(EDITOR’S NOTE — A year ago this month, Sal Mastrocola — the mastermind behind the hardcore-emo project Gatto Black — released an LP titled ‘Sky is Blue,’ an album that was far more than just a simple collection of songs. The seminal 11-track work was, in fact, the moment Sal Mastrocola quite literally came out to the world and in doing so, finally freed himself forever. For a kid from the Bronx who grew up in the Church, doing so was hardly simple. The struggle of confrontin

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Growing up in ‘the sticks’ of Western New York’s southern tier, the now urban-dwelling Jordan Smith — the versatile and dauntless artist known for her work with Stress Dolls, Personal Style and the electronic synth duo Urge Surfer — recently got back in touch with nature this summer, going to ‘camp’ along with longtime musical partner Chelsea O. Dubbed ‘Urge Surfer Summer Camp,’ the multi-day writing retreat ultimately resulted in the making of a new Urge Sur

(EDITOR'S NOTE — Vinnie Lema, lead guitarist for Buffalo punk band Pretty Good State University and the heavy rock power trio Girl Stuf, is one of the scene's most notable shredders. And recently, he was nice enough to speak with us about his art, his bands, the influence of his late father, and how, since childhood, the guitar was always his "endgame.") Vinnie Lema ... (photos by Matt Smith/1120 Press) 1120 PRESS: Thank so much for taking the time to speak with us. Before

First-wave Buffalo hardcore-punk band GOA will soon be releasing a live album. Titled ‘Live from Mohawk Place,’ the record captures the band’s Jan. 10, 2024, sold-out ‘More! More! More!’ record-release show performance at the legendary Buffalo music venue. The upcoming album will be issued by Classic Core Records. Keep your eyes peeled to the GOAand Classic Core socials for updates. Lancaster grunge band Blissen will drop its debut LP, ‘Seeds in Tar,’ on Oct. 9 on streaming p