Ithaca-based indie pop-rock artist Rose Alaimo has announced the release of her latest single “Power Lines” underlining how we, as humans, are all inter-connected to one other like never before. This is the second single from her third full-length album, A Place To Go When You Need To Hide.
Akin to the likes of The Cranberries, with the indie sensibilities of Radiohead, Rose Alaimo is a veterinarian and vegetable farmer in her day-to-day life. Her new record exposes a whole other side of Alaimo as she finds her way through the darkness to exercise her willpower, freedom of choice, and self-empowerment. Rose Alaimo writes, sings, performs, programs, records, and co-produces her music. In 2019, she released her more acoustic debut album The Importance of Centers followed by the gritty and anthemicGrowin 2021.
The song ‘Power Lines’ is about the connections that exist between us, whether we are aware of them or not. One thing that was highlighted during COVID-19 was how unbelievably interconnected we are. How fast the virus spread across the world was astounding, and in the middle of everyone debating mask and vaccination mandates and people becoming increasingly stressed and angry and there being more and more division between everyone, a tree was blown over on my property, taking the power lines down in front of my house. I walked outside and, after the shock of seeing this healthy tree ripped up by the roots by a strong wind, I noticed the lines that were down.
Rose Alaimo.
“Power Lines” is a powerful and emotional track, featuring loud and booming electric guitar riffs, percussions that won’t quit, and Alaimo’s iconic voice. The single follows the more grounding lead track “Stars,” which is about finding an unexpected moment of stillness amid a crazy world.
“I saw how they were connected to my house, and how the main lines also connected to my neighbor’s house, and how those same lines connected every single house on the street. I never stopped to notice how physically connected all of these houses were by these power lines and how what happened to my house affected everyone else around me. It struck me as an interesting analogy to how we as humans are also all more connected to each other and to the world around us than we might initially assume,” she continued.
A Place To Go When You Need To Hide is out now and available via fine music platforms, including Bandcamp, Spotify andApple Music.
Discover the spunky world of Turning Point, an imaginative album by Alex Northrup, released on January 13.
Alex Northrup is a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in the wonderful and friendly Rochester. Instead of creating songs on the guitar or piano from start to finish as he usually did, Alex decided to go on a spontaneous recording journey for Turning Point by aimlessly recording tracks. “My usual process is to write the song start to finish either on guitar or piano, with a complete lyric/melody/chord change, then work out the arrangement. This time, I was creating songs out of bits and pieces of recorded tracks. The arrangements and productions were coming before the actual songs!” added Alex.
Alex Northrup
Turning Point was created over the span of three years, creating songs out of bits and pieces of recorded tracks. To Alex, it was important to experiment with different sounds and colors. However, he discovered about a dozen of these “songs” that were largely finished and appeared to belong together. He spent a lot of time perfecting those, and the result was the album.
It’s definitely the most diverse sounding project I’ve done, but there are enough threads that tie the whole thing together – some chord changes, an old Univox drum machine, and a Mellotron that was at our house for a couple months. These songs would never have existed without that process – they’re just not things I would have thought up on an acoustic guitar.
Alex Northrup
Turning Point features members of Big Nobody, Overhand Sam & Bad Weapon, Pleistocene, Ginger Faye Bakers. The release party for Turning Point will be held at Three Heads Brewing in Rochester on Saturday, January 13. Expect to see exciting special guests such as The Bat Sisters (Katie Morey & Cammy Enaharo) and light show by Rainbow Full of Sound (Brian Blatt & Pat Doyle).
Each Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up-and-coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Josh Morris, Mike Grosshandler, and Shannon Tehya.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Mike Grosshandler has been active in the Albany music scene since 1997. He is the singer/guitarist for the rock band The VeLMAs and has also performed with Above The Flood, The Hard Luck Souls, and Midnight Radio. About the single, Grosshandler says “About Time is a song about the struggle to find happiness and fulfillment in life. It’s a 90s-inspired alternative/grunge rock song with a dynamic range of sounds and emotions.”
Shannon Tehya-“Change”
Shannon Tehya writes her music from the heart, with each song acting like a portal from her soul to the worlds. With melodic and beautiful lyrics, her powerful prescence and deep compassion transcend into the hearts of others. Her new single “Change” is out now.
Hailing from NYC, Josh Morris has cultivated an identity all his own while taking inspiration from artists such as The 1975, Jeff Buckley, and Pearl Jam. Concealed underneath his playful lyrics are conversations we should all be engaging in. The music itself is consistently supported by thoughtfully executed production and laser-focused performances.
The five-piece rock band KILLCODE has released a new single ‘RIDE’ accompanied by an intense music video directed by David Swajeski.
KILLCODE is a band that plays aggressive, exciting live shows and are known for their pleasant blend of alternative and punk-rock. They are constantly refining their sound and making new waves in the rock music scene. The band has also supported other artists like Brett Scallions on the Re Fueled East Coast tour.
Formed by their vocalist/frontman Tom Morrisey, and guitarist Chas, the NYC-based rock band has enjoyed their ever-growing fan base both nationally and internationally. The band has continued to headline and sell out at prominent venues like Gramercy Theater and Bowery Ballroom.
The music video features a man haunted by the opportunities he lost, facing one shot of redemption as he looks back to the scenes of his happier times. Still, he must continue to spin the roulette wheel because quitting is never an option. The intense music video completes the imposing raw, and vibrant song that explores the wild fixation and attachment of life’s twists and turns in a city that never sleeps.
The new single is off KILLCODE’s latest album “Life, Death, Rock N’ Roll” produced by Joey Zampella (Life of Agony, Stereo Mud, Carnivore).
‘RIDE’ music video is available to stream on all major digital retailers. The band will also release another song on Jan. 20 called ‘Life, Death, Rock-N-Roll” produced by Joey Z.
Fresh for 2024, and fresh off the release of his first two singles, emerging Miami-based indie soul artist JOSCH (A.K.A. Josh Schwartz) showcases his musical palette with the funk and soul-filled track, “Fantasies Don’t Cry.”
Drawing from a wide pool of inspirations ranging from funk, R&B and electronic music to soul, pop and lyrically-based folk music, JOSCH spent 2022 touring with Zac Brown Band (on their “Out In The Middle” stadium tour) and currently tours with rock and roll legends Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew (on their “Remain In Light” tour) as well as disco funk band Cool Cool Cool, and of course indie funk band Turkuaz.
“The song “Fantasies Don’t Cry” combines bombastic horns by The Horn Section, funky 70’s clavinet from keyboardist Swatkins (Allen Stone, Scary Pockets), a driving back beat and Schwartz’s soulful vocals dripping with attitude. “Fantasies” is the frustrated confessions of a scorned lover who gets kicked to the curb without warning, replaced by someone else.
“The concept that one’s reality, the model of their universe they put together in their mind, can be shattered instantly by getting broken up with, that has always fascinated me. Whether it’s getting dumped, losing a friendship, getting fired from a job, we’ve all experienced some kind of event that makes us question our perception of others, of ourselves, even our own sanity. It makes you wonder if you can really trust your senses and your gut. My aim with “Fantasies” was to channel that heavy mass of emotions in a way that brings a bit of levity to the situation. I think having me sing the vocal melody in unison with myself but an octave higher lends some Scissor Sisters-esque sassiness and humor to what could other wise have been a pretty dark song.”
Josh Schwartz
The opening query, “Did I miss the meeting when you decided to dust me off the shelf?” moves quickly into the accusatory “your heart is fleeting, your mind will mirror someone else.” So begins the journey into the mind of the heartbroken and confused protagonist that waffles between deep hurt, bitter resentment, and a begrudging acceptance of the fact that “romance, to me, can die.”
While he recorded the song during the pandemic, Schwartz wrote “it “Fantasies” while in college, around 2007, for acoustic guitar. He says of the song: ““Fantasies” is one of the few songs I’ve written that’s stuck with me for years. When I showed it to [then-bandmate] Dave Brandwein, who was producing my album, he loved the soulful, R&B style choruses but hated the verses. On the demo, I played the song on acoustic guitar and swung the rhythm slightly, which Dave rightly pointed out sounded a bit cheesy, kind of 90’s pop rock. The verses just didn’t match the vibe of the chorus, or of the other songs for that matter. But I wasn’t ready to give up on the song.” So Brandwein and Schwartz put their heads together and realized that with a few tweaks to the chords, beat and instrumentation, they could transform the song into a 70’s-inspired funky strut. That’s what it would’ve remained were it not for the insistence on Schwartz’s part that they add horns.
“Dave suggested I shy away from adding a ton of horns, since our funk band at the time, Turkuaz, was horn-heavy and this album was my chance to show another side of me. While most of the other songs I recorded don’t have horns, I knew in my gut that this song needed a powerful horn arrangement to musically portray the depth of emotions the lyrics deal with.”
To make that happen, Schwartz tapped his longtime bandmate Chris Brouwers, who masterfully arranged the 6-piece horn arrangement heard on “Fantasies.” The horns you hear are courtesy of The Horn Section, which in addition to Brouwers on trumpet and Schwartz on baritone sax, includes Greg Sanderson on alto and tenor sax as well as Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated trombonist Quinn Carson. “I was worried it was going to be too much with six horns, but Chris’s arrangement beautifully dances around the guitar line and vocals and doesn’t get in the way. It was the final element the song needed to really pop.”
Mixing all the myriad elements of “Fantasies” was no easy feat, but mixing engineer Kyle VandeKerkhoff was more than up for the challenge, and mastering engineer Joe Bozzi made VandeKerkhoff’s mix shine. Rob O’Block, as with Schwartz’s first two singles, was heavily involved in the production of the song. His menacing, synthetic-sounding guitar playing evocative of The Black Keys soars in the instrumental sections, and he added other guitar and electric bass parts along with drum-replacing and other production elements that helped the song go from demo to done. Dave Brandwein, former leader of 9-piece funk band Turkuaz of which Schwartz was a part, produced “Fantasies.”
Brooklyn-based indie rock band kicked off 2024 with two great early garage-style singles ‘Fantasize’ and ‘Uno’ released on January 12.
Hipsy Gap is a five piece Brooklyn-based indie rock band. Their songs often combine all the catchiness of pop and also the energy of a rock band. The five of them come together from vastly different backgrounds and music inspirations and they draw from a wide range of artists like The Cranberries and Slowdive.
The band’s first single ‘Fantasize’ is a gloomy indie-rock track that features powerful vocals with perceptible synthesizers and strong guitar skills. The song demonstrates excellent teamwork and chemistry, which are crucial skills needed for a band.
The song borrows sounds from disparate genres, the song features ambient guitars with a reggae-inspired drumbeat and ethereal synthesizers that suggest a comatose dream state where memories flood with the vision at light speed.
In ‘Uno’ you can hear the Hipsy Gap leaning into their indie rock roots, creating a dreamlike track that pairs a slow pace with a soft, gleaming guitar. The band’s drummer describes the drum beat as “balls-to-the-wall” with an amped-up instrumental mood that mimics the song’s story of lust, death, and revenge.
I entirely agree with their appraisal as the final verse fully shows their intent, and it also contributes to the track’s upbeat and amped-up vibe. The song evokes some type of nostalgic feeling that will make the listeners question if they might have heard them before but can’t quite pinpoint where.
To cerebrate the release of the two songs, Hipsy Gap will headline their first set at an up-and-coming FirstLive BK on January 12 with support from Petruziello’s band Little Slicer and My Friends. Tickets can be purchased here.
Be sure to check out Hipsy Gap’s newest singles ‘‘Fantasize’ and ‘Uno’ and keep up with their social media @hipsygap.
Talented singer-songwriter and saxophonist, Gabi Rose, has treated us to “Therapy,” part of her project Enrose.
Enrose-“Therapy”
This catchy track effortlessly blends Indie Pop with Alt-Rock. What makes this song truly special? Gabi’s signature touch, a saxophone solo- this time as a lead hook, staying true to her classic style we know and love.
“Therapy” blends saxophone-infused goodness to encourage listeners to follow their dreams. Gabi and her song aim to encourage self-expression, even in the face of fear. Drawing inspiration from artists like Paramore, Alanis Morissette, and Olivia Rodrigo, Enrose’s music melds contemporary appeal with nostalgic elements and expressive New York musical artistry. “Therapy” was made dedicated to those who grasp life’s brevity and recognize that life is complicated but self-reflection is a large part of figuring it out.
Gabi Rose sings, “That’s it, I’m getting therapy / Cuz I am seeing things / Got No One Else to Blame / The Wheels are Turning the Wrong Way ,” setting the stage for the chorus: “Knot in my Soul / Out of Control / I’ve Done All That I Can Do For Me / I’m Getting Therapy”.
While therapy is more of a widely discussed topic nowadays, it still can be very challenging to take the leap. This vulnerable, yet uplifting hit describes to listeners the willingness to accept help in therapy, after making an effort to figure things out on your own.
Gabi has broken barriers with her viral performances and now with her own project, Enrose. Through Enrose, she plans to carve out her unique niche, challenge societal conventions, and empower women in the music scene.
Now streaming on all platforms, have a listen to “Therapy” from Enrose.
Acclaimed Brooklyn indie rock band Longwave has released a new music video for the track ‘Tidal Wave’ off of their latest breakthrough album The Strangest Things.
The new video was released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the album’s release and it was shot by Jason Oliva on tour in the UK and Europe from 2002 to 2003, and edited together by Bill Moldt.
The band will reissue their critically acclaimed album The Strangest Things on Jan. 26 and fans can preorder the limited-edition red vinyl now here including signed versions while supplies last.
The Strangest Things was the band’s second studio album after ‘Endsongs’ in 2000, and was produced by Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev, Weezer) at his studio in Fredonia, New York & released by RCA. The 12-track record features the band’s seminal singles like ‘Wake Me When It’s Over’, ‘Pool Song’, ‘Tidal Wave’, and more.
To mark the occasion, The band will return to NYC to headline at Bowery Ballroom the night after its release on January 27, 2024. They will play the new record in full. Tickets are on sale now at boweryballroom.com.
Also, their limited-edition vinyl release will include the 12 tracks; and can be purchased through the band’s website .
“It’s time you knew the real story of Gamehendge!”
These nine words from actress Annie Golden, playing Jimmy’s Grandma during Phish’s New Year’s Eve concert, released a swell of emotions from Phish fans gathered at Madison Square Garden, witnessing for the first time in nearly 30 years, the first full performance of “Gamehendge.”
Photo by Brian Ferguson
Written by guitarist Trey Anastasio as his senior thesis at Godard College, titled The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday, the rock opera tells the tale of retired colonel from Long Island who enters a mythical land where the lizards live under the rule of the evil king Wilson.
Gamehendge shirt c. 1999, via PhanArt
To the lay person, this is the plot to a children’s book, but to Phish fans, this is the holy grail of shows, only performed five times prior and not even this century, until December 31, 2023.
With a cast of Annie Golden (Grandma), Mitchell Sink (Jimmy), Jo Equality Lampert (The Wolf), Jeff Williams (Colonel Forbin), Daniel Gaymon (Rutherford) and Rebecca Magazine (Tela), the performance spanned a total of 17 songs, with costumed dancers, a flying mockingbird and slow-moving assassin sloth among them, over two sets, stretching past midnight into the first hour of 2024.
The full show remastered video of the entire performance was released on Tuesday. Watch below and relive Phish’s 83rd show at Madison Square Garden.
Set 1: Everything’s Right, Tube, Ether Edge > Reba, Taste, Ruby Waves, A Life Beyond The Dream, Character Zero
Set 2: Down with Disease, Harpua > The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday > The Lizards > Punch You in the Eye > AC/DC Bag > Tela > Llama > Wilson > The Sloth > Divided Sky
Set 3: McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters > Colonel Forbin’s Ascent > Fly Famous Mockingbird > Auld Lang Syne > Split Open and Melt, You Enjoy Myself > Loving Cup > Possum
Encore: Cavern > First Tube > Tweezer Reprise
Additionally – Phish quietly announced a new box set would be available for sale in March. The Spectrum ’97 will celebrate the December 2 and 3 shows during the famed “Phish Destroys America” Fall 1997 tour. More info to come.
Multi-faceted Upstate musician Lucas Garrett has announced the release of his evocative and groovy new single “Going Home.”
Lucas Garrett is a musician from Upstate New York, who has played professionally for over nine years. He has a unique style that blends progressive rock, folk, new wave, and indie, with an expansive discography. With the new track announcement, Garrett is also welcoming his newest band member, Collette, a multi-instrumentalist, and writing partner.
Some people don’t get do-overs with one another in life. This song celebrates the moments where this ends up being possible. Best friends coming back together after years apart and a lifetime of experiences later… how do they find each other again? Better? Worse? Who knows? But the ride and the journey is worth it.
Lucas Garrett
“Going Home” has a nostalgic and homey feel to it, incorporating melodic and groovy guitars and percussion that won’t quit. Tackling topics of camaraderie, and nostalgia, the video for “Going Home” incorporates select live performances of Garret and crew over the years. With unique arrangements and enticing lyricism, the track encompasses the feelings that going home, wherever that may be, has over you, and all the exciting and nerve-wracking emotions that come with it.
“Going Home” from Lucas Garrett is available to stream everywhere. For more information about Garrett, visit here.
