The Local Beat

A place to discuss local artists and a love for music.

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Bringing Back the Coffeehouse Atmosphere

Greene's Beans Cafe is a local coffee shop based in Hackettstown, NJ, the home of the M&M.  It boasts specialty drinks, coffee from different parts of the world and an acceptance of music and the arts.  On Saturday, January 19 Zack Russack and Kevin McCann played a long acoustic set including songs from The Beatles and Gotye.  

The grind of guitar strings and single-plucked notes during tuning resonated throughout the cafe, and Zack's personality lit up the room.  In the crowd were members of The Collective, a group I've come to know and love.  Some of their members are musically inclined, and Zack welcomed them to the "stage." 

A coffeehouse is a haven for all things music and acoustic.  Greene's Beans has not had the opportunity to host such an event in awhile, so it was a great experience.  If you ever get the chance, try to catch Zack and Kevin again.  They are a great duo who know how to add personal flair to their harmonies.  

Supporting local businesses is the best thing anyone can do.  Small businesses have a charm that you can't get anywhere else, and it's even better when they support the arts.

Zack and Kevin jamming.

Photo by Loren Kessell

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Interested in coverage?

I'm looking for people interested in getting some exposure. If you or any friends are looking to get something written, let me know!

[thelocalbeat-blog]

'Tis the Season for the Boy Things Holiday Show

Christmastime is here, and that means gift-buying, sweater wearing and perhaps a visit from Santa. The greatest gift all, though? Boy Things’ holiday show at Bar 46 on Saturday, December 22.

The hometown indie-pop group is made up of Beth Hansen on vocals, Eric Dryburgh on drums, Adam Cumiskey on guitar, Vince Rickey on bass and Matt Nguyen on synth, guitar and vocals. Boy Things has played in various venues on the East Coast, but the members love to play shows in Hackettstown.

“The best part about playing in our hometown is being able to catch up with my band mates and friends,” Rickey said. “Now that everyone is in college or doing their own thing, it’s cool that we have a time just to meet up.”

Dryburgh also likes playing in the band’s hometown, because these shows always generate a good turn-out and great energy.

“It’s a good time to see friends and fans that we don’t see all the time,” Dryburgh said. “I am glad that we have such a strong support group in Hackettstown.”

Boy Things has a wide fan-base, but a large part of it is comprised of hometown friends who love the band for the music and the people in it. I have known the members for years now, and their talent never ceases to amaze me. They are all creative people who brainstorm ways to make every show fun such as different costume ideas and set designs. Although they do not always get to put those ideas into action, they still manage to get the crowd excited.

Because of the nature of the show, I wondered what Christmas songs the band would want to re-vamp and cover. It seemed that “Feliz Navidad” was one of the more favorite tunes to re-do. Rickey even suggested “Cannibals Navidad,” a hybrid between their hit song “Cannibals” and the iconic Christmas classic.

“We’ll definitely be playing some new material,” Rickey said. “Now that Matt has joined on second guitar, our sound has definitely transformed.”

Fans can look forward to new music, some new faces and Bar 46’s annual Ugly Sweater Party. Whoever wears the ugliest sweater to the event will have the chance to win free Boy Things merchandise. Admission is $5 at the door and some of the other bands performing that night will be Pilots in Orbit, Green Paper and Gay Panic (formerly Daddy).

Boy Things is a band worth seeing when it is around, because it consists of people who are talented beyond compare. Anyone in attendance at this show can be sure of having an awesome time. Not familiar with their music? Give it a listen at: www.boythings.bandcamp.com. You can also follow them on Twitter (@boythingsband) or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoyThings.

[thelocalbeat-blog]

Hey, thanks!

I just wanted to take the time to say thank you to everyone who follows this blog.  Local music and arts are important to me, and I am grateful for all of you guys who take the time to read what I write.  If you are in a band and want a little exposure, direct me to your music! I am always looking for new music, new shows to attend and new friends! 

I want to keep giving local artists the publicity they deserve, so if you know of any good bands I should listen to, let me know! Please let me know what you think of this blog so far as well.  I want to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions, so inbox me them.

Thanks again, and happy reading!

[thelocalbeat-blog]

Thanksgiving Eve with Quimby: A Night for Which to be Thankful

The noise was buzzing in the room as people prepared to see bands that they hold near and dear to their hearts.  Laughter resonated, drum kits were set up and I stood in the crowd with two of my friends.  The first band took the stage, and as soon as they played the first notes the crowd went wild.  Only Living Boy, one of the two hometown hero bands to perform that night, started the night off with charged guitar riffs and great vocals.  The band consists of Joe Cirotti on vocals and guitar, Eric Curley on bass and backing vocals and Trevor Newcomb on drums.  Their set consisted of a few favorites including their song, "Lonely Puppy Blues," a catchy, guitar-driven song that instantly got the crowd dancing.

They are a rock band which enjoys playing shows with Quimby Mountain Band, the other local favorite, and they were a perfect complement to Quimby's performance which followed.  At one point Cirotti told the audience the band was going to play one of their favorite covers.  I did not know what was in store, and then I heard the first few notes of The Beatle's "Happiness Is A Warm Gun."  Everyone played their instruments to perfection, and Cirotti served the vocals justice.

After their performance, the boys of Quimby took the stage.  All of them wore genuine smiles, because they knew a night spent at The Stanhope House would prove to be magical.  For them, this venue is fun because it attracts a big local crowd.  Their set was a long one, and everyone danced the entire time.  They played a decent amount of songs from both of their albums, Up From the Dust and Move On, including "Bindlestiff," "Heaven and Earth," "Epoch," and "Sixty-Five."  

Quimby Mountain Band consists of Jesse Bardwell on lead vocals, mandolin and acoustic guitar, Bob Noble on bass, Harry Noble on guitar, lap steel and vocals, Matt Schmidt on guitar, keys and vocals, and Matt DiPaolo on drums.  They formed during the days of Hackettstown High School in 2005, and they have since opened for bands such as Dark Star Orchestra, 7 Walkers and Marshall Tucker Band. 

Quimby Mountain Band continues to experience success, and they are worth seeing whenever they play at local venues.  Their local following is vast, and they love putting on the best show possible for hometown friends. 

Check out Only Living Boy's music at: http://www.facebook.com/onlylivingboymusic and Quimby Mountain Band's music at: http://www.quimbymountainband.net/.

Photo Credit: Loren Kessell

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Looking for new tunes? Check out The Vigor!

New Brunswick is a haven for local music spanning from punk to indie rock.  The Vigor, an indie-rock band, originated from New Brunswick's musical culture and it is a band worth listening to over and over again.  The members include Matt Nguyen on guitar and vocals, Pat Mungcal on guitar and vocals, Irvin Pham on bass and David Stefanowicz on drums.

The band formed in September 2011, and it has a two-song self-titled E.P. available in hard copy and online.  The E.P. is beach-y and upbeat, and that isn't just because the two songs on it are called "Coconut Trees" and "Surf Song."  All of the instruments mesh together to create a fun, carefree sound.  

"Coconut Trees" opens with a tropical sound that transports the listener to sandy beaches where waves crash on the shore.  It talks about people finding a paradise where they can live simple, happy lives.  The beat maintains the tropical atmosphere, and the lyrics carry out the metaphor of the beach paradise.

"Surf Song" is my personal favorite out of the two songs, and it has a catchy beat that reels the listener into the tropical feeling again (pun totally intended).  The vocals on this track are smooth, and they go along perfectly with the composition of the music.  The track offers a lot of great harmonizing, and it is another song about looking into the future.

The Vigor's music is available at http://thevigor.bandcamp.com/, and for information about their shows check out their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/thevigor.  Although the E.P. is short and sweet, it packs a punch which listeners will appreciate.

  Artwork by: Ayla Nucum

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Bridging The Gap: A Way To Let Local Music Be Heard

Bridging The Gap, as I said in my last few posts, is a show run by Joe Vellekamp which aims to be an outlet for local musicians.  Since I have gotten to be on the show and often listen to it, I wanted to spotlight it and its creator.

The idea began back in the summer of 2011 when Vellekamp was doing his internship at the station.  He was doing voice tracking and he filled in for people when they could not be there to run their show.  He got used to being on the air, and an opportunity for student programming opened.  

"Being a musician myself I've always been heavily involved in the local music scene," Vellekamp said. "Talented local musicians deserve recognition wherever they can get it."

This is what inspired Vellekamp to create Bridging The Gap.  He pitched the show's title and concept, and it went from there.  There are difficulties, however, to running a local music show such as finding serious local musicians.  Those who are solely focused on getting air play rather than getting out there and performing shows are not exactly who Vellekamp is looking for.  He wants people who are passionate about playing for their live audiences, and getting air play is an added bonus.

Bridging The Gap has been on the air for about a year, and during its airtime Vellekamp has had several in-studio guests.  One of his favorite interviews was with Don Ryan, an experimental folk singer, an an all-around interesting guy.  He and Vellekamp have similar personalities, so it was the easiest interview Vellekamp ever conducted.  He still remains in contact with Don Ryan. 

"My favorite moment was when I opened up the mic for the first show," Vellekamp said. "It was my show."

If you're ever surfing the radio on a Tuesday night from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., tune into WNTI for Bridging The Gap.  You will be exposed to exciting music that's from the area, and supporting local music is the best thing anyone can do.  Vellekamp is always looking for new submissions as well, so send your CD with the proper information in the mail.  Even if you don't get on the show the first time, Vellekamp offers some worthy advice:

"Keep trying, keep writing, keep at it. Try to improve your craft."

[thelocalbeat-blog]

A Night at WNTI with Dad Brother

Last night I had the opportunity to be a guest on Joe Vellekamp's radio show Bridging the Gap, a show that features local music.  A favorite local band of mine, Dad Brother, also got to spend time in the WNTI studios.  For those of you who did not get to listen, I am giving a recap of the night which proved to be interesting.  I want to say thank you to Joe for facilitating the interview with me and Dad Brother, because he made my first official radio interview more relaxing than I thought it would be. 

On Friday, October 26 Dad Brother will release its first CD, Mavericks, at a release party being held at The Clash Bar in Clifton, NJ.  They were on Bridging the Gap to promote their new CD and to spend some quality time with Joe and I.  Dad Brother is a two-piece band which consists of Andrew Lange and Evan Luberger.  Both of them play multiple instruments on the album and do the vocals.  Their rock sound is exciting, refreshing and interesting.

I am not going to transcribe and post the entire interview, but I would like to write about some of the interesting parts.  It was a night filled with discussions of using blenders as instruments and the mustaches Andrew and Evan have both managed to grow.

During the night I had the chance to hear three of the songs included on the new CD, but luckily I had also gotten to hear them live a few weeks prior at The Stanhope House.  Joe asked about the recording process of the album which primarily took place at Evan's parents' house in Dingman's Ferry, PA and a wedding studio.  They finished the drum pieces in Pennsylvania and the rest of the mixing was finished in the wedding studio in Montclair, NJ.

The first song we had the chance to preview was, "Scooter and Chippy," a catchy song with lines that instantly grab the listener's attention.  In this song there were doubled vocals, an organ and the hitting of a blender to create some great sounds:

Joe Vellekamp: How did the idea for the blender come around for the blender in the background?

Andrew Lange:  Saw it in the basement [laughter]. You know we were just clapping pieces of wood together for the claps. Ev's got a sauna in his basement so that was like our little vocal booth. We'd just go in there and bang on things and then we saw the blender and we were like "Yeah let's put some blender on this." Like most things that happen with this band it was a joke at first, and then we were like "Okay, this is pretty cool."

"Domino Gasoline" was the second song previewed during the interview.  It's an upbeat song that is comparable to a Black Keys song, but almost better since it is its own sound:

JV: "Domino Gasoline," where does that come from? 

AL: I dunno, it's kind of one of those songs that wrote itself. I read that book On the Road, and afterwards I wanted to write a song. I have no idea it just kind of came out that way.

Even if their song names do not have huge stories behind them, the music is enough to get the listener hooked.  Andrew and Evan put most of their thought into quality lyrics and musical composition.  They are also known for making their shows a lot of fun, and getting the crowd excited:

JV: What kind of reaction do you guys get from your crowd?

Evan Luberger: If we're having fun up there it seems like people see that and can get into it as opposed to a band that's kind of like all business.

The final Dad Brother song of the night was "Wet The Dry."  The title came from a line in the song, and it is one of their slower and layered songs.  Mavericks proves to be an album worth listening to over and over again, and if you have the chance make it out to Dad Brother's release show at The Clash Bar.

To find out more about Dad Brother's music and upcoming shows make sure to check out their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/dadbrother?fref=ts and to listen to their music that is available online check out: http://www.reverbnation.com/dadbrother and http://dadbrother.bandcamp.com/. They are a band that is easy to love, and their shows are some of the most fun ones I've attended.

Dad Brother performing at The Stanhope House

Photo credit: Loren Kessell

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Coming Soon: My Interview on WNTI

Hey everyone! Tuesday October 16 at 10:00 p.m. I will be interviewed by Joe Vellekamp on one of his radio shows, Bridging The Gap.  The show airs on Centenary College's radio station, WNTI, and it features local artists.  Dad Brother, a local band from this area, will also be featured that night.  Make sure to tune in, and also expect a post about Bridging The Gap to appear on the blog soon.  Also, this week is WNTI's membership drive.  They are a public radio station so every donation counts. Listen in this week for special gifts you can receive as a thank you gift for donating. To check out their website click this link: http://www.wnti.org/. 

Thank you to everyone who has been reading and keeping up with my posts.  I appreciate it, and there is more to come! 

[thelocalbeat-blog]

It's Time to Spread Some Positive Ideas

Imagine that you are too afraid to go to school, because you're scared of the people who await you.  You're picked on for your size, who you like or what you do in your spare time.  Every day is a struggle, because you feel like no one appreciates or respects you.

Bullying and a lack of social acceptance are issues affecting people everywhere.  It is important to stomp out these issues, and Hackettstown native Mike Ciavatta plans to do it.  He started a program called The Beautiful Project in mid-2009, and now it is backed by The Collective, a community group and art house.  

The Beautiful Project boasts artists from northwest New Jersey who all share the common goals of spreading love, acceptance and equality.  Their aim is to help control bullying by starting within their own community.  It starts by understanding the victims of bullying through people sharing their stories of gender roles, sexuality, orientation, religion, race, etc.

All participants do some type of performance which can include musical performances, spoken word, and other performance art.  The audience is encouraged to have a discussion with the performer; a discussion in which everyone feels comfortable, because the event promotes a judgment-free environment.  

At past Beautiful Project showings bands such as BDFM performed and people shared poetry.  The next showing will be Saturday, October 13 at The Washington Theater.  The doors open at 8:30 p.m. and admission is only $5. This is a noble cause to support, and everyone should be aware that bullying can be challenged. The hope is that The Beautiful Project will continue to spread positive thoughts and awareness beyond the borders of Warren County. 

For booking information contact Mike and The Collective at [email protected], and for more information about The Beautiful Project check out the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/beautifulproject1.

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With October comes Festival in the Borough

This weekend one of the largest street festivals in Warren County is happening a short drive away from Hackettstown in downtown Washington.  Festival in the Borough is a music and arts festival hosted by the Washington Business Improvement District that takes place over the span of two days on three different stages.  It boasts free entertainment and parking, so it is worth the trip to see some great local acts. This year some of the performers include local favorites Quimby Mountain Band, singer-songwriter Ezra Tarlowe, and the uke-punk band BDFM.

Saturday kicks off the festival starting at 12:00 p.m. and ending at 10:00 p.m. Throughout the day there will be family-friendly activities besides the music such as a petting zoo, miniature golf, and crafts sponsored by PNC Bank. For those who are 21 and over, there will be a beer garden on this day only at the Mr. Music Stage and the PNC Stage.  Sunday is only from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., but there will be plenty of music and fun for anyone who attends.

Festival in the Borough's goal is to showcase local music and arts, and it hopes to create a sense of community among everyone who attends.  One group that will also be at the event is The Collective, a community center and art house focused on spreading acceptance and peace.  Members of The Collective are artists, musicians, and friends whose aim is to spread positive messages to everyone.  Their tent will be located by the main stage, so make sure to strike up conversation.  They are a group of talented and genuine individuals.

Supporting local artists is something we should all try to do, because all big names have to start from somewhere small.  If you have free time this weekend check out Festival in the Borough.

For more information on Festival in the Borough go to: http://www.festivalintheborough.com/index.htm

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Minshara's Self-Titled EP is Worth the Listen

Minshara is a band originally from Harrisburg, PA and its members are Aaron Miller, Dan Lucas, Michael Villegas and Tony Kobel.  Their music falls under the genres of indie rock and electronic, and I discovered them by chance.  As I said in the last post, I had this EP randomly handed to me for free.  

The opening song, "Oceans," opens up with a catchy electronic beat that resonates throughout the song and serves as an interesting lead into the lyrics.  Throughout the song there is consistent nautical imagery.  The opening line says, "It's a riptide sort of phrase that keeps you moving, but all my strength is gone."  Right away the listener enters the narrator's pain, and this is only one example of the imagery.  The title of the song grounds the listener in what the song will be like, and it ends with forlorn music and ocean sounds.

"Encrypt Us," another song on the EP, leans more toward the rock aspect of Minshara's music as opposed to the electronic sound.  One collection of lines that I found to be particularly good is:

Imagine a world without all of the disarray.  All of the tears shed through the night,  dissolve through the day  No more hate, no more crime,  no more wasting precious time.  Only peace, love, and understanding,  that’s all we’re demanding.  ‘Cause if you can shut me out,  I would follow you, I assure you.

This is something a lot of people can relate to, and it shows the main, clear message of the song.  This is one of the best songs off of the EP.  For more information about Minshara check them out on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Minshara and give their music a listen at: http://minshara.bandcamp.com/.

[thelocalbeat-blog]

The Beginning

Hello everyone! I'm Loren, and I would like to welcome you all to a new blog I've started.  This is my on-going senior communication project, and I am dedicating it primarily to local music.  My main goals are to attend shows, review albums and concerts, and interview music artists that are all on a local level.  That being said, I am including bands that play at local venues but may not necessarily be local to the state of New Jersey.  Local music can be found anywhere, so I will not discriminate.

Music is important to me, and I decided to use this opportunity to give it some love.  I believe that music is more than just a catchy beat.  It can potentially change your life after you hear a particular line, and it is a powerful communication tool.

For my 21st birthday I received a turntable, so I scour record stores to find musical gems whenever I can.  Some of my favorite bands are: Weezer, Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, Tally Hall and Peter Bjorn and John.  Luckily for me I have had the opportunity to see all of them.

My hope for this is that the readers will learn about new bands, understand the excitement and fun live shows offer and that people will start supporting talented local artists.   

Make sure to be on the look out for my next post.  I will be reviewing an album that was randomly handed to me when I went to a show at The Stanhope House in Stanhope, New Jersey.  I did not get the chance to see the band live, but the person I spoke with was personable so I would like to give it a little exposure.

I am also in the process of figuring out a name that is fitting for this blog.  For now I have titled it The Local Beat, but I am open to suggestions and would love to hear input from my readers.  Thanks so much and happy reading!

Artwork by Michael Villegas