Photo: Kevin Allen
The highly anticipated new EP from Los Angeles band NIIS, titled Play Niis, is out today on all streaming platforms via Rise Records, accompanied by limited edition physical formats and vinyl color variants obtainable directly through the Rise Records store. Coinciding with the release, the band has premiered an official music video for the track ‘Bad Aim,’ directed by Nick Pillot.
Elaborating on Play Niis vocalist Mimi Doe shared, “A lot of the songs on this record are about fitting into societal monotony. We forget to put ourselves first by doing things that bring us joy and make us feel something, or anything. I've always wanted to make music and write lyrics to create something that causes connection. Going to a show—that's community, that's connection. Listening to a song that makes you really feel something - that's connection. Showing that song to your friend because you want them to feel how you feel - that's connection”
Niis Guitarist Ryan McGuffin added, “We really took our time when making the record, but when it came down to writing the songs, it was that same natural flow state that me and Mimi have always been able to tap into. And that's what makes being in this band so special for me. It's that connection. Once you find that, you hold onto it."
Produced by Austin Coupe alongside Michael Shuman, Play Niis includes the previously released singles ‘Earthquakes’ and ‘No Flowers.’ The six-track collection captures the Los Angeles punk outfit balancing immediate urgency with sharp,introspective songwriting, delivering a project that feels as meticulously considered as it is cathartic. Throughout the EP,Niis embrace a more melodic and expansive sonic identity without sacrificing the visceral energy that defined their earlier work. Written amidst periods of heartbreak, personal upheaval, and uncertainty, Play Niis serves as an exploration of the search for joy and human bond within an increasingly disconnected society, using music as a medium to feel alive,process grief, and uncover beauty within chaos.
Niis are presently on the road for their fall tour alongside Movements, Balance & Composure, and Midrift, with their next performance scheduled for tomorrow night at Terminal 5 in New York City. Additionally, the band is set to perform at the Vans Warped Tour in Orlando, FL, on November 15th. Complete scheduling details and ticket information for all upcoming tour dates are accessible online.
Niis - pronounced “Nice” - have spent recent years cultivating a fierce reputation for creating music that balances confrontation with deep humanity. Established in 2020 by vocalist Mimi Doe and guitarist Ryan McGuffin, the band debuted with Not Niis (2020), followed by Must Be… (2022), and their debut full-length album Niis World in 2025. Now expanded to include bassist Isabella de Vroede and drummer Jonathan Salvo, Niis mark their Rise Records debut with Play Niis. While their earlier output was driven by rage and volatility, this new release highlights the group leaning further into melody, vulnerability, and genuine connection while continuing to challenge the world around them.
