Gianni Paci of Oyster Bay recently released his first single, “Goodbye,” and has been steadily making his name known and voice heard across the airwaves.
Produced at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove by Eren Cannata, the electro-pop artist is exploring a new sound as a solo artist.
“‘Goodbye’ is an introduction to my new sound, which features a contemporary-pop spin on the more retro-minded songwriting I honed under my old pseudonym, The Pine Hollows,” says Paci.
The song is catchy with a danceable beat, indicative of his songwriting style. His songs are about relationships – platonic and romantic- though he says Paul McCartney is his “hero.”
“I’m not really a second-person narrative type of writer…I could never do what he does,” says Paci. “For me it’s always about what happened; I write to figure out I’m feeling…it’s a cathartic thing.”
Paci, who graduated from Oyster Bay High School in 2010, says he was actively playing music in high school, participating in the talent shows and playing in the jazz band. He started playing guitar at age 11, an instrument that he picked up as a result of his sister’s lack of interest.
“She got a guitar for Christmas one year, but never learned how to play. I picked it up out of her closet and started taking lessons,” he recalls.
As a senior in high school, he joined the chorus and chamber singers, and started writing songs the summer before starting college at New York University. He entered school with an undeclared major, and after taking music classes during his first two years, decided on musicology at the end of his sophomore year.
“Once I started taking classes, there was no way around it,” he says.
Before recording his latest songs as a solo artist, he finished two full-length albums as a member of The Pine Hollows. He heard about Cove City Sound Studios through a friend and called them up to discuss the project last April, and enjoyed recording so close to home. He recorded 10 songs between June and October last year, and is still shopping around for a label and trying to figure out the best way to release and promote his songs. He hired his bass player and drummer for the recording at Cannata’s suggestion, who he says has also been giving tips on promotion.
“Richie has been a huge help this past year,” says Paci. “He and the rest of his team have been invaluable.”
Paci performs regularly in NYC at venues such as Rockwood Music Hall, Pianos and Arlene’s Grocery. He will be doing an acoustic show at Dolphin Bookshop in Port Washington on March 21 at 7 p.m. and will be part of the SUNY Oswego showcase on April 25.
His live shows vary depending on the venue; some are just acoustic sets with him and his guitar in a more intimate setting, while those on a big stage are “more exciting” with an electric band backing him up. He had the opportunity to open for Cannata at last summer’s Downtown Sounds in Glen Cove, which led to meeting the concert series host Joe Manfredi, who happens to be the station manager for SUNY Old Westbury Radio. With his help, Paci has gotten airplay for his song on college station. “Goodbye” is currently in rotation on SUNY Oswego Radio as well, and both schools will be hosting him for an on-air interview and acoustic performance in the coming weeks.
He graduated in January and has decided to focus entirely on his music. With his parents and friends, he says he has a great support system.
“This is my time to do this 100 percent; Eren Cannata told me, ‘Fake it ‘til you make it’ and I think it will work.”
To listen, visit giannipaci.com.
