NYC Scene Report – Say She She, Scout Gillett, & Locations

This week’s NYC Scene Report features Say She She with a vibey “Prism,” Scout Gillett “slow dancin’,” and Locations inviting us to show off our “Moves.”

* The origin story of NYC-based trio Say She She is an awesome one. Members Piya Malik and Sabrina Mileo Cunningham met when they lived in apartments directly above/below each other, and they each dug the music they were hearing from the other apartment. After meeting they began writing together, and that’s when Piya’s friend Nya Gazelle Brown was brought in, and Say She She was formed.

Their name was derived as a nod to Nile Rodgers, and his legendary band Chic. Nile would likely not only approve of, but groove to the title track of Say She She’s upcoming debut album, Prism.

With a dreamy, danceable vibe, and featuring vocals that are one part lyrical, one part additional instrument in the song, “Prism” is a chill winner.

Say She She’s full length album is due out October 7th via Karma Chief Records, which is a division of Colemine Records, and you can check out the video for “Prism” right here.

* The last time we saw Scout Gillett she was looking for epic sandwich love in her video for “signal” (NYC Scene Report 8/17). For the Brooklyn-based artist’s latest video she’s dancing in the streets … and through some construction sites, and abandoned areas (but who among us hasn’t wanted to dance through an abandoned area?).

The clip is for her song “slow dancin’,” which is off her upcoming debut album no roof no floor, due out on October 28th via Captured Tracks.

Discussing the song in a statement, Gillett said, “I wrote this ironically, taking a dig at the games of love. People too often play games. My take is – let's just cut to the chase.”

She continued, giving some background info on the recording process, saying, “The second vocal take of this track was captured in the pitch black darkness of a barn as I looked out to the stars. When I walked back into the studio, (producers) Nick (Kinsey), and Ellen (Kempner) both said they had never heard anyone sing like that before. That moment meant so much to me. We really made something special, and I gave it my absolute best.”

Both the song, and the video have a slight ‘80s vibe that I absolutely love. Suffice to say, I think a lotta folks will be dancin’ when they click play on “Slow Dancin’.”

* Staying with the theme of songs that will make you dance, closing things out this week is the latest from Brooklyn-based alt-rock duo Locations, who want to see your “Moves.”

A funky, disco-tinged, dance floor ready jam, “Moves” is an open invitation to get down that your booty will RSVP to with an emphatic yes.

Locations – which consists of Niko Rummell (guitar/vocals), and Thomas Whidden (drums/vocals) – released “Moves” as a fundraiser in support of Campaign for NY Health, which has a goal of passing, and implementing legislation for guaranteed, universal, single-payer healthcare in New York State. The band also sold limited edition t-shirts with all the proceeds going to Campaign for NY Health.

Dancing is absolutely good for your health, so click play on “Moves,” and break out some of your best moves!

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