New York, NY (Top40 Charts) New Jersey-based artist Greg Amici presents his haunting yet driven new single 'I'll Be Back', previewing his forthcoming 'Tragicomic' album, a storied set of 12 songs that blends absurdist-rock, ska, Americana, folk-punk and straight-up classic rock, with a clear-eyed view of the world through Amici's unique lens. Greg's lyrics often offer an unexpected turn of phrase, delivered with full-throated rock power.
With roots firmly planted in Jersey, his creative journey has taken him from the heart of Manhattan to Los Angeles and back again. In the late '90s, Greg formed Big Honey, a NYC-based band whose rise peaked with an appearance at the CMJ Music Festival but paused indefinitely when a vocal polyp sidelined Greg for years. Despite this setback, he didn't let his distinctive voice and songwriting abilities go to waste, returning to the studio after a 16-year hiatus.
Reuniting with producer James Mastro (The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter) and engineer / drummer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna) at Magic Door Studio in Montclair, the resultant 'Tragicomic' album was mastered by award-winning engineer Greg Calbi (John Lennon, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Talking Heads, Patti Smith, Tom Petty).
The creative process also involved former Amici bandmates Joe Gentile (Big Honey) and Tommy Aboussleman (Electric TNT), along with special guests Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith Band) and Renee LoBue (Elk City) contributing to the recording. Whether it's a "serial killer romance" or a biting satire, Greg Amici proves that a Jersey count knows how to count on rock 'n' roll.
Greg Amici shares, "About 'I'll Be Back', yeah, there have been a lot of songs with the same title and, of course, Arnold Schwarzenegger made the words famous, but my work here is uniquely unique. Really, I was pissed off because the girl I was in love with started having sex with a guy I thought was my friend. So, not wanting to expose myself, I pretended that I was Ulysses returning to my home to annihilate all of Penelope's suitors. A song was born. It was quite cathartic and probably kept me out of jail."
Calling himself a "count in name only", tracing his aristocratic lineage through Italian family names such as Benedetti, Stalute and Scala, Greg found his calling as a musician in high school, inspired by local bands. Picking up the guitar in his late teens, he founded his first band, The Clergy, and later teamed up with a musical partner to form the '80s alt-rock band Junk.
As of April 15, 'I'll Be Back is available from fine online music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The full 'Tragicomic' album will be released on June 13 via Magic Door Records. Amici will be supporting this album with a series of live performances, to be announced soon.
Music & lyrics written by Greg Amici
Greg Amici - Lead & backing vocals James Mastro - Electric guitars, piano, tenor sax
Tommy Aboussleman - Electric guitar
Tony Shanahan - Bass
Ray Ketchem - Drums, percussion
Joe Gentile - Backing vocals
Produced by James Mastro
Recorded & mixed by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, NJ
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound
Art direction, design & photography by Mark Jaworski
Thanks to Judy "My Beauty" Steiner for love & guidance
Released by Magic Door Records
Video created by David Fagin
