Brett Steinberg's "Age Of Wonder" Lives Up To it's Hype
#MUSIC: @officialbrett's "Age Of Wonder" Lives Up To it's Hype, Says HYPEFRESH®'s Editorial Staff |
“This album is very unique for me.” says Brett Steinberg, who is a combination merged between songwriter, producer and musician - all in one package. “My main focus was on the style of production that provoked a certain kind of feeling…”
And out of all honesty, we completely agree with his personal standpoint. There’s something refreshing about the approach he took in the process of making “Age…
The world needs to hear the voice and sounds of Brett Steinberg.
Brett Steinberg is a singer/songwriter/musician who’s from
Conecticut. He writes piano driven pop/rock songs that graces
love, hope, fear and everything in between. Having musical
influences from the likes of Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Cee Lo…
These days, it seems all too common to find shallow pop songs that repeat one line, rather than offering a myriad of meaningful lyrics, cluttering the charts. Every once in a while, the public will latch onto a song with real depth and squeeze it between the latest Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry tunes, finally offering us a glimpse at what more the music world can offer us. Even then, there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered; so many musicians not receiving the attention and adoration that they so deserve.
It seems peculiar that the songs that occupy our cities' radio stations, created solely with the goal of making money, are all written by groups of people. This particular trend makes finding a song with real lyrics and emotions invested in it all the more magical. Imagine our excitement when we were introduced to Brett Steinberg - a singer/songwriter who does everything himself, from his raspy vocals to the intricate instrumentals - and his album "Until We See The Sun." Steinberg spent eight months delicately crafting his 14-track album, investing precious time and emotion and pumping it full of his signature heartfelt lyricism.
The album starts off strong with "Not Turning Back", a soulful song with hints of blues and rock. The opening track features an electric guitar intro that evokes a John Mayer vibe, backed up by some stand-out vocals. With lyrics like "No more worries for tomorrow, hit the open road today, not gonna stand here and wait for sorrow to knock me down when it's too late", Steinberg motivates his listeners to go out and live today- carefree and without worry. Following the album's intro song is "Saturday Night" - a playful song infused with an upbeat tune and a little bit of spunk. In this cute love song, Steinberg's serenading is sure to make any girl swoon.
The album then moves on to "Until We See The Sun", an inspirational song about living your life even though you don't know where you're going or what kind of impact you'll have. Life may be confusing and treacherous, but it's worth it. As Brett says, "faith in something good leads me onward." Sometimes, we just need to have something to believe in that's worthwhile to propel us forward. Next up is the über relatable piano-rock hit, "Gone By Daylight (She Is)". Steinberg puts his emotions and experiences on display for all to hear in his vulnerable lyrics. This song tells the story of somebody who is completely head-over-heels for a person who toys with their emotions and doesn't reciprocate their feelings. "This love is something I don't understand," Steinberg states, a line that nearly anybody can identify with. So often we get caught up in a love that makes no sense to us and makes us absolutely crazy. We can't figure out why, but we can't get enough whether we know that it's an unhealthy relationship or not.
"Gone By Daylight (She Is)" then leads into the album's fifth track, "Made Me Feel Alive". This song contains hints of it's predecessor, with both mentioning intense feelings and referencing dream-like states. The slow ballad is about waking up to an illusion-shattering reality after being controlled and consumed by your feelings and passion for somebody. It depicts somebody who is stuck in a place where things have been left unresolved and not knowing where they stand. The next addition to the album is "You Want Her" - a funky, slow tune about being afraid to go after somebody you so terribly desire. It's bluesy-rock vibe is one anyone can groove to. Lines like "you want her, but you just don't got the nerve to say it" push us all to realize that we all have or have had someone in our lives who we crave so much that it hurts us to the very core, and we should pursue them.
The perky piano intro into "For You" immediately changes the mood. A sweet track about doing anything for somebody you feel strongly about, this addition to Steinberg's collection of love songs could melt even the coldest hearts. "What if I said that you're the only one I see?" he croons. "My words might not convince you, but my actions give them meaning." Take note, everybody. If you want someone, you have to keep showing it, not just telling them. Things slow down a tad when the album transitions into "Come Back Home", a ballad with an interesting blend of piano and drums. This song, about learning from your mistakes and pleading for your other half to come home after things got rough, is sure to tug on your heart-strings.
"In Control" and "Twenty Years" are two additions to Steinberg's collection of upbeat, piano-driven tunes. The former takes us to a place where we can all take control of our own lives and heal from our pasts. The Christmas bells in the background give the song a cheery mood that anybody is sure to appreciate.
Without a doubt, the most unique track on the album is "Hopeful Wanderers." A song without lyrics, it is both relaxing and inspiring. This beautiful track stirs something up inside of you that cannot exactly be explained. A nice break between songs, the song displays Steinberg's signature piano skills. Following the stellar instrumental is "Teach Me", a slightly upbeat track with a faint air of darkness. This song is about learning to be stronger and missing a part of you that you need to find again.
Closing out the album are "Come Clear" and "We'll Be Okay." "Come Clear" plays out the difficulties of loving somebody who can't be close to you. "Nothing that's worth fighting for is easy," he sings, reminding us to keep fighting for what we believe in. "We'll Be Okay" ends the album on a high note - somewhat literally. This track displays Steinberg's impressive vocal range. In this final song, he assures us all that things WILL be okay.
"Until We See The Sun" takes us through the mind and experiences of its creator. We go on a journey with Steinberg, witnessing a range of highs and lows, from adventuring with your closest friends to the aches that come with so desperately desiring somebody. The fact that the artist writes and records all of his music on his own displays the honesty and sincerity he focuses on in his songs. The amount of time and effort Steinberg invests in his music is refreshing and is apparent in every song.
While clear that he is a fairly new artist whose work and vocals could still use some development, the work he has put out is quite impressive. Keep an eye out for this singer/songwriter- he has a huge amount of potential.
Five years ago, Brett Steinberg sang the National Anthem at his middle school’s field day. Since then, he has not only learned to play both the piano and acoustic guitar, but has also been a part of a band in addition to his current solo project. Over the last two years, he’s written and recorded over 50 songs, 13 of which were recently released as part of his album Until We See The Sun.
Although Brett didn’t grow up singing or playing instruments, music has always been a big part of his life. He grew up in a musically inclined family as his mom played piano and his dad frequently showed him songs by artists such as The Beatles and The Eagles. When he started singing around fourth or fifth grade, his mom had him sing along with her while she played. He credits these moments with his parents as being what brought him out of his shell in regards to singing and playing music. Shortly after realizing his love for singing, he discovered John Mayer and Coldplay, both of which “made [him] feel something [he] had never felt before with music.” Like most of us just discovering the incredible world of music, at first he isolated himself from most of what was out there. Today, however, he’s a fan of finding new music from all reaches of the industry, whether it is someone no one’s ever heard of or an extremely well known artist.
Unlike most artists nowadays, Steinberg recorded his album completely on his own. Being new to the recording process, he was more comfortable doing everything on his own rather than in a big studio with a producer. This not only saved costs, but also allowed Brett to go through the entire process of writing and creating the album alone so he could make something he was really proud of. After a year of writing, he recorded all of the instruments and vocals on his computer over a period of eight months to produce the 14 track album that is Until We See The Sun. The album, which was released on December 17, 2013, has received amazing support for a fairly new artist.
One of my favorite things in the world is meeting artists and being able to tell just how much genuine passion they possess for what they do. No question about it, Brett Steinberg is one of those people. The look of complete elation on his face when he talked about the rewards of creating a song, no matter if it’s terrible or great, is one that I’ve seen in very few people. Another rare quality he possesses is his capacity to accept feedback and grow from it. Negative feedback is fine, he says, “as long as it’s said with good intent to help you grow.” Steinberg also likes feedback because it makes the experience less isolated since the recording process was extremely disengaged. Whether he experiences success or not, he wants to make sure he remains himself and is still good person by being modest when he stumbles upon success and not being bitter when things don’t work out.
Some of my favorite artists found their way into my heart by instilling an authentic sense of hope in me through their music, and Steinberg wants to do just that. He not only wants to take people on a journey with his music during the light and dark times of their lives, but also wants to provide a sense of realness. Like everyone, his life hasn’t been perfect, but he hopes that by the end of the album people realize “that life is still beautiful and it’s worth every second of it.” By seeing that he’s been there too, he aspires to give people a sincere sense of hope instead of the sort of false, “bubblegum” hope songs today have.
In 2014, he hopes to consistently book shows around his hometown and possibly book a small-scale tour around Connecticut when he gets out of college for the summer. In regards to recording, he wants to spend the year varying his writing style and creating a wider range of songs that could hopefully lead to his next album. Whether you’ve been a fan for a while or this is your first time hearing his name, hop along for the ride. I have a feeling that 2014 is going to be a very big year for Brett Steinberg.
Brett Steinberg is a singer-songwriter from Conneticut/NYC. Brett released his debut full length album Until We See The Sun today. We caught up with Brett to talk about Hanukkah and goals for next year!
As a kid, what did you most look forward to during Hanukkah?
Brett: The presents oooohh the presents.
What gift did you want but never receive?
Brett: Coldplay tickets at Madison Square Garden…a kid can dream.
What’s your favorite Hanukkah tradition that you followed as a child?
Brett: Lighting the menorah with my family. Just seeing those candles glow against the windowsill with white snow behind it right before going to bed was something special.
How did you learn the truth about Santa Claus?
Brett: Even though I’m Jewish, my parents still had to break the bad news to me when I was pretty young. Probably at like 4 or 5. When all of my little friends still believed in Santa Claus I felt guilty about knowing the truth. Then again I believe I did break the news to a couple of kids which, if I remember correctly, made them fairly emotionally distraught. I regret that.
What are some of your favorite Hanukkah traditions you have with your family or friends?
Brett: My family in New York and I always get together and have a nice dinner where we can catch up on life and such. Those are always awesome.
What’s your favorite holiday activity to participate in?
Brett: Just taking walks down the streets and gazing at all of the lights lit up around people’s houses. It’s truly a sight to see on some streets.
If you could ask for anything you want for Hanukkah, what would you ask for?
Brett: Chocolate. Actually no. A lot of chocolate.
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
Brett: The Polar Express. Hands down.
What’s your favorite Christmas album?
Brett: Well my favorite Christmas song is Mariah Carey’s rendition of “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Her vocals are unreal, and I usually end up dancing to varying degrees when I hear that song.
Do you prefer to give gifts or receive them?
Brett: Give gifts. It always feels weird, yet grateful when someone gets me a gift.
Many bands are doing holiday themed tours this Christmas season, if you were to do one what are some holiday songs you would cover?
Brett: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song.”
What have been your highlights from 2013?
Brett: Well I released an EP in October and am releasing an LP on December 17th, which I’m sure will be a highlight. I was able to release two music videos, play shows for awesome new fans, graduated from High School and have started college. 2013 has been a pretty busy year.
What are your New Years Resolution for 2014?
Brett: Relax more—embrace it. And also, write a lot of songs. Keep writing.
What can your fans expect from you in 2014?
Brett: They can expect more shows, more songs, and more videos. They can expect a progression in each and every aspect of my work.
What would you like to say to your fans during this season?
Brett: Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Merry Kwanzaa, and happy any other holiday you may or may not celebrate. I hope you can relax and reflect. ALSO, I hope you can go to iTunes and treat yourself to my new album “Until We See the Sun” so we can jam out together during the holiday season ;)
What’s your favorite holiday story?
Brett: One time, my cousin and I tried to fly to the North Pole on our sled and actually made it there. One part of this story is a lie.
Name the 12 reindeer (no cheating)
Brett: Rudolph? I plead the fifth.
WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE….
An artificial or real tree?
Brett: Real.
Wrapping paper or gift bag?
Brett: Wrapping paper.
A gingerbread house or gingerbread men?
Brett: Gingerbread house (i.e. more candy to eat).
Mint candy canes or fruit flavored candy canes?
Brett: Fruit flavored.
A White Christmas or a Green Christmas?
Brett: White FOR SURE.
Happy Hannukah from Brett Steinberg!
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