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Alt Country/Alternative Rock Artist Seneko releases 5th EP, “The Girls from Cedarhurst”

By Kath Galasso on February 24, 2023

Alt Country/Alternative Rock Artist Seneko has announced the release of his 5th EP entitled “The Girls from Cedarhurst”, out February 17, 2023 via Torrez Music Group. This new release finds Seneko continuing his electric evolution with a guitar-focused rock sound, channeling some of his own favorite artists, Lou Reed, Coldplay, Wilco and The Jayhawks, the latter whom he’s seen live over 20 times. Expect seasoned songwriting, bright guitar melodies and strong production from this inspired 5-track collection. Stan “Seneko” Olshefski’s music been described as “Think country meets Radiohead” by Wail Music Magazine and featured in the Huffington Post, who wrote “Seneko brings to mind the whimsey of the Gin Blossoms”.

5 releases in and Seneko is still growing sonically, with more lush, multi-layered arrangements and relatable lyrics than ever. Most importantly, he’s having a good time doing it, sharing that this has been his most fun release yet. “The Girls from Cedarhurst” was produced by Mike Purcell, Paul Scholten and Seneko.

Seneko shares his inspiration for the new release: “I had been listening to a lot early Grunge and Punk. As I began writing I realized I wanted to be more experimental with the melodies and arrangements and that process kept evolving right into the studio during the recording. I had a hand in producing along with Mike Purcell and Paul Scholten. I also worked with the same players as the last record lead by the guitar genius, Jon Conley.

The title track was co-written with an old friend, Rod Thorn. It’s the only co-write I’ve ever released. Rod is a brilliant biographer, speechwriter and playwright. One day over coffee I started sharing ideas with him about the song and he just jumped in. I’m a word guy. I always start with an idea, a title or random words. The melody kind of shows up. There’s a long backstory to the mysterious place called Cedarhurst. It will remain a semi-secret so that listeners can make it be whatever they want.

The next two tracks, “Motus est Magicae” and “Sugartime” really blossomed in the studio. The writing and melody didn’t change but the sonic effects along with the bgvs took some fun unexpected turns. The last two tracks are more straightforward “Seneko.”

Of the five EPs I’ve done, this one was the most fun to do and I hope that comes through.”

Websites:
Senekomusic.com
Facebook
Spotify
Youtube
Instagram

Artist Bio:
Stan “Seneko” Olshefski devotes himself to music. For the past six years, this Connecticut creator has meticulously invested his time into the art of songwriting. His sound ranges from jangley Americana to classic Power Pop and everything in between. He’s been described as “Think country meets Radiohead” by Wail Music Magazine and featured in the Huffington Post, who wrote “Seneko brings to mind the whimsey of the Gin Blossoms”. In September 2016, he debuted his self-titled EP, Seneko. Bolstered by his Indie-Pop passion, the five-song collective centered around love.

Although his own music has evolved, Seneko stays connected with his core inspirations such as the Jayhawks, who he’s seen live over 20 times. “The first time I heard the Jayhawks “Blue” I was floored and dug into their past. Then later on the power ballad “Trouble” off ” Sound of Lies” – one of my favorite songs. Period. It’s the melody, the hook, the truth that shines through their vaguely abstract lyrics. Their whole body of work – even my least favorite – is relevant and resonates. Also the fact that they never got super famous. I certainly get that, yet they drive on with their art to this day though their in their 50s.”

“Wilco, Teenage Fanclub, Matthew Sweet, Lou Reed, Dylan, Petty, Neil Young – all big influences.” October 2017 marked the release of his sophomore EP True Dimension. Another collection of indie pop infused songs solely written by himself. Seneko returned with his 3rd EP showcasing a lean, focused songwriting approach and a constantly evolving style. “Soul Numbers”, recorded at Farmland Studios (Nashville, TX) and released via the Orchard May 3rd, 2019. NoHo Music Guide described the release as “Kind of a Velvet Underground, Leonard Cohen-esque, Springsteensy thoughtful yet riotous ride to church.”

His 4th five song EP, ” ’69 Camaro,” was released October 22, 2021 —. “I really wanted to make something fresh and have always wanted to do a guitar driven Rock record – So I did. The down time during the pandemic gave me an opportunity to write a lot so there was plenty to choose from. I also helped produce it along with Mike Purcell and Paul Scholten which was a first for me and a total blast. I went back to the the studio (County Q, Nashville) where I made my first record (“Seneko”) mainly because co-producer Paul Scholten is also a drummer and I really wanted his powerful driving beat. Plus Paul works with Luis Espillat, a terrific bass player who layered in very cool bass lines and provided the BGVs. Jon Conley, the guitar BEAST, lead the charge and cranked it up – I’m really thrilled with the result. At the same time beyond of delivering a big rock vibe, I wanted my vocals to not get lost because the songs tell five little stories so they’re right up front.”

Seneko’s 5th EP release, “The Girls from Cedarhurst”, was released in February 2023. “The Girls from Cedarhurst” continues his rock-influenced evolution, taking inspiration from Lou Reed, Coldplay, Wilco and The Jayhawks.

“I had been listening to a lot early Grunge and Punk. As I began writing I realized I wanted to be more experimental with the melodies and arrangements and that process kept evolving right into the studio during the recording. I had a hand in producing along with Mike Purcell and Paul Scholten. I also worked with the same players as the last record lead by the guitar genius, Jon Conley.”

More Info:
Recorded at County Q, Nashville
All songs written by Stan Olshefski except “The Girls from Cedarhurst,” co-written with Rod Thorn.
Lead Vocals – Stan Olshefski
Guitars – Jon Conley
Bass and BGVs – Luis Espaillat
Drums – Paul Scholten
Engineer – Nick “Ace” Lutz
Mixed and Mastered by Mike Purcell
Produced by Mike Purcell, Paul Scholten and Stan Olshefski
Cover Art by Lauren Domzalski