Astoria’s
Astoria’s Playlist
Keep an ear out for these local singer-songwriters
BY AMANDA SALAZAR
@MANDYWRITES_
Astoria is known to be a great hub of music, arts and
culture, so if you’re looking for some new tunes or for a
live concert, you don’t have to look far. BORO Magazine
rounded up eight local singer-songwriters who perform
their original music and favorite covers right here in
western Queens and around the city.
Seann Cantatore
SEANNCANTATORE.COM
@SEANNCANTATORE
Comedian and musician Seann Cantatore of
Astoria first began writing music in high school
as part of a songwriting club. In college, she
studied jazz, which altered the way she created
her own music. She also formed her band,
Flounder Warehouse, while in college.
Cantatore said that her music is a mix of pop,
jazz, blues and soul, and it often touches on the
topics of love, heartbreak and family. She also
infuses some of her songs with comedy.
The venue she plays at most frequently is Astoria’s
Chateau Le Woof, a dog café where she
plays mainly song covers every other week.
“The music scene in Astoria is so supportive
and community-based,” Cantatore said. “There
is just this positive vibe in Queens that everyone
who performs there feels.”
Photos by Tessa Flannery
Photos by Natalie Pestun
Photo by Peter Ward.
Billy Conahan
BELIEVEINGHOST.BAND
@BILLYCONAHAN
Astoria native William “Billy” Conahan has
been writing music since high school, where
he also explored his talents as a stand-up comedian.
His older music — much like his current
music, he said — consisted of confessional love
songs, political views and satire; however, his
current music has darker themes.
“World-building and darker thematic images
interest me greatly,” he said. “I feel that just because
the points of view are fictitious doesn’t
mean they don’t hold truths.”
Conahan is a member of the band Believe
In Ghost!, through which he has performed at
Singlecut Beersmiths, ICONYC Brewing, the
Bonnie, Sweet Afton, Irish Whiskey Bar and The
Quays. The band’s most recent release, “FOOL,”
is available on all streaming platforms.
“I am grateful to be able to perform and be
neighbors to many amazing musicians and artists,”
Conahan said. “The community is strong, resilient
and, most of all, supportive of one another.”
ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
26 NOVEMBER 2 0 2 1
/SEANNCANTATORE.COM
