If Ben Gibbard decided to front a song for Steely Dan, it might sound a bit like this. It's a political song, with a jazz-informed horn arrangement and a deep backbeat. It feels both personal and glimmeringly theatrical, with a rotating cast of top musicians and every note accounted for; perception is everything:
“Shelved and branded living on display
Mentally I’m overdrawn buying things I can’t afford”— Nick Di Gregorio
At least the music is real, and free. You get the feeling that this song somehow makes the world a better place, if only as a vehicle for that horn section to sound so cool, and as a place to put that sweet guitar solo.
And maybe as way to start talking about the choices we are making.
Originally from Melbourne, Nick Di Gregorio is a singer-songwriter who is now based in London. This song is currently featured on our CHILL Angeles playlist.
Krister Axel: Illuminate the Sky
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About the Author

Krister Bjornson Axel
Ogdensburg, New York
Paris, France. Madison, Wisconsin. Los Angeles. Ashland, Oregon. Ottawa. I write music, I write about music, and I write code. See also: photography, prose, podcasting. I have 1 gorgeous wife, 2 amazing kids, and many interests.
Recent Awards: 2020 ND (Photo) Honorable Mention, 2020 Accenti Writing Contest Finalist