Latest Posts

The Burkharts – “Please Don’t Wake Me Up”

March 24, 2026

The Burkharts have done it again – another retro-inspired, beach-pop jam they’re calling “Please Don’t Wake Me Up.” As always, the band’s image (and imagery) is on point – superimposing images of lighthouses and the ocean over their finely-tuned, red button down aesthetic. The band themselves appear comfy and cozy in a bedroom, adorned with wood paneling and bold colors, not unlike something you’d see in one of those legendary JC Penney photoshoots from the ’80s. Juicy harmonies, jangly guitars, and a 3:4 time signature help to give this one a slow dance vibe – Fans of The Beach Boys, Real Estate, and Best Coast’s lighter fare are in for a treat on this pretty little waltz.   Check out the video embed for “Please Don’t Wake Me Up” below, or, stream it on Spotify.    

The Ten Best Songs from Buffalo in 2025

February 2, 2026

As we start getting back to into the swing of things at the blog in 2026, it’s necessary to reflect and share what our favorite songs from 2025 were. It was a great year for the Buffalo music scene, and we can’t wait to see where 2026 brings us. Here’s our favorite ten songs out of Buffalo in 2025 – with a Spotify playlist to listen along.   10. The Burkharts – “Tell Me”   The tail-end of 2025 saw the return of beloved surf-pop scenesters, The Burkharts, with a new single “Tell Me.” The new track stays in the realm of their 60s-soaked beachiness with their usual inspirations of The Beach Boys and The Beatles. No longer the youngsters on the block, The Burkharts continue to evolve their sound while masterfully creating melodies and multi-part harmonies that stick to your ribs. – Ron Walczyk     9. Science Man[...]

The Burkharts – “Tell Me”

December 12, 2025

Buffalo’s surf-pop loyalists The Burkharts are back in the spotlight with a new single, “Tell Me,” serving up another dose of their 60’s-soaked California style rock and roll. The single, their first new release since 2024, comes hand-in-hand with an official music video that nods blatantly (but charmingly) to the freewheeling antics of The Monkees TV show.    In the video, the boys tee up a series of lighthearted shenanigans as they race through several notable WNY filming locations, all soundtracked by their signature retro jangle and stacked vocal harmonies. Seems we won’t have to wait long for more new music either, as the single is the “first of many to come soon” according to the band’s Instagram.   “Tell Me” is streaming now on all major platforms; check out the music video below.    

The Burkharts – Who Are The Burkharts?

February 7, 2022

Retro, goofy, and groovy are just three words that come to mind when asked “Who are The Burkharts?” The four-part Buffalo based indie band consists of Gavon, Trevor, Austin, and James, and it goes without question that these folks got their 10,000 hours in. I swear, you can hear the chemistry in their art as all composition is distributed equally and confidently between the band. The Burkharts have an overlying retro sound that gives older audiences a blast of nostalgia while giving the youth a breath of something fresh; either way you’re dropping everything and running to the beach. But why waste time breaking down and analyzing each and every attribute of “the Beatles from Buffalo?” They already answered that for us with the newly year-old project, Who Are the Burkharts? Who Are The Burkharts? leads off with the single “To Be Your Lover,” originally dropped December 11th of 2020.[...]

Tonight: Stay Gold at the Burchfield Penney Art Center

January 10, 2020

Art and music intersect brilliantly and beautifully tonight when the Burchfield Penney Art Center hosts their annual Stay Gold party featuring some of Western New York’s hottest artists. Throughout the Burchfield Penney, au courant artists will be displaying site specific installations alongside the museum’s current ongoing exhibitions and performances by a plethora of up to the minute local acts including heave, Carmen & Izzy, The Burkharts, Tough Old Bird, Cooler, TVMTN, Sydney Jeanne, and MEDUSA. Admission is free, there’s a cash bar, and the museum is open to 10pm with music starting at 4pm. East Gallery heave – 4:05pm- 4:50pm Carmen & Lizzy – 6:05pm – 6:40pm Tough Old Bird – 8:45pm – 9:30pm Reception Space The Burkharts – 5:00pm – 5:50pm TVMTN – 6:40pm – 7:25pm Cooler – 8:05pm – 8:40pm Margaret L. Wendt Gallery Sidney Jeanne– 5:15pm – 6:00pm MEDUSA – 8:05pm – 8:40pm ET by MEDUSA

Tonight: NYE @ Nietzsche’s

December 31, 2019

Tonight Nietzsche’s is hosting a stacked local music bill and  this year may truly be one for the record books. With acts ranging from synth-pop to psychedelia to moody indie-rock there’s most certainly plenty to go around. Headlining will be everyone’s favorite synth-pop act Humble Braggers. Known for their energetic live shows, they’re sure to make you dance the decade away in style. Also on the bill is local psychedelic heavyweights Deadwolf. True revivalists, their lush textures harken back to the “golden age” of psychedelic acts such as The 13thFloor Elevators or Strawberry Alarm Clock. Rounding out the local “heavys” on the bill is indie-rock outfit The Burkharts. With a distinctly lo-fi dreamy surf-pop sound, they’re a deeply fun band and certainly one to get you moving. Also on the bill is Urban Planning and relative newcomers to the scene The Best Strangers. Urban Planning plays jangly, moody indie-pop, with[...]

Tonight: The Burkharts

October 12, 2019

Welcome The Burkharts back to Buffalo as they cap off their eight city tour with a stop at Milkie’s for a Saturday night showcase. The Buffalo boys bring home some supremely sweet and catchy tunes, recently on display in their May debut Lazy Dazing. Grip tightly onto your last memories of the summer and vibe out to their surfy, lollipop guitar riffs and indie rock earworm choruses. Fans of Mac DeMarco are going to be stoked with the songs and if their videography is any indication, it’s going to be a heckin’ fun performance as well. Ex-Pat and Coral Collapse round out a loaded evening at Milkie’s. $6 to get into the doors, opening at 9pm. Wear your finest mustard attire.

Tonight: The Burkharts

July 20, 2019

Wes Anderson’s favorite band, The Burkharts, have released the perfect soundtrack for summer daydreams. Their latest effort, ‘Lazy Dazing’, shows how the Buffalo natives have grown into a distinct field of well-crafted and hook laden indie rock n roll. Reminiscent of Buffalo heavyweight ex-pat M.A.G.S. with a hint of Mac DeMarco, The Burkharts will put a groove in your step tonight at Nietzsche’s. Sharing the stage will be newcomer M.T. Lakes, who will be playing their second show ever (this time a stripped down solo set), former Dreambeaches guitarist Koko Neetz, and one-woman synth project VHS Era. Doors at 9pm with a $5 cover. Written by Kevin Prentice

The Burkharts Drop Debut EP Lazy Dazing

June 26, 2019

Alt rockers The Burkharts just released their EP Lazy Dazing. After dropping their single (also titled “Lazy Dazing,” back in November) the band has fleshed out their unique mix of lo-fi dreamy surf pop. Think The Beach Boys meet Beach House. The first track “Oh, Dreamer” floats along with a bouncy guitar riff, and gentle swells, before being joined by synths and luscious harmonies. This tune really seems to capture their aesthetic, and is a great way to kick off the record. “Flower City Nights,” a lo-fi dream pop tune, finds the band fusing their jangly surf rock with a driving beat that shows their versatility and ability to find diversity within their sound. The EP closer is their single “Lazy Dazing,” which once again finds the band melding their influences to create a bubbly song that is the perfect kick off to the Summer season. All in all, a[...]

Tonight: Party’s Over

January 11, 2019

Yace Booking continues their streak of incredible line ups with a stacked bill tonight at Mohawk Place. Talented Buffalo groups Hundred Plus Club, The Burkharts, and Award Show round out the lineup, featuring a special set from lo-fi Brooklyn bedroom-poppers Dogs in Stereo. Queen City Music Lottery-born Party’s Over will be bringing the show home with their fun, post-party rock. Tonight’s doors open at 8pm. Mohawk Place is the place to be – bring $7.