PRESS: VANYALAND touts "You Are Tearing Me Apart Lisa"
Victoria Wasylak, Assistant News Editor of the Boston-based music & entertainment journal, Vanyaland, was kind enough to interview me regarding my release of "You Are Tearing Me Apart Lisa" -- a song inspired by Tommy Wiseau's cinematic masterpiece, The Room.
Her piece was published November 30, 2017.
Read it here: New Sounds: Dan Masterson reads ‘The Room’ in ‘You Are Tearing Me Apart Lisa’
DAN MASTERSON RELEASES "YOU ARE TEARING ME APART LISA"
Sometime in the late 00's I first encountered a film called The Room in a college dorm. My then drummer, Mark Parker, was hosting a small screening for friends. Soon after, I shared it with my college a cappella group, and it quickly became an annual tradition. Drink scotchka, throw spoons, eat pizza (half Canadian bacon, half artichoke and pesto, light on the cheese).
So, sometime in 2011, I created a songwriting challenge for myself. Take as many famous lines from the film as possible, and string them together into a cohesive narrative. I made every effort to stay true to the odd intonation of the original delivery, and came up with a melody to match.
WATCH: YOU ARE TEARING ME APART LISA - a musical parody of THE ROOM
In 2014, during the Atlas sessions, we finally recorded it. Originally, I wanted to do it without the accent. Vocal producer and Room aficionado Annie Mitran convinced me otherwise. After recording, we patiently put it on the back burner until the time was right.
Years later, The Disaster Artist, has finally been released on film. It chronicles the unlikely story of Tommy Wiseau, The Room's director, screen-writer, and star... actor.
Thanks to my brother Chris (www.chrismastersonfilm.com), I'm proud to share my parody song & video, "You Are Tearing Me Apart Lisa" to celebrate.
Dan 🎹
DAN MASTERSON RELEASES “DON’T BURN YOURSELF OUT,” CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF PLEDGEMUSIC CAMPAIGN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PIANO-POUNDING POP-ROCK ACT DAN MASTERSON RELEASES “DON’T BURN YOURSELF OUT,” CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF PLEDGEMUSIC CAMPAIGN
BOSTON, MA - MAY 18, 2017.
Today, piano-pounding pop-rock act Dan Masterson releases “Don’t Burn Yourself Out,” the first single from his forthcoming debut full-length album, When Reality Calls, expected Fall 2017. The energetic track heralds the simultaneous launch of Masterson’s PledgeMusic campaign as he invites fans to pre-order the milestone album, gain an exclusive window into its production, and even perform on the record itself.
Produced by Dave Brophy and Alec Gaston, Masterson’s new single marks a turn for the 27-year-old songwriter toward a tightly arranged, alternative sound without abandoning the melodic sensibilities found in prior releases. Brophy’s recent work on Will Dailey’s National Throat and Ruby Rose Fox’s Domestic have earned numerous nominations and awards including the 2017 New England Music Awards’ “Album of The Year” for Domestic.
“Don’t Burn Yourself Out” recounts the familiar feeling of digital burnout and dependency, as Masterson makes a plea for moderation. The song launches straight into a driving rock hook before settling into a simmering verse groove, where the band’s careful restraint and interplay allow Masterson’s dynamic tenor vocals to take a front seat. At once catchy and confident, the chorus soars along with an appropriately matched burst of guitar-fueled energy.
Emerging from the intellectual and musical hotbed that is Boston, Massachusetts, Dan Masterson is a performing songwriter who pairs honest, carefully crafted writing with dynamic, powerful vocal performances. Masterson’s alternative blend of piano-centric pop and rock evolves with each release as he takes on issues like digital dependency, romance, and economic stress, challenging the spectre of millennial escapism.
Audiences can receive an immediate download of “Don’t Burn Yourself Out” with any pledge to Masterson’s PledgeMusic campaign by visiting: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/whenrealitycalls
Learn more at www.DanMastersonMusic.com
Please contact Dan Masterson at dan@danmastersonmusic.com
DAN MASTERSON: “DON’T BURN YOURSELF OUT”
4 minutes 3 seconds
Words and Music by Dan Masterson
Produced by Dave Brophy // Co-produced by Alec Gaston
Dan Masterson (vocals, piano) // Alec Gaston (guitars, synth) // Matthew Silva (bass)
// Jamie Howell (drums) // Dave Brophy (tambourine, synth)
Engineered by Andy Pinkham // Mixed by Pat DiCenso
Recorded at Mortal Music Recording Studios in Charlestown, MA
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Dan Masterson wins Last Band Standing in New England
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dan Masterson wins Last Band Standing in New England
BOSTON, MA - October 15, 2016
Boston-based alternative singer-songwriter, Dan Masterson, won the title of Last Band Standing in New England before a sold-out crowd at The Hard Rock Café in Boston. The talent showcase, presented by The New England Music Awards, received nearly 200 submissions and featured dozens of bands from around New England.
Masterson competed in the first round on September 9, 2016 and advanced to the finals after receiving the highest scores from a panel of industry judges. At the final, the band performed an impressive set of original piano-driven pop-rock, topped off with an energetic cover performance of Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now."
+ Watch the winning performance on Facebook
The five judges at the final applauded Masterson and his band for their resilience, musicianship, and audience engagement.
"Do you know why you get bonus points from me? Because you've got grit. You made it to the 2014 finals, got knocked down, but you came back and tried it again because you wanted it that badly. You've got passion, and in competing again this year - with an improved act - it shows." - Victoria Wasylak (staff writer, Vanyaland)
After the victory, Dan expressed his gratitude for the many friends and fans who have supported him on the long road to this achievement.
The prize package includes a variety of studio time and promotional material generously donated by sponsors of the New England Music Award, including:
- Studio Time @ The Recording Co-Op, Gilford, NH.
- Studio Time @ The Bridge Sound & Stage, Cambridge, MA.
- Studio Time @ Rocking Horse Studio, Pittsfield, NH.
- Video Shoot with KDS Productions, Arlington, MA.
- Posters from Printing Sources, Abington, MA.
- Northeast College Radio Campaign from Powderfinger Promotions, Framingham, MA.
- One year subscription to ReverbNation
Dan's next appearance is Sunday, October 23, 2016 at The Burren in Somerville, MA, where he will perform opposite That One Eyed Kid as part of the 2nd Annual Cover to Cover, Presented by EBASS.
+ See a complete list of Masterson's upcoming shows across New England
For press and booking inquiries please visit: www.danmastersonmusic.com/contact
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Boston Alternative Singer-Songwriter, Dan Masterson, joins Talisman Music Group roster
Talisman Music Group on October 1, 2016 welcomed Dan Masterson to their artist roster.
Talisman Music Group is an independent artist consulting group that elevates artists to their maximum potential by working with them to build a powerful foundation of support in New England.
Dan is excited to be moving ahead on several new projects with the passionate and helpful guidance of Talisman founder, Hailey Magee.
More information about Talisman Music Group can be found here:
www.talismanmusicgroup.com
@talisman_boston