Dan Gerken, a staple of the Albany music scene, has debuted his most recent project from Jericho Sailors with the single “Silver Miner.”
Known for his work as the guitarist and singer for Timbre Coup, Gerken has moved on to a new position with Jericho Sailors, contributing his skills to bass, piano, guitars, and lyrics in addition to vocals. Jericho Sailors, accompanied by drummer Dave Berger, creates a sound that is both modern and symbolic of classic Western twang with rock and blues aspects.
With the release of their first single, “Silver Miner,” on March 29, Jericho Sailors are off to a promising start. Setting the tone for an amazing album full of equally captivating material, “Silver Miner” is a blend of blues and blues rock with Western influences.
In a recent statement, Dan Gerken said, “We have a whole album of material, and I want to build up a little then release what I consider to be some of my best writing.” This feeling is reflected in the lyrics of “Silver Miner,” where listeners are struck by themes of reflection and longing:
“Last couple miles on empty, I see the setting sun and it tempts me, return to the land of the plenty, Hold your own, know your soul, come and join the many.”
The distinctive “Dark Country” vibes and boogie shuffles of Jericho Sailors takes listeners to the heart of the American West and leaves them wanting more. For that reason, Jericho Sailors is well worth a listen.
The Means of Production is a Brooklyn-based collective of artists interested in an output of experimental jazz. The group released the single “Silver Pools” on April 11, and see the release of their debut LP in June.
The Means of Production is a meeting point for six of Brooklyn’s most fearless, young musicians with musical backgrounds as divergent as you’ll find in any modern outfit. They are comprised of Matt Gibbs, Ben Pirani, Tre D’Ambrocia, Rafferty Swink, Pat Carr and Jay Mumford. Each of these artists have their own diverse, unique, and mind-expanding talents.
Rafferty Swink was entrusted with the job of arranging these group improvised, spontaneous compositions. The result is a potent, genre-defying kaleidoscope of electric jazz, psych, and soul. The Means Of Production can be described as nothing less than the raw and adventurous sound of the current.
“Silver Pools” by The Means of Production kind of slapped me in the face in the best way possible. The opening little diddly and soft drum kit fiddling followed by the burst of jazzy life took me for a ride. That old style organ, xylophone backing, indie-sounding guitar, smooth bass, and all the other intricate instruments combined to form some real soulful jazz.
There are elements of several artists and eras here. It is clear off the bat that this is heavily influenced by 30s-40s jazz. Not only that but 60s-early 70s rock, blues, and even some modern indie twists are heard here. The Means of Production are certainly performing in the spirit of free-form music and creative lightning.
Ben Pirani
“Silver Pools” was released as a single, and also as the second track on the band’s upcoming self-titled LP. The LP titled The Means of Production is set to release June 14.
The Means of Production Track Listing
1. Welcome 2. Silver Pools 3. Provence Avanti 4. In A Silent Jay 5. Sertraline 6. Positively 5th Street 7. Sun, Moon, Wind, Earth 8. (Di)stance 9. Beware Of The Midnight Special 10. Blank 11. The Lone Square 12. Well…
Rafferty Swink
To hear the bands recently released single, “Silver Pools” and to stay up to date on future releases, click here.
Kingston-based rock band Hide and Shine announced the release of their debut single, “Detroit Rising” along with their upcoming debut album Soft Machines. The single is out now on all streaming services with the debut album releasing on June 7.
Hide and Shine call themselves the stewards of this kind of music, tasked with translating the images and commands of the unconscious world, into the sounds and words of this world. The sounds reflect a range of themes, across seven decades of American and British music. Their lyrics often hint at esoteric themes.
The band recorded and produced their debut album and had the great privilege of mixing it with Steve Albini. The next batch of 14 songs is already being recorded, prior to the debut being released. There is much work ahead.
The track begins with an energy and has tones reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age. “Detroit Rising” has a consistent, punching drumbeat, dynamic riffs throughout, and a very catchy and fun set of lyrics. The track is a promising debut from an all-new rock group. There is definite influence from classic rock and also alternative, indie, and hard rock. There are elements of southern rock twang, alternative overdrive tones, and other little nuances of various genres. The track is quite catchy and brings me excitement to see what else Hide and Shine can produce.
For more information on Hide and Shine and to stay in tune with future releases like their upcoming debut album Soft Machines, click here.
Long Island-based grunge band The Suicide Disease announced the release of their latest single, “Descent,” released on April 12.
The track is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to hold on to. The Suicide Disease continue to be a beacon of hope for those navigating through their own personal battles. The theme is accompanied by gritty instrumentation and haunting melodies showcasing their signature sound.
The Suicide Disease saw success in their previously released tracks “Flood” and “War.” The band hopes to see even greater success with the release of “Descent.” With its raw energy and emotive lyrics, the anthem of resilience and perseverance speaks to life’s struggles and the importance of pushing forward in the face of adversity. This major theme is common in the band’s writing and performance.
The group showcases their pop-grunge sound, which is carried by their emotional vocals, punching drumbeats, and rugged, chuggy riffs. Hailing from Mastic, Long Island, The Suicide Disease utilizes their locale of depressive-beach as an outlet for creativity and sees nodes of bands like The Cure, Chevelle, and Fallout Boy. They simultaneously inhabit the spirit of bands like My Chemical Romance and Three Days Grace with the loud, in-your-face emo sound. “Descent” stays true with these sounds and inspirations and holds something inspiring yet dark in their writing.
“Descent is the dark path we take when we are constantly thinking about the macabre. Wanting someone back from the dead and not moving forward with your life because of it. It’s as bad as trying to dig up a body, you’re just digging up the past. And the message here is that death is final – so loved ones would tell you to live on.”
Jay Francis – Lead Vocals
Stream “Descent” by The Suicide Disease on all platforms here. Be sure to stay up to date on the band by checking out their socials. Click here to listen to their other music via Spotify.
NYC-based rock band The Felice Brothers have released a new single “Crime Scene Queen,” and announced their US and European headlining tour that will kick off at Bowery Ballroom on July 11.
With the tour announcement, The Felice Brothers have also announced they have signed to Conor Oberst’s new record label, Million Stars, and will release their new album, Valley of Abandoned Songs,on June 27. The 13-song collection consists of recordings primarily from sessions for the band’s 2019 album, Undress, as well as their most recent release, 2023’s Asylum On The Hill, both of which were captured live in an 1870s church with the band’s current lineup of Ian Felice on guitar and vocals, James Felice on piano and vocals , Jeske Hume on bass, and Will Lawrence drums.
When describing their new single “Crime Scene Queen,” the bands’ guitarist Ian Felice explains, “The one lyric I had when I started to write this song was ‘through the palms of pleasure island, an ominous wind began to blow.’ The rest of the story was built around that image. Humphrey Bogart’s character in The Big Sleep might also have played some role. It was recorded on the final day of our sessions for Asylum On The Hill.
“A few years ago, I started revisiting old demos that had never seen the light of day and recordings that hadn’t found a home on previous albums, and I started thinking of them as the Valley of Abandoned Songs,” explains Ian Felice. “At a certain point, I realized that I had a particular group of tunes that worked really well as an album, and so I shared it with Conor, along with my idea to post it online, but he immediately texted back that he loved it so much he wanted to start a new record label just to put it out.”
After signing the band to his new label, Conor Oberst shared, “I first encountered the Felice Brothers in 2007 after being given some of their music by a friend. I liked it a lot, but there was something I couldn’t put my finger on—singular and mysterious. An iconoclastic version of what some lazy people call “Americana”. I subsequently met them and played shows together. They became some of my best friends, family, really. I put out two of their records on the label I co-owned at the time, called Team Love.
Connor added, “then we started to perform together with them as my backing band and made a record of mine called Salutations. Needless to say, I love this band, and when I asked that horrible question, ‘Who is your favorite band?’ I always answer ‘The Felice Brothers.’ So when Ian sent me this new collection of songs and told me they just planned to put it up on the internet, I kind of flipped out, because they were so goddamn good. And then I did something I swore I would never do again: I started a new record label. This is my third. It is called Million Stars, and I am so proud to say the new Felice Brothers album is our first release. I can’t quit them. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.”
Valley of Abandoned Songs follows the bands’ surprise releaseAsylum On The Hill, which was released exclusively on Bandcamp in December, and their 2021 album From Dreams To Dust which was praised by many.
With the release of the new single, “Crime Scene Queen“, The Felice Brothers will release their new album Abandoned Songs on June 27 before they headline their US and European tour set to kick off this summer and the band perform in New York at Bowery Ballroom on July 11. For tickets and more information about the band fans can visit here.
The Felice Brothers Tour Dates
7/11 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
7/12 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live
7/13 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
7/14 – Portland, ME – Space
726-28 – Nelsonville, OH – Nelsonville Music Festival
7/27 – Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen
10/29 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club
10/30 – Manchester, UK – Band on the Wall
11/01 – Sligo, Ireland – Sligo Live
11/02 – Dublin, Ireland – Button Factory
11/04 – Glasgow, UK – St Luke’s
11/05 – Birmingham, UK – Hare & Hounds
11/06 – Cardiff, UK – The Globe
11/07 – London, UK – Electric Ballroom
11/09 – Bristol, UK – Strange Brew
11/10 – Brighton, UK – Chalk
11/12 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso Noord
11/13 – Cologne, Germany – Luxor
11/15 – Berlin, Germany – Kulturhaus Peter Edel
11/16 – Weissenhäuser Strand, Germany – Rolling Stone Beach
Buffalo jam stalwarts Organ Fairchild have released the first track off their upcoming album, Songs We Didn’t Write, featuring creative re-arrangements of some favorite music by other artists.
The first single is a breezy instrumental romp through Bob Marley’s “Them Belly Full,” and was released on April 5. The full album will be out on June 7, on 180-gram vinyl, CD and digital formats.
Recorded, mixed and co-produced by Justin Guip (Hot Tuna, Levon Helm) and mastered by Alan Evans (Soulive) – the pair behind Leisure Suit – Songs We Didn’t Write includes instrumental reworkings by Organ Fairchild of Grateful Dead’s “Lost Sailor,” Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” with very special guest Jorma Kaukonen, a Harry Styles song, and many more.
It was actually my son who suggested a full album of cover songs! Why not? We love rearranging material in our organ trio format, and our shows always include some choice covers – we had a ball making this!
Organ Fairchild guitarist Dave Ruch
Songs We Didn’t Write will be released on June 7, with album preorders shipping on May 31. Pre-Order here
Songs We Didn’t Write Tracklist Them Belly Full (Bob Marley) Lost Sailor (Grateful Dead) Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) Canyon Moon (Harry Styles!) Hard to Handle feat. Jorma Kaukonen (Otis Redding) Eleanor Rigby (The Beatles) Lazy River Road (Grateful Dead) I Wish feat. The Brass Machine (Stevie Wonder) Redemption Song (Bob Marley)
NYC-based R&B singer/songwriter Brendan James has released a brand new single titled “Feel Alive,” from his upcoming album Focus.
Brendan James is an alternative pop, soul, and R&B fusion singer and producer. James and his producer Stroobz Beats recently released their latest single “Feel Alive” from the upcoming album Focus. The track marks the artist’s fourth studio single.
Brendan’s self-proclaimed identity as an “old soul” is epitomized by both his musical inspirations and his own body of work. From Earth, Wind, and Fire to Usher and Luciano Pavarotti, Brendan’s musical inclinations are brimming with generations of spirit and souls.
Brendan James’ single “Feel Alive” has strong emotion tied in each note. It has elements of pop-R&B, alternative, and even gospel. One can argue there is something of an emo undertone here. The track’s layered vocals, powerful intonations, and flowing melody provide a real treat for the soul.
James’ style is in every sense, dynamic. The track has multiple changes in melody and vocal style. The soundscape this track occupies is unique, yet reminiscent of those who came before him. Brendan James’ music speaks to a variety of people from hip hop and R&B enjoyers to pop and alt enjoyers as well. Simply put, this track starts strong and ends stronger.
Make sure to stay up to date on the release of Brendan James’ upcoming album, Focus. For more information on the artist, visit his Spotify here.
Funk/rock-fusion trio Pocket Bandits have announced the release of their debut single, “The Pocket Bandit,” on April 5. The trio hails from Ithaca and hopes to dazzle listeners with their upcoming track.
The debut single is set to put Pocket Bandits out there once and for all. The single is a bold opening volley from a band of experienced musicians with big ambitions for their new collaboration. The trio is comprised of Joe Massa, Samuel B. Lupowitz, and Simon Bjarning. Joe and Samuel have played together for a decade.
The group practices a fusion of sounds from funk, progressive rock, and jam-blues. The music sees a funky guitar-organ combo that keeps the listener entranced. The trio can be described as a fun, funky fusion of R&B grooves, jazz improvisation, rock intensity, and catchy-yet-unpredictable songwriting.
The single is to be marked with a record release at The Downstairs in Ithaca on Saturday, April 6. Pocket Bandits plays two sets of original material, and a third set backing up Marlyand-based post-rock singer-songwriter Mark Hennessey.
The group aims not merely to show off, but to fill the dance floor with their engaging original compositions, as well as the occasional crowd-pleaser by artists from The Beatles to Billie Eilish. Their debut single showcases the groups experience, talent, and ability to make groove ensue.
To stay up to date on Pocket Bandits’ upcoming releases and to find out more about the trio, click here. Make sure to check out their upcoming shows as well.
The fourth annual HillTap Festival, filled with a full day of outdoor activities and live music from three bands on two stages, will return to Ellicottville, NY on July 27.
The HillTap Festival will start with a chairlift ride up to Spruce Lake with live music, adventure activities, craft food and beverages. The festival will then head back down the mountain for two additional bands to wrap up the full day of activities. “HillTap is truly a one-of-a-kind event. The opportunity to host an event at the top of the mountain is truly unique. There is no better venue to merge great music, adventure, and craft beverages,” said 42 North Brewery Founder, John Cimperman. Niki Klein, Director of Resort Services at Holiday Valley adds, “It’s great to partner with 42 North on this event. Their adventurous spirit fits our DNA. We encourage attendees to spend the morning hiking and biking the trails and then spend the afternoon up at Spruce Lake”.
The festival lineup includes Buffalo-based Grateful Dead tribute band Workingman’s Dead, a southern soul band from Buffalo – Miller and the Other Sinners, and the old-time influenced folk-rock band Smilo and The Ghost. Miller and The Other Sinners have played over 700 gigs, ranging from house parties to festivals, across 21 states and Canada since August 2015. The band puts on an incredible performance that is full of catchy grooves, amazing musicianship, and well-written, emotionally charged songs.
Since their formation in 2016, Smilo and the Ghost have been entertaining audiences in the Northeast with their hard-driving, folk-rock with an old-time feel. The Erie Reader named their debut album, Ghost Writers, one of the “Top Three Albums of 2018.” Since then, Smilo and the Ghost have served as the opening act for national touring artists such as 10,000 Maniacs and Grammy-winning country duet Dan and Shay.
The vendor line-up at HillTap includes SUP Erie Adventures, Mud, Sweat & Gears, Tom’s Pro Bikes, Holiday Valley E-Bikes, 716 Fly Fishing, and Hatchet & Hops. Each of the vendors will be offering product exhibitions and demonstrations so attendees are encouraged to bring their adventure gear to take part in the adventure. Additionally, regional food trucks will be on-site during the festival.
Early bird tickets are now on sale for $35 and include free parking, a lift ticket up to Spruce Lake, and a full-day of music and adventure sports demo’s and clinics. A twilight ticket will also be offered that provides admission to the base of the mountain for the final two musical performances. The event runs from 12 noon until 9 pm. For tickets and more information on HillTap, fans can visit here.
Electric Forest Music Festival announced an additional 40+ artists to their 2024 lineup coming to Rothbury, Michigan. Taking place June 20-23, Electric Forest maintains its reputation of being one of the most immersive and and interactive festivals in the world. It’s fostered atmosphere of connection and discovery are why it sells out so fast.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
This renowned festival blessed their attendees even further by making their 2024 lineup even more stacked. Some of the new additions include melodic bass maestro Seven Lions, experimental bass expert G Jones, and hard techno priestess Sara Landry. They also brought on the Grammy-nominated band Hiatus Kaiyote and post-punk connoisseurs Emo Nite.
Electric Forest maintains their priorities of keeping a mixture of genres performing across their fields. They invited Nashville’s Brandi Cyrus and Chicago’s rising trio Levity. Plus, tech house sensations ODD MOB & OMNOM are presenting HYPERBEAM. Deep bass lovers will be pleased to know that the multi-instrumentalist Boogie T got added to the line-up. His blend of dubstep and funk is like no other in the scene right now.
Boogie T, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
These new additions are joining an already stacked roster of headliners making this festival a can’t miss in 2024. Some of which include, the dubstep king himself Excision, Forest favorite Pretty Lights, and the most skilled producer in the game, Subtronics.
Subtronics, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Collaborative sets are taking forest by a storm this year. Look out for EVERYTHING ALWAYS (Dom Dolla & John Summit), LSZEE (Close & LSDREAM) and Gigantic NGHTMRE (Big Gigantic & NGHTMRE). Jam band lovers are always in for a treat at Forest with of course two performances from The String Cheese Incident. Plus sets from The Disco Biscuits and Umphrey’s McGee will be must sees this year.
The Disco Biscuits, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Electric Forest has remained committed to constant re-imagination of what the festival experience can be and they do this flawlessly. They listen to their fans and make a blended lineup full of so many talented artists across an array of genres. However, they go beyond this through their production, programming, and curation of dedicated festival communities. For more information on all the magic Electric Forest 2024 holds visit here.
