NYS Music 2024

Category: Alternative/Indie

  • Circles Around The Sun Perform at Brooklyn Bowl with Mikaela Davis and Southern Star

    On Saturday, March 2, alternative funk band Circles Around The Sun performed at Brooklyn Bowl featuring singer-songwriter and harpist Mikaela Davis and Southern Star.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Mikaela Davis and Southern Star band is made up of harpist and vocals Mikaela Davis, drummer Alex Coté, guitarist Cian McCarthy, bassist Shane McCarthy and steel guitarist Kurt Johnson. The band have been playing together for over a decade, their performance on Saturday included an array of instrumental elements that cohesively created an atmospheric musical landscape. The blend of the harp sounded ethereal, dreamy, celestial and created a harmonic union to accompany a feminine fluidity on psychedelia and folk rock.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Circles Around The Sun was born in 2015 when lead guitarist Neal Casal was invited to compose a handful of Grateful Dead influenced instrumentals to play between sets at the Dead’s ‘Fare Thee Well’ concerts. Since, the Los Angeles-based band formed and influenced by contemporary instrumental rock.

    The tour kicks off for their fourth studio album release, Language, welcoming guitarist John Lee Shannon, a longtime peer who joins bassist Dan Horne, keyboardist Adam MacDougall, and drummer Mark Levy. The six song release builds on a 70s groove with cosmic-disco and synth sounds that compliment extra percussion and bass riffs. This album allowed the band to explore a new-found sound that encourages a psychedelic and hypnotic feel. The audience was floored by the atmospheric presence they brought to the stage this past weekend. The new material harnesses soul-jazz, funk, rock and allows an exhilarating new path for Circles Around The Sun.

    Perri Sage Photography

    Overall, the band blew the crowd away with their incredible stage presence and new tune transformation. Influenced by free-form and fusing transformational instrumental elements to extend their art as musicians. New York looks forward to see what else the group has is in store for upcoming shows in Albany at Lark Hall on March 9, and in Buffalo at Iron Works on March 12.

  • Cage the Elephant Announces Upcoming Tour with Stops at SPAC, MSG, Artpark

    Cage the Elephant has announced their upcoming North American tour with 45 dates this summer. The 3-month long tour includes a stop at SPAC, Madison Square Garden, and Artpark Mainstage Theater in Lewiston. The tour promotes the band’s latest album, Neon Pill.

    Cage the Elephant

    Cage the Elephant’s 2024 summer tour will kick off on June 20, and extend all the way to September 18. Young the Giant & Bakar will join as special guests for select tour dates. The band came from humble beginnings in Bowling Green, Kentucky and have gone on to become one of the generation’s most loved rock bands.

    They are maybe most celebrated for their live show. The stage is their home turf, where they are most comfortable, with their performances being ecstatic, unchained, and above all else, brilliant.

    Cage The Elephant Tour Dates

    June 20 – West Valley City, UT at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre^ 

    June 22 – Seattle, WA at Climate Pledge Arena^

    June 23 – Ridgefield, WA at RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater^

    June 24 – Bend, OR at Hayden Homes Amphitheater^

    June 26 – Vancouver, BC at Rogers Arena^

    June 28 – Edmonton, AB at Rogers Place^

    June 30 – Spokane, WA at BECU Live at Northern Quest^

    July 2 – San Francisco, CA at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium*

    July 3 – Santa Barbara, CA at Santa Barbara Bowl^

    July 5 – Phoenix, AZ at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre^

    July 6 – San Diego, CA at Viejas Arena^

    July 7 – Los Angeles, CA at Kia Forum^

    July 9 – Albuquerque, NM at Isleta Amphitheater^

    July 11 – Austin, TX at Moody Center^

    July 12 – Houston, TX at  The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman^

    July 13 – Fort Worth, TX at Dickies Arena^

    July 15 – Rogers, AR at Walmart AMP^

    Aug 2 – Alpharetta, GA at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*

    Aug 3 – Raleigh, NC at Coastal Credit Union Music Park^

    Aug 4 – Charlotte, NC at PNC Music Pavilion*

    Aug 7 – Noblesville, IN at Ruoff Music Center^

    Aug 8 – Madison, WI at Breese Stevens Field^

    Aug 10 – Winnipeg, MB at Canada Life Centre^

    Aug 12 – Minneapolis, MN at Target Center^

    Aug 14 – Chicago, IL at Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC^

    Aug 16 – Grand Rapids, MI at Van Andel Arena^

    Aug 18 – Saratoga Springs, NY at Broadview Stage at SPAC^

    Aug 19 – Bridgeport, CT at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater^

    Aug 21 – Gilford, NH at BankNH Pavilion^

    Aug 22 – Mansfield, MA at Xfinity Center*

    Aug 24 – Holmdel, NJ at PNC Bank Arts Center^

    Aug 26 – Montreal, QC at Centre Bell^

    Aug 27 – Toronto, ON at Budweiser Stage^

    Aug 29 – Burgettstown, PA at The Pavilion at Star Lake^

    Aug 30 – Cincinnati, OH at Riverbend Music Center^

    Sept 5 – New York, NY at Madison Square Garden^

    Sept 6 – Philadelphia, PA at TD Pavilion at the Mann^

    Sept 7 – Lewiston, NY at Artpark Mainstage Theater^

    Sept 9 – Cleveland, OH at Blossom Music Center^

    Sept 10 – Detroit, MI at Pine Knob Music Theatre^

    Sept 12 – St. Louis, MO at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre^

    Sept 13 – Des Moines, IA at Wells Fargo Arena^

    Sept 14 – Kansas City, MO at Starlight Theatre^

    Sept 16 – Omaha, NE at CHI Health Center Omaha^

    Sept 18 – Denver, CO at Red Rocks Amphitheatre*

    ^with Young The Giant and Bakar

    * with Bakar

    Tickets and VIP available for all Cage the Elephant tour dates will go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 8 at 10 am here. Numerous presales, including for the band’s Fan Club, Discord, and Spotify followers will begin on Tuesday, March 5 at 10 am. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPGoyjBgKXc

  • Hipsy Gap releases adrenaline-fueled ‘Shellshocked’

    Introducing Hipsy Gap, a lively five-piece alternative rock group from the busy streets of Brooklyn. The group today, March 1, releases “Shellshocked”, their new single, taking listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions.

    As we enter a new season, Hipsy Gap invites listeners to jump into an adventure that captures the excitement of turning a new leaf. With edgy guitars, ambitious vocals, and a mid-song switch-up leading to dreamy shoegaze bliss.

    Besides, “Shellshocked” has just released in the perfect moment. With this single, listeners can feel ready to let go of the weight of winter blues. Fans might want to start a new chapter as we say goodbye to the coldest, least appealing months each year. Further, the song is a metaphor for letting go of the past and welcoming something new and inspiring. It makes sense that the band would end their live performances with this five-minute epic, and leaves the audience wanting more. “Shellshocked” should be felt as much as it should be heard.

    The vivid imagery of escaping from a burning building and discovering an unknown ocean gave the song a very powerful narrative. With an unexpected melody change, the song takes you through an uplifting-adrenaline rush type of feeling. Additionally, the melody change complements the emotional shift. The song takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, moving from urgency to reflection to an empowering ending.

    Hipsy Gap’s sound is a combination of pop catchiness and raw energy similar to DIY 90s rock. “Fantasize” and “Uno,” two of their most recent songs make you feel like you might have heard them before, but you can’t quite put your finger on where (or when). Drawn from artists such as Paramore, Slowdive, and The Cranberries, their philosophy of fusing genres is shown by the group’s diversity.

    “[Hipsy Gap] captures a lush melancholic spirit full of passionate vocals and a blend of shoegazey production and instrumentals, with a whip-smart chorus that has fragments of 90s power pop songwriting, with a magic feeling of its own”

    -Will Oliver, We All Want Someone to Shout For

    Hipsy Gap is definitely on the verge of big things with “Shellshocked”. Keep an eye on them as they continue on this path, leaving audiences hungry for more.

  • In Focus: Ricky Montgomery’s Return to NYC

    Ricky Montgomery‘s electrifying performance at Terminal 5 in Manhattan on February 24th was a testament to his magnetic stage presence and undeniable talent. Returning to New York after his stint accompanying Cavetown on the “Bittersweet Daze” Tour, Ricky shared intimate moments with his adoring fans, weaving together a setlist of old favorites and new tracks from his latest album, Rick.

    As the crowd erupted in anticipation, Ricky took the stage with a burst of energy, kicking off the night with his signature anthem “Line Without a Hook.” The surprise appearance of mxmtoon for the alternate version of the song elevated the performance to new heights, with both artists radiating infectious energy as they interacted with fans at the barricade.

    Throughout the evening, Ricky’s charm and wit shone through, as he shared anecdotes about his time living in New York and reminisced about his early days as a musician. Songs like “Last Night” and “Ethan’s Song” took on new meaning as Ricky poured his heart out on stage, drawing fans closer with each heartfelt lyric.

    The atmosphere crackled with excitement during the debut of “Unknown Phantom,” with Ricky playfully urging the crowd to “go crazy” at the behest of his label. Moments of pure euphoria ensued as fans echoed Ricky’s every word, shouting declarations of love and support into the air.

    During the encore, Ricky’s energy remained undiminished as he returned to the stage with opener Noah Floersch for a rousing rendition of “This December,” igniting the crowd with an electrifying finale. From the soul-stirring melodies of “My Heart Is Buried in Venice” to the anthemic chorus of “Don’t Say That,” Ricky Montgomery’s performance was a masterclass in emotion and authenticity, leaving an indelible impression on all who were lucky enough to witness it.

    Setlist: Line Without a Hook (featuring mxmtoon), In Your Pocket, Cabo, One Way Mirror, Talk to You, Black Fins, I Don’t Love You Anymore, Type A, Last Night, Truth or Dare, Unknown Phantom (Unreleased), Snow, Ethan’s Song, My Heart Is Buried in Venice (Acoustic), Boy Toy, It’s Ok to Cry, Don’t Say That, Out Like a Light

    Encore: Sometimes I Need to Be Alone, This December, Mr Loverman

  • Jason Isbell Brings Rustic Sounds to Rochester

    On February 27, Jason Isbell rolled into Rochester to play an intimate show at Kodak Center. Named after the photo giant that was founded there many moons ago, the Kodak Center offers a beautiful stage that Isbell and his band, 400 Unit, partied on for the crowd of roughly 1900 fans.

    Opening the show for Isbell, was Palehound, fronted by El Kempner. They took the stage for roughly an hour and hit some amazing sounds, very reminiscent of Hole, Mazzy Star, or Eve’s Plumb. Kempner, along with Zoe Brecher (drums), Larz Brogan (bass) and Beth (guitar) filled the theatre with subtle lyrics as fans shuffled to their seats.

    Playing through original songs such as “Fadin,” “Bullshit,” and “Good Sex,’ Kempner recalled her last visit to Rochester as they played Bug Jar. Talking about how they are fiscally responsible when they travel, she tells of a friend who set them up with accommodations for their visit. A friend of a friend of a friend scenario. Upon arriving at apartment, they were set up with, the band found an empty apartment with 10 air mattresses. Perfect for those who might want to sleep on the floor but aren’t quite committed yet.

    Shortly before 9, Jason Isbell and 400 Unit hit the stage to a very welcoming crowd. Starting off with “Save the World”, a song that the sends a very poignant message about the world we live in. While not a very uplifting song, Isbell brought some energy and positive vibes throughout the nearly 2 hour show.

    The 400 Unit consists of Sadler Vaden (guitar, vocals), Anna Butterss (bass), Derry deBorja (Keys, accordion, vocals), Chad Gamble (drums, vocals), and Will Johnson (drums, guitar, vocals, gong)

    Using his own personal experiences, Isbell has had pretty good success with songwriting, as he has won six of the seven Grammys he has been nominated for. Most recently, the 2023 Weathervanes album won the band a grammy for Best American Roots Song (“Cast Iron Skillet”) and album.

    Reflecting on events in the news has also been an inspiration for music. “24 Frames” was one of the more mellow songs played in Rochester. While there is catchy beat to the song, the lyrics are what make you stop and think. Think about life and how it can change in the blink of an eye.

    And this is how you make yourself call your mother
    And this is how you make yourself closer to your brother
    Remember him back when he was small enough to help you sing

    24 Frames – Jason Isbell

    The song was written back in 2015 after Jason had heard of a young girl being killed by stray bullet while playing in own yard. These are things you don’t think of, but artists like Jason Isbell will write a song about.

    https://youtu.be/_lV-BSYnWPU?si=f8wIZKz_j8sUUQ4P

    Adding commentary between songs, Isbell talks about how he has enjoyed his visit to Rochester, saying that he had some stuffed mussels and a patty melt for lunch. It’s odd combination, but to each their own. He went on to talk about the music stores he checked out and found a nice old amplifier.

    Coming out for a much-deserved encore, Isbell took center stage for an acoustic version of “Cover Me Up”. This bone chilling song was the opening track to his 2013, Southeastern album and originally written for his now ex wife, Amanda Shires, and his confessing his love for her. In a 2013 NPR interview, he said “…it was hard one to get through, even after not breaking down the first time…”

    So girl, leave your boots by the bed, we ain’t leavin’ this room
    ‘Til someone needs medical help or the magnolias bloom
    It’s cold in this house and I ain’t goin’ out to chop wood
    So cover me up and know you’re enough to use me for good

    Following the acoustic rendition, the band joined Isbell on stage and finished the encore with “Miles” and “This Ain’t It”. A perfect set to end an amazing evening of Americana Roots.

    Setlist: Save the World, King of Oklahoma, Strawberry Woman, Last of My Kind, Super 8, Something More Than Free, Overseas, Speed Trap Town, Alabama Pines, Stockholm, When We Were Close, White Beretta, Honeysuckle Blue, Cast Iron Skillet, 24 Frames, If We Were Vampires, Cover Me Up, Miles, This Ain’t It

  • “Hidden in The Honey” Could Seek Out Some Big Things For Albany’s Atelo Songs

    Hidden in The Honey is the latest release from Albany’s Atelo Songs.  After performing across New York State for 15 years as Sam Gleason, Atelo Songs was “born” in 2020. According to the artist’s bio, embracing this new moniker was “marking a transformative phase in his artistic journey”. 

    Surviving an apartment fire, and an accident that would leave him with permanent injuries and brain damage requiring eighteen months of rehabilitation, Atelo Songs emerged as a “means of self-betterment and creative expression.” Atelo joined Albany Barn, an artist housing program, and has spent the last several years focusing solely on music. 

    Atelo Songs Hidden in The Honey

    Hidden in The Honey is interesting and artistic. There’s lots of substance to his lyrics and they are delivered with interesting melodies and smooth harmonies.  

    We all have those certain songs, albums and artists who have helped us get through trying times. Hidden in The Honey is an album about trying times and their aftermath. It sounds heavily influenced by Panic! At The Disco, almost as if it was their music that helped Atelo through his struggles. “Panic!” fans will hear lots of familiarities but it’s never copy-cat or cookie cutter.  Atelo delivers his songs in his own style with a demeanor more Elvis Costello than Panic! At The Disco’s Brendan Urie. 

    Atelo Songs

    Hidden in The Honey kicks off with the rocker “Not in The Mood”. Slide-Guitar and rollicking piano compliment the fast paced lyrics of the verses. The chorus is catchy and very relatable with Atelo singing that He’s “always trying to improve but today I’m just not in the mood.”

    “Death Dead in The Eyes” has a Latin, jazzy sound. If Carlos Santana had invited Elvis Costello to perform a track on one of his collaboration albums, this may be the result. 

    “Go Meet The Trees” is a campy, sing a long song that sounds as if someone made a left turn leaving a Panic! At The Disco concert and ended up at a GratefulDead show. The melody sounds like it could belong in a modern day pharmaceutical commercial. Warning – You may find yourself singing along by the end.  

    The album’s final track, the trans-like “Final Door” closes with the line “There’s Nothing in Store” but there may be lots more in store for Atelo Songs. Don’t be surprised if You hear some of his music on modern rock radio or appearing on a movie soundtrack or in a Netflix series. Hidden in The Honey is a good listen and a musical journey, creative and striving for originality throughout, and may just take Atelo Songs from Albany to the national spotlight. 

  • Bedbug Releases Catchy New Single “Postcard”

    Multi-faceted alt/pop band Bedbug has announced the released of their new groovy single “Postcard” out everywhere now.

    Westchester County-based Bedbug consists of four members bringing together incredible performance, vocals, and unique songwriting. Their new single “Postcard” is a second single from the band’s upcoming fourth studio record, featuring sweet and nostalgic tones, constant percussion, captivating unique guitars, and catchy sounds. The band succeeds at fully captivating their listeners by evoking all the thrilling and uneasy emotions. 

    Moving further away from their bedroom pop roots, their new record sparkles, shimmers, and shines with that particular PNW indie rock glow that their fans are very fond of. With the release of their single, Bedbag has also announced their new LP pack your bags the sun is growing, released on March 15. 

    The indie-pop band was the acclaimed bedroom pop project of Dylan Gamez Citron (they/them). Their newly expanded full band iteration sees them find new urgency as they channel Cap’n Jazz and Built to Spill on their new record – their first since 2020. 
    Their new single “postcard” is the second single from the album that follows their January surprise “halo on the interstate” available to stream everywhere.

  • Gramercy Arms Announce Latest Power Pop Single, “After the After Party”

    NYC-based Indie-pop group Gramercy Arms has announced the release of their latest single, “After the After Party.” The track is also the opening tune on their upcoming album, The Making Of the Making Of.

    The “revolving” collective is masterminded by Dave Derby and producer, Ray Ketchem. The latest single is a yearnful power-pop work of art about regret and missed opportunities. The latest Gramercy Arms track was produced, recorded and mixed by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, NJ. This record was mastered with help from award-winning engineer Greg Calbi.

    Gramercy Arms has an interesting ability of making a sad song feel happy, and vice versa. “After the After Party” does exactly that. The tune has upbeat, poppy guitar and vocals, but with a note of melancholy. The indie and alternative guitar tones allow for a glimpse of nostalgic regret to sneak in. Those same guitar tones allow for a summery reminiscence within a soup of blueness.

    Stay updated on Gramercy Arms and their upcoming album, The Making Of the Making Of. For more information on the band’s single, and other projects, click here.

  • Indie Folk Duo The Ballroom Thieves Announce Headline Tour Starting in Brooklyn this April

    The spring headline tour begins April 25 at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn. The Ballroom Thieves are native to New England and are performing at 17 dates across the country.

    The indie-folk duo utilizes various instruments like the violin, cello, upright bass, and guitar. Consisting of Calin Peters on the classic strings and Martin Earley on vocals and guitar, The Ballroom Thieves are celebrating the announcement with their second single, “Tender” from their upcoming record, Sundust, out April 12. 

    The single includes the duo’s signature vocal harmonies atop a finger-picked acoustic guitar and a whimsical pedal steel that creates a spooky demeanor in the tune. “Tender” is an ode to the importance of creating space within a song.

    To purchase tickets for The Ballroom Thieves’ upcoming headlining tour, click here. To stream “Tender” on all platforms, go here.

    The Ballroom Thieves Headline Tour Dates:

    April 25 Brooklyn, NY @ The Sultan Room

    April 26 North Wayne, PA @ 118 North

    April 27 Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java

    April 30 Asheville, NC @ Eulogy

    May 1 Greenville, SC @ The Radio Room

    May 2 Chattanooga, TN, ID @ Barking Legs Theatre

    May 3 Nashville, TN @ The Basement

    May 8 Davenport, IA @ The Redstone Room

    May 9 Stoughton, WI @ Stoughton Opera House

    May 10 Evanston, IL @ SPACE

    May 11 Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark

    May 12 Toronto, ON @ The Monarch Tavern

    May 26 Farmington, ME @ Sandy River Music Festival

    May 30 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground, Show Case Lounge

    May 31 Portland, ME @ First Parish Church

    June 1 Boston, MA @ The Sinclair

    June 2 Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall

  • The Suicide Disease Release Latest Single “Constellations”

    New York Grunge band The Suicide Disease has released their latest single, “Constellations” this past Valentine’s Day. The ballad was released under Zodhiac Records and was produced by Ricky Armellino of Ice Nine Kills and KJ Strock.

    Constellations The Suicide Disease

    The Suicide Disease creates alternative, grungy, pop-rock style music. The release of “Constellations” exemplifies each of these subgenres. The song is a love letter written to loved ones who have passed or been distanced.

    “Constellations” has quite the emotional, yearning-for-past-joy kind of feel. They miss the people they once held close and that is apparent throughout the song from beginning to end.

    The guitar tones are somber, but still pop-punky. The song definitely gets you to feel a ball of emotion in your stomach, whether you relate to the message or not.

    The band wears their hearts on their sleeves, and that is one thing that allows for raw, passionate music like this. The group is from the south shore of Long Island, and is gaining popularity across the country.

    The Suicide Disease make melodic metal music that offers solace to people dealing with loss. The group understands firsthand the effects of their namesake, the chronic pain disorder disease Trigeminal Neuralgia.

    “This was a sad song for me to write. The first line really says it all, ‘take my stars away with daylight’s arc’. As we try to communicate to those that are no longer with us in the stars at night time it’s inevitable that daylight will return – then reality sets in and we must come face-to-face with the fact that they are no longer with us.”

    Lead Singer Jay Francis

    The group exists in their own genre but have sound pieces of New Order and The Cure. The Suicide Disease recorded their first demo on a cassette tape in 2021 and drove around with a boombox in hopes that they could share it with the right people. The four piece was discovered at a show by Steve Feinberg, who took on managing the band and shared with Ricky Armellino to produce.

    To listen to “Constellations” on all platforms, click here.