NYS Music 2024

Tag: rock

  • Gooseberry Release Debut Album “All My Friends Are Cattle”

    Indie Brooklyn band, Gooseberry, have released their debut full-length album titled, All My Friends Are Cattle.

    Gooseberry
    Gooseberry continue their buzz with the release of their debut album, All My Friends Are Cattle.

    Gooseberry, formed in 2019, is a band which takes inspiration from genres such as alternative rock, indie, and blues to craft their sound. Asa Daniels (guitar, vocals), Evin Rossington (drums), and Will Hammond (bass) form the group and have played major venues across the east coast including, Baby’s All Right, the Knitting Factory, and The Bowery Ballroom in NYC.

    Since the release of their 2022 debut EP Broken Dance, the trio has received praise from editorials such as Under the Radar, Ones to Watch, and more. In April, Gooseberry announced their debut full-length album, All My Friends Are Cattle. The album was released on Sept 6 and has been steadily growing in popularity since its release. The band has been on tour leading up to the release of the album over Aug and Sept, including four dates in New York.

    “We are super fortunate to call a lot of really great – and buzzing – NYC bands our friends. We feel ourselves part of that community and eternally grateful for being welcomed with such open arms. Our hometown has truly shaped what this band has become.”

    Asa Daniels

    The ten-track album was recorded at Precision Sound Studios in New York City with an all-star production team including, Grammy-winner James ‘Jimmy T’ Meslin (Dream Theater, John Petrucci, Rush), Grammy-nominated engineer Colin Bryson (Zach Bryan, J Balvin, Willow Avalon), who served as producer and recording engineer (reprising his role from the Validate Me EP). They were joined also by Grammy-winner Phil Joly (The Strokes, Lana Del Rey, Daft Punk) who mixed the record, and Jennica Best (Colatura) who mastered it. The band’s “honorary fourth member” Dan Janis of Baked Goods, provided saxophone and flute for a handful of tunes.

    The album begins with “Kikiyon,” a harder, driven track with an instantly recognizable riff that pays homage to many classic rock songs over the years, most notably The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me.” The solo on that song in particular has a distinct feeling to it that sounds much different than what is in vogue. As the album runs on, the songs grow softer and softer ending in the reverb-soaked “Start Over.”

    Though powered by heavy 90s alternative influences, the standout tracks on the album are the gentler, simpler songs, like “Cherry Blossoms,” which remind listeners of artists like Jack Johnson. It is through these tracks that Gosseberry reveals who they can be.

    The album contains a multitude of interesting musical ideas, most notably, the feature of the distinctive blare of the saxophone especially on “All The Same.” Many songs have clear Nirvana, Bush, and other 90’s alt inspiration, but the vocals on the record bear a recognizable similarity to more contemporary pop groups. As with many young bands, Gooseberry is still attempting to find their own sound.

    The kaleidoscopic image on the cover is representative of the entire album in more ways than one. With just a glance, you see a menagerie of colors and feelings, each one notably different from its counterparts. While interesting for a moment, a deeper look renders the full image fractured and without a clear cohesion through all parts. Yet still briefly pretty.

    Key Tracks: Cattle, Cherry Blossoms, One of the Good Ones.

    Gooseberry will play the Richmond Music Hall in Richmond VA on Oct 3 and at the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, in NC on Oct 5.

  • A Day To Remember Brings ‘Couple More Shows’ Tour to Syracuse

    A Day To Remember is bringing their Fall 2024 Couple More Shows headline tour to the Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial in Syracuse on November 4. Special guests August Burns Red and Stand Atlantic will accompany the act.

    Composed of vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, rhythm guitarist Neil Westfall, percussionist and drummer Alex Shelnutt, and lead guitarist Kevin Skaff, A Day To Remember has been delivering punk hits since their conception in 2003 and first official release with And Their Name Was Treason in 2005. 

    Over the past 19 years, the band has released a total of seven studio albums, embarked on several tours in the United States and beyond, and sold over three million units. Now, just after their biggest North American headline run to date, The Least Anticipated Album Tour, A Day To Remember returns to New York for another powerful performance.

    With gritty instrumentals and electrifying choruses that meld the edge of rock and punk with the catchiness of pop, A Day To Remember has always bent the conventions of sound and genre to their will. Audience members at the Upstate Medical Arena will be able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime performance filled with sounds that are uniquely ‘A Day To Remember’.

    Supporting bands August Burns Red and Stand Atlantic will also be performing the evening of November 4. 

    August Burns Red shares history with A Day To Remember, also debuting their metal sound in 2003. Two-time Grammy nominees, their most recent release Death Below marks their tenth studio album.

    Pop punk band Stand Atlantic originates in Sydney, Australia. With four studio albums, three EPs, and a myriad of singles, Stand Atlantic will be adding this tour to their impressive repertoire of tours they have opened in addition to their own shows, presenting audiences with their contemporary twist to the traditional pop punk sound.

    Couple More Shows in Syracuse will begin at 7:00PM, November 4 at the Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial.

    The full list of tour dates are listed below. Ticket sales are live now.

    TOUR DATES:

    10/17 – Las Vegas, NV – Fountainebleau Las Vegas
    10/19 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young Festival
    10/20 – Las Vegas, NV – When We Were Young Festival
    10/23 – Wichita, KS – Wave ICT
    10/25 – Cincinnati, OH – Andrew J Brady Music Center
    10/26 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena at The MARK
    10/27 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
    10/29 – Huntington, WV – Marshall Health Network Arena
    10/30 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
    11/1 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena
    11/3 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
    11/4 – Syracuse, NY – Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial
    11/6 – Norfolk, VA – Chartway Arena
    11/7 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena
    11/9 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place

    11/10 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live

  • Wallows Bring “Model” to Philly

    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

  • 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.

  • Lunar Vacation Brings Their Spacey Sound to Brooklyn Steel

    The Band

    Lunar Vacation is the musical embodiment of a summer daydream. Hailing from Georgia, this indie rock quintet is made up of five lifelong friends. Their debut album, Inside Every Fig Is a Dead Wasp, was a gentle introduction to their hazy, feel-good vibe. But now, with their upcoming sophomore album Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire, they’re ready to turn up the volume and the feels.

    The Show

    When Lunar Vacation hit the stage at Brooklyn Steel on August 1, they weren’t just there to warm up the crowd—they were there to make sure everyone was floating on cloud nine before Vacations started their set. Starting with “Set the Stage,” they did just that. The track was like the musical equivalent of opening a window on a perfect summer day, inviting everyone to lean in and soak up the goodness.

    As they transitioned into “Cutting Corners,” you could feel the energy in the room amp up. The sharp guitar riffs sliced through the Brooklyn air, locking the band into a groove that had the crowd swaying and grinning. “Unlucky” blended sadness and hope, captivating the audience with its lyrical contrast.

    By the time they hit the final notes of “Tom,” the crowd was fully under their spell. The song ended the set with a burst of energy, leaving everyone feeling like they’d shared something truly special.

    Lunar Vacation, with sunny tunes and deep lyrics, navigated the stage with confidence. And with Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire on the horizon, it’s clear this band is only just beginning to light up the indie music scene.

    Setlist: Set the Stage, Cutting Corners, Unlucky, Monterey, Tom

  • In Focus: The Black Ties at Fort Wadsworth Overlook

    On August 1, The Black Ties delivered a blast from the past performance at the Fort Wadsworth Outlook in Staten Island, entertaining an audience with their dynamic blend of rock, soul, folk, and even a few Black Ties original songs while the sun sets right in front of the Manhattan skyline.

    The evening was getting underway with breathtaking views of the Manhattan HighLine, leaving the crowd in a serene setting. The Black Ties opened their act with a medley of classic rock hits that got them up and dancing right off the bat. With seamless transitions between rock to soul anthems like “Band On The Run” by Paul McCartney to “My Girl” by The Temptations, the energy never dipped from its top.

    The Black Ties kept the audience guessing all through the night with their freeform style. With no setlist, it was a breeze from song to song, well-loved classics blended with their own material. Among the highlights were timeless hits done and some from their own catalog. The enthusiasm of the crowd was in the air with cheers and applause that went ringing across the Outlook.

    The energy peaked as the show came to a close with a spontaneous “one more song” chant from the audience. The Black Ties responded in kind, driven by a strong and sincere performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” effectively closing the evening patriotically and emotionally. The audience joined in to create one of those really special moments of unity and shared experience.

  • 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.

    nicole atkins

    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

  • WYLDLIFE Rocks Out With New Single ‘Fast Dreams’

    On June 21, NYC-based punk rock band WYLDLIFE released their newest single, “Fast Dreams.” The new single is the band’s first release since their 2020 album, “Year of the Snake.” Complete with fast-paced guitar riffs, a moving bassline, and exciting, gritty vocals, “Fast Dreams,” WYLDLIFE makes headbanging-worthy rock and roll music fun again.

    wyldlife

    For over the last decade, WYLDLIFE has brought the 70s rock and roll style back to New York City’s music scene. Their fun-filled single and music video are the latest thing to come out of their label, Wicked Cool Records. WYLDLIFE has four members: Dave Feldman (vocals), Sam Allen (guitar), Spencer Alexander (bass), and Russ Barrnett (drums), each committed to bringing back the classic sounds of the 70s like Blondie and Ramones. Since 2009, WYLDLIFE has released 4 full studio albums and were nominated for an Independent Music Award for Best Rock/Hard Rock Song.

    Their newest single, however, is a captivating mix of sounds from different eras. The 70s inspiration is absolutely prevalent, but upon first listen, it feels like a 2000s power anthem. The fast-moving bassline, combined with Feldman’s vocals, is reminiscent of alt-rock outfits like Palaye Royale, Arcade Fire, and The White Stripes. Amidst the current ever-popular trap and indie-pop scene, WYLDLIFE’s newest single is a fantastic juxtaposition that has all the right elements of nostalgia, yet still manages to sound fresh, original, and new.

    The lyrics of “Fast Dreams” tell an incredibly relatable story about someone excited for their dreams to come true while having to wrestle with the mundane parts of life. “Fast Dreams” brings us a familiar narrative about someone trying to make their dreams come true as fast as possible because they are simply too excited for success. “Fast Dreams” feels like a song that would belong on the soundtrack of a coming-of-age movie, with the narrator’s contradictory feelings of angst and excitement.

    Along with their newest single, the music video for “Fast Dreams” is also out for consumption. Animated in the style of a 2-bit arcade game, the music video features WYLDLIFE as video game characters, racing against reality and time to achieve their goal. The message of the single is executed perfectly, and it is obvious that the group had a blast when creating the video together. “Fast Dreams” was the best thing to come out of their four-year-long hiatus.

    “Fast Dreams” is available on all streaming platforms. To watch their music video or check out any of WYLDLIFE’s other powerhouse anthems, check them out on Bandcamp. For any touring information, follow their Facebook page.

  • Hearing Aide: Buggy Jive “Hurry Up Please It’s Time”

    Buggy Jive, the reclusive but momentum building groovester out of Upstate New York, is dripping with originality. Coming off of a white hot 2023 (Including an NPR shoutout, two Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards, a Macy Gray opening slot, and much more),

    Mr. Jive has cooked up a 12 song showcase worthy of a glance from a wider audience, titled, Hurry Up Please It’s Time”

    Buggy Jives tells a relevant story with this fisheye album art fronting "Hurry Up Please It's Time"

    Opening with “Monsters Write Pretty Songs,” Buggy immediately announces “Good luck,” with a thickly stacked vocal on top of the meandering rhythm guitar that jolts and grabs attention. The crispy blend of gospel and Doobie-esque backing vocals weave a soft takeoff before eventually punching the opening notes of “Scheherazade of Schenectady.” The first single off the record is appropriately verbose, as it touches on principles of fiction writing and brings up the heat after the smooth opener.

    Relaxedly defiant, “Don’t Quit Your Day Job,” hints of the prog influence to come later in both “The Music is Beside the Point,” and “The Calendar is a Liar.” Distorted and stanky, the song that garnered the NPR shoutout from Bob Boilen and Bobby Carter somehow still gives front porch rocking chair vibes while hiding a middle finger attitude behind a content and fulfilled smile.

    In “Another Song I Ain’t Allowed to Sing,” Buggy Jive offers reminders of his emotional range and musical intent while slowing down the pace, but featuring right-up-front lead vocals and an ocean of harmonies that keep the energy flowing. This range and intent returns in spades on “Autumn Is Burning.” The mid-album walking groove breaks out major key on a bridge change that feels like a full breath after the intentionally dark verse progression. While “Old Man Screams at Sky,” hits more like a barnhouse dance party than gospel groove, those dynamic controls and natural chord voicings remain steady and present.

    “Ignore Them Fools,” and “Alpha the Beta,” both ooze confidence, with the former feeling like a class in session and the latter like a player on the field in action. “Alien Robot Love Song About Love,” and “Hurry Up Please It’s Time,” the final two tracks of the album, lay heavy wet grooves that drag the listener deep into the songwriters’ pocket lyrically and musically.

    The entire work displays an adventurous attitude as a musician and a deep sensibility surrounding vocals that act as an homage to his influences, both perceived and expressed. Buggy Jive took a big swing on this record, and his dedication and emotion are both easily seen and felt throughout.

  • Buffalo Based Artist Evan Anstey Releases New EP “Alternates II”

    On Friday, June 21, Buffalo-based alt-folk artist Evan Anstey released his latest EP, Alternates II. As the second installment of Anstey’s “Alternates” series, this EP explores a wide range of genres and musical styles. With Alternates II, audiences can expect an awesome mix of hard rock, techno, and of course, a bit of bluegrass.

    evan anstey

    Debuting in 2016 with his EP Recent Time, Evan Anstey has played a role in the Western New York music scene. Born and raised in the area, Anstey began playing music at the age of 8. As he grew older, he began writing and performing his own music, both as a solo and group artist. Anstey co-founded, played guitar, and sang with rock bands Arrowdrive and The Moon Hunters. Since he was 17, Evan has served as a vocalist, guitarist, and occasional bassist in the indie-prog outfit Meat Raffle.

    Evan Anstey’s alt-folk sound draws inspiration ranging from classic artists like Flatt & Scruggs to the progressive bluegrass of Nickel Creek and modern folk stylings of Aoife O’Donovan, John Paul White and Declan O’Rourke. His last EP, Alternates I, stayed true to his inspirations in folk and indie music. The instrumentation of the EP was mostly acoustic. However, its sequel is quite different.

    evan anstey

    For years, Evan Anstey gained traction as a folk artist. But with this EP, Anstey explored elements of other genres like hard rock and techno. The blend of these genres may come as a surprise to some, but the experimentation had been expertly handled. Like his last album, however, each track was a creative retelling of past songs he had performed live or co-wrote with his other groups. Anstey had the help of guest musicians to fully compose his vision.

    Anstey played various instruments on Alternates II, including guitar, violin, bass, mandolin, keyboards, and ukulele. Guests artists Darryl Tonemah, LP Tonemah, Kris Brayley, Ernest “E.C.” Palmer, Alex Feig, and James Robert Kibby all feature on the six-track EP, each providing their own instrumentation and elements to the work.

    I wanted to step out of the box on this one. Plans changed along
    the way, but that’s one of my favorite parts about making a
    record — the fluidity of art.

    Evan Anstey

        Alternates II is available on all streaming and download platforms. For more information on Evan Anstey, visit here.

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