Endings and Beginnings

Like every year, we greet the end of summer with a mix of sadness and excited anticipation for fall—a season that feels especially alive in NYC. The days may grow shorter, the shadows longer, and the air cooler, but fall always brings a sense of renewal.

While Elke and I didn’t take a summer break (aka taking off for the season), we enjoyed plenty of fun activities: sailing trips, excursions to Governors Island and the Williamsburg waterfront, and a few atmospheric evenings in Bryant Park.

Those adventures meant that some long-overdue projects had to be put on hold. For instance, you may have noticed that our site still features a sculpture by Carol Feuerman on the cover, originally part of an exhibition at the Seaport that ended nearly a year ago. We love Carol’s art, but it’s time for a fresh look.

We’re also streamlining this newsletter, with a renewed focus on bringing you fresh music. Our Song Pick of the Day will continue to spotlight brand-new tracks, while our Five Songs series will offer a look back to add context and discovery.

Five (+1) Songs

Listen to all five songs on our playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, or below on YouTube.

When Oliver and I chatted about this week’s topic—the fantasy of which band we’d love to see playing the 3,500 capacity rooftop at Pier 17—dozens came to mind. But once we started thinking about it from an industry perspective (how many fans fit into the space, what’s the draw of the band, and how exciting they are to see live), I knew I wanted to put these five songs together!

Truth be told, there are plenty more bands I’d love to catch at Pier 17, but I’m pretty sure the following ones would make the most out of the fantastic New York City backdrop and the open-air vibe. Naturally, my picks lean a little retro—but I hope you’ll enjoy them.

Have you seen any of these bands live? Or maybe even caught a show at Pier 17 yourself? Let us know!

• Placebo - Every You Every Me
  The first time I saw them, they were just a three-piece, with Brian Molko in make-up and a long skirt, commanding the stage with his hypnotic vocals. I’ve seen Placebo many times since and… scratch that… I would love to see them live again—especially on the Pier 17 rooftop!
• Georgia - 24 Hours
  Drummer par excellence and all-around pop-music maven. I’ve caught her live a few times and would absolutely LOVE to see her energy take over that stage.
• Blonde Redhead - 23
  For this legendary New York trio, Pier 17 would be a true hometown show—and they’d no doubt fill the rooftop with magnetic force
• Zero 7 - In the Waiting Line & Thievery Corporation - All That We Percieve
  I can’t choose between the two, so I’ll cheat a little here. Both would turn the rooftop into a dreamy, groovy, open-air soundscape that would be unforgettable against the New York skyline.
• Saga - On The Loose
  Yes, that’s my curveball. A band that has accompanied me for so long and is still out there, touring and playing live. Please, Saga—come to New York, play Pier 17 (or honestly anywhere as long as it is New York!). I’ll be there.

Song Pick of the Day

Listen to/watch all seven songs on YouTube. Follow our daily updated playlists on YouTube, Apple Music, or Spotify for the 50 latest Song Pick of the Day features, or subscribe here to receive them in your mailbox in real-time. Thank you for following us and sharing the excitement.

• This dude is just "BADBADNEWS." LA singer/songwriter Dafna "should have known," but then she does a lively, upbeat, country-inspired pop song.
• The third single, "Lazy" from the upcoming album "Is it Now?" by Californian trio Automatic is an irresistible, retro-futuristic song.
• "You can have a bit of fun with someone without giving your whole self away." Go for it! As does Danish singer-songwriter NAYAH in her new song “catch my love”
• The Norwegian singer, songwriter, and producer Ida Stein releases a stunning synth-pop track, "It Doesn't Matter." Her debut album will follow later this year.
• Kick off your weekend with some extra energy. NYC producer Helang delivers it with her new song "Don't Depend."
• The Scottish, Kyoto-based singer, songwriter, and producer Selkie invites you to a journey through a shapeshifting, electronic soundscape in her new song, Hours.”
• The new song "Armour Hill" by Gran Fenwick adds indie rock vibes and a charming, fun DIY video to the original version.

Nine Photos of a Seaport Extravaganza

Last Saturday, we set sail once more on the Pioneer, soaked up the breeze on the water, and later wandered the cobblestone streets of the Seaport. Here are nine snapshots of a summer day well spent — and if you haven’t explored this gem of New York yet, don’t miss the chance!