Vote now for your favorites and discover some of the great up and coming music that New York State has to offer! Polls for Round 1 of NYS Music’s March Madness 2022 close at 11:59pm on Thursday, March 3rd.
NOTE: Make sure you vote in ALL matchups for each region.
March Madness 2022 Funk n Waffles Region:
Glass Pony vs BSG
Glass Pony, a jam band out of Albany have developed a unique sound in the past few years, with a wide array of originals with danceable grooves, unique setlists and compelling improv. Check out their most recent single “Daydream”
BSG out of Syracuse play a unique collection of innovative rock that you’ll rarely hear revisited outside of this band and the original sources. Listen to their latest single “Never Gonna Learn.”
Benot Breathing vs Rich Ortiz
Benot Breathing is a 5-piece metal band from Buffalo, featuring with influences coming from the melodic death metal and metalcore scenes, formed from a group of passionate and determined musicians who share a mutual love for all things metal, They recently released an EP IVY. Listen here
Rich Ortiz from Lake George has a style that is truly his own and music that is his soul. A product his family’s cultural diversity and strengths, Rich has focused all of his talents and time on his acoustic solo act since age 17. Watch a profile of Rich here.
Warden and Co. vs Samsara
Warden and Co, a folk-rock band from Saratoga Springs, features Seth Warden, Doug Moody, and Brian Melick who started out making music for kids. As Warden and Co., the trio will release their debut album, Somewhere, on April 8, 2022. Listen to the title track here.
Samsara hail from Long Island, with band members Charlie, Ben and John playing music together at any early age, drawing influence from several styles, including grunge, funk, metal and alternative. Samsara’s alt sound can be heard on their 2021 release Paralyzed in Paradise.
Sydney Irving and the Mojo vs North Side Sound
Sydney Irving and the Mojo, based in Syracuse, features 18 year old Sydney Irving, who has been named the 2020 young adult artist of the year by the International Singer Songwriters Assocation. Watch “Look What You Do To Me” here.
North Side Sound from Albany features a mix of rock, indie, reggae and funk, with something for everyone. The band recently broke into the Capital District music scene with their debut EP, Take My Time, recorded in 2021. Listen here.
Senior Living vs Gooseberry
Senior Living from Albany formed in 2016, have made a name for themselves across the Northeast DIY music circuit. Senior Living’s music is best served cranked up loud and weave together genres from ethereal shoegaze to punk with a tinge of modern dream-pop. Listen to their latest album Anniversaries here.
Gooseberry is a 4-piece band from Brooklyn, born during the Fall of 2019. Their combination of blues, R&B, and indie rock is a recipe for a unique sound that Gooseberry delivers in each song. Listen to their recently released single “Sleep” here
Hilltop vs Anthropic
Hilltop from Albany are a four piece ensemble that focuses on playing many genres and taking their music to different levels through improvisation. They recently welcomed Mihali from Twiddle and Grahame from Midnight North at their show on February 26. Listen to Live at Sip On This here.
Anthropic from Buffalo perform grinding death metal, inspired by1980’s grindcore, crust punk and death metal. They’ll play Doused in Death Fest in Buffalo in March. Listen to their 2020 release Architects of Aggression here.
Monarch vs Logan Whaley Band
Monarch, based out of the Hudson Valley, is a trio featuring Sarah Hartstein, Johnny Lu, and Nick Pappalardo, blending their inspirations of jazz, pop, punk, indie, and rock. They got their start in December 2021 after releasing their first single “Faces in Crowded Places.”
Logan Whaley Band from Long Island is a culmination of the best material & musicians Logan has written & met over the last 8 years since graduating from Music School. His music can be best described as having old-school sensibilities with a new-school vibe. He releases his debut album “On The Cusp” on March 4, 2022
Hot Soup vs Alliteration
Hot Soup from Rochester formed in Fall 2021 and have been chasing a tasty blend of original and cover tunes ranging from blues to jazz to Americana, and more. Watch them perform “30 Days” at Iron Smoke Distillery here.
Alliteration from Poughkeepsie perform self-described weird boi punk rock and have recently released their LP Reject. Formed in February 2015, Alliteration combines the driving riffs of alternative and indie punk, elements of a diverse array of genres, and a fun stage presence that shows the passion they hold for their art. Listen here.
Voting for Round 1 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 2 starting on Sunday, March 6 at 10am!
March Madness 2022 Bearsville Theater Region:
Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys vs Jellz
Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys from Albany perform hard-driving, up-tempo acoustic Americana Roots music from the traditions of country, folk, and bluegrass with creative original story songs from Jim the main focus. Listen to their recent EP Hillbilly Rock n Roll here
Jellz is a Brooklyn-bred rapper who embarked on his musical journey just over two years ago. So far, he has tried his hand rapping over drill-style beats, with songs like “Bullsh*t” and “Ghost.” As he draws closer to an impending debut mixtape, Jellz looks to create his own lane – good records combined with the independence that most artists don’t have.
Ampevene vs Nostranders
Ampevene from Albany are a fresh, experimental fusion of original Progressive Rock, Psychedelic, and other genres. Ampevene’s music represents an amalgam of the mayhem of Mars Volta, the psychedelic sounds of Pink Floyd, the hypnotic trance-like quality of Tool, and the funk of a Frusciante-Chili Pepper jam. Listen to their David Bowie live set from November 2019 here.
Nostranders, a surf-rock band out of NYC, drawing inspiration from the likes of The Smiths and Joy Division, leaving you wanting to listen to more with every guitar riff, bassline, and drum hit. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2021. Listen here.
Caity Gallagher vs Escaper
Caity Gallagher is a folk singer songwriter based in Albany, with rootsy compositions and lilting vocal lines serve to showcase intimate lyrics that tell universally relatable stories. Caity has been likened to a modern combination of The Cranberries and Jackson Browne. Listen to her newest single, “Give It All,” here.
Escaper from Brooklyn is well known in the NYC metro area and the northeast festival circuit. Known for thoughtful songwriting and danceable psychedelic jam, the group signed with Ropeadope Records and have released three studio albums, the most recent Apotheosis, released in 2020. Listen here.
Thanks! vs Public Water Supply
Thanks! From Saratoga Springs leave audiences with a show to remember whenever they hit the stage. What started out as three guys in a basement, has continuously built into a theatrical, reflective and dramatic performance that moves fans of all ages. Listen to their new single “I Choose You” here.
Public Water Supply is Rochester’s premier psychedelic country music act, blending outlaw country with a sleek modern sensibility. First stepping into the scene in January of 2021. The boys have been seen on WROC Songs from Studio B, and have performed across NYS. Watch them perform on Rochester’s Songs from Studio B here.
Deb Cavanaugh vs GRUB
Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and roots singer Deb Cavanaugh lives in the foothills of the Taconic Mountains, in Upstate New York. In the mid-nineties, Deb focused on traditional folk music such as Old Time, traditional ballads, and Irish dance tunes. She now plays a variety of styles including blues, rock and traditional folk as well as a variety of instruments. Currently her favorite instrument is the mountain dulcimer. Find out more about her incredible story and listen to songs at her website.
GRUB is an Experimental Rock group based out of Buffalo/Niagara Falls. Their original catalogue can be described as uniquely inventive, adventurous, and welcoming to new listeners. Each song showcases a seamless blend of genres such as funk, psychedelic rock, electronic, hip-hop, metal, and reggae amidst a pop-esque composition, so there are elements on the table for all. Their website has videos and more.
Vaporeyes vs Fine Grain
Vaporeyes is a Syracuse-based Progressive Rock/Psychedelic Jam Band. An actualized collective of overactive subconscious. A focus on improvisation drives their live performances and informs their songwriting, creating an ever-shifting and unique sound equally at home amongst jam bands as it is with modern psychedelia. July 2019-2020 featured two SAMMY award winning releases for Vaporeyes. See what all the fuss is about on their YouTube channel.
Red pill or blue pill? Fine Grain took both with a Genny and got banned from Trader Joe’s. The girthy tones of this gritty, shoegazy punk band from Albany will remind you of late nights on a stoop in September, your first beer after work, weird questions about your parents cephalopods, and of course, the crushing weight of capitalism. Visit here for a link to all their different streaming options.
Cait Devin vs Seeing Double
Cait Devin is a 20 year old alt-pop artist from Utica with a diverse range of audiences and experience in many genres of music. Cait is also a lead guitarist alongside being a singer songwriter, and has put together various shred collabs. No stranger to playing live, Cait has been booking frequent shows in Central New York since she was 15, and expanded to NYC and Nashville by age 16. Listen to her song “K9” here.
Seeing Double, an Oneonta based rock band, is electrifying the college music scene in their tiny Upstate town with a growing fanbase and reputation among the community with their high-energy shows. Combining their signature twin harmonies, feel-good grooves, and punchy instrumentals, “The Doub” creates a unique sound reminiscent of 70s pop-rock and modern indie with their growing category of songs. Listen to their double single “Leah//Don’t Wait,” here.
Frank Palangi vs Pencildive
Frank Palangi is an indie rock artist from Queensbury, with a fuel and passion that makes his deep and gritty rock a must listen. Combine his vibrato voice and charismatic charm, and you’ve got a rock legend in the making. Palangi’s mission statement is “I have no plan B in backing down on my dreams.” Listen to his latest single “Dead Man” here.
Pencildive is a rock band based in Saratoga Springs and Brooklyn, led by songwriter Gina De Nardo. Their sound is both tender and explosive with punchy drums and gritty guitar interwoven with brooding melodies and live noise experiments, described as indie gloom, punk, and alternative. Listen to their debut album Grown Ups here.
Voting for Round 1 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 2 starting on Sunday, March 6 at 10am!
March Madness 2022 DSP Shows Region:
Josh Casano vs RunitupSho
Josh Casano is a local acoustic artist who has been performing in the Capital Region for almost 8 years. Along with covers, Josh incorporates his own writing into each performance. He holds a degree in Music Education from The College of Saint Rose focused on classical guitar, voice, and piano . Josh is currently fronting the group Josh Casano & the Fam. Listen to “You Said Hi” here.
RunitupSho is a rapper/songwriter hailing from Queens by way of Haiti. He often records with his cousin, RunitupRich, as part of the duo Runitup. Sho uses a mix of melodic/pacey sound as he likes an upbeat and bouncy track! Records like “Pressure” show off his immense talent.
E.R.I.E. vs Michael Francis McCarthy
A band called E.R.I.E. describe themselves as “Four dads from Upstate NY making indie rock” The Albany quartet released their debut project “Don’t Wanna Live, Don’t Wanna Die” just over a year ago on Mint 400 records. Listen to “The Dirt Inside Your Soul” here.
Michael Francis McCarthy is a 36 year old American roots musician based in Kingston. Born and partially raised in South America, he was exposed early in life to indigenous Bolivian folklore and Cuban folk music, which formed his musical foundation and has echoed in his mind for a lifetime. From the age of 4, McCarthy studied folk guitar in rural New Hampshire, absorbing influences from the American roots masters he discovered in his parents’ record collection. Listen to Only the Strong Will Survive here.
Angelina Valente vs Dodongo
Angelina Valente grew up in Galway where she developed a love for performing at a very young age. She attended Rider University where she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater. It was there that she developed a love for writing music. Angelina’s singer/songwriter style strips her music down to the bare bones with just vocals and keys, emanating a folk/pop sound. Her soft piano and strong voice, complete with her honest lyrics, create an exceptional, emotional experience suitable for all listeners. Listen to Steady Tour Heart here.
Dodongo is a funk/fusion band based out of Brooklyn. The group describes themselves as “six friends making it up as we go along.” Listen to their November 2021 performance from Brooklyn Bowl here.
Sly Fox and the Hustlers vs Seize Atlantis
A Saratoga Springs based band, Sly Fox and the Hustlers was formed in 2010 when Sly Fox’s longtime friend and musical partner, the Anti- Records recording artist Sean Rowe took a leave from rock and roll to focus on performing solo. At the same time, Sly had been writing songs to help work through a difficult time in his life, and was becoming an engaging singer. Listen to “Find Someone” here.
Formed in 2019, Seize Atlantis, is an Alternative Rock Band located in Upstate NY that play a variety of genres, including originals and covers. The band consists of James Mullen (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Mike Dardas (Bass/Vocals), Luc Bourgault (Lead Guitar) and Cody Platt (Drums). Listen to “The Unstoppable Groove” here.
Jess Novak vs Hollowell
Jess Novak takes no prisoners, performing with a fiddle on fire, powerful vocals and a fierce band behind her. The leader of a pop, rock, soul-pumped group from Syracuse brings passion to every performance, with energy, superb musicianship, engaging songwriting and ability to win any crowd. Listen to “The Joke” here.
Hollowell is an original female fronted alternative rock band from Rochester. Their inspirations draw from the 90’s/early 2000’s. Listen to their single “Paradise” here.
Murder In Rue Morgue vs DF3
Murder in Rue Morgue is CJ Carr, John Wolff, Matt Biss, and Dan Ouimette, hailing from the hometown of Manowar, and Level 7in Auburn. The band is highly influenced by melodic death metal, such as, In Flames, Killswitch Engage, and Times of Grace. The band is a group of hardworking musicians who leave it all up on the stage giving the best show every time. Listen to their 2019 album Endless Cycles here.
Donny Frauenhofer Trio, also known as DF3, have been coined as “The Weirdest Music You’ve Never Heard.” Donny’s trio is creatively driven by spontaneity. The group travels through time signatures, styles, and key signatures with ease, making Frauenhofer’s complicated compositions sound like a walk in the park. The group plays a daring brand of original music with unique arrangements of popular tunes tastefully sprinkled in. Listen to “Daylight” here.
All Poets and Heroes vs False Pockets
In the summer of 2015, Rob McCall & Corey Jordan met and founded All Poets & Heroes out of their hometown of Syracuse. That summer, the duo began crafting a sound that explored resonating folk melodies with that of the sensible nostalgia that filled the 90s alternative music scene. Since then, the duo has grown into a full-fledged band developing towards an introspective project that aims to challenge listeners to feel, and to feel deeply. Listen to Occhiolism here.
Rochester trio, False Pockets, are composed of drummer Ben Chesnes and guitatist Erik Happ – who met at Finger Lakes Community College – as well as bassist, Zach Harper. The trio released their debut project in 2019, while their latest EP, Selfish Prophecies, was released in February, 2022.
Grace Serene & the Super Clean vs The Sea The Sea
Forming in Rochester in January 2021, Grace Serene and the Super Clean have quickly made a name for themselves in the upstate region. The high energy of core members (Vocalist) Grace “Serene” Levendusky, (Bassist) Arjun Baxter and (Guitarist) Zack Mikida has led to an array of original compositions lending to styles from Soul, R&B, Motown, and Classic Rock. Their music also features artists from surrounding upstate regions, NYC based players and even as far as Puerto Rico. The band’s home base is in Rochester but will soon be splitting it’s time Between 585 and Nashville.
The Sea The Sea (Chuck E. Costa and Mira Costa) is an Upstate New York based indie folk-pop duo featuring what Bob Boilen (NPR’s All Songs Considered) calls “excellent harmonies” & Huffington Post calls, “Two of the loveliest male-female voices you might ever hear this or any other year.” The group’s 2020 release, Stumbling Home, dubbed “otherworldly” by RollingStone marks the duo’s third full-length album, and the duo’s first primary recording / engineering credits on one of their albums, as well as that of co-producers—teaming up with recent Grammy and Tony award winner Todd Sickafoose (Hadestown, Anais Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird).
Voting for Round 1 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 2 starting on Sunday, March 6 at 10am!
March Madness 2022 Helping Friendly Hemp Company Region:
SM Ink vs Jennie Angel
SM Ink brings you the Funky Deep house you need in your life. A Local DJ from Albany who is also nominated for The Eddies Electronica artist of the year, hear what he has to offer on his Soundcloud page.
Jennie Angel is an actress in the Hudson Valley who recently rediscovered her love for music. Started playing the guitar when she was 16 and has been singing she was born, now performing popular country hits! Jennie has most recently been added as a member of the Academy of Country Music and will be attending the awards show in March. Music and merch are both available on her website.
The Pine Boys vs Saint Free
The Pine Boys reside in Albany and consist of three members: Andrew Cerone,Brett Maney and Sam Lasky. Musically, the group is an eclectic brew of Alternative Rock, Hip-Hop and Funk. They blend character driven story telling with memorable riffs and grooves resulting in something truly their own. Music and videos both available on their website.
Like a shotgun to the chest, Saint Free’s music will have you barely breathing. The singer-song writers’ music has been described as multi genre influenced anthems that bridge the words of soulful gritty vocals and hazard driven rhythmic guitars. Check the Rochester band out on Spotify.
Brule County bad boys vs Kyngjo
Brule Country Bad Boys from Troy are roughnecks and have recorded and performed their songs about the harder side of life, the bleakness of our future and the failings of the criminal justice system. This outfit of petty crooks features alumnus of Girls of Porn, Tex Railer’s Doomtown, Barbed Wire, and an array of capable hired guns. Music is available on their Bandcamp page.
Kyngjo is not only about his melodies but he’s about his business and making his family proud. When he’s not working in Albany he’s networking in Atlanta or in the studio making music. As an independent artist, he is funding his dreams and making the sacrifice to reach his goals. Soon to be the go-to artist for hooks. Check out YouTube for an official video for “Calling Me.”
HANZOLO vs Farrow
HANZOLO is a 7-piece band from Upstate New York, toting an explosive and emotional sound that mixes soul, jazz, rock, and funk. Their songs are dance-ably fun with thoughtful lyrics, backed up by a bright horn section. The band’s website contains videos and upcoming tour dates.
WIth thought provoking lyrics, strong melodies, and deep grooves, Farrow is a diverse group of musicians who bring to life a vibe reminiscent of decades past whilst grounded in a modern sonic landscape. Based in Buffalo and led by producer/bass player Andre Pilette and singer/lyricist Michael Farrow, the band features Tim Webb on drums, Michael Ruopoli on percussion, Cory Clancy on guitar, Rufus “Breexy” Cole Jr. on keps, and Danielle Johnson on backing vocals. Check out the band’s website here for videos and more info.
Trampoline Jetstream vs The Dirty Doves
Trampoline Jetstream is a 4 piece indie rock band based in Utica. They have developed a unique and diverse sound that can best be described as psychedelic pop-rock with elements of post rock, ambient and funk. While their roots remain in the psychedelic rock of the ‘60s and ‘70s, their music continues to evolve and incorporate a variety of modern influences. The band’s website has links to both music and video.
You’d be hard pressed to find a more fitting description of Syracuse’s The Dirty Doves than what you’d find as Urban Dictionary’s top definition of a “Dirty Dove”: “Cute and cuddly as a dove, but down and dirty like a city pigeon.” The Dirty Doves – Jamie Cunningham and Anthony Saturno – have created Pure & Simple, an album that’s somehow sweet, sultry, and serene. Hear for yourself on their Spotify page.
METASEQUOIA vs PEAK
METASEQUOIA sprouted in 2007, taking root in Ithaca. As a Seedling, we absorbed our surroundings; fusing together our different sounds and experiences into an organic melody. This fusion became our foundation. We’ve rooted ourselves in Rock & Roll; and branch, bend and flow into genres of Reggae, Alternative, Pop, Blues & Psychedelic. Check it out at metasequoia-music.com
PEAK’s music, described as Psychedelic Indie Funk, is a mix of poetic, melodic songwriting, moody electrofunk, riffed-out blues-rock, and exploratory danceable improvisations. Some of their many influences include artists such as The Band, The Talking Heads, Phish, The Grateful Dead, Radiohead, James Brown, and Miles Davis, as well as modern songwriters such as Conor Oberst, Mac Demarco, Kurt Vile, and Jack White to name a few. The Brooklyn band’s website has links to both music and tour date info.
Atkins Riot vs Annie in the Water
“In an age where serious rock bands seem to be sorely missing, Atkins Riot delivers the kind of music that satisfies listeners looking for a great headbanging hook,” ~ Syracuse New Times. The group has also nabbed recent SAMMY awards for “Big Break” Battle of The Bands Winner (2019) and Best Rock Recording (2019 & 2020) Check out their website for more info and music videos.
Annie in the Water’s music is a groovy combination of Reggae, Funk, Rock, Blues and Jamstyle written with a conscious dose of positive vibes, unique melodies and intelligent lyrics. Their Upstate-centric music evokes the feeling of driving down mountain roads with longtime friends. As the sun rises in the rearview, an unwritten story awaits on the road ahead. Their new album Sun At Dawn is available for pre-order now and an upcoming gig is scheduled at The Hollow on March 4th, 2022.
Big Time Kitty vs Victory Soul Orchestra
Big Time Kitty (B.T.K.). Is a funky ass two man band based out of the Adirondacks. Their SoundCloud page gives you a taste of both their original hits and cover selections like “2001” and “Tubthumping.”
Victory Soul Orchestra is a nine-piece horn funk, soul and rock band from Albany. The dirty sounds of New Orleans brass drive their sound with some influences including Galactic as well as the Dap Kings. You can also find them fronted by Albany’s own JB aka Dirty Moses and singer Dali Soto. Their efforts combined help create a funk/rap show that brings the house down. In January 2019 they released their first album, ‘Astrobeat’ – now available on vinyl and all streaming platforms. The band’s website has links to all their music.
Voting for Round 1 has closed. Stay tuned for Round 2 starting on Sunday, March 6 at 10am!
Check out Past Years’ NYS Music March Madness Here
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