Introducing It’s Giving — a new column dedicated to keeping you inspired and your senses well fed. This week we’re spotlighting the songs and artists radiating real heat right now. The ones keeping it LIT.
I love to keep up with the artists who move me. The ones who open the world a little wider and remind you that possibility isn’t theoretical, it’s yours for the taking. Especially the bands I’ve booked and the artists I’ve worked with, the ones I’ve watched sweat it out in small overcrowded rooms and somehow still make it feel transcendent.
Here’s some new music I’ve been indulging in lately and the sparks that first pulled me into each artist’s orbit. These artists are on fire right now. Glowing, charged up, and simply put; LIT. Enjoy these works of art.
I don’t know where to begin. Whenever Kris Esfandiari shares new music from any of her projects (King Woman, Miserable, +), I am simply blown away. Her songs take me out of body. The peaks and valleys, the sonic range, the genre bending. Her live shows feel ceremonious. A truly captivating performer. If you haven’t already done so, please watch King Woman perform her beloved song “Psychic Wound” in A24’s I Saw the TV Glow released last year. Iconic.
@kngwmn @A24 #isawthetvglow #a24 #fypシ゚viral #fyp #kingwoman ♬ original sound – Genie Mob
Esfandiari’s latest music release is from her project NGHTCRWLER a new album entitled Oz [released 11/08/25 via Year0001 Records.] My go to song on repeat is the titled track “Oz.” Experimental jazz realness that makes me feel awake, alive, and electric.
Other personal favorites include UP!, Replicant, and Emerald City. Listen to the full record here.
New York staple Gnarcissists are blessing us with new music and visuals. The band’s roots run deep in this city. I was hyped when they agreed to headline Night 5 of AC15 at Dad’s Dojo. A day fest I produced in the back of my dad’s literal dojo (more on that soon). For their set I switched off all the ambient light and kept the band in a moody blue and green chaotic world. Matti looked like a menace under the green glow. His delivery gets people rowdy, up at attention. The band with its cast of interesting characters and incredible musicians gets people moshing, losing their shit even. A group of real showmen. I love a Gnar show and their new video for “Dr. Ed” directed by Matti himself portrays the band as they are, a group of hooligans (I say this lovingly) who like to f*ck around and find out but now they’re dead. Hard to explain, just watch. Beautiful cinematography by Fatos Matishta of NYC rock band Licks.
The band’s self titled LP is out now [released 11/7/25.] Go OFF.
I debuted my new live show series Party Girls Never Die with Special Guests with a legend reveal of Elias Rønnenfelt in the basement of Jean’s in January this year. It was a night for the people, not the press. The vision behind the series is to bring party people and devoted music lovers into the same room, creating the ultimate music-discovery experience — because you know, Music Discovery is Everything. It allows a touring artist to have a second play without violating their radius clause (I know the rules of music business, thanks Julian!) I’m genuinely proud of this iconic branded party series — a platform that brings touring artists in front of fresh audiences and makes their time in NYC truly count. We also hosted one with NewDad, one of my favorite bands from Ireland, and they even played Irish folk songs (I cry). Elias delivered flawlessly. I announced the show and got the room cooking for a party on a snowy Sunday night with party people eager for a surprise guest. Simultaneously, I booked a screening of Rønnenfelt’s short film “Off Right” at the Roxy. Once the screening was over, his fans were notified that he was playing a secret show at Jean’s the same night. Elias’ fans pulled up to the party, positioned themselves at center stage, and Elias got on the mic. From the beginning of his set to the end – the entire room full of people who weren’t familiar with his solo work yet and some lucky die hard fans – held on to his every note and movement. A perfect orchestration of surprise and discovery (I love my team) and a true testament to his artistry and showmanship. One of many favorite moments I created this year. Later this year he followed up with a record with Dean Blunt titled lucre [released 2/7/25], another solo album Speak Daggers [released 10/17/25 via Escho Records], and one-offs with artists like Fousheé, Jonatan Leandoer96, Fauzia, and even a remix from The Dare.
I have listened to his song “USA Baby” maybe 10,000 times by now. I think it’s a perfect song.
And just recently he dropped a music video for “Mona Lisa” featuring modern day Mona Lisa, Jenna Ortega.
His output this year is unmatched making him one of my favorite muses of 2025.
When NYC’s elusive Voyeur got in touch about my live music bookings at Jean’s I was inspired to deliver something special, obviously. The band celebrated their 7inch split with LA’s Untitled Halo titled Eyes Full Of Tears / Doom Complex [released 4/2/25] with a show together this past May in the basement of Jean’s. The fans lined the block, the bands rocked out, the room was lit. One for the books.
I’ve obsessively listened to the song “The Burden of Desire” when it came out and now the band released a full album with the same title. Singer Sharleen’s leading vocals are confessional yet powerful, her wails gut-wrenching, with lyrics that feel like the inner monologues of troubled people (relatable!). The band is serious, hard to reach, and mysterious. Haven’t heard from them since but their music stuck with me, an incredible debut record [released 11/5/25] and with beautiful album art that reminds me of one of my favorite paintings hanging in the East Village bar for rascals and misfits Sophie’s (IYKYK).
Article by Nasa Hadizadeh. Find me on instagram @nasa_nasa_nasa__ and subscribe to my Substack.