THUS LOVE

THUS LOVE is a band — but also so much more. The Brattleboro, Vermont trio stand together, a bond cemented by their experience as outsiders looking in. For THUS LOVE, DIY is an ethos that reflects not only their musical vision but their very existence as trans/queer artists. From the beginning, the band have lived together under the same roof, designed and produced their own merch, and even created their own recording studio from scratch.

The band’s sonic hallmarks will be unmistakable to anyone who has ever obsessed over classic LPs from indie and post-punk’s progenitors — everything from the chiming, Marr-esque guitars on opener “Repitioner” to the pugnacious rhythmic punch on lead single “In Tandem.” But even more impressive and exciting is how THUS LOVE manage to tap into this celebrated lineage to find their own unique voice and tell their own story. Of seeking meaning in struggle. Of embracing community and love. Of finding joy in rebirth.

Closebye is a five piece indie rock band based in Ridgewood, Queens. The band is composed of singer-songwriter Jonah Smith, bassist Margaux Bouchegnies, multi-instrumentalist Ian Salazar, guitarist Julian Smith and drummer Simon Clinton. The band released their debut album Lucid News in 2022, showcased as an Official Artist at SXSW in Austin in 2023, and have recently opened shows for artists like Katy Kirby and Wallice. The band’s forthcoming second album, Hammer Of My Own, was mixed by James Krausse (Porches, Carly Rae Jepsen), produced by the band, and mastered by Dave Cooley.