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Harrison Gesser Explores Borders, Visas, and Afternoon Coffee on 'Pangaea'

Magic City indie pop artist Harrison Gesser will release his much-awaited new single " Pangaea " on August 21st, marking his return following a successful string of releases throughout 2024. The track serves as the lead single from his upcoming debut album, expected to arrive in late October. " Pangaea " finds Gesser exploring themes of unity and division through the lens of Earth's last known supercontinent, weaving together political commentary and personal reflection. The song tackles contemporary issues of immigration, identity, and belonging by asking what the world might look like if humanity had existed during the time of Pangaea 's unified landmass. The 21-year-old multi-instrumentalist has been steadily building momentum since launching his solo career in mid-2024. His debut single "Normal" introduced listeners to his eclectic sound, followed by "Just One Man," "Mountain With You," and "The Amnesia Song"—each release showcasing his ability to blend influences from album-oriented rock, Americana folk, synth-pop, and his formal jazz training at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where he studies on full scholarship. " I want people to take away their own message and interpretation all while singing the melody or feeling like they've just heard a really catchy tune ," he explains. " My end goal is to write good music, it’s the most humble and ambitious I can be.” His musical journey began at age five when he built his first drum kit using pots and pans, eventually earning recognition from well-regarded publications including DownBeat Magazine for his percussion work in jazz ensembles. Before pursuing his solo career, he fronted the post-punk duo Emergency Staircase, serving as drummer, vocalist, and songwriter on their 2022 album "Rise & Shine." " Pangaea " was recorded primarily at Gesser's home studio and the University of Miami's Weeks Recording Studios, with additional sessions in Miami, New York City, and Portland. The track features Gesser on lead vocals and drums, with contributions from his father Ronnie Gesser on background vocals and mixing, Jeff Pevar on guitar and bass, and producer Noah Hansfield on synthesizers and drum programming. The release strategy for " Pangaea " reflects a preference for letting his music speak first. Rather than extensive personal promotion, he focuses on allowing listeners to discover his work organically through the strength of his songs. This approach has already proven effective, with his previous releases gaining traction through word-of-mouth. Following " Pangaea ," additional single releases are planned throughout the fall, building toward a full-length debut album. The collection represents two years of songwriting and development, capturing an artist who refuses to be confined to a single genre or style. Gesser's sound draws from his diverse musical background, incorporating elements from his early metal band experience, jazz education, and growing interest in world music and hip-hop. The result is a distinctive approach that puts melody and songcraft at the center while incorporating unexpected sonic textures and arrangements. " I took all the music I loved and started writing and creating what I wanted to hear, " Gesser says of his artistic evolution. " It finally felt like I had the tools as an artist and training as a musician to create the music I hear in my head ." As he prepares for this next phase of his career, he remains focused on the craft of songwriting and the goal of creating music that resonates with listeners on multiple levels. " Pangaea " represents both a culmination of his work to date and a bold step forward into new creative territory. With its combination of thoughtful lyricism, infectious melodies, and sophisticated production, " Pangaea " positions Gesser as an artist to watch in the shifting indie pop scene. The single arrives at a time when listeners are hungry for music that tackles serious subjects without sacrificing accessibility or entertainment value. The question he poses through " Pangaea " remains thought-provoking: in a world where artificial divisions seem to multiply daily, what might we learn from remembering when everything was connected? " Pangaea " will be available on all streaming platforms August 21st.  To learn more about Harrison Gesser and upcoming releases, visit his Official Website , access all platforms via LinkTree , and pre-save Pangaea today. ###