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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.
What are the origins of the band, and how long have you been playing together?
Hey, Mario here. We’ve been playing together since late 2021, though we originally formed under a different name and lineup for a one-time gig. Craig and I wanted to keep the momentum going, and once Devon joined us in mid 2022, the band really came into focus. The sound, the energy, the chemistry, it all locked in and felt right.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Take It Or Leave It?
We bring fast guitars, honest lyrics, and a high-energy performance to every show. The music we make is inspired by the stuff that helped shape us growing up, but we’re not just trying to recreate the past. If we can modernize that nostalgic feeling and still sound fresh, then we’ve done our job.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
Our first show was a different lineup, like I mentioned, but the energy was electric. I hadn’t been on stage in years, and Craig was eager to play again, too, so we were ready to make it count. Our second gig, which was our first with Devon behind the kit, was even better. It felt like the missing piece finally clicked, and everything started to move in the right direction.
What are you working on at the moment that people can check out?
Right now, we’re in the early stages of recording our next single, Therapy. We’ve been performing it live, and there’s a raw live version from Montclair Porchfest out now that people can check out while the studio track takes shape. It’s already become a crowd favorite and has grown a lot based on how people react to it in the moment when we are on stage.
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel Take It Or Leave It would be best suited to open for?
Green Day would be a dream. They know how to meet the moment, stay emotional, and still be a blast to watch live. On a more local scale, we’d love to open for Millington. Their Brass Emo sound is super unique and creative, and there’s a natural crossover with what we bring to the stage.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
Keep Flying deserves everything. They’re some old friends from over a decade ago and have been one of the most consistent touring bands in the scene. They show up, give it everything, and leave it all out there every time. Their new record rips, and they should be on way more people’s radar.
What frustrates you about the music business?
It always comes back to money. When non-musicians are making the decisions, it shifts focus away from creativity and toward numbers. Streaming is another beast. You can have real momentum and still get pennies for the effort. We’ve leaned into live streaming and other creative ways to reach people directly, because the traditional model doesn’t reward independent artists. And then there’s AI music, which is already starting to flood platforms. It’s exhausting trying to stand out in a space filled with noise that didn’t even come from real people.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
Music was always around growing up, mostly from what my parents played or what my friends were into. I even have faded memories of trying to write silly songs with friends in elementary school. But the moment it became something real was in high school, when I finally got to put my hands on a large array of instruments. That opened the door. And yeah, I’m not gonna lie, Guitar Hero and Rock Band played a role too. They made music feel approachable, like something I could actually do myself.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Blink-182 at Citi Field last summer. My wife and I went with our best friends the night before flying out to Ireland, and it was an unforgettable send-off. We were way up in the nosebleeds, but it didn’t matter. The energy was incredible, the band sounded great, and the whole thing reminded me why I love being on stage, even from that far away.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
Our song Some Things Never Change was written in direct response to the rise of fascism and the ongoing political suppression in the U.S. We don’t label ourselves a political band, but we won’t stay silent either. We stand with the LGBTQ+ community and any group that’s being targeted, erased, or silenced. If you have a mic, you should use it, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
The album that you have in your album collection or Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
People assume I’m all punk all the time, but I keep things pretty varied. I’ve been following Chappell Roan’s rise and will throw on new Lady Gaga stuff pretty regularly. That might surprise some people, but I think good music is good music. I can spin Alkaline Trio, go straight to Gaga, and then right into The Offspring without skipping a beat. I was a massive Spice Girls fan in my early years, so maybe that’s still lingering somewhere in my subconscious.
Everybody is a fan of something — who or what are you a fan of?
As a video editor, I’m a huge fan of clean, thoughtful production. Lighting, camera work, editing choices, it all adds up. The show Adolescence blew me away. Every episode, not just a scene, was shot in one continuous take. That level of planning and execution is nuts, and the behind-the-scenes footage made me love it even more.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
I’ve been playing Keep Flying’s new record on repeat. Millington just dropped an awesome EP in May, too. I try to stay active with playlists like Discover Weekly or New-For-You so I can keep finding fresh stuff and stay in the loop. It might not be new music, but I also love discovering old albums that I just didn’t know existed.
What does 2025 hold for Take It Or Leave It?
This year, we’re focused on finishing Therapy and then turning our attention to the next EP. We’ve got shows lined up across New York and New Jersey this summer and a few surprises still to announce. It’s going to be a busy second half of the year, and we’re not slowing down.
How active are you on social media, and where can people connect with you?
Instagram is where we’re most active, but you can find us anywhere. Our LinkTree is the best place to go if you want to choose your platform, whether you’re looking for music, merch, or updates. We try to stay connected and make it easy to follow along, wherever you are.
LINK TREE https://linktr.ee/music.takeitorleaveit
Craig Chalfin – Bass, Vocals,
Mario Frascone – Guitar, Manager
Devon Beuschel – Drums
