NYC Scene Report – Hiccup, Saul Rivers, & more


This week’s NYC Scene Report features the Imaginary Enemies of rockers Hiccup, singer-songwriters Saul Rivers and Sally Greenwood teaming up for a tale about a breakup, fresh hip-hop from SAINt JHN, and some smooth R&B from Jordan King.

* Many of us had imaginary friends growing up, but NYC rockers Hiccup have imaginary enemies. Imaginary Enemies being the name of their debut album, due out this Friday via Father/Daughter Records.

The latest single off of Imaginary Enemies is “Neverwhere,” and it’s a kick ass mixture of punk and pop that will have you rocking out, and, if you’re so inclined, jumping on your bed (your secret’s safe with me, I promise).

Hiccup features dual vocalists Hallie Bulleit and Alex Clute, who met while playing together in the house band for the late-night television program The Chris Gethard Show. It was there that they developed their ability to create quick hitting musical interludes that were only half a minute long. According to Clute, "We thought 'Hey, maybe this can translate into something similar, but with more of a lasting impression,’” and with the addition of drummer Piyal Basu, Hiccup was born.

Give “Neverwhere” a spin, and hear what happens when Hiccup has more than 30 seconds to rock out.


* What do you get when you mix the emotive singer-songwriter vocals of Saul Rivers with the beautifully jazzy voice of Sally Greenwood? You get the incredible collaborative effort, “Not Ready”

Rivers says of “Not Ready,” "This song is the story of two people who come together and have instant sparks, but time, and distance apart, cause things to change, and the relationship to fall apart. Many of us have been the person who pulls away, or the person who doesn't want it to be over. In the end, the song questions our ability to trust that letting go of something that isn't working, no matter what side you're on, is what's best for both people … and not so easy to do."

Get ready for “Not Ready,” because you’re really going to enjoy this one.


* Brooklyn hip-hop artist SAINt JHN recently released his fourth single “3 Below,” and to say it would fit in perfectly with Hot 97’s current playlist would be an understatement.

With a vibe that would inspire Rae Sremmurd to live it up, “3 Below” is off of SAINt JHN’s upcoming debut album, Collection 1, which is due out this spring.

SAINt JHN says of the song, ”I was high key just thinking out loud. My life is a constant juxtaposition, always mixing highs and lows … I’m literally the n*gga on the steps drinking a quarter water, wearing Saint Laurent boots. I guess it just turned into a song.”

When “3 Below” gets its hooks into you, it won’t let go, and you’ll find yourself singing the lyric “three below zero” at random times throughout the day. Click play and catch the vibe.


* I first heard Jordan King last year at Bowery Electric when she was singing with Adrian Daniel & The Stoners. I very quickly learned she’s also a solo artist, and a heck of a solo artist at that.

Recently, King was featured at a Sofar NYC event, and the video of her performance of “Scared” will likely have couples rushing to the bedroom … or simply doing it front of their computers (remember not to leave the web-cam on, folks).

Originally from Washington, DC., King moved to NYC at the age of 19 to pursue music, and judging by “Scared” she made a good decision. Give it a spin.


For more of the best of NYC’s indie music scene, come back next Wednesday, and check out the archives for previous columns.

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