Fight The Urge (Minimum Risk Remix) by THROES NYC (Interview 2026)

Edition Seventy-Three – Week Seventy-Three; Unit 2:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

Introduction

Some bands build their identity around genre, while others create an atmosphere that defies easy categorization. THROES NYC is firmly in the latter camp. Formed by producer Michael Bozzo and vocalist Courtney Leo, the New York duo has crafted a distinctive sound they describe as “altriphop”—a cinematic blend of indie, pop, and trip-hop that feels equally nostalgic and forward-thinking. Their music draws listeners into immersive sonic landscapes where haunting melodies, textured production, and emotionally charged performances coexist in perfect balance.

Raised on the creative energy of New York City’s music scene, THROES NYC approaches songwriting as world-building rather than simply making songs. Every release invites listeners into a mood, where vulnerability meets bold production and introspective storytelling unfolds against hypnotic rhythms. With tracks like “Around,” “Blues,” “Promise,” and the HOWL EP, the duo continues to establish a unique artistic voice that refuses to be confined by convention.

Short Review

THROES NYC delivers music that rewards close listening. Their songs unfold gradually, revealing intricate production, layered textures, and melodies that linger long after the final note. Rather than relying on predictable pop formulas, the duo embraces atmosphere and emotion, creating music that feels cinematic without sacrificing accessibility.

What makes THROES NYC particularly compelling is the chemistry between Michael Bozzo’s immersive production and Courtney Leo’s expressive vocal performances. Together, they create a sound that is both intimate and expansive—bridging indie sensibilities, electronic experimentation, and trip-hop influences into something unmistakably their own. It’s music that invites listeners to slow down, absorb every detail, and experience each song as a complete emotional journey.

Q&A

THROES NYC describes its sound as “altriphop.” How did that term come about, and what does it represent to you?

“We started making music and realized that a lot of people and blogs were telling us it didn’t fit in this genre or that genre, and it was too downtempo or too dark- or synthwave but not synthwave enough. It started to dawn on us that we were somewhere in the middle of all the types of music we loved, so we decided to call ourselves what we felt like we were. Alternative, yet dark like triphop but still cinematic and synthwave with an indie dance aesthetic thrown in.
We just called it what it felt like- and so “Altriphop” was born.”

How did the collaboration between Michael Bozzo and Courtney Leo first begin?

“Well, we’re cousins and we used to live in the same house growing up, so there were a lot of shared musical moments and silly recording of little songs here and there. Michael taught me to play guitar a bit. But more recently- last year- I had told him I had some songs running around my head and had no music to go with them. I had recorded full songs on my voice notes app totally a capella. So I sent them to him and we started mashing up my melodies and his music and making some great stuff. And then sometimes he will send me some music he has been working on with no lyrics or overlying melody and ask me if it can be something. I’m always like “Um, yes! You’re brilliant! Everything can be something. Let’s work on it.”

New York City has a rich musical history. In what ways has the city influenced your songwriting and production?

“Oh, we used to go to every show everywhere in the city when we were younger. If it was a night, there was a concert. It was like a badge of honor going into every club on the LES and seeing bands before they became huge. Michael was also in a band called gehelio non-centric, and I think they played every club in nyc ever..but I wasn’t quite old enough to get in so I kinda carried a guitar in like I was with the band and managed to smuggle myself into so many shows that I shouldn’t have been at. The city is just embedded in us. Most of our formative musical experiences basically happened in the heart of NYC, so naturally NYC is at the heart of our songs.”

Your music places a strong emphasis on atmosphere. Do you begin with a mood, a lyric, or a musical idea when writing?

“I deal with quite a bit of depression (if it isn’t too obvious), so a lot of the songs I write are born from trying to get those feelings off of my chest. Or sometimes Michael sends me a bit of music or a short piece he wrote and I’ll think it sounds like this or that- so it goes both ways. For instance, one song he sent me called KIT from our HOWL EP just felt like something you’d hear during Knight Rider, so I started from that image of someone driving away at night. KIT is ‘keep in touch’ and also the car from the show was called KITT, so all these things added up to the feeling of that song. The weird way we work really comes together beautifully at the end of the day.”

Where can we hear more, and why should we?

“You can hear more of our music at our bandcamp, YouTube, Spotify and all of the streaming music platforms. I wish we played live gigs, but that isn’t in the cards right now. Hopefully soon. Right now your best bet is on your headphones.”

Anything to add here?

“Our new EP called The Wires Out, is out on August 12th. It has 2 new tracks we are really proud of.”