Jon Sandler

Artist Information

Biography

"Jon Sandler is a singer and songwriter worth watching. His voice grabs your heart and rattles in your head." -David Hajdu, Music Critic, The New Republic

Since picking up a guitar and writing his first song at the age of 9, Jon Sandler has amassed an arsenal of catchy and melodic tunes with far reaching appeal. With a soulful voice, honest lyrics and a charismatic stage presence, he's been compared to a combination of Julian Casablancas, Elton John and Freddie Mercury and recently a blog referred to Sandler as ‘the lovechild of Adam Levine and Tracy Chapman.’ His unique style has been heard throughout the New York City scene over the past 7 years, where he has played countless shows at popular venues such as Rockwood Music Hall (Stages 1 and 2), Mercury Lounge, Knitting Factory, Pianos, Sullivan Hall, Webster Hall, two sold out shows at the Triad Theater and a sold out headlining show at City Winery. Jon is currently writing original music for other popular musicians and film and television projects, including a feature documentary and a theme song for a new television pilot. His single ‘Lost Time’ was picked as the promotional theme song for best-selling author Alex Gellen’s latest novel ‘Love Sick’. His current band, Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band, has opened for such big name recording artists as Teddy Geiger, Terra Naomi, Mission Hill, Green River Ordinance, Sleeperstar and last August played the Nikon Theater at Jones Beach opening for Jimmy Buffett. Most recently, Jon and The Fancy Band were honored with official showcases at the 2010, 2011 and 2012 CMJ music marathons in New York City, the 2013 SXSW music festival in Austin, included on Delta Airlines in-flight radio, awarded video of the day on AOL Spinner, were featured in Billboard Magazine after winning the first ever national 'Mariachi Mash Up' competition sponsored by Hornitos Tequila, and performed on The Artie Lange Show.

Originally hailing from a small town in upstate New York, Jon made a name for himself in that area, as well. His accomplishments include being invited to perform in the annual holiday show at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY and singing the national anthem at the 20,000 seat Pepsi Arena. Jon then moved to Boston where he was signed to a promotional record label and formed a band called Luke Warm. Their improvisational pop style garnered a loyal fan base that filled their shows at prestigious music clubs including The Middle East, Who’s on First, and Harpers Ferry. They soon became the house band on Boston’s local morning show, Bean U.

Currently residing in Brooklyn, New York Jon recorded a full-length self-titled album in 2008 that received critical acclaim. In 2010, Jon and his band recorded a new EP called “The Fancy Band” produced by musician Eric Zeiler (Xylos). Jon was recently signed to super duper records where he continues to perform, tour, and has just finished a new full-length album “Late Night Champ” mixed by Justin Gerrish (Vampire Weekend) and mastered by Chris Gehringer (Lady Gaga) which was released in 2012.

Instrumentation

Jon Sandler - Vocals, Guitar
Sam Merrick - Drums.
Dominic Fallacaro - Piano.
Chris Kelly - Bass.

Discography

Live At Skyline, 2007
Broken Rubber Band, 2008
The Fancy Band EP, 2010
Late Night Champ, 2012

Official Website

http://www.jonsandler.com

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• Youtube

Audio

• Take My Time
  Listen  
• Stars Align
  Listen  
• Save, Apologize, Go
  Listen  
• Million Different Windows
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Take My Time

Video

Lat Night Champ (Jon Sandler) Final for Web.mov

Jon Sandler - Stars Align (Tainted Blue).mp4

Photo Gallery

Press

• Brooklyn Band Wins Hornitos & Billboard's Mariachi Mashup Contest [+ Show ]
  

  What do mariachi music, a Brooklyn band, premium tequila and 10,000 bucks all have in common? Ask Jo...What do mariachi music, a Brooklyn band, premium tequila and 10,000 bucks all have in common? Ask Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band, the winners of Hornitos Premium Tequila's Mariachi Mashup contest.
  
  The rules were simple: contestants would choose from five possible songs, transform their selection into a mariachi-style mashup and submit a video of the cover by May 30. The submissions were then judged by Billboard editors and a Hornitos tequila expert (among others), and the winning band was awarded $10,000 by Hornitos and a spotlight in Billboard Magazine's BackBeat.
  
  Outfitted in sombreros and with maracas in hand, Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band members (including Jon Sandler, Sam Merrick, Chris Kelly and Dominic Fallacaro) replaced the whistles found on Peter Bjorn and John's hit "Young Folks" with a fiery, mariachi-style trumpet line. Watch the band's winning entry below.
  
  "They truly embodied the essence of this competition, combining popular music with traditional mariachi musicality. The band's incorporation of Spanish lyrics and horns brought the song to life in a fitting and festive way," said Billboard.com Editor Tye Comer.
  
  Not only was this the Jon Sandler and the Fancy Band's first time dabbling in the Mexican musical genre, band members tell Billboard that they entered the contest on a whim after hearing about it from a friend. The quartet's prize money -- $10,000 -- will fund a celebratory band dinner, rent and replacing broken musical equipment, they said.
  
  "It was our very first attempt, and I think we're just gonna transition into being a mariachi band full-time and hang out in the subways," Sandler joked.
  
  After an exciting year that included releasing "The Fancy Band EP" in September 2010 and playing two showcases at CMJ in October, winning Hornitos Premium Tequila's Mariachi Mashup contest was just the icing on the cake, the band says.
  
  "I think we would all kind of agree that it all feels really special," says Sander, the band's lead vocalist. "And then winning this contest, it sort of just feels like it's all falling together nicely. We're excited to see what the future brings."
  
  Jon Sandler and the Fancy Band are preparing for the upcoming release of their debut full-length album ("it's going to blow everybody's minds," they say), which will be followed by a fall tour.
  

• Stars Align on Jon Sandler’s new record [+ Show ]
  

  About a year ago, Jon Sandler’s Fancy Band EP was one of the loveliest new album’s to come across my...About a year ago, Jon Sandler’s Fancy Band EP was one of the loveliest new album’s to come across my path. I loved the willingness of the New York singer-songwriter to experiment with the folky genre he seemed so at home in.
  
  Cut to 2012 and Sandler’s new full-length album, Late Night Champ has finally been released (as of June 12th) and I am amped to hear it.
  
  But I balk.
  
  There’s an electro blanket lying over many of the tracks on the record. We’re a guitar blog – no one’s too sure what to do around an electro beat, after all.
  
  But, wouldn’t ya know it – Sandler’s unstoppable musical experimentation and his subtly emotive vocals knock Late Night Champ right out of the park!
  
  Because you see, Sandler is so great at making music that it turns out that whether he’s picking strings on an acoustic guitar or accompanying a synth beat like he does on the album’s title track, it still turns out great.
  
  Which is, luckily, not to say that life’s been put on autotune for Sandler. Tracks like “Save, Apologize, Go”, “Million Different Windows” and “Diamond Miner” are more delicate numbers of the troubadour style we know and love Sandler for.
  
  I balk no more.
  
  Sandler has taken his time to craft an album that feels like every note was on purpose and every beat is where he means it to be – all killer, no filler.

• Live Review - Jon Sandler @ City Winery [+ Show ]
  

  Our May Rising Artist, Jon Sandler played one of the most important gigs of his career Sunday night ...Our May Rising Artist, Jon Sandler played one of the most important gigs of his career Sunday night at a packed City Winery in SoHo. It was not just any regular gig for the New York singer-songwriter, it was the official release party of his new record, Late Night Champ.
  
  As he walked on stage, Sandler understood what this gig was all about, in fact he hired a string ensemble and a group of backup singers to help bring his songs to life. Playing Late Night Champ from start to finish, Sandler showed the New York crowd just exactly what he is made of. Sandler is not just any other singer-songwriter out there in the New York circuit, he is ambitious and not afraid to mix and blend various styles of music together. For Sandler, his range goes from folk to rock to jazz to blues to ambient to dub and makes no apologies for the various style changes. Sandler and his band, The Fancy Band, are some of the most talented musicians in the city right now, from killer piano solos that would have kids at Juilliard in awe to roaring guitar solos that could fill an arena, Sandler has the best at his fingertips. Sandler himself is a showman, his excitement and child-like innocence playing Late Night Champ was like watching a kid on Christmas morning opening the gifts they asked Santa Claus for. As he danced around stage and grooved to his own music, Sandler added to the layers of his songs just by being himself. In a set that spanned an hour and 45 minutes that included all of Late Night Champ, new songs, a handful of old ones and a killer cover of Queen's "Somebody to Love," that would have the surviving members of the band impressed, the self proclaimed "Late Night Champ," is more than ready to make his mark.
  

• Jon Sandler gets fancy with his Fancy Band at Rockwood. [+ Show ]
  

  Jon Sandler opened his set at Rockwood Music Hall by thanking the nearly sold out crowd for coming o...Jon Sandler opened his set at Rockwood Music Hall by thanking the nearly sold out crowd for coming out on a school night; 11pm on a Monday is rough for those of us who are lucky enough to have jobs in this economy. Losing the extra hour or two of sleep was worth it.
  
  Jon Sandler and the Fancy band opened with 'Nowhere Bound.' The room filled with excited murmers at the recognition of the first few notes. Sandler's velvet soul filled voice treated the crowed to some old favorites including 'Down On My Luck' and 'The Right'. He also delighted the crowd by debuting two songs, including 'Slow Parade' and 'Late Night Champ.' As a thank you for attending, Sandler sent a recording of LNC from the show to all those who signed up for the mailing list. I should note that in the middle, Jon does a stellar comedic rap about being a late night champ; involving eating cereal, watching porn and considering purchasing a slap chop.
  
  Jon Sandler's arsenal of songs spans the stylistic spectrum from heart wrenching ballads like 'Forgotten' to the peppy, up tempo, 'Broken Rubber Band.' 'Lost Time' was the highlight of the show, with the crowd singing along to the catchy chorus.
  
  There is a rumor, which I am helping to spread, that there is a video and a new website in the works since Jon recently signed with new indie label Super Duper Records.
  
  Jon Sandler is definitely an artist to watch. Check out his myspace for music, tour dates and more information.
  

• Jon Sandler, 'Late Night Champ' -- Video of the Day [+ Show ]
  

  Artist: Jon Sandler Video: "Late Night Champ" Highlight: "The shoot felt amazingly late-night cham...Artist: Jon Sandler
  Video: "Late Night Champ"
  Highlight: "The shoot felt amazingly late-night champy," Jon Sadler tells Spinner. "We started shooting at 7PM and ended at about 10AM the following morning. There is nothing like performing in a red velvet tuxedo jacket for fully costumed circus freaks at 5AM. I loved it."

• Local boy Jon Sandler plays Red Square [+ Show ]
  

  He's opened for Jimmy Buffet and Teddy Geiger, sang the national anthem in front of 20,000 at the Ti...He's opened for Jimmy Buffet and Teddy Geiger, sang the national anthem in front of 20,000 at the Times Union Center, has a new CD called ''Late Night Champ,'' and ... he's from Niskayuna.
  
  Singer-songwriter Jon Sandler moved to New York City seven years ago, but returns to his roots Saturday having made considerable career headway. He plays over 200 shows a year, his songs are on Delta Airlines in-flight radio, and he's been featured in Billboard magazine and has opened for another national known Nisky native, Terra Naomi.
  
  The title track of his new CD "Late Night Champ" melds a melody that might be at home over an acoustic guitar; instead keyboards and beats add a distinctive urban flavor. Other tracks go other places: "Million Different Windows" has an urgent yet soothing Bruce Hornsby vibe, while the searching "Take My Time" finds a place for love in a hectic life.
  
  When: 8 p.m. Saturday
  
  Where: Red Square, 388 Broadway, Albany
  
  Tickets: $10
  
  Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/entertainment/article/Local-boy-Jon-Sandler-plays-Red-Square-3716895.php#ixzz23l4plfeV
  

• Now Playing: Jon Sandler & The Fancy Band [+ Show ]
  

  Y'know, artists who defy genre classification really make this job kind of hard. Well, no. This job'...Y'know, artists who defy genre classification really make this job kind of hard. Well, no. This job's the easiest job in the world, but people like Jon Sandler, who manage to segue into a different genre with every new song on a record really do make me have to search for the right words.
  
  Over the past four years, Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band (made up of Sam Merrick, Dominic Fallacaro, Chris Kelly, Jens Kramer) have been making their mark on New York City, producing melodic tunes that are so easy to listen to, they're addictive.
  
  This year they released The Fancy Band EP. It's a six-track gem that features everything from earnest, vulnerable ballads ("Nowhere Bound") to country-tinged tunes ("Alabama"), to reggae strains ("Broken Rubberband").
  
  Take a listen to a live performance of "Lost Time" which is also on the EP:
  
  Sandler is currently busy writing original music for film and television projects, including a feature documentary and a theme song for a new television pilot. There is also a full-length album and a Fall tour on the horizon. To be kept up to date on tour and music news, join Jon online at www.jonsandler.com, or on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and Youtube.

• Jon Sandler: A Fusion of all Sorts [+ Show ]
  

  September fourteenth, Jon Sandler’s outstanding EP, The Fancy Band, was released to the public throu...September fourteenth, Jon Sandler’s outstanding EP, The Fancy Band, was released to the public through Super Duper Records. Before the official release, Sandler opened for Jimmy Buffett at the Nikon Theater in Jones Beach. Sandler has also performed at over 150 important musical venues since his entrance into the music scene. Also, he has written music for an upcoming television pilot and his song ‘Lost Time’ is the theme song for the new novel-made-movie, Love Sick, by Alex Gellen. All this to say: Jon Sandler has had a very lucrative year and his fan base is growing substantially every day.
  The Fancy Band EP is an exciting six-song album full of variation. Each song has a very different sound to it. The first song and title track, ‘Nowhere Bound,’ is a reggae/folk piece that blends acoustic guitar and soulful vocals with striking synthesizers and tribal drums. The song for Alex Gellen’s movie, ‘Lost Time’ resembles a typical pop-rock piece with airy vocals and a catchy/bouncy melody. ‘Broken Rubberband’ leans more toward the reggae genre, but the addition of beautiful violins adds an extra level of depth to the piece. Folk rock is the best description for ‘The Right.’ This song involves a fiddle, soft drums and acoustic guitar mixed with tight harmonies and passionate vocals. ‘Alabama’ fits into country rock with a fiddle, strong harmonies and a bit of a vocal twang. A soulful ballad, ‘Forgotten’ takes the album into reflective and dark territory. All together, the six unique and individual songs tie the album together into an exciting and eclectic conglomeration of folk, rock, country, reggae, R&B, and pop.
  The band, consisting of Sam Merrick, Dominic Fallacaro, Chris Kelly and Jens Kramer, help to make the unique and original sound on The Fancy Band EP. Their sound is often referred to as a combination of John Lennon, Jason Mraz, Elton John and Ben Folds. But even this blend does not fully describe the genre complexity of Jon Sandler’s band. Take a listen to Jon Sandler and see how you would classify him! And be on the look-out for tour dates in your area this fall!

• Six Picks with Jon Sandler [+ Show ]
  

  Six Reasons why I Can’t Wait To Get Out Touring 1. I love New York City, I’ve lived and performed h...Six Reasons why I Can’t Wait To Get Out Touring
  1. I love New York City, I’ve lived and performed here for about 5 years, playing over 100 shows at about 20 different venues. It’s like my favorite old shirt… but it’s still awesome to get a new shirt. I can’t wait to get some new shirts.
  2. We just completed our new EP The Fancy Band. The songs all mean a lot to me, and are, if I must say so myself, “fancy”, so I can’t wait to share them with the rest of the country.
  3. My Band is hilarious and all have unique hidden talents. For example, my drummer Sam does an uncanny Jack Bauer impression, Dom, my pianist does a great Herbert from Family Guy and Jens, the violinist, can snap like a drumming madman. I’m thinking that being forced to spend several hours at a time with each other, we can create some sort of weird variety show or something.
  4. I want to start a collection of obscure state community college lanyards.
  5. Over the past few months I have developed an obsession with Coca Cola. I just LOVE it. I would like to drink from the cola fountain at the Coca Cola museum in Atlanta. I also have relatives there and in other states that I would love to see and perform for.
  6. Some people say I am too skinny…I figure hours of extreme muscle atrophy, fast food and long naps should do trick!

Setlist

Stars Align
Save, Apologize, Go
Take My Time
Million Different Windows
Slow Parade
Diamond Miner
ME
Judy
In Control
Down on My Luck
Late Night Champ
The Right
Nowhere Bound

Many more...

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