Interview with Kqhyt Kqhyt

April 25, 2022 Sonia Schnee

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Monday, April 25, 2022

Kqhyt Kqhyt has to be one of my favorite bands to emerge from Asbury Park since I started writing for Jersey Indie. Whether you know how to pronounce their name or not, you have no doubt caught them playing their booze soaked rock and roll throughout Asbury Park. Since forming in 2019, their long anticipated first single “Carey Bronson” was released April 8th of this year. Accompanied by a great music video, their self-titled release came out April 22nd and is available to purchase here. I recently reached out to lead guitarist Alex Rosen and the band to talk about the beginnings of the band and their upcoming plans. Thanks again, Alex. <><>

When did you first start making music together? How was the band formed?

In early 2019. It is a bit of a long story, but the short of it is I had gotten Brian and Brendon down to jam. I went to Brendon's house and Bronson came down and asked when practice was. That was pretty much that.

What is your songwriting process like?

Brendon pretty much has a couple albums worth and growing of songs. So he brings some to practice and we just kind of work ‘em out. Or he has older fully realized tunes and we all just work it to full band. I have contributed some songs and Brian has a few up his sleeve. It is a mostly collaborative effort. You hear this a lot with bands, but it is always cool to see how the idea you had for a song completely transforms when you bring it to other people and jam on it.

Favorite song you have written as a group so far? Why?

Brendon wrote "Mullica" and I really dig how everyone kind of added their own little mark to it. Brendon had the song already done, but each member added themselves to it. Lyrically, it is great as well.

Favorite venue to perform at?

Not sure if we have a favorite of all time since we are pretty new. But places like The Saint, Asbury Park Yacht Club, and Bond St. have always been good to us.

You recorded an album last year. Who did you work with? How was that experience?

We worked with Pete Steinkopf at Little Eden. The experience went great, and I am really so happy with how the tunes sound and how everything came out. Pete knocked it out of the park!

The band name is super unique. How did you end up with it and what does the band name mean to you?

No comment at the moment.

Your first single “Carey Bronson” is accompanied by a great video. Who did you work with for the video and how was that experience?

I went to my bud Mike Brown (Phasor Video) who is a really interesting dude. Does a lot of touring with big musicians as well as has a bit of a cult following in the WWE or wrestling world. I asked him if he would do a music video for us. We just gave him free creative control and that was that. I sent him, I think, three songs, and he picked “Carey Bronson.” It is cool just letting someone have their own vision on something you did. Kind of shows you how a song can mean different things to different people.

Any upcoming plans for the group?

We have a full-length out on vinyl and digital on 4/22. It is self-titled and limited to 100. In late April, we are going to record our new record with Mike Mobius at Moonlight Mile. We also have a live album recorded, actually the final show at the Brighton Bar, just been slow-moving with it. We have some shows in Buffalo later this year and May 15th at Red Tank brewery. I would like to get a brewery to do a beer for us, get a tattoo gun and maybe give Bronson another nickname. Just try and make up for some lost time.

We have a bunch of merch we are working on and if you would like to grab our record and future items please check out our Bandcamp: kqhytkqhyt.bandcamp.com

Instagram: @kqhytkqhyt

You can find our stuff on Spotify and all that stuff too.

Thanks again.

You can listen to and support Kqhyt Kqhyt here <><>

Interview with The City Limit

April 14, 2022 Sonia Schnee

Stanhope, NJ band The City Limit is cooking up new music for 2022, drawing on a diverse range of influences, from blues to pop, rock, funk, jazz, and folk. I interviewed bandmates Scott Lewis, Anthony Ambrosio, Sean Farrelly, and Mike Casson twice last year to ask them about their future music plans. Just a little over a month ago, they teased on Instagram part of a new single, which we may get to hear on April 22nd when they perform at Newton, NJ's Greek's Bar. Then, on Saturday, May 14th, The City Limit will be traveling down south, performing for the first time in North Carolina at Wampus Cat Music Festival.

Interview with Katie Miller (Kate Dressed Up)

March 3, 2022 Sonia Schnee

If you find yourself part of Katie Miller’s inner circle, consider yourself lucky. Over the years, this South Jersey singer-songwriter has managed to surround herself with a diverse group of creative and talented people, sending the right energy out into the universe and attracting it back. When I first spoke with Katie (almost exactly a year ago) her band Kate Dressed Up had just released a single and an accompanying music video for the song “Ride Home.” Now, a year later, Katie has released a second song, entitled “The Fountain”, this time accompanied by a beautifully produced animated short. As it goes, a lot has happened in Katie’s life over the course of a year, but what has remained constant is her dedication to her craft, her practice of gratitude, and her ability to continue welcoming people in with open arms.

Interview with Chelsea Carlson (Singer/Songwriter, Musician)

February 9, 2022 Sonia Schnee

NJ’s Chelsea Carlson has been keeping busy during the pandemic as a multi-genre singer/songwriter, member of the Renaissance Faire-inspired trio Bardy Pardy, and as a music teacher giving virtual and in-person lessons to students K-12. On Friday, February 11, you can also see her perform live as she opens for the band The Wag at The Coffee House in Edison, NJ. Chelsea has a ton of new music coming out later this year, as both a solo artist and through Bardy Pardy. So how has she been able to juggle all these creative endeavors while remaining so upbeat?

No Great Pretender Releases Debut Album, "The Piano Project"

February 18, 2021 Sonia Schnee

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Friday, February 19, 2021

If you’re craving tunes with an indie/folk, singer/songwriter vibe, look no further than No Great Pretender’s debut album "The Piano Project,” which was released today on Spotify and other streaming platforms (via Mint 400 Records). No Great Pretender is the solo project of Eric Sosler (Union City, NJ), who also is a member of the band The Racer. The first music video for the album ("Comfort") also premiered earlier this week on Blood Makes Noise. Check out our interview with Eric, below, to learn more about the inspiration behind his album, what it’s like to solo-crew a music video, and more.

Congratulations on the release of your debut album "The Piano Project" and your music video, "Comfort"! What can you tell us about the inspiration behind this album? How long has it been in the works?

Thank you! I started writing for this album in the beginning of the pandemic. I lost my job as a bartender and had all this extra time and decided this was a great opportunity to start doing something I had been wanting to do for a while. Write and sing my own songs. My own ideas. Being in the band The Racer, it's always been great to be able to write songs in a group setting and all the ideas get molded together, but this was a chance to do something completely on my own. So as bad as the pandemic and quarantining was and is, I am grateful for the opportunity it allowed for me as a songwriter.

Where did you record? Who did you record with?

I am fortunate enough to have a best friend in The Racer, Michael Esserman, who was able to carve out some time to record these songs for me. It was interesting as I was able to send him all the piano tracks in email that were recorded on GarageBand (I have very limited knowledge on all these programs), and he was able to transfer to his ProTools sessions. I was then able to record vocals in his studio, which we did in only a few takes. I am new to singing as a lead vocalist, and I also did not want to strive for perfection on these vocals. I wanted them to flow naturally and for Mike to capture what came out without singing a hundred takes. Of course, I rehearsed and had a game plan for it, but I was curious to see what would come out in real time.

I think Mike did a really good job of enhancing the intimacy of the project. In his words, his vision when presented with the songs was to make it sound like I walked into an empty room and played on an old dusty piano. I am grateful for his work on this!

What was the music-video-making process like?

So, I love making music videos! We have a bunch of videos for The Racer that I love being involved in. The biggest challenge is always what can be done on basically zero budget. The “Comfort” video is a perfect example of this. The goal was to just try and capture all the emotions, uneasiness, discomfort, comfort, pressure of being in front of a camera when trying to perform or interview, or just attempting to stay sane in your own mind.

I was by myself doing this video, so that was unusual and a little weird but still fun (like looking around for someone to laugh with after I just did one of the angry emotion takes). But I just cleared out a section in my home of all the furniture and set a tripod up with my iPhone11 and let loose with all the ideas and went with the flow.

I'm also very proud of this video since I was able to do everything myself, especially the editing. Technology has really advanced in the sense of being user-friendly for people that aren’t the most tech savvy, and something I've been able to do over the course of the pandemic is learn just enough to edit a simple video such as “Comfort” using the iMovie App and VideoLeap App on my phone.

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? What has your journey been like?

I’m originally from Monroe, NY and always grew up with that New Yorker sense of pride and New Jersey is gross mentality! I moved to Jersey City almost 7 years ago and boy was I wrong. I now consider myself so lucky to be part of this Jersey music community, and I like to think I have made it to the point where I can say I represent New Jersey now! It feels like home to me.

There’s so much going on here with all the arts and music, which has really influenced me in growing as an artist. It’s allowed for me to develop my own ideas and venture off into this solo adventure. Up until now The Racer, the band that I am in and have been in since 2001, has been my only real creative outlet.

The idea of No Great Pretender and me finally writing my own songs came to fruition in the beginning of the pandemic. The name is from the song off of The Roots’ 1996 album, Illadeph Halflife. I love what that name conjures up for me. The imagination. The possibilities of it all. So I don’t want this to be just about music. I want it to represent a creative practicing lifestyle, and I want to continuously grow with it.

How would you describe your musical style? Who are your influences?

I don’t want to be beholden to any one style. I just want it to be me. For “The Piano Project” there’s a ton of influences in the songs. Most notably Gregory Alan Isakov, Justin Vernon, The National, Frightened Rabbit to name a few. I love the sad, melancholy type vibes and it definitely showed up in the songs. I think “indie folk singer songwriter” is what I put down for this album, but the idea of No Great Pretender is ever evolving. I want to collaborate with artists. Do all different types of music. I have really been getting into Jazz and Blues and trying to learn that as much as I can, but I'm open to anything.

Do you have a favorite song on "The Piano Project" and if so, what is it about?

“Hardly Anymore” was the first song I wrote for this solo idea. So in the beginning, I was just so proud of it and kept playing it all the time so I wouldn’t forget it and of course loved it for that purpose alone.

Over time, “Comfort” has stepped into a nice role for me. I think the video enhanced it for me. I really let that vulnerability feeling out on that one so it’s developed into something special personally for me. I'm not used to being the focal point.

What are your goals, personally or professionally, for 2021? What are you most looking forward to?

I just want to keep growing as an artist. Keep improving and learning from others. I’ve learned a lot during this pandemic time period and mostly that I don’t know a lot! So I just want to keep improving and keep creating as much as possible. I’m looking forward to playing live music in whatever capacity. Although, I am worried about my nerves getting the best of me, so I will have to rehearse a lot for it!

Finally, how can people find you?

You can find me at:
www.instagram.com/no_great_pretender
www.nogreatpretender.com

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

“Cause I'm the soul avenger, remember I'm no great pretender” - Lyrics from “No Great Pretender” by The Roots’ Illadelph Halflife. I love that line in the song.

Sean Kiely to Perform at Cathedral Arts Live (Nov 22)

November 13, 2019 Sonia Schnee

By Sonia Schnee | Posted November 13, 2019

Jersey City’s music scene is continually blossoming, due in part to Cathedral Arts Live, a monthly live music series launched by Grace Church Van Vorst five years ago to celebrate diversity in music-making while also strengthening community. On Friday, November 22, Cathedral Arts Live will welcome singer-songwriter Sean Kiely and singer-songwriter Abbie Gardner to its stage. Check out our interview with Sean, below, to learn about his musical influences, what to expect at the upcoming Cathedral Arts Live show, and how New Jersey’s awesome community of artists are supporting one another. To purchase tickets to the show, please visit cathedralartslive.org.

What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?

Sean Kiely, born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, raised in Bergen County, residing in Jersey City for nearly 12 years.

How would you describe your sound? Who are your musical influences?

I’m drawn to music that sustains a feeling or emotion for the length of a song, and that's what I try to do in my writing. I typically play in acoustic configurations where a rotating group of musicians can express themselves and improvise in that context. My music is influenced by folk, jazz, and experimental music. Some of my musical heroes are the Grateful Dead, Leonard Cohen, Gillian Welch, Bonnie Prince Billy, Joanna Newsom, The Bad Plus, Yo La Tengo, Bill Callahan, Cass McCombs, The Beatles, and many more!

From “It Sure Was Good” [2018]
Animation: Hannah Subotnick

You have an upcoming performance with Cathedral Arts Live. What are you most looking forward to? What can people expect?

I’m really looking forward to sharing the bill with Abbie Gardner – we’ve played together quite a lot in a traditional bluegrass setting (she sits in with my bluegrass band The Go Bailers often at our 3-years-running Wednesday night residency at The Archer in Jersey City), but this will be a treat to play our original music on the same night. The acoustics are special at Grace Church Van Vorst, it’ll be a thrill to sing and play in that room. At least from me, I’d say people can expect some sad songs that are cut through with humor and hope.

How did you hear about Cathedral Arts Live? What are your thoughts about New Jersey's music scene?

I’ve attended a few shows in the series, including Walter Parks and the Hudson West Folk Festival. It’s really well-curated and I’m honored to be included this year. As far as the NJ music scene goes, I love living and playing in Jersey City – there are a bunch of fantastic venues around town now that weren’t here even five years ago, like Fox & Crow, The Archer, Pet Shop, and FM.

Photography by Anthony Mulcahy — *Photography by* *Anthony Mulcahy*

What has your personal journey been like so far? How’d you get to this point?

I play and listen to a wide range of styles of music, so my journey has been full of a lot of detours and crooked lines. The thing I’m most proud of is the company of musicians that I keep, who all play in a way that’s present, joyful, playful, and beautiful. I have a difficult time staying present and in the moment in my life, so I cherish that creative space we’ve made together (myself, Bobby McCullough, Dave Heilman, Rob Hecht, Jonny Lam, Jeff Taylor, Jesske Hume, Zac Colwell, Maddie Witler, and more).

Do you have any words of advice for people who share a similar passion or have maybe faced similar obstacles/challenges?

Find gigs and play a lot. Try and be prepared, but the best way to find yourself is by being open to the moment and playing all the time. Play with a lot of different kinds of people and kinds of musicians.

Finally, what are some ways that fans can connect with you online? (Website? Facebook? Spotify? Etc.?)

seankielymusic.com
instagram.com/sean0sean
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2KdSg93

DOWNLOAD: http://bit.ly/MONUMENTS

All proceeds to benefit RAICES (https://www.raicestexas.org) All musicians and engineers generously donated their time and energy to this recording so that all funds raised from it be donated to RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to under-served immigrant children, families, and refugees.

Interview with The Mighty John Caseys

June 1, 2018 Sonia Schnee

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, June 1, 2018

The Mighty John Caseys are a supergroup duo comprised of Joey Affatato of The Carousers and Johnny Ott of The Cryptkeeper Five. Both Joey and Johnny are the frontmen of raucous punk bands, but with The Mighty John Caseys they decided to pick up their acoustic guitars and try their hand at folk music. The sheer power of both of their voices together in a stripped down setting is everything fans of their respective bands could have hoped for. The group was gracious enough to answer some questions of mine about their new project.

How did you two decide on the name?

JOHNNY: My grandfather, Joey's great-grandfather’s, name was John Joseph Casey. We were both named after him... John Joseph Ott & Joseph Casey Affatato

What were your influences for this acoustic project?

JOEY: For me, definitely singer/songwriters like Elliott Smith, The Everly Brothers, and Langhorne Slim. Although, I love hearing punk bands like The Menzingers do stripped-down acoustic versions of their songs. That On The Impossible Past acoustic record they have is pretty great.

JOHNNY: I agree with all of Joey;s choices... hmm... geez.

I think most of times I play with an acoustic act, it influences me somehow or another... AND there’s a lot of great local acoustic acts like Doug Zambon and Sammy Kay and Keith Monacchio and Brian Rothenbeck... I could go on forever...

Lately, I’ve been on an Avett Brothers-Brandi Carlile-Johnny Cash/American Recordings kick

What made you want to do an acoustic project?

JOHHNY: I like hearing songs in their rawest, purest form. You can’t get more stripped down than a dude/or dudes and acoustic guitars.

JOEY: I’ve been on a “folk music” binge now for a while. Listening to a lot of singer/songwriters and thinking how cool it would be to do something similar. Specifically, though, I remember Johnny told me to watch that movie Inside Llewyn Davis. He showed me a scene where it was just Oscar Isaac playing a folk song on stage at a bar. I was pretty inspired, and it's when I knew him and I should start jamming.

JOHNNY: Such a great movie.

Do you prefer playing live in a loud punk band (i.e. The Carousers), acoustic, or are they two different worlds you can’t compare?

JOEY: It’s hard to compare. I really enjoy having both projects since they’re so different. It’s cool to be able to take influences of mine and apply them to both bands!

JOHNNY: I agree, I truly love doing both... I love all the bands I play in... but my heart lies with The Cryptkeeper Five.

What is it like to play acoustic music on a punk bill?

JOHNNY: It’s fun. I guess as long as the crowd is good, any show is fun.

When can we expect recorded music?

JOHNNY: Soon? I think? We’re in the demoing stage right now.

Where can everyone see you live next?

JOEY: No upcoming shows yet, but stay tuned for more content online soon!

JOHNNY: We’re always down to play. Hit us up at...

JOEY: themightyjohncaseys@gmail.com!

Make sure you like The Mighty John Caseys on their Facebook here to stay updated!