What do you get when you cross traditional ska with reggae, rocksteady, and a dash of a ’60s pop? Then, after those ingredients are added, how about using a little new wave, 2-Tone, and punk to round things out? Well, if you did that, you’d get Stop The Presses from New York.
Originally formed by Ali Culotta and Danny Portilla, Stop The Presses has come a long way since their early days in Miami. Now, based in New York, Stop The Presses to take over the ska world with their unique sound and energetic live show. In 2019, they put out Money in the Bank, which was produced by Agent Jay from The Slackers. At just over 30 minutes, Money in the Bank packs a punch. It has a retro sensibility with a modern edge that will make fans of any wave of ska will love.
Even though the band wasn’t able to tour in 2020, they kept busy with livestreams, videos, and releasing a dub single. And, they’re kicking 2021 off in style by opening for The Slackers for their Valentine’s Livestream!
Before checking them out on the livestream, check out my interview with Ali and Danny below.
Your band saw its inception in Florida, but you’ve since moved to New York. How have both locales influenced your music?
Danny: Music from everywhere was available to both Ali and me from a young age, so I don’t know if the regions had as much of an impact as getting older and being able to appreciate more music. The greatest change New York has brought is a strong team and a more focused work ethic.
In the last ten years, it also feels like you’ve grown into your “sound.” In the earlier days, there was more of a ska punk feel to your music. Over time, there’s a definite shift in sound culminating with Money in the Bank. What was your journey like to get to where you are now as a band?
Ali: It’s been an incredibly fun journey. Danny and I have been able to write together and experiment with so many different genres and ideas throughout the years. I don’t think our shift is on purpose, or that we intend to sound more this, more that. We write the music we’re feeling in real time, I think that just happens as an artist.
Listening to the new album, I feel like I can hear some influences Agent Jay brought to the sessions as the producer. What did Jay bring to the table during the recording process?
Ali: Knowledge [Laughs]
Danny: We came to him with the songs done and said we wanted it to sound like it was recorded sometime between the ’60s and the ’80s. He nodded and we went into the studio confident in his vision. While recording, he would give brief feedback “this is great, let’s try this next”, he knew where this was all headed. It always feels like that working with him.
Ali: Yea, he gets our vibe.
What was it like working with Jay?
Danny: Jay’s real easy. He’s a man of few words and they’re the right words. He has great ideas, no ego, and knows a lot about music. He doesn’t push or over-explain. It’s a sweet way to work.
New York is the epicenter of East Coast ska to me. What kind of energy do New Yorkers bring to live shows and passion for ska music?
Ali: Fans are legit in New York. They research, know a lot about ska and the sub-genres, and they support the scene. We have lots of love for New York.
Speaking of live shows, what’s a typical Stop the Presses show like?
Ali: A lot of dancing, a lot of laughing, we just like having a party with our audience.
Danny: We want you to shake your ass, nod your head, then somewhere in the middle realize you’re listening to something very interesting, and then get lost in it again.
New York was one of the hardest hit during most of the pandemic. How were you able to cope while going through it?
Danny: There are definitely ups and downs. In the beginning, New York got caught by surprise. But once everyone knew what was going on, New York united and took on the challenge to keep each other safe. Knowing we’re all in this together has helped me to keep the faith.
How were you able to stay active as a band this past year?
Ali: The combination of having more time to be artists and using social media to reach a wider audience have had a positive influence on Stop the Presses this past year. Danny lost his job when the pandemic hit and all of my lessons became virtual. So we’ve had more time to work on music, unfinished projects, and just focus on our lives, each other and our art. It helps that the ska community has been really hungry for new music and super supportive. It’s been the silver lining that we need right now.
What bands excite you these days?
Ali: This is hard to answer because there have been so many great releases in the ska scene recently, I feel like I’m totally going to leave someone out. Listen to all of it. The ska scene is that strong right now.
If you were to point someone to one of your songs that perfectly encapsulates who you are as a band, which song would it be?
Danny: “Wasted Youth.” I think “Wasted Youth” reaches back and looks forward, which is what we are always striving for as a band. It’s got all the elements: great hook, great groove, features the singers and lead lines.
What’s the best way for fans to support you while live music is on hold?
Ali: Stay safe! Buy some merch and share our music with your friends.
What does the future hold for Stop the Presses?
Danny: New music, more touring (fingers crossed), bigger better Presses things.
Any last words?
Danny: Love each other.
Ali: Thank you so much for supporting us. Please stay safe!