NYC Scene Report – Elizabeth and the Catapult, Pretty Sick, & donSMITH

This week’s NYC Scene Report features Elizabeth and the Catapult popping a placebo, Pretty Sick hitting the roller rink, and donSMITH doing some good with his music.

* Longtime column favorite Elizabeth and the Catapult will be releasing a new album, titled sincerely, e, on March 5th via Compass Records. 

Elizabeth Ziman (who is the Elizabeth of Elizabeth and the Catapult) explained the inspiration for the project in a statement, saying, “This collection of songs was born out of a need during the pandemic shut down, an experience felt by so many across the world, to cope with the breakdown of communication.”

She continued, adding, “Ultimately, this album is truly my love letter to you – for folks who can’t look away from the issues facing humanity, and for folks who need an escape into the depths of our shared humanity.”

Check out the album’s lead single, “pop the placebo,” and catapult yourself into sincerely, e.

* The Sabrina Fuentes-led band Pretty Sick had a pretty sick 2020, releasing a standout EP titled Deep Divine, which featured numerous fantastic singles. The latest off the project is “Superstar,” and it’s yet another gem from the NYC-based band.

In the video for “Superstar,” which was directed by Ophelia Horton, Fuentes has a pair of skates strapped on at a roller rink, but this song is not about speed, it’s a mood that moves at a slower pace, and the visuals match the music perfectly.

Honestly, everything I hear from this band makes me more excited to eventually see them live when venues reopen.

The question isn’t have I become obsessed with the music of Pretty Sick? It’s why hasn’t everyone become obsessed with the music of Pretty Sick?

* If there’s anything better than an artist making great music, it’s an artist doing great things with their great music, and that’s the case with Harlem-based hip-hop artist donSMITH (not to be confused with New York Mets standout Dom Smith).

donSMITH released his latest album, Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From on November 24th, and donated the first month’s sales to Meals on Us, which is an organization that provides food for families in need.

While donSMITH was helping others put food on their respective tables, he also released the single “Table,” which features Radamiz. A song that’s guaranteed to make you nod your head, click play on the video, and take a seat at the “Table.”

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

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