Phantom Handshakes

Photo provided by, Phantom Handshakes

Meet Phantom Handshakes

In my time I’ve had every kind of handshake you can imagine, limp ones, strong ones, even concerningly slippery ones. But never a spooky or ghostly one. Anyway, unpleasant social experiences aside Phantom Handshakes is the atmospheric fuzzed-out shoegaze project of Matt and Federica. The two check off all the boxes of a great shoegaze venture drum machines, ethereal vocals, swirling guitars, and the list goes on and on. They have been hard at work on a new record as well as a lovely music video for their track “Open Sore” (which you can check out below).

Get to know Matt and Federica as we talk about their new album “Be Estranged” among some other things.

Two truths and a lie

Answers at bottom of interview

I can sing the entire score to Jesus Christ Superstar word-for-word by memory.

I'm the nephew of famed session bassist Leland Sklar.

I formed a short-lived shoegaze band while living in Hong Kong for half a year.

Would You Rather

be trapped in a dark closet with a swan or a scorpion? Please explain why.

Federica: a swan, scorpions are scary!

Matt: A swan for sure. I remember reading a news story about a scorpion finding its way onto an airplane and stinging someone mid-flight. I think that might be my biggest fear ever. No thanks.

Some questions with Phantom Handshakes

What was the actual process like working on your latest release “Be Estranged”?

Matt: I started recording some music at home when the lockdown started, mostly just as a musical journal for myself. I’m not a singer so I posted the instrumentals on Craigslist to see if anyone was interested in contributing vocals and lyrics. Federica responded. I had seen her perform live with Sooner and I'm a big fan of that band and I love her singing so I knew it'd be a great fit. She sent me these incredible vocals and transformed my instrumental ideas into these amazing finished songs. We sent the tracks to Carl Saff to be mastered and before we knew it we had an album's worth of material and we still haven't met in real life.

Was there a catalyst or spark that brought this project together?

Federica: The catalysts were similar music taste and attitude for sure. It's not always easy to find the right person(s) for the right project, but luckily it happened in our case! I really enjoyed how everything came pretty naturally and smoothly even if we don't really know each other and never met in person.

Matt: Yeah, it was a very natural collaboration. We started this project as a creative outlet while we're all stuck at home. When Federica started sending me her vocals everything came together very quickly and organically.

Where is your favorite venue In NYC to play a show?

Matt: Phantom Handshakes hasn't played live (yet?), but my personal favorite venues I’ve played in the 'before times' are Our Wicked Lady, Alphaville, EWEL, Hartstop, and Cake Shop. I hope to see live music venues opening soon!

Federica: Alphaville, I like both how music sounds there and the atmosphere

If you were offered a free tattoo what would you get?

Federica: A rolled up cat in black

Matt: 'DREAM-POP FOR LIFE' in ALL CAPS gothic lettering covering my entire torso

What is the worst kind of handshake to get? Why?

Federica: A crushing handshake because it's disrespectful toward the other person (who usually is a woman..)

Matt: One good thing that’s come out of the pandemic is the socially acceptable elimination of any awkward physical contact. I am always so bad with public greetings (are we going in for a hug? We're doing a high five? Or is this a fist bump? How bout a fist bump? No? Yes? Ok?) It’s a bit of a relief that I can avoid all that awkwardness now.

Where is the best place to get pizza in NYC?

Federica: At my place, lol During the lockdown I watched a lot of YouTube tutorials and learned how to make a pretty good Neapolitan style pizza (vegan!) at home. In the pre-covid era I really enjoyed "Union Pizza works" in Bushwick and "Sorbillo" in NoHo

Matt: Speedy Romeo in Clinton Hill is great. For a quick slice before a band practice: Pizza Suprema if you’re in midtown; Pizza Prince if you’re in Greenpoint; Danny’s if you’re heading to the Sweatshop.

How do you navigate releasing an album during COVID-19?

Matt: These are definitely weird times to be releasing a debut album. Because these are all songs we recorded on our own during quarantine we decided a digital self release was the best way to share these songs as soon as we can, while they're still fresh and new to us. We sent the EP to some indie labels for consideration but that would mean waiting till the end of the year to release it on vinyl or cassette, which didn't make much sense. It's more of a summer album.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Matt: Please vote in November. Look at the local candidates running in your district and vote in progressive candidates that will take active steps towards defunding the police and ICE. And in case it’s still up for debate: it is 100% OK to a punch a fascist, You don’t have to knock them out or send them to the hospital or anything like that, but a solid hook that they’ll still feel for a day or two after is totally fine.

Two truths and a lie answer key:

Truth: I can sing the entire score to Jesus Christ Superstar word-for-word by memory

Lie: I'm the nephew of famed session bassist Leland Sklar.

True: I formed a short-lived shoegaze band while living in Hong Kong for half a year.