What was the beginning point for your music career? How did it all start?
Each of us found music in a different way, and that variety is part of what makes this band work. Some of our introductions include playing traditional instruments in school and learning from family members playing records in our youth. I think we can all agree that video game soundtracks helped a lot too.
As for the band, Mario and Devon actually played together over a decade ago. When Mario started a new project and met Craig, the chemistry was immediate. They needed a drummer to lock things in, so Mario reached out to Devon, and everything clicked into place.
Were there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
We almost named our first EP Drummer Drama, which should tell you how things started. Our original drummer was inconsistent and unreliable, and Mario nearly switched to drums just to keep things moving, but he didn’t want to give up guitar. Thankfully, Devon was down to join and saved the day.
Now we’re working through another challenge, as one of our guitarists left the band unexpectedly, which meant rearranging parts and changing how we operate live. But we haven’t missed a step. We adjusted fast and kept the momentum going.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
Releasing Tunnel Vision in late 2024 was a huge milestone. We self-recorded everything in Craig’s basement using Mario’s gear, and it took a lot of trial and error to get it right. Once we handed it off to Anthony Bilancia at Small Room Studio for mixing and mastering, it really came to life. Seeing it up on streaming and hearing fans sing along has been unbelievably rewarding.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
At its core, we’re pop punk. Distorted guitars, catchy hooks, fast energy. But we also don’t box ourselves in. If a riff slaps and it’s a little emo, so be it. If it leans more alt rock, great. If a part works, we keep it. If it doesn’t, we cut it. We just follow what feels right and that freedom helps us keep things fresh.
What is your creative process like?
It changes all the time. Some days we write out of frustration, other days we jam until something starts to form. There’s usually a catalyst though, someone will bring a riff, a melody, or a lyric and we build from there. We trust our instincts and let the song take shape naturally.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Money, hands down. The streaming model barely pays musicians, and a lot of smaller venues rely on bands to do most of the promotional work. We already write, rehearse, haul gear, and put on a show. We understand that it’s a shared responsibility, but the balance can feel off sometimes. That said, we appreciate the venues that support their local scenes and try to meet bands halfway. We’ve worked with some amazing promoters and some not-so-great ones but we keep at it because we love what we do.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
Don’t stop. If your post gets no likes, post again. If your song doesn’t stream, write another one. The bands that succeed are the ones that keep showing up. You never know where your break will come from, so momentum is everything.
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
Our show at Olive’s in April stands out. The crowd was into it from the jump, the pit was alive, and the whole night had that “something special” feeling. It’s incredibly satisfying when weeks of rehearsal pay off and everything just clicks on stage. That show reminded us why we do this.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
We’re all creative nerds, so we’d still be tied to music somehow. Whether that’s building gear, designing sets, or helping other bands behind the scenes, we’d find a way to stay close to it. We all work full-time jobs already, so being a musician is our side hustle, but it’s the one that really feeds our soul.
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
We’re currently tracking a new single called “Therapy,” which should be out later this year. If you’ve seen us live, you’ve already heard it. We’ve also got new merch, so swing by a show and grab a shirt. We’ll be playing a few more dates this summer across New York and New Jersey before taking a short studio break to work on our second release. Catch us while you can.
BIO
Take It Or Leave It is a punk band from Rockland County, New York. Loud, energetic, and emotionally honest, they blend catchy hooks with raw punk, performing high-energy shows that mix originals and “punkified” covers. Known for their consistency and connection to the crowd, TIOLI treats every set like it matters, because it does. They’ve also leaned into livestreams to connect with fans who can’t always make it to shows. The band embraces the nickname Pasta Rock, a playful nod to the way “TIOLI” sounds like “ravioli.” It’s more than just a rhyme, it’s a vibe. Pasta Rock forever.
LINK TREE
https://linktr.ee/music.takeitorleaveit
MEMBERS
Craig Chalfin – Bass, Vocals
Mario Frascone – Guitar, Manager
Devon Beuschel – Drums
SOCIALS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeitorleaveit_band
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takeitorleaveitband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakeItOrLeaveIt_band
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tioli-band.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takeitorleaveit_band
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/takeitorleaveit_band
MUSIC
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/takeitorleaveit-872042877
BandCamp: https://takeitorleaveitband.bandcamp.com/album/tunnel-vision
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5S60w9S5bvsF4qM00hjf6V?si=JBUdwxl-RAOxAYjsp_maxw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/take-it-or-leave-it/1777896776
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B017WY07QI/take-it-or-leave-it?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_T8xEQeAy5t6qutx57HmfJAmEN
