Tag: Music News

NYC-Based Artist Morley Releases Captivating Single “Follow The Sound”

Singer-songwriter, Morley, from New York City, released her new song “Follow The Sound” on Friday, July 26. The song is the second single off her upcoming album of the same name, due Sept. 27.

While building up to the significance of her upcoming album, the song evidently explores the dynamic between witnessing hardships and processing them in one’s own way.

The new title track, “Follow The Sound” is full of Morley’s dedication to activism along with a soft mix of jazz and folk. The song comes after the artist witnessed some of the most devastating fundamental issues currently taking place, firsthand. Impacted by the devastation she saw, Morley channeled what she saw into a piece of work from the perspective of a child who is a victim of family border separation.

“Follow The Sound” is the work of Morley alongside her husband, producer, Chris Bruce, who also plays guitar on the record. Assisting the duo on the song and record are pianist pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, and drummer Jack DeBoe. The song is the second of four singles for the album including “It’s Hard To Stop” (June 21), “Follow The Sound” (July 26), “Here In Love” (August 9), and “Where Are We” (September 6).

‘Follow the Sound’ came to me while participating in an action at the US/Mexico Border responding to inhumane policies of family separation. The song speaks of a dream a child is having after being separated from their mother at the border, in the dream, the mother urges the child to follow the sound of her voice to find a safety beyond the physical realm. Follow the Sound is also a metaphor for following the sound of one’s own inner voice and the voice of the natural world, as one.
Morley

Morley uses her music to articulate her experiences with people of diverse backgrounds. After attending United Nations International School, and later the Duke Ellington High School for the Performing Arts, she’s accumulated knowledge about a variety of different cultures and the issues and discrimination people face. It was through those experiences, that she was able to form her views of the world, and therefore, her music.

Morley actively participates in multi-leveled activism such as fighting for human rights through releasing benefit albums. TED Women and TED X have also honored her as a featured performer and speaker. As a visionary through her music, she has brought artists like Yo-Yo Ma, Esperanza Spalding, Meryl Streep, and Rosanne Cash, among others together for powerful causes.

To stream”Follow The Sound” and learn more about Morley, visit www.morleymusic.org.

July 26, 2024
Schroon Lake Arts Council Celebrates 50th Anniversary

This year, the Schroon Lake Arts Council celebrates the 50th anniversary of its summer concert series, now named Schroon Lake Live.

To commemorate the golden anniversary, Schroon Lake Live offers two months of free concerts, having started on July 3 and held weekly on Tuesdays, and the 34th Adirondack Folk Festival.

Concerts for Schroon Lake Live! and the Adirondack Folk Festival are held at the 1874 Boathouse Theatre, or outdoors on the 1936 Bandstand. For Schroon Lake Live, this year’s program is more diverse than ever before and features artists of several genres, including Irish, folk, jazz, bluegrass, classical chamber music, and even a childrenâs and family program.

Also bringing fans to Schroon Lake is the Adirondack Folk Festival, celebrating and honoring the roots of of folk music from the region. Local and regional artists are set to perform, including Jamcrackers, House of Hamill, E.T.E., Vanaver Caravan, Matoaka Little Eagle and Julia Haines presenting Indigenous stories and music, and Three-Quarter North. The festival is Sunday, August 11, from noon to 6 pm. Food trucks and local vendors are available throughout the duration of the festival, and guests even have opportunities to meet the performers after the show.

In addition to the concerts, free open jam sessions are held in the Boathouse on Mondays from 7- 10 p.m. for all singers, musicians, and music lovers.

The full lineup for Schroon Lake Live is listed below. All concerts and events hosted are free, and welcome guests of all ages. For more information, visit the Art Council’s website, linked here.

Schroon Lake Live! Full Lineup

July 3: Get Up Jack

July 9: Dave Ruch

July 13: The Puppet People

July 15: Songs To Keep: Treasures Of An Adirondack Folk Collector with Dan Berggren

July 16: Annie and The Hedonists

July 23: The Kennedys

July 30: Marsh Lights

Aug 3: Lake George Music Festival Preview Concert

Aug 10: Goodnight Moonshine

July 25, 2024
NEO Project: Ithaca-Based Band Brings The Funk All Over New York
Hailing from Ithaca, six-piece funk band NEO Project dazzles audiences with their energetic stage presence and hypnotic fusion music. Their unique, high-energy sound and performances have blown crowds away for the better part of a decade. With an interesting mix of genres and insatiable chemistry, NEO Project is sure to put on an unforgettable performance.

Since 2012, the band has been on a mission to make crowds dance with their stellar improvisation and musicianship. NEO Project is made up of Elly Holiday and Jimbo Scott as lead vocalists, John White on keyboards and backup vocals, Dwight Carroll on electric guitar and vocals, Franklin Henry on electric bass, and Mike McCoy on drums. As well-decorated veterans of the music industry, including past careers as music professors, soul practitioners, and even a former Motown sideman, they each hold a deep love and passion for funk, soul, jazz, and R&B music.

In their many years of touring and making music, NEO Project has worn many hats when it comes to performing. Originally, they began as a funk band, but soon after realized their true potential in becoming an all-out dance band that blends a multitude of genres. Bringing in inspiration from Afro-Caribbean music, as well as soul, jazz, and R&B, NEO Project combines the genres that were truly inspirational to them, with their own improvisational twist.

Eventually, through years of fine-tuning their sound, NEO Project became exemplary of the great diversity within the music industry, proving that genres can absolutely coexist and share the spotlight at the same time. Along with their own original music, NEO Project reinterprets some of the best soul, jazz, and funk music out there with their own unique twist, covering a wide range of artists from Deee-Lite to James Brown. Their unique sound has brought thousands from all over the state to bars, concert halls, and festivals to enjoy some new-age fusion in classic old-fashioned styles.

Throughout the last ten years, the NEO Project family has performed all over New York, bringing the energy to music festivals and concert series alike. On July 11, the band headlined a performance at the Ithaca Summer Concert Series; their most recent surmounting success right from their hometown. Their most recent gig at the Finger Lakes Cider House brought the house down with their incredibly dynamic and original performance.

NEO Project’s funky, charming tunes have brought them widespread critical acclaim, from magazines to newspapers and more. “There’s a new band based in Ithaca, NY that will have you tapping your toes and shakin’ your groove thing to its unique, fun style of Neo Soul, Funk, Jazz, Rock, and Afro-Caribbean world grooves,” says Roger Theies of What’s Hot? magazine. Harry Segal of The Dock calls them “the tightest funk fusion band in the land!”

After a rousing ten-year anniversary, NEO Project’s reign is far from over. Catch NEO Project at The Range, 119 E State St, Ithaca, for a surefire performance that will never make you want to throw away your dancing shoes. The end of a busy season awaits the band as August begins, with headlining performances at the Geneva Lakefront Summer Concert Series on Wednesday, August 14. On September 2, NEO Project will perform for a private member’s exclusive event at the Ithaca Yacht Club, followed by a headlining performance at the Corning Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 21.
For any information on the band, be sure to visit their official Facebook page, linked here.
July 24, 2024
Hearing Aide: Lotus “How to Dream in Color,” Announces New York Show and Full Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lotus How to Dream in Color Tour

July 18 – Secret Dreams – Thornville, OH

August 15 – The Big E – Springfield, MA

August 30 – September 1 – Summerdance – Garrettsville, OH

October 2 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA

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

October 4 – State Theatre – Portland, ME

October 5- Higher Ground – Burlington, VT

October 9 – Jefferson Theater – Charlottesville, VA

October 10 – Salvage Station – Asheville, NC

October 11 – Music Farm – Charleston, SC

October 12 – Vinyl Music Hall – Pensacola, FL

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

October 16 – Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL

October 17 – Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC

October 18 – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh, NC

October 19 – The Recher – Towson, MD

October 24 – Washington’s – Fort Collins, CO

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

December 30 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA

December 31 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA

July 20, 2024
Grafh & 38 Spesh Get Their ‘Rocafella Chain’ In New Single Ft. Memphis Bleek, Freeway, Peedi Crack

Grafh and 38 Spesh’s “Rocafella Chain” is the latest single in promotion of their joint-album, God’s Timing, which drops on August 2. The new single features a quartet of former Roc-A-Fella Records artists in Memphis Bleek, Freeway, Peedi Crack and Grafh himself in an ode to the legendary record label. Moreover, this is the second single Grafh and 38 Spesh have released ahead of God’s Timing, with this new single following the Talib Kweli assisted, “Right Now.”

Roc-A-Fella records alumni come together for this latest heater

If these two records are anything to go by then the new project will be full of quality. On “Rocafella Chain,” 38 Spesh sets the tone with a hard-hitting horn and drums loop before each artist takes turns trying to steal the show. In like manner, the record brings back memories of a good old posse cut. In turn, each artist brings their distinctive style, creating a dynamic and energetic anthem that pays respect to their roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary hip-hop.

God’s Timing

God’s Timing will be released on August 2, and is produced in its entirety by 38 Spesh. The album also includes appearances from Jim Jones, Talib Kweli, Method Man, Vado, Freeway, Memphis Bleek and Peedi Crakk. This will be the first joint-project between Grafh and 38 Spesh in a link-up between upstate, New York and the city.

July 19, 2024
Troy Ramey Releases “Pick Up Truck” After Debuting in NYC

Fresh off the streets of New York City, newcomer Troy Ramey released his latest single, “Pick Up Truck,” on June 28.

Known for his soulful voice and emotionally driven songs, Troy Ramey celebrates life’s simple pleasures; summer drives, and the joy of music.

Originally hailing from Vermont, Ramey grew up in a household of musicians, turning to music as a way to heal after the tragic loss of his father. Since then, his music has reflected his intense passion, producing authentic, emotionally driven songs and connecting deeply with his audience.

In 2017, Ramey competed on season 12 of NBC’s The Voice, garnering immense praise from audiences and celebrity judges Alicia Keys and Celine Dion alike. After his appearance, he moved to New York City and began to write and produce his own music, including his newest single, “Pick Up Truck.” At first, the song concept was a running joke between Troy and his longtime friend and co-writer Johnny Gates, mostly about the recurring themes within the country music genre. But after his landmark performance on The Voice, Troy continued to work with the concept, developing it into one of his favorite songs he’s recorded thus far.

“But as I messed around on the guitar, the lyrics ‘when you hear my song, turn it up, sounds better in a pickup truck’ came to mind,” Ramey says about the track. “The song immediately was no longer a joke. It really became a song about one of my favorite things to do.”

After the release of his first singles from his debut LP, All I Had, the excitement for the full album only began to grow. With the full album set to release in the fall of 2024, the anticipation only grows stronger with each day. The release of “Pick Up Truck” will certainly have to do in the meantime. If the artistry and creativity behind this one single is only a preview of the full album, there is certainly a bright future ahead of Troy Ramey.

Fans can listen to “Pick Up Truck” here, and in anticipation of Troy Ramey’s newest release, Ramey is set to play a few shows in the Northeast, starting with a stop in Patchogue, Long Island, at the 89 North.

July 19, Friday – 89 North – Patchogue, NY.

July 25, Thursday – The Maso Studio at The Huntington Theatre – Boston, MA.

July 26, Friday – Next Stage Arts – Putney, VTets.

July 27, Saturday – Newport Playhouse – Newport, RI.

July 19, 2024
Brooklyn Duo Rubblebucket Release Funky New Single “Rattlesnake”

On July 10, Brooklyn-based art-pop duo Rubblebucket released their newest single, “Rattlesnake,” along with its corresponding music video. Filled with groovy basslines, punchy brass and saxophone riffs, and hard-hitting lyrics in a deceptively cool and catchy tone, “Rattlesnake” is the newest edition to a laundry list of funky tunes sure to make your hips move.

Based on lead singer Klamia Traver’s own struggles with mental health and anxiety, the lyrics to “Rattlesnake” present a situation that almost everyone can relate to. The band loosely adapted a poem Kalmia wrote called “Time For the Rattlesnake” from her poetry book Year of The Banana. The poem recalls an encounter Traver had with the animal, jokingly saying, “The beauty of it took my breath away. But I later ruminated about how even when I am faced with the most breathtaking of our planet’s offerings, it can still be very hard to be present, focused & relaxed because of the chronic anxiety from which I suffer.”

The song opens with, “I don’t want to analyze you / But it seems you’re stuck in a cage / Let the child inside drive you / You’ve got what it takes.” Rattlesnake, in this instance, acts as a metaphor for someone so coiled and wrapped up in their own worries, fears, and anxieties that they prevent themselves from chasing new opportunities and ideas, even if it is something their “inner child” so desperately craved. The bridge’s lyrics further implement this idea, this time bringing the perspectives of outsiders into it: “Sometimes you gotta kill your idols / Psychedelic cage / In the footsteps of our mothers / We make the same mistakes.”

With such an intense undertone, looking at the lyrics alone makes the tune sound morose and dark. But instead, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the song is almost deceptively catchy. The groovy bassline, provided by the band’s other half, Alex Toth, nearly makes you forget about the unsettling lyrics. Renata Zieguer’s strings certainly add another unique element to the instrumentation, bringing a classic ’70s-style disco charm. Kalmia Traver’s light, soothing vocals almost make you forget about the fears the song forces you to face. The band went full disco-funk with “Rattlesnake”, producing a track that sounds like Bee Gees and Michael Jackson meets Stereolab.

For Rubblebucket, therapy takes the form of a dance party. “Rattlesnake” is a refreshing, funky tune that certainly stands out with its creative sound, and even more creative music video, reminiscent of something we would’ve seen from Talking Heads. The message here is clear: uncoil yourself like a rattlesnake, but dance while you do it.

“Rattlesnake” is out now and available on all streaming platforms and be sure to catch Rubblebucket at their announced live shows for 2024, one in Washington and one in New Hampshire.

Find tickets and more info HERE.

Rubblebucket Live

July 13 – Seattle, WA – Ballard Seafood Festival
October 19 – Concord, NH – Concord Sound & Color Festival

July 17, 2024
Hearing Aide: “Better(er) Days” Brings Out The Best of Bad Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 16, 2024
Nicole Atkins Announces East Coast Tour, Three Shows in New York

Rock singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins announced an East Coast Tour starting in September with a show at Daryl’s House in Pawling, NY. Justin & the Cosmics will serve as support for the entire run.

A prominent figure in rock music for over two decades, Nicole Atkins has been actively touring and producing music since 2002. Mostly inspired by 1960s and 70s psychedelic rock artists like The Doors and The Sundays, she started writing what she termed “a mix of Americana, 60s, and indie rock.” In 2003, Atkins released her first EP, Bleeding Diamonds.

Along with her tour, Atkins is currently working on her sixth studio album. “Now, with a bunch of new songs and a great band and some time before the studio, I can’t wait to figure out what these new songs want to be at the shows!” Atkins says about her upcoming album. “I’ve always wanted to do it that way like I did it before my first record, but now it actually feels like time is on my side and I have some to make it happen.” Her previous album, Italian Ice (2020), was her best-reviewed album to date, drawing rave reviews internationally.

For the last two decades of her career, Nicole Atkins has performed in several festivals and concerts. Halfway into 2024, Atkins has already had an incredible year, opening for both Stevie Nicks and also her friends, The Mavericks, whose new album she is featured on. Now, after remarkable stretches with rock icons and showstoppers, she reemerges with her own headlining tour.

Starting on September 5, Atkins heads to Pawling, NY, for a night in Daryl’s House. Catch her at Woodstock and Ridgewood, Queens, on September 7 and 21, respectively. Atkins’ new album, which is yet to be named, is set to release in 2025.

The full tour dates are listed below. Tickets are available now on Nicole Atkins’ website, linked here.

SEPTEMBER

5 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House

6 – Montclair, NJ – Outpost In The Burbs

7 – Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios

9 – Boston, MA – City Winery – Boston

11 – Philadelphia, PA – 118 North

12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar

15 – Manchester Center, VT – Billsville House Concerts

20 – Uncasville, CT – Wolf Den

21 – Ridgewood, NY – TV Eye

July 16, 2024
Albany Institute of History and Art Presents Summer Music at the Museum

The Albany Institute of History and Art presents their latest free concert series, Summer Music at the Museum. The series will take place on select Wednesdays throughout the months of July and August and feature a number of local musicians, artists, and restaurants.

In partnership with the Albany Musicians Association and Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF), Summer Music at the Museum returns to the Albany Institute as the 2024-2025 season begins. The series consists of three separate performances, each on a select Wednesday of each month. The concert series began with its first performance on Wednesday, June 26. The next scheduled concert is Wednesday, July 17, from 5:00-7:00 pm, featuring The Art D’echo Trio.

The Art D’echo Trio is a jazz trio hailing from New York’s capital region. Its members are pianist Dave Gleason, bassist Mike Lawrence, and drummer Pete Sweeney. Formed in 2012, The Art D’echo Trio have performed together in multiple jazz combos since they were teenagers. Eventually, the three musicians formed an official jazz trio, bringing their skills to performances all over New York. Over the years, the trio have played everything, from Latin jazz tunes to their own renditions of classic jazz standards, enthralling audiences everywhere they go. Their one-of-a-kind musicianship is inspiring to both lifelong jazz fans and newcomers to the genre. Now, they head to Albany for a stellar performance at Summer Music at the Museum.

The Art D’echo Trio – official Facebook page

The next concert for Summer Music at the Museum is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14.

All concerts for Summer Music at the Museum are free and open to the public. The Albany Institute encourages attendees to bring picnic blankets or camp out on the lawn of the museum. The venue is located at 125 Washington Ave, Albany. For any updates or additional information, visit AIHA’s website, linked here.

July 14, 2024