Greg Loiacono & Stingray have released their debut single, “Hope We Get To Dance,” a greasy, soul-rock anthem celebrating personal freedom and expression. Fronted by Loiacono, the vocalist, guitarist, and co-founder of San Francisco rock legends The Mother Hips, Stingray features a lineup of acclaimed Bay Area musicians, including drummer Michael Urbano (Lindsey Buckingham, John Hiatt), percussionist /vocalist Vicki Randle (Mavis Staples, George Benson), Kofy Brown (bass/vocals), Danny Eisenberg (keys) and Tom Ayres (guitar).
Loiacono delivers “Hope We Get To Dance” in a Sly Stone-inspired falsetto, accentuated by rousing harmonies and a delectably funky guitar-and-percussion groove. The track was recorded at 2200 Studios (formerly The Plant) in Sausalito, CA, a storied studio where landmark albums by Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Fleetwood Mac were made. Producer Damien Lewis (Lizzo, Janelle Monáe, Larkin Poe) helmed the session.
“I was listening to Curtis Mayfield’s album Roots when the concept for ‘Hope We Get To Dance’ hit me. I thought Stingray could create an energy and spirit in the vein of that record,” says Loiacono. “Because we sometimes lean into the rock side of things, it ended up sounding like Curtis meets Led Zeppelin. I think of it as a reminder that the pure power of dancing to and feeling music is always there for us. It’s up to us when we want to let go and jump in.”
“Hope We Get To Dance,” released via RPF Records/Royal Potato Family, arrives with a joyous video directed by James Joiner. Premiered via Relix Magazine, it features crowd-sourced clips of fans dancing alongside vintage footage that perfectly captures the spirit of the song. Watch it here.
Greg Loiacono & Stingray headline a handful of Northern California shows this month, with more dates and single releases to follow. Upcoming shows are:
8/14 – Chico, CA – Argus Bar
8/15 – San Francisco, CA – The Make Out Room
8/16 – Los Gatos, CA – The Treehouse (Sold Out)
8/29 – Sebastopol, CA – HopMonk Tavern
