Passing Strange
New Haven, CT | Established. Jan 01, 2017
Music
Press
It all began with the movie “Once,” a film about two musicians who randomly meet and go on to make beautiful music together.
The title refers to the many talented artists the filmmaker knew who put off their careers by saying they would pursue their art “once” they got this or that sorted out, but never succeeded because they put it off too long.
In April 2017, drummer Anthony Paolucci described the film to then coworker, piano/vocalist Kate Mirabella, who felt inspired to go out the following day, purchase an electric piano, and begin writing what would ultimately be their first album. By the end of June 2017, only two months after the pair first performed together at an open mic event, the album was ready for production.
According to their website, Passing Strange was born from the “shadowy folds of human emotion, a passion for music, love, freedom and truth. The musical stylings of this duo are laced in jazz, bedazzled in blues, and brewed in a vat of vintage rock. Mirabella’s lyrics are both haunting and poignant, taking listeners to a dark and sometimes frightening place. Yet her songs can also be uplifting, providing those burdened by emotional hardship with a profound message of hope, most noticeably on the song ‘We’re Here’.”
This month, Passing Strange released The Water And The Woods, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit organization To Write Love On Her Arms (twloha.com).
“When Kate and I decided to record an album, we both knew right away that we wanted to donate a portion of the sales to a charity that was very meaningful to us,” said Paolucci. “We each have friends and family who suffer from issues like depression and addiction, and To Write Love On Her Arms is an organization strongly supported by many artists in the music industry — Paramore, A Day To Remember, and Panic! at the Disco, to name a few.”
To Write Love On Her Arms is a movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.
To learn more about Passing Strange, visit their website: anthonypaolucci.wixsite.com/passingstrange. - Milford Mirror
Discography
The Water and the Woods - December 2017
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Passing Strange was born from the shadowy folds of human emotion, a passion for music, love, freedom, and truth. The musical stylings of this duo are laced in jazz, bedazzled in blues, and brewed in a vat of vintage rock.
Hailing from the dark and dreary recesses of Southern Connecticut, Kate and Anthony formed Passing Strange in April 2017, after Kate performed solo during an open mic. As Anthony looked on, he thought about how drums would bring depth to the talented songwriter’s creations. He suggested they play together at the same open mic the following week, to determine whether they were musically compatible, and the rest is history.
One of the band's defining moments was when Anthony told Kate about the movie Once. The film is about two musicians who meet randomly, and go on to create music together. The title refers to the many talented artists the filmmaker knew who put off their career by saying “once” they get this and that sorted out, but never succeeded because they had put it off too long. It was upon hearing this that Kate felt inspired to go out the next day, purchase a piano, and play the open mic that fateful night.
Upon listening to Passing Strange, one can hear traces of Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, and Regina Spektor. Their influences are even broader – Kate lists Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Brand New as her musical inspirations. Whereas Anthony lists The Deftones, Marilyn Manson and The Doors.
On piano and vocals, Kate is self-taught, playing for 11 years. She has been involved in music since grammar school, where she played drums.
Anthony has been playing drums for 30 years, and got his musical start playing in various original bands. Before helping to form Passing Strange, Anthony had all but given up on ever being involved in a project as gratifying as those from his glory days.
In the summer of 2017, Passing Strange recorded their debut album The Water And The Woods at Dobas Music Studios in Hamden, Connecticut. This collection of 11 original songs showcases a range of styles, while highlighting the raw energy conveyed in the band’s live performances.
Band Members
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