Jersey’s Tiny Cities Find Strength in Vulnerability on “Body Cast”
Punk Head: “Body Cast” is your first single from the new EP. What’s the story behind that song, and why did it feel like the right one to lead with?
Melissa: When I was writing “Body Cast.” I was actually coming out of a really hard season working on my mental health and cutting out habits that weren't working for me. The song is about the self-destructive side of us that can sometimes crave those old habits when you finally get to a place of safety and comfort.
Dennis: Leading off with “Body Cast” encompasses the music along with the emotional tone that we are trying to convey.
Punk Head: Melissa, Dennis — your harmonies are such a signature part of Tiny Cities' original songs. Do you write with your voices in mind, or do the songs tell you how to blend?
Melissa: I honestly just let songs come as they do. When we get together to figure them out, it’s normally just like putting puzzle pieces where they fit. I think we just fall right in where we need to in each other's melodies and writings.
Punk Head: Your songs always carry this calm acceptance, not quite sadness. What were you processing emotionally while writing this EP?
Melissa: I think both of us have actually been processing the idea of acceptance as a whole. For how we can feel about ourselves and the things around us. We are in a place now where we're comfortable with the things we can’t control. We can all be so hard on ourselves as artists and people in general. To be able to access so much of that honesty through music has been really helpful when it comes to healing through some of life’s challenges.
Punk Head: New Jersey, and especially Asbury Park, has such a musical soul. How has being part of that scene shaped who you are as artists?
Melissa: I’ve been playing alongside family and friends on the Jersey shore since I was a preteen. I think growing up that way, there are many years where I didn't realize exactly how cool it is to be surrounded with so much talent, art and community. It’s cool to have access to so much talent along with small businesses that care so much about sharing music and art. We just love Asbury and the music scene down the shore so much.
Punk Head: You’ve said you “find beauty in the quiet corners of everyday life.” What’s a recent small moment that inspired a lyric or melody?
Melissa: I don;t think anyone will be surprised when I say this… because I’m known to be a crazy cat lady by many…but just seeing my little black cat asleep in the sun recently inspired a song that is just for me and the fuzzy boy. But there are many moments where you pause and see the things in front of you that you love and out comes a song from it…that’s so special for me.
“Body Cast” is coming out on November 28th, 2025.
