ABOUT BUGGY
Who is Buggy Jive?
BUGGY JIVE is a somewhat reclusive soul rock singer-songwriter quietly uploading music from a basement in Upstate New York. Equal parts Zeppelin and D’Angelo and Prince and Joni in sound and sensibility, his lyrics often mine the literature of the past to make sense of the present – from Ellison to Morrison to Eliot to Didion – delicately balancing the heaviness with humor.
His forthcoming album Icarus Ascending is set for a Fall 2025 release and promises 13 new acoustic soul rock songs contemplating songwriting and storytelling, love and literature, and the festering fears of a divided nation.
Recent accomplishments include:
opening slots for Macy Gray’s “Reset” tour kickoff and Ben Folds' New Year's Eve show;
a feature as a “Top Shelf” entry for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest;
Songwriter of the Year, Album of the Year and Music Video of the Year wins for Upstate New York’s “Eddie” Awards; and
official and curated showcases at Folk Alliance International northeast and midwest regional conferences (NERFA and FARM).
The artist is a graduate of Niskayuna High School in Schenectady, New York and Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Niskayuna native Buggy Jive receives well-deserved accolades from NPR and the Eddie Awards. Daily Gazette.
“I’m singing about my reality, so those are things I wrestle with all the time,” he said of his musical forays into socially conscious messages. “It’s almost like there’s an obligation not to ignore tough issues and also an obligation to acknowledge that issues are complicated. It’s not always cut and dry or black and white. I do play with those themes.”
Sound Opinions: “Buried Treasures.” (Episode 802)
JIM DEROGATIS: “I was curious about Dr. Buggy Jive. You know what I kept flashing on when I was listening to it, Greg? If Bill Withers was alive and well and recording with a little bit of EDM hip-hop consciousness in 2022, I think it would sound a lot like that track we just heard.”
GREG KOT: “Yeah the intimacy you know of the recording really got to me and that’s a good comparison. Yeah, the honesty, the intimacy, and a sound that is completely of the moment.”
NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest “Top Shelf” Features
BOB BOILEN: “I picked [Buggy Jive’s live music video “Don’t Quit Your Day Job”] not only because he’s a talented human being but also because there’s lots of references to [Tiny Desk Contest]. Maybe this is the year you might want to quit your day job. I dearly love this.”
Buggy Jive thrives in opening slot for Macy Gray’s “Reset” tour. Nippertown.
Musically… local songwriter Buggy Jive stole the night with his originals that captivated us with his thoughtful lyrics and complex, layered sounds.
“Don’t Quit Your Day Job.” Live version, Tiny Desk “Top Shelf” entry. 2023.
“Don’t Quit Your Day Job.” Live version, Tiny Desk “Top Shelf” entry. 2023.
“Ain’t Going Anywhere.” Buggy was just fine with the quarantine. 2020.
“Ain’t Going Anywhere.” Buggy was just fine with the quarantine. 2020.