Scott Krokoff

Upon receiving Scott Krokoff’s new song, “Cubicle,” to review, I didn’t really know what to expect. Then I read in his bio that he’s a “practicing attorney.” My first thought was, “Oh, my!” My second thought was more of a brainwave: “This is probably going to be hecka-ugly.”

With all due respect to Scott, the words “practicing attorney” and “great singer-songwriter” appear in the same sentence about as often as hell freezes over.

I guess hell just froze over because Scott Krokoff is a marvelous singer-songwriter. His latest song is called “Cubicle.” And it’s a pearl, beautifully arranged and structured atop plush vocal and harmonic waves reminiscent of both Tom Petty and Dan Fogelberg. Krokoff’s voice is vaguely similar to Tom Petty’s, full of deliciously chafing nasal tones, while his music is somewhat analogous to Dan Fogelberg’s “As The Raven Flies” – compact, slightly misty, and elegantly muscular.

Since I’d never heard of Krokoff before, I did a little excavating because he’s superbly talented. In 2007, he released A Better Life, followed by two separate volumes of Realizations and Declarations. Volume one dropped in 2012, while volume two dropped in 2015.

On top of all that, Krokoff plays guitar with what is called finger-picking technique, like Paul Simon and James Taylor. Finger-picking is way past guitar 101, entering the outer limits of difficulty. In other words, it takes beau coup talent.

Krokoff’s sound is what is called Americana, which is a style of music blending alt-pop, alt-folk, and rock-lite elements together. In my opinion, on “Cubicle,” Krokoff emphasizes alt-folk and rock-lite, along with retro flavors from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

“Cubicle” starts off with creamy guitars, followed by glistening accents, as well as a scrumptiously enticing lead guitar radiating a rueful wail full of aching desire, repentance, and sorrow. The rolling flow of the harmonics intensifies the suffusion of dream-like hues, as if the music itself is yearning for the unattainable.

Krokoff’s voice, with its tarnished tight tones, reflects haunting colors pregnant with mysterious susceptible timbres.

What I heard when I first listened to “Cubicle” was gorgeous stripped down Americana, full of understated ornamentation. This is an extraordinarily superb song. - CelebMix

Alt-pop/alt-folk artist Scott Krokoff recently released his new single, entitled “Cubicle.” It is, without equivocation, one of the best Americana songs released so far this year.

Krokoff is an attorney, a profession not usually associated with stellar music. Yet Krokoff has released a series of delightful albums: A Better Life in 2007; followed by the first volume of Realizations and Declarations in 2012; followed by the second volume in 2015, featuring “Scared Little Boy,” a song that made Krokoff a finalist in the UK’s Songwriter Contest in the same year.

À la Paul Simon and James Taylor, Krokoff utilizes a finger-picking technique, and has played with Grace Weber and Elle King, as well as traveling to Belgium to perform live for a fan’s anniversary. His music is a fixture on radio stations throughout the U.S. Canada, and Europe.

Krokoff’s unique sound amalgamates alt-folk with alt-pop savors, resulting in deliciously alluring Americana songs pervaded by ‘60s and ‘70s retro filaments.

“Cubicle” opens on a luscious melody composed of gleaming, jangly guitars backed by the scrumptious radiance of an organ and gorgeous piano. Full of pensive melancholic flavors, the tune flows on a velvety undulating rhythm provided by tight drums and the fat throb of the bass line. Krokoff’s voice exudes a yummy rasping nasality similar to Tom Petty, wrinkled and creased with twangy inflections.

It’s a grand, evocative voice, rife with nostalgic timbres, tender allusions, and nuances of aching textures. Along with the pining drifting wail of the guitar, it imbues the tune with intense intimacy and a sumptuous sense of imminence, in a manner palpably captivating.

With “Cubicle,” Scott Krokoff has produced a song of proximate sensitive beauty so extraordinary that it seems to have a vitality of its own. - Tattoo.com

New York alt-pop/alt-folk artist Scott Krokoff premieres his new single, “Cubicle,” on Medium.

A practicing attorney, Krokoff refused to place his musical dream on hold, resulting in the release of A Better Life (2007), followed by Realizations and Declarations, Vol. 1 (20012), and his last release, Realizations and Declarations, Vol. 2 (2015), which garnered vast critical acclaim, and featured the single “Scared Little Boy,” a finalist in the UK’s 2015 Songwriter Contest.

An adroit finger-picker like James Taylor and Paul Simon, Krokoff has shared the stage with Elle King and Grace Weber, performed live in Belgium for his biggest fan’s ten-year anniversary, and collected airplay throughout Canada, Europe, and the U.S.

Krokoff’s contagious sound blends elements of pop and folk music into dazzling concoctions of Americana-flavored music embodying delicious retro savors from the ’60s and ‘70s.

“Cubicle” opens on shimmering guitars and a measured beat topped by soaring accents from a guitar flavored with wistful tones. A thick bass line and tasty percussion drive the undulating rhythm, as Krokoff’s voice, affluent and just a bit nasal, glides overhead with urgent nostalgic timbres. It’s a voice subtly reminiscent of Tom Petty, furrowed with scrumptious drawling hues.

The flow of the melody suffuses mellow spangly pigments coruscating with alluring washes of sound from the sparkling piano and oozing bray of a luscious organ. The cry of the guitar is spellbinding, infusing the harmonics with elusive, tantalizing textures of longing, à la Leon Russell.

“Cubicle” is a sublimely gorgeous song, rife with infectiously nuanced energy engulfing creamy surface colors, as well as an indulgent melancholic frisson. Without a doubt, “Cubicle” is one of the best songs so far this year. - Medium

NYC-based singer/songwriter Scott Krokoff knows about dreams deferred. Unable to support himself on his music alone, Krokoff decided to instead pursue a career as a lawyer, leaving behind his work with his college band, Equinox, who made four albums and were hot on the ’90s New York club scene. Now, finally, he’s returning to his roots, making music in the vein of 1960s and ’70s songsmiths, but also recalling hot up-and-comers like Father John Misty.

His latest single from his upcoming album, Realization and Declarations, Vol. 2 (out August 14), deals with a familiar theme to anyone who’s ever had a crush on a friend (so, basically everyone.) and what happened when he tried to take the relationship from platonic to romantic. Maybe whatever inspired this track was a bit of a blow, but for Krokoff, this musical renaissance has been long overdue.

“Many of my songs are about not giving up and pursuing what you love for obvious reasons,” he says. “My situation is proof positive that if you really want to, you’ll find a way. Stoke the fire of your dream and you will be able to spark the dreams of others.” - PopDose

Folk troubadour Scott Krokoff tackles the heady subject of taking a relationship from platonic to romantic in organ tinged dirge “I Got Nothing”. What makes this song so exceptionally unexceptional is the fact that its author doesn’t even give himself the chance to be rejected. He provides the details of his wonderful night out with the girl of his dreams while simultaneously providing us with his self-defeating inner monologue which inhibits his true feelings and sabotages his intentions. It is a universal feeling that has rarely, if ever, been expressed so eloquently in song and for that; I tip my hat to Krokoff. May he experience many more such awkward moments so we may reap the benefit of his heartache. Go ahead and grab the free download and have a good long cry in your beer. - Sunset in the Rearview

Many kids go off to college, join or form a band, do their thing for a few years then graduate and go on to lead a “normal” life filled with 40 hour work weeks and 401k plans. While there’s something to be said for stability, I suppose, most adults eventually cede that normalcy in the absence of passion is overrated and spend time pondering the “What ifs?” But not Scott Krokoff. A native New Yorker, Krokoff knew early on that his was not to be a life of regret. Despite having earned his law degree, Scott never let go of the innate love of music that drives him on a daily basis. His latest release, the 7 track Realizations and Declarations Vol 2, comes out on 8/14.

Realizations and Declarations Vol 2 opens with The Right Place. An uptempo track with a country feel, it is the perfect way to introduce this album. A song about following your true dreams whenever you’re ready despite age and circumstance, it epitomizes Krokoff’s message. Because of You takes a slight thematic change towards a love story while continuing the country feel before moving onto Scared Little Boy. More folkish than the previous 2 tracks, Scared Little Boy primarily uses the acoustic guitar and what sounds like a violin to tell the story of how fear holds a person back, creating regrets. The mid-way point greets listeners with the track called Walter Mitty. A song about making a mental Utopia ala “If you can dream it, you can do it,” this track has some sweet harmonizing and impressive harmonica playing that is not to be missed.

Where the first half of Realizations and Declarations Vol 2 is about following your dreams and living a life that is true to your desires, the second half is about taking the chances needed to get there. In the slower paced I Got Nothing, Krokoff suggests taking big risks for big rewards rather than staying in the comfort of conservatism before going into left field with Pissed Off in Paris. A hilarious uptempo piece about a trip to Paris gone very, very wrong, Scott still gets his point across. Things may not always go smoothly, but at least the chance was taken and the experience was had. It’s all about the doing and having no regrets. Realizations and Declarations Vol 2 wraps it all up with Sparrows. A peaceful and soothing mid-tempo track about pursuing your personal passions and finding where you belong, it features an emotional guitar solo while relaying a sense that no matter what, everything is going to be alright.

Melodic with topics familiar to just about everyone, Realizations and Declarations Vol 2 is a strong follow-up to Krokoff’s 2012 EP. Bouncing effortlessly between rock, folk and country sounds with an undertone of pop, Scott Krokoff offers a can do vibe that will resonate with listeners. Realizations and Declarations Vol 2 is basically a musical nudge of encouragement to live your life to the fullest like the artist behind the song does. If you’re in need of a little inspiration to rekindle your passion, or if you just believe in pursuing your dreams without boundaries, Realizations and Declarations Vol 2 not only deserves a listen, it could very well become your go to playlist. - Indie Minded

Our latest discovery is a singer-songwriter from Queens, N.Y., who fits somewhere in the folk-rock/Americana part of the music spectrum.

Scott Krokoff self-released his third recording last fall, and we came across it just days ago. It's called "Realizations & Declarations, Vol. 2." Yes, there was a Vol. 1, and they're conceived as EPs leading to an eventual LP.

But it doesn't sound like a work in progress. It's a polished package, with Scott's vocals and guitar backed by Steve Holley (formerly of Wings) on drums, Paul Errico (who's worked with Steve Forbert) on keyboards and Bob Stander on bass and electric guitar. Stander, a studio veteran, is the producer.

Scott writes personal but very accessible lyrics and packages them with a sound that reminds us of The Wallflowers and The Jayhawks, among others. Our favorites from the new disc - which you'll be hearing in the mix on Birch Street Radio - are "The Right Place," "Because of You," "Walter Mitty" and the clever "I Got Nothing."

Footnote: Although their sounds are very different, Scott shares something with another of the indie artists we play: Gary Douglas. Both are New Yorkers who have made their living as attorneys but refused to give up on their passion for music! - Birch Street Radio

Clichés and Hyperbole? Thankfully, it is only in the title as the songs are far subtler. Krokoff has a full band folk rock approach that is more warm than not. Just seven songs to sample here, but if you like something in between Josh Ritter and a sensitive bar band, you may want to give Scott Krokoff a listen some time.
© David Hintz - FolkWorld

Scott Krokoff previously played in a New York 90’s band Equinox which basically consisted of Krokoff and college friends. They recorded four albums before disbanding. Krokoff proceeded to pursue a solo career and recorded his debut album A Better Life released in 2007. This collection of songs Realizations & Declarations is a project featuring two EP’s released as Volume 1 & 2.

Realizations & Declarations Volume 1, released in 2012, featured four tracks and was followed earlier this year by Volume 2 which includes six new songs and a reworking of Sparrows, a song which appeared on his debut album.

Similar in style to his debut Volume 2, emphasises Krokoff’s ability to write radio friendly and well crafted songs probably best categorised in the power pop genre. Indeed opening tracks The Right Place and Because of You bring to mind the work of Fountains of Wayne with satisfying jangly guitar riffs dominating.

The recording was produced by Bob Stander who also played bass and features an impressive list of musicians including former Wings drummer Steve Holly, who has also worked with Dar Williams. Paul Errico, who plays keyboards and accordion, has worked with Steve Forbert. While Shawn Murray and Mark Newman, both members of the late Willy DeVille’s band, both contribute on drums and dobro.

All in all an impressive set of songs, catchy, immediate and very listenable by an artist quite capable of writing quality pop music. However, the seperate releases left the writer wondering whether the release of both EP’s as a full album might have had a greater impact. - Lonesome Highway

Scott Krokoff’s album Realizations & Declarations, Volume #2 is one of those records that remind me of driving around with my parents. Not necessarily in that overtly nostalgic sense, but in the way that revealed to my fledgling conscience that these two people actually liked a type of music. They turned up songs about life and songs about love. Songs that if you weren’t careful, you could relate too. Scott Krokoff writes those songs too.

In quite a few places throughout Realizations & Declarations, Vol #2 my thoughts drifted back that bouncy, emotionally evocative energy always present on a Joni Mitchell record. I remember turning up “Carey” and forgetting that there is a sombre, resigned undercurrent underlying the whole song. There is some semblance of that in Krokoff’s “Pissed Off In Paris” which starts off ideally but goes quickly downhill. There is a fine line that both of these particular artists mine and understand deeply, one that acknowledges the folly of their experiences but the wisdom to dance blissfully in spite of the consequence.

Krokoff is a practicing attorney, but apparently not one better left on the bottom of the ocean, as the old joke goes. He has an enduring imagination, his songs, like “Walter Mitty” where he envisions his forlorn lovelife as a flight of literary fancy, exhibits terrific imaginative powers. - Bearded Magazine

Worth Checking Out!

Recently, we reviewed Father John Misty‘s new album, I Love You Honeybear. We appreciated that album greatly, so we were thrilled when the opportunity came about to check out Scott Krokoff‘s newest effort, Realizations & Declarations Volume 2, as he has been compared to Misty. So what did we think? Click through to see our review!

The album opens with “The Right Place.” Immediately, we loved the upbeat guitar and drum sound. When Krokoff starts singing, we definitely were able to see the comparison to Misty; however, he definitely has a voice that is uniquely his own. We also appreciated the upbeat, introspective lyrics that clearly were influenced by experiences he has gone through, especially when he sings, “Maybe you took a path that everybody chooses, but it’s not over, you can still pursue your music… you just need the right place, the right time.”

The next song, “Because Of You,” is an upbeat love song that had a 90’s rock sound to it- and we mean this in a good way. Once again, it is Krokoff’s voice and the lyrics that shine, especially when he sings, “And now I observe this planet in a whole different light, it’s all because of you.” It should be noted that as much as we apprenticed Misty’s album, we began to think on this track that this album is a bit more memorable, as there is more of a catchy appeal to Krokoff’s music.

“I Got Nothing,” which appears later on the album, is the lead single that can be heard here. One of the neatest things about Krokoff’s music became apparent here; his lyrics read like entries from a journal where he tells of his experiences with life and love and it works brilliantly. The song, like the ones that precede it, definitely sounds like it could have come from 90s rockers- and, again, this is a great thing.

Also included on the album are two versions of the folky, 70’s sounding “Pissed Off In Paris”- one explicit and one clean- and the thought provoking closer, “Sparrows.”

With his new album, which will be released this summer, we found ourselves thrilled to have discovered Scott Krokoff. In a world where so much music sounds similar, Krokoff’s music takes us back to sounds of the 90’s and 70’s with a modern spin that makes us think, relax, and enjoy. We would highly recommend you check out his album when it’s released. - Real Mr. Housewife

NYC-based singer-songwriter Scott Krokoff has been balancing the daily grind with the artistic life since the 1990s when he was a member of the band Equinox. Four albums later, he decided to go solo in the noughties, juggling raising a family and working 9-to-5 with pursuing his musical dream. His debut album, A Better Life, came out in 2007 and he followed it up with a ‘part-1-of-2’ EP in 2012 titled Realizations & Declarations, Vol. 1. Scott is now set to release ‘part 2’ with the appropriately named Realizations & Declarations, Vol. 2. He recently dropped the lyrically-astute lead single “I Got Nothing” on which he ruefully observes the difficulty of transitioning from a platonic relationship to a romantic one – and how easy it is to fumble the play.

Scott’s musical style is influenced by 1960s and 1970s singer-songwriters and he mixes this traditional Americana genre with a modern take on folk-rock and country-pop. Realizations & Declarations, Vol. 2 is 7 songs long, which is quite lengthy for an EP, but it is an involving, lyrics-led, and personal look at life and relationships from Scott’s perceptive viewpoint.

The EP starts off with country twang of the polished and upbeat “The Right Place”. It’s a wake-up call to take a chance in life, to make a change, and that “…you need to risk it all…” to get to that “right place” and “right time” in your life. Scott sings in a clear, matter-of-fact tone amid the full-bodied guitar lines, piano notes, and steady drum beats. Scott slows it down to a soulful groove on “Because Of You”, a sweet, heartfelt ode to his true love. Organ note liquid-shimmer, little riffs and strums of guitar, cymbal tap, and a solid drum beat form a warm bed for Scott to sensitively proclaim “Because of you my heart gave way and surrendered.” and now “…I’ll do my best to protect you from trouble and pain.”
Bleak lyrics, bittersweet vocals and violin fill “Scared Little Boy” with melancholy and regret as Scott sings in a downcast tone about a scared little boy who grows up over time into a man who never changes, where “None of his stars ever aligned.”, and who, even in his old age remains the same – guided by fear all his life. The grimness of the lyrics is alleviated a bit by the light, streaming ramble of acoustic guitar strum. A similar theme runs through “Walter Mitty”, but the up-tempo pace and rich guitar twang, harmonica, and shaken percussion give off a more heartening vibe. Scott takes on a mid-range timbre that recalls Justin Currie as he sings “I tried to live inside my dreams / but that kind of world is not what it seems.”

The pace takes off with a lively twirl on “Pissed Off In Paris” as pronounced drum thump, pumped accordion, drawn harmonica notes, and fast-picked guitar vie for attention with Scott’s one-sided, not-so-nice view of visiting Paris. He sings about the expense, delays, misdirection, and bad weather experienced as a tourist in the city, declaring “Paris, France has left us in the cold.” It’s too bad that he chose to only relate those bad memories, and not the an even-balanced look at a magnificent city that has so much to offer the world culturally, socially, and economically, just for starters… Scott returns to his Americana roots on EP-ender “Sparrows”, singing gently against a subdued backdrop of picked acoustic guitar and measured drums that, like a sparrow, “I must find my nest” and “a brand new day.” - Adequacy.net

This single off of Scott Krokoff’s latest album is a beautiful country slow jam. The song slowly moved along with Scott’s melodic country vocals, and roots guitar carries the listener along a melancholy journey of self-sabotage. - 102.1 The Edge

While there is a certain joy in discovering edgy music that reimagines the rules, there is another type of joy in discovering music that is new and fresh but sounds deliciously familiar. Scott Krokoff’s latest EP, the adult contemporary Realizations and Declarations, Vol. 2, is a collection of familiar sounds that come off as new and fresh rather than repetitious and stifling.

Hailing from New York, Krokoff is a practising lawyer who has been influenced by a range of talented singers and songwriters from The Beatles to Tom Petty, influences that can be heard throughout the seven tracks. Realizations and Declarations, Vol. 1 was released three years ago and fans have been eagerly anticipating its second volume, set to be released in September of this year.

The songs are all built very similarly, i.e. on an acoustic guitar, drums, and vocals ranging from soothing to energetic. But there are enough differences between each to keep listeners’ attention. Similarly, the tracks are similar enough that this EP could make great background music for a party without interrupting conversations while at the same time being different enough that no one would ask if it is the same one on repeat.

From the opening number “The Right Place” all the way to the closing “Sparrows”, Realizations and Declarations, Vol. 2 would indeed make not just a great backdrop for a get-together, but also a terrific collection of songs in any laid-back situation. The former is a “full” sounding mid-tempo song, well worked, well rounded, all the auditory spaces filled out just enough. It is very familiar-sounding, what with the guitars and drum driving the entire thing and the subtle piano melody weaving in and out.

The uniqueness of this track lies in its country flavour, one that is also found in “Scared Little Boy”, a sad, cello-tinged tune featuring a plucked acoustic guitar giving it a melancholic taste. In contrast, the closing “Sparrows”, much softer as well as slower, is a delicate, uplifting ballad with pop sensibilities; while it is just as full, it comes off as a lot simpler.

The gentle and touching ballad “Because of You” features instrumentation that lulls listeners right into its melody, with warm vocals giving it a certain tinge of folk. The groovy “Walter Mitty” features a harmonica, bass line, organs, and upbeat guitars that give it a country edge very different from “The Right Place” and “Scared Little Boy”. This is perhaps the track in which the contrast of old school sounds with a new arrangement is the most obvious.

Despite its name, “Pissed Off in Paris” is cheerful and almost, dare I say, cute. A couple (or family?) who has meticulously planned a great trip to Paris to see all its beautiful landmarks are left in the cold and rain right from the beginning of their trip, as they become hopelessly lost on their way out of the airport. It is a story bound to make listeners both smile in amusement and cringe with compassion.

In a world of old styles clashing with new fads, the sort of familiarity Scott pulls off will be welcomed by many – they will be left very content. Tracks are available for streaming on SoundCloud. More information about Krokoff and his music is available on his official website. - Blog Critics

While there is a certain joy in discovering edgy music that reimagines the rules, there is another type of joy in discovering music that is new and fresh but sounds deliciously familiar. Scott Krokoff’s latest EP, the adult contemporary Realizations and Declarations, Vol. 2, is a collection of familiar sounds that come off as new and fresh rather than repetitious and stifling.

Hailing from New York, Krokoff is a practising lawyer who has been influenced by a range of talented singers and songwriters from The Beatles to Tom Petty, influences that can be heard throughout the seven tracks. Realizations and Declarations, Vol. 1 was released three years ago and fans have been eagerly anticipating its second volume, set to be released in September of this year.

The songs are all built very similarly, i.e. on an acoustic guitar, drums, and vocals ranging from soothing to energetic. But there are enough differences between each to keep listeners’ attention. Similarly, the tracks are similar enough that this EP could make great background music for a party without interrupting conversations while at the same time being different enough that no one would ask if it is the same one on repeat.

From the opening number “The Right Place” all the way to the closing “Sparrows”, Realizations and Declarations, Vol. 2 would indeed make not just a great backdrop for a get-together, but also a terrific collection of songs in any laid-back situation. The former is a “full” sounding mid-tempo song, well worked, well rounded, all the auditory spaces filled out just enough. It is very familiar-sounding, what with the guitars and drum driving the entire thing and the subtle piano melody weaving in and out.

The uniqueness of this track lies in its country flavour, one that is also found in “Scared Little Boy”, a sad, cello-tinged tune featuring a plucked acoustic guitar giving it a melancholic taste. In contrast, the closing “Sparrows”, much softer as well as slower, is a delicate, uplifting ballad with pop sensibilities; while it is just as full, it comes off as a lot simpler.

The gentle and touching ballad “Because of You” features instrumentation that lulls listeners right into its melody, with warm vocals giving it a certain tinge of folk. The groovy “Walter Mitty” features a harmonica, bass line, organs, and upbeat guitars that give it a country edge very different from “The Right Place” and “Scared Little Boy”. This is perhaps the track in which the contrast of old school sounds with a new arrangement is the most obvious.

Despite its name, “Pissed Off in Paris” is cheerful and almost, dare I say, cute. A couple (or family?) who has meticulously planned a great trip to Paris to see all its beautiful landmarks are left in the cold and rain right from the beginning of their trip, as they become hopelessly lost on their way out of the airport. It is a story bound to make listeners both smile in amusement and cringe with compassion.

In a world of old styles clashing with new fads, the sort of familiarity Scott pulls off will be welcomed by many – they will be left very content. Tracks are available for streaming on SoundCloud. More information about Krokoff and his music is available on his official website. - Sahar's Blog

If you are growing tired with the same old same old from singer songwriters these days Scott Krokoff is worth putting on your radar. A singer songwriter with an edge of Replacements styled alt rock to his strum. His new album is the second volume to the album Realizations and Declarations” he released in 2012. Scott voice carries his lyrics with clear honesty and it's more about where he puts the notes he does sing rather than flexing his vocals chords. At times his smart vocal phrasing might remind you of Elvis Costello. In the 90s a similar folk brand of rock emerged with bands like the Jayhawks and to some extent even Counting Crow, who defied the typical rock posturing to create thoughtful reflections. Krokoff is about the age that this time period might color his work today. The country elements creep into "Because of You". This country feel takes a bigger step into the spotlight when it comes to his guitar playing on "Scared Little Boy".

'Walter Mitty" reminds me of something the Decemberists might do during their more country "the King is dead" phase. It has a similar pop harmony to the verses , though his approach backs off more chorus than a singer like Collin Meloy would. Americana quickly becomes a more fitting adjective for his sounds when the Harmonica sets some folk into the country. The ballad sway of "I've Got Nothing" has about as much country twang to it as you are going to pull out of New York City.

He goes back to smart folk inflected pop on "Pissed Off In Paris". Melodies roll off his tongue in the classic manner in which Paul Simon executes a similar lyrical frolic. The hooks seem natural and not forced. The album closes with the breezy folk of "Sparrows" that evoke more of a James Taylor feel. So Scott has pretty solid pop and folk root if I am mentioning both legends like Paul Simon and James Taylor in the same paragraph, which the last artist that deserved such comparisons might be Dave Matthews. The difference being there is no jamming, as the songs are concise. Krokoff tells his story with out the aide of virtuoso embellishments. Not to say any one who plays on this album is a slouch, the focus is always serving the song and not crowding his lyrics. You can check out “Sparrows” out for yourself below. - Hiplanta

New York City singer-songwriter (and practicing lawyer) Scott Krokoff works within a gentle folk and lulling country aesthetic. His music is lilting and generous in its tendencies to dispense melodies that'll have you humming for days. But there's no sense of musical appropriation; he simply takes the sounds of his influences and reimagines them as something slightly askew of his own interpretations. This keeps his songs from feeling predictable or leaning too heavily on his own understanding of where his creative determination comes from. He sings about never giving up on your dreams and prioritizing your life to make the most of your time, and he'll continue to shift his perspectives when his sophomore record, "Realizations & Declarations Vol. 2," is released Sept. 4.

On his latest single, "Sparrows," he forgoes the orchestral country pop inclinations and finds peace in a stripped-down frame of mind. This track looks to middle-of-the-road acts such as Tom Petty and Eric Clapton for inspiration but doesn't trade on their often-generic sounds. There's a calming gait to the song that acts as our entryway into its lullabylike rhythms and sounds. Krokoff isn't in any hurry to get to where he's going. With a bit of fingerpicked guitar and some shuffling percussion, he relays this story from a simple yet ultimately affecting position, offering us a brief glimpse into the motivations behind his music. - Nooga.com

Scott Krokoff creates pristine country pop evocative of Tom Petty’s Wildflower period. His poignant new album Realizations & Declarations Vol. 2 is scheduled for a September 4th release. - What's Hip?

NYC singer-songwriter Scott Krokoff delivers refined bittersweet folk lullaby.

We have the pleasure of premiering Scott’s soothing single “Sparrows” from his second LP installment, Realizations & Declarations Vol. 2, which finds the practicing lawyer tapping his love for ’70s era Petty and James Taylor. While most of the album is filled with orchestrated country pop, “Sparrows” is a decidedly stripped down affair—adorned with adroit fingerpicking and clean delivery.

“Many of my songs are about not giving up and pursuing what you love for obvious reasons,” Scott reflects. The songwriter is adamant that one should never put a shelf life on their dreams and these principles are reflected in his graceful tales of morality and perseverance. - The Vinyl District

The Bayside-based musician creates Americana-flavored folk-rock and pop. Although each song is built around the melodies created by his acoustic guitar and his expressive voice, Krokoff’s music does not limit itself to one palate or style. Instead, he pulls in various elements, like warped guitar sounds, harmonica, organ and cello, to make each number stand out. - Queen's Tribune

Scott Krokoff from New York is proof that you can break down the stereotypes musicians or in his case, lawyers have. The practising lawyer is proving himself as a musician too. He lends a big influence from a range of talented singer songwriters from The Beatles to Tom Petty and he utilises them wholeheartedly and efficiently. Realizations and Declarations Vol.1 was released back in 2012 and the follow up Vol.2 will be available later this year in the summer/autumn (Fall) . From it, there are two tracks so far. ‘Because of You’ immediately strikes me as a track that would fit hand in glove on George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass from 1970. The gently fluctuating opening riff, the steadily rotating acoustic rhythm, the soft edged organs and the well placed guitar solo. Scott’s vocals really add warmth and an extra familiarity with a subtle folk tinge to them, but one that is by no means overbearing or typical. Lyrically it is honest and without gimmicks or distaste and are placed and manipulated well. ‘Walter Mitty’ has more of a groove to it and more melodic hooks to boot. The harmonica’s, the deep bass line combined with the organs and slight energetic guitars all act as a collective, musical hook. The vocals are recorded more in a slightly more isolated way and are backed up perfectly by the backing vocals for a slight expansion of the vocal sound which of course has a melodic kick in it too. Both tracks wonderfully simple and at ease. In a world of old styles clashing with new; the sort of familiarity Scott pulls off can only be welcomed and can only leave you content. - Musicandotherthingz.com

New York lawyer and singer, Scott Krokoff, takes a lawful approach to upbeat folk rock/pop songs on his latest release, Realizations & Declarations Vol. 1. The folk music is pop-driven with catchy rhythms and melodies, and roots-driven with throbbing B3-type sounds. "What The Hell" starts out with a light guitar tune that is joined with drums, bass, and Scott's folksy vocals. The reverberating sounds are iconic and giddy. "Closed" contains a good, roots-driven tune with good rock progression and alt-folk goodness. "I Know Your Story" is an upbeat song with clear vocals and pop hooks that will grab you and never let go. "A Better Life" is a more acoustic-driven song early on, but the tune picks up a more rock vein with B3 sounds and an electric guitar. There are eight tracks in all, but "What The Hell" appears twice: as an acoustic and standard track. All of the songs emanate a sense of folk/rock with good clear vocals and infectious hooks. Think of The Gufs meets Venice and The Mysteries Of Life. ~ Matthew Forss - Inside World Music

Scott Krokoff hasn’t given up on his dream.

He hopes to inspire you to not give up on yours.

By day a lawyer, by all-the-other-time a singer/songwriter, Scott’s style of music is reminiscent of the classic folk rock of the 1960s and ’70s.

An acoustic based songcrafter, his tunes are melody driven; incorporating finger picking styles of greats such as James Taylor and Lindsay Buckingham with the country and roots vibes of Tom Petty and Neil Young.

Realizations and Declarations is a winner! Definitely one worth repeating.

Opening up with ‘What The Hell‘, we are welcomed into Scott’s world of self-realization as we climb out of our mundane lives and strive to dream big and go far. Work hard, play harder.

From his bio:

“Don’t,” one of 4 new tracks off the EP, was played during the 3rd annual NY Yankees Hope Week segment on NBC’s The Today Show in July 2011.

“Don’t” is probably one of my favorite jams…at least for now. This is an upbeat, make you get up and move around track.

That’s not the first time the segment has used Mr. Krokoff’s music. They used his song “A Better Life” back in 2010.

This EP is the first in a series which will lead up to the release of Scott’s first full length album.

Based in NYC, Scott has played at venues such as Rockwood Music Hall, The Bitter End, Caffe Vivaldi, Bar 4, The Living Room/Googie’s Lounge, LIC Bar, The National Underground, Pianos, Bar East and 169 Bar which have allowed him to cultivate his local fan base.

He also started reaching out to take his sound elsewhere. Great, because this is music people should hear.

One of those places includes Nashville circa Hotel Indigo and Debi Champion’s Writers Night at the Commodore Grille. He also played Bluebird Cafe’s Singer-Songwriter Tent at the 1st annual Country Throwdown in May 2010.

Head over to Scott’s website and get your copy, then connect with him on Facebook. - Middle Tennessee Music

What was once mainstream is now fringe and what was once a put down, calling music Middle Of the Road, is now a badge of honor. Musicians like Scott Krokoff, and God knows there aren't many, are returning to a pre mid-1980s synth revolution to tap into a world of melody and analog, where lovely songs of self-awareness rule.

A couple of years ago, we wrote about his album A Better Life and the current EP Realizations & Declarations is more of the same and at its best a little better than the first release. The name you are thinking of is Bread, a song like "Acid Rain" is pop-rock as blues Billboard heatseeker circa 1973, it is a relation to "Down On My Knees", and a string of ballads, thru the heart of the 8 track, 34 minute EP. set the stage for a throw down at the end. This is way beautiful stuff, it has the ache of nostalgia but it isn't actually looking back anywhere.

Krokoff, a successful attorney who has followed a dream with a true independents DIY spirit, and is current enough to always add an electric break to his acoustic songs, and what you get is something like the terrific one, two, of "Closed" and "Don't" which would be very popular with a huge segment of the audience, the 40s and 50 year olds, who are so seldom catered for, if they actually heard it. "Closed" is a rocker but a rocker based around an acoustic sound. It is so well crafted it is easy to ignore how smart and sweet the melody is. And "Don't" is what popular rock and roll used to be, easy to sing along, a contracted guitar break, and a feel good (and self referring) message, "don't ever quit or you'll never know".

It is indicative that Scott goes his own way. This is stuff the major labels were born to push but the labels don't really do that any more, and one of the side effects of the past 60 years is that it is difficult for anybody to break through the rock and roll clutter. But I can't believe anybody can listen to the strings on "The Vow" -a lovely wedding song, surely, and not being completely charmed by the this singer songwriter.

Grade: B+ - Iman Lababedi - Rock NYC

Scott Krokoff’s debut solo effort A Better Life is a 13-track album of solid music, both lyrically and musically and one of those albums that can be easily kept on repeat all day long. An attorney turned musician is not always looked upon highly as a wise career choice, but after giving A Better Life a close listen I’m glad Krokoff quit his day job to pursue his passion. An accomplished acoustic and electric guitar player, the musical accompaniment throughout A Better Life is strong and never falters. An intriguing storyteller, Krokoff’s songs are full of relatable tales about relationships and life in general. “I Know Your Story” begins the album with Krokoff convincingly singing, “I know your reasons why you are guarded and concerned/You’ve been through this before there are lessons that you have learned/But don’t be frightened I won’t be like your last boyfriend.” With heartfelt and honest lyrics like that, who couldn’t believe him? While his music has been compared to a blend of John Mayer and James Taylor, his calming vocals are also slightly reminiscent to that of Matt Nathanson. Comparisons aside, Krokoff brings something unique to his music. Whether its saxophone or electric guitar interludes, the music throughout each track blends perfectly with his vocals and as a listener, you can’t help but pay close attention to each story presented in every song. It’s hard to put Krokoff into a specific genre. Tracks like “A Better Life” and “Holy Fire” have a country vibe to them while other songs have more of that acoustic singer-songwriter feel. All the while, many of his songs could be easily heard on the radio. Regardless, Krokoff is headed in the right direction with his debut solo effort. On title track "A Better Life" he sings "Destiny is in my grasp for I can see it/It is waiting there for me to simply reach it/I work so hard for a better day, a better life/And it's finally time for me to feel alive and have a better life." An accurate portrayal of his life, Krokoff's destiny looks bright as a musician. - ReviewYou.com

op de hoesfoto zien we een man in onberispelijk maatpak en das met in de ene hand een aktetas, de andere arm leunt op, een gitaarkoffer. Het is het dagelijkse werkplunje van Scott Krokoff, die als advocaat in New York City in zijn levensonderhoud voorziet. Zijn overblijvende tijd investeert hij in zijn muzikale ambities.

Geinspireerd door singersongwriters en muziek uit de jaren zestig besloot hij zijn songs die hij in de loop der jaren bijeen gespaard had op een langspeler te bundelen. "A Better Life" werd in 2007 uitgebracht en we vinden hier een selectie van enkele nummers terug uit die langspeler. Popgetint werk zoals de titelsong "A Better Life" kan zo op de radio evenals het wat scherpere "Acid Rain."

Het recentere werk dat in 2012 uitgebracht werd, klinkt stukken sterker. "What The Hell" wordt door de snerpende gitaar van Bob Stander en toetsen werk van Paul Errico ondersteund. "Don't" flaneert op een zonnige, funky ritmiek met fraaie soullicks en zwierige hammondtonen. Krokoff blijft moeiteloos overeind in meer intimistisch werk zoals "Closed" en soms volstaat de akoestische gitaar. Krokoff toont zich een voortreffelijk fingerpicker in "The Vow," dat met een sfeervolle cello wordt gelardeerd en ook de akoestische reprise van "What The Hell" overtuigt. Ondertussen zou Krokoff al nieuwe nummers hebben opgenomen, het wordt dus even wachten op volume 2. - Keys and Chords (Belgium)

Krokoff ist New Yorker. Tagsüber ist er als Rechtsanwalt tätig, und dieser Hinweis ergibt sich wohl auch aus dem Coverfoto, auf dem Krokoff mit Anzug und Krawatte posiert. Doch neben der Aktentasche hat er bereits die Gitarre dabei, und so erblickt man ihn auf der Rückseite des Covers bereits im legeren Look mit Sandalen und T-Shirt. Ein Fall von "Dr.Jekyll & Mr. Hyde"?
Sein Sound speist sich aus Musik der Sechziger und Siebziger und weist auch Spuren von Jackson Browne auf. Aber nicht nur dieser scheint seinen Einfluss hinterlassen zu haben, denn auch andere Musiker aus dem Bereich des Folk Rocks, Folks und Pops scheinen prägend gewesen sein, gleich beim Opener erinnere ich mich an einige Titel von Dan Fogelberg.
Diese EP setzt sich zusammen aus vier neu eingespielten Songs (#1-4), drei Stücken des Albums "A Better Life" aus 2007 (#5-7) und als Bonus eine Akustikversion von "What The Hell". Erstveröffentlicht wurde sie bereits im Jahre 2012. Sie stellt den ersten Teil einer Serie von EPs dar, an deren Ende eine ganz neue Platte in voller Spielzeit stehen soll, als Nachfolger von "A Better Life".
Wir starten mit einem Song, der mit leichtem Groove ausgestattet ist, mit einer guten Hookline und harmonischer Melodieführung. Überhaupt ist Harmonie ein treffender Ausdruck für die ganze Musik der Platte, Harmonien, die mich an einige Songs von Gerry Rafferty erinnern, bietet "A Better Life" und der "Acid Rain" fällt dann auch etwas rockender aus, mit druckvollem Spiel, bevor dann die Platte so endet, wie sie beginnt, zumindest mit dem gleichen Song, hier nur akustisch als 'Stripped-Down-Version' angeboten. Doch zuvor gibt es noch etwas zu hören, bei dem ich an Paul Carrack denken muss ("Don't") oder einen wunderschönen akustisch ausgerichteten und mit dem Klang einer Violine ausgeschmückten "The Vow", ein erstklassiger Song! "A Better Life", der Titelsong der letzten CD lässt den Wunsch zu, auch jene Platte einmal näher zu beleuchten, hat er doch einiges davon, was einen guten Folk Rock-Song ausmacht.
Entstanden ist ein Produkt, das man in die Sparte Americana stecken kann, abgerundet mit gelegentlichen Schwerpunkten im Bereich Singer/Songwriter, wenn es dann einmal ruhiger und beschaulicher zugeht wie zum Beispiel auf dem oben genannten "The Vow". Ich denke, der Künstler wird sich bezüglich meiner Bewertung nicht bei mir be- und mich ver-klagen müssen. - Rocktimes (Germany)

ADVOKAT MED BISYSSLA

Den praktiserande advokaten Scott kunde inte riktigt släppa de tidiga tankarna på att lira singer/songwritermusik med inslag av pop/rock. När jag nu lyssnat på denna fullmatade EP ett antal gånger tycker jag verkligen han gjorde helt rätt som höll fast vid sina föresatser.
Det är ganska snällt, men väl genomfört och både de fyra nya låtarna, de tre äldre och den akustiska bonusversionen av inledande What The Hell fungerar bra. Klar favorit är den skitbra ickeakustiska versionen av What The Hell, tätt följt av både Acid Rain och Don’t. - Ikon Magazine (Sweden)

A clutch of first rate rock songs, so well crafted, so smart, and so committed it bends without breaking, and rocks but so tightly it never sways. Or, if you prefer, it is what its subject matter is: the difficulties of being gentle in a harsh world. - rock nyc - music live & recorded

Scott Krokoff is an artist that could make me turn my radio off of talk radio and listen to music again. A former tax lawyer
turned minstrel from Queens New York he left the spread sheets behind for lead sheets. Scott is hard to review because
he is so praised, I come up short on adjectives from the start.

Scott's been compared to Paul Simon and Lindsey Buckingham. After hanging and recording with Russ Kunkle, I also hear
some Jackson Brown influence, another clever musical explorer. The latest CD A Better Life has 13 tracks, a lucky number
for Scott. It covers several genres and is listener friendly for fans of rock, folk and pop.

A Better Life fits Scott perfectly. Deeply reflective lyrics and natural sense of melody make him one of the most radio ready
singer/songwriters I have ever had submit to my latest Sonicbids International Competition; a poster boy for catchy
introspection. The melodies and harmonies are angelic and the musicianship is top shelf with a nice pop rock mojo. Former
Wings drummer Steve Holley (also known for his work with Dar Williams), is one of the many notable players on this CD.) I
mention the drummer because it's my review (see the rest of the contributors in the discography) and drummers stick together.
Get it?!

A Better Life is a brilliantly conceived and executed album that is uplifting and contagious. Scott is one of my personal
favorites that I will be listening to after the dust settles in my song shootout. Holy Fire is the tune that won my contest and was
immediately loaded into my favorites. The steel guitar is a great touch and masterfully executed. I like the theme, we are all
connected and that's why the two of us may shine. A positive message in troubled times. Money may not buy you love but it
can buy you this CD, and you will love it.

Maybe you would consider taking Garfunkel out on the road as Simon at times has disrespected the dude. Krokoff and
Garfunkel? Get back to me on that if you could. I do what I can :) Congratulations on being number one my friend. I love to say
the competition in my contest is stiffer than Al Gore, because it's true! You're going to Disneyland, (with the Grizwalds) I kid
Scott... - Tennessee Concerts

What constitutes a better life? Is it the dream job? Is it the ability to explore the world around? Is it spending time with people you care about? It’s probably a combination of many things and for each of us it’s a different combination. That’s the beauty of us being human.

For Scott it was realizing he wasn’t happy in the profession he had chosen. Thus he ended up doing something about it. And thus a musician was born. A simple mellow rocker in this song A Better Life, that’s the vibe. The story is pretty obvious. Lots of little parts in the song along with some pop flavored chords provide a good base for Scott’s easy going vocal.

http://www.singleoftheday.com/2009/01/29/a-better-life/ - Singleoftheday.com

There seems to be an ever blurring line between country, folk and pop. The best example of this has been Shania Twain. The country purists shudder at her name, but she’s certainly done the country genre an enormous service, taking it places it’s never been. Scott Krokoff, has that same feel to his music. While there’s nary a mention of country on his MySpace page, his style of Folk Rock, shares remarkable similarities to Shania’s style of Country. Kind of Folk Rock with a pop edge. This boils down to 13 tracks, or pure unadulterated “easy listening”. Ah that term, “Easy Listening”, something I used to think of as my Dad’s taste in music, but I’ve come to learn it’s music that’s well written and a joy to listen to, without forcing your brain to go a mile a minute to disseminate what your ears are listening to.

“I Know Your Story” is the first track, and it was this one that brought Shania to mind, with soft clear vocals, a top acoustic guitar and drums. “Friend in Need” is a particular favorite track of mine. “A Better Life” was also one of my favorite tracks, until the electric guitar solo that breaks in nearly half way through. It’s one of those things, that while good in itself, jars the listening experience as it just doesn’t feel like it belongs.

While the album on the whole, is fairly mellow, there are a few tracks, that shake things up a bit, “Tomorrow’s Coming” and “Acid Rain” being two of them. It’s also a welcome diversion, as without these tracks, and “Do You Wanna Play” which rounds off the album, it would have seemed a bit too laid back for it’s own good.

The country analogy I opened with is pretty much enforced with the track, “Holy Fire”, with it’s country style guitar, and the sound of the vocals. I could just imagine Shania singing this one.

I would be remiss in not giving a special mention to “Autumn Sky” which is one of those tracks, that kind of fills you with hope. It’s hard to explain, but it just has that “Everything is Going to be OK” feel to it. So 13 tracks and not a dud among them. This is certainly an artist I will be eager to hear more from.

Conclusion : This is one of those albums, that you listen to and in the blink of an eye it’s over. This is a trait that marks a fine album. - indielaunchpad.com

A sort of back to the roots of american sound, simple and wonderfully nostalgic for a rock and roll from the past, but timeless, a vague reminiscence of the more intimate Eddie Vedder’s albums, as the “Into the Wild” OST.

An attractive artist, a real pleasure to listen to, a poetry of other times. I suggest to listen the melancholic “Scared Little Boy”, to fully appreciate the spirit of this sound. An artist worthy of attention, a sound full of feelings and intimacy. - Hitorininaru.com

Today, New Yorker Scott Krokoff has released his powerful new single "Groundhog". His music, which infuses folk rock, country pop, and Americana, has a compelling way of instantly drawing the listener in.

With honest lyrics, Krokoff shares his intimate thoughts with the listener that sometimes he can fall into a dark state of mind. "Life can be a really cold hard slog, and rather jump into the fray, sometimes I feel like an old groundhog."

Every one goes through ups and downs in life, and it's commendable for Krokoff to go so deep and truthful about his own experience. We can all relate. - Music-News.com

Today, New Yorker Scott Krokoff has released his powerful new single "Groundhog". His music, which infuses folk rock, country pop, and Americana, has a compelling way of instantly drawing the listener in.

With honest lyrics, Krokoff shares his intimate thoughts with the listener that sometimes he can fall into a dark state of mind. "Life can be a really cold hard slog, and rather jump into the fray, sometimes I feel like an old groundhog."

Every one goes through ups and downs in life, and it's commendable for Krokoff to go so deep and truthful about his own experience. We can all relate. - Music-News.com

Music News favorite singer/songwriter Scott Krokoff is back again with an inspiring and powerful new single "My Own Terms". "It is a song about perseverance," says Krokoff. "It's about staying the course to achieve whatever goal or goals you have in mind regardless of whether you have failed previously or made mistakes."

We certainly know what it's like to have others doubt you, or to even doubt yourself. But if you let go of those doubts and fears, you will quickly realize what Krokoff has already; "It’s your life, your journey, your flight."

And with that, we hope that "My Own Terms" helps you soar away and discover something new and exciting. Open up that next chapter just like Krokoff has clearly done in his songwriting by recording this song and sharing its hopeful words with the world.

The second that kick drum comes in to start the song, you can't help but immediately want to hop in a convertible, put your arms out and ride off into the next chapter of your life. Stream it here: - Music News

Scott Krokoff is like drinking a glass of water after five days in the Sahara Desert - utterly refreshing and surprising that someone else hasn't found this yet. It feels like only a matter of time before Krokoff has his chance to impress someone important.

In the meantime, Scott Krokoff is here to impress the rest of us - with great ease, I might add (or so it seems). My first impressions were to shy away, I will be honest. I credit that to my "millennialism" with little shame - all hail the pepe. With a second listen to "My Own Terms" I was entranced by a few things though - more of an "appreciation listen-through" I could say at that point. I was pleasantly surprised at first by an excellent mix. Getting a chance to talk to Krokoff before putting this together I found that he has an outstanding collection of professionals who do an excellent job of creating a consistent and inviting library for fans and newcomers alike. Ask anyone whose been around in the industry longer than two years and they'll tell you the same thing - knowing who to hire is just as important as anything else.

Getting past the second listen through part brings me here. Obviously I didn't hate the music since I'm doing a staff pick. So what did I like? Inspiring lyrics and backstories do a good job of wrapping me into an artist. I think one of the most interesting parts of Krokoff's background is his career as a lawyer driving his inspiration to latch onto music. Krokoff does an excellent job of representing the "manifestation" spirit. In such an excellent manner as well - many "eager beavers" who are ready to finally start putting music out don't take the time to vet their own material. Going through Scott Krokoff's old music unveils that was never the case - from beginning to end there is always a professional element to his performances. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing him play live, but from what I can find on the internet his tickets are worth buying as well.

I think one of my favorite tracks from Scott is his song "Something I'd Like to Know". It's empowering and insightful in the lyrics and a refreshing composition to top it off. Krokoff is creative and profound in his songwriting and captivating in his singing, creating excellent performances all around - my favorite just happens to be "Something I'd Like to Know." Give his discography a spin and you'll find those keywords I've mentioned a few times - consistency and excellence. He does a fantastic job of creatively working his own style into his Americana style - hailing from New York, sidelining his dreams to pursue a sustainable career, and overcoming the "boxed in" lifestyle to chase dreams and goals. His songs do a good job reflecting this and more, giving the listener a glimpse into Korkoff's personal life and vulnerabilities. Elements of country and folk are mixed into his compositions creating a vessel for expressing these types of things.

Overall, Krokoff is something special in a saturated market. It's exciting to hear compelling music mixed in a classic way that inspires people to appreciate music once again for its components and execution instead of its use in clubs and commercials. I'm looking forward to seeing more of what comes from Scott Krokoff and his unique mind. It's nice to see that nothing really stands in the way of your ambitions so long as you are willing to work hard enough to see to it they are accomplished. Definitely watch this man's career with interest! - Can's Headphones