Maybe Sunday officially released their sophomore EP entitled Tabula Rasa on August 23. This follows their debut EP, …Above The Trees released in 2020. This is the band’s first release since the departure of their original vocalist and songwriter.
Hailing from Rome, NY, Maybe Sunday currently consists of Bryan Honeywell on guitar and lead vocals, Nick Mellace on bass, Julie Grogan on keys and Jim Grogan on drums.
Photo Courtesy of Maybe Sunday
When speaking on the release, Grogan states “We like putting out EP’s because we feel we can get the attention of the listener and keep it for fifteen minutes or so.” This holds true as Tabula Rasa’s four tracks clock in at fourteen minutes. The EP was both recorded and mixed by Jeff Aderman at Big Blue North Recording Studio in Utica.
Tabula Rasa tackles themes of life, uncertainty, change and relationships to a backdrop of alternative rock fused with aspects of punk and psychedelia. They cite bands like The Who,The Cure, Genesis, The Replacements and Tragically Hip as some of their main influences. This alternative influence combined with their imaginative lyricism mesh to create the distinct sound that is Maybe Sunday.
Photo Courtesy of Maybe Sunday
They have a home-town EP Release Party on November 9th at Copper City Brewing Company in Rome, NY. The show starts at 7pm. You can find out more at maybesundayband.com
Tabula Rasa is currently available on all streaming services here.
On a gorgeous late-summer evening in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, Anne Erin Clark (better known as St. Vincent) performed a second consecutive sold-out show at Brooklyn Paramount this past Wednesday, September 11.
Touring in support of her seventh studio album dubbed All Born Screaming, released on April 26, Clark not only self-produced the LP featuring a bevy of special guest artists, but also released it on her own Total Pleasure Records label.
St. Vincent | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
Originally opened in 1928 and having hosted seminal artists the likes of Miles Davis, Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, the 2,700-capacity Brooklyn Paramount reopened its famed doors this past March after years of restoration, and since doing so, has been a destination spot for industry veterans and rising stars alike.
Brooklyn Paramount Marquee | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
With a constant stream of genre-spanning musical talent gracing its stage for the last six months, tonight was no different. Providing opening support for St. Vincent on this 12-date tour of North America, which launched in Boston, Massachusetts on September 5, was experimental electronic musician Yves Tumor (born Sean Lee Bowie). Taking the stage at exactly 8:00 pm, the 34-year old musician who was born in Miami, Florida and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee immediately launched into an eleven-song set with a heavy dose of tracks taken from their fifth and most recent studio album titled Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds).
Yves Tumor | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, Yves Tumor’s atmospheric stage lighting was the perfect accompaniment to their tonal palette – ranging from the sonically atmospheric to vibes of hypnotic trance – interspersed with glam cockiness resembling that of Prince. Exuding a kinetic stage presence and energy rarely seen, Yves Tumor was backed by a trio of extremely talented musicians who delivered the rock neo-psychedelia goods, complete with jangly guitar, looping basslines and a 4/4 drum beat signature.
St. Vincent | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
Born screaming in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but a New Yorker at her core, I was introduced to St. Vincent a decade ago when she released her self-titled fourth studio album to critical acclaim. Like many of her fans, I was drawn to her melodic, distortion-rich guitar playing. Certainly not underrated, she is often cited as being among the best guitarists of all time, including a nod from Rolling Stone last year. Armed with her Ernie Ball Music Man signature guitar, St. Vincent brought the packed house to its knees on multiple occasions, often with humor:
I have to tell you about the first night that I ever met this woman [touring bassist Charlotte Kemp Muhl]. I went over to her house, and she put an albino snake around my neck. And she said ‘Hey, I’m Charlotte.’ On that same night, I had taken mushrooms for the first time. And then, we walked home at 4:00 in the morning and we were walking by construction, you know, ConEd doing stuff down below. And we were like ‘Hey, can we go down there?’ And the dude was like ‘yeah.’ So, we crawled through the bowels of this city, and I can tell you that the bowels of this city are as beautiful as its face. And let that be said at all of our funerals. I love you so much New York.
St. Vincent
The 100-minute long show featured twenty songs spread across fifteen years of St. Vincent’s discography, with “Birth in Reverse” and “Surgeon” substituted for “Krokodil” and “Year of the Tiger” the night before. The only album not represented in tonight’s setlist was her 2007 debut studio offering Marry Me.
After interacting with lucky fans in the first several rows center stage, falling backwards into their arms, the emotionally charged show culminated soon after with St. Vincent alone onstage for the encore, “Somebody Like Me” (Daddy’s Home, 2021). After the thunderous applause finally subsided, St. Vincent thanked Yves Tumor for opening the night and commenced the final number. Not a minute in, she exclaimed “Oh, I fucked this song, I fucked it so bad. I’m so sorry.” Erupting in a roar of laughter, the fans could not care less about the false start, but St. Vincent did – a testament to her professionalism as a musician. Retreating to her original position beneath the arch-framed stage design, St. Vincent came forth again to the edge of the stage apron and finished the show with style and grace, as if it could have ended any differently.
St. Vincent | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger
Following an appearance at Riot Fest in Chicago, Illinois on September 21, the next leg of St. Vincent’s tour resumes in Dublin, Ireland on October 13, concluding in Southbank, Australia on November 28.
Yves Tumor Setlist: God Is a Circle > Echolalia > In Spite of War > Gospel for a New Century > Jackie > Meteora Blues > Parody / Heaven Surrounds Us Like a Hood > M~~S B~~~~~E > Operator > Secrecy Is Incredibly Important to the Both of Them > Ebony Eye
St. Vincent Setlist: Reckless > Fear the Future > Los Ageless > Big Time Nothing > Marrow > Dilettante > Pay Your Way in Pain > Digital Witness > Sweetest Fruit > Flea > Cheerleader > Broken Man > Birth in Reverse > Surgeon > Hell Is Near > Candy Darling > New York > Sugarboy > All Born Screaming > Encore: Somebody Like Me
Good Neighbours is a band born out of a small town in East London. The duo is made up of Oli Fox and Scott Verrill and first began making music together out of the desire to create something positive from their love for music. The UK duo had an urge to rekindle the excitement of the early 2000s music scene, and apply the ideas of friendship, life and optimism to a cinematic approach to music.
After releasing their breakout debut single Home, it became the most streamed debut single globally from a new artist in 2024. The first viral success of the year amassing over 350 million streams led to their first ever North American Tour. Following the upcoming release for their debut album EP Good Neighbours.
Good Neighbours apply Nostalgia and connection to their emotive indie influences, creating a euphoric dreamscape of sound and vision. During this past Wednesday’s show, the band created an inclusive atmosphere. Fans were jumping back-and-forth as the band and audience serenaded each other. The familial feel left fans “homesick”, thinking of loved ones and enjoying the positive side of life.
Since their ascension, Good Neighbours have wasted no time capturing our attention and refreshing us with a new outlook on alternative indie rock, as their debut single charted throughout Europe. Thus, most left the show looking forward to what was next for the innovative British duo as they continue their North American Tour.
The band formed in 2013 in El Paso, Texas and are made up of lead vocalist and electric guitarist Greg Gonzalez , drummer Jacob Tomsky, and bassist Randall Miller. The band explores a celestial soundscape using a unique approach to the dream pop genre.
The trio blew up internationally in 2016 when their first debut EP “I.” launched. Their music enters an ethereal and dreamlike haze that’s soothing and romantic. Best known for top hits “Apocalypse,” “Cry,” “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” and “K.” Their songs include riffs of the guitar, a steady drum beat and synthesized swells which creates a sound you could almost fall asleep to.
Their lyrical composition is drawn heavily from Greg’s personal memories and allude a cinematic and emotive response. Each song describes moments of romance and the feeling of falling in love. Similar to a black and white melancholic film with a lingering sadness that reminds us of our past.
Cigarettes After Sex beautifully allows their audience to connect with them on a deeper more personal level. The atmosphere of the show was full of people who could relate to one another emotionally and connect to another’s experience.
The band continues to amaze their fans and fulfill the hope to bring forward ethereal, imaginary and a calming space to soothe their audience. As of recently, the ambient band released their third studio album “X’s” this past July including three singles Tejano Blue, Dark Vacay and Baby Blue Movie. While they continue to bewitch listeners with lust and longing, the band conquered a night to remember.
A new 2-track single from Troy’s Adequate Phil, “9ine Beers D33p,” was released on Aug. 18. This single features two guest artists which blends the bands spacey, psychedelic sounds with their smooth, lyrical flows.
Adequate Phil is a band from Troy who define themselves as a psychedelic freak-folk group. The band consists of Arunesh Ghosh and Andrew Golden while featuring on this track, Kevin Burns, Matthew Johnson, and Matt Malone.
Adequate Phil are heavily influenced by classic psychedelic acts like Animal Collective, The Beatles, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Radiohead. This new track manages to blend in elements of hip-hop production. This gives their sound interesting parallels with acts such as Gorillaz or Danger Mouse, while still providing interesting and new ideas.
For their latest single “9ine Beers D33p” released on Aug. 18, the band has teamed up with two MCs in Troy, Big Lettuce and Yung Alfredo. This is a project that manages to produce a sound with the feeling of 8-bit stoned stargazing. Adequate Phil says, “It’s been a blast working on this, and we think it’s some of our best stuff yet.”
Learn more about Adequate Phil by checking out their website here.
Americana bluegrass band Hackensaw Boys brings their celebratory tour for the 20th Anniversary of their 2005 album, Love What You Do. All in all, the group will bringing performances of the acclaimed project to Woodstock, Syracuse, and New York City this September and October.
Hackensaw Boys have been touring since 1999, known throughout the country and beyond for their exciting performances and unique use of the “charismo”, a DIY percussion instrument constructed of cans and other household objects. Carving out a distinctive sound of their own, current members David Sickmen (guitar), Caleb Powers (fiddle), Thomas Olivier (mandolin), Taylor Shuck (banjo), Aaron Smith (bass), and Bee Roberts (percussion) have been delivering high energy, down to earth shows as a collective for years now, with yet another sensational tour ahead of them beginning in just a few weeks.
About “Love What You Do”
Moreover, the album in question for the upcoming tour is one of their most beloved works, Love What You Do. Released in 2005, the album combines influences from American traditional music and modern indie rock, resulting in fan favorites that are still requested at almost every show just under 20 years later. This tour is a love letter to longtime listeners and fans of some of their oldest works, offering fresh interpretations of the classics while keeping the spirit of the original recordings alive.
In addition to the live celebration, Hackensaw Boys will be pressing the album to vinyl for the very first time – a physical token to commemorate how far the group has come.
As a result, Hackensaw Boys will begin their tour on September 26 in Woodstock. In addition to the opening show, the group will be performing in Syracuse on September 27 accompanied by opener Kidbless, and they will return to the state to perform at the Mercury Lounge in New York City on October 6. For tickets and further information, please visit here.
Moreover, dates for the east coast and midwest this fall have been announced, with more to come in the winter and spring. Thus, for the full list of currently announced tour dates, please see below.
TOUR DATES
Sept 26 – Colony (Woodstock, NY)
Sept 27 – Funk ‘n Waffles (Syracuse, NY)
Sept 28 – Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats (Rehoboth Beach, DE)
Sept 29 – Small Batch Cellars (North Haven, CT)
Oct 1 – Club Cafe (Pittsburgh, PA)
Oct 2 – The 8×10 (Baltimore, MD)
Oct 3 – 118 North (Wayne, PA)
Oct 4 – Askew (Providence, RI)
Oct 5 – Roy’s Hall (Blairstown, NJ)
Oct 6 – Mercury Lounge (NYC, NY)
Oct 19 – Trading Post by Traber Ranch (Lynchburg, VA)
Oct 20 – Roanoke GO Fest (Roanoke, VA)
Nov 7 – Shank Hall (Milwaukee, WI)
Nov 8 – The Tarlton Theatre (Green Bay, WI)
Nov 9 – Evanston SPACE (Evanston, IL)
Nov 10 – Turf Club (St. Paul, MN)
Nov 11 – Raccoon Motel (Davenport, IA)
Nov 13 – Southgate House Revival (Newport, KY)
Nov 14 – Duke’s Indy (Indianapolis, IN)
Nov 15 – Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill (Grand Rapids, MI)
JOE GENI reveals his newest single ‘City of Light’ ahead of the October 4 release of his album ‘Cities Built Upon Cities’.
Born in Illinois but living most of his adult life in New York City, Joe Geni has been releasing reflective indie-pop tracks since 2019 with his debut album ‘After Wandering Empire’, followed by the release of ‘Doggerland’ in 2021. Narratives of international affairs, climate change, urban infrastructure, and transportation all connect with the depths of the emotional human experience throughout his discography, a careful weaving that continues through his most recent releases.
About The New Single
“City of Light” joins two other pre-release singles for Geni’s newest album, “City of Energy” and “City Where The Sky Subsides,” creating a culminating piece that traces the transformation of Long Island City from its industrial past to the booming skyscrapers of today, all while reflecting on change, impermanence, the parting of friends, and feeling lost in the experience that is the city’s constant evolution.
“City of Light” in particular highlights the power of human connection and resilience in the face of lockdowns. While highlighting the friendship and community that can come from such dire situations- a testament to human connection and hope that emerged while the earth heals.
“And as the pandemic abated and something vaguely resembling normal life began to re-emerge, I, like one of our tiny mammalian ancestors crawling out of its burrow after the meteor that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs, felt a burst of energy, and a feeling that that really in spite of everything we will be OK. Maybe.”
– JOE GENI
The upcoming album, as with Geni’s previous works, is produced, mixed, and mastered by Charlie Nieland, who has previously worked with the likes of Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, and Blondie.
To learn more about “City of Light,” his upcoming album, and his story, visit JOE GENI’s website here.
Ahead of Dave Matthews Band induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October, the band has announced a Fall Tour. They will hit many big cities on the eastern half of the country including Madison Square Garden on Nov. 22 and 23.
Photo credit: Sanjay Suchak
Since 1993 when Dave Matthews Band’s first studio album was released, they have been a power house in the rock world selling 38 million CDs and DVDs. They have also sold over 25 million tickets since their birth making them the second largest ticket-seller in history. After the group’s 2018 album Come Tomorow, they became the first ever band to have 7 consecutive studio albums hit number one on the Billboard 200.
Dave Matthews Band released a new album, the first in five years, Walk Around The Moon in 2023. The album has been praised by many publications and the band has supported it with many concerts and tours since its release. Most recently, they played their traditional Labor Day weekend concerts at The Gorge in Washington state. They will arrive in New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Nov 22 and 23 closing out the six planned dates to take place in November.
Dave Matthews Band will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 19 in Cleveland, OH. The induction ceremony will stream on Disney+, and will be released on Hulu the next day.
General on sale for tickets begins on Friday, September 20, at 10:00 a.m. ET. For more information, visit davematthewsband.com.
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND FALL 2024 DATES
11/15 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena
11/16 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
11/19 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
11/20 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
11/22 New York, NY Madison Square Garden – The Arena
11/23 New York, NY Madison Square Garden – The Arena
The twelfth Summer Hoot was held at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY over the course of three days, August 23 – 26, offering an eclectic mix of people spanning generations came together to celebrate their love for music.
Tucked away in the Catskill Mountains, the Ashokan Center offers 385 acres of pristine forestry accentuated by the Esopus Creek, which rolls through it. Augmenting this paradise, a wide array of musical talents performed at the Hoot. This harmony of nature and music created the ideal environment for co-founder Mike Merenda to declare Summer Hoot 12 as Zen.
Summer Hoot 2024 at The Ashokan Center
In the span of three days, more than twenty musical acts showcased their creative talents. The diverse lineup included folk, indie rock, jazz, and singer-songwriters, as well as Mexican, Argentinean, Creole, and Jamaican stylings.
Friday night began with Hoot founders Mike & Ruthy welcoming the early arrivals. Entertainment followed with performances by Tuba Skinny, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys and others setting the tone for the weekend.
Ashokan Center Board of Director Kale Kaposhilin described the Hoot and the center as “a chosen family of loving intention.” This spirit was evident as people of all ages laughed, sang, and danced throughout the Hoot.
An Instrument Petting Zoo with guitars, bongos, violins, tambourines, and banjos was set up to offer the young (and young at heart) the opportunity to try out instruments and embark on their creative journey.
Summer Hoot Instrument Petting Zoo
Saturday and Sunday featured three stages from which to choose. The music began mid-morning and continued late into the night, including a “singers in the round” session at midnight. For those interested in making their own music, the Jubilee Jam tent in the Magical Musical Campground was open 24/7.
Dotted throughout the Ashokan Center grounds are a series of small buildings, one of which is The Pewter House. Stepping into this room feels like entering the 19th century, with its wood beams and wood burning stove. The intimacy of this space allowed for a deep connection with the performers.
The Pewter House
A select few performed in this unique setting. Naiika Sings, a Brooklyn-based chanteuse, gave a standout performance. Naiika, who began her career performing on NYC subway platforms and trains, elevated The Pewter House to a space of spiritual revelation with her performance.
Performers on the Pete Seeger and Toshi Seeger stages came from around the globe. Highlights included Bridget Kearney, founding member of Lake Street Dive; Steve Poltz, a Canadian folk singer; Carolina Mama, an Argentinean singer-songwriter; and Laurel Massé & Vinnie Martucci, a jazz and swing ensemble.
The Mammals
Local talent from the Hudson Valley was also well-represented. The Big Takeover, David & Jacob Bernz, and Jay Ungar & Molly Mason performed. No Hoot would be complete without Mike Merenda & Ruthy Unger Merenda and their band, The Mammals. Mike & Ruthy and band closed out the Toshi Seeger stage on Saturday night.
The heart of the Hoot is music and nature. The heart of the Ashokan Center is the appreciation of the natural world. Hoot + Ashokan = Zen.
Summer Hoot Performers
The City StompersThe MammalsJordan Hamilton & Seth BernardThe Gaslight TinkersDavid & Jacob Berns joined by Josiah Longo & Tink LoydSteve PoltzBridget KearneyNaiika SingsBrendan Daniel
On August 16, Jim Andralis, known for hosting the country music variety show Grand Ole Pubry at Joeâs Pub in downtown Manhattan, released his fifth LP, Ghosts.
The 11-song collection is a stark reflection on life, death, and what it means to be human. The raw emotion behind Ghosts inspires the listener to reflect on the interactions taken for granted set to the tune of soothing country guitars and Andralis’ harmonies.
Ghosts starts with “The Worst Thing,” a somber introduction to the concept of grief. The track gives us a different perspective on human emotion. It may not be the worst thing to let yourself feel your emotions and process them completely before moving on. It may not be the worst thing for things to not work out the way we expect them to. It’s a lesson that everyone could use; life isn’t very fair, after all.
The following two tracks, “5 Minutes” and “You,” are both exemplary of the album’s themes of grief and loss. “5 Minutes” is a testament to the loss of Andralis’ dog, Nikko. “You” is a poignant elegy for Barbara Maier Gustern, Andralis’ vocal coach and cherished friend. Both tracks reflect on his experiences with these adored loved ones, the time spent with both, and how love transcends romantic feelings. It is clear that these losses deeply affected Andralis and inspired him to put these feelings to music, a coping mechanism that brings him, and by proxy, his listeners, a sense of peace.
Songs like “Manhattanhenge” and “Brooklyn” bring another theme into light: the haunting of New York City. In a duet with his husband Larry Krone, “Manhattanhenge” explores the idea of an afterlife in a city loved by millions. What will happen when they’re gone, and how will New York play a part in their afterlife? Will they haunt the city they fell in love with, or move on to somewhere new? Andralis and Krone’s voices blend together in an almost perfect fashion, and it leaves listeners hoping that if there is an afterlife, they get the chance to spend it together.
Jim Andralis’ fifth album, Ghosts, gives fans an opportunity to explore some of life’s darkest themes. However, there is a comforting feeling in knowing that we are not alone when it comes to these emotions. Andralis’s country guitars provide a soothing feeling to those who are suffering from the hardships of grief and losing a loved one.
Fans can find more information and music on Jim Andralis’ website, including work with the NYC-based queer punk band The Isotoners and duets with his husband, Larry Krone.
