Fresh Brooklyn Sounds Playlist: Recent Releases from Local Artists

Brooklyn has long been a magnet for musicians and remains one of New York’s most influential music boroughs. From hip-hop to heavy metal, indie rock to punk and everything in between, Brooklyn’s music scene continues to shape the city’s sound with new releases that reflect local artists’ creativity.

Our latest mixtape highlights Brooklyn artists with songs released within the past year or so, mixing familiar names with emerging voices worth knowing.

Scroll through the featured artists below or head to Spotify for the full Brooklyn playlist with even more recent tracks.

I’m A Ghost — Shilpa Ray

Though she’s been playing music in NYC for two decades, Shilpa Ray continues to blow us away with new music including “I’m a Ghost,” one of her more mellow selections. The soulful tune is about a friendship fallout and the peace of mind in letting go. Whether she’s softly singing a melodic song, screaming lyrics, playing harmonium or getting engrossed in a live performance, she continues evolve as a powerful artist.

This Hate Hurts — Pinc Louds

Former busker and Pinc Louds frontperson Claudi (pronounced cloudy), has come a long way since 2015, gaining a cult following and selling out popular NYC venues. Their music blends multiple genres like garage, punk, EDM and Afro-Caribbean, and both the music itself and the live shows are known to have a playful, dreamy aesthetic. And though the lyrics on this particular track are rather depressing, the upbeat music makes you want to get up and dance.

SINK 2 RISE — Laila!

She might be the daughter of Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), but Laila! is a force of her own. She’s been making headlines since posting her first TikTok song in 2023 at the age of 16 and going viral. Her latest album, Gap Year, includes 17 self-produced tracks, including “SINK 2 RISE,” which takes us back to the vibe of a school dance in the ’90s.

Now That You’re Gone — Nation of Language

This indie pop band got their start in Brooklyn back in 2016 and has been blessing us with their catchy ’80s-inspired music since. Part goth, other parts synthpop, post-punk and new romantic, Nation of Language is worth checking out both for their albums and live shows. “Now That You’re Gone” is a track off their newest album that’s simultaneously sad and sweet, and was inspired by the death of frontman Iven Richard Devaney’s godfather.

Dangomushi — Mei Semones

Brooklyn-based indie J-pop artist Mei Semones is a young, talented jazz guitarist and singer-songwriter who released her debut album in 2025 (though she had a couple EPs before that). “Dangomushi” is somewhat of a lullaby with soft-spoken Japanese and English lyrics backed by prominent strings and jazz elements.

Hear the entire playlist on Spotify:

Check out our other recent mixtapes including songs from films shot in Brooklyn, an NYC jazz playlist and sounds of home.