The Big Apple's Big (and small) Bands

(Photo from atwoodmagazine.com)

Inspired by a trip to the Big Apple this weekend, I'm gonna talk about my favorite NYC bands. NYC is regarded as one of the best music cities in the world and has produced some all-time greats (although no one beats out Chicago), so let's talk about some personal favorites!

Let's talk about who everyone is flocking to right now, Geese. Geese released their first album, Projector, in 2021. Led by lead singer Cameron Winter, Geese's distinct sound resembles that of The Strokes and MJ Lenderman. Most recently, Geese's Getting Killed put them on the map. Geese's most popular song right now, Au Pays du Cocaine, has one of the best build-ups I've ever heard. This song features some of the most interesting guitar playing I've ever heard-- so quiet, yet so loud, all at once. Max Bassin (Drummer) does an excellent job of closing out the song, featuring an amazing drum riff that fits in better than expected with the chaotic end. If you haven't heard Geese before (You're probably living under a rock), take a listen and join the flock.

The Strokes are arguably the most iconic Alt/Indie NYC rock band that will go down as an all-time favorite band of mine. The Strokes released their first album, Is This It, in July 2001, and it contains some gems in the rough. Everyone has heard about Someday and Last Nite, the hands-down Strokes classics that will carry on for generations. My personal favorite from this album, "When It Started," is highlighted by scratchy guitar (my favorite) and simple drumming. This song is continuous throughout, which gives a nice change from others, and is a nice addition to this album. The band's second album, Room On Fire, is my favorite album and has some great tracks. My favorite from this album, I Can't Win, gives a more traditional Strokes feeling. Catchy guitar solos and a quick yet danceable beat make this an unskippable song. Overall, The Strokes will go down as one of the greats and a band I can't recommend enough.

Telescreens is a small rock band that is a favorite of mine and needs more recognition. Telescreens released their first album, The Return, didn't get them anywhere. After they released this in 2020 with little to no traction, they took a 3-year hiatus. Finally, in August 2023, they released a 7-track album, Stare Wide. The first time I heard this album, I was blown away. The loud lyrics fit perfectly with the choppy guitar that plays throughout. The first song, Stare, has my favorite guitar riff on the album, which sets the tone. The song has some great lyrics that have really blown me away. The second song on the album, Wide, has a similar, but more distorted, guitar riff that leads into lyrics that match; these songs fit perfectly next to each other. Stare is one of my few perfect albums, and I can't recommend it enough to anyone looking for new rock bands or looking for something different.

MICHELLE, an R&B band, released HEATWAVE in 2018, marking their debut. The band features 4 female singers, which gives the lyrics focus and allows them to achieve a sound I typically don't hear. THE BOTTOM, their most popular track, is one of the most upbeat songs I've heard, and features beautiful lyrics. I really enjoy hearing different lyrics from different voices in the same song. Since 2018, the band has released 2 more albums, AFTER DINNER WE TALK DREAMS in 2022, and Songs About You Specifically in 2024, with an additional EP in 2025, Kiss/Kill. MICHELLE is definitely an upbeat band that I'll be sure to listen to in the upcoming warmer months. You can definitely find a song to fit that perfect summer playlist.

There are so many great cover, big, and small bands from NYC, it's hard to pick just a few to talk about, so I've listed some more of my favorite NYC music down below. NYC is one of my favorite cities, and if you ever have the chance to visit, please do. NYC not only has great music but also iconic venues and always takes the opportunity to go out and support local artists.

More NYC Music

• Junior Varsity

• Vampire Weekend

• Blondeshell

• Petite League

• Been Stellar