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WHO IS BUGGY JIVE?
Soul rock singer-songwriter BUGGY JIVE has always made music while in hiding, quietly uploading songs and music videos from a basement studio somewhere in Upstate New York. Equal parts Zeppelin and D’Angelo and Prince and Joni in sound and sensibility, his lyrics often mine the literature of the past to make sense of the present – from Ellison to Morrison to Eliot to Didion – delicately balancing the heaviness with humor. Even before his pandemic-era music video and reclusive rallying cry “Ain’t Going Anywhere” went viral, the only way to see him perform live was the occasional house concert streamed live from his basement studio.
But after a big 2023, Mr. Jive may be ready to come out of the hole. So what made the year so special?
It started with a Tiny Desk Contest shoutout from NPR’s Bob Boilen and Bobby Carter for the featured “Top Shelf” entry “Don’t Quit Your Day Job”; then Album of the Year and Best Music Video wins at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards; a well-received opening slot for Macy Gray’s “Reset” tour kickoff in Troy, NY; a commissioned song and performance for “Kaleidescape” in celebration of the glorious sonics of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall; and an evening sharing songs in tribute to Buggy’s beloved Joni Mitchell at historic Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs.
It’s a lot for an artist who until now has been notoriously reclusive.
But it seems like Buggy finally got the bug to do more in 2024 – kicking it off with the release of the new album, Hurry Up Please It’s Time offering 12 more acoustic soul rock songs balancing heaviness with humor to contemplate songwriting and storytelling, love and literature, and the festering fears of a nation divided.
Preview the album below.
HURRY UP PLEASE IT’S TIME
SEE ALSO: Complete discography
MUSIC VIDEOS
SEE ALSO: YouTube channel
RECENT LIVE PERFORMANCES (EXCERPTS)
RECENT PRESS
Buggy Jive thrives in opening slot for Macy Gray’s “Reset” tour. Nippertown. Sep. 2023.
Musically… local songwriter Buggy Jive stole the night with his originals that captivated us with his thoughtful lyrics and complex, layered sounds.
Niskayuna native Buggy Jive receives well-deserved accolades from NPR and the Eddie Awards. Daily Gazette. April 2023.
“I’m singing about my reality, so those are things I wrestle with all the time,” he said of his musical forays into socially conscious messages. “It’s almost like there’s an obligation not to ignore tough issues and also an obligation to acknowledge that issues are complicated. It’s not always cut and dry or black and white. I do play with those themes.”
Bob Boilen, NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest “Top Shelf” Features. April 2023.
“I picked this not only because he’s a talented human being but also because there’s lots of references to [Tiny Desk Contest]. Maybe this is the year you might want to quit your day job. I dearly love this.” – Bob Boilen, NPR.
Sound Opinions: Buried Treasures. (Episode 802) Apr. 2021.
JIM DEROGATIS: “I was curious about Dr. Buggy Jive. You know what I kept flashing on when I was listening to it, Greg? If Bill Withers was alive and well and recording with a little bit of EDM hip-hop consciousness in 2022, I think it would sound a lot like that track we just heard.”
GREG KOT: “Yeah the intimacy you know of the recording really got to me and that’s a good comparison. Yeah, the honesty, the intimacy, and a sound that is completely of the moment.”
Even before all the recent live shows, though, his prolific production of thoughtful, soulful music influenced by a wide range of styles — often accompanied by clever music videos — was keeping him busy. Since 2018, Buggy has released more than 50 songs across nine albums — all from the comfort of his own basement.
Hurry up please, it’s Buggy Jive (Radio Interview) June 2024.
The name is Buggy Jive. And his new album is coming on June 19th, Juneteenth. The title is “Hurry Up Please, It’s Time.” We got to talk with Buggy (er Bryan Thomas) all about the project, his music, and how he has de-escalated his day job.
“Hurry Up Please It’s Time.” NYS Music. June 2024.
Buggy Jive, the reclusive but momentum building groovester out of Upstate New York, is dripping with originality. Coming off of a white hot 2023 (Including an NPR shoutout, two Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards, a Macy Gray opening slot, and much more), Mr. Jive has cooked up a 12 song showcase worthy of a glance from a wider audience, titled, “Hurry Up Please It’s Time”