NYC Scene Report – Me Not You, Paige Howell, & more

This week’s NYC Scene Report features the alt pop-rock of Me Not You, a vengeful pop song from Paige Howell, a soulful selection from Annamaria, and some fresh hip-hop from Ciphurphace, featuring Jake Palumbo.

* The other day Little Daylight’s “Overdose” came on during my workout, and I started to think about how I hadn’t heard from the band in a while, and was curious as to what they’ve been up to.

Well, it turns out 2/3 of Little Daylight – Nikki Taylor and Eric Zeiler – became Me Not You, and released an EP titled Reckoning 1 in 2017 (yes, you can completely accuse me of “sleeping,” “dropping the ball,” or any other phrase you want to use to recognize I somehow let this “slip through the cracks” until now).

While Little Daylight was decidedly indie pop, the sound of Me Not You is alt pop-rock, with an emphasis on the alt-rock. Take the single “RELIEF,” for example, which is not only a great alt pop-rock jam for this decade, it would have fit in nicely in the ‘90s alternative scene, as well.


* Ever been angry at an ex? I mean really really REALLY angry? Paige Howell has, and she’s put all of that anger into her latest single, “Pull Up a Barstool.”

Howell pulls no punches on “Pull Up a Barstool,” wishing the absolute worst for her ex. Seriously, judging by the chorus of this song, do not cross this woman, or treat her poorly!

“Pull Up a Barstool” was part of what Powell called the “batshit insane” portion of her set during her December show at Rockwood Music Hall, and judging by the group of women who sung along that night, she is not alone when it comes to her sentiments about ugly breakups with awful people.


* At just 17 years of age, NYC, by way of Long Island, artist Annamaria is looking to carve out a place for herself in the city's R&B scene.

With a mixture of soul and pop that’s reminiscent of late ‘90s / early ‘00s R&B – think 3LW, and 702, but in a solo package – her sound is familiar, yet still fresh.

Primed for a big year, Annamaria has an album in the works, and the groundwork is being laid for her first tour. Check out her new single, “Affection,” to get a taste of what’s to come.


* If you’ve frequented this site over the years you’re already very familiar with tri-state area indie hip-hop lyricist Ciphurphace. On Christmas he released a new EP, titled Write To My Own Devices, which is a collaborative effort with producer Kollectiv.

Always one to paint a vivid picture with his words, Ciphurphace describes his rhyme style, saying, “Imagine Confucius and Shakespeare in the recording booth reciting ill 16s after consuming four Red Bulls.”

Actually, you don’t have to imagine it, you can click play on “Digital Complex,” which also features Ciphurphace’s Moonshine Burrito partner in rhyme, Jake Plaumbo, and hear it for yourself.


For more of the best of NYC’s indie music scene, come back next Wednesday, and check out the archives for previous columns.