LOCAL MUSIC
- Hal & Pals – “Not the Champ (I’m Alright, Ma)”Former WNYer Halle Ruth Cook’s folk outfit Hal & Pals blends eras on the new single “Not the Champ (I’m Alright, Ma).” The track marries 60s Greenwich Village folk instrumentation–fingerpicked guitar and harmonica–with Cook’s distinctively light and quirky vocal delivery, which adds a contemporary charm to the mix. In just over two minutes, the song… Read more: Hal & Pals – “Not the Champ (I’m Alright, Ma)”
COLUMNS
- 7 Acts to Catch at Elmwood Village Porchfest 2025Ian McCuen @ 1pm 444 Forest Avenue If you wanted to minimize your steps for the day, I would suggest bringing a lawn chair to 444 Forest Avenue and not leaving, as the lineup has some true talent from the emerging local scene. Starting the indie lineup is Ian McCuen, a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists who has… Read more: 7 Acts to Catch at Elmwood Village Porchfest 2025
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
- Bug Day – Six-Legs InexperienceRochester’s Bug Day has unofficially entered the album arena with Six-Legs Inexperience, a unique debut that landed earlier this month. The record sees the noise rock group expanding on the intriguing avant-garde leanings of last year’s UFOs by the Lake EP, now lacing their sound with a sharper post-punk edge. It’s an interesting release, structured… Read more: Bug Day – <i>Six-Legs Inexperience</i>
NEW MUSIC
- Phil Rick – “Losin’ My Mind”German rapper Phil Rick’s already dropped an album in 2025, but his motivation has him onto the next. His new single, “Losin’ My Mind” boasts an earworm hook, dancey production and high energy verses that slotted this track immediately into my layup lines playlist. Phil effortless interplays with that high energy production – changing flows… Read more: Phil Rick – “Losin’ My Mind”