The Upcoming Band: Been Stellar on TunesDeck

Living in New York is a vital part of my life, with its songs and videos capturing the essence of the city. Been Stellar, a band rooted in New York, has produced remarkable music over the years, culminating in their recent debut album, “Scream From New York, NY.”

Despite not being natives, the core members of Been Stellar, Skyler Knapp and Sam Slocum, found their musical journey in New York after arriving as freshmen at NYU. Their early years were spent creating a new scene and sound, leading to significant recognition in the UK before gaining local acclaim.

Their debut album, “Scream From New York, NY,” produced by Dan Carey, showcases a diverse musical evolution, featuring a range of influences from Iceage to Radiohead. The album’s singles offer a glimpse into their musical versatility and growth.

The band’s journey from humble beginnings to touring with renowned acts like IDLES, shame, and Fontaines D.C., signifies their rapid rise in the music scene. Their success in the UK paved the way for signing with Dirty Hit and touring across Europe, highlighting their international appeal.

In a recent interview, the band members expressed a mix of emotions surrounding their album release, from excitement to relief and anxiety. With prior single releases leading up to the album drop, the band sought a balance between anticipation and preserving the album’s integrity.

Having witnessed the band’s live performances and song previews over the last year, their growth and dedication to their craft are evident. Their music reflects the essence of New York, capturing the city’s spirit and energy in each track.

Below, you can listen to their new album and dive into the band’s inspiring journey and musical evolution.

Congratulations everyone! I know it’s been about 10 months since you recorded the LP, and years before that getting there. Is it excitement, plus maybe a little relief?

SKYLER KNAPP: It’s a whirlwind of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, and definitely relief. Releasing an album is a new experience for us, and the build-up and promotion process have been both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

You’ve already had four singles drop before the album. Does that feel about the right lead-up?

SAM SLOCUM: Releasing four singles before the album felt right for us. We believe in maintaining a balance between building anticipation and keeping the album fresh for listeners.

I saw you for the first time a little over a year ago, with shame. And I think you were already doing some of these songs live, even then.

NICO BRUNSTEIN: When we toured with shame, we had already incorporated songs like “Sweet,” “Passing Judgment,” “Shimmer,” and “Start Again” into our live set.

KNAPP: Yes, those were among the songs we were playing during that tour.

**Band’s Journey to Recording “One”**

The band’s late-album slow builder “One” came to life during their tour, where they found rehearsal spaces in different cities like Toronto and Austin. This way of working during the tour kept the band motivated and prevented them from feeling like imposters due to the demanding nature of touring.

**Meeting with Producer Dan Carey**

During South By festival, the band met Dan Carey, their dream producer whom they wanted to collaborate with. After recording a single with him, they decided to do the whole album together in New York over a two-week period in August.

**Recording Process and Creative Collaboration**

Most of the songs were already almost completed before entering the studio, with some final touches done during the recording. The band had a democratic approach to decision-making, similar to how they have always operated since their formation.

**Establishing Band’s Sound**

Despite being labeled with a specific sound, the band members feel that their music is a reflection of their collective creativity and growth. They aim to create intense and emotionally charged music without conforming to a particular genre or style.

**Challenges and Growth**

The band acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a fully democratic approach to their creative process, especially considering the band’s evolution from a duo to a five-member group. Over the years, they have built trust and camaraderie within the band, enabling them to make decisions together.

**Navigating the Music Scene**

The band arrived in New York during a transition period in the indie rock scene, with DIY spaces closing down. Despite the changes, they persevered and embraced the opportunity to develop their unique sound without feeling pressured to conform to existing trends.

**Embracing Individuality**

The absence of a dominant music scene allowed the band the freedom to explore their musical identity without external influences, leading to their distinctive sound. This independence and authenticity have been vital to the band’s growth and creative expression.