Seth Balestrieri

Using his songwriting skills to raise awareness of the impact of the Boston marathon tragedies, Seth Balestrieri releases his new track ‘Our Song (Boston Strong)’ as both a reminder and a message to those who struggle to understand what has happened in the past.
“Don’t dwell on the sadness” is at the heart of the song, a powerful way to draw people together, unified in the knowledge that together communities can be strong. The song itself is an anthem that has all the marks of the kind of tune that will stand as a permanent memorial to those who have lost their lives or been wounded, and it also serves to remind us of the other terrible things that are going on around the world. As long as people continue to stay strong and commit to making good art, this is all the evidence we need that humanity will always step up to the mark and say no in the face of evil and hate. This is a positive message of love, unity, and strength.
“Our Song (Boston Strong)” is officially released on 15th July, so keep an eye out and support those who have been through such hard times of suffering by joining in with the Boston Strong message. - Chris from Cross Radar

Independent Spotlight is a continuing series on Stewart’s blog. The series revolves around independent artists and bands sending their music to Brett to review. No band is promised a positive review, and all music is reviewed honestly in an effort to better independent music.
On this month’s episode on the Jukebox podcast, I went on a five minute soap-box about how important music is to create change, peace, and promote healthy communities. This evening’s Independent Spotlight artist is doing just that. His name is Seth Balestrieri, he’s a twenty-six year old singer songwriter from Massachusetts. On July 15, he’ll be releasing ‘Our Song (Boston Strong,)’ a track dedicated to those who have struggled in the tragic aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombing. We’re getting an early listen of the track to take a peek at it.

Balestrieri explained to me that he wrote the song partially from the perspective of someone in the midst of this chaos who may be too young to fully comprehend what is happening. It’s an intriguing perspective to take, perhaps one that we don’t think about as often. Can you imagine how damaging something like the Boston Bombing can be in the life of a young person? It’s heartbreaking to think about, but Balestrieri tackles it elegantly and poignantly.
‘Boston Strong’ is exactly what it needs to be. Eloquent, inspirational, and heartfelt. Beautiful instrumentation and string sections cascade around Balestrieri in a haunting production. His lyrics are honest, his voice, amazing. ‘Remember there is peace in our song,’ he croons over a series of vocal harmonies that seem to create a mountain of triumph over evil. The bombing of the Boston Marathon was an act of pure evil, a disgusting display by one of the most troubled people in our country. This song, however, seems resilient and powerful, rising above both the anger and confusion that must result from this sort of event.
‘Our Song (Boston Strong)’ is a gorgeous piece of work. I love Balestrieri’s effort to reach out to his community and begin to mend some horrific wounds. The independent music community needs more artists like this and this song remains proof that within music, we all can find a level of peace. It’s a healing force stronger than most. - Brett Steward from The Independent Spotlight

Seth Balestrieri is a self-taught singer songwriter from Chelmsford, MA., who began writing music at the age of 15. Seth writes about a wide variety of topics and says he often develops a strong feeling, opinion, or thought on a subject, and from there on out his songs practically write themselves.

Seth Balestrieri
Besides powerful melodic singing and acoustic guitar tapping skills,Seth works the day as a Tae Kwon Do Master. He has appeared on TV shows and in magazines as well as being heard on radio since the release of his debut studio album entitled, “Bucket List”, which contains the acclaimed Singles“Stars Not Scars” and “One and Only”.
Apart from the song, “Step Off My Girl”, released a couple of months ago, Seth Balestrieri is set to release a new track entitled “Our Song (Boston Strong)”, on the 15th July. Of the song, Seth says:“It’s a song meant to help bring peace to people who have struggled in the Boston Marathon tragedies or any other worldly crisis. It also takes on the role of seeing the events through the eyes of a person who may be too young to understand the world and not know how to deal with it. However it all comes back to a positive ‘Boston Strong’ message.”
Extremely talented and versatile musician, Seth Balestrieri, takes you on an uplifting melodic ride in this song. The lyrics are very poetic and the dominant string rhythms and phrases will have your heartstrings bobbing and weaving along. Seth is a persistent and talented modern singer-songwriter with strong Alt-Pop-Rock credibility as well as Folk-Americana seriousness in his music. His songs resonate of pure emotion and passion that you can hear through his angelic singing.
In his catalog, Seth mixes up different paces and genre-influences successfully and his lyrics are pure genius. His songs will touch the hearts of many that can relate to the wondrous feeling of love and sadly, heartache, as well as social and other afflictive issues as narrated in “Our Song (Boston Strong)”.
From soft acoustic guitar-driven songs to sweeping piano and orchestral pieces with soaring vocals, to upbeat tempos, this man can do anything. And he does all of it brilliantly. Seth writes all of his own music, allowing him to really connect with the words he sings, charging them with emotion and power; this, in turn, makes it easy for listeners to relate to his songs. Between his beautiful singing voice and the carefully structured musical arrangement on “Our Song (Boston Strong)”, Seth Balestrieri will blow you away! - Jamsphere Magazine

Seth Balestrieri is a singer and songwriter hailing from Chelmsford, MA. He started writing music at the age of only 15 and is self-taught, often feeling inspired to write when a subject has a strong emotional effect on him. He recently released his first studio album, Bucket List, which has led to acclaim and numerous live performances as well as being featured on radio and television. He cites Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw and Rob Thomas as songwriting influences.
This track, Our Song (Boston Strong), was inspired by the tragedy of the Boston bombing and written to help bring peace to those struggling with the aftermath that or anyone affected by a similar crisis. Starting with picked acoustic guitar and strings, Seth’s powerful and distinctive voice delivers the verse, singing of “reversing the adversity“. It soon reaches the memorable chorus which runs “Don’t dwell on the sadness, we’re all Boston strong… remember there’s peace in our song….”.
The second verse introduces a rolling snare drum pattern that helps give the music a driving momentum, while Seth sings “They say I’m at a tender age but as conflict arises, I can’t help but wonder how can I fight this?” After the second chorus comes a lovely harmony section, before a final chorus with soaring strings brings the song to a rousing climax.
Overall, this is an inspiring and moving track, beautifully written and performed. It will hopefully provide solace to those affected by the Boston bombing tragedy but its message is also relevant to anyone who has had to face tragic events in their lives. Seth Balestrieri has both a fine gift for songwriting as well as a charismatic voice to communicate his emotions, and this could be the song that breaks him into the big time.

Alex Faulkner
Verdict: 8.6 out of 10 - Faulkner Reviews

Seth Balestrieri – Turning A Tragedy Into Beautiful Music
Sometimes in this world horrible things happen. There is no way around that. These tragedies though can often act as inspiration for an individual to create a work of art in response to it. A great example is our recent discovery Seth Balestrieri.

The alternative singer/songwriter from Chelmsford, Massachusetts has a true passion for the music and lyrics that he writes. Seth pulls from many genres to define his sound. His influences range from Goo Goo Dolls, to Staind, to Jason Mraz, to 90’s Grunge, to modern pop. The true talent of Seth Balestrieri lies in his impressive voice.
There is a plan to release a new track on July 15th, 2015. The song is “Our Song (Boston Strong)”. It’s a song meant to help bring peace to people who have struggled in the Boston Marathon tragedies or any other worldly crisis. The pretty melody builds up throughout the track focusing on on a positive message of strength and pushing forward. The vocals lead the way with Seth’s powerful pipes creating both emotion and energy.
Keep up with “Our Song (Boston Strong)” and more music at : www.SethBalestrieri.com - Indie band guru

SETH BALESTRIERI – “OUR SONG (BOSTON STRONG)”
Single Review

Seth Balestrieri – “Our Song (Boston Strong)” – Single Review
I often get a little antsy when I realize that my first introduction to an artist or band’s music is tied to a cause or awareness campaign…largely for two reasons. One being that I’m a crusty, old & bitter version of the beautiful butterfly I once might have been…and for the second (much more real) reason…I can find it very hard to separate the support for the music as opposed to support for the cause. I’ve seen many instances in the past where musicians have literally no clue if they’re worth their weight in salt just due to the endless amount of packed bars & clubs they play to filled with supporters of whatever that cause might be that would be there whether or not the music was any good.
So…like I was saying…I’m cautious, I’m crusty – yes these things are true; but I don’t in fact have the heart of stone I like to often pretend I have. Hearing that Seth Balestrieri was about to release a new single called “Our Song (Boston Strong)” upcoming on July 15th…my mind immediately jumped to the conclusion that this would most likely deal with the bombing that happened at the Boston Marathon in 2013. I could play local-news-guy for you for a moment here and go on and on about the amount of CURRENT articles being posted up on the subject, sentencing & judgements being handed out…but the POINT in mentioning this simply, or providing a laundry-list for you to read would all serve the same purpose – to point out that yes, this happened in 2013…and that YES, people are STILL affected by it and likely for many, many years to come.
Truly…it’s ALWAYS a benefit to have musicians speaking their minds. Many people have asked me how I’ve known the things I’ve known throughout my entire life…well – I know anything I know at all thanks to music and the knowledge and emotional impact those artists and bands have given me in listening. Seth Balestrieri seems to be made of that similar, strong fibre of an artist unafraid to speak out for change, awareness and lead the way through educating the public and soothing the soul through music.
“Our Song (Boston Strong)” is a truly impressive composition. Combining sweet acoustic guitars with strings shining brightly beside it…the moment that Seth begins to sing, I personally had chills. America in particular…probably needs an internal healing more than most countries right now; I can’t help but smile in hearing an artist like Seth conquering his role with such confidence and giving nature. “Our Song (Boston Strong)” is an incredible song…truly – similar to the incredible pop/rock atmospheres you can find in Snow Patrol’s work, the emotion comes through sparklingly genuine through Seth’s music and voice. Coming from a place of peace & love…hope…I think that the purpose behind Balestrieri’s new single is one to be admired and it’s written in such a way that everyone can relate to it and find some relief through his lyrics and melody.
There are people in this world that don’t believe in celebrity-platforms or musical-soapboxes to speak of…yet so many of us all look up to these pop-cultural icons for direction and guidance. I believe strongly that musicians like Seth are the very fabric of what makes music great…not only does he sing with real style, heart and emotion…he has something important TO SAY. And you know we’ve said that a million times here on our pages…if you’re going to make it, you’ve gotta have something TO PROVE or something TO SAY. Seth brings out the message of peace beautifully through “Our Song (Boston Strong)” in a warm, inviting way that really goes a long way to provide a little relief and revitalization of the soul. Definitely a memorable melody and thoroughly well-written & superbly executed song – Seth Balestrieri gets a huge salute from me for putting himself out there on the frontlines of music to help lead us all into a peace.
Find out more and connect to Seth through his official page at:http://www.sethbalestrieri.com/ and have a look/listen at one of his previous tunes below while we wait on the official release of “Our Song (Boston Strong)” on July 15th, 2015! - Sleepingbag Studios

It was just a normal day for Seth Balestrieri. The 26-year-old woke up to go to work at Master An's Taekwondo in Lowell as a master, a shift that started at 10 a.m. and ended at 10 p.m. A little after 1 p.m. he squeezed in a phone interview with The Sun in the middle of his busy day. The interview wasn't about his Taekwondo, but his career as an aspiring music artist. The lifetime Chelmsford resident says he has learned to manage his 70-hour workweek coupled with a music career to manage.
Balestrieri released a new single ,"Our Song (Boston Strong)," on July 15.

Seth Balestrieri has released a new single, Our Song (Boston Strong). COURTESY PHOTO
The heartfelt tune about the city's reaction to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing is now available for purchase on iTunes and on other digital distribution platforms such as Spotify. A lyric music video was also released for the song on YouTube.
Q: What was the writing and recording process like for 'Our Song' (Boston Strong)?
A: I've actually been writing the song for almost two years now. A while ago I reached out to some of my fans, and they just said write a Boston song. I've always been about music as a way of healing and helping people so it made sense to write a song about something people could relate to and help them get some positivity back in their lives.
Q: What was the initial inspiration to write this song?
A: The first thing was people asked me to.
I really thought about it and I thought of younger people. I remember when I was in school and I heard about 9/11. I heard about it in school and how it affected me. Especially because of technology and everything, kids can be exposed to tragedies like that with no one to talk to. For myself, I wanted to be able to have some sort of message out there in the world that they can see and find some positivity out of. If they are exposed to all these things and no one talks to them about it, it can take them down the wrong path in life. I just wanted to get my voice out there.
Q: Would you consider this your biggest musical release?
A: I did have one other single on my album Bucket List a year and a half ago. I put just that one song out for digital distribution as a standalone song, but this is the largest scale I've ever released a song.
Q: The early reviews of the song have been pretty positive. How do you feel about the song's critical reception?
A: It's always nice anytime you hear anyone who's positive about it. There are a few people who reached out on a personal level to say they were really touched by the song. That's really the nicest thing to hear. You can't please everybody and there have been some people who have given negative feedback. I try not to focus on that. There has been so much positive feedback that I try my best to just ignore the negative.
Q: What do you consider the biggest personal success in your musical career?
A: Releasing my first album was huge for me. I had been playing music for a long time before that, but to get something printed and have something that was real was a big step for me.
Q: What's the biggest challenge you've faced?
A: It's pretty tough to have anything sustainable in the music industry. I'm still working a job for 70 hours a week to make it. It's just about finding the time to get the music to where it needs to be. It's something I'm passionate about so no matter what I'm going to keep grinding at it.
Q: How do you juggle your musical career with your Taekwondo work and stay sane?
A: Honestly, I'm passionate about both Taekwondo and music. In a way, both of them have natural expressive qualities that appeal to me. You can express yourself in music and you can express yourself in martial arts. As far as the hours go, you get used to it.
Q: How would you describe your perfect day?
A: I think anything that I can find peace and relaxation is great. Martial arts is great for that, but maybe not a 14-hour day of it but a little bit of that would be nice. Whenever I'm surrounded by music it's so relaxing, any of kind of music really. At the same time, I like to go to the beach, hanging with friends and normal stuff like that. Good people, good company, good music and you can't go wrong.
Q: What are you currently working on or planning to work on soon?
A: I've been sending the single ['Our Song'] out to anywhere I can get it out in view. When I was writing it, I found out that Mark Wahlberg was releasing a Boston movie called Patriots Day. I have no idea how to contact him, but I think it'd be cool to get the song in the movie even if it wasn't me singing it. I just think that would be great and fit the movie really well. As far as beyond this single, I have a full album planned out and it's just a matter of getting the time to put that music out there.
Q: Where would you like to find yourself in 10 years?
A: Honestly, I think about that so much. The main thing I've come to terms with is I have no idea how far I'll get, but I'm just going to keep on going. The place I get to is the place I get to, I just got to keep on pushing. - The Lowell Sun