By NICHOLAS NEGRON
Contributing Writer
Rocktoberfest is coming back to Saint Rose on Oct. 22. The event will be held at St. Joseph’s Hall, starting at 3 p.m. The free annual music festival is sure to be a hit, with food, drinks, games and an extra-spooky haunted house. Last year, the event drew in a lively crowd. The Music Industry Student Association (MISA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAFME) are hoping to top last year, and have assembled six different acts for the concert series.
In preparation for Rocktoberfest, here’s a quick playlist of some must-hear songs, come Oct. 22.
“Walk Me Down”- Nemes, I Carry Your Heart
Nemes is an indie-rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. Their debut album, “I Carry Your Heart,” was released in Fall 2014. After performing in the subway stations of Boston, the album has propelled them to greater stages in the North East. Nemes has opened for bands such as X Ambassadors and Guster. The band prides themselves on creating layered melodic tones and incorporating violin shredding into their music. Nemes is ready to rock Rocktoberfest.
“Ready for You”- Young Culture, You
Young Culture has really hit the road in 2016, performing around New York. Their dedicated social media presence, not to mention a stellar debut album, “You,” has contributed to the group’s emergence. If you want to know more about them, be sure to follow Young Culture on Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud. They are constantly interacting with fans and posting photographs from each concert they perform. Young Culture will definitely get the party going with their unique pop-rock sound.
“Free Again”- Second Child, “Beginners”
This boy/girl duo has been performing for years, together and separately. Both artists have played international venues including The Forum in London and a stage in Wolverhampton. Their intellectual yet enjoyable music is influenced by just about everything they hear. The duo describes their sound as “accessible without sacrificing its integrity.” Their debut EP, “The Cutting Room,” was released in September 2014. Saint Rose is excited for Second Child to light up the stage at this year..
“The Party” – And The Traveler, “And The Traveler”
And the Traveler is a four-piece band hailing from Westchester, New York. Their progressive rock vibe aims—and succeeds—at telling a story through music. Jazz-infused tunes and radio rock friendly rhythms diversify their catalog. Founded in 2010, the band’s latest EP, “And The Traveler,” was released in January 2016. The band is welcoming and invites everyone to “feel a true vibe” at their show. Get ready to feel the vibe on Oct. 22.
“The Pub (Coke Bar)” – M!les, “The M!les High Club”
M!les prides himself on bringing old-school hip hop flavor to the modern day. His music is unapologetically authentic. His six-song collection, “The M!les High Club,” can and should be streamed on Soundcloud. M!les can be seen performing in venues across Albany, turning the party on its head. We’re expecting St. Joseph’s Hall to get the same treatment.
“Flawless” – Boy Go Fast, “Great Start to a Bad Day”
Boy Go Fast has been getting gigs all across the Capital Region. The group combines classic and alternative rock, to create their own distinctive sound. The Albany-based band has released two projects in 2016, “The Time Next Year” and “A Great Start to a Bad Day.” They have collaborated with fellow Rocktoberfest artist M!les on the song “Flawless.” Hopefully, we’ll see this collaboration onstage.
Listen to this perfect playlist in preparation for Rocktoberfest 2016. Good music and good people will fill Saint Joseph’s Hall on Oct. 22!
