NYS Music 2024

Category: Features

  • NYC Indie Singer Nikita Lev Releases Single “We All Die Anyway”

    Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Nikita Lev has released her new single “We All Die Anyway” on May 15. This single comes in the leadup to a new EP and her first European tour in the fall. 

    Lev’s musical instincts began at a young age. Coming from a family of chamber musicians, music surrounded Lev since childhood. As a result, during her youth on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, she quickly picked up piano and flute.

    The Cover for Nikita Lev's new single "We All Die Anyway"
    Nikita Lev

    By the time her family relocated to Westchester, she had learned guitar and begun writing songs. Lev says “I always know what I’m going to say first and the melody comes later,” using her musical chops to back up her deep lyrical narratives. To date, Lev has written over 200 songs that are “evocative, relatable, universal, yet ambiguous.”

    Lev’s music has quickly gained renown from both radio and print media. Her debut single “Elegance” was highlighted by both SiriusXM and MTV’s Spankin’ New. Additionally, publications like the LA Music Review and Earmilk have showcased Lev’s songs.

    Her new single “We All Die Anyway” is a highlight of the indie folk genre. Lev is accompanied by gentle fingerpicked guitars, trip-hop influenced drums and eerie synths. This dreamy instrumentation backs up Lev’s soft, emotional vocals and mature lyricism. The song tackles a relationship gone cold, and the feelings that accompany having to leave someone you cared about. Her meaningful and clever songwriting is reminiscent of indie icons like Lana Del Ray, and Phoebe Bridgers.

    This single comes just after her May 10 release of the music video for “Now I Think Of You Unspeakably.” The song’s lyrics touch on the pains of being in love with someone who does not feel the same. Driving drums and growing distorted guitars back up the song’s heavy lyricism, adding an edge to the acoustic instrumentation. The video features Lev dancing around a bonfire in a winter scene. Its atmosphere matches with the instrumentals and lyrics that all aid in a simultaneously warm yet icy feeling. Michael Rees directed the video, following collaborations with Charli XCX and The Kid LARoi. 

    This new single is just the start of a busy Summer and Fall for Lev. Later this year, she will release her first EP, titled Clearly Misunderstood. The EP’s songs will tackle the theme of the conflict between adult responsibilities and youthful independence. In November, Lev will depart for Europe for a tour stopping in Berlin and Vienna. 

    For more information, visit Nikita Lev’s website here.

  • Seventh Annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists at SPAC Announced

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced their seventh annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists. The community festival celebrates over 700 of the Capital Region’s promising young artists, including dancers, musicians, poets, and visual artists. Pop-up performances and art displays will culminate in a large-scale production on the main stage.

    Performing organizations include Empire State Youth Orchestra, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, Capital District Artis initiative. Additionally, an original musical composition 12th Grader Lucia Vysohlid will be performed by ESYO Symphony Orchestra, Capital District Youth Chorale, and singers from three local high schools.

    Festival of Young Artists_2023. June 04, 2023 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, New York, USA

    Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is dedicated to providing New Yorkers access to the arts. Through their partnerships with nonprofits and over 120 schools, SPAC provides arts programing and outreach, prioritizing historically marginalized groups.

    The festival’s theme is Rhythm, a thread that was woven throughout the 2024 season. SPAC’s annual student gallery features 95 pieces inspired by a passage from Langston Hughes’ “The First Book of Rhythms”.

    Performances will be held from 2-5:30 PM on Sunday, June 2. Food-stands and immersive arts activities will be available on the grounds, along with free ice cream provided by Stewart’s Shops. The production on the main stage will begin at 4:45. The event is free to the community, but registration is required for admission. A recap of last year’s Summer SPAC events can be found below.

  • In Focus: Albany’s 2024 Tulip Festival

    Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, 2024 in Albany, Washington Park was alive with families, tulips, and great music from bands on two stages at the 76th Annual Tulip Festival. 

    With weather that held out to provide a nearly dry weekend, Washington Park was alive with Catskill group Of The Atlas, Prince Daddy and The Hyena, and The Front Bottoms on the main stage, while over on WEXT’S 518 Stage, local bands Side B, Sofia Corts, Camtron5000 and The Insolent Willies entertained masses of crowds throughout the day.

  • Holly Humberstone Brings Unmatched Energy to the Brooklyn Steel

    This past Saturday, May 11, English singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone did not disappoint as she graciously took the stage at the Brooklyn Steel for one of two NY shows.

    She is scheduled to tour until the end of May as part of “The Holly Humberstone (This Feels Like the Truman) Show” North American leg. Her tour, which makes lyrical reference to her song, “Ghost Me,” included many tracks off of her latest album, Paint My Bedroom Black.

    Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    The pop-rock artist gained popularity after releasing her debut EP, Falling Asleep at the Wheel. Fans resonated deeply with her heartfelt lyrics, as she sang candidly about the difficulties of navigating familial and romantic relationships, addiction, breakups, and growing up. “Falling Asleep at the Wheel,” one of her most popular songs, includes lyrics like “Oh, you never smoked this much before we / Light up, light up another cigarette / I can tell you’re drinking only to forget / Don’t know how I got you in such a mess.” Holly never fails to cut right to the heart with her words. 

    Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Currently, Humberstone has eighteen tour dates left. She previously played at Webster Hall in 2022, and also toured during Girl in Red’s “Make It Go Quiet” tour and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour” tour.

    Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Holly started the night off strong with her song, “Paint My Bedroom Back,” of which her latest album is named after. Each band member took the stage one at a time, triggering a round of screams from fans who had been camping out hours ahead to make it to the front of the barricade. The energy swelled in the room as Holly’s guitarist, bassist, and drummer built up the opening track seamlessly. 

    Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Upon Holly’s entrance, the crowd made a deafening sound, and she scaled the stage freely, singing her heart out while swishing her hair to the beat. During “Elvis Impersonators,” she recounted her experience in Tokyo, and how she was surrounded by people “dressing up like Michael Jackson.” In the song, she sang lyrics like, “And the Elvis impersonators / Crowding at the elevators / Reminds you of a private joke we had.” The crowd stayed silent during this song, soaking in Humberstone’s beautifully raspy vocals.

    Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun

    Holly ended the night with “Ghost Me,” before singing “Friendly Fire” and “Scarlett” during the encore. Fans, feeling bittersweet that the show was over, exited the venue with satisfied smiles on their faces. 

    Setlist: Paint My Bedroom Black, Into Your Room, The Walls Are Way Too Thin, Overkill, Kissing In Swimming Pools, Cocoon, Dive, Deep End, Can You Afford To Lose Me?, Antichrist, Down Swinging, Lauren, Falling Asleep at the Wheel, Elvis Impersonators, Flatlining, Girl, Sleep Tight, Ghost Me

    Encore: Friendly Fire, Scarlett

  • Blake Rose Delivers Electrifying Performance at Bowery Ballroom

    On a crisp April 24 evening at Bowery Ballroom, music enthusiasts gathered to witness Australian singer-songwriter Blake Rose grace the stage on his headline tour for his latest album, Suddenly Okay.

    Nashville’s own Max McNown’s stripped-down set, featuring just two guitars and a harmonica, captivated the audience. While McNown’s genre is notably more country than Rose’s sound, this did not stop fans from swaying to the beat – his set quite literally set the perfect tone for the night. 

    Blake Rose opened his electrifying set with the energetic “Rollerblades”. An electric guitar hung around his neck as Rose went back and forth from the strings to the keys and back to the microphone. Rose’s infectious energy filled the venue, igniting an excitement among fans. The setlist was a blend of old and new, showcasing Rose’s evolution as an artist. “Dizzy”, a track familiar to many from its appearance on The Late Late Show, enraptured the audience and even involved them in clapping along to the kick drum. Transitioning seamlessly between songs, Rose treated fans to a selection of older, well-loved tracks from his 2021 project, A World Gone By, each one eliciting cheers of appreciation from the crowd.

    Rose revisited older favorites as well, delighting original fans with a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It was during the latter part of the set that Rose truly connected with his audience, venturing into the heart of the crowd for an unplugged rendition of “Ordinary People”. The crowd parted as the musician adorned in just his acoustic stood on a platform to sing along with only his strings. 

    As the night at Bowery Ballroom reached its crescendo, Rose performed his up tempo tracks including “Suddenly Okay”, “Never Let Go” and of course the anthemic “Lost”, arguably his most beloved song. Blake Rose’s magnetic stage presence and dynamic energy was enjoyable and authentic. New York would be happy to have him again. 

  • Avant-Garde Electro Salsa Quintet Meridian Brothers Provide A Rollicking Season Opener at Opus 40

    The 2024 concert season at the sublime Opus 40 Sculpture Park in Saugerties opened May 9th with something that delighted ass-shakers and intellectuals alike– a high-energy performance by one of Colombia’s most renowned musical exports – Meridian Brothers.

    photo by William A. Loeb

    The five-piece is the brainchild of Bogota-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Elbis Álvarez. Meridian Brothers is a moniker Álvarez has used on many albums and collaborations, on most of which he plays all the instruments.  Friday’s performance was the kick-off of the band’s latest tour, on which Álvarez is supported by a quartet of equally adept and captivating musicians.

    The Meridian Brothers sound is an intriguing amalgam of styles and influences.  The songs are anchored on danceable Latin rhythms – salsa, boogaloo and cumbia – accented with eerie, experimental keyboard sounds reminiscent of ‘50s sci-fi classics like Forbidden Planet and echoed guitaring that brings to mind Syd Barrett’s work on Pink Floyd’s debut, Piper at Gates of Dawn. In performance, Álvarez’s vocals are often treated with a harmonizer, digital delay and phasing as are some of the ever-present percussive accents. It brings to mind the short-lived era of early Roxy Music when Brian Eno slathered a boatload of sonic treatments on the live sound to ramp up the otherworldly vibe.

    photo by William A. Loeb

    But make no mistake. As heady and refined as this may sound, this is music for ass-shakers, first and foremost. And that was proved by the multitude that boogied down on the lawn at Opus 40 for all of The Meridian Brothers’ 90-minute plus set.

    Álvarez and his cohorts – María Valencia (wind instruments, percussion and keyboards), Mauricio Ramírez (drums), Alejandro Forero (keyboards) and César Quevedo (bass) – ran through a 12-song set of their neo-tropicalista classics from their 10-album discography. 

    The band commenced with its 2020 single, “Cumbia de la Fuente.”  Like many of the tunes, it’s anchored by a sub-harmonic bass riff and thump groove over which float cloud fronts of spacey keyboard effects and samples, triggered by Álvarez and Forero’s midi-keyboards.  This track winds down with arpeggiated bells samples that sound like a drunken ice cream truck.  Things moved more uptempo with the next number, “Bomba Atomica.”  This is an almost traditional salsa groove belied by the slightly dissonant harmonizer vocals.  Percussionist Valencia truly shined on this one, unleashing a heady dose of cowbell and delay-treated splash cymbals, something she would do all night with a bright smile delivered with each bash.

    photo by William A. Loeb

    Álvarez introduced the next number, “Salsa Caliente,” as a salsa boogaloo. This was Plan 9 from Outer Space meets Tito Puente, with some groovy, new wave-y keys and sax accents from Ms. Valencia.  The band’s 2022 album, Meridian Brothers & El Grupo Renacimiento, was the source for several of the best tunes performed including “Metamorfosis,” “Hipnosis” and “La Policia.”  The next song in the set, “La Policia, provided the space for an extended echo-y guitar solo from Álvarez.  The band initially closed their set with the high-energy dance jam instrumental, “Guaracha U.F.O.,” from their 2012 album, “Desesperanza.”  After a brief pause, they returned for an encore, their tropicalia take on the Dusty Springfield classic, “Son of a Preacherman.” 

    The Meridian Brothers’ wonderful show was the first concert of what promised to be a watermark one for Opus 40, which over the years has hosted many legendary performances, mostly notably the one by sax great Sonny Rollins chronicled in Robert Mugge’s documentary, Saxophone Colossus.  Read our remembrance of it here.

    Opus 40’s headlining events will include two nights with the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra led by 100-year-old Marshall Allen (July 5 and 6), London post-punk with Dry Cleaning (June 27), alternative R&B with Nick Hakim (May 29), reggae with Sundub & Upstate Reggae Posse (August 13), the Afro-Pop of Zimbabwe’s Mokoomba (August 2) and more. Opus 40 will also host Sunday afternoon shows highlighting homegrown Hudson Valley talent including Larry Locust, Biryani Boys, Blueberry, Mac $ Cheeze Balkan Trio and Spaghetti Eastern Music.

    photo by William A. Loeb

    “At Opus 40, I try to honor the musical legacy here with a curated selection of acts local and international, experimental and accessible, with a focus on spiritual jazz, ambient and singer-songwriters,” adds Mike Amari, Program Manager at Opus 40 and founder of local concert promoter, Chosen Family Presents. “Harvey Fite, who built Opus 40 by himself over 37 years, wanted his sculpture park to host events that uplifted the human spirit – just like his monumental earth art. So, this is why Opus 40 has committed so much effort and taken so much pride in bringing these incredible acts and many more community events to the site.” 

    “As for Meridian Brothers, I became obsessed with their brand of music via a compilation of ‘chicha’ music from Peru in the ‘60s/’70s called ‘Roots of ChiCha,’ continues Amari.  “A friend who knew I liked this music turned me on to Meridian Brothers.  They play some of the same ideas but chop them up and put them together in a Frankenstein-like, Krautrock-y way. It’s hypnotic, dissonant but somehow groovy and very danceable.  For these reasons, they were the perfect act to launch our new season.  It was the first night of their newest U.S. tour and they traveled for 24 hours to get here.  So, we commend them on giving us such an energetic performance.”

    Special props to the band’s sound engineer, Alejandro Araujo and the crew at Opus 40, for expertly balancing and EQing what could have easily descended into cacophony. This performance was more electric than the first I witnessed by the band at globalFEST 2023, an event co-programmed by another veteran Hudson Valley promoter, Isobel Soffer. 

    For a list at the Opus 40’s summer concert schedule, visit here.

    photos by William A. Loeb

  • NYC’s The FMs release sophomore double LP, PINK + BLACK

    NYC-based punk-rock band The FMs have released their sophomore double LP, PINK + BLACK on May 10. 

    Duo Matte Namer and Frankie Rex formed the NYC-based punk band The FMs in 2016. United by their shared transgender experience, the duo spent six years performing at underground shows and recording three LPs. The future of the band was shaken in 2022, with Frankie Rex passing away from a fentanyl overdose. After a two-year hiatus, the band has reformed and released this new double LP as a posthumous memorial to Rex. 

    PINK + BLACK is a rock odyssey propelled by punchy synth hooks and raw punk energy. The album seamlessly shifts between upbeat dance-punk tracks and Brian Eno-influenced synth passages. With instrumentation that is dreamy yet forceful, the FMs discuss issues of gender roles, and transphobia. 

    The album starts off with a bang with opener “Hit Yourself.” The track has a rhythmic, almost hypnotic industrial beat. The pulsating rhythms and sharp synths are reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails or early LCD Soundsystem. This instrumentation propels lyrics that tell a story of a sado-masochistic romance, with a repeated refrain rallying against the patriarchy. 

    The standout of the album was the single “Transformation Dreams,” a dreamy and anthemic song. “Transformation Dreams” combines layered synths and ethereal effects-laden guitars to create an atmosphere reminiscent of 1980s post-punk and dream pop. Fans of The Cure or Cocteau Twins are sure to enjoy this track. Its lyrics touch on the feelings of body dysmorphia and hope for the future, using its catchy instrumentation to back up these heavy topics. 

    The FMs have released double LP PINK + BLACK on May 10.

    The album has great range, with tracks that you can both dance and disassociate to. It impressively weaves together a mix of industrial dance, goth and ambient that is sure to keep listeners intrigued, all while tackling the important themes of identity and politically-motivated hatred. In all, this album is a testament to the FMs musical prowess that any fans of indie and punk should listen to. 

    In the wake of this album, The FMs have organized Frankie Fest, a memorial to the late Frankie Rex. The event took place May 11 on Coney Island, and featured performances from a host of NYC-based queer performers. The festival included the first performance by the FMs since the passing of Rex. All proceeds went to the Chosen Family Law Center, providing low-income transgender New Yorkers with free legal services. 

    For more information on The FMs and their release PINK + BLACK, click here.

  • In Focus: Origami Angel Electrifies Town Ballroom

    Emo-rock band Origami Angel took to the Town Ballroom stage on May 7. This set was the first of their stretch of opening for headliner Microwave, and their first return to Buffalo since April 2023. 

    Origami Angel took the stage following two 30-minute sets from Carpool Tunnel and Heart Attack Man. With the crowd already enlivened, Origami Angel took things to the next level. With Pat Doherty on drums and Ryland Heagy on guitar and vocals, their 45-minute set weaved through a few of their released and well-received albums, including Gen 3 (2019), Somewhere City (2019), GAMI GANG (2021), and The Brightest Days (2023). 

    They opened their set with the song “Fruit Wine”. The energy of the crowd illuminated as they sang along, despite the band only releasing the song the day prior. As their set went on, they played fan favorites including “Thank You, New Jersey”, “Ruby”, and “Self-Destruct”. With two band members, two instruments, and no other stage design or graphics, they kept the crowd engaged with their full sound, unique tempo changes and riffs.

    Though the venue discouraged crowdsurfing and moshing, Origami Angel’s performance was too enthralling for the crowd to do anything but. The band stopped in Toronto on May 9, and have begun the mid-west stretch of this tour.

  • In Focus: Pink Talking Fish & One Eyed Jack at The Wellmont Theater

    Jam band powerhouse Pink Talking Fish bring their variety filled show to the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, New Jersey on April 26. One Eyed Jack opened up the show with a funky set.

    The band brings together a really fun medley of different bands. They started off their set with a Talking Heads cover “Life During Wartime”. The first set was Talking Heads heavy including “This Must Be the Place” & “Cities,” but that could technically be considered a cover of a Phish cover given the tempo. The first set also featured a playful “McGrupp” and a booming “Have a Cigar.”

    Second set, what’s the band going to do? Play the whole instrumental part of “Reba”, yes! “Simple”? Yup! “Squirming Coil”!? Okay! The second set was Phish heavy with some Talking Heads covers like “Psycho Killer” and a memorable Floyd “Mother” cover. The band wrapped up the night with “La Grange”.

    Pink Talking Fish – The Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ – April 26, 2024

    Set 1: Life During Wartime, Cars Trucks Buses, Have a Cigar, Cities, Mcgrupp, Run Like Hell, This Must Be the Place

    Set 2: Once in a Lifetime, Reba, Mother, Psycho Killer, Simple, Astronomy Domine, What a Day That Was, The Squirming Coil, Nobody Home, La Grange

  • Punk Extravaganza With Social Distortion and Bad Religion At The Rooftop At Pier 17

    On May 8, The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City, with its breathtaking backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, witnessed an electrifying event as two iconic punk rock bands, Social Distortion and Bad Religion, took the stage as part of their co-headlining 2024 tour.

    Pier 17, perched five stories above the East River, has become renowned for its dynamic open-air atmosphere since its opening in 2018, making it the perfect setting for a night of raw, energetic music.

    What made this particular show even more special was the reunion of these two legendary bands, who first played together in 1980 and now, 43 years later, embarked on an epic nationwide tour. The journey to this momentous occasion was not without its challenges, as in June of 2023, Mike Ness of Social Distortion revealed his diagnosis of tonsil cancer, prompting the postponement of the tour. However, after undergoing surgery, Ness and the band were back on their feet, ready to deliver an unforgettable performance.

    Kicking off the evening was Lovecrimes, a band led by Julian Ness, son of Mike Ness, who inherited his father’s talent for delivering gritty, soulful vocals. With Trevor Lucca on guitar, Collin Schlesinger on bass, and Josh Roossin on drums, Lovecrimes set the stage on fire with their high-energy set, featuring tracks like “Sabotage,” “I’m Your Ghost,” and “Lovesick,” setting the perfect tone for the night ahead.

    As the anticipation reached its peak, Social Distortion took to the stage, led by the incomparable Mike Ness on vocals and guitar. Joined by Jonny Wickersham on guitar, Brent Harding on bass, David Kalish on keys, and David Hidalgo Jr. on drums, Social Distortion unleashed a barrage of hits, including “Bad Luck,” “Mommy’s Little Monster,” “Ball and Chain,” and their iconic rendition of “Ring of Fire.” The crowd was fully immersed in the raw energy and emotion that is quintessentially Social Distortion.

    Closing out the night was Bad Religion, with Greg Graffin commanding the stage with his powerful vocals, backed by Brian Baker and Mike Dimkich on guitars, Jay Bentley on bass, and Jamie Miller on drums. Their set was a relentless onslaught of punk anthems, featuring classics like “No Control,” “Recipe for Hate,” “Struck a Nerve,” and culminating in an explosive performance of “American Jesus.” The crowd erupted into a frenzy, with a massive mosh pit forming in the center and fans surfing the sea of excitement.

    As the final chords faded into the night, it was evident that Social Distortion and Bad Religion had delivered a show for the ages. For the fans who had waited 43 years for this moment, it was a night they would never forget—a celebration of punk rock’s enduring spirit and the power of music to unite and ignite the soul. And as the lights dimmed over the iconic skyline of New York City, the echoes of punk rock reverberated through the air, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to bear witness to this historic event at The Rooftop at Pier 17.

    Bad Religion Setlist: The Defense, No Control, Leave Mine To Me, Suffer, Anesthesia, Fuck You, Beyond Electric Dreams, Recipe For Hate, Drunk Sincerity, I Want to Conquer the World, 21st Century (Digital Boy), New Dark Ages, Struck a Nerve, Do What You Want, My Sanity, Lookin’ In, Generator, Sorrow, You, Fuck Armageddon…This Is Hell, Los Angeles is Burning, American Jesus

    Social D Setlist: Bad Luck, Through These Eyes, I Wasn’t Born to Follow, Tonight, Mommy’s Little Monster, The Creeps, Hour of Darkness, 1945, All Over You, Warn Me, Reach For the Sky, Ball and Chain, Born to Kill, Ring of Fire

    Lovecrimes Setlist: Sabotage, Halfway Heart, Stay With Me, All Alone, Lost in a Minute, I’m Your Ghost, Hold Me Back Again, Harbor Blvd, Lovesick