Troy-based indie rock band The Belle Curves release their new album titled Subject to Change which blends Americana and rock.
The Belle Curves is the primary creative vehicle for Troy-based songwriter Delaney Hafener. The group focuses on an indie sound but with a folky, americana twist. Their latest record Subject to Change displays a variety of the group’s sounds and abilities.
The opening track “Hand Rolled” is a soft rock tune with a classic sound, but still maintaining their roots with modern indie themes. The next track “Life in the Hinterlands” bolts out of the gate with a roadtrippin’ americana feel. It certainly has a country twang and still holds the indie sound close. Delaney’s voice is dynamic, with high highs and low lows. Her abilities speak for themself throughout this album. The track “Sister” really showcases the power in the softness of Delaney’s vocals.
The track “The Process” in particular caught my attention quite soon during the first play. The track progresses wonderfully from lowkey to fierce and powerful. It then concludes in such an angelic and completing way with the vocals and instruments coming to a head followed by a fade out.
For more information on The Belle Curves and their upcoming album Subject to Change visit their Bandcamp by clicking here.
Next generation Jam bands Eggy and Dogs In A Pile have announced the meeting of minds this November for a two-night run at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, presented by Relix.
Eggy
This collaboration arrives as both bands are experiencing breakout years, touring across the country and capturing national attention. Eggy is gearing up for the release of their new album Waiting Game on September 6. The band is slated to set out on a lengthy tour this fall in support of the new record.
Dogs In A Pile has been making significant strides in 2024, selling out headlining shows in major cities such as Washington D.C., Austin, Texas and Denver. The New Jersey-native quintet will soon embark on an extensive fall tour and are in the process of recording their forthcoming album.
Dogs In A Pile
Eggy and Dogs In A Pile have worked for an opportunity like this to arise for quite some time. It is beyond exciting to see how the two unique sounds combine to create something new this November. The two-night run spans November 29 and 30.
Each night will feature an alternating closer, as Eggy and Dogs In A Pile will both perform approximately 90-minute sets on Friday and Saturday night. The evenings will culminate in a special collaborative encore where both bands will come together for a closing song. Their distinct sounds are mashed up for a one-of-a-kind memorable musical experience for fans in attendance.
On August 16, Jim Andralis, known for hosting the country music variety show Grand Ole Pubry at Joeâs 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.
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.
On Saturday, August 31, Porter Robinson took the stage at Forest Hills Stadium for the New York stop on his worldwide SMILE! 😀 tour.
Hot off the release of his latest album, SMILE! :D, Robinson was joined by an incredible four-piece band consisting of keys, drums, guitar, and a dual bassist and backup vocalist. Regardless of whether the band was propped up on the mini stage behind him, or if they joined him on top of the enormous LED screen center stage, they were a stellar support system for Robinson’s infectious energy.
The seats of Forest Hills Stadium were filled with an endearing and incredibly excited crowd, with many dressed in the pink and black motifs of the album. The rest were adorned in bright, colorful gear resembling his other two albums. Others held signs, fans, or sparklers, occasionally bringing the party out of the pit and into the stands. No matter what album Robinson was playing from, the crowd sang along as they danced and jumped around together in disjointed harmony.
Robinson opened the tour with a full rendition of his latest album, which, unlike his previous work, resembled that of a rock band. The rest of his show went along in his own Eras-Tour-style fashion, dedicating sections of the evening to his albums with special announcements before each one.
When Robinson was wrapped up with SMILE! 😀, the enormous LED screen adorned with colorful graphics and lyrics in bright, sparkly fonts would transform into a billboard, with each album’s title and years stretching across the screen.
After the announcements, Porter Robinson played each of his albums in their entirety. It was endearing to see him look back on all of his work with such passion and admiration but also to see his evolution as an artist. His mixing of music styles from alternative and electronic genres had definitely changed over the years, and it was clear that he intends to continue this steady growth in the future. It was refreshing to see, not only because artists with his acclaim and style tend to be stagnant, but because the passion and thought put into his work is clear.
The show’s energy seemed neverending, with a crowd that wanted to keep the party going long after the concert’s end. During his set, he brought out special guest Frost Children, who collaborated with him on his song “Mona Lisa,” and even invited his bassist to perform vocals on his older tracks, particularly from Nurture and Worlds.
Porter Robinson ended the show with an encore of “Shelter” and “Cheerleader,” two of his biggest hits and the most explosive performances of the night. The crowd welcomed him back on stage with resounding cheers and applause, chanting, “One more time!” as he walked off stage. With the end of “Cheerleader” came flashing pink lights and an explosion of paper confetti, blowing away in the wind and getting in the crowd’s hair as they made their exit.
The rest of Porter Robinson’s tour continues through the end of 2024 and into 2025, spanning across five continents and over 20 countries. Robinson’s next show will take him to Atlanta, Georgia, on September 5. More dates in South America are yet to be announced.
For the full list of tour dates, merchandise, and music, fans can visit here.
Setlist:
(SMILE! :D) Knock Yourself Out XD, Perfect Pinterest Garden, Kitsune Maison Freestyle, Year of the Cup, Easier to Love You, Is There Really No Happiness?, Mona Lisa (with Frost Children), Everything To Me, Russian Rouhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzMkFIw8ETMlette.
(Nurture) Wind Tempos, Musician, Something Comforting, Everything Goes On, Unfold, Get Your Wish, Trying to Feel Alive / Look at the Sky
(Worlds) Sea of Voices / Sad Machine, Divinity, Fresh Static Snow, Hollowheart, Language, Goodbye to a World, Sad Machine
Cortland Repertory Theatre has announced their new “Sounds of Music” Concert Series. Kicking off the series on Wednesday, September 4 is “Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters” featuring lead singer Lisa Rock and her band, a concert that is a heartfelt tribute to vocal legend Karen Carpenter.
Karen Carpenter captured the attention of a generation with her memorable love songs that topped the Billboard charts more than a dozen times. Lisa Rock returns to CRT with her band and backup singers, bringing their nationally renowned concert to the Pavilion stage.
Lisa showcases some of the most memorable songs of the 70s including “We’ve Only Just Begun”, “Rainy Days and Mondays”, “Superstar” and many more favorites. Not an impressionist, but an artist with an amazing 4-octive range, Lisa presents a trip down memory lane like no other.
Iconic Karen Carpenter
“Close to You” is the first of a series of four Wednesday concerts held in September at the Pavilion. On September 11, Tina Naponelli returns to CRT with her tribute of “Tapestry Unraveled: The Music of Carole King.” “Sounds of Music” takes place every Wednesday in September at 2:00PM and 7:30PM at the Little York Pavilion, Preble.
On September 21, “Jefferson McDonald’s Great Balls of Fire” tears into the CRT stage. This high-energy performance consists of hits by Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Willie Nelson, and many more.
Finally, on September 28, CRT presents “How Sweet It Is: Steve Leslie Sings James Taylor”, with this Nashville-based, award-winning singer/songwriter performing such hits as “Carolina On My Mind”, “Shower The People”, and “Up On The Roof”.
Lisa Rock performing “Close to You”
CRT Guild refreshment counters are offering beer and wine along with the regular snacks, cookies and coffee. Individual tickets for all shows, times and seats are $35.00. A special discount is offered for one ticket to each concert for $120.00 total.
To learn more about the upcoming “Sounds of Music” concert series and to purchase tickets, click here.
Afrobeat artist AMAYO released his new single, “Madam President,” on August 22, garnering attention across streaming services.
The track “Madam President” begins with an explosion of percussion, brass, keys, and vocals. Right off the bat the song hooks the listener and once you read into the lyrics, you see the subject matter is deep upon the funky, groovy, upbeat instrumentals.
AMAYO is urging the listener to fight – for freedom, for peace, and for justice. With the upcoming presidential election this November 5, the political nature of the track speaks volumes. The artist is speaking through his heart about moving forward and never back.
AMAYO believes that all people of color, and other marginalized groups win if Kamala wins, clear that he is for Kamala Harris’ victory in the presidency. It is also clear that he draws much inspiration from Bob Marley and the Wailers, Steel Pulse, and other reggae/afrobeat artists.
Once a part of Antibalas, a massively influential Afrobeat band, AMAYO is no stranger to the sounds he is currently releasing unto the world. He is credited for bringing Afrobeat to a global audience, leading it to become a genre of itself.
Antibalas Live
To hear AMAYO’s new single “Madam President,” click here and choose your preferred service.
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
Finger Lakes GrassRoots festival has announced the return of the GrassRoots Unplugged concert. The second annual unplugged festival is held from September 7 to 8 at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts.
GrassRoots Unplugged is a two day, two stage, musical gathering featuring some of your favorite GrassRoots performers in an intimate setting. Conclude the perfect summer with Sim Redmond, Rose & the Bros, Kevin Kinsella and more at TCFA September 7-8.
This festival is one for the community. The mission of the Finger Lakes GrassRoots festival is to unify the community and to create a cultural hub for future generations to enjoy. At least ten acts prepare to perform at the unplugged festival.
Performances are held from 1:30 to 9:30 on both days. Tickets are $25 a day or $40 for both days. For children 12 and under, admission is free. Sunday will feature our fabulous dance floor including a Sunday Square Dance with caller Casey Carr and GrassRoots Unplugged musicians. The fest also includes a visual arts section, and a children’s fun area.
For more information on the GrassRoots Unplugged festival coming to Trumansburg, NY, click here. Click this link to purchase your daily tickets or tickets for the whole weekend.
Albany-raised pop-punk band State Champs put forth a new music video for their single, “Too Late to Say.” The release comes just after the band announced their fifth studio album, State Champs, to be released on November 8.
The track “Too Late to Say” showcases an unfamiliar sound to the group’s norm. One that displays a refreshing vulnerability for the band. It rings youthful and polished, but the track holds deeper meaning. “Too Late to Say” highlights the fear of losing yourself. The music video embodies this narrative as the band is seen performing in the back of a speeding truck. This scene is a metaphor for the fast-paced reality of life and its moments.
The music video is an intimate showcasing of the group’s inner fears, and concerns for their future, as well as reminiscing on fears of their past. Throughout the video you see the truck moving quickly down the road. This theme symbolizes the speed at which life may feel to pass as one ages.
“Too Late to Say” is a track off of State Champs’ upcoming 12-song, self-titled album, State Champs. The band is also set to tour across North America beginning November 8 alongside the release of the album. The band has become a major player in the pop-punk scene, championing the genre over the past decade.
For more information on State Champs upcoming releases, and to check out their new music video, click here.
“Diorama” explores all the unique nuances of Sam Rappaport’s voice and vision. The track opens up rather smoothly, with notes of contemporary jazz but with a modern undertone. A soft piano melody carries the tune to its heights and to its valleys. Rappaport’s soothing vocals and lyrics fall perfectly along the instruments throughout the entirety of the tune.
The track explores Sam’s inner fears, loves, and life experiences. “Diorama” refers to a layout of all of what makes up oneself. Sam wants to study his own diorama, who he truly is, what makes him who he is. What is he afraid of and what are the fundamental aspects of his person. What does he love, desire and need, and why?
My dad used to take me to the Natural History Museum growing up, and I would love looking at the dioramas. I started thinking, what if there was a diorama for my life and fears, what scenes would it show? So, I guess the main concept is reflectionâorganizing all one’s little traumas into a diorama for public viewing.
Sam Rappaport
Be sure to keep on eye on Sam Rappaport’s further releases by checking his Spotify, Instagram and YouTube. Visit Rappaport’s website to hear the new single “Diorama” For more information on the artist, click here.
