There Are Several Artists Named Upstate 1 Upstate Is The New Name For The Folk/soul/Americana Act Formerly Known As Upstate Rubdown. Based Out Of New Paltz Ulster County New York. 2 Upstate Is An Oklahoma United States Based Indie Duo. 3 UPSTATE Was An Indie Rock Band Based Out Of Seattle Washington United States Active In The Late 2000s. Featured Members Of BOAT The Quiet Ones And The Major Cities.