Its so easy to say your hometown is boring, or the neighborhood you are in is lame. The fact is, you're never far away from interesting people and you shouldn't let yourself feel otherwise.

I grew up in Marlboro, New York. A small upstate New York town with a couple gas stations, a couple banks, and more than a couple farms. As much as I wanted to deny it, we were more country than suburban. I was consistent about my complaints about my little town.

There was never anything to do.

The thing is, I was not looking in the right places.

Enter: Dante DeFelice.

People like Dante DeFelice and his friends use their gifts to bring life to places you thought you understood. Dante has been doing this in Marlboro for years and with a little help from his friends (he would say a lot of help) he has created a scene in an otherwise scene-less farm town.

Last Friday night Dante DeFelice played a show to release his new album "Cassette." Gathering some of the most talented Hudson Valley artists and Marlboro's most passionate listeners, Dante showcased what he and his scene had to offer.

Each artists that grabbed an instrument through the night brought something completely refreshing to the table.

Mike Davis performed 2 original songs sporting an afro and a bolo tie. A talented songwriter, Mike toyed with lyrics reminding us that "its ok to not be ok" in a song about compatibility being most powerful when you can feel like shit with another person.

Elliot Cash followed with original tracks of his own, playing an effect heavy guitar transporting everyone to the California coast with surf rock guitar vibes while he read lyrics off of a flip phone in a moment a lot less "ironic" than you may think.

Mr. Amen Yearns performed numerous tracks from his upcoming album channeling a manic Billy Joel and calling for the entire crowd to sing/scream along with the lyrics "This is a precious life." in a song about a summer he spent working in a graveyard.

Jesse Barki took the stage and captivated the audience with lyrics and melodies that made you (me) want to cry. In a track called "Coming of Age", Jesse seems to use the lyrics "I will lose my hair" as a daily affirmation for anyone who has ever felt waves of anxiety.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be able to film a video with my good friend, Jesse Barki. Jesse and I found some time to film one of his new songs "Coming of Age" in an empty chapel in Annville, Pennsylvania.

Before taking the stage himself, Dante's older sister Domiana took a seat in front of the crowded garage and, after leading us all in meditation, and reading some of her own poetry, she read a poem she helped pull from a 4 year old through writing prompts at the school she teaches in.

"A long time ago a baby sister came out of my mommy's belly.

When I was three years old I broke my wrist. I broke a bone in half.

There is no ghost.

If I sleep tonight I can go to Chuckie Cheese.

I like barbecuing.

I like watching Paw Patrol."

By the time Dante Defelice stood in front of the small but active crowd, with help from his friends, he had already given every wide eyed supporter a festival of local art. Yet when Dante lifted his guitar and played his album top to bottom, I watched as a room full of people sat and not only appreciated Dante's art but slowly felt their appreciation being reflected back through his music.

Cassette was performed, recorded and mixed on analog stereo cassette tape in Dante DeFelice’s bedroom and garage. A bedroom and garage where Dante and his friends have creating a scene for over a decade without even realizing it.

Dante DeFelice: The Man Not The Mountain