Only Living Boy

"Only Living Boy mixes precise and toned monster riffs with interesting harmonies and a melodic approach that reminds one of Soundgarden, Wishbone Ash and Zeppelin." —John Pfeiffer, Shoreworld/The Aquarian
- Shoreworld/The Aquarian

"...power trio brotherhood and Hendrix style delivery... a glimmer of salvation to a musical culture moving farther away from the powerfully simplistic soul of the blues." —Martin Halo - The Waster

"...blues on the nastier side... aggressive and in your face, like a locomotive steered by Eric Clapton on a collision course with The Raconteurs." —Dustin Schoof, Exposed Magazine/Express-Times - Exposed Magazine/Express-Times

"...power trio brotherhood and Hendrix style delivery... a glimmer of salvation to a musical culture moving farther away from the powerfully simplistic soul of the blues." —Martin Halo, The Waster - The Waster

by Niki Coate, Freelance writer
(415) 377 3738
nicole_coate@yahoo.com

Only Living Boy

Only Living Boy is a new band that has been together for years. Through a distinct rock sound, this freshly redefined trio from Hackettstown, N.J., offers listeners an authentic and poignant experience. With a self-titled debut released in August and tour dates scheduled throughout the fall and winter, the threesome is determined to make its mark. As a break from the road, the band played at BAR46 in Hackettstown on Wed., Nov. 26, and Sat., Nov. 29, along with Quimby Mountain Band. (Poverty Hash from Connecticut will open Wednesday.)

Lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter Joe Cirotti, drummer Trevor Newcomb and bassist Eric Curley have played together in different incarnations since prepubescent basement jams. Initially forming under band name Rabid Roy, the trio played hundreds of gigs throughout New Jersey and New York. Known for their rousing live shows the band has shared bills with acts such as former Sheryl Crow guitarist and co-writer Todd Wolfe (Easton, Penn.), The Milwaukees (Jersey City, N.J.), Hero Pattern (Rockaway, N.J.) and Lionize (Silver Spring, Md.), at venues including New York City's The Knitting Factory and CBGB's, and New Jersey rock joints The Stone Pony and Clash Bar. But the guys haven't left their roots behind and have also served as a staple within their hometown music scene, hosting regular jams and helping to facilitate shows for out-of-town acts.

In 2008, the band reinvented itself as Only Living Boy, named after Simon & Garfunkle's 1970 song "Only Living Boy in New York." The change represented a significant shift in attitude, songwriting and musicianship. With newfound motivation and sound, Only Living Boy immediately began recording. In just two months, they recorded, tracked and edited the album at Cirotti's home studio. The album was mixed and mastered by producer/engineer Rich Recigno, with whom Cirotti has worked extensively as a session player in recent years.

Thanks to their hometown's suspension between the woods of Pennsylvania and the concrete of New York City, Only Living Boy's northwestern New Jersey roots help define its sound and attitude - organic with an edge. The band's unrivaled style is a combination of the psych rock inherited from their parents' vinyl and the alternative rock of their own MTV adolescence, woven together with threads of jam, blues, reggae and punk. Only Living Boy's music penetrates listeners with a raw sound that offers a provocative view through the cracks and into the guts of life.

Only Living Boy appeared at BAR46 in Hackettstown Nov. 26 and 29, 2008, along with Quimby Mountain Band. Poverty Hash from Connecticut will open Wednesday.

BAR46 is located 1.5 miles west of downtown Hackettstown at 94 Rte. 46 West. For more info call 908.850.1044 or check out these sites:
www.bar46nj.com,
www.onlylivingboy.com,
quimbymountainband.com. - WNTI

"This alternative-rock band from Hackettstown, N.J., has seen things from both sides: after extracting themselves from a difficult relationship with a smaller label, they’ve re-grouped and emerged triumphantly independent with the release of their self-titled album. Only Living Boy is a stunning debut of soulful psych-rock that establishes the three young guys as old musical souls. The powerful interplay between deep, throaty vocals, funked-out guitar riffs, relentlessly driving bass, and explosive drumming is so masterful and sensitive, it’s easy to guess that these guys have been jamming together since childhood. And now they’ve got the musical goods and dedicated smarts to take themselves far into the future.”—Susanah Doucet, Writer/Media Manager, Music Alive - Susanah Doucet, Writer/Media Manager

(Only Living Boy) just feels like a bigger band then they actually are...
its amazing that three guys can produce such a big sound.
- Founder of CBGB

Though this is only their debut album, Only Living Boy has a quality that makes them sound like they've been around the block a few times and then some.... solid guitar riffs and percussion accompaniment keep the listener gravitated throughout the album. - Annie Reuter

This past Friday I caught Only Living Boy's performance at The Court Tavern in New Brunswick. Performing a 45-minute set, the Jersey-based band impressed with their ear-grabbing guitar riffs and infinite energy. In fact, I can't remember the last time I've been at a show when a band's improvisation was so captivating.

The three-piece, which consists of frontman Joe Cirotti on guitar, bassist Eric Curley and drummer Trevor Newcomb, had the room packed as they played songs from their self-titled debut release. While their alternative rock brings to mind classic 70s acts, it is perhaps no wonder that their name was inspired by Simon & Garfunkel's 1970 song "Only Living Boy in New York."

Not new to the music scene, Only Living Boy has been playing together in various forms, perhaps most familiar as Rabid Roy. About to embark on an East Coast tour, the band has shared the stage with notable acts like the New York Dolls.

Only Living Boy has a sound that stands out from other up-and-coming acts today. Niki Coate of WNTI described it best: "a combination of the psych rock inherited from their parents' vinyl and the alternative rock of their own MTV adolescence."

"My Friend," a song Cirotti said is about his dog, brings to mind the Woodstock era and guitar-centric jams of legends like Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana while "My Heart Is Burning" has an edgy, almost country rock vibe to it. Cirotti's vocals are captivating as the accompanying percussion and guitar interlude portrays his ongoing angst told within the story of the song.

Additionally, tracks like "How Lovers Have a Ball" continue to exemplify the band's versatility and timelessness. While some songs transform the listener to another era, others maintain a certain charm and relevancy, continuing to keep Only Living Boy on the cusp of a constantly changing music industry.

For more on Only Living Boy and upcoming tour dates be sure to visit their MySpace. To listen to a stream of current single, "Worthless," click here. To listen to "Homesick," click here.

(http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fyousingiwrite.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fband-of-week-only-living-boy.html&h=a25872646e7364296ce447158efc8187) - Annie Reuter, "You Sing, I Write"

Only Living Boy is a hot new local/touring band out of New Jersey. they represent what rock/adult alternative is. with some influence on the bass from rage against the machine and some primus added to the mix. Maybe even a little of the Police as well with the guitar. These guys are a killer show live and their album does not let you down either. Only Living Boy has a great smooth sound. My only wish is the sound on the album to be a little more "raw" like they sound live. i know albums and live shows are a completely different aspect, but i feel it could be just a little more rough sounding is all. That is the only change i would make to the album sound. other than that you wont be let down with their lyrics,the way they can manipulate their instruments and give you a hell of a show as well. I hope you enjoy these guys as much i do and did. If you appreciate good kick ass music you will like Only Living Boy.


- Spare Change Records

"...this three piece group of talented musicians is exactly what you would hope to find if you walked into a dive looking for the next big thing... heavily blues influenced with just the right amount of alternative rock attitude, while still showcasing their top-notch songwriting." —Chett Hoffman, beerandcleaningproducts.com - Chett Hoffman, beerandcleaningproducts.com

Meet the Band: Only Living Boy
by Express-Times staff
Friday October 03, 2008, 12:20 AM

Hometown: Hackettstown

Members: Joe Cirotti (vocals, guitar), Eric Curley (bass), Trevor Newcomb (drums)

Web site(s): myspace.com/onlylivingboymusic, onlylivingboy.com

Influences: "Our main influence, we grew up with bands like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, between that and we're real into Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins and stuff from the early '90s and what not, so I'd say a cross between those. And stuff we used to see on MTV," Cirotti says.

Sounds like: Cirotti describe the band's sound as "raw and energetic. Pretty much just stripped-down rock, power trio rock and roll."

Set list: "It's growing really, now it's mostly 80/20," Cirotti says. "It's mostly originals. We'll throw different kinds of covers in. Maybe a Van Morrison tune or something obscure or a Radiohead song."

Know their roots: Lifelong friends and former school-mates, its members began jamming together in early 2005.

The group originally formed under the moniker Rabid Roy, though complications with a Brooklyn-based independent label caused the band to change its name to Only Living Boy.

Catch them if you can: Only Living Boy will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday at Porters' Pub in Easton and Nov. 26 at Bar 46 in Hackettstown during its third annual Thanksgiving Eve show.

In August, the band released its self-titled debut album, which includes the songs "Rain and Mud," "Waking Up," "My Friend," "Man," "I Will Own the World" and "How Lovers Have a Ball."

"Right now, it's just grassroots hard work and lots of playing. Sometime next year we're supposed to get down South into the Texas area. We went out to Chicago and Detroit a couple of weeks ago," Cirotti says.

The band is lining up other dates around the country as well as radio appearances. - Express-Times

If you like your blues on the nastier side, then it would be wise to check out Only Living Boy. The group's sound is aggressive and in your face, like a locomotive steered by Eric Clapton on a collision course with The Raconteurs. - Exposed Magazine/Express-Times

OLB is one of the hardest working bands on the East Coast. In the past five months, OLB has traveled from New Jersey to the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains to the Deep South and back again. All the energy devoted to a grueling touring schedule, recording a new album, and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity, pales in comparison to the energy that is put into each and every performance. OLB brings a sound that brings the force of hard rock with a foundation in blues and grunge. That being said, to try and describe OLB by genre would be nothing more than an insult to the depth of their musicianship and songwriting. - NJ.com

OLB is one of the hardest working bands on the East Coast. In the past five months, OLB has traveled from New Jersey to the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains to the Deep South and back again. All the energy devoted to a grueling touring schedule, recording a new album, and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity, pales in comparison to the energy that is put into each and every performance. OLB brings a sound that brings the force of hard rock with a foundation in blues and grunge. That being said, to try and describe OLB by genre would be nothing more than an insult to the depth of their musicianship and songwriting. - NJ.com

"...flannel alt-rock vibe with a classic blues-rock sensibility. It's earnest and soulful stuff." - Courrier News and Home News Tribune

I met Only Living Boy at Old School Bar and Grill in Fenton Illinois. They did a show Saturday night to a packed house and got a good response. The show was very good and very loud. Sunday night they did an acoustic set that blew me away. These guys a really talented and I hope they incorporate an acoustic set into their regular show. It would surprise almost everyone who hears them play their kick-ass rock ‘n’ roll.


Billy Rose: First let’s start out by getting your names.


Joe Cirotti (vocals, Guitar)

Eric Curley (Bass)

Trevor Newcomb (Drums)


Billy Rose: What are your ages?


Joe Cirotti: We’re all 25.


Trevor Newcomb: Eric just turned 26.


Eric Curley: Yep, I just turned 26, I’m the elder of the group. (laughs)


Billy Rose: So you guys have known each other for years, right?


Joe Cirotti: Since our pre-teen years.


Billy Rose: How long have you been together as a band?


Joe Cirotti: Legit, three and a half years.


Trevor Newcomb: We kinda went our separate ways…as kids. I went to college…Joe and Eric got jobs. About three years ago we got back together and formed the band…with the intent of going for it. Now three years later we’re playing a lot.


Billy Rose: Did you all grow up in musical homes?


Joe Cirotti: I did. We all grew up in households that were lovers of music. I don’t know if Trevor and Eric were introduced at a really early age…to the stuff we listen to now…like our favorite shit now.


Trevor Newcomb: I grew up in a house were there was always a piano and always had a guitar. And luckily for me…parents who never told me to shut up when I was making noise as a kid. For me I spent a lot of time at Joe’s house…when we first became friends…

Eric Curley: So did I.

Trevor Newcomb: Yeah, Eric too. We all hung out at Joe’s house…and his dad and family were always really into music and so supportive.

Eric Curley: There was sort of a spectrum there anyway…you wouldn’t necessarily have the most musical family…my mom was really into music and I was exposed to Led Zeppelin and stuff like that…once I was listening to Rage Against The Machine and she said listen to The Wanton Song…it’s the same thing. I listened to it and said holy shit…yeah you’re right. (laughs)

Trevor Newcomb: His mother always took us to concerts and stuff.

Eric Curley: She did that when we were in high school too. She got tickets for everybody. She would drive us around…it was cool.

Joe Cirotti: Awesome.

Billy Rose: How old were you when you first started playing music…separately or together?

Eric Curley: I guess…as far as getting together with other musicians…I’d say about fifteen.

Trevor Newcomb: No, we met you in seventh grade and started playing. Me and Joe did a talent show together…about thirteen.

Billy Rose: What did you play in the talent show?

Joe Cirotti: In fifth grade Trevor did something with a band he was in. He played the guitar. They did a little song they wrote. I did…like a classical tune by myself. Sixth grade we played Johnny B. Goode…with no words…none of us sang back then. Eric played Stairway To Heaven…the whole thing by himself.

Billy Rose: So what does your song writing process involve? Do lyrics come first? Melody?

Joe Cirotti: Music usually comes first. It doesn’t go anywhere unless there is music…for me anyway. I can sometimes be stock piling lyrics or just words and ideas with words…and when I got good music…I go through my book and see if anything fits that vibe. Sometimes the music and the words come together. I don’t really have a formula for it.

Trevor Newcomb: Joe does most of the writing. He has a studio were we record.

Eric Curley: He comes at us sometimes with complete songs.

Trevor Newcomb: Yeah he has his studio and comes to us with a song with drums and everything…kinda like Pete Townshend of The Who. He records everything and lets you hear it.

Eric Curley: That’s the overall format. He’ll sit down and record the stuff…comp Bass track, comp Drum track. He’s pretty good at that stuff. Then we sort of use his ideas and build on it.

Trevor Newcomb: We play live too…and the songs can change when we do them live. They can change sometimes drastically.

Joe Cirotti: The live shows are our bread and butter. The heart of were we’re at…everything kinda grows out of that. Inspirations for writing songs comes from playing all the time. It’s the core of who we are.

Billy Rose: How long has your CD been out?

Trevor Newcomb: About a year and a half

Billy Rose: So you sell it at your shows?

Trevor Newcomb: We’re pushing it out off the back of our van.

Eric Curley: It’s our starter. It got us on the road. It’s something to sell.

Billy Rose: Where did you record it?

Joe Cirotti: We produced it and recorded it at my house. In my studio. Then we had it mixed and mastered by a friend of mine…he owns a studio and he does a lot of stuff like that. I’m still really proud of it. Everything feels outdated except for what you are doing right that second. But we’re still really proud of it and we still play most of the songs from it. That’s what we’ve been selling at shows…but we’re really excited about what we’re working on right now.

Trevor Newcomb: We were in the studio last week. We spent two days with a producer. This is the firs time we had a producer. So we’re excited.

Billy Rose: Where are you recording your new stuff?

Joe Cirotti: A place called Retro Media, studio is in Red Bank New Jersey.

Trevor Newcomb: Our producer’s name is Paul Ritchie. From a fantastic band called Parlor Mob. He wanted to get involved and the four of us got together and did this studio track live.

Joe Cirotti: All grassroots shit. This guy is particularly amazing behind the board. He knew exactly what sound he wanted. It couldn’t have been easier and it couldn’t have been more fun. It was a fucking blast. I’m proud of it…it sounds like we’re having fun.

Eric Curley: It’s a little rough right now…we’ll go back in the studio after this road time and build on some of the stuff we have…do some new tracks.

Billy Rose: So how do you like being on the road? Is it hard or what are your feeling about it?

Eric Curley: Love it.

Trevor Newcomb: It’s the best, we love it.

Eric Curley: I wouldn’t say it’s hard at all.

Trevor Newcomb: I would say it’s hard in the sense that every night is a Friday night (laughs)…hard to get enough sleep.

Joe Cirotti: You become nocturnal.

Trevor Newcomb: We all get along so well. It’s easy to get along with two guys you’ve known since you were thirteen. I don’t give a shit if I never go home again. (laughs)

Eric Curley: Is it hard? Any job is hard…if you’re gonna do a good job…we could be at home focusing on business or getting office jobs or something…or you could be out here doing this…it’s kinda the same thing…putting effort in something.

Joe Cirotti: All of us work at home. I think we have an appreciation for what we’re doing. Yeah it’s hard work…but we’re playing music. (laughs)…and that’s never that hard.

Billy Rose: So you all have day jobs…how does that work when you go out on the road?

Eric Curley: Well our schedule is like three weeks on the road…then we’ll come home for a couple months.

Joe Cirotti: Of course it’s gonna pick up. We’re gonna be on the road more than not…as time goes by. We’re all lucky enough to have a lot of flexibility in our jobs. They are very supportive with our music.


At this point in the interview Randy Connor the owner of Old School Bar and Grill brought in a freshly out of the oven pizza, and the guys dug in.


Billy Rose: So I see you guys are going to Austin for South by Southwest. Is this the first time for that? Do you have any gigs there.

Trevor Newcomb: Yeah! During SXSW there are a lot of non-official shows…that go on right next door to official shows. You can play unofficial SXSW shows and get plenty of exposure because everybody is in town. We’re gonna be meeting a lot of business contacts.

Joe Cirotti: A little side note. This pizza blows Chicago Deep Dish Pizza out of the water!

Eric Curley: We had Chicago Deep Dish pizza the other night and it devastated us. It was like a cheese cake.

Trevor Newcomb: Our first Chicago Deep Dish Pizza…real overwhelmed by cheese. Not good.

Eric Curley: Micro wave cheese cake…(laughs).

Billy Rose: Randy does make excellent pizza!

Joe Cirotti: God Damn Right!

Billy Rose: Where do you go from here?

Trevor Newcomb: We play a show Sunday night in Lee Summit Missouri. A place called Gary’s Bait Shop. We’re looking forward to that.

Joe Cirotti: Looks like a cool room.

Trevor Newcomb: Then we got a few days off. We’re gonna stop in Houston and see a friends show.

Billy Rose: With the recording…are you planning another CD?

Trevor Newcomb: Yep, we’re recording and it will probably be ready in April. We want to release this next one as smart as possible. If I had to guess…I’d say maybe late spring or early summer.

Billy Rose: Well guys thanks for sitting down and talking to me…and best wishes for the future of Only Living Boy.


ALL: Yeah, thanks. - Independent Midwest Musician