An Inside Look at Sweetbreads and the Indie-Folk Scene in NYC
Sweetbreads is an up-and-coming indie-folk project led by Brooklyn, NY-based singer-songwriter, Melody Stolpp. The formation of the Sweetbreads project was a rather seamless one for Stolpp, as she has been passionate about both music and songwriting for the greater portion of her life. Her performances as Sweetbreads have taken place since 2019, and with the support of her friends within New York City’s indie-folk scene, she has just released her debut album, Punisher of Love.
Stolpp’s experiences growing up within the musical theatre community have fostered a deep appreciation for the art and process of songwriting, as well as the exploration of character through the medium of lyricism. This sense of attention and care is inherently evident within the lyrics of each of the eight tracks featured on Punisher of Love. Sonically, Sweetbread’s music is heavily influenced by iconic female artists such as Shania Twain, The Chicks, and Faith Hill.
Sweetbread’s unique sound embodies the clear and catchy melodies of 90s country while highlighting the emotional build of her lyrics.
I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the New York City music scene, especially one that I have not personally had the chance to engage with yet. A very common theme I have found among up-and-coming artists based in NYC is their incredible community of musicians. The indie-folk scene in the city is no exception. In Sweetbread’s case, she has met so many influential individuals with whom she has become close friends and continues to make music, even outside of her own project. Our conversation provided me with a glimpse of what it is like to be involved in this type of community. Not only are the people within the indie-folk scene supportive and welcoming to artists part of the same genre, but they embrace so many different types of musicians with open arms as well. For instance, indie-folk artists collaborating with bands from the Bushwick rock scene is rather unexpected, but more importantly celebrated among artists.
Stolpp’s debut album officially joined her discography on September 25th! Prior to the release of this record, she dropped a single titled “Open Mic,” which tells the story of what it is like to be a part of this type of community. The track tackles themes such as the inevitable uncertainty in life and helplessness you may feel when someone close to you is struggling and you can’t take away their pain. The eight songs that make up Punisher of Love feature the vulnerable lyricism seen within “Open Mic.” All of the tracks reflect an overarching theme of living with anxiety and how that challenge impacts the relationship with oneself as well as platonic and romantic relationships. The production of each track provides the listener with a bright and happy feeling, but beneath the surface, each song tackles some seriously intimate topics. Not only is this album an outlet for Stolpp in her own challenges, but having such relatable and vulnerable songs allow for Punisher of Love to be the sort of soundtrack for someone else going through something similar and facing their struggles head-on.
The record is out as we speak on all music streaming platforms. Not only that, but Stolpp is currently on the road for her Open Mic Tour. With stops from Philadelphia to Athens, Georgia, you don’t want to miss out. For all of you New York locals, Sweetbreads’ album release show is coming up on November 1st at Nightclub 101…you know what you need to do!
