NYC Scene Report – Lily DeTaeye, Public Circuit, & Half Dizzy

This week’s NYC Scene Report features Lily DeTaeye doing it live on PBS, Public Circuit inviting listeners to their Modern Church, and Half Dizzy with a song for old friends.

* Singer-songwriter Lily DeTaeye recently made the move from Des Moines, Iowa to NYC, but before she left she recorded a live album of a performance on PBS.

Titled Studio 3 Live From PBS Iowa, the album is due out October 24th, and according to DeTaeye the project was a bit of a surprise, not just for fans, but for her, as well.

“We didn’t go into that performance thinking we would release it as a live album,” she says, “It just ended up being something that we all felt really proud of. The songs sounded so good, and it felt very cohesive.” Studio 3 Live From PBS Iowa arrives first on vinyl on October 24th via Midtopia’s Buy Before You Stream, with a digital release coming November 21st.

Speaking of November, the album is led by the stunningly gorgeous single “Maybe It’s November.” This is one of those “love at first listen” type of songs that make you deeply invested in the artist. Give it a listen, and I guarantee you’ll want to hear more. I know I do!

* NYC synth-punk band Public Circuit recently released their sophomore album, and with it they’re ready to take you to church. Their church, however, is a Modern Church.

Discussing the concept for the album in a statement, the band’s Ethan Biamont said, “Modern Church represents the collapse of connection. The album’s chants are hollow, stripped back, and full of seething energy. As we departed from the sound of our last album, we don’t see change as an enemy, but as a tool — a structure that can be repurposed, re-tuned into a tightly wound, and potent new form.”

Public Circuit are certainly at full potency on the single “Samson,” which sounds like it’s straight out of the ‘80s, and is downright addicting.

The band is currently on an international tour, hitting cities in Europe, and the UK, but they’ll be back in America for a local show in Queens on November 5th. Until then, check out the video for “Samson.” No haircut required!

* Is there anything better than catching up with an old friend?

That’s the notion that led to Long Island-based band Half Dizzy writing their latest single, “Easton.”

The band’s Daniel Marchelewski explains, “This upbeat, heartfelt track captures the joy of reminiscing about unforgettable times shared with friends who are no longer nearby. It’s a fun and feel-good ode to lasting memories, and the special bonds that distance can’t break.”

Released via Punkerton Records, “Easton” is a fast-paced riot that will make you want to pick up the phone and call a buddy you haven’t seen in a while. Perhaps you’ll decide to meet up at a Half Dizzy show. It seems like it would be a heck of a good time.

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