By William Cameron
Ben Pisano’s musical project, Corsicana, marks its 10th anniversary in 2024, celebrating a decade of growth, evolution, and emotional depth in Denver’s indie music scene. From its humble beginnings as a bedroom recording project in 2014 to becoming a staple of the Colorado music landscape, Corsicana has been a deeply personal outlet for Pisano, allowing him to explore themes of nostalgia, introspection, and emotional turbulence.
Pisano launched Corsicana when he was just a teenager, experimenting with ambient rock and dream-pop soundscapes. His early work reflected an intrinsic connection to DIY recording, allowing him to craft deeply layered, atmospheric music that encapsulated his inner world. This unique sound, combining acoustic guitar, electronic textures, and delicate vocals, drew comparisons to artists like Bon Iver and The Antlers, two of Pisano’s stated influences.
Image: Ben Pisano of Corsicana
Corsicana’s debut album, Haven (2016), was a breakthrough for Pisano, who produced and played every instrument on the record. Haven is notable for its expansive songs, some stretching over seven minutes, that envelop the listener in a dreamy, almost cinematic experience. Pisano has described the LP as a “concept album,” with each track contributing to a broader emotional narrative. The ambient, meditative quality of the record, combined with its introspective lyrics, solidified Corsicana as a distinct voice in Denver’s indie music scene.
As Corsicana continued to grow, Pisano embraced the live performance circuit, opening for acts such as Devotchka, Hippo Campus, and Deep Sea Diver. These live performances allowed him to share the cathartic and reflective energy of his music with larger audiences, helping Corsicana gain recognition beyond the Denver area. Over the years, Corsicana has toured the West Coast several times, bringing Pisano’s carefully crafted soundscapes to new listeners and cementing his reputation as a talented and introspective artist.
The release of Kept in 2023 marked another major milestone for Pisano. This album, Corsicana’s third full-length, reflected the emotional arc of Pisano’s early adulthood, capturing the nostalgia and complexity of growing up. Much of Kept was recorded in Pisano’s childhood home, a setting that infused the album with a deep sense of personal history and reflection. The 11-track album began as a series of voice memos and evolved into a cohesive narrative of emotional recovery and self-discovery.
Looking back over the past decade, Corsicana’s music has consistently centered on personal growth, emotional complexity, and the desire to connect with listeners on a deeply human level. Pisano’s ability to balance delicate, introspective songwriting with expansive, dreamlike production has made Corsicana a standout in the Denver indie scene, and his journey over the last 10 years reflects both his artistic evolution and his dedication to crafting meaningful, cathartic music.
Image: Ben Pisano of Corsicana
As Corsicana enters its next decade, Pisano shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to push the boundaries of his sound while remaining grounded in the emotional honesty that has defined his music from the start.
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About the author
With a 24-year background in print advertising sales and publishing, a love for art and design, and steadfast determination, William has helped develop and execute the successful launch of three publications over his career; METROMODE being his own. As the Creative Director, he sets the brand's vision and leads a talented team of writers while bringing his creative abilities (16-years in graphic design) to designing each issue.