NYS Music 2024

Tag: Music News

  • 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.

  • Manic Kat Records Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary With Festival

    Manic Kat Records, an independent record label based out of Pomona, NY, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.

    In honor of their tenth birthday, Manic Kat Records hosts their very own music festival featuring their signed artists. This festival takes place September 13th and 14th at Olive’s in Nyack.

    manic kat records

    Over the last decade, Manic Kat Records has cemented itself as an independent punk music label that focuses on the growth and prosperity of its artists. Manic Kat has represented some of the most prolific names in the punk music scene, such as Ryan Cabrera, Todd Morse (Offspring/H2O), and Showoff, along with new artists who are on their way to joining the list of punk icons. 

    Manic Kat’s ventures have taken them down multiple paths. In the last ten years, they have collaborated with other entertainment centers like American Colosseum Wrestling (ACW) to host wrestling events, and launched a mobile app, Punk Hub Live, in the midst of a global pandemic to keep fans in touch with artists after live performances had been shut down.

     “This anniversary is a celebration of all the hard work, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears we have all put in to get us where we are today!” says CEO and founder Peter James. “I feel as though this milestone is even more special since we not only overcame the normal obstacles every business encounters, but were also able to survive a global pandemic and come out on the other side with continued growth and the passion to find and cultivate an amazing roster of artists.” 

    Much like their fifth anniversary, Manic Kat celebrates with another two-day festival. Hosting Magic Kat’s festival is McKenzie Mitchell, former ACW superstar, further cementing the incredibly strong relationship between the two organizations. On September 13 and 14, Magic Kat brings out an extensive lineup, all consisting of artists signed to their label. The full lineup of the punk powerhouses will be released soon. Both festival dates begin at 6 pm. Tickets start at $25 online, $30 at the door.

    For more information and tickets to Manic Kat Records’ anniversary show, visit the label’s website.

  • Benny The Butcher Releases ‘Buffalo Butch Vol. 1’ With Feature From Drake

    Benny The Butcher looks to make his mark on the summer, returning with Buffalo Butch Vol. 1 just two weeks after releasing Summertime Butch. The new 3-track EP features close collaborator 38 Spesh, along with guest spots from Fabolous and Drake on the songs “Hard Way Freestyle” and “Buffalo Freestyle” respectively.

    Benny The Butcher's "Buffalo Butch Vol. 1" artwork
    Artwork for Benny The Butcher 3-song E, Buffalo Butch Vol. 1

    Benny Back Again

    It’s been just over six months since the Grammy and Emmy nominated Buffalo native released his Def Jam Recordings debut, Everybody Can’t Go. During which he tried his hand at a more commercial sound along with a mainstream album that included several singles and guest spots on popular hip hop adjacent podcasts. While songs like the West Coast influenced “Back Again,” and the uptempo “How To Rap” showed some variance to Benny’s musical approach, his core fans continue to yearn for the gritty street rhymes that Benny and his tone-setting delivery have become synonymous with.

    Benny The Butcher's "Summertime Butch" cover art
    Artwork for Benny The Butcher 10-song EP, Summertime Butch

    As a result he returned with Summertime Butch featuring appearances from Black Soprano Family signees Rick Hyde, ElCamino, and Fuego Base. With an additionally cameo from hip hop legend Ed Lover on “Summer 24,” while Harry Fraud and StreetRunner handled the album’s production. Now juts two weeks later he returns with a 3-pack of tracks to close the Summer out strong. As these last two EP’s have seen Benny return to his grimy best. Back are the slow, cinematic beats with street tales galore. Moreover, each song on Buffalo Butch Vol. 1 sees Benny bring the best out of his collaborators, which includes Drake first feature with a rapper of Benny’s pedigree since his much publicized beef with Kendrick Lamar. However, as of right now the Drake feature has been removed from streaming since the project’s release on Thursday night.

  • Navy Band “Cruisers” and The Accents Coming to Shepard Park this Friday

    Coming to Lake George’s Shepard Park Amphitheater this weekend are the Captial region-based party band The Accents and The United States Navy Band “Cruisers.” Cruisers arrive at Lake George on Thursday, August 22, performing from 7:30-9:30 pm. The Navy band also opens Friday at the Lake on August 23, from 6:00-7:10 pm, followed by the headliners, The Accents, at 7:30.

    shepard park

    With over 50 years of experience and 4,000 performances under their belt, The Accents prepare to bring their non-stop energy to Friday at the Lake. As one of the capital region’s most prolific party bands, The Accents encourage all guests to let loose, enjoy their time, and have one last party as the summer season comes to a close. On Friday, August 22, The Accents’ extensive nine-person lineup will have the entire Friday at the Lake crowd dancing and singing all night long.

    shepard park

    The United States Navy Band “Cruisers” make their first appearance in Lake George this Thursday, August 22, as part of their nationwide tour that begins on August 19 in Washington, D.C. They are also opening for The Accents this Friday.

    Cruiser’s stop at Lake George is just another on a long list of tour dates. As one of the 11 different Navy Bands, Cruisers make up a part of 6,000 performances across the United States and around the world throughout the year. With each performance, Navy bands come together with communities to honor and celebrate the service of veterans. This Thursday and Friday, Cruisers present their world-class musicianship with renditions of classic jazz standards, classic rock, and today’s biggest hits in all genres. A fireworks show will follow their Thursday night performance at 9:30 pm.

    All shows at Shepard Park are free to the public. Food and beverage vendors are available on-site. For information on vendors, performances, and more, visit the Lake George town’s website. If you are interested in the rest of Cruisers’ tour, the remaining dates are available here.

  • ‘Ova With’ The Wait As MVW Releases New Single With Lisha G Ahead of Album Launch

    Producer/Composer MVW is back with a new single featuring current Houston underground staple Lisha G. The new record, “Ova With,” is a silky flowing thumper that sees MVW brings his trademark piano driven melodies. Meanwhile, the burgeoning Lisha G’s penetrating vocals and southern twang to create a stimulating mix.

    "Ova With" song cover
    MVW’s new single “Ova With” features burgeoning Houston rapper Lisha G.

    Her intoxicating flow makes for a trippy listen on it own however, however, combined with MVW’s classically trained melodies create a refreshing song with two artists forging their own unique paths. Yet, aside from Lisha G’s inviting vocals, her appeal comes from the wholesome, small-town values that set the Houston rapper apart from other artists. Moreover, “Ova With” continues a rise that has also seen her collaborate with Famous Dex and gain even more traction following her performance in her On The Radar Freestyle. For his part, MVW continues to collaborate and feature bubbling female underground rap artists. He dropped songs with TiaCorine, aka Freaky T and rising star Anycia. 

    New Album

    All in all, this is the beginning of what presumes to be a busy few months for for MVW as the Staten Island native is set to release a joint-project this October with frequent collaborator Valee. Earlier this year MVW dropped “Goofy” featuring deceased legend Gangsta Boo. Meanwhile, the fall release will be their second collaborative album, as their debut effort Valeedation offered a welcome into MVW and Valee’s world of pianos, violins, horns and effortless delivery.

    The new project will be MVW’s 4th hip hop album following his decision to complement his career as a composer by expanding into the fluid world of hip hop music. MVW kicked things off in 2021 with the Lex Luger assisted CLASSIC$, followed by Connections in 2022 and Valeedation with Valee in 2023.

  • Conway The Machine Signee, Jae Skeese, To Release New Album This Friday

    It’s clear that Jay Skeese intends to follow the Griselda model of flooding the market. The first signee to Conway The Machine‘s Drumwork Music imprint, Jae Skeese, is set to release his 2nd project of the year, Ground Level, on August 16. The new album comes on the heels of his first project of the year, Testament of The Times, released in March. In light of the new album, the Buffalo native, has gone on to release several singles with a list of exclusive features as part of this underground effort,.

    Conway The Machine artist Jae Skeese releases cover art for his upcoming album.

    About Ground Level

    With this in mind, Jae Skeese teased the upcoming album with the calculated release of a single roughly every2 weeks. Beginning with the project’s lead single and video, “Situated” featuring Big K.R.I.T. and Sauce Walka, to set the tone for Ground Level. He later retuned with the projects second single, the star-studded “Sara Lee.” Featuring Dave East, Jay Worthy and a sultry chorus from r&b singer Lloyd, the record offers an alternative side to Jae Skeese. “Sara Lee” is a vibe that I don’t think you haven’t got from me yet. I wanted to show another side of who I am as an artist and give the ladies something to think about,” Jae Skeese comments.“

    The lastest single, “Brick After Brick (Ground Level),” also doubles as the intro track for Ground Level. Featuring thunderous, tone-setting horns, Jae Skeese hopes to set the tone with this into record. Moreover, Skeese takes the next step in his career with Ground Level. After all, he has spent the last three years laying the foundation for his breakthrough — which includes Skeese’s Drumwork debut, Abolished Uncertainties, and his collaborative album with Conway The Machine Pain Provided Profit.  Thus, Ground Level‘s release this Friday is a testament to Jae Skeese’s evolution as an artist, as he continues to stack up high-profile collaborations

  • KRS-One to Headline 4th Annual Tour For Life Concert At The Brooklyn Monarch

    This Sunday at The Brooklyn Monarch, MC’s better act like they know, as KRS-One headlines the annual Tour For Life concert this Sunday, August 18. Uniquely, Tour For Life is essentially a rap concert that also advocates for mental health awareness within the hip-hop community. At each stop, on-site therapists offer free sessions, live art, giveaways, community mending art projects, and performances. Presented by Full Blast Booking, a Connecticut-based booking company that specializes in booking tours, Tour For Life has raised over $60,000 for mental health non-profits over the past three years. Hence, this year’s tour will be raising money for organizations such as Mental Health Connecticut.

    KRS will headline Tour for Life this Sunday August, 18.

    Tour For Life’s Final Weekend

    Yet, Brooklyn will be the final stop for Tour for Life. This weekend’s performances, from August 15 – 17,  will see Tour For Life make stops in various neighboring east coast states including Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire. Meanwhile, performances will feature hip-hop headliners Sage Francis, Billy Danze of M.O.P., and Rome Streetz. Supporting this stop on the tour will be artists such as, Duece Bug, Konflik, Sosoon + Tony Dimes, DTaylz, Neema MC, Mickey Bourbon, Mic Hoffa, and more.

    With this intention, Tour for Life also works to provide a platform for legendary headliners, as well a the many talented and independent artists from all over the nation. Thus, with the tour’s final stop will see hip hop pioneer/legend KRS-One replace initial headliner Redman. However, with one of the most comprehensive discographies in hip hop as well as a bevy of thought-provoking lyrics, KR-One is no stranger to nuance nor the healing properties of rap music.

    Tour for Life Dates and Lineups

    8/15 Manchester, NH- The Shaskeen feat. Sage Francis + Akrobatik

    8/16 Providence, RI- Alchemy feat. Billy Danze of M.O.P.

    8/17 Hamden, CT- Cellar on Treadwell feat. Rome Streetz

    8/18 Brooklyn, NY – The Monarch feat. KRS-One (+ surprise guests)

    Set to begin at 6:00 p.m. at 23 Meadow St, tickets for Tour for Life’s closing weekend can be found on Full Blast Booking’s official website.

  • Brooklyn Based DIIV Returns With New Album

    DIIV, a beloved band from Brooklyn, has once again captured the hearts of fans with their latest album, Frog in Boiling Water. This record showcases a band that has truly evolved while staying true to their atmospheric roots. The album and its singles—such as “Brown Paper Bag,”—have been met with widespread fan acclaim.

    DIIV @ Brooklyn Paramount 8/7/2024 by Sam Schraub

    The Album

    Frog in Boiling Water is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to DIIV’s perseverance and growth. The album’s creation was a four-year odyssey that nearly pushed the band to its limits. With a desire to push their sound to new frontiers, DIIV embarked on an ambitious journey, navigating their own relationships and the pressures of the music industry. Fraying friendships, financial strains, and creative differences marked the process, but the band emerged from this chaos with an album that dives deep into new lyrical and musical territories.

    DIIV @ Brooklyn Paramount 8/7/2024 by Sam Schraub

    The result is a record that is as gorgeous as it is haunted. Frog in Boiling Water balances powerful rhythms inspired by post-industrial sounds, creating a sound that is both mighty and ethereal. It’s a mesmeric reflection on endurance, capturing the essence of existing.

    DIIV @ Brooklyn Paramount 8/7/2024 by Sam Schraub

    If you missed DIIV at their most recent homecoming show at Brooklyn Paramount, make sure to catch them live the next time they’re in New York. With each performance, DIIV not only solidifies their place in the indie music scene but also redefines what it means to create immersive, emotional art.

    All photo credit goes to Sam Schraub

  • Northwest Jazz Festival: Get Ready Two Nights of Memorable Music in Lewiston

    The largest outdoor jazz festival in Western New York returns to Center Street in Lewiston, NY on Friday, August 23, and Saturday, August 24 with the 2024 Northwest Jazz Festival. Get ready for an unprecedented celebration of the Great American Songbook on the Main Stage during the two days of the festival.

    The Northwest Jazz Festival begins at 5pm on Friday, August 23rd through 10:30pm, and again on Saturday, August 24th from 12:00pm – 10:30pm. The historic village will come alive with live music, food/beverage vendors, jewelry tent and more with five stages throughout the festival grounds. The festival is free to attend (no coolers or carry-ins) with a limited number of tickets available for preferred seating at the Main Stage, for up-close viewing, beginning at 6pm.

    In addition to the Main Stage, the festival highlights musicians from Western New York and throughout the country. Swing Buffalo will present Friday Night Dance with the Anderson Big Band at the Center Street Friday night. Local vocal group, Harmonia Vocal Ensemble will perform Saturday as well as local favorite Janice Mitchell and Jim Beishline Trio.


    The Main Stage will feature hometown favorite, Pete Malinverni. Since leaving his hometown of Lewiston, NY, Pete has become a prominent figure in New York City’s jazz community since the early 1980s. He has consistently honed his craft, exploring the rich repertoire of the Great American Songbook, including compositions by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and Leonard Bernstein, alongside his original works. Alongside selections from the Great American Songbook, Malinverni also draws inspiration from a variety of sources, offering a sincere reflection of his identity as both an artist and an advocate of spreading joy through music. Join us for an evening of welcoming home Pete Malinverni and enjoying Pete’s incredibly entertaining jazz.

    Saturday evening will continue with a creative program by the Jazz at the Ballroom organization, which has presented special programs on the Great American Songbook. The ensemble will also feature bassist Dylan Shamat, vocalist Olivia Chindamo, vocalist Vanessa Perea, vocalist Wyatt Michael, trombonist Rob Edwards, saxophonist Adrian Cunningham, and more.

    The festival’s Great American Songbook Celebration will end with a Grand Finale presented by the Jazz at the Ballroom all-star ensemble on Saturday, August 24th at 8:30 pm. Look for the silver lining, walk on the sunny side of the street, and dance cheek to cheek with a swinging lineup Inspired by Bing Crosby’s 1944 hit “Accentuate the Positive.” The Grand Finale will be a night of memorable music that kept people company through the ups and downs of the 1920s to 1940s. These timeless classics will live on forever.

    The full line-up at Northwest Jazz Festival:

    Friday, August 23, 2024
    5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Comienzos – Frontier House Stage
    6:00 pm – 7:15 pm | Pete Malinverni Trio – Main Stage 
    6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Matt’s Music Vocal Performance Team – Center Street Stage
    6:45 pm – 7:45 pm | Rick Strauss – DiCamillo Courtyard
    7:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Simon Fletcher Duo – Peace Garden
    7:45 pm – 9:15 pm | Will Holton –  Frontier House Stage
    8:15 pm – 9:45 pm | Swing Buffalo presents Friday Night Dance ft. Anderson Big Band – Center Street Stage
    8:30 pm – 10:15 pm | Anaïs Reno with the Pete Malinverni Trio & Special Guest Peter Bernstein – Main Stage

    Saturday, August 24, 2024
    1:00 pm – 1:45 pm | UB Zodiaque Dance Company –  Main Stage 
    1:00 pm – 2:30 pm |Jonathan Hughes Quartet –  Frontier House Stage
    1:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Harmonia Vocal Ensemble – Center Street Stage
    2:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Wazmopolitan Duo – Peace Garden
    2:15 pm – 3:15 pm | Elliot Sneider Duo: Gershwin Songbook  – Main Stage 
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Stu Weissman – DiCamillo Courtyard
    3:15 pm – 4:45 pm | Donny Frauenhofer Trio –   Frontier House Stage
    3: 45 pm – 5:15 pm | DeeAnn DiMeo Quintet – Center Street Stage
    4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Jazz at the Ballroom Presents “Get out of Town” – Main Stage 
    4:45 pm – 5:45 pm | Stephen Guerra Duo – Peace Garden
    5:15 pm – 6:15 pm | Walt Sopicki – DiCamillo Courtyard
    5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Wes Lewis Group –  Frontier House Stage
    6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble – Center Street Stage
    6:15 pm – 7:45 pm | Jazz at the Ballroom Presents “Flying High” – Main Stage 
    7:15 pm – 8:15 pm | Ann Mitchell Trio – Peace Garden
    7:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Dave Hill – DiCamillo Courtyard
    7:45 pm – 9:15 pm | John Bacon Quintet – Frontier House Stage
    8:15 pm – 9:45 pm | Janice Mitchell and Jim Beishline Trio – Center Street Stage
    8:45 pm – 10:15 pm | Jazz at the Ballroom Presents “Accentuate the Positive” – Main Stage

  • Meet Kale, New Paltz’s Latest Jam Band Export

    Hailing from the city of New Paltz, indie trio Kale is the latest outfit to make its way into the scene.

    kale new paltz
    Kale • Jack Salzman – bass/vocals • Sam Kirschner – drums • Brendan Bartow – keys/vocals

    For the last two years, Kale has been cementing themselves as a live band fans will never forget. With a unique combination of indie rock, pop, and electronica, the trio has dedicated themselves to the music that brought them all together in the first place.

    Kale’s musical influences come from an array of bands – their love of improvisational live music came from growing up listening to the Grateful Dead and Phish. Jazz artists such as Dexter Gordon and Dave Brubeck, while the songwriting and danceable electronic/indie vibe stems from bands such as MGMT, Empire of the Sun, M83, Bombay Bicycle Club, and the Killers, are all highly influential on the band’s musical style.

    Kale is made up of three incredibly close friends; Jack Salzman (bass/vocals), Brendan Bartow (keys/vocals), and Sam Kirschner (drums). The trio formed amidst the plethora of outfits that emerged from the college town, which was the perfect atmosphere to cement their electrifying and fun-loving performance style. They released their first studio single, “Everybody’s Falling,” in October 2023, followed by “Pave the Way” in May 2024, and were met with almost immediate praise from fans who have been waiting since their 2022 live debut.

    Kale’s music is meant to emulate exactly that of their environment: the feeling of a fun and exciting night out with friends in a tangible, musical form. With their focus on the performance aspect, combined with their stellar musicianship and creative influences, it’s no surprise that Kale became a regular topic of conversation within the college student community.

    Within the last two years of Kale’s emergence, their live shows have garnered a reputation as a nonstop thrill. Their inspiration from electronica music is very much alive and displayed in their shows, demonstrated through strobe lights, elaborate visuals, and contagious energy sure to make any crowd dance. Kale is no stranger to diversity within their music, either, keeping crowds entertained with Bartow and Salzman’s characteristically indie-style vocals.

    Kale performing at the Toyota Music Den Stage at Mt. Snow in Dover, VT

    In the early days of the band, Kale wasted no time in putting themselves out there and taking over the stage. The band has opened for notable indie acts such as The Disco Biscuits, Eggy, the Q-tip Bandits, and Twiddle, and even dipped their toes onto festival stages like the Catskill Mountain Jubilee, Summer Jam, and Circus of Life.

    While the band is working on their debut album, it is clear that Kale’s party days in New Paltz are far from over. Kale has no plans on stopping their fantastic tour de force, with a new single, “The Beautiful Game,” coming on August 30 and a debut EP coming on November 1, featuring eight original studio tracks. In the meantime, the trio is supporting Dopapod at Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, for their final tour on September 13. Tickets are available here.

    To check out Kale’s music, visit this link. Stay tuned for more updates, because when Kale is in town, the party never stops.