New Jersey Stage 2017: Issue 40 | Page 135

Jesse: It’s more expensive here. Ha ha! It’s not Asbury’s fault. It’s New Jersey in general. Cost of living here is fucking outra- geous, which means most bands work full-time jobs. I feel that in other communities, more bands get out on the road and, in turn, more acts from out of town come through. Asbury is definitely on the map, but I would love to see a touring band on each and every show I attend. Keeps things fresh. Maybe a few more DIY spaces in town would make it easier to support small shows for touring NJ STAGE 2017 - Issue 40 acts who are just starting to make friends in town.  Other than that Asbury is great. It’s like anywhere else. Peo- ple get together, make friends, make music, trade ideas. There’s a nice community here and a whole lotta different sounds. I’m happy to be here. Joe: Most places do NOT have an Asbury Park, and sometimes I don’t know if everyone realizes how lucky we are to have it so close. Having such a big close-knit scene can also breed bad habitsike bands not trying to venture out of INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 135