With his upcoming album New Wave Graveyard, arriving July 24 on Stones Throw Records, Josh da Costa isn’t chasing a single sound. Instead, the Los Angeles-based musician draws from decades of alternative music to create what he describes as “greatest hits from a parallel universe.” The album’s opening track, “Skygirl,” offers an inviting first listen, blending shimmering guitars, dreamy melodies, and a nostalgic energy that immediately caught our attention.
Before launching his solo career, da Costa was a fixture in New York and Los Angeles’ independent music scenes, performing with Regal Degal, Drugdealer, MGMT, and CMON. He’s also an accomplished DJ, hosting the Confusing Mix show on NTS, where his passion for overlooked records and eclectic sounds mirrors the adventurous spirit of his own music. Those influences are woven throughout New Wave Graveyard, resulting in an album that feels familiar while comfortably resisting easy categorization.
Written over several years, New Wave Graveyard reflects a period of personal change, creative exploration, and a willingness to follow inspiration wherever it led. Rather than settling into a single style, da Costa draws from indie rock, dream pop, shoegaze, and alternative music to create an album that feels cohesive while remaining full of surprises.
“Skygirl” draws inspiration from childhood memories of watching Nickelodeon after school and the artists that first sparked da Costa’s imagination, including The Stone Roses and Nirvana. The result is a warm, melodic opener that balances familiar influences with an unmistakable sense of personality.
“Skygirl” is a compelling reason to keep an eye on New Wave Graveyard when it arrives July 24.
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Images and video courtesy of Josh da Costa and Stones Throw Records.
