Say She She

Biography

Say She She is a female-led 'discodelic soul' band formed in Brooklyn, New York, fronted by Piya Malik (formerly of El Michels Affair and Chicano Batman), Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown. The trio, all classically trained singers, met serendipitously as neighbors in New York City, bonding over their shared love of harmony and retro grooves. Their name is a playful homage to Nile Rodgers and Chic, reflecting their deep roots in disco and 1970s funk, while their sound is characterized by lush three-part harmonies, infectious hooks, and a blend of punk-chic attitude and soulful rebellion.[1][2][4]

The group began writing music together after a spontaneous rooftop singing session, soon collaborating with musicians from Orgōne, The Dap-Kings, The Shacks, and Chicano Batman. Their debut album 'Prism' (2022) was met with critical acclaim, followed by 'Silver' (2023), which topped year-end lists from KCRW and earned praise from The Guardian and NPR. Their third album, 'Cut & Rewind' (2025), further expanded their sonic palette, drawing from influences as varied as Minnie Riperton, Rotary Connection, ESG, and contemporary acts like Lambrini Girls. Say She She has performed at major venues and festivals including Glastonbury, the Hollywood Bowl, and Austin City Limits, establishing themselves as a vibrant force in modern soul and disco revival.[1][4][5]

Their music is both a celebration and a call to action, blending irresistible dance rhythms with lyrics that often carry messages of empowerment and social consciousness. With their rapid ascent, international tours, and endorsements from legends like Nile Rodgers and Questlove, Say She She has become known for their innovative approach to retro soul, their dynamic live shows, and their commitment to uplifting both minds and bodies through music.[1][4][5]

Fun Facts

• The band's name, 'Say She She,' is a play on the French phrase 'c'est chi-chi,' meaning 'it's Chic,' as a tribute to Nile Rodgers and his band Chic.[2][7]
• Say She She’s three frontwomen hail from three different cities: New York (Sabrina Cunningham), London (Piya Malik), and Washington, D.C. (Nya Gazelle Brown).[6]
• Their first live show was booked before they had even written any songs, relying on their chemistry and confidence to deliver original material.[3]
• They have performed at iconic venues and festivals such as the Hollywood Bowl, Glastonbury, and Austin City Limits within just a few years of forming.[1][4][5]

Members

• Piya Malik

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Nile Rodgers - Major stylistic influence; the band's name is a nod to his group Chic and his songwriting/production legacy. (Chic's disco catalog; inspired Say She She's approach to groove and harmony.) [1970s-present (influence acknowledged throughout band's career)]
• Minnie Riperton - Vocal and songwriting inspiration, particularly for harmonies and melodic style. (Solo work and Rotary Connection) [1960s-1970s (influence acknowledged in interviews and album notes)]

Key Collaborators

• Orgōne - Collaborated as backing musicians and in studio sessions. (Contributed to early recordings and live performances.) [2022-present]
• The Dap-Kings - Collaborated in studio and live; members contributed instrumentation. (Various tracks on 'Prism' and 'Silver') [2022-present]
• Chicano Batman - Piya Malik was a former member; cross-pollination of musical ideas. (Chicano Batman albums (pre-Say She She); influence on Say She She's sound.) [2010s (Malik's tenure), ongoing influence]
• Thee Sacred Souls - Touring partners; shared bills and musical kinship. (Joint tours and festival appearances.) [2023-present]

Artists Influenced

• Lambrini Girls - Contemporary peers who share Say She She's ethos and have cited them as an influence in the modern soul-punk scene. (Recent releases in the UK punk-soul circuit.) [2023-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Prism (Prism)
2. Forget Me Not (Silver)
3. Trouble (Trouble / In My Head)
4. Astral Plane (Silver)
5. Fortune Teller (Prism)
6. Need You Again (feat. Say She She) (Return To Zero)
7. Broken Glass (feat. Say She She) (Return To Zero)
8. Broken Glass (feat. Say She She) (Broken Glass)
9. Don’t Wait (feat. Say She She) (Return To Zero)
10. Broken Glass (Return To Zero)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #disco, #funk, #soul