NYC duo LEYA broke out in 2020 with their droning avant-folk LP Flood Dream, which they released on the heels of a 2019 collaboration with Eartheater pairing Marilu Donovan’s harp and Adam Markiewicz’s violin with the vocalist and sound designer’s unique atmospherics. With a mixtape in the interim, the duo returned last month with their I Forget Everything EP, which deepened their post-minimalist aesthetic and mysterious lore.
As is often the case, the new release coincided with a release show—this one set within Ridgewood, Queen’s TV Eye with special appearances from fantasy of a broken heart and Colle (a.k.a. Chanel Beads’ Maya McGrory), as well as DJ sets from x3butterfly. And because photographer Jane Pain was on site to document the proceedings, we also know that the show was full of special guests who made appearances backstage: Venus Twins, Tempers, Drew McDowall, and Melissa guitarist (and Jane Pain bandmate) Anuj Panchal all dropped by throughout the evening.
Check out photos of these special guests as well as the night’s performances below.
Cheesin’ with our loves Belle, who designed this shirt, and Mr. Cody.
Digging for treasures with Anuj, a.k.a. the guitarist from NYC’s best blackened hardcore band, Melissa.
Soso, a.k.a. x3butterfly, backstage.
We love x3butterfly! They brought the rave vibes to this one.
Colle meditating on the idea of greatness.
With the incredible Maya, a.k.a. Colle, after she cast a spell, plus Susannah in the background.
Congratulating the homie Al after the huge fantasy set.
It is important to drink water for many reasons.
Legends Drew McDowall and Jasmine, a.k.a. Tempers.
This is fam: Devin, Tatum, and Mr. Cody.
Tatum doing her thing. We love Tatum.
Tuning systems are fun, a.k.a. tuning is a myth.
fantasy just chilling, gazing, luxuriating.
The [Venus] Twins just looking cute.
Preparing to use a computer on stage for the first time ever.
When we pop out we always bring the machinery.
A serious moment, plus violin hickey (a.k.a. proof of preparation).
Here we are performing our extremely serious songs.
To be alive is to be possessed.
Another very serious moment.
We are intense and well.
We love and appreciate them!
We love music and the way it settles all confusion.
Performing is our favorite thing to do!
