“Exploring Dreams” Released September 23rd, 2022
Photo by TJ Huff
Ben Pagano
Ben Pagano is a pianist/keyboardist, singer/songwriter, and actor based in New York City. It was around 2010 when he started playing his own original music out in the Lower East Side's Antifolk scene at the Sidewalk Cafe and eventually became part of Brooklyn's DIY scene performing regularly at venues like Goodbye Blue Monday and Palisades. Since then he has been writing songs, and gigging non-stop.
He released his first album titled "Robot Jazz' in 2014, his second album "Forms" in 2017 and released his third album "Exploring Dreams" September of 2022. The album is a collection of songs inspired by reoccurring dreams and the feelings associated with them. The work is an abstract commentary on the human condition where the artist explores ranges of emotion interconnecting both personal experiences and current affairs. The album is extensive in its genre coverage and displays a blend of jazz, pop, funk, folk, soul and rock whilst maintaining a cohesiveness that defines the sound.
"Exploring Dreams" is now available to purchase/download everywhere, along with a music video for the title track.
Photo by TJ Huff (2022)
Photo by TJ Huff (2022)
Photo by Alexandra Norelli
Photo by Üriel Shlüsh-Reyna
Photo and Artwork by Alexandra Norelli
Photo and Artwork by Alexandra Norelli
Photo by Lippe
Photo by Alexandra Norelli
Photo by Le Noize
Photo by Ella Sanandaji
press
“The album shows a creative blending of genres, and in places feels theatrical. It's a must-listen to and one of my favourites so far this year.”
- UpToHear
“Haunting synth-laden dreaminess and trickling guitar jangles form a nostalgic yearning amidst a slight percussive pitter-patter. Lyrics speaking of becoming “part of the machine,” and feeling nothing add to a sense of despair, uplifted with synth flourishes into the guitar-fronted rise. “
“Pagano has created an album full of different sounds and different sonic experiments. This is not a straightforward singer/songwriter album. Imagine if Father John Misty fronted Pere Ubu, and that is kind of how this album hit this reviewer.”
“Blending a unique mix of jazzy, lounge act piano with an indie rock attitude, it’s a song that stands out simply because of what it’s made of.”
“…creates music in his dreams and broadcasts it with the help of the melodic sounds and the atmosphere of Indie Rock. A delicate and calm voice shimmers beautifully in guitar rays, the rhythm slowly sets the pace and there is no longer any doubt that this is an unambiguous hit in your collection.”
“Tiene un flow muy ligero, por momentos con un poco de psicodelia, una pista con mucha melancolía, que está lista para ambientar tus días.”
“ 'Members Only' is this generations lost gem and we bet you’re glad you stumbled upon it. The playfulness and room for experimenting in Ben's voice is a true raw talent indeed. "
"Singer-songwriter Ben Pagano’s soulful, funky, and downright beautifully bonkers compositions will hit you like a ton of rainbow-colored bricks when you first hear them, to say nothing of that voice."
"His solo compositions have a classic-rock vibe, propelled by a powerful tenor and fun, ironic lyrics."
" 'Members Only' -- details the current political situation in the U.S., with lyrics and music penned by Pagano. While the bass-heavy song sounds like a moody cruncher on paper, in reality, it talks about how everything bringing down the world today will become long forgotten in the near future."
"Explore the full breadth of genre, artistry and human emotion on Forms, the new LP from Ben Pagano & The Space Machine. Throughout the record Ben Pagano & The Space machine flirt with anything from jazz to showtunes, classic to DIY rock, psychedelic fuzz to art pop. Their willingness to break moulds and the confidence with which they do so is admirable."
"..easy and free with a touch of soul and back-end funk that seems familiar, but with a fresh new-edge vibe. The lyrics are sung with a “don’t give a damn” attitude, but also with a pointed conviction"
"Pagano’s soaring vocals and tender lyrics complete a very satisfying listening experience."
" ...laps with sparkles of piano and aching vocals over a band that rises and falls with each platform that zips by."
Upcoming Dates
Videos
For Booking, Press, or any other inquiries email Ben at BVPagano@gmail.com