A warm and Soulful single from Richard & The Lionhearts delivers a rich soundscape that comes through as incredibly relatable and with a passionate set of vocals and instrumentation performances that all create an atmosphere that you don't want to leave.
"Boulevard" is packed to the brim with heart and that's one of the biggest things that make this song so impactful alongside the lyrics that give that nostalgic touch which really does work for just about everybody.
One of my favorite things about this track is the overall energy that's captured on it because it feels like one of those songs that were recorded live on the floor and the players are actually feeding off each other's energies the entire time.
The way the song describes the place of his past his perfect and the elements of the way that's done that so many can really close their eyes and picture.
Because of this, you feel like the song was written not just for him but for yourself as well and that's something that breaks certain barriers.
This was done with genuine authenticity and obviously came from someplace incredibly real and that has this touch of emotional drive that the song is actually built from.
The musicianship across this track is outstanding and one can clearly tell that Richard and the band all have pure love for their craft.
There's a guitar solo section of the song before the final chorus that's just wailing and that comes through as emotionally as the vocals do.
So, the whole band has that sense to it and the soundscape of the song is formed by that same drive which is immense.
This came through as not only a love letter to his own past and childhood but stands as an Anthem for anyone that feels that same sense of attachment to the place where they grew up.
I think we all need songs like this so that if we wonder whether or not we're alone and feeling these kinds of things we know that we're not after hearing this.
Songs that hit that certain sweet spot are incredibly important and you don't get it that often so when I heard this one I felt it in my bones.
Throughout the track, you also get this gracefulness in the performance that adds a certain class along with this beautifully rustic undertone that is clearly influenced by classic rock and southern rock.
This is the type of song that comes through both cinematic and feels alive and breathing at the same time and makes you want to see them live so you can feel what that energy is like in a performance happening right in front of you.
With such a wonderfully woven single we wanted to have a sit down with the band to find out where exactly the song actually did come from and what might be coming up next for them.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with "Boulevard"! This track had a beautifully nostalgic undertone to it and was warming! Where did this single come from?
Unbelievably, the song is about the street I grew up on, “Howard Boulevard.” Intertwined in the nostalgia for the days of my youth, my actual, true, first love lived 5 houses away on the same street. In thinking of the nothing-quite-like your first love and the innocence, perfection, and ultimately heartbreak of it, I am singing to reach back to the days before the heartbreak, the tears, the years, and hardships of growing up, and missing those times.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist and songwriter? Did you always have the Lionhearts with you?
I would have to say that I always wanted to play, perform and create as long as I can remember. I was always musical; I played saxophone in the school orchestra and jazz-rock ensemble. I switched to bass guitar in High School and was in a Southern Rock cover band which won our local battle of the bands. My songwriting started while living in NYC and getting an old 4 track recorder and hanging out with my friends and discovering whoa, I can write songs. As I realized this, I used my influences and love of good old fashioned classic rock, finding inspiration from heartache, living life and looking at where I am where I was and where I wished I could be. The Lionhearts are like Steely Dan in the sense that I play most of the instruments and have my friends from all across the world help me in places where they can bring something more to the song. So, technically there are Lionhearts everywhere from Tel Aviv to London to LA.
Buzz Slayers: Are you playing that lead guitar solo?
That is Elijah Eskin a guitar prodigy. He is 23 years old, the son of a good friend of mine who is originally from Australia. He was the student of my regular guitarist and has brought a new dimension to our sound and had the amazing ability to understand intuitively, what I heard in my head for that incredible solo.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire other songs for you?
Really in one word, “life” and the struggles we all must face and overcome on our journey. I write about what has hurt me, helped me, shaped me. A lot of my songs are about love (it may not seem that way, but I am a true romantic) and about having my heart broken.
Buzz Slayers: This single has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Well, my 1st love as a kid was the Beatles, the Stones, Dylan, and Motown. As I grew up Creedence, the Who, Led Zeppelin, Lou Reed, and Tom Petty. I sometimes am surprised when I hear influences pop out in my songs that I was not thinking of. But I am pretty sure that these bands all show up in a good many of my songs and I am happy and proud to be told that someone hears one of these artists in my music.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
At this point in my life, I am fortunate to be able to dedicate most of my time to my music. When I am not writing, creating, recording, or playing, I am building and repairing guitars.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
The last three albums that I listened to were “Magic Bus” the Who, “December’s Children” Rolling Stones and “Scary Monsters” Bowie.
Buzz Slayers: Are you guys doing any live performances right now?
My next gig is at a local pub that is in part an old bus and a big outdoor yard called “Local Bar” on the 28th of June.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record this single yourselves or hit a big studio for this?
I recorded the backing track in my home studio and sent it half a world away to my original drummer Danny Cohen (also drumming on this track) for his incredible engineering and production. Danny is my musical collaborator and has a great ability to understand my musical ideas and make them a reality. I also must give a shout out to my brother from a different mother Mikey Schnall, who works with me with a 10-hour time difference on every single one of my songs. He tells me if a kernel of an idea is worth popping or moving on to the next idea.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
I have an album that is dropping the 30th of June called “Before I Go” which is again produced by Danny and has an incredibly talented group of guest musicians playing on 9 great new tracks. Believe it or not, after that I have over 50 songs written and recorded that we are putting the finishing touches on.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you! It has always been a dream of mine to have people hear and connect with my music. I am humbled and honored that you take the time to listen and extremely happy that my music has touched people in some way. I cannot believe that I have fans from so many different countries, from the US to Finland, Germany to Australia, UK, Spain, France, and more. Thanks for listening and stay tuned…our best work is yet to come.