Upcoming self-titled debut album of bare, cathartic
tunes is akin to Lennon’s “primal scream” period. Hear deep cut
“Look To The Skies” now.
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Tolani (L-R): Raj Diwan,
Turner Stough, Sameer Tolani, Andrew
Schaeffer, Simon Witt. Photo
credit: Kevin W. Condon.
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Tolani | “Look To The
Skies”
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Tolani |
Live
06/15/2019: New York, NY
@ Pianos (8PM, Record Release Show)
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Tolani
S/T
(S/R)
June 14th, 2019
Track Listing:
01. You & I
02. I'm On Fire
04. Leaving You Behind
05. Shadows
06. Hope and Might
07. The Darkest Lights
08. Swallowed By The Sun
09. Climbin’ Up A Mountain
10. It Drives Me Nuts
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Tolani | About
“There’s a good chance you’re feeling nervous, if you’re
anything like me.”
This lyric, from the song “You And I,” opens the debut album by Tolani, a Brooklyn-based five-piece led by the band’s namesake, Sameer Tolani.
The record is raw in many ways.
In its personal lyrics, candid production techniques,
and cathartic vocal and instrumental performances that speak openly to the
brutal honesty and authenticity of this record.
For example, rarely are guitar solos played the way
they are meant to be played: As desperate expressions of the soul. Here,
guitarist Raj Diwan lets loose song
after song, to great effect.
“This record is my attempt at being honest with the
world,” Tolani says. “I spend a lot
of time filled with existential stress,” he confesses. “Sometimes I think I’m a
beautiful weirdo, but I pretend a lot, and I wanted to make a record in which I
could be authentic.”
“To you I’ll speak, the things I keep known only to
myself,” Tolani sings on the album’s
penultimate cut “Climbin’ Up A
Mountain,” singing directly to the listener.
Tolani makes no issue about coming to the songwriting and
record-making game with more passion than practical experience. It’s what makes
the album so charming, frankly.
“I have a limited palette, but I don’t see that as a
bad thing. The music that comes out is an expression of how I’m feeling, and
letting it out is like therapy for me.”
In this way, Tolani’s
songs can remind of John Lennon’s “primal
scream” period, albeit with less screaming.
“Honestly, I’m the weakest of the bunch, musically,”
he continues. “It’s a gift for me to be able to play with these guys.”
Indeed, Tolani
has surrounded himself with ace players that deftly support his music whims.
“They bring a level of musicianship that elevates my
simple ideas,” he says.
“Raj’s
guitar tone is to die for. His solos are always a highlight,” Tolani exclaims of the previously
mentioned Diwan’s playing.
“Simon (Witt, Keyboards) is our secret weapon.
He can play anything. He’s absurdly humble about it too.” The band is rounded
out by Andrew Schaeffer on Drums and
Turner Stough on Bass.
“I love Andrew’s
drumming style. He’s so smooth, and Turner’s
a local legend.”
As the lyricist and singer, Tolani explains, “My aim is to express my inner self outwardly, in
a way that people who’ve faced similar struggles can hopefully relate to. When
that happens, all the unpleasant life experiences that led to these songs are
worth the struggle.”
On another optimistic note, Tolani leaves this personal observation: “Songwriting inspired the
changes I’d been longing for. Fulfillment will only come if I stay true to
myself. This record began as a coping mechanism and ended up as catharsis. I
wouldn’t change a thing.”
The self-titled debut album by Tolani arrives on June 14th,
2019.
Sameer
Tolani is available for interviews.
Contact Josh Bloom at Fanatic for more information.
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Tolani | Links
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Josh Bloom at Fanatic Promotion | Contact
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