Interview with Alex Rosen of Hot Blood

“FEAR OF A UNIFIED PUBLIC”

“NO KINGS” Album cover by Alex Rosen

“NO KINGS” Album cover by Alex Rosen

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Hot Blood is a four-piece punk band based out of Asbury Park.  The band is Mat Kiley (Vocals/Guitar), Alex Rosen (Guitar/Vocals), Charlie Shaffer (Bass/Vocals) and Billy Straniero (Drums).  I found their first demos on Reverbnation years ago and I was blown away.  What followed about a year later was a gut punching full length titled “NO KINGS” with a badass album cover.  Alex has been a mentor to me in a way.  He really took me under his wing in the Asbury scene and for that I am eternally grateful.  I was too excited when I got to sit down and ask him some questions I have always wondered, yet never asked him for some reason.

D.H.: I’ve told you before, but I love all the Hot Blood art.  Who are your artistic influences and what made you want to do the art for the band?

Alex Rosen: Thanks man.  Raymond Pettibon is number 1 as far as influences go for band art.

I had hit up a few artists I really dig but when the band was starting out we definitely did not have the money to hire them.  We still don't!  I knew with punk I could probably pull something off with my simplistic style.  It kind of worked.  I am still happy with the artwork for “NO KINGS” and “OVERCOME PART 1.”   I think for our new album “FEAR OF A UNIFIED PUBLIC” we are going to go take a band photo or something.

Hot Blood design by Alex Rosen

Hot Blood design by Alex Rosen

Your last two EPs go hand in hand with another, OVERCOME PART 1 and 2.  What made you release them separately?

I really love the First Four EPs by OFF!  And the box it comes in rules.  You get a ton of art and a booklet.  So we originally planned on doing 3 EPs in succession.  But by the time we finished OVERCOME PART 2, we had enough material to do a full length and everything seemed to point in going that direction.

Is there a strong, conscious effort to make the songs under 2 minutes?  I feel like the shorter the song is the easier it is to keep the listener interested.

I think 3:30 is pretty ideal, but for us we play fast and we have to keep in mind Kiley is yelling his head off so that is always accounted for as well in song length.  Short songs are cool but it stinks when you want a song to be longer or hit another chorus and it doesn't.  Also, the shorter the song the harder it may be for the listener to get lost and into the music.

Following the short songs, what made you release two EPs instead of one album? Does that have anything to do with attention span?

The EPs were something we just wanted to do -- like I said, we had OFF! and other bands in mind.  But it didn't go exactly as planned -- we quickly wanted to do a full length.  We also thought the songs grouped well as two EPs in their subjects and content.

Hot Blood at the Asbury Park Yacht Club I Photo courtesy of Mike Petzinger

Hot Blood at the Asbury Park Yacht Club I Photo courtesy of Mike Petzinger

Who produced the last two EP’s?

We went to Pete Steinkopf (Bouncing Souls) at Little Eden for both.   I wouldn't go back and do it with anyone else.  I was wasted for the recording of OVERCOME PART 2.  I just remember him asking me if I wanted to try my guitar out on this old tiny amp.  I did and it sounded amazing.  Just what I wanted.  It's the opening guitar you hear on “Burn Down The Church.”  Pete is the best.  Very happy with how both came out.

What led you to work with Pete other than the fact he is the absolute man?

I did two albums with Pete with my other band Battery Electric.  They just came out great, and I like all of Pete's suggestions.  It was a no brainer, dude!

What can you tell me about the new album you have planned?

The new album we are recording at Trax East with Chris Pierce.  We are doing 16-18 songs.  Some are 15 seconds some are 3 minutes.  It is a pretty diverse album.  Haven't decided what we are going to do with it, but we are definitely going to press it on vinyl.  It is called FEAR OF A UNIFIED PUBLIC.  We start recording on April Fool's day.

~

Hot Blood is playing the Asbury Park date for Punk Rock Bowling on Sunday, June 11th, with NOFX, The Buzzcocks and Lifetime, to name a few.  In the meantime you can listen to Hot Blood on Spotify and find their album “NO KINGS” and vinyl in most record stores in New Jersey.

About the Writer

Deaglan Howlett is junior English Major at Rowan University.  He is also the guitarist for Corrina, Corrina and The Vansaders.  He grew up in Middletown, just a 20 minute car ride to Asbury Park.  He spends most of his time there playing and going to shows.  When he is not playing shows he focuses on writing poetry here.  You can find him on Twitter (@reallygoodguyy) and Instagram (@DeaglanHowlett). 

 

 

 

 

 

The Revelation Agency Presents: Local Music Showcase at The Watering Hole

Friday, March 10th, 2017, Mays Landing, NJ

By Sean McCall | Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2017

The Revelation Agency is an Arts and Entertainment Event planning Service based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  They book all ages shows in both Philadelphia and New Jersey.  Some of their venues they work with are The Watering Hole, The Barbary, Boneyard Bar & Grill, and Grace Church Haddonfield.  This show will be held at The Watering Hole.

The Watering Hole is a Mom and Pop bar and restaurant located in Mays Landing, NJ.  They serve multi-cuisine lunch, dinner, and drinks.

“Welcome to the Watering Hole Café, a South Jersey icon with a colorful history.  It is a fantastic place with an unpretentious attitude, great food and great music, where all are welcome.  Set on 12 acres of NJ Pinelands with an outstanding outside appeal, the Watering Hole Café is the latest name of this legendary establishment.

Early in The I900s, it was said to be a stagecoach stop.  People would come, pick up some supplies, eat some food and quench their thirst.  During prohibition, runners from Philadelphia would stop here on their way to Atlantic City (and maybe have a beer or two).

Dating back to the mid 50’s, Doaks was its name, with turkey shoots on the weekends, a truck horn on the roof to blow when cars drove by and entertaining clothes hanging from the ceiling.  Afterwards, it became the Country Pine Inn, which for the most part was a family restaurant serving hearty meals.  Next, it was Uncle Mike’s in the early nineties, which was a fabulous destination for motorcyclists because of the scenic stretch of road leading here.

So after a hundred years ,we’re not much different from the Weymouth Furnace (located just north of us) having aged while remaining the same.  We are a local standby as well as home to a stranger, new comer or tourist, where all walks of life are always welcome warmly.

We hope you enjoy the music, your meal, a drink, your day, a game or anything else while visiting us and hope you will return real soon.

In ending, if you know of any history, weddings, memorabilia, that we should know about our establishment please share it with us, and we’ll be sure to hang it or post it for all to see.”

  -- Byron & MarIa

To get more information about The Water Hole, such as their menu, calendar, activities, directions, etc. you can visit their website here.

           
This show will be on Friday, March 10th, 2017 starting at 6pm.  It’s $10 at the door and will feature the bands below: 

6:30-7:00 Insanity Theory

7:15-7:45 Shade by Giants

8:00-8:30 Vent NJ

8:45-9:15 At The Interview

9:30-10:00 Parkwood

 

My Alt Rock Hammonton Emo Boys ft. two Nicks

Most Recent Release: “Selfish”

 

Blackwood Pop Punk that makes music

Most Recent Release: “Burning Bridges”

 

Smithville Alt Rock Band with Music to Come

Most Recent Release: Nothing yet but the suspense is tearin' at ya soul

 

Shade's style is based on complex melodies and rhythmic patters. With huge, towering sounds they tell their stories on each track through varying vibrancy

Most Recent Release:”Identical Events”

 
  

Punk / Alt / Metal from Atco - We make punk-based music that draws influence from various different genres

Most Recent Release: Nothing official, but a rehearsal vid of their song “Waste-away girl” below

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~


About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Pride Week Benefit Show in Glassboro

Friday, March 3, 2017, Glassboro, NJ

By Alex LaVallee | Posted Monday, February 27, 2017

On Friday, March 3, there will be a benefit show to provide funding for Pride Week programming held by Prism -- an LGBTQ+ organization at Rowan University.  The show will feature a diverse and exciting lineup of music and drag queen performances.  The show will be held at 409 Deptford in Glassboro, NJ, with doors at 6:00PM and the first set at 6:30PM.  There is a suggested donation of $5 that will go towards Pride Week events such as a drag show featuring headliner Laganja Estranja from season 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race, Pride Festival on the student center patio, free HIV/STD testing in the Wellness Center, and a Prism meeting on queer history.

Sets will alternate between drag and music performances.  

Drag sets will be by:

Aria Sheer (http://instagram.com/aria_sheer),
Pi (https://www.instagram.com/notpi/),
Ron Binary (http://instagram.com/ron.binary),
Nova Kane (http://instagram.com/novakane.philly),
and Allison Wonderland (https://www.instagram.com/iallisonwonderland/).

Music performances will be done by: 

Bike Routes (https://bikeroutesnj.bandcamp.com/),
Have a Good Season (https://haveagoodseason.bandcamp.com/),
chill/hilarious (https://chillhilarious.bandcamp.com/),
Maxamillion Raxatrillion (https://maxamillionraxatrillion.bandcamp.com/),
and Pine Barons (https://pinebarons.bandcamp.com/).

About the Writer

Alex LaVallee is a junior, Public Relations major at Rowan University. He grew up in a small rural community in Hunterdon County, NJ. LaVallee is a lover of music, art, and nature, spending most of his time finding new music or outside with his friends. He takes pride in the fact that he grew up in NJ, and continuously is fighting for the proper recognition of Central Jersey. Follow Alex LaVallee on social media at @alex_lavallee (Instagram), @bread_cruz (Twitter).

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Dar Williams in Benefit Concert

Friday, March 3rd, 2017, Montclair, NJ

NEWS RELEASE

MONTCLAIR, N. J. -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Dar Williams [NY] in a Benefit Concert for the Outpost on Friday, March 3rd, 2017 at 8 p.m.  Opening for Dar Williams will be Trevor Gordon Hall [PA].  This concert will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 67 Church Street.

Dar Williams is one of the most lauded singer/songwriters of her generation. Her poignant lyrical commentary and beautiful musical arrangements have entranced the music world for more than two decades. Every new album from Dar Williams represents her thoughts and feelings about both her own life and larger forces in the world. But her ninth studio record, Emerald, marks a particularly dramatic confluence between her experiences and broader contemporary culture—and what it means to be a songwriter at this moment in history. In the past few years, Williams has been involved in a wide range of different efforts and projects: teaching a course titled “Music Movements in a Capitalist Democracy” at her alma mater, Wesleyan University; working with children at several summer camps; leading songwriting workshops; getting involved with the workings of her village; and writing a book about the ways she’s seen towns becoming more independent and prosperous over her twenty years of touring.

Rated one of the top 30 guitarists in the world under 30 years of age, by Acoustic Guitar magazine, Trevor Gordon Hall is an instrumentalist from Philadelphia whose compositions range in style from edgy driving rhythms to soft melodic phrases. Trevor sets himself apart by leaving no physical aspect of the guitar untouched and weaving together different textures into grand, yet intimate and lyrical compositions. aspect of the guitar untouched and weaving together different textures into grand yet intimate and lyrical compositions.

Benefit concerts provide the Outpost with additional financial support to continue presenting premiere artists in an intimate setting at reasonable prices. This benefit concert will also help to support additional production-related upgrades (sound and lighting) and will support our community service work, such as the soup kitchen in Orange, New Jersey, where Outpost volunteers prepare and serve meals.

How to Get Tickets:

Tickets: $40 in advance, $45 at the door and are available at Keil’s Pharmacy, 732 Valley Rd., Upper Montclair, 973-744-2113; Studio042 – Super Business Printer, 423 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973-509-7591; and on TicketLeap: https://outpost.ticketleap.com/dar-williams-2017/dates/ Mar-03-2017_at_0800PM A limited number of $100 VIP tickets are available and include pre-show meet and greet reception with the artists and reserved priority seating.

About The Outpost:

The all-volunteer Outpost is a nonprofit outreach organization in Montclair dedicated to building community through music, community service, and cultural events. The Outpost has presented more than

350 concerts by internationally known artists such as Judy Collins, Roger McGuinn, Dave Mason, Jorma Kaukonen, Jimmy Webb, Richie Havens, J.D. Souther, and Dar Williams. In addition to promoting and staffing concerts, Outpost volunteers have donated many hours of their time through programs affiliated with Habitat for HumanityToys for Tots, the Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair, the Community Food Bank of N.J.Dress for Success and a soup kitchen run by Outpost volunteers in East Orange, NJ.

For more information, visit www.outpostintheburbs.org or call 973-744-6560.

Contact

Gail Prusslin
Outpost in the Burbs
prance@comcast.net
www.outpostintheburbs.org

Like Outpost in the Burbs on Facebook
Follow Outpost in the Burbs on Twitter

Loser Casual Booking Presents: Jake’s Birthday Super Gig Extravaganza @ Chalk Zone

Sunday, March 5th, 2017, Cape May, NJ

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Monday, February 27, 2017

Chalk Zone is a DIY living room Venue located in Cape May, New Jersey.  If you’re looking for a place to drink beer, listen to tight ass music, and possibly pet a dog, this is your place.  It may be a DIY house venue, but the reviews on Facebook are better than 95% of your towns local business’s yelp reviews.  I mean they have entire walls that you can draw on with chalk.  It’s 2017.  It’s revolutionary. It's freakin' Chalk Zone, brother.

This show is held by “Loser Casual Booking” who mostly books shows at Chalk Zone in Cape May, NJ.  If you’re looking for the address to Chalk Zone, or have booking inquiries, you can email Dijon Justice here: lunarcasualsj@gmail.com

Chalk Zone will be hosting our fellow Jersey bands Tie Goes The Runner, Brock Landers, Supine (Half NJ), and some mathy heavy friends from NY, Foresterr.  But the most important mans (and bands) is Jake Dunlevy of Clearview and Better Machines.  They both be playing, they both be duelin’ u feel.

            “Hey Jake is turning 23!  Fug that lame song, cause we love you bud! Gonna have a buncha sick bands do the thing in the living room, bring yr friends!”

The gig is on Sunday, March 5th, 2017, and doors are at 6:00pm.  There’s only 4 bands, and they’re all full of bangers, so come thru. I t’s a banger, you won’t regretti.

***************

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, Stay late.

$5-$7 for touring bands - Get there early, stay late, party hard.

****************

-       Doors at 7 / Music at 8

-       $7

-       EMAIL FOR THE ADDRESS

-       No Bigotry / No Bullshit

-       Party / Pet dogs

 

FEATURED BANDS

Tie Goes To The Runner

Atlantic City NJ sing-along dude rock / indie prog funcore fusion

Most recent release – “Entaglement”

 

Ambient Screamo Lads sitting on that New New ft. our mans Jake Dunlevy

Most Recent Release: “Trailing”

 

Hammonton Post-Punk also ft. Birthday mans Jake

Most Recent Release: “Honesty”

 

RIffy Rocky Post-Hardcore

Most Recent Release: “I’m Not Jealous of The Rhythm”
 

 

Heavy, Mathy, Annuncicated (NY)

Most Recent Release: “The Town Dies Screaming”

 

Screamo Horselords with a side of Ziti, Baked.

Most Recent Release: “This Eternity Churns Electric”

 

Again, for booking inquiries/Address, email lunarcasualj@gmail.com

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~
 

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Flemington DIY Presents: Flemington DIY / ACLU Split Benefit Show + Art Show

Saturday, February 25th, 2017, Flemington, NJ

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Friday, February 24, 2017

FLEMINGTON DIY (Do It Yourself) is an organization whose mission is to inspire social change by fostering and cultivating projects that connect the local community with musicians and artists in Flemington.”  Flemington DIY is a non-profit organization dedicated to the arts in all forms. Besides serving as a creative art space, hosting poetry nights, film viewings, cultural meetings, etc., this space is known as the center music hub for the area.  They have hosted a number of up and coming bands previously such as Petal, Dowsing, Jank, Spencer Radcliff, and many more.

For this show, the art space will be donating all proceeds to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).  The gig is on Saturday, February 25th, 2017, and doors are at 6:00pm.  The show will be All-Ages, and it's for an awesome and very relevant cause.  Twitter recently donated over $1.5 million dollars to fight Trump on immigration:

This show may or may not raise that amount of money, but with the right attitude, it very well might be able to.  People are people, people are equal, and it should be that simple.  Come out with a crisp 5 dollar bill to help raise money for a good cause, and to have yourself a good time with great music.  In addition to the bands, there will be multiple artists at this art space selling their art.  Wild.

You can purchase a number of art pieces from:

Mallory Rummel
Desiree Feliciano
Olivia Olivier
Nora Evita Aresti
Corinne Dodenhoff
Megan Chelednik
Maegan Monico
Valerie Ryan
Tracy Robinson
Taylor Ashbrook
Elise Mattaliano

If you would like to sell your own art at the venue, you can email FlemingtonDIY@gmail.com

***************

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, stay late.

$5 - Get there early, stay late, party hard.

Fight Trump’s immigration ban

****************

-       Doors 6

-       90 Main St., Flemington, NJ

-       Let's party

-       All Ages

-       No booze

-       Love art

-       Respect the World

 

FEATURED BANDS

Whiner
(NJ)

The Artist formally known as Winona Ryder

Most Recent Release: “Forever”

 

Ghost Camp
(New Brunswick, NJ)

setting industry standards

Most recent release – “Great Lakes”

 

Secretary Legs
(New Brunswick, NJ)

Part Post Punk / Part Pop / Part Indie Sequel / Secretary Legs

Most recent release: “Summer Hiatus”

 

Offers the Window Seat through life’s strangest and most glorious adventures

Most Recent Release: “Close Encounters”

 

For booking inquiries to host a show, artist exhibit or club meeting, contact Flemington DIY at flemingtonDIY@gmail.com

Read More about Flemington DIY on JerseyIndie here: http://www.jerseyindie.com/flemington-diy/

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~
 

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Grandaire Booking Presents: Free Show w/ Your Persona // Gin War // Blue Heaven (MD) // Old City Revival + more @ Grandsons

Wednesday, March 1, 2017, Hammonton, NJ

Click the flier to be directed to the event on Facebook.

Click the flier to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Friday, February 24, 2017

Grandaire Booking is constantly bringing everybody together, building a community, and letting people of all ages feel welcome.  On Saturday, March 1st, they will be hosting a FREE show at Grandsons restaurant in Hammonton, NJ, AND it’s BYOB.  They haven’t had a show in a while, so they’re doing us a favor and making this show free af and fun af.  Come hang, support yo friends, support yo local business, and buy some grub.

Grandsons is a place for everyone

We offer classic breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, and salads, but we can also accommodate vegan and vegetarians!

During the evening, the café turns into a venue for a variety of events.  Our events include acoustic performers, live bands, artist showcases, pop-up vendor markets, and more.  If you are interested in hosting an event at our location, please give us a call.  You can find the full schedule on Grandson’s Event Page.”

Grandaire Booking is an event planning LLC founded in 2012 that is constantly bringing musicians, artists, fans, and people in general together through the arts.  They are an event planning company consistently striving for a family through community in music.  They have brought us events in the past such as Sadfest and Electric Halloween, and they are also a part of Pinelands Music Festival this year.

“We at Grandaire Booking only want to throw the best shows possible for you; we want you to be able to enjoy a great show with great music and nothing but great vibes.

“Grandaire is an opportunity to make a difference not just in the community but within yourself.  It gives the chance to be a part of something bigger that will not go unnoticed but appreciated for the passion and hard work that goes into every project towards building a stronger and more unified community.  It promotes positive growth within individuals and those who attend the events.  It reminds everyone that they are capable of anything given the chance. Be a part.”

-- Jose Martinez & Michael Pezzuto

FEATURED PERFORMANCES

Your Persona
(Hammonton, NJ)

”If passion had a sound, it would sound like Your Persona.”

Most Recent Release: “When in Limbo”

 

Gin War
(Long Beach Island, NJ)

Long Beach Island Beach Beauties

Most Recent Release: “Peachy Keen”

Website

 

INDIE / POP / HOT

Most Recent Release: “Blue Heaven Demo”

 

Old City Revival
(Cinnaminson, NJ)

Indie / Alt / Rock / Also hot

Most Recent Release: “CL // OCR”

 

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~
 

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Interview with Zach Henry of Halogens

“You died for my sins when I committed all of mine just yesterday”
- Run Around - Halogens

Tour Poster I Art by Wild Heart

Tour Poster I Art by Wild Heart

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Friday, February 24, 2017

Halogens is a four-piece rock band from Wall, NJ.  The band is made up of Zach Henry (Vocals/Guitar), Charlie Throckmorton (Guitar), Tim Wuestneck (Bass/Vocals) and George Saives (Drums).  Last summer I was fortunate enough to support them on tour with my band Corrina, Corrina.  What followed was inexplicable madness for nine days.  When Zach told me he was coming down to Rowan for a weekend, I thought it would be a perfect time to sit down with some coffee, catch up and talk about their upcoming tour and skateboarding.

D.H.: You’re going on tour, again. When?

Zack Henry:  March 17th to the 25th.  We’ve had this booked for a couple months now, we’ve been sitting on it.

Were you set on going out again right after the last tour you did last summer?

No.  We knew we were gonna go out again but with school it made booking much tougher.  We set on these dates because it was [the] most convenient time for everyone.

The tour is with Grin & Bear.  How do you know those guys?

We went to high school with them, and I used to be in a band with the singer and drummer of Grin & Bear, and then before that with the guitarist and drummer.  They just put out an album called “Blank” (available to stream on Spotify), and we all love it.

Have you learned from your last tour anything that you’re going to use this upcoming tour?

I think I’m gonna know what to expect more, and I don't think it's going to be as wild as the last one.  The last one we did together was a lot of fun, and we did crazy shit because it was our first time out.  I think now that we’ve gone out once, had our “first tour experience” and got to have the crazy times, this time around it’s going to be a bit more serious.  It’s super exciting, but I’m not freaking out about it like I was with the last tour we did last summer.  I can’t wait, it's going to be so much fun.  Plus, besides Philly we’re basically playing all new areas.  We're playing Ohio and Alabama.  I’m really looking forward to it.

Every band has specific influences, but they don't always come through to the listener.  Do the bands that people say you sound like actually ring true to your influences?

So many people tell us we sound like The Front Bottoms, but I think that's just because any band that sounds “different” today gets thrown in with The Front Bottoms.  The Front Bottoms influence can be true back when we were in high school to 2014 during a two year phase where they were huge for all of us (Halogens).  But there are bands I listen to more that I hear in our music like earlier Modest Mouse.  They definitely influence me more.

What about what you're writing now?

It’s a lot less aggressive because I've been listening to a lot of Pinegrove.  I just sit and just mess around on my acoustic until I find something cool.  My mood is the biggest influence on how my songs are gonna come out.  Lyrics come earlier than the music sometimes, too.

You’re one of the best skaters I know.  What came first, the guitar or skateboarding?

Skating.  I didn't pick up a guitar until end of sophomore year of high school (2010).  I picked up a skateboard in 7th grade (2007).  As much as I do music now, I was equally into skating when I first picked up a board.  Music became something I was just having more fun doing and now I'm stuck with it. (laughs)

I found a lot of bands through skate videos back in middle school.  Did watching skate videos and skating yourself influence the music you would later listen to and then apply when forming a band?

Absolutely.  I never thought when I was younger and skating that I would be in a band because I had no musical abilities.  I thought it would be way too hard to learn an instrument.  The bands I listen to though were definitely influenced by skate videos.

Do you have a specific skater’s part that you remember watching with a song that really struck a chord?

Totally, there were two.  In Tony Hawk Project 8, Daewon Song skated to “Any Day” by Typical Cats, an old-school-sounding rap song.  Another was Rodney Mullen’s part with “Train in Vain” by The Clash in “Almost Round Three.”  Phenomenal song.

I vaguely remember a conversation we had on tour about guitar, and I’m not sure if I remember it correctly, but did you tell me you don't like playing guitar?  You find it too hard?

Zach Henry of Halogens I Photo by Dana Gorab

Zach Henry of Halogens I Photo by Dana Gorab

Oh yeah.  I don't hate it, I'm just not good at it.  I’ve gotten pretty good at knowing enough basic guitar to kinda fool people into thinking I know what I’m doing with guitar.  But, I like playing guitar a lot.  I’m just not as good as I wish I was.  Everything I play is based off of no knowledge on whether or not it’s going to be “right,” which is something I think was influenced by Modest Mouse.  You can hear so many wrong notes in their songs but they always work.

Comparing your guitar playing to skating, when you started on a skateboard did you have the same mind set that you weren’t going to be as good as you want to be?

I think the thing with skating is you learn tricks and that’s really all you need to know.  With music you need to know about certain theories or key changes in order for it to be “good.”

The kickflip is universally cool.  I think music demands more attention.

I guess the two are similar.  If you skate you can probably do a kickflip and if you play guitar you can probably play “Free Fallin.”  It’s hard to explain, but with skating style and the way you look doing/landing tricks it’s either good or bad.  It’s easier to tell. I find it a lot less subjective than music.

So tour starts March 17th.  You still got the van?

Yeah, we still have Charlie’s van

Right on.

~

Before Halogens heads out for their tour, you can catch them with Hodera, Oso Oso and Secret Mountain on March 4th in New Brunswick.  It’s probably going to look something like this.  You can also download their new split with Staten, as well as their EP on Bandcamp here or listen on Spotify.

About the Writer

Deaglan Howlett is junior English Major at Rowan University.  He is also the guitarist for Corrina, Corrina and The Vansaders.  He grew up in Middletown, just a 20 minute car ride to Asbury Park.  He spends most of his time there playing and going to shows.  When he is not playing shows he focuses on writing poetry here.  You can find him on Twitter (@reallygoodguyy) and Instagram (@DeaglanHowlett). 

Aftermath Collective Presents: Sleep In., Later Days (TX), Hold Close (MO), FV @ Studio Luloo

Tuesday, February 28th, 2017, Oaklyn, NJ

Click the flier to be directed to the event on Facebook.

Click the flier to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Friday, February 24, 2017

Aftermath Collective is a booking agency that books a decent amount of local shows, big and small.  They host shows in New Jersey and Philadelphia at places such as Kung-fu Necktie, The Barbary, and a number of other places in the greater Philadelphia area.  This show will be at one of South Jersey’s most well known local venues: Studio Luloo.

For this show, Luloo will be hosting two New Jersey native bands as well as two touring acts: Later Days from Austin, Texas and Hold Close from Missouri.  The gig is on Tuesday, February 28th, and doors are at 7pm.  There’s only 4 bands, so make sure you get there early - it’s a Tuesday, so you probably won’t be out too late.  If you get to stay late enough, you may even personally see Joe Franks himself turn into a telecaster at the end of the gig.  I’m telling you, it’s a must see.  Plus Drake personally said himself, “Get to the gig.”  See for yourself, that shit's legit.

***************

HOUSE RULES:

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, stay late.

$5 - Get there early, stay late(ish), party hard(ish).

****************

This show will be the kick-off of Sleep In.’s 5 day tour with Hold Close, which you can check out below (click on the flier to be directed to Sleep In.’s Facebook post).

 

FEATURED BANDS

Sleep In.
(Camden County, NJ)

My boys that make some mathy pop jams u can bop to

Most recent release – “Sleep In. 7"”

 

Later Days 
(TX)

Rock / Post-Hardcore / Emo From Austin, TX

Most recent release: “Lost In The Sound” (Released February 17, peep that new good good)

 

to connect with people on a personal level as they live their day to day lives by sharing our stories, weaknesses, and same struggles that everyone else goes through. 

Most recent release: “I Was Never Meant to Stay”

 

FV
(Mays Landing, NJ)

FVisaband

Most Recent Release: “FV ACLU Compilation”


Want to work with Aftermath Collective?  
Shoot them an email at “Info@Aftermathcollective.com”
 

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~
 

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Fleece to Shawl Demonstration at METC

Sunday, February 26, 2017, Madison, NJ

The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts
9 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940
Contact: Erin O'Donnell, Communications Coordinator
973-377-2982 ext. 16
coordinator@metc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              

Madison, NJ – On Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts (METC) invites everyone to “Fleece to Shawl,” where a talented team of New Jersey spinners and weavers will demonstrate how raw sheep wool is transformed into a beautiful woven shawl.  Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the team will card, spin, and weave a shawl using fleece dyed with natural plant dyes used by the early Americans farmers.  This four-hour demonstration is in conjunction with METC’s new exhibit, “Garden State: Living off the Land in Early New Jersey,” which explores how farmers used all their resources, including fleece from sheep, to survive.  The event is included with paid admission and guests are encouraged to ask questions and return to the museum throughout the day to see the team’s progress.

Anne Choi, owner of Middle Brook Fiberworks in Bedminister, NJ. 

Anne Choi, owner of Middle Brook Fiberworks in Bedminister, NJ. 

This talented team, made up of weaver Virginia Hinchman of Hackettstown, NJ and the spinners Kerstin Katko of Long Valley, NJ and Anne Choi of Bedminster, NJ are all experienced in “Sheep to Shawl” competitions that are held around the country.  At these events, teams start with shearing a sheep and then spin and weave the fleece to win the top prize.  Mrs. Choi is also the owner of Middle Brook Fiberworks in Bedminister, NJ where she teaches spinning and other fiber classes.

“‘Garden State’ was developed to show the many ways that farmers in New Jersey utilized all the materials and technology at hand to support their families,” said Deborah Farrar Starker, Executive Director of METC.  “This demonstration will show that even a simple garment like a shawl requires tools, skill and time to create.  We hope that guests walk away with knowledge and appreciation for what goes into the shawls that keep us warm during the Winter.”

_________________________________________________________________________________

Explore American history with a focus on the life and stories of 18th- and 19th- century craftsmen and artisans.  Drawing on its rich collection, METC is connecting the lives of people and their stories, while providing a bridge from the past to the future.  Housed in a stunning Richardsonian Romanesque Revival building donated by D. Willis James to the people of Madison, NJ in 1900, METC offers something for visitors of all ages.  Regular METC admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, students & children 6 and older, and free for members and children under 6.  Family maximum admission $15.00.  METC is open Tuesday – Saturday 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. and Sunday Noon to 5 P.M.  Closed Monday & Major Holidays.

Loser Casual Booking Presents: Vivian K., MyBrother MySister,  Stippling, Jake Gussman, Carax, Past Life at Chalk Zone SJ

Thursday, February 23, 2017, Cape May Court House, NJ

Click the image to be directed to the event on Facebook.

Click the image to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Thursday, February 23, 2017, 2017

Chalk Zone is a DIY living room venue located in Cape May, New Jersey.  If you’re looking for a place to drink beer, listen to tight ass music, and possibly pet a dog, this is your place.  It may be a DIY house venue, but the reviews on Facebook are better than 95% of your towns local business’s Yelp reviews.  I mean they have entire walls that you can draw on with chalk.  It’s 2017.  It’s revolutionary.  It’s freakin’ Chalk Zone, brother.

This show is held by Loser Casual Booking who mostly book shows at Chalk Zone in Cape May, NJ.  If you’re looking for the address to Chalk Zone, or have booking inquiries, you can email Dijon Justice here: lunarcasualsj@gmail.com

For this show, Chalk Zone will be hosting a number of bands from Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as Vivian K. from Florida, and MyBrother MySister from South Carolina.  The gig is on Friday, February 23rd, 2017, and doors are at 6:00pm.  There are 6 bands, and they’re from all over the place coming to our home state, so make sure you come out and peep the new tunes you probably haven’t heard yet.  You won’t regretti.

 

***************

1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, Stay late.

$5-$7 for touring bands - Get there early, stay late, party hard.

****************
 

-       Doors at 6 / Music at 7:45
-       $7
-      EMAIL FOR THE ADDRESS
-       No Bigotry / No Bullshit
-       Party / Pet dogs

  

FEATURED BANDS

Stippling (PA)

I Never Thought I’d be this Fucked up Growing up.

Most recent release: “Stippling”

Weed-infused Screamy Math Emo

Most recent release: “Verses”

-

Jake Gussman (Medford, NJ)

Alt Emo Folk Goodness

Most Recent Release: “Easy”

-

MyBrother MySister (SC)

Grungey-Dream Pop

Most Recent Release: “Haze // Thursday”


Joe Hoban Tuggin’ at your Heart Strings & Guitar Strings

Most Recent Release: “January”

-

Past Life (PA)

Underwater Emo Greatness

Most Recent Release: “Past Life Demo”

 

~SET TIMES~
 

Past Life ~ 7:45-8:10

Carax ~ 8:25-8:50

Jake Gussman ~ 9:05-9:30

MyBrother MySister ~ 9:45-10:10

Vivian K. ~ 10:25-10:50

Stippling ~ 11:05-11:30

 

Again, for booking inquiries/address, email lunarcasualj@gmail.com
 

~Confirm you’re attending on Facebook~
 

About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Robert Ellis in “New Voices” Series

Saturday, February 25, 2017, Montclair, NJ

NEWS RELEASE

MONTCLAIR, N. J. -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Texas-born singer-songwriter Robert Ellis in a “New Voices” show on Saturday, February 25th, 2017 at 8 p.m.  This concert will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 67 Church Street in Montclair. Opening the show is Courtney Hartman.

Robert Ellis has named his new album after himself and the reason is clear.  The album is both his most personal statement yet and a summation of his career thus far.  Robert Ellis opens with "Perfect Strangers," a meditation on what brings people together (and how tenuous that connection can be), and ends with "It's Not OK," a raw look at emotional compromise.  Between those two powerful bookends are nine other songs that set Ellis's soaring vocals and knowing melodies against his sharp, dark observations, and that show him in full command of a vibrant set of songwriting skills-irony, distance, character, narrative, a thoughtful relationship between sound and sense.


About Courtney Hartman (of Della Mae): With just six songs, it’s astonishing how Courtney Hartman’s debut solo recording tells such a vivid story.  'Nothing We Say' is flush with intimate ruminations on her life as a traveling musician and a deep curiosity about the world around her. The luminous EP, delivers on the promise always apparent in her work as a guitarist and songwriter for Della Mae, the Grammy-nominated string band, along with her collaborations with Bryan Sutton, Jim Lauderdale, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Mike
Campbell, among others. Acoustic Guitar Magazine lauds Courtney as a “distinctive guitar stylist...and a songwriter that delights and disturbs.”

About the “New Voices” series: “New Voices” presents emerging or “indie” musicians to the Outpost stage, exposing audiences to exciting new or unfamiliar artists.

How to Get Tickets: Tickets: $25 in advance, $28 at the door and are available at Keil’s Pharmacy, 732 Valley Rd., Upper Montclair, 973-744-2113; Studio042 – Super Business Printer, 423 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973-509-7591; and on TicketLeap: https://outpost.ticketleap.com/robert-ellis-2017/dates/ Feb-25-2017_at_0800PM

About The Outpost: The all-volunteer Outpost is a nonprofit outreach organization in Montclair dedicated to building community through music, community service, and cultural events.  The Outpost has presented more than 350 concerts by internationally known artists such as Judy Collins, Roger McGuinn, Dave Mason, Jorma Kaukonen, Jimmy Webb, Richie Havens, J.D. Souther, and Dar Williams.  In addition to promoting and staffing concerts, Outpost volunteers have donated many hours of their time through programs affiliated with Habitat for HumanityToys for Tots, the Human Needs Food Pantry of MontclairMESH (Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless), the Community Food Bank of N.J.Dress for Success, and a soup kitchen run by Outpost volunteers in East Orange, NJ.

For more information, visit www.outpostintheburbs.org or call 973-744-6560.

CONTACT

Gail Prusslin Outpost in the Burbs
prance@comcast.net
www.outpostintheburbs.org

Like Outpost in the Burbs on Facebook
Follow Outpost in the Burbs on Twitter and Instagram

Everyone Leaves (OH) and Household (MO) at The Watering Hole

Monday, March 27, 2017, Mays Landing, NJ

By Luke Morsa | Posted Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Event Information

Everyone Leaves (OH) and Household (MO) are coming through on tour, and we’re stoked to have them!  The Watering Hole is an awesome venue and the locals on the show are sick.  Not a gig to miss.

Date: March 27th, 2017
Location: The Watering Hole in Mays Landing, NJ
Time: Doors open at 5:30pm; Music starts at 6:00pm
Admission: $8
Booked by: Emerson Booking

 

Lineup

Everyone Leaves (OHIO) - Emo / Pop Punk
https://www.facebook.com/EveryoneLeavesBand/

Household (MISSOURI) - Melodic Punk
https://www.facebook.com/Householdmusic/

Bike Routes - Honest Acoustic Music
https://www.facebook.com/BikeRoutesNJ/

Parkwood - Emo/Alternative
https://www.facebook.com/parkwoodnj/

Old City Revival - Alternative/Rock
https://www.facebook.com/OldCityRev/

 

Everyone Leaves

Everyone Leaves from Columbus, OH has been rocking since 2012, and shows no signs of stopping.  On October 14, 2016, Everyone Leaves put out their most recent album The Lonely End.  Everyone Leaves has infectious harmonies between multiple vocalists and catchy melodies that leave their tracks like “Seasonal Affective” stuck in your head for days.  Come out and see them!

 

Household

Household is currently signed to Blood & Ink Records and has been a band since 2013.  Hailing from Missouri, they are a Melodic Punk band for fans of Title Fight and Movements.

 

Bike Routes

Bike Routes is the moniker of local acoustic artist David Osterhout.  Bike Routes has a show or two under it’s belt as a full band, but all recorded music is acoustic.  For fans of Pinegrove and tall, lanky people that wear 2XL hardcore band tees.

 

Parkwood

Parkwood is a 4 piece Emo band from Hammonton, NJ formed in 2011/2012.  Members Nick Gelone (Drums) and Jorge Estrada (Guitar/Vocals) are the only two original members in the current lineup.

 

Old City Revival

Old City Revival is, in the simplest terms, a damn good Rock band.  They are the only band younger members that I’ve seen and heard playing the kind of music that they do, and it’s great.  They’re one of my personal favorite bands to watch at local festivals.  Old City Revival recently released their debut full-length album, which you can listen to here.

You can find the Facebook event page at the following link: Event Page


About the Writer

Luke Morsa is a musician and writer from Hammonton, NJ.  He is the guitarist and one of two vocalists in Clearview, an Emotional Post-Hardcore band.  Luke began writing music articles and conducting artist interviews two years ago for his own music blog.  He is currently in college working towards a degree in Psychology.  Luke has booked under Grandaire Booking and is a supporter of the music scene in NJ.

City to City Apparel Hosts Show at The Watering Hole Cafe

Sunday, February 19, 2017, Mays Landing, NJ

By Alex LaVallee | Posted Wednesday, February 15, 2017

On Sunday, February 19, City to City Apparel is hosting a show at The Watering Hole Cafe in Mays Landing, NJ.  City to City Apparel is a clothing brand that works closely with several local bands to collaborate on creative ideas and style.  They have become a staple in the South Jersey music community.  The show is scheduled to open at 5:30pm and the first band is scheduled to start playing at 6:00pm.  The diverse line-up should make for an exciting night of music.

City to City Apparel will be releasing new shirt designs for discounted prices at the show.  Each band has their own style and originality to the lineup.  Most bands have recently released new music – like Parkwood’s most recent EP entitled ‘Selfish’ which was released at the end of summer 2016 – and Old City Revival’s split with New Jersey band Crash Landing, which was released in December.  Each band is different, and absolutely worth seeing live, so come early, support local music, and have a great time!

 

Parkwood

Alternative/Emo from Hammonton, NJ

https://parkwood.bandcamp.com/

Favorite Track: "Heavy Daze"

 

Better Machines

Post-Hardcore from Hammonton, NJ

https://bettermachines.bandcamp.com/releases

Favorite Track: "Dumb Abbreviated Phrases"

 

Hampton Hollow

Rock band from NJ

https://www.facebook.com/hamptonhollowhh/

 

The Secondside

Indie/Emo from Atlantic City, NJ

https://thesecondside.bandcamp.com/

Favorite Track: "Vile Eyes"

 

Old City Revival

Alternative Rock from Cinnaminson, NJ

https://oldcityrevival.bandcamp.com/

Favorite Track: "Lost in My Head"

 

Haunted Homes

Haunted Homes.png

Emotionally driven music from Atlantic City, NJ

https://www.facebook.com/HauntedHomesNJ/

 

About the Writer

Alex LaVallee is a junior, Public Relations major at Rowan University.  He grew up in a small rural community in Hunterdon County, NJ.  LaVallee is a lover of music, art, and nature, spending most of his time finding new music or outside with his friends.  LaVallee takes pride in the fact that he grew up in NJ, and continuously is fighting for the proper recognition of Central Jersey.  Follow Alex LaVallee on social media @alex_lavallee (Instagram), @bread_cruz (Twitter).

Flemington DIY presents: ACLU Benefit Show ft. Feeny, Atlas On Top, Glume, Blind Lion, Daniel West

Saturday, February 18, 2017, Flemington, NJ

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Monday, February 13, 2017

FLEMINGTON DIY (Do It Yourself) is an organization whose mission is to inspire social change by fostering and cultivating projects that connect the local community with musicians and artists in Flemington.”  Flemington DIY is a non-profit organization dedicated to the arts in all forms.  Besides serving as a creative art space, hosting poetry nights, film viewings, cultural meetings, etc., this space is known as the center music hub for the area.  They have hosted a number of up and coming bands previously such as Petal, Dowsing, Jank, Spencer Radcliff, and many more.

For this show, the art space will be donating all proceeds to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).  The gig is on Saturday, February 18th, 2017, and doors are at 7:00pm.  The show is actually put on by Pop-Punk Band “Atlas On Top” from Whitehouse Station, NJ.  The show will be All-Ages, and it's for an awesome and very relevant cause.  Twitter recently donated over $1.5 million dollars to fight Trump on immigration.

This show may or may not raise that amount of money, but with the right attitude, it very well might be able to.  People are people, people are equal, and it should be that simple.  Come out with a crisp 5 dollar bill to help raise money for a good cause and to have yourself a good time with great music.

***************
1. Respect the Venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, Stay late.

$5 - Get there early, stay late, party hard.
Fight Trump’s immigration ban
****************

 

-       Doors 7

-       90 Main St. Flemington, NJ

-       Let's party

-       All Ages

-       No booze 

 

FEATURED BANDS

Feeny

HappySad PunkEmo – New Brunswick, NJ

Most recent release – “No Beauty in Routine”

5 piece pop punk from Whitehouse Station, NJ hosting this tight ass show

Most recent release: “Blind the Demo”

 

Glume

Punk Rock Jersey Band that I would call my mans

Most recent release: “Sustenance” (this EP rules)

Alternative / Emo boys from Bridgewater, NJ

Most recent release – “Winter”

21-year-old pseudo Punk – Whitehouse Station, NJ

Most Recent Release: “Lost City"

For booking inquiries to host a show, artist exhibit, or club meeting, contact Flemington DIY at flemingtonDIY@gmail.com

Read More about Flemington DIY on JerseyIndie here: http://www.jerseyindie.com/flemington-diy/
 

~Confirm you’re attending on facebook~


About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Outpost in the Burbs Presents “Spero Plays Nyro” by the Christine Spero Group

Friday, February 10, 2017, Montclair, NJ

NEWS RELEASE

MONTCLAIR, N. J. -- Outpost in the Burbs presents “Spero Plays Nyro” by the Christine Spero group, an evening of music by the legendary songwriter Laura Nyro, on Friday, February 10th, 2017 at 8 p.m.  This concert will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 67 Church Street.

“Christine Spero and I shared a bill and I knew that she was doing attribute to my old friend Laura Nyro, but I wasn’t for just how amazing Christine’s performance turned out to be." - Steve Katz (Blood,Sweat and Tears and the Blues Project)

In this heartfelt and moving tribute to Laura Nyro, one of the greatest and most covered songwriters of the 20th century, pianist and singer Christine Spero and her group take the listener on an unforgettable journey through some of Laura’s most memorable songs.  The show and new Cd, “Spero Plays Nyro” remind us that Laura’s music is poignant and timeless.  The arrangements are hip, the vocals are beautiful, the musicianship is stellar. The exquisite arrangements are true to Laura’s originals but with many sweet creative touches, beautifully interpreted in the group’s own distinct style.  Christine has fully recaptured Laura’s spirit and passion with beautiful renditions running the breadth and depth of Laura's emotions.  Christine has loved Laura's music from a young age when she was given Eli and the Thirteenth Confession by a radio DJ friend.  She was inspired by Laura's music to be bold in writing, singing, and playing piano.  Laura Nyro was the quintessential singer/songwriter and pianist whose groundbreaking music crossed the genres of folk, rock, and jazz.  She became one of the most covered artists in the 1960's and 1970's with such songs as “Eli's Coming,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “And When I Die” and “Wedding Bell Blues.”  Her tragically premature passing in 1997 shocked her fans and in 2012 she was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

Drummer Peter O'Brien and bassist Scott Petito create a rhythm section that keeps the music driving and steady but never imposing.  Saxophonist/percussionist, Elliot Spero, adds excellent sax solos, flutes and multiple percussion accents.  The group has performed at many Festivals, Performing arts centers, Dinner theaters, clubs and private events.

Christine Spero, Winner and Finalist of the USA Songwriting Competition Jazz/category, had her start in the music business as a teen with legendary producer Don Kirschner and Neil Sedaka.  She earned numerous accolades for her melodic, emotionally powerful and soulful writing and performing and her two CDs, "We Call it Music" and "My Spanish Dream" have received strong press from USA Today, Long Island Newsday, Billboard, JazzTimes, JAZZIZ, All About Jazz, Time Out New York, The Village Voice and the Albany Times Union.  You can find TCSG streaming on Pandora, Jango, Spotify.  CD’s and Downloads available on iTunes, Amazon & Cdbaby w/ MDI Distribution.

Christine is a very talented woman and I'm so glad she did such a beautiful job with my sister's music" - Jan Nigro Brother of Laura Nyro

"Christine Spero blew away any elitist music critic prejudices I may have had about a singer/songwriter devoting an entire evening's performance to covers of another artist.  This woman has a lover's touch on piano, a jazz master's vocabulary and a vocal splendor perfectly matched by a band that is nothing short of breathtaking" – Albany Times Union, The Saratogian, Troy Record, Nippertown

How to Get Tickets: Tickets: $25 in advance/$30 at the door, available at Keil’s Pharmacy, 732 Valley Rd., Upper Montclair, 973-744-2113; Studio042 – Super Business Printer, 423 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973-509-7591; online at https://outpost.ticketleap.com/spero-plays-nyro-2017/dates/Feb-10-2017_at_0800PM

About The Outpost:

The all-volunteer Outpost is a nonprofit outreach organization in Montclair dedicated to building community through music, community service, and cultural events. The Outpost has presented more than 350 concerts by internationally known artists such as Judy Collins, Roger McGuinn, Dave Mason, Jorma Kaukonen, Jimmy Webb, Richie Havens, J.D. Souther, and Dar Williams. In addition to promoting and staffing concerts, Outpost volunteers have donated many hours of their time through programs affiliated with Habitat for HumanityToys for Tots, the Human Needs Food Pantry of MontclairMESH (Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless), the Community Food Bank of N.J.Dress for Success, and a soup kitchen run by Outpost volunteers in Orange, NJ.

For more information, visit www.outpostintheburbs.org or call 973-744-6560.

CONTACT

Gail Prusslin Outpost in the Burbs
prance@comcast.net
www.outpostintheburbs.org

Like Outpost in the Burbs on Facebook
Follow Outpost in the Burbs on Twitter and Instagram

Elliot Spero, The Christine Spero Group
ecsperoproductions@gmail.com

Loser Casual Booking Presents: Forever Losing Sleep, Krelboyne, Clearview, The New Harmony @ Chalk Zone

Friday, February 10, 2017, Cape May, NJ

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

Click the album cover to be directed to the event on Facebook.

By Sean McCall | Posted Monday, February 6, 2017

*Update: Forever Losing Sleep will not be performing.

Chalk Zone is a DIY living room venue located in Cape May, New Jersey.  If you’re looking for a place to drink beer, listen to tight ass music, and possibly pet a dog, this is your place.  It may be a DIY house venue, but the reviews on Facebook are better than 95% of your town's local business’s Yelp reviews.  I mean, they have entire walls that you can draw on with chalk.  It’s 2017. It’s revolutionary.  It's freakin' Chalk Zone, brother.

 

This show is held by “Loser Casual Booking” who mostly book shows at Chalk Zone in Cape May, NJ.  If you’re looking for the address to Chalk Zone, or have booking inquiries, you can email Dijon Justice here: lunarcasualsj@gmail.com

For this show, Chalk Zone will be hosting 2 New Jersey bands, as well as Krelboyne, from Illinois, and The New Harmony, from Delaware.  The gig is on Friday, February 10th, 2017, and doors are at 7:00pm.  There’s 4 bands, two of which I know are the NJ OG homies.  Forever Losing Sleep is constantly blowing me away with their #tone and how often they tour, and Clearview are the local scene brothers from around my area (Hammonton // South Jersey).

Krelboyne (IL) is currently on tour with Forever Losing Sleep and a band called “We Love You,” which you can check out below by clicking their flier.

Krel also recently released some new music, hot off the press, which you can check out here:

The single is called “The Beauty of Not Feeling Anything," which you can only listen to exclusively via Brokenrecordpress.wordpress.com

 

***************

1. Respect the venue.
2. Respect the people. 
3. Come early, stay late.

$5-$7 for touring bands - Get there early, stay late, party hard.

****************

-       Doors at 7 / Music at 8

-       $7

-       EMAIL FOR THE ADDRESS

-       No Bigotry / No Bullshit

-       Party / Pet dogs

   

FEATURED BANDS

Forever Losing Sleep

Ambient Post-Screamo Giants – have fun records

Most recent release – “I Lost Myself Again”

 

Krelboyne (IL)

Super Melodic, Screamy Indie-Pop

Most recent release: “Krelboyne / WLY”

Ambient Screamo Lads sitting on that New New

Most Recent Release: “Trailing”

Spastic, Riffy PowerViolence

Most Recent Release: “Flower of Fresh & Blood”

Again, For booking inquiries/address, email lunarcasualj@gmail.com


~Confirm you’re attending on facebook~


About the Writer

Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre.  He has been attending shows since he was young, and is currently in Breaking Tradition and FV, and is actively involved with The Calcifer Sessions.  He has an ear for music and challenges himself in learning as many instruments as he can.  Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country ranging from All-State to All-National Honor Choir.  With a passion for writing, creating, and music in general, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.

Prime Sessions at Prime Burger

Sunday, February 5, 2017 @ Prime Burger, Glassboro, NJ

By Luke Morsa | Posted Friday, February 3, 2017

Prime Sessions are acoustic nights at Prime Burger in Glassboro, NJ run by Brock Landers’ bassist, Jaz Mckee.  Prime Burger is a burger place on Rowan Boulevard that has great food and an awesome atmosphere for acoustic performances.

Event Info

●     February 5th

●      Prime Burger Address: 322 Rowan BLVD Glassboro, NJ

●      Acoustic Performances by Rich People, Bike Routes, Andy Kavanagh, and Ben Greenblatt

●      Admission: FREE

●      Facebook Event Page

●      Prime Burger Facebook Page

●      Menu

●      Music from 5PM-8PM

Lineup

Ben Greenblatt

Ben Greenblatt is an acoustic emo artist from Southern New Jersey.  At only 17, he has a cult-like following in the house show / DIY scene of South Jersey.  As pictured above, Ben sometimes performs with a full band.

Bandcamp

Andy Kavanagh (of Brock Landers)

Andy is a talented musician and vocalist from NJ post-hardcore band Brock Landers.  Andy also performs solo frequently and has solo material that you can listen to at his Bandcamp, which is linked below.

Bandcamp



Bike Routes

Bike Routes is the moniker of local acoustic artist David Osterhout.  Bike Routes has a show or two under it’s belt as a full band, but all recorded music is acoustic.  For fans of Pinegrove and tall, lanky people that wear 2XL hardcore band tees.

Bandcamp

Rich People

Rich People is a 4-piece Alternative / Emo outfit fronted by Rob Rich.  Rich People put out their debut release Jacob’s Ladder in November 2015.  Since then, Rich People have toured and played a few large local shows and festivals.

Website

Hope to see you on Sunday for burgers and music!  Parking is in the garage next to the Marriott.

About the Writer

Luke Morsa is a musician and writer from Hammonton, NJ.  He is the guitarist and one of two vocalists in Clearview, an Emotional Post-Hardcore band.  Luke began writing music articles and conducting artist interviews two years ago for his own music blog.  He is currently in college working towards a degree in Psychology.  Luke has booked under Grandaire Booking and is a supporter of the music scene in NJ.