Sam Rappaport: Brooklyn Becomes Him

Sam Rappaport, a Brooklyn based singer-songwriter is breaking through the music scene. With his latest single, “Better Days“ and upcoming debut EP “Get Me Away From Myself “, set to release this November, Rappaport tells Brooklyn Roads about all things music related to his career so far. 

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

Growing up in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, Rappaport credits his first encounters with music as oldies, but goodies. From his parents’ cassette tapes, he listened to everything from Stevie Wonder and Carole King, to Jazz and even Hip-Hop, with favorites Kanye West and Outkast.

Music was not always Sam’s first line of dream occupation, as he says he found the joy of creating music a little later in his life.

“I wanted to be in the NBA for the longest time,” said Rappaport. “I only really started writing songs in my twenties. And now I’m in it.”

Rappaport has been calling Brooklyn his home for the last seven years. In the last three, he has co-fronted the indie-rock band , Gooseberry, but is now laser focused on creating his own solo name to perform under. 

With this goal comes his debut EP, recorded in Restoration Sound Studio in East Williamsburg. Working with producer Lorenzo Wolff, Rappaport says the album is a culmination of songs he has had in his back pocket. He describes the EP as exploring “themes of connection and isolation, closeness and suffocation–the push and pull, fear and desire of romantic intimacies.”

Better Days cover art

Sam Rappaport : On A Bridge / photo by Grace Rivera / courtesy of the artist

His single “Better Days,” released in late September , is very indie-rock, carrying easy vibes with guitar and steady drum beats for a very engaging and earnest melody. This goes hand in hand with a progression of overall volume, creating an audible experience for any listener looking to relate to a sense of longing created by the lyrics. 

Rappaport also credits living in Brooklyn for shaping his musical creativity, noting that while his writing reflects where he may live, he carries California with him in his music. When it comes to the genre of music he makes, Rappaport comments, “I’m a little softer than the hard rockers out here.” 

Speaking to his music and career going forward, Rappaport tells Brooklyn Roads that he wants to keep going, with no stop date in sight. 

“I want to keep writing songs. I want to write better songs. I want to write songs that mean something to people. I also want to do a lot of other things. So I’m still figuring out what I want to be, and how I want to do it.”

Look out for the new EP and sightings of Rappaport performances this Fall.