NYC Scene Report – Carly Pearl, Street Racer, & ChumHuffer

This week’s NYC Scene Report features Carly Pearl reminding us to be a human being, not a “Human Doing,” Street Racer giving everyone a sip of “Grenadine,” and ChumHuffer with an anthem about being unapologetically ourselves.

* In a world where being busy has become fetishized, Carly Pearl is here to inspire us to take our foot off the gas, and find joy in our existence.

She’s doing this with her latest single, “Human Doing,” which features gorgeous retro soul vocals, and lyrics that are equal parts positive, and philosophical.

Singing, “I’m a human being, not a human doing, it’s true, so why am I competing for how much I could do with my time?” Pearl offers up life wisdom over fantastic production that will have you spending at least a few minutes of your time dancing, and feeling good.

This past fall I interviewed Pearl about her positive tunes, and “Human Doing” is yet another example of the wonderful place the former Scruffy Pearls frontwoman is carving out for herself as a solo artist. It’s a must-hear!

* During one of the last shows I attended in 2023 I discovered the band Street Racer.

Part of a four band bill at Arlene’s Grocery, it was tough not to notice them as they hit the stage dressed to the nines in matching outfits that might lead one to believe this was going to be a black tie affair.

Already having everyone’s eyes on them, as soon as they started performing their unique brand of art pop that includes influences that range from indie rock to shoegaze, they had everyone’s ears, as well.

Formed in Orlando, FL, but now based in NYC, Street Racer is the duo of Leesey on vocals, and Jake Rones on guitar, with Clark Gathright (bass/synths) and Lyle Rea (drums) joining them for live performances. Their debut EP, All At Once, was released this past spring.

“Grenadine” was one of my favorite songs from their set at Arlene’s, and it’s a perfect introduction to the band. Check it out!

* If you’re looking for a punk rock anthem about individuality that’s a high energy kick to the face, you’re in luck, because ChumHuffer started 2024 with the release of “FYNS.”

“FYNS” stands for “Fuck You, Not Sorry,” and the band’s frontman, Shawn Refuse, explained the inspiration for it, saying, “It’s a call to action for people to be themselves, and be unapologetically unique.”

Describing their sound as “Suicidal Tendencies binge-watching Sharknado,” the hardcore punk band hails from Long Island, but frequently tears up stages throughout NYC, including the stage at The Bowery Electric, which is where parts of the video for “FYNS” were filmed.

Personally, I can’t wait to be in the crowd the next time ChumHuffer has a show. Based on “FYNS,” the energy has to be out of control!

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