Civic Waves was a New York City–based indie rock band formed in 2012, known for their gritty, guitar-driven sound and emotional lyricism. Frequently cited as early collaborators and musical catalysts for the band RYM, Civic Waves developed a devoted following in the underground scene before going on indefinite hiatus in 2024. Their style blended elements of early 2000s garage rock revival, often drawing comparisons to The Strokes, The Libertines, and Interpol, with performances characterized by intense energy, layered instrumentation, and vulnerable lyricism.
𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
Civic Waves emerged from the downtown Manhattan art and music scene in the early 2010s. Their first live shows were held in DIY venues across Brooklyn and the Lower East Side, where their volatile live energy and melodic sensibilities earned them a cult following.
The band was instrumental in introducing RYM's Magalí "Max" Lazzari to the New York indie circuit. Lead vocalist Leo Moretti, a distant cousin of Lazzari through their fathers, was the one who taught her to play guitar and encouraged her early songwriting. Their friendship would later become central to both Civic Waves' and RYM's creative intersections.
𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬
Leo Moretti (vocals) – Originally from Argentina, Moretti is also a visual artist known for his moody, collage-like work and his aesthetic collaborations with fellow musicians. A longtime close friend of Max Lazzari, he has been noted in the press for his social ties to Matty Healy of The 1975. His appearance has often been compared to actor Sebastian Chacon.
Teddy Atkinson (bass) – Known for his steady musicianship and affable presence, Atkinson dated RYM's Romy James during the band's early years. Their amicable breakup was later referenced subtly in RYM's lyrics. Atkinson is often compared in appearance to actor Will Harrison.
Miles Reid (drums) – The most reserved member of the band, Reid was known for his eerie, hyper-focused demeanor during live shows. While quiet offstage, his drumming became a defining element of the group's emotional intensity.
Ross Pritcherd (keys, synth) – The band's synth player and occasional backing vocalist, Ross was connected to the group through mutual friendships. He was instrumental in introducing Yuna Wren Leigh of RYM to the band during a party in early 2014, further cementing the ties between Civic Waves and RYM.
Parker Collins (guitar) – A fan favorite for his unpredictable energy, Parker was known for his charismatic stage presence and chaotic behavior. He entered rehab in 2020, and while he returned to the band briefly in 2022, his involvement remained limited due to ongoing health challenges.
𝐇𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬
In early 2024, Civic Waves announced an indefinite hiatus, citing burnout, creative divergence, and the members' desire to pursue other artistic ventures. While there was no formal breakup statement, the band ceased live performances and recording activities. Rumors of a farewell project or documentary have circulated, but nothing has been confirmed as of mid-2025.
𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
Though never achieving mainstream success, Civic Waves played a pivotal role in the formation and early sound of RYM. Their influence is often acknowledged by Max Lazzari in interviews, with several early RYM demos recorded using gear borrowed from Civic Waves' Brooklyn rehearsal space.
Their raw, emotionally charged sound and tangled friendships within the indie scene contributed to their cult status, and they remain a point of reference in retrospectives on New York's 2010s indie underground.
