In the vibrant heart of Brooklyn’s indie music scene, Anaïs Lund, the creative force behind Anaïs & The Hoops, has unveiled her debut EP, Growing Pains, a six-track masterpiece released on September 5, 2025, across all streaming platforms. This eagerly anticipated project, a fusion of indie-pop, jazz, and folk, captures the essence of youth’s fleeting moments and the bittersweet tug of self-discovery. With her jazz-inflected vocals, sharp yet vulnerable lyrics, and a retro aesthetic that feels both timeless and fresh, Anaïs establishes herself as a rising star, weaving a sonic tapestry that resonates with listeners from New York to New Delhi. Growing Pains is not just an EP; it’s a heartfelt exploration of identity and nostalgia, crafted over three years with a collaborative spirit that infuses each track with authenticity and emotional depth.
The EP, comprising the tracks “You” (3:39), “Cool” (4:21), “Passe le temps” (3:15), “Stick to the script” (3:03), “Blue” (3:19), and the title track “Growing Pains” (3:33), is a testament to Anaïs’s ability to blend genres while staying true to her unique voice. Working with producer Ben Coleman and her bandmates—fellow New York musicians who bring their own flair to the project—Anaïs has created a collection that feels both personal and communal. The collaborative process extended beyond the studio, with her mother contributing to the lyrics of “Passe le temps,” her first French-language song, and a poem by friend Alex Brady shaping the introspective “Cool.” “It’s been fun to cobble together,” Anaïs shares. “Basically, every song was touched by someone in or around the live band.” This spirit of togetherness imbues Growing Pains with a warmth that invites listeners into her world, whether they’re in Brooklyn’s bustling venues or streaming from afar in cities like Toronto or Mumbai.
At its core, Growing Pains explores the universal tension of growing up while clinging to the innocence of youth. The songs, written in the wake of Anaïs’s move from San Diego to New York, reflect a pivotal chapter in her life. “These songs were some of the first I wrote that truly felt like me,” she explains. “Most of these songs came together after I moved from California to New York, at a time when I was figuring out who I wanted to be. That chapter of my life gave me the chance to embrace the traits and experiences that now define me as both an artist and a person.” Tracks like “You” and “Blue” capture the ache of self-discovery with their introspective lyrics and shimmering melodies, while “Passe le temps” adds a layer of cultural richness with its French lyrics, evoking a sense of timeless nostalgia. “Cool,” with its poetic roots, and “Stick to the script,” with its playful yet poignant tone, showcase Anaïs’s knack for balancing vulnerability with catchy pop sensibilities.
Anaïs Lund, raised in San Diego and now a proud Brooklynite, began her musical journey in jazz clubs and restaurants, where her soulful voice and commanding presence turned heads. In 2019, she started writing the songs that would become Anaïs & The Hoops, channeling her jazz influences into a sound that’s equal parts indie-pop sparkle and folk introspection. Her lyrics, sharp yet tender, cut to the heart of human experience, while her retro aesthetic—think vintage-inspired visuals paired with modern production—sets her apart in a crowded indie landscape. With a growing streaming footprint and a social media following that’s buzzing with excitement, Anaïs is quickly becoming one of indie music’s most distinctive voices, drawing comparisons to artists like Norah Jones and Maggie Rogers for her genre-blending style.
Beyond her recorded work, Anaïs & The Hoops is a magnetic live act, known for captivating audiences with her emotive performances and tight-knit band chemistry. She has sold out headline shows in New York, performed at Toronto’s NXNE Music Festival, and opened for acclaimed artists like Jade Bird and Thunder Jackson, earning praise for her ability to connect with crowds. To celebrate the release of Growing Pains, Anaïs will take the stage at NYC’s Nightclub 101 on September 5, 2025, a homecoming performance that promises to bring the EP’s energy to life. Tickets for the show, available online, are a hot commodity for fans eager to witness her in her element. The venue, a staple of Brooklyn’s nightlife, is the perfect setting for an artist whose music feels like a conversation between friends, whether they’re in Williamsburg or watching livestream clips from Singapore.
Growing Pains arrives at a time when indie music is thriving, particularly in urban hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto, where young audiences crave authentic, emotionally resonant art. The EP’s themes of identity and nostalgia strike a universal chord, appealing to listeners navigating their own coming-of-age journeys, from Mumbai’s bustling streets to London’s indie venues. Its accessibility on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others ensures global reach, with tracks like “Growing Pains” and “Passe le temps” poised to climb playlists like Spotify’s “Indie Pop” and “New Music Friday.” The French-language track, in particular, adds a cross-cultural appeal, resonating with francophone audiences in Canada, France, and beyond, while its jazz-inflected production draws in fans of eclectic sounds worldwide.
The collaborative nature of Growing Pains sets it apart, reflecting Anaïs’s belief in the power of community in art. Ben Coleman’s production brings a polished yet organic feel, allowing each instrument—from the gentle strum of guitars to the subtle pulse of drums—to shine. Her bandmates, New York’s finest, add texture to tracks like “Blue,” where jazz flourishes meet indie-pop hooks, and “Stick to the script,” which dances between playfulness and introspection. The inclusion of her mother’s lyrical input and Alex Brady’s poetry underscores the personal stakes of the project, making Growing Pains feel like a scrapbook of Anaïs’s life, shared with the world.
As Anaïs & The Hoops carves out a space in the indie music scene, Growing Pains is a bold statement of intent, blending nostalgia with forward-looking ambition. For Indian audiences, where indie music is gaining traction through platforms like JioSaavn and festivals like NH7 Weekender, Anaïs’s sound offers a fresh perspective, echoing the emotional depth of artists like Prateek Kuhad. Her journey from San Diego’s jazz clubs to Brooklyn’s vibrant stages mirrors the global rise of indie artists who bridge local roots with universal stories. With Growing Pains, Anaïs invites listeners to embrace their own growing pains, finding beauty in the messiness of becoming. As she takes the stage at Nightclub 101, the world is watching—and listening—to a voice that’s only just beginning to soar.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.