Fresh off of their resounding and successful Blackout Tour, rousing alt-metal outfitFrom Ashes to New announced that they will officially join fellow metal band Set It Off on a full U.S. tour this fall.
The tour will take the duos nationwide, with three shows in New York. They will be joined by metal powerhouses New Years Day and If Not For Me.
Following the end of From Ashes To New’s current 2024 tour, “The Deathless Tour Part Two” will begin on Saturday, September 21, in Johnstown, PA. The tour starts just as From Ashes to New and Set It Off complete their joint supporting tour dates with Nothing More. The co-headlining jaunt will make its way across both coasts before ending in Wantagh, on November 2.
The official tour dates are listed below. Fans can visit here for more information on the tour, music, and merch.
“THE DEATHLESS TOUR PART TWO” TOUR DATES with Set It Off + FROM ASHES TO NEW w/ support from New Years Day & If Not For Me 9/21 Johnstown, PA – Frank J. Pasquarella Conference Center & 9/25 Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection 9/28 Belvidere, IL – The Apollo Theatre 9/29 Omaha, NE – The Admiral 10/1 Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater 10/2 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre 10/5 Fresno, CA – Tioga Sequoia Brewery 10/7 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater 10/8 Boise, ID – Knitting Factory 10/9 Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo 10/11 Bend, OR – Midtown Ballroom 10/15 Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater 10/17 Wichita, KS – Cotillion 10/19 Davenport, IA – Capitol Theater 10/22 Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center 10/23 Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room 10/25 Syracuse, NY – Sharkey’s Stage 10/26 Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater 10/27 Worcester, MA – The Palladium 10/29 Albany, NY – Empire Live 10/30 Portland, ME – Aura 11/1 Stroudsburg, PA – The Sherman Theater 11/2 Wantagh, NY – Mulcahy’s Concert Hall
Husbands at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by @itchyeyephotos
Husbands kicked off the day on the IHG Stage with their indie rock sound characterized by distorted guitars and a dancey vibe. The crowd couldn’t help but boogie along, setting a lively tone for the rest of the day.
Elyanna, the Palestinian-Chilean singer-songwriter, captivated the audience with her soulful voice and unique blend of Middle Eastern and Latin influences. Her performance was a beautiful display of cultural fusion, offering a refreshing and authentic experience to festival-goers.
Elyanna at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
G Flip rocked the IHG Stage with their energetic performance. The highlight of the set was when Lauren Sanderson made a surprise appearance, joining G Flip on stage and sending the crowd into a frenzy. Their chemistry and stage presence created a memorable and electrifying atmosphere.
G Flip at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Baby Queen made her U.S. festival debut on the GoPuff Stage with a high-energy set that included “Quarter Life Crisis,” “I Can’t Get My Shit Together,” and “Buzzkill.” Her performance, marked by shredding on a pink guitar, was both raw and empowering. She hyped the crowd by asking, “Who’s getting drunk today? Well, this is a song about getting fucked up,” before launching into “Raw Thoughts.” Baby Queen’s message, “I want you all to remember you can be whatever you want to be,” resonated deeply with the audience.
Malcom Todd at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Malcolm Todd brought a wave of nostalgia by opening with the iconic iCarly theme. His set featured chill vibes and impressive guitar solos, including a memorable performance of TLC’s “Waterfalls” on the catwalk. He expressed his excitement to open for Chappell Roan and wished everyone a “Happy Pride Month,” sharing his love for the community.
Kevin Abstract at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Also on the Gopuff stage, Kevin Abstract – known for his work with Brockhampton – delivered an introspective and engaging performance. His set was a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. He engaged with fans by reading signs, including quirky messages like “I’m severely constipated” and “gays only event.” His performance included solo tracks “Empty” and “Tennessee,” as well as Brockhampton favorites “BUZZCUT” and “STAR,” creating a dynamic and engaging set.
Chappell Roan at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Chappell Roan’s performance was one of the most anticipated of the day. Fans chanted her name for five minutes before she took the stage, dressed as the Statue of Liberty. Her set began with “Femininomenon,” followed by “Naked in Manhattan” and “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.” She said, “Today I am in drag of the biggest queen of all,” referring to her Statue of Liberty outfit.
Chappell Roan at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Chappell used her costume to deliver a powerful message, quoting the inscription on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” She elaborated, “That means freedom and trans rights, freedom and women’s rights, freedom for all people in oppressed territories,” giving meaning and symbolism beyond just being a “NY Icon.”
After a costume change to match her band’s taxi print, she debuted a new song, further thrilling the crowd. Before performing “Casual,” she explained her outfit change and showed off boots emblazoned with “1-800-ROAN” and checkered gloves. The set concluded with the fan-favorite “Pink Pony Club,” leaving the crowd ecstatic and chanting her name long after she left the stage.
Rapp’s setlist included “Poison Poison,” “Bruises,” and “Pretty Girls,” during which she prompted the crowd, “If you’re a pretty girl, put your hands up!” She engaged warmly with fans, including a heartfelt interaction with a fan named Sam: “What’s your name, baby?” she asked. “Well, Sam, I need you to hear me when I say you’re one of the prettiest girls out here.”
Introducing her band members, Rapp quipped, “Seldom will I celebrate a man, but today I will.” She wrapped up her performance with “Tummy Hurts” and “In the Kitchen,” dedicating the latter to theater kids and describing it as her “theatrical ballad.” She closed her set with an exuberant shout-out: “Can I get a round of applause for lesbians?” and did a funky little dance, leaving the crowd with smiles and a sense of unity.
Peso Pluma at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Peso Pluma brought his signature style to the GoPuff Stage, delivering a performance that resonated deeply with fans. His set was marked by powerful vocals and a commanding presence, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Don Toliver at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Don Toliverâs set on the GoPuff Stage was a high-energy affair, featuring new and familiar hits. He debuted his new song “Tore Up,” which was met with enthusiastic approval from the crowd. Other highlights included performances of “Bus Stop,” “Smoke,” and “Attitude,” showcasing his versatility and charisma.
Chappell Roan at Governors Ball 6/9/24. Photo by N Bradley
SZA closed out the festival on the GovBallNYC Stage with a breathtaking performance. Her setlist included fan favorites such as “Low,” “Normal Girl,” “Kiss Me More,” “Snooze,” “Kill Bill,” and “The Weekend.” Each song showcased her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The audience was mesmerized by her soulful renditions and the raw emotion she brought to each performance.
Day 3 of Governors Ball 2024 was a testament to the power of live music to bring people together, celebrating diversity, creativity, and the sheer joy of performance. Each artist brought their unique energy to the stage, leaving fans with memories to cherish until next year’s festival.
With 2024 come and gone, we can start speculating about next year. The choice to continue at Flushing Meadows Park was a major success. The lushness of the park continues to prove to be the perfect venue for this festival; with large fields and thick trees providing shade to camping festival goers.
Governors Ball 2024 kicked off bright and early for Day 2 on Saturday, June 8, continuing the party from Day 1 at Flushing Meadows Park. Once the gate reopened to the masses, music fans ran to stake out their spots in anticipation of all the talent Saturday had to offer.
TV Girl, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Anna Downs
On the IHG Stage, Little Stranger from Charleston, SC delivered a funky, high-energy set with distorted guitar riffs and vibey trumpet and saxophone backups. Their indie rap-pop style shone through in songs like “Coffee & a Joint,” resonating well with the crowd. The playful and fun performance featured futuristic yet relaxed synth sounds, with lead vocalist Kevin Shields joking, “everything’s legal so you can do whatever you want today, I heard it from the governor himself*.” Their set was full of banter, hyping up later acts like Sexxy Red and keeping the audience engaged and entertained. *Ed. Note: New York State’s Governor is Kathy Hochul.
Telescreens, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Josh Sobel
The GovBallNYC Stage saw a dynamic start with New York City-based indie rock band Telescreens played a hometown show that drew out a dedicated early crowd. Fans went hard in the pit during “Don’t Feel Nothing,” and the band expressed excitement about finally playing their first festival after seven years together. The set closed with a circle pit and moshing, capturing the raw energy of the fans.
Quarters of Change, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Following up, Quarters of Change, whose experimental alternative rock blended seamlessly with melodic hip hop, setting a high-energy tone for the day. Following them, Jessie Murph captivated the audience with her unique country pop sound, delivering heartfelt performances that resonated deeply with fans.
Jessie Murph, Day 2 Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the sun began to set on Day 2 of Governors Ball 2024, Hippo Campus took over the IHG Stage, bringing their indie pop folk sound to life. The Minnesota band delivered a series of hits including “Ride or Die,” “Everything at Once,” and “Bad Dream Baby.” Their witty banter, including comments like “your parents may not love you but Hippo Campus loves you,” endeared them to the crowd, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.
Riovaz, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Over at the GoPuff Stage, Riovaz kept the momentum going with an engaging set, while Bakar’s performance stood out with his cover of “Dancing in the Moonlight,” and powerful renditions of “3 Nights” (a Dominic Fike cover), “Stop Selling Her Drugs,” and “Hell N Back.” His experimental indie rock sound had the crowd hooked from start to finish.
Doechii, Day 2 of Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Doechii took the GoPuff Stage by storm with a fiery hip-hop/rap set, featuring viral hits like “Bitch I’m Nice,” “Crazy,” “What it Is,” and the song that put her on the map, “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake.” She also introduced the crowd to her unreleased track, “Sweat,” showcasing her versatility and leaving fans eager for more.
Sexyy Red, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Sexyy Red continued the hip-hop/rap vibes, delivering a performance full of attitude and energy, while P1Harmony made history on the IHG Stage as the first Kpop boyband to ever perform at Gov Ball. Their electrifying set included songs like “Emergency,” “Everybody Clap,” “Heartbeat Drum,” “Killin’ It,” and “Back Down,” captivating a dedicated audience with their synchronized choreography and powerful vocals.
Carly Rae Jepsen, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Carly Rae Jepsen brought a burst of energy to the GovBallNYC Stage, drawing fans from all corners of the festival grounds. Her performance of “Call Me Maybe” sparked a massive sing-along that echoed across the festival grounds, while a mix of older favorites like “I Really Like You” and newer hits like “The Loneliest Time” showcased her enduring appeal. Carly even ventured into the crowd, amplifying the excitement and connection with her fans.
Sabrina Carpenter, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Sabrina Carpenter drew one of the largest crowds of the day on this very same stage. Her performance featured a mix of hits like “Feather,” “Vicious,” and “Already Over,” complemented by talented backup dancers and heart-themed stage decor. Her heartfelt introduction to “Already Over” highlighted her appreciation for New York’s unique musical culture, stating, “New York is one of the best cities in the world to play music because you’ve figured music out in a way that hasn’t been studied by science yet.” This sentiment resonated deeply with the audience.
Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Sabrina’s set showcased a wide range of her musical repertoire, from heartfelt ballads to high-energy pop hits. Fans of all ages, from young teens to older adults, were enthralled by her performance. Before singing “Fast Times,” she urged the audience to “Throw your phones in the river, I want you to be present,” encouraging everyone to fully immerse themselves in the moment.
Sabrina Carpenter, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
One of the most iconic moments however, came before “Because I Liked a Boy.” Sabrina asked the crowd to chant “I’m a slut” on the count of three, creating a powerful, unifying experience. She also teased her upcoming album, Short and Sweet, exciting fans with the promise of new music. The set concluded with a playful faux exit before her signature song “Nonsense.” The crowd eagerly awaited her return, and Sabrina delivered with a unique, city-specific ending that left the audience buzzing.
21 Savage, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
The Killers closed out the night with a stellar rock performance. Celebrating 20 years of coming to New York, they delivered classics like “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine” and “Read My Mind.” A fan summed it up perfectly, saying, “this is some real ass rock and roll.” The night ended on a high note with “Mr. Brightside,” leaving everyone in awe of the surreal experience.
Gov Ball continues tomorrow with a jam-packed Day 3 with acts including Chappell Roan, Renee Rapp, SZA, Kevin Abstract, and much much more. Stay tuned for more of our recaps for Gov Ball 2024!
Sexyy Red, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilQuarters of Change, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilP1Harmony, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilDoechii, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilJessie Murph, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilBakar, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil21 Savage, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilCarly Rae Jepsen, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilP1Harmony, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilBakar, Governors Ball 6/8/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Rochester-born McKinley James released his debut album, Working Class Blues, on June 7. With classic sounds reminiscent of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Buddy Holly, the album takes us back to the first days of modern rock’n’roll.
Through stories of love and heartbreak, McKinley James celebrates the early days of soul and rock while simultaneously giving it a modern, personal twist.
McKinley James – Official website
Since 2015, James has been making a name for himself in the soul and blues scene. At the age of 13, he appeared on the cover of the platinum-selling Eric Church album Mr. Misunderstood. In the two years between the album’s release and James’ arrival in Nashville, he had gained enormous amounts of popularity and recognition. Nine years later, at only 22 years old, James has headlined gigs and events all across North America and Europe. Although this is only his debut, Working Class Blues paves the way for up-and-coming McKinley James‘ inevitable soul stardom.
Originally from Rochester, McKinley James has been making music with his father and fellow bandmate, Jason Smay, since he was a child. Inspired by nearly every genre, from country to R&B, James became a guitar prodigy as a child. The father-son duo shared an admirable passion for the vintage sounds, and were committed to recreating them themselves. The two were so dedicated to the genre, that the album was recorded with older instruments and technology. Jason played a vintage Ludwig drum set from 1970. McKinley played a vintage ’54 Stratocaster through a Peavey Pacer. Neither band member wore headphones, and microphones were minimal.
The “archaic” methods of recording were an essential part of the album’s production. Without it, replications of the old-fashioned sound would be artificial and inauthentic. There is a sense of originality to the production, especially when juxtaposed against the modern music scene and genres, that this kind of recording gives to the album.
When your band is only two people, there’s no hiding. It keeps you honest, and that was the goal with this album, tooâto be as honest as possible about who we are and what we do.
McKinley James
However, the method of production is not the only element of this album that gives it its key sound. James’ vocals, instrumentation, and singing style all emulate key figures of the era. With his gritty tone, calming guitar grooves, and swing-style approach, the album is not just a tribute to what rock was built on. In fact, Working Class Blues is an original, deeply personal piece that gives us a perspective as to how the genre has progressed. Its outreach to younger generations ignites a passion for music and storytelling previously unthought of.
Many of the tracks on Working Class Blues are stories of falling in love, heartbreak, and dealing with the aftermath. James’ melancholy about his own loneliness, captured in tracks like “Call Me Lonesome” and “Movin,” is something every listener can relate to. Yet, there is an undeniably personal tone to these tracks. James has shown, through each track, that this album is not just a collection of songs, but a story that he wants us to listen to. Despite his age, the voice James uses reminds us of tales as old as time.
Following the release of his album, McKinley James has announced upcoming shows. Tour dates are listed below.
JUN 8 – Orpheum Theater @ 7:30 PM, Madison, WI
JUN 9 – Rialto Square Theater @ 6:00 PM, Joliet, IL
JUL 25 – Robinson Center @ 7:00 PM, Little Rock, AR
AUG 1 – Brown County Music Center @ 7:30 PM, Nashville, IN
AUG 15 – Cleekwood @ 6:30 PM, Nashville, TN
AUG 24 – Minnesota State Fair 2024 @ 7:00 PM, St. Paul, MN
AUG 27 – KEMBA Live! @ 7:00 PM, Columbus, OH
SEP 29 – Amphitheater at Quarry Park @ 7:00 PM, Rocklin, CA
Fans can listen to Working Class Blues on all streaming platforms, as well as with this link, on June 7th. For more information, songs, albums, or tour announcements, visit here.
Governors Ball 2024 took off bright and early on Friday, June 7, launching their second year at the new festival site at Flushing Meadows Park. By the time “New York’s biggest party” opened the gates at 11:45am, music fans had been lined up for hours in anticipation of Friday’s biggest names.
Durry, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
On the GovballNYC Main stage, School of Rock Queens delivered an energetic and diverse cover-filled performance with a setlist that included “Beat It”, “Voulez-Vous”, “I’m Not Okay”, and “Locked Out of Heaven”. The show featured a diverse cast of characters, including a unique tambourine player, and showcased a myriad of covers led by different female vocalists for each song. Following them up, Minnesota rock band Durry delivered a high-energy performance that captivated the audience from start to finish. Their gritty guitar riffs and powerful vocals resonated through the venue, creating an electric atmosphere.
School of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Early on over at the GoPuff stage, fans were treated to Long Island locals Arcy Drive. They brought their unique blend of rocky indie beach vibes to the stage with a standout performance. Featuring a pioneering female drummer, the band infused their set with a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere. They captivated the audience with a mix of their signature sound and the debut of a mysterious new song from their upcoming album. Right after their set, Qveen Herby dazzled the audience with her striking look and vibrant sound, seamlessly blending hip-hop and pop elements. Her sharp lyrics and dynamic stage presence had the crowd hooked from the first beat.
Qveen Herby, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Following Qveen Herby, the atmosphere shifted once more as Yung Gravy took to the GoPuff stage, sporting a floral detailed suit that perfectly matched his new era. He delighted the crowd with “certified Gravy Classics” like “Betty (Get Money)” and “Welcome to Chili’s,” alongside fresh, unreleased tracks (including “Back On The Horse” and “Lone Ranger”) from his upcoming country-inspired album. During “Oops!!!,” he playfully switched the usual lyric “Tracy with the ass?” to “Tracy from Queens?” in a nod to Gov Ball’s enthusiastic audience, making the performance even more memorable.
Yung Gravy, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Over at the IHG Stage, British pop girl group FLO delivered a performance reminiscent of The Cheetah Girls, complete with stunning vocal runs and harmonies that could go on for days. They brought their set to a triumphant close with their iconic track “Cardboard Box,” leaving the crowd buzzing for when Teezo Touchdown took over.
Teezo Touchdown, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
His electrified set kicked off with “Careful” that was both visually and musically captivating. With a floral-stylized microphone in hand, he delivered a powerful rendition of his hit “SUCKA!” and brought the metaphorical house down with a unique cover of Tyler, the Creator’s “RUNITUP.”
Arcy Drive, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Back over on the GovBall NYC Stage, Ryan Beatty’s performance was a seamless blend of smooth modern rock and indie pop, showcasing his undeniable star potential. With a voice like silk, he captivated the audience, even using a theremin-like instrument to add a unique touch to his set. Sporting his signature headphones, he dedicated a song to his longtime fans, saying, “This one’s for the OGs, if you’ve lasted this long, bless you.” To quote the great Ryan Beatty himself: “We’re just getting started”.
Ryan Beatty, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the day kept chugging along, the energy built throughout the festival grounds. Back on the GovBallNYC Main Stage, Dominic Fike rocks up with a performance full of memorable moments and musical highlights. He made his grand entrance with his sister Apple on his shoulders, marking his second Gov Ball appearance. Rocking cool shades and bleached eyebrows, Dominic declared, “NY I am inside you,” and complimented the city’s beauty, especially its women, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Dominic Fike, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
He reminisced about filming a music video in New York with Paul McCartney for “The Kiss of Venus” and kept the energy high with playful banter. He praised the crowd, saying, “this place rules, you guys are cool as hell,” before performing “Mona Lisa” from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, humorously pointing out his brother in the crowd, telling people to “throw sh*t at him”.
Dominic Fike, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Dominic’s voice shone through as he introduced new tracks from his EP 14 Minutes, including “coast2coast” and “misses.” He shared a vulnerable moment about creating “misses” during a low point, expressing gratitude to his fans for boosting his self-confidence: “Thank you for instilling some self-confidence in me.”
Post Malone, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
As the sun set and the energy peaked, Post Malone absolutely brought down the house with his masterclass in blending classical elegance with modern rock energy. The set began with a captivating cello intro, featuring intricate strings that seamlessly transitioned into electrifying guitar shredding, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
As soon as the opening string chords resonated, festival-goers sprinted from all corners of the grounds to witness the spectacle. The moment Post walked up, the night sky exploded with fireworks and intense pyro, amplifying the crowd’s excitement and creating a visually stunning backdrop for his electrifying set, a fitting end to Day 1 of Governors Ball 2024.
Post Malone, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Day 2 starts back up at noon on Saturday, with sets from Sabrina Carpenter, The Killers, Hippo Campus, 21 Savage, and TV Girl. Stay tuned this weekend for more Gov Ball coverage.
Teezo Touchdown, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSchool of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilSchool of Rock Queens, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilRyan Beatty, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilQveen Herby, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilDurry, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas KurzweilArcy Drive, Governors Ball, 6/7/2024. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
Since the summer of 2008, legendary hip-hop group and Philadelphia’s hometown legend The Roots have put on the Roots Picnic, a music festival created and curated by the band that has evolved into one of the city’s most anticipated cultural experiences of the year.
The 2024 Roots Picnic opened its doors on Saturday, June 1, to the masses who filled the grounds of Fairmount Park in the City of Brotherly Love. Several brand activations had treats for guests, including French liqueur brand Grand Marnier, Charmin’, Chase Sapphire and more. Beyond the music, the festival has become a platform for social commentary and community engagement. This year, Roots Picnic Con featured panelists discussing music education, real estate and beauty careers, as well as a keynote conversation with renowned Roots drummer Questlove.
Jill Scott, Nas, Sexyy Red and more set the bar high on the first day of the 2024 Roots Picnic. Early acts such as BLK ODYSSY, Chioke, and more graced the festival stages before the crowds were treated to an afternoon of electrifying performances. Acclaimed DJ J.PERIOD brought his beloved THE LIVE MIXTAPE series to The Roots Picnic with Black Thought, Method Man, Redman, Common, Freeway, Ferg, and more.
Following that performance, The-Dream hit his trademark vocals and succulent R&B aura. The-Dream wasted no time letting people know he is a true R&B hitmaker with smooth renditions of “Fancy,” “Falsetto,” “Purple Kisses,” and more. Fans were enamored with the quick trip down memory lane and were left wanting more.
Nas then took over the main stage to perform his legendary catalog, even bringing out Ghostface Killah as a special surprise guest. He ripped through some of his classic hits such as “N.Y. State of Mind,” “The Message,” “Spicy,” “Get Down.”
The biggest part of Day 1 was the arrival of Sexyy Red with her dancers and secret service team. The St. Louis native brought her brand of rowdy and raunchy hip-hop to The Roots Picnic and turned it upside down, with fans screaming and twerking the night away.
Jill Scott closed out Day 1 with her headlining set, which featured a floral stage design. For her set, Scott performed “Hate on Me,” “Whatever,” “The Way,” “You Got Me” with Black Thought, a new track titled “Norf Philly” alongside Tierra Wack, and more.
The artists performing on Day 2 kept the momentum going from the previous day. On the bill were acts such as Robert Glasper, Shaboozey, Wale, BabyFace, Cam’Ron, André 3000, Gunna, Lil Wayne, and the hometown heroes, The Roots.
Rising country music star Shaboozey had the early afternoon crowd rocking at the Fairmount Stage with tracks off his newly released album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, blasting through the speakers.
Babyface, the legendary singer/songwriter let the crowd know why he’s been at the top of his game for over five decades. In addition to his own records, such as “Everytime I Close My Eyes” and “For the Cool in You,” Face dipped into his immense bag and performed incredible renditions of tracks he’s written over the years for artists such as Bobby Brown, After 7, Boyz II Men, Whitney Houston, TLC, Toni Braxton and more.
Following up after Babyface , but Gunna picked up the mantle and deliver his swagger injected brand of hip-hop. The Atlanta native took the stage and wasted no time getting into his set with electrifying renditions of “back at it,” “whatsapp (wassam),” “P power,” and “fukumean.” Unfortunately, fans were vibing for a limited time as Wunna’s set was cut short for undisclosed reasons.
With all the amazing performances spread out across two days, The Roots had to send the massive crowd home truly entertained with their headlining set. The hometown natives used their closing set to honor New Orleans, Louisiana, and its rich music history by having the city’s most talented artists, such as Trombone Shorty, Lloyd, and PJ Morton, join them onstage.
While fans were enjoying the New Orleans sounds, it was obvious they were anticipating the arrival of the man of the hour, Lil Wayne. Tunechi glided effortlessly through his set with fans screaming at the top of their lungs to hits like “Mr. Carter,” “John,” “I’m Goin In,” and more. It was a marvelous ending to a rather eventful weekend in the city of Brotherly Love. The Roots Picnic 2024 surely did it again.
Hot 97’s annual Summer Jam concert event came and went this past weekend. The annual hip hop showcase held at Elmont’s UBS arena where artists like Cash Cobain, Lola Brooke, 41, French Montana, Davido, Doja Cat, Sexyy Red and legacy acts such as Method Man & Redman all performed. While the concert celebrated hip hop old and new, Method Man made it clear that this might be his last time performing at the annual hip hop festival.
As Hot 97 took to Instagram to share highlights from the event, Method Man shared in the comments that the audience’s reaction was not to his liking. With the legendary rhymer stating that the audience was “not our crowd at all.” However, the “Tical” rapper held no qualms towards Hot 97 pillars and hosts Ebro and Peter Rosenbengerg, but simply stated that “at this point the generation gap is just too wide for me.”
With the historic radio station celebrating their 30th annual Summer Jam event, Method Man, Redman and the likes of Rakim and Big Daddy Kane were brought out to commemorate three decades of hip hop at the radio station. Moreover, Big Daddy Kane shared a heartfelt moment with the crowd, bringing out the late Mister Cee’s brother and sister to commemorate the legendary, late DJ’s tribute with a moment of silence, instructing the crowd to throw up C’s.
However, despite this, Summer Jam has routinely curated its setlist to cater to hip hop’s newer acts. With focuses on Cash Cobain — who has taken airwaves by storm with his hit-record “Fisherrr”– drill rappers 41 and Sexxy Red, with A Boogie serving as a celebrity host. From afar the lack of crowd reaction seems to be the result of hip hop being quick to discard its legends, rather than learn and study their work, which is a stark contrast to country much and rock & roll acts. As Meth and Red performed their hits includng their 1999 collaborative single “Da Rockwilder,” hip hop showed why it may not always be the best idea to cling to the youth for relevance, as it may result in legends not getting their just due.
In an intimate setting of 100 people, Grammy-winning soul singer Bilal delivers a cathartic performance of “All For Love” featuring musical backing from Questlove, Robert Glasper and Burniss Travis. Notably, “All For Love” is the latest single and a small preview into Bilal’s forthcoming live studio albumLive at Glasshaus.
A mid-career retrospective, the project recorded, filmed, and livestreamed from Glasshaus in Brooklyn, NY., is part of the Glasshaus Presents concert series. For his part, Bilal’s eclectic performance features a supergroup of Questlove, Common, Robert Glasper, and Burniss Travis as backing. Keeping in theme, the live rendition of “All For Love” is one of many standout tracks from the Philadelphia native’s discography, with fresh interpretations of the records on Live at Glasshaus.
Bilal’s latest album features reinvented renditions of prior classics.
After all the soul-bearing track was one of many anticipated records from Bilal’s shelved 2006 album, Love for Sale. However, despite its artistic brilliance, the album never saw an official release due to a premature leak and subsequent disputes with his former label, Interscope Records. Even so, as a testament to Bilal’s talent and strong fanbase, the project achieved legendary cult-status among fans and critics alike, while remaining a significant part of Bilal’s musical legacy, and a point of inspiration for this latest star-studded venture.
Bilal’s Live at Glasshaus features Questlove (top left), Common (top right), Robert Glasper (bottom left), and Burniss Travis (bottom right).
Bilal Presents: Live at Glasshaus
Thus after two decades of high profile contributions with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Beyonce, and Erykah Badu, Bilal’s musical legacy is receiving its just due with this latest 11-track project. After all the man who Questlove heralds as “one of the most pure, honest performance artists of this generation,” and a “true singer’s singer” is a 3-time Grammy winner famous for his musical dexterity. With high profile contributions with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Beyonce, and Erykah Badu, Common –who performs one of the project’s two inteludes– even makes the claim that Bilal is “somebody that will go down as one of the greatest.“
Bilal’s Live at Glasshaus will release on June 14 duringBlackMusic Month. However, On June 9, fans around the world will have the opportunity to witness the epic one-night-only concert via broadcast livestream. Tickets for Live at Glasshauss are for sale here.
In an upcoming interview with NYS Music, owner and CEO of Lounge Studios in Manhattan Walt Randall revealed that he is starting a new surround sound company for his studio called Spatio. The company will launch during the first week of June and allow independent artists to record their music in Atmos Spatial Audio. This new surround-sound format allows for a more realistic and immersive recording experience.
The Dolby-Certified Solaris Room is the latest addition to Lounge Studios where artists will record their music in Atmos Spatial Audio. Credit: Walt Randall.
However, this new format is pricey and creates roadblocks for independent artists.
“All major labels make it mandatory to release Atmos, but it’s too expensive for independent artists. The going rate is between $500-$1500/song. This makes it impossible for independent musicians to get their songs done in Atmos Spatial Audio,” Randall said.
Randall realized what an obstacle this posed for independent artists, and decided to do something about it at Lounge.
“When I realized that this amazing format would pose insurmountable obstacles to independent artists, it became my mission to even the playing field”, Randall said.
Randall described the process of making Atmos Spatial Audio more accessible to independent artists.
“I started by building one of only three Dolby Certified, Atmos Studios in Manhattan. I then developed proprietary software systems that would help speed up the mixing process. Lastly, I trained some of Lounge Studios’ best engineers to work with Spatio,” Randall said.
Randall added, “To date, we have done Atmos mixes for every major record label and have done some of the biggest stars in every genre of music, including The Wallows and Lil Baby.”
Randall emphasized what a big deal Spatio will be for rising musicians.
“It’s going to be huge for independent artists and will change the playing field.”
The Town Hall, located in the Theater District in Manhattan, announced the 125th season of Peoples’ Symphony Concerts, including performances by the Juilliard String Quartet, The Knights, Paul Lewis, among others. Additionally, Allison Loggins-Hull and David Lang will premiere new works.
On Sunday, May 19, Frank Salomon will be presented with the Friend of the Arts Award in recognition of his contributions to New York Arts. Salomon served as director of Alexander Schneider’s New School Concert Series for fifty years. His love for classical music began in childhood, when his family subscribed to the Chamber Music series at the Town Hall.
As an adult, Salomon worked as the manager of the Peoples’ Symphony Concerts for over 50 years. Richard Goode, a performer with PSC, said of Salomon, “his feeling for the human values inherent in great art, continue to find an ideal environment in the warmth and surprising intimacy of The Town Hall”.
The Peoples’ Symphony concerts have offered New Yorkers affordable access to classical music since 1900. The Symphony offers exposure to established masters and promising young artists. At under $60 per concert season ($10 per concert), Peoples’ Symphony Concerts are an excellent option for affordable live music. Peoples’ Symphony also offers concerts in the Washington Irving Campus one block from Union Square.
The Salomon Series will showcase the beauty of chamber music while paying tribute to Frank Salomon. Performances will take place from October 2024 to March 2025. Paul Lewis will perform the Complete Schubert Piano Sonata on October 27. The Knights Orchestra will be performing Mozart, along with a new composition by Allison Loggins-Hull on December 8. The Town Hall will ring in 2025 with the performance of a mystery pianist on January 26. February 2, Raphaël Feuillâtre will make his NYC debut with performances of Bach and his contemporaries. Baritone Benjamin Appl and pianist Shai Wosner will pay tribute to Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau on February 16. Finally, on March 30, the Juilliard String Quartet will make their PSC debut.
