Moosic: Do you have a story behind your artist name?
Steve Geraci: When I’m fronting The Tear Downs, the name reflects what’s happening to a lot of decent livable homes in our area getting replaced by supersized structures. Our 2020 debut album Open Air Cellars and more recent EP Gin and Cement track “Ballad of The Tear Downs” hammers home the topic. For me as a solo act, it’s important to get my name attached to my music and stand behind the writing, recording and performing.
Tell us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
Out of the womb, I was curious about sound. Whether an elastic band twangling or pots and pans clanging, powerful thunder thrashing, constant waves crashing, roof gutters dripping into half-empty rain barrels or the snap, crackle, pop of fire. All proved magical to my young ears!
Regarding instruments, I always plunked on unsuspecting pianos and took up tenor/alto sax through grade school, but it was a ‘60s Norma guitar I found forgotten and dusty in my uncle John’s basement that shaped my path to this day. I eventually added bass, drums, and harp along the way. Curiosity drew me to cool sounding music that was edgy, raw with believability: Rock, jazz, funk, punk, blues, soul. Ray Charles, Bowie, Janis, Miles, Band of Gypsies, Santana, early Chicago, Joe Cocker, Jeff Buckley… I am always a sponge to style with real credible emotion.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
A lyrical storyteller with harmony, rhythm, and someone’s truth. I always remember the original emotion of my lyrics, either singing in the studio or live on stage. It always brings me back inside the song.
What drew you to the genre/instruments you’re playing right now?
It’s a combination of where I’m currently at musically and the immediacy of needing to express it. Guitar is my main writing instrument, but I just recorded a classic R&B style track for the new EP and it’s like nothing I’ve ever done before. It’s exciting to discover a new voice from a different vantage point in ways of tempo, feeling vocals… it’s refreshing!
What inspires you to write music?
It’s a bit of an affliction (laughs). I can’t help but write songs. And doing so for over 40 years has been a creative release, a form of expression. The only difference is I finally have taken them out of my drawer the last few years into the studio and out for public consumption. Inspiration comes in different flavors. I do believe always having the antenna up, trying to recognize that moment a great idea trips the radar – and then somehow grab it.
Would you tell us about your current project, album/EP, or song you’re promoting?
“Voice In My Head” is the upbeat infectious lead single from my forthcoming EP about the inner voice pushing us to succeed or daring us to fail and the playful dialogue between the voice and the conscious mind. I love the bounciness and Talking Heads vibe infused throughout.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music?
Discovery of a new voice they like enough to wanna hear more and explore past, present, and what’s comin’ next! I’d love to hear what tracks listeners like and wanna hear more of!
Who are your top three artists right now? If that’s not a fair question, what’s your favorite song right now?
Los Angeles’ The Dip, especially “Doing The Thing.” I fell in love with that track last year from the first spin. And Boston’s own Lake Street Dive; I always loved Rachel Price’s beautiful style. I guess I’m bi-coastal! The third would be, of course, Boston’s Tear Downs!
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
Long form snail mail letters (laughs)! Would love to catch up. Seriously, Reaching out on the socials, website, or just coming to the shows, that’s the best way! I love to talk to people about music. Try me!
Homepage: https://stephengeraci1.wixsite.com/website
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_tear_downs_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTearDowns/
Bandcamp: https://theteardowns2.bandcamp.com/
What’s next for you?
Feverishly mixing and mastering the last tracks on the EP, looking forward to performing at some of our favorite spots and some new venues as well and possibly new recordings with The Tear Downs.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
Really appreciate the opportunity to connect with you, as well as old and new fans alike – and thanks for helping promote the new single “Voice In My Head”!
Bio:
A fixture in the Boston music scene for more than 25 years, Steve Geraci has honed his songwriting and performance skills in clubs and venues across the city. As the frontman of The Tear Downs, Geraci has gained global recognition for his introspective songwriting. With three studio efforts, including the acclaimed Open Air Cellars and Escape to the Lake, Geraci and The Tear Downs continue to push the boundaries of indie rock with this latest release. This year, Geraci embarked on a solo career, releasing a string of singles throughout 2025, starting with “Voice In My Head” set for release in March.
