NYS Music 2024

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • Meet Kale, New Paltz’s Latest Jam Band Export

    Hailing from the city of New Paltz, indie trio Kale is the latest outfit to make its way into the scene.

    kale new paltz
    Kale • Jack Salzman – bass/vocals • Sam Kirschner – drums • Brendan Bartow – keys/vocals

    For the last two years, Kale has been cementing themselves as a live band fans will never forget. With a unique combination of indie rock, pop, and electronica, the trio has dedicated themselves to the music that brought them all together in the first place.

    Kale’s musical influences come from an array of bands – their love of improvisational live music came from growing up listening to the Grateful Dead and Phish. Jazz artists such as Dexter Gordon and Dave Brubeck, while the songwriting and danceable electronic/indie vibe stems from bands such as MGMT, Empire of the Sun, M83, Bombay Bicycle Club, and the Killers, are all highly influential on the band’s musical style.

    Kale is made up of three incredibly close friends; Jack Salzman (bass/vocals), Brendan Bartow (keys/vocals), and Sam Kirschner (drums). The trio formed amidst the plethora of outfits that emerged from the college town, which was the perfect atmosphere to cement their electrifying and fun-loving performance style. They released their first studio single, “Everybody’s Falling,” in October 2023, followed by “Pave the Way” in May 2024, and were met with almost immediate praise from fans who have been waiting since their 2022 live debut.

    Kale’s music is meant to emulate exactly that of their environment: the feeling of a fun and exciting night out with friends in a tangible, musical form. With their focus on the performance aspect, combined with their stellar musicianship and creative influences, it’s no surprise that Kale became a regular topic of conversation within the college student community.

    Within the last two years of Kale’s emergence, their live shows have garnered a reputation as a nonstop thrill. Their inspiration from electronica music is very much alive and displayed in their shows, demonstrated through strobe lights, elaborate visuals, and contagious energy sure to make any crowd dance. Kale is no stranger to diversity within their music, either, keeping crowds entertained with Bartow and Salzman’s characteristically indie-style vocals.

    Kale performing at the Toyota Music Den Stage at Mt. Snow in Dover, VT

    In the early days of the band, Kale wasted no time in putting themselves out there and taking over the stage. The band has opened for notable indie acts such as The Disco Biscuits, Eggy, the Q-tip Bandits, and Twiddle, and even dipped their toes onto festival stages like the Catskill Mountain Jubilee, Summer Jam, and Circus of Life.

    While the band is working on their debut album, it is clear that Kale’s party days in New Paltz are far from over. Kale has no plans on stopping their fantastic tour de force, with a new single, “The Beautiful Game,” coming on August 30 and a debut EP coming on November 1, featuring eight original studio tracks. In the meantime, the trio is supporting Dopapod at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, for their final tour on September 13. Tickets are available here.

    To check out Kale’s music, visit this link. Stay tuned for more updates, because when Kale is in town, the party never stops.

  • Boy Jr. to Release New single “Still Be Friends”

    Rochester-based alt-pop artist Boy Jr. will release a new single titled “Still Be Friends” on August 7th. This single comes in the leadup to Boy Jr.’s third LP I Love Getting Dumped releasing in late 2024. 

    Boy Jr.

    Boy Jr. is the musical project of Ariel Allen-Lubman from Rochester. Lubman has used their professional musical training to make a versatile, genre-crossing brand of DIY pop. Through a mix of bedroom pop, indie, and hyperpop, Boy Jr. creates a sound that is equally experimental and catchy. 

    Boy Jr. emerged onto the music scene with their 2020 debut Starter Pack. Lo-Fi rock tracks like “Just Wanna Go To Bed” drive the album. On these tracks, Boy Jr. took Strokes-esque indie rock and infused it with youthful oddball energy. The album also features Allen-Lubman’s takes on some classic tracks. Standout covers include a distorted electronic version of Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and a downtempo minimalist take on the Strokes’ “Last Nite.” 

    Their second album Pay Attention to Mee marked a drastic change in sound. On this record, Boy Jr. leaned more heavily into pop and electronic elements. Bubbly synths and a groovy bass line propel standout track “Meet Me In The Middle.” Despite these new pop flourishes, the record still retains some of the distorted edge of Boy Jr.’s debut. As their first two records show, Boy Jr. defies genre, and makes music that could only be defined as … well Boy Jr.  

    Just prior to their new release, Boy Jr. released their album’s lead single “Bullying Myself.” The track continues Boy Jr’s trend of musical experimentation, blending a funky bassline with hyperpop synths throughout. These elements help back up Allen-Lubman’s vocals discussing being too hard on yourself. They sing on the pre chorus “I’ve been bullying myself. Think I need a little help. I’ve become my own worst enemy.”

    “This is a song to listen to when you are fed up with how mean you’ve been treating yourself. I find myself repeating a lot of the same unkind thoughts when I’m going through something, but if anyone ever said these things to me or a friend, I’d be pissed! So instead of letting it rot on the inside, I’m airing it out and releasing it outside.”

    – Boy Jr.

    Instrumental flourishes build on these lyrics making the track a true alt-pop anthem. Whether it’s the group vocals during the chorus, or distorted staccato guitar solo immediately after, each new element aids in the song’s atmosphere. With other artists, the disparate musical elements might sound out of place, but for Boy Jr., they feel surprisingly natural. One standout part of the track is the electronic breakdown towards the end, with the track growing more and more distorted. This pop experimentation recalls some of the greatest albums of the decade, like Charli XCX’s How I’m Feeling Now. 

    Boy Jr.

    Boy Jr. has returned following the June 26th release of “Bullying Myself,” with their second single, titled “Still Be Friends.” This track is much more toned down than its predecessor, building off a repeated electronic loop. This loop, while relaxed, is still engaging, with snappy percussion and a groovy electronic bassline driving the track forward. Boy Jr. continues their lyrical explorations on this track, discussing the aftermath of a relationship. 

    Unlike many songs discussing the topic, Boy Jr. acknowledges that they were the bad guy in the situation. They sing “I crushed all your trust, pulverized your hopes into dust, but I hope we can still be friends.” The track grows increasingly satirical, with the narrator’s wrongdoings getting more and more severe. The reasons for the breakup turn into crashing a car into an ex’s house and stealing their money, making the plea to be friends more ridiculous. In all this track is really catchy, and uses its satirical lyrics to strip down the complicated topic of breaking up with someone.

    These tracks come in the leadup to Boy Jr.’s new album I Love Getting Dumped, which will release in late 2024. For more information on Boy Jr. and their releases, visit their Bandcamp here. 

  • So Good! Music Series at So Good Ice Cream in Homer

    This summer, The Homer Center for the Arts on 72 S, Main Street, in Homer is teaming up with So Good! Ice Cream to present a diverse line-up of music for the late summer.

    With incredible ice cream, homemade cotton candy, unique sundaes, killer sunsets, and home of the So Good Music Series, each summer the ice cream site hosts the series. Plus, So Good! features “Adult Only” specialty ice cream for those 21+, with shows beginning at 7:00 pm.

    On August 8th Colleen Kattau and Kyle Michio will be taking the stage, showcasing their talents and enhancing each other’s performance. Colleen Kattau is an award-winning blingual singer-songwriter, known for her blend of folk and latin music, her soulful voice brings the lyrics to life. As a beloved figure in the folk world, Kattau connects with the audience through her composition full of nature, social movements, and Latin American nueva canción.

    Micho is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Syracuse with a large span of genres from folk, jazz, to classical music. His blend of sounds are both innovative and contains traditional music.

    On August 22nd, Second Spring and Mr G’s Homie Discount will be performing. Second Spring is a local Ithaca indie rock band that brings contemporary music to life. The band currently consists of members Isabella Gold, Erin Wagner, Isaiah Berger, Carys Banford and Aron Kaplan-Hall. With energetic an heartfelt performances, Second Spring has a loyal following.

    Mr G’s Homie Discount blends funk, soul, and hip-hop. With a groovy and magnetic stage presence, the band has an infectious energy, making the crowd dance.

    The full lineup at So Good! Ice Cream

    August 4 – Steve Daniels Band

    August 11 – Cherry Holler

    August 18 – Colleen Kattau & Dos XX

    August 25 – Jon Rogalia

    September 1 – Harmonic Dirt

    September 8 – Tim Burns

    September 15 – Rick Starmer

    September 22 – The Cousins

    September 29 – Jessica Novak

  • Lunar Vacation Brings Their Spacey Sound to Brooklyn Steel

    The Band

    Lunar Vacation is the musical embodiment of a summer daydream. Hailing from Georgia, this indie rock quintet is made up of five lifelong friends. Their debut album, Inside Every Fig Is a Dead Wasp, was a gentle introduction to their hazy, feel-good vibe. But now, with their upcoming sophomore album Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire, they’re ready to turn up the volume and the feels.

    The Show

    When Lunar Vacation hit the stage at Brooklyn Steel on August 1, they weren’t just there to warm up the crowd—they were there to make sure everyone was floating on cloud nine before Vacations started their set. Starting with “Set the Stage,” they did just that. The track was like the musical equivalent of opening a window on a perfect summer day, inviting everyone to lean in and soak up the goodness.

    As they transitioned into “Cutting Corners,” you could feel the energy in the room amp up. The sharp guitar riffs sliced through the Brooklyn air, locking the band into a groove that had the crowd swaying and grinning. “Unlucky” blended sadness and hope, captivating the audience with its lyrical contrast.

    By the time they hit the final notes of “Tom,” the crowd was fully under their spell. The song ended the set with a burst of energy, leaving everyone feeling like they’d shared something truly special.

    Lunar Vacation, with sunny tunes and deep lyrics, navigated the stage with confidence. And with Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire on the horizon, it’s clear this band is only just beginning to light up the indie music scene.

    Setlist: Set the Stage, Cutting Corners, Unlucky, Monterey, Tom

  • Two Door Cinema Club Brings Nostalgia Back to Western NY

    Northern Ireland’s alternative icons Two Door Cinema Club made a stop at Lewiston’s Artpark on July 29 for their North America tour. This band has provided the anthem for teenage youth throughout the years making their fanbase span from an array of ages. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The indie band Flipturn opened up the night in Artpark with their cinematic sound. This Floridian group are no strangers to the alternative scene. Their slow burn of a rise in stardom is definitely one to watch out for. Their signature guitar riffs and airy vocals pave way for introspective nights. This is especially so with their performance of their hit single, “August.” Flipturn got to play a new song they’ve been working on called, “Juno,” that so many people loved.   

    Flipturn, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The trio that makes up Two Door Cinema Club is Alex Trimble (singer/guitarist/programmer), Sam Halliday (guitarist/singer), and Kevin Baird (bassist/singer). The group met in school and chose to skip university in order to put full focus into their band. Luckily, that worked out for them. They released an EP in 2009 and numerous singles, but nothing gained huge traction until their debut album Tourist History came out in 2010. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    Their album had such a grip on the youth that they were charting numerous Billboard records and being used in soundtracks for films. The way Two Door Cinema Club is able to make the present moment feel nostalgic through their sound is why so many people love them. It’s also why so many people drove out to get a glimpse of their talent on a random Monday night in July. 

    In summertime feels fashion, Two Door Cinema Club opened with their song, “This Is The Life” off the very renowned album that got them so much traction. They are no strangers to the Buffalo area and their welcome back was legendary. They brought life into the crowd with their humor and electropop sound. Their music so punchy and full of energy it makes just about anyone want to groove to it. 

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    The band played an array of their discography making longtime fans so fulfilled. Songs off of their sophomore album Beacon were performed including, “Next Year” and “Sun.” They took the audience through the years of the 2010s not shying away from any of their bold musical decisions. Of course though they had to finish with the track that everyone knows from Two Door Cinema Club, “What You Know.”

    Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty

    This July night in Lewiston was one that took everyone down memory lane and had people in their feels. Artpark is the perfect venue for getting that beautiful sunset show and if you haven’t been then you’re missing out. Upcoming shows at Artpark include, Backroads Blue Festival on August 10 and Stray Cats on August 13. Get your tickets here. 

    Setlist: This Is the Life, I Can Talk, Sleep Alone, Sure Enough, Changing of the Seasons, Next Year, Do You Want It All?, Something Good Can Work, Costume Party, Bad Decisions, Everybody’s Cool, Come Back Home, Handshake, Lucky, Lavender, Are We Ready? (Wreck), The World Is Watching, Eat That Up, It’s Good for You, Undercover Martyn, Cigarettes in the Theatre, Messenger AD (Intro), Sun, What You Know

  • Buffalo Musicians and Charities Team Up For Music Matters Series

    Harbor Walk, Liberty Hound, and Jeff Miers Music are teaming up to present the Thursday Night Summer Concert Series “Music Matters.” The series takes place on the New Harbor Walk Facility at the Erie Basin Marina in Buffalo. Concerts take place on Thursdays at 7 pm, so don’t miss the last few weeks of eclectic performers.

    music matters

    Now in its final weeks, the Music Matters concert series features a wide variety of regional artists and organizations for attendees to enjoy. Local businesses set up their booths all over the boardwalk, offering special creations just for the event. Private special events on the boardwalk are held after each concert for fans who wish the night would never end.

    “I’m excited to be teaming with my friend Jason Davidson and the Liberty Hound to present this summer concert series at the new Harbor Walk venue,’” says Music Matters Series co-producer Jeff Miers. “There’s a long history of live music on Thursday nights in the Canalside region, and it feels great to be able to assemble this lineup of incredible Buffalo talent to continue that tradition at one of our city’s most breathtakingly beautiful sites.”

    Music Matters brings an incredibly diverse and talented batch of musicians to Harbor Walk every year. This year, a lineup of rock, country, and funk artists take the stage. In its home stretch, bands like Critt (joined by special guest Blaised and Confused), Funktional Flow, and The Strictly Hip, along with a special announcement for the show on August 8, are ready to turn up the funk for Buffalo crowds.

    Don’t miss the last few performances of Music Matters, every Thursday starting at 7 pm. More information is available here.

  • Jeff Tweedy Announces Four New York Fall Tour Dates

    Alt-country superstar Jeff Tweedy has announced a cross-country Autumn tour with for New York dates. Beginning on September 8th, the tour will stop in Woodstock and Buffalo before making its way westward. 

    Tweedy

    Jeff Tweedy has distinguished himself as an icon of the alt-country genre. His musical career began in high school, performing alongside friends. This band soon evolved into Tweedy’s first big project, Uncle Tupelo. During their 7 years of existence, Uncle Tupelo emerged as standouts of alt-country. Their 1990 record No Depression has been labeled one of the best albums of the genre, and the 1990s as a whole. 

    By 1994, Uncle Tupelo had disbanded, leaving Tweedy to start his next musical project. This band – made of leftover Uncle Tupelo members – named themselves Wilco. Their first two records A.M. and Being There continued to build on Uncle Tupelo’s country stylings. By their third album, 1999’s Summerteeth, the band began to incorporate elements from Psychedelic pop and alternative rock, creating their iconic sound. Many consider the peak of their career as 2001’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which paired their genre-bending experimentations with unforgettable pop hooks. The album is often quoted as not only one of the best indie albums of all time, but one of the greatest albums ever. 

    Jeff Tweedy has been busy with his work throughout 2024 – both as the frontman of Wilco and a solo artist. In terms of Wilco, the band released their 13th studio album Cousin, with its accompanying Hot Sun Cool Shroud EP. June saw the band take to the live stage at the Solid Sound Festival in North Adams, Massachusetts. In addition to this performance, they have made waves through their live recording of Lana Del Rey’s “Margaret” alongside Bleachers.

    On top of this musical work, Tweedy has pursued writing. 2024 saw the release of his third book WORLD WITHIN A SONG: Music That Changed My Life and Life That Changed My Music. The book recounts fifty songs that changed Tweedy’s life and the memories associated with each of them. Upon its release, the book quickly became a New York Times Bestseller. 

    To kick off Autumn, Tweedy is launching a cross country tour, beginning on Sunday, September 8th. The tour will start in Tweedy’s home of Chicago, with performances at the Evanston Folk Festival and Chicago Live! Following these two performances, Tweedy will continue on to New York, where he has four scheduled shows. 

    World Within a Song by Jeff Tweedy

    The New York Leg of the tour will begin with a three-night residency at Woodstock’s Bearsville Theater. The legendary venue dates back to 1989, when it was built to house Bearsville Studios. Since its founding, everyone from Patti Smith to REM has recorded there. The renowned 500-person venue has an intimate atmosphere with near perfect acoustics. Tweedy’s residency will last from Friday, October 11th to Sunday, October 13th. 

    Immediately following his Woodstock residency, Tweedy will travel to Buffalo to perform at the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center. The theater sits at the center of Buffalo State College, housing its stage productions. Since its original opening in 1987, the theater has undergone extensive renovations with state of the art lighting and sound systems and refurbished seating. The 865-person theater hosts over 50,000 people every year across more than 180 events. Tweedy’s concert will take place on Tuesday, October 15th. 

    Bearsville Theater

    Following these New York performances, Tweedy will continue westward throughout October. He will cap off the Autumn tour with a three-day residency at the Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, California. Tickets go on sale August 2nd at 10am local time. For more information on Jeff Tweedy’s solo tour, visit the Wilco website here. 

    Jeff Tweedy Tour Dates

    Sun. Sept 8 – Evanston, IL @ Evanston Folk Festival, In-Conversation Series

    Sat. Sept 21 – Chicago, IL @ Navy Pier / Chicago Live!

    Fri. Oct. 11 – Woodstock, NY @ Bearsville Theater

    Sat. Oct. 12 – Woodstock, NY @ Bearsville Theater

    Sun. Oct. 13 – Woodstock, NY @ Bearsville Theater

    Tue. Oct. 15 – Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo State PAC

    Wed. Oct. 16 – Columbus, OH @ Southern Theatre

    Fri. Oct. 18 – Champaign, IL @ Virginia Theatre

    Sat. Oct. 19 – Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre

    Sun. Oct. 20 – Omaha, NE @ The Admiral

    Tue. Oct. 22 – Jackson, WY @ Center for The Arts

    Wed. Oct. 23 – Salt Lake City @ Rose Wagner Theater

    Fri. Oct. 25 – Grass Valley, CA @ Center for The Arts

    Mon. Oct. 28 – Menlo Park, CA @ The Guild Theatre

    Tues. Oct. 29 – Menlo Park, CA @ The Guild Theatre

    Wed. Oct. 30 – Menlo Park, CA @ The Guild Theatre

    Fri. Feb 28 – Miami, St Croix, USVI & St John’s, Antigua @ Cayamo Cruise

  • BIO-SPHERE, A Live Collaboration Between Legendary Percussionist David Van Tieghem and Sculptor Ian Laughlin, Comes to Woodstock

    The Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild will present BIO-SPHERE, a unique sonic collaboration between environmental sculptor Ian Laughlin and renowned composer/percussionist David Van Tieghem. This free performance will take place Sunday, August 4 and 2pm in front of the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild’s Office Complex located at 34 Tinker Street in Woodstock.

    BIO-SPHERE

    David Van Tieghem is an American composer and sound designer known for his philosophy of utilizing any available object as a percussion instrument. In his long career, Van Tieghem has performed and composed for numerous films and productions as well as collaborating with Steve Reich, Laurie Anderson, Brian Eno, Talking Heads, David Byrne, Deborah Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie, Adrian Belew, Jerry Marotta, John Zorn, Sylvia Bullett and Happy Traum.  Along with many other awards, Van Tieghem was the recipient of a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship for Music Composition (2007).

    Originally from New Zealand, Ian Laughlin is a multi-media eco-artist who first achieved notoriety in New York City’s Lower East Side in the 80s. A resident of the Hudson Valley since 1990, Laughlin has been dedicated to exploring injustices and finding solutions to the many challenges facing the planet through his many notable art installations and acoustic sculptures. His work can be found at his website.

    BIO-SPHERE is the latest Laughlin-Van Tieghem collaboration and it’s sounding the alarm about PFOS, the so-called ‘forever chemicals,’ endangering our species and planet. 

    “My sculpture utilizes tanks and piping to present a model for water purification of carcinogenic ‘forever chemicals’,” says Laughlin. “It is sonically designed for composer/percussionist David Van Tieghem to signal that alarm in a bold musical way.”

    Recent Laughlin and Van Tieghem works have included Chilling Effects and Glacial Survival Instincts (2023) and Lunasa and Pitchfork Chamber Music (2021), the former of which also included collaboration with Laughlin’s partner, the singer/songwriter Sylvia Bullett.  Laughlin created the cover art for Bullett’s latest album, All Knowledge There Transcending.  Videos of these works can be found here.

    Founded in 1902, the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild is a regional center for the arts located in Woodstock.  From its 250-acre mountainside campus and its arts and performance center in the village of Woodstock, it offers an integrated program of exhibitions, performances, workshops and artists’ residencies. For info, visit here.

  • almost monday Opens at MSG to a Sold Out Crowd

    Meet “almost monday”

    San Diego’s very own almost monday is an electrifying trio making waves in the alt pop scene. Comprised of the ever-charismatic lead vocalist Dawson Daugherty, guitarist Cole Clisby, and bassist Luke Fabry, the guys have perfected the art of blending surf rock, indie pop, and 80s new wave into a sound that’s as catchy as it is unique.

    Since dropping their debut EP don’t say you’re ordinary, almost monday has been on an unstoppable ascent. Their music captures the essence of youthful exuberance, heartbreak, and the rollercoaster of life, all wrapped in upbeat, danceable tunes.

    almost monday rocked Madison Square Garden on July 27th as they opened for AJR. Dawson, wearing an “I ❤️ NY” shirt, set a high-energy tone for the night.

    The set started off with “is it too late?”, immediately grabbing the crowd’s attention with an upbeat rhythm. Dawson’s boundless energy was on full display as he bounded across the stage, throwing in some impressive martial arts kicks and slices at the climax of each song. The fans couldn’t get enough, cheering louder with each jump.

    Following up with “cough drops” and “can’t slow down,” the band kept the momentum going, and the energy in the room only grew. The highlight came during “tidal wave,” when the anthemic chorus had the entire audience singing along, their voices echoing through the legendary arena.

    With “sunburn” and “only wanna dance,” the band showcased their talent for crafting feel-good tunes that make you move. The chemistry between Dawson, Cole, and Luke was undeniable. Their playful stage interactions added extra charm to their performance. “sun keeps on shining” had a perfect summer vibe, bringing a touch of their sunny Californian roots to New York City.

    Closing with “life goes by,” almost monday left everyone on a high note. The crowd’s response was nothing short of enthusiastic, with cheers and applause ringing out long after the final chord. It was clear that almost monday had won over many new fans that night.

    Their dynamic performance, featuring Dawson’s karate kicks and infectious tunes, left everyone smiling and with a new favorite band.

    almost monday isn’t just a band to watch; they’re a band you can’t afford to miss.

    Setlist: is it too late?, cough drops, can’t slow down, tidal wave, sunburn, only wanna dance, sun keeps on shining, life goes by

  • The Giraffes Release Trippy Psychedelic Single “The Shot”

    Brooklyn alternative band, The Giraffes, released their new single “The Shot” off their eighth studio album Cigarette coming out Sept. 27.

    The psychedelic single starts out slow, with minimal instrumentation exposing frontman Aaron Lazar’s vocals and harmonies from the band. “The Shot,” a nearly six minute song, has a trippy 60’s meets jam-band sound. 

    According to Lazar, the song is about Generation X. “We have limited desires and, as a result, we tend to see limited returns. This is a song about millennialism I suppose, where we are doomed to fail, but forced to race nonetheless,” he said. 

    Formed in 1996, The Giraffes are known for curating their loud, punk alternative music. You can still hear the 90’s rock influence, even with their recent discography. Along with Lazar, the band is made up of Damien Paris on guitar, Andrew Totolos on drums and Hannah Moorhead on drums. On previous work, Lazar would write exclusively, but now Moorhead is joining in on writing and backup vocals.

    Since 1998, they’ve released seven albums and toured nationally multiple times. In 2011 Lazar left the band and although that year was thought to be the ending of The Giraffes, Lazar returned in 2014 with sold out reunion concerts. 

    You can stream “The Shot” on Bandcamp and keep an eye out for Cigarette on Sept. 27.