Tokyo Police Club performed their final show on US soil at Irving Plaza on Thursday, November 20. This was night two of the group’s NYC run for their farewell tour. Opening the show was fellow Canadian indie rock band Born Ruffians.Â
Both Born Ruffians and Tokyo Police Club got their start in Ontario, Canada in the early 2000s. In between songs, Born Ruffians’ Luke Lalonde reminisced on the bands coming up together at the same time. Now getting to perform together on Tokyo Police Clubâs final tour, it feels like a bittersweet, full-circle ending. The band has been making their way throughout the US this fall, playing two nights at Irving Plaza before continuing to Canada to finish off their tour.
Starting their set, Tokyo Police Club played a run through of their 2010 album Champ, followed by additional songs from their nearly two decade discography. The night was filled with nostalgic banter as Dave Monks reminisced on moments the band has experienced together throughout their career. He spoke about performing in New York City for the first time in 2006 and the feeling of stepping out of a rental car to play Mercury Lounge as well as their performance on Letterman.
Friends since the 4th grade, Tokyo Police Club has amassed a large fan base since choosing to form a band in 2005. With their first EP released in 2006, A Lesson In Crime, they entered the indie rock scene. Coming into the early 2000s, we saw an âindie rock renaissance.â The band was welcomed in, quickly performing festivals with other quintessential bands from this era including Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie.
Tokyo Police Club will be continuing “The Final Tour” with a run of sold-out shows throughout Ontario, Canada through the end of November. These shows will be the last shows the band plans to play together. At this time, the band has no plans to reunite.
Setlist: Favourite Food, Favourite Colour, Breakneck Speed, Wait Up (Boots of Danger), Centennial, In a Cave, Juno, Graves, New Blues, Simple Dude, Pigs, Hang Your Heart, Toy Guns, Hands Reversed, End of a Spark, Bambi, Frankenstein, Argentina (Parts I, II, III), Nature of the Experiment, Citizens of Tomorrow, Shoulders & Arms, Listen to the Math, Tessellate
Encore:The Harrowing Adventures Of..., Ready to Win, Cheer It On, Your English Is Good
Cooperstown Concerts has announced that indie rockers ‘Annie in the Water’ are performing their electrifying sound at the Otesaga Hotel on November 15.
Blending elements of Americana with indie rock and infusing their sets with acoustic guitars, synthesizers and a thunderous rhythm section, Annie in the Water transcends genres, offering fans an exhilarating musical journey. With influences spanning rock, soul, funk, reggae and hip-hop, the band’s live shows are a unique experience, with each performance a new adventure that evolves in response to the crowd’s energy. Their infectious grooves and feel-good rhythms are sure to get everyone on their feet, dancing the night away.
The audience at the November 15 show will be joining the band in celebrating the release of their latest album, Things to Do, which explores their deep connection to Upstate New York, the place the band calls home. Described as a “love letter” to the region, the album has garnered praise for its rich, multi-genre sound. Prior to this album, their latest full-length album was 2022 with Sun at Dawn. Between these two albums, the band released several singles in 2023 – “Sailing,” “Honeybee,” and “Frozen Lake.” Many of their singles, EPs and albums have amassed thousands of streams in only a short timeframe.
Because every show is different, experiencing the music of Annie in the Water live can be compared to paddling with a river. At times you may find yourself in the calm of the flow while at other times you may be deep in the rapids while the music churns and grows in energy. With the ebbs and flows you’re reminded of the constant that you are a part of something greater than yourself, working together with the forces around you and caught in the midst of a beautiful moment in time.
With decades of history and a reputation for excellence, Cooperstown Concerts has been a cornerstone of the local music scene, bringing together a community of music enthusiasts and hosting unforgettable performances. The 2024-2025 season continues this tradition of excellence, featuring a diverse lineup that invites audiences to explore new sounds, discover emerging artists, and enjoy timeless favorites.
Founded 55 years ago, Cooperstown Concerts has served as a home for live music – dedicated to bringing an eclectic mix of world-class live music to our community. With a commitment to diversity in programming and a deep connection to its audience, Cooperstown Concerts offers an opportunity for people to come together, experience and engage with high-quality music from around the globe and enjoy a great performance close to home.
Alice in the Water live at Funk n Waffles
For more information on Annie in the Water’s upcoming show in Cooperstown on November 15, their latest album Things to Do, and to purchase tickets or the album, click here.
Mimicking Mars is a four-piece psychedelic indie-rock band formed in 2020 and currently playing out of Syracuse. The band originated in Monroe, NY and first came to notability in 2021.
Mimicking Mars is known for their unique sound which blends indie rock with elements of psychedelic and alternative rock. The group started in 2020, with original members Jeremy Lanuti, James Dawson, Josh LeVisuer, and Bobby Malone, as a creative outlet, and quickly became something much more important to each of them. The group is now based in Syracuse NY, as they conquer a new phase for their career.
The band started writing and performing, and since starting has released 7 singles and is constantly performing live. Their shows are a must-see, as the band’s energy is infectious, and their music comes to life on stage. Mimicking Mars is not just a band, they are a collective of artists who strive to create an experience that is both authentic and meaningful. They’ve just released their debut studio album Janky Jones & the Blackjack Blues, which is currently available on all streaming platforms.
Their debut studio album Janky Jones & the Blackjack Blues showcases the dedication, passion, and good vibes that this group has developed over the past three years. The band sees three upcoming shows for the remainder of the year. On October 31, they play at Al’s Wine and Whiskey in Syracuse. November 29 the group sees the stage at Barrel 28 in Florida, NY and then in Milford, PA on November 30.
For more information on Mimicking Mars’ upcoming shows and to give their tunes a listen, click here.
Lunar Vacation is the musical embodiment of a summer daydream. Hailing from Georgia, this indie rock quintet is made up of five lifelong friends. Their debut album, Inside Every Fig Is a Dead Wasp, was a gentle introduction to their hazy, feel-good vibe. But now, with their upcoming sophomore album Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire, they’re ready to turn up the volume and the feels.
The Show
When Lunar Vacation hit the stage at Brooklyn Steel on August 1, they weren’t just there to warm up the crowd—they were there to make sure everyone was floating on cloud nine before Vacations started their set. Starting with “Set the Stage,” they did just that. The track was like the musical equivalent of opening a window on a perfect summer day, inviting everyone to lean in and soak up the goodness.
As they transitioned into “Cutting Corners,” you could feel the energy in the room amp up. The sharp guitar riffs sliced through the Brooklyn air, locking the band into a groove that had the crowd swaying and grinning. “Unlucky” blended sadness and hope, captivating the audience with its lyrical contrast.
By the time they hit the final notes of “Tom,” the crowd was fully under their spell. The song ended the set with a burst of energy, leaving everyone feeling like they’d shared something truly special.
Lunar Vacation, with sunny tunes and deep lyrics, navigated the stage with confidence. And with Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire on the horizon, it’s clear this band is only just beginning to light up the indie music scene.
Setlist: Set the Stage, Cutting Corners, Unlucky, Monterey, Tom
Up-and-coming artist MacInizby made her debut on May 24 with the release of her new single “Closet.” The song chronicles a queer coming-of-age love story. With its lyrics balancing between vulnerability and raging catharsis, MacInizby commands the spotlight as she advances in the indie-rock scene with her debut single.
MacInizby’s debut single “Closet,” released May 24, 2024.
MacInizby is the passion project of Maggie Bishop, a recent graduate of NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. While Bishop released an album and an EP under her own name in high school, she wanted to separate herself from her old acoustic, bubbly rock sound. Her music, along with herself, matured throughout her four years of college. It was this evolution that transformed Maggie Bishop into MacInizby.
MacInizby is the surname of Bishop’s Scottish grandparents. Not only does the name harken back to Bishop’s heritage but it’s also a reminder of her days as a drummer in Scottish marching bands. MacInizby continued to play in a variety of bands throughout college. However, unlike the traditional Scottish marching bands of her youth, MacInizby now played with New York City’s indie rock bands, including Bec Lauder and The Noise, Breaker, and Rose Paradise.
Through collaborating with multiple NYC bands, MacInizby learned the art of collaboration. MacInizby recalled how she lacked this joint effort in her early high school years, crafting her songs in isolation. It was an isolation that slowly disintegrated the more she stepped behind the drum kit, working with various bands. She came to value other’s insights and perspectives on her music. It was this maturation as an artist that would help to inform her latest release, “Closet.”
Photo Credit: Hellen Elizondo
“Closet” was co-produced by MacInizby’s college friend Jacob Geoffery, who also played lead guitar on the track. The addition of Geoffery’s rhythmic guitar riffs helped transform “Closet” from an acoustic demo that MacInizby created early on in 2023 as a school assignment into an energetic, hypnotic, indie-rock single. MacInizby nurtured her acoustic demo 24/7 to make this metamorphosis complete. She recorded takes after takes of guitar, bass, vocals, and backing vocals, later editing them all together in her room. So every sound you hear on the track, excluding the lead guitar, is made and produced by MacInizby.
MacInizby admitted the numerous takes and recordings were due to her perfectionism, which she struggled with. “It’s hard to reconcile what you think something should sound like and what something does sound like, because it’s never going to be exactly what you hear in your head,” MacInizby stated. “But I think that’s the beauty of music production. Weird things and mistakes happen, but there’s beauty in it. I’m trying to allow myself to create without always being an editor or critic in my head.”
MacInizby’s dedication paid-off as the result is a single reminiscent of the late ‘90s and early 2000s with heartfelt lyrics that reach one’s core. MacInizby best summed-up her creation herself. When creating the song, she said, “I try to explore like, What would Phoebe Bridgers sound like if she were writing to an Avril Lavigne track?” Inspiration from Phoebe Bridgers is clearly visible in MacInizby’s debut single. Take Bridgers’ track “I Know The End.” Bridgers’ mellow beat that’s interrupted by her screaming is mimicked in MacInizby’s quiet vulnerability and raging catharsis. The two seemingly contradicting natures are blended together so beautifully that tears will well up all the way from the pit of the listener’s stomach.
MacInizby’s cover of Phoebe Bridgers’ “Halloween.”
MacInizby’s passion and meaningful lyrics also hit the listener’s heart. The lyrics highlight the struggles of a queer relationship. It tells the story of a first love, falling in love with someone, who isn’t ready to share that love with the rest of the world. While MacInizby has written love stories in the past, she has never expressed the queerness of those relationships until now. “I’ve never really been in touch with my emotions or able to explain that to people, especially as a young queer kid growing up, who didn’t always feel like I could talk about how I was feeling,” MacInizby said. “Songwriting is a place for me to allow myself to be introspective and feel things to their full extent.” She hopes to provide this place for others through her music.
That place will only continue to expand as MacInizby writes more music in the upcoming year. With talk of another single release later this year and a potential EP release next year, fans eagerly await to see this new artist carve out a space for herself in NYC’s indie rock scene.
MacInizby / Maggie Bishops will perform at the Song Suffragettes on June 25, 2024 at Pink Frog Cafe.
But fans don’t need to wait for the release of more singles. If you’re in the New York area, MacInizby will be performing this Monday, June 24 at the Map Room at Bowery Electric located at 327 Bowery Street. She’ll be performing alongside Lillian F**king Jones and Emily Patt. Doors open at 7:00 pm for a night of high energy melodies.
She’ll also be performing the following day, Tuesday, June 25 at Pink Frog Cafe located at 221 North 9th Street in Brooklyn, as part of the Song Suffragettes, an event highlighting the best women singer-songwriters in NYC. This event will be a change of pace from the night before. MacInizby will forgo her energetic persona for that of the acoustic, melodic Maggie Bishops. To hear MacInizby’s older music, head to the Pink Frog Cafe on June 25 at 8:00 pm.
On June 14, award-winning songwriter and indie singer Fox Indigo, residing in Brooklyn, released her new single “Trail of Hearts.” With the tragic lyrics, and a soulful voice full of emotion on top of the energetic, jumpy backing track, Fox Indigo tells the tragic story of an intricate love triangle that ends in betrayal, heartbreak, and jealousy from all parties. Her newest single, “Trail of Hearts,” is just another example of her masterful storytelling through music.
Fox Indigo is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer living in New York City. Before venturing out as a solo artist, Indigo was the frontwoman of indie rock band American Fever. After her departure from the group, she went on to compose the score for the independent musical “BLOOM,” which she also co-wrote, starred in, and directed. In 2023, the cast performed the full musical at the SheNYCArts festival in New York. “BLOOM” won Indigo and her co-writer Ashlyn Bondurant the Rooftop Writer’s Award in 2023.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fox Indigo wrote her first solo album, Man on the Moon, and released in 2022. Following the release of her musical, she is back and better than ever with her new song, “Trail of Hearts.” The single marks the highly-anticipated return of the pure, raw talent Fox Indigo embodies through her storytelling.
When juxtaposed against other music in the indie rock scene, “Trail of Hearts” immediately stands out. It’s clear that Fox Indigo draws her inspiration from a wide variety of artists. Sufjan Stevens, Beethoven, Regina Spektor, and the Beach Boys, (just to name a few) are only the beginning. As a classically trained musician, Fox Indigo mixes elements of jazz, rock, funk, and classical genres into her music. This single is no different.
Upon first listen, “Trail of Hearts” doesn’t sound like the typical indie-rock song. Piano chords in the pre-chorus and chorus and Fox Indigo’s punchy style of singing bring out the elements of jazz. Fox Indigo’s inspirations from classical music come through with the help of the violins. Combined with a group of talented musicians and other producers at the New School and Brooklyn College, “Trail of Hearts” displays Fox Indigo’s talent for composition.
The song’s lyrics bring it to the next level. With Fox Indigo’s growling vocals make lyrics like “And I’m so tired of having to get over things / Can’t anything stick? / For now, we’re young & beautiful / She is so beautiful / But it’s a goddamn trick” sound desperate and angry. It’s an honest perspective of how love triangles affect our emotions, lead us to jealousy, and test our patience with the ones we love. At other times, her wavering falsetto makes highly emotional moments like “She burns like the sun we idolize / God, she’s just like Marilyn Monroe / Leaving a trail of hearts / But she doesn’t know” sound as passive-aggressive, jealous, and vindictive as it should be.
Who wouldn’t be heartbroken and angry if their partner was looking at someone else, especially someone who is as beautiful as the iconic Marilyn Monroe? With this song, Fox Indigo shows us an honest look at how love triangles affect us. Through the brassy sounds of her jazz-inspired voice and the fusion of genres otherwise separate, “Trail of Hearts” is a fresh new single that showcases the artist’s incredible ability for storytelling.
“Trail of Hearts” is availible for listen on all streaming platforms, as well as this link.
Syracuse is set to welcome My Morning Jacket and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats at Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview on Tuesday, September 24 for the 2024 Eye to Eye Tour.
My Morning Jacket, Palace Theatre, October 2023 – photo by Daniel Bocchinno
My Morning Jacket and the non–profit REVERB are partnering on these fall headlining tour dates to reduce the environmental footprint of their tour and take action on the climate crisis, as well as on the co-headline tour with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
In addition to a comprehensive tour sustainability program and fan Action Village at each show, the bands will be supporting REVERB’s climate portfolio which funds projects that measurably reduce greenhouse gas pollution, address climate justice, and directly decarbonize the music industry.
Fresh off an amazing sold-out four-night stand at San Francisco’ CA’s legendary Fillmore Auditorium, My Morning Jacket have announced four fall 2024 headline shows, with special guests S.G. Goodman (September 30th and October 1st) and Jade Bird (October 3rd and 4th).
MY MORNING JACKET FALL 2024 HEADLINE SHOWS SEPTEMBER 30 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre * OCTOBER 1 – Knoxville TN – Tennessee Theatre * 3 – Richmond VA – Maymont + 4 – Cleveland OH – Cain Park Evans Amphitheater + * w/ Special Guest S.G. Goodman + w/ Special Guest Jade Bird
MY MORNING JACKET // NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS EYE TO EYE TOUR 2024 SEPTEMBER 10 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park 12 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium 13 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion 14 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre 16 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place 18 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater 19 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater 24 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview 26 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann 27 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion 28 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park
This past Saturday, May 11, English singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone did not disappoint as she graciously took the stage at the Brooklyn Steel for one of two NY shows.
She is scheduled to tour until the end of May as part of “The Holly Humberstone (This Feels Like the Truman) Show” North American leg. Her tour, which makes lyrical reference to her song, “Ghost Me,” included many tracks off of her latest album, Paint My Bedroom Black.
Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun
The pop-rock artist gained popularity after releasing her debut EP, Falling Asleep at the Wheel. Fans resonated deeply with her heartfelt lyrics, as she sang candidly about the difficulties of navigating familial and romantic relationships, addiction, breakups, and growing up. “Falling Asleep at the Wheel,” one of her most popular songs, includes lyrics like “Oh, you never smoked this much before we / Light up, light up another cigarette / I can tell you’re drinking only to forget / Don’t know how I got you in such a mess.” Holly never fails to cut right to the heart with her words.
Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun
Currently, Humberstone has eighteen tour dates left. She previously played at Webster Hall in 2022, and also toured during Girl in Red’s “Make It Go Quiet” tour and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour” tour.
Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun
Holly started the night off strong with her song, “Paint My Bedroom Back,” of which her latest album is named after. Each band member took the stage one at a time, triggering a round of screams from fans who had been camping out hours ahead to make it to the front of the barricade. The energy swelled in the room as Holly’s guitarist, bassist, and drummer built up the opening track seamlessly.
Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun
Upon Holly’s entrance, the crowd made a deafening sound, and she scaled the stage freely, singing her heart out while swishing her hair to the beat. During “Elvis Impersonators,” she recounted her experience in Tokyo, and how she was surrounded by people “dressing up like Michael Jackson.” In the song, she sang lyrics like, “And the Elvis impersonators / Crowding at the elevators / Reminds you of a private joke we had.” The crowd stayed silent during this song, soaking in Humberstone’s beautifully raspy vocals.
Holly Humberstone, photographed by Sarah Hyun
Holly ended the night with “Ghost Me,” before singing “Friendly Fire” and “Scarlett” during the encore. Fans, feeling bittersweet that the show was over, exited the venue with satisfied smiles on their faces.
Setlist: Paint My Bedroom Black, Into Your Room, The Walls Are Way Too Thin, Overkill, Kissing In Swimming Pools, Cocoon, Dive, Deep End, Can You Afford To Lose Me?, Antichrist, Down Swinging, Lauren, Falling Asleep at the Wheel, Elvis Impersonators, Flatlining, Girl, Sleep Tight, Ghost Me
NYC-based pop/indie-rock band Um Jennifer? released their debut EP titled, The Girl Class, released on April 5.
The group’s debut extended play is chock full of charming, energetic, punk-tinged indie rock. Each song on the album is different than the last, with its own sound and charm. There is clear influence from The Cure, Eyedress, Sonic Youth, MGMT, and more. Much of their songs are reminiscent of love, sexuality, adventure, and youth.
Elijah and Fig set out to pierce the soundscape with their sharp-witted, psyche-puncturing, and simply fun musical skill. The EP does exactly that. The Girl Class collection of songs is an ode to break ups, freak outs, and deep queer longing. Um Jennifer? utilizes their pop/indie/alternative sound to convey their dynamic range of song.
Throughout TheGirl Class EP, love is personified as something fantastic, gory, loud, needy, and needed. These songs were all written within the past year of the band’s life, and were the first songs they wrote together. These songs are the band’s attempt at measuring the immeasurable; at understanding themselves, each other, and the world around them.
Um Jennifer? has conveyed their ideas and vibe as a band well on this EP. They have proven their ability to switch sound and still remain original and themselves. With a debut album like this, with punchy, catchy, emotional, and passionate tracks, the band catches attention and has an audience awaiting further release.
If there’s one thing musicians should have in order to appeal to a large audience, it is musical diversity. Elephant Back maintains their own unique sounds whilst having dynamic, ranging styles. The two latest albums by the duo showcase exactly that. The Black Album and The White Album have their own categories of sound, and one is not like the other.
Dave and Sarah of Elephant Back in 2023
Starting with The White Album, the initial track “Home,” is reminiscent of an Appalachian Folk song, mixed with Lumineers-esque soaring indie vocals. The opening track sets the tone and vibe of this album, preparing the listener for folky, indie, emotional odes to love and life-changes. The song “W.T.F.I.C.??” has a spunky indie-pop feel, but simultaneously shows clear Beatles influence in the chords and bass licks.
A great way to describe some of the songs on The White Album would be campfire-song. Songs you can gather around with your friends. Songs where you can pull out a guitar and sing, sitting on some grass just vibing together. The album’s closing track, “Move Me” is quite touching and did, in fact, move me to tears. With the album consisting of six main tracks and one hidden track, the record comes out to less than a half hour of music, yet in these 25 minutes, the band achieves great range and emotional depth.
Continuing onto Elephant Back’s The Black Album, it is a blatantly stark contrast from The White Album. This album’s opening track, “A Lot To Do” immediately grasps the listener with its 60s-style surf rock. The next song, “Bad Love” rings with clear indie-rock/alternative sound, reminiscent of bands like The White Stripes or Arctic Monkeys.
Each track on the album has its own distinct sound, while still tying in a common style. With elements of grunge, indie-rock, surf-rock, and pop-punk, this album is dynamic in its sound and its influences. Upon listening, you can really hear specific influences in each song. For some, Nirvana or Soundgarden can be heard, for others you can hear The Smashing Pumpkins or Blink-182.
