SONG PREMIERE: SLEDDING MAKE A MEMORABLE FIRST IMPRESSION WITH DEBUT SINGLE "MY GOLDEN TEMPO"
Photo Credit: Katrina Stewart
Brooklyn's Sledding have officially arrived, and their debut single, "My Golden Tempo," is the kind of first impression every young band hopes to make. Equal parts early 2000s indie rock and '90s alternative, the track is fueled by crunchy guitars, infectious hooks, and enough swagger to make it feel both nostalgic and completely fresh.
From the opening riff, "My Golden Tempo" has a confidence about it. The guitars drive the song forward, the rhythm section never lets up, and the chorus is the kind that sneaks into your head after just one listen. Sonically, it's as if Bloc Party, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Dirty Projectors all got together for one massive musical orgy, borrowing the best qualities from each while somehow still sounding completely original. It feels familiar in all the right ways, like something you'd blast with the windows down, while still carrying enough personality to stand on its own.
That chemistry didn't happen overnight. The members of Sledding have been making music together since their days at Fordham University, where they were part of the school's DIY house show scene. After playing together in projects like Boy Factory and Veronica, they started Sledding in a Ridgewood basement during last winter's back-to-back snowstorms. Since then, they've become regulars around Brooklyn, playing venues like Baby's All Right, Night Club 101, and Le Bain.
You can hear those DIY roots throughout the song. Nothing feels forced or overproduced. Instead, "My Golden Tempo" has the loose, lived-in energy of a band that's spent years figuring out what works together. It's loud when it needs to be, melodic when it counts, and never loses sight of the groove.
Outside the band, vocalist Aslam has also been making an impact across New York's music community. She was recently recognized by Paste for her work on Adam Offitzer's concert-tracking platform Encore, and she's the founder of Backline NYC, an app that helps musicians connect with gear, services, and other resources.
For a debut, "My Golden Tempo" feels remarkably confident. There's no overthinking, no unnecessary tricks, just four musicians writing great songs and having a hell of a lot of fun doing it. If this is where Sledding are starting, Brooklyn should be paying attention. Ironically, the only thing this band can't seem to do is go downhill…
GET SOME Q&A WITH VOCALIST/GUITARIST AIDAN DROUSE
1. You describe your debut single, "My Golden Tempo," as "hard and fast," and it's certainly a high-intensity rock 'n' roll track. How would you describe Sledding's sound, and what artists or bands have been the biggest influences on it?
We started this band with the intention of doing something abrasive/expirmental but our love for deliberate songwriting and big hooks has kind of prevented us from going too far in one direction. My Golden Tempo is our version of a pop song. The other songs we've written focus a bit more on rhythm and atmosphere. Our EP is going to be smoky, hot, and mischievous. Aesthetically, we look to Jay Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne for inspiration and pull a lot of Linkin Park, Roy Montgomery, HTRK, and Mold (NYC) sonically.
2. Brooklyn's DIY scene has played a huge role in the band's story. How has that community influenced not only your music but also your philosophy as a band?
In Brooklyn, you could see a new band every night of the week if you wanted to. This past winter, I (Aidan) attended around 5 shows per week, and that definitely informed this band. We've always placed priority on our live sound and want to feel massive, authentic, and fast. DIY shows also force you to become adaptable because rooms, gear, and crowds are always changing. We've had to be versatile and hope that comes through the music.
3. You've teased more new music coming this fall. What can listeners expect from Sledding over the coming months, and what goals do you hope to accomplish by the end of the year?
We are currently recording and plan on releasing a 5-track EP around Halloween 2026. It’s a much better portrayal of what we believe to be our sound. We want to play big shows. Maybe something outside of NYC could be cool. Hit us up, and we'll be there.
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