Why Bonnie’s nostalgia-inducing debut album, 90 in November, captured Blair Howerton at a distinct time in her life — being a young woman in her 20s living out her dreams in New York City but longing for her younger days in Texas heat through a wide-eyed POV. The record introduced Why Bonnie as an intriguing up-and-coming band, melding biting, fuzzed-out alt-rock with country that put them in the same league as Ratboys and Wednesday. On the Brooklyn outfit’s upcoming second album, Wish on the Bone, however, Why Bonnie dig a little deeper, fixating on grander topics (spirituality, family, hope) through strains of Americana, dream pop, and indie rock. “I’ve changed since that album, and I trust that I’ll probably continue to change,” Howerton says in their album bio. “Maybe I won’t be the same person entirely two years from now.”
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They’ve already previewed the record with the captivating singles “Dotted Line,” “Fake Out,” and, most recently, “Rhyme or Reason,” which demonstrate their sharpened songwriting, conviction, and greater sense of experimentalism. Why Bonnie, of course, are nothing without their peers, who they look to for inspiration and encouragement as they continue to keep pushing forward. In advance of their new album, Howerton rounded up a handful of her favorite up-and-coming New York City bands, which you can check out below.
Sex Week – “Angel Blessings”
This band hasn’t even released their first album, and they’re already a hot topic. Reminds me of Alex G meets the Vaselines. Very excited to be playing with them on Aug. 29 at Union Pool in Brooklyn.
youbet – “Peel”
The first time I saw them live, I was blown away. Solid rock music but still has a totally unique edge to it. No doubt they’ll go far.
Bloomsday – “Bumper Sticker”
Iris [James Garrison] is not only one of my best friends but also a big influence for me. Their music is subtle but intentional and really pulls at the heartstrings. I feel very lucky to be their pal.
Sister – “Colorado”
Ceci [Sturman] and Hannah [Pruzinsky] are pillars of the Brooklyn music community, and their project is not one to be missed. This song makes me want to stand on a mountain and twirl around a la The Sound of Music.
Jane Lai – “Tacit Understanding”
We’ve been lucky enough to have Jane play with us, and her musicianship is next level. She has such a natural gift for melody and arrangement, and this song is a great example.
koleżanka – “The Mountain”
Kristina is one of those people that is consistently impressive in everything she does. She writes wacky yet stylish music that pushes the listener to jump on board and stay along for the ride.
Poise – “Thicker Than Blood”
Another deep pal of mine, Lucie is such a natural-born star. She sings like a canary, but the music is so deep. Sometimes it’s a groove that makes you want to headbang, and sometimes it’s so heartfelt that it makes you cry. Can’t wait for all the cool things she’ll do next. Stay tuned for her upcoming album — it rules.
Margaux – “Picture It”
Margaux’s music is like a blend of Broadcast and Lomelda. Not only are they an iconic player, but they write wildly catchy songs. Doesn’t shock me in the slightest that their project is skyrocketing right now.
Daneshevskaya – “ROY G BIV”
I saw them play for the first time recently and wondered where they had been all my life. The lyrics are poetic, and her voice is so angelic. Kind of jazzy, kind of shoegaze-y. Love this band.
peaer – “Have Fun!”
Before he was my fiance, I was a huge fan of his music. He’s the best guitar player I’ve ever known, and he writes with so much style and flair. One-of-a-kind band. All I can say is stay tuned and buckle up…
