LEAH CREARY

You may know Sara Watkins from her years of playing with the popular folk trio Nickel Creek, but she has recently created a name for herself as a solo artist in the folk and bluegrass scene. Watkins plays the role of both singer-songwriter and fiddle player, creating mellifluous bluegrass tunes — some of which comfort, […]

It’s difficult to categorize the type of music made by San Diego-based band Wavves. At times it’s an obvious ode to pop-punk, at others it’s a nod to the surf-rock sounds of the 60’s. Lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter Nathan Williams has created a sound that is hard to define. Wavves embraces a lo-fi, stoner […]

Based out of New Mexico, folk duo Tina and Her Pony combine a love for traditional Appalachian folk with “radical, queer lyrics, uncommon instrumentation and vocals tighter than your mama’s brazier.” All joking aside, the duo’s harmonies are truly something to be noted, featuring two voices that meld together to create a smooth, pleasant, rarely […]

Local singer-songwriter Tim Avery is a common presence in the Rochester scene. His music is playful and effervescent, infusing a genre that is often thought of as somber with unbridled joy. Avery pulls his melodies and vocal delivery from the punk tradition, while his acoustic guitar has hints of country and Americana. However, his affinity for […]

Upstate New York’s Donna the Buffalo has been active in the music scene for more than two decades. The group is well-known for its distinctive brand of Americana music, mixing its familiar roots with a plethora of genres, ranging from reggae to zydeco to the blues. Donna recently released “Tonight, Tomorrow, and Yesterday,” an album […]

Albany-based Sirsy’s sound is impressively full, considering the fact that it is merely a duo. The band consists of singer/drummer Mel and guitarist Rich, joining together in a White Stripes-esque effort toward making a very big noise with a very small band. Sirsy’s songs are reminiscent of the heavy, grunge-influenced pop of the 90’s, calling […]

Ithaca-based band The Sound Awake presents a pleasant, laid-back vibe that feels as classic as it does innovative. Singer-songwriter Nick Bullock has created a collection of songs that recalls the folk-rock of the 60’s, complete with overlapping, background harmonies and clean, tight production. Bullock’s songwriting also calls to mind the late Elliott Smith, due to […]

Local songstress Cammy Enaharo’s tunes are truly a breath of fresh air. The songwriter recently released her first EP, and is currently a common presence on the Rochester scene. Enaharo’s instrument of choice is her baritone ukulele, which pairs perfectly with her hypnotic, contralto voice. Thanks to her sultry chops, comparisons to the legendary Lauryn […]

Songwriter John Valenti has a vintage charm that is rarely seen in our local scene. Similar to artists like St. Vincent and My Brightest Diamond, Valenti mixes an obvious love for standards with lo-fi, atmospheric production. His gift for melody, combined with sweeping strings and a simple, but catchy chord structure recalls the music of […]

Local band The Bygone Few has everything you’d want to hear from a rock band. The band really doesn’t stray from a stoner-rock feel, sticking with traditional instrumentation — featuring vocals, guitar, drums, and bass. Any rock purists out there will appreciate how Bygone puts its own spin on a genre of music that has […]

Brooklyn-based band WYATT is somewhat of a family affair. Singer-songwriter Maddy Wyatt has collaborated with her two brothers, and two non-Wyatts, on a project that the band members have labeled “electrofolkpop.” The music WYATT makes is especially reminiscent of the lo-fi folk-pop of the early 2000’s, calling to mind bands like Rilo Kiley and Tilly […]

Ra Ra Riot hails from our neighboring Syracuse, and the band has made a name for itself on the indie-rock scene. The band plays a brand of pop music that is made distinct through a heavy use of string orchestrations. Recently, the band released the album “Beta Love,” which is perhaps its most accessible, mainstream […]