"ANTARCTICA" New Album by Tom Ciurczak

 

Southern California singer/songwriter Tom Ciurczak (Sir-Zak) returns with his sixth album, “ANTARCTICA,” a collection that continues his signature blend of heartland rock, melodic songwriting, and vividly drawn characters. Influenced by artists like Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Steve Earle, The Who, and The Eagles, Ciurczak’s music balances driving rhythms with cinematic, story-driven lyrics.

His path began in New York’s Hudson Valley, inspired by The Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. With a father who was a professional musician at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Ciurczak was immersed early in music’s structure, rhythm, and storytelling power.

After graduating from SUNY Oswego, he moved to Southern California, building a career in the specialty lighting industry while continuing to write songs. A turning point came in 2014 at Steve Earle’s Camp Copperhead. “It put me on the road to finish my songwriting ideas and create new ones—I knew I’d found my tribe.”

Ciurczak assembled a top-tier recording team—producer/drummer Stephen Haaker, engineer Brett Grossman, and a group of seasoned studio musicians—to record his debut album, “Call Me Ishmael.” Subsequent releases include the singles “Christmas Time in Hollywood,” the albums “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up: – “Volume I and Volume II” and the critically praised “YORICK” (2025). He is also a member of the Copperhead Six Project, a collaboration of Camp Copperhead songwriters whose album “Muscle Shoals Record Shop” was recorded at the legendary Cypress Moon Studios in Muscle Shoals.

“ANTARCTICA” builds on that momentum, centering on Ciurczak’s ability to craft songs that feel like self-contained three-act stories. The title track draws from the real history of Deception Island, where early 20th-century whaling operations left behind a haunting legacy—reimagined here as a ghost story echoing with the voices of the past.

The album spans a wide emotional and musical range: from the driving opener Invisible Man, about those left unseen in society, to the progressive-leaning We Were Immortal, originally conceived for a rock opera. Tracks like Going Down in Flames and Looking for a Place deliver straight-ahead rock energy, while Losing You offers a more intimate piano-driven reflection on life on the road. Elsewhere, Ciurczak explores noir storytelling (Black Out Jack), dark romance (Haunted House), and surreal narrative twists (Atom Glow, Creature from the Blues Saloon).that feel like self-contained three-act plays.

Americana Highways called Tom’s previous album “YORICK” “a celebration of the artform of storytelling,” while The Alternate Root described his songs as “audio dramas.”

 Ciurczak performs regularly with his band throughout Southern California, appearing at venues including The Whisky a Go Go, The Mint, The Viper Room, and The Coach House. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to songwriting—proof that once the spark is lit, it doesn’t fade.

TomCiurczak.com

"Yorick" The Music Video and Album by Tom Ciurczak

The title track from Tom Ciurczak’s “YORICK” album is Tom’s decided story about the skull of “Yorick” discussed in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

As a rock singer-songwriter inspired by Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Steve Earle, and a range of classic/prog/timeless rockers, Tom likes to create “what if” backstories about his songs’ characters. “Yorick was introduced in ‘Hamlet’ as the skull of the court jester with Hamlett’s famous quote ‘Poor Yorick I knew thee well.’  But who was he? And how did he lose his head? I created a little fable to tell his story. At its core the song is a love story that’s marred throughout with deception.  The song’s narrative combines elements from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin. It centers around Yorick’s rescuing of the fairytale princess together with his get rich quick scheme to steal a ‘hidden treasure.’ But, unfortunately instead of the princess, Yorick finds the proverbial old witch masquerading in her place. They both quickly realize they have been deceiving each other. Yorick’s greed leads him to make a deal for the money with the witch. But as is the case with witches, you can’t trust them, and she reneges on their agreement, winds up killing and decapitating him in the end.”

Directed by Robert Wakamatsu, the “Yorick” music video shows Tom as “Yorick” with the band (drummer Sean Derksen, backup singer Melissa Robin, keyboardist Chris McKinney, guitarist Ken Harrill, and bassist Phil Stein) in Elizabethan costume. Melissa portrays both the princess and witch, ultimately responsible for killing “Yorick.”

The album, “YORICK” is due June 27.  The music video will go live on June 20 at www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K5dcdI1Z18 .

From the time he was a child, growing up in New York’s Hudson Valley, with a professional musician father, Tom’s written songs and worked on his music. Though he focused on raising a family on the west coast while working in the Specialty Lighting industry, Tom continued writing and playing guitar. Finally, in 2014 he attended Steve Earle’s Camp Copperhead, and found his musical voice and tribe.

Tom’s first album “Call Me Ishmael” was released in 2020.  Then came the 2021 single “Christmas Time in Hollywood” his second CD, “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up -Volume I,” and 2023’s “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up-Volume II” and an ep, “Christmas Time in Hollywood.” He and five other songwriters from the Steve Earle tribe put together “Muscle Shoals Record Shop” recorded at Muscle Shoals legendary Cypress Moon Studio, home of the Swampers (aka Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section)!   

“YORICK” celebrates the artform of storytelling, and features songs from Tom’s creative imagination. There’s investigative intrigue in “Am I M.I.A.,” “The Watcher,” “Chameleon,” and “A.L.T.O.W.D.” which is short for “Another Long Typical Ordinary Working Day.” The album’s more topical songs are “You’re Next,” “Malleus Maleficarum,” and “Where Do I Belong,” which focuses on the homeless crisis. There are also story songs from Tom’s experiences: “Wild One,” and “Top  of the Rainbow.”

The album was mixed and produced at the world-famous Sunset Sound Studios by Brett Grossman and Stephen Haaker, and mastered by Brett Grossman. 

The Tom Ciurczak Band regularly plays throughout Southern California.

Pre-save link for “Yorick” YORICK is Coming!!!!

Pre-order “Yorick” at tomciurczak.com/buy-cd

https://tomciurczak.com

 www.instagram.com/tokyotommy58/

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092202082226

www.youtube.com/@tomciurczak8782

The “Yorick” music video to go live June 20  www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K5dcdI1Z18 

Other Music Videos “The Watcher” www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrHQwvnZfLA

“Top of the Rainbow” www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cbO3dNRcu8

“YORICK” track & musician listing

1.   The Watcher  
Lead Vocals: Tom Ciurczak
Drums & Percussion: Stephen Haaker
Bass Guitar: Billy Diisko
Electric Guitar: Matt Hornbeck
Background Vocals: Tita Hutchison
Keyboards: Valerie Chaikin

2.   Wild One
Lead Vocals: Tom Ciurczak
Drums & Percussion: Stephen Haaker
Bass Guitar: Sean Sobash
Electric Guitar: Oscar Jesus Bugarin & Jimena Fosado
Background Vocals: Melissa Robin

3.  Yorick
Lead Vocals: Tom Ciurczak
Drums & Percussion: Stephen Haaker
Bass Guitar: Travis Carlton
Electric Guitars: Dylan Tirapelli-Jamail
Acoustic Guitar: Angela Petrilli
Ukulele: Matt Hornbeck
Keyboards: Neara Russell
Background Vocals: Tita Hutchison & Eli Arnold

4.   You’re Next
Lead Vocals: Tom Ciurczak
Drums & Percussion: Stephen Haaker
Bass Guitar: Billy Diisko
Electric Guitar: Matt Hornbeck
Thump Solo: Brandon Washington
Keyboards: Valerie Chaikin
Background Vocals: Eli Arnold

5.   Where Do I Belong
Lead Vocals: Tom Ciurczak
Drums & Percussion: Stephen Haaker
Bass Guitar: Travis Carlton
Electric Guitars: Rob Reischak
Keyboards: Bobby "Bundst" Victor
Background Vocals: Tita Hutchison

6.  Chameleon
Lead Vocals: Tom Ciurczak
Drums & Percussion: Stephen Haaker
Bass Guitar: Sean Sobash
Electric Guitar: Jimena Fosado
Acoustic Guitar: Oscar Jesus Bugarin
Background Vocals: Eli Arnold

7.  Top Of The Rainbow
Lead Vocals: Tom Ciurczak
Drums & Percussion: Stephen Haaker
Bass Guitar: Travis Carlton
Electric Guitar: Matt Hornbeck
Keyboards: Neara Russell
Background Vocals: Tita Hutchison
Trumpet: Jon Manness
Trombone: Lasim Richards

8.   A.L.T.O.W.D.
Lead Vocals: Tom Ciurczak
Drums & Percussion: Stephen Haaker
Bass Guitar: Travis Carlton
Electric Guitars: Rob Reischak
Acoustic Guitar: Sydney Moreno
Harmonica: Matt Lomeo
Keyboards: Bobby "Bundst" Victor
Background Vocals: Melissa Robin

9.   Malleus Malificarum
Lead Vocals: Tom Ciurczak
Drums & Percussion: Stephen Haaker
Bass Guitar: Travis Carlton
Electric Guitars: Rob Reischak
Keyboards: Bobby "Bundst" Victor
Background Vocals: Melissa Robin

10.   Am I MIA
Lead Vocals: Tom Ciurczak
Drums & Percussion: Stephen Haaker
Bass Guitar: Travis Carlton
Electric Guitars: Matt Hornbeck & Dylan Tirapelli-Jamail
Acoustic Guitar: Angela Petrilli
Keyboards: Neara Russell
Background Vocals: Tita Hutchison

 

Yorick

I’m coming down

From the steeple ‘til I hit the ground

Cause I’m the guillotined Jester’s head

 

Jugglers, jokers, puppet shows

All in the Market Square

Jester grins, stares at the sky

Storm clouds are everywhere

 

Everybody heads inside

The banquet will start soon

The tower’s left unguarded

Clouds block the light from the crimson moon

 

Won’t you let your hair down like Rapunzel did

Won’t you spin your straw into gold for me

Is there a silver lining in those clouds up above

I’m climbing up to rescue you and set you free

 

Duels and Fools and Fire Breathers

the festival’s a blaze

The King and Queen are mesmerized

By the poet’s Shakespeare plays

 

No one see’s as I scale the tower

drawn by her Sirens call

don’t know if I’ll make it

or if I’ll slip and fall

Won’t you let your hair down like Rapunzel did

Won’t you spin your straw into gold for me

Is there a silver lining in those clouds up above

Cause I’m climbing up to rescue you and set you free

 

But it’s taking too much time

something doesn’t feel right

You’re not who you’ve been pretending to be

 

And this room’s not full of gold

For a princess you look real old

Who’s this Stiltskin

I don’t know what you were told

 

My name is Yorick I’m the royal fool

Never been one to follow the rules

Everything’s so obvious when you know all the answers

You’ve got nothing to gain here, cause I’m not who you’re after

 

Just let your hair down like Rapunzel did

And I’ll spin your straw into the gold of your dreams

cause there’s a silver lining in those clouds up above

and nothing here is what it seems to be

 

You’re not the princess and I’m not your savior

I thought this would be easy, you’re not who I came for

Let’s make deal, we can break this spell together

I’ll spin that straw to gold and we can both leave with the treasure

 

I’m coming down

From the steeple ‘til I hit the ground

Cause I’m the guillotined Jester’s head

 

C 2025 by Tom Ciurzcak / Ciurczak Songs (BMI), All Rights Reserved

#####

Tom Ciurczak's Music Video "The Watcher"

 The first music video from Americana Singer-Songwriter Tom Ciurczak's upcoming album, “Yorick,” is called "The Watcher." 

“The Watcher” is Tom’s song about an alien looking for the other aliens that left him as he treks across the planet earth at “every alien crash site” according to the song lyrics. “The song is my take on the origins of the “Men In Black,” he says. “He was dropped off thousands of years ago to carve the ‘Nazca Lines’ and then for whatever reason, the Aliens never came back to get him. Feeling abandoned on the planet, he gets depressed and laments about his former life traveling the universe and wonders why they left him. He goes into mourning and starts dressing in black and decides to start showing up at all the Alien related sites throughout history hoping he’ll get noticed and rescued in time for supper.”

“The Watcher” music video includes Tom being photobombed into historical scenes from the pyramids to the fall of the Roman Empire, to climbing frozen cliffs.  Thousands of years later a spaceship finds him, and he’s swooped up to return home, but not in time for supper!

Taking songwriting tips from artists like Bruce Springsteen, Warren, Zevon, and Steve Earle (who was his teacher at a songwriting camp he attended in 2014, which got him on the road to finishing song ideas and creating new ones), “I knew I found my tribe!” A transplanted New Yorker living in Southern California, Tom put together his prestigious recording team of producer/drummer Stephen Haaker, sound engineer Brett Grossman and a number of A-List of studio musicians to record his first CD, the powerfully-combustive “Call Me Ishmael.”  Follow up releases were a 2021 single “Christmas Time in Hollywood” his second CD, “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up,” and 2023’s “I Ain’t Ever Growing Up-Volume II” and an ep, “Christmas Time in Hollywood.” He and five other songwriters from the Steve Earle tribe put together “Muscle Shoals Record Shop” recorded at Muscle Shoals legendary Cypress Moon Studio, home of the Swampers (aka Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section)!    

Tom performs with his band at music venues throughout Southern California to promote his own brand of Heartland Rock. Having played such well-known venues as the Whiskey A Go Go, The Mint, The Viper Room, The Coach House, this singer/songwriter/recording/performing artist is proof that, once lit, the musical spark never dies – he’s just blazing its magic! 

“The Watcher”

A couple thousand years ago

I came down here to carve the Nazca lines

They said they’re coming back for me

planned to get me home by supper time           

 

Day after day I keep waiting for you

Searching the skies and checking the news

Gone into mourning so I’m dressing in black

Wondering if you’re ever coming back   

 

I’ve been traveling everywhere

Stonehenge to Tiananmen square

Took advantage of every photo-op under the sun

Been to every alien crash site

Hollow Earth theory doesn’t seem right

But I think they’re hiding something at Area 51

 

Watched you build the Pyramids

Saw the Roman Empire fall              

Sent Rocket ships up to the moon

Man, I seen it all

Still, I wonder why

I was left behind

 

I used to travel all across the Universe

I’ve seen lots of planets born and die

Better fasten your seat belts

it’s going to be a bumpy ride when the ice caps melt

getting out of here, never been more clear

 

I keep staring at the sky

those signs aren’t hard to recognize

Don’t know how they could ever make a wrong turn

This was always the final frontier

Still no reason to have left me here

But watching it all go to hell just ain’t my concern

 

Day after day I keep waiting for you

Searching the skies and checking the news

Gone into mourning so I’m dressing in black

Wondering if you’re ever coming back

C 2025 Tom Ciurzcak / Ciurczak Songs (BMI), All Rights Reserved

KJ Denhert

KJ Denhert is celebrating her 15 years as a working urban folk jazz singer-songwriter on March 16, 2012, at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. She is in the studio with Tomas Donker, and there's a video of her in the studio at her youtube page.

There's a great quote from KJ in the video, "Life is scary now, but the joyous part is the art you get from it."

Rolling Stone.com caught KJ live in concert as she performed at the 90th Anniversary of the Local 802 (Musicians Union) benefit that Steve Earle organized for the Union. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/pete-seeger-honored-at-musicians-union-benefit-20111205/kj-denhert-0204468
In addition to KJ and Steve, the show included Rosanne Cash, Paul Shaffer, Pete Seeger , Nelly McKay....

http://www.kjdenhert.com
http://www.youtube.com/kjdenhert