Steve Conte (New York Dolls, Michael Monroe) Releases New Album Worldwide

Renowned musician Steve Conte, known for his work with the New York Dolls and Michael Monroe, has announced the worldwide release of his new album, 'The Concrete Jangle,' on vinyl.

Previously only available on vinyl via Record Store Day, 'The Concrete Jangle' is the critically-acclaimed successor to his 2021 opus 'Bronx Cheer.'

Conte says, "I'm super excited about my new album on Wicked Cool Records - and once again, I must crow about how psyched I am to have written 1/2 of it with one of my songwriting heroes - XTC's Andy Partridge!

I pulled out all the stops to make this my most melodic, hard power-pop, Beatles-eque, rock 'n' soul album to date - with lyrical themes I haven't explored before!"

Conte adds, "I cannot stress how much Andy Partridge contributed to this record - it would not exist without him and his input. I’ve given him a co-production credit for helping with the arrangements of the demos, which were ultimately followed when making the final record. To my earlier point, it is the listeners who have have proven to me that I’ve become better on this record because they’ve thought that some of my lyric and melody lines were Andy’s - which is the highest compliment.

When tasked with which songs were going to exist on Side B, I knew they’d have to stand up next to the Partridge co-writes so I pulled out some the more psychedelic, adventurous soulful songs from the Beatles/XTC/Motown side of my musical brain. I think I picked the right ones because people have mentioned some of those songs as their favorites - and even Andy himself perked up when he heard “I’m Decomposing A Song For You”.

In keeping with the aesthetic of 60s-meets-80 power pop, the record had a limitation on what I could use. I played a multitude of guitars; both acoustic & electric, mandolin, Mellotron, strings, piano & organ (all sampled), tambourine & maracas. I had my other co-producer, Andrew Hollander play real piano & Mellotron while keyboard whiz Rob Schwimmer added an authentic 1960s Ondioline as well as Theremin & synthesizer sounds. Real trumpets by Chris Anderson, cello by Mark Stewart, bass by brother John Conte and drums by Prairie Prince (The Tubes, XTC, Todd Rundgren), Thommy Price (Joan Jett, Billy Idol, Mink DeVille) and Brian Delaney (New York Dolls). My sons Zia Conte & Baz Conte sang backing vocals.

Some of the lyrical themes on the record are truth vs. misinformation, entitlement, boredom, heartache, fidelity, addiction and loss - and of course, love and lust."

Steve Conte has announced an album release show at NYC's The Bowery Electric on June 5th. Joining him on the bill is Joybuzzer, Spanking Charlene and Bobby Mahoney.

'The Concrete Jangle' Track Listing:

Fourth of July

Hey Hey Hey (Aren’t You The One?)

We Like It

Shoot Out The Stars

One Last Bell

Motor City Love Machine

All Tied Up

Decomposing A Song For You

Girl With No Name

I Dream Her

Recognized for his notable guitar contributions with the New York Dolls and as the guitarist for Michael Monroe’s band (where he continues to perform), Steve Conte gained global acclaim through his collaborations with Japanese composer and artist Yoko Kanno on the soundtracks of popular anime series, including Cowboy Bebop.

Throughout his career, Conte has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Peter Wolf, Eric Burdon of The Animals, Willy DeVille, Billy Squier, Maceo Parker, Willie Nile, Jim Jones, Hubert Sumlin, and he even served as the rehearsal vocalist for Paul Simon during solo and Simon And Garfunkel tours.

His connection with Wicked Cool founder Stevie Van Zandt dates back to 2004 when the Dolls performed at Van Zandt’s Underground Garage Festival. Conte reminisces, “But my connection with him goes back to Jersey. I grew up with his cousins in Matawan [near the Jersey shore], so I had been hearing about his legend for years.”

Growing up in a musical household, Steve's mother, Rosemary Conte, is a renowned jazz singer in New York and New Jersey. Steve's early exposure to the vibrant music scene of New York City began when his father took him to his inaugural Madison Square Garden concert, featuring the legendary Chuck Berry. Several years down the line, Conte found himself not only sharing the stage but playing a full show as a member of Berry's band. Steve's musical journey took a significant turn when his band Company Of Wolves secured a deal with Mercury Records, resulting in the release of a self-titled album on the label in 1990.

Photo credit: Rob Armstrong

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