Interview: The Chelsea Curve embrace the good stuff on ‘Top It Up’
Hey-O! The Boston mod-pop trio raise a glass to the good life and release the eighth and final Singles Scene single
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The Chelsea Curve’s debut album set for Winter 2022 release via Red On Red Records
OUT NOW: Listen to ‘Top It Up’ / Watch the official video
Photo credit: John Keegan/Linda Pardee
LISTEN: THE SINGLES SCENE, TRACKS 1 TO 8, VIA BANDCAMP
READ: THE CHELSEA CURVE & RED ON RED RECORDS TALK SINGLES SCENE
BOSTON, MA [October 27, 2021] -- The Chelsea Curve have a lot to celebrate. And now they have the pub-rockin’ rave-up to prove it.
The Boston mod-pop trio are set to release new single “Top It Up” on Wednesday, October 27 via Red On Red Records. It’s the eighth and final single from The Singles Scene series, which saw the band deliver one new song every month since March, a year-long lead-up to the release of their highly-anticipated debut album in early 2022.
But first, The Chelsea Curve take a moment to raise a glass to the good life. We talked to bassist and vocalist Linda Pardee, guitarist Tim Gillis, and drummer Ron Belanger about the new single, wrapping up The Singles Scene, and what lies ahead for the rest of a busy 2021.
publi*sist: Right off the bat -- what's 'Top It Up' all about?
Linda Pardee: This one is about hitting the pause button on everything while doubling up on the good stuff. Giving yourself permission to take a break and enjoy the good stuff, however mundane it might seem. Truth be told, when the pandemic restrictions started, I welcomed the break. As bummed as I was about having to cancel upcoming shows, rehearsals, outings, travel plans, everything, I rather liked staying home, quality hang time with our dog, baking soft pretzels, sippin’, and writing songs. But even all that good stuff gets old after a while; that’s why the last line of the song was changed from “I’m going home” to “NOT going home!” The frantic fast pace of the song reflects the craziness before the break!
Ron Belanger: I thought it was an order to the bartender when your beer looks low, but you’ll have to ask Linda. There’s all kinds of hidden meanings in her lyrics.
How much fun is it to play 'Top It Up'? Because it sure seems like a lot of fun!
Tim Gillis: It’s a blast! We wanted it to be a fun number that sticks in your head when you leave the club. We’re hoping to hear some “Hey-O’s!” out in the street after the show.
Pardee: Wicked fun! You should try it sometime! Sing along to the “Hey-O’s!” parts!
Belanger: It’s a scorcher. One of the most energetic songs in our set. We usually play it towards the end of the set, so if I can get through that without a car crash, I know the show is gonna be just fine.
'Top It Up' also takes it back to The Chelsea Curve's mod-pop roots; how does this one reflect the band in 2021?
Pardee: When this song was just a mere sparkle in my eye, it already had a 1960s, Motown, Martha & The Vandellas kind of vibe. We hopped it up, adding a little keyboard in there, a driving beat, some girl group backup vocals, a fun singalong “Hey-O, Hey-O” part and a Buzzcocks-ish guitar solo. I think this song hits a lot of our fave elements and represents us well in 2021!
Gillis: This one actually started life a couple years back as a mid-tempo jangler. But when we really got down to writing, Chelsea Curve-style, we liked it better as a pub-rockin’ rave-up and ran with it. It feels like it’s right in our sweet spot -- retro feel, with a little edge.
With this being the eighth and final Singles Scene release, how does it feel to be at the end of this year-long project? What was the highlight so far?
Gillis: Feeling pretty proud about all of it, and astonished at how quickly it went by!
Pardee: I feel accomplished and happy. Maybe just a little sad that we won’t have that month-to-month adrenalin rush of a new song. Highlights for me have been playing these songs out live in front of people -- and -- being embraced by stations across the world, ESPECIALLY the UK!
Belanger: It went by so fast! Before we released our first single, it seemed like The Singles Scene would be going on for a while. It flew by. The highlight so far was the few live shows we snuck in. Always fun to play songs that people have heard on their Spotify playlists, or heard on the radio. We have a few more shows lined up once “Top It Up” drops.
With all eight Singles Scene singles unveiled by the end of the month, what can fans now expect from the album?
Belanger: Some new songs, and everything remastered.
Gillis: We still have some aces up our sleeve. The singles will be there, but it will have a fair amount of new material, too. All will be re-swizzled into a refreshingly different mod-pop cocktail.
Pardee: The album is going to span The Chelsea Curve’s life-to-date, including not only the Singles Scene collection, but early favorites (pre-Singles Scene) and brand new tracks (post-Singles Scene). It all fits together so well, but at the same time, shows quite nicely the Chelsea Curve’s arc.
Is there a message to listeners who have supported the band through all eight releases?
Gillis: We can’t thank ‘em enough! We’ve had amazing support from the Boston rock community and a ton of play worldwide, and we appreciate it mightily.
Pardee: Big thanks to our supporters for your loyalty! We are looking forward to celebrating with you at our special end of year shows!
What does The Chelsea Curve have planned for the rest of year?
Pardee: Although The Singles Scene releases are over, the party is just getting started. We are planning to bring The Singles Scene to life with an end-of-the-year residency at a small club with great guest bands, special DJs, early cocktail hour start time and a proper hang that will take us from Thanksgiving into the New Year! Stay tuned for details to come!
Please direct all press inquiries to The Chelsea Curve at thechelseacurve@gmail.com or Michael Marotta at michael@publisist.co.
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The Chelsea Curve are:
Linda Pardee - Bass and vocals
Tim Gillis - Guitar and vocals
Ron Belanger - Drums
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The Chelsea Curve short bio:
The Chelsea Curve have always been your favorite band, providing the constant song playing in your head as scenes, styles, and sounds change around you. With a sonic template rooted in retro mod-pop but with enough snarl to roll with the punks and whipsmart hooks to hang with the rock and roll crowd, the Boston trio have in 2021 unleashed The Singles Scene, a string of monthly releases featuring ultra-melodic earworms off their forthcoming debut album, set for winter 2022 release via red-hot indie label Red On Red Records. Everyone who listens to The Chelsea Curve connects the band’s influence to their own personal favorites of yesterday, but with seven Singles Scene tracks released so far this year, and global radio play amplifying their presence louder with each offering, The Chelsea Curve are quickly forging their own rock and roll path connecting the past to the present.
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‘Top It Up’ single artwork:
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The Chelsea Curve press photo:
Photo credit: Reuben
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