DownTown Mystic
DownTown Mystic discusses the surprising evolution of “Maybe Love’s A Crime,” blending piano-led pop and classic rock’n’roll with seasoned musicians, organic production, and exciting plans ahead.
1. “Maybe Love’s A Crime” is described as a surprising departure from your previous releases. What inspired you to take this track in a different direction?
At its core, Maybe Love’s A Crime is a pop song, but I still see it as rock’n’roll. I wanted to keep that old school vibe that I’m known for and to do that meant I would have to approach the production in a different way. Making the piano the focal point was different since I’m all about guitars. I think it helped that I heard Role Model’s first single from his new album with the piano out front. He’s a new pop artist getting a lot of attention with a track that has an old school rock vibe, which is going more in my direction. I saw it as a sign to bring the piano back.
2. The song features a fantastic shuffle groove suggested by bassist Paul Page, inspired by his work with Dion. What made that particular rhythm the perfect fit for the song?
I worked on the song a number of times over the years with different shuffle grooves and I never felt like I had nailed one that I really liked. Not all shuffles are alike, and I knew Paul had worked with Dion, who had done some classics. At the session he suggested doing a Dion-like shuffle and it was exactly what the song needed. It’s all about “feel” when you’re playing a shuffle and you know when you get the right one. It also helps if you have a drummer who knows how to play a shuffle and Steve Holley is a master at it. His playing with brushes on the kit is a thing of beauty.
3. Jeff Levine delivers a standout piano performance, while Steve Holley and Paul Page recorded the rhythm section in one take. What was it like bringing such experienced musicians together for this track?
It was great. There were a few songs in the session that needed the kind of experience that these guys bring with them. You don’t know it until they start playing their parts. On Maybe Love’s A Crime it was all about getting the right groove or feel for the track. Steve and Paul nailed it on the first take! I don’t think that’s ever happened before on one of my sessions. When Jeff came in, I had the feeling he would know what to play and kill it. And he did. LOL
4. As the writer and producer, how do you approach balancing the classic roots-rock influences of DownTown Mystic with your own modern sound and production style?
Having written the songs is a big part because I’m also hearing the production in my head as I’m writing. A key part of production is the arrangement of the song, which is happening as I’m writing. It makes for a very organic process.
5. You’ve had a busy 2026 with Mystic Highway Road Trip and On E Street Remix, featuring Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent. How has this year shaped the direction of DownTown Mystic?
I think it allowed me to finish a certain direction I’ve been going in rock-wise. It kind of came full circle going from On E Street to Road Trip. There’s a wider audience that is more familiar with my music now, and as an artist, I can continue to evolve.
6. With On E Street Remix – The Album scheduled for release on Black Friday, what can listeners expect from the upcoming album, and what else do you have planned for DownTown Mystic?
The album will have the songs from the EP plus 6 new mixes—3 with vocals and 3 different TV mixes, that are in addition to the ones on the EP. Once again, I’m taking a cue from a number of the reviewers of the EP, like I did on Mystic Highway Road Trip. I’m starting the album with another version of a track that they picked as a standout on the EP, which was a surprise to me. I think it will be fun to hear.
After that, I’ll start 2027 with a new single called “I Don’t Know” and I think it will surprise listeners. It will be released on my birthday. I should say on our birthdays because my co-writer Monte Farber shares the same birthday with me. If Monte’s name sounds familiar, it should, because he’s one of the top New Age gurus around. If you’re into Astrology or Tarot, he and his lovely wife, artist Amy Zerner have created some of the most mind-bending divination books and games out there. They created their own Tarot deck, which is amazing. How did I get together with Monte? “I Don’t Know”.