Blue Cadet-3: A Music Blog by Josh R.

  (Dan Shapiro) Dan Shapiro is a guitarist and vocalist in Builders, a band with a philosophy that matches Shapiro’s own fierce work ethic. Shapiro is also the owner of the Troy Speakeasy, a local venue that really puts the y in ‘do it yourself.’ Shapiro has been working on rebuilding what was once a stripped down, barren house into a full blown music space with it’s own stage, equipment and charming outdoor sign. Over the months, I’ve seen the speakeasy grow and build itself (quite literally) from the ground up, and sat down to speak with Shapiro himself about his band and how his background in construction has benefited his musical endeavors.  RRX: So first, give me some insight into the background. Does the band (Builders) come first or did the Speakeasy location come first? DS: Actually, the band came first. I was trying to do a location in Kingston but the market was nuts. James, who’s in Grampfatherrr, and I were living together in Kingston.We didn’t own the place we were at so w

  The Classical is Joe Restivo and Matt Louis, who have teamed up to create their beautifully psychedelic debut album titled Graffiti Chorus. On top of working on their music, the duo also co-operate Paintbox records, an independent label they founded alongside Brendon Snell of Senior Living. Joe and Matt wrote in the describe their new album, their fellow artists and what Paintbox Records means to them. RRX: So, from what I understand The Classical is primarily the collaboration between Joe and Matt. Can you guys give me some insight into how the project started?   ML: The Classical essentially started out of necessity. Joe and I have been playing music together since high school, but once we started Paintbox Records we needed a name to release our music under. Our previous group was slightly horrible, with some sparse bursts of real interesting sounds that served as stepping stones to the music we make currently.  JR: Yeah there was some flailing around when it came to what our sou

  (L-R: Ed Weisgerber, Dan Barrachia, Joe Giambra) Shred Flintstone are the energetic three-piece made up of frontman Dan Barrachia, bassist and fellow vocalist Ed Weisgerber and drummer Joe Giambra. The outfit has toured extensively in the U.S. and Canada showing off an explosive and dynamic sound to basement shows as well as established venues. Their sophomore release titled Unlimited Power arrived to eager ears on September 3rd, 2021. After a powerful set at the Byrdhouse in Albany, I managed to arrange a sit down with the hottest New Jersey band since Visiting Day. Shred Flintstone discusses their album, their crazy tours and some of their wacky music videos below.  RRX: So, to start let’s just talk about the new album, Unlimited Power. Am I correct that this is your second full-length to date? JG: Yes, second full album. RRX: How did you go about working on it? Was it all you guys doing an independent recording or did you have other people working on recording, mixing or anything