Neil Scibelli

Neil Live @ The ANNEX, NYC 2007
"When Autumn Falls"
Little Neck Musician Embarks On Songwriting Career
by Jillian Weinberger, qboro Contributor 02/14/2008
Little Neck musician Neil Scibelli is making a name for himself, performing at venues throughout New York City. At the age of five, Neil Scibelli received a toy piano as a Christmas present. His parents soon realized he was playing songs that sounded much more complicated than the average Kindergartener’s “Do-Re-Mi,” however. “I was really creating melodies on it,” Scibelli, now 21, said. “Eventually (I was) recreating sounds I’d hear off the radio.” .
Recognizing their son’s natural talent, Scibelli’s parents quickly signed him up for classical piano lessons and he began studying voice at the age of 12. The Little Neck native has been practicing and performing ever since, most recently at The Annex on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Though Scibelli grew up playing classical piano, his music falls into the pop/rock genre. “Classical music is important to study because that’s where the history lies and the technique begins,” he said.
Yet, unlike many current pop artists, this young musician shies away from digital techniques and additions to his songs. “My music isn’t digitally overpowered by any means,” Scibelli said. “It’s really pure as well as personal, and I think that’s what helps people relate to it.” Scibelli developed his talent throughout his four years of high school at the Frank Sinatra School of the Performing Arts in Long Island City. The school “holds a lot of meaningful memories,” he said. “The environment was really nurturing; we were like a family.”
He has continued to write and describes the songwriting process as therapeutic. “It’s a way for me to communicate my feelings and ideas that are expressed more effectively in a song,” he said. “My piano is my writing tool — just like a pen would be for those who write in a journal. I write on a piano instead.” Scibelli finds his inspiration in fellow musicians who, in his words, are “in tune with their instrument.” Citing singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton as an influential artist, Scibelli noted his genuine appreciation for musicians who write and perform their own original work.
Although he devoted his high school years to the performing arts, he avoided majoring in music once enrolled at College. Noting the importance of learning the business side of the music industry, Scibelli chose to study Communication Arts to further his music career. “Studying (communications) has given me the tools to better my networking skills and further my knowledge about the media and public relations.”
But don’t expect this young musician to embark on a business career after graduation. “I hope to eventually have a full-time recording career, so that I can share my music and my message with people,” he said. For now, Scibelli plans to continue performing his original material in venues throughout the city and is in the process of recording many of his songs. “I love the rush that comes with performing live,” he said. “If only I could do it every day.”
Through years of rigorous training and performing, Scibelli has managed to maintain an extremely upbeat, positive attitude about his chosen profession. He even has advice for other young musicians. “Even though the pursuit of music can be extremely frustrating at times, when you have a natural desire to do something, it’s unavoidable,” Scibelli said. “If someone wants it bad enough, their passion and drive will get them there. For me, nothing else can get in the way.”
Scibelli’s next performance is at Bar 169, located at 169 E. Broadway in Manhattan on Feb. 15 at 9 p.m. Admission is $10. He will play at The Annex, located at 152 Orchard St. in March. For more tour dates and information about Scibelli, visit his Web site at www.myspace.com/ neilsmusicnow.©Queens Chronicle 2008