NYS Music 2024

Category: Genres

  • New York-Based Artist Macinizby Debuts With “Closet”

    On May 24, Manhattan-based indie pop artist Macinizby released her debut single, “Closet.” The thoughtfully crafted single tells the coming-of-age story of a queer person finding their way through life, love, and heartbreak.

    Released right before the beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, “Closet” opens the door for the next generation of queer artists and musicians to come into the spotlight.

    macinizby closet
    Photo Credit: Hellen Elizondo

    Before her solo debut, Macinizby had already built a reputation for herself as a drummer in the city’s indie rock scene, playing with acts such as Bec Lauder and The Noise, Breaker, and Rose Paradise. However, unlike her work as a group performer, “Closet” gives us a deeply personal perspective of who Macinizby is, not only as an artist but as an individual, writer, and producer.

    Produced alongside Jacob Geoffrey, “Closet” stands out from Macinizby’s past indie rock records with her group acts. The single acts as a method of storytelling for Macinizby. It’s hard to ignore the passion in her voice, let alone the meaningfulness of the lyrics. Reminiscent of the early days of Avril Lavigne and other pop-rock artists of the early 2000s, Macinizby puts her own creative spin on a classic teen love story.

    The steady guitar riffs, coming-of-age angst, and bouncy vocal melody brings this song back, while the storyline brings us into the modern day. With “Closet,” time travel is absolutely possible. Any listener instantly feels as if they’ve traveled in time to a music video from 20 years ago. Macinizby’s “Closet” is a great way to introduce new audiences to the pop-rock genre.

    As for the storyline, it is clear from the beginning what the artist is trying to convey. The struggles of a queer relationship are highlighted very poignantly. Yet, there is a sense of comfort that Macinizby’s lyrics and voice provide. Even in a situation as difficult as m maintaining a relationship, there is still hope. Love may or may not be the end result, but while it is there, it’s best if we enjoy it.

    Get ready to rock…but also be prepared to shed some gay
    tears.

    Macinizby

    For now, we must wait. But, there is no doubt that Macinizby’s new song, and solo career, are highly anticipated. Fans can listen to “Closet” on all major streaming platforms, as well as with this link.

  • Hearing Aide: Monotronic “Sun Song”

    Appearing first with a gently phased guitar, the newest single, “Sun Song,” from NYC based indie outfit Monotronic thumps the low end frequencies for the opening minute.

    With a beautifully brassy lead vocal, the latest release seems a breath of fresh air to the often nasal driven and female voiced genre. Skillfully produced, the dynamic shifts with the chorus to a major key pop groove reminiscent of your favorite 90’s hits before snapping shut to the second verse. 

    Bandleader Ramsey Elkholy displays tight songwriting with attention grabbing vocal melodies that seem designed to ping around your head for the rest of the day. His use of weaved vocals on the final chorus punctuates that display near perfectly. 

    Monotronic comprises a collective of NYC musicians, seemingly embracing the culture of Empire State artists synergistically growing together. At 3:30, their single leaves nothing to be desired except repeated plays and a follow up release. 

    Listen to “Sun Song” by Monotronic below.

    https://soundcloud.com/monotronicband/sun-song-2/s-09ErRQc6NZQ

  • Photos: Songwriters Hall of Fame 53rd Annual Induction Ceremony

    The 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame 53rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner once again took New York City by storm on the evening of June 13, 2024.

    Opening with remarks by SHOF Board Member and Show Committee Chair Evan Lamberg, the Gala recognized and honored the immeasurable impact of some of the most legendary songwriters of our time.

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 13: Carrie Underwood speaks onstage during the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by L. Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

    The evening was a dazzling spectacle as musical icons Hillary Lindsey, Timothy Mosley p/k/a Timbaland, Dean Pitchford, Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe p/k/a R.E.M., and Walter Becker and Donald Fagan p/k/a Steely Dan were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Master songwriter and multi-award-winner Diane Warren received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, and 4X GRAMMY award-winning recording artist SZA received the Hal David Starlight Award. The night also followed the posthumous induction of legendary country songwriter Cindy Walker to the SHOF for her remarkable contributions to the world of music in a special tribute held at a SHOF Master Session in Nashville.

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 13: Trey Anastasio performs onstage during the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

    The Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner, year after year, is a stunning night full of spectacular moments honoring the art of songwriting. The evening kicked off with a special performance of Irena Cara’s “Fame,” performed by 2024 Abe Olman Scholarship recipients Rodney Chrome, Molly Kate Kestner, Sierra “Spirit” Kihega, Ava Liv Mabry, and Matilda Marigolds. 4X GRAMMY award-winning recording artist Deniece Williams then took the stage to begin the induction of Oscar-winning and multi-GRAMMY and Tony-nominated songwriter Dean Pitchford. Williams performed her 1984 hit “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” of Footloose fame, which had the whole crowd clapping to the rhythm. Multi-award-winning actor Kevin Bacon and musician Michael Bacon, who together form The Bacon Brothers, then continued the party, bringing the house to their feet for an electrifying performance of “Footloose” that put Kevin Back in the dancing shoes of his former role. The brothers then inducted Dean, saying his writing has “inspired all of us to reach for our dreams.” Following his induction, Dean performed “Once Before I Go,” a piano-backed, emotional retrospective, fitting for such a momentous occasion.

    Renowned manager Irving Azoff began the honors for Steely Dan, naming them “among the best bands ever” and claiming that “their records will be recognized as iconic for the rest of time.” Singer-songwriter and lead guitarist of Phish, Trey Anastasio, then took the stage to perform a medley of Steely Dan hits. The funk-infused “Kid Charlemagne” blended seamlessly into the famous riffs of the timeless, swinging groove of “Reelin’ In the Years.” Trey then inducted Donald Fagan and Walter Becker, stating that together, “they created a body of work that defied categorization – masterful, thought-provoking, elegantly melodic songs filled with beautifully flawed, deeply human and believable characters.”

    Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, and 6X GRAMMY award-winning musician Nile Rodgers took the stage next to honor SZA with the Hal David Starlight Award, which is presented to young songwriters making a significant impact in the music industry with their original songs. Nile praised her abilities as a composer, which “manage the amazing feat of being ethereal and keeping it real at the same time.” The 4X GRAMMY award-winning recording artist then performed an intimate, acoustic performance of her hit “Snooze” from her breakthrough sophomore album SOS, and claimed that receiving this award “validates [her] entire career.”

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 13: (L-R) Carrie Underwood, Clive Davis and Diane Warren attend the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by L. Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

    Next to the stage was 8X GRAMMY award-winning country superstar Carrie Underwood who kicked off the induction for Hillary Lindsey with a powerful performance of “Jesus Take the Wheel” from her debut album Some Hearts. Carrie bestowed the title “queen of modern Nashville songwriting” to Hillary and 4X GRAMMY-winning musician Keith Urban joined her on stage for the induction. Hillary then performed a stripped down medley of the songs she penned, with a rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Million Reasons” which turned into a duet with Keith Urban joining her for “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” his electric guitar perfectly complimenting her bared-down acoustic melodies.

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 13: Timbaland speaks onstage during the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

    4X GRAMMY-winner and SHOF inductee Missy Elliot took the stage next to induct her frequent collaborator and friend Timbaland, crediting the fellow 4X GRAMMY-winning rapper and producer with “changing the cadence of hip-hop.”

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 13: Timbaland conducts onstage during the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by L. Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

    On his induction, Timbaland claimed it to be the “best award [he] could ever get,” before he performed a victory lap of the hits that brought him here, energizing the room with a medley of “Big Pimpin’,” “Pony,” “SexyBack,” “Get Your Freak On,” “Drunk in Love,” “Promiscuous,” and “Suit & Tie.”

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 13: (L-R) Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, Bill Berry and Peter Buck, of R.E.M., perform onstage during the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

    R.E.M. had the last induction of the evening, led by 6X GRAMMY award-winning singer, songwriter, and actor Jason Isbell who performed the band’s 1987 song “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).” With his guitar in overdrive, the high energy, quick-flying alternative rocker lit up the room. The band then performed for the first time together in 15 years, playing their multi-GRAMMY award -winning hit “Losing My Religion,” which enthralled the audience with a mesmerizing, mandolin-driven performance.

    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 13: Michael Stipe, of R.E.M., perform onstage during the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

    The program neared the finale with the presentation of the Johnny Mercer Award to Diane Warren, the highest honor bestowed by Songwriters Hall of Fame. Multi-award-winning songwriter, SHOF inductee, and Johnny Mercer Award recipient Paul Williams presented the award, claiming “A.I. worries about Diane Warren.” GRAMMY and EMMY award-winning singer and songwriter Andra Day put on a rousing performance of her Oscar-nominated song “Stand Up for Something” from the 2017 film Marshal, with her soaring vocals giving the evening wings.

    On accepting her award, Diane stated “songwriting isn’t something I do, it’s who I am and what I live and breathe for every day of my life.” 5X GRAMMY award nominee El Debarge then closed out the evening, performing “Rhythm of the Night,” Diane’s first hit song,coinciding with the song’s 40th anniversary and bringing the room to their feet, stomping and clapping as the ceremony closed with a bang.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1qjo0Oz1qw

  • Abducted by the 80s Tour to Stop in New York & New Jersey

    Wang Chung, Naked Eyes, and The Motels are scheduled to play with the Abducted by the 80s Tour in Syracuse and Elmira. The 80’s extravaganza will transport viewers back to the days of MTV and New Wave. The tour promises a journey into the past with iconic sounds and unforgettable melodies.

    The 80s extravaganza kicked off in Texas, and will visit New York June 14 and 15.

    Motels’ Martha Davis shared her excitement for the tour, The chemistry among the acts is also impressive, with Martha Davis saying, Nick Feldman, Jack Hues, and Pete Byrne are some of her, “favorite people, not to mention amazing musicians!”

    Credit: Larry Fagala

    I had the honor of interviewing Jack Hues of Wang Chung about the tour. Hues’ enthusiasm for his music and performing was contagious; there was a great deal of care put into the tour. He expressed excitement about the tour and optimism for Wang Chung’s future, including plans for a new Greatest Hits record, featuring demos, re-releases, and remixes. Jack Hues continues to write and release music, and his first solo album, Primitif, was released in 2020. Since Primitif, Hues has kept busy, releasing an acoustic album, a live album, and multiple singles. His love of recording and writing is evident, and a third solo album is in the works.

    Hues is a prime example of a musician dedicated to their craft and audience experience. Hues expressed his desire to highlight the bands range, all while playing the hits people love so dearly. The acts were chosen to fit together musically, thematically, and harmoniously.

    A teaser of the 80s tour is available below, and tickets are available at the following link.

    Abducted by the 80s Tour Dates

    Friday 5/17/2024 –
    Kyle, TX  The Railhouse       
    WC, Motels, NE

    Saturday 5/18/2024 –
    Katy, TX  Wildcatter Saloon       
    WC, Motels, NE

    Sunday 5/19/2024 –
    Dallas, TX  House of Blues       
    WC, Motels, NE

    Thursday 5/23/2024 –
    St Louis, MO  City Winery      
    WC

    Friday 5/24/2024 –
    Oak Grove, KY  Oak Grove      
    WC, MWH, NE, Animotion

    Saturday 5/25/2024  –
    Louisville KY  Mercury Ballroom      
    WC, NE

    Thursday 6/6/2024 –
    Marion, IL  Marion CCC       
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    Friday 6/7/2024 –
    Des Plaines, IL  Des Plaines Theatre     
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    Saturday 6/8/2024  –
    Decatur, IL  Devon Lakeshore Amp     
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    Sunday 6/9/2024 –
    Fort Wayne, IN The Clyde Theater
    WC, MWH, NE

    Thursday 6/13/2024 –
    Morristown, NJ  Mayo Performing Arts Center   
    WC, Motels, NE

    Friday 6/14/2024 –
    Syracuse, NY  Sharkey’s      
    WC, Motels, NE

    Saturday 6/15/2024 –
    Elmira, NY  First Arena       
    WC, Motels, NE

    Saturday 6/16/2024 –
    Hampton, NH  Bennie’s
    WC, Motels, NE

    Friday 6/21/2024-
    Jacksonville, FL  Florida Theatre      
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    Saturday 6/22/2024 –
    Clearwater, FL  Ruth Eckerd Hall      
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

    Sunday 6/23/2024 –
    Ft Lauderdale, FL  Broward Center     
    WC, MWH, Motels, NE

  • Roger Daltrey To Perform at Tanglewood’s Popular Artist Series

    English Singer, Roger Daltrey will perform as part of Tanglewood’s Popular Artists Series on June 22 at the Koussevitzky Music Shed.

    roger daltrey tanglewood

    Daltrey is the leader and co-founder of The Who, having performed hit rock songs like “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley.” Aside from being the lead singer, Daltrey also wrote for The Who, including some earlier songs like “Early Morning Cold Taxi” and the band’s second single, “Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere.” The Who has been touring since its formation and have still performed within the last decade, but Daltrey has also toured as a solo act.

    His first self-titled album was released in 1973. Since Daltrey, he’s released several more albums including an original motion picture soundtrack and a children’s album. Daltrey’s current tour comes two years after his last in 2022, in which he sang The Who songs and his solo music. 

    This year’s Tanglewood summer features classic rock artists like Daltrey, pop and orchestral performances. Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra located in Lenox Massachusetts on the Western side of the state. The space has concerts all summer long up until Aug 31. 

    Special guest, KT Turnstall will perform with Daltrey. She is a Scottish rock singer-songwriter known for her hit song “Suddenly I See.”

    Roger Daltrey is set to perform at Tanglewood at 7 p.m on Saturday, June 22. To find out more information and to buy tickets you can visit the website link here.

  • 18th Annual Pleasantville Music Festival is set for July 13

    Described as New York’s Backyard Jam, the 18th annual, Pleasantville Music Festival, will be held on Saturday July 13, 2024. T

    he musical line-up includes on the Main Stage, festival headliner Better Than Ezra known for their 1995 mega hit ‘Good’,  bluesy West Coast ‘roots rockers’-The Record Company, and legendary reggae royalty-The Wailers. Also appearing will be Brooklyn indie rocker-Margaret Glaspy and a band called N.E.D. (which stands for No Evidence of Disease), made up of top-notch Gynecological Oncologists from around the country, including Dr. Gizelka David-West of Northwell’s Northern Westchester Hospital.

    Pleasantville Music Festival

    The Party Stage will feature Talon– a Brooklyn’s all-female alt rock band (with roots in Armonk), the bluesy and funky band Mojo & the Mayhem (with roots in White Plains and Rye), Dead Tooth, a hard-rocking punk outfit from Queens (with roots in Warwick, NY), Widely Grown-an upbeat country/Americana band with roots in Bergen County, and Party Stage headliners, The Collection, an fun alt-pop band out of North Carolina.

    The Chill Tent Stage will kick off at noon with something new – a performer of music for children named Kenny Green. Later performers include delicate brother/sister harmonies from Plane Station from Peekskill, NY, Jazz and blues from Bergen County’s The Robert Hill Band featuring vocals from Chester, NY’s Rae Simone, respected and much loved Wilton, CT born singer/songwriter Jesse Terry will also perform. This year’s Chill Tent Headliner is the witty and charming Jill Sobule, known for 90’s hits like ‘I Kissed a Girl’ (not to be confused with the Katy Perry song) and ‘Supermodel’ from the movie Clueless.

    The festival showcases emerging local talent, spotlighting the winners of the Battle of the Bands competition hosted at The Garage at Lucy’s in Pleasantville. This competition provides a platform for young, up-and-coming musicians to perform in front of a significantly larger audience

    The Party Stage winner this year is a band called Mainline. Rooted in the Northern Westchester communities of Yorktown Heights, Katonah, Mohegan Lake and Nyack in Rockland County, they are classic mainstream metal, while adding some of their own modern flourishes. This hard rockin’ quartet has opened for the likes of Skid Row and Ace Frehley, has shared the stage with Dokken’s George Lynch at LA’s venerable Whiskey-a-Go Go and has performed nearby at Lucy’s several times. 

    The Chill Tent Stage will feature a pair of co-winners: Gavon Mitchell and Lauren Mian. Mitchell is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter from Putnam Valley, while Mian is an alt-folksinger from New Rochelle. Both have played gigs all throughout the region and after learning that they had finished the competition in a dead heat, the two friends happily agreed to share the stage.

    The overall winner in this year’s Battle of the Bands competition is Blue Moon Band. Based out of southern Westchester, (Larchmont, Harrison and Mt. Vernon) this 4-piece band melds a host of musical genres into their sound, including alt. rock, blues and even a touch of reggae, creating an enticing blend. Still in their infancy, this band, whose oldest member checks in at the ripe old age of 18, has only recently begun recording in a studio. 

    Now in its 18th year, the Pleasantville Music Festival, presented by Northwell Health is known as New York’s Backyard Jam. It’s become a must-attend summer event for the whole family, with great local food and drink, a warm positive vibe, and of course, world-class rock. Tickets to the Pleasantville Music Festival are available through Ticketweb or in person on the third floor of Village Hall, 80 Wheeler Avenue in Pleasantville during specified times. See the Festival website for specific hours along with other details about the event, including links to the performers.  www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com .

  • No Country For Old Men: Why Hip Hop Remains a Young Man’s Game

    If there’s an irrefutable truth about the hip hop ecosystem is that it caters to the youth. Much like Wu Tang Clan‘s popular mantra, hip hop really is for the children. After all, since its inception, rap music has long resembled youthful cosplay in a reflection of one’s environment and beliefs. From the Village People attire of Afrikaa Bambaataa and crew, to crack era MC’s putting on their best street hustler ensemble, hip hop’s rise came as a change of pace from the conforming hymns of jazz & soul music.

    hip hop's revolving ethos made kids a prime marketing target
    Hip hop’s ethos was ever-changing before settling on what we see today.

    With the golden era rappers of the ’80’s and ’90’s acting as vanguards for artistic representation, rap music — thought to be a fad more than a respected art form — was brought to new heights with inventive forms of story-telling. Albums like Paid In Full, Criminal Minded, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, The Score, 36 Chambers, Ready to Die, Illmatic and many more transformed the movement from frantic, counter-culture and youthful exuberance, into dissectible urban diaries.

    After all, at its peak the literary elements warranted examination much like a James Baldwin poem. The raw anger, angst and imagery, for better or worse, is the product of socio-economic plight which demanded thought-provoking conversation. Ultimately, as its popularity soared, hip hop took the form of an uncouth political candidate with an in-your-face bravado as it pandered to the roar of a pent-up generation wanting its voice heard.

    hip hop controversial rappers
    Controversy Sells

    Soon enough label execs began cashing in on the latest trend. And subsequently conscious raps made way for more abrasive lyrics with a focus on aggressiveness and over-the-top hubris. In the end hip hop’s bouncy beats and mercurial nature made kids and young adults a prime market.

    Growing Pains

    Nonetheless, rap music’s raunchy and explicit nature fit right in with the late 80’s and ’90’s ethos of violence and erratic behavior, a time where pop culture’s biggest stars struggled to exist as functional human beings. However, unlike other genres, rappers don’t string together guitar solo’s or sing beautiful high notes. They become stars by selling you themselves, or who they say they are. Thus in a world where “Money, Cash, Hoes” is the modus operandi, they became caricatures, while typecasting themselves artistically for record sales.

    Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense But I did 5 mill’ – I ain’t been rhyming like Common since 

    -Jay – Z, “Moment of Clarity”

    And as the business of hip hop grew rappers became spokes in a wheel. With the formula for success as redundant as it is profitable. Your typical major label rapper consists of a charismatic individual with inner-city cultural norms, armed with the gift of gab and quick-witted use urban of idioms. Equipped with the latest fashion and jewelry, yet lacking the tools for artistic transcendency. Thus, after some time, many rappers become frozen in their distinct era, becoming human time-capsules. And in an ever-changing world, the sound of hip hop has done a complete 180, going from rigid boom bap to fluid and experimental, which continuously leaves rappers feeling dated .

    Where Do We Go From Here?

    Fundamentally, when your target audience’s prefrontal cortex has yet to form, it leaves little room for character development. For instance, sitcoms on Disney Channel or Nickelodeon only last about 3 seasons — as it doesn’t make sense to develop characters and shows that will eventually age out of their demographic. In hip hop, very few rappers get the opportunity to mature their sound and if they do, it is almost always well past the point of commercial appeal. Consequently most promising rap careers tend to mirror that of a once-great NFL running back. For every Peyton Hillis, Jay Ajayi and Todd Gurley, there is a Blocboy JB, Makonnen and Desiigner, amongst many, many more.

    Hip hop star chance the rapper and Todd Gurley
    Can you spot the difference?

    Under those circumstances older acts that wish to maintain relevance must evolve (or de-volve) as their sound must have a Benjamin Button like trajectory, consistently aging down to make way for the new norm. It’s why a megastar like Drake perpetually stays tapped in to younger, underground artists, often employing younger acts to aid in his creative process. Because, despite his best efforts to present a contrary image, Drake doesn’t think like a teen or young adult.

    hip hop's big 3 are not immune to the changing music landscape
    Even the big 3 have to adapt to hip hop’s revolving landscape

    Similarly, J. Cole’s latest track “Grippy,” a remix of Cash Cobain’s hit-record “Dunk Contest,” is in accordance with this phenomenon. The “No Role Modelz” rapper’s attempt at the”sexy drill” sound has quickly become social media fodder, with Cole sounding out-of-touch while letting Nas down in the process. Hell, even the likes of Kendrick Lamar needed an easily digestible follow-up to the critically-acclaimed To Pimp A Butterfly. 50 years in the making, hip hop is firmly entrenched in a civil war between old and new.

    On To The Next One

    However, despite all the constant rethoric regarding “OGs,” in hip hop, make no mistake, the youth set the pace. With every 40 plus occupier of the culture ready to placate their younger counterparts in a means to avoid the poignant rays of “old head” that would leave them outside the club of relevancy. For this reason rappers and media personalities alike must duck, dodge and weave in the never-ending battle for the fountain of youth.

    Young rappers in hip hop
    Youth is akin to a superpower in rap’s revolving landscape

    Yet, sadly, this leaves many legends of the genre outside the scope of musical relevancy. And for better or worse, the ageism in hip hop only affects the talent, the faces that you see. The ones you don’t are the one signing the checks and profiting from it all. Yet when a legend like Method Man feels out of place in an ecosystem he once thrived in, it serves as an eye opener to the hip hop’s cyclic nature. Moreover, as we’re firmly in the streaming era, maturation in hip hop is once again on the back burner. As artists look for their next Tik Tok hit and viral moment, there is no time to look back and appreciate the past (unless there’s a sample to be had), as hip hop is perpetually on the lookout for the next trend.

  • A Look Ahead to Grateful Dead-Inspired Circus of the Dead Festival

    The premier New York summer event for Deadheads and jam band enthusiasts is back. The Circus of the Dead Festival will be returning to Lee’s Campground in Saratoga Springs on June 21 and 22 for a literally jam-packed weekend of performances celebrating the spirit of the Grateful Dead.

    circus of the dead festival

    2024 marks the second year of Saratoga Springs’ spin on their annual Circus of Life Festival, Circus of the Dead, which stemmed from a visit by Dead and Company in 2023 while they were on their final tour. While the Grateful Dead will sadly not be touring in Saratoga Springs this year, or anywhere for that matter, this year’s festival is still set to deliver an experience for Deadheads of all ages.

    Highlights among the bands set to perform include high-octane new-funk electrofusion and dance band Kung Fu, never-before-heard supergroup Uncle Vin’s Band, featuring Vinnie Amico, Nate Wilson, and Al Schnier from moe.., Marc Brownstein of The Disco Biscuits, and Max Verna of The Ominous Seapods. This extraordinary supergroup promises a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration that will blow your mind and leave you craving more. Plus don’t miss genre-bending one-man band Keller Williams, who’s playing a must-see Dead Infusion set. Multiple performances will also include light shows and other visual effects. 16 other bands are billed to play during the densely packed two-day festival. 

    Beyond the performing artists, a variety of activities and attractions for guests will be available during the weekend. Art installations and workshops, food and merchandise vendors, circus acts and performances and LED walls, lasers and light shows will all be present to enhance everyone’s experience.

    General admission tickets cover both days of the weekend and also include the ability to tent or car camp. Tickets for no-camp single days are also available, as well as early arrival and RV passes. General admission tickets are $176.88, and single-day tickets are $74.64.

    Full Lineup:

    Friday

    Dead Stage:

    Dr Jah & The Love Prophets – 12:30-1:45 PM

    Creamery Station – 2:30-3:45 PM

    The Deadbeats – 4:30-6:00 PM

    Keller Williams – 6:45-8:15 PM

    Kung Fu – 9:00-11:00 PM

    Jam Legacy Stage:

    What? – 1:15-2:45 PM

    Jabbawaukee – 3:15-4:45 PM

    Lazy Bird – 5:15-6:45 PM

    Residual Groove – 7:30-9:00 PM

    Saturday

    Dead Stage:

    Monkey & The Crowbar – 11:00-12:15 PM

    The Brass Machine – 1:00-2:15 PM

    The Wheel – 3:00-4:15 PM

    Neon Avenue – 4:45-6:00 PM

    Leon Trout – 6:45-8:00 PM

    Uncle Vin’s Band – 9:00-11:00 PM

    Jam Legacy Stage:

    Rob Glassman Band – 1:15-2:45 PM

    Caylin Costello Band – 3:15-4:45 PM

    Guess Method – 5:15-6:45 PM

    Kale – 7:30-9:00 PM

    More information about the Circus of Life Festival can be found here.

  • Seagle Festival returns for 109th Concert Season

    Schroon Lake’s Seagle Festival has announced its performance lineup for its 109th annual season. Beginning June 16th, the concert season features a host of opera and theater performances. With performances ranging from classic Italian opera to Broadway classics to a special Juneteenth concert, there is a performance for everyone.

    Oscar Seagle Memorial Festival, home of the Seagle Festival performances
    The Oscar Seagle Memorial Theater

    Seagle Festival has been the Adirondacks’ premiere organization for opera and musical theater for over a century. Singer/teacher Oscar Seagle founded the festival in 1915 as a family run operation. In 1920, Seagle purchased the property that now houses the festival, with it quickly becoming a hub for enterprising young musicians. Throughout the past century, it evolved into a non-profit run by leading vocal trainers and theater performers. Today, the organization focuses on cultivating the talent of aspiring performers, and producing high quality theater performances.

    The Summer season begins June 16th at 2:00pm with a special Juneteenth Concert. This performance includes a curated collection of works by eight African American composers, sung by emerging vocalists. Old Friends & New follows this performance, officially kicking off the season. This performance will introduce all 31 emerging performers in both solo and ensemble pieces. Additionally, there will be a post-concert reception where audience members can meet and greet performers. 

    Mainstage performances will begin on July 3rd, with a performance of the Broadway hit Brigadoon. This hit show features classic songs like “The Heather on the Hill,” “Waitin’ for my Dearie,” and “Almost Like Being in Love.” There will be performances on July 3rd, 5th, and 6th at 7:30pm, with a special matinee July 5th at 2:00pm.

    The Seagle Festival’s 2023 production of Romeo and Juliet

    July 17th, 18th, and 20th will feature a performance of the classic Mozart opera Don Giovanni. The opera that follows the Casanova-like Don Giovanni in a story that mixes comedy, drama, and beautiful vocals. The performance will be in its original Italian, with English supertitles. On top of the three evening performances, there will also be a matinee performance July 19th at 2:00pm.

    The third mainstage performance is Dragon’s Breath based on the novel by Charles Frazier. The play’s story tells the tale of a Confederate deserter returning home, in a narrative that mirrors Homer’s Odyssey. This performance is part of the organization’s goal to promote contemporary American opera, and marks the first female-composed opera produced by the festival.

    The final mainstage production of the season is the Sondheim classic Sweeney Todd. With a story that has captivated audiences since 1979, this musical provides a great forum for the festival’s performers to demonstrate their talent. With complex characters, and challenging vocal performances, Sweeney Todd is sure to be an eventful send-off for the mainstage season. 

    The Seagle Festival’s 2023 children’s opera The Ugly Duckling

    In addition to mainstage performances, there will be two additional children-focused events during the season. On July 6th, the festival will present a children’s opera titled Dragon’s Breath. This opera focuses on a boy named Alan who learns to deal with his anger, personified as a dragon. Following this performance, the Seagle Festival will tour the show throughout the North Country’s elementary schools. The Musical World of Disney will close out the concert season with a September 7th performance. The show will celebrate Disney’s centennial with a revue of classics dating back to the 1920s. 

    Performance Schedule

    Juneteenth Concert – June 16 at 2:00 PM 

    Old Friends & New – June 22 at 7:30 PM

    Don Giovanni – July 17, 18, 20 at 7:30 PM, July 19 at 2:00 PM

    Cold Mountain – July 31, August 1, 3 at 7:30 PM, August 2 at 2:00 PM

    Sweeney Todd  – August 14, 15, 17 at 7:30 PM, August 16 at 2:00 PM

    The Musical World of Disney  – September 7 at 7:30 PM

    The Oscar Seagle Memorial Theater on the Seagle Festival campus at 999 Charley Hill Road, Schroon Lake, NY will host all performances unless otherwise noted. For more information on scheduling and ticket prices, visit the Seagle Festival website here.

    Enjoy a performance from the Seagle Festival’s 2018 production of The Great Gatsby.

  • Rebounder Celebrates ‘Born In The USA’ With Lofi Cover

    NYC Band Rebounder is back with new music, starting with a cover of “Born In The USA” by Bruce Springsteen. 

    rebounder born in the USA

    Patrick Holland from the Canadian indie-rock band TOPS, co-produced and mixed the unique spin on the classic song just in time for the 40th anniversary of the original album. The song is a slower toned-down version of the Springsteen song. Instead of classic American rock, it’s an indie-lofi song. “Born In The USA” is accompanied by a DIY style music video featuring American scenes of highways, cityscapes and rural farmland. 

    rebounder born in the USA

    In 2020, Rebounder put their name on the map when they released their first EP, Subway Songs, including the song “Japanese Posters,” which gained 23 million streams on Spotify. In 2021, they released “Change Shapes” in collaboration with Jesse Rutherford. They’ve also collaborated with Chris Thompson of Vampire Weekend on production and toured with Phoenix, MUNA, Dayglow and Cautious Clay. The band’s frontman is Dylan Chenfeld. He, his brother Noah Chenfeld and their childhood friends Zack Kantor and Cobey Arner make up Rebounder. 

    Fans can expect more from them as their second studio EP Sunset Vision is set to release on Aug 15. Watch the video for Rebounder’s cover of “Born in the USA’ below.