//The Future of Upstate Music Is Friday at The Radio Room
luxx band

The Future of Upstate Music Is Friday at The Radio Room

Brett Barest

One thing being on the Upstate Music Award committee taught me is that the Upstate music scene is comprised of a wide demographic net. There are folks that have been local mainstays for years, there is the younger generation just cutting their teeth on the scene, and all points in between. The crystal ball on what is to come, of course, is in those younger acts to see what they are doing now and what we can expect from them in the years ahead. For those wondering what that sounds like, look no further than The Radio Room Friday night when a couple of those bands will let us know that the future is bright in these parts.

The evening is headlined by Luxx who is celebrating the release of their new LP Songs From the Simulation. My introduction to Luxx was their 2020 EP Deluxx Edition which is five songs and 20 minutes of exactly what I want out of my local, indie, punk influenced garage back. The first track “Strawberry Fanta” lets you know in no uncertain terms what you are getting into right out of the gate. The third track “Judith” is a classic teen angst love song and might be the album’s highlight but, really, all five of these tracks hit me in all the right places. It is obvious to me why they were a UMA nominee for Best EP and I cannot wait to listen to their full length effort this weekend. 

Luxx will be joined by another indie rock local up-and-comer courtesy of Ill Intentions. Another UMA nominee, Ill intentions was considered for Best Single with “Pond Water” and Best Video for “Disgusting”. Both were favorites of mine in each category and, while they were not a finalist for either, it is only a matter of time before Ill Intentions makes a much bigger name for themselves.

These two bands are but a taste of what is coming from the newer folks on the local scene but, still, it is hard not to be excited about what the future holds.

Saturday night isn’t too shabby itself as long time punk rockers Treephort make their Radio Room debut with support from the Upstate’s own Chunx and Psycho Psycho. This is a great triple billing of local and nationally touring punk rock and guarantees for a Saturday night you will not soon forget.

All of this is taking place just over a year as the world as we knew it came to a screeching halt. Yes, we are still wearing masks and social distancing. Yes, we are currently trying to make appointments for vaccinations. Yes, many of us wonder if we are doing the right thing when we do just about anything. But the music is here and more and more of it is on the way as we continue to push this mess further out of view in our rear-view mirror. If you are up for it, get out and see a show. The music needs you as much as we need it and we will all be better off for it.


Upstate Live Music Calendar

[wbcr_php_snippet id=”174873″]