By Sonia Schnee | Posted Saturday, March 20, 2021
New Jersey rock/alternative/80s-90s nostalgia quintet DUMMY have certainly been keeping busy. They kicked off 2021 by releasing their debut single and music video, “Suddenly”, on YouTube and all streaming platforms. Then on Valentine’s Day, they released a special second music video, appropriately named “Valentine,” and currently they are planning on releasing a follow up single as well as another music video (follow them on social media for the latest news and announcements).
Check out our interview, below, with the ultra-productive members of DUMMY to learn about their origin story, as well as the inspiration behind their song and music video, “Suddenly.”
Congratulations on the release of your debut single and music video, "Suddenly"! What can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song?
Thank you so much! The lyrics were not only very personal to Ben, but we wanted the song to resonate and help people struggling with addictive personalities to not feel alone. At some point, everyone goes through a dark period in their life whether it’s a struggling relationship, mental health, substance abuse, or everyday vices that can trap one in a corner of their own self doubt.
What was the music video-making process like?
It was such an amazing experience just being able to work with a great crew. We were really excited to put our vision in the hands of Jim Boemio and Calyn Heller, whom we’ve grown a great relationship with as a band through Jim and Jeff’s history of making films for school. It was a long day of shooting but we’re stoked we got it done in a day. With this being our first release we had to make the best first impression, so concentrating on creating a great set and environment that ties perfectly with the mood of the song was extremely important to us.
Where did you record/who did you record with?
“Suddenly”, along with a handful of unreleased work, was recorded with Mike Morello, at his studio in Hillsborough, New Jersey. There is probably no one we would rather work with who has such a great ear to bring our sound to the max. There’s not a single dull minute with Mike. He keeps it super real and straight to the point when tracking to make everything as proficient and professional as possible. Mike is truly an expert and has become a great friend and member of DUMMY.
Tell us about DUMMY. Who's in the band? Where are you from? How did you find each other?
DUMMY is Ben Nelson, Jeffrey Fetzko, Carlee Ahart, Matt & Cris Nace. Ben met Jeff growing up in the same town going to the same DIY hardcore shows. After a few years, they reconnected and found a lot in common with one another. They had both gone through similar situations, fed up with working dead end jobs, they wanted to create something big. Summer of 2019 was the beginning of DUMMY. After finding their sound and writing a new song or two everyday, Ben and Jeff got serious about finding members to help write and mold the sound. After writing a couple songs, they reached out to Cris and Matt Nace, old friends of Ben, who had the musical resume DUMMY was in search of. The Nace brothers perfected the fast paced drum beats and high energy synths, adding the intense energy the old hardcore shows reminded them of. Shortly after, Ben reached out to Carlee, a high school friend. She became the perfect match for the sound with smooth rhythm guitar.
How would you describe your style?
We have been describing ourselves simply as a ‘rock’ band. To be honest, we didn't really know how to describe our music. Since our release of ‘Suddenly’ we've been compared to so many different bands reigning from the 80s post-punk era to early 2000s alternative acts. It’s hard to categorize yourself with so many different types of influences we collect for our sound.
Who are your influences?
Ben — Sad Lovers and Giants, The Doors, Joy Division, John Maus.
Jeffrey — Tennis System, Vlad Holiday, The Cure, Turnstile, Beach Fossils
Carlee — My Chemical Romance, Led Zeppelin
Matt — Surf Curse, U2, Viola Beach
Cris — Turnover, Hippo Campus, Kings of Leon
What are you looking forward to in 2021, personally and/or professionally? Is there anyone who you'd like to collaborate with in the future?
We’re super excited nonetheless to share the unreleased music we have, along with more videos we’ve been producing. Hoping within time we’ll be able to perform live with some of our friends in the area!
Finally, where can people find your music?
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes! Thank you for taking the time and giving a platform for the voices of amazing artists throughout New Jersey. We cannot be more grateful for you guys reaching out to help promote our debut single along with what you do supporting local music. Much love!
— DUMMY