“ConBoy” – NYC music duo challenges gender norms

ConBoy is an indie pop-rock band formed by two queer women often mistaken for boys, hence the name ConBoy. The NYC based duo, Cherie Bugtong and Daisy Spencer, are pumping personal stories in the form of pop-rock bangers for all ages similar to the likes of Tegan and Sara, Weezer, No Doubt and many more. But ConBoy are their own distinct sound, a grittier, bolder, more personal band with unapologetic songwriting, old-school rock tones and new age pop flair that will sucker punch you with every hook you hear. 

The name, ConBoy, is derived from both women being mistaken for boys. They are slated to release their first self-titled EP, ConBoy on June 22, which will be the debut of Spencer’s passion project with her artistic partner, singer, songwriter, and fiance, Bugtong. This will Spencer’s first solo project outside of the Brooklyn pop band, The Skins, and the first recording for Bugtong.

ConBoy exudes all the messages of it’s namesake while holding those old school feelings of sentiment but with a new age twist. It sounds like the loud rock and roll of Cage the Elephant or Weezer, with the melodical intricacy of fellow artist and LGBTQ trailblazer, LP‘s later work. The band’s diverse, multi-dimensional sound is reminiscent of British electro pop duo, The Ting Tings, Tegan and Sara, and the overlooked indie-rock gem, Land of Talk. The band’s satisfyingly intricate yet accessible sound resonates with listeners of all ages, demographic or backgrounds.

Cherie Bugtong said, “ConBoy resonates with everyone, there’s something for everyone here. The track Say Goodbye is for anyone who lost a loved one or someone old school trying to live in the new school, like “how can I deal with all this technology while remaining authentic to myself”. The track Black Hole is about “I don’t want to lose myself, I want to be someone. It’s about trying to make sense in this crazy world, trying to express ourselves and live our dreams not just surviving the day to day but fulfilling our passions. I want to feel something at a concert. I don’t want to listen to an overproduced sound, but really feel the vulnerability and truth. I want to tap my feet and move around.”

Each song in ConBoy offers up a different taste of the raw feelings and personal projections of Daisy and Cherie’s experiences. The EP is not trying to prove anything—a rarity in a  modern, politically charged culture. You can settle in and enjoy ConBoy for the way it unapologetically is. There is a naturally maintained fluidity that feels like ConBoy has been around since the 90’s, when in reality Cherie and Daisy are both millennials who endeavour to pay  homage to the music that sculpted them into the artists they are today. 

 Upcoming Release Dates