Mapache’s Sam Blasucci Shares Breezy ‘Sha La La’ Single

Sam Blasucci of Mapache throws back to the glory days of Yacht Rock on his new single “Sha La La.” The track comes from Blasucci’s debut solo album, Off My Stars, which is due out via Innovative Leisure on June 2.

The Ojai, California resident is best known for his guitar work and vocal prowess recording and performing as Mapache with bandmate Clay Finch. Blasucci utilized a piano donated by Finch’s mother to write some of the songs featured on Off My Stars instead of his typical guitar-oriented compositions. “It’s changed the way I think about music, having all the keys laid out in front of me,” Sam explained. “Having that sort of changed everything.”

Sam Blasucci recorded the 12-track effort at the familiar confines of Dan Horne’s Lone Palm Studios, a former home to the singer/songwriter and the place where Mapache created past albums. Johnny Payne both produced Off My Stars and played a variety of instruments featured on the LP. While the forthcoming LP mostly contains originals, Blasucci also offers fresh spins on the Cranberries’ “Linger,” Dido’s “Thank You” and Jimmy Fontana’s “Il Mondo.”

“Sha La La,” which follows lead single “Turn Yourself Around,” is a gentle rocker that incorporates blasts of Brian McNamara’s sax, silky Rhodes stylings by Stewart Forgey and Blasucci providing both acoustic and electric guitar parts as well as smooth vocals. The rhythm section of drummer Steve Didelot and bassist Rayla Johnson keep it grooving throughout.

Fittingly, the “Sha La La” video was filmed at a roller skating rink. The band plays as Dan Horne and Molly Bremner skate away. Sam Blasucci both directed and edited the visual. Check it out below: