NYS Music 2024

Tag: Album Announcement

  • National Sawdust Announces Album Playcast Series “Live from National Sawdust” Beginning October 18

    National Sawdust has announced the release of their 3-part album playcast series, Live from National Sawdust. The first of this series to release is Joy on October 18.

    Live from National Sawdust

    Drawing from the countless transportive and transcendent performances presented and recorded live at National Sawdust over the decade since its inception, the series—part playlist, part podcast, part radio show—offers a curated journey through the evolution of contemporary music.

    New Sounds presents playcast selections on its daily show on WNYC Radio and the full playcasts, with commentary from hosts Prestini and Ousley is presented from their YouTube channel. The music featured in the playcasts will also be available on Apple Music Classical.

    Amidst its 10-year Anniversary season recalling the groundbreaking musical and sound-based work shared in one of the best-sounding halls in New York City, National Sawdust now brings these singular performances to listeners everywhere.

    Live from National Sawdust
    Co-Founder Paola Prestini

    The initial drop from this series features pieces that fall under the theme of joy — followed, in November, by Faith, and December, by Healing. For the first time, listeners can experience these vibrant pieces, specially mined from the National Sawdust archive.

    Joy features works by composers including Andy Akiho, Bach, Beethoven,  Magos Herrera, Emma O’Halloran, Caroline Shaw, and Paul Wiancko. The first collection Joy also includes performances from Andy Akiho, Aizuri Quartet, Attacca Quartet, Theo Bleckmann, Magos Herrera, The Refugee Orchestra Project, Brooklyn Rider, Ian Rosenbaum, and Chris Thile.

    As Live from National Sawdust explores its given theme, each episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes of artists, blending live performances, studio recordings, and intimate interviews. These playcasts give listeners an immersive experience and takes them on a journey through the minds of the artists and the stories behind the music.

    Host Andrew Ousley

    To listen to the playcast series Live from National Sawdust on October 18, click here. To learn more about National Sawdust and their background click here.

  • Hearing Aide: Jim Andralis Drops Haunting LP “Ghosts”

    On August 16, Jim Andralis, known for hosting the country music variety show Grand Ole Pubry at Joe’s 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.

    jim andralis

    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.

  • Eddy Lee Ryder Debuts With “Sweet Delusions”

    On Friday, August 23, Woodstock-based Americana musician Eddy Lee Ryder released her debut album, Sweet Delusions. The album is a testament to Ryder’s storytelling ability, ironically recounting one of the worst parts of life through playfully catchy tunes that still bring out hers, and our own, deepest emotions.

    eddy lee ryder

    After releasing a collection of singles and EPs, Ryder amassed a decent following through her emotional storytelling and unique, nostalgic musical style. With the help of musicians like producer Father John Misty, drummer/musical director Dan Bailey, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Chae (Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves), and keyboardists Todd Caldwell (Crosby, Stills & Nash, James Taylor) and Dave Shephard, along with harmonies and other help from NYC friends like Rebecca Haviland and pianist Abby Payne, Sweet Delusions is an opus two years in the making.

    Throughout the entirety of the album, Ryder wears her heart on her sleeve, showing her anger, bitterness, and frustration in a failed relationship. Yet, even through all those negative feelings, there is a deep sense of romanticism behind the music, as if she’s looking back on these particular events and trying to decide whether they were positive or negative. Despite the ending of the album resembling the end of a relationship, the conflicts presented in the music leave the audience wishing they could be a fly on a wall during any one of these recording sessions.

    “I want my music to carry multiple emotions, just like every experience,” Ryder says. “Nostalgia, absurdity, humor, and sorrow.”

    Sweet Delusions is no exception. At its core, it is a quintessential breakup album with all the turmoil and heartbreak dripping from each track. With this album, Ryder goes back to the folky sounds of the 70s, with a slight southern twang that she herself admitted was purely accidental. Ironically, it feels like the perfect genre to express those emotions of heartbreak, sadness, and the emotional turmoil of a relationship heading in the wrong direction.

    Through tracks like “Highwaymen” and “Only Real Cowboy,” Ryder perfectly depicts a toxic relationship. In the lead single, “Highwaymen,” she compares her relationship to that of Thelma and Louise, knowing something would lead to disaster and terrible consequences but eagerly doing it anyway out of sheer excitement and adrenaline. Through “Only Real Cowboy,” her sense of romanticism comes back full circle, singing about a completely bipolar relationship. Ryder depicts this secretive recluse and the emotional turmoil that comes with that type of relationship in an almost Lana Del Rey-like fashion.

    However, leading single “Bad Decisions” expresses the complete opposite. While the romanticization of Ryder’s past relationship is definitely present in other singles, “Bad Decisions” brings us back to reality. The track reminds the audience to be angry at everything that happened, repeating, “Don’t say you love me if you’re here for a good time.” While “Highwaymen” tells us of the excitement of something new and potentially toxic, tracks like “Bad Decisions” and “Joke is on Me” bring us back to those dreadful feelings where the rose-tinted glasses come off and reality sinks in. By “County Fair,” the depression with realizing a relationship must end comes in full swing, and the listener gets to see the path of growth and healing it takes to come to that decision.

    Regardless of whether the country music vibes were “accidental”, Eddy Lee Ryder definitely uses it to her advantage. The end of this relationship brought forth plenty of anxiety, anger, and depression that is depicted in a perfect way. As a whole, the intimate nature of country music gives us a deeper understanding of Ryder’s feelings. The intimacy definitely pays off throughout the entirety of the album, and she depicts the whirlwind of emotions in a perfect way.

    It’s safe to say that Eddy Lee Ryder’s debut album was a surmounting success. Her goal of carrying multiple emotions was definitely met, and it was almost whiplash-inducing to go back and forth between her emotions. After the release of Sweet Delusions, it’s exciting to see what will come next from Eddy Lee Ryder.

    Sweet Delusions is out now on all streaming platforms and fans can visit Ryder’s website for any updates and new releases.

  • Hearing Aide: Lotus “How to Dream in Color,” Announces New York Show and Full Tour

    On July 15, Lotus released their newest studio album, How to Dream in Color, embarking on a nationwide tour starting this past week, ending on New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia. This energetic, unique, and funky album is another hit for their discography, combining easy-listening funk with hip-hop and pop that gives it a perfect retro feel.

    With a musical style as unique as Lotus, it can be hard to grab the attention of listeners and keep them interested. The opening track, “How Do I Come Down,” immediately captures the listener with a hypnotic drum beat and steady guitar riffs but quickly differentiates itself with funky, distorted vocals scattered throughout. It truly sets the tone for the rest of the album and may not be something that you’re used to, but it’s just as groovy nonetheless.

    Throughout the album, Lotus manages to keep the listener on their toes. The album acts as a tribute to longtime percussionist Chuck Morris, following his and his son’s passing in 2023. During this transitional period, Lotus embraced a new approach to recording, including the use of layered drum sounds and a collage-based style that shows how far they’ve come their first few albums like Nomad (2005) or even their 2011 self-titled album.

    With each track’s style, there is still a signature electronic spin one would expect from Lotus. How to Dream in Color puts the spotlight on the instrumentalists and gives them a chance to truly shine and show off their talents and experimentation through multiple genres. Most of the album is dedicated to the music itself, giving their musicianship a chance to shine. Songs with vocals like “Can You Hear the Sound” and the opening track “How Do I Come Down” are great introductions to the album, and elegantly juxtaposed against the full-instrumental tracks that surround it.

    lotus tour
    Lotus Album Release Show at Johnny Brenda’s. 7/11/2024. Photo: Jordan August 

    How to Live in Color is available on all streaming platforms. Lotus kicked off their tour in Lake George on Saturday, July 13, but the fun doesn’t stop there. The full tour is listed below. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit lotusvibes.com.

    Lotus How to Dream in Color Tour

    July 18 – Secret Dreams – Thornville, OH

    August 15  – The Big E – Springfield, MA

    August 30 – September 1 – Summerdance – Garrettsville, OH

    October 2 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA

    October 3 – Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT

    October 4 – State Theatre – Portland, ME

    October 5- Higher Ground – Burlington, VT

    October 9 – Jefferson Theater – Charlottesville, VA

    October 10 – Salvage Station – Asheville, NC

    October 11 – Music Farm – Charleston, SC

    October 12 – Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL

    October 13 – Tipitina’s Uptown – New Orleans, LA 

    October 16  – Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL

    October 17 – Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC

    October 18 – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC

    October 19 – The Recher – Towson, MD

    October 24 – Washington’s – Fort Collins, CO

    October 25-26 – Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO

    December 30 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA 

    December 31 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA

  • Hearing Aide: “Better(er) Days” Brings Out The Best of Bad Mary

    On July 16, Long Island-based punk band Bad Mary released their newest EP, Better(er) Days. Their EP celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the release of their first album, Better Days.

    Complete with remixes and re-recorded versions of their first album’s hits, Better(er) Days is a refreshing, hard-hitting collection that brings out the best of Bad Mary.

    better(er) days

    In the ten years since the release of Better Days, Bad Mary released four killer EPs – Killing Dinosaurs (2016), We Could Have Saved the World (2016), Glitter Bomb (2017), and Trash And Glamour (2023), and punk-rock opera The Return of Space Girl in 2019. But despite their ever-growing discography, the band kept their first album quite near and dear to them. Ten years later, the tracks on Better Days are still part of their touring setlist.

    That being said, to be loved, at its core, is to be changed. Better(er) Days not only shows how Bad Mary has grown over time, but how much they truly loved the original songs on the original album. Bad Mary manages to keep the original integrity of each track, but the differences are still incredibly noticeable. It’s not just another way to re-release songs that fans have already heard hundreds of times, but a respectable homage to their debut. The re-release of these classic tracks shows how the band has grown over time, and how far they’ve come in the last decade. The tracks on Better(er) Days are tailored not only to each individual musician’s talent, but to their audience, giving their fans the songs they’ve loved in the past in the styles they love today.

    Harder and louder than the original album, Better(er) Days makes a point of highlighting the band’s influences: classic punk artists like The Ramones, Sex Pistols, and Misfits. Unlike the original album, the instrumentation of songs on Better(er) Days is much clearer, and the fast drums and rolling guitars juxtapose perfectly against lead singer Amanda Mac’s punchy vocals.

    Most noticeably different from their original tracks are “Ninja” and “Forget About It,” removing and replacing entire verses and backing track. For Bad Mary, Better(er) Days pays a fantastic tribute to their debut, reviving their classics in a unique way while still keeping them new, fresh, and modern. The EP perfectly reflects the roots of punk music yet updates it to the styles fans love today.

    Better(er) Days is out now and available on all streaming platforms. Listen to it here. For more information, visit Bad Mary’s website, here.

  • NYC Vocalist Morley Releases Highly Anticipated Single “It’s Hard To Stop” 

    On Friday, June 21, Manhattan-based singer-songwriter Morley released her newest single, “It’s Hard to Stop.” The single is the first off of her forthcoming album, Follow the Sound, set to release on September 27.

    In collaboration with her husband, Chris Bruce, “It’s Hard to Stop” is a soft, soothing recollection on the tenderness of the human condition and heartbreak.

    morley

    Over the course of the last decade, Morley has received widespread critical acclaim for her contributions to the arts. Before releasing her first album, Morley worked for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, a modern dance company based in Manhattan, as a choreographer. During her tours with the dance center, she began writing and composing original music.

    Morley’s style combines elements of jazz, folk, and classic Americana glued together by free-flowing improvisation. “It’s Hard to Stop” is no different. The single incorporates elements of acoustic folk and indie with her bluesy voice reminiscent of Nina Simone.

    Since then, she has used her music to become a widespread advocate for social justice. Morley has performed all over the world, including for and alongside prominent activists, charities, and religious figures, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Virgin Unite. In 2019, Morley released the album Borderless Lullabies, which continues to raise funds for K-I-N-D (Kids In Need Of Defense).

    morley

    Now, Morley is ready to unleash her creativity through a combination of her iconic folk and jazz-inspired sounds. Along with her husband, producer Chris Bruce, Follow The Sound has contributions from several artists and instrumentalists. Meshell Ndegeocello (bass), Shara Nova a.k.a. My Brightest Diamond (vocals), Toumani Diabaté (kora), Jon Cowherd (piano), Chris Bruce (guitar, bass), Arun & Trina Ramamurthy (violins), Jack DeBoe, Jay Bellerose and Abe Rounds (drums), and Cole Kamen (trumpet) all contributed to the highly-anticipated album.

    ‘It’s Hard To Stop’ arose from an improv, a stream of consciousness while Chris and I were playing in our apartment one night. Looking out the window at all those city lights got me thinking about all the dreams and tender hearts striving to have a beautiful life inside them, glimpses of our highest possibilities came to mind, and how hard it is to stop from wanting things to be different in the world than the way they are, right now.

    Morley

    For more information on the artist and future releases, visit their website. To Stream “It’s Hard To Stop,” click HERE.

  • Buffalo Based Artist Evan Anstey Releases New EP “Alternates II”

    On Friday, June 21, Buffalo-based alt-folk artist Evan Anstey released his latest EP, Alternates II. As the second installment of Anstey’s “Alternates” series, this EP explores a wide range of genres and musical styles. With Alternates II, audiences can expect an awesome mix of hard rock, techno, and of course, a bit of bluegrass.

    evan anstey

    Debuting in 2016 with his EP Recent Time, Evan Anstey has played a role in the Western New York music scene. Born and raised in the area, Anstey began playing music at the age of 8. As he grew older, he began writing and performing his own music, both as a solo and group artist. Anstey co-founded, played guitar, and sang with rock bands Arrowdrive and The Moon Hunters. Since he was 17, Evan has served as a vocalist, guitarist, and occasional bassist in the indie-prog outfit Meat Raffle.

    Evan Anstey’s alt-folk sound draws inspiration ranging from classic artists like Flatt & Scruggs to the progressive bluegrass of Nickel Creek and modern folk stylings of Aoife O’Donovan, John Paul White and Declan O’Rourke. His last EP, Alternates I, stayed true to his inspirations in folk and indie music. The instrumentation of the EP was mostly acoustic. However, its sequel is quite different.

    evan anstey

    For years, Evan Anstey gained traction as a folk artist. But with this EP, Anstey explored elements of other genres like hard rock and techno. The blend of these genres may come as a surprise to some, but the experimentation had been expertly handled. Like his last album, however, each track was a creative retelling of past songs he had performed live or co-wrote with his other groups. Anstey had the help of guest musicians to fully compose his vision.

    Anstey played various instruments on Alternates II, including guitar, violin, bass, mandolin, keyboards, and ukulele. Guests artists Darryl Tonemah, LP Tonemah, Kris Brayley, Ernest “E.C.” Palmer, Alex Feig, and James Robert Kibby all feature on the six-track EP, each providing their own instrumentation and elements to the work.

    I wanted to step out of the box on this one. Plans changed along
    the way, but that’s one of my favorite parts about making a
    record — the fluidity of art.

    Evan Anstey

        Alternates II is available on all streaming and download platforms. For more information on Evan Anstey, visit here.

      1. Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams Return with Latest Single “Desert Island Dreams”

        Three-time GRAMMY-winning producer and Woodstock residents Larry Campbell, and singer-guitarist Teresa Williams have announced the release of their latest single, “Desert Island Dreams.” The single is a true Americana piece with a road-trip feel, complete with hearty guitar licks and soulful vocals.

        Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams Desert Island Dreams

        The single, “Desert Island Dreams” is an upbeat ode about disregarding the madness of the modern world. While the world around us may be hectic, we always have the chance to slip away to our own desert island and dream in peace. Whether that desert island be literal or metaphorical, we can all find one to escape the monotony and chaos. Campbell has his creative roots as a multi-instrumentalist with Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Keith Richards, and others, and Williams as a stage actor in productions like Keep On the Sunny Side and Always… Patsy Cline. Together, the creative and talented duo combine to become the couple of Americana.

        Desert Island Dreams

        The duo also has a new album titled, All This Time, set to release April 5. The album is a milestone, marking 40 years of musicianship and partnership of the duo. Also on the duo’s agenda, a tour across multiple states is currently in effect.

        Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams 2024 tour dates

        1/13 – South Walton, FL – 30A Songwriter Festival

        1/14 – South Walton, FL – 30A Songwriter Festival

        1/17 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

        1/18 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

        1/19 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

        1/20 – Cancún, Quintana Roo – Feat Camp

        4/16 – Boston, MA – City Winery

        4/17 – Fairfield, CT – Stage One

        4/18 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall

        4/20 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java

        4/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall

        4/23 – Columbus, OH – Natalie’s

        4/24 – Detroit, MI – Magic Bag

        4/26 – Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music

        4/27 – Minneapolis, MN – Parkway Theater

        4/30 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads

        5/1 – St Louis, MO – Off Broadway

        5/3 – Nashville, TN – 3rd & Lindsley 

        5/4 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

        5/5 – Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic

        5/11 – Lexington, TN – Main & Monroe

        For more information on Larry and Teresa’s upcoming shows or releases, click here. Stay up to date on Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams’ album, All This Time. To listen to the duo’s latest single. “Desert Island Dreams,” see below.