Evil Sweet

Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and Zach Castro are the singer-rapper songwriters that are Evil Sweet. They bill themselves as an indie pop-rock band, but they like to switch styles with each new EP release. Listen to their EPs, and each will surprise you.

Their most recent release 4 the Singles, as with their other recordings, is available on Spotify, Google Play, Apple Music, and bandcamp. O’Brien-Curcie is the lead singer and Castro is the guitarist and rapper. The breadth of their musical styles is mirrored in their influences: Great Britain’s Arctic Monkeys, and Oasis, Alaska’s (via Oregon) Portugal. The Man, hip-hop artist Mac Miller, and Australia’s Tame Impala. That is quite a palette from which to draw. Those influences are surely there, but I hear momentary incursions of blues and classical strings as well. When I asked the duo where the neo-psychedelic sound of Tame Impala was in the mix, they clarified that Kevin Parker’s ambition and shifting sound were an inspiration for their own experimentation.

About their song-writing process, O'Brien-Curcie and Castro say they work collaboratively on all their songs. Having begun writing together in 10th grade, their composing process has evolved into “a conversation:” a completely organic experience. They also effusively praise the contributions of their supporting musicians, their "team" as they put it, that have fleshed out the band’s sound on all their recordings.

They have a new single ready for release, and they are thrilled to be working with their first professional producer, Nick Sorrentino, at Westfall Studio where they are completing a new EP. We are excited that they will premier those songs on Long Island Stage.
Once Covid restrictions are lifted, look for Evil Sweet on the Island at the Velvet Lounge, Portside, and Cigar. “Performing live is an addiction,” they said. Long Island Stage thinks that’s an addiction we can all live with! - Long Island Stage

Evil Sweet

​The Weather Up There
self-released; 2019

3.7 out of 5

By Isaac Roblett

Evil Sweet is a pop/rock band with heavy hip hop and funk influences hailing from Long Island, NY consisting of Zachary Castro (guitar/rapper) and Scotty OBC (vocals). Their debut album The Weather Up There is a story that encapsulates the turbulent emotions of love and pain in an accessible and easy to listen to manner.

The four-track EP kicks off with “Thinkin’ About You,” an emotive story portraying the struggles of the nature of relationships. On this track the slick flow and lyrical bars of Castro really give this song a unique edge. Throughout the album, his vital contributions elevate Evil Sweet from average, to stand out artists.

“I Remember” really showcases Scotty OBC’s talented and soulful vocal range, and also highlights the unique chemistry musically between OBC and Castro, as they play off and empower each other’s talents so expertly. This acts as a great support for the emotively charged tone of the track, as together they really convey these poignant feelings.

“Much Too Long” has a real funk and blues feel to it, and fits perfectly within the four-track playlist, and showcases their strong instrumentation skills as the track effortlessly switches from a slowed down acoustic number to a fast paced rock one.

The record closes with “Baby It’s You” a much folkier and stripped back song, which is a nice contrast to the preceding ones, and the catchy melody and lyrics make it a certified sing-a-long track. It is a fitting farewell to the album.

​Evil Sweet sounds like a strange marriage between Chance the Rapper and Portugal. The Man, with a sprinkle of Art of Verse and Nathaniel Rateliff for good measure, but they somehow make it work, resulting in an ambitious and distinctive sound. The Weather Up There isn’t lyrically complex, but if you are in the mood for a fun listen with intentions of dancing and singing your troubles away, look no further than Evil Sweet. - Divide and Conquer

New York-based alternative indie band Evil Sweet has just debuted their newest EP Queen Victoria, on April 28th. According to the band, the album evokes a different shade of love at various stages in a relationship.

Evil Sweet is an up-and-coming pop-rock band based in Long Island founded by members Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and Zachary Castro. Thus, having achieved over 100K streams on the singles for the EP and playing legendary venues like The Bowery Electric. Their energy is familiar to indie artists like The Neighborhood, Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys.

Zach is the guitarist and rapper for the group with Scotty on lead vocals, both having heavy roles in the songwriting. Evil Sweet blends multiple genres like rock, pop, blues, folk, and hip-hop. The two have been creating music together since their early high school years.

When listening to the album, keep in mind that each song is supposed to represent a different stage of love in a relationship. Queen Victoria is a unique album for Evil Sweet to release, it has sweet and delicate songs like “Long Live The Queen,” where the lyrics are quite meaningful. Almost very similar to Panic! At The Dico’s 2008 release Pretty Odd.

The intro song “Something” also hits differently, having sounded straight out of an 80’s soundboard, flowy and bubbly. Songs like “Queen Victoria” and “Out of Nowhere” are energetic and high-strung, the vocalist reminiscent of The Kooks. “How To Love You” was a favorite on the album, having meaningful lyrics and an upbeat tempo.

The band has also had an amazing start to 2023 with the two singles “Something” and “Out of Nowhere” achieving over 100,000 streams on Spotify being interviewed by underground indie-blog “Girl at the Rock Shows.” Evil Sweet prepare for the release of their debut EP Queen Victoria on April 28th. - NYS Music

New York based pop rock group Evil Sweet capture that lingering end-of-summer nostalgia in their upbeat new song 'Queen Victoria', the lead single of their upcoming studio EP of the same name.

Founded by songwriting duo Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and Zachary Castro of Long Island, New York, Evil Sweet's new single was recorded and produced by Nicholas Starrantino at Westfall Recording Studios, with the group continuing to develop a bright pop style with their most polished production yet.

The first release by the band to be professionally produced, 'Queen Victoria' follows frontman O’Brien-Curcie and his infatuation with his summer fling. Based on his real-life girlfriend Victoria, the song tells the story of Scotty chasing after his childhood love who he grew up with on the north shore beaches of Long Island, and getting rejected throughout adolescence before reconnecting later in life.

Musically, the acoustic guitar strumming and electronic flourishes of wave sounds that open the song employ a distinctly beach pop aesthetic, synthesizing 60’s-era nostalgia with a more modern love song formula. The lyrics describe the love interest Victoria as disinterested and out of reach, and lean on royal imagery to illustrate her larger-than-life appeal.

Evil Sweet has recently grown into a full 5five-piece band, and have been playing 'Queen Victoria' among other songs at shows across Long Island and New York City in venues such as Amityville Music Hall and The Bowery Electric. The group headlined their first music festival in the summer of 2022 at the Long Island Indie Rock & Pop Festival at 89 North Music Hall - Broken 8 Records

Setting the tone with a pulsing beat amidst the textures of rippling water and immersive guitar layers, Evil Sweet open Queen Victoria with intrigue and the situational lyrics, “She’s walking down the street marching to her own beat, without a care, and she sips a tea on the beach, she’s just out of reach, and she don’t care whether I’m here…”

The opus expands into an indie-pop meets soul-rock energy, as Evil Sweet take us on an anecdotal and charming journey of infatuation. We learn subject of the song is frontman Scotty O’Brien-Curcie’s muse and real life girlfriend, Victoria.

The band confess that “the song tells the story of Scotty chasing after his childhood love who he grew up with on the north shore beaches of Long Island, and getting rejected throughout adolescence before reconnecting later in life.”

We appreciate the fusion of beach pop and synthesizing 60s-era vibe as Evil Sweet deliver a charismatic and relatable mood on the polished and intricately produced track. The minimalist break down is transcendental and the reprise allows for the band to showcase their instrumental skills as the outro for the composition.

Although Victoria appears disinterested and out of reach, there is a sense of optimism to the composition, and we love how the band lean on royal imagery to illustrate her larger-than-life appeal.

Queen Victoria is the lead single from the band’s upcoming studio EP of the same name! The indie-pop band is founded by songwriting duo Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and Zachary Castro, and Queen Victoria is recorded and produced by Nicholas Starrantino at Westfall Recording Studios.

Evil Sweet have since grown into a full five-piece band, and have been playing Queen Victoria among other songs at shows across Long Island and New York City in venues such as Amityville Music Hall and The Bowery Electric. The group also headlined their first music festival in the summer of 2022 at the Long Island Indie Rock & Pop Festival at 89 North Music Hall! -

The vibe in Evil Sweet’s new track “Something” is infectious. It makes you smile instantly and makes you want to drop whatever it is you’re doing and dance. At the same time, there’s a sense of depth and emotion in this track that I found a bit mysterious and intriguing in all of the right ways. I was beyond excited when I was offered up an interview with the two founding members of Evil Sweet, lead singer Scotty O’Brien-Curcie and guitarist Zachary Castro so why waste any more time? Let’s jump into the questions!

Everyone says that every crowd is their favorite but, what city has the best audience and why is it Minneapolis?

Scotty: We’ll I’ve never been to Minneapolis, But if the crowds are better than New York it must be a hell of a good time

Zach: I’ve heard the music scene in Minneapolis is legendary for diversity of styles and some cross-pollination between genres, I’m sure the crowds are primed to hear all flavors of music… we’d love to play there when we go on tour!

What’s your go-to coffee order?

Scotty: I don’t really drink coffee because it makes my heart go crazy so I normally get tea

Zach: I drink my coffee black, all day. I used to put a bit of milk in my coffee (no sugar) but I’ve grown to love black coffee as is

What’s the worst concert you’ve ever been to and why?

Scotty: I’m not gonna say who, but let’s just say the crowd didn’t stay very long…

Zach: We went to a bar once in our hometown, and the band that was playing started yelling at the crowd for getting up to get drinks and guilting people for leaving… and let’s just say the crowd turned on them. The music itself wasn’t terrible, but that definitely stuck with me as an example of making shows a comfortable place for your audience to vibe.

How would you describe your music to your grandparents?

Scotty: A fresh take on old styles you love

Zach: Music that makes you smile

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Scotty: It never has, and it never will.

Zach: My instincts have always said absolutely not, but I’m open to the idea that it could taste good to some people

If you could compare yourself to a bird, what bird would it be and why?

Scotty: I’d say I’m an owl because I love the night

Zach: Probably a Blue Bird because for some reason my wardrobe is 80% shades of blue

Favorite lyrics of all time?

Scotty: “You know life’s for the living so live it

Or you’re better off dead” —Passenger “Life’s for the living”

Zach: “My backyard tree doesn’t know what she needs, or what she wants, she just grows on. She left me so low to the ground” —Ritt Momney, “Paper News”

What’s your favorite menu item at Taco Bell?

Scotty: the cinnamon twists all day

Zach: Cheesy Gordita Crunch every time

If you were to rob a bank, what would be the song playing in the getaway car as you escape?

Scotty: “Con Te Partiro”, but the Stepbrothers movie version…

Zach: “Never” by JID

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Scotty: Muse when I was in highschool they were playing at Madison square garden. It was sweet, they sounded great and the visuals were amazing

Zach: I was actually supposed to go to that Muse concert with Scotty and my parents didn’t let me cause it was a Wednesday night and now he’s always rubbing it in my face… For me I’d have to say seeing The Who in 10th grade on their 50th anniversary tour. Great performance but mostly it was cool seeing these guys that I worshiped at the time on stage in front of me.

What’s an old-school fad that you wish would come back?

Scotty: Webkinz bro, If you’re too young to know what those are… Google it

Zach: The world needs more turtlenecks. Bring ‘em back

What’s your favorite method of listening to music?

Scotty: With a nice set of speakers on the beach

Zach: listening to music turned all the way up in a car with speakers has always been my favorite way of listening, parked or driving. It for some reason makes me feel like I’m really inside of the mix

What’s one thing I should know before listening to “Something”?

Scotty: “Something” falls under the idea of love, but it’s almost greater than love. It’s something that you really can’t explain, so if you’ve been in love, or felt something like it then you should listen to this song.

Zach: The song was meant to feel timeless, just like the subject matter. Hopefully that shows in the music itself with the old school instrumentation and flares of electronic stuff.

What is “that something” for you?

Scotty: The point of saying “that something” isn’t that we couldn’t find the words, it’s that there are no words that could paint that picture. It’s something everybody has and hopefully will feel at some point in life.

Zach: To me, it’s a feeling you get from a connection with a person that’s vague yet somehow intimately understood. It doesn’t really matter what it is, but you still feel it pulling you in.

This is such a fresh-feeling song– what color do you associate it with?

Scotty: Definitely some pinks and reds, Valentine’s Day colors for sure

Zach: When I hear the song, I definitely see a blend of light purple and blue and red. The cover art to the song actually does a great job of capturing the colors we feel represent the song!

There’s a little bit of everything in this song from funk to pop to indie to rock– why is there no metal influence in this track?

Scotty: Metal is great and takes a lot of skill, but I can’t scream like that.

Zach: well we always do a little bit of everything, but metal doesn’t feel like it would fit the vibe of this track… maybe someday though

Totally kidding but, say a metal band covered your song– who would you want that metal band to be?

Scotty: The band Fozzy, because I love pro wrestling and so do most of the boys in the band, so to see Chris Jericho also known as Fozzy singing our song would be epic.

Zach: no matter what genres you like, you gotta respect legends like Metallica. A Metallica cover of evil sweet would probably knock me out.

Listening to “Something” made me want to see it performed live so badly– any awesome touring plans in the future?

Scotty: Stay tuned for big announcements regarding this one - Girl at the Rock Shows

“Do You Understand?” captures that summery, carefree feeling we’ve been longing for as we shiver through this Aussie winter

This pop-rock band from Long Island, New York, has crafted a track that exudes an infectious lightness, reminiscent of the dreamy, lighthearted vibes we love from classic rock acts like Kaiser Chiefs. It’s the kind of song that could soundtrack the climactic rom-com moment we all secretly crave.

The song itself wastes no time in jolting you awake with its booming vocals, immediately dropping you into a catchy chorus that will stay with you for days; the burrowing earworm will leave you humming its irresistible melody long after the song has ended.

But it’s not just the infectious chorus that will grab your attention—Evil Sweet knows how to deliver face-melting guitar solos bursting with charisma. These moments of musical brilliance inject an extra dose of excitement into an already captivating track.

“Do You Understand?” has endured a bumpy road to its release, which makes its arrival all the more triumphant. Originally recorded over two years ago, it was the first professional recording experience for the band, marking the beginning of the fated collaboration with producer Nicholas Starrantino.

While thematically and musically distinct from their recent EP, “Queen Victoria,” this single was meant to be Evil Sweet’s polished pop-rock debut. However, due to various circumstances, the song encountered delays, and the band decided to release the EP first.

Despite the practical difficulties faced during the development process amid the Covid 19 lockdowns, the band managed to infuse the track with an easy-breezy energy that is palpable.

There’s a distinct live quality to the recording, showcasing Evil Sweet’s determination to stay true to their musical pocket and feed off each other’s energy, resulting in a work that is perfectly balanced with spontaneity and charm.

Evil Sweet is not just a band; they’re a group of childhood friends who found their musical synergy and embarked on a journey of self-discovery through their art.

With Zachary Castro and Scotty O’Brien-Curcie at the songwriting helm, Evil Sweet has evolved from gritty alternative rock to a lighter pop sound, all while staying true to their creative vision.

As other members, including Billy Treglia on bass, Liam Bricker on drums, and JT Esposito on lead guitar, joined the ranks, the band’s sound flourished.

Evil Sweet’s “Do You Understand?” is a testament to the power of music to uplift and inspire, even in the face of adversity. Its energetic and optimistic spirit will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges that come your way.

As we eagerly anticipate more new music from Evil Sweet throughout 2023, it’s clear that this band is poised to continue spreading joy and positivity through their captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

So, plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and let Evil Sweet take you on a musical journey filled with infectious enthusiasm and a vibrant zest for life. Trust us, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. - Happy Mag