Known as NYC’s post-millennial piano man, Craig Greenberg brings a storytelling style reminiscent of Billy Joel and Randy Newman, blending it with his own soul-baring honesty.
Greenberg’s new track, “Dissipating Energies,” explores the cycle of giving and getting nothing back. Right from the start, he sings, “You better say what’s in your heart, ’cause that’s how real connection starts.” The song then dives into the weight of past mistakes and old emotions that creep back in, often when we least expect it.
The chorus, “The more that we try, just dissipating energies,” hits that feeling of trying too hard in relationships where things fall apart despite our best efforts. Backed by his soulful piano, the lyrics highlight a relatable struggle of wanting to connect yet being drained by it.
With more than 15 years on the NYC music scene and a reputation as a modern “piano man,” Greenberg has a unique way of making big emotions feel close and personal.
“Dissipating Energies” combines his thoughtful lyrics and classic piano sound in a way that draws you in, inviting you to reflect on the moments where we give, lose, and grow. For those who love introspective music, this track offers a familiar yet fresh listen.
Congratulations on your single release, “Dissipating Energies.” You’ve been called NYC’s post-millennial “piano man,”—yet the new single showcases your guitar skills. Do you often write on guitar? Does writing on guitar bring out a different side to your music?
Well, I don't usually write on guitar, but occasionally. All my earliest songs were written on guitar. I was surprised as I listened back recently to the original sketch (i.e., phone voice memo ) of "Dissipating Energies." it was originally a piano song.. but somewhere early on in the process, I moved it over to guitar, and that’s when it clicked and came together. And yeah, I’m a different writer on guitar. I tend to write more straight ahead and use less complex chords. I also find I sing a bit differently on guitar.. less bluesy, more folky.
"Dissipating Energies" explores cycles of trying and letting go. Is this theme based on a specific experience or a broader observation from your life?
Well it definitely explores the "trying", not so sure about the "letting go" lol.. The song is about being in a relationship and trying to make up for (unsuccessfully) what's not working or connecting by over-giving and over-accommodating the partner. I wrote it after having an "A Ha! moment" that I'd been on both sides of this equation in back-to-back relationships.
With more than 1,000 shows under your belt, what keeps you motivated and passionate about performing and creating new music?
Well, to be honest, if I go too long without performing, or creating new music, I can go off the rails, so i almost don't have a choice in the matter. Writing and performing are the ways I process and interact with the world. But also, the expression "I didn't come this far to only come this far" definitely applies. It's taken me a *long* time to get good and make some headway in the music world, and though it's almost a cliche thing for an artist to say, I *do* feel I'm doing my best work now.. so why would I stop?
As an artist who’s spent years on the NYC music scene, how has the city shaped your musical identity, and do you feel that “Dissipating Energies” reflects a unique “New York” perspective?
Well, I definitely feel I've benefited from the seemingly endless amount of music and culture that New York has to offer. The city really is a melting pot, and my big NY songwriting influences (e.g., Paul Simon, Billy Joel) used the bits and pieces from different sounds and styles they heard here coming up, and I like to think I've done the same. I don't know that I'd say the song reflects something specific to New York, other than it was from experiences I had in relationships living here (*and* the recent realization that I must have first heard the phrase 'dissipating energies' in the Billy Joel song "Summer Highland Falls," haha.. ). To me, the song's message is pretty universal.
Having been compared to greats like Billy Joel and Randy Newman, how do you preserve your own voice and originality within such a tradition?
Ahh, well, those guys are heroes of mine, so I'm honored to be considered as someone continuing in that tradition. Though I grew up in a different time and have had my own life experiences, I think I touch on some different subject matter lyrically. (For example, a song of mine from a few years ago, "Candy Store," was about my first experience with a psychedelic drug. Neither of those guys has touched on that subject, lol.).
I also started playing and singing in bars in South America and Spain, so that time influenced my perspective. The main reason I left the States when I did then was to find "my own voice" as an artist. Especially as a singer-songwriter, I think having your voice is the most important thing.
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