Long Island, NY pop-punk band STFLR just dropped their latest single, “Harborless”. The track kicks off with some overly saturated riffs and double-time drums, reminiscent of 90s skate punk before giving way to a more full-time feel. The single balances a line somewhere between melodic punk and the more hard-edged approach of hardcore, including a pretty gnarly breakdown section that transitions effortlessly into a beautiful, instrumental outro.
Forming in 2019, STFLR started as a hobby between high school friends that quickly turned into something more. Members of the band had been playing in various bands for over a decade, but STFLR felt special.
We had a chance to interview STFLR as part of our Refrain Interview Series. Check it out below.
Refrain Music Blog: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. You have a new single out now. What’s it called?
STFLR: Hey thanks for letting us do this! Yes we have a new single out now called “Harborless”
RMB: What is the song about, in terms of lyrics?
STFLR: So I (Yianni) didn’t write the lyrics but I can say the songs deals a lot with depression and wanting to give up. Also about missed opportunities which in turn can lead to regret. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to this topic because it is a real issue that many deal with.
RMB: Is this single part of an album?
STFLR: So no we actually decided to do this as a stand alone single because even though it is rather different musically compared to our older songs, our singer Nick wrote the lyrics after dealing with his own personal issues and they felt as if they belonged over a harder and heavier tune. So we wrote the music where it can fit with our older tracks but definitley went more melodic and heavier and loved the way it came together.
RMB: How does this single differ from your previous work?
STFLR: Musically it’s different but we felt it still blends well with the older tracks. It’s definitely heavier and more melodic. And the lyrics are a lot darker but we don’t write about just anything. Lyrically all our songs deal with real issues that many people, including ourselves live with everyday.
RMB: What’s the story on how it was recorded?
STFLR: So we recorded at westfall recording studio in Farmingdale, NY with Anthony Lopardo and Ray Marte back in April. They both have recorded both our previous EPs and we all just have good chemistry with each other and they also come up with great ideas on the fly in the studio so we always feel comfortable going back to them every time. It was a fairly quick process because it was only one song but a lot of new ideas were made on the fly, like lead parts, different bass riff or breaks within the song. It really was a fun time as always with them!
RMB: Tell us a little about the band. Who all is in it and how did you form? How long have you been together?
STFLR: So right now it’s just me (Yianni Hansen) on guitar. Nick Lopardo on vocals. Mike Moran on bass and Angelo Rodriguez on drums. Our other guitar player Anthony Giuffrida is taking a hiatus from the band for personal reasons but hopefully will be back for the next release. We formed back in 2018-2019 just as friends wanting to play music again and our form of therapy. We’ve all been in and out of bands for the better part of almost 20 years now which is crazy to even think it’s been that long. But aside from being in a band together we’re all best friends even without STFLR.
RMB: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
STLFR: Speaking for myself, I’m geared more towards the heavier stuff so my big influences when it comes to writing are bands like Hatebreed and Madball. But bands I would consider closer to our style I really like New Found Glory, the Menzingers, and No Pressure. I’ve really been getting a lot of influence in writing from no pressure lately. But I get a lot of influence from all styles, I literally listen to everything. And that’s kind of how we write, if it sounds good and we all dig it, we find a way to make it work.
RMB: What’s the one thing you are most proud of in your career so far?
STFLR: So as far as my time in STFLR I’m really proud about this new single. I just think it hits hard both lyrically and musically. But as a guitar player in and out of bands for many years I’m really proud that other bands of mine have gotten to share the stage with bands like Madball, Agnostic Front and H2O. Those shows will always be some of the best I’ve gotten the honor to play.
RMB: If you had to pitch your music to a potential fan in less than 10 seconds, what would you say?
STFLR: Haha I would say to take the best feelings or moments you had when you were younger and put it into music form. And add a little bit of aggression to it. We’re here to have a good time but also let a little steam off from the day to day business.
RMB: What’s one piece of advice you’ve gotten that you think everyone needs to hear or that has meant the most to you?
STFLR: Believe none of what your hear and only half of what you see. My grandfather told me that a long time ago and it’s always stuck with me. There’s a lot of nonsense happening around us everyday so you need to have a good mindset to make the right decisions for yourself and your family.
RMB: If you could go back in time, what’s a piece of advice you would give to a younger you?
STFLR: I would tell myself to just do it. I guess growing up I had a bunch of opportunities to do things I loved doing when it came to music and I didn’t. I have a little bit of regret but I’m very happy with my life today, with my family and my friends.
RMB: What’s coming up next for your musical project?
STFLR: So next for STFLR we are currently working on a new batch of songs. Hopefully for another release before the year ends.
RMB: Anything we haven’t thought of that you want to talk about?
STFLR: Just to tell everyone to check out the new song and let us know what you think of it! We appreciate everyone’s support and all our friends. We got some shows lined up this summer and are working on a new batch of songs so stick with us! We’ll have more music out soon enough!
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