NYC Scene Report – 5 of the Best Live Bands of 2025

For this week’s NYC Scene Report I’m bringing back something I did last year at this time, which is highlight some of the best bands I’ve seen over the past year.

The only rules for this list are that the band has to be based in NYC, and they can’t have been on last year’s list.

So the following are five bands you should go out of your way to check out when you see them on a bill at a venue near you.

Don’t Believe In Ghosts

The undisputed kings of pop-rock positivity, it is legitimately impossible to have a bad time at a Don’t Believe In Ghosts show. They simply won’t allow it to happen.

This year, with the release of their latest album, But on the Bright Side, they have new songs in their setlist, and while they only perform in the city a few times per year, when you see their name on a bill you can be sure they’ll make you forget whatever troubles you’re going through, at least for a night.

For my interview with Don’t Believe In Ghosts (Dec. 2024), click here.

Pig Milk

No band has experienced more growth over the past year-plus than queer rockers Pig Milk. Having gone from strange name on the bill that opens the night, to headliner that packs venues throughout NYC, the quartet have quickly reached must-see status.

Part of the reason for their rapid ascent is that they’ve developed an organic following that is passionate, and has a true connection with the band. It’s incredible to see, and experience … especially if you find yourself in the lesbian mosh pit.

For my interview with Pig Milk (April 2025), click here.

Kendra Morris

DIY queen Kendra Morris spent a lot of time on the road with her band this year promoting her latest album, the wonderfully soulful Next, and her live performances took those songs to the Next level.

I saw her when her tour hit Connecticut, and heard a few people say they’d seen her in Philly a few nights earlier, and were so impressed they drove all the way to CT to see her again!

Kendra knows how to set a mood with a groove, and it’s great to be in the audience to enjoy the vibe.

For my interview with Kendra Morris (Sept. 2025), click here.

No Grudges

You may only see No Grudges on a bill a few times in a year, but when you do you need to go out of your way to attend the show. Gabriel is one of the best guitar players on the planet, and Crystalla has big time vocals with knockout power, while also knowing how to reign her voice in when a song calls for it.

Their love of hard rock, punk rock, and funk comes through loud and clear, and no matter how long they go between shows I promise you that attending will be worth the wait.

For my interview with No Grudges (March 2021), click here. 

Hazel Gaze

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you put together seven pro’s pros, all from different musical backgrounds, and just allowed them to jam, and have fun?

That’s the foundation of Hazel Gaze, a multi-generational band that plays a modern brand of classic rock, with blues thrown in.

When I saw them as part of a four band bill they didn’t just make me a fan, the other bands on the bill became fans, as well. That’s some serious appreciation, but it’s also no surprise, as Hazel Gaze’s performances inspire everyone involved – both on, and off the stage – to enjoy themselves.

For my interview with Hazel Gaze (April 2025), click here.

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