Wednesday, September 11, sees Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory host a night of original international synth acts. Co-headliners Parallels (Canada) and Nina (UK) are joined by New York artists Czarina and Bunny X, all of whom are leading female artists in the burgeoning synthwave scene.
The term ‘synthwave’ broadly defines several styles of music heavily influenced by 1980s culture, from music to aesthetics, video games to movies. Synthesizers are up-front as are visual cues and styles. The music from the 2011 film Drive, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, is often cited as the flashpoint for synthwave, with recent shows such as Netflix’s Stranger Things and Glow also picking up on the nostalgia vibe. However, rather than just being a throwback to the ‘80s, synthwave brings that decade’s influences into the 21st century, as the four acts on the lineup demonstrate.
Toronto’s Parallels, fronted by Holly Dodson, were around before the term synthwave was even coined. Starting out in the late 2000’s, Parallels have worked tirelessly, releasing three acclaimed albums and building an audience both online and at live performances in Canada, the US and Europe. Dodson’s voice has been described as a mix of Kate Bush and Robyn, with the music occupying similar territory to Goldrapp and CHVRCHES. This Knitting Factory show will kick off a seven-date North American tour for Parallels and Nina.
Originally from Berlin, Nina is a UK-based vocalist and songwriter who has also spent the last several years working on her ’80s-influenced synth pop, releasing a number of singles and an EP. Her well-received debut album “Sleepwalking” was released in 2018 on UK label Aztec Records. While there are hints of ‘80s Madonna or Kim Wilde in her music, Nina reaches out to the romantic and atmospheric corners of synth pop – synths are big and lush and vocals are bathed in lots of reverb. Nina’s songs have appeared in commercials for Hugo Boss and Mercedes Benz and in Syfy’s TV series Being Human. She’s also put a few miles down on the touring circuit with shows in the UK, Europe and the US, including opening for Erasure. This September will be the second time that Nina has joined forces with Parallels on tour.
Czarina (pronounced “Zarina”) is one of two New York-based acts also on the bill. Fronted by Vero Faye Kitsuné, Czarina combines cyberpunk and electronic rock with a retro-futuristic aesthetic. She has quite the résumé – a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer, actor, producer and filmmaker, not to mention fashion designer and creative director for her own line of footwear and accessories! Czarina brings all of these talents to her music as her recent album Painted Holograms and its striking music videos attest to. Expect an energetic live show from Czarina and her band that features two members of Blondie – Matt Katz-Bohen (keys/synths) and Tommy Kessler (lead guitar), Cyndi Lauper’s Ismael Baiz (drums), along with Carlos Kitsuné (synths).
Bunny X is an NYC duo made up of Abigail Gordon and Mary Hanley. Together with a select team of producers they produce their own blend of Italo Disco-flavored synth pop. With a number of singles, EPs and album releases under their glittery belts, the duo has been growing a following, particularly in Europe. No strangers to the live scene, Bunny X has been performing a fun and danceable set on the NYC circuit for several years.
Expect the Knitting Factory to come alive with the full neon spectrum of synthwave styles on September 11! Tickets are on sale now with a special meet-and-greet option also available. The Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211. 347-529-6696.
