On Saturday, March 1st, there was a Bigfoot sighting at Empire Underground in Albany, NY . It was reported that he’s tall, hairy, wielding a saxophone, and radiating immaculate vibes. The enigmatic Saxsquatch with special guest Father Figure lit up Empire Underground with a fusion of eclectic sounds and vibrant energy that had the crowd in a frenzy of laughter and sweet dance moves.
Witnessing a bigfoot playing the saxophone with lasers and bubbles was certainly not on my 2025 bingo card. Saxsquatch, the saxophone-wielding sasquatch, brought an infectious energy to the stage, embodying his message: “I believe in you, because you believe in me.” Prior to the performance he posted some rules for the night on his Instagram that read, “the front row is for headbangers only,” it was clear that wallflowers had no place in his presence.
His sax arrangements transform some of the greatest party songs imaginable. At one moment, I found myself at the “hotel, motel, Holiday Inn,” sporting my “Apple Bottom jeans,” and contemplating if I’d be “better off alone.” The rendition of “Carry On My Wayward Son” had every voice in the venue bellowing. Saxsquatch’s ability to bring the party is unparalleled; he delivers beats that demand participation, refusing to take no for an answer. The crowd became one tribe in that basement, radiating positivity and believing in something. If Saxsquatch didn’t know that Albany is lit, he does now! He even shared clips from the night on social media with the caption, “we understood the assignment.”
Kicking off the night was Father Figure, an electronic duo consisting of Matt McLaren (guitar, synth, and engineer) and Matt Weishaupt (producer, DJ, synths, and samples) hailing from Albany. Their set was a masterclass in sound design, seamlessly blending heavy-hitting electronic beats with live instrumentation and vocals. The duo built an immersive atmosphere, layering pulsating synths and intricate guitar work over thumping basslines that had the crowd moving from the very first drop
Their sound bridges the gap between experimental electronica and dancefloor-driven energy, making them the perfect complement to Saxsquatch’s wild, genre-defying set. With a deep understanding of production and a knack for crafting hypnotic soundscapes, Father Figure didn’t just open the night—they set the tone, pulling the audience into a sonic experience that was both electrifying and entrancing.
It was an unforgettable night and I need to take a moment to recognize Empire Live and their staff. The massive complex holds two venues and will normally be hosting two performances at a time. The staff was awesome and it definitely lent to the vibe of the night! Great work by all!
Get out there, it’s an amazing venue!
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