2/22/2023: Written by Samson Winsor.
It’s the very engine of an East-Gone-West-Coast folk punk energy; Ryan Cassata’s debut single as Kill Rock Stars newly signed artist pens a jetstream narrative straight from the heart of a Californian escape route. Electric guitars carry a confident, complementary, and in-pocket, witty rhythm. The tune traverses a full circle of wondering what could happen if a New York lens of living could see a new day on the other coast. Mastered by the incredible Amy Dragon of Telegraph Mastering with drums courtesy of Kyle Dombroski, this single comes with a pounding, shimmering flow that keeps the cadence in a sure heartbeat of punk passion. Racing in youthful pace to a new life on the wings of soaring harmonies, Ryan Cassata remains a song-writer extraordinaire. He’s done it again with the inspiring single that is “if you ever leave long island.”
“Ryan Cassata crafts immaculate singer-songwriter pop, drawing on emotive pop forms from Blink-182 to Vance Joy to Taylor Swift. With an almost quirky purity, Cassata’s intimate, sing-along ready love stories capture the full-bodied emotional moments in a young person’s life.” – Paper Magazine
Reflected in its effortless build, Cassata’s out-loud contemplations about returning to golden shores isn’t one to miss the truths about what leaving all you know behind means. “But you gotta make it out if you’re gonna make it,” he professes in a clear chronicle of his own transcontinental experience. Begging muse and listener alike to consider this route to new horizons of survival, “leave your problems at the dock back in Bay Shore.” As sure as the triumphant feeling arises, “it could save ya.” Complete with folk-punk allure, the single’s music video features stunning rooftop visuals and performances with Cassata and his band.
“Long Island has one of the greatest music scenes in the country, especially for punk and its sub-genres. I am lucky it was my starting place. It’s also a hot spot of the opioid epidemic, an addiction and mental health crisis that has tragically taken the lives of many of my friends. I wrote “if you ever leave long island” for my childhood friend who has struggled with addiction and his mental health. It’s me begging him to stay inside if his life is in danger, and encouraging him to eventually leave the island for a fresh start.”– Ryan Cassata
This single is coming in hot as Cassata continues his long-standing tradition of critically acclaimed performances on tour. Catch a ride on a wave reminiscent of The Menzingers, RVIVR, or The Gaslight Anthem to “ride out the sadness.” Hell, if you’ve ever ached for faith to find light where the sun always hangs in the sky, lend your ear to Ryan Cassata’s “if you ever leave long island.” With over 650 critically acclaimed performances and seven albums under his belt, catch Ryan Cassata on tour Spring 2023.
