Interview with Lightheaded

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, October 1, 2021

Lightheaded is a three-piece dreamy power pop trio based out of Long Branch, New Jersey. Since first forming in 2017, more recently the band has moved in together and started hosting all ages shows at their house. This has proved to help strengthen a scene that has been affected by the pandemic and also encourage creativity in a safe, inclusive space. Having seen Lightheaded live a few times over the summer, I recently reached out to the group to learn more about them and find out when we can expect some new music. Thanks again, gang! 

When did Lightheaded first form?

Lightheaded was first formed in 2017. The bands we had been playing in were coming to a natural conclusion. We met during what ended up being one of the last handful of shows for both of our bands... it made sense. We have a really similar music taste and vision for what our band should be. 

Who are the group's main influences ?

Lightheaded’s main influences are countless. We love The Pastels, mark that down first. Probably the reason we started the band. They set the template. The Feelies, New Jersey legends. Got to mention them. Stephen used to live in the same town as Stan! Dwight Twilley and Phil Seymour, we love all the sorta one-off power pop bands! Felt are very special to us. Belle and Sebastian. The Clientele’s first couple records... The Go-Betweens never missed... just cut us off now, we’ll take up the whole interview.

How would you describe your music? 

Lightheaded’s music sounds like people who care about music. Listen to us or watch us and you can tell. We take writing interesting arrangements with literary lyrics very seriously. All of our songs develop their own unique direction over time. Some might be based very much off of synth or a delayed guitar and sound almost shoegaze, but the next might be rooted in French pop and an acoustic guitar. Album #2’s got a tune inspired by Devo. It’s overwhelming how much we want to do and how many hats we want to try on. 

Photo by Emma Murphy

How has the pandemic affected the group's songwriting, if at all?

The pandemic affected our songwriting a bunch of different ways, but most obviously, we all moved in together lol. Anthony has a reel to reel and we spent months working on tape demos when we couldn’t be in public spaces. Not much really went anywhere spectacular, but it was important. That period allowed us time to incubate and think of where our ideas were headed. Those demos afforded us a platform to sketch those ideas into meaningful songs we’re proud of.  

Where has your inspiration been coming from lately?

Lately, our inspiration comes from our community. We have been throwing monthly gigs at our house and the artists that we have met have made the process comforting and satisfying. To play with new artists like Teen Idle, or 2nd Grade, a band building one of the best discographies in the game... It's proof that what’s happening right here in New Jersey is going to be stronger than it’s ever been. It’s fertile ground at the Jersey Shore. We want to be a part of the next new memorable NJ scene, like The Feelies were in Hoboken or Screaming Females in New Brunswick.  

Favorite show you’ve played?

Our favorite show we’ve played... was in front of Susan Sarandon. Twice. Our hearts could only beat so hard...

Who did you work with for your upcoming debut EP?

For our upcoming debut EP, we worked with Adam over at Retro Media Studios in Red Bank. Sometimes, it’s hard for us to be in a room with people, but Adam has been beyond accommodating and flexible to our studio anxiety. If we want to sound good, we need to be in a good head space. 

You can keep up with all things Lightheaded here!

Photo by Emma Murphy

Upcoming plans for the group?

Plans, plans, plans... we’re schemers. Always trying to have stuff cooking. #1 is the Season of the Lost EP. We couldn’t be more excited to show everyone the first batch. We are going to continue throwing monthly shows, throughout this year and next. 

But seriously, most importantly, we just want to get our songs out to the public in an official form. We’ve been a band for awhile now and have a ton of songs that we’re really happy with, so we figure to release the full-length sometime in 2022 and play an out-of state tour, too. We are also looking for someone who slaps the keyboard around, so if you know anyone... send ‘em our way.

Smooch (Interview)

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Sunday, October 13, 2019

Smooch is somewhat of a supergroup, hailing from Monmouth County.  The five-piece, “groovy beach rock” group consists of members from various local New Jersey bands.  Together they create a sound unlike any of their own individual bands, and that sound is quite refreshing.  Their first single, “Rudy” caught my attention, and the band was kind enough to answer some questions about their origin and “Rudy.”  Make sure you follow Smooch on Spotify to keep up with their releases!

How did Smooch form?  When?

We’ve all known each other for quite some time and have collaborated through different projects, but the first time “Smooch” came together was for a recording session in March of 2019. 

Who is in Smooch?  Who plays what?

Smooch consists of:

Jon Bass - Bass Guitar and vocals

Justin Murray - Guitar

James Eckert - Guitar and vocals

Owen Flanagan - Drums and percussion

Andy Jackle - Drums and percussion  

Tell us about your latest single, "Rudy."  Where did you record?

The song “Rudy” was recorded at Retromedia Recording Studio in Red Bank, NJ by Adam Vaccarelli (a totally rad dude).  Justin Murray wrote the premise of the song while still in high school.  It came to its final form after the other members added their parts just before the recording session. 

What is Smooch's songwriting process like?

When Smooch writes a song, it often starts with one band member bringing an idea to the table (chord progressions, lyrics, etc.) and then the band will get together and create parts for other instruments.  We then jam it out and try to get it as tight as possible. 

Plans for more music?  EP?  Album?

We’ve released 5 individual songs so far and are constantly writing more.  As of now, there are no concrete plans for an album or an EP.  We are just creating and going with the flow.

Future plans for Smooch?  Upcoming shows?

On November 1, 2019 you can catch Smooch at the Red Tank Brewing in Red Bank, NJ.  For more show dates and future events, you can follow us on Instagram with the tag @smoochthegroup!

Interview with Freddie Koechlin (Rainville)

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Thursday, July 25, 2019

Rainville is the latest project from Freddie Koechlin, based out of Red Bank, New Jersey. Freddie also plays bass and sings in America Part Two, a rock outfit also based out of Red Bank. However, Rainville seems to be a departure from the raucous sounds of AP2. Rainville’s latest single, “More Than Anything”, appears to be a step in the singer/songwriter direction. With beautiful finger picked guitar and a passionate vocal take, Freddie proves he is more than capable of quieting down when he is not playing with AP2. Freddie was kind enough to answer a few questions I had about Rainville for Jersey Indie. Thanks again!

What made you choose "Rainville" as the name of your new project?

Rainville is actually my Mom’s maiden name. Since this project is all solo material so far, the name Rainville definitely fits for me and helps paint a vibe.

How did Rainvile start?

2 years ago my band America Part Two/friends moved into a house with each other. We influenced each other because we wrote and jammed every single day. We usually write as a unit which in return helps us find who we are as songwriters individually.

How do you approach songwriting for Rainville compared to America Part Two? 

I think America Part Two writes best in our live energy. I think it’s amazing and most fun when one of us will bring a little idea to practice, it allows the 3 of us to do our thang. For Rainville I prefer to write completely alone. I’ll write in the house, at the park etc... but I most enjoy when I can write and release all my thoughts and energy alone.

What does Rainville mean to you? As a project and a name?

Rainville means everything to me. It’s my family name, and I chose it to represent myself and the group because I do really like it and it’s honoring the fam. This project is intended to help document and understand my family’s history. It’s to promote positivity and I’d hope to show any other weirdos like my friends and I, that the answer is in the art and helping others.

Tell me about your latest single, "More Than Anything." Who did you record with? What was that like? What does this song mean to you? Why did you choose this to be the first Rainville release?

I recorded with Stephen Kellner from NJ! Steve and I recorded a bunch of songs, some that I still hope to finish soon! We tracked 9 songs in 3 days. Steve produced, engineered and mastered. For “More Than Anything” we rigged up a mic on the floor and a mic for my guitar. I live tracked the guitar and my foot stomps... we tracked vocals after. When I was writing this song it was one of those moments where you feel your life changing, and I felt cleansed from the feelings/emotions the very song captured. I released it first because it felt like my true first song.

What is it like recording all of your own instruments compared to playing with a band?

For any full band song I would much rather live-track drums, bass and guitar (recording in the same room at the same time) then... overdub vocals and other guitars.

I feel that captures the live experience as best as possible while also keeping that audible quality. For Rainville, I’m working to get to the point of live-tracking guitar and vocals and then layering the rest. “More Than Anything,” for example, I tracked guitar... then vocals. 

Any plans for full band shows?

We are hopefully gonna jam more full band shows for the rest of eternity! Also keep an ear open for new music! I’m finishing up a lot of new stuff in the studio with Rob Chiarappa of The Stolen. Don’t want to say anything too soon but it’s All Good!!!!!! And to all Y’all reading this!!! Thank you for your time!!! If you  want... follow @AmericaPartTwo and @Rainville.usa !!!

https://www.facebook.com/AmericaPartTwo/
https://twitter.com/AmericaPartTwo/
https://www.instagram.com/americaparttwo/

https://www.facebook.com/Rainville-2128210060548561/
https://www.instagram.com/rainville.usa/

Interview with America Part Two

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Wednesday, November 14, 2018

America Part Two is the newest collaboration between Alex Fabio, Fred Koechlin and Sam Weingarten. The group recorded their first EP, Pure, back in 2017 and have hit the ground running since then. AP2 is one of the hardest working bands I have ever seen in my life. Their energy is unmatchable and they tour relentlessly. Luckily for me, America Part Two was sweet enough to let me bug them with a few questions and I am endlessly grateful they did so. Thank you guys!

How did you guys come up with the name "America Part Two"?

The name America Part Two means literally everything to us. America Part Two is a concept already in the minds of this generation’s revolutionaries, we're just putting the pen to paper. Freddie wrote the song, "America Pt. II" first, and when the magnitude of that title hit us, we had to pursue its power.

Influences?

Fred: I’d say some of my biggest influences as a songwriter are Robert Johnson, Lead Belly, Link Wray, Simon and Garfunkel, Creedence, Biggie, Linkin Park, So Wrong it’s Right, Paranoid, Red Bank, The Orb, Gillian Welch, My Family and Friends in Music.

As a Collective Energy, I think we take a lot of influence from huge electric guitar rock and music with soul. We take influence from everything from Jimi and Janis to the early CBGB groups to a lot of 90s alternative. The political and social climate of the world is probably our biggest influence.

Alex: In middle school, I got enveloped into the late 2000’s Bamboozle scene. All Time Low was the #1 band that, not only stole my heart, but also taught me that I can do this. Also love 90’s bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, and Rage Against The Machine. That era saw 6-figure contracts and artistic freedom. What a combination!

Sam: Biggest influences personally are My Chemical Romance, Enter Shikari, The Beatles, Sublime, and August Burns Red.

Favorite song to play live? Why?

Alex: “Freedom” & “Split.” Not only are they the newest, but the messages of these songs lyrically and instrumentally resonate with us so much as the band we are right now.

Fred: “Freedom.” It’s one of our newest songs. We exert so much energy in our live set and we’ve been jamming it since the last tour. I feel on top of the world screaming a song this important to us. With it being unreleased, it’s nice to hit people with something they don’t expect during the set.

It’s also so important to me on an artistic level because at the time of writing... Alex, Jake [Newcomb] and I ripped “Freedom” out of thin air. We all had such equal and powerful roles in creating this song. Looking back it really felt smooth, effortless, GIANT and in-control. Like the song was already there.

Sam: “Freedom.” The song is a full journey that somehow ends right where it began. It’s impossible to "go through the motions" playing that one. Raw power, generated by each of us individually, cycling back and forth between our 3-piece dynamic at every note.

Tips for going out on tour?

Fred: BUY A FORD VAN. Pack extra Undies and Socks!!! Extra EVERYTHING! Extra cables, instruments and anything for hygiene/safety and whatever you need to live out of a van. Don’t pack anything unnecessary (30 t-shirts). Depending on how long you’re on the road… always save as much as possible! Duh! If the van can’t make it home, neither can you! We always stock up on protein bars, granola, cereal and Peanut Butter Sandwiches. Always have extra water and a spare tire. If you need to sleep in the van, sleep at Walmart Supercenters.

Sam: We haven't done this yet but a Planet Fitness membership to get a nice shower every day. You're probably gonna wear the same shirt for 3 days straight so load up on undies and socks. Clif Bars, bananas, WATER, GOOD food for energy. You can get your fast food anywhere. It's usually a marathon, not a sprint. And lay it down every night when it's time to play, regardless of who's in the room.

Favorite place to play?

Alex: The original Asbury Lanes will forever have my heart as the best venue in the world! But since that’s long gone, I really love Mohawk Place in Buffalo and Fubar in St. Louis. Great stages and great sound.

Fred: My favorite places to play in NJ are the Asbury Brewery, TCNJ and our spot in Red Bank. Traveling around, we love to stop at State Parks, too. Recently we stopped in Ithaca and really enjoyed our time there. Some of my favorite places I’ve played elsewhere are the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, The Alleyway at Augie’s Coffeehouse in LA, Gold Sounds in Brooklyn, a barn in Iowa. Boaz, Alabama! Fubar in St. Louis, Oregon, Denver and Webster Hall Underground rip!

Favorite America Part Two song?

Alex & Fred: “SPLIT”/”Freedom”

Sam: “Hoedown”

Three albums that you think define your sound?

Alex: Nevermind — Nirvana, Blood Sugar Sex Magik — Red Hot Chili Peppers, Floral Green — Title Fight.

Fred: ILL COMMUNICATION — Beastie Boys, G.L.O.S.S. EP — G.L.O.S.S., Floral Green — Title Fight.

Sam: Evil Empire — Rage Against The Machine, Is A Real Boy — Say Anything. Those are the only two I could think to say because we're indescribable.

Upcoming shows?

We’re heading on tour to support “Split,” so if you’re reading this outside of the Garden State, we’re coming for you!

Interview with Anthony Cartinella (Black 35 Guitars)

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Anthony Cartinella is a bit of a legend in the New Jersey punk scene.  Starting Dark Horse Percussion in 1996, he helped foster the NJ punk sound, even though he did not play on the records.  However, his drums were featured on groundbreaking Jersey punk albums by bands including The Gaslight Anthem, The Bouncing Souls and Streetlight Manifesto, just to name a few.  These days, he does not make drums anymore but instead has turned his passion for music into building custom guitars for the working class, which happens to be Black 35 Guitars’ mission statement.  Black 35 Guitars has grown exponentially since his first guitar was made, and his roster of players grows every single day.  Anthony was kind enough to let me ask him a few questions about his company, and I am more than happy to spread the word of the incredible work he is doing in my hometown of Red Bank, New Jersey.

How did you first get involved with making instruments?

Anothony Cartinella:  I founded Dark Horse back in 1996.  Dark Horse Percussion originally started with my father and I making snare drums at our house.  My father would help me, but I just wanted to make snares for fun, and then I started Dark Horse as a real business.  Dark Horse actually started from me being into marching and orchestral percussion.  I was getting sick and tired of going to music stores and asking about marching or orchestral gear and the guys working there having no idea what I was talking about.  I basically came home one day after going to a music store, and I went to my mother and told her I wanted to start my own business, and I asked her what I could do.  She actually ended up helping me with a sole proprietorship business, which was Dark Horse Percussion.  I originally started out by just selling accessories, like sticks and drumheads out of my parents’ basement.  I had a lot of schools that were buying stuff from me which was really cool.  Eventually, I got set up with a Pearl dealer and I was selling drum sets and marching gear.  Then I started building drums for fun, mostly one-offs, that I would put on eBay.  I would sell it, then someone would ask me to make them a set.

What is it like owning a business that sells products that are always in such high demand?

Most people tend to think that having your own business is glamorous, but it is the furthest thing from that.  What most people do not see is the Orange County Choppers side of things.  You see that end product and you think ‘Wow! That’s friggin' awesome!’  But what most people do not see is how the builder was up until 12:30 in the morning before the day the drum set was supposed to arrive to the client.  Then, realizing last minute he is short two lug cases to complete someone's drumset and it needs to be shipped out in the morning in order to make it to Germany for the show.  Most people do not see that kind of stress.

What got you into making guitars and retiring from making drums?

I used to make guitars for fun while I would be waiting on drums, like waiting for shells to come to finish up a kit.  I started Black 35, since 35 is my favorite number and that’s Mike Richter’s number on the Rangers -- I am a big Rangers fan -- and because black 35 in roulette being my favorite.  So, I figured ‘Hey! That’s my guitar company!’ but my goal was not to start a guitar company.  My goal was to basically make guitars that I like, make them and sell them at a price point that sits around a thousand bucks a guitar, and if someone wants it, cool, they can buy it.  If not, I'll just keep it and keep playing it.  I got out of Dark Horse and I figured I learned my lesson from business and did not want that anymore so I would focus on other hobbies.  Needless to say, I started a big cartel page and an Instagram account, posted a guitar I made, said it was for sale, and the next thing I knew, everything I was making was selling, and selling fast.  Even crazier than that, I was shipping these guitars out all over the world.

What keeps you going?

I was told I am basically making the workingman's custom guitar.  I have the ability and technology to make stuff, and that why I can turn around and make someone a guitar and I can make them however the buyer wants. A LP style with two humbuckers and a tele pickup in the bridge?  I can do that, and in a way where I can make it affordable for you!  I'm currently over 260 orders in eighteen months, and now I have ten thousand, organic Instagram followers.  It’s crazy how something that wasn’t supposed to be a business turned into a really cool business.

What makes you different from other custom guitar-makers out there?

Being that I teach fulltime, and that's my bread and butter, doing this on the side I can work with you and be like, ‘hey, man you want this guitar? I can work with you and be like, well how much can you put down?’  And someone will say they can put $200 down, and I say cool!  I get the $200, I put the order in my book, start working on the guitar and the player can chip away at the price while I am making the guitar.  Most importantly, players appreciate that because that gears myself towards these DIY-ethics [that] musicians stand by, as well as I do.  I make it so it’s very personable and accommodating in order to work with everyone.  I understand everyone is in a different financial position, and I make sure I am able to work with you financially to get you to the end result.  It’s not all about money, it’s about building a relationship.