Radar: Cynthia Sley / Bush Tetras

2025-03-11

I recently spoke with Cynthia Sley, the iconic frontwoman of Bush Tetras, the legendary NYC art-punk band that helped define the downtown underground scene of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Cynthia’s distinct image and half-spoken, sharp delivery have undeniably influenced current artists like Florence Shaw of Dry Cleaning. The band’s overall sound—blending funk, punk, and No Wave with elements of dub and groove—has echoed through every era of post & art-punk revival. Bus...

I recently spoke with Cynthia Sley, the iconic frontwoman of Bush Tetras, the legendary NYC art-punk band that helped define the downtown underground scene of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Cynthia’s distinct image and half-spoken, sharp delivery have undeniably influenced current artists like Florence Shaw of Dry Cleaning. The band’s overall sound—blending funk, punk, and No Wave with elements of dub and groove—has echoed through every era of post & art-punk revival. Bush Tetras blazed the trail with this sound that can still be heard today.

Cynthia and I discussed her journey from Ohio to New York, the electric energy of the late-’70s East Village, where art thrived with no limits, and the evolution of Bush Tetras up to today.

For more information, upcoming show dates (when announced), and vinyl, visit Wharf Cat Records.

Dylan Hundley is an artist & performer. She is the co-creator and lead singer of Lulu Lewis & creator of all things at Darling Black. She co-curates & hosts Salon Lulu which is a New York based multidisciplinary performance series. She is also a cast member of the iconic New York film Metropolitan.

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