"It’s a remarkably resilient album and one that captures attention straight from the get-go. ... Every single song resonates through [Delaney Hafener's] compelling approach and the finesse and focus that’s invested in every offering. Watershed is indeed an apt title considering the emotional input, but at the same time, it also signals the fact that even this early on, The Belle Curves have proven their prowess."
"Long Island-based queer country band The Belle Curves get us jazzed for summer with "Check Engine Light" off of the band's upcoming sophomore release Watershed... The song starts off with a rumble, perhaps imitating the engine of the vintage van lead singer Delaney Hafener and her partner drove cross-country in, inspiring the song's lyrics. The Belle Curves celebrate and skewer the various narratives of authenticity they encounter along the way, all the while celebrating life's quirkiness."
- The Boot on Check Engine Light
"Singer-songwriter behind The Belle Curves, Delaney Hafener, effortlessly blends both country and Americana in her heartfelt LP. Watershed is a testament to one experiencing homesickness, love, and life on the road while finding pleasure in discovering yourself and understanding America in its full form."
Short Bio:
Long Island, New York may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of country-Americana music with a strong rural connection, but you might think differently after spending some time with the work of singer/songwriter Delaney Hafener. The driving force behind The Belle Curves, Hafener has a way of turning your assumptions upside down. Whatever preconceived notions you harbor about country music, the USA, love, relationships, identity and belonging, you’ll likely find yourself looking from a newfound vantage point after hearing a few Belle Curves songs. Though certainly incisive, Hafener’s music also conveys consideration, thoughtfulness, and a sincere desire to know what it’s like in another person’s shoes, even when taking them to task. Hafener approaches her songwriting from the premise that country music, and American roots music more generally, have infinite room to grow, even as she honors all the tradition that precedes her.
Photo by Kelsey Sucena
More Interesting Than Frankie Matos
The Belle Curves have also enjoyed airplay on CSJF, WRIR, KRNU, WUNH, KDUR, KOPN, WPVM, KGLT, KUBU, KMRE, WHFR, KRSC, WXNA, KFFP, WODU, and Out Of The Woods.
The Belle Curves have been playing regionally throughout Long Island, NYC, the Hudson Valley, and Western New York, occasionally dabbling in New England. Some notable venues they've had the pleasure of performing at include Colony in Woodstock NY, Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn, The Falcon in Marlboro NY, and Radio Bean in Burlington VT. They continue to keep up a steady pace of performing, most often out on the east end of Long Island or up in the Hudson Valley.
In 2022, The Belle Curves performed at Bradstock in Center Moriches, and look forward to playing the 2023 May Day music festival in Brookhaven.