Columns

Photo Credit:: Gabe Becerra

Jordan Buckley of Better Lovers

December 6, 2024

We recently caught up with legendary Buffalo-born guitarist Jordan Buckley to talk about Better Lover‘s new album Highly Irresponsible; making hundreds of pounds of chicken wings at Warped Tour; what Blissmas means to Buffalo; and buying a bar on Chippewa.   Tickets for Blissmas ’24 can be purchased here.   Highly Irresponsible is out now via Sharptone records. Check out our review here.   *This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.   buffaBLOG: Better Lovers has just released their debut album Highly Irresponsible. What was the influence behind the name of the album and how do you think the songs play into the overall concept?   Jordan Buckley: Greg came up with the name – it’s one of those things that felt like “it has a nice ring to it” and looks good on a t-shirt *laughs*. But I like when names are open to interpretation – not[...]

Chris Scamurra and Nick Reynolds of Portland is the New Portland

October 7, 2024

The blog doesn’t voyage into the film realm often because, well, we are a music blog. However, Chris Scamurra and Nick Reynolds’ new short-film, Portland is the New Portland, blurs the lines too much for us to ignore. The duo was a staple of Buffalo’s music scene in the first half of the 2010s, and were heavily featured here on the blog with their project, Space Wolves. The short-film’s premise of a do-it-yourself musician juggling multiple projects has the potential to connect deeply with so many involved in the local scene. Moreover, the protagonist in the feature is Matthew Danger Lippman, another buffaBLOG favorite from the 2010s. We had a chance to speak with the co-creators of Portland is the New Portland  in the midst of their media blitz for the short film. The picture has been making the rounds for the past month in the national film festival circuit,[...]

Nick Kivlen of Sunflower Bean

April 29, 2016

You probably wouldn’t wholly believe me if I told you that Sunflower Bean, based out of Brooklyn, NY, has existed for a measly two-years-and-some-change and that all three members have either just broken into their 20’s or are about to cross that landmark threshold within the next year. Collectively, Julia Cumming, Nick Kivlen, and Jacob Faber have been dubbed “NYC’s Coolest Young Band” by Rolling Stone, among high praise from other widely known publications, but they don’t see their age as anything but a number that will inevitably change whether they want it to or not. Their primary focus is to simply play out as often as they can, and they sure have the show roster to prove that. I was recently able to chat with singer and guitarist Nick Kivlen to pick his brain a little about what this whole experience has been like for him so far. bB: You guys[...]

Intrepid Travelers

December 11, 2015

If you’re familiar with Intrepid Travelers, you probably know Jerry or have at least unknowingly been exposed to his presence. Jerry, a stuffed rainbow-striped monkey, functions as an unofficial mascot and source of spirited inspiration for the band. When I ask them how they arrived at their carefree aesthetic, they tell me the story behind the striped monkey. To understand this story is to understand Intrepid Travelers on a bird’s-eye level. At some point during a Phish show years back, Jerry began making rounds in the crowd — you know, like the token beach ball at any largely populated outdoor show. Though drummer Jon Fohl was uncertain of his return, he successfully reappeared in one piece by the end of the second set. Fast forward to the 2011 All Good Festival when keyboardist Donny Frauenhofer was bestowed custody of Jerry and told specifically by Fohl to not lose him. Long[...]

The Wombats

November 25, 2015

It was eight years ago the Wombats burst onto the scene, just fresh-faced youngsters at the time armed with roaring guitars, hooks galore, and a cheeky sense of humor to them. Since then, the band’s sound and popularity have only grown, with the group experimenting with electronics, approaching darker subject matter, and thrilling crowds at some of the world’s biggest music festivals from Glastonbury to Coachella. Earlier this year, the band released their latest album Glitterbug, which saw the Wombats’ new electro-pop sound flourish. The band has become famous for it’s raucous live show (a sweaty dance party of back to back singalongs), and tonight, brings that show to Buffalo. Prior to their set tonight at Waiting Room, I had the chance to chat with drummer Dan Haggis about the band’s changing sound and upcoming show. buffaBLOG: So the band’s sound seems to have change over the years, with your first record, A[...]

John Paul Pitts of Surfer Blood

November 21, 2015

Surfer Blood’s career kind of seems like a one giant surfing metaphor. They hit the ground running in 2010 with the help of the CMJ Music Marathon and have continued to tour and consistently release quality material since then. From playing huge bills like the ATP festival curated by Pavement, to coping with news of longtime band member Thomas Fekete having a rare form of cancer, you can bet that they’re learning to ride the rip current as gracefully and professionally as possible (despite none of them actually being surfers). I was able to speak with singer and guitarist of the band, John Paul Pitts, earlier this week about how life as an industrious band has been since taking the drop down the face of indie success. You can also catch Surfer Blood tonight at the Town Ballroom opening for Nate Ruess of Fun. More details and tickets for tonight’s show can be[...]

Potty Mouth

November 3, 2015

Prior to their set tonight at Mohawk Place opening for Screaming Females, we had a chance to chat with the vocalist/guitarist Abby and bassist Ally of Western Massachusetts trio, Potty Mouth. With a new self titled EP released this August, the three piece has been turning heads, and for a great reason. Their acclaimed style of 90’s tinged punk inspired pop tunes have led to the band taking one foot out of the DIY scene and reaching to bigger audiences, and with great success.  We had a chance to talk about the past, present, and future of the band, as well as essential 90’s film soundtracks. buffaBLOG: For those unfamiliar with your band, care to give a brief history of how you all met and began making music? Ally: We formed in 2011. I met Victoria when we were students at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. We didn’t know Abby at the time,[...]

Meric Long of The Dodos

October 8, 2015

After six full-length albums and 10 years under their belts as The Dodos, Meric Long (guitar, vocals) and Logan Kroeber (drums, percussion) have something to be proud of. The duo crafts a signature strain of rhythmic indie rock, lying heavily on technical proficiency such as intricate strumming patterns and intense polyrhythms. Their latest album, Individ, capitalizes on these aspects to deliver some of the best-rounded Dodos songs to date. We caught up with Meric and snuck in a few questions before the band’s Buffalo visit brings them to the stage of Mohawk Place later tonight. buffaBLOG: Compositionally, did you approach your latest album Individ any differently than your previous work? Meric Lonh: The approach was pretty carefree with the one focus being that the songs be exciting and had parts that would push the limits of our abilities. bB: The interpretative dance in the “Competition” video—did you work with a choreographer? Tell us of your preparations. ML: Katie[...]

Jana Hunter of Lower Dens

October 1, 2015

Baltimore’s Lower Dens have carefully balanced experimental, cerebral inclinations with a strong melodic sensibility throughout their career. Their third LP, Escape From Evil, released earlier this year on Ribbon Music, finds the band in full-fledged pop territory, drawing from the sounds of the 80’s to make for a nostalgic, emotionally direct record that finds lead singer/songwriter Jana Hunter comfortably exploring pop themes, her voice featured prominently both sonically and lyrically. We had the chance to speak with Hunter about the new album leading up to Lower Dens’ performance tonight at Mohawk Place. buffaBLOG: Escape From Evil feels more succinct and focused than the band’s previous work, was there anything that inspired a more intimate approach both sonically and lyrically? Jana Hunter: I wouldn’t call it intimate. It’s direct. It’s simple. It has a simple message (for a thing I’d write anyway) about keeping things simple. We’re complicated. Our lives are too complicated. We just want our[...]

Stephen Floyd of One Percent Press

September 9, 2015

It’s no secret that Buffalo’s DIY community is an absolute force. Between the multitude of local labels and the wide-ranging artists and musicians that work hard to bring their craft to the forefront, the DIY ethic in our city is ever-strengthening. One of the more prominent local labels in the scene is also one of longest-lasting. One Percent Press, a label that celebrates its tenth birthday this year, embraces that very ethic and has released an impressive catalog of comic books, artwork, and music over the years. We picked the brain of OPP co-founder Stephen Floyd–who currently resides in Buffalo–to dig a bit on the origins of the label, their mission statement, as well as a few current and future projects. Dig in. buffaBLOG: One Percent Press has called home to a few different cities. In what ways does your locale influence what you do with the label? Do you scout[...]

Aqueous

August 17, 2015

Aqueous is a successful Buffalo-born band and it’s hard to argue otherwise. Success, however, is such an imprecise concept these days. It can be boiled down to every individual musician having their own definition. Even then, it’s difficult to surmise that there’s ever one defining moment of success for anyone. That being said, if there is anything that Mike Gantzer, Dave Loss, Evan McPhaden, Ryan Nogle, and now Tom Vayo have been successful at as active musicians in one of Buffalo’s most beloved groove rock bands, it is this: viewing success as a ceaseless process and sowing carefully plotted seeds of progress along the way. If Buffalo is a toasty incubator for musical talent, the guys from Aqueous are the eggs everyone is rooting for to hatch next. The band has four full length studio releases and multiple tours under their belts, and can draw a steadfast crowd at every[...]

Rebecca Ryskalczyk of Bethlehem Steel

July 20, 2015

Next week will see the return home of Rebecca Ryskalczyk, the front woman of the Brooklyn based, Fredonia bred indie trio Bethlehem Steel. The Buffalo born musician is currently on a solo tour that will bring her back to town for a pair of Infringement Festival dates. We recently caught up with the songwriter to discuss Buffalo and Brooklyn, her new label and upcoming EP, and her some of her favorite local music memories. buffaBLOG: Over the last couple years, we have seen some pretty great acts, including Zealot, Mr. Boneless, and Well Worn Boot, come out SUNY Fredonia and the surrounding town. What was the scene like when you were going to school there? Rebecca Ryskalczyk: There was a very tight knit DIY scene when I went to school there. I met all my current band-mates through the music scene there. Jon played in Longitude and Zephyr in Zona Mexicana. House shows[...]

Michael Tripi of Buffalo Beer Mug Co.

June 15, 2015

Last week, we had the chance to grab a pint with Buffalo Beer Mug Co. founder Michael Tripi at one of his old watering holes, Mohawk Place, to talk music and beer. Tripi’s company creates custom branded barware for local businesses and breweries. In addition to working with local craft brewers, Tripi also sells his own line of fictitious beer branded bar ware inspired by local icons, people, and places. This month, his company launched some new products including a pint glass titled “East Mohawk Punk Bock.” And with our Herd Fest Opening Ceremonies just a couple days away at, you guessed it, Mohawk Place, we figured this was as good as a time as any to talk to him. buffaBLOG: So tell me about East Mohawk Punk Bock? Michael Tripi: I’ve always been one for nostalgia, and Punk Bock is a tribute of sorts to my college years when[...]

Blonde Redhead

June 5, 2015

Blonde Redhead is a band whose music speaks for itself. And sure, by definition, that is what being in a band is all about—writing, recording, and performing something worthwhile. Yet there exist so many artists today who build their reputations on a foundation of publicity stunts (“Imma let you finish but…”), ceaseless social media interaction, and endorsements. A sad thought to think that perhaps that’s just the way the industry operates now. But in this current age, in which a quantifiable number of twitter followers may often times trump true musicanship, it’s refreshing to see a band like Blonde Redhead maintain consistent quality throughout the course of their 20+ year run. Amidst preparation for a full US tour, which makes a stop at The Waiting Room on June 16th, singer/drummer Simone Pace agreed graciously to answer a few questions we had about this ‘quality over quantity’ business, among other things.[...]

Five Questions with Kassie Carlson of Guerilla Toss

May 1, 2015

Editor’s Note: Local musician John Toohill (JOHNS, the Hamiltones, Alpha Hopper) will occasionally sit down with touring bands and ask them five questions. For his latest installment, he spoke with Kassie Carlson of Boston’s Guerilla Toss, set to play Buffalo Sunday night at Sugar City. John Toohill: Kassie! Hi! Sorry to start this interview so late. Irene and I were drumming up some good voodoo for the show this weekend while down in New Orleans. Which brings me to my first question: Do you believe in ghosts and have you seen some lately? Kassie Carlson: Of course I believe in ghosts. We saw a few when G-Toss was in Upstate NY recording. I guess it all started when we were practicing and I saw a white dog on the second floor. I didnt say anything until later and then Pete goes, “Oh yeah, I’ve seen that dog,” very nonchalantly. The next morning,[...]