As summer makes way for the shorter, colder days of fall, we could all use a pick-me-up. New York-based producer/multi-instrumentalist Ben Alessi’s catchy electro-pop track “U” offers just that. The hooky earworm, produced by Swedish producer Albin Tjernberg, is Alessi’s debut single and a precursor to his first EP, expected out in early 2017. Layered soundscapes swell in this pop gem that showcases Alessi’s hyper-clear and far-reaching vocals. Fresh on the NYC music scene, we asked Alessi for his perspective of the city, from favorite places to perform, to where he goes to jot down song ideas. Stream his debut single below, and read on for his New York favorites. Favorite NY Artists:Of course I’m a fan of the top dogs here like A$AP Rocky, Jay Z, Gaga, and THEE Harajuku Barbie. I have also been really into Dev Hynes (Blood Orange) and his admiration for this city. Though Hynes is a UK native, the tracks on his newest release Freetown Sound speak to his creative thinking and devotion to this city - even adding iPhone recordings of the many sounds heard throughout the parks and streets in NYC. Best Place to See a Show: I actually have a deep love of venues with history and ornate architecture, such as Carnegie Hall or the Beacon Theatre. Attending a show at a place like this, the art around you propels the music not just because of acoustics but because of the visual beauty. I also like any show that is intimate — stadiums and big venues are of course insanely dope, but when a crowd can commune with the artist in a small setting — that to me is the pinnacle of performance. Best Place to Perform:I started performing out in smaller, intimate settings when I was about 15 at various coffee shops and venues in my hometown. To this day, I would have to say that nothing beats a small venue or a showcase setting where you can create that eye contact, where the audience members are better able to see passion and vulnerability from the performer, and the performer can see, feel, and share the impact. Give me a small room and some eager listeners and I’m set! Don’t get me wrong, I’d totally take a stadium too! But, no matter where my career goes, I’ll always continue performing in smaller, intimate venues. How does the city/scene inspire your music? There are so many ways this city inspires me daily—I really don’t even know where to start. Ever since I made the decision to leave home and move here, I’m naturally filled with many many emotions. First it was like “Fuck, I’m alone. I have to be a big boy now.” And so, I found I could cope with this fear through writing poetry and playing the piano for a couple hours at a time. Suddenly, you stop thinking so much about the bad stuff like where you’re going to end up in the next year or five years or ten years. Now, I just pop my headphones in and take a walk. The city, the people, the streets, the textures, the colors, the languages, the culture, the fashion - there’s so much New York has to offer me as a young creative. Even this single was strongly influenced by falling in love through the organized chaos that is Manhattan. “Every avenue, learning the lingo” is a line that really speaks to my transition as a little fish making his way through a big pond. I’m still learning everyday on how I can better myself and my art here, and I’m excited to see where my curiosity will take me. Do you go anywhere in particular to write music? I started out writing in my apartment bedroom, and I do still enjoy it very much. There’s nothing like the comfort and freedom to write in your own space, allowing your mind and your craft to be whatever the hell it wants to be. However, now I’ll be on the train and see something and jot down a phrase or idea in my notes. I’ll be walking around recording melodies that play in my head onto my Voice Memos to save for later. So no, I really don’t have a specific, favorite spot anymore. I’ll write wherever and whenever inspiration is calling. Favorite NYC Acts:Of course I’m a fan of the top dogs here like A$AP Rocky, Jay Z, Gaga, and THEE Harajuku Barbie. I have also been really into Dev Hynes (Blood Orange) and his admiration for this city. Though Hynes is a UK native, the tracks on his newest release Freetown Sound speak to his creative thinking and devotion to this city - even adding iPhone recordings of the many sounds heard throughout the parks and streets in NYC.Best place to see a show:I actually have a deep love of venues with history and ornate architecture, such as Carnegie Hall or the Beacon Theatre. Attending a show at a place like this, the art around you propels the music not just because of acoustics but because of the visual beauty. I also like any show that is intimate — stadiums and big venues are of course insanely dope, but when a crowd can commune with the artist in a small setting — that to me is the pinnacle of performance.Favorite place to perform:I started performing out in smaller, intimate settings when I was about 15 at various coffee shops and venues in my hometown. To this day, I would have to say that nothing beats a small venue or a showcase setting where you can create that eye contact, where the audience members are better able to see passion and vulnerability from the performer, and the performer can see, feel, and share the impact. Give me a small room and some eager listeners and I’m set! Don’t get me wrong, I’d totally take a stadium too! But, no matter where my career goes, I’ll always continue performing in smaller, intimate venues.How does NY inspire you?There are so many ways this city inspires me daily — I really don’t even know where to start. Ever since I made the decision to leave home and move here, I’m naturally filled with many, many emotions. First it was like “Fuck, I’m alone. I have to be a big boy now.” And so, I found I could cope with this fear through writing poetry and playing the piano for a couple hours at a time. Suddenly, you stop thinking so much about the bad stuff like where you’re going to end up in the next year or five years or ten years. Now, I just pop my headphones in and take a walk. The city, the people, the streets, the textures, the colors, the languages, the culture, the fashion — there’s so much New York has to offer me as a young creative. Even this single was strongly influenced by falling in love through the organized chaos that is Manhattan. “Every avenue, learning the lingo” is a line that really speaks to my transition as a little fish making his way through a big pond. I’m still learning everyday on how I can better myself and my art here, and I’m excited to see where my curiosity will take me.Where do you write music?I started out writing in my apartment bedroom, and I do still enjoy it very much. There’s nothing like the comfort and freedom to write in your own space, allowing your mind and your craft to be whatever the hell it wants to be. However, now I’ll be on the train and see something and jot down a phrase or idea in my notes. I’ll be walking around recording melodies that play in my head onto my Voice Memos to save for later. So no, I really don’t have a specific, favorite spot anymore. I’ll write wherever and whenever inspiration is calling.
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