The Repressions are an NYC indie rock duo, featuring Barbara Dragon and Nate Lay. Their songs jump genres with tongue-twisting literary lyrics, guitars, synth, and two powerful voices full of melodic harmony. The Repressions’ songs have folk punk messages mixed with fairy tale dreams. Their style has been described as “forest-music” and “ethereal indie rock” (BORO Magazine, March 2018) and “music to feel your feelings to” (queensnycmusic.com). They play lively shows every month all over New York City, and livestream twice a week on Twitch, incorporating prizes, colorful costumes, and original artwork into their performance.
The Repressions celebrate their 10th Anniversary in 2025, having played over 500 shows in New York City, Rockland County, Westchester, Chicago, Miami, Irvine (Kentucky,) and Philadelphia. Memorable shows include Moynihan Station with Midtown Music NYC, BSP Kingston, Pianos, Rockwood Music Hall, Sidewalk, Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition, The Grand Victory, Belvedere Estate, The Misfit Hive, Pine Box Rock Shop, Gold Sounds, The American Federation of Musicians, and a residency at Organic Grill in the West Village. Festivals include Festival of the Mewz, Porch Stomp, Queens International Night Market, Shore Fest, Voice 4 Change, Turning Leaves Festival and more.
The Repressions are the vocalists for the Quest Video Game “Gorilla Tag,” with Stunshine Music, and the upcoming VR game “Jank,” debuting in December 2025. Their songs “From the Blue Green Sea” and “Let’s Get Depressed” have been featured on Radio Illumini in the UK. They have also had devoted episodes of the podcasts “Plant Powered Disruptors,” and “So Yea.” Their song “We Are the Strange Ones” is featured in the television pilot Friends Not Food, which will debut in 2025.
You can listen to their original folk punk and dreamy rock songs on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and all streaming and download services.
The Repressions post and connect frequently on all social media, including Instagram, Bluesky, Substack, Discord, TikTok, and more. You can click on your favorite icon at the top menu.
The Repressions began performing live stream shows on Twitch in late 2020 and have found a wonderful global community of fans and friends. They perform and take requests from their home studio twice weekly for people all over the world.
Nate and Barbara also play private events and cover shows, with set lists catered for weddings, children’s parties, cocktail hours, and pop rock hits from the 1950s through today.
The Repressions are playing live, singing stories, and releasing more originals in 2025! For booking, merch, or more information, please reach out to booking@therepressions.com.
The Repressions 