Gamblers -“I’ll Be Your Boogeyman”
Americana Highways brings you this video premiere of Gamblers’ song “I’ll Be Your Bogeyman,” which was written by Michael McManus, James Usher, John Hoblin, and Nick Rufolo (lyrics by Michael and James); produced by: Michael McManus, James Usher, Ray Marte, Anthony Lopardo, and Michael Rufolo; and mastered by: Katie Karvey and Adam Burt.
Gamblers is a roots rockin’ outfit from Long Island with a flair for catchy tunes with darker messages. This one is a wry take on Valentine’s Day that’s well worth the listen. We had a brief chat with guitarist James Usher about the song. The premiere appears just beneath the interview.
Americana Highways: What’s the show version of your motives behind the song “I’ll Be Your Bogeyman”?
James Usher: For “Boogeyman” I wanted to channel something wholesome, some “aw shucks,” “Leave it to Beaver” sheen to contrast with the darkness of the material, so I kept it bubbly and bright like the British pub rock fellas do so well – Nick Lowe of Rock Pile comes to mind.
AH: The song is described as both a banger and also emotionally deep. How do you balance these two elements in your music? Is it a conscious decision, or does it just come naturally?
JU: That’s an interesting question and one I can’t remember being asked. My thought process on balancing the two is making sure we’re creating something that offers the listener a positive listening experience from a music standpoint and delivers something interesting lyrically to grab onto beyond the sonics.
AH: What do you think sets Gamblers’ live shows apart from other bands, especially in terms of energy and musicianship?
JU: Hopefully the experience that we’ve all had doing this in different groups over the past 20+ years. But, that’ll ultimately be up to whatever audience that we play in front of if they think we stand apart or not. Our job is just to try our best.
AH: What are your thoughts on how your music has evolved? What can fans expect this year?
JU: They can expect us to probably release music a lot more frequently than we normally have in the past. I think we’re making the best music of our lives at this point.
Thanks very much for chatting with us, James. You can find the music here: https://curators.ffm.to/gamblersboogeyman.OPR
“I’ll Be Your Boogeyman” is Michael McManus on vocals; James Usher on guitars; Nick Rufolo
on guitars, bass, and horns; and Johnny Hoblin on drums. This video was directed and produced by James Usher and James Morano, and edited by James Morano.
Sometimes you’re so enamored by someone it hurts, and in our mind at least you become a bit obsessive and a touch twisted. That’s what’s happening here, but it’s presented with horns and a rock pulse that’ll have you humming along amidst the song’s darker side. Gamblers sure know how to create universally appealing, memorable songs.
