NYC Scene Report – May Rio, Moon Walker, & Emmrose

This week’s NYC Scene Report features May Rio with something for the “NYC UMTs” (Unemployed Model Types), Moon Walker musing on the concept of the “American Dream Come True,” and Emmrose tackling her own anxiety with “Falling Again.”

* NYC is filled with all types of people, including Unemployed Model Types, and that’s exactly who May Rio is taking aim at with her latest single, “NYC UMTs.”

“‘NYC UMTs’ is written through the perspective of a type of person – perhaps a bit exaggerated – that I’ve brushed elbows with throughout my party-going career,” she explained in a statement, “In that the exaggeration is their essence, it is not necessarily untrue. It’s the kind of person who’s always dressed in designer clothing, yet never seems to have to be at any sort of job, or concerned with acquiring any sort of job. It’s a dark song, but funny. The lyrics make me laugh.”

“NYC UMTs” is the third single from May Rio’s just released album, French Bath, and if you’re into indie pop, it just might be your type.

* Moon Walker is taking a long hard look at American work culture with his latest single “American Dream Come True,” while in the video for the song he’s taking quite the literal long hard look at himself.

Explaining the song in a statement, the Brooklyn-based alt-rocker who is currently in the midst of his first U.S. tour, said, “It serves as a commentary on ‘hustle culture,’ while also discussing the depression that comes as a result of it.”

The video features Walker, whose real name is Harry Springer, in a dual role, playing both his everyday self, and his performance self, with everyday Harry beginning to lose himself within his alter ego.

This reportedly sets the tone for what’s to come from Moon Walker, and based on what we’ve heard, and seen here, it’s going to be something well worth our attention.

* NYC indie pop artist Emmrose is getting intensely personal with her latest single, “Falling Again.”

Written in the midst of a panic attack, Emmrose says, “The lyrics were my literal symptoms. I remember sitting down at the piano, playing a few random chords, and a melody popped in my head. This is really so dark to talk about, but I remember only managing to hum the melody, I had such a hard time breathing. The panic attack really came out of nowhere, I can’t even remember what triggered it. Thankfully, I haven’t had one of these random attacks since, and honestly I think this song really helped.”

Emmrose has suffered from panic and anxiety disorder since she was 13 years old, and wanted to share the “Falling Again” in hopes that whose who can relate to it will take action for themselves.

“Taking care of your mental health is incredibly important,” she says, “Panic attacks are extremely debilitating, and it’s something that should be treated by a medical professional. I want to spread awareness with my music for all sorts of mental health struggles, as you really aren’t alone. Things are never hopeless. I got help, and want to urge other people who struggle to get help, too.”

Click play on “Falling Again,” and fall for the music of Emmrose.

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