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Upcoming Live Music at Alexandria Bay’s Riverboat Bar

Alexandria Bay’s Riverboat Bar is one of the premier spots for live music in Jefferson County. Throughout the Summer, the bar hosts a number of concerts each week, bringing audiences performances of indie, Americana, and more.

Summer 2024 sees 13 artists from New York State and beyond performing at the Riverboat Bar, bringing audiences plenty of variety.

Friday, July 19th will feature two sets by Utica’s The Old Main. Led by songwriter Seth Becker, the indie-folk quartet has toured across New York for over a decade. The band combines influences of John Prine and Wilco with stripped down instrumentation to create intimate Americana. Their set will begin at 10pm, with attendance being free.

Continuing with folk music, July 20th will feature a free show by CNY group The Rollin’ Rust. Singer-songwriter James VanDeuson leads the group, bringing an edge to traditional Americana. Their evocative songwriting and polished instrumentation has taken them around the country, performing across 45 cities in 2023 alone. Their debut Road Rats was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 2023 SAMMY Awards. They will play two sets beginning at 10pm.

On July 26th, the Riverboat Bar will host Syracuse’s Vaporeyes. Vaporeyes plays progressive rock heavily influenced by classic psychedelia. With lush keyboard textures, guitar, and rhythms, the band crafts dreamy musical soundscapes. Vaporeyes will play two free sets, beginning at 10pm.

August 2nd will feature a “Local Legendz Showcase,” featuring performances by a host of local musical artists. Holdown Upstate organized this event as part of their mission to increase community involvement in music throughout Upstate New York. This event represents a live version of Holdown Upstate’s “Local Legendz ” radio program highlighting up-and-coming artists from across New York. This free show will begin at 10pm.

On August 3rd, Joey Collins and the Creatives will perform at the Riverboat Bar. The trio originates from Watertown, but has played at shows and festivals across the state. Their sound incorporates influences of soul and folk into Indie rock. As part of their return to the Riverboat Bar, Joey Collins and the Creatives will play two free sets, beginning at 10pm.

August 9th will feature two sets by Syracuse’s Mike Powell and the Echosound. The band began during the Covid-19 lockdown, as Powell decided to go back to his roots while listening to his record collection. As soon as touring was possible, Powell enlisted musicians from Suracuse’s blues and folk scenes to start the Echosound. All five members collaborate to write lyrics and music for their Americana and rock influenced songs. This show comes after the release of their debut Plastic Spoon Honeymoon in 2023. The show will begin at 10pm, with a $5 cover at the door.

On August 10th, Albany’s Hilltop will perform two sets at the Riverboat Bar. The four-piece band began jamming at Mercy College in 2018. The quartet has 100 shows under their belt, blasting out funk-influenced rock numbers for their audiences. Their show will take place during Alexandria Bay’s Pirate Days festival, featuring events and exhibitions across town. Hilltop’s two sets will begin at 10pm, with a $5 cover charge at the door.

Connecticut-based funk band One Time Weekend will perform two nights of shows on August 16-17th. Across their two studio albums, One Time Weekend have made a name for themselves as a premier modern funk band. Their sound combines groovy pop melodies with progressive instrumentation. Their live shows bring an unmatched energy, with face-melting riffs and smooth vocals. One Time Weekend will play two sets each night, beginning at 10pm. Guests can buy tickets for $10 at the door each night, or a weekend pass for $15.

August 23rd will feature a free concert by Felix Free & the Rxcketeers. Born in Southern California, Felix Free moved to rural Upstate New York, where he honed his craft as a rapper. Free’s intimate lyricism and stage presence can conquer crowds both large and small. With the live band the Rxcketeers behind him, Free will bring his trademark Golden era hip hop stylings to the Riverboat Bar. This free show will begin at 10pm.

On August 24th, Connecticut’s Legalized will play two sets with DJ Nick Balkun. Legalized’s music defies genre, combining everything from funk and jazz to punk and psychedelic. With rock instrumentals and saxophone, their music is noisy and experimental yet infectiously groovy. Connecticut’s DJ Nick Balkun will join Legalized, playing a DJ/drum set. This free show will feature two sets starting at 10pm.

Double Barrel Blues Band will return to the Riverboat Bar for a weekend residency from August 30-September 1st. The Syracuse quartet plays all types of blues, including more traditional acoustic, and modern amplified styles. With the guitar chops of Mark Cloutier and John Hart, the group are regular nominees at the SAMMY awards blues category. Their residency will feature special guests making for a weekend-long blues-stravaganza. Each residency show is free, beginning at 8pm each night.

Organ Fairchild will kick off September at the Riverboat Bar with two free sets on September 6th. Beginning as a Buffalo-based Grateful Dead cover band in 1983, Organ Fairchild’s members honed their live music abilities in extended jams. In 2020, they rebranded themselves as an instrumental trio, featuring guitar, drums, and organs. The trio’s brand of instrumental funk has brought national renown, playing shows across the East Coast with legends of the jam band genre. Their sets will begin at 10pm.

September 7th will feature two free sets by Buffalo-based rock group Johnny Hart & the Mess. The band’s sound can loosely be defined as “alternative,” but combines influences of pop, blues, country, and more. With releases like Moonlite Motel and Neon Eyes the band has established itself as an up-and-comer in New York’s rock scene. Their sets will begin at 10pm.

Shapes will close out the Riverboat Bar’s summer season with a September 13th performance. Hailing from Toronto, the band’s music combines rock with influences of funk and afrobeat. The band never takes itself too seriously, including witty lyrics and humorous stage banter into their shows. With their groovy instrumentation and funny stage presence, Shapes is sure to keep audiences dancing and laughing all night long. Their two free sets will begin at 10pm.

For more information on the Riverboat Bar’s upcoming shows, visit their website here.

July 20, 2024
Barbie Barker of Candy Ambulance Shares Debut Single “Unread”

Barbie Barker of Troy’s Candy Ambulance, is embarking on a new solo project with debut single, “Unread” on July 19. The single comes ahead of an EP titled C. dropping July 26. As Barbie shifts her focus musically, she explores realms of vulnerability, emotions, and authenticity.

Barbie Barker stumbled upon this entirely new terrain when she started channeling immense genuity inspired by certain events in her life that deeply affected her. During the music-making process, it became apparent that the songs wouldn’t fit Candy Ambulance’s image. So instead, Barker, whose first name is Caitlin, choosing to take on the name Barbie after her grandmother, made the decision to undertake this era independently.

Her debut single off of C., “Unread” tells the story of becoming so passionate about something to the point where it becomes all-consuming and affects more than yourself. It’s about remembering how things used to be, the transitions that took place, and the choices that need to be made. The lyrics are intimate, admitting the feelings that Barker had such a hard time bringing to light.

Candy Ambulance is my first band and I put so much of my self worth into my role there. It was my salvation, the reason I go to therapy and work really hard to be a good person. I wrote about some really intense traumas I was working through and we toured the record where I bore my soul.
Barbie Barker on “Unread”

Against the backdrop of simple guitar and percussion, her voice guides the instruments along with the sentiment she’s expressing. The music starts slow and progressively picks up as more truths spill out. The words truly are the main attraction, combatting the feelings of pressure that Barker sings about, while the music submits to them. Put together by Barker and Tummy Rub Records, local musicians Joe Taurone (drums), Sam Walzyck (bass), and Dan Carr (guitar and production) understood and respected her vision.

The song is the result of pushing forward while still needing to heal from deep traumas as well as the defense mechanisms put in place to cope with that life. Through the words, Barker comes to terms with the fact that are all doing life for the first time, and trying to navigate it and mend ourselves as we go.

“Unread” is just one of five heartfelt indie-rock products of Barker’s writing journey. The upcoming EP C. is full of personal songs and anyone who listens can know they’re taking part in Barker’s healing. As a body of music, C. exemplifies the value of songwriting for artists and the solace that they can find. In Barker’s case, she uses it as an outlet that is less accessible when trying to appease everyone else.

This EP is a short and (bitter)sweet account of my vulnerability in songwriting as I move through my life. The songs didn’t fit my band and it was scary to branch out and do a project of my own. I worked with the incredibly talented folks at Tummy Rub Records and the experience was effortless. We even used my scratch guitar tracks because the vibe was so comfortable. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together.
Barbie Barker on C.

Additionally, to celebrate the release of her new music, Barker and the folks at Tummy Rub are holding a release show on Friday, July 19 at The Hangar on the Hudson in Troy. She will be joined by her collaborators as well as special guests toriendofstory and Canella, who also contributed to the E.P. The two bands will open for Barker with their own original music on a night full of authenticity and creative expression.

Pre-save and listen to “Unread” and C. on your preferred streaming platform. Purchase tickets for the release show here.

July 19, 2024
moe. shines at Outer Harbor Terminal B for Buffalo famoe.ly

moe. has been performing in Buffalo for over 30 years and the fans are always ready for the group to come back to the band’s birthplace. So on a breezy summer evening, moe. put on a nostalgic homecoming show at Buffalo’s new Outer Harbor venue, Terminal B. It is offically summer now that moe. has paid Buffalo a visit.

Terminal B, an intimate yet festival-like venue, welcomed Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country to start the night, opening with “Broadside Ballad” and “Hangman’s Reel,” which brought the crowd of all ages into rhythmic heartbeats satisfying their musical expectations. An improvisational approach to country carried the whole crowd to groove into finale tune, “Two Hills.” If you missed Daniel Donato and Cosmic Country, they have just been announced for Borderland Music Festival in September.

moe. launched their set with “Spaz Medicine” and followed by moe.’s homecoming song, “Skitchin’ Buffalo,” paying homage to local bass legend Rob Derhak’s memories of Buffalo, including references to lost venues like Broadway Joe’s. Fans were delighted to have heard “Not Coming Down,” “Wormwood” and live favorite “Kids.”

As the sun went down over Terminal B at Outer Harbor, moe. played covers like “Fearless” by Pink Floyd and “In Stride” by Nate Wilson Group, transitioning into “Deep This Time” which included impressive solos and twisted interplay. The fans went ablaze for “Bear Song,” with moe. bringing out Daniel Donato to help finish the show in perfect summer fashion with Jerry Garcia’s “Deal,” leaving the crowd eager for more from moe..

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country Setlist: Broadside Ballad, Hangman’s Reel, Translation, Got my Mojo Workin’, Gotta Get Southbound, Two Hills.

moe. Setlist: Spaz Medicine, Skitchin’ Buffalo, Not Coming Down, Wormwood, Fearless(Pink Floyd cover), Deep This Time, In Stride (Nate Wilson Group cover), ZOZ (Zed Nought Z), Kids, Time Ed, Kids, Bearsong, ZOZ (Zed Nought Z)
Encore: Deal (Jerry Garcia cover) with Daniel Donato

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country

moe.

July 19, 2024
Brooklyn-Based Gooseberry Release “Cherry Blossoms” Ahead of Full-Length LP

Brooklyn-based alt-rock band Gooseberry released their brand new single, “Cherry Blossoms,” this Friday. “Cherry Blossom” is the third single from their upcoming full-length LP, All My Friends Are Cattle, which is set to release Sept. 6.

Photo Credit: Alex SK Brown

Gooseberry, formed in 2019, melds alternative rock, indie, and blues to craft their distinctive and signature sound. Comprising Asa Daniels (guitar, vocals), Evin Rossington (drums), and Will Hammond (bass), the band has racked up hundreds of thousands of streams and garnered praise from editorial stalwarts Under the Radar, Ones to Watch, and more.

Now, bigger than ever and with the most to prove, Gooseberry is gearing up to release their debut full-length album, All My Friends Are Cattle. Announced back in April, the new project is, in the words of the band, “Gooseberry’s most ambitious project yet.” From the gritty alt-rock tune “Kikiyon” to the eerie and slow-building “Dying To Meet You,” the album’s singles released to date have indicated that listeners should expect the unexpected.

The band’s new single, “Cherry Blossoms,” leans into a more stripped-down sonic direction compared to their usual wailing guitars but thematically covers familiar ground, with Daniels singing about lost love and his desires to catch up to them, no matter how much time it takes. “I saw you underneath the cherry blossoms. I forgot to call your name,” Daniels tenderly sings over the song’s hook, then ends said hook with, “And I’ve forgotten so many things—keys and dates and wedding rings—but I could never forget your face.”

“I spent months during the pandemic scanning and cataloging photos of my family dating back to the 1800s. There’s something terrifying about how much of life slips through the cracks once lived, but also something beautiful about the staying power of the few moments that remain. My grandmother’s dementia has made that more tangible for me. So this song is essentially saying, ‘I’m gonna get it wrong a whole lot, and I won’t remember much of it in the end, but I’ll never forget the face of the ones I love.’”
Daniels on “Cherry Blossoms”

Gooseberry plans to release a fourth and final single, “Baby Do You?” in August.

In addition to All My Friends Are Cattle arriving this September, Gooseberry has also announced an upcoming tour with stops all around the country, including four in New York State. For the last show of the tour, Gooseberry will be sharing the stage with Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band in New Lenox, IL.

See below for the full list of Gooseberry tour dates, visit here for tickets and information, and stream “Cherry Blossoms” on all streaming platforms.

Tour Dates

8/1 – Boston, MA – Aeronaut Brewing

8/2 – Portsmouth, NH – The Press Room

8/3 – Burlington, VT – Red Square

8/4 – Rochester, NY – Bug Jar

8/6 – Cleveland, OH – The Happy Dog

8/7 – Detroit, MI – Lager House

8/8 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s

8/10 – Des Moines, IA – xBk

8/11 – St. Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar & Hall

8/12 – Davenport, IA – Raccoon Motel

8/13 – Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge

8/14 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads Gospel Lounge

8/15 – Milwaukee, WI – Anodyne

8/17 – Madison, WI – The Bur Oak

8/18 – St. Louis, MO – The Golden Record

8/20 – Nashville, TN – The Basement

8/21 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic

8/22 – Knoxville, TN – Barley’s Taproom

8/23 – Asheville, NC – New Belgium Brewing

8/24 – Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse

8/30 – Cooperstown, NY – Brewery Ommegang

9/1 – Rock Stream, NY – Seneca Lake Brewing Company

9/7 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom – ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

9/14 – New Lenox, IL – New Lenox Commons – Supporting Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band

July 19, 2024
Grafh & 38 Spesh Get Their ‘Rocafella Chain’ In New Single Ft. Memphis Bleek, Freeway, Peedi Crack

Grafh and 38 Spesh’s “Rocafella Chain” is the latest single in promotion of their joint-album, God’s Timing, which drops on August 2. The new single features a quartet of former Roc-A-Fella Records artists in Memphis Bleek, Freeway, Peedi Crack and Grafh himself in an ode to the legendary record label. Moreover, this is the second single Grafh and 38 Spesh have released ahead of God’s Timing, with this new single following the Talib Kweli assisted, “Right Now.”

Roc-A-Fella records alumni come together for this latest heater

If these two records are anything to go by then the new project will be full of quality. On “Rocafella Chain,” 38 Spesh sets the tone with a hard-hitting horn and drums loop before each artist takes turns trying to steal the show. In like manner, the record brings back memories of a good old posse cut. In turn, each artist brings their distinctive style, creating a dynamic and energetic anthem that pays respect to their roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary hip-hop.

God’s Timing

God’s Timing will be released on August 2, and is produced in its entirety by 38 Spesh. The album also includes appearances from Jim Jones, Talib Kweli, Method Man, Vado, Freeway, Memphis Bleek and Peedi Crakk. This will be the first joint-project between Grafh and 38 Spesh in a link-up between upstate, New York and the city.

July 19, 2024
In Focus: Ben Howard performs at ‘Perfect’ Bearsville Theater in Woodstock

One of England’s most prolific songwriters made a rare stop in Upstate New York on Tuesday, July 16, as Ben Howard performed at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock.

The historic theater provided a rare, intimate performance for Howard’s fans, who ofter have to seek out larger concert halls and amphitheaters to see the singer-songwriter perform.

The evening kicked off with a 30 minute set by Irish musician John Francis Flynn. Flynn took to the stage by himself, and performed a dramatic set of traditional Irish folk tunes. Performing solo, Flynn would create guitar and drum loops to back his vocals. He even took hand at the tin whistle, noting he had recently lost his previous instrument and was lucky to receive a new one in the mail earlier that day.

At promptly 9pm, Howard and his bandmates took to the stage with a roar from the audience. They would open with “Richmond Avenue”, a slow moving ballad off Howard’s 2023 release, Is It? Initially illuminated by a solo spotlight, dramatic lighting would adorn the stage as the song took shape.

Early in the evening Howard would praise the small town of Woodstock. “It seems quite perfect here”, Howard remarked, noting the band had visited a perfect shop, a perfect vegan restaurant, and the perfect concert venue before joking that he hoped to leave before discovering any dark secrets of the town. In truth, Howard is no stranger to the area, having recorded Is It? at Aaron Dessner’s nearby Long Pond Studio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAll4IK6Fig

Through out the set, the theater would become engulfed in ethereal and atmospheric sounds, played to near perfection from Howard and his bandmates. While the band would perform early tracks such as “Promise”, “Small Things”, and “Diamonds”, Howard seemed the most proud of his recent work. Much of the night’s setlist featured tracks off of Howard’s two most recent releases and included songs such as “Follies Fixture”, “Far Out”, and “Days of Lantana”. The tracks were met with warm reception from the audience, and Ben Howard would often flash back a modest smile in return.

It was quite the perfect experience for the perfect town.

July 19, 2024
Troy Ramey Releases “Pick Up Truck” After Debuting in NYC

Fresh off the streets of New York City, newcomer Troy Ramey released his latest single, “Pick Up Truck,” on June 28.

Known for his soulful voice and emotionally driven songs, Troy Ramey celebrates life’s simple pleasures; summer drives, and the joy of music.

Originally hailing from Vermont, Ramey grew up in a household of musicians, turning to music as a way to heal after the tragic loss of his father. Since then, his music has reflected his intense passion, producing authentic, emotionally driven songs and connecting deeply with his audience.

In 2017, Ramey competed on season 12 of NBC’s The Voice, garnering immense praise from audiences and celebrity judges Alicia Keys and Celine Dion alike. After his appearance, he moved to New York City and began to write and produce his own music, including his newest single, “Pick Up Truck.” At first, the song concept was a running joke between Troy and his longtime friend and co-writer Johnny Gates, mostly about the recurring themes within the country music genre. But after his landmark performance on The Voice, Troy continued to work with the concept, developing it into one of his favorite songs he’s recorded thus far.

“But as I messed around on the guitar, the lyrics ‘when you hear my song, turn it up, sounds better in a pickup truck’ came to mind,” Ramey says about the track. “The song immediately was no longer a joke. It really became a song about one of my favorite things to do.”

After the release of his first singles from his debut LP, All I Had, the excitement for the full album only began to grow. With the full album set to release in the fall of 2024, the anticipation only grows stronger with each day. The release of “Pick Up Truck” will certainly have to do in the meantime. If the artistry and creativity behind this one single is only a preview of the full album, there is certainly a bright future ahead of Troy Ramey.

Fans can listen to “Pick Up Truck” here, and in anticipation of Troy Ramey’s newest release, Ramey is set to play a few shows in the Northeast, starting with a stop in Patchogue, Long Island, at the 89 North.

July 19, Friday – 89 North – Patchogue, NY.

July 25, Thursday – The Maso Studio at The Huntington Theatre – Boston, MA.

July 26, Friday – Next Stage Arts – Putney, VTets.

July 27, Saturday – Newport Playhouse – Newport, RI.

July 19, 2024
Borscht Belt Festival Returns for Second Year in Ellenville

Following the event’s undeniable success in 2023, the Borscht Belt Museum has announced the return of its now-annual Borscht Belt Festival, a three-day-long celebration of the iconic Borscht Belt Era in the Catskills.

Beginning on the evening of Friday, July 26, and running through Sunday, July 28, the equally informative and entertaining festival will pay homage to the Borscht Belt’s vibrant past while showcasing its legacy and wide-ranging influence on American culture to all who attend in Ellenville, NY.

The Borscht Belt, a term for the region of summer resorts in the Catskills Mountains that thrived from the 1920s to the 1970s, is a pivotal piece of New York history. In its prime, the Borscht Belt had over 500 resorts that filled up with guests every year. The catalyst of the Borscht Belt was that in the early 1900s, certain hotels and resorts openly discriminated against Jewish people, which led to an untapped market that all resorts in the Borscht Belt leaned heavily into. Some of the most iconic aspects of the Borscht Belt’s prime are the historic comedians, delicious and authentic Jewish foods, and a second-to-none communal atmosphere.

Inspired by the fabled Borscht Belt era, the Borscht Belt Festival was created as an outlet to celebrate the region’s lengthy and impactful history. The inaugural Borscht Belt Festival last year was a rousing success, bringing in over 6,000 attendees, which led to all ticketed events selling out. The festival offers food, comedy, live music and scores of other events that will take over much of downtown Ellenville, just ninety minutes from Times Square.

Ellenville was home to the Nevele Grand Hotel, one of the largest and most important resorts in the Borscht Belt’s history, which sadly closed in 2009.

“Amid the backdrop of rising antisemitism, Borscht Belt Fest is a timely celebration of Jewish joy as a response to exclusion,” said Andrew Jacobs, president of the Borscht Belt Museum board. “The resorts may be gone, but we are committed to preserving and celebrating the Borscht Belt and the comedy, food and culture that had lasting impacts on mainstream America.”

This year’s festival is set to one-up everything from the first festival, with organizers claiming to have doubled the size of all offerings from the last year.

Highlights from this year’s lineup include Cousin Brucie, New Yorker writer Patricia Marx, comedian Rachel Feinstein, The Great Babka Bake Off, what will surely be a competitive and raucous Simon Sez competition, an outdoor screening of Dirty Dancing, and more, including cabaret and musical theater. Paying homage to the lifeblood of the Belt, the festival will also feature a multitude of stand-up shows from start to finish. A partnership with the NY Comedy Club has guaranteed that attendees will be getting the best of the best.

The festival’s centerpiece, though, has to be the street fair, which will run Saturday, 11–5 p.m. and Sunday, 10–3 p.m. and will feature local artisans, nostalgic merchandise, and delicious food, including artful interpretations of Jewish classics. The street fair is free to enter for all who come. Most events are free, but tickets are required for the comedy shows, talks, and workshops, with proceeds going to support the Catskills Borscht Belt Museum.

The Borscht Belt Festival is fully organized by the Borscht Belt Museum, a non-for-profit dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Borscht Belt resort era and celebrating its history as a refuge from bigotry, the cradle of stand-up comedy, and a cultural catalyst that left deep imprints on America. The museum’s current exhibition, “And Such Small Portions: Food and Comedy in the Catskills Resort Era,” will be running through November 15.

Find tickets and more information on the Borscht Belt Festival here.

July 19, 2024
Berklee NYC Celebrates Landmark 2024 Commencement

The Berklee College of Music announced that their New York City graduate program recently celebrated its graduation with a commencement ceremony at Lincoln Center.

On Sunday, June 29, Berklee NYC honored its largest cohort of Master’s recipients in the Appel Room of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall.

Photo credit – Yusuke Yamanouchi

Betsie Becker, acting executive director of Berklee NYC and Power Station at Berklee NYC, and David Bogen, interim president and provost of Berklee College of Music, conferred degrees to 119 scholars and four post-master’s fellows. The graduates were recipients of one-year Master of Arts degrees in creative media and technology, specializing in either songwriting and production, live music production and design, or writing and design for musical theatre. Music for the ceremony was even written and produced by the graduates, with the processional written by Power Station at Berklee NYC alumnus and staff member Glenn Forsythe (Class of 2008).

The commencement speech was given by Grammy and Tony award-winning musician and composer Charlie Rosen, a Berklee graduate of the class of 2012. This past February, Rosen took home the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album as orchestrator of the Broadway smash hit Some Like It Hot. In 2022, Rosen and his band, 8-Bit Big Band, received the Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella. Rosen has won two Tony Awards for Best Orchestration for his work on Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2020) and A Strange Loop (2023).

Charlie Rosen ’12 addresses graduates at the 2024 Berklee NYC commencement ceremony. Image by Yusuke Yamanouchi

Rosen, who is also a cancer survivor, gave a rousing speech to the graduates and fellows, inspiring each to pursue their creativity, even in the face of an incredibly difficult, competitive industry. Other keynote speakers were Xenia Rubos (Class of 2006), an assistant professor of songwriting and production, and songwriting and production scholar Tamieyah Johnson, who delivered remarks on behalf of her fellow graduates.

“This industry and this city can be challenging and unpredictable. Having a community around you of people who understand your struggles, share your passion, and celebrate your successes is invaluable. They will help you navigate the uncertainties, celebrate your victories, and provide solace during tough times,” said Rosen. “As a recent cancer survivor, I can attest most to the power of the support system of friends and peers. If there is one thing I continue to learn, it’s that no one succeeds in this industry alone. The connections you have made at Berklee are just the beginning.”

July 18, 2024
Monobloc Get Existential on New Single, “Where is My Garden?”

Monobloc, a band emerging from New York City’s DIY scene, has released a new single, “Where is My Garden?”.

Led by vocalist Tommy Waldron and bassist Michael Silverglade, Monobloc effortlessly merges post-punk instrumentation and attitude with pop sensibilities. With Zack Pockrose on drums, and guitarists Ben Scofield and Nina Lüders, Monobloc creates a nostalgic sound reminiscent of Television and The Strokes.

Julia Tarantino

Chronicling the internal battle between materialism and gratitude, Monobloc describes conflict with vivid imagery and refreshing honesty.

Unpublished praised the single for its honesty and timelessness: “with intricate, overlapping rhythms balanced with the straightforward ‘tell it how it is’ type lyrics, Monobloc … [creates] a timeless track that will be accessible through generations.”

The black and white music video, self-directed by the band, compliments the wiry, insistent guitar work and rousing chorus. Tommy Waldron said of the instrumentation, “Attached to the main riff of the song was this chorus I really wanted to use but could never find a place where it made sense. … It was a great wide theme – a bit Springsteen and better yet, the closest I could legally get to saying “Where are your friends tonight?”

Monobloc shared their first single, “I’m Just Trying to Love You” in early 2024. As Monobloc continues to hone in on their electric live shows, DIY attitude and artistic capabilities, more music is to come.

A full list of Monobloc’s tour dates is available below, along with the official “Where is My Garden?” music video. Tickets are available here.

AUGUST

2 – Pete’s Candy Store – Brooklyn NY

21 – Sebright Arms – London, UK (debut UK performance)

23 – All Points East Festival – London, UK (w/ LCD Soundsystem)

25 – Rock En Seine Festival – Paris, FR (debut EU performance)

29 – Kalorama Festival – Lisbon, PT

31 – Kalorama Festival – Madrid, ES

NOVEMBER

8 – Iceland Airwaves – Reykjavík, IS

17 – Corona Capital Festival – Mexico City, MX

July 18, 2024