Live Music Reviews and Photographs / NYC, Buffalo, Toronto, Pittsburgh
Nation of Language is one of those bands that seems to have come from nowhere and exploded onto the music scene. That being said, they did form back in 2016 with Ian Richard Devaney on guitars and lead vocals, Aidan Noell on synthesizers, and Michael Sue-Poi on bass. Supposedly Devaney took inspiration from OMD's "Electricity" …
Continue reading "Dancing the night away with Nation of Language at Lee’s Palace – April 7, 2022"
With her new single "Shotgun" already out and her new album "Sometimes, Forever" about to drop in May, it almost feels like I'm seeing Soccer Mommy (aka Sophie Regina Allison) just a month early. That being said, this spring tour is really what we had expected back in 2020 in support of her then new …
Continue reading "Soccer Mommy thrills crowd at Mr Smalls – April 2, 2022"
When I saw that Wolf Alice was playing at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, I thought it was great that they were playing larger venues. They are an amazing band, especially live, and are not to be missed. When I arrived, I discovered that they were playing on Stage AE's "club stage", significantly smaller than the …
Continue reading "Wolf Alice rolls on in Pittsburgh – April 1, 2022"
If all you know about Gary Numan is his big 80s hit “Cars”, then you’re missing out. Yes, he was an icon back in the 80s but he’s been putting out new music and touring regularly ever since. If you’ve ever been to one of his shows, you’d remember it vividly. And his music has …
Continue reading "One of the best shows of the year? That’s right…Gary Numan! – Mar 12, 2022"
How old are the members of Sunflower Bean? "TwentyTwo in Blue" came out pretty recently, right? The pandemic and subsequent lockdown have caused us to lose two years so, yes, they're TWENTY SIX now!! After being somewhat radio silent since the "King of the Dudes" EP was released in January 2019, we finally have a …
Continue reading "Sunflower Bean previews new album at Club Cafe – Mar 6, 2022"
The last time I saw Tame Impala was at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY in 2017. At that show all attendees were asked to place their phones in Yondr pouches for the duration of the show. Fast forward five years; same amazing band, different restrictions (vaccination cards). The band opened up their 2022 …
In late 2019, I had just started to get into The Regrettes' sophomore album "How Do You Love?" after kicking myself for missing their show in NYC. I was hoping for another tour in 2020 but, unfortunately, that was not to be. However, the band stayed busy during the lockdown, releasing two stand-alone singles "What …
Continue reading "The Regrettes slay Rec Room Buffalo – Mar 2, 2022"
I was enjoying the warm almost summer-like 68 degrees in Washington Square Park as I anticipated the show I was to see last Wednesday night. The lineup was definitely something to look forward to with British indie folk singer Fenne Lily as the headliner. Her beautiful voice had been hanging on the skirts of my …
Continue reading "Fenne Lily’s music was warm and soothing on a cold night – Feb 24, 2022"
Did you know that on Tuesday 2/22/22 Pluto completed one revolution around the sun after 246 years? Ok, so we missed by one day and it hasn't really been that long since we last saw Grouplove. However, for some of us die-hard fans, it SEEMS that long. The band had just started doing promos in …
Continue reading "It was a GROUPLOVE birthday celebration at Brooklyn Steel – Feb 23, 2022"
I was just eighteen when “Human’s Lib” was released. With new wave music in full swing at the clubs and “What is Love?” being pondered by young men and women everywhere, Howard Jones and his music became an integral part of my college experience. I had said debut album, “Dream Into Action”, and “One to …
Continue reading "The Howard Jones Acoustic Trio re-ignites at the Hangar Theater – Feb 11, 2022"
James Taylor and Jackson Browne wrapped up a long US tour at the Key Bank Center in Buffalo on Monday. I was lucky enough to attend and photograph for QRO Magazine. All their respective hits were in play as well as a number of covers, evoking memories from my younger days. Taylor, at points, hopped …
Continue reading "James Taylor brings back memories at Key Bank Center – Dec 13, 2021"
It's been a rough two years for many but definitely not for UK artist beabadoobee (aka Beatrice Laus aka Bea Kristi). Besides releasing her amazing critically acclaimed debut album "Fake It Flowers" in 2020, she also collaborated with The 1975’s Matty Healy and George Daniel on 2021's EP "Our Extended Play" and, on Saturday December …
Continue reading "*beabadoobee wraps up tour at Stage AE – Dec 11, 2021"
How does a pop artist release an album in 2019, go through the pandemic and come out even more popular than she was going in? That's exactly what happened to Caroline Polachek. It seems that album "Pang" resonated with the public and brought her a huge following for her electro-dream dance pop. It's been a …
Canadian indie-band Tokyo Police Club was originally going to celebrate the ten year anniversary of their Juno nominated second full length album "Champ" in 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic shut things down but when live music started to come back, the band immediately put together a "replacement" tour and a re-issue of that great record. The …
Continue reading "Tokyo Police Club celebrates “Champ” at Bowery Ballroom – Nov 19, 2021"
For two consecutive nights in November, young fans of FINNEAS (AKA Finneas O'Connell, AKA Billie Eilish's older brother and collaborator) could be found lined up for blocks around Irving Plaza. And why not? His debut studio album "Optimist" (released Oct 15, 2021) is stupendous. His charming good looks (kinda reminds me of a young Darryl …
Continue reading "Finneas brings the house down at Irving Plaza – Nov 17, 2021"
When talented Norwegian singer/songwriter/activist/fairy Aurora announced just two shows in the United States for 2021, I knew I had to be at Terminal 5 on November 14th. Having attended every one of her NYC shows since 2017, I've had the pleasure of watching her grow and evolve as an artist. Besides having a beautiful voice …
Continue reading "Aurora makes Terminal 5 the happiest place on Earth – Nov 14, 2021"
UK rock band Wolf Alice stopped by the Bowery Ballroom in NYC (Nov 12/13) as they wind down their first tour in three years. Their critically acclaimed third album "Blue Weekend", released last June, has the been the source of much press coverage and garnered them a nomination for the 2021 Mercury Prize. After attending …
Continue reading "Wolf Alice crushes two nights at Bowery Ballroom – Nov 13, 2021"
Blues/rock guitarist and singer/songwriter Samantha Fish, in the midst of a worldwide tour supporting her seventh studio album "Faster", stopped by Asbury Hall on Tuesday night. Winner of many awards for her blues albums and performances, her new record does skew a bit more pop. That being said, her consummate guitar playing is evident and, …
Continue reading "Samantha Fish was on fire last night in Buffalo – Nov 2, 2021"
What a night of constant searing guitar solos and good old rock and roll!! Are we talking about Eric Clapton? Led Zeppelin? Lynyrd Skynyrd? Nope! It was Larkin Poe who played an electric show at Asbury Hall/Babeville in Buffalo last night and wowed my socks off! The Nashville-based sister duo (Rebecca Lovell on lead vocals …
Continue reading "Larkin Poe rocks the house at Asbury Hall – Oct 12, 2021"
Shot for QRO Magazine. You can also view the gallery here. After seeing the crowd at the Sea Hear Now Festival (see my coverage here) singing along to every Billy Idol song just this past weekend, I kinda knew what to expect as I drove up to Port Chester for his headlining show at The …
This past weekend, I photographed my first festival. Pretty unbelievable, isn't it? Even fellow photographers I saw at the Sea Hear Now festival could have sworn they've talked to me at other festivals. As a last minute fill-in, I received my credentials through QRO Magazine. Not knowing quite what to expect, I took the long …
Continue reading "Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins anchor Sea Hear Now Festival – Sept 18-19, 2021"
Unless you are an indie rock fan, Phoebe Bridgers was a relative unknown (even though she had four Grammy nominations) until she played Saturday Night Live and smashed (up for debate) her guitar. All of a sudden, everyone knew who she was! Those of you already in the know had heard and loved her debut …
Continue reading "A Dreamy Night with Phoebe Bridgers at ArtPark – Sept 15, 2021"
When I shot my last show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge in March 2020, little did I know that it would be 18 months and a move up to the Buffalo area before my next concert. When Nashville-based Halestorm announced a nearby stop at the OUTDOOR amphitheater at ArtPark in Lewiston, I knew I had to …
Continue reading "Beautiful evening for Halestorm at ArtPark – Sept 1, 2021"
During the late 80s and early 90s, you couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing one of Richard Marx’s many hits. Outside of his singing career, his songwriting and producing was even more prolific, producing hits for legendary artists such as Kenny Rogers, Luther Vandross, Barbra Streisand and Josh Groban. If you were dating during those years, you knew Richard Marc would be on your mix tape.
Synth-pop band, Erasure, has enjoyed a long and successful career ever since songwriter and keyboardist, Vince Clarke, posted an anonymous ad in Melody Maker looking for a singer. Clarke had already enjoyed tremendous success with Depeche Mode and Yazoo, although neither ended up providing him with what he was looking for. When Andy Bell (a …
Continue reading "Erasure takes us back in time with “The Neon”"
Ok so maybe it won't be the last concert ever but, with the COVID-19 pandemic, voluntary social distancing, and many tours/venues cancelled in the near future, Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum's show at Mercury Lounge sure felt like it was going to be the last concert ever. Princess (I'll abbreviate from now on), with …
Continue reading "Princess slays Mercury Lounge for last concert ever – Mar 12, 2020"
NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography except for setlist photo thanks to Gabrielle Pires I have to admit that for much of the late 1990s / early 2000s, I was working so much that I didn't pay too much attention to music that was coming out during that time. It wasn't until …
Continue reading "Spending the day with Silversun Pickups – Mar 6, 2020"
Today may be International Women's Day but a few days ago on Wednesday, March 4th, female artists helped Mercury Lounge celebrate early. Two Rochester based bands with female leads, Roses & Revolutions with singer/keyboardist Alyssa Coco and KOPPS with singer Patricia Patrón, were the co-headliners but, like me, many were here for opener Caroline Vreeland. …
Continue reading "Caroline Vreeland gets the party started at Mercury Lounge – Mar. 4, 2020"
As an introvert, there are some weeks where I just don't want to get out to concerts. Even though being in a large crowd can be a very lonely experience, it's sometimes nice to just have fewer people around. During the last week of February, I skipped full shows and stopped by the Paste Studio …
Friday night was a good night for me to catch up with a couple of local bands that I've been following for awhile: Purr and Wilsen. Also turns out they both had record releases that day. Purr did a signing for their debut record "Like New". Oddly enough, even though I've been seeing them at …
I seem to have been on the Echosmith promotion tour the last few months, having seen them at Paste Studio and Songkick even before they kicked off their Lonely Generation Tour at le poisson rouge in the Village in NYC. This sibling band (Sydney, Noah and Graham Sierota), with their dad as manager, producer, tour …
Continue reading "Echosmith leads young LA bands at LPR – Feb 13, 2020"
Swedish pop star Tove Lo (aka Ebba Tove Elsa Nilsson), known not just for her danceable tunes and high energy live shows but also for her sexually direct lyrics and for flashing the crowd, hit NYC for two shows as part of her Sunshine Kitty Tour. Having celebrated her record release back in September at …
Continue reading "Tove Lo throws party at Brooklyn Steel – Feb 12, 2020"
East coast met west coast at Paste Studio on Feb 12th. We started with LA band Saint Motel with their cool LA vibe and finished the afternoon with soulful sounds from Brooklyn based Ron Pope. Both are on tour right now so catch them while you can. Click on photos to enlarge Saint Motel Ron …
Continue reading "Saint Motel and Ron Pope at the Paste Studio – Feb 12, 2020"
I always believed punk bands lose their anger as they get older, become more successful, etc. Sir Bob Geldof, Boomtown Rats frontman and the driver behind Band Aid, throws all of that out the window. He is still angry, whether it's about disco and "shit rock", as he calls it, or the political situation in …
Continue reading "Legendary musician and activist Bob Geldof talks to Paste Studio – Feb 11, 2020"
It's been a few years since Grace Potter hit the stage in New York. After a hiatus where she wasn't sure she would return to music, she took inspiration from the birth of her son, Sagan, and started working on a new record. "Daylight" was the result and she hit the Beacon Theatre on Feb …
Continue reading "Grace Potter returns to NYC with new record “Daylight” – Feb 1, 2020"
It was so good to see Grouplove on Thursday after an almost two year hiatus. After last seeing them perform at OzyFest in 2018 and hearing about Hannah Hooper's brain surgery, I wasn't sure if I would ever see one of the most fun bands again! YouTube was nice enough to bring them to a …
Continue reading "Grouplove is back with a bang at YouTube Space – Jan 30, 2020"
Having only recently discovered Your Smith, I was not ready for the amazing evening that awaited me at Rough Trade in Brooklyn on a cold Wednesday night. Caroline Smith had been playing music since she was a teenager in her native Minnesota and after performing under her name for years, she moved to LA in …
Continue reading "Your Smith rules Rough Trade – Jan 29, 2020"
You know you're doing something right when your debut LP is nominated for a GRAMMY award for Best Americana Album. At just 22 years old, Madison Cunningham has done just that with her record "Who Are You Now". While she did not win the award, it shows how mature and respected her music is within …
Continue reading "Madison Cunningham provides her fans a double dose in NYC – Jan 28, 2020"
Sibling band Echosmith got ready to kick off their "Lonely Generation" tour by surprising their fans with an intimate show at the Songkick offices. Those lucky enough to win entry braved the cold as they lined up on West 50th Street. They were rewarded when doors opened with snacks and drinks as they sat on …
Continue reading "Echosmith performs private show at Songkick – Jan 16, 2020"
What do you do when your high school rock band's members go to different colleges, making it difficult to continue to collaborate? Keep things simple with just two members and write some pop songs! That's exactly what Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin of Magdalena Bay did when they got back together one winter break. Named …
Continue reading "Magdalena Bay electrifies Elsewhere Zone One – Jan 15, 2020"
Songland contestant Sam De Rosa, a native New Yorker who now lives in LA, was visiting family for the holidays but took the time out to come over to Paste Studio to play a set. Recently signed to Monument Records, she played three songs including her first official single "Pill for This", which she wrote …
Continue reading "Sam De Rosa kicks off the new year at Paste Studio – Jan 6, 2019"
Starting off part two of my top shows of 2019 with three shows at Madison Square Garden. As I noted in my previous post, it's been an epic year. The Who at Madison Square Garden - September 1, 2019 The Who (Madison Square Garden) - 1 September 2019 When a legendary band from your childhood …
This year was pretty epic for me as a music photojournalist. In addition to this blog, I also shot for Pancakes & Whiskey and QRO Magazine. I attended 83 shows in total although it seemed like so many more. The shows are in date order since it would be impossible for me to rank them …
Singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, poet, activist, dad...however many words we use to describe Kat Cunning (aka Katrina Cunningham), she will, no doubt, blow away those boundaries and create new ones. On a cold and wet night in December, she provided all the heat we needed at Bowery Ballroom. The first opener for Cunning was local …
Continue reading "Kat Cunning wows Bowery Ballroom – Dec 11, 2019"
The annual Pandora holiday show is one of the most anticipated of the season. Previous performers of this huge free event have included Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy, the 1975, Bastille, Post Malone and SZA. This year, the show moved from its previous location at Pier 36 to Avant Gardner in Brooklyn and …
Continue reading "Pandora presents Halsey at Avant Gardner – Dec 10, 2019"
As the holiday season approached, there were quite a number of Christmas themed shows in and around the city. One of the more anticipated was by the duo She & Him, comprised of actor/singer Zooey Deschanel and guitarist M. Ward (Matthew Stephen Ward). A holiday shows seems apropos since 40% of their total records sales …
Continue reading "She & Him bring the joy of Christmas to Kings Theatre – Dec 6, 2019"
Named one of the top 100 guitarists ever by Rolling Stone Magazine, Robert Randolph & the Family Band have been bringing bluesy funk to audiences for a long time. In August, they released their eighth studio album "Brighter Days" and the music is still going strong. Randolph came into the Paste Studio NYC with "Family" …
Continue reading "Robert Randolph brings a little funk to Paste Studio – Dec 4, 2019"
Young artists showcased by MTV Push tend to be the next big thing. Just take a look a couple of 2019's class: Lizzo, Billie Eilish, and H.E.R. If that's any indication, Lolo Zouaï (aka Laureen Rebeha Zouaï) and Isaac Dunbar are in good company and you can expect their careers to skyrocket and hit our …
Continue reading "MTV Push showcases Lolo Zouaï and Isaac Dunbar in Chelsea – Nov 25, 2019"
With a successful forty plus year career behind her, you might think that Gloria Gaynor would sit back and enjoy life...and enjoying life she is! She has a new studio record ("Testimony") out and continues to perform. She says that she just loves to sing and, unlike some "divas" out there, having a million demands …
Continue reading "Gloria Gaynor gives “Testimony” at Paste Studio – Nov 21, 2019"
Lili Trifilio started writing music in school and in her parents' house, channeling the emotions of relationships and breakups. Starting as a solo act, she had released an EP in 2016 when she formed Beach Bunny with guitarist Matt Henkels, bassist Aidan Cada, and drummer Jon Alvarado. Her writing has been prolific, releasing four EPs …
Continue reading "Beach Bunny visits Paste Studio – Nov 19, 2019"
As a huge Yeah Yeah Yeah's fan as well as being a fan of some of Danger Mouse's previous collaborations, I was extremely excited to not only hear the record "Lux Prima" when it first came out in March but to see the interpretation of that record on stage. When they announced two small "Lux …
Continue reading "Karen O & Danger Mouse wow Kings Theatre with Lux Prima – Nov 14, 2019"
Bay area teen Maia, known as mxmtoon, found some time in her busy New York schedule to stop by Paste Studio. Her first studio album "The Masquerade" was released in September, only nine months after her debut EP "Plum Blossom" came out. She's obviously a prolific writer and, why not? She writing about her life …
Continue reading "mxmtoon sings about teenage life at Paste – Nov 14, 2019"
Since I just saw Charly Bliss last week at Paste Studio (see coverage here), there isn't much more I can say that I haven't already said. But this headlining show at Webster Hall had a different feeling to it. Opening for Charly Bliss were Chloe mk, winner of the Voice season 13, and singer/songwriter Samantha …
Continue reading "Charly Bliss celebrates homecoming at Webster Hall – Nov 13, 2019"
NOTE: all photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography Canadian rocker JJ Wilde has been on a touring whirlwind over the last several months and November 12th saw her first headlining show at NYC's Mercury Lounge. Her debut record "Wilde Eyes and Steady Hands", just released back in June, is raw and full of emotion, …
Continue reading "JJ Wilde plays double header – Nov 12-13, 2019"
After being jetlagged and getting up to go to the gym at 6am, you'd think Josephine and Anthony of Oh Wonder would be exhausted as they arrived at Paste Studio in the late afternoon. Nope. They were as upbeat and peppy as ever. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen either of them in …
Continue reading "Oh Wonder debuts new music at Paste Studio – Nov 12, 2019"
Tokyo Police Club frontman Dave Monks has been a busy man. After recording TPC with the band in 2017, he was already taking those first steps towards his second solo record "On A Wave" which was released on October 18th. Monks stopped by Paste Studio to play some songs and talk about the new record. …
Continue reading "Dave Monks goes solo at Paste – Nov 12, 2019"
Talented singer/actor Leslie Odom Jr, best known for his role as Aaron Burr on Broadway's Hamilton, stopped by Paste Studio to give us a preview of his upcoming album "Mr" which will be released tomorrow, November 8th. The soulful sounds from that record is based on Odom looking to make music that he feels Nat …
Continue reading "Leslie Odom Jr plays to “full house” at Paste Studio – Nov 6, 2019"
You already know Tony Bennett as the legendary singer who continues to perform and wow audiences even at the ripe age of 93!! What you may not know is that he's also a talented painter. He's been studying with Frank Porcu at the Arts Students League of New York at 215 West 57th Street under …
Continue reading "Tony Bennett’s art exhibit opens at the Art Students League – Nov 5, 2019"
The first time I heard the squeaky poppy voice of Eva Hendricks, Charly Bliss was opening for Veruca Salt at Webster Hall in 2015. Fast forward to 2019 and two albums later, they have been touring non-stop as both a headliner and opening for bands like Death Cab for Cutie and PUP. Their sophomore album …
Continue reading "Charly Bliss plays Paste Studio – Oct 28, 2019"
If you miss the old days of don't give a fuck punk, you have to go to a Starcrawler show. But buyer beware...if you're near the stage, there is plenty of "band/crowd interaction". You might get water poured on you, a band member may blow their nose over you, your glasses or hat may get …
Continue reading "Starcrawler started Halloween early at Music Hall of Williamsburg – Oct 25, 2019"
In anticipation of their sophomore studio album "Lonely Generation" (release date Jan 10, 2020), Echosmith spent a few days in NYC promoting the upcoming record. This is their first album since 2013's "Talking Dreams" when they burst into our collective consciousness with "Cool Kids". A lot has happened to the Sierota siblings (Sydney - vocals/keyboard, …
Continue reading "Echosmith are still cool kids – Oct 25, 2019"
If you were dating in the late 80s, Richard Marx were a staple of your mixtape. Nowadays, a mixtape means a completely different thing than it did back then but Marx plans to be a part of it as he will be releasing his first studio album in six years with "Limitless" on February 7th. …
Continue reading "Richard Marx brings back memories at Paste Studio – Oct 18, 2019"
If you thought that going to watch a band play in a shoe store would be a pretty chill event, you'd be wrong. Sunflower Bean concerts are typically wild events with lead vocalist/bassist Julia Cumming exhorting the crowd into a frenzy. It turns out this Thursday evening was no different. The show started off innocently …
Continue reading "Sunflower Bean brings a mosh pit to Dr Martens – Oct 17, 2019"
With her new studio album "Champion" set to be released on November 8th, Bishop Briggs (aka Sarah Grace McLaughlin) kicked off the US leg of her Champion tour at Webster Hall in NYC. With three singles ("Champion", "Tattoed on My Heart", and "Jekyll & Hide") already released, fans are eagerly awaiting the new record. Opening for …
Continue reading "Bishop Briggs’ energy detonates at Webster hall – Oct 15, 2019"
Singer, songwriter, actor, dancer...Kat Cunning is doing it all. Besides acting in HBO's the Deuce and Netflix's Trinkets, she has new music out and will be touring soon. She stopped by Paste Studio on Monday to play a few songs. After playing her latest single "For the Love", Cunning talked about the story behind the …
Continue reading "Kat Cunning brought tears to everyone’s eyes at Paste Studio – Oct 14, 2019"
How do you follow up a smash debut album and tour with Harry Styles? Is it sitting at home wondering how you can top it and feeling like a poser? Maybe, but synth-pop band MUNA has come back with a mature and well-produced sophomore album in "Saves the World", released on September 6th. The first …
Continue reading "MUNA celebrate latest record at MHOW – Oct 11, 2019"
With their debut self-titled album released just two weeks ago, Drax Project stopped by YouTube Space NY for a Q&A and private performance for around seventy five fans. Splitting time between their native New Zealand and recording in Los Angeles, the band has been lucky enough to almost always stay in warm climates. Shaan Singh …
Continue reading "Drax Project plays intimate set at YouTube Space NY – Oct 10, 2019"
As a teenager, what type of music do you gravitate to if your dad is a renowned Broadway composer? The opposite of course! Anna Rose, with Tom Waits and Chris Cornell as influences, rocked hard on her first two albums. Her latest record "The Light Between" goes in a slightly different direction. It's a little …
Sk8er bois and grrrls from the 90s rejoiced when Avril Lavigne announced a tour earlier this year to support her latest record "Head Above Water". She kicked off the show with images of herself in a white flowing dress on the beach and in the water. When she came on stage, she had mirrored that …
Continue reading "Avril Lavigne ends five year hiatus with Head Above Water tour – Oct 1, 2019"
It was fitting that Marty Diamond was honored with the SummerStage Icon Award at the 30th Anniversary Gala for the City Parks Foundation. He has helped promote free music and brought many acts to the park including tonight's performers David Gray, Sara Bareilles and Janelle Monáe. The event began with a cocktail hour that ended …
Continue reading "City Parks Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary – Sept 26, 2019"
Talented multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Grace Potter stopped by Paste Studios on Wednesday as she begins to promote her upcoming solo album “Daylight” set to be released on October 25th. This will be her first studio album since “Midnight” in 2017, which had a more pop/dance vibe. If the first single "Back to Me" (released last …
Continue reading "Grace Potter feeling a lot of love at Paste Studio – Sept 18, 2019"
When I saw Counterfeit at Knitting Factory last year, I didn't know the history of the band. I had heard their punk/rock debut LP "Together We Are Stronger" and wanted to see this band that had been voted Best Live Act in 2017 at the AIM Independent Music Awards. I had arrived early and discovered …
Continue reading "Counterfeit blows away Knitting Factory – Sept 10, 2019"
NOTE: all photographs are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography. Full review and photos also posted on Pancakes & Whiskey! "I think I take myself too serious. It's not that serious." That could represent the evolution of Vampire Weekend's music as they've grown older. Life changes when you're no longer in college but are in your …
Continue reading "Vampire Weekend transforms MSG into one big dance floor! – Sept 6, 2019"
I'm not sure whether New York loves Hatchie (aka Harriette Pilbeam) more or vice versa. Last night was her ninth time playing NYC in the last 2 yrs! This time as a headliner, Hatchie is touring in support of her debut LP "Keepsake" and kicked off the US leg of the tour with a stop …
Continue reading "Hatchie kicks off US headlining tour at Rough Trade – Sept 4, 2019"
Forty five years after The Who played their first ever US show in NYC, they hit Madison Square Garden for the second time this year to kick off the second leg of the "Moving On!" tour. Fans are eagerly anticipating their first studio record since 2006's "Endless Wire" and have even more to look forward …
Continue reading "The Who resume their “Moving On!” tour at MSG – Sept 1, 2019"
Brooklyn based folk singer Pearla (aka Nicole Rodriguez) stopped by Paste Studios just 10 days before her new record "Quilting and Other Activities" is set to be released. I actually saw her play at the Beehive in Brooklyn as part of the now defunct Northside Festival in 2017, even before she released her debut EP! …
Continue reading "Paste Studios presents Pearla – Aug 27, 2019"
Friday nights in New York City are meant for partying but, as Alex Lahey says on the first track of her latest LP, "I Don't Get Invited to Parties Anymore". This Melbourne based singer/songwriter has been coming up with witty and very straightforward lyrics since she first entered our collective consciousness with "You Don’t Think …
Continue reading "Alex Lahey is definitely doing it right – Aug 23, 2019"
It's a busy time for British singer/songwriter Bishop Briggs (aka Sarah Grace McLaughlin). After releasing her debut LP "Church of Scars" in 2018, she has kept on writing, releasing her latest single "Champion" just last month. Last night, Universal Music threw a her private party at the Angel Orensanz Foundation, old renovated church on the …
Continue reading "Bishop Briggs gets emotional at private gig on the Lower East Side – Aug 22, 2019"
Since the end of their Sister Sister Sister tour, we hadn't heard much from pop sister band HAIM until they release the single "Summer Girl" just three weeks ago. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that they would be playing at Pier 17 as part of the Chase Sound Check series. Not only that but …
Continue reading "Chase Sound Check with HAIM – Aug 20, 2019"
Dream pop band Moira hit Paste Studios yesterday and debuted some new music. Originally from Dayton, this DIY band was based in Cincinnati for a period of time before returning home recently. In speaking with lead vocalist Alicia Grodecki, the recent shooting in Dayton has greatly affected the band since they had performed often at …
Continue reading "Paste Studios presents Moira – Aug 15, 2019"
One of the first artists to ever perform at Paste Studios, Israeli singer/songwriter Ninet Tayeb, graced these offices for the third time, playing two originals and two covers. She opened with "Self-Destructive Mind", the first song she wrote when she and husband Joseph moved to Los Angeles from Israel. It seems the sun and palm trees …
Continue reading "Paste Studios presents Ninet Tayeb – Aug 15, 2019"
When it was announced that R&B star and multi-instrumentalist H.E.R. (aka Gabriella Wilson) would be headlining a free show at Damrosch Park as part of the summer's Lincoln Center Out of Doors series, I knew it was going to be a madhouse...and rightfully so. Fans started lining up as early as nine in the morning to …
It started off as a beautiful afternoon in Central Park but ended with lightning and a downpour. Alternative band Guster is touring on the heels of their eighth record "Look Alive" with Brooklyn-based indie band Rubblebucket joining them for the last couple of shows. This Summerstage show was a benefit to support the City Parks Foundation. Rubblebucket …
Continue reading "Rubblebucket shone but Guster rained out at Summerstage – Aug 8, 2019"
It was a beautiful Sunday night at Summerstage in Central Park as we looked forward to hearing the smooth sounds of Corinne Bailey Rae, José James and Ruth B. Bailey Rae has been touring the whole summer and New Yorkers were lucky enough to see her for free! The evening was kicked off by Ruth …
Continue reading "Corinne Bailey Rae shines down on Summerstage – Aug 4, 2019"
Since I was born in Taiwan, you'd think I would have some clue regarding music coming out of the tiny island in Asia but I don't. After being immersed in English and American culture (as it were), all of my musical experience came from American radio and bands touring the States. Little did I know …
Continue reading "Taiwanese Waves roll over Summerstage – Aug 3, 2019"
Growing up in the 90s saw the emergence of alternative rock and grunge. But if you were into female singer/songwriters, artists such as FIona Apple, Norah Jones, Dido, and Alanis Morissette also hit the spotlight. As part of that list of amazing songwriters, Sarah McLachlan not only gave us multi-platinum albums "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" and …
Continue reading "Sarah McLachlan soothes the soul at Forest Hills Stadium – Aug 2, 2019"
catch up post Electro-pop band Oh Wonder continued their 2018 tour at Summerstage in New York City's Central Park at the heels of their 2017 record "Ultralife". Opening was singer/songwriter Sasha Sloan (aka Alexandra Artourovna Yatchenko), who's debut EP "Sad Girl" was released in April. NOTE: all photographs are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography Oh …
Continue reading "Oh Wonder thrills Summerstage – July 9, 2018"
Yet another catch up post! Auto manufacturer Lincoln hosted an Atlas Genius show on the waterfront at Pier 17 on July 3rd. As the drizzle came down and lightning threatened, we weren't sure whether the band would get a chance to play but the rain stopped in time for them to get a nice set …
Continue reading "Atlas Genius holds off the rain at Pier 17 – July 3, 2018"
still in catch up mode Scottish electronic pop band Chvrches hosted the record release party for their latest record "Love is Dead" at iHeartRadio's tiny venue in Tribeca on a sunny day in May. With a capacity under 200, it promised to be an intimate event. This photographer was lucky enough to score a quick …
Continue reading "Chvrches celebrates with fans at the iHeartRadio Theatre – May 22, 2018"
still in catch up mode If you want to listen to pop that just makes you happy, Spanish band Hinds have the remedy for you. After the release of their sophomore album I Don’t Run, the band has been on a global tour covering Europe, the US and Canada. On the night of May 10, 2018, …
Continue reading "Hinds party it up at Warsaw – May 10, 2018"
(still in catch up mode) You may be familiar with British punk band COUNTERFEIT lead singer and guitarist Jamie Campbell Bower from his acting work on the Twilight trilogy, Mortal Instruments, or Sweeney Todd. I wasn't but found out quickly as I waited on line with his many fans. Don't let that sway you into …
Continue reading "COUNTERFEIT gets down and dirty at Knitting Factory – May 1, 2018"
(still in catch up mode) Pancakes & Whiskey's series of private shows at the exclusive Soho House continued with local band Kitten making a move on the national scene with their latest record. Opening for them was another mainstay on the New York music scene, Frances Rose. See write-up of my coverage here. NOTE: all …
Continue reading "Kitten and Frances Rose rock Soho House – Mar 31, 2018"
(still in catch up mode) MGMT presided over the Grand Opening of Sony Hall, a collaboration between Sony and Blue Note. The occasion brought out many VIPs and some hardcore MGMT fans waited hours for entry! MGMT did not disappoint as they played old favorites as well as songs from their excellent new record "Little …
Continue reading "MGMT opens the new Sony Hall with a bang! – Mar 27, 2018"
(Still in catch-up mode) After playing her sold out show at Irving Plaza, K.Flay followed it up with another incredible performance at Warsaw. Opening for her was young Brit, Yungblud (aka Dominic Harrison), who got the crowd energized with his hard hitting hip hop inspired act. Thanks to Loudie NYC for the tickets! NOTE: all photographs …
Continue reading "K Flay slays Warsaw (yeah i know) – Mar 20, 2018"
If my previous post was about a band that took me back to my school days, many in the audience at this Lights show are still living through their school days, including a 9 yr old in the balcony. Her 4th studio album paired with a comic book mini-series that she wrote and drew really …
Continue reading "“We Were Here” for Lights at Irving Plaza – Feb 26, 2018"
I was taken back to my school days as the original line-up for Bananarama is touring the United Stated for the first time. I still remember mixed tapes with "Love in the First Degree"! My write-up and photos are here. NOTE: all photographs are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography
(Still in catch-up mode) Dr. Martens kicked off their customization tour with food, drinks, swag and a kickin' live set from Charly Bliss. This indie pop/rock band was set to explode as they would tour later in 2018 with Death Cab for Cutie. Baby's All Right could barely contain their infectious energy but that's exactly …
Continue reading "Dr. Martens Customization Tour featuring Charly Bliss – Feb 21, 2018"
My first show shooting for Pancakes and Whiskey was a sold out Børns concert at Terminal 5. My write-up and photos are here. NOTE: all photographs are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography
You know that feeling when the local band you've been following starts to make it and you're torn because, on the one hand, you want them to succeed and hit it big but, on the other hand, you want to continue to see them in cozy venues? Well, I have that feeling with both these …
Continue reading "Sunflower Bean and Sleigh Bells rock Brooklyn Steel – Feb 13, 2018"
Monday brought another show in the Steve Madden Presents series, this time with Bishop Briggs headlining and Philadelphia transplant Anna Shoemaker opening. It was a cold day in Williamsburg but fans had started lining up around 3pm. When Shoemaker took the stage at 9pm, she couldn't contain her excitement and mentioned that this capacity crowd …