Mapache’s Sam Blasucci Details Debut Solo Album ‘Off My Stars’ & Releases Charming Lead Single

Mapache’s Sam Blasucci announced his debut solo album, Off My Stars, which will be released on June 2 through Innovative Leisure. The Southern California-based singer-songwriter previewed the pending album with the lead single, “Turn Yourself Around.”

Blasucci is one-half of Mapache with bandmate Clay Finch. A piano belonging to Finch’s mother was procured by Blasucci who installed it in his home in Ojai, California. Blasucci got help transporting the piano from Mapache collaborator Farmer Dave.

“Farmer Dave wasn’t even wearing shoes,” Blasucci said.

The piano became the primary instrument Blasucci used when writing the songs that makeup Off My Stars. His time spent during the pandemic in the music-rich New Orleans also influenced the album, which was recorded with producer/multi-instrumentalist Johnny Payne at the familiar confines of Dan Horne’s Lone Palm Studio in Echo Park, Los Angeles.

“It’s changed the way I think about music, having all the keys laid out in front of me,” Blasucci said of playing piano. “Having that sort of changed everything.”

In addition to nine new originals, the record also features Blasucci’s takes on Dido’s “Thank You,” The Cranberries’ “Linger” and Jimmy Fontana’s “Il Mondo,” sung in its original Italian.

“There was nothing ironic or gimmicky about wanting to do those,” notes Blasucci. “I just really, really love those songs.”

Watch the video for the Off My Stars lead single “Turn Yourself Around” below:

Off My Stars Tracklist

1. Sha La La
2. Around The Corner
3. Paradise
4. Thank You
5. Every Night On The Farm
6. Turn Yourself Around
7. Il Mondo
8. Can You Teach Me
9. Tenera Magia
10. Linger
11. Proud Of You Dad
12. I’m Glad