The band Niis from Los Angeles has just announced their collaboration with Rise Records and released details about their new EP "Play Niis," which is set to be released on October 23. The band has also released the first single from the album, "Earthquakes," which is now available on all streaming platforms. Additionally, there is an official music video directed by Jake Woodbridge.
Singer Mimi Doe describes "Earthquakes" and joining the Rise Records artist family as follows: "It's a song about growing through pain and heartbreak. It's about dealing with lost love and the deep scars it can leave on your heart. In a way, it's a love letter to heartbreak itself. Working with Rise has been a dream. They truly are a label that has created such a great environment for us to flourish and experiment."
The link to EARTHQUAKES is as follows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SGVetk67js
About the EP, Doe says: "Imagine this: You just came out of the movie theater in the mall, your mom is calling you on your brand new flip phone. You ignore the call and head into the next Hot Topic store. A song comes on the speakers that you've never heard before. The CD you wanted isn't there, and he hasn't texted you back, so you go home, turn on the TV – Buffy is on, and she's listening to the exact same song. That's the vibe we want to create with 'Play Niis.'"
Produced by Austin Coupe and Michael Schuman, the punk band from Los Angeles showcases a more melodic, expansive side on "Play Niis," while still retaining the instinctive energy that has characterized their earlier releases. The six-track EP, born from heartbreak, upheaval, and uncertainty, ultimately deals with the search for joy and human connection in an increasingly alienated world – music as a means to feel alive, process pain, and find something beautiful in the chaos.
Niis – pronounced "Nice" – has built a reputation over the past few years for music that is as provocative as it is deeply human. The band was founded in 2020 by singer Mimi Doe and guitarist Ryan McGuffin, introduced themselves with "Not Niis" (2020), followed up with "Must Be..." (2022), and released their debut album "Niis World" in 2025. Now, with bassist Izzy and drummer Jonathan Salvo joining the band, Niis returns with "Play Niis," their debut on Rise Records. While their earlier albums were marked by anger and unpredictability, the band focuses on melody, vulnerability, and connection on "Play Niis," while continuing to engage with the world around them. Next, Niis will embark on a fall tour in North America supporting Movements, Balance & Composure, and Midrift.
