Say She She- “Discodelic” Soul !

August 26, 2022 by Michela Arlia

Say She She / photo by Milton Arellano / courtesy of the artists

Nya Gazelle Brown, Piya Malik and Sabrina Mileo Cunningham are the driving forces behind “Say She She”, a Brooklyn based , all female seven piece band. New York native Sabrina, Piya , who is from the UK and Nya from the Washington DC Metro area, the three first came together in 2017 in New York City , where Piya and Sabrina lived in the same apartment building. “We used to hear each other singing through the floorboards and very quickly made friends,” writes Sabrina. “A few years after that, we enlisted our close friend and Piya’s former collaborator – Nya – to join us as the third lead vocalist. The trio was formed!” The three proclaim that their musical styles and interests vary greatly, which is the main reason for their wide range of sounds in their own projects. Their combined styles can be heard in their four singles released this year.

Say She She On Stage- photo by Veronica Lechuga

On Stage photo by Veronica Lechuga / courtesy of the artists

Nya’s biggest musical insp iration came through encouragement from her Mom, who also was an artist. Aside from Minnie Ripperton, Al Green, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder , Nya said her mom was her biggest cheerleader. “My mom always encouraged and inspired me to pursue music, from the moment she recognized my love for it. I joined my first girl group at the age of 12, so that’s definitely influenced what I do today!”

Piya, who grew up listening to the opposite genres of Jazz, British rock and roll and Bollywood, also credits her family for her love of the craft, whereas Sabrina says the same of her background and influences. “I think all three of us grew up singing with other women in girl groups and choirs so that has clearly made us all extremely drawn to playing in a band with three part harmonies!,” writes Sabrina. “It’s so fun but also takes a lot of technique to transition from solo voice to blending.”

SAY SHE SHE In tThe studio/ photo by Milton Arellano/ courtesy of the artist

In The Studio / photo by Milton Arellano/ courtesy of the artists

While the range of genres they listened to growing up stretch through many styles, they have many influences in common, including the band Rotary Connection among others. Piya describes their range as “from Bollywood, Funk, Soul, Psychedelic Rock to classical arias, Cumbia, Samba Rock, Japanese Synth Pop and Disco we love the amalgam! We actually describe our music as discodelic soul.”

One of the groups’ aims is to have their unique and self-coined genre of records scattered across multiple sections of the charts and stores. The three are constantly moving about, with their most recent gig opening for fellow band and good friends, Chicano Batman.

Their debut album Prism, which was mostly self produced, drops on September 23rd , where you can hear even more of their jaw dropping and transporting vocals.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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