Latest Posts

Short Moscato Lets Production Hands Shine on New Beat Tape

March 6, 2020

The grind doesn’t stop with Buffalo hip hop artist Short Moscato; The rapper, producer and frequent collaborator is back with a new project in Slow Drifting Home that focuses on his skills behind the boards and ear for dreamy sounds. A member of 14 Trapdoors, Moscato is a scene mainstay relentless with his releases. His latest drop in his prolific output is a 10-track instrumental project with a familiar ambient feel. Album opener “Reincarnation” is build around Kid Cudi’s moans from Kids See Ghost’s “Reborn,” accentuated with some head nodding bass drum. Moscato again flips a recognizable loop of Grimes’ iconic “Genesis” with a mesmerizing boom boom clap. Other highlights include the cinematic ambient soundscape of “redhead gurl” and the bright keys of aptly titled “weed beat.” Take a listen below and see another side of the scene leader.

Tonight: Telefon Tel Aviv

February 26, 2020

A powerhouse of the 2000s underground electronic movement makes its way into the Nickel City tonight for the first time. Telefon Tel Aviv helped drive the IDM and glitch scene for the first half of the aughts; experimenting with electronic music customs and influencing bedroom producers for years to come. Following the tragic death of Charles Cooper in 2009, Joshua Eustis abandoned the name while working on projects elsewhere, touring with likes of Nine Inch Nails and Puscifier.  Eustis recently returned to the Telefon Tel Aviv name while working on new material, bringing us 2019’s Dreams Are Not Enough. Hauschildt and Icky Reels join Eustis on the stage. The Rec Room show kicks off at 8pm – $25 cover.

Cee Gee Produces Western NY Hip Hop Collaboration Album

February 4, 2020

Buffalo hip hop producer Cee Gee (Columbus Green) connects with a who’s who of rhymesayers from 716 and beyond for his latest release, album Classical Gifted. The noted cratedigger dug deep into his bag for creative samples and molded it all into sonic undertones ranging from elegant to gritty depending on each track’s vision, creating a uniquely Western NY experience. Classical Gifted succeeds in being a traditional NY hip hop album, with menacing beats built for cyphers and freestyles. Packed with references to Western NY elements including Spectrum news, garbage plates, the Great Lakes and more, Cee Gee’s constructed a showcase of what hip hop can sound like in our region. His production rides the influence of sample-flipping legends like Madlib and Havoc of Mobb Deep, Gee’s beats are understated at times but steadfast in their deliberation. Cee Gee‘s production project is aided by ‘stories,’ the vocal contributions headlined by some of[...]

Tonight: 14 Trapdoors

January 23, 2020

It’s Hip Hop Night at Nietzsche’s  and Buffalo’s whose who of hip hop heads are taking the stage in droves. The new trap boom bap trio 14 Trapdoors, made up of scene mainstays WZA, Short Moscato and Bendyface, are set to perform among a loaded group of city friends contemporaries. Each member’s been making waves throughout the years through their solo projects and collaborative efforts, with biting lyrics and creative song construction remaining themes that crossed through their work. Others appearing from the crew include rapper Dripstarr, Nightmall, CHANGO4, Skate Cobain, Vaporwave, WAY2WAVYBABY, and video authority Be_Daylight. Doors open up at 8pm – $5 to get in said doors. Check out the video for “Pocket Protector” by 14 Trapdoors below. Guest appearance from Nick Cage post-National Treasure 3 announcement was a big get.

Tonight: Why Not

January 11, 2020

Thrash, garage rock, indie alternative, math rock – I’m not here to put Minnesota’s Why Not in any sort of box. The band rides into Sugar City tonight in the midst of loaded January tour 18 high octane shows in like 22 days.  Song to song, measure to measure, the trio are filled with unpredictable sonic surprises. Buffalo gets tonight’s edition of the band’s thrashing guitar riffs and breakneck percussion, highlighted in songs “Pink Hat” and “Ready for the World.” The off-beat Minnesota groovesters are joined on the card by catchy local garage rockers Adjacent Jason, along with must-see Phriendly Phoes and the dynamic Wolf of Waltzer. It’s $8 to get in the door at Sugar City tonight, and doors open at 6pm for all the ages you can think of. Check out Why Not’s latest video for “No Suggestions Here” below:

denzelworldpeace Releases New Single “Body Pillow”

December 20, 2019

Buffalo beat maker Denzel World Peace joins the lo-fi hip hop ranks with their latest release, “Body Pillow.” The mellow, soft snare-driven track is the centerpiece for Denzel’s latest release, Body Pillow EP. Denzel’s production transports you to the high seas, as seagulls caw and waves rush before settling into “chill beats you can study to” vibes. “Body Pillow” gets a siren-like vocal assist from Leeks, serenading in the upper register while  Denzel perfects the isolating full-body aesthetic down below. Slot this track right into your relaxing, lo-fi playlist. Give the track a listen here: Body Pillow EP by denzelworldpeace

Tonight: Mikaela Davis and Southern Star

December 12, 2019

Rochester-based songstress and premier harpist visits Babeville’s 9th Ward tonight for an evening of poppy, singer/songwriter star power. With her backing band Southern Star, Mikaela Davis‘ shine has risen over the past several years (prior to that was viral YouTube harp covers), in large part due to her 2018 debut album Delivery. Featuring Davis’ signature harp-playing integrated into dazzling and varied production, album highlights include the swelling head-nodder “Delivery” and the empowering harmonies of “In My Groove.” Davis’ lyrical themes are stream-of-conscience, lifted from a sharp-tongued diary. Most recently from her discog is”Take 54,” the opening track to 2019’s Tribute to Nillson, Vol. 2, a compilation of big names covering the work of early indie catalyst Harry Nillson. Davis has hinted on her social channels that 2020 may bring her follow-up album, so we’ll see if the mystifying harpist holds any surprises on the tracklist. The show kicks off at 8pm with doors at 7pm, $15 to get in that door. Get[...]

HC Kush – “Motivation”

December 11, 2019

HC Kush is a preacher of authenticity. The Buffalo rapper doesn’t mince words on his latest single “Motivation.” He’s a straight shooter, and the targets can hit anywhere from social media goons to prospective partners.. The trapper paints vivid pictures of the lifestyle and invites you onto the corner of Rodney and Filmore for the music video. Each lyric cuts, and the talented emcee HC Kush remains calm and cool with his delivery. Tune in below:

Twin Child Drop New Single “Amateur MCs”

December 8, 2019

Buffalo spitfires Twin Child and Benny Moses comes through with ferocity with his latest single “Amateur MCs.” Twin Child is the rap moniker for SMUG drummer Travis Perno, who with this project has abandoned his punk stylings for punchy rhymes. Rapping at a breakneck speed, the pairing stays true to to the track title, referencing life outside of the pros, with a minimum wage check in your digital wallet. Twin Child cooked the beat and ate it, and he and Benny Moses do their best to live in the shadow of Fu Schnickens or Tech N9ne’s Strange Music crew with their delivery. Child is creative with his sample choice on production, and the “This some shit we’ve never seen before” serves as nice table settings for the two’s verses. Check it out here:

Tonight: GRLwood

December 4, 2019

Punk rockers GRLWood are at the 9th Ward tonight to deliver their thoughtful, high energy flavor The duo visits fresh off of their sophomore album release I Sold My Soul To The Devil When I Was 12, a thematic project that touches traditional punk themes while also diving into identity and queerness. Songs build from subdued into scream pop, and GRLwood are known for their live spectacles. Buffalocals Tina Panic Noise join GRLwood on the card, piecing together a night of defiant, queer punk rock jammers. Influenced by the likes of Sleater-Kinney and Mannequin Pussy, Tina speaks, and screams, for the marginalized to be heard. Tickets go for $10 with doors at 7pm, and the show kicks off at 8pm. Preview the sound below:

Tonight: Hundred Plus Club

November 27, 2019

You know the deal. Wednesday before Thanksgiving = the #1 going-out night of the year. Nietzsche’s is properly prepared with a loaded card of homegrown indie rock talent to float you through to the holidays. Three-piece Cooler takes the stage fresh off of the release of their sharp-tongued, driving new single “Gentleman.” Hundred Plus Club is bringing their ear-worm catalog for some spins that’ll get your head bobbing and your body weaving.  Crisp outfit Urban Planning  and the snarky pop-punkers  SMUG round out a card that’ll leave the stage in flames. Plenty of chances to find your anthem for the night with the songwriting talent that’ll be in the room. We’ll see you there. $5 gets you in the doors after 8pm. What are you thankful for?

Preview: Koko Neetz EP Release

November 22, 2019

Head on out to Nietzsche’s tonight for a night to get lost in your thoughts. Buffalo’s residential existential pop star Koko Neetz is bringing the party favors and atmospheric scenery out to play in celebration of his EP release  i.t.t.i.p.  Neetz, the moniker for Buffalo-based musician Andrew Kothen, has been a staple of the local music scene these past couple years, mostly known for his efforts in dreambeaches. Sound wise, Neetz’ aura is reflective, perceptive, present. Guitar is light and complimentary, leaving you plenty of room for Neetz’ sweet, if not Socratic, lyrics. Joinng Neetz’ latest journey into the void will be heave, VR Sunset, and Humble Braggers doing a stripped down minimalist set. Doors start at 9pm. $10 gets you in along with a copy of the i.t.t.i.p. EP. Take a sneak peak below:

Dogs in Stereo Debuts New Video “Traffic Circles”

November 8, 2019

Imagine you need a playlist for a trip through some quicksand deep into the Earth. Buffalo’s lo-fi slacker rock and rollers Dogs in Stereo are ready to accompany you throughout this plodding, inevitable journey, where you say goodbye to the world around you and simply succumb. If there’s beauty in that, “Traffic Circles” will bring it out. Dreary guitars and vocals capture a fed-up, aimless energy. Joe Cardina’s project nails the depressing, grey feeling of hoping that there’s no hope with this track, reminding you to take your Vitamin D this SAD season. Dogs in Stereo goes bleak here, but it’s just one of many sounds they pull out of their bag of tricks. Varying synths and harder punk sounds highlighting other releases. Dogs in Stereo’s Idle EP hits the streets 11/15, and you can catch the release party at Mohawk on 11/14. Check out the visuals, with Shauna Presto’s direction.

The Stedwells – “Wake Up”

October 30, 2019

Get your garage rock groove on with a tasty new tune from Rochester’s The Stedwells. The three piece outfit’s latest single is a heavy handed alarm clock rounded out with droning chords and an infectious riff. Ryan Warren brings belts out desperation in a vocal performance that plays right off of the high energy guitar groove and it’s a rock jam in every sense. The Stedwells are slated to drop their Hideout EP on November 22nd, with assists from Grammy-winning engineers Stephen Roessner and Dave Collins. Have a listen below: Wake Up by The Stedwells

SCIENCE MAN Drops New Video for “Brazilian Napkins”

October 17, 2019

Open up your mind (and ears) and let SCIENCE MAN come in. Buffalo’s premier garage punk monstrosity is back with some bizarre visuals complimenting single “Brazilian Napkins.”  Intense, grotesque and single-shot, the performance gives off shades of the Ludovico Technique, if paired with thrashing guitar riffs. Between spastic actions of dental hygiene, SCIENCE MAN (John Toohill) screams of emotional desperation, drawing on recent experiences in Sao Paulo to round out a track that’s heavy from the ceiling to the floor. SCIENCE MAN dropped the vid to kick off a two-week tour through the Rust Belt and beyond with Nervous Tick and The Zipper. They return to Buff to tear down Pallet Town on 10/25. Have a listen: