An Interview With the New York-Based Musician, AT THE MOMENT!

The newest track from the New York-based singer songwriter, At The Moment (Daniel Stampfel) is called “No Straight Line.” It can be found on his ten song collection, “In For A Ride.” His music has evolved from the buzzing, heartfelt, power-pop of the 90s with New York Staples the Inevitable Breakups to crafting songs that would launch At The Moment.

Stampfel’s previous three-song EP titled “Monte Carlo,” released in 2012, featured Steve Schlitz of Hurricane Bells. Following the success of that EP, Stampfel assembled a group of musicians, together they played his warm, ragged, and stripped-down pop-rock. Eventually, several acquaintances of his came together to form his new band At The Moment. In For A Ride is filled with personal lyrics about love and uncertainty; gorgeous harmonies, fluid guitars, and driving percussion. It’s rock ‘n’ roll with a shiny new coat of pop and a dash of rollicking country. It’s relatable as it is hummable.

At The Moment’s newest video “Ready For Love,” is available to stream on YouTube.

Connect With At The Moment Here:

Website // Facebook

Learn more about At The Moment in the following All Access interview:

Happy New Year! Thanks for your time for this All Access interview! Where does this interview you today? What is one song that you are loving right now? What is a song that you all disagree about loving right now?

Just getting up.  I’ve been loving David Bowie’s “Dirty Boys”.  I love his use of saxophone.  

So first things first, what all are you most excited about for this year? Did any of you make New Year Resolutions? Care to share any of them with us?

I’m excited to get back in the studio again.  We’ll be putting out an EP this year to follow-up the “In for a Ride” LP we just released.  No New Year Resolutions as of yet.

How did this group first come to be? Can you recall the moment when you all thought you could be in a band together? Was it hard to come up with a name that you all thought fit your sound and who you are?

I had recorded the Monte Carlo EP as a solo effort with Steve Schiltz (Harvard of the South, Hurricane Bells, Longwave) producing.  I wanted to find a sound and style for these songs before bringing them to a band and performing live.  The name came from how the songs evolved.  I wasn’t trying to write in a specific genre, just being in the moment.  I really liked the way the Monte Carlo EP came out and about the same time I started playing with Michael T and the Vanities and met Dave Van Epp (guitarist) and Matt James (drums).  Dave loved the EP, and told me when I was ready to play live, he’d be down.  The band evolved from there and I truly am thankful for being able to perform with this group. 

How do you think this band has been influenced by the city you are all from? How does that particular music scene affect you all?

I think only in the way that you draw from your surroundings and environment.  There’s a pretty broad spectrum of music here and a network of good resources, good artists, and good people. But I don’t think you can say we have a New York sound, nor do I think there is such thing. 

Let’s talk about your new video and song “Ready For Love.” What was it like making the video? How creatively involved were you with the making of it?

It was exciting and a bit nerve racking.  Of course the day of filming the subway system had repairs going on and route changes which made it more difficult to shoot in the station but in the end we got all the shots we needed.  I really like the stripped down shoot with just me, Ryan (Director), and Matt (DP).  I came up with location of using that subway station.  I live in the area and that station hasn’t changed in the 20 years I’ve lived there.  To me its one of the last stations that still looks like the run down stations of the 70’s and 80’s.  I really wanted to capture that place before it gets any upgrades.  It looks cavernous, vacant and run down but it’s so interesting.  Ryan and Matt did an amazing job.  I love how that video looks and feels. 

When do you hope to release more new music and a full collection of new songs? How will it compare to what you have already put out?

We’re looking to put out an EP this year to follow up the LP “In for a Ride” which we just released.  “Ready for Love” is the 2nd single off “In for a Ride”.  The EP should sound similar to “In for a Ride”, or at least follow in the motive of songs written in the moment. 

How do you think this band’s sound has grown over the years? What has remained the same about your overall style?

I think there is a quality in the new LP “In for a Ride” that could only be achieved with a band.  Us playing around for several years before we recorded it really helped develop the sound that was first established with our Monte Carlo EP.  There’s a maturity to “In for a Ride”.   I think I’ve continued to grow as songwriter, but what has remained is the honesty in the writing and the performances.  

Who would you love to work with in the future? Who are some of your favorite artists right now? What would be a dream collaboration for this group?

I’d love to do a singer songwriter show with Lyle Lovett.  I love his songwriting and he’s a fantastic performer.  A dream collaboration would be harder for me to answer.  I’d probably say Johnny Marr, even though I don’t think his style would particular mesh with our songs.  Well maybe on “No Straight Line” or “To Create Not Rebate”.  That’s really more of a dream collaboration for me personally. 

While this may be difficult to answer, where do you think you are all happiest- on stage performing, in the studio recording music or elsewhere?

That is hard to answer.  I usually compartmentalize those things.  When I’m in a writing phase, I focus almost exclusively on that.  By the time I’m recording, I usually stop myself from writing.  And when we’re playing live, I’m just focusing on that, booking, and promotion. I like all three phases, but probably my favorite is writing something by myself, in my own little world.  

What shows will you be starting the year with? Where can people see you perform live next?

I’m working on that now.  Check out www.atthemomentmusic.com for more details.

We are living in a crazy and at times rough world right now so I am curious how you think being in this band gives you the most joy in life today? Do you think that new music being created today is going to reflect these difficult times?

New music will either reflect the times, or be escapism from the times.  I typically write about relationships, emotions, interpersonal relationships and intrapersonal relationships.  I hope it’s relatable to people, brings joy, and is in some way therapeutic, as that’s how I’ve received music in my life. 

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

I just want people to enjoy the songs. 

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

I really appreciate you making some time for us.  We’re super proud of “In for a Ride”.  I hope people will give it a chance and enjoy it as much as we do.