Goldfinch

Amidst the chaos of the pandemic era, Goldfinch has emerged with an electrifying new single that breaks through the noise. "Calabasas" is more than just a song - it's a powerful and unfiltered portrayal of the emotions defining our collective experience during these challenging times.

As we've all struggled with isolation and the overwhelming pressure of consumerism, "Calabasas" hits home with a raw and authentic message. Goldfinch captures the essence of our solitude and the constant bombardment of targeted advertising that leaves us feeling inadequate. But amidst the chaos, this song reminds us that we are enough just as we are.



The sonic landscape of "Calabasas" is a force to be reckoned with - a fusion of Indie Pop and Classic Rock elements that feels both contemporary and timeless. Tony Shepherd's haunting vocals carry the weight of the song's emotional depth, each note a confession, each lyric a revelation.



This debut single is just the beginning of a larger project that began as a form of therapy for Shepherd during the pandemic. These songs were a personal catharsis, but sharing them with the world reflects a profound desire to offer solace to others dealing with their struggles.



In a time when we've all faced our demons, "Calabasas" stands as a sonic mirror, urging us to confront our reflections and recognize our worth. Goldfinch's message is clear: you matter, you are enough, and you're not alone. So turn up the volume, let the music wash over you, and remember that we're all together. - Lyrical Odyssey

For twenty seconds or so, Goldfinch keeps us waiting in a distant sonic drift that’s masterfully crafted to build that electrifying atmosphere. Where’s this distant sound wash leading us, you might wonder? Then, in a sudden surge of musicality, Calabasas unfurls, propelled on a wave of drums and funky bass grooves. The soulful guitar licks slice through the air as the vocals sweep us along to the heart of Calabasas, hinting at an impending party. Well, count me in.

But here’s the twist: there’s something subtly intriguing at play in this song. It stays relatively minimal for the most part, allowing the verses to showcase the intricate sonic engine room that propels the track forward. The delivery itself strikes a delicate balance between funky-alt-pop, Latin rhythms, and the dramatic narrative of a Broadway musical, with the vocals assuming the role of the storyteller, hinting that this might be one musical chapter in a much larger story. A song that feels like part of a whole saga; how cool!

While the verses revel in their stripped-back essence, the choruses, as choruses are want to do, bring in the reinforcements. As the rallying cry beckons our return to the fabled place, breezy brass ignites, the guitars add that crunch and heft, and the backbeats charge in, lending that extra kick of momentum.

And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Calabasas, being longer than your typical pop song by quite a stretch, treats you to a splendidly progressive breakdown, a meandering detour into an expanse of sonic wizardry, with cavernous guitars carving out a path of sonic momentum and heads towards the finishing line.

At first glance, Calabasas might appear deceptively simple, but with each subsequent spin, it reveals itself to be a rich tapestry of intricate tones and textures. And yet, despite its deft layers and meticulous craftsmanship, it remains inherently funky, effortlessly accessible, and undeniably infectious. Now that, my friends, is what I call a stroke of genius. - Dancing About Architecture

“Calabasas,” Goldfinch’s debut single, is a captivating indie rock track that explores the emotional turmoil of the pandemic era. It goes beyond being just a musical composition, serving as a reflection on isolation, consumerism, and the search for self-worth.

The thought-provoking lyrics of “Calabasas” resonate with the societal pressures and the journey to self-acceptance that many of us have experienced during these challenging times. Lines like “You might feel alone or anxious, like you don’t matter, but remember, you’re enough” deliver a powerful message of resilience and self-worth.

“Calabasas” is a captivating indie rock track with a funky rhythm that complements the song’s profound lyrics. The music sets a mood that transitions between contemplative and catchy, making it the perfect backdrop for the song’s message. The song’s structure, featuring softer verses and a powerful bridge, adds a dynamic touch that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The song’s sonic landscape blends elements of Indie Pop and Classic Rock, creating a sound that feels both contemporary and timeless. Tony Shepherd’s haunting vocals carry the weight of the song’s emotional depth, with each note serving as a confession and each lyric revealing a revelation.

“Calabasas” stands out as a sonic mirror, urging listeners to confront their reflections and recognize their worth. Goldfinch’s message is clear: you matter, you are enough, and you’re not alone. “Calabasas” offers a thought-provoking commentary on the challenges of the pandemic era, sharing a message of self-acceptance and resilience. Goldfinch’s openness in their songwriting is truly commendable and hints at even more promising releases in the future. - Broken Color

What was the creative process like for this particular "Calabasas?"

So“Calabasas” actually has a funny story behind it. I was picking up my son from school one day, and he popped in the car with a random fact about the city Calabasas. It was so out of left field that it made me laugh. Because of my reaction, he continued giving me a fact every single day for weeks. The more time went by, the more outlandish the fact. After about 2-3 weeks of this, Calabasas was pretty much drilled into my head! I was driving to work and the entire chorus popped up, fully formed.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "Calabasas?"

There were a couple. At the time of writing “Calabasas,” the album was done. I had one session left for minor overdubs and vocals. I had filed the chorus away, thinking it would be revisited for our second album. The day before my session, I got COVID. Stuck at home feverish, to keep my mind busy, I sat down and wrote the rest of the song. I sent the demo to our producer and the rest of the band, and they all agreed we needed to reconvene everyone to record it once I was back up and running. So, a couple of speedbumps, but a blessing in disguise! Now, it's our debut single!
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Calabasas?"

My favorite moment was probably recording with my son, Ben. Since he was the impetus for creating the song in the first place, we wanted to include him in some way. So he actually recorded some vocal effects in the mix of the chorus. It was a blast getting him to record with us, and was a moment I'll treasure forever!
Could you share some of your musical influences and how they have shaped your sound?

The big one is the Beatles. Growing up with them taught me the importance of melody and harmonization. That has probably informed our sound more than anything. And then bands like Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, and Muse have influenced the use of chromatics, electronic loops, and musical flamboyancy, respectively.
Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?

Well the album itself began as almost a journal for myself. I was dealing with some personal trauma, and had kind of withdrawn from everyone. I was writing to survive. I showed the first couple of songs to Carlos, our guitarist, and he convinced me that the songs were meaningful, and deserved to be shared. It was difficult, because sharing them makes me feel a bit naked, but if they can help even one other person dealing with trauma or mental health issues, then we've done our job! - PunkHead

Repleto de texturas muito agradáveis e surpresas rítmicas, o som de “Calabasas” conquista nossa atenção e nos leva para desbravar uma instigante jornada.

Uma batida inspirada pelas cores do estilo funk e outras fragrâncias, texturizam essa obra e nos levam refletir, sem causar tensões mentais, nas nuances da vida e como podemos melhorar nossa evolução.

Tão profunda e rica, essa obra joga fora os padrões sombrios e monocromáticos geralmente relacionados ao tema, e mergulha em uma atmosfera descontraída, repleta de tons divertidos e energéticos.

A letra reflete sobre os sentimentos durante a pandemia, mostrando as cores e formas que o isolamento modificou a percepção de muitos, que viram seus valores e pensamentos serem tomados e substituídos por ansiedade e consumismo, e de algum modo, perceberam a toxicidade disso, tentando assim mudar.

Seja por terapias tradicionais ou alternativas, conseguiram sair dessa fase com um forte aprendizado que pode iluminar muitos corações.

Ouviremos admirados como essa composição consegue revelar tantas camadas, levando a imaginação em um sincronizado passeio pelo tempo e sentimentos que pulsam em um coração, aproveitando para nos divertir e ensinar como podemos não deixar os problemas turvarem nossa visão.

“Calabasas” uma obra vívida e entusiasmada, que nos ensina a nos valorizarmos e crescermos com as turbulências. - Roadie Music