a gradual buildup to an organ solo that really bring the piece to life.
Even more exciting is the news that dropped alongside “Second Drink”- the reveal of Pocket Bandit’s debut EP. Releasing on January 24 is Nine– a set of nine vibrant originals from the trio that are sure to excite.
The group has also teased an album release show in their homebase of Ithaca with more dates across the Northeast to follow. To learn more about Pocket Bandits, find out about a show near you, and keep up to date with all of their latest endeavors, be sure to visit their official website here.
White Plains born and New York City-based singer-songwriter Sabrina Monique has released her debut album It’s Not Me, It’s You.
Born and raised in Brewster, Sabrina Monique has been performing to brighten others’ days since the beginning. Living with her single mother and grandparents in a tense environment, she quickly realized how much value there is in the power entertainment holds over someone’s emotions, and before long she was skipping high school classes for auditions in New York City.
Moving into an apartment in Manhattan at 17 with 12 other girls, Monique was determined to see her dreams through- and that she has. While auditioning, performing at the iconic Ellen’s Stardust Diner, and developing her personal sound, Sabrina auditioned for American Idol 2020 and landed herself a feature on the show’s nineteenth season.
While incredibly exciting, this opportunity proved to be challenging. Her entry into the pop industry came with subsequent body image issues as she felt the pressure to fit the “pop star ideal”. Emotionally tense and creatively stifled, the 2020 pandemic that put the world to a halt offered Monique a unique opportunity to create without inhibitions.
“I wrote everything I held in my body—it was like a faucet you couldn’t turn off.”
– Sabrina Monique
Tucked away in a Nashville studio, the songs seemed to just flow out of her. These tracks would eventually become her newly released debut album, It’s Not Me, It’s You.
A collection of dance songs, ballads, and seething guitar-heavy tracks, It’s Not Me, It’s You is a powerful series of battle anthems. Artistically liberated both in personal creativity and industry restraint, Monique tackles and gives voices to the stories of women fighting sexism, body imaging, the patriarchy, and the archaic stereotypes perpetuated throughout the music industry.
Tracks like her debut single “It Was Always You” take heartbreak and wrap it into an upbeat reggaeton-inspired dance-pop anthem, while “Love Again Unplugged” strips the layers of production and pretense down to their most raw forms in a vulnerable show of emotional honesty and growth.
“I needed to write this album to move forward. It’s been cathartic for me, and it represents stepping into my power. I pick my producer. I write my own music. I am the captain of my ship.”
– Sabrina Monique
A stunning collection of songwriting with contributions from hand-picked producers, It’s Not Me, It’s You is an admirable show of raw emotion and poetic ponderings from the mind of Sabrina Monique.
To learn more about Sabrina and keep up to date on her latest ventures, visit her official website here.
Amber Martin returns to her country roots with her latest album, the highly anticipated Unbreakable Heart.
Musician, producer, writer, curator, choreographer, and star of her own shows, Amber Martin has worn many hats over the course of her career- and has balanced each and every one with grace. Having toured the United States and beyond, held residencies, hosted cabarets, and performed on several festival stages, Martin is a tour de force of both the creation and performance of music.
Returning for her second album, Martin has tapped into her country roots with Unbreakable Heart. A masterful balance of boot-stomping, slow-swaying, and deeply heartfelt songs, the album feels every emotion to its fullest regardless of how bright or blue.
Described as a series of independent tracks, Unbreakable Heart crosses the full span of the lived experience all while coming together in its own beautifully eclectic way.
Martin balances the floaty strings and can-do trucking-on attitude of “The Moon’s A Reminder” with the spark of tracks like “Devil Came Down The Dancefloor” that contains all the swinging energy you’d expect from such a title with absolute grace.
The utterly nostalgic Pawpaw’s Yodel features floating vocals and finger picking over a warming conversation with her grandfather on his yodeling passion and skill that plucks all the right heart strings.
Other tracks like the hilariously witty breakup piece and final pre-release single “I Left My Weed In Texas,” in which Martin is resentful over a breakup but is left grieving the weed she’d left behind rather than the ex-lover, are effortlessly counterbalanced by the slower movement of songs like the titular track “Unbreakable Heart,” which is full of crooning vocals and brushed percussions that bring a beautiful sway to the listening experience.
In addition to her own handiwork, Unbreakable Heart features a sparkling set of her long-time friends Rufus Wainwright, John Cameron Mitchell, and Jake Shears. All co-writers and vocalists on their subsequent tracks, the culmination of the artists’ skills and evident passion for their craft results in a set of three songs that round Unbreakable Heart into completion.
“Every song on ‘Unbreakable Heart’ is a standalone in its uniqueness. No two songs are alike. It’s brightened by the fine musicianship of some truly talented Texas musicians and collaborators in New York City. Everyone involved in this album, whether as writer, backing vocals singer or musician is a dear friend and ‘family’ member. It’s truly a love letter.”
– Amber Martin
Rufus Wainwright’s collaborative track comes in the form of “I Want You To Be A Real Man”, a hauntingly honey-warm duet that dissects concepts of masculinity over waltz-y piano and guitar licks that enchant.
Opening over crooning birds beneath the soft sounds of a guitar is “Second Heart” with Jake Shears. With swaying instrumentals and beautifully penned lyrics, “Second Heart” pulls listeners into a sense of pensive peace.
“Call Me Joe” concludes the collaborative trifecta, a bittersweet track made in partnership with John Cameron Mitchell that feels more like a ‘see you again’ in place of a ‘farewell’- a hopeful goodbye and nod towards the future.
Closing out the album with “Until Marianne,” a song filled with longing and love, Martin leaves listeners with a feeling of fond persistence with her moving vocals floating over the simple guitar instrumental.
A well-rounded experience of country twang highs and lows, Unbreakable Heart is a testament to Martin’s ability to put the intangible into lyrics and the indescribable into sound.
To celebrate the release of Unbreakable Heart, Amber Martin will be taking the stage at The Cutting Room in Manhattan on Tuesday, November 19. Supported by her band and several special guests, the evening will be host to an unforgettable night of live performance- not to mention the after-party with some of Amber’s own special DJs.
For more information on the celebration and how to attend, visit the event page here.
To learn more about Martin’s story, other releases, and future endeavors, be sure to visit her official website here.
Brooklyn based singer-songwriter Camille Schmidt has released her latest single “XOXO” in preparation for her debut album Nude #9.
Brooklyn based and raised in a constant environment of creativity, it’s no wonder why Camille Schmidt has picked up all spans of musical skill over the years. Spending extensive amounts of time in her parents’ art studio, Schmidt found endless inspiration in both the work her parents created and the people who would come in and out of the space.
Debuting as a musician this past June with the EP Good Person, Camille carved out a queer folk-rock sound for herself that reflected her larger ability to balance an innately wry sense of humor with deeper moments of devastatingly quiet self-reflection with tracks like the alt-country “Your Game” and her wistful approach to heartbreak with “Bumblebee Drinks Lavender.”
Returning for her debut album, Schmidt pulls from her experiences in her parents’ studio in Nude #9, each track a portrait of herself, her family, and her lovers past and future- just as each live model drawing session would result in pieces titled in the same convention, a unique reflection of each individual’s perspective on the subject.
Whimsical, hilarious, and deeply felt, Schmidt’s debut album digs deeper into her experiences with romance, sexuality, friendship, and her sense of self. Newly released from the Nude #9 project is “XOXO,” a fascinating layering of electronic manipulation that speaks to every corner of Camille’s inner thoughts.
Wandering from thoughts of raising a child with her best friend to contemplating the “demon in my room” she faces when she’s alone, “XOXO” is a track tinged with an unplaceable sense of something impending. Beginning with a rather upbeat digital track, the song progressively spirals and collapses in on itself as Schmidt becomes half-woman, half-machine. By the conclusion of the song, listeners are left with a feeling of evolution- she’s buried her former self and grown into something new.
Paired with the release of “XOXO” is its official music video that takes the concept of burying your past self to another level. Viewers watch as Camille dons a hazmat suit and brandishes a mop, opening the door to the bloodied motel bathroom where the body of her past self lies.
A perfect echo of the song’s themes that are simultaneously impressive and ironic, the “XOXO” music video is a testament to Schmidt’s signature creative attitude and growth as an artist.
“XOXO” by Camille Schmidt is out now and Nude #9 is slated for release on January 10. To keep up with Camille Schmidt’s current works and future endeavors, check out her official website here.
Beloved Syracuse waffle shop and live entertainment venue Funk ‘n Waffles has announced a four-night concert lineup to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Born from two college students’ love for waffles and live music seventeen years ago, Funk ‘n Waffles offers a truly one of a kind live entertainment experience. Having properly opened their doors as a dual food-and-entertainment space a decade ago now, founder Adam Gold has built quite the reputation for Funk ‘n Waffles as a premiere downtown Syracuse destination.
With an expansive menu of sweet and savory bites and beverages, the venue has been featured countless times on Food Network as one of Guy Fieri’s time-honored favorites. Not to mention the funk half of the venue, with the space consistently stacked on weekends and occasionally even weekdays with shows from folks across all varieties of the sound spectrum.
Drawing in bands and fans from near and afar, Funk ‘n Waffles’ list of artists that have graced their stage goes on into the thousands- and it’s no wonder why. Between an undeniably delicious menu and a lively community of performers and fans alike, Funk ‘n Waffles is going into its 10th year with a bang.
Over the course of four nights – Thursday, December 5 through Sunday, December 8 – Funk ‘n Waffles will be host to several unforgettable nights of live music and entertainment from the likes of Skunk City (whose show will act as the kick-off and be completely free of charge!) on Thursday, Pearly Baker’s Best on Friday, Rootshack with special guest RUHA on Saturday, and Sophistafunk with special guests Nik Greeley & The Operators and The Gunpoets on Sunday.
Tickets for this unforgettable celebration are on sale now, priced at just $15 for presale or $25 at the door. In addition, Funk ‘n Waffles is offering a special weekend price of $30 that offers full access to all three ticketed shows.
For more information on the venue, further details on their anniversary bash, and ticket purchasing, check out their official website here.
Prospective performing musicians have announced show cancellations at the East Village’s Rockwood Music Hall following the venue’s sudden closure.
Known for their seemingly never ending roster of all flavors of live music, Rockwood Music Hall has built quite the reputation for themselves over the past twenty-odd years of operating.
Boasting up to ten performances a day by local, national, and global artists alike on their nine-by-nine foot stage, Rockwood provided smaller artists the chance to work with a larger venue with high-quality production and fans the opportunity to know they’re a part of something much bigger than themselves.
Many household names got their start at Rockwood, including Sara Bareilles, Lady Gaga, and Elle King among countless others. With such an extensive daily schedule, artists were offered opportunities to return routinely and build their audience while retaining 100% of merch sales made within the venue’s walls – something invaluable to smaller acts.
In addition to their live performances, Rockwood records thousands of live shows each year with many being released formally. Notable live releases include Johnnyswim, The Marcus King Band, and Gretchen Parlato’s Grammy-nominated “Live in NYC” album.
It’s for all of these reasons and more that the sudden removal of Rockwood’s events calendar on their website and subsequent announcements from several upcoming performers of show cancellations left regulars and newcomers alike in shock.
Posts from New York’s Finest’s Oscar Bautista, Americana artist Arielle Silver, and several others detail the surprise and disappointment felt in response to an e-mail seemingly received by all artists on the morning of November 10 that were booked for upcoming and future dates at Rockwood .
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, this Rockwood Music Hall location has closed its doors today, Sunday November 10 2024. Hence all shows going forward are cancelled. Apologies for the short notice and thank you for your support. Please reach out if needed.”
– Rockwood Music Hall, in email to artists
The end of Rockwood Music Hall marks the end of an era for New York City’s music scene, and it’s not difficult to say the same for the music industry as a whole. A beloved venue for avid music listeners and up-and-coming stars alike, the loss of Rockwood is sure to be felt sorely.
As of writing, there is no formal announcement on Rockwood Music Hall’s website or social media accounts concerning the venue’s closure.
Rochester fan-favorite live music venue Anthology has announced its official reopening with two upcoming shows following their surprise closure in 2022.
Opened in 2015, Anthology quickly grew to be one of Rochester’s favorite concert halls. With names including but not limited to Bleachers, Anthrax, Bad Suns, Twiddle, and Andy Frasco & the U.N. gracing their stage, Anthology brought in fans from local units and big names alike while cultivating a uniquely sophisticated yet down-to-earth live music environment.
Known for their intimate show atmosphere despite having the room to house a few hundred concertgoers, Anthology’s reputation as a venue was generally one of upscale but not snobbish attendee experience with a gorgeous interior to boot all the way up to its closure.
With little to no fanfare, Anthology closed its doors in the summer of 2022- much to the local community’s surprise and dismay.
While there were never any formal announcements posted to the venue’s website or social media accounts, any and all posts that indicated as such have been wiped from their pages following the groundbreaking announcement made on November 12- Anthology’s doors will open once again.
Anthology veterans and indie rock unit Joywave seem to be in thanks for Anthology’s return. In conversation with CITY Magazine, Joywave member and vocalist Daniel Armbuster explained that their search for a venue to house a homecoming show for their fall tour led to the fateful conversation with owner and operator, Phil Fitzsimmons.
“I said, ‘hey, how about you reopen Anthology? We need it.’ He listened. Horrible lesson for me. I’ll be walking around town making suggestions forever now. The Irondequoit Bay Bridge should be open year round. Please tell the county executive for me.”
– Phil Fitzsimmons
Joywave’s hometown shows and Anthology’s victorious return comes in the form of “JOY 2 THE WORLD: A Two Night Event Featuring Joywave”. The Christmas spirit will be in full effect over the band’s doubleheader on December 20 and 21.
For more information on how to attend and celebrate the return of one of Rochester’s beloved concert venues, check out Anthology’s Facebook post for the event here.
To keep up to date on everything Anthology and future shows, be sure to check out the venue’s official website here.
