All articles by KC

Earlier this month, Nobody Likes A Racist debuted two tracks online via no record labels, no co-branding, no politics and \”no reason not to – just two pals making music.\” With Dez on the mic and Trumastr providing the beats, this collaboration naturally came out awesome. I always appreciate when musicians are able to set
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Friday: Grand Re-Opening of Ms. Dixie’s Tattoo

I’m happy to see that 2015 is carrying the momentum of last year, with more new local businesses consistently popping up, in both Albany and Troy alike. Next to join the roster is Ms. Dixie’s Tattoo, which has recently relocated from its original location in Troy, to 7 Hill Street, nestled in Troy’s original Little
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KC’s Music Monday: Rome Fortune – Small World

Recently Rome Fortune released his third project of the year – an 11-track EP titled “Small VVorld.” The album features production from Four Tet, Blood Diamonds and Bassnecter, as well as guest appearances from artists, OG Maco and ILOVEMAKONNEN, with the hopes to have some of the new talent that Atlanta is harboring represented alongside
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Men of Many Crowns: Review

I took my first listen of Men of Many Crowns self-titled debut album while raking leaves in my parents front yard. I may as well have been aimlessly skipping stones because the afternoon wind picked up every fifteen minutes, throwing me off and giving me an excuse to keep checking my phone to see what
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KC’s Music Monday: J57

If I was a musician, after finishing a project, I’d probably allow myself take some time to relax before starting the next one. And that’s one of maybe thirty reasons why I’m not a producer or rapper. Brooklyn-based J57, of the Brown Bag All Stars, just happens to be both. And he puts the work
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Mike Arson “Playing With Matches”: Review

Starting off a track with a line like “Yeah that beat sound good, don’t it?” is saying what I assume most hyped rappers and producers think when a certain beat catches their ear when starting a project. In Mike Arson’s case, the man has practically been drowning in beats for other people’s albums for years
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Seez Mics “Cruel Fuel”: Review

Learning that Seez Mics has a background in spoken word poetry made perfect sense to me after listening to his latest release, “Cruel Fuel.” Seez Mics, known for being one-half of his former group Educated Consumers and for his time as an American Battle MC, has been in the game for a long time, and
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Tonight: “Metropolis” with live score by lastdayshining

Tonight, the main branch of the Albany Public Library, is featuring a showing of the silent film “Metropolis” from 1927. The film will be accompanied with a live score from locals lastdayshining. If you’ve never been to an event like this, it truly is an interesting display of talent and creative interpretation. The performance is
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Evil Dead the Musical at Proctors

Nothing beats kicking off the week of Halloween with a little fake blood. Or in the case of Evil Dead — the Musical, a lot of fake blood. From the event page: The record-breaking musical comedy sensation takes all the elements of Sam Raimi’s cult classic films — Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army
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Mic Lanny & James Rock ‘Good Grief’: Review

When local emcee Mic Lanny teamed up with James Rock, of Mirk, I knew the result would be something interesting. Both musicians are harboring raw talent and have been working to find their signature sounds and styles, as evident in that both musicians are really just only getting started. This Friday marks the official release
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Recap: Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show at Proctors

Last night debuted the new monthly comedy series Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show at Proctors. Much like the entire theater, the basement of Proctors is well-kept and last night’s event revealed that the space is a somewhat hidden asset to the theatre. Being able to utilize the space for an underground and local comedy
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Artist Spotlight: Anthony DiMaggio & Chris Peterson

Anthony DiMaggio and Chris Peterson, both hailing from the Hoosick Falls area, were brought together by a force larger than their artwork alone. The two share many of the same perspectives and philosophies, often expressed in their work, and have taken it upon themselves to make it their life mission to not only uphold the
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Interview with Richard Daley of RD Horology

I recently saw really gorgeous photos of watches popping up on my Facebook and had to investigate. These watches were not only made by hand, but they were being made locally. RD Horology is watchmaker based in Albany that is returning the age-old art of the hand-built mechanical wristwatch. I took some time to talk
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Artist Spotlight: Rachel Baxter

On occasion, people will ask me for advice on how to book an art show. I have no idea why, besides the fact that I have a vested interest in local art and often attend shows in the area. I have never booked an art show, but if you ask artist Rachel Baxter, she’d most
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Tonight: Grand Opening of Henry Loves Betty Pet Boutique

In the past couple of months, it practically feels like I’ve run out of fingers to count the brand new and recently revamped businesses blossoming in Albany. It’s an awesome and exciting time for things locally, to say the least. Tonight marks the grand opening of the Fort Orange General Store on Delaware Ave in
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KC’s Music Monday: HORSE – Giant Gorilla Dog Thing

After finding an opportunity in a normal conversation with Mitch, of Giant Gorilla Dog Thing, to quote back his own lyrics to him, it dawned on me that I’ve spent way too much time listening to their new album to NOT put together any words out there about it. And that I’m a total fangirl
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Tonight: Free Calzone Day at DP Dough

In celebration of all things calzone and the new ownership and renovation of Albany’s D.P. Dough, the company will be hosting a Free Calzone Day tonight between the hours of 5 and 8pm. To get a free calzone for dinner later today, all you have to do is come into the location at 212 Western
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Review: “DEADication” – JB!! aka Dirty Moses

Tomorrow night at the Hollow on North Pearl, a handful of my favorite staples in the 518 hip hop community will join forces to celebrate the release of two new albums, “DEADicated” and “Highly Effective,” by JB!! aka Dirty Moses and Dudley aka Origin respectively. The dual record release show will feature performances from Dudley,
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Scope & Fountain NYC: Recap & Photos

Earlier this month, I made trip to the city for just under a 24-hour period, warrior Megabus style, in order to catch up with some friends and check out this year’s New York City installment of the annual Scope and Fountain art fairs, in conjunction with Armory Arts Week. This year marked my third year
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Ticket Giveaway: Born Low at Bogies

This Saturday, March 15th, marks Born Low‘s official record release show for their latest LP, titled Refuse to Beg. Born Low will be joined by Incendiary, King Nine, Enforcers, Aggressive Response, and Trife Life, bringing together a truly stacked bill to Bogies in celebration of the new album and to break up this winter’s wearisome
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Artist Spotlight: Persephone Pomme

This past summer (which feels like it was ages away, while this summer’s also feeling like it’s ages away), I sat down with C. Amanda Boutahorse to talk about the art of burlesque, how she got into it and where you can find burlesque in Albany. Since our interview, C. Amanda Boutahorse has put on
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Oh Honey signs to Atlantic Records

Earlier today, indie folk/pop duo Oh Honey, was signed to Atlantic Records. Oh Honey is comprised of vocalist and Clifton Park native, Danielle Bouchard, and guitarist/vocalist Mitchy Collins, of NYC. While the duo is currently based out of Brooklyn, we wanted to take a quick minute to say a well-deserved congrats to Danielle and Mitchy.
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KC’s Music Monday: Ear Food Vol. 2

Back in April of last year, the gentlemen of local label Pig Food Records released a free instrumental compilation produced by PJ Katz titled Ear Food Volume 1. It has had a happy home in my iPhone’s music folder ever since. Last month, the second instrumental curation in the series, Ear Food Volume 2, was
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Ticket Giveaway: Titus Andronicus at Valentines

Titus Andronicus will be returning to Albany to play a farewell show at Valentines on Sunday, December 29th. They will be joining Summer People, if Madrid and slowshine to give a proper send off to Valentines before it is bulldozed. Tickets are available in advance and doors will be at 7pm. Courtesy of Dellarocca Booking,
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Miami Art Basel 2013: Photos and Recap

Last year, I made the trek to Miami for the internationally acclaimed Art Basel, on a total whim. That’s the thing about Miami – it’s such a popular travel destination that if you play your cards right and search online diligently, even booking last minute, you can fly there roundtrip for way less than one
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Saturday: A Hardcore/Metal Farewell to Valentine’s Music Club

Charles Cure, of HUSH., and Ryan Slowey of Maggot Brain, teamed up months ago to put together a stacked bill that Valentine’s has not seen before in the same night, all comprised of bands that Valentine’s has played host to over the years. There’s no better time than this upcoming Saturday to pay your respects,
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Must Watch: Pig Food Records’ “Beef Patty Freaks”

As I mentioned earlier this past week, Pig Food Records teamed up with Seasons Skate Shop for their second annual collaboration. This year, they called upon the master Jeremy Fish to design the artwork for a special edition skateboard deck and it came out awesome. It’s now available at Seasons and online via PFR. And
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Seasons Skate Shop x Pig Food Records x Jeremy Fish

Our friends over at Seasons Skate Shop and Pig Food Records have teamed up with the incredibly talented and oh-so-dope Jeremy Fish for their second annual collaboration. This year’s collaboration also features a PFR posse cut featuring Giant Gorilla Dog Thing, elsphinx, Benn Grim, Grizzly Grimace, Alaska, and Dizzo, produced by PJ Katz. The song
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KC’s Music Monday: No Pepper

At the end of this month, twelve of the area’s best in hardcore and metal will be joining forces to say a fond farewell to Valentine’s. Many (if not most) of the bands coming together for the No Pepper: A Hardcore/Metal Farewell tribute have played Valentine’s at various chapters in their careers – whether as
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Saturday: ASAP’s Annual Fall Ball

This Saturday, November 9th, the Albany Society for the Advancement of Philanthropy will be hosting its annual Fall Ball at La Serre. This year’s celebration marks ASAP’s tenth year of doing good in Albany. For those of you unfamiliar, the Albany Society for the Advancement of Philanthropy is a non-profit organization with the express purpose
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Today: Official opening of The Grocery in Troy

Today at 11am, Vic Christopher and the team behind The Grocery will be cutting a ceremonial sausage link to commemorate the official opening of the new store, which is located at 211 Broadway in Troy. Open 7 days at 11am, The Grocery will feature fresh produce, cured meats, artisan cheeses, craft beer, and a variety
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Tonight: The Halloween Edition of the Cretin Hop

Tonight at the Fuze Box, the monthly rock-n-roll-fueled dance party series, the Cretin Hop, will be flexing all things Halloween. Costumes are encouraged as D-Beat Lobster will be providing a fitting soundtrack for the evening. The first twenty people to show up at the door will receive a prize and there will also be drink
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Ticket Giveaway: Halfway to 420 Party

Our friends over at Tree Shurts are hosting a party this Saturday at Red Square, in celebration of their latest collaboration with Flesh-N-Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. In addition to hosting performances by Flesh-N-Bone, locals PJ Katz, DeeJay Element, DeeJay Tone and DJ Nate Da Great will be joining in on the fun. The evening will
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Tomorrow: The Doppelgangaz at Valentine’s

Tomorrow night’s show at Valentine’s has a stacked bill. Pig Food Records and Beat*Shot have joined forces to host The Doppelgangaz, alongside local favorites Elsphinx, DJ White Lotus, Oddy Gato and DJ Trumastr. The latest release from the Doppelgangaz, a duo from New York, is one of my favorite independent releases this year has seen
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Action Bronson and Danny Brown at Skidmore: Recap

This past Friday, the Williamson Sports and Recreation Center at Skidmore played host to Danny Brown and Action Bronson. Skidmore is becoming one of my favorite places to catch a show. They budget for bigger acts and put on a great show without stacking the bill too high. Two acts, with a brief segue from
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Catching up with 518 music vol. 1

I’m guilty of being a binge-listener. To some degree, I always have been. When an album catches my eye – or rather my ear – I tend to chronically listen to it until I find the next thing to fixate on. In recent days, I can try to blame it on Kanye’s Yeezus, or Pure
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Review: Dephyant – Dirty Pairadice

Earlier this month, locals Dephyant, an emcee and freestyle connoisseur and producer Raw Threat shared with us their latest album, Dirty Pairadice through a digital release. After giving us a couple weeks to get acquainted, tomorrow (Friday) is the official release party for the album. Taking place at Bogies, the release party will feature performances
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Revisionaries: New series at the Arts Center

The Arts Center is starting a new media series, titled Revisionaries, starting this Saturday the 14th. For the series, the Arts Center is hosting two NYC-based film/video archivists, 99 Hooker and Bro. Russell Scholl, as curators for the series. The first program in their fall series is called America Loves You, which will highlight weird,
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Tonight: SammyFest in Saratoga

Earlier this summer, on July 25th, our friend and local musician Samuel Babydude Yager was involved in an bicycle accident that has left him in a coma. Sammy is showing signs of improvement daily, as he builds up strength at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Center. His progress has been tracked and updated almost daily by his family
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Video: Masai – Where I Went Wrong

Earlier this summer, I killed an hour of a hungover morning, appearing as a cameo in a music video for my friend and local musician Masai. “Where I Went Wrong” is one of my favorite tracks off of Masai’s album, which I reviewed back in February this year and the concept for the video matches
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Review: Self Defense Family – The Corrections Officer in Me

Self Defense Family is one of my favorite bands that I don’t really listen to regularly. I definitely don’t qualify as a diehard fan by any means but I have consistently enjoyed what I have heard, both recorded and live, even though I couldn’t name a single track. I also have very little interest in
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Quality events for this weekend vol. 99

Friday August 23 Traver’s Eve Party with DJ Nate Da Great, Trumastr and Oddy Gato at the Putnam Den. There will be an on-site photo booth courtesy of Rhema Photo and has all the trustworthy ingredients to be the best party happening in Saratoga for Traver’s weekend. Swingin’ Utters, Slaughterhouse Chorus, Plastic Jesus and Savage
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Video: Giant Gorilla Dog Thing and Iron Mic

At exactly 12 noon today, the “Iron Giants” video made its grand debut on SYFFAL. For two weeks this past July, Giant Gorilla Dog Thing and Iron Mic (Iron Bar Collective + Mic Lanny) put up with me (and vice versa) and the footage for this video was captured on the road and during every
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RestFest announces lineup

This year’s event will be taking place at the Contemporary Artists Center at Woodside in Troy on September 6th and 7th. It was announced last month that Man Man would be headlining RestFest on Saturday as part of their month long North American tour supporting their upcoming album, and since then, the final RestFest lineup
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Quality events for this weekend vol. 98

Friday August 16 Linear North, Missionaries and The Mystios: Early show at the UAG, great way to kick off your evening. Just-IN Time for Friday: With DJ Trumastr providing your night’s soundtrack. 80s night at the Fuze Box. Costumes encouraged. Saturday August 17 80s night: Hans hosts at Valentine’s for a late night dance party.
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Review: M.R. Blackout – The New Perspective

Today marks the release of the latest project from M.R. Blackout, a Schenectady-based emcee. The New Perspective is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of listening to M.R. Blackout in the recorded format. Considering I’ve caught him perform live and had countless conversations about music in the past, it feels long overdue. As a
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EMPAC Fall 2013 schedule

EMPAC has recently put the finishing touches on its schedule for the fall. If you haven’t been to EMPAC yet, I have little to say to you, besides just go. Scroll down their list of events and pick something at random and just go. It’s an incredible venue in your backyard and you’re really missing
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New Salon: Patsy’s Pin Ups

Next week, Patsy’s Pin Ups, a new hair salon located directly next door to Patsy’s Barber Shop at 3 Howard Street, will open its doors for its soft opening on August 15th. The grand opening for the salon will take place on September 6th. The salon, much like the name implies, will hold a retro,
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July visit to MASS MoCA: Photos

Earlier this week, I checked out the latest installations at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. I haven’t been in just over a year and a half, so pretty much everything was new to me, save for Sol LeWitt‘s ongoing exhibit. You easily can spend all day there without feeling overwhelmed from “too much” art.
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Ticket Giveaway: Neutron Rats at Valentine’s, July 27

This Saturday at Valentine’s, Neutron Rats will be releasing their second 7″, titled the “Bomb Worship EP.” In addition, the self-described “feedback tantrum raw punk manchildren, professional weirdos and heartthrobs” will be hosting Rotten UK (of Rochester) and locals Aggressive Response and Blood Rites. Given the recent news about the fate of the current location
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