Joy Buzzer Turns Up the Voltage with New Single Simone

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

New York City’s power pop mainstays Joy Buzzer have returned with a high-octane standalone single that doesn’t just buzz—it blasts. Their latest release, “Simone,” is now streaming everywhere, a heartbreak-fueled anthem wrapped in hook-laden guitars, pounding drums, and razor-sharp songwriting.

“It’s a heartbreaking story of isolation and unrequited love—blasted out by drums and wires at 500 mph,” says the band. And that’s exactly what “Simone” delivers: a track that barrels forward with raw energy, yet remains sharply crafted, catchy, and full of feeling.

Fronted by songwriter and guitarist Jed Becker—best known to many as the Emmy-winning composer and music director for Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!—Joy Buzzer formed in 2021 as a new chapter for veteran NYC musicians. The group features Becker’s longtime collaborators Kevin Lydon (vocals) as well as KG Noble (guitar), Nick DeMatteo (bass), and Mark Brotter (drums)—a collective of serious musicians who never take themselves too seriously.

“I started writing these songs during the pandemic, when everything else was shut down,” Becker explains. “I wasn’t trying to write for a genre or a band—I was just writing what came out naturally. That turned out to be power pop: big hooks, big feelings, loud guitars.”

That creative burst led to Joy Buzzer’s debut LP, Pleased To Meet You, released in October 2024 via Wicked Cool Records. The album, which includes five tracks mixed by two-time Grammy winner Carl Glanville, was an immediate declaration of the band’s mission—crafting joyful, kinetic pop-rock with roots in the best of Fountains of Wayne, XTC, Badfinger, and Squeeze.

Their latest track, “Simone,” continues the momentum. The song was inspired by a real-life birthday gig the band played for Simone Zimmerman, a local music scene mainstay and partner of Lower East Side show promoter Steve Krebs. “We were invited to play at her birthday party,” Becker shares. “So I thought, why not write a song for the occasion? It’s not literally about her—but it was definitely sparked by the moment.”

From inspiration to execution, “Simone” came together like much of Joy Buzzer’s music: organically and collaboratively. Becker demos the songs, then brings them to the band for fine-tuning. “I sketch out the structure—guitars, bass, harmonies—and the band breathes life into it,” he says. “It becomes something bigger, something better.”

Though Joy Buzzer is relatively new on the scene, its members are no strangers to the spotlight. They’ve performed with The Chesterfield Kings, Bobby Mahoney, and others at high-profile events like the Sea.Hear.Now Festival after-party in Asbury Park. Their previous single, “You Don’t Even Know My Name,” was named “Coolest Song in the World” by Little Steven’s Underground Garage, further cementing their status as one of NYC’s most exciting live acts.

If you want to experience the buzz for yourself, catch Joy Buzzer live at Bowery Electric on Thursday, June 12. The band will be joined by fellow Wicked Cool Records artists Steve Conte and The Jellybricks, along with Gem Records' Midnight Callers, for a full night of power pop perfection.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or new to the scene, Joy Buzzer’s “Simone” is a masterclass in what makes power pop great—melody, muscle, and a whole lot of heart.

Stream the single at orcd.co/joybuzzersimone and follow the band at joybuzzerband.com.

Listen to the full interview with Jed Becker and Joy Buzzer on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience