Meet The Music: Bryan Hansen Band

Meet The Music: Bryan Hansen Band

Meet Bryan Hansen Band, hailing from Central New Jersey (it does exist). Their music, as defined by Lenny Green of WBLS, is a soulful concoction dubbed "Blue Eyed Soul," blending funky rhythms with bluesy vibes and soulful melodies. From the Jersey Shore to iconic venues like Bowery Electric NYC and the House of Blues Anaheim, these guys have been Making America Funk Again. They've even graced the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood and been featured at Winter NAMM 2020 & 2024 and SoFar Sounds D.C. & NYC. From their debut EP in 2009 Ebb & Flow EP 2009, the band has released 4 LP's including Brothers Among Wolves 2013, When You Stop Pulling Back 2016, Gas Money 2019 and most recently, Jammin with Dr. Fong LP 2024. Drawing inspiration from legends like Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews Band, and Victor Wooten, Bryan Hansen Band infuses their music with soulful influences that resonate with audiences. Bryan Hansen Band is proudly endorsed by Godin Guitars and BG France. Check out their latest album, 'Jammin with Dr. Fong' available on all streaming platforms.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

Crash- Dave Matthews Band; Songs in the Key of Life- Stevie Wonder; Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californiacation

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

"One More Blues," from When You Stop Pulling Back LP 2016

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

Our favorite thing about Asbury Park is the community of incredible musicians and songwriters that are grinding and trying to make a name for ourselves. People travel to AP from all over the world to hear live music, which is a blessing during a time where DJ's reign supreme.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

Sex is great and all but have you ever had a MOGO taco? Is the response, "everything," a cop-out?

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?
A: https://bryanhansenband.com/discography

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

Summer is quickly coming to a close but our full schedule is on our website: https://bryanhansenband.com/official-website-bryan-hansen-band

Meet The Music: The Foes of Fern

Meet The Music: The Foes of Fern

We’re the Foes. Asbury’s worst ska band, creatures of Asbury’s only reality Tv show and band of wandering locals that happened to have found instruments on our walks to the beach. We have two albums out via Telegraph Hill Records and you can hear us play those songs live on the Mogo Stage on August 14th. You might see multiple drummers, backup singers, pole dancers, and a wild horn section at a show. We don’t even know what’ll happen but no matter what it’ll be a good time.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

Game of Thrones, Yogi Berra quotes, and Frank Zappa’s Greatest Hits

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

Mi Amor, our song in Spanish. It was written after watching a bunch of Telenovelas in the studio after a long session.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

Asbury Park Kickball crew and The Chat

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

Tofu taco! We got vegans in the band and we always need a good option that we can all enjoy.

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6paBX7yxQt55Xed4JPtZTO?si=G0ElGQXlQeWZOIpK3tmpeQ

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

Going on tour! To Philly, Trenton, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and of course Asbury Park

Meet The Music: Teen Idle

Meet The Music: Teen Idle
Teen Idle is the musical moniker of Asbury Park-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist & producer Sara Abdelbarry. The project was started in Sara’s last year of college, when she challenged herself to write a song every day for a week and post it to Bandcamp. All of her music tends to unfold like the plot of an A24 movie, with a focus on lyricism and storytelling.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

1. Mannequin Pussy - I Got Heaven 2. Wolf Alice - My Love Is Cool 3. St. Vincent - Actor

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

”Dance Inc.” is my satire song. If you listen to the lyrics you’ll be able to feel my frustration with the corporate world and comparisons of HR people to bloodsuckers. It was written at a time when I was particularly frustrated with job hunting and feeling a little hopeless about it. If you’re an HR person I don’t hate you, but I wish you would answer emails.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

The ebb and flow of it. I think it’s really neat to watch a beach town transform from the winter to the summer. It makes me appreciate the four seasons of the year in a way I wouldn’t if I lived in Florida or somewhere eternally warm. I also love the fact that you never know what you’re going to witness on any given day when walking around Asbury. That aspect reminds me of Brooklyn or NYC a little bit.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

Unfortunately I’ve been cursed with being gluten-free BUT I really love the beef bowl.

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?
https://open.spotify.com/artist/00EGv7Le8ST91QVNTI7KqV?si=CXcIeZ9NT-62he7HfjGLCw

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

August 22 - Salvation Rooftop @ The Asbury Hotel (solo - 3 hour set)

Meet The Music: The Mercury Brothers

The Mercury Brothers:  Hailing from the sandy streets of Asbury Park, The Mercury Brothers have been bringing their bluesy, boozy, rock enthusiasm to audiences since 2015. They combine excellent musicianship with an almost reckless abandon. Their performances ooze soulful angst that will have you reminiscing about wild, yet sentimental times
Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

Keep It Like A Secret - Built To Spill
Either/Or - Elliot Smith
I'm Wide Awake, Its Morning - Bright Eyes

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

"East Vs West"

A song about traveling the country, coast to coast, during a transformative time in your life. It paints a nostalgic picture of suburbia and the bittersweet need to escape to experience what the rest of the world has to offer.. until exhaustion calls you back home

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

We love the supportive culture of the arts and all of the individuals who are here all year long. They foster a long term home for creatives of all kinds. There’s something here for everyone.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

Tofu Taco

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4gVQ3qalc6wCyH6QoR39j4

Meet The Music: Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise

Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise
Küf Knotz & Christine Elise [Hip Hop | Soul | New Age] Named Philadelphia Magazine Best Rapper of 2022 and 1 of 10 New Jersey Artists to watch, Küf Knotz (Producer/MC) and Christine Elise (Harpist/Vocalist) connected with a similar mission to create positive, forward thinking music fusing the boom bap era and lo-fi inspired beats supported by the harp. And, you can dance to it!

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A: Arrested Development - 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of... Stereolab - Dots and Loops Digable Planets - Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)

Q: What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: See the Light

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: Yü - Its talking about the importance of having confidence & being yourself.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The Arts

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Fish Taco

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: The Month of July a tour in Alaska Musikfest Aug 9th & 10th Artemis Ethos Aug 31st

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6xGgvHAQIxa4Wfg2xdIZTU

Meet The Music: Chill Smith

Meet The Music: Chill Smith
Asbury Music Award nominated Chill Smith has been writing, recording, and performing his music for capacity crowds throughout the East Coast of the United States, appearing at such venues as The Stone Pony, The Strand Theater, Stanhope House, House Of Independents, The Asbury, The Saint, Langosta Lounge, Brighten Bar and Asbury Lanes, Chill Smith has shared the stage with Joe Budden, Pharoahe Monch, Sugar Hill Gang, Nappy Roots, Kosha Dill and Sage Francis. Pretty Everyday, Chill Smith's his second full-length studio album recorded at Chillville studio, courtesy of his record label, Soundsmith Records. "The album is energetic, unapologetic. Pretty Everyday, is a juxtaposition of race, status, sex, societal expectations and vulnerability" quotes Chris Jordan of the Asbury Park Press.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A: Nas - Stillmatic, J. Cole - 2014 Forrest Hills Drive, Kanye West - My Dark Twisted Fantasy

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: I wrote my first verse after listening to Eminem's The Slim Shady LP

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: My songs are pretty straight forward but I'll choose "Nickolas". It's about a friend I had in high school. We never truly got along which eventually led to an altercation which then led to us falling out. He then later died from an overdose. Til this day I still have mixed feelings but writing this song was the first time I cried about his death.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: It's gay, it's black, it's trans, it's all these beautiful things.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A:

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: I usually get the fish taco.

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Gyzyksl028a87sygGo7zG?si=Ekx3GAkhRTuA4G-sY2YVVA

Meet The Music: BLAISE

Meet The Music: BLAISE
Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A: The fame monster - lady Gaga The downward spiral- nine inch nails At last- Etta James

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: Not for sale

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: Still a fool is about wanting to be there for someone even when they treat you terribly because they don’t know what to do with themselves. It’s truly a song about knowing better, but loving unconditionally anyway.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The people!!!

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Chicken Taco!

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: Low Dive and Any where we can! We are hitting the tristate area as hard as we can on our journey to take over the world!

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Pj5YdxyxSX5PB855FVKPu?si=YWpYOE5PSneaS5YJ1nunvg

Meet The Music: Space

Meet The Music: Space
Moonsnot! Eew….what is that? It’s nasty right? Isn’t it disgusting? Exactly. Moonsnot speaks on social injustices that are a gross offense to humanity. Singer songwriter, Space established Moonsnot as a means to elevate her original music. She invited bassist Mike Rosa, lead guitarist Dan Harrison, keyboard player Orshin and drummer Dyvine , to join her in elevating. Together they have created sounds of Moonsnot that is straight soul funk with an edge.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A:Teddy Swims “I’ve tried everything but therapy” Gnarls Barkley “Saint Elsewhere” and Maneskin “Rush”

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: Musically the first song Moonsnot wrote was “Toy Story”. Space wrote the song but it needed musical direction. The band made it sound a little Reggae.

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: The latest song written by Space is entitled “We Can’t Help You!” The song is about a time when Space was conducting business on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park and experienced racism was discriminated against. The business owner said “we can’t help you!”

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The beach right before tourist season hits.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A:Tofu!!!!

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: Music Mondays on Springwood Avenue July 29th

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://youtube.com/@nuspace5000?si=Ed91Aixu4erbtAeS

Meet The Music: Drea

Meet The Music: Drea
Drea is a singer/songwriter/emcee based out of the Jersey Shore city of Asbury Park in Monmouth County. Drea separates herself from other artists by focusing on a sound that mixes beautiful melodies with a raw flow of rap lyrics into one. She just performed for as one of The Asbury Underground artists in the North2Shore festival in Asbury Park and some notable names she’s opened for, Styles P, Joell Ortiz, Capella Gray, Mr Cheeks of the Lost Boyz, Talib Kweli, Tiearra Marie, Ron Brows and Leon & The Peoples. She also has a remix of her single, “So Good”, off of her first album, “Beauty and The Beats” with Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan. Her second album “Selfish” was released Jan 2024 on all streaming platforms.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A:Ooh on the TLC tip- TLC Confessions- Usher Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - Lauryn Hill

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: First song i wrote was called Pimp Games, though never released.

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: Don’t Wanna Go- is a track that’s both in the first and third person, it’s a quick reminder from self to self, about loving yourself enough to not let anyone convince you you’re not worthy or strong enough to let go in hope of something better.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: I’m An Asbury park resident for 30 years, it’s home! and thriving! Seeing what it’s become, and the music scene inspires me to be more involved!

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A:Shrimp taco!!

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: Just performed North2Shore in Asbury Park, Brooklyn, NY Queens, NY Belmar, NJ Oceanfest, Long Branch, NJ
Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://li.sten.to/drea-selfish

Meet The Music: Shallow Green

Meet The Music: Shallow Green
Pushin’ rock ‘n roll forward and making your ears bleed.

Come on out this Wednesday, July 24th 2024 for @blacktiesofficial + @shallowgreennj
7pm on the greenspace unless otherwise posted! Free for all ages!
Learn more at www.asburyparklive.com
@asburyparklive @asburyparkmusicfoundation @eatmogo @asburyparkfood @TitosVodka @pepsi @pepsi_asburypark_nj @lhmusicacademy @watermarkap @the_stone_pony @providentbank @asbury_sunset @wildairbeer @tiki_jim @asburyparkboardwalk
#freeevent #asburypark #localmusic #beachconcert #thiswednesday #asburyparkboardwalk #communityevents #freeevents

Meet The Music: Black Ties

Meet The Music: Black Ties

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A: Fine Line- Harry Styles Songs about Jane- Maroon 5 American Love Cell- Durand Jones & The Indications

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: Used To Know

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: For the song “Used To Know” the meaning is meant for the listener to come up with their own ideas and memories when looking at the past at the life they “used to know.” It’s about reflecting on the good things you had in life.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The Park!

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: The toss up is between the chicken or fish taco. We’ll have to investigate further to have the final results.

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: All over Monmouth County and beyond. Places like Red Bank, Atlantic Highlands, Point Pleasant and more. Our Instagram @blacktiesofficial has all of the details for anyone that is curious.

Meet The Music: Pamela Flores

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Pearl by Janis Joplin, Dreaming of You Selena

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: Pieces

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: Sugar & Spice was influenced by amazing students I had met when teaching music here in Asbury Park. Seeing them completely lose themselves in the music and forget about their problems at home or at school and seeing how impactful music can be in their lives. It’s one of the most inspiring things to be able to witness.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: That after moving away, living in multiple states after the world had shut down… coming back to Asbury Park felt like a much needed warm hug

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Ok the tacos are great but can we make a little noise for the kimchi fried rice?? Delish.

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: Follow me on instagram at @pammiflo where I post/update all of my shows

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: Pamelaflores.bandcamp.com

Meet The Music: Mother Hubbard

Meet The Music: Mother Hubbard

Mother Hubbard is a rising progressive funk group hailing from Northern New Jersey. 

Mother Hubbard’s members include Nick Nella (Vocals and Guitar), Mike Bereski (Bass and Keys), Liam Kerekes (Drums), Jerry Ulichny (Guitar and Vocals) Patrick Dudasik (Trumpet), and Matt Tischio (Tenor Sax).

Mother Hubbard is slated to release their debut LP Spring 2024

Meet The Music: Des & The Swagmatics

Meet The Music: Des & The Swagmatics
Funky soul grooves to make your booty move!

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

1999, Songs in the Key of Life, Off the Wall

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

We have new music coming out fall/winter! Our latest song only available on YouTube is called “My Place” and is a disco jam about seeing that special person. From far away and shooting your shot.

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

Back to Blue

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

It’s ever dwindling but quite persistent “weirdness”

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

Pork is the best one (if you eat meat). We will not be discussing further at this time…
Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

Everywhere! Be sure to check the “Tour Dates” section of our website to stay in the know.

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

https://open.spotify.com/artist/317UEvRlTmHgvMzskw9PpB?autoplay=true&source_application=google_assistant

Meet The Music: Hooper

Meet The Music: Hooper

Hailing from Asbury Park, NJ Hooper's sound lies somewhere between country and rock, but doesn't sound totally like either one. The band was formed by 5 musicians who are also filmmakers, artists, surfers, and creatives who set out to do one thing: put on the best damn live show...every time they play.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

Hailing from Asbury Park, NJ Hooper's sound lies somewhere between country and rock, but doesn't sound totally like either one. The band was formed by 5 musicians who are also filmmakers, artists, surfers, and creatives who set out to do one thing: put on the best damn live show...every time they play.

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

We wrote a song called “Nothin’ but Time” during the pandemic. Being stuck at home with nothing to do reminded us of being teenagers without a car.

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

We play a song called “Dallas” which is where our bass player and keyboard player lived as kids. The lyrics are an homage to a Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson song, but instead of wanting to go to Texas, our song sings about not wanting to go back. Its a fun little jab at Dallas.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

We love the eclectic and creative businesses in Asbury Park. In just a few blocks you have a world class recording studio at Lakehouse, delicious tacos at Mogo, amazing cookies at Sweet Dani B, a super cool hotel lounge at St.Laurent, the list goes on and on.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

Our drummer has been known to put away many shrimp tacos after a long of surfing.

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

We were so excited to be play the Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood NJ in June on the same bill as Blake Shelton, Darrius Rucker and Lainey Wilson. Next up for us is the MojoFestival in Farmingdale.

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

https://tinyurl.com/HOOPER-Spotify

Meet The Music: Dark City Strings

Dark City Strings: Dark City Strings is a band that draws from a broad spectrum of influences to deliver a high energy creative mix of bluegrass, Americana, and folk.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A: Allman Brothers Live at Filmore East, Grateful Dead American Beauty & Jerry's work with the Old and in the Way records, Greensky Bluegrass Handguns.

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: Whisky Cowboy

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: G.F.Y is a charging instrumental written by our fiddle player that provides explicit feedback for the clowns trying to kill the vibe!

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The artists, musicians, chefs, bartenders, waiters/waitresses, lifeguards, promoters, and lunatics that keep her going strong!

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: We say this every year and we stand by it! The Donut.

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: Follow along our instagram at @darkcitystrings for updates on new shows!

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://www.facebook.com/darkcitystrings, darkcitystrings.com, Spotify

Meet The Music: Emerson Woolf & The Wishbones

Meet The Music: Emerson Woolf & The Wishbones

Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones are a Jersey Shore-based Americana band, quickly creating a name for themselves in the folk music scene. Led by songwriter and front woman Emerson Woolf, the songs are often as playful and energetic as they are thoughtful and deeply personal. The Wishbones are comprised of Jason Portizo (multi-instrumentalist), Jen Lopes (lead guitar), and brothers Jacob Moore (bass) and Zack Moore (drums). The seamless connection between Emerson and her band lends to an emotive and unforgettable live performance.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A: Gillian Welch’s ‘Soul Journey’ Big Thief’s ‘Capacity’ Julia Jacklin’s ‘Crushing’

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: ‘Church Camp’ from the album ‘everything must go’ is a song about queerness, being in love at bible camp and the confusion around why such a wonderful feeling is spoken about in such a dark way

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: Truly everything it’s the most incredible place

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: fish taco!

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: July 12 - Wild air beer works asbury park July 19 - Fox and crow Jersey city (Emerson solo) August 11 - the Bowery Electric NYC August 16 - low dive asbury park

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2OnsErKwa1u7dZPGwm9HCK?si=FjomaUw4SJ-bofSjA7nY1g

Meet The Music: Surfing for Daisy

Meet The Music: Surfing for Daisy
Built from the fabric of old and new friends, Surfing For Daisy is a beautiful adventure of a band. From second avenue porch jams to playing the Asbury Lanes, Stone Pony as well as out of state gigs, they have not only the heart, but the sincere love of music in their veins. They plan to pursue this dream as long as they can and appreciate all of those who join them on their journey.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A: Every Kingdom- Ben Howard Dawn- Ry X Live on Red Barn Radio I & II- Tyler Childers

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: I Like Drinking

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: I Like Drinking is a deep dive into the struggles of alcoholism and addiction, and the negative relationship it has with the people around you who love and care about you. It focuses on the addicts desire to give up on themselves, while their loved ones fight for them to get better and change.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A:Our favorite thing is the inclusivity of Asbury Park. This place harnesses a power that allows one to walk with confidence and be themselves. We have also built a huge family out of the people who live here and that’s a testament to Asbury Park itself and the human beings they attract.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Definitely the fish taco.

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: We’re traveling out of Asbury Park this summer and heading to San Diego to play the Mozambique on July 11th and The Holding Company on the 13th with San Diego band Half Hour Late. We’re also headlining a show at the Asbury Lanes on July 25th with the incredibly talented Christian Sparacio. On August 3rd, we head out to Pennsylvania to play at Musikfest which will be incredible. After Musikfest we head back to our home base of Asbury Park and play at The St. Laurent on August 8th as well as Porta on August 15th. To end the summer we head to New York City on August 17th to play the Bowery Electric.

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3zwFtNNRxR23FVS8jueGK9?si=1qdCdDn8SCORDYIyxVl03A

Meet The Music: Polaroid Fade

Meet The Music: Polaroid Fade
Polaroid Fade emerged in spring 2020 during the Covid lockdown when Nicoletta Giuliani started writing songs on her family’s deck. She began recording demos at home and later formed a band with Tyler Bronn on guitar, Grace Halter on bass, and RJ Hill on drums. Since summer 2023, they've been performing live, including at venues like The Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City, Low Dive in Asbury Park, and The Landmark in Glassboro at Rowan University. Their music, reminiscent of bands like The Smiths, The Sundays, and The Cure, features short, catchy songs touching on themes of young love, beach towns, and adventure, creating a dancefloor-friendly sound with a touch of humor and wit.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic - The Sundays; The Queen is Dead - The Smiths; Cerulean - The Ocean Blue

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: Cotton Candy Skies

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: Bliss is a sarcastic take on happiness.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A:The musical history.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Beef taco!

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: The Fire in Philly (June 29), The Wildwood Crest Arts Pavillion (July 2), Anchor Rock Club (July 27), The Chubby Pickle in Highlands, NJ (August 2)

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A:https://aboutme.style/PolaroidFade

Meet The Music: Dark City Strings

Dark City Strings: Dark City Strings is a band that draws from a broad spectrum of influences to deliver a high energy creative mix of bluegrass, Americana, and folk.

Q. What three albums are most inspiring to your band?

A: Allman Brothers Live at Filmore East, Grateful Dead American Beauty & Jerry's work with the Old and in the Way records, Greensky Bluegrass Handguns.

Q. What was the first song that you wrote together?

A: Whisky Cowboy

Q. Can you explain the meaning behind one of the songs on your latest album?

A: G.F.Y is a charging instrumental written by our fiddle player that provides explicit feedback for the clowns trying to kill the vibe!

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The artists, musicians, chefs, bartenders, waiters/waitresses, lifeguards, promoters, and lunatics that keep her going strong!

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: We say this every year and we stand by it! The Donut.

Q: Where else are you playing this summer and when?

A: Follow along our instagram at @darkcitystrings for updates on new shows!

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://www.facebook.com/darkcitystrings, darkcitystrings.com, Spotify