Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Tica Douglas explores the boundaries of folk music, shifting its gentle, melodic roots through a sparse, atmospheric pop lens. Douglas cites among her influences Sharon Van Etten and Neutral Milk Hotel, two artists who have successfully combined a dark, morose quality with characteristically bright, traditional folk instrumentation. Similar to the aforementioned musicians, Douglas’ […]
LEAH CREARY
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AMERICANA | Dan Weber
Dan Weber is relatively new to songwriting, but you wouldn’t know it from his music. Weber has lived a very full life — and, therefore, has many stories to tell. That storytelling aspect is the basis for his music, brought to life through his lively country roots. Weber cites legendary country and folk musicians such […]
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ROCK | New Archery
If you love Joywave, and have seen the band perform at least once within the past couple of years, you are likely to recognize the members of New Archery, previously known as Doctors. The two bands have played side-by-side in many past local line-ups. However, the recent name-change has ushered in an entirely new identity, […]
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ROCK | Sky People
Local band Sky People describes itself as being “a crowd of cloud-dwellers [who] coalesce to create cacophonous compositions.” Alliteration aside, Sky People is a band that has a clear reverence for the psychedelic rock that came out of the 60’s, made obvious thanks to the band’s frequent use of rich harmonies and its relaxed, laid-back […]
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Punk | The UV Race
The UV Race comes all the way from Australia, where the band makes a lo-fi brand of punk that is akin to the likes of Lou Reed, The Sex Pistols, and The Ramones. The band doesn’t stray far from the classic punk feel, generally employing a limited melody, defiant lyricism, and conventional punk instrumentation. However, […]
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POST-PUNK | Bella’s Bartok
Massachusetts-based band Bella’s Bartok plays a distinct mix of punk-rock, bohemian/folk, and dance music, complete with creative, broad instrumentation and unexpected group harmonies. The band describes its sound as being akin to, “Tom Waits kicking the crap out of the Fleet Foxes, whilst being serenaded by a klezmer wedding band.” While that description seems rather […]
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FOLK | Yellow Red Sparks
Los Angeles-based band Yellow Red Sparks began as a solo project for lead singer/songwriter Joshua Hanson, but eventually developed into the trio that it is today, featuring additional musicians on the upright bass and drums. Yellow Red Sparks creates folk-inspired indie rock, following in the newly founded tradition of bands such as The Head and […]
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SINGER-SONGRWITER | Lindsay Mazza
Singer-songwriter Lindsay Mazza describes herself as being “a devoted advocate for self-expression”, and rightfully so — her music is an exploration of her inner-most feelings and thoughts. This is not at all surprising, as she cites Fiona Apple, Sarah McLachlan, and Alanis Morissette as some of her many influences. Mazza’s voice is strong and smooth, […]
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BROADWAY | RPO Pops: Sondheim and Bernstein
Early on in his career, lyricist Stephen Sondheim collaborated with then-established composer Leonard Bernstein on one of the most beloved musicals in theater history, “West Side Story.” This weekend the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Jeff Tyzik, will present songs from the aforementioned musical, as well as selections from Bernstein’s “Candide” and choice pieces […]
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AMERICANA | There Is No Mountain
Portland-based band There Is No Mountain describes itself as “specializing in music that’s fun to play.” The duo is reminiscent of artists like Andrew Bird and Dirty Projectors, both of whom combine a love for folk/Americana music with psychedelic, chamber-pop qualities that set them apart from other, more traditional folk artists. The band was previously […]
