Oyster Bay grad Gianni Paci continues to make headway in his music career with the release of his new single and music video this week, “Too Good To Be True,” which was filmed in large part at Oyster Bay High School—a venue that was actually chosen at the last minute, yet works well to deliver the singer-songwriter’s message.
“I like to capture the moment as efficiently as possible,” Paci said, who had a goal of completing the entire project within two weeks.
They began filming the video in mid-January. After shooting half of it—with lots of outdoor scenes—the weather proved to be too inhibitive to continue, so they had to come up with a back-up plan.
“I spoke to [principal] Dr. O’Hara and he let me use the high school on the morning of Super Bowl Sunday,” said Paci.
Down to the wire, on the last day of planned filming, they got all the shots they needed in four hours. The video was a collaborative effort between Paci and Brooklyn-based Twin Tomato Productions, and the second music video Paci has created. He said he feels that this video is more representative of his true character.
“The first one went for a specific look and I was not allowed to act,” Paci said. “With this one, I was allowed to express myself and show more of my personality.”
This release is the second chapter in an ongoing collection of vignettes, being released exclusively on YouTube. He began recording at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove in 2013 (N’Sync, Billy Joel, Jennifer Lopez) with producer Eren Cannata (Cody Simpson, Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony).
“‘Too Good To Be True’ is a continuation of my foray into pop music, combining hip-hop beats via the classic Roland 909 drum machine with my signature guitar work, slowed down here for effect using a vintage tape machine,” said Paci.“This song is an expression of my willingness to be optimistic.”
He said the song distills his “glass-half-full” ethos in just under three minutes, as “the narrator details his decision” to make the best out of each and every situation.
“There is always a good and bad side to everything; but in the end, it is all up to you,” Paci said.
Over the past year or so, Paci has toured with Basic Vacation (then signed to Capitol Records) and has spent a lot of time in the studio. He frequently performs in New York City at venues like Rockwood Music Hall and Pianos, and this April, he will be opening for ABC’s “Rising Star” Macy Kate at Amityville Music Hall on April 15.
“It’s been a big year and I’ve learned a lot,” Paci said.
He said he was recently attending a show at the high school and a high school senior told him that she listens to his first single, “Goodbye,” all of the time.
“It’s nice to hear that people are listening and it is resonating with them,” Paci said.
The video will premiere online at BlackBook Magazine on Wednesday, March 11. The video release party will be at Revolution in Amityville on Saturday, March 21 at 6 p.m., for ages 16 and over. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Visit www.bbook.com or www.youtube.com to watch the video.
