Experimental Duo NYC Brings Exotic "Anhedonic Pop" to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires’ vibrant music scene is buzzing with anticipation for the arrival of an ambitious and innovative music project from New York City: “NYC.”
Hailing from the melting pot of the Big Apple, the duo known simply as NYC is making waves with their unique blend of music they jokingly refer to as "anhedonic pop." Fusing elements of hip hop, glitch, and minimalist dance music, their sound is a fascinating, abstract tapestry that strays from conventional pop.
NYC’s much-anticipated arrival marks their first foray into South America, presented by the globally recognized Hyperlocal music festival. Known for its forward-thinking artistic vision, Hyperlocal has championed experimental and avant-garde music,
bridging the musical landscapes of Buenos Aires and the UK. This year’s festival promises to be particularly special, unfolding in two parts across two distinct venues on November 30th.
The first act begins at 6 p.m. at the iconic Verdi Theater in the colorful La Boca district. Among the lineup, British sonic innovator Not Levi, famous for his haunting soundtracks like "Under the Skin" (featuring Scarlett Johansson), stands out.
As night falls, the party moves to the Maquinal cultural center in Abasto, where the dance floor will be ignited by an eclectic mix of Argentinian talent Driado, Eqal, and DJ El Rústico, alongside the intriguing sounds of NYC.
"We know they know our music in Argentina, but we don’t know how many people consume it," Gretchen Lawrence, one of the creative minds behind NYC, explained.
"When we play in London, Europe and the United States, we feel that our music is attractive and the energy is great.
And we hope that the same thing will happen in Buenos Aires. The thing is that we really don’t have expectations for this first time."
Interestingly, NYC’s members aren’t traditional musicians. Gretchen (26, of Estonian origin) is a performance artist, while her partner, Coumba Samba (24, half Senegalese, half American) is a visual artist and model. "This is much more emotional,” Coumba revealed. "We use references and ideas from our careers in visual art, but ultimately what we do feels like a more abstract version of all that.”
NYC’s newest release, the double album "rap star*" declared a departure from their playful debut, "No sleep to NY.”
“The first album was like a Spotify playlist or something,” Gretchen explains. “It was meant to be easy listening, and we had fun putting it together because we had just started making music together. We just didn’t want to get serious about singing about our life’s worries,” she says with a laugh.
The 14 tracks across "rap star*"’s two “sides” showcase a more mature and translative voice, evocative of the thử
ever-changing pace of the modern world.
“Each of the selected sounds has a reason for being, which can be seen in songs like ‘The world star’ or ‘Kicks’, which for me feels like failure. So that chaos makes sense,” Gretchen kicks back.
NYC’s lyricism often drifts towards the spoken word genre which has seen a surge in popularity within the British music scene. “When we started making music, we didn’t just want to talk but record music,” Coumba explains.
“For me, it’s a little more musical than spoken word, although I like it to be seen that way. We talk, we record, they’re like voice notes to which we give tunes later. Certain vocal moments are repeated, and become instruments."
Instead of directly addressing complex social issues through lyrics, they explore the nuanced landscapes of the immigrant experience through sound and fragmented narratives, capturing the complexities of identity within a globalized world.
NYC’s arrival in Buenos Aires promises to be more than just a concert – it’s an opportunity to
experience a forefront of experimental music blurring cultural borders and exploring new sonic territories.
2024-11-29 23:04:00
#York #sound #choose #purpose #Saturday #British #duo #main #attractions #Hyperlocal #festival
## “Anhedonic Pop” Takes buenos Aires: An Interview with NYC
**World Today News Exclusive**
NYC, the enigmatic duo taking the experimental music scene by storm, are set to bring their unique brand of “anhedonic pop” to Buenos Aires’ vibrant Hyperlocal festival.Senior Editor, [Your Name], caught up with the duo before their South American debut to discuss their music, influences, and what audiences can expect.
**WTN:** welcome to Buenos Aires, NYC. Your arrival marks your first foray into South America. What excites you most about performing here?
**NYC:** We’re incredibly excited to be playing Hyperlocal. We’ve heard so much about Buenos Aires’ energetic scene, and the festival’s dedication to pushing musical boundaries aligns perfectly with our own artistic vision. It’s thrilling to share our music with a new audience and experience the city’s unique energy.
**WTN:** You describe your sound as “anhedonic pop.” Could you elaborate on that intriguing label?
**NYC:** We jokingly call it “anhedonic pop” because our music often subverts typical pop sensibilities. We embrace dissonance, unexpected sonic textures, and a minimalist approach that might not always be conventionally “pleasurable.” But we believe there’s a beauty in that dissonance, a rawness that invites deeper listening and emotional exploration.
**WTN:** Your music blends elements of hip hop, glitch, and minimalist dance music. What draws you to this unique sonic palette?
**NYC:** Growing up in New York City exposed us to a diverse musical landscape. Hip hop’s rhythmical complexity, the glitchy soundscapes of electronic music, and the hypnotic repetition of minimalist compositions all resonated deeply. Fusing these influences allows us to create something truly unique, a sound that reflects the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving sonic tapestry.
**WTN:** Hyperlocal is renowned for its commitment to showcasing innovative and experimental music. How do you think your performance fits within the festival’s broader artistic vision?
**NYC:** Hyperlocal’s dedication to pushing boundaries aligns perfectly with our own artistic goals. We aim to challenge listener expectations and create an immersive sonic experience.
We believe festivals like Hyperlocal are essential for fostering creativity and expanding the possibilities of music.
**WTN:** what can audiences expect from your Hyperlocal performance?
**NYC:** expect the unexpected! Our live shows are all about visceral energy and sonic exploration. We aim to create a moment of shared sonic exploration, a space were the line between performer and audience blurs. We’re excited to connect with the Buenos Aires crowd and share our “anhedonic pop” vision.
**WTN:** Thank you for your time, NYC. We look forward to a truly unique experience at Hyperlocal.
