Greg Amici ○ Girl Next Door

From CANADA

New Jersey artist Greg Amici presents his new single 'Girl Next Door', a love letter to the unsung heroes of the music industry, inspired by a real-life "Lucy", who champions forgotten talent, all brought to life with a visually explosive video crafted in a single, back-spasm-inducing day.

Amici's recently-released debut album 'Tragicomic' is a storied set of 12 songs, released by Montclair-based indie imprint Magic Door Record Label. On the trail of the classic rock stinger 'No Fool' and lead track 'I'll Be Back', this record offers a blend of absurdist-rock, ska, Americana, folk-punk and straight-up classic rock, with a clear-eyed view of the world through Amici’s unique lens. Greg's lyrics often offer an unexpected turn of phrase, delivered with full-throated rock power.

With roots firmly planted in Jersey, his creative journey has taken him from the heart of Manhattan to Los Angeles and back again. In the late '90s, Greg formed Big Honey, a NYC-based band whose rise peaked with an appearance at the CMJ Music Festival but paused indefinitely when a vocal polyp sidelined Greg for years. Despite this setback, he didn't let his distinctive voice and songwriting abilities go to waste, returning to the studio after a 16-year hiatus.

Tragicomic de Greg Amici

Reuniting with producer James Mastro (The Bongos, Mott the Hoople, Ian Hunter) and engineer / drummer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna) at Magic Door Studio in Montclair, the creative process led to a string of upbeat satires ('Cynthia, Come to Me', 'No Fool') and ominous ballads ('Junky Eyes', 'In Like a Lion'). The resultant album was mastered by award-winning engineer Greg Calbi (Lennon, Bowie, Springsteen, Talking Heads, Patti Smith, Tom Petty).

The 'Tragicomic' album also involved former Amici bandmates Joe Gentile (Big Honey) and Tommy Aboussleman (Electric TNT), along with special guests Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith Band) and Renee LoBue (Elk City) contributing to the recording. Whether it’s a "serial killer romance" or a biting satire, Greg Amici proves that a Jersey count knows how to count on rock ‘n’ roll.

Naturally, I took a hand at writing the theme song for this never-realized piece of genius: hence 'Girl Next Door'.

"At the turn of the century, I wrote a pilot about a bitter has-been/never-was singer/songwriter who is reinvigorated when a young record label assistant sees him perform at a dingy club, loves his music, and sets out to garner him some recognition and respect in the business. Naturally, I took a hand at writing the theme song for this never-realized piece of genius: hence 'Girl Next Door'. The “Lucy” character was an invention, but as I began writing the script, I looked around for someone to serve as the model. I used to hang out with my old friend Matt Pinfield when he was at CBS, and would often come across his lovely, sweet-as-pie, hardworking, ambitious assistant. I realized I had my model. That girl was the now-famous Allison Hagendorf," says Greg Amici.

"Mark Jaworski designed and did all the photography for 'Tragicomic'. I think he’s a genius. We’d discussed doing a video for one of the songs. We were going to do something cool, but time-consuming. I wanted to get a video out by the middle of July, and time was marching on, so I called him and asked if we could just do it in one day in his studio. I left it to him to choose from several potential singles. On the day I arrived at the studio, he said he had a vision for “Girl Next Door.” He sure did. My role was to twist, turn, pound, and cackle. The rest was all Mark. I had a blast, and the result was worth the back spasms I suffered the next day."

Tracing his aristocratic lineage through Italian family names Benedetti, Stalute and Scala, Greg found his calling as a musician in high school, inspired by local bands. Picking up the guitar in his teens, he founded his first band, The Clergy and later formed the '80s alt-rock band Junk.

The 'Tragicomic' album is out now, available everywhere, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The double-gatefold limited-edition vinyl LP Includes lyrics and liner notes. The CD comes with a CD wallet and includes a 16-page booklet with lyrics and liner notes. Amici will be supporting this album with a series of live performances.

Greg Amici

Girl Next Door

New video out July 22.
'Tragicomic' album out now via Magic Door Record Label

22 July 2025

CREDITS
All songs written by Greg Amici, except
'Jennifer' by Bert Sommer
Greg Amici - lead & backing vocals
James Mastro - guitars, piano, bass, sax, mandolin
Ray Ketchem - drums, percussion
Tony Shanahan - bass
Joe Gentile - backing vocals, acoustic guitar
Renée LoBue - backing vocals
Tommy Aboussleman - guitars
Chris Robertson - guitars
Produced by James Mastro
Recorded & mixed by Ray Ketchem
at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, NJ
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound
Art direction, design & photography by Mark Jaworski
Released by Magic Door Record Label
Video created by David Fagin
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

TRACK LIST

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