When it comes to piano rock, few artists today can tickle the ivories and tug at your heartstrings quite like Craig Greenberg.
Dubbed NYC’s most acclaimed post-millennial piano man, Craig is a blend of Billy Joel’s storytelling finesse, Ben Folds’ cheeky charm, and Randy Newman’s soulful wit. With his latest bluesy swing-inspired release, Craig reminds us why he’s a musical treasure—and how he’s kept NYC’s music scene alive and kicking for over 15 years.
Heartbreak Never Sounded So Good
Craig’s latest single, "She's Gone and I'm Good for Nothing," dives deep into the messy, emotional aftermath of a relationship gone awry. “The song is about the anxiety and confusion I felt when a relationship was going off the rails and then ending,” Craig explains.
But this isn’t your average heartbreak ballad. Instead, Craig wraps his raw emotions in a lively, toe-tapping melody inspired by his time soaking in the musical magic of New Orleans during the pandemic. The result? A song that’s as cathartic as it is catchy, pairing soulful piano riffs with bluesy swing rhythms that echo the vibrant energy of the Crescent City.
Craig’s career is as eclectic and vibrant as his music. From playing bars in Chile and Spain to sharing the stage with legends like Jackson Browne and Chris Barron of Spin Doctors fame, Craig’s musical journey is the stuff of indie rock dreams. He’s independently released five albums, with his most recent EP, Between the Sea and the Sky (Dec 2022), earning critical acclaim and multiple film festival awards for its title track’s music video.
His 2020 single “Oh Caroline” even made it to the semifinals of the International Songwriting Competition. With performances ranging from Lincoln Center to far-flung venues in Israel and Cambodia, Craig’s music has truly reached and touched the lives of many.
Your latest track draws inspiration from your time in New Orleans. How did that city’s musical vibe influence your songwriting?
Well, New Orleans is probably the city in the US most known for its history with the piano (maybe closely tied with NYC). I've been visiting since I was in college and performing there for the last 10 years; during COVID-19, I spent 2 months living there, so I've definitely spent a good amount of time soaking in that city's vibe. While the music has inspired me for years, the new single has this bluesy piano swing, which i think shows the influence New Orleans has had on my writing more than anything else i've done to date.
With over 15 years in the music industry, what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as an independent artist?
I think the most valuable lesson would be to keep following your artistic joy, wherever it leads you. I've seen other artists try to write what they think others want to hear, or to follow the latest trend in music, only to find they lost their muse in the process. I've always made the music that I want to hear, that I don't really see being made much these days.. I honestly think that's the secret to longevity in this game. That, and (as Steve Martin said) aspiring to "be so good they can't ignore you"
Your songs are often deeply personal. How do you find the balance between vulnerability and relatability in your music?
Well, some of them are more personal than others... and just because a singer can put emotion into a vocal doesn't necessarily mean it's a more personal song (maybe I shouldn't admit that, ha!).
I don't think being vulnerable and being relatable are mutually exclusive. Actually, I would say people relate quite a lot to vulnerability. Even if they haven't had the exact same experience, they've experienced vulnerability in some areas of their life.
But anyway, I don't really have the audience's relatability to a song in mind when I write...I don't know how I could do that. I just write what I feel, and I know that if I've experienced something, chances are there are others who have, too.
Having performed all over the world, from Lincoln Center to Cambodia, what’s been your most memorable gig and why?
Ahh hmm, there have been a bunch that stands out (the ones in Cambodia were definitely the most unique!), but if I had to pick one, performing at Lincoln Center in front of about 6,500 people was the most memorable, mainly b/c it was the biggest gig I've done in my hometown, and because Lincoln Center is like holy ground for musicians. I floated from that one for months.
You’ve collaborated with music legends like Jackson Browne and Chris Barron. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from them?
Well, I don't recall any specific advice Jackson gave me, but being "seen" by him and also complimented on a song of mine pretty early on in my career definitely impacted me hugely. Actually, that was probably the experience that sealed the deal for me as a lifer in music. I still pinch myself that I got to perform with him on a few occasions!
Chris, I do remember some specific advice from. We were playing a gig in New Jersey for a group of army vets, and I think he saw me a little tense before we were about to go on. He told me, "It's just a rock and roll show..have fun with it". That definitely put me at ease. I also learned a bunch just from watching him over the years. He's a great storyteller and charmer on stage and off, and for being a genuine rock star, he's still a really humble and regular guy. (Jackson is similar in that regard). That left a big impression on me.