Jackie McLean, daughter of singer-songwriter Don McLean, best know for his song “American Pie,” is the front woman of Roan Yellowthorn. She adopted this alter ego when returning to music after taking time to complete a university degree. She began to gain media attention as a result of her distinct voice and poetic lyrics on […]
Interviews
In Their Own Words: J.P Biondo of Cabinet
On Friday September 29, folk powerhouse Cabinet landed in Ithaca, NY, and played two long sets at The Haunt. Since their birth in 2006, Cabinet has built a committed grassroots following by providing an eclectic roots sound. They have earned unconditional respect with their commitment to quality songwriting, and impressive ability to cross between genres of […]
Interview: One For The Braves
One For The Braves just debuted their first music video, for the song “Dirt Nap” off their latest release Does Anybody Honestly Care. The EP’s a mile-a-minute pop punk revelry, with pop culture references bringing levity to heart-on-sleeve lyrics. The quintet from Poughkeepsie features Adam “Radam” Rebillard on vocals, Avery Avello and Brian Morgan on guitars, Nick Ferraioli […]
An Interview with YES Keyboardist Geoff Downes
YES is best known for their influence on rock history and classic songs including “Roundabout,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” and countless others. On their recent YESTIVAL tour, YES featured a setlist of greatest hits from the band’s studio work, performing at least one song from each of the first […]
Interview: The Demos Prepare to Take The Parcel 5 Stage at Rochester Fringe Festival
The Demos, a mainstay of the Rochester music community, are prepping for their set at KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival. They play on Saturday, September 16 at 6:30pm at Parcel 5 on Main Street. The 75-minute long set will span the power pop band’s fifteen-year career, which they’ve spent continually writing, recording and gigging. With a […]
In Their Own Words: Freekbass
On a sunny Friday evening on August 18, funk icon’s Freekbass and The Bump Assembly rocked the main stage at Nights Of Fire Music Festival in Franklinville, NY. Before the big performance, NYS Music was honored to sit down with Chris “Freekbass” Sherman in Freekbass and The Bump Assembly’s tour van. As we began, Freekbass wittily […]
In Their Own Words: Byron Cage of The Joe Louis Walker Band
On the evening of August 16, 2017, Blues Hall of Famer Joe Louis Walker graced the Photo City Improv stage in Rochester, NY. Joe Louis Walker has been playing the blues since the 1960’s and is still rocking both classic and contemporary styles. Earlier this year, Joe Louis Walker’s new album, “Everybody Wants A Piece” […]
In Their Own Words: Lumar LeBlanc of The Soul Rebels
Born and raised into the culture of New Orleans, Louisiana, The Soul Rebels have been a brass ensemble since 1991. Fast forward to 2017, the band has toured Africa, China, Japan, Australia, Europe, and beyond. They have regularly collaborated live with Talib Kweli, Nas, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Marilyn Manson, Metallica, and many others. In His Own Words: […]
Interview: Head North Discusses Band’s New Sound and the Making of Their Breakaway Album
Head North’s debut full-length album The Last Living Man Alive Ever In The History Of The World represents a new direction for the band. The Buffalo-based quartet has shed their teenage pop punk angst and emerged from last year’s break with an impressive coming-of-age indie rock venture. On The Last Living Man Alive Ever In […]
Tart Vandelay on The Art of Creating Transcendence Through Music
Tart Vandelay is as fun and feisty as their name. With bopping beats and catchy choruses, they’ve been winning the hearts of music lovers in Western NY and beyond with their live shows over the past year. Next month, they’ll be playing two sets during Rochester Fringe Festival. Charismatic couple Katie Halligan and Martin LoFaso […]