September concerts in NYC: Dancehall, death metal and Erykah Badu

As New York City transitions into the autumn season, its music calendar flourishes with an array of concerts that span genres and atmospheres. September emerges not only as a closing chapter for outdoor summer performances but also as a gateway to dynamic indoor and open-air events showcasing both established icons and emerging talents.

One of the most anticipated highlights is the return of Erykah Badu, who steps back into the spotlight with her first album in over 15 years, "Before the World Blows." This project marks a creative partnership with the veteran producer Alchemist, blending their talents to reinforce Badu’s enduring influence on alternative R&B. Badu’s upcoming Queens show also features hip-hop pioneers De La Soul, who continue to maintain their legacy following the recent loss of co-founder Trugoy the Dove.

The fall concert series also honors New York’s heavy metal community, which faced a significant setback with the 2024 closure of the iconic Saint Vitus Bar in Greenpoint. Its reopening in Bushwick has reignited enthusiasm among metal enthusiasts. The revival kicks off with a strong lineup, including a two-night appearance by Yonkers-based death metal veterans Immolation, a notable name in the global underground metal scene. While some events have already sold out, opportunities remain to experience the raw intensity and communal energy that define the local metal circuit.

Adding to the city’s musical richness, the dancehall genre receives vibrant representation in Queens. Jada Kingdom, known for her distinctive blend of vulnerable lyrics and party-ready rhythms, draws from diverse influences such as Nina Simone, jazz, and Erykah Badu herself. Her performance, alongside fellow dancehall artists Byron Messia and Trinidad Killa, promises an immersive nightlife atmosphere energized by contemporary Caribbean sounds, including the soca-inspired subgenre zess.

In the realm of indie and experimental music, the duo ear—Jonah Paz and Yaelle Avtan—offer a unique blend of homegrown indie pop characterized by subtle vocals, nostalgic synthesizers, and enigmatic samples. Their East River–adjacent concert includes supporting acts like NEW YORK, an electropop duo, and the eclectic Atlanta rapper Bby Kell, highlighting a spectrum of left-of-center pop and rap.

Fans of ambient and experimental music are invited to the Ambient Church festival, a three-day event unfolding across sacred spaces in Manhattan and Brooklyn. This series expands the boundaries of contemporary sacred music by featuring soundscape artists and experimental musicians such as Charlemagne Palestine, Laraaji, and Carl Stone. The festival’s program also includes performances of 12th-century choral works by Hildegard of Bingen, creating a profound intersection of ancient and modern sonic experiences.

Similarly, the Outline series at Queens’s Knockdown Center offers an eclectic mix that defies straightforward genre classification. The September lineup is headlined by Flying Lotus, whose recent EP "Big Mama" underscores his reputation as an innovative beatsmith. Other performers include EYE from the Japanese avant-rock group Boredoms, Swedish pop innovator Olof Dreijer of The Knife, and the experimental collective Black Dice. This series underscores the city’s role as a hub for boundary-pushing club music, indie rock, and avant-garde sound.

Brooklyn-based artist L’Rain, the moniker of Taja Cheek, returns with her acclaimed 2026 album "fata morgana." Known for her genre-defying soundscapes that fuse art-pop, surreal synths, and complex vocal manipulations, L’Rain’s live performances promise an immersive experience that challenges traditional song structures and invites listeners into a fluid musical journey.

These varied concerts underscore the multifaceted nature of New York City’s music scene as it heads into fall — a period marked by creative resurgence, genre fusion, and cultural continuity. From the reverberating riffs of death metal to the soulful grooves of alt-R&B, and from ethereal ambient compositions to dancehall’s infectious rhythms, September’s concert lineup reveals a city pulsating with artistic vitality and evolving musical narratives.

While the season features noteworthy headliners and landmark venues, it also highlights the resilience and innovation of New York’s musical communities. As some iconic spaces reopen and new festivals emerge, the city reaffirms its status as a global epicenter for music lovers across all tastes and backgrounds. Details on specific dates and ticket availability vary by event and venue, reflecting the ongoing dynamism of this evolving concert landscape.