Meet The Music: Alexis Keegan

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

A: Aretha Franklin-Lady Soul, Gavin DeGraw-Sweeter, Mariah Carey-Music Box, Whitney Houston-Greatest Hits (sorry I know that's 4!)

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

A: The first song I wrote that I can remember was in middle school called "Just Look" about having a crush on a boy!! The first song I wrote when I moved to LA 10 years ago and really stepped it up trying to make it professionally, was called "The Game". I call that my dating sucks song!

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

A: I wrote Empty Heart about my struggle with music. The lyrics are "I'd rather live my life on an endless road than live with an empty heart". Sometimes music feels like an endless road but if it wasn't in my life there would be a void, part of my heart would feel empty so I can't let it go. I feel like people can relate to that in their own way, whether it's a passion, a person, etc.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: so much music, amazing food, awesome people...and everything is walkable!

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Beef baby

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

A: More to come!

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://open.spotify.com/artist/58U2dw8DQDSvmEJjvwToN6

Meet The Music: The Shady Street Show Band

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

A: Music from Big Pink - The Band; Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder; The Blues Brothers Original Soundtrack - The Blues Brothers Band / The MG's

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

A: Grin

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

A: "Grin" tells the story about being surrounded by people obsessed with perception, and eventually being drawn into it.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The people

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Shrimp.

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

A: Shady Street is playing at Jamian's food and drink in Red Bank July 29th. More dates coming soon. Members of the band are actively playing around the Jersey Shore all summer with a number of different projects, including the Ocean Avenue Stompers.

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShadyStreetShowBand

Meet The Music: Dano

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

A: Paramore - Riot; Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American; Taking Back Sunday - Louder Now

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

A: Mean It

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

A: "Mean It" is a song that hopes to inspire others to remain true to their authentic selves. In a landscape dominated by social media likes and follows, it can often be difficult, especially for artists, to remain true to their voice and not transform from artists to content creators. The simple straightforward lyric of "say what you mean, and mean it" is a reminder to stand by the messages conveyed in your music, art, or even in conversation, with integrity and authenticity.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The music scene! It's truly amazing to be able to walk along the boardwalk any given night and pop in and out of various shows with musicians performing original music. The artists are so incredibly talented here and we are so fortunate to have this community of support that creates such a positive outlet for creativity in so many forms.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Tofu with fish slaw and extra spicy mayo!

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

A: Asbury Lanes on September 2nd with Natalie Farrell

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://www.instagram.com/danomakesmusic/

Meet The Music: Sonic Blume

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

A: This has definitely changed over the years, but I would say Oracular Spectacular by MGMT, Clean by Soccer Mommy, and OK Computer by Radiohead. Oracular Spectacular is the album that we first bonded over when we first started the band. Soccer Mommy is one of my favorite artists of all time, Sophie is such an incredible songwriter, and I love how experimental she is willing to get with her production. And OK Computer will always be a huge influence to our music, from the songwriting, to their production, and their overall creativity and artistry.

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

A: The first song we wrote as a band was “Do Anything,” off of our first EP. But the first song we wrote with the current lineup is an unreleased song called “Rocky.”

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

A: Our song “Aubrey” is about the actress Aubrey Plaza. After watching her show Parks and Recreation, I went on a binge of watching a lot of her movies and wrote this song as a sort of joke love song. It’s funny though, because it’s become our biggest song and a fan favorite!

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: Definitely the music community. In high school, we were so lucky to go see shows with amazing local bands and be part of such a tight-knit, loving community. We have made so many of our best friends though playing shows in Asbury.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Chicken with kimchi rice and pear hot sauce!

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

A: We’re playing a few shows down south in Charlotte, Charleston, Richmond, and Washington, D.C. and wrapping up with a headline show at Asbury Lanes on July 8th. We’re also playing at Corgi Spirts in Jersey City on July 29th, and at Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA on August 5th.

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6XPpH2CSkYV2mFU29UfRGU?si=CH8zyWbkT5yk6tAl0Sl-Jw

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: Besides my own project I’m stoked to be joining Yawn Mower for a few gigs this Summer, be sure to check them out too!

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: Pamelaflores.bandcamp.com

Meet The Music: Alexander Simone & Whodat? LiveCrew

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

A: That’s a very hard question to ask considering the depth but I’ll say: James Brown - “sex machine“; Robert Glasper - “Black Radio”; Prince & Revolution live remastered are 3 fire records that resonate with us, and you can experience a lot of similar feels from transitions to blends when u see Whodat? Live

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

A: We Working “ I would say is the most popular

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

A: Vibes all day “ from out vibes ep “ just shows what we’re all about how we blend vibes together effortlessly, from covers to originals , from chants to freestyles. Regardless we know how to keep the vibes goin and coming !!!

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The constant Growth in landscape! I watch them make this place a lil more beautiful every month damn near !! I think that’s dope

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: The chicken taco ( were definitely basic lol

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

A: We’re playing all over from Summerville to Springwood Park , Asbury Turf Club to the Electric Bowery in NYC, u just never know where u might catch us , that’s why u gotta stay tapped in to what’s we doin! We always working and staying busy!

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://linktr.ee/Trulyasimone

Meet The Music: The Foes of Fern

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

A: The Beatles "Abbey Road", Jimi Hendrix "Are You Experienced" The Strokes "Is This It"

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

A: So the first song that this version of the Foes of Fern all collectively worked on is The first single off our second album called "Time Management"

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

A: Our newest single "Mi Amor" was released a couple weeks ago. It was our first attempt at writing a song in Spanish and it was way harder than I thought it would be. Mainly because I can't speak Spanish very well. BUT that song was me trying to write a Telanovela, like one of those Spanish soap operas that are super dramatic. So there's this like love triangle and the main characters lover has left him for a super rich doctor that like turns out to be my twin brother or something like that. It's pretty much a shoutout to my elder Cuban family that all loves watching those tv shows and it sounds NOTHING like ska music.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: Getting to play music with a ton of my favorite people and also enjoying the beach, good weather and all there is to do in Asbury in the summer. Sometimes I feel like our house on bangs ave is just one big playground.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Beef taco with kimchi rice!! My normal order is two of those and then I'll get a third random one to spice things up

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

A:

June 17th - The Chubby Pickle
July 10th - Bradely Beach for ParkFest
July 16th - The Saint
July 28th - Veterans Park in Highlands
September 4th - Fern Fest
September 16th - The Asbury Hotel

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6paBX7yxQt55Xed4JPtZTO?si=PjW0BAi3RCG8NmC17qyscA

Meet The Music: Dark City Strings

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: Monmouth County Fair 7/31! Langosta Lounge 8/12 & 9/16

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

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

Meet The Music: 8DayzStr8

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

A: Chris Brown - “GRAFFITI”; J Coles - “FOREST HILL DRIVE”; Saint Jhn - “GHETTO LENNY’S LOVE SONGS”

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

A: No time to waste “2006”

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

A: 456 - is representative of life working itself out. You can plan every aspect and still not know exactly how the outcome will play out. It also represents going above and beyond no being attached to the result and knowing life works out exactly how it’s suppose to

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The beach no matter what you can head down to the boardwalk and find great food bump into old friends make new friends. Some of my best memories are right by the shore

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Soy ginger chicken

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

A: TBD

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/8dayzstr8/1487666619

Meet The Music: Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise

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

A: Digable Planets -Reaching; Sufjan Stevens - Illinois; Tribe Called Quest - People's instinctive travels and the paths of rhythm

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

A: Open Heart

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

A: d(y)o͞oˈaləkē (Dualiky) We dig into the importance of balance in everything. Also how when people come together it builds community which is an integral part of balancing society.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: Its hard to pin point just one , but overall the vibrant art scene (Current & historic)

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: The Shrimp Taco

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

A: Alaska Tour: July 27th - Aug 25th |

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp | Vinyl

Meet The Music: Daughter Vision

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

A: Devo - Freedom Of Choice; Kate Bush - The Dreaming ; Japan - Tin Drum

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

A: Hang The Picture

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

A: All of our songs’ lyrics are put forth for the listener to create their own meaning.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The support from the artists, venues and community.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Shrimp

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

A: We will be back at APYC in August and at The Saint on September 2nd

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://daughtervision.bandcamp.com

Meet The Music: Des and The Swagmatics

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

A: Purple Rain, Songs in the Key of Life, Off the Wall

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

A: Probably Back to Blue

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

A: It’s so hard to choose! I guess I’ll go with the one that is most readily available. We had just started Donna Summer rehearsals for Convention Hell and I was on a disco kick that entire summer so I felt it was appropriate for us to take a crack at our own interpolation of disco, it’s called My Place. It came together so fast, it was more like it had already existed and we were trying to remember how it sounded. Same was true for our last holiday release “Next Christmas” and we’ve got at least 3-4 more brand new songs you’ll hear in the rotation all summer long.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The people! Try as they might to gentrify this town, it still maintains its quirky weirdness and realness just beneath the surface.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: This is hard! How can you choose a fave when they’re all great?! I dunno, Pork?!

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

A: We’ll be in Springwood Park on the 4th of July, we’re starting a residency for every Monday of July after that at our favorite LBI spot to play Bird & Bettie’s, and when in doubt, please check our social media and website, as our schedule is jam packed and we got funk for you all summer long.

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://open.spotify.com/artist/317UEvRlTmHgvMzskw9PpB?si=FnnJNIQjSWyPQaDDKGZqLA

Meet The Music: Yawn Mower

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

A: Death From Above 1979 - You're A Woman, I'm A Machine; Pavement - Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain; Mike Krol - I Hate Jazz
Those three are a good foundation for the sound of the band, but we could easily add another ten albums to that list. Our upcoming LP, "To Each Their Own Coat", expands even further, sometimes multiple influences per song.

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

A: The first song we wrote together was "Two Frequencies", the first song on our first EP "Get To The Boat". That was the first riff Mike wrote on his baritone guitar, which became the foundation for Yawn Mower. Biff in conversation said, "It's only two frequencies", meaning the baritone and drums, and that was the name.

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

A: "Broken Filaments", off our upcoming LP, is about a night Mike and Biff had where nothing went as planned. Everything fell through to the point it became laughable. Mike figured why not document this night in a song, and it actually became a springboard for more lyrics about actual things the band went through. Lyrics have always been an important part of this band. We're always to say something new or interesting.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: Mike and Biff have been playing shows and living in/around AP for a long time. It's been fun to be a part of the music community here. We've made a bunch of friends and played some great shows. It's also been interesting to see the changes in Asbury Park throughout the years. We're hopeful that the art, food and music scenes will continue to thrive and expand in this area.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Biff: I'm going tofu burrito with kimchi rice! Mike: I go for a pork or tofu taco with a side of esquites.

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

A: 6/22/22 at Lofiadelic Records in Belmar. 7/6/22 at the Mogo Stage in AP. Look out for our new LP, "To Each Their Own Coat" on Mint 400 Records in September 2022. We will be releasing new singles and videos for the LP every month until then! Thank you Mogo!

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: Yawn Mower's music is available on all streaming platforms, just type in Yawn Mower on whatever your preferred service is! We are also on bandcamp if you want to support us monetarily.

Meet The Music: The Extensions

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

A: We have five members, so we need to expand this a little. Will's been on a Victor Wooten kick. Becca just saw Phoebe Bridgers not long ago. Lisa and I both love Queens of the Stone Age, and Petey is a 2000s indie guy; Elliott Smith, Death Cab, etc.

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

A: couple songs had been written before the band formed, but the first one we all worked on together was "Hollowed Out."

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

A: Our latest single is called "With a K." It's pretty brand new, so that should count. We wanted to make a dance song with a really introspective set of lyrics, and I think we did it. It's about communication, and sometimes how we interpret things differently or misunderstand or mislead one another. And we get so tired, that all we can do is respond with a "k" instead of trying to engage.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The community. And there is nothing at all that's a close second.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: I'm a vegetarian, so tofu tacos FTW!

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

A: The Saint on July 16th with Flexiglass and The Foes of Fern. BE THERE!

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pPXf9MozmaxaYsCqRBOkY

Meet The Music: Makeout Grrl

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

A: Jagged little pill- Alanis Morisette
Heard it in a past life - Maggie Rogers
Watch This Liquid Pour Itself- Okay Kaya

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

A: I (Kennedy) write all the songs for the band

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

A: Our first single, “bedroom” is written from the perspective of one of those entitled ‘nice guys’.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: My favorite thing about Asbury park is songwriting at Lakehouse.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Not a taco- but my favorite thing from MOGO is the Bibimbap Burger

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

A: At Ukie Club 7/3!

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://linktr.ee/makeoutgrrl1?utm_source

Meet The Music: Kiersten Blue

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

A: So Tonight that I May See- Mazzy Star, Remind Me Tomorrow- Sharon Van Etten, Ultraviolence- Lana Del Ray

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

A: Fate or Coincidence was the first song I recorded & Released

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

A: My next song I plan to release in July called "Me Before" was based off a dream I had. In the dream I was living a different life in the 1950s as myself with a different look & accent (super weird past life sorta vibes lol) I wrote the song in 30 minutes as soon as I woke up...basically wrote it in my sleep haha!

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: I love the overall atmosphere, the people, 0the beach, the MUSIC & the food :)

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Shrimp Taco!!

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

A: I will be trying to book events every weekend some dates are still up in the air, stay up to date on my Instagram (kbluemusic_) I post my shows on my stories as I book them! On the calendar so far I have a show booked for July 2nd or 3rd (rain dependent) outside of Starbucks at brook 35, July 16th at The Asbury Hotel at 8pm, Brew Coffee Matawan July 17th at noon, Heights 27 July 21st 7-10pm and Brew Coffee again July 23rd 7:30pm!

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://www.flowcode.com/page/kierstenblue

Meet The Music: Fungkshui

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

A: Safety in Numbers - Umphreys McGee
No Doy - Moe.
Apostrophe - Frank Zappa

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

A: Orange Cadillac

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

A: Orange Cadillac is the first song we wrote together as the finalized, 4 piece band since bringing Max on board nearly a year ago. It’s an ode to self medicating with things you love to do

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The diverse and welcoming music and art scene

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Tofu tacos all day!

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

A:

July 7th - Private Party, NJ
July 8th - Electric Haze, MA
July 15th - Stone Pony, NJ *Umphrey’s McGee After Party*
August 4th - Wonder Bar, NJ *Supporting EGGY*
August 11th - Silk City, PA
August 12th - TBA
August 25th - Bacchus, NY
August 26th - Jack Rabbit, NY
August 27th - The Upstairs, NY

Q: Where can fans listen to your music online?

A: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3UbcjAlxvLnJa54z3xm5Se?si=ssvfcU6JQFq_7DRm6AzFdw

Meet The Music: Connor Bracken & The Mother Leeds Band

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

A: Thin Lizzy - "Jailbreak"
Rory Gallagher - "Tattoo"
Dire Straits - "Making Movies"

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

A: First song I ever brought to the band was "Get Myself Back Home" and we end with it every night.

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

A: "Read on You" - It's about trying to figure out people around you and if they feel the same. It's usually pretty frustrating.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: It's music it's history, and how they usually go hand in hand. Being able to be a part of the musical tradition of this town is a blessing and definitely never overlooked.

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Chicken, specifically served at the boardwalk location. Something about the boardwalk makes it taste just a little bit better.

Meet The Music: Shoobies

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

A: 22, A Million by Bon Iver
Disintegration by The Cure
LLC by Deal Casino

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

A: Sunflower, the 3rd song off of our debut EP, Claude Monet

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

A: Casey, our frontman, wrote Peachy as extra credit for his Philosophy final exam. It had to be about existential philosophy, so the song is about being a nihilist and falling in love with a girl who shares similar feelings about existence, but remains optimistic.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The community’s unwavering faith and unconditional support of its local artists!

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: pork tacos!

Meet The Music: Vendetta Rose

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

A: Concrete and Gold - Foo Fighters
Led Zeppelin IV - Led Zeppelin
Big Ones - Aerosmith

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

A: Human Glass

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

A: Over and Under is a personal story all about overcoming abuse.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Asbury Park?

A: The local music scene

Q. What is your favorite MOGO taco?

A: Don’t know