New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Indie-alternative act, New Mayans just dropped their debut single, "Universe". A galactic rock ballad nostalgic of the love shared between two heavenly bodies, separated, with the hope to someday reunite. The track is the debut single from the New Mayans' upcoming full-length effort, Odyssey, a double concept album due out later next year. "Universe" is now available on Bandcamp.
Fearlessly exploring a myriad of complex topics, New Mayans are comfortable tackling all facets of the human condition. The lyrics navigate the blurred borders between fantasy and reality while trying to maintain its fragile state of sanity. Produced by
Mario J. McNulty (David Bowie, Prince, Lou Reed, Nine Inch Nails), "Universe" surges immediately in the introduction with a fluttering synthesizer and a deep bass patch that establishes a cosmic atmosphere. The song resonates as New Mayans' founder and head songwriter, Swiggy, pairs clean, anthemic guitar work with acoustic strumming, a nod to Bowie's debut single, "
Space Oddity". As Swiggy sings, "we had a love that could have saved this world, and all the stars and moons in this lonely universe," he constructs a narrative that nostalgically reminisces about an old flame set in an Orwellian future. Swiggy complements his darker musical inclinations inspired by The
Pixies and Joy Division, with a surreal and avant-garde style that is stunning and impressive. "Universe" was recorded at The Magic Shop, known for flagship albums such as
David Bowie's secret album The Next Day, Coldplay's Viva La Vida, and Arcade Fire's The Suburbs.
Hailing from St. Louis, Swiggy began playing music at the age of eight, learning violin, saxophone, guitar, piano, and voice throughout his youth. Drawing inspiration from art/rock and developing a rich cinematic palette early on, he brings a fresh perspective to his dystopian music. Drawn to songwriting, in 2014, he began a collaboration with Nathan Gilberg on bass, Earl Slick assisting in studio guitar work (David Bowie, John Lennon, Keith Richards), and Sterling Campbell on drums (David Bowie, The B-52s, Duran Duran). Swiggy began to fully realize his vision for New Mayans, his performing moniker. Swiggy has played at The Pageant, Off Broadway, and The Social while sharing the stage with acts such as The Ataris, The Von Bondies, InnerPartySystem, and Nico Vega.
"Universe" is the first glimpse into the epic world that New Mayans are capable of constructing, great things lie ahead for the
Chicago group. The song is the first single off of Odyssey, due out later next year. The track is now available on Bandcamp. To learn more about the captivating and otherworldly adventures of New Mayans, visit NewMayans.com.
