Danny Scordato and Alex Merrill (collectively known as Danny and Alex) have both started new lives. Following a successful run of pre-coronavirus national shows, the pinup-pop innovators recently decided that the time has come for them to take a break from each other, and focus on solo projects. Scordato jumped out on his own almost immediately, following a drastic change in his life.
During a global pandemic, Danny actually moved cross-country, from St. Petersburg to Los Angeles. Once settled, he devoted his time to a new seven-track album, Hot Dream, which dropped last month. Why yes, it is 100% worthy of being called an album—David Bowie’s Blackstar also had seven tracks, so quit ‘yer whining.
There really isn’t an artist of the past that comes to mind to describe the entire album, because Scordato either channels so many different ones, or he swings through his own indescribable style. In a press release, Scordato hailed the album as “pop for pop’s sake,” but it’s honestly more than just that. He revives ‘80s synth-pop on “1982” gives off Prince and Steely Dan vibes on “Boom Mic Operator,” and has a very stirring, Brian Wilson-driven “I Don’t Like The Beach (But I’d Go with You)” serve as the grand finale. Coincidence?
Plus, Merrill actually worked with Scordato on two tracks of the album. Merrill can be heard playing additional keys on “Joni” and “Boom Mic Operator,” songs the boys co-wrote together, too.
Danny and Alex already has 4.5 million streams on Spotify, and has been recognized as one of NPR’s favorite Tiny Desk submissions. If Alex Merrill’s (hopefully) upcoming solo release is even half as solid as Hot Dream, members of the St. Pete duo are bound to be on their way to becoming two of the most influential musicians to come out of Tampa Bay.
Listen to Hot Dream on Spotify.
Tampa Bay venues and promoters need you to bug Marco Rubio about saving the live music scene. See a list of Tampa Bay’s “Safe & Sound” live music venues here.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you up to the minute news on how Coronavirus is affecting Tampa and surrounding areas. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Follow @cl_tampabay on Twitter, subscribe to our newsletter, and listen to us on WMNF 88.5-FM’s “Radio Reverb” program every Saturday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
This article appears in Dec 3-9, 2020.