Sweetbreads Shares New Single "Open Mic"

Sweetbreads, the project of New York City-based singer and songwriter Melody Stolpp, returns with her haunting new single “Open Mic.” Following the release of her double single “Ben” / “Satisfy,” the track offers another glimpse into her forthcoming debut album, Punisher of Love, out September 25.

Built around ethereal instrumentation and Sweetbreads’ captivating vocals, “Open Mic” explores the ways people cope with pain, search for connection, and try to make sense of one another’s struggles. The song was inspired by a night at an open mic where Sweetbreads witnessed a close friend struggling with addiction and began reflecting on her own relationship with music, ambition, and obsession.

“I was sitting in this dingy dive bar waiting hours for my turn to play one song amongst a sea of people who were there for the same reason,” Sweetbreads shares. “I felt kind of pathetic and self-involved chasing what seemed like a dying dream. Watching my friend struggle made me think about my own obsessions and addictions, and the things we all cling to in order to escape reality.”

Blending indie-folk, alt-country, and sharp storytelling, Sweetbreads writes with empathy, curiosity, and unflinching sincerity. Her music explores family dynamics, relationships, anxiety, optimism, and the complicated beauty of everyday life.

Since fully dedicating herself to music in 2020, Sweetbreads has become known for heartfelt live performances and a collaborative spirit that has fostered a growing creative community around her work. She has performed at New York City venues including Union Pool and Arlene’s Grocery, and later this year will embark on an East Coast run with fellow singer-songwriter Jackqueline Hackett.

With “Ben,” “Satisfy,” and now “Open Mic,” Sweetbreads continues to introduce the emotional world of Punisher of Love. Produced by Quinn Devlin, the album deepens her exploration of love, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of both. Punisher of Love will be out September 25.

Listen to "Open Mic" on all streaming platforms: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sweetbreads/open-mic