“america’s boyfriend” album release show

Queer, trans Brooklyn band sandile is releasing their debut album, america’s boyfriend, on June 1st 2024, and they’re celebrating with a release show at Gold Sounds Bar on June 6th!

sandile’s debut album, america’s boyfriend, is a 10-track emotional odyssey exploring love, gender, and community under late-stage capitalism. It’s queer alt rock from a mostly-trans band. With a grungy, jazz-influenced sound, the album features singer-songwriter and guitarist Sandile Mhlaba (they/he), along with their band: Jade Han (she/her) on bass, Sid “SD” Diamond (they/he) on lead guitar, and Vernon “VJAY” McGhee (he/him) on drums. The group formed in late 2022 and has been gigging around Brooklyn, Queens, and the LES ever since, playing venues like Baby’s All Right, Our Wicked Lady, and Arlene’s Grocery. sandile is very much steeped in a queer & trans DIY scene with an ethos of mutual aid and community care. They’ve performed at fundraisers and events organized by Dave’s Lesbian Bar, T4Tapes, Vanderbilt Open Streets Pride, BIPOC Emo Night, and more.

The release show features stellar queer and trans bands from the local scene. Lollirot, a black punk band from Long Island, will open the show. They’re followed by THEMME, a rock band from Queens led by Dave of Dave’s Lesbian Bar. Next up is AVATAREDEN, the trans-led genre expansive experience from Queens. sandile will close out the night. The show will also feature merch from the artists, tattoos by queer ignorant style tattooer Miles (@lollygaglab), and free harm reduction supplies provided by the Toolbox Collective. Doors are at 7 and music starts at 7:30. Tickets can be found here.