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navel grazr shines bright on “PUFF PIECE”

New York’s navel grazr was started by Anjali Nair as a “no-pressure creative refuge.” With Dominic Dellaquila, navel grazr creates rich sonic textures, often dancing in the shadows of pop. Read our Q&A with Nair in which we talk NYC’s indie scene, perfectionism, collaboration and their latest song “PUFF PIECE.”

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Exclusive Premiere: Synth pop act New Romantics shares “Low Stakes”

Today we are excited to premiere New Romantics’ new song “Low Stakes”! The track is off their newly announced album NO LIFE, dropping on 12/13 via Gezellig Records.

“Low Stakes” is New Romantics finding harmony between darkness and truth. Its heavy synths and metallic sounds echo creating a dark contrast with Brandon Biondo’s voice. Read more about the track and listen to it now exclusively on soundvsystem before its official release tomorrow!

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Velvet Sun returns after 20+ years

After a 20-year hiatus, Florida-based Velvet Sun returns with their new EP Empire, Inspired by early influences like the Pixies and Blue Öyster Cult, the EP channels nostalgic melodies with a fresh, politically charged perspective. In an interview, Scott Weinkle opens up about his DIY approach to songwriting, the evolution of his musical style, and navigating a transformed music industry. From cosmic guitar tones to introspective lyrics and societal themes, Empire is both a personal and sonic reinvention worth diving into.

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OBJECTS: Two-Man Giant Squid

Brooklyn dance punk band Two-Man Giant Squid shows us the OBJECTS that led to the creation of their recent self-titled album. Frontman Mitch Vinokur shares the production/mixing notes written across photos, documents and envelopes. Watch the first episode now!

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6 Things W/CATHEDRALE

On their fifth album Poison, French band CATHEDRALE dive into the nuances of ordinary life, drawing influence from traffic jams, solitude, and the poetry of Baudelaire. The record deepens their post-punk sound while holding onto the garage and power pop energy they are known for. We spoke with frontman Jules Maison about the band’s creative influences, writing habits, music sharing, and his take on guitar pedals.

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Public Circuit @ The New Colossus Festival 2025

Public Circuit blends new wave and synth-punk into a sound that’s entirely their own. Led by Ethan Biamont, with Sean Holloway on drums and Nelson Fisher on synths, the trio’s debut album Lamb—released via LA/DC indie label à La Carte Records—includes themes of life, death, and what lies beyond. Known for transforming their tracks into high-energy, dance-punk rituals on stage, the band shares insight into their live sets, highlights from New Colossus Festival and more.

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Mahogany @ The New Colossus Festival 2025

Mahogany blends genres including classical, shoegaze & post-punk into their signature “hypercube” style. Their approach to live performance was on full display at The New Colossus Festival’s Shoegaze Party. Read our exchange where they talk songwriting, gear and Kraftwerk.

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Genre is death @ The New Colossus Festival 2025

The NYC music festival The New Colossus took over eleven venues this year. Featuring 200 bands, the six day event had something for everyone. From indie pop to goth rock and art-punk, the event featured some of the best emerging talent from all over the world.

This year we had a chance to speak with a variety of performers and over the coming weeks, we will be sharing those conversations. To kick off our series, we spoke with New York’s Genre is death after their 30-minute set at The New Colossus Goth Post-Punk Party hosted by Bowery Electric.

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