ANNOUNCEMENTS
WYRK'S VIRTUALLY ACOUSTIC SHOW HIGHTLIGHTS
While we couldn't bring the typical Spring Acoustic Show to you due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we weren't giving up that easy. The show, as they say, must go on--even if happens a little differently. Tell you what, Buffalo...we made it HAPPEN.
WYRK's first ever Virtually Acoustic Show, brought to you by Envision Real Estate and Premium Mortgage Corp, featured three ultra-talented WNY artists: Fuzzy of our 2020 TOC Riser Winner Fuzzy and the Rustbelts, 2020 TOC Riser runner-up OsbornNash and 2018 TOC Riser Kate Mallen. Kate offered to play from her house so that everyone could be appropriately socially distanced, and she opened the show up with an amazing, upbeat set. OsbornNash and Fuzzy shared the WYRK stage after that, trading soulful melodies and top-notch vocals back and forth. Finally, Russell Dickerson took over the WYRK Facebook Live feed and closed things out with his own acoustic set from an undisclosed location. We can't thank our talented artists enough for bringing a little bit of joy and country music to our WYRK audience, and of course we thank the thousands of listeners who spent an evening with us focusing on fun. We can't wait to see you all at all the outdoor concerts as soon as we're able to get back out there!
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WYRK STAFF | March 26, 2020
Following a showcase of some of WNY's most talented country artists, we have our 2020 TOC Riser--Fuzzy and the Rustbelts! They outlasted five other amazing acts in the TOC Riser competition at the Bear's Den at the Seneca Niagara Casino. The talented group will open the 2020 Toyota Taste of Country, performing in front of 25,000 of Buffalo's biggest country fans! They'll also open up the 2020 Fall Acoustic Show. We are excited to welcome Fuzzy and the Rustbelts to the ranks of WYRK's TOC Risers!
WYRK STAFF | December 8, 2019
HOME (AWAY FROM HOME)
"NEW" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Fuzzy & The Rustbelts released their second music video, Home (Away from Home). Release Date: 11.29.2019
PORCH TALK (PODCAST)
ALAN ALDRIDGE INTERVIEW - December 11, 2019
Fuzzy & Alan burn down the phone lines in this episode where they recap a momentous year for Fuzzy & The Rustbelts. From coming out of a touch 2018 to rising in 2019, winning contests, playing festivals, Willie Nelson, and defining the sound of the band...Fuzzy & The Rustbelts have begun to find their way. Stories of songwrighting, advice for musicians, and plugs for all the thing Fuzzy & The Rustbelts are up to.
BEST OF WESTERN NEW YORK
BY BOB SILVESTRI - Best of WNY Music Critic
The best music is that which comes from the heart. It has to have a passion and unforced feeling to it to capture the essence and meaning of the song. The latest release from Fuzzy & The Rustbelts captures those feelings and more with their new album That Sweet Song. The nine track collection treads in the Americana Roots genre and shows the band (Eric Adams-bass, Karl Maciag-guitar/drums/organ, Jeff Pacer-drums/organ, Joseph K. Renowden-lead guitar, Amanda Stoddard-vocals and J. Fuzzy Thurston-vocal/guitar/harmonica) can go from rockers to ballads to uplifting yet not overbearing inspirational songs. Fuzzy's husky gravelly voice and delivery makes a believer out of every word of love, hurt and devotion that he sings about. Lots of good stuff to dig into here including "American Tattoo", the conflicted love song and chugging rocker "Fifty Million", three ballads "The Flatlander", "Home (Away from Home)" and a duet with Stoddard on the title cut "That Sweet Song", "Ship of Fools" and the traveling music with a spiritual bent album closer "Mountain Song". For more information about Fuzzy & The Rustbelts including tour dates and how to purchase their new album That Sweet Song visit www.fuzzyandtherustbelts.com or www.facebook.com/fuzzyandtherustbelts.
ALBUM REVIEW - AUGUST 2019
BY ANDREW PERKINS - FGR MUSIC GROUP
When you buy an album I am certain that you gravitate to a few songs that you deem your favorites. I can remember picking up a new CD because it had that one song I loved. I would listen to that song on repeat, learn all the lyrics, tell others about it, but wouldn’t give the time of day to the rest of the songs. With that being said, every now and then an album comes along where I enjoy every song. I will listen to it from front to back without skipping a track. “That Sweet Song” is one of those albums.
This album by Fuzzy and the Rustbelts is a complete package musically. This release has an old school country / Americana feel, and covers the dynamical spectrum. There are upbeat tracks such as “50 Million” and “Hello June” as well as calmer acoustic tracks like “Home (Away From Home)” and “American Tattoo”.
When you listen to this album you can hear the soul, emotion, and passion in Fuzzy’s voice. It seems that this sound came naturally and nothing was forced when putting it all together. When asked about the album, Fuzzy himself said that “the theme began to become clear….Mountains, Rivers, God. Mountains are the ultimate hurdle. We all need to climb mountains and cross rivers to overcome our fears. But more importantly we all need to pray and realize that we can’t do it alone. This album encompasses so many thoughts, stories, and feelings that ultimatley make up the all American experience.”
This album is set to release February 15th and they are holding a release show on that date at The 9th Ward in Buffalo. I have heard that it is sold out but if there is a way you can get to that show I would definitely recommend it. I have not gotten the chance to see them live but I look forward to the day I do.