Lenny Revell won't give up.
As a local musician intent on scoring a record deal and making it in the world of music, the Buffalo native will be moving to New York City following his CD release party on Saturday, Sept. 9; the event also marks the end of a year and a half of work for the aspiring artist.
Self-funded and recorded at Audio Pine Records in Clarence, the 12-song album starts a new phase for the 30-year-old performer as he attempts for the second time to find fame and fortune in the big city.
For Revell, this decision is a no-brainer.
"If you're serious about a music career you have to go where the jobs are," Revell said. "I don't want regret. I want to know I did everything I could."
After graduating from Cardinal O'Hara high school in 1994, Revell went on to earn his associates degree in music from Niagara County Community College, eventually graduating with a bachelor's degree in music performance from Long Island University in May 2001.
"I had Peter Parker syndrome," he said. "I was the nerd in school."
Since that time Revell has worked as a private martial arts and piano instructor, keeping a handful of students at a time. At night, he traveled around Western New York playing at open mics and weddings and occasionally venues such as Club Infinity, Broadway Joe's and the Tudor Lounge.
He has made a habit of networking wherever he can, handing out copies of his demo CD to potential listeners.
While attending school outside of NYC, Revell played at piano bars hoping to be discovered.
Revell wanted to make it but wasn't sure exactly how to do it, admitting it made him very discouraged at times.
"Now I realize you have to have a crew around you," he continued. "You have to play as often as you can whenever you can for exposure."
"Lessons," the new CD, Revell describes as piano driven rock. He uses his spirituality, driven by Eastern thought and Christianity, as well as the sounds of his favorite artist Elton John, who inspired him to pursue a professional career in music when he saw him on TV as a kid.
"It's very stripped down. I wrote what I felt," Revell said. "The music styles are all different. I just can't box myself in."
As a bonus, Revell hopes the lyrics send a positive message to those who are seeking encouragement.
In NYC Revell will be staying with his uncle in Queens, and hopes to find work modeling, working as an extra and playing the piano in restaurants.
He will be leaving behind his girlfriend of nine years.
"Some things have an expiration date on them," he said.
Those who question whether or not he will be able to attain his aspirations do not discourage him. Aware of the superficiality of the music industry, Revell has made keeping fit and eating healthy a lifelong habit, omitting sugar, caffeine and alcohol from his diet completely.
There is no "plan B," Revell said, who feels as if he is finally getting his life going. He simply aims to make a living doing what he loves most - making music.
"I believe it's meant to be but I still have to put the effort into it to make it happen," he said. "Why not struggle for something you really believe in? The less doubt you have the faster it will become a reality."
Sticking with a mentality of not settling for second best, he hopes, will keep him going when faced with rejection.
"Out of all the careers out there, show business is in my heart," he said. "This is my destiny. There really is no other option for me."
Revell's CD release party is at Ellicott Manor in Depew, and will be open to the public at 8 p.m. For more information on the new release visit www.lennyrevell.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
