Last updated: 2 days ago
It took 16 years, but Ryan Chatelain is back with his second album, :The Shoestring Sessions," an eclectic mix of songs — some of which he wrote even before his debut was released, others while locked down during the pandemic and several in between.
Following in the footsteps of his 2004 album, "Public School, Fast Food and Blue Jeans," the New Jersey-based singer-songwriter’s latest effort is a catchy blend of pop, rock and country.
Some songs on the self-produced "Shoestring Sessions" will make you smile; others will tug on your heartstrings. It features ballads and country-tinged songs, as well as a couple of punch-you-in-mouth rockers.
But while he might bend genres, Chatelain says there’s one thing in particular that is at the heart of all his songs.
“When I write a song, I want it to have character,” he says. “I want it to make you laugh or think or even bum you out. But above all else, I want it to stick with you for a while. That's my goal anyway.”
Chatelain has played at some of the top clubs in New York and New Orleans -- including the Big Apple's Knitting Factory and Pianos, and the Crescent City's Tipitina's and Howlin' Wolf. In between albums, he never stopped performing live or writing, but recording, for various reasons, proved elusive.
Until now.
One thing that has not changed in 16 years is Chatelain’s lineup. On "The Shoestring Sessions," he is once again joined by bassist Brandon Pembo, drummer Roddy Ory and lead guitarist Jose Mora.
Following in the footsteps of his 2004 album, "Public School, Fast Food and Blue Jeans," the New Jersey-based singer-songwriter’s latest effort is a catchy blend of pop, rock and country.
Some songs on the self-produced "Shoestring Sessions" will make you smile; others will tug on your heartstrings. It features ballads and country-tinged songs, as well as a couple of punch-you-in-mouth rockers.
But while he might bend genres, Chatelain says there’s one thing in particular that is at the heart of all his songs.
“When I write a song, I want it to have character,” he says. “I want it to make you laugh or think or even bum you out. But above all else, I want it to stick with you for a while. That's my goal anyway.”
Chatelain has played at some of the top clubs in New York and New Orleans -- including the Big Apple's Knitting Factory and Pianos, and the Crescent City's Tipitina's and Howlin' Wolf. In between albums, he never stopped performing live or writing, but recording, for various reasons, proved elusive.
Until now.
One thing that has not changed in 16 years is Chatelain’s lineup. On "The Shoestring Sessions," he is once again joined by bassist Brandon Pembo, drummer Roddy Ory and lead guitarist Jose Mora.
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