Is Anything Real, the debut release from Philadelphia based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist CJ Sooy, is anything but your average Alt-Rock record. While it smacks of 90’s nostalgia, that at times, nods to his genre-pioneering influences like Elliot Smith, Goo Goo Dolls, and Oasis, it is very clear that CJ Sooy is in a lane of his own. Recorded between Gradwell House in Haddon Heights, NJ and CJ’s apartment, the record hits a pleasingly perfect blend of endearing lo-fi elements and slick production that grabs the listener and keeps you engaged. 

 

On Is Anything Real, CJ weaves through devastating and satirical topics with the ease of a competitive ice skater, keeping the listener swooning in even the most emotionally charged songs with his reassuring, and authentic vocals. Warm— sometimes nasally— overdriven guitars, lush vocal and string arrangements, and anthemic, ear-worm melodies make this record and instant classic and an explosive debut for the Philly rocker. 

 

Is Anything Real is out August 7th on all major streaming platforms and available for pre-order on 12” 180g Vinyl for a limited release at https://cjsooy.bandcamp.com/album/is-anything-real