Dante Mazzetti might be the most influential musician on the indie and folk scene. Thanks to his gritty songs he has garnered a devoted following. His musical journey began with the release of his self-titled debut album, which showcased his particular take on indie and folk. Following this release, Mazzetti delved into the genre of Americana, further exploring his sound. This album displayed Mazzetti‘s incredible ability to seamlessly incorporate elements of different genres into his songwriting. He is truly one of the most versatile musicians out there.

In 2001, the tragic events of September 11 deeply impacted Mazzetti‘s life. In response to the devastating events, he took a hiatus from his musical career to serve the people of his city. He joined the Fire Department of New York, where he dedicated himself to protecting and saving lives. Mazzetti‘s commitment to public service was put to the test during a deadly apartment fire. Because of his courage, his unwavering bravery and selflessness were recognized when he was awarded the FDNY’s highest medal of honor for his heroic actions that day. Today, Mazzetti remains an active firefighter with the FDNY. His dedication to both his music and his duty as a public servant serves as a source of inspiration for many.

With the release of a string of singles and EPs in July 2019, Mazzetti made his official return to music. He released his third full-length album, Hotel, in 2020. Lyrical storytelling is laced with gritty acoustic folk and alternative blues. Mazzetti says, “The music on this album is a mixture of accessibility and wild imagery. I’ve always enjoyed making music that goes off on a tangent but doesn’t fall off the cliff. The songs are doors that open easily into bizarre worlds rather than places of comfort.” 

His track “Here I Go” was recently featured in the Netflix film “Pain Hustlers,” starring Emily Blunt and Chris Evans. Mazzetti‘s music has been shaped by his upbringing in New York City’s vibrant cultural landscape, where he developed an eclectic musical style. He reflects, “New York City is a place where happiness, tragedy, anger, and love intersect on street corners daily. It’s the ultimate experiment. Thousands of people from all walks of life, all the cultures of the world. Lyrical and musical inspiration is everywhere.” The single is a great display of Mazzetti‘s distinctive folk sound. His graceful voice is a delight to hear and it’s perfectly complemented by the heart-touching lyrics. The acoustic guitar is woven between the steady rhythm. Mazzetti’s style in my opinion is very reminiscent of the great Johnny Cash. “Here I Go” is a song that’s sure to get stuck in your head. It’s a beautiful, powerful track that will leave you wanting more.

I was pleasantly surprised with “Here I Go,” while I tend to listen to more heavy stuff, I like the nuances of folk and Americana brought to the table. Even if this type of sound is not up your alley, give it a chance! You won’t be disappointed.

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