“Diorama” – Sam Rappaport’s Emotional Journey of Introspection

Diorama Artwork / by Dom Turek / courtesy of the artist

Brooklyn-based Sam Rappaport, raised in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, is known in the Brooklyn music scene for experimenting in different genres such as pop, jazz, and folk to define his own path.  A  focused singer-songwriter and honest storyteller, Rappaport is sharing his story in a relatable and  intriguing way with his third standalone single of the year, “Diorama.”

The single questions what happens when we view scenes of our lives from an outside  perspective. Produced and engineered by Lorenzo Wolff and mixed by Randall Dunn, the song is a slow R&B-pop jam born from Rappaport’s experience of the Northridge Earthquake when he was just two years old.

Sam Rappaport/ photo by Grace Rivera/ courtesy of the artist

He tells Brooklyn Roads that his takeaway from this catastrophic event  were intense nightmares and traumatic reactions to ambulance sirens. Thinking about this event that shaped him profoundly, he takes a more thoughtful approach to reflection in “Diorama,” detailing vignettes of his life that, when combined, have informed himself, his fears, and personality. The simple melody allows Rappaport’s emotional vocals to address the listener, and each drum pattern, repeated pulsing piano movement, and bass section balance the song’s  mellow and reminiscent essence. A stellar band supports Rappaport on vocals and the Wurlitzer, consisting of Rob Heath on Drums, Paul “Papa Bear” Johnson on Bass, and Alan Markley on  Keys.

“Diorama” follows two nostalgic singles from this year, “Bicycle Away” and “Party in The  Hills,” in which Rappaport reflects on his youth and its impact on him today, running through the neighborhood streets on his bike and fitting in with various friends.    Having played many Brooklyn venues thus far such as Umbra, Gold Sounds Bar and Pete’s Candy Store, Rappaport’s talent promises an audience and listeners are excited to hear what’s next.