It’s not every day that a ghostwriter steps out of the shadows, emerges fresh and ready to put a face to the words they’ve crafted for others. Seth Christoph Pilipski, better known as Sethy Books on stage and part of the band Seth Pilipski & Superflo, is doing just that. A musician with a feeling for folk rock and grooves with the texture of hard rock, he’s a master at whisking listeners into a unique sound vortex, reminiscent of Van Morrison, Foo Fighters, and Counting Crows’ auditory lovechild.
Pilipski’s attraction to music began at the tender age of 14, sparked by his brother’s influence and the euphoria he derived from his own progression in songwriting. After discovering the depths of his creative wellspring, signing onto the internet’s first record label, J-Bird Records came naturally. Under this label, Pilipski released his first album, “Send Out A Dove” in 1997, and then took to the east coast with his record label mates; John Entwistle and Billy Squire, playing gigs and selling CDs..
Heartbreakingly, Pilipski’s second record, “Piker,” was upstaged by global events beyond his control. Against the backdrop of the devastating events of September 11th, 2001, the album’s promotional engine ground to a halt. Undeterred, he forged on over the next 15 years by ghostwriting for various publishers, while battling personal demons of addiction.
Emerging victorious on the other side of that struggle, Pilipski continued to weave his songwriting magic. With the altering digital landscape, he made the bold choice to reassemble band Superflo and step back into the limelight with his personal work. In 2022, Pilipski released two albums – his soulful “Doodooshoe,” and the poignant “Songs From the Ether.” Currently, his fans can follow Superflo’s performance schedule and updates on their social media accounts and Bands in town.
When asked about the musician he’d most like to collaborate with, Pilipski opts for irony and wisdom combined. He wishes to collaborate with ‘the artist who is Next,’ which is his poignant way of emphasizing that he doesn’t need the glamour, just the mutual passion and appreciation for music. He appreciates and respects his fellow musicians, irrespective of their stage on the artistic journey.
Pilipski not only encourages listeners to relate to his narrative through his music but also aims to inspire them to respect individuality, dignify the power of the mind, and seek personal truths. Following this philosophy, Pilipski sets his compass towards the true north of his musical journey, providing reminders for his listeners to always keep working on their purpose, remaining steadfast through life’s highs and lows.
A plethora of projects awaits fans of Pilipski and Superflo. He’s currently working on their next album due in early 2024, alongside a sequel to Doodooshoe due to drop late 2023. There’s also a self-titled rebranding album “Sethy Books” lined up for 2024 that forecasts his boundless creative output.
Fans of Sethy Books and Superflo can follow the band’s journey on Instagram (band IG here), TikTok, Facebook, and Sethy Books’s personal website – and let’s not forget his linktree, here. There is also an added thrill in working with a publishing arm called Fresh Roots Music, an effort to synergize with home-grown New Jersey talents, in creating an exclusive compilation album featuring diverse artists and styles.
Whether it’s the gritty energy of Seth Pilipski & Superflo’s tunes or the lyrical quips of Sethy Books, Seth Christoph Pilipski is an artist who endeavors to keep the human connection alive, fostering a global reach through locally-made music. His passion for music, arduous journey, and incredible spirit teach us a valuable lesson – to keep singing our own song, no matter the peaks and valleys of life.
