Daughtry brought their “Adrenaline Gone Ballistic Tour” to Del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo on Saturday, December 14, bringing a mix of nostalgia, adrenaline, and excitement to the stage.
Daughtry opened the night with “The Reckoning”, a newly written song on their EP Shock To The System (Part One). The packed venue rose to their feet as head singer and North Carolina native Chris Daughtry entered the stage.
The thrilled Del Lago crowd wanted more from Daughtry, shouting requests in between songs. Chris interrupted the setlist to fulfill the crowd’s request, playing a heartfelt rendition of his acoustic song “September”, written in 2009. The fans didn’t just come for a show, they came for an exciting interaction.
The alternative rock band was formed in 2006 after Chris Daughtry made it to the finals in the fifth season of American Idol. His vocals and newly formed recognition earned him a record deal with RCA Records, and the band’s self- titled debut album would go on to sell more than a million copies after just five weeks of release, becoming the fastest selling debut rock album in Soundscan history.
As Daughtry waved the crowd goodbye and thanked the Waterloo fans for having him, the crowd stuck around as they cheered for an Encore, wanting more. With the eager fans on their feet, Daughtry rushed back out on stage to close out the show with their song “Artificial”, the first single to reach the number one spot on the Mainstream Rock chart. The band will gear up for upcoming shows in Nebraska and Minnesota, concluding their 2024 tour in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Rock powerhouses Breaking Benjamin and Staind have announced their upcoming co-headlining “Awaken The Fallen Tour.” The tour sees a single date in New York at SPAC on May 23. The bands are joined by special guests Wage War and Lakeview.
The 20-city tour kicks off on April 26 at Brandon Amphitheater in Brandon, MS making stops across the U.S. in Nashville, Tampa, Cincinnati, Green Bay, and more before wrapping up in Kansas City, MO at T-Mobile Center on June 1.
Staind is comprised of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist and backing vocalist Johnny April, and drummer Sal Giancarelli. The band was formed in 1995 in their hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts. Over the course of their career, Staind has released eight studio albums and twelve top 10 singles, selling over 15 million albums worldwide.
STAIND & BREAKING BENJAMIN âAWAKEN THE FALLENâ TOUR DATES:
Sat Apr 26 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
Sun Apr 27 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Tue Apr 29 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum
Wed Apr 30 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center
Sat May 03 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Tue May 06 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena
Wed May 07 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Sat May 10 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater
Sun May 11 – Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center Propst Arena
Tue May 13 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre â RESCHEDULED DATE
Wed May 14 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre â RESCHEDULED DATE
Sat May 17 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Mon May 19 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Wed May 21 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Fri May 23 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
Sun May 25 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Tue May 27 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
Wed May 28 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
Sat May 31 – Council Bluffs, IA – Harrah’s Council Bluffs – Stir Cove Event & Concert Venue
Sun June 1 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
For more information on the upcoming “Awaken The Fallen Tour” and to purchase tickets, click here.
Brooklyn-based alternative-rock band The Amatory Murder has announced the release of their latest single “Crazy in a Coffin (On a Saturday Night).” The single releases ahead of their “Dreamers & Screamers Tour” which helps raise money for Hurricane Helene relief.
“Crazy in a Coffin (On a Saturday Night)” which releases on October 10 is an upbeat, Halloween-inspired groove with jazz roots and will be available on all streaming platforms. The tour sees a total of six confirmed dates beginning in Marlinton, West Virginia on October 24 and wrapping up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on November 16. Along the way, the tour plans to stop at Area 140 First Bar in NYC on November 1. Shows on October 28 and November 17 are to be determined.
The band is heavy alternative but also employs textures of grunge, punk, pop and metal. Joining The Amatory Murder on their tour for select dates are special guests Sins of Eden, Vicki’s Dream, and Hand of the Tribe. The tour’s main theme is to help raise money and awareness of the devastation and loss caused by Hurricane Helene. The band plans to gain enough traction to supply each affected venue with the tools they need to leverage their businesses. The Amatory Murder has created a GoFundMe to raise funds for the residents and businesses ravaged by Hurricane Helene along our tour route.
The Amatory Murder “Dreamers & Screamers Tour” Dates:
Oct 24 – Marlinton, WV – Discovery Junction
Oct 25 – Duluth, GA – Sweetwater Bar & Grill
Oct 26 – Knoxville, TN – Scruffy City
Oct 27 – Asheville, NC – 27 Club
Oct 28 – TBD – TBD
Nov 1 – New York, NY – Area 140 First Bar
Nov 16 – Harrisburg, PA – JB Lovedraft’s MicroPub
Nov 17 – TBD – TBD
Buying tickets means donating to the cause – Hurricane Helene relief. Don’t wait, jump on it now. For more information on the upcoming “Dreamers & Screamers Tour” and to purchase tickets click here. To hear some of The Amatory Murder’s music including their latest single “Crazy in a Coffin (On a Saturday Night),” click here.
Wallows, the Los Angeles-based indie rock trio, has been captivating audiences since their formation in 2017. Made of Braeden Lemasters, Dylan Minnette, and Cole Preston, Wallows boasts a signature blend of nostalgic 90s alt-rock and modern indie-pop. Over time, they’ve consistently delivered infectious hits that have earned them both critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Their live performances are where Wallows truly shine. Known for their electric energy and dynamic stage presence, each member of the band brings something unique to the table. Their individual contributions combine to create a show that is both sonically and visually captivating. Their shows are more than just concerts—they are experiences that leave fans with lasting memories.
The Show
Wallows’ show at The Mann in Philadelphia was spectacular, showcasing the band’s growth and their connection with their audience. They created memorable moments throughout the evening, making it a night that Philly fans won’t forget.
As the show kicked off, Wallows took to the main stage with “Do Not Wait,” immediately drawing the crowd in. Braeden kept the crowd engaged throughout the night, seamlessly transitioning from talking about Philly’s national treasures to introducing “Quarterback” by joking, “If Benjamin Franklin was alive right now, I think he’d be into football. Speaking of football…” Cole then took over on vocals, and the crowd was loving every minute.
The Mann, with its expansive and almost boat-like feel (as noted by Cole), provided the perfect backdrop for Wallows’ dynamic setlist. From fan favorites like “Scrawny” and “These Days” to deeper cuts like “Drunk on Halloween,” the band delivered a performance that had the audience singing along and dancing throughout the night. One of the standout moments of the night was when Dylan made his way through the crowd during “She’s an Actress,” holding hands with fans and bringing an extra layer of intimacy to the show.
The guys surprised the crowd on the B-Stage by performing “Ground,” a song they hadn’t played on the Model Tour until now. They followed this with a haunting rendition of “Drunk on Halloween,” which further cemented the band’s ability to captivate their audience with both their sound and their presence.
As the band transitioned back to the main stage, they brought the night to a close with a powerful sequence of songs, including “Worlds Apart,” during which Braeden made his way back through the crowd, and the crowd-favorite “Are You Bored Yet?” The energy in the venue was palpable, with fans singing every word and savoring every moment.
Looking Forward
If you missed Wallows on this tour , don’t worry—you can catch them when they’re in New York. Their live shows are an unforgettable experience, and this band is only getting better with time. Catch them live, and be prepared for a night full of incredible music, memorable interactions, and an atmosphere that will stay with you long after the last note has been played.
Setlist:
Main Stage Do Not Wait, Your Apartment, [Anytime, Always], Scrawny, Don’t You Think It’s Strange, Quarterback, Bad Dream, These Days, You (Show Me Where My Days Went), At the End of the Day, Just Like a Movie, A Warning, Uncomfortable, She’s an Actress
B Stage Pictures of Girls, Ground (Tour debut), Drunk on Halloween Main Stage Worlds Apart, Pleaser, Calling After Me, Remember When, I Don’t Want to Talk, Are You Bored Yet?
Article photos by Emma Wannie, Gallery photos by Chloe Dugord
Northern Ireland’s alternative icons Two Door Cinema Club made a stop at Lewiston’s Artpark on July 29 for their North America tour. This band has provided the anthem for teenage youth throughout the years making their fanbase span from an array of ages.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The indie band Flipturn opened up the night in Artpark with their cinematic sound. This Floridian group are no strangers to the alternative scene. Their slow burn of a rise in stardom is definitely one to watch out for. Their signature guitar riffs and airy vocals pave way for introspective nights. This is especially so with their performance of their hit single, “August.” Flipturn got to play a new song they’ve been working on called, “Juno,” that so many people loved.
Flipturn, Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The trio that makes up Two Door Cinema Club is Alex Trimble (singer/guitarist/programmer), Sam Halliday (guitarist/singer), and Kevin Baird (bassist/singer). The group met in school and chose to skip university in order to put full focus into their band. Luckily, that worked out for them. They released an EP in 2009 and numerous singles, but nothing gained huge traction until their debut album Tourist History came out in 2010.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
Their album had such a grip on the youth that they were charting numerous Billboard records and being used in soundtracks for films. The way Two Door Cinema Club is able to make the present moment feel nostalgic through their sound is why so many people love them. It’s also why so many people drove out to get a glimpse of their talent on a random Monday night in July.
In summertime feels fashion, Two Door Cinema Club opened with their song, “This Is The Life” off the very renowned album that got them so much traction. They are no strangers to the Buffalo area and their welcome back was legendary. They brought life into the crowd with their humor and electropop sound. Their music so punchy and full of energy it makes just about anyone want to groove to it.
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
The band played an array of their discography making longtime fans so fulfilled. Songs off of their sophomore album Beacon were performed including, “Next Year” and “Sun.” They took the audience through the years of the 2010s not shying away from any of their bold musical decisions. Of course though they had to finish with the track that everyone knows from Two Door Cinema Club, “What You Know.”
Photo Credit: Maddie McCafferty
This July night in Lewiston was one that took everyone down memory lane and had people in their feels. Artpark is the perfect venue for getting that beautiful sunset show and if you haven’t been then you’re missing out. Upcoming shows at Artpark include, Backroads Blue Festival on August 10 and Stray Cats on August 13. Get your tickets here.
Setlist: This Is the Life, I Can Talk, Sleep Alone, Sure Enough, Changing of the Seasons, Next Year, Do You Want It All?, Something Good Can Work, Costume Party, Bad Decisions, Everybody’s Cool, Come Back Home, Handshake, Lucky, Lavender, Are We Ready? (Wreck), The World Is Watching, Eat That Up, It’s Good for You, Undercover Martyn, Cigarettes in the Theatre, Messenger AD (Intro), Sun, What You Know
After an incredibly successful debut, making their way back to the Avalon Lounge in Catskill, NY, is the highly anticipated DromFest.
Hosted by Kingston-based micro-indie record label Dromedary Records, DromFest celebrates Dromedary artists, DJs, and some of indie rock’s biggest names, including The Figgs, King Missle, and Aeon Station. From August 30 to September 1, join Dromedary Records in Catskill for this year’s rendition of DromFest.
Initially conceived in 2023 as a party to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dromedary Records, DromFest reached smashing success that inspired the label to make it an annual event. “The weekend was so much fun for the bands and attendees alike, that there was demand to do another,” explained Dromedary founder Al Crisafulli. “So we’re all going to get together in the Catskills and have a big, weekend-long party, hopefully feel like kids again, and celebrate this amazing community of artists we’re so proud to be a part of.”
However, this year, DromFest plans on making history. This festival sees the return of Cell, a New York-based indie rock band that played a major role in the emergence of alternative and indie rock onto the music scene of 1990. The band unfortunately disbanded in 1995 and has not played a show since, until now, that is. For the first time in almost three decades, Cell will not only be performing, but co-headlining the closing show with Aeon Station on Sunday, September 1.
Performing alongside Cell are several Dromedary artists, including Cathedral Ceilings, Karyn Kuhl, Dew Claw, Overheard, Sleepyhead, and Matt Hunter & the Dusty Fates. The entire festival will be emceed by comedian and musician Doug Stoley, known for his work on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Manhattan. “It’s a great lineup,” says Crisafulli, “an excellent blend of indie rock royalty, great bands that haven’t played together in years, and newer bands that wear their 90s indie rock influences on their sleeve.”
Admission for Friday night’s events will be $25, and Saturday/Sunday passes will be $80, with VIP passes that include a new Sleepyhead 7″, bonus sampler CD, and a donation to a local food bank priced at $100. Passes go on sale at 12 pm Friday, June 14 at noon and are available HERE.
DromFest 2024 Lineup
August 30 – 7pm-midnight The Figgs, Chris Brokaw Rock Band, The Royal Arctic Institute
August 31 – 12pm-midnight King Missile (Dog Fly Religion), Scrawl, Antietam, Thalia Zedek Band, Poem Rocket, Moviola, Karyn Kuhl & the Gang, Dew-Claw (Stephen Hunking (Hypnolovewheel) w/Chris Xefos, Dave Rick & Dave Ramirez (King Missile, Bongwater, et al), DJ sets
Readings by Bela Koe-Krompecher, John S. Hall, Karen Schoemer
Sept 1 – 12pm-midnight Aeon Station (3/4 of The Wrens w/Tom Beaujour and Lysa Withay), Cell, Cathedral Ceilings, Sleepyhead, Tuscadero, Human Hearts (Franklin Bruno & friends), Matt Hunter & the Dusty Fates, DJ sets
On June 21, NYC-based punk rock band WYLDLIFE released their newest single, “Fast Dreams.” The new single is the band’s first release since their 2020 album, “Year of the Snake.” Complete with fast-paced guitar riffs, a moving bassline, and exciting, gritty vocals, “Fast Dreams,” WYLDLIFE makes headbanging-worthy rock and roll music fun again.
For over the last decade, WYLDLIFE has brought the 70s rock and roll style back to New York City’s music scene. Their fun-filled single and music video are the latest thing to come out of their label, Wicked Cool Records. WYLDLIFE has four members: Dave Feldman (vocals), Sam Allen (guitar), Spencer Alexander (bass), and Russ Barrnett (drums), each committed to bringing back the classic sounds of the 70s like Blondie and Ramones. Since 2009, WYLDLIFE has released 4 full studio albums and were nominated for an Independent Music Award for Best Rock/Hard Rock Song.
Their newest single, however, is a captivating mix of sounds from different eras. The 70s inspiration is absolutely prevalent, but upon first listen, it feels like a 2000s power anthem. The fast-moving bassline, combined with Feldman’s vocals, is reminiscent of alt-rock outfits like Palaye Royale, Arcade Fire, and The White Stripes. Amidst the current ever-popular trap and indie-pop scene, WYLDLIFE’s newest single is a fantastic juxtaposition that has all the right elements of nostalgia, yet still manages to sound fresh, original, and new.
The lyrics of “Fast Dreams” tell an incredibly relatable story about someone excited for their dreams to come true while having to wrestle with the mundane parts of life. “Fast Dreams” brings us a familiar narrative about someone trying to make their dreams come true as fast as possible because they are simply too excited for success. “Fast Dreams” feels like a song that would belong on the soundtrack of a coming-of-age movie, with the narrator’s contradictory feelings of angst and excitement.
Along with their newest single, the music video for “Fast Dreams” is also out for consumption. Animated in the style of a 2-bit arcade game, the music video features WYLDLIFE as video game characters, racing against reality and time to achieve their goal. The message of the single is executed perfectly, and it is obvious that the group had a blast when creating the video together. “Fast Dreams” was the best thing to come out of their four-year-long hiatus.
“Fast Dreams” is available on all streaming platforms. To watch their music video or check out any of WYLDLIFE’s other powerhouse anthems, check them out on Bandcamp. For any touring information, follow their Facebook page.
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.
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.
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.
Riot Fest has announced the lineup of its 2024 festival, along with a new venue and adventure experience, “RiotLand.” The festival is located in Chicago and, for the first time, will be held at the SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.
This year, over 90 performers will take the stage over the span of three days. From September 20 through the 22, Riot Fest brings a top-tier lineup of punk-rock and alternative powerhouses and a fun, fully immersive theme park to the village of Bridgeview.
Headlining performances include hometown favorites Fall Out Boy, who make their first return to Riot Fest since their performance in 2013, Beck with special guest Pavement, and a reunion show from metal legends Slayer, who will be closing out the festival on Sunday, September 22.
This year, Riot Fest hosts about 90 different artists, ranging from some of the biggest names in rock to up-and-coming artists. Rock band NOFX will be celebrating their last hoorah with Riot Fest, putting on show-stopping performances for the entire weekend. Something Corporate will play their first Chicago show since 2010. Attendees will also get to experience the reunion of the iconic hip-hop group Public Enemy. Also making a comeback this year is Slayer, who will be closing out the show on Sunday. Fans can also witness a rare live performance from Dr. Dog, who retired from full-time touring in 2021.
For fans of reggae and ska, The Marley Brothers, featuring Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian, are performing a full Bob Marley tribute set along with original music. The full album plays this year are The Offspring playing “Smash,” Manchester Orchestra playing “Cope,” and Mastodon performing their classic, “Leviathan.”
For the first time, Riot Fest will also be including the aforementioned “RiotLand,” an immersive “Choose Your Own Adventure” experience. Activities include a casino, a gay punk and dance club, carnival games, and more. RiotLand also features a wide variety of concessions, including the World’s Largest Festival Bar, Professor Pizza, and Nihilist Arby’s. RiotLand features fan favorites from years past, including the Wedding Chapel, the Riot Pop!!, Skate Ramp, free arcade games, Professor Pizza, the rock-n-roll circus freak show Hellzapoppin Circus, mini golf, and more.
Founded in 2005 by Mike Petryshyn and Sean McKeough, Riot Fest showcases the best and biggest names in the alternative rock scene. In the almost 20 years since its inception, the fest has brought in crowds of thousands each day. This year, the festival expects to draw in approximately 50,000 people each day.
Tickets are now on sale for Riot Fest 2024 and can be purchased through the festival’s website. Options for 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day tickets are all available.
On May 31, Brooklyn-based indie rock band Hipsy Gap released their new single, “Nothing’s Good Enough.” Emerging on the indie rock scene last fall, the newfound group stuns audiences with its odes to indie and alternative legends like Paramore, The Cranberries, and The Smiths.
A journey of self-discovery and identity can be one of the hardest that a person has to make in their life. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, and estrangement can creep up at any moment, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdowns. With constant stimulation and ostracization, it can be difficult to find something that relates to life’s toughest battles. Yet, Hipsy Gap is able to do just that in their soothing, easygoing latest track.
“Nothing’s Good Enough” handles a complex, deeply personal issue that would still be relatable for listeners: the idea of home. Part of life is learning how to make your own home, even if it is in an unfamiliar environment. But what if there was never a model for a person while they were growing up? The idea of “home” has different definitions for different people, of course. But there is no denying how difficult it can be to form and maintain those ideas.
“Nothing’s Good Enough” captures a unique perspective; searching for a “home” in the eyes of a person who has never known one before. The easygoing and flowing melodies showcase their dream of a life with no bounds, a feeling of true freedom. The increase in tempo and volume of the bridge, when the characters realize home is within, is just gut-wrenching enough to hit home for listeners struggling to find their home.
With their latest single bringing a feeling of comfort, angst, and discovery all in one, Hipsy Gap encapsulates the meaning of home from within. Their fascinating combination of genres makes them an exciting up-and-coming band to keep your eye on.
For more information, fans can listen below as well as all streaming platforms, or visit here.
