Chad Perrone

"Perrone's powerful voice & introspective lyrics will hit you over the head and keep you begging for more" - The New Hampshire (U. of NH)


"Singer-songwriter Chad Perrone pens love stories with deep hooks and carries off graceful melodies in a pleasing, high voice" - The Boston Phoenix


"The vocals and songwriting are open, honest, and incedulously melodic ... (Used To Dream) is one of the best albums I have heard from a local solo artist." - NotYourAverageFolk.com


- Various

Chad Perrone faced a long hard climb to emerge as a solo artist after his success with the band Averi, but from the sounds of his second solo album ‘Wake,’ it would appear that Perrone is well on his way. While it would be hard to top the raw emotion expressed on Perrone’s debut, this album comes very close and soars past in several other areas. If there’s one significant enhancement that shines through on this record in comparison with his debut, its Perrone’s confidence in his songwriting. From his delivery of the opening track, “Blinded” its clear that Perrone now has the confidence as a solo artist that he once had as a lead singer. As is the case with all of Perrone’s music, this album contains music inspired by his personal life, but unlike past recordings, this album does contain a fair amount of slightly more optimistic songs, like the hook filled first single “Wanting More” or the ballad “All I Go Looking For.” But, that’s not to say this album is void of emotion filled songs like only Perrone can write, like “Since You,” or the piano driven “Only We’ll Know.” Also noteworthy is the piano laced rock song “Here It Is” as well as the distinctive sounds of “Give In” that finds Perrone pushing his music in unique ways like he never has before. From start finish the 15 tracks that make up “Wake” will easily push Perrone to new levels as a solo artist. No longer will he be known as just the guy who used to sing in the Boston band Averi, but because of these release, he’ll soon be considered one of the best unsigned singer/songwriters in the Country. - Alternative Addiction

Haverhill musician writes the songs that make the young girls smile

Tuesday, 20 June 2006

HAVERHILL -- With guitar in hand, Chad Perrone approaches the stage. A hint of sweat drips from his brow. From the first chord, this down-to-earth soul tells you stories of love and loss through a refreshing mix of pop and rock. Sharing his experiences with a crowded bar full of people at the Chit Chat Lounge, Perrone never lets the audience put him on a pedestal. He loves the music and wants it to speak through him. In a world of calculated Top 40 hits with monotonous beats, there is an alternative -- a hidden bundle of talent and heart. Folks with an ear for music pick up on independent artists such as Perrone, knowing his sound is not manufactured by studio execs looking to move units. The Haverhill native began his musical love affair by diving into his parents' record collection. At age 8, he wrote songs. From the start, music has had a hold on him. "Music can do anything and everything," said Perrone. "I'm a music junkie. It's indescribable how a certain song can make you feel. You hear that one song and you need to hear it again." Perrone, who has kind eyes and smiles with a hint of playful sarcasm, played his first solo show in 1998 and has made a name for himself in Boston and New York. Earlier this year, he debuted his first solo record, Used to Dream, inspired by his hope of "getting things back to where they mean something." This 13-track disk is filled with Perrone's easy-to-relate-to tales of loss and hardship. Intense emotions are his fodder. "The songs I write are me putting my own shortcomings on paper," said the 26-year-old. Whether it's the reflection of the past in "Soundtrack (for the Happier Times)," the glimmer of hope in "Once in a While" or the feeling of letting go in "I Won't Follow," it is easy to connect to these songs. Since coming onto the independent music scene, Perrone has relied on fans to help pursue his dreams. From bars to clubs to outdoor amphitheaters, he has done it all. "You have to rely on people to support the music," Perrone said. "I've been fortunate to have a great group of supporters." Fans dig his simple and meaningful lyrics. "It's something that makes cleaning the house a little easier, hard times better. Music is life," he said. Content with where he is now, Perrone is not afraid to admit he is happy. "I'm not looking for world domination. I'm looking to play shows, tour, make records, and keep music in a positive place." Chad Perrone comes to the 119 Gallery in Lowell on Friday, Dec. 15, at 8 p.m.
- Haleigh Stanway (Lowell Sun)

Sunday, 30 July 2006

Chad's solo debut is a thing of beauty. We all knew from our previous exposure to his work that he was an incredible songwriter and had a superior voice. What we didn't know is, that when given the reigns to do his own thing on his own terms, he could potentially be exponentially better than once thought. On this album he takes his songwriting to the next level and adds more meaning and feeling than ever before into each song. This in turn elevates his game a little and makes the performance of the song, both vocally and instrumentally, that much more excellent that could have been imagined written in black and white on a sheet of paper. 'Let You Sleep' and 'A Soundtrack (For The Happier Times)' are perhaps the best tracks on the album. But, without playing favorites, it's safe to say each song has it's own great qualities that set it apart from the next and keep it as a crucial part of the whole picture. With the help of his friends, morally, emotionally, and musically, Perrone shows that going it alone and the freedom involved is a true challenge, but one that ends up sounding so beautiful.

- This Is Modern

Tuesday, 20 June 2006

After providing lead vocals for the unsigned Boston band Averi, Chad Perrone is now flying solo with his debut album “Used to Dream”. While many would expect this record to sound much like a stripped down version of Averi, Perrone had something totally different in mind, he clearly set out to reinvent himself. This album makes it on raw emotion, emotion that is poured out on a level that has not been matched on any of Perrone’s previous work. It’s no wonder he’s called this his most personal record to date. From the soaring chorus of “What I’ve Become,” to the brilliantly written “Lie,” it would seem as if Perrone doesn’t know how to wear his heart anywhere else but on his sleeve. Also noteworthy is “Let You Sleep” a beautiful ballad, with strong chorus and unforgettable melodies. Perhaps the most impressive track on the record is “Somewhere Beside Me,” which finds Perrone reflecting on love lost with a great back beat, soaring vocals, and an incredibly addictive hook. While it’s unclear if Averi will be able to move on without Chad Perrone, after one listen to this record its clear that Chad Perrone will have no problem moving on without Averi.
- Chad Durkee (Alternative Addiction)

Thursday, 01 June 2006

Former Averi frontman takes a breath, makes an album

It's not easy to step away from success. But for former Averi frontman Chad Perrone, it was necessary. Last November Perrone left Averi. He needed a timeout; he needed a break. He had just suffered a summer of staleness in his songwriting, and he was coping with that frustration. He needed some time, but Averi couldn't afford it. Averi's success, while welcomed, also placed enormous pressure on the band. They had to perform; they had to make albums. And it wasn't as if the big bucks were coming in meaning Perrone still had to deal with bills and stress.

"We were busy enough that we felt like it should be full time," Perrone said. "But we weren't making money, not enough for me to live off of. What started out as Perrone wanting a break turned into a breakup from the band. Averi moved on with a new lead singer and Perrone was left with the time he needed to get inspired again, to remind him of why he played music to begin with. He admits it was a tough split, a divorce as he calls it. But still, it was needed.

Last summer, during his creative struggle, Perrone decided to work on a solo album, using new songs and older songs he had held onto. He had intended on the album to be a side project from Averi. But, after leaving Averi, his album became his main focus. This time he was able to enter the recording studio in a much calmer fashion than with Averi. "There was no pressure, just friends," Perrone said. "We'd start recording, mix up some drinks and just have fun."

Perrone's finished project, 'Used To Dream', is his attempt to return to innocence. It's his attempt to focus more on the music of the songs rather than the production. Sounds of Averi are heard in 'Used To Dream', which is expected as Perrone was the songwriter for Averi. But instead of produced pop, Perrone's solo project is stripped down and naked. "I fell in love with that raw sound, the sound where you can almost hear that guy in the studio doing his thing," Perrone said.

Perrone flexed his creative talents on his album, something that's not as easy to do when you're one member of a five-member band. He jumped on drums, keyboards and percussions on tracks. He invited friends to play other instruments. There were no rules in recording 'Used To Dream' except for one: have fun again. "What a great tragedy for me and my personal life if music became a chore or became something I no longer enjoyed doing," Perrone said.

Perrone is now in chief control of his music. He has visions for each songs and he has ideas of what he wants his music to sound like. As a result, Used to Dream becomes his most personal album to date. I think all the songs with Averi were personal," Perrone said. "But sometimes you miss the mark when you do it all with a band. Being a solo effort, this is just a lot more personal."

INFORMATION BOX
See him live: Chad Perrone celebrates the release of 'Used To Dream' at Milly's Tavern on Saturday, June 3. Perrone performs with his good friends Steve Belleville and Dennis Carroll. Milly's Tavern is located at 500 Commercial St., Manchester, 625-4444. Hear him whenever: You can purchase 'Used To Dream' at Awarestore.com. It should be available at Newbury Comics soon. You can also hear his music, and find out all sorts of fun Perrone information at www.chadperronemusic.com or at www.myspace.com/chadperrone.
- Richie Victorino (Hippo Press)