Since forming in New Jersey in 2013, pop-rock outfit The Stolen have established a dynamic sound reminiscent of ’80s rock combined with a more contemporary synthesized vibe. But more importantly, their lyrics tackle sensitive topics in moving ways, particularly displayed in their latest single “Rooftop,” which addresses suicide.
Premiering on Billboard below, “Rooftop” was a concept that came to the band when the shocking news broke that famed food critic Anthony Bourdain had taken his life. “It’s about the suicide epidemic in our world that no one inadvertently talks about; the idea of suicide being glorified and massively publicized, yet it seems that nobody cares to try and prevent it,” The Stolen’s guitarist Rob Chiarappa says. “It’s a vicious cycle of people opening their phones and seeing yet another person who has taken their own life, and not understanding the damage that’s being done. The world is becoming a place where we not only are not looking out for one another, but we’re ignorant to reality, because all human contact is digital.”
Chiarappa suggests that the chorus of “Rooftop” is about the perception we give that we’re on top of the world when deep down we aren’t okay at all, something that has been heightened by the highlight-reel illusion of social media. Though the song covers a heavier topic, The Stolen guys insisted on making it a dancier track, playing on the illusion that everything is fine. “Crying in the club, so to speak,” Chiarappa adds.
The Stolen also recruited singer-songwriter Jake Miller to sing the second verse on “Rooftop,” as Chiarappa says they wanted to give the track a “We Are the World” feel by having the story told in two voices. Miller is a close friend of the band, as bassist Kevin Smart is also Jake’s drummer. Now that they were finally able to collaborate, especially on a track so meaningful for everyone involved, Miller gushes, “We are beyond excited that we finally made it work.”
Check out “Rooftop” and The Stolen’s upcoming tour dates below.
Nov. 2 – Seattle, WA @ Funhouse
Nov. 4 – Redding, CA @ Wolftickets**?
Nov. 5 – San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Nov. 6 – Long Beach, CA @ Toxic Toast Records
Nov. 7 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hi Hat
Nov. 9 – Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar**
Nov. 10 – Tempe, AZ @ FiftyoneWest
Nov. 12 – Dallas, TX @ The Prophet Bar
Nov. 13 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Nov. 14 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
Nov. 15 – Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
Nov. 18 – West Columbia, SC @ New Brookline Tavern
Nov. 20 – Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java
Nov. 26 – Boston, MA @ The Sinclair
Nov. 27 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry
Nov. 28 – New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom (Jake Miller Birthday Show)
Dec. 1 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Asbury Lanes
Nov. 2 – Nov. 9 w/ MILKK + Patternist (**Patternist only)
Nov. 10 – Nov. 20 w/ SayWeCanFly + A Summer High
Nov. 26, 27, Dec. 1 – w/ The Wrecks