It’s been a while since we featured any artists from Italy, but today is the day where we do exactly that and with good reason. Expressing sentiments that millions worldwide have been feeling, with pent-up frustration that has mounted over the past year due to cabin fever, so to speak. For those who are not familiar with this popular Canadian term, basically people are tired of being shut-in their homes without the ability to carry on their normal lives – seeing friends, enjoying public events, entertainment, traveling, eating out, car-sharing or even, for many, going to work. Months and months of isolationist policy, stay-at-home orders, lockdown measures and general fear among the population has led to the making of ‘Crazy Game of Phobias’, the new single from singer-songwriter JATA (aka Gaetano Russo).
We bring you the video for this track, which is the first teaser of his forthcoming album of the same name, set to release on October 1 via Seahorse Recordings .
‘Crazy Game of Phobias’ may start out with an uber-catchy keyboard intro, which is looped throughout the song as background to what is a very clever song, with strong hooks and songwriting schematic. Particularly the refrain is noteworthy and JATA’s voice and vocal stylings are strong and convincing. The expression of hope is key here and it is a message that we can say kudos to JATA for spreading.
This song is a statement about people’s unfortunate fear about social contact, which has grown massively throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdowns and social distancing rules. In the process of writing and recording this EP, JATA essentially reinvented his sound, exploring the use of electronics and early sampling technique, in a mix of pop catchy groove and harmonies.
JATA explores one of the most negative effects generated by the pandemic – a phobia about social contact, stemming from the distancing rules and lockdowns, not to mention the constant media hype. Exploring this fear by contrasting our recent past with today, JATA lyrics emphasize he need to take back the greatest and most significant human trait – the need for socializing and contact.
As an artist influenced by Depeche Mode, Planet Funk, Almamegretta, Blonde Redhead, Arcade Fire, Editors, Interpol and Block Party, it is no wonder this lead single is laced with a Depeche Mode-flavor.
On this EP JATA takes us on a captivating electronic journey between the 80s and the present day. ‘Crazy Game of Phobias’ is a sonic springboard, from which you can explore one or more destinations of positive rediscovery, resilience, personal and collective rebirth. These traits are already within us and can be drawn to the surface through a path of sensation and atmosphere.
“The EP’s leitmotif starts with the current pandemic and the changes this new era has brought to the world. With its huge global impact, this crisis has encouraged me to think about how unstable and unpredictable our life is and how important it is to have the right approach to change,” says Gaetano Russo.
The concepts of resilience, future vision and goals, personal growth and discovering loved ones are issues presented from my personal point of view. As a professional coach and NLP professional practitioner, I take the view towards developing the human potential inside each of us, breaking a 3-year writer’s block during which I had zero inspiration to write new songs.”
As of August 25, the ‘Crazy Game of Phobias’ single will be available across digital platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. The full EP will released via Seahorse Recordings on October 1.
CREDITS
Music and lyrics by Gaetano Russo
EP produced & mastered by Marco Di Dio at Roccascina Studios
‘Crazy Game of Phobias’ video produced by Luca Biondo & Stefano Lorillo
Single cover artwork drawn by Santi Partito
Graphic adaptation by Davide Arona
EP artwork cover by Davide Arona
Artist photography by Alessio Reitano
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