Interview with Sean Tobin

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Sunday, May 22, 2022

Sean Tobin has been writing invigorating Irish folk rock for the past few years and is back with a new full-length June 10th titled Ghost of The Arcade. Following up 2020’s East Coast Artifacts, Tobin’s latest singles showcase his shore town storytelling with his solid backing band. Sean’s music fits in Asbury Park bars just as well as pubs in Galway. Combining traditional Irish instruments with punk ferocity, his music remains exciting and at times nostalgic. I reached out to Sean to talk about his band and their upcoming album just a few weeks away. Thanks again, Sean!

When did you first start releasing your own music?

I released my first single in the winter of 2018, “Winter (In an Ocean Town).” That was one of the first songs I thought might be worthy of putting out into the universe. The other was “This Midnight”, which was the title track to my first album that came out later that same year. Safe to say, production quality and base-knowledge of songwriting has grown since then, but I still put many of those songs into my setlists.

Who is in your current lineup? How do these players influence your sound compared to when you first started?

Drums - David Patiño

Bass - Jack Breslin/Backing Vox

Lead Guitar/Mandolin/Accordion - Jake Garbe

Fiddle (When We Can Lock him Down!) - Sean-David Cunningham

These guys were a hodge-podge of connections that I'd made over the years.

Dave grounds us in the punk-rock beat that I always gravitate toward, but has no problem holding back when the song calls for it. He's also the gear guy. Thank god for that.

Jack is arguably the most "professional" musician we have in the group. He's classically trained and incredibly talented as a jazz bassist. He has his own jazz trio and plays in a bunch of other ensembles around NJ and beyond. He and I do a few duo/trio sets here and there, so we have great chemistry when it comes to banter on the mic and performing live.

Jake is the most recent addition to the group. I tapped him when we were putting out “St. Patrick's Day Forever”, as I'd heard he could play a ton of different instruments. I heard correctly. His diversity instrumentally helps flesh out each song in whatever way it needs, from mandolin to accordion to ripping leads on electric. Jake even learned each guitar solo from before he was in the band note for note overnight. Kid's an animal. He also helps add that Celtic, Americana twang to tracks in a way that I've been searching for for a while.

Sean-David Cunningham is one of the most (if not the most) sought after violinist in New Jersey. Classically trained like Jack, he started playing in rock and folk bands a while back and hasn't stopped since. He's one of those guys that only needs to hear the key of the song to play along.

Basically, I surrounded myself with musicians far more talented than me. I think it's working.

Your latest two singles “Memorial Drive” and “On the Corner of Sunset” are real rockers. How did these songs come together? What is your songwriting process like?

These two were serendipitous. I wrote “Memorial Drive” sitting on my VOX in my old Asbury apartment, trying not to wake the neighbors after a night out. Lucky for them, I wrote the song in under an hour. The best ones always happen that way. I'd already written “Sunset” months prior, but I never really put the two together till much later.

When I was tracking out the album, I wanted to make it flow in a way that all my favorite records do. I love the way one song blends into the next in records like American Idiot, Abbey Road, Kick by Spanish Love Songs... When I was going through the track listing, I paired tracks up by the chord they ended on, and when “Memorial Drive” and “Sunset” matched up, it made too much sense.

I love the Irish influence in your music. Who are some of your favorite Irish artists? What is unique about Irish music to you?

First off, thank you! I grew up on The Wolfe Tones. My mom's family is from Northern Ireland, so rebel music was always on repeat at parties. I joke that my dad had three CDs in his car growing up: Let the People Sing, Born to Run, and Beach House on the Moon. 

RIght now, though, I've gotten into a bunch of up-and-coming Irish rock acts. The Scratch is my favorite at the moment. Palpable high-energy acoustic punk, check them out when you can. I also steer toward Dubliners, Pogues, Clancy Brothers and the rest depending on my mood. But right now, The Scratch, Junior Brother, New Pagans, the list goes on...

The lyricism of Irish music has always resonated with me, as even the most serious of songs often have a few quips inside. I love the Irish sense of humor. Dry as hell. I try to add that to my songs whenever I can.

Your full-length Ghost of The Arcade comes out 6/10. Who did you work with for this album? What can fans and first-time listeners expect?

We worked with Rob Freeman up at Audio Pilot Studio for this one. Rob is a veteran producer, as well as a well-known pop-punk musician of Hidden in Plain View. His studio is decked out with tons of state-of-the-art equipment, instruments, and even analog gear. Most importantly for me, though, it has an apartment upstairs, a fire pit outside the listening room, and tons of acreage to explore. We stayed up there for a week and fully engulfed ourselves in the process. It was a dream.

Do you have a favorite track off the new record? What makes this one special?

The album is so diverse, it's too hard to pick just one. I'd also be lying if I said I had a favorite, but there are a few that have yet to be released that I'm very excited about. "I'll Be Alright," for one, is an absolute foot tapper, and the piano on the track drives the album home. "Unfinished Business" is a love song, one that I sang to my wife on our wedding day, so it'll always have a special spot in my heart. "Eugene" is a song for my grandfather.. that importance goes without saying. So do I have a favorite song? No, but I can absolutely say that this is the best, most enjoyable record I've worked on to date. 

We've got shows coming up to support this album at the end of June.

6/24 in New Hope, PA at John & Peter's

6/25 in Asbury Park, NJ at The Saint

6/26 in Jersey City, NJ at JC American Festival

and a late-summer tour to be announced!

~

You can keep up with all things Sean here and make sure you see him and the band this summer!

Interview with Bobby Mahoney (New EP, "We Go On")

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, April 15, 2022

Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son are no strangers here on Jersey Indie, and we are always anticipating their next release. Their work ethic is unmatched and their appetite for songs with big choruses and hooks just seems to grow more and more with each new single. Bobby and his band had been hard at work for their newest release, “We Go On” (which premiered on 4/8), and we can now hear what they have been working on these past few years. To help celebrate this momentous release, they hosted a two-day Release Weekend at The Saint in Asbury Park with a handful of talent from up and down the East Coast. I caught up with Bobby to take a closer look at their latest singles “Moth to the Flame” and “Lay It On Me”, as well as what’s next for the band. Thanks, Bobby!

When did you start writing for your newest release, “We Go On”?

We started writing these songs in fragments in the later half of 2019. They have definitely been a slow-burn. There are other ideas that have been around longer, but I felt strongly about these as they came together, so they got to cut the line a bit. 

How did writing for this record differ from past Seventh Son records? How have you grown as a songwriter? 

This record was collaborative with all four of us, James McIntosh, Andrew Saul, Jon Chang-Soon, and I writing together. I would come up with skeletons/outlines/hooks in acoustic demo form, then I brought them to the others for us to flesh out as a group. The actual pre-production was done remotely, or in-person but masked and socially distanced due to the pandemic. James and I jammed through songs on his electric drum kit, Andrew and I made home pre-production Logic demos, and Jon and I discussed overall “vibe”, soundscape, structure, and arrangement at length ahead of recording as well. We didn’t know if it was going to be an EP, or the first half of a full length, but we felt the five songs we chose really stood on their own, and were a dense, impactful twenty minutes of music. 

“Moth to the Flame” is a rocker, the song also seems autobiographical. What remains to be your favorite thing about playing live shows?

”Moth to the Flame” is extremely autobiographical! It is about our need to create, despite all the factors that try to deter us from doing so. My favorite thing about playing live is when all the hours of practice and prep come together so I don’t have to think, I can feel. Which sounds silly, but I think there is a Keith Richards quote about something like that. When the four of us lock in, we can ride the energy, follow gut/instinct, and do what we know we can do. There are so many hours of things that are NOT playing the guitar that go into being a musician, so when we get to actually do what we signed up for for 20-60 minutes, and connect with people who care about what we do, it makes it all worth it. 

You’ve been playing shows for quite some time. How do you feel shows have changed if at all since the pandemic? 

I think it would have been a nice change to come back to shows with people being a bit more respectful of other audience members and the performers, but I don’t necessarily think that has happened. I think if anything, we are all now less likely to take it all for granted, at least I would really hope so. Before the pandemic, I caught myself taking live music for granted, and after losing it for over a year, I am extremely thankful for any chance I have to go see a performance or to perform myself. In a lot of ways, nothing has changed, yet everything has changed. We are still in weird times, but things are healing.

Who did you record “We Go On” with? Did you and the group do anything differently from previous recordings that you’re excited about?

We recorded “We Go On” with our good pal Joe Pomarico in his parents' basement in Holmdel, NJ. Aside from home demos and some pre-production phone meetings, we actually only rehearsed these songs a handful of times as a unit before we began tracking in Fall 2020. I wanted the songs to feel fresh, live, real, and given the circumstances, I wanted to capture the basic sound of people playing music in a room together. We tracked drums, bass, and rhythm guitars live over one weekend, and then spent a year overdubbing when we were able to get together, and doing Zoom editing/mixing/production meetings remotely! It was a weird way to make a record, but for this record — these songs, at this moment in time — it worked and I am very proud of what we were able to create.

The songs are “classic Seventh Son” — catchy with loud guitars and drums — but they have a new spin with this current line-up working together that led to some of the most exciting and unique songs we have ever recorded. We definitely wanted to push ourselves in every aspect to put out an EP that we felt represented what we do, and where we would like to go. 

What were you influenced by for your latest single “Lay It On Me”? How did that song come together?

I started taking notes for what became “Lay It On Me” while visiting Paris in August 2019. In the lobby of a hotel, they had old American Western movie posters on the wall, and I wrote some titles and taglines down. Many of our favorite songs were inspired from cinema, and many of the best songs are movies in themselves. Incident at Phantom Hill was too good not to note, and Fistful of Dollars is a classic. The irony of going all the way to France to be inspired by the American “West that never was” isn’t lost on me.

“Flower power and violence” is directly about the protests we saw in 2020 for the murder of George Floyd, the fights many Americans have had to wage on our own soil in order to secure their own rights/freedom in our history — painfully recent history — and present. Who the fuck is anyone to deny another human being the same rights they themselves desire and demand? “Will we find redemption?/Tune in next week.”

The song ultimately is about recognizing our own boundaries, and how much each of us can take on at once without being burnt out, burned, or burnt alive.

Musically, I wanted to focus on dynamics- starting very quiet and then gradually getting louder and louder, until it becomes one of the heavier moments on the EP. 

Thanks to everyone who has supported myself and this project over the years. We are excited to share with you all, and excited to see what the future holds! 

~

You can keep up with Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son here. 

Interview with Rory D'Lasnow (New Release, "Songs From An Empty Room")

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, April 15, 2022

Hailing from Bergen County, NJ, Rory D’Lasnow has been penned a “golden voiced troubadour” (NJ.com), and his latest release “Songs From An Empty Room” further proves that notion. Having released music since 2011, Rory continues to dig deeper and tap into raw emotions that listeners can't help but feel connected to. Rory is also responsible for starting The Songwriter Showcase, which was a web series during the height of the pandemic in order to keep songwriters together and inspired through those trying times. Following the release of “Songs From An Empty Room”, Rory was kind enough to answer some questions about the record and his process upon the return of his run of shows in California. Thanks again, Rory!

When did you first start releasing your own music?

I put out my first EP in 2011 right after college. I’ve been singing, writing songs, and playing guitar upside down and backwards since I was five, but I took a while to really be consistent and intentional about it. While I had my first proper “show" at twelve at the local library, my journey has involved a lot of fits and starts due to anxiety, self-doubt, and loss but I’m here now and I feel like having taken such a circuitous path has given me some sort of perspective and ability to hopefully encourage others who face similar challenges.

Who were your biggest influences when first picking up guitar?

I was obsessed with The Beatles as a kid — I wanted to be John Lennon so badly haha. Now I’m more of a Paul guy — but their presence loomed large in my musical development. I also really loved Queen, The Everly Brothers, and Billy Joel though, of course, he wasn’t much of a guitarist! Basically, anything other than the era I was born into. That changed eventually, though. And now I’m a sworn emo kid forever. 

You run The Songwriters Showcase. How did you start that community? What inspires you most when meeting different songwriters?

I do! I initially started it as a way to just stay connected with and provide a small platform for my pals in the music scene during the COVID pandemic, but then it grew a bit to include over 250 artists across twelve countries which is something I’m super proud of and still super shocked by. I probably most enjoy hearing about different folks’ approaches to the craft. There are so many different ways to arrive at this common goal of writing a song that is evocative (and maybe a bit catchy, too).

You’re about to head to the West Coast for a few shows. Will this be your first time playing out there? Where has your favorite out-of-state show been?

Yes! I actually just got back from my first three shows in LA — it was! I lived in the SF area for a bit around 2014, but I only played an open mic or two as I was focused on pursuing “rational” things like a career at a startup in the Silicon Valley (what could be more irrational than ignoring your creative passions?). I was fortunate enough to link up with some fantastic like-minded musicians out in LA, though, for a few shows and I was ecstatic to have the chance to play at Hotel Cafe, which is an unreal space that some great musicians have come through.

The shows in LA definitely are up there, but one other spot I really enjoyed playing was Birmingham, AL with my buddies Anna Hope and John Armstrong Feller. I did a little southern run in January across eight cities and I’d never been anywhere in Alabama but everybody there was so warm and welcomed me with open arms. Knoxville, TN was a really cool one, too — shout out to Melissa Hale!

Favorite show you played in New Jersey?

Oh man — there have been so many great ones for so many different reasons, but I recently had the chance to open for my buddy Jarod Clemons down at Wonder Bar in Asbury Park in celebration of his father, Clarence Clemons, and it was a really special night in so many ways. Jarod and I unfortunately both know what it’s like to have lost our parents and the evening really was just a spectacular way to commemorate them and the impact they had on us. He was kind enough to invite me back up to do “My Hero” with him (RIP Taylor Hawkins — I still can’t believe it) in honor of our dads, and there were just a lot of emotions that came to the surface. It’s been a long, winding road to playing music more consistently for me, but moments like that make me so glad that I decided to pursue what I love with reckless abandon. And I’m so grateful for Jarod and all of the other folks who have had my back. That sense of community is something I failed to anticipate when I sat on my hands for the majority of my twenties.

Tell us about your latest EP “Songs From An Empty Room.” What does this record mean to you? What do you hope the listeners will feel from this release?

The record represents so much to me. Most of these songs predate me losing my best pal — my dad, who gave me my first guitar and really helped develop my love of music — but the songs have become increasingly personally relevant to me as many of them touch upon topics like loss, grieving, and depression. My greatest hope is that people can see themselves in the record and feel a sense of comfort upon listening to the songs. I’ve found that one of the greatest qualities of music is its ability to transcend all kinds of circumstances and obstacles to unite people. Being able to share my story and hear stories from others is an indescribable gift. This record is my heart in five songs, so it’s a joy to share.

~

You can keep up with all things Rory here and listen to “Songs From An Empty Room” here!

Interview with the Dynamic, Multifaceted, Multidimensional Dara Starr Tucker

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, March 11, 2022

Today on Interviews by Gregory Burrus Productions, we encountered a truly fabulous, soulful multidimensional singer. As you may know, a  live music career is a business that requires the performer to stay relevant in the audience’s mind. The performer in order to be successful must be committed to ensure long-term relevance. Dara Tucker has found many ways to stay in the minds of fans using multiple platforms and, as her bio proclaims, singer/songwriter Dara Tucker is no stranger to producing “composition as commentary.”  

“Dreams of Waking (album) refers to the hope that our society will develop an awareness of the inequities that still exist,” Tucker said. “It’s the dream that we will become fully conscious and attuned to the hopes, dreams and needs of every human being.”

Happily for us, we were able to book Dara Tucker for a Jazz973 event at Clements Place Jazz. Having done some preliminary research, we wanted to catch up with Dara and understand more about her upcoming event and get to know a little more about this multidimensional person. Take a listen.

Dara Tucker - Interview by Lynette Sheard 

Dara Starr Tucker Interviewed by Lynette Sheard for Gregory Burrus Productions.

Dara Tucker - Singer / Songwriter

Dara Tucker has an extensive singing career with many successful awards and accomplishments.  She began songwriting while living in Switzerland in 2003 and moved to Nashville in 2004 to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter. She recorded the first of her albums, "All Right Now" in 2009. It featured mostly Great American Songbook standards. Her second album, Soul Said Yes (2011), was a blend of R&B, jazz and Gospel and it made Amazon.com's top 10 R&B chart within a few weeks of its release. Tucker's third release, The Sun Season (2014), was recorded in Astoria, Queens, New York. It reached number 62 on the JazzWeek charts on September 22, 2014. 

In 2015, Dara was interviewed by Tavis Smiley for his PBS television show, where she performed an original song she wrote with her sister, Diamond Tucker, entitled, "Giants" from The Sun Season. In 2016, she opened for Gregory Porter in Nashville at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. That year, Dara Tucker was a finalist in the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival's vocal competition. In 2017, she won the silver medal at the "American Traditions" vocal competition in Savannah, which requires singers to perform in 9 separate genres.

Dara Tucker — Entrepreneur, Documentary Filmmaker and Writer 

Dara has produced a docu-series on Nashville musicians called, "Music City Select" through her production company, GoldenTime Films. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post where she writes essays on her personal experiences as a minority and a woman in the entertainment business. Her article, "Here's to the Ladies Who Cuss" was featured on The Huffington Post Voices homepage. In my research, I found this comment:

“In the coming year, I will be more loving, and I will be kinder. I will also stake a claim in my own life. I am compelled to make room for myself. I will not always be pleasing or appropriate, but I will blossom. If something is deemed inappropriate for my life, let it be me who does the deeming. I will scream when I need to scream. I will shout and be heard. And I will cuss when I feel like cussing.”  

This definitely leads us to the other Dara, who produces “composition as commentary.”

Dara Tucker — Social Commentator 

The great part about these interviews is the advanced research we do, and on this one our interviewer Lynette Sherd was way ahead of me. While I saw music, Lynette alerted me to the massively active and successful TikTok-er, Dara Starr Tucker.  

Now, for those that think TikTok is just dance and jokes, you should know that the Economic Times reported that: “The rankings show that TikTok knocked Google off the top spot in February, March and June this year, and has held the number one position since August. San Francisco: Popular short video-sharing platform TikTok has surpassed tech giant Google as the most popular website of the year, says a report. Dec 25, 2021.” Well, being in the top ten is huge; knocking off number one is phenomenal.

Dara, as a social commentary person, definitely delivers on the statement that I love, which is producing “composition as commentary.” This is evident when you jump on the other Dara Starr Tucker channels. With 17K followers on Instagram, her individual videos have received in some cases over 12K comments. Meanwhile, her social commentary on TikTok has 687 thousand followers, with individual videos garnering 1.6K comments. The engagement she has is truly amazing. 

Dara Tucker — Performs at James Moody Scholars Performance

More recently, we had the pleasure of listening to Dara Tucker when she was a guest performer at the James Moody Scholars event. The event was special for us as Linda Moody wanted to honor the James Moody Scholarship Scholars with a live music concert during her time here as the first lady of the TD Moody Jazz Festival.  There has been a recipient each year of the scholarship and now there were enough of them to have a band with a rhythm section. You can read more here as the James Moody Jazz Scholars Honored His Legacy In South Orange NJ. 

This is where we first heard her wonderful voice and we encourage all of you to come on out and listen to her sing. It's a treat you don’t want to miss.  

Jazz973 Presents Dara Starr Tucker and her Band at Clements Place Jazz

Dara Starr Tucker is making her mark in the world of music and activism as a singer, satirist and social commentator. Her latest album, Dreams of Waking: Music For A Better World (2021), was featured on Grammy.com and in American Songwriter Magazine. On the album, Tucker embraces the urgent, topical works of songwriters of the protest era, along with her own compositions, as vessels for justice awareness, instruction and healing. Last summer, the album reached #7 on the Jazzweek National Radio Charts and reached #6 on the ITUNES jazz chart.

Additionally, Dara Starr Tucker is the co-writer of "Oklahoma," the title song on Keb Mo's 2020 Grammy-winning "Best Americana Album." Tucker's justice and musical commentary on social media has been featured with HBO and Yahoo News. She has toured as a member of master guitarist Charlie Hunter's trio, appeared on NPR's Jazz Night in America and made her national television debut on PBS. Most recently, Dara has performed at Central Jersey Jazz Festival, Newark Museum of Art Jazz Series, Birdland (VocalMania), Smoke Jazz Club and Minton's.

Join Us: March 23, 7 - 10PM, Clements Place Jazz. 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ.

Click to learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz973-presents-dara-tucker-and-her-band-at-clements-place-jazz-tickets-295322667047

 About the Author — Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. He combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate. 

I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life. 

https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus   
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus 

Interview with Teen Idle

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Thursday, September 30, 2021

Teen Idle is the moniker under which Sara Abdelbarry writes, records and performs her own music. Since the release of her first EP in June of 2020, she has released a handful of singles, and even performed her first show this past August. When I saw Teen Idle, I was enthralled by the atmospheric guitar playing and mood she set with just her vocals and a guitar. Since her recordings include some more studio work, I recently asked Sara about her project, her recording and songwriting process. Thanks again, Sara! 

When did you first start writing your own music?

I’m pretty sure I wrote my first song when I was 15. At the time, I was taking lessons at Lakehouse Music Academy in Asbury and being introduced to and surrounded by so much music. Plus, most of my teachers were in touring bands of their own, so being in such a creative musical environment like that definitely sparked my interest in songwriting. I also owe a lot to the show American Idol, which I used to watch all the time with my family and cousins, for introducing to me a lot of classic ‘70s and ‘80s artists which piqued my interest in songwriting.

Who were your influences when you first started and how have they changed?

My biggest influence was and will always be Fleetwood Mac. All three songwriters in that band are impeccable, the production is intricate and smart, and the songs are super emotional in the best way. I know people who listen to my music might not hear Fleetwood Mac as an obvious influence, given my music sounds quite different from theirs, but I think each member of that band influenced my approach to writing music in a big way: Stevie’s lyricism, Lindsey’s production, and Christine’s melodies and affinity for jazz chords. Sometimes I’ll write something and feel later on that band was a subconscious influence, even if just for the groove and feel of a song. I find myself drawn to the dancy nature of many of their songs in my recent songwriting.

If we’re talking direct sonic influences for my releases as Teen Idle, that’s all over the place just like my music taste. For my first EP and most of the stuff I was writing at that time (2018-2019), there’s a heavy shoegaze and almost slowcore-ish influence. At the time I was really into bands like Beach House, Alvvays, and Slowdive, so the music bears a slight sonic resemblance. That kind of reverb-drenched, dreamy sound with shrouded vocals suited the subject matter I was writing about at the time, like heartbreak, so that just happened naturally. Now, though, I don’t really have an interest in that particular shoegaze sound anymore and want to focus more on lyricism and letting vocals shine. The new stuff definitely still has a ‘90s type influence and dreamy guitars, but I’d say recently I’ve been influenced by artists like Mitski, SASAMI, Japanese Breakfast, and Sharon Van Etten. 

How did last year's lockdown affect your songwriting if at all?

In the beginning, around March, I was super productive and even managed to curate this pandemic compilation with the intention of donating the money to COVID-relief efforts. I ended up getting artists from I think 10 countries on it, made some new international music friends, and contributed a song I wrote at that time, called “When Yr Gone”. That was probably my favorite stretch of the lockdown, if one had to choose. But towards November, I stopped writing songs entirely or even listening to new music really, which wasn’t intentional but just happened. I’m usually always writing and interacting with music, so it was a super weird and depressing time for me. 

Like a lot of us were, I was feeling very down about the fact that I couldn’t be out in the world anymore. I like to be out and about, I like to travel and explore, and I’m a pretty social person who loves to meet new people and go out, so I feel like that part of my life was stolen away, making it hard to feel inspired. My writing typically comes from real life experiences, encounters, or other people’s stories I hear, so in a way I didn’t feel I had anything to write about. I was also more focused on maintaining my mental health than songwriting at that point. It was difficult to get myself out of that place mentally because I felt like I was in a hole for so long. I’m so glad that stuff is all over, and that my mental health is back to being as good as it used to be now that normal life has basically resumed. I did end up writing one or two songs I’m very proud of last winter, so I do cherish those.

What is your songwriting and recording process like?

This will probably be a long-winded answer — usually I’ll start a song with guitar or piano. I’ll usually be noodling around on either instrument, or on rare occasions the bass too, sometimes with the intention of writing a song if I’m feeling a certain way, other times just fiddling around. Then I arrive at a progression I really like and make sure to record it on my voice memos. Once I have that basis, I’ll keep building on the progression. When I feel that I have something there, I’ll start singing random words over the instrument to figure out where I want the melody to go. I’ll work on the melody for each part of the song, sometimes starting with the bridge, sometimes starting with the verse. It also varies because sometimes I’ll have an idea for a bridge that I want to write with strings in it or something and then build the song from there. 

As for lyrics, a lot of the time I’ll keep some of the random words I was singing while figuring out the melody, or just use words that rhyme because they match syllabically. Then once I know exactly what I want the song to be about, I’ll chip away at the lyrics, usually writing them all at once or over a span of a few days. I usually will refine the lyrics until I feel like they get the message across exactly how I intended. 

For production, that doesn’t happen typically until I have a finished demo of a song on guitar or piano on Voice Memos. I have the structure of the song laid out in a demo, I’ll start building it in Logic from the ground up. I like to start with the bare bones: drums, demo vocals, and then guitar and bass. From that point, it happens rather serendipitously and without explanation. I address each part of the song — verse, chorus, bridge, very likely cinematic outro — separately, working to make each part flow into the other and match the emotions the song conveys. I play and record all the live instruments at home myself, except drums which I let a very talented friend do in a separate studio, and use analog sounds with a combo of virtual instruments, synths, and weird Logic presets and effects to get the sound I want. Songwriting is more calculated, whereas in production I feel like it’s more divine intervention, where I let myself go wherever the song takes me. Sometimes I come across sounds I never expected by making mistakes or putting effects in a chain that engineers would scoff at. Then I do a rough mix and send the songs off to a mixing engineer because they do that better. 

What does your project name mean to you?

Teen Idle is a name I had in my back pocket since freshman or sophomore year of high school, I think, after I saw a Marina and the Diamonds song with the same name. I never even listened to the song, but I remember thinking it was an amazing pairing of words, so I never forgot it. I always kind of knew I wanted that to be my band name if I had one in the future. But now that I think about it, I was kind of an idle teenager; not by design, but I didn’t go out of my way to get good grades in high school, never studied, and never really went out either because I was super shy at the time. So the name for me reflects how I was a late bloomer in life, basically blossoming in and after college and coming into my own then.

What is your favorite song you've written? Why?

This is hard to answer, so I won’t answer directly. I think out of the stuff I’ve released, I’m pretty proud of “Dreaming” because it was the first song I ever released. And it was written rather randomly after jazz practice in college one day, but I’m proud of the lyrics and how the song builds based on the same chord progression. I am also really proud of “In the Morning” because I think it’s the most different from the songs on the EP, and “Sometimes” for the build up to the outro at the end.

Plans for the future?

I’m hoping to keep playing gigs in the area and NYC, building my audience locally, and just continuing to release albums I’m proud of and show my growth in my craft.

I just also started producing for other artists, so I‘d like to keep doing that as well as write for more artists I believe in, maybe even producing full albums for artists. In the long term I’d definitely love to write the score for a movie soundtrack, or have a song be in a TV show or movie. I also have some future plans to start a record label.

You can keep up with all things Teen Idle here and listen on Spotify here ! 

Interview with Christian Sparacio. New Music "About Time" and "I Melt With You"

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, April 23, 2021

Christian Sparacio is a singer-songwriter hailing from Marlboro, New Jersey. Since first releasing music on SoundCloud back in 2017, Sparacio has released ten new singles, playing shows to support the tunes. The two latest singles include an original, “About Time”, and a cover of the Modern English hit “I Melt With You”. I got to speak with Christian about his songwriting, producing a music video, and the talented musicians who worked on these tracks with him!

Who did you work with on your newest song “About Time”?

For About Time I worked with Rob Chiarappa at The Barbershop Studios in Hopatcong, NJ! Rob is a mad scientist producer with a crazy ear for pulling the potential out of a stripped down song like “About Time” and making it a production masterpiece. 

When did you write this song? 

I wrote “About Time” about 2 years ago between sessions of watching the movie About Time. About halfway through I got super inspired and wrote it, then about a month before recording I wrote the bridge section which was a cool testament to letting songs grow on the back burner. 

Did you approach this song differently from past releases?

I approached this song a bit differently because it was the first that I went all out on a music video for, and also had a way more experimental experience producing it. I sort of let my eclectic production taste speak in. this one and I am super happy with it. 

Who did you work with for the video? How did you find them?

I worked with Chantel Erin and Peter Dolshun on the video. I found Chantel via an Instagram ad for her production company, and met Peter through Chantel. We all quickly became friends and our creative processes meshed super well. Then we enlisted Clotilda Demauro as an actor through backstage.com and she, too, quickly became a friend. 

Who did you work with for the Modern English cover?

For the “Melt with You” cover, I stayed in the family and worked with Rob's brother Mike Chiarappa at DIMM Studios in Freehold, NJ! We wanted a more live sounding track, and I knew the simpler set up at DIMM and Mike's ear for feel would be perfect.  

What made you choose that song in particular to cover?

Well, I actually grappled and experimented with covers for a few months before settling on this one after my friend Jimmy suggested it. He put it perfectly when saying that the original song has heartfelt lyrics disguised by an upbeat 80's rock arrangement. This was my opportunity to match the music to the lyrics and deliver an authentic reimagination to pack a punch to the feels. I am super proud of this one. 

You can keep up with Christian Sparacio on his website.

Interview with Jonathan Francis. New EP "Borrowed Songs, Vol. 1"

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Jonathan Francis is a singer songwriter based out of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Having cut his teeth in the New Brunswick punk scene with his band, The Moms, their 2019 split led Jon to start working on music under his own name. Jonathan released his “Borrowed Songs, Vol. 1” EP on March 10th, a mix of covers as well as an original, stripped down version of his own track, “Borrowed Song.” This first release is just a fraction of what is to come from Jonathan Francis, having recorded a full band release as well last year with his trusty producer Pete Steinkopf. Jon was kind enough to let me in on the process of making the “Borrowed Songs” EP and the importance of working harder despite the current circumstances. 

When did you first start releasing music under your name?

JF: The first official release was on November 2nd, 2020.  It was my version of Woody Guthrie’s “Tear the Fascists Down” which is part of my new EP, “Borrowed Songs.” I kind of pushed this track ahead of other stuff I’ve been working on because of what was going on in the world.

What was the songwriting process like for your new release "Borrowed Songs"?

The title track, “Borrowed Song” is one that I’ve had forever. I put together this EP which includes 3 covers that resonate loudly these days.

Woody Guthrie, a big influence on the “Borrowed Songs” EP. Listen to “Tear the Fascists Down” on Spotify.

Who did you work with on this release? How did they influence your process?

This one was just myself and Pete Steinkopf (The Bouncing Souls). It was Pete’s idea to turn the whole thing up and ditch the acoustic for the 335, and I’m glad we did.

How has the pandemic affected your songwriting process, if at all?

I’ve been keeping with it and trying to constantly expand my approach, but at the same time feel like I’m just drifting without progress. I know that’s not true, but it’s definitely easy to feel like time is stalled. We don’t do anything the same these days, so the milestones I used to make in my mind with a track are not the same as they once were. Additionally, the lyrical content has been focused in a different direction, naturally, as nothing is the same as it was pre-pandemic.

You released a cover of Woody Guthrie's "Tear the Fascists Down" late last year. Did you plan on digging up older songs for this project, or was that a spontaneous decision due to the state of our country at that point?

It just kind of happened. The songs are all from different decades. I guess they were just resonating with me particularly heavily due to the state of things. The idea to make an EP out of the songs came later. Each of the covers was its own endeavor when I started putting them together.

How have you been maintaining your sanity as a musician over the past year?

Well, I’ve been TRYING to maintain my sanity, but it doesn’t always feel like it’s working. It’s been hard but the three W’s help.... Weed, Water, & Willie. No, but for real, getting outside (even though the Jersey winter is no fun) and playing music with the same intention that I’d have if tomorrow was a show. It was easy to get lost for a while, time seemed even more fleeting, but staying focused on what I love doing makes it feel like there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Now, if I could just remind myself that every morning haha.

Any bands/venues you are looking forward to playing with when shows come back?

Too many bands to name, but where we will play is the bigger question. Punks are resilient, like cockroaches. There will be places to play, but it is a bit anxiety-inducing to wonder where, knowing that so many places have already and will close. It’s pretty scary to say the least. But we’ll be okay.

Photo by Abby Clare.

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

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.

Interview with Cara Introcaso

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Wednesday, January 8, 2019

Cara Introcaso is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter based out of Middletown, New Jersey. Her first EP, Post Grad, was released late 2019 featuring seven original tracks. Self-described as “all over the place” when it comes to having a definitive genre, Post Grad has something for every type of music fan. Since the release of Post Grad, Cara has been performing throughout Monmouth County, both solo and with a band. I recently reached out to Cara to ask her about writing and recording her first release. Thanks again, Cara!

When did you first start releasing music?

I started recording music on my own when I was 17—putting out covers. The first cover I recorded was a piss-poor version of "An Illustration of Loneliness" by Courtney Barnett. I wrote and recorded my first original song called "Apples" when I was 18, which I did in my college dorm room. I hated that song, and promptly set it to private on my SoundCloud, and continued on to write a few more originals that I posted. Some are still up there, what have I got to hide? We all start somewhere.

Who were your influences for this release?

This is a difficult question for me… every artist has a "sound" and I'm not too sure that I've found mine yet. I like writing songs that are jazzy, like Amy Winehouse and Norah Jones, just as much as I like writing indie songs, like Pavement and Built to Spill, just as much as I’d LIKE to write intricate musical arrangements seen in the stylings of my favorite artists, Radiohead and Wilco. I even enjoy toying with synth-y stuff and making beats. Gun to my head, I probably (definitely) could not come up with a genre that I’m going for, which is mirrored in the songs that I released, and the reception that I received in that all of my friends had a different “favorite.” It’s kind of all over the place, but then so is my taste, so I suppose the short answer is “I’m really not sure.”

What was the writing process like for Post Grad?

As the name suggests, all of these songs were written in the one year following my graduation from college. Anyone can attest to the fact that it is a tumultuous, confusing, sometimes disheartening time, getting out there and assuming your responsibilities as an adult. I really hated my first job in New York City, with a burning passion, and became all existential about the confines of the working world and the whole rat-race rigamarole, and had about one hour each day after my commute to do something that I enjoyed until I quit that job. Many times I took my frustrations out by writing songs, and 4 out of the 7 I wrote and recorded all in one night.

Some are reflective of that – I wrote “Modern Thing” on the bus ride home, observing people’s reactions to our bus being broken down for 2 hours. I wrote “Conversation starter” in the midst of my unemployment, after driving to a parking lot alone with a keyboard and my mic and recorded it right then and there – I mostly did this because I read that Will Toledo from Car Seat Headrest used to do the same for his first few solo albums. In “Devandra” (I was listening to a lot of Devandra Banhart at the time) it’s kind of a nihilistic, sarcastic ode to being in a rut, and “Pull me in” was really just me fucking around when I was wine drunk and really emotional one night (I didn’t even write down those lyrics, I just made the track and sang whatever I felt like over it).  And of course, you gotta have the love songs, which are seen in “Cool jazz,” “UDKB” and “Mindspace.” I write lyrics first, like a poem, and then figure out how I want it conveyed in the music.

How did you record this release? Advantages/disadvantages?

Hah. I recorded all of it on GarageBand, with a microphone that my friend Baha got for me (he also lent me his keyboard), a Scarlett USB recording interface, and my guitars. I did all of the mixing and editing myself, and the majority of the instrumentation myself. It has its ups and downs – I know how to play guitar, piano, bass, drums, and sing, so it’s cool to release something that was wholly my own. But, if I had the opportunity to record in a studio with other people, I’m sure it could’ve sounded more finished. It’s my first EP, so I guess it’s fitting that it has that bedroom-DIY imperfection to it. That being said, the reason it took me so long to release any of these songs is that I was never (and still am not) totally happy with how they sound, so I’ll probably seek out studio time for the next one.

Who else played on Post Grad?

I wrote “UDKB” with three of my best friends—Jack Killilea played the drum track on an electric drum kit, which was really fun to watch if you know the kid at all. He also came up with the chord structure for the guitar part, and Justin (Clappsy) did guitar fills in the background which, in my opinion, makes the song. I didn’t feel like writing a second verse, so I had Nick Mitwasi rap over it—everyone who took the time to listen to his lyrics let me know that they thought it was hilarious, on top of the fact that the kid can rap. The song is a bit fluffy for my taste in terms of the lyrics, but it was just fun to write and record with my pals so it’s still one of my favorites. Jack also came up with the chord structure on the verse of “Cool jazz,” and other than that it was all me.

What does this project mean to you?

Oh we’re gonna dig deep now, huh? I have been playing, performing and studying music and musicians since I was in elementary school, and it’s an integral part of who I am. I always wanted to do more than I was doing because I never had my own band… I always played with different people and would take any opportunity to perform throughout high school and college (remember that time I filled in for 2 gigs on bass with your first band, Deaglan?). I never even entertained the idea of going to school for something music-related, because my left-brain is just as decisive as my right-brain, so in my adult life music has been my hobby, my passion, and a creative outlet, but not my career. The benefit of working full time is that my own stability is not contingent upon the music that I make, so it never has to become stressful, even if I do get jealous of those whose main gig is… playing gigs. So first and foremost, this project means a lot to me in terms of having something to share with people who may not get to see me play, or have only heard me play covers, and to have had something to work on so that I didn’t fall victim to complacency and stop creating my own music.

For me personally, this was like one long diary entry for the most transitional phase of my life this far. Shit’s hard! I spend a lot of time contemplating and had a series of existential crises and fell out of love then in love and considered about 18 different career paths and a lot of the time I wanted to rip my hair out—and I’m a pretty optimistic person! I watched people I love go through the same thing, and all of it was just very real and I love that I could create something out of all those feelings I felt. Listening to it now brings me back to the moment in time when I wrote them, and now that I’m out of that rut it’s nice to go back and recall those memories.

Favorite song you have written so far?

My favorite song on this project is “Conversation starter.” Though I mainly perform on the guitar, I love the piano, and that song came out of me like a brain dump. I hate songs with fluffy lyrics, with cliché idioms all angsty and whatnot, and the lyrics on this song are probably the only ones I’m completely satisfied with on Post Grad.

Interview with Jake Benjamin

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Last night, Saddle River singer-songwriter Jake Benjamin celebrated the release of his newest single, “4 Hours”, with a show at Rockwood Music Hall in New York. Earlier this year, he also released another new song, "Bound to You.” The two are part of a what will become a “loop pedal trilogy.” You can catch Jake peforming live at Mercury Lounge on January 20 (click here for tickets). In the meantime, check out our interview, below, to learn about the inspiration behind his music.

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

My name is Jake Benjamin, and I am an independent singer-songwriter from Saddle River, NJ. I am currently stationed in Manhattan.

How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as a blend of indie-pop with jazz tendencies.

Who are your musical influences?

My writing has been influenced by artists across many different genres like Damien Rice, Becca Stevens, Björk, Imogen Heap, Mat Kearney, and Bon Iver. I love listening to so many different songwriters who have extremely different approaches to writing and producing their own music.

Congratulations on the success of your single, “Bound to You.” What was the inspiration behind this song?

Thank you so much! "Bound to You" started off as a composition assignment I had toward the end of grad school. Since I had been performing with a vocal loop pedal, my instructor had asked me to compose a loop pedal tune for a class demonstration. After the class demonstration had gone by, I had this wordless composition. Towards the end of my Master's degree, I had a date with this girl one night and after I had gotten home, I started to think about what it would be like to find someone I really found a connection with. I decided to write a stream of consciousness and by 3AM, I had turned the words in my mind into the lyrics of “Bound to You.”

Photography by JMBOESPHOTO.

Tell us a bit about your creative process. Which comes first for you, the melody or the lyrics?

It's kind of a toss up regarding which comes first. It just depends on when I have a concept presented because sometimes it'll be a motif or a type of groove and other times it'll be a lyrical hook.

Is there anyone who you actively collaborate with, or would like to collaborate with in the future?

Well, for “Bound to You” and the next two singles, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my college friends Gabe Berenbaum and Russell Pollack on producing these loop pedal compositions. This is one of the reasons why I love being in NYC, there are so many talented artists that are so open to collaboration. I don't have a single musician I work with all the time, but I do have a few colleagues I love to jam and bounce ideas off of to try and make some new songs happen.

Listen on Spotify.

You just had a new single drop on December 6th, "4 Hours." What can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?

“4 Hours” is the second song of this loop pedal trilogy. It's a song with melancholic and dark themes that came from a very vulnerable time in my life. It really serves as the emotional foil to “Bound to You” where the expectation in an incredible moment with someone turns into obsession. It's a rather difficult moment for me to relive when I play this live because this song is tethered to a connection that happened a year ago in a snowstorm.

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

It's been a whirlwind to be honest, which is a mix of the good and the rough times. I'm proud of myself for having the guts to keep moving forward even when the gigs haven't been successful. I'm also extremely grateful to have met some of the most amazing people and musicians in New York City and have a network of the most supportive family and friends. I think the challenge for me is making sure that I am not a critic of myself. I tend to get in my head a lot when writing and performing and it does nothing but hinder the artistic process.

Photography by JMBOESPHOTO.

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

The only thing I can say is something that my professor told me when I first started gigging: if you feel like your voice should be heard, then nothing should stop you from pursuing a life of an artist.

Finally, what are some ways that fans can connect with you online?

Yes! You can reach me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jakebenjmusic) and Instagram (@jakebenjmusic). I also have a website which is www.jakebenjaminmusic.com. My released music, "Bound to You" and my EP Finally Back Home are available for your ears on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and most major streaming and digital music platform.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you so much for the opportunity for this interview. I'm so glad to represent my New Jersey roots as an artist and I hope to make you all proud!

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

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

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 Rory D'Lasnow

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Bergen County singer-songwriter Rory D’Lasnow has been part of New Jersey’s music scene for well over a decade. He recently performed a solo acoustic set as part of Asbury Park PorchFest, earlier this month he was interviewed on Danny Coleman’s ROCK ON RADIO, and he also recently shot a music video for his new single “Never Be Mine” featuring Jamie McClanahan of The Victory Drive (coming soon). Rory released his first EP When All is Fading in 2011, followed by an Acoustic EP in 2015. Last month, he formed a new alternative rock band, Black Rose Revival. Check out our interview with Rory, below, to learn about his journey and the inspiration behind his music.

What’s your name, where are you from originally, and where are you based now?

My name is Rory D'Lasnow. I'm originally from Englewood, NJ and grew up there for sixteen years. I spent some time in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and California - but now I'm back in North Jersey over in Teaneck. The people are a lot friendlier everywhere else (just kidding), but my heart is here.

Tell us about your musical background. You do a bit of everything -- singing, songwriting, and playing multiple instruments.

I have been singing, playing guitar, and writing songs since I was in kindergarten but picked up the guitar upside down and backwards - which is how I still hold it. I actually recently found a home video of my father, who also played guitar, encouraging me to turn the guitar right side up as a little boy, but I seemed to gravitate toward playing it wrong - with the low E string at the bottom, not at the top. I also play a little piano.

How would you describe your genre/style?

I would say I gravitate between an acoustic singer-songwriter style and a harder alternative rock vibe, especially with my band - Black Rose Revival.

Who are your influences?

My influences are pretty varied. I grew up on The Beatles, Everly Brothers, John Fogerty, and other older music. I would say my music is influenced by them to a large extent - but I also am inspired by some more modern rock like Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, Say Anything, and Jimmy Eat World.

What's the inspiration behind your music?

A lot of my inspiration for my music comes from things that have impacted me in life. I often explain to people that I lost my mother when I was fourteen and this strongly shaped my world view and provided a lot of the ideas behind some of my sadder songs. I write a lot about love - shocking, I know - as well. I aim primarily to write songs about things that touch us on a deeper level, but hopefully in a way that hasn't been done a hundred times before.

How has it progressed over time?

I would say my music has progressed in that my songs have become a bit more contemplative. My first song was called "Nana's Still Askin' For Milk" about how my grandmother was displeased with what my father and I had picked up from the grocery store. I hope I address more complex issues than that these days, but then again - that definitely was a difficult topic ha!

How do you hope people will feel when they listen to your music?

My sincerest wish is that people feel something when they hear my music. Some of my greatest joy has come from people walking up to me and saying that one of my songs resonated with them. I do have simple pop songs, too, but I probably most value the songs that are raw and emotional.

What has your personal journey been like? When did you discover that you loved music?

As I alluded to before, I've actually been playing guitar since I was a little kid. My mom and dad encouraged me to play little concerts at the Englewood Library or Borders Books (back when they were in business), and I often participated in talent shows on cruises when I was younger, as my mother was a travel agent and we used to get discounts. This kind of love of performing was instilled in me at a young age. Music has been in my life since I was a little boy, and I was about as Beatles-obsessed as they come (I was Team John, now I'm more of a Paul guy!). I would listen to anything I could get my hands on, and I think I knew right out of the gate that music was my passion.

What are your goals as an artist? What would you like to accomplish by the end of this year?

I would say my primary goal is just to reach as many people across as many places as I can. Music to me is about connection and people are what make life so interesting, so I most look forward to sharing my experiences and sharing in others experiences along the way.

On a more practical level, I hope to be able to be a self-sustaining original music artist. I recently made the jump to becoming a full-time musician, and I've found that playing cover gigs has been financially sustainable for now (knock on wood) and has really helped me stay sharp. That said, as much as any songwriter would respect a song like “Sweet Caroline” - eventually you do tire a bit of playing it!

Who would you like to meet?

As far as people I'd like to meet - I'd say if you're reading this interview - I'd like to meet you! In all seriousness, there isn't one kind of person so to speak. I've found that no matter what your background or where you're from, there are often more commonalities than differences between us. That shared human experience is what makes connecting with others so special.

Are there any artists, bands, or producers who you'd love to collaborate with one day?

Boy, as far as collaboration goes - the list is long! I'm sure I, along with everybody else, would dream to some day work with Paul McCartney. I also greatly admire a lot of the musicians I listen to - Max Bemis of Say Anything, Hayley Williams of Paramore, Brandon Flowers of The Killers, Ben Platt, Regina Spektor. I'm one of those people who really delves into what inspires people and what peoples' stories are. I'm not writing fan fiction or anything (though if you're into it - I can't knock it!) but I do enjoy trying to get to know the people behind my favorite songs.

Do you have any shows coming up?

On Friday 11/15, I'll be taking part in a Citywide Charity Event sponsored by NorStep Productions down at Bourre in Atlantic City. On Wednesday 11/20, I'll be at Havana in New Hope, PA as part of Pat Foran's Music Showcase, and the next day - Thursday 11/21 - I'll be opening for Nick Clemons at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ with Mike Rocket.

What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar passion, or is maybe facing obstacles similar to what you've faced?

Oh man - I actually have a lot to say about this. I spent almost ten years second guessing music as a career path. Please - don't doubt yourself. If you love something - pursue it with reckless abandon. And here's the biggest reason why (besides all of the YOLO stuff I could say and the preaching I could do about how life is too short): things do get easier.

If something scares you because you've never done it before - well guess what - it's only the first time ONCE. For the longest time I thought "Oh, I want to play in Hoboken, but I'm kind of nervous." I started with open mic’s and met some of the best people I've ever known. Then breaking into NYC a bit seemed like an insurmountable obstacle. Now I play shows in New York all the time and have come across tons of wonderful people over the course of different events I've attended. I'm hardly the world's biggest success story and I hope my journey isn't close to its end yet, but at the end of the day I think I embody pretty well the idea that you should just go for it because the pieces come together along the way. What is at one point anxiety-provoking and replete with possible obstacles can often become second nature. And then - it's a lot of fun.

Black Rose Revival

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I'd just like to say, please don't hesitate to reach out - not just about music! I'd love to hear from you as I love people as much as I love music. And keep an eye out for my new band, Black Rose Revival. We just got started last month, but it's myself with three other veterans of the NJ Music Scene - Phil Beam and Roy Brunston of RESURGE and Sergio Arsenio on drums.

Where can people find you online? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Spotify, YouTube, etc.

The best place for people to reach me is Instagram (instagram.com/rorydlasnow) or on my band account (instagram.com/blackroserevivalofficial).

My music pages are also on Facebook (facebook.com/rorydlasnowmusic) and (facebook.com/blackroserevivalofficial).

I have a couple of solo EPs and a single on Spotify and SoundCloud under my name and hopefully some BRR tunes will be to come as well.

Youtube and Twitter I have been trying to use more, but both are similarly able to be found by looking up Rory D'Lasnow or my band name, Black Rose Revival.

In addition, my official website, rorydlasnow.com, has a comprehensive list of all of the events I'll be a part of with press links/photos/videos etc - all that good stuff. Thank you for your time!

~

You can also listen to Rory’s music on Soundcloud, Spotify, and YouTube.

Sammy Kay – “Civil/War” (Album Review)

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Sunday, October 13, 2019

“If there is one thing this past year has taught me, it's the true meaning of the word ‘Unconditional.’” This was part of a eulogy Sammy Kay spoke to a crowded AP Brewery last May, in between new songs that would be on his next album, Civil/War.  Five months later, Civil/War has been released into the world, and I truly believe we are all better off for it.

Civil/War is an album unlike anything we have heard from Kay before.  While his previous records included influence from ska and roots rock, C/W is a much more stripped back record.  Calling upon local musicians and friends from Nashville, TN, Kay is accompanied by lap steel guitar, organ, piano and bone chilling harmonies (e.g. “Thoughts and Prayers"). This record was also recorded at Little Eden by the great Pete Steinkopf, another crucial member of the New Jersey music scene.  Additionally, this album was helped funded in part by fellow fans and friends throughout the world.

            Civil/War is a heavy album.  While album opener “Silver Dollar” invites you with its major chords and harmonica, the mood starts to change almost immediately after.  “Thoughts and Prayers” is a title alone that criticizes the way people handle heavy situations these days.  The album deals with depression, self-doubt, loss, just about any pain you can imagine.  Though the topics and stories may be heavy, the songs provide a deep sense of comfort.  The album ends with “Orange Swirl”, the perfect crescendo to cap off the album, leaving the listener to reflect on “fireflies and summer nights.”

            Do yourself a favor and listen to Civil/War as soon as possible, and tell your friends and family that you love them.  

Interview with Jackie June

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Friday, October 4, 2019

South Amboy’s Jackie June is an alt-pop singer/songwriter who is set to release her newest music video for her single “Wildflower” later this month on YouTube. She will also be opening for ‘80s pop icon Tiffany at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck, NJ on October 19th (click here for tickets).

We were fortunate to be able to connect with Jackie June and ask her about the inspiration behind her song, as well as her thoughts about her upcoming performance. Be sure to tune into Jackie June’s YouTube channel on October 16th when her music video for “Wildflower” goes live, and in the meantime head on over to www.jackiejunemusic.com to stay up-to-date on everything Jackie June.

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

I am Jackie June and I am originally from Toms River, NJ but currently reside in South Amboy, NJ.

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

I would say I am alt-pop, others might say singer/songwriter. I definitely have a pop vibe but with more moody, emotional lyrics, haha. My musical influences tend to come from the late ‘90s/early 2000s — Singer/Songwriters like Michelle Branch and Hanson. I am also influenced by more current artists like Lady Gaga, Marianas Trench, Pink, etc.

Congratulations on the release of your new music video for “Wildflower.” What's the inspiration behind the song? Which came first for you, the melody or the lyrics?

Thank you! I am super excited about this one. "Wildflower" is the title track off my debut EP. It's definitely my most fun, upbeat song to date. It's celebratory. I wanted to write a song about being misunderstood, but I didn't want it to be sad. I wanted it to be uplifting. Wildflowers are strong, vibrant and beautiful. Maybe not the most traditional flower or even the most perfect, but they grow wild and free in the strangest of places. Personally, I can relate to wildflowers and I think others can, too. For this song, the concept came first. I knew what I wanted to write about and had a few melody ideas and a few lyric ideas. I brought these ideas to Jes Hudak, who co-wrote the song with me, and she helped me make it the song that it is now! I am really proud of this one and it wouldn't be the song it is without her.

Tell us about the music video-making experience. What filmmaker did you work with, and where can we see more of their work? Who's featured in the video? Where was it filmed?

Oh man, it's SO much fun but also incredibly exhausting. Haha! I worked with Anthony Corvyx of Vyxen Visions. He is a brilliant artist, videographer, and director. You guys really need to check out his stuff. Joey Dean assisted with the video as well. He is also an insanely talented artist. Definitely check out his band called Pros & iCons! As far as the band in the video, we have Jon Loree on Drums, Chris Dubrow on Bass, Tre Davis on Keys, and Dominic Zamora on Guitar. We filmed the video at Fenix Studios in Staten Island, NY. They had the perfect big white room!

You also have a show coming up in Teaneck where you'll be opening for Tiffany. Very cool! What has your journey been so far that's led you up to this point?

Yes, I am opening for Tiffany at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck on October 19th. This is probably my biggest gig to date, and I am so excited about the opportunity! I even found my Tiffany vinyl record from the late 80s!! This music journey has been a whirlwind. I released my first single in August 2018 and since then have been gigging a lot, did a small tour around the northeast, filmed 2 music videos, and release my debut EP. I spent a long time fighting this passion for music and I guess I am making up for lost time, haha. I just feel really lucky to be doing any of this. It's really a dream come true.

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

Do it. Don't spend your life wondering "what if.” I have found the more I challenge myself and do things I am scared of, the more awesome things happen. It's worth the risk.

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

My website is www.jackiejunemusic.com. I am on Facebook and Instagram — JackieJuneMusicNJ. My EP is available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. I also have a YouTube channel!

Interview with Olivia Rohlfs

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Tuesday, August 27, 2019

For fans of - Death Cab For Cutie, Boygenius, Sharon Van Etten

Olivia Rohlfs is a singer-songwriter based out of Bergen County. Having recently obtained a music degree from Monmouth University, Olivia assembled a band and headed straight to the studio. Its efforts will be her debut release, sometime in 2020. In the meantime, you can listen to a live session of her latest track “June 8th” on her YouTube channel. Olivia was kind enough to answer a few questions about her new project. Thanks again!

What is your background in music?

I like to think that music runs in the family... My grandmother was a singer, and my grandfather was a professional pianist who ran with the likes of George Gershwin and Irving Berlin during his day. Unfortunately, they both passed while I was young, so I never really got to press them for stories of their glory days, but I definitely think that I’ve inherited whatever made them both gravitate towards music. I didn’t really appreciate music too much as a kid— I loathed playing the clarinet and oboe in the band because it was the farthest thing from cool. It wasn’t until late high school that I bought a guitar off eBay and started to teach myself just enough to cover my favorite songs. I’ve become somewhat of an instrument hoarder since I bought that first guitar, and typically alternate between guitar, piano, ukulele, and mandolin.  

Fast-forward to present day, and I actually have my Bachelor’s degree in the Business of Music from Monmouth University. I spent most of my time in college attending, playing, and hosting house shows with the talented friends I’ve made in Asbury Park’s flourishing music scene. I’ve interned for local labels like Sniffling Indie Kids in New Brunswick doing everything from digital marketing to website design and PR. I’ve played in bands with friends for Monmouth University’s record label, and hosted a weekly radio show on Monmouth’s radio station, WMCX 88.9. After graduation, I took an assistant job at Hearst Communications in NYC to get a handle on my student loans but still find myself spending every spare minute that I have spent consuming, playing, or writing music.

When did you first start writing your own music?

This is sort of an embarrassing question for me to answer because I feel like I’m such a late bloomer with my songwriting. I only started writing my own stuff in 2017. After years of simply covering my favorite musicians and attending their shows, I would always walk away thinking, “I could write like that” or “I could do that.” It’s only now that I’m actually getting around to it. “Time You Knew”, which will be on the record, was actually the first song that I ever finished. I’m pretty proud of it considering it’s my first. The only reason that I actually wrote it in the first place was because another musician had been writing songs about me and I felt inclined to return the favor—so thanks to that guy!  

Who are your influences? 

The list of artists that I love runs long. My first CD that I got as a kid was a Beach Boys Sounds of Summer album. Growing up, my parents played a lot of Bruce Springsteen, Beatles, and Tom Petty, so those classics remain some of my favorites. Some modern artists that I love are all over the place… Phoebe Bridgers, Maggie Rogers, Your Smith, Haim, Kacey Musgraves, Vulfpeck, Anderson .Paak, Bleachers, Margaret Glaspy, The 1975— I could go on, but I’ll spare you. 

How long have you been working on this upcoming release?

 These songs have existed since 2017, but we finally went into the studio for the first recording session this July. I wrangled a few of my friends to back me as my band, and we’ve finished almost half of the record already. “Time You Knew” and “June 8th” are the first two tracks that I’ve been holding onto for a while. With those two in the bag, we have a couple sessions left to round out the record with a few more songs. It doesn’t have a name or a release date yet, but I’m figuring it all out as I go. I’ll likely release a single while wrapping up the loose ends of the record. My fingers are crossed for a release in the late fall of 2019 or early 2020… 2020 has a nice ring to it.

What musicians did you work with?

The best part about being a music major in college is that your school pals quickly become some of your favorite musicians. I was lucky enough to have Owen Flanagan (drums & percussion), Justin Murray (lead guitar), and Jon Bass (bass) as my wrecking crew. Owen is a top lad, my former roommate, and one of the most sought-after drummers in NJ. If you’re out at a bar on a Saturday night where there’s live music, the odds are pretty good that Owen’s there on drums. I still remember playing “Time You Knew” for him and my other roommates in our living room the day that I wrote it because I was so excited. We joked that whenever I needed a drummer that I’d come after him, so he’s really been in it from the beginning. Justin & Jon are two peas in a pod that lived around the corner from Owen and I when we were in school. We always had a lot of fun together and I admired their musicianship when I watched them play in other bands. When it came down to picking musicians to work with, this crew seemed like the obvious choice. 

Where are you recording? What made you choose this place?

We are recording with Adam Vaccarelli of Retromedia Sound Studios in Red Bank, NJ. It seems like everyone and their mother has been going there to record, and I’ve liked everything that I’ve been hearing. Jon, Justin, and Owen had all recorded there multiple times over with their own projects, so I trusted their referral. I finally got to see what all the fuss was about, and Adam lived up to his reputation. He’s a cool dude who really knows what he’s doing, and has some awesome gear in the studio. He is so easy to work with and fosters a really fun vibe in his space. 

Self-releasing? What is that like?

Adam will be mixing and mastering the whole project, with me hanging over his shoulder adding touches here & there. My obsession with perfection can be crippling and it’s really hard for me to leave good enough alone. I think that’s why I’ve put off releasing anything up to this point—I’m afraid it won’t live up to my own expectations. I’m very happy with how it’s going so far, and hopefully the music will speak for itself once it’s out there in the world. I plan to self-release the record… I really couldn’t care less about the numbers that it does on Spotify or anything like that. I’m simply putting the music out there for the people that have come up to me after I finish playing a set to ask where they can find “that one song”. I’ve grown tired of telling them to look me up on YouTube because that’s the only place my original music exists as of right now. My family and friends have generously gushed over the songs that I’ve played for them, and I’m over the moon that I can finally share my music for real this time.

~

You can keep up with Olivia Rohlfs and new music on her YouTube channel.

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 Joe Mifsud (Singer, Songwriter, Musician)

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Friday, May 17, 2019

In 2013, Bergen County singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Joe Mifsud released his sophomore album, Stay Calm And Carry On. Drawing from a variety of influences, his music has a decidedly alternative/rock/pop bent with new folk/lo-fi elements via his side project, Here for Now. (On top of that, Joe is also a standup comedian. Check out his Facebook page for upcoming performance dates.)

Now in 2019, Joe is ready to jump back into the scene, writing new songs, playing shows, and meeting/collaborating with like-minded creatives and music lovers. Before you listen to his new work, be sure to check out some of his past gems, as well as our interview below to find out more about his personal journey and hopes for the future.

What’s your name, where are you from originally, and where are you based now? 

My name is Joe Mifsud. I was born in New York, New York but grew up in Harrington Park, NJ in Bergen County. I currently reside in Harrington Park.

Tell us about your musical background. You do a bit of everything -- singing, songwriting, and playing multiple instruments. How would you describe your genre/style?  Who are your influences?  

I've generally described my music as a cross pollination of several influences, but if I HAD to describe it to people I usually say my sound would be if The Beatles met The Foo Fighters. Or just very Foo Fighters-like in nature.

Musically, I play guitar, bass, drums, sing, write my own lyrics and music. I do enjoy a lot of different types of music. Growing up, my dad really enjoyed Motown music, Doo-Wop music and the Jazz and Soul Singers. My mom listened to all different types of Spanish Music and top radio hits of the 80's. My sister listened to a lot of jam bands like Phish & Dave Matthews Band along with early 90's Alternative Rock. My brother was listening to 80's Metal and Progressive Rock like Rush when we shared the room together when we were kids.

My childhood best friend Kevin and I listened to a lot of 90's Alternative Rock as we grew up as well as a lot of Classic Rock. We would raid his parents' Classic Rock collection. My influences are many to name but a short list would include The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Who, Black Sabbath, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Foo Fighters. More importantly to me were the local influences, musical peers and my brother (who used to play guitar and bass in a band) and my dad (who used to sing in a barbershop group with his friends on the street corner).

What's the inspiration behind your music? How has it progressed over time? How do you hope people will feel when they listen to it? 

The main inspiration behind my music is relationships.
Not always a romantic love relationship,
but it comes from a very literary sense.
Man and nature.
Man and woman.
Man and himself.
Man and society.

I appreciate the very therapeutic value of songwriting. I tend to write very autobiographically as a way of coping and understanding myself and the world around me. I have been fortunate to use music and songwriting as a way to develop my personal and artistic voice. I hope that people find a connection and comfort in what I bring to music. Music to celebrate the good times and good memories and bring people together. Music to find solace and comfort in during the hard times. I hope that people are able to connect with the music on some level that strikes them even if it is just the tone or sonic soundscape or the lyrics and message or all of it. 

Ultimately, I would like to give back to music what it gave to me. Music gave me a sense of home, comfort and purpose.

What has your personal journey been like?  When did you discover that you loved music?

My personal journey started when I was young. My earliest memories of music were listening to Spanish music in the living room and tapping out the rhythm on the conga drum with my dad. The first song that really struck a chord with me was The Beatles' “Lady Madonna” because of the ragtime-type groove and the cartoon-like vocal section that reminded me of a Looney Tunes song. I loved when there would be classical music in cartoons when the characters would have a play off of classical songs on piano. Queen's “Bohemian Rhapsody” is my favorite rock song of all time. Nothing quite captured my imagination in so many ways about the possibilities of Rock than “Bohemian Rhapsody”! As I got to be about ten or eleven years old, the first band that I was able to claim as my own was Nirvana. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and its accompanying music video blew me away! When I saw Dave Grohl playing the drums, I knew that I wanted to do that! Play Drums! Play Music for a living ! I felt empowered by Nirvana and their music because, similarly to The Beatles' effect, they were just normal people making great music. I felt like I could do it, too, and that it wasn't totally beyond me.

 I discovered that I loved music very early on in my life and that it became a goal and a challenge that I accepted to be like my heroes. I wanted to learn to sing, write lyrics, play instruments and write my own original songs with a level of proficiency.

What are your goals as an artist? What would you like to accomplish by the end of this year? What kinds of people would you like to meet?  Are there any artists, bands, or producers who you'd love to collaborate with one day? Do you have any shows coming up? 

My goals as an artist are to have the music reach people and touch their lives in a positive way. By the end of the year, I would like to have accomplished jumpstarting a life in music and sharing music that I've written with as many people as possible and through multiple channels such as live shows, interviews, social media, streaming services, reviews and podcasts, personal connections, etc. I would like to reach people that genuinely love, support and appreciate music and the arts. I am open to meeting people that are creative, passionate and awesome! There are many artists, bands or producers that I'd love to collaborate with one day. At the top of my lists would be Rick Rubin for producer and Dave Grohl for Musician.

I do not have any shows coming up, but I am looking to plan shows for 2019 and beyond and will keep you updated!

What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar passion, or is maybe facing obstacles similar to what you've faced?

Words of advice or encouragement that I would give to someone who wants to follow a similar passion or is maybe facing obstacles similar to what I've faced: Believe in yourself. Trust your voice. Trust the process and trust that an audience will be attracted to your vision. Always stay true to yourself and the original vision because when it's all said and done you have yourself to be accountable to.

DO! Don't let anxiety or insecurity or excuses counteract productivity. Your older self will thank your younger self. 

Create, Create, Create! Hopefully you get a job where you have the time and income to fund and realize your art without interference.

It may take time but stick with it!

I will be your fan! 

Where can people find you online (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Spotify, YouTube, etc.)?

Official Music Website: https://www.mifmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoeMifsudBand 
Bandcamp: https://joemifsudband.bandcamp.com/
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/1l3m0OFBgPLMmgssBl3cBO
Instagram (Seldom Used but I should use it more): https://www.instagram.com/mif95/?hl=en
Twitter (Seldom Used but I should use it more): https://twitter.com/JoeMifsudBand 

YouTube (Videos including live, promo and music videos that I've uploaded):  https://www.youtube.com/user/davidbedert/videos

YouTube Official Music from the Albums: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyz5pd9_aSOU0ROmAMHGWlg

For the Streaming Music, the music is available on all streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon, Tidal, Google Play, etc.

My side acoustic/indie/folk project is called Here For Now. The album is called Letters Home.

Here For Now Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/herefornowband/
Here For Now Bandcamp : https://herefornowthereforlater.bandcamp.com/album/letters-home-there-for-later-edition

Also available on all streaming music platforms - Here For Now Letters Home