West Avenue Records, LLC, a New York-based independent record label distributed worldwide by iTunes and Buyswag, was founded in June 2007 and is home to pop/rock artist and songwriter Michael Nappi.
The label's first release, and Nappi's debut album, Here We Go Again, was produced and co-written by Steve Buonanotte (who boasts over 1,500 original song credits in film and television) and mixed by Grammy Award-winning mix engineer, Jeff Juliano (John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews Band).
Here We Go Again is a showcase for Nappi's dynamic range as a singer and songwriter. Remarkably versatile and unabashedly honest, Nappi transitions seamlessly from sensitive, acoustic-based ballads to explosive pop/rock anthems, each melody-driven track blending acoustic and electric guitars, live rock drums and soulful groove loops to create a lush foundation for his expressive vocals and thoughtful lyrics.
The album's first single, "7:26," is currently impacting radio nationally.
PRESS REVIEWS
"Michael Nappi writes one heck of a song – and performs it just as well. The production on Here We Go Again is fantastic and most definitely has major label finish. "7:26" is already reacting with our listeners after just a few weeks on the air. It easily keeps company with the rest of our mix and is chock full of hooks and memorable melodies. We're excited that a local guy has given us a song that we wouldn’t be at all surprised to hear on one of the big NYC stations soon – in fact, we’re anticipating it."
— Chris Herrmann, Program Director, 107.1 The Peak/WXPK-FM New York
"Michael Nappi's debut album, Here We Go Again, is of the same caliber as a major label release. The songwriting and production are excellent. Major labels should be looking at him."
— Mike Mullaney, Music Director, Mix 98.5/WBMX-FM Boston
"Listening to the high-gloss, übercatchy, melodic rock & roll of Michael Nappi's debut release, Here We Go Again, it's no stretch whatsoever to imagine that fans of Matchbox 20, Five For Fighting and Train will fall head over heels for this New Yorker. "7:26" and "Miserable" are the tour de forces on an album stuffed with strong songs."
— Jim Nelson, A Taste Of Triple A
"Michael's sound is perfect for where music is today. He really is where it's at."
— John Lander, Legendary Morning Radio Personality
"In a world and time of music that is driven by many depressed first and last name singer/songwriters, it was extremely refreshing to hear and have worked with Michael's music. His vocal abilities are stellar and he is certainly not afraid to write a pop radio hook that ya still find yourself singing at the end of the day."
— Jeff Juliano, Grammy Award-winning Mix Engineer (John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews Band)
"Michael is the Dane Cook of the singer/songwriters. After a listen, you'll have "7:26" stuck in your head and so will your listeners."
— Nate Mumford, Music Director, 98Q/WDAQ-FM Danbury, CT
"I thought Here We Go Again was solid the first time I heard it. Interesting and inspiring. I liked it even more after I saw Michael perform live. He showed great potential, charisma and substance and I immediately wanted to capture that on film."
— Jimmy Ienner, Jr., President and founder of United Productions Company/Former Chief Photographer and Video Director for Sony BMG Music Entertainment Inc.
"Michael's passion for lyrics and well crafted songs resonates throughout his debut CD Here We Go Again. Don't be fooled by the title, Michael puts a refreshing spin on familiar relationship hot buttons. Pick your hit from this collection of rockin' tunes with infectious vocals and sublime rhythms."
— Catherine Michaels, Host, "Night Rhythms," 100.7/WHUD-FM New York
