In the heart of Queens, New York City, emerged an unconventional musical force named Subway Rat. Born David Polanco on November 19, 1993, this genre-bending, retro-inspired, alt-rock indie pop singer-songwriter has carved out a niche for himself in the vast and eclectic landscape of the city’s music scene. Subway Rat’s musical journey began during a tumultuous period, marked by a prolonged breakup with his college sweetheart. It was during this emotional upheaval, and just months before receiving a life-changing autism level 1 diagnosis, that he penned his inaugural composition, “Rendezvous.” Despite having no formal musical training, save for a brief stint with the trumpet in 7th grade and eight years of step and hip-hop dancing, Polanco has since prolifically composed over 100 songs, mostly freestyles. Collaborating with indie rock guitarist and producer Paco Lee, whose beats he stumbled upon randomly on YouTube, Subway Rat found his rhythm. The creative synergy extended to the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning engineers at Lounge Studios in Times Square, where his sonic experimentation flourished. Subway Rat’s distinctive rasp, emotive delivery, romantic storytelling, and edgy dance flow have captivated both fans and critics alike. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of New York artists such as The Strokes, Ramones, Talking Heads, Lou Reed, and rap icons like DMX and 50 Cent, Subway Rat’s musical concoction reflects the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Additionally, he weaves in influences from across the river in New Jersey, channeling the storytelling prowess of Bruce Springsteen, the anthemic vibes of Bon Jovi, and the indie charm of Bleachers. Rooted in his father’s eclectic 80s influences, Subway Rat’s upbringing included a musical diet of glam, new wave, and ska, courtesy of bands like Guns N’ Roses, The Police, and A Flock Of Seagulls. His extensive collection of The Beatles and Paul McCartney records, coupled with post-punk era idols like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, R.E.M., and The Smiths, forms the bedrock of his musical palette. The result? Timeless, 2000s-era nostalgic pop/rock/hip-hop fusion hits that define Subway Rat’s signature sound. Fast forward to the present, and Subway Rat has released his highly-anticipated sophomore album, ‘Captain of the Football Team.’ Following the success of his debut album, which soared past the 1 million streams milestone, the anticipation surrounding his new singles—’Outta Town,’ ‘Hope,’ and ‘Moon’—is palpable, with hundreds of thousands of streams already under their belt. Recorded at Lounge Studios and released under his own label, Rat Tooth Records, ‘Captain of the Football Team’ is a breakup power pop anthem with an NYC alternative twist. Boasting 10 tracks that seamlessly blend influences from post-punk, soul, Lou Reed to The Strokes, and hip-hop, the album signifies Subway Rat’s evolution as an artist. The fusion of hi-fi production with underground lo-fi vocals creates a sonic landscape that is both captivating and emotionally resonant. With a passionate following spanning across the globe, particularly in Brooklyn, Latin America, and the UK, Subway Rat is poised for a triumphant debut. ‘Captain of the Football Team’ is not just an album; it’s a testament to Subway Rat’s ability to transcend genres, captivate hearts, and leave an indelible mark on the ever-evolving musical landscape.
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