Five acts to see at New Colossus Festival 2020

This week, the New Colossus Festival takes over several New York City venues to promote musical acts from around the globe. With a plethora of acts performing, we showcase five you should check out during the festival. Badges for the festival, which include access to conferences, can be purchased here. The New Colossus Festival takes place from March 11 through March 15.

Bad Waitress
Performing at: Arlene’s Grocery (March 11 at 10 p.m., March 12 at 7:45 p.m., and March 13 at 4:30 p.m.)

Canadian punk outfit Bad Waitress have gained mileage performing alongside The Bronx, Rise Against, and L7. In January, the group unveiled their latest single “That Sedative,” which is the their first new piece of music since their 2018 debut EP Party Bangers Volume:1. More tunes from the four piece can be expected in the near future.

No Crafts
Performing at: Pianos (March 13 at 3 p.m.) and Lola (March 14 at 7 p.m.)

Hailing from Spain, indie pop outfit No Crafts, who’ll make their North American debut at the festival, have been gaining a buzz performing alongside acts such as The Orwells and Rufus T. Firefly. Over the years, the band have released a slew of compelling singles, including their new release “Self​-​Care.”

Begonia
Performing at: Bowery Electric (March 13 at 10:30 p.m.) and Pianos - Upstairs (March 14 at 7 p.m.)

Canadian pop outfit Begonia has been packing venues across North America in support of their debut studio album Fear. The 12-track release found the artist teaming up with Royal Canoe members Matt Schellenberg and Matt Peters and producer Marcus Paquin (The National, Arcade Fire) to deliver a remarkable pop masterpiece. The artist will arrive at New Colossus Festival in the midst of another trek through the area.

Honey Lung
Performing at: Pianos - Live Room (March 11 at 7 p.m., March 12 at 9:15 p.m., and March 13 at 5:15 p.m.), Berlin (March 13 at 8:30 p.m.), and Arlene’s Grocery (March 14 at 3:45 p.m. and March 15 at 3 p.m.)

Hailing from London, alternative rock quartet Honey Lung got their name while listening to The Jesus & Mary Chain’s “Just Like Honey” during a session. Last year, the outfit unveiled Memory, which is a collection of previously released singles and demos. Honey Lung will be in the area promoting their new single “Be My Friend,” which is out on Big Scary Monsters.

Thud
Performing at: Pianos - Upstairs (March 12 at 8:30 p.m. and March 14 at 12:45 p.m.) and Bowery Electric (March 13 at 9:45 p.m.)

Forming in 2012, Hong Kong dream pop act Thud found themselves performing alongside acts such as Yuck, Mogwai, and Beach Fossils in their home country. Last month, the outfit released their entrancing new single “North Action.” Their performances at New Colossus Festival will be their first time performing in the United States.

The five best NYC concerts for the week of January 20, 2020

In the mood to discover your new favorite music act? Well, New York City is packed with a ton of concerts for your pleasure. We’ve picked five amazing shows taking place across the city from January 20 through January 26. Tickets for these concerts are on sale to the general public right now.

Wednesday, January 22

Bad Waitress @ Mercury Lounge

Last week, Canadian punk group Bad Waitress unveiled their new single “That’s Sedative.” On Wednesday, the band will play an early show inside the Mercury Lounge with support from Castle Rat and Old Lady. Bad Waitress have been seen touring with acts such as Rise Against and The Bronx in support of their debut EP Party Bangers Volume:1.

J Roddy Walston, Parker Gispert @ Bowery Ballroom

J. Roddy Walston will give some fan favorites from J. Roddy Walston and the Business a new feeling with some synthesizers and pianos. Aside from the re-imagined tunes, the singer will also introduce some new songs during this special performance. The Whigs frontman Parker Gispert, who unveiled their solo debut album Sunlight Tonight in 2018, will open.

Thursday, January 23

Ider, Raia Wes @ Rough Trade NYC

U.K. alternative rock duo Ider will arriving inside Rough Trade NYC to promote their debut album Emotional Education. The act have been earning mileage in Europe with tours alongside Tegan and Sara and Oh Wonder. Songwriter Raia Was, who is supporting their new EP titled Angel I'm Frightened (Side A), will open.

The Sadies, Cliff Westfall @ Union Pool

Canadian rock band The Sadies will have a two night stint inside Union Pool on Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24. Their Thursday performance will feature special guest Cliff Westfall, who is supporting their album Baby You Win. On January 24, the band will release their split with King Khan. The Sadies’ last studio album was 2017’s Northern Passages.

Friday, January 24

Samantha Urbani, Sedona @ Elsewhere

Last fall, Samantha Urbani made their return with the electric track “Made in Love.” The artist will have a special headlining show inside Elsewhere to test some new material. Joining them as support are Sedona, who will release their debut EP this year, and Tara, who unveiled their new single “Nine to Five” last month.

Canadian punkers Bad Waitress release new single "That Sedative"

Since 2018’s Party Bangers Volume:1., Toronto punk group Bad Waitress have been busy with tours alongside L7 and Rise Against. Fans have been waiting patiently for new music, and today, their wishes came true with “That Sedative.” The visual for the track was directed by Ryan Faist, who previously did videos for Dizzy and John Eatherly.

Bad Waitress will be performing in New York and Toronto in the following weeks. In March, they’ll be on the festival circuit with performances at New Colossus Festival and SXSW. You can view their upcoming shows below.

Bad Waitress tour dates

Jan 22 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
Feb 13th - Hardluck - Toronto, ON
Feb 14th - Bug Jar - Rochester, NY
Feb 15th - Revolution - Buffalo, NY
March 11-15 - New Colossus Festival - New York, NY
March 16 - 22 - SXSW - Austin, TX