Robyn, Phish, and a New Wave of DJs Headline New Year’s Eve in New York City
A vibrant and diverse lineup of artists is set to ring in 2025 in New York City, offering alternatives to the traditional Times Square ball drop. From the return of pop icon Robyn to the improvisational energy of Phish, and a showcase of cutting-edge DJs, the city promises a New Year’s Eve experience for every musical taste.
Robyn’s Long-Awaited Return
Few artists are as keenly anticipated as Swedish singer and producer Robyn. Described as a “sonic palate cleanser,” she consistently reappears at moments when her music resonates most deeply. Her 1995 debut, “Robyn Is Here,” signaled a future for alt-pop, and subsequent albums, including her self-titled 2005 release and the euphoric “Body Talk” era of 2010, cemented her status as a singular artist.
After releasing her critically acclaimed post-breakup album “Honey” in 2018, Robyn embarked on a seven-year hiatus. She officially returned last month with the single “Dopamine,” and will celebrate her comeback with a New Year’s Eve show dubbed “Robyn & Friends” at the Brooklyn Paramount.
Electronic Music Takes Center Stage
As the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2025, New York City’s DJs will be instrumental in ushering in the new year. Two shows, in particular, stand out. At Nowadays, Aurora Halal and Avalon Emerson will perform from midnight until 6 a.m. Halal is the creator of Brooklyn’s long-running party series “Mutual Dreaming,” while Emerson’s 2023 album, “& the Charm,” expanded her electronic music into a “hazy, whimsical pop expanse.”
Also featured is Palestinian techno artist Sama’ Abdulhadi, a trailblazer who gained prominence in Beirut and has since transformed her mixing into a form of activism. Abdulhadi will continue her essential outreach program from a Bushwick warehouse at 99 Scott Ave.
From Sample Drill to Jam Bands: A Spectrum of Sounds
Beyond the dance floor, New Year’s Eve revelers have diverse options. Since 2024, Bronx rapper and producer Cash Cobain has been at the forefront of sample drill, a New York-born subgenre of hip-hop originating in Chicago. His debut album, “Play Cash Cobain,” released in August of last year, has gained national attention, boosted by collaborations with artists like Drake, Justin Bieber, and Cardi B. Cobain will embrace his newfound prominence at Panda Harlem.
In stark contrast, the iconic jam band Phish offers a completely different experience. Formed in 1983, the band has built a four-decade career on improvisational performances blending psychedelic rock and jazz fusion. Having released their sixteenth LP last year, Phish prioritizes the live experience, treating their discography as a constantly evolving organism. Fans can find the band performing at Madison Square Garden from December 28th through New Year’s Eve.
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The diverse musical landscape of New York City ensures a memorable New Year’s Eve for all.
