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Following their successful 30-city North American tour, Alter Bridge are currently now venturing on their summer 2023 leg of the “Pawns & Kings” tour: with support acts of long-time friends SEVENDUST and recent tour-mates MAMMOTH WVH. The Stone Pony Summer Stage was the second date of the month-long tour, and it was such a pleasure to capture some of the magic and write-up a report on my experience and takeaways.
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Green Day’s American Idiot, the musical based off of the band’s 2004 album of the same title, hit Broadway in April 2010 and went on to win 2 Tony Awards. Now, American Idiot is coming to Asbury Park, New Jersey, with a largely New Jersey-based cast and crew. Produced by Asbury Park Theater Company in association with Remember Jones Productions, the show will premiere on Friday, July 1st, 2022 at the Kingsley Theater…
Read moreBy Sonia Schnee | Posted Saturday, June 11, 2022
On Sunday, June 5th, the sun was shining and the weather was a comfortable 70-something degrees as Asbury Park hosted New Jersey’s 30th Annual Statewide LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration. Jersey Indie photographer David Ross Lawn was on the scene capturing moments from the parade, which featured “floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands, and enthusiastic marchers “ (learn more at jerseypride.org).
A thank you to David and to the parade participants (see names/descriptions below).
Happy Pride Month!
(Click on a photo to enlarge it.)
(signed up as of 6/1/22. See more at jerseypride.org/the-parade)
180 Turning Lives Around - “180 Turning Lives Around empowers survivors and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault to find the courage and strength to turn their lives around. 180 is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and receives financial support from individuals, government and civic agencies, faith-based organizations, corporations, and foundations. Gifts to 180 are tax-deductible to the full extent possible under IRS regulations.” Learn more at https://180nj.org/
3WheeledMotion - “It's not just a ride, it's a lifestyle.” Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/3wheeledmotion
Atlantic Shores offshore wind - “Charting the course for offshore wind energy solutions on the Atlantic Coast.” Learn more at https://www.atlanticshoreswind.com/
Atonement Lutheran Church - “The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Asbury Park is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are a Reconciling In Christ congregation welcoming people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.” Learn more at https://atonementlutheranchurch.com/
Bank of America - “The power to build connections, one story at a time.” Learn more at https://about.bankofamerica.com/en
Barnegat High School Gender/Sexuality Alliance - “The Gender/Sexuality Alliance at Barnegat High School serves two purposes:
The first is to create a safe environment for student self-expression. This includes celebration of students' achievements - regardless of their gender or sexual identity - and support for anyone who encounters struggles related to their interpersonal relationships and sense of self.
The second is to help educate others in our community so that we can foster an overall atmosphere of understanding and mutual acceptance. “ Learn more at https://www.barnegatschools.com/domain/1675
BCIT GLOW Club - Burlington County Institute of Technology. “GLOW is a student driven Gender and Sexuality Alliance that meets twice monthly socially and to discuss the atmosphere of the school in regards to tolerance and acceptance of all students no matter their diversity. GLOW's mission is to provide a safe and accepting place for all students to be themselves without fear of judgement, harassment, intimidation or bullying. “ Learn more: https://sites.google.com/burlcoschools.org/glowclub/home
Bergen Community College LGBTQIA+ Alliance - "Bergen Community College seeks to create an open, accepting, and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals on our campus. With this Center we hope to provide a space where individuals can access resources, increase communication to our LGBTQ+ population on campus, provide opportunities for connection (learn about Bergen PRIDE, our LGBTQ+ Alliance), learn about safe space trainings for faculty, staff and students and meet the growing community of faculty and staff who made a commitment to be an active ally for our LGBTQ+ community on campus. This Center seeks to foster an inclusive and engaged campus environment, supportive of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression for all members of this community on campus and in the larger community.” Learn more at https://bergen.edu/student-life/virtual-lgbtq-center/
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company - “We are a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases.” Learn more at https://www.bms.com/
Brown’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing - “FAMILY-OWNED HEATING, A/C & PLUMBING SERVICE Celebrating nearly 50 YEARS of serving Monmouth & Ocean counties in NJ!” Learn more at https://www.brownshc.com/
Church of the Precious Blood LGBTQ Ministry - “The Church of the Precious Blood's LGBT Faith Sharing Ministry welcomes and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Catholic persons, their family and friends. We will share our faith through prayer, social justice and dialogue […] We seek to engage the larger community in recognizing that we are all members of God's family nad that we each have a place at the Table of the Lord. ALL ARE WELCOME - whether you are LGBT, have an LGBT family member or loved one or just want to know more about this ministry, please know that YOU are welcome!” Learn more at https://churchofthepreciousblood.org/105
City of Asbury Park - Learn more at https://www.cityofasburypark.com/
ConnectiveRX - “Healthcare is a very human experience. We make the prescription part as pain free as possible.” Learn more at https://www.connectiverx.com/
CrossFit Speakeasy - “Welcome to Crossfit Speakeasy. THE JERSEY SHORE’S PREMIERE CROSSFIT GYM. Rob Blake opened CrossFit Speakeasy in the beginning of 2013. Exactly two years later, Emmy Simpkins came on as a partner. Together, we strive to provide high quality coaching, programming and facilities to help you reach your health goals. Our 3,000 sq. ft. space is located in the heart of Belmar, NJ on 8th Ave., just half a mile from the beach. Our facility is equipped with bathrooms, showers, day care services and many different programs to fit your busy schedule.” Learn more at http://www.crossfitspeakeasy.com/
Crystal Head Vodka - “Creativity is at the heart of everything we do. It is why we craft the purest, smoothest vodka with one of a kind packaging and imaginative thinking. Crystal Head uses only the highest-quality ingredients to create unique expressions of ultra-premium vodka that are completely additive-free. Original, crafted from locally sourced Canadian corn, Aurora, crafted from English wheat, and Onyx, crafted from Blue Weber agave. We do it for all the creative spirits who think differently—to inspire them in their creative pursuits and to bring out their creativity, without compromise. Unlike other vodka brands, Crystal Head views the world differently, without limitations.
The Crystal Head bottle was designed with the creative spirit in mind by creative people. Together, Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander designed the iconic skull shaped bottle as a symbol of life, reflecting power and enlightenment. Only the best to hold their multi-award-winning spirit.
#VodkaForTheCreativeSpirit” Learn more at https://www.crystalheadvodka.com/age_check
Dragonslair - “DRAGONSLAIR Productions is a community-driven production company bringing you contests, fundraising events, and more to enhance the lifestyle we work for and deserve.
DRAGONSLAIR is another success in the partnership of Sal Susino & Dion Daly, life partners for over 35 years. The two have been instrumental in community organizing and fundraising since the mid 1980s, when they organized the first AIDS fundraiser in Asbury Park at The Odyssey.
Over the years Daly & Susino have been involved with and co-founded several gay, HIV, and leather organizations including the first NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt chapter in NJ, and The Promethean Guard.
Together with Tom Harrison whom they have loved and mentored for over a decade, they produce the Mr. & Ms NJ Leather Contests and the annual Foreplay block party, as well as a number of other events throughout the year. During the duration of their New Jersey Leather efforts, thousands of dollars have been raised for a diverse multitude of local and national charities.” Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/groups/135553116484243
Eaton Corporation - “Powering Business Worldwide. We make what matters work.*
*Developing more efficient, sustainable power management solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of our world.” Learn more at https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us.html
Edison Energy - “Accelerate your decarbonization journey. At Edison Energy, our mission is to create a sustainable, resilient, and equitable net zero future.” Learn more: https://www.edisonenergy.com/
EWR4 Glamazon - “Glamazon helps Amazon be a great place to work by educating and informing employees about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and/or Queer (LGBTQ+) community and opportunities. The group mentors fellow employees (both LGBTQ+ and allies) and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Amazon is more visible within the LGBTQ+ community-at-large by sponsoring events and PRIDE around the globe. Glamazon supported the creation of a Transgender Toolkit for managers and employees to use when going through a gender transition in the workplace. In 2019, thanks to the efforts of glamazon working with leaders across the company, we were honored again to receive a 100 Score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index, a US benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQ employees.” Learn more: https://www.aboutamazon.com/affinity-groups
FLAGGOTS - “The original FLAGGOTS of NYC, Philadelphia and NJ has been entertaining audiences with a unique sense of pride since 1991.” Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/71117477175/
Fourth Wave Studios DBA 10PRL - “🎥Studio Rentals 🎉 Event Space 🎞 Productions 🏢6500 Sqft 🎆Cyc Wall 💃🏻Dance Studio @10prl_events 🎉 @10prl_productions 🎞” Learn more: https://www.10prl.com/
Friday Nite Specials - "The Friday Nite Specials Cast. Bringing you the full Rocky Horror Picture Show experience every other Friday at 10pm! Basie Center Cinemas, 36 White Street, Red Bank, NJ." Learn more: https://www.rockyhorrornj.com/
Fulfill NJ - FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties - “Fulfill’s mission is to alleviate hunger and build food security in Monmouth & Ocean Counties and to make sure that all people at all times have access to enough nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life.” Learn more: https://fulfillnj.org/
Garden State Equality - “Garden State Equality is the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in New Jersey, with over 150,000 members. Established in 2004, we are now one of the most successful statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organizations in the nation […] Our services include advocacy, policy work, and trainings. We work to address safe environments for youth, improvement of health services that meet LGBTQ+ community needs, and respectful treatment of seniors. Beyond that, Garden State Equality supports New Jersey’s activist community by bringing an LGBTQ+ lens to the shared struggle for justice.” Learn more: https://www.gardenstateequality.org/
Gay Officers Action League New York - “Serving LGBTQ Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Professionals from all agencies, and the LGBTQIA+ community with pride since 1982.” Learn more: https://www.goalny.org/
Georgie’s Bar - “GEORGIES: AN ASBURY TRADITION SINCE 1999. For almost 20 years, Georgie's has been a stronghold for the LGBTQ community of Asbury Park and the surrounding shore area. Now that we are coming into our third decade, Georgies will remain dedicated to our patrons, our various charities, and the greater Asbury Park community.” Learn more: https://georgiesbarap.com/
Good Boy Training - “We are a dog lover, just like you. Positive reinforcement training is an extremely important practice to me and one of my top priorities as a pet trainer. Having worked with many adult dogs who struggle with anxiety and reactivity issues, I have a special passion for working with puppies to prevent these issues from developing in the first place. My goal is to provide you with the tools you need to have the dog of your dreams." Learn more: https://goodboytrainingasbury.com/
Hackensack Meridian Health - “Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. The health care network comprises 13 hospitals, including two academic medical centers, two children’s hospitals and nine community hospitals, physician practices, more than 120 ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care and after-hours centers.” Learn more: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en
Hamilton United Methodist Church - "The Hamilton United Methodist Church is a church living out "God's Love In Action". Whether you are a lifelong United Methodist or have never stepped foot in a church before (or anywhere in between) you will find a home away from home within this community. For the time being we are living out our Methodist covenant to "do no harm" and have decided to offer worship both online and in-person, with safe practices in place." Learn more: https://www.hamiltonumc1.org/
Henry Hudson Regional School Gender & Sexuality Alliance - Learn more: https://hhrs.tridistrict.org/
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey - ”Our Mission: We empower our members to achieve their best health.” Learn more: https://www.horizonblue.com/
In God’s Image, Church of the Sacred Heart - “We welcome all who join us for worship and invite you to become part of our parish family. We encourage you to full and active participation in our parish life. New members are asked to register by contacting the Parish Center.” Learn more: https://www.churchofthesacredheart.net/in-gods-image/
Labcorp PRIDE ERGs - Learn more: https://www.labcorp.com/unique-perspectives/blog/meet-wayne-leading-newest-chapter-our-pride-employee-resource-group
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company - “Since 1912, we've grown our organization into the sixth largest global property and casualty insurer - based on 2020 gross written premium - by maintaining our commitment to the belief that progress happens when people feel secure. At Liberty Mutual Insurance we work hard every day to support our customers and our people, so they can protect their families, build their businesses and invest in their futures.
We are headquartered in Boston, but our people, our customers and our reach span the globe. So to better serve our global customers and employees, we are organized into three business units.” Learn more: https://www.libertymutual.com/
M&T Bank - “We were founded as Manufacturers and Traders Bank. Today, M&T Bank is one of the top 20 banks in the nation, but we operate as a community bank committed to strengthening the areas we serve.
As we have grown, our approach to banking has not changed. We are actively involved in our communities and focused on understanding our customers' needs.” Learn more: https://www3.mtb.com/
Make it Better for Youth INC - "Our Mission: The Monmouth County Consortium for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Youth is a non-profit organization of concerned and determined educators, community leaders, arts and cultural organizations, businesses and individuals who are pooling resources and ideas to make it better with education, outreach, and social opportunities for our LGBTQ youth." Learn more: https://makeitbetter4youth.org/
Mando Mercs Costume Club: Raquor’daan Clan NJ - “NJ Chapter of the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club. A Lucas Film/Disney Recognized, international Costumed Star Wars Charity Organization 100% Volunteers” Learn more: https://mandalorianmercs.org/
Mental Health Association in New Jersey - “The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization that strives for children and adults to achieve victory over mental health and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training, and services.” Learn more: https://www.mhanj.org/
Merck - “We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.” Learn more: https://www.merck.com/
Miss Gay New Jersey Association - “The MGNJA, Inc. is the oldest, longstanding Drag Entertainment organization in New Jersey. While its primary purpose is to raise monies for the Beacon Light Fund (BLF) it continues to successfully empower the performance art of drag entertainment.” Learn more: http://beaconlightfund.org/missgaynj/
Middletown Reformed Church - “We are a church committed to social justice, living out the command to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. We are a church on the side of love for all God’s people – providing for those who are in need, advocating for all oppressed peoples, and caring for our earth – we love because God first loved us.
This is what you will experience when you worship with us. You will immediately feel welcomed, not only by our greeters, but also by the Spirit of God that is hovering ever-present in our church and among our congregation. You will be moved by our music, at times traditional, but then, at other times, a bit more eclectic. You will be stirred by the liturgy, and you will be challenged and affirmed by the sermons. If you have young ones in your family, you will find one of the most vibrant children and youth programs in New Jersey. Finally, you will find fellowship and kindred spirits during our after worship coffee hour. All of this is to say, you will feel a sense of belonging . . . you will feel God's unconditional Love.” Learn more: http://www.mrchurch.us/
Miss’d America Organization - “A not-to-be-missed entertainment event, the Miss’d America Pageant started in 1994 at a local Atlantic City club and was created as a spoof of the world-famous Miss America Pageant to raise funds for a local charity.
It took place annually on the night after that famous beauty pageant, the joke being that the drag performers ‘missed’ getting into the real pageant at Boardwalk Hall. It ended in 2005 and was absent from Atlantic City for nearly five years, before making its triumphant return on January 31, 2010 and has grown larger and more spectacular every year since.” Learn more: https://missdamerica.org/
Mondelez - "Empowering People to Snack Right. Mondelēz International empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. We're leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as Oreo, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum." Learn more: https://www.mondelezinternational.com/United-States
Motion City Media - “Marketing Solutions Motion City Media develops compelling multimedia solutions to help elevate real estate marketing efforts. We approach every project with one clear cut goal in mind: Create persuasive images that cause potential buyers to fall in love before they ever step foot in a home. With an extensive marketing and real estate background, we know exactly what buyers are looking for and how to give it to them.” Learn more: https://motioncitymedia.com/
National Alliance on Mental Illness of NJ - “NAMI New Jersey (NAMI NJ) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Through education, support, advocacy and public awareness programs NAMI NJ fosters understanding about mental illness, confronts stigma often associated with mental disorders, advocates for public policies that benefit those affected by mental illness, and promotes research into the causes, treatment and recovery of mental health disorders.” Learn more: https://www.naminj.org/
New Jersey Education Association - “NJEA is the premier labor union in the nation for serious educators and support professionals who want to protect and advance their careers.” Learn more: https://www.njea.org/
New Jersey Natural Gas - “New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources. NJNG serves over half a million customers in New Jersey's Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Middlesex and Burlington counties, and operates the most environmentally-sound natural gas distribution system in the state as measured by leaks per mile. As a leader in the competitive energy marketplace and a lifeline service provider, NJNG is committed to service excellence and delivering safe, reliable energy our customers depend on to keep their homes and businesses running.” Learn more: https://www.njng.com/
Next Step Chiropractic - “Next Step's goal is to provide solutions to your needs whether you are experiencing back or neck pain, headaches, or looking to improve your health!” Learn more: https://www.nextstepchiropractic.com/
NJ Transit – Ride with Pride - "NJ TRANSIT is unveiling two Ride with Pride themed buses to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ Community and its allies during Pride month. The wrapped buses will be on display throughout New Jersey on the transit system. In collaboration with our sponsor, Hackensack Meridian Health, the Ride with Pride wraps are designed to show support and raise awareness of inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“NJ TRANSIT is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we are especially proud to help keep New Jersey moving with these new specially marked buses. NJ TRANSIT welcomes all members of the LGBTQIA+ Community and its advocates to ‘Ride with Pride’ this June,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.
“We are celebrating Pride month throughout the agency and across our system, including creating these special Pride-wrapped vehicles.” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “I’m pleased we were able to work with our Ride with Pride Company Employee Resource Group, which is made up of LGBTQIA+ employees and allies on this special project to reaffirm our commitment to inclusion to our customers and employees.”" Learn more: https://www.njtransit.com/press-releases/nj-transit-celebrates-pride-month
North Jersey PFLAG - "Welcome to Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of North Jersey, a group of people who meet regularly in the Montclair area and are dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, their families and their friends […]
PFLAG was founded in 1981 by 25 parents concerned with society’s attitude toward their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered children. Today, PFLAG represents more than 65,000 families and friends in the United States and speaks for the thousands of others who cannot." Learn more: http://www.pflagnorthjersey.org/
Novo Nordisk - “For almost 100 years, we have been translating the unmet medical needs of people living with a serious chronic disease into innovative medicines and delivery systems, like our insulin pens.
Our treatments today are benefiting millions of people living with diabetes, obesity, and rare blood and endocrine diseases.
From our labs to our factory floors, we are discovering and developing innovative biological medicines and making them accessible to patients throughout the world.” Learn more: https://www.novonordisk.com/
NYM Starbucks Pride Alliance - Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksPride/
Out in Jersey - “Out In Jersey magazine covers the interests of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning community of New Jersey.” Learn more: https://outinjersey.net/
Paradise - Nightclub and Bar in Asbury Park, NJ. Learn more: https://www.paradisenj.com/
Parties by Bellas - “Parties by Bellas is more than an in-home adult party business, we are a family of Divas that genuinely care about each other and our customers’ desires and needs. When you become a Diva or a host, you join a family of amazing women and men. Our company began due to the amazing sisterhood that was created by the CEO when she was an independent consultant for an adult company that went out of business. The sisterhood that she created due to that company was something she did not want to lose and thus found a way to recreate and develop it through parties by bellas. We strive to create an atmosphere comfortable for everyone. We at Parties by bellas believe love is love. We believe no one should be secluded from our parties.” Learn more: http://partiesbybellas.com/
Petsmart - “PetSmart supports LGBTQ+. We believe in unconditional love and proudly promote equality.” Learn more: https://www.petsmart.com/featured-shops/pride-shop/
PFLAG Jersey Shore - “PFLAG Jersey Shore is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide support for the families and allies of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, and LGBT individuals themselves; education for ourselves and others about the unique issues and challenges facing people who are LGBT; and advocacy in our communities to change attitudes and create policies and laws that achieve full equality for LGBT people. We are a local chapter of PFLAG National, our parent organization, which envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
We operate locally in Monmouth and Ocean counties of New Jersey. Our chapter hosts two support groups each month and sponsors numerous other events throughout the year. If you or someone you know is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, we invite you to join us!” Learn more: https://pflagjerseyshore.org/
Philadelphia Freedom Band - “The Philadelphia Freedom Band seeks to be a place where anyone - LGBTQ+ and allies - can enjoy playing and performing music in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We are comprised of a wide variation of talented people, from beginners to college educated professional musicians. We come together to improve as individuals, perform for the public and be visible as folks who support the LGBTQ+ community. We welcome anyone who wants to play in our multiple bands (concert, marching and small ensembles) and understand our mission.” Learn more: https://sites.google.com/philadelphiafreedomband.com/philadelphiafreedomband/home?authuser=0/
Progressive Insurance - “We are committed to making our company and our communities equitable for all. At Progressive, diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to our Core Values. We're committed to creating an environment where all people feel safe, welcomed, valued and respected. With so many acts of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia in our communities, this commitment is more important than ever. We stand in solidarity with communities of color, the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups and we encourage our people to discuss these all-too-prevalent issues with our leadership team, with one another, and with our Employee Resource Groups [...]” Learn more: https://www.progressive.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion/
PSEG’S PRIDE Business Energy Resource Group - “PRIDE is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive work environment at PSEG where LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) employees and allies are recognized, respected, and valued as contributors to a diverse culture within all levels of the organization.” Learn more: https://corporate.pseg.com/careers/diversityandinclusionpage/employeebusinessresourcegroups
PTC LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group - “We know that individuals are at their best when they feel they can be their most authentic selves. Here at PTC, we strive to create an inclusive workplace culture and an environment in which employees feel supported and positioned for success.” Learn more: https://www.ptc.com/en/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion
QSPOT LGBT Community Center - "Founded in Asbury Park in 2005, QSpot fosters the health, well-being and pride of NJ’s LGBT and allied community by providing resources, referrals, education, and outreach. QSpot works tirelessly to fulfill its mission while operating a safe and welcoming LGBT community center.
QSpot’s LGBT Community Center is a gathering spot for NJ’s LGBT and allied community, a place where individuals, groups and families can go to be social, have fun, find support and grow. QSpot is the only LGBT community center serving the diverse cities of Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Red Bank, Long Branch, Toms River and more.
QSpot provides vital services to this under-served community using an all-volunteer, community based model. QSpot’s services include education, advocacy, and support for LGBT youth, LGBT seniors, parents and families of LGBT, mental health counseling, 12-step recovery groups, Buddy Program for LGBT 50 +, support groups, social clubs, book club and more. QSpot is also a meeting place for other LGBT organizations and individuals looking for a welcoming place to hold important professional and personal events.
QSpot is also home to the arts, proudly supporting the QSpot Marching and Concerts Bands, and producing QFEST New Jersey LGBT Film and Digital Media Festival, NJ’s only LGBT film festival, as well as art exhibitions, musical performances and book readings." Learn more: https://qspot.org/
QSpot Marching Band - "QSpot Marching and Concert Band are volunteer community bands led by Musical Director Eva Szakal." Learn more: https://qspot.org/the-arts/qspot-marching-band/
RWJBarnabas Health - “RWJBarnabas Health is committed to meeting the special health care needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) community with respect and compassion. We provide an array of health, referral and educational services, promote LGBTQ health equity and access to care, and develop effective partnerships with LGBTQ organizations, agencies and allies.” Learn more: https://www.rwjbh.org/why-rwjbarnabas-health-/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/lgbtq-health-services/
Saber Guild Corellia - “Saber Guild's Corellia Temple serves Northern New Jersey and Ocean and Monmouth Counties as a chapter of Saber Guild International, LFL's preferred costuming and lightsaber performance organization.” Learn more: https://saberguild.org/
Seabrook
Sherlock’s Homes Foundation - “We provide housing, employment opportunities, and a loving support system for homeless LGBTQ+ young adults so that they can live fearlessly as their authentic selves.
Within one of our homes, these young adults learn responsibility, accountability, financial independence, life skills, but most of all; how to love themselves.Currently we have homes in Boca Raton, FL and Colorado Springs, CO. with other homes opening up around the country soon.
If you would like to sponsor one of our next homes, we’d love to hear from you.” Learn more: https://sherlockshomes.org/
Slalom - “We help companies tackle their most ambitious projects and build new capabilities.” Learn more: https://www.slalom.com/
Somerset County Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus - Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/SomersetDemsLGBT
Target - “Highlighting the brands supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations that make a difference every day.” Learn more: https://www.target.com/c/pride-brands/-/N-jnjue
The Asbury - “The Asbury mashes up Asbury Park's Victorian-era history, rock-n-roll present, and shiny future into a new kind of social hub. Come experience our vibrant bars and hangouts like our renowned rooftop lounge Salvation, the outdoor movie theater Baronet and our lively lobby bar Soundbooth. There’s something for everyone at The Asbury, whether it’s hanging by the pool, enjoying live music in the lobby, soaking up a well being class on Baronet or simply relaxing in your room, this is the new Asbury Park.” Learn more: https://www.theasburyhotel.com/
The Party for Socialism and Liberation - “The Party for Socialism and Liberation believes that the only solution to the deepening crisis of capitalism is the socialist transformation of society.” Learn more: https://pslweb.org/
The Pride Center of New Jersey - “The Pride Center was founded in 1994. For two and a half decades, we have served the needs of the LGBTQ community, empowering thousands of individuals to live authentic lives. We have an active membership and volunteer base with robust attendance in a range of programs, support and social groups, and activities that promote fun.
The groups and services offered by The Center have enriched the lives of thousands of LGBTQ individuals over the years who may otherwise have had nowhere else to turn. At The Center, everyone is welcomed with open arms.” Learn more: http://www.pridecenter.org/
Trinity Episcopal Church - “Trinity is committed to Diversity! When we say “All are welcome,” we mean it! Trinity is a “big Umbrella” church: where all lifestyles, sexual orientations, genders, political persuasions, races, ethnicities and faith traditions are valued. There isn’t just one type of Trinity parishioner, there is a whole spectrum of parishioners—and we recognize that we all belong together regardless of any individual differences we may have. This is reflected in our commitment to an open table at the Eucharist where all are invited to share in the sacrament. We all belong at the table together.” Learn more: https://www.trinitynj.com/
Tri-State Warriors Women’s Pro Football Team - “Founded in September 2021, the Tri-State Warriors Women's Football Team, LLC, is the premiere gridiron engagement opportunity for women’s full-contact football in [the tri-state of] New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. A Division 2 member of the Women’s Football Alliance, Tri-State Warriors (TSW) plays to win offering an all-female squad, women 18 and older, the opportunity to learn and play 11-on-11 professional tackle football. No experience necessary. BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. BE BETTER.” Learn more: https://www.tristatewarriors.com/custom_pages/52781/about-us
Unitarian Universalist Church of Monmouth County - “Unitarian Universalism is a caring, open-minded religion that encourages you to seek your own spiritual path. Our faith embraces truth from many religious and spiritual traditions, which nurture the spirit and help us find meaning in life. Unitarian Universalism does not ask anyone to ascribe to a creed but rather to live our beliefs through deeds. Our congregations are places where people gather to put their faith into action by helping to make our communities and the world a better place.” Learn more: https://www.uucmc.org/
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Grin & Bear - “Naturally Goes.” Album artwork by @courtneyburkeart.
By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, May 13, 2022
Grin & Bear has evolved quite a bit since their initial entrance to the scene with 2015’s Range Wars. Following their first release, the project has been spearheaded by singer and guitarist Brian Perrino. He has gone on to release two more records and a handful of singles and EPs under Grin & Bear, as well as appearing on other bands’ records. While lineups have changed, Brian being at the core has kept their self-reflective and self-love messages at the forefront. Their latest release, Naturally Goes, is no exception, and possibly the most heartfelt yet (in my opinion). I reached out to Brian to tell me a bit more about how this record came together and the smattering of talent (including himself) that played throughout the album. Thanks again, Brian!
The “Forgotten EP” consists of two songs that I wrote in/around 2015 and one song I wrote in 2017. The songs “Tree” and “Dead Deer” are very, very similar. Before I get into this: these are very dark and depressing songs from a very dark and depressed time. Although they were true and possibly still remain true, I no longer focus on them because spending too much time in that space can be unhelpful. At some point, it’s very important to look at the darkness and it can be beneficial, but I don’t want to live there or forget that this isn’t the whole story. That’s why we took so long to decide if and when we wanted to release these.
Their theme is: what is the point of destroying everything around me (the environment, crossing deer, marginalized groups of people, etc.) so that I can have a life I’m not even happy with? They were written specifically about me, but I think it’s very weird to realize how much harm a lot of us do just to prolong unfulfilled and depressed lives. This is a very dark way to start the interview haha so I apologize.
“Karate Kid” is a fun and funny song that I just wanted to throw in there to add some lightheartedness to the EP. We recorded it with Connor Hanson and I think it sounds super cool, and I’m glad we put it out. If you listen, just take it with a grain of salt haha.
In a lot of ways it remained the same and in a lot of ways we experimented more on this one. If anything, this one was more collaborative. My friend Connor (Sentient Moss) and I booked an Airbnb at a lake and each had our own room to write demos in. In that lake house, I fleshed out and wrote a significant chunk of this album, which is something I’ve never done before. I wrote the basic demos as usual but gave a lot more creative freedom to my friends! On “Grip”, Faye Fadem (Trust Fund Ozu) took my original demo that had no electronics and completely added her own take. On “Make Everyone Feel Bad”, Stephen Kelly (ManDancing) and I wrote letters back and forth to help us figure out what we were trying to say and we even wrote the music together, which was difficult and scary and very fun. Another friend and collaborator Matt Baker took on a huge role on this album: he wrote and recorded a lot of the synths (“I Move Slowly” and “Porch”, to name two) and was there along the way for production help and general support, in addition to playing bass on several songs and playing the “coin flip” on the song “Naturally Goes.” This album wouldn’t be the same without him. The whole album is a giant collaboration and includes 4 different drummers, which we have never done before.
Brian Perrino. Photography by @littlegreen_pill.
Okay, I have
Chris Calabrese: drums
Matt Baker: synth/guitar/bass/backup vocals
Gavin Fischer: bass/backup vocals
Will Avon: bass/guitar
Connor McArthur (Sentient Moss): guitar/vocals
George Saives (Halogens): drums
Faye Fadem (Trust Fund Ozu): drums/synth/production/vocals
Kyle Donavan (Halogens): bass
Stephen Kelly (ManDancing): vocals
Nigel Whitley (Sentient Moss): bass
Nick Timoniere (Nameling): vocals
Alex Brumel: pedal steel
Christina (Orion Lake): vocals
Emily, Chris, Tsian, Janaki: voices on “I Can Handle Anything”
This song is special because it outlines an extremely important breakthrough that I had a few years ago: seemingly contradictory things can BOTH be true.
It feels so good to be selfless AND sometimes it makes me resentful.
This is the one from the song but also:
I want to meditate and work on myself AND a lot of days I don’t want to do it.
I care about my health AND I enjoy doing things that are bad for my health.
Ahh thank you!
This one was by Courtney Burke and I love it so much! It was the original concept for Be Gentle, but with color. Be Gentle felt very two-dimensional to me (which is why it’s black and white): you are either being gentle, or failing (haha). Now I see it’s not that simple. There’s a lot more depth and color and growth and decay going on (that’s also why it’s so cool that it was burnt into part of a tree trunk). I hope that comes through on the album.
I think it’s the last song: “Thinkin of U”
This show kind of fell into our lap. George Saives (Halogens) (basically our free manager) told us the show was booked and we could hop on and use it as our release show if we wanted. We are playing with our absolute best friends in Halogens, and hopefully some new friends in Carpool and Palamino! The show is 6/4 and I leave for a 4-month meditation retreat on 6/6, so it’s also kind of a great way to see a bunch of friends before I leave!
Brian Perrino
By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Monday, April 25, 2022
Kqhyt Kqhyt has to be one of my favorite bands to emerge from Asbury Park since I started writing for Jersey Indie. Whether you know how to pronounce their name or not, you have no doubt caught them playing their booze soaked rock and roll throughout Asbury Park. Since forming in 2019, their long anticipated first single “Carey Bronson” was released April 8th of this year. Accompanied by a great music video, their self-titled release came out April 22nd and is available to purchase here. I recently reached out to lead guitarist Alex Rosen and the band to talk about the beginnings of the band and their upcoming plans. Thanks again, Alex. <><>
In early 2019. It is a bit of a long story, but the short of it is I had gotten Brian and Brendon down to jam. I went to Brendon's house and Bronson came down and asked when practice was. That was pretty much that.
Brendon pretty much has a couple albums worth and growing of songs. So he brings some to practice and we just kind of work ‘em out. Or he has older fully realized tunes and we all just work it to full band. I have contributed some songs and Brian has a few up his sleeve. It is a mostly collaborative effort. You hear this a lot with bands, but it is always cool to see how the idea you had for a song completely transforms when you bring it to other people and jam on it.
Brendon wrote "Mullica" and I really dig how everyone kind of added their own little mark to it. Brendon had the song already done, but each member added themselves to it. Lyrically, it is great as well.
Not sure if we have a favorite of all time since we are pretty new. But places like The Saint, Asbury Park Yacht Club, and Bond St. have always been good to us.
We worked with Pete Steinkopf at Little Eden. The experience went great, and I am really so happy with how the tunes sound and how everything came out. Pete knocked it out of the park!
No comment at the moment.
I went to my bud Mike Brown (Phasor Video) who is a really interesting dude. Does a lot of touring with big musicians as well as has a bit of a cult following in the WWE or wrestling world. I asked him if he would do a music video for us. We just gave him free creative control and that was that. I sent him, I think, three songs, and he picked “Carey Bronson.” It is cool just letting someone have their own vision on something you did. Kind of shows you how a song can mean different things to different people.
We have a full-length out on vinyl and digital on 4/22. It is self-titled and limited to 100. In late April, we are going to record our new record with Mike Mobius at Moonlight Mile. We also have a live album recorded, actually the final show at the Brighton Bar, just been slow-moving with it. We have some shows in Buffalo later this year and May 15th at Red Tank brewery. I would like to get a brewery to do a beer for us, get a tattoo gun and maybe give Bronson another nickname. Just try and make up for some lost time.
We have a bunch of merch we are working on and if you would like to grab our record and future items please check out our Bandcamp: kqhytkqhyt.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @kqhytkqhyt
You can find our stuff on Spotify and all that stuff too.
Thanks again.
You can listen to and support Kqhyt Kqhyt here <><>
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo credit: Emma Murphy
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Wednesday, April 13, 2022
In February of this year, Asbury Park alt-rock songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sara Abdelbarry (a.k.a Teen Idle) released her first single in 2 years, entitled “Burning”, and this Friday, 4/15, she’ll also be releasing the official music video for it.
With the exception of drums recorded by Simon Ogilvie and Danny Murray, Sara played all the instruments featured in the song and recorded them in her basement. (Shoutout to Andy Schichter for mixing and Kramer for mastering!)
In March, Sara’s guitar and synth skills plus backing vocals were featured on the Arabic-language song “La ElWa2t Yesra2”, produced in collaboration with Egyptian artist 200 Shams, which you can listen to here.
If you’re craving more by Teen Idle, you can catch Sara performing live on 4/28 at Finnegan’s Pub in Hoboken, NJ with Sonic Blume and ØM-53, and again on 4/29 at Stage Dive in Glassboro, NJ with Awesome Possum, Winkler, and Nadir Bliss.
Sara/Teen Idle is currently working on a full-length album. If you want to be the first to find out when it drops, and stay up-to-date on upcoming shows and other announcements, be sure to follow @teenidlemusic on Instagram and Twitter.
To learn more about the inspiration behind “Burning”, Sara Abdelbarry’s personal and musical journey, and her plans for the future, check out our interview below.
Thank you so much. I’m glad the song was able to transport you — that to me is the best compliment. “Burning” feels like it grew naturally from the sounds of my EP, since I wrote it during the same time, but it’s also strikingly different in some ways (at least to my ears). Some people who listened to the single described it as shoegazey, which is interesting because I think of it as the least shoegaze inspired song I’ve released. The song incorporates a lot of the fuzzy guitars and sonic patterns of my prior releases, but with this song I definitely wanted the focus to be on vocals and lyrics in a way I wasn’t thinking about on my EP.
It was definitely a journey. I remember starting the song about 3 years ago when I was a senior in college. The first part I wrote was the instrumental, which I recorded into a computer. I remember thinking there was strong potential there. At that time I wasn’t thinking about subject matter or lyrics at all; I just thought I had a fun guitar riff. The instrumental ended up sitting around until one weekend when I came home from school. I was feeling torn about a crush I had, which sort of characterized my last few months of college, so I started to write some lines of poetry in a notebook. I was just spilling my feelings. Later, when I wanted to put those words to song, I remembered I had the instrumental for “Burning”; luckily it seemed to match up with the words.
I kept tinkering around with certain lyrics. I doubt anyone would think this a song about an unrequited crush by looking only at the lyrics, yet it is! Some of the lyrics are pretty dark without context — “glowing is the sunlight, but all I see is black” — but they‘re about being in a funk because of a complicated crush gone sour. For some reason, whenever I sing the song and get to that lyric, I end up smiling. I think it’s because this seemingly bleak lyric is actually empowering when I think about how tiny of a struggle this crush was in my life compared to what it felt like back then. Almost comically. It’s awesome to feel like you’ve matured.
I actually produced the song alone and recorded it in my basement, which I turned into a DIY studio. I was lucky to have my friend Danny play live drums on the song and record it at a separate studio. Other than that, I played all the other instruments myself. It was definitely a learning experience, and super fun. You really have to commit to finding certain sounds for a song — in a dream situation they come in five minutes, and other times in five days. It took weeks for this one riff to come out that I think made the whole song. The nice thing about recording at home is that you’re not under some deadline or budget, but I definitely have more fun when friends play on my songs.
Boy, I feel like this is a fun one. I don’t know of anyone in my family, even generations back, who pursued music as a career, but one side of my family is definitely the more creative one — it seems like all my first and second cousins make art in some way, whether singing, visual art, or even tattooing. My mom used to make paint and collage and my grandmother used to write poetry. My dad also makes these doodles that I find artistic.
Back in Egypt, where my family is from, my one side of the family was involved in the film industry, with my grandmother’s first cousin managing to make a name for herself. Some of the family started acting or getting involved with film, so I feel like that’s a major influence for me. Even if it’s film, not music. The sentimentality of Arab cinema is actually a huge influence on my creativity, which I didn’t realize until recently.
The reason I became obsessed with music in the first place was because of family — my older cousins, who I thought were the coolest people ever, would watch MTV with me and illegally download songs for me on LimeWire. This is why I was listening to 50 Cent in kindergarten. I was so into MTV that the first album I ever bought as a child was Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani, after seeing her music videos on there. This and Kelly Clarkson made me want to be a performer.
Dang, I just hope that you gain something from listening to this song or my other songs. Whether that’s a comforting feeling, a realization about something in your own life after listening to the lyrics, or just a new song that you can add to your playlist and bop your head to. I secretly (yet not so secretly) hope that people are playing “Burning” in the car and feeling nostalgia. I don’t think about this when I write, but it’s cool when someone listens to your song and walks away with a lingering feeling of happiness, hope, reflection, whatever, that they’re thinking about for days.
So many things! I’ve been hard at work on a full-length album for what seems like 5 million years now, so once I get around to reaching out to some people and making the moves I need to finish it, it’ll be out. Hopefully before the end of the year. I’m definitely starting to play more shows in NJ. I’m playing at the basement of Bond Street Bar on 4/7 with Idle Wave, and 4/28 at Finnegan’s Pub in Hoboken with Sonic Blume & 0M-53. Tickets for Hoboken are on sale at the link in my Instagram bio.
Most definitely — everyone who listens to my music and especially those who take the time to message me about it. I appreciate you. Also my parents for being literally the most supportive people ever. Catch them at most of my shows. My mom helped me make some stop motion art for the promo of “Burning,” and it turned out incredible, so go take a look at the Canva video that Spotify plays on your phone with the song! My mom made that.
I started putting together a compilation during Women’s History Month, which will include female artists from around the area and beyond (as far as Australia) covering songs by other female artists. It will be available on Bandcamp and all proceeds will go to Nomi Network, which helps women who are at risk or victims of human trafficking get a jumpstart on their lives through social and economic assistance. Follow my Bandcamp for notifications when it’s released. I wanted to do something to celebrate talented women making music, but it’s also important that we’ll be doing our small part to raise money for a great cause that empowers women globally.
When it comes to making music, I feel like the most success is had when people stop focusing on fancy gear or plugins, and instead just try to make the best song they can make. For life in general, my life started to open up in ways I could never have imagined when I stopped giving in to fears. If you take baby steps to get rid of whatever fear holds you back, you’ll see how magically the world starts to open up. Take a step out of your comfort zone! And eventually your old comfort zone will be uncomfortable.
You can find me on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube, all the usual streaming platforms! Even TikTok which I’m trying to master. My music is also on Bandcamp at teenidle.bandcamp.com
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 !
By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, August 20, 2021
The DT’s are a power pop group hailing from central New Jersey. Having released their first single, “You With Me” in June, the group is now back to share their music video for the catchy single. Since the release, The DT’s played their first full band show at House of Independents in Asbury Park, NJ, and have been hard at work at new content for their fans. I recently spoke with Dave and Tom about their past year, playing shows again and their new music video. Thank you Dave and Tom!
The DT’s live at House of Independents
Tom: Our first show was really special and was really a magical night! It meant the world to be on that stage especially after such a long time and just battling a lot of adversity over the past 18 months. Both of us hadn't played in a full band setting live for quite some time and to debut at one of our favorite venues was a great experience. It almost felt like a Twilight Zone episode, like was this actually happening? It went really well and our buddies Lou Panico (Natalie Farrell Band, Levy & The Oaks, Solo) & Frank Lettieri (The Paper Jets, Dust Of Days) really did such an excellent job. They are true professionals!
Dave: It was such an exciting experience. We were very happy when Bobby Mahoney reached out to us, and asked us if we wanted to play. It had been so long since we played in a full band setting, and it felt so good to be back out there on stage. Our talented friends Frank Lettieri (The Paper Jets, Dust Of Days) and Lou Panico (Natalie Farrell Band, Levy & The Oaks, Solo) helped us out that night, and they were extremely professional. We only practiced the four of us collectively one time, but I think that made the show more fun and lively! We were able to hang out with some friends that we have not seen since the start of the pandemic, have fun with the crowd, and play some new originals at an awesome venue.
Tom: In this new project, we really like to keep it fun, loose, engaging and entertaining with the audience. We work very hard at our craft but we also really like to keep the audience involved in a variety of settings. I also enjoy having freedom in this project where we are an acoustic duo some nights, other times full band electric, all while mixing in different instruments we play. At the end of the day, we just want to make sure the crowd is having fun and that we are spreading some joy. I think we all could use some after the past year.
Dave: Anyone that comes to one of our shows can expect a good time! We are always trying to have fun at our shows by throwing in some covers, getting the crowd involved, and telling some jokes on stage. We just like to have fun while providing a high energy rock and roll experience!
Tom: This was a really special song for Dave and I as it was one that came really quickly and naturally for us. Our emotions and feelings really lined up at the time and the song both structurally and lyrically came together in one night. We really didn't try and over think many parts and allowed ourselves to explore while keeping the song refined into a pop format. It was really neat sharing parts from our own songs and mashing them together melodically.
Dave: To me the song means a lot. Lyrically, it references some personal/emotional setbacks we have experienced in the past few years. It was the first song that Tom and I wrote collaboratively from scratch. We started with a drum idea, and then layered on top of that. We both brought different elements to the song that we were able to blend cohesively, which gave it a unique sound. I am extremely proud of us for making this track because we also produced everything in Tom’s basement. We were then lucky enough to have our friend Frank Lettieri record drums and Joe Pomarico (Telegraph Hill Records) Mix/Master the final track.
Tom: We worked with Tom Garrigan, an old friend who is a photographer/videographer from our hometown. Tom is nationally known for his photography work shooting abandoned settings, and he really did an excellent job getting the footage for this shoot. He really had a lot of our visions behind the song come to life in a really simplistic way. All the editing work was done by Frank Lettieri who also plays drums for us live!
Dave: We worked with our good friend Tom Garrigan. Tom Garrigan is a very talented photographer who has gained a following on Instagram under the handle “moldy_lungs” taking photographs of abandoned places. You have to check his page out! So it was interesting to work with him because he is normally a photographer, not a videographer. So he himself was a little reluctant of how the final product would be, but we all think it came out great. Frank Lettieri then took all of the videos that we got with Tom G and made it a cohesive piece. Working with these talented two individuals was extremely easy, and we could not have been happier with how it came out.
Tom: We are truly having a blast doing this, and the past 3 months have been a huge reaffirment for us. We have many more singles lined up and some really awesome shows on the docket. Recording has also really turned into a passion for us, so more writing and experimentation in the fall will be happening for sure. It's been such a great year connecting with new artists, old friends and just letting our passions in this project flow. It's been such a great vehicle for expression for us and I'm so grateful for my friendship with Dave.
Dave: Not stopping! The only things that are next for us include more music, more shows, more merch and more content. I am also so grateful for my friendship with Tom, and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us so far!
By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Latewaves are a rock and roll band from Asbury Park, combining sweet melodies reminiscent of 90’s favorites with thoughtful lyrics and a heavy rhythm section. Their latest singles have been accompanied by fantastic music videos to promote their full length release out on Know Hope Records June 4th, 2021. Latewaves have been hard at work this past year, despite the obstacles bands were confronted with due to the pandemic. They will also be one of the first bands to break in the new Basie Plaza venue in Red Bank, NJ on 6/26 (Sold ! Out !). I reached out to the group to see how the last year has treated them and to reminisce on tour stories. Thanks again, Howie! Long live Latewaves!
I think it was in February at the Wonder Bar. Well you were there, haha. That was a cool split 7” release show and we raised money for Wag On Inn Rescue. I had actually just adopted a dog from them just a few weeks prior, so that’s definitely a cool memory pre-COVID/year of the livestream. We had a week-long tour booked for the end of last March. The “postponements'' started rolling in the first week of March. We totally understood why, wanted to play things safe, but didn’t think too much of it. Figured we’d be playing those dates just a few months later once everything got better. Obviously, like everyone else, we had no idea how long this would last.
I wouldn't say too much has changed. We all live within walking distance of each other. Our practice space is a few miles away. We write at home alone, we write together in the space. We did spend a few months not playing together or really seeing much of each other at all, to stay safe. Once we started to practice and write again (with precautions) it just felt the same. Definitely made writing new things even more exciting after not getting to play together for so long.
Hey, thanks! That video was our first experience working with our now amazing friend Kris Khunachak. I think we might have caught wind of him from the AP2 crew. A total cold-call-fingers-crossed-hoping for the best situation reaching out to him to get this video done. We gave him the song, and then a couple weeks later met up to hash out a concept. Kris had the “cable” idea (watch the video to find out what the hell that means) and we just kept rolling with it. It was a super fun video to make, and we’ve got a couple more things that Kris filmed and directed coming out soon! He’s so damn talented and we would not be in the position we are now without his help. It’s crazy to think we actually filmed that back in January of 2020, thinking our record would be out later that summer.
We recorded Hell to Pay at The Barber Shop Studios in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Brett Romnes engineered/mixed/produced and Vinnie Caruana was also a producer (both members of I Am The Avalanche, The Movielife). We went in there with a hell of a lot of songs. While we thought all of them were pretty much ready to go, they certainly helped us do a lot of re-working, trimmed some fat, and it really improved us as both writers and players. They are both masters of their craft and writing with them came so naturally. I’d like to think that you can hear that in the record. There’s some songs that we didn’t think would even make the cut that are now probably our favorites to play. I guess that’s a common thing band people say, but it’s the truth.
Wow, just reading “shows are coming back” gives ya chills nowadays. Personally, something I will never forget is the first night of our first tour. We were playing “The Shed” in Alabama. It was… a shed. We rolled up after driving straight from Jersey to said shed. A girl popped out of the house next door and said “You in latewaves? She’s closed. You’re playing in the kitchen. Come help me move the table.” So, yeah. We moved that table, and then played probably the best and most welcoming house show any of us have experienced. Shawna and I proceeded to get too drunk to blow up the air mattress so we slept in the van. We just never plugged the air mattress in. Mike woke up comfortably sleeping on a couch next to an open window. Then a bird landed on his chest and was just chillin’ inside. Perfect first night and first morning for our first tour.
I guess I kinda said it before, but no we never thought that it would go this long. I don’t think anybody did. Unless you’re literally an expert in pandemics (we are not). It definitely hit us hard, but we know we are very lucky. We’re coming out of this on the other side with our health and a record to put out. Just knowing the amount of friends and people overall in the music industry alone that don’t or won’t have work to go back to breaks our hearts. We’re in a good spot, and we hope that shows (safely) return and we can get the live music machine running again.
It’s hard to find the positives in all this time off, but we know that they are there. It gave us a chance to really put all of our efforts into making sure this record comes out in the way we intended. That’s tough to do from the road when you don’t have major label budgets and people. I mean, it took us a couple years just to make the record. It wasn’t because we wanted to stop and go home after a week. We had tours to go on, jobs to show up to in order to pay rent/go on tour, that whole thing. And we didn’t have to sleep on any strangers' beer soaked floors. But, I do miss that, too. Hopefully one day again soon!
Jonathan Francis, “Borrowed Songs, Vol. 1.” Listen on Spotify.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Wednesday, February 24, 2021
After their self-titled debut in 2018, Idle Wave are back with their latest release, aptly titled “Party Guy.” While the project remains spearheaded by singer-songwriter Guy Battaglia, he enlisted a new cast of fantastic musicians to help bring his ideas to fruition. This record includes the catchy melodies listeners will remember from their first release, adding a focus on Battaglia’s lyrics and vocals with the track's sometimes sparse instrumentation. After a delay with the original release date due to the pandemic, “Party Guy” was officially released to the world February 19th, after much anticipation. I recently reached out to Guy to ask him about the creation of this new record and releasing music during a time where live shows are unfeasible.
“Party Guy” first began with the song “Home.”
In the Spring of 2019, I’d go for regular walks around my neighborhood, that of which were often accompanied by my own voice, humming along to the spontaneous melodies crafted in my mind. Sometimes these melodies would follow me all the way home, so I’d repeat them out loud and then store them as voice memos in my cell phone. Curating these melodies not only became as habitual as my daily walks, but a way to process my life experience during that time.
Having recently left a suffocating job, I was without a doubt relieved, yet perplexed by what was to come; the next chapter of my life dawned on me as an unsettling and haunting mystery. Through these revelations, I gathered my senses, sat myself down on my bed and pressed record on my phone. Beginning with a two-chord progression and an improvisation of lyrics, one of the spontaneous melodies came adrift. This voice memo would ironically be saved as “Home 44”, as it was one of the many drafts that my voice memo app would default the title name as my phone’s location.
After recording a raw acoustic version of “Home”, I sent the “Home 44” memo to Erik Kase Romero (The Front Bottoms, Stillhungry) and asked him to cut the track with me. Since we were overdue to work on a record together, Erik kindly accepted the project and I began gathering new material. Throughout the Summer, Erik and I reworked the two most Pop-Punk influenced tracks on the record (“Happy” and “Stay”) which were first demoed with Idle Wave’s former band members and respected friends — Joseph Enright, Matthew Herman, Kevin Houston, and Chris Russo. Even though these two songs were originally demoed elsewhere, they needed to be completely reconstructed with Erik to the styles of “Home” and the new Indie-Alternative genre that we were naturally gravitating towards. (You can hear the original demos of “Happy” and “Stay” when you download the deluxe version of “Party Guy,” only on Bandcamp).
By the Fall, most of “Diet”, “All Night”, “My End”, “Sex/Tape”, and “Space” were mapped out or tracked with Erik, and it only took a few more sessions into the Winter to finalize the album. In the several months that carried the recording process from Fall to Winter, we experimented with tape loops, shuffled between guest musicians, and even changed studio locations. Anyhow, as “Happy” and “Stay” constitute as new songs, despite of their original format, “Sex/Tape” does not. “Sex/Tape” was borrowed from my former Alternative project “Flammable Animals” and was instrumentally reimagined to create a darker and deeper experience then it’s original counterpart, “American Counterpoint.”
For those who are interested, “My End” was the last song to be written for the album. Beginning as just another melody on the acoustic guitar, “My End” startled my own thoughts with feelings of nostalgia. I foresaw “the sounds of my childhood”, and reflected on the sounds of Indie-Rock bands from the 90’s. After listening to the final instrumentation back for the first time, I felt something indescribably large about the song; I knew I’d make it “track 7” on the album from that moment on.
This was my first time collaborating with Erik on my own music. For years I have sat in on sessions with him during college classes or when I was just hanging out at his studio and playing shows with him.
Erik and I were both determined to enter a realm of sounds I’ve never been a part of before. I was particularly inspired by Neutral Milk Hotel’s “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” and how it was an acoustic driven record with distorted bass and raw drums that just took you away lyrically to a bizarre fantasy land. Although I went in not knowing what to expect, one thing was for certain; I wanted this to be a full-length record.
Featured musicians included either close friends of mine or other talented musicians that I had crossed paths with in the Asbury Park scene. Not only did Erik produce this record with me, but he helped craft bass lines, piano embellishments, and drum machines. I hired two incredibly talented drummers (one of which is a longtime friend of mine), and even did a vocal feature with my friend Brittany Byrne (singer of Skyeline). My long-term friend Samir Bunty Tawalare played drums on the latter half of the record while Chris Donofrio (formerly of Deal Casino), was commissioned during the early Summer sessions.
I’ve spoken to a number of songwriters I look up to who have been cursed with “writer’s block” this year. I am happy to say that has not happened to me (knock on wood). In fact, once we were given a go on proper public safety precautions, my friend Connor Hanson and I began meeting up to work on a follow up record over the summer.
Honestly, nothing will ever beat a live show. In this Black Mirror era of civilization, live shows are where I meet the people that see the world eye to eye with me; the ones who don’t mind being alone on a Friday night and aren’t afraid to scream their heart out to their favorite songs.
I feel eternally grateful to all who have tuned in to our previous livestreams, and we are making a point to deliver this time; four 4K cameras, a new studio space, a full five-piece band, and some of the most exceptional musicians and engineers I have ever worked with.
Nobody is satisfied with the current state of things, but I’m beyond lucky and thankful for being able to get in a room with people and track 11 songs in one day for this supportive community to experience. I am not exaggerating when I say it blows away some of our previous streams.
For the upcoming ”Party Guy” release show, my extraordinary band will feature:
Connor Hanson (Cloud Hands)
Jon Chang-Soon (J C Soon)
Samir Tawalare (Talk to Plants)
Brittany Byrne (Skyeline)
Erik Kase Romero (Stillhungry, The Front Bottoms)
I do love all eight of the songs, but “Diet” and “Space” are the ones I’m most excited for people to hear.
You can purchase “Party Guy” by Idle Wave here!
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Wednesday, February 10, 2021
On January 29th, Shore Points Records, a new independent record label based in Asbury Park (housed at Lakehouse Recording Studios), released a compilation called “Shore Points Records: Locals Only Vol. 1” which features 10 NJ-based artists and bands - Sonic Blume, Lance Ambrose, 8dayzstr8, Drew the Recluse, stillhungry, Rick Barry, Jackson Pines, Phoneboy, Shoobies, and Georgia Owen.
Check out our interview with Andrew Gialanella, Manager, A&R of Shore Points Records, below, to learn about the label’s mission, how you can get a hold of their new compilation, and words of advice for aspiring artists.
Shore Points was founded by Jon Leidersdorff (Lakehouse Music owner) and Rich Christina (SVP of A&R at Warner/Chappell Music). Jon, Rich, and I are all proud NJ residents, and we strongly believe in the musical talent here. The label's mission is to elevate local talent, and help up and coming artists of all types to grow and achieve their goals professionally and creatively.
Thank you! You can listen to the compilation on all streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. There is also limited vinyl pressed.
We found these artists through our personal networks, word of mouth recommendations from music professionals in our community, and through A&R research focused on NJ talent.
We plan to do more projects like this in the future, as well as put out new music from some of the great artists we've discovered since the label's formation.
I'm definitely looking forward to continuing to discover and meet more artists from the area, and hopefully continue to bring the NJ music community together.
My advice to anyone planning to start a record label would be to really gain a broad understanding of today's recorded music industry. Take a look at other independent artists and labels that are succeeding. How are they connecting with their listeners? And what is it about their release strategies that seem to be working? And most importantly, be patient and form relationships with great artists. As a brand new label, you have to invest a tremendous amount of time and effort into a select few artists who are just starting out.
To any artists who are working to make a career out of music, just remember that you have more power today than you ever would have in the past. With digital distribution and streaming, the playing field is actually more level than it ever was. And you have more freedom to take risks, release more music, and connect with fans more directly. Take advantage of it! And of course, strive to make great music every day. Finding someone who will give you honest feedback on your work is invaluable (as uncomfortable as it might make you feel at first).
People can follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and stream our compilation "Shore Points Records: Locals Only Vol. 1" on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and more.
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Tuesday, February 2, 2021
“Contemplative composer & performer with a penchant for the ethereal” David Ross Lawn (Asbury Park) is about to release his newest EP, entitled “Nocturnes.” We interviewed David a little over a year ago about his debut release, “Songs of the Sun,” and got an introduction to his influences and aesthetic. Check out our interview with David, below, to learn about his newest collection of compositions as well as his hopes for the future.
Indeed! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my upcoming project with you. Thanks so much! “Nocturnes” are compositions that evoke & interpret feelings of the night. Many composers (such as Satie, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Debussy and Chopin) created collections of nocturnes, often employing notably beautiful melodies on the right hand, with timbral and rhythmical elements on the left. I decided to compose & release a small collection of nocturnes this year as a creative response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The world feels like it is on pause, and now (more than ever) I feel it is our time to go deeper inside ourselves, to answer all of the questions in the silences of our solitude. Our time to find light when all else feels dark. The current situation in the world has led to the motivation and inspiration of this release.
I enlisted the help of Connor Hanson to record and master my performances of the collections.
Each piece was recorded on a beautiful Yamaha grand piano in the Palaia Theatre of Ocean Grove.
Throughout the “Songs of the Sun” collection, I was exploring and composing about the architectures of the human condition with four abstract (yet vivid to me) interactions that all have a somewhat “daylight” approach to them — “rising” and “flying, floating, falling” taking place under dreamy morning skies, “sanctuary” exploring the notion of a safe place to awaken, and “a conversation between lovers” as something present and bright. This is a pretty stark contrast to this next release, since “nocturnes” are pieces inspired by “the night” — so naturally these have a darker tonality and approach. For instance, there was a storm happening while Connor & I were recording, and I couldn’t hold back my excitement to get organic moments of “the dark windy night” in my recordings. With the nocturnes. I’m hoping people can feel a similarity in the timbral qualities of my performance aesthetics, but also can resonate with the “change in seasons,” musically-speaking.
Certainly! The opening track titled “Luna” is a waltz, meant to be almost like basking in soft moonlight — whether with a lover, or with yourself & nature. It is an open-ended piece that has such subtle & delicate movement. Not necessarily “happy” or “sad,” it is what one feels when they are in vast open space with the beauty of nature, perhaps loneliness; perhaps feeling slightly more vulnerable and ultimately smaller in the world. This piece came into my musical awareness after a long walk on the Asbury Park boardwalk during the lockdowns. I took a late night walk to clear my head, and I found myself humming the melody (which oftentimes is part of my creative process for “finding the sound” — a lot of the time it will come to me while I’m in the shower or on a walk!)
I hope we regain some semblance of normalcy in the world. If and when that happens, I am excited to perform again in-person rather than via a live stream. I’m excited to teach my students in physical form rather than over Zoom. I’m incredibly excited to be able to get back into entering composition competitions when they start back up again, too, as my heart and head are very much artistically ready for new opportunities and moments.
My solo piano collections can be found at “David Ross Lawn” on all major streaming platforms!
By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Wednesday, January 1, 2019
Magic Ghrelin is a four piece, punk/power pop group based out of Asbury Park, New Jersey. The group consists of Matt "Tank" Bergman (drums), Guy Pollioni, (guitar /vocals), Justin Lombardo (guitar/vocals) and Luke Henderiks (bass/vocals). Their debut EP Die a Rockstar is an energetic, punk masterpiece. This record is unapologetically honest yet incredibly catchy, tackling heavy subjects with soaring guitars. The tracks allow for every member to shine through in their unique playing and songwriting style, absolutely nobody sounds like them. I reached out to Magic Ghrelin and they were sweet enough to answer some questions about the origins of the band!
Tank: Magic Ghrelin formed about a year ago and the word “Ghrelin” is the hunger hormone that communicates to your brain that you are hungry. Throw magic in front of that and boom, the hunger to make magic.
Luke: Personally I would say Big Star, Grandaddy, Nada Surf, Knapsack, The Get Up Kids and Teenage Fanclub! We aspire to be a power-pop band with heavy emo and shoegaze influence.
Luke: Our overall message as a band is to respect and love what you do and to not be ashamed of who you are. We write songs about being unique and having issues with our mental health that we work on with the help of the people we love around us.
Luke: Guy usually comes up with a guitar part with Tank drumming with him at practice, then it gets presented to Justin and I. We usually end up deciding if it works based on how we play the song together. If we feel the magic when we create, we keep it; if we aren’t with it, we don’t. It’s a pretty simple process. We all come up with lyrics together and review them.
Justin: I like “Enemy” the most because I think it's really catchy and it's a true pump up banger that touches upon some honest feelings lyrically.
Photography by Nick Kiefer.
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Sunday, December 8, 2019
If you don’t know who David Ross Lawn is… you should. He composes and performs gorgeous melodies on the piano (including for Idle Wave, who we interviewed here) and is also an accomplished vocalist, photographer, model, and more. His work has been featured internationally, and his collaborations with other artists have often crossed genres.
On January 18th, you can see David perform live as part of Asbury Underground Light of Day Music Crawl. When he’s not out performing, modeling, photographing, and the like, David teaches music theory, composition and performance in Asbury Park.
Check out our interview with David Ross Lawn, below, to learn more about the inspiration behind his work.
That is all correct, yes!
I am an emerging composer, performer and visual artist with a penchant for interpreting essences of the human condition. My compositional output and performance aesthetic cultivates my training in classical ideals with an intrinsic contemporary twist that has always felt authentic to me.
My photography and modeling follow suit with my music, in the sense of aiming to depict notions of the human condition and interaction. I love collaborating with other artists on an intimate one-to-one moment in time, with the camera lens as my vehicle of archiving and interpreting the transactional energy.
I also model actively for life and figure drawing modeling sessions in the surrounding areas, posing nude or clothed for people of all ages and abilities. I find a lot of beauty and enjoyment when I get to share contemplative moments on a day to day basis in my multitude of art forms.
My training in piano has been fairly sizable with two degrees, distinctions and childhood awards in my performance of the instrument, however, my approach to my own solo piano creations does not always display such vivaciousness or tenacity. I have always felt a deep resonance towards archiving contemplative moments of interaction in my piano compositions. Thus, my output not always ‘flashy’ but rather dim-lit, contemplative and intimate.
I pride myself in the timbral quality of my melodies and voicing, and I seek to always create works that can take a listener somewhere nostalgic, or somewhere they have never been before. That, to me, is musical magic: and it is what I aim to give an audience in any facet of performance or composition.
I am inspired by music that takes me to a place deep within myself. I find sanctuary in the dreamy impressionism of Claude Debussy’s output as well as other composers that harken to impressionism in their work: Lili Boulanger, Isaac Albeniz, Yann Tiersen. If you are reading this and interested in music that feels like a dream sequence, those composers will help take you there.
When it comes to music by living creators, I feel a strong resonance to songwriters that speak of the human condition in ways that compel the listener: Keaton Henson, Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers would be my top three artists on repeat lately. I’m also a massive fan of art song (Vaughan Wiliams, John Dowland, Tom Cipullo) French melodie (Duparc, Faure, Gounod) and of course opera and musical theatre (Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Puccini).
I’m so excited to hear you felt a resonance with my debut release! It’s always lovely to hear a listener’s take on my work. This collection was all composed in a series of one takes at The Strand Theatre in Lakewood on a beautiful Steinway piano that I immediately felt a deep connection with.
I composed the track ‘Flying, Floating, Falling’ at a fairly young period of my life, and revisited the sketches for this first release. It is the most streamed track, and I feel it has a lot of connection to my journey. The title of the piece is a nod towards the deeper significance of where my heart was when I wrote it: I was discovering, or rather uncovering, nihilism for the first time in my life. I was actually watching a scene from the movie Toy Story with my mother: Woody and Buzz sharing a dialogue as they fell from the sky together: “Are we falling?” “No, we’re just flying with style”. I felt, for some reason, a nihilist parallel between this scene and my outlook on life and death. Are we all just falling, flying with style? I recall asking my mother this at a young age, and the fact that she never really had an answer, and the notion that none of us really do: is what the track explores— the tragic beauty of the human condition.
Correct! I discovered the label upon realizing a significant number of my favorite ethereal and neoclassical composers were signed to them with initial releases. I sent the team a demo of the already-released debut EP, and they excitedly offered to distribute it under their company, and work hard on getting it into some media placements (which has been going very nicely).
After one more release with Kning Disk, I intend to spread my wings even further out with more record label distribution agreements with interested teams. I love that more corners of the world are hearing my piano output, and the more people I have on my team that believe in my sound: the better.
My goal when it comes to my music is to have it in the background of some high end media: perhaps short film or advertisement: fashion, blog videos, etc. I’ve been fortunate enough to already have ticked off quite a few of these boxes and I remain excited for what future releases will hold for me and my journey.
I found deep appreciation for art song and opera while pursuing my masters degree at Westminster Choir College in Princeton. Although the degree was primarily in theory and composition, I was sitting in on as many vocal courses as I possibly could: from learning about German lieder, French melodie, audition prep and pedagogy, to observing student recitals with stunning explorative repertoire many nights of the week.
I spent a lot of time off in the library absorbing as much knowledge as I could on composers and their stories. It was like my undergraduate degree in Scotland, but focussed far more on what I truly wanted to be studying. Being surrounded by such vocal talent allowed me to explore my own parameters and inspirations. I’m so thankful to have went to such a magical school that prides itself in classical vocal and musical training. It is a big part of the fibre that makes my composition and performance the way it is to this day.
I enjoy photographing portraiture of fellow artists far and wide, whether in or out of performance. I would describe my style as fairly individualistic and imaginative, as I form my images based more on my personal vision than necessarily from the realism of a scene being displayed.
I let my feelings take hold of a color palettes and enjoy creating my own dream world in the frame. I take visual inspiration from lomography and slide films, though I shoot using a digital camera. I’m very fortunate to get regularly hired by friends and friends of friends to interpret a show, or simply take photographs for social media posting. The interaction and time I get to spend with people making visual moments is always incredibly enjoyable.
As a composer: My highlights with my output definitely would be having my piano music in Scottish Television, and high fashion media campaigns. The entire collection is also featured in a high-profile branding company video (1924US) and will continue to be in more, as well as Air New Zealand relaxation in-flight music.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have won a number of call for scores where I enter music anonymously into competitions and get picked to create for a professional ensemble: my most recent commission was writing a full work for performance by Verdigris Ensemble: a professional vocal group in Dallas TX. My work had coverage from many media teams including NBC, Soluna Festival, Art&Seek and Texas Theatre. I’ve been selected to compose for other various companies over the last year: including Twin Cities Opera on Tap, Vortex Winds Marching Band, Diamonds from the Dust ensemble and Kansas City VITAS Choir.
As a performer and artist: I’ve had the pleasure of performing in places such as Carnegie Hall, Kimmel Center and other timeless locations with various groups during my time at Westminster Choir College. I’ve been fortunate to be interviewed a number of times by magazines and physical print editions asking me about my craft as a musician and visual artist: including Lomography magazine, Pursuit of Portraits, Peculiars Magazine and Hylas Magazine. I’m always flattered when I am asked to talk about my art to a large number of people reading or listening.
My most recent commission with the Verdigris Ensemble in Dallas, TX was certainly special and will always remain vivid in my memories. I was given the incredible opportunity to set thousands of responses from the general Dallas pubic on their views on the city they live in: the form of “Dallas is _____”. I sifted through thousands of poetic responses: some not so poetic; and created an hour long concert piece out of what was supplied. It was perhaps one of the more challenging works due to the varied responses and the volume of information I had to play with.
The work contained every genre that I could muster in my style: from medieval plainchant through to art song, operatic style soloist moments, all the way through to comedic upbeat musical theatre. I composed and performed piano interludes throughout and the entire work barely stopped for breath. I was flown out to perform with the ensemble, and was overjoyed to receive such high compliments and three sold out performances of the work. Having coverage from such high profiled teams such as NBC DFW and having it part of the Soluna Festival coverage felt wonderful. The entire experience was a massive motivator for me to continue to strive for large-scale works and to keep pushing myself to think outside of the box with opportunities.
That’s an incredibly moving quote, and I agree wholeheartedly. I’ve always felt an authentic call to music and visual arts, and I think my contribution is simply a culmination of the art forms I present. I often hear that my way of doing things is innately ‘different’ to what others do, and I find that to be a compliment. I hope that people can see, hear, and ultimately feel my personal and imaginative ways that I do my art: from the visual art and modeling all the way through to the way I perform and compose.
I always say “if you like it, wear it” and I think this goes far beyond fabric and the tangible— if you enjoy a craft and you want to leave a mark with it: try it, and watch it unfold. Remaining true and authentic as an artist is, in my opinion, the most beautiful impact you can leave with the world.
Success is not necessarily in the wealth of monetary gain for me at all: but rather in the moments of interaction surrounding my art— I love receiving an email, direct message, or face to face communication that my art has left an impact on somebody’s life. I’ve been told that my piano music has soothed a baby crying: repaired an argument; helped with anxiety and aided many yoga sessions. I feel motivated every time I hear that my music has helped the world. To me, that is success for me as an artist: leaving a positive and beautiful impact, and making moments.
Interestingly enough, I have one composer deep within my family tree / ancestry, but my parents and siblings are not musically inclined. I was certainly the stereotypical ‘middle child’ in the sense of being the one that always stood out as different - even to this day, I feel like my wavelength is something that isn’t always shared with the masses.
I grew up with a wallflower-type personality: very much introverted and aware, keeping myself to myself. In high school I found solstice in the other people that considered themselves outcasts, and the musical theatre kids. I worked hard in school and focussed a lot on my music: often running straight home to the piano to practice.
I never realized that music was my path until it gradually came to light— I was winning competitions like the ‘young musician of the year’ in my region: taking on lead roles in the theatre shows, and being consistently encouraged by my teachers. The journey to becoming a musician has always been enigmatic to me: as I don’t think there was a specific moment in time that I looked in the mirror and said ‘yes’ to all of this, but I’d like to believe that music has always been inside of me: I’m now just a lot more intuitive to the sounds of my heart, and far more confident at letting others into the vulnerability.
Performance-wise: I’ll be performing locally on the 18th of January for the Light of Day showcases: a series of vocal work from opera to musical theatre.
Visual-art-wise: There is currently an exhibit of Nick Kiefer’s portraiture of me on display at Motion City Media on Cookman Avenue. I believe it will be there for the next number of weeks.
Horizon-wise: Look out for updates on my second piano EP release early 2020!
Find me on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7crSZLg74nlnSz4eEwHjZr?si=aBEWqglnRt-cm22a5KMPvA
Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidrosslawn
Style blog profile via Lookbook: https://lookbook.nu/davidrosslawn
Website: www.davidrosslawn.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidrosslawn
Youtube: www.youtube.com/davidlawn
and Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidrosslawn
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.
By Sonia Schnee | Posted Thursday, September 26, 2019
On September 19th, The Random Hubiak Band released their latest single, “Slipping Through My Hands.” If you’re a fan of Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, John Hiatt, Del Amitri, or Neil Young, then this track is sure to be up your alley. Jersey Indie was fortunate to interview Asbury Park frontman/singer-songwriter Rand M. Hubiak to learn about the inspiration behind this latest track. Be sure to catch The Random Hubiak LIVE this Saturday, September 28th, 4pm, at Asbury Park PorchFest.
I was born outside of Salt Lake City in Utah. I grew up alternately in Franklin, PA (in the old Oil Heritage region, where we moved when I was four), Irvine, CA (where I lived from age twelve to sixteen before we moved back to Franklin, PA), and Cranford, NJ (where I spent my summers with my grandparents). I moved to New Jersey in 2003 and have been living in Asbury Park since 2011.
We have a rotating cast of characters besides myself, particularly where live shows are concerned, since we have to sometimes strip down to more of a cabaret ensemble of piano/vocal and rhythm, or where we may have a full band, but the studio members/songwriters aren't necessarily all available to play their parts, so we have good number of occasional members.
But besides myself (Rand Hubiak — I play piano and occasionally rhythm guitar, sing, and write), the permanent studio crew consists of Paul Galiszewski on drums and percussion, Adam Silverstein on piano and synth strings (Adam also writes), Julian Michalski on bass, and Tom Briant on guitar (Tom also occasionally co-writes with me and sings backing vocals). We recently added Paul's son Dylan as permanent rhythm guitar. He hasn't done any studio work yet, but we've just given him some demos to start arranging, and he's played a couple big live gigs with us, so we're stoked to have him in the band. He'll draw the youth market (ha ha).
Saxophonist Michael Squillace has played on several of our recordings and also toured as my backing band in 2017, so he's a permanent member, even if he's not always available for live gigs. And I've just added two strings players in Pittsburgh as permanent studio ensemble, cellist Barbara Anndrea Delaney-Arriaga and violinist Megan Williams, the latter of whom I met as a teenager at Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts.
We record partly at Jankland Recording in Wall, NJ under the wise auspices of Steve Jankowski, a horns player for Nile Rodgers/Chic, Blood Sweat & Tears, Chicago, and Three Dog Night. We do some recording at my much less capable (but more easily affordable) home studio, which I call The Seaman Shanty.
My influences are all over, but the obvious ones are piano pop-rock songwriters such as Elton John, Tom Waits, Billy Joel, Ben Folds, and Leon Russell. You can particularly hear those influences when Adam is at the helm with me, because he's a huge fan of Elton, Billy, and Ben, as well as Randy Newman.
When Tom is co-writing with me, we come up with songs that sound like the Beatles and Bowie. If I'm writing on my own, it depends on my mood: I'd say my lyrics can often take on an Elvis Costello/Aimee Mann tone (a lot of hyper-literate cynicism), but if I'm writing on guitar, my chords structures are pretty basic, so you'll get chord progressions and arrangements that sound like Neil Young or R.E.M., whereas if I'm composing with samples I'll write stuff that has weirder sounds — Peter Gabriel and the like (although most of those are still “in the vault,” because you don't want to overwhelm with too wide a palette when you're not an established commercial act).
My vocal arrangements almost always end up sounding like Fleetwood Mac. I love their harmonies, and that tendency invariably manifests itself the second I add a harmony line to anything I do.
“Slipping Through My Hands” is pretty ancient. I wrote it back in college. I didn't have a piano at my disposal, so the guitar was my instrument for composing. Hence the very simple chord structure. It's one of the few songs I've written from my own perspective.
I do write a lot of first-person narratives, but they're usually fictionalized at least somewhat if not outright. And while I did fictionalize a few facets of what happened in the relationship that this song is about — or rather synthesized details from other relationships besides the one that triggered me to write this song — the song itself was spawned from an early college romance that didn’t work out. The details are culled from other people I’d either dated, been friends with, or other friends’ relationships besides my own, because I rarely find my own life interesting enough to write about, and I don’t think there’s much art in simply journaling experiences in purely literal terms.
So the song existed forever as a demo, and then Tom Briant and I began adding guitar bits to it in the studio back in 2011. I never wanted to finish it because it was part of a whole song cycle that I’d released as demos back in the late 90s or early aughts, and I didn’t want to finish re-recording those songs until I’d got more albums under my belt. But now our back catalogue of unfinished material is so large, and the business model has changed (you release the songs now one at a time and then compile the full album for physical release later), that it made sense to start finishing something.
Paul and I laid down drum tracks and new vocals for 15 songs across two days in the studio in March, including this one. Julian added his bass in August, and I uploaded it for September 19 release.
I’ll be part of this weekend’s Asbury Park PorchFest on 28 September at 4:00 pm at 1323 4th Avenue. The next confirmed gig I have — I’ve been so busy with my day job that I haven’t been too actively seeking gigs — is November 3 as part of the official entertainment for the NYC Marathon; I’ll be playing at 92nd Street and Gatling Place in Brooklyn that morning from 9:30 to noon.
Well, I’ve lived all over — as mentioned earlier, I’ve spent all my summers at the Jersey Shore since I was a child, but I was born in Utah and moved to western PA at age four, then southern California for three and a half years, then back to western PA until I graduated high school.
My university days were all spent at Penn State, which I absolutely loved, and I lived abroad in Greece for half a year as part of my college experience. My collaborator, Adam Silverstein, moved to England with his wife for almost ten years in 2009, so my first album with him (MEMOIRS OF A MANWHORE: THE REELING WALTZ OF A DRUNKEN LOTHARIO) was recorded over there in his home. We refer to his studio there as The Brick House, which is kind of a joke we have with his wife. The Commodores’ “Brick House” irritates her to no end, and historically it’s been nearly impossible for us to go out for dinner or drinks without that song somehow playing in the background.
I’d say that the experiences of moving around, and in particularly living or traveling abroad, have shaped my perspective. While I will sometimes document my own experiences in music, or at the very least write from the first person perspective, I’m far more keen on observing others and telling their stories, exploring the emotional context of what may seem like ordinary or mundane events and then applying to them what facets might make an experience unique to an individual while simultaneously identifying what elements of an experience are universal and therefore easily shared with a wide audience. I think the experience of being an outsider, a traveler, allows one to fine-tune that talent.
I’m pretty old for somebody who’s really just starting to pursue music seriously. I’d say keep plugging at it, because there’s nothing wrong with not encountering immediate success or acceptance. You may have to defer your goals a bit, or at least pace yourself, and don’t be ashamed of that; don’t be ashamed of having to take a day job.
The stories coming form songwriters whose lyrics are shaped by actual experience are a Hell of a lot more interesting than the songs being penned by cushy trust-fund babies who have never been forced to struggle: Those people don’t write with the depth of experience and haven’t been forced to develop the eye for detail or the degree of empathy that comes from having to navigate the social structures of our world for survival.
Free streaming at any of the following links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1uKLTNEii6MGkgVk29azI1
YouTube: https://youtu.be/U2-uar1GsXE
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/therandomhubiakmusic/slipping-through-my-hands-single-edit/s-Ja6w7
It’s also available for download on CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes, and pretty much any other purveyors of digitally compressed music. We’re on Pandora, too.
My own website is www.therandomhubiak.com, and there’s an email sign-up list there for folks who want to know whenever I’ve got a new song coming out — and the band and I are hoping to release at least one or two songs a month for the next year or two just to clear out the back catalogue. I also send out recommendations of other artists whose work I think deserves recognition.
And of course, yes, I’m on Facebook as The Random Hubiak.
I’ve probably already rambled on far too long. But yeah, I guess — I also have a side project called The General Electorate. It’s more of an 80s retro synth-pop sound, but all originals. It’s not on Pandora, but it’s pretty much all the other places. The album we put out in 2017 was entitled SYNTHETIC BONES.
By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, September 6, 2019
Idle Wave is a project fronted by Guy Battaglia based out of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Since releasing their self-titled EP last December, Idle Wave is back with a music video for their third single, “Calm.” Guy was kind enough to give a behind the scenes look of what went into this raucous track. Thanks again, Guy!
Idle Wave is a continuation of a project I started with my friends in college in 2014. However, the first single “Alpern” under the new name was released in December 2018.
Originally started out with bands like Green Day and Weezer, but recently [I] have been inspired by DIY bands breaking ground such as Prince Daddy and the Hyena, Mom Jeans, Just Friends, Oso Oso, Remo Drive, etc.
I (Guy) am the primary songwriter, and my friends play shows and record with me sometimes.
More honest and to the point.
“Calm” was originally a slow ballad and had a whole other section originally written to it that would have been the climax to the song. Joe Enright (drums) suggested we kick the BPM past 200 since we’ve never written a song that fast before. We cut that last section to try the song without and we were satisfied with the shortened version.
This song was inspired by that feeling you get when you’re trying to enjoy something and your mind gets dark and all your stresses resurface. Every song on the EP is written around the idea of familiar feelings. This was a song where certain lyrics came to me at different times. Whether winter was fading to spring or I was watching an Avengers movie, these thoughts wouldn’t leave me alone.
The speed of this song along with my exhausted lyrics and vocals has been a great coping mechanism for me as of late.
Kris Khunachak executed a wonderful visual for this song (which can be found on our YouTube channel). We shot the video back in March in his garage where we also shot our music video for “Smoke (Bad Dreams)”. Kris has been carrying the scene on his back, and I can speak for the both of us when we tell you we cannot wait for you to see the latest project we tackled.
I am working on my first full length record and I am self financing it. There are T-shirt’s for sale on our website (idlewaveband.com) and our Self Titled EP is available on Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube and Apple Music. We hope you enjoy and share with your friends. Hope to see y’all at the next show!
